Speak up, Philippines!

"There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come," said Victor Hugo. I could not agree more with him. The best conversations I had with people, especially this 2011, have been about exchanges of ideas. Those conversations, I often remember the most. Those conversations, often bring about something life-changing, if not the feeling of happiness and peace of heart. Those conversations, inspire me to strive and aspire for more.

2011 has been a good year. I have met a lot of new people, people who have a lot of ideas to share, and stories to tell. They are the ones who have kept me going, and have kept me believing (still) that this city country will be great, greater than it could be. And we are moving, and doing, the best we could, to make that happen. Who wouldn't want to be part of all of these?

There are 3 things I hold dear, and those 3 things I have acted upon and spoken up for this year, and will continue to do so in 2012. These areas of interests, I hope, will continue to improve and strengthen this year. 1.) Philippine Tourism 2.) Protection of the Philippine Seas and 3.) Good Governance.

Manila Minds and #PhilippineFridays

There is nothing more potent than the "meeting of the minds", people coming together, threshing out issues and topics that matter, and throwing ideas to solve them. That was just what happened when Sarah Meier, a friend and someone who I consider a life mentor, together with her husband Banj Billions, and Ruby Veridiano, invited 40 of us young people, influencers in our own fields and rights, to one venue to discuss about art, culture, media, tourism, politics, and the like. There was so much energy, passion and care for the society that day. Since then, Manila Minds has been changing the Philippines, one step at a time, one mind to the next.



From the first Manila Minds, or meeting of the minds, one of the things we came up to help Philippine Tourism was #PhilippineFridays. Simply put, it's a hashtag, which we put in our Twitter posts every Friday, discussing about the Philippines, and everything good and positive about it. It evolved to writing Facebook statuses, blog posts, videos, and anything viral to help promote the Philippines both online and in the physical world.

Save Philippine Seas

Save Philippine Seas has been a successful new media campaign informing the public of the situation (rape and destruction) of the Philippine Seas, which challenged more people to care and chip in the protection of our marine ecosystem. But even before that, we have been informing the public about the horrible destruction of the habitat and harvest of sharks, and rays in the country. Now, Anna Oposa and some other people, with the help of Congresswoman Aliah Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte, have been lobbying to pass the bill to protect not just our seas, but more importantly, the species that live in our seas, especially sharks and rays.


Photo from Lost Tsinelas
Earlier this year, I was in Puerto Princesa Palawan, and I was shocked at the sight of sharks being sold in the public markets. I wrote to Mayor Edward Hagedorn about this sale of sharks in Puerto Princesa market, which he acted upon right away. He closed down the stalls which sold sharks and rays, gave a complete inventory of the raid, and revoked the licenses of the vendors. I thank him for his swift action and all the help in the campaign to protect the sharks. I hope more and more local governments, with the help of the locals and tourists, will be vigilant and help us in this.

Good Governance

Working for the government has interested me ever since I was in college. Oftentimes when asked what my course is, and they find out that I was taking up Public Administration, they would give me a look of disbelief or question what the hell I am doing. Nevertheless, I am proud to have taken up public administration; and even after college, I am prouder to be working in government.

I have the belief that no amount of complaining or ridicule will ever help change the system, unless you do it yourself, or with your friends. Fellow changemaker, and worker in government, Arriane Serafico is one of the people whom I admire because of her courage to speak up and resist the mediocrity of the status quo. Where else can you better fulfill the desire to improve the system and all its processes than within, right?

Photo from Arriane Serafico
I have always admired young people who know that they want to enter into government service. Most of them know that they want to do something, something bold, unique, groundbreaking and foolish (perhaps). They are the ones who often speak up, act, and be the idea of change, from within. In all honesty, what we Filipinos need is a lot of changing of mindsets in order for us to move forward.

Just like Rizal

Just like our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who spoke up and wrote to resist the system, on behalf of us Filipinos, who dared not, who did not. Even when he was alone, he had courage to fight a rotten system. In his death, which we remember today, he awakened the consciousness of our countrymen, and he still does today.

Just like Rizal, we, the youth, should be constantly be up on our toes to do better, to trigger change in our own homes, school, community, country, etc, not for anyone else, but for ourselves, our Philippines, and for the generations after us.

Photo from Team Manila
2011 is now ending, and 2012 gives us a lot of chances to do more and to do better. It is a time to put our feet forward and finally be part of the exciting and relevant things that will be happening, of changing, learning, and improving.

So, in 2012, I believe that we all have revolutions to lead, just like Rizal. It’s a matter of finding what it is that interests us, what it is we are passionate about, and ask ourselves, what will I resist or speak up for this coming year?

