HAPPY DUMPLINGS

As one of the contributors of this blog, I'm the only one who seldom attend events because I prefer events that has a venue near my place.  I'm happy to have been chosen to attend Happy Dumplings where I got to try authentic Cantonese dumplings and other dishes!

This place has opened its maiden branch at the 2nd floor of SM Fairview, near the cinema, and has all that you need to have a happy dining experience. I love their kawaii and colorful interiors!

DIMSUM, oh so divine! Prime your chopsticks ready and get set to dig into flavorful and satisfying dimsum! If you're one to head straight for the piece de resistance, then let nothing stop you. Pile into Happy Dumplings HAKAW which come in a variety of flavors. Plain, Szechuan, Garlic, Satay, Wasabi, Curry, Bagoong and Salted Egg. Happy Dumplings is the only restaurant in the country to offer a variety of flavored hakaw. A basket of 4 only P128.00 while 8 pcs. are priced at P238.00. Mix and match so you'll have a taste of different flavors. Dumplings use only traditional herbs, wines other ingredients. Its chef consultant makes its own, homemade flavorings and sauced that lead that authentic Chinese taste.

Move on over to more dumplings that make for a good snack, appetizer or main meal. Happy Dumplings has pork and shrimp  siomai, plus fried wanton, in case  you want more of the same dumplings but with a crunch. Other dimsum include Tausi Spareribs, Beancurd Roll, Asado and Bola- bola Siopao and Chicken feet.

      

The restaurant has more Chinese dishes that are bursting with flavor such as the Pork Asado, Lechon Macau, Soy Chicken, Hongkong Style Crispy Fried Chicken. You may avail of these in half or whole portions, depending on who you are sharing with and the strength of your appetite. But if you can't decide which roasts to gorge on, order the Roast Combination - a sampler of roasted dishes in one place.

Rice toppings are always a hit and a Happy Dumplings, they do not disappoint. Start with Fried Wanton, Fried Spring Rolls that comes with Salted Fish Fried Rice. If you are a pork person, there are Lechon Macau, Sweet and Sour Pork, Pork Asado, rice as well as Barbeque Flavor, Taosi and Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs Rice Toppings.

Partial to chicken? Delight in the soy, Chicken and Mushroom  and Hong Kong Style Crispy  Fried Chicken Rice Toppings.

Also in the menu are Yang Chow Fried Rice and Salted Fish Fried rice. Add P55 and avail of the un limited rice' offer. The signature sauce a slathered on Happy Dumplings' rice adds another level of umami flavor.

As if all the roaster of delicacies were not enough, Pork Asado, Wanton, Wanton Noodle and Soy Chicken Noodles are likewise available. Add a sunny side up egg (P20) or have platter of Seasonal Vegetable (P128). I'm telling you, Happy Dumplings is superbly affordable!

Happy Dumplings is located at the 2nd level of SM Fairview (near the cinema)For inquiries call + 63 917 152 2924.Like Happy Dumplings on FB(Happy Dumplings) and follow it on IG (happydumplingsph). Store hours are Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday to Saturday 10:00 am -10:00pm.

Sta. Barbara Gourmet

I am hard to please when it comes to eating bangus because I hate the after taste of it. Good thing I learned about Sta. Barbara Gourmet thru Ms. Hannycel who invited us at IFEX recently.

Meeting the people behind this brand is important because I get to see the soul and the origin. Glad we met Mr. Soren and wife Chef Joy Serrano. Both are professionals in their respective fields. Highlighting here Chef Joy's background in culinary education and real-world experience from working in PAL’s Sky Kitchen providing food to airline passengers with special needs. This only means, once you buy any of Sta.. Barbara Gourmet's product, you are buying a high quality food.

 
Sta. Barbara Gourmet was born out of desire to showcase to the world the Philippines’ rich aqua and agri produce and processed them into unique, healthy and premium food preserves that can be stored for longer period of time without using artificial preservatives and harmful ingredients.

Their bottled products are uniquely prepared using slow thermal cooking technique. This technique enable the products to be tightly sealed, leaving no possible entry points for bacteria. Thus, the products can be stored for two years without needing chemical preservatives. They take pride also for not using MSG in any of their bottled products. The bottled products are:

Chanos Filipinas Spineless Milkfish in Olive Oil PREMIUM. The one with no aftertaste  guarantee.

