Tuesday, November 27, 2018

HealthCore International Consultancy, Inc.

Being in the medical fiend for almost five years has given me a glimpse of what is really happening inside the hospitals. There is no denying that Filipino healthcare professionals stand out globally – thousands of doctors, nurses, and other workers in the industry continue to be in demand across the world each year.

Back home, however, local medical facilities still play catch-up in order to make the Philippines an international hub for healthcare. While the country landed on the 5th spot in the most competitive economy in Southeast Asia in the recent Global Competitiveness Report released by the World Economic Forum, it still lags in three pillars, including health. To date, there are 14 internationally accredited healthcare facilities in the Philippines.  

As hospitals and clinics continuously step up to upgrade their facilities and services, one organization is helping them shape up to achieve world-class status.

HealthCore, the center for international quality accreditation for healthcare and medical tourism in the Philippines, has been breathing life into the country’s goal to become globally competitive in the healthcare arena. Since its establishment in 2010, HealthCore has been pushing the industry improve the quality of the hospitals and medical facilities in the country. 



“As the ASEAN representative of various international certification organizations, we promote the globalization of healthcare,” HealthCore president and CEO Joyce Socao-Alumno said. “From day one, our advocacy is to help bring the quality of our medical facilities’ services at par with the international/global standards.”

She explained that they assist various stakeholders involved in international healthcare management, medical and wellness tourism, and retirement services to achieve global competitiveness, excellent patient service and outcomes, and enhanced bottom line through education, international accreditation, and strategic approaches. 

“In a bid to make the Philippines and the ASEAN become a global healthcare destination, HealthCore has committed itself to become part of the medical facilities’ journey to deliver world-class healthcare, particularly in the areas of: academy, accreditation, consultancy, and trading,” Alumno said. 





Recognizing the challenges that hospitals and clinics face in trying to be globally competitive, HealthCore organizes workshops, seminars and on-site trainings that provide insights on how they can acquire international accreditation from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Temos and International Society for Quality Healthcare (ISQUA), accrediting bodies like JCI and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). 

Part of its recent initiatives include the training of healthcare professionals on the revised version of the ISO 9001:2015 BS EN 15224: 2016. Supported by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Hospital Association, and the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, HealthCore, as the ASEAN representative of Swiss Approval, discussed the Implementation Guidelines and Best Practices for the Audit and Certification of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Patient Safety in Healthcare Services. 

HealthCore also offers consultancy services in the areas of operational efficiency, patient care, facility management and safety, infection control, continuous quality improvement, and quality audit tools as prescribed by international accreditation standards. It has recently concluded a talk on reinventing healthcare through patient-centered hospital designs. The event brought experts from across the globe to discuss about design and technology that change the way hospitals and clinics are operated with the patient at the center of all considerations.

In addition, HealthCore Hospi-tel furniture that give luxurious comfort to patients that are affordable, yet with excellent quality

All these, Alumno said, are geared towards helping the Philippines push its huge potential in the area of medical tourism, a market that is estimated to be worth $22 billion. Currently, the country ranks 19th in the overall global ranking according to the Medical Tourism Index. As hospitals and clinics work toward that goal, with support from the government, HealthCore is relentlessly working behind the scenes to push for global competitiveness. “In terms of international standards, the Philippines is well on its way to get a clean bill of health,” Alumno said. “As we have in the beginning, we at HealthCore will continue to play our role to reach this goal – one medical facility at a time.”


ABOUT HEALTHCORE:

HealthCore International Consultancy, Inc. was founded in 2010 with the aim to assist the various stakeholders involved in international healthcare management, medical and wellness tourism, and retirement services–to achieve global competitiveness, excellent patient service and outcomes, and enhanced bottom line–through education, international quality accreditation, and strategic approaches. Health Core’s businesses are divided into four: Training & Education, Quality Accreditation, Consultancy, and Trading.

It represents and works with the following accreditation agencies: Accreditation Canada, Joint Commission International, NABH International, Swiss Approval, Temos, and Quality and Accreditation Institute.  It is a member of Asian Society for Quality in Healthcare (ASQUA). (www.health-core.org)

Monday, November 26, 2018

Authentic Taiwan Cuisine at Fat Fook

If you haven't been to Taiwan or haven't tried an authentic Taiwanese food experience, better check out Fat Fook Kitchen. They have several branches in the Metro and the newly opened branch is in BGC at the ground level of The Globe Tower.

Fat Fook is a concept co-owned and operated by an authentic Taiwanese, born in Taiwan, Chef Rachel Kao. She decided to set it up here in the Philippines instead of in Taiwan because she has been living in the country for many years and that she finds Filipinos to be more adventurous when it comes to food.

Judging from the 17 menu we've tasted, Fat Fook offers a wide array of  food items that you can only taste at Fat Fook because Chef Rachel made sure not to adjust the recipe just to  suit the Filipino palate. 

Fat Fook translates to “Fat” (big or “mataba”) and “Fook” (a Chinese word for luck or prosperity. In simpler words, Fat Fook means “Fat Luck” or “ Big Luck”.

What I like about Fat Fook:

1. Accessible. There's a parking a just few steps away. It is near (across) St. Lukes and SnR. 
2. I am impressed with the interior design of the restaurant, with high ceilings, tall glass windows and plates that are beautifully and well-glued all over the place. 
3. Price is just right
4. Authenticity

I don't frequent BGC, not that I don't like the place, it's the traffic that I abhor. Now I don't have to worry about being stuck in BGC because a  hot misua soup,  Truffle Xiao Long Bao, Taiwanese Style Fried Noodles, Cua Pao and more from Fat Fook will appease my rambling tummy.