Yabu House of Katsu revisited

Yabu Philippines has been receiving a lot of raves from fellow foodies, food writers, and people who have tummies and appetite for good Japanese Katsu. I would not be surprised at the accolade Yabu Katsu is receiving because of their really mouthwatering and delicious pork and food line-up.



It was me and my cousin Lujean's second time to eat at Yabu: The House of Katsu (click to read our first experience). This time around, we brought with us our artista cousin, Gretchen Ho (who recently became a trending topic over at Twitter), who despite of her busy schedule set time to be with her cousins for dinner. :P



Since Lujean and I have tried their Kurobuta Pork Set and their Rosu Tonkatsu Set (the best choices in their menu if you were to ask the both of us) the first time around, we opted to try their Katsudon Set (Php 265) and Rosu Katsu Curry Set (Php 285) respectively.



The Rosu Katsu Curry, protected by trimmings of fat, is juicier than the Hire version. "Savor the porkloin drenched in the Japanese curry that’s thicker, sweeter and milder than usual curries. Yabu’s homemade curry is made with 45 ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection." One can opt for the level of spiciness he wants. I got the spiciest one. Winner!



On the other hand, Gretch tried their Hire Tonkatsu Set (Php 285), pork tenderloin cut, without the trimming of fat the Rosu Tonkatsu has (In my opinion though, tha trimming of fat the Rosu has makes it even more yummy and succulent!). This dish is served with Japanese rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited cabbage, and a bowl of fruit (which came this time!)



Besides that we got the potato croquette, which costs Php 100 for 2 pieces. It was alright, nothing special, but tastes good nonetheless.



Also check out: Yabu The House of Katsu Food Review

Crumpler's Carrot, Limpet, and Noose

Crumpler is a well known bag brand which features a long line of durable and stylish travel bags, messenger bags, laptop bags and camera bags. These three Crumpler accessories are no exception. Meet the Carrot, Limpet and the Noose, three must have Crumpler accessories this season!

THE CARROT is a small bag good for containing pens, pencils, and your everyday writing, highlighting and office materials. It's basically a pencil case, but you may use it to house your small gadgets like USBs, cellphone, memory cards, etc. It has a brass reinforced eyelet. You may attach it to a key ring or even let it hang loose connected to another Crumpler. Its outer shell and interior lining are both made from water resistant materials, typical of a Crumpler bag, which is good, to give more protection if you are putting in your cellphone. Lastly, it is constructed with a single piece of ultra durable material and reinforced stitching on all stress points, which guarantees its use for a lifetime.


THE LIMPET is a colorful and harwearing luggage tag, which is bright in color and personality. This will certainly make your luggage stand out on the carousel, better to easily spot your things. It's made of super strength webbing, which keeps a vice like grip on your luggage. With an exterior fabric of 150D ripstop polyester, polyutherane backing and polypropylene insert, the Limpet is ready for whatever the luggage handlers can throw at it.


THE NOOSE is a compact, very useful strap for your camera, which is attached to your wrist. It offers unsurpassed security, without cutting off circulation. It's constructed from ultra-strong polypropylene webbing and neoprene for soft molded comfort which fits and adjusts to your wrist. It also has a built in, dome secured memory card pocket, which let you keep a spare memory card at hand for easy access during extended shoots.


As a traveler, these three Crumpler accessories, in my opinion, are very useful to me and my travel needs, that's why I am sharing it with you :)

Crumpler’s Carrot, Limpet, and Noose are available only at Crumpler Bonifacio Highstreet, Crumpler SM Megamall & Crumpler Trinoma.

The Philippines and Beyond, and beyond 2011!

The Philippines and Beyond has been online for more than four years now. First of all I would like to thank everyone who has been with me in this journey from 2008 -- all my family, friends, acquaintances, new found friends, bloggers, writers, journalists, PR contacts, advertisers, sponsors, brands, and most of all, YOU, my readers.

Ever since, this blog has been my avenue to write, mostly about FOOD. Then it evolved, and I wrote about events, lifestyle, technology, fashion, and travel -- or a hodgepodge of a lot of things that interest me.

Design by Aaron Quinto

A lot has happened to this blog, and to me because of this blog. I tell you, I have been blessed beyond belief. Really, life is amazing! Actually, this is why I decided to bless back my readers with the blog giveaways that I did, and will do this December (the season of loving, giving, and appreciating).

Expect that this blog will have some changes. Starting with my very own .com -- THEPHILIPPINESANDBEYOND.COM. I will be more focused in bringing you to "the Philippines' best island destination food, travel and lifestyle spots and events," and sharing with you my travels "beyond the Philippines" and around the world in search for culture, design, history, and good finds. I will search for new adventures to share and tell to you! ;)

Design by Renz Bulseco. Thank you!