 
Chanos Filipinas Spineless Milkfish in Olive Oil CLASSIC. The one with no aftertaste  guarantee.

Gommoso Sun-ried Squid in Muscovado Caramel Sauce. The First & The Original appetizer of its kind.

ZILI Authentic Chilli Sauce. The perfect cooking partner to enhance flavor and add kick to your menus.

Established in October 2015 in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. 

∙ First recipient of BMBE in Sta. Barbara. 

∙ Received assistance from DOST-1 for equipment upgrade. 

∙ Featured in the TV program “Bagong Umaga Sabado”of ABS-CBN Northern Luzon 

∙ Awarded with registered trademark for “Chanos Filipinas”, the flagship product. It received very positive reviews during the US Roadshow 2018 held at Carson, California. 

∙ The production facility is FDA-certified attesting to company’s strong commitment to quality and safe processing methods.

Follow  Sta. Barbara Gourmet:

FB /StaBarbaraGourmet
IG /stabarbaragourmet
Twitter /GourmetSta

Posting here our family vlog from Occasions of Joy

Orgullo kan Bikol

Discover the best of Bicol at the Orgullo kan Bikol Trade & Travel fair at The Shang, ongoing from May 22 to 26 at the Grabd Atrium, Main Wing.

The fair culls authentic Bicolano products, all of them made by micro, small, and medium enterprises in Legazpi City.

OKB showcases many of Bicol's tourist spots, new ecotourism actovities, diverse natural attractions, and festivals, ideal for family vacations and romantic getaways.

The fair also highlights the fashion and flavours of bicol, with an array of handcrafted abaca products, stylish accessories, native home fixtures, and delicious, signature food items (pili based snacks are a hallmark of the region) and beverages available for shoppers to browse and purchase.

Posting Occasions of Joy's vlog (with permission)

Martell Chanteloup

Discover a unique cognac for true connoisseurs and share secrets that open up new perspectives of wisdom from the house of Martell from the stone-built bel-vedere at the Chateau de Chanteloup comes with the perspective offered to gaze Martells cellar masters that serves as an inspiration to artist/ artisans. This unique view over cognac countryside has become the source of inspiration by generations of cellar masters. Brought together in the Chanteloup cellars, this cognac represents a brilliant tribute to a historic place  experience Martell Chanteloup with your senses: to the eye: see a dark amber, attractive hue that catches the light on the house: opens with fresh stone-fruit aromas such as bush peach, apricot and floral notes. when swirled, it moves through candied fruit like orange and lemon towards dried fruits such as raisins, almonds and nuts. 

 

Martell Chanteloup perspective definitely makes a strong aroma through its complexity. in the mouth: at first, soft and light at the palate. it progressively enriched by candied and dried fruit notes with subtle hints of blackcurrant. the balanced tenor of these aromas puts together the structure, elegance and power that leaves a lingering spice finish in the mouth.

 

What makes it unique? 

Martell Chanteloup perspective is made of eaux de vie from four of the most prestigious cognac cruz. it is carefully blended by the martell cellar master from up to 450 rare eaux de vie, uniquely drawn from all four of the most prestigious cognac crus. the personality of each is developed creating an AROMATIC and SENSORY BALANCE in this UNIQUE BLEND. 

Martell Chanteloup is an ultra prestige cognac and has limited stocks in the Philippines. retail price is at around php 22,000 per bottle. people prefer to drink it neat or on the rocks while for cocktails, the usual preference is the Martell VSSD

Mr. Jean Baptiste Gourvil, Martell Ambassador, 

was born and raised in France and very passionate about wines and cognacs. 

The all time favorite, Martell vs single distillery known for its easy, smooth and fruity blend taste that marriage spirits from a single distillation source to richer and more intense flavor. among the great cognac houses, only Martell distills exclusively that clears all sediments revealing the luscious fruit aromas and finesse that serves as its hallmark. Martell always made the choice of understand luxury to focus on the very quality of its blends.

mesoprotech sun protective range

I was hesitant to join my mom and cousin for this event of mesoprotech because I thought sun protection is only for older people. Being 16, I never thought I already need sun protection products. Thanks to Dr. Lucia Lourdes Castro-Fores, who gave a comprehensive talk  skin care and these products from ieskin.

