Ponce Restaurant Celebrating 3 Years of Amazing Spanish Food Experience

When the pandemic happened two years ago nobody expected it to change the lives of all the people. It was definitely a roller coaster ride for everyone especially in the restaurant industry because nobody is ready for that. And as we slowly go back to new normal, Ponce is blessed to celebrate its 3rd year anniversary and launch its newest offering – the Pintxos menu.

Ponce is always on a pursuit to bring good Spanish fare, magnificent wine, and amazing experiences closer to people. Because Ponce believes that good food and good stories makes life great. Inspired by the travels of Ponce owners- Mr. Dick & Ms. Mars Balajadia, the power couple relished some of the world’s best gastronomic experiences and took them back home with them here in the Philippines. Ponce’s Pintxos, thoroughly curated by the owners together with Chef Angelo Santicruz, are an exquisite selection of Spanish specialties and we are excited to share them all.

Spanish pincho or pintxo, is an appetizer similar to tapas although it’s more typically served on top of bread. They are consumed most often with a glass of beer & wine. Now, we are officially adding our own Pintxos selection to our menu and start enjoying when you dine-in at Ponce.

Brie Con Iberico 

(Fried brie, salchichon iberico, bravas sauce Alioli Pollo Satay (Chicken Satay, peanut sauce, sweet soy, garlic alioli).

Tako Y Camaron 

(Octopus chips, sautéed shrimp, alfalfa sprouts) 

La Seta 

(Wild mushrooms pate, shimeji and oyster mushroom)

Angus con Foie Gras

Seared Angus steak, foie gras, lettuce, bravas and truffle alioli

Wagyu-Kani Hamburguesas La Seta

Wagyu beef patty, spicy kani shreds, tobikko Wild mushrooms pate, shimeji and oyster mushroom

Tako Y Camaron Steaks and Eggs

Octopus chips, sautéed shrimp, alfalfa sprouts Barbeque glazed tenderloin, sunny-side quail eggs, lettuce

Brie Con Iberico Alioli Pollo Satay

Fried brie, salchichon iberico, bravas sauce Chicken Satay, peanut sauce, sweet soy, garlic alioli, crispy skin

Nights with these new flavors of Ponce’s Signature Sangrias is a must try! Imagine savoring all of these dishes after a long day with an unlimited serving of Ponce’s refreshing Sangria for only P649. White or red, frozen or rose, Ponce’s perfectly concocted Sangrias will immediately send you to full unwinding mode. The medley of bright and fruity flavors is a nice finish to Ponce’s tasty dishes. 

I definitely enjoyed the Frozen Rose Sangria with my beautiful friend,

Joy Mendiola of Occasions of Joy

The Porchetta, deliciously crisp skin crackles on the outside and juicy on the inside as it effortlessly melts in your mouth. Glossed over by aromatic and flavorsome spices, this new Ponce house special brings a flare of flavor you won’t find in the usual lechon belly. This bestseller is available in whole & half servings and are ready for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

PORCHETTA

Whole- good for 15-16pax (P7, 990)

Half- good for 7-8pax (P3, 995)

Ponce Restaurant continues to be your go-to place for meetings, date nights and family bonding. We always like to welcome and inspire great memories, intimate celebrations, important events and life milestones. Cap off your Fridays with our acoustic live music jam & DJ nights or Ponce can be your quiet and relaxing escape after a long day.

Visita Ponce en 124 Sct. Dr. Lazcano St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

For table reservation and event inquiries, call 09176332784. Gracias!

The True Gift of Love by J’s Diamond

Love. The word alone evokes so much feelings and emotion. Great poets all over the world, renowned painters and singers of different generations and genres have been inspired by it. Who is not moved by the beauty and mystery of love? 

“All you need is love,” according to the Beatles. And as Khalil Gibran puts it, “Life without love is like a tree without blossom or fruit.”

Indeed, love is everywhere. It exists in shallowest of feelings and in the depths of true emotion. But the true gift of love is beyond time and space.  Just like J's Diamond, which is resolute in its commitment to commemorate the true gift of love, it stands the test of time and adversity – a testament much like how love truly continues to prevail whatever the circumstance.