Also (but wait, there's more!), I am back with my brainchild, the Manila Foodistas (MF). My bestbud Tiffy Chua has been so kind to include me in the roster of the new Foodistas, who will be bringing to you awesome and yummy food finds here and around. I will be contributing there at least once a week. Yay!

Design by Danne Lim

Change is good I think, especially if it is for the better. We must constantly be challenged to do more, to fight mediocrity, to excel, to learn more, and to help, in our own little ways, for the betterment of our society.

Live Life. Carpe Diem! Merry Christmas!

P.S. I can't find the two other headers I have used on my blog in the past. Boo!

J.CO Donuts and Coffee will soon invade the Philippines!

J.CO Donuts and Coffee, the "fastest growing donut and coffee chain in South East Asia," is coming to the Philippines, and will open its first branch at The Strip in SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City this coming February 16, 2012 March 15, 2012!



This international premium brand, which comes from Indonesia, will open its doors to Filipinos with a refreshing new twist in the lifestyle cafe scene, and will surely send Pinoys lining up for their freshly made, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth donuts and Italian brewed coffee.

Using only the best ingredients found around the world, such as Belgian chocolates, Californian almonds, American honey, New Zealand cheese, and Japanese Matcha green tea, J.CO's donuts are created perfectly delectable.

Yesterday, three boxes of these delicious J.CO donuts found their way to my office, thanks to Alvene Ngo, and the Philippine franchisee of J.CO Donuts & Coffee, the "popular food chain that is fast sweeping across the Orient."


Assorted donuts, which include Heaven Berry (Strawberry heaven, made with strawberries and cream), Choco Caviar, Cheese Me Up (sweet-savory delight), Why Nut (American peanut butter filling and premium white chocolate topping), Green Tease (Matcha green tea imported from Japan), Choco Loco and a lot more.



One box of Alcapone, J.CO's signature product, where white Belgian Chocolate meets crunchy Californian almonds! Truly the BESTSELLER! :)



J.CO's popularity boomed overnight, opening its first store back in 2005 in Jakarta. Since then, J.CO quickly followed with 100 more outlets spread throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and more recently, Shanghai, China. Now, J.CO is here in the Philippines!

You definitely should not miss out on J.CO, the latest craze to hit Manila, and its opening next year! There is a special treat for the first 200 customers to visit the store starting 9am. Tag your friends along for a chance to get something extra special from J.CO Philippines.

EDIT:
P.S. Can I just say that (without any B.S.) this will definitely be a hit in the Philippines because of its delicious and really soft, yummy, tasty donuts (WINNER sa sarap!). Oh, and it's not too sweet, but the flavors play and blend really well.

Pinkberry arrives in the Philippines

The first ever Pinkberry store opened in the Philippines last December 07, 2011 at Greenbelt 5, Makati City. Pinkberry introduces to us Filipinos the fresh flavors and sophisticated style for which the brand is known.

Pinkberry is premium frozen yogurt made with real nonfat yogurt and fresh nonfat milk. It is made only of the highest quality ingredients and is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, resulting in a light, refreshing, and craveable taste.



Ron Graves, Pinkberry CEO, says, "We're excited to introduce Pinkberry's one-of-a-kind experience to the Philippines we are particularly thrilled to be opening our first store in the Philippines and Asia."



And so, Pinkberry is finally here in the Philippines, with six distinct flavors to choose from: the signature original flavor (a sweet and tart yogurt with refreshing finish), pomegranate (a bold and tangy flavor made with 100 percent pure pomegranate juice), green tea (slightly sweet with earthy flavor note), chocolate (rich and indulgent), mango (fruity and light flavor made with mango puree for a soothing finish), and watermelon (crisp and refreshing flavor perfect for summer).

Customers can personalize every Pinkberry yogurt experience with any combination of delicious toppings like the daily fresh cut fruits, premium dry toppings (organic gummy bears, toasted crunchy almonds, etc), luxe toppings (peanut butter crunch, swirly whip, etc), and liquid toppings (pom puree, italian caramel, etc). Each topping is selected with the highest quality standards.



Besides their premium yogurts, Pinkberry carries fresh fruit bowl, fresh fruit parfait, and smoothies (green tea and banana, or you can customize your own smoothie just how you like it to be).



Last night some of us bloggers were invited to try out Pinkberry. One of our activities was "Create Your Own Signature Pinkberry Mix." At first I was really confused to what I will concoct, because honestly, I really wanted to put all the things I want in the cup, but that will surely be messy despite being really yummy.