 

From left: My cousin, Ate Chumcy, me in the middle and mom of Occasions of Joy

Here are mesoprotech sun protective range:

mesoprotech sun protective repairing stick

SUN PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY BY MESOESTETIC
Sensitive zones. Stick for eye contour and lip protection, as well as for application to scars and spots. Provides twice as much protection as the minimum protection required from an SPF50+ sunscreen. Contains rosehip seed oil to favour regeneration and healing. Excellent spreading characteristics for easy application. Ophthalmologically tested. Perfume-free.

mesoprotech antiaging body sun mist
SUN PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY BY MESOESTETIC

Body mist that provides a high protection against solar radiation. Fresh, ultra-light, fast-absorbing textura. Ideal for oudoor use and sport. It can be applied even on wet or sweaty skin without leaving a greasy residue after application.

mesoprotech mineral matt antiaging fluid
SUN PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY BY MESOESTETIC

Sensitive, combination and oily skins. Light antiaging emulsion offering very high factor sunscreen protection. Its formula based on physical filters ensures extreme tolerance for sensitive and damaged skin. Its texture provides a powdered finish on the skin and absorbs excess oiliness and shine - making it suitable for greasy and acne-prone skins. Non-comedogenic.

mesoprotech nourishing antiaging oil

SUN PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY BY MESOESTETIC

Dry and mature skins. A dry oil antiaging formulation offering very high factor sun protection. Contains chia seed oil, with antioxidant and firming properties. Its geloil texture melts into the skin and provides an intense sensation of comfort and a satin finish with no oily residue.

mesoprotech light water antiaging veil

SUN PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY BY MESOESTETIC
Normal and combination skins. Ultra-light antiaging emulsion offering very high factor sunscreen action. This product contains low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to enhance and maintain natural skin hydration and tissue elasticity and firmness. A fresh, immediate absorption texture that forms an invisible protective film on the skin.

mesoprotech melan 130+ pigment control
SUN PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY BY MESOESTETIC
Skin with pigmentation imperfections. Very high factor sun protection with UVB 131 and UVA 67 colour. A depigmenting ingredient helps regulate melanin synthesis by reinforcing

the preventative anti spot action. A coloured texture that provides a natural tone and softens imperfections, unifying even the skin tone.

To know more about mesoprotech sun protective range, visit and follow

mesoprotech sun protective range @mesoprotechph

Safety Alert in the Digital Age by Pigeon

There’s no greater responsibility in life than raising a child. I know this for a fact especially that I single-handedly took care of my two kids when their father left us for another woman. As such, the pressure to be the best parent that I can be was overwhelming. It was a good thing I have my brother John, sister Peth and my Mama who were there to support me mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Richwell Phils. Inc. recognizes this need for young parents to be better informed in making the right parenting choices for their children. This is why they continue parenting education through their successful Parenting on the Move advocacy last year, and now with Safety Alert in the Digital Age. The event was presented by Pigeon, the no. 1 baby care brand in Japan.

Offering practical solutions to everyday mommy and daddy concerns through quality products developed through extensive research, the roundtable discussion was held last May 15 in Cibo, Powerplant Mall, with actress, model, entrepreneur, and celebrity mom Isabelle Daza-Semblat hosting the event.

Maye Yao Co Say, She is currently the Chief Operating Officer of RichwellPhils. Group of Companies – Distributor of branded children for products –Pigeon baby products, Safety 1st, Crayola Toys, Elle and more. She also serves as Director of the Philippine Association of National Advertisers, a Columnist at Business Mirror. She is a graduate of BS Management Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University and Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the Asian Institute of Management, and a mom of 2 kids, Meagan and Marcus.

Teacher Tanya Velasco -Teacher Tanya is an early childhood educator and a RIE®   Practicum™ Student. She graduated with a degree in Family Life and Child Development from UP Diliman and received her M.A. in Leadership in Education from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. She is a preschool teacher, a facilitator of parent-infant/toddler classes and educates parents about respectful parenting starting from pregnancy until post-birth through seminars. When she's not in the classroom, Teacher Tanya is enjoying her primary role as a wife to her husband Mike and as a mom, to her daughters, Ellie and Julia.