Truffle Xiao Long Bao – a soup dumpling with the twist of truffle 
oil serve with black vinegar and ginger dip

Taiwanese Style Fried Noodles – stir fried noodles with pork strips and vegetables



Beef Tendon Hotpot – braised beef tendon in mild spicy sauce. 
Garnished with spring onion and chopped chili

Cua Pao – tender slices of pork belly and pickled mustard leaves sandwiched in soft whole bun.  Garnished with wansoy and ground peanuts

Tofu with Century Egg and Pork Floss – soft tofu and century egg 
in sweet and salty sauce topped with pork floss


String Beans with Minced Pork – stir fired string beans with stewed shredded pork


Pork Spareribs Radish Soup – deep fried marinated prok ribs then steam until tender in chicken broth and radish topped wansoy

Oyster Omelette – fresh oyster with Taiwan petchay in egg drizzled in sweet pepper sauce

Fat Fook Chicken Chop – a signature dish deep fried breaded chicken fillet with salt and pepper

Pork Xiao Long Bao – a soup dumpling and one of the best seller 
served with black vinegar and ginger dip

Fried Stinky Tofu – a popular Taiwanese dish of fermented tofu served 
with sweet salty sauce and pickled cabbage

Black Pepper Beef – stir fried beef tenderloin chunks in black pepper sauce


Taiwan Sausage –skewered pan fired authentic Taiwan sausage garnished with fresh garlic silvers

Oyster Misua – fresh oyster in misua soup garnished with wansoy, fresh garlic and fried shallots




Fried Intestine – deep fried pork intestine served with salt and pepper




Kiampong is essentially a complete meal on its own. It may contain vegetables, meat or seafood. Fat Fook’s version has a ton of tiny, crispy-fried shrimp on top. The taste is a bit similar to Binagoongan. It is also loaded with several other flavors and topped with cilantro. 
While I enjoyed my first bite as is, I would still highly recommend eating it with the cilantro!




Fat Fook Kitchen
The Globe Tower, 32nd St., BGC, Taguig
Opens Sunday-Saturday, 11am to 10pm

ig : @FatFookManila - fb: FatFookManila




Sunday, November 25, 2018

Jack Daniel's Unique Christmas Tree

Jack Daniel's, the number 1 selling whisky in the world, lighted Jack Daniel's Unique Christmas Tree last Friday, November 23 at C1 Park, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig City.


Along with the tree lighting, they also celebrate the Christmas season with the grand opening of the Bar No. 7 mobile bar where guests and friends chilled.


The Bar No. 7 and Christmas Barrel Tree will be available and displayed until January 6, 2019.


2018 MOA Grand Festival of Lights Parade

It was a Magical night as I've witnessed the 2018 MOA Grand Festival of Lights Parade on it’s 10th Year!


Santa and his MOA Magical Friends were all present as SM Mall of Asia once again brings the most awaited Grand Festival of Lights Parade today with different Christmas floats, characters dancing and a spectacular fireworks display at Seaside Boulevard.


 


If you missed the it, don't fret because The SM MOA Grand Festival of Lights is still happening on Dec 1, 8, 15, 22 and 25, 2018.


Thursday, November 22, 2018

Maya Happy Mug

As a bonafide person with a sweet tooth, I enjoyed today's event at The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center where we got to try Maya's newest product - Maya Happy Mug


Maya Happy Mugs is a versatile mixes that come in single servings and are ready to mix: just microwave for 2 minutes and voila, you get a warm and tasty cake that's so easy to make!

 
Maya Happy Mug is available in Chocolate and Caramel.  It comes with its own delectable sauces that will surely satisfy one's craving for cakes. What's best about Maya Happy Mugs is that you can even add other toppings like nuts and fruits. It's an easy and hassle-free way to make a quick treat for the whole family.

  
Chef Carla Asence was also present at the event to teach a fun and easy Christmas breakfast, Maya Hotcake Art using Maya Original Fluffy n' Tasty Hotcake Mix and Maya Complete Quick N' Easy Hotcake Mix.

For more fun ideas on making hotcake art, follow Maya Hotcakes on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Mayahotcake and on Instagram at @mayahotcakesandmore.


The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center
8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City
8921185 or 892-5011 local 108 or +63929 679 6102.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

California Pizza Kitchen 20th Anniversary

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) Philippines celebrated its 20th anniversary by bringing back six trademark pizzas, namely, Roast Duck Pizza, Tuna Melt Pizza, Wild Mushroom Pizza, Cheese Burger Pizza, Mango Tandoori Pizza, Rustica Crispy Thin Crust Pizza.


To make CPK's successful 20th year the business, they're adding 14 varieties of dishes, The new menu offers 14 new dishes that comprise five pizzas, two pastas, two salads, three varieties of rice, and two desserts.

The five new pizzas are Spicy Chorizo Pizza, White Clam Pizza, Chicken Fajita Pizza, Tricolore crispy thin crust pizza, and the Tropicale Quorn Regular Hand-Tossed Pizza, while the two new kinds of pasta are the Chicken Tequila Fettucine and Cajun-spiced Jambalaya pasta.
Two new salads are California Harvest Salad, and the Golden Pear Salad, while the three foreign-flavored rice are Thai Calamari Rice, Salisbury Steak Rice, and the Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp Rice.
The two new desserts are Banoffee Pie and the Nutella Cheesecake.  


 
 

The new menu is only available at Philippine CPK branches and will be available to the public starting Nov. 26 or the first week of December.  CPK plans to make the new menu available until May or June next year, with the most popular dish that can capture the public's taste remaining, 
according to CPK Marketing Manager Bob Vallar.