I opted to do this instead (see photo below). I call it the Pinkberry Fiesta, Pinkberry signature original flavor with strawberries, banana, pineapple, watermelon, mangoes, mixed nuts and coconut. "As we welcome Pinkberry to the Philippines, it is just apt that we create an original Pinoy flavor, rich with the island paradise goodness and freshness the Philippines has to offer to the world - fresh fruits, and a smile," I explained. Guess what, I won, together with Gel's "Angel's Choice." Hehe :) Thank you Pinkberry!


After that we were taught by the staff of Pinkberry how to swirl, or prepare Pinkberry yogurt in a cone. It seems easy, but trust me it's quite hard for first-timers. It was hard to perfect the "pouty peak" or alfalfa, as I would call it. Look at my creation. I was not able to make the yogurt stand. I tried... I pouted. ;)

Blog Giveaway #7 - Boxfresh Shoes

I have size 13 feet. Buying shoes for me in the Philippines is like looking for a needle in a haystack, or as I have previously blogged, is like a Cinderella story. Believe me, I have grown frustrated asking almost everywhere if they have sizes for my big feet. Most often than not, if not all the time, the answer is no. I hate it when after answering that they do not have my size, they will instantly look at my feet, as if I have a disease of some sorts. #TRUESTORY.

Anyway, this year, I was very happy when I finally found BOXFRESH, an early New York / Hip-hop inspired East London brand, which meant a pair of trainers being literally "fresh out of the box". It hails itself as "The Original British Streetwear brand".

The "Boxfresh" definition is "someone or something that is new and cool or innovative in a fashion sense." The authentic British Streetwear is multi-cultured, intelligent, witty, sleek and expressive, independent and always fresh.



Boxfresh apparel and footwear caters to the sophisticated urban street culture, mixing grungy overtones with sleek cuts and polished lines. Heralding the heroes of the street from musicians, performers, artists and creatives, we believe that "The sidewalk is the new catwalk".

For the latter part of the year, until December 31, Boxfresh has a promotion for people with big feet. You know as they say, BIG FEET MEANS BIG.....SHOES, of course! And Boxfresh is one of my trusted brands to provide shoes for people who have big feet like myself.

BOXFRESH PROMOTION: Print this photo-coupon and get 50% off on Selected Boxfresh shoes in participating RES|TOE|RUN and Bratpack outlets nationwide! (Limited time offer only). This coupon is valid for Size 11-13 US only. Not applicable in the following shoe styles - Zelos, Aidos, Ember 2, Khyke Tartan, Dalston. Valid only until December 31, 2011. One coupon per transaction only.

Also, in the spirit of the season, The Philippines and Beyond will be giving away a pair of Boxfresh shoes to one lucky reader for him or her to enjoy. Read the mechanics below on how to join in the Blog Christmas Giveaway. Merry Christmas! :)

HOW TO WIN A PAIR OF BOXFRESH SHOES:

Unscripted Book Launch with Sarah and Vicky

Put really driven, intelligent and inspiring young people + a book launch = a recipe for GREATNESS. Sarah Meier and Vicky Herrera, launched their first ever book, UNSCRIPTED, at the Fullybooked Bonifacio High Street two days ago to the press, family and friends.

Unscripted is a book of their favorite interviews from The Dollhouse, their radio show before at U92. See my previous post for more information on Unscripted. Oh, and you can catch Sarah and Vicky today at 6pm as they launch their book at the Ayala Cebu Activity Center. :)



I was a little early, so I caught some behind the scenes as Sarah and Vicky prepare for the book launch. At the Fullybooked ground floor activity area, you can see a huge S&V made of thousands of leaves, which was painstakingly but really wonderfully pinned to the canvass. It worked really well. Kudos to Holland Blooms!



Vicky and Sarah in the "dressing room" cum "press room" before the press launch :)



Did you know that Imelda Marcos, who owns thousands of pairs of shoes, didn't own one pair of sneakers? TRUTH. Buy the book to read more! ;)



Sarah and Vicky at the press launch, explaining to the press the process of making the Unscripted book. Unscripted wouldn't be made possible without their publisher, Fullybooked's Jaime Daez, their layout artist Christian San Jose, and their producer, Louie Barretto (not in the picture).



With Co.Lab's Margaux Cortez, Arriane Serafico, Full Suite's Ariel Lim and myself.


Nix Pernia a.k.a. DJ NIXDAMNP provided for the awesome music that night, together with Eric Manuel on Sax. We also got a mixtape by Nixdamnp, who included some feel good music which The Dolls played before on air, and some snippets from their interviews. It's really a good treat!




Vicky Herrera and Sarah Meier. Vicky and Ruby Veridiano. :)



Future Supermodel Kaya Albano and Ford Supermodel Samantha Gomez.