Ma. Celi M. Rico-Tantianpact - General Pediatrician specializing in Pediatric Dermatology Pediatric residency training: Makati Medical Center, Sub specialty training in Pediatric Dermatology: KK Children's Hospital, Singapore. She currently holds clinic and consultant staff of Department of Pediatrics, Makati Medical Center. She is a new mom to a 4-month old baby girl.

Bernice V. Quiros-Tan, MD, FPOGS - She took her training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Makati Medical Center. She currently practices in Taguig and Pateros area.

Georges Ramirez - He is a veteran race car driver and instructor as well as a Senior Editor of C! Magazine.

Art Samaniego, Jr. - he sleeps and practically breathes tech. He is Manila Bulletin's resident geek and recognized as one of the country's go-to-guy for anything technology related. At present, he embraces the advocacy that fights fake and unverified news while keeping a close watch on cyber security. He is still human but ask tech and he shall answer.

Some of the topics discussed at the event were:

Handling a newborn

a. Safety starts the minute you leave the hospital

b. Understanding the ingredients - what’s harmful and what’s not

c. Breastfeeding is best feeding 

Being a first-time parent is both exciting and scary, but such a beautiful thing to experience. Experts discussed how to make this time less daunting by better educating guests that safety is the first criteria in choosing any product. Starting from pregnancy, being safe and active with the Pigeon Maternity Belt to leaving the hospital with Europe’s first car seat brand, Maxi-Cosi, to choosing newborn care products that are fully-researched like the Pigeon Newborn Pure; to prioritizing breastfeeding for your newborn with the help of tools like doctor-recommended Pigeon Honeycomb Breast Pads. Pigeon's Safety Alert event became a rewarding interaction of Real Experts, Real Moms and Real Issues all towards Pigeon's vision of "Our Love to Babies". 

Creating a safe environment by Child-proofing your home - indoors and outdoors 

A happy and healthy child can be very active. Experts talked about how to make sure that your child has the freedom to move and explore while still giving you peace of mind when it comes to safety with the help of child safety products like Safety 1st’s U-pressure auto fit gates with Securetech technology and even when you’re bathing your baby, Safety 1st’s Custom Care Modular Bathing Solution gives you additional peace of mind. Ergonomically designed for newborn to toddlers, it offers added foam comfort to prevent slipping and curling while letting your baby's head and back feel supported.

Child Development - Bonding with your baby 

A child’s early years are crucial to his development, ensure that your child grows up happy and healthy through activities that promote quality bonding time. Exposing your child to the outdoors or new experiences at a young age can be both fun and scary for parents.  Keep your child safe when traveling with the Quinny Zapp Flex Stroller and the Citi Carseat by Maxi-Cosi. Aside from traveling with your young one, great bonding moments can also be enjoyed during feeding time. Hence, the food your child eats should also be clean and safe - always. For this, there’s Pigeon Liquid Cleanser. Its 100% food-grade ingredients make the product gentle on the skin and safe to consume in times when toys and accessories were not washed or rinsed properly. It can be used to wash baby accessories, fruits and vegetables to toys. Adding to their roster of research backed products, Pigeon is also well-known for its baby care products like the Newborn Pure, which introduces the brand’s latest innovation. The Natulayer, which has a layer of ingredients that mimics the natural coat protection found on the baby's skin in the womb - Vernix and Ceramide. This makes it very safe to use even for newborns and is perfect for bath time bonding with your little one.

Pros and Cons of introducing the modern technology to young children.

There’s no harm in introducing your child to technology but as they say, too much of one thing is bad. How do you make technology be a positive influence to your child’s development?

Guests were happy to spend the afternoon expanding their knowledge on childcare as they aim to be better parents and teachers through the values they teach, the habits they help form, and of course, the products that they use.

With my sis-in-law, Joy Mendiola of www.occasionsofjoy.com

Make sure to watch out for the next Parenting on the Move child care event from Richwell Phils. Inc. and be part of this worthwhile advocacy. 

Pigeon, Quinny and Maxi-Cosi are exclusively distributed by Richwell Phils. Inc. 

Enjoy exclusive promotions on participating Safety Alert items when you visit Baby Company. Make sure to "Like" them on Facebook: Pigeon Philippines, QuinnyPhils, Maxicosiphils and follow them on Instagram: pigeonbabyPH, quinny_phils, maxicosiPH to stay updated on product and brand updates for better parenting.