“Similar to our beloved brand, J’s Diamond, which has been around for almost 10 years, the true gift of love is a celebration that translates a kind of connectedness and union that flourishes and empowers,” says Kenneth Mau, president of J’s. He continues, “It overcomes all of life's unexpected challenges and yet manages to still joyfully hold those dear to us even closer to our hearts.”

Truly, it is with this knowledge and capacity that J’s Diamond is fortunate to be partners with a couple known to have withstood the test of time. Over the years, the admirable 

partnership of the beautiful and sultry actress, Aubrey Miles and her dashing handsome prince, Troy Montero, is truly one to admire and take inspiration from for many couples. It is a goal for many relationships, with a story filled with fortitude and inspiration.

 

After that fateful day of having met at a television station where they were guests for different shows, it has been 19 years of being together and growing a family born of faith, trust and hard work. With three kids in tow and a formidable relationship built with a foundation to be envied, their true gift of love has finally been sealed with the rings of J’s Diamond, adhering to the same ideals and commitment of the brand.  

“We’re so lucky and blessed to be with J’s Diamond. Each time we visit the store, we feel like wanting to get married again and again,’ quipped Troy.  Aubry adds, “It’s truly a brand that encompasses what beautiful beginnings and happy endings are all about. We are very proud and grateful to be the face of J’s Diamond. It’s the only jewelry we wear.”

It is precisely why J’s Diamond is the ultimate jewelry brand exemplifying union and harmony. It is purposeful in being stunning symbols of love and commitment while presenting it many shapes and sizes. 

Indeed, the true gift of love doesn't happen in an instant. But when it does, you know it is born of fortitude, connectedness and endurance. It is reaped and taken care of by commitment, respect and knowing – much like the love that continue to inspire Aubrey and Troy, and most of all, J’s Diamond. 

Explore the Great Outdoors at Alviera in Porac Pampanga

This is my second time to visit Alviera in Porac, Pampanga, and a lot has changed. They now boasts of many activities other than the Sandbox.

I am excited to know they have 2 villas where family can stay overnight, I am definitely bringing my family soon.

I am delighted to see that the estate is now home to the world-class Alviera Country Club, ACC for short, which has multi-purpose function and meeting rooms for gatherings and special events available for rent. The Club features lush open spaces and stunning mountain views, designed to make any get-together feel like an intimate visit with Mother Nature herself.

The Greenscapes is for those who want to just slow down and unwind for the weekend, where one can simply bask in nature. Visitors can savor the sight of greens, blooms field, vertiver and tree farms, and an ornamental plant nursery. An open lawn, a lounge area, and picnic grounds provide ample space for families and friends to gather and relax. 

The Alviera Bike Trails is for visitors who want to connect with the natural beauty of Pampanga. This is open to all, with scenic routes designed for trail and gravel bikes, promises to bring fun and adventure to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. This 5-kilometer trail consists of multi-terrain routes which vary from leisure routes to more intense cycling challenges, perfect for weekend ride-out sessions. 

For those who haven't been in Alviera, Sandbox is where you get your adrenaline pumping. Outdoor buffs will love this 2-hectare, one-of-a-kind adventure park that caters all kinds of fun. Experience the 10-meter Giant Swing designed to launch visitors into a thrilling ride towards the sky, and the core-engaging Aerial Walk where groups can set a fun racing challenge with friends or family, or a personal challenge in endurance for solo visitors.

More exciting attractions are available at The Adventure Tower. Along with the Aerial Walk, The Sandbox facility features the country’s first roller coaster zipline, a Free Fall jump, and climbing and rappel walls.

The Sandbox also holds the Splash Tub, which offers 11 water-oriented obstacle courses, such as the Ball Traverse, the Over-and-Under, and the Wreckers that could challenge anyone’s balancing skills as they walk on the slippery platforms. Within the facility is a lounge pool with Instagram-worthy inflatables perfect for taking breaks after a tiring race or for simply taking selfies. 

Ayala Land and Leonio Land joined hands to offer visitors unique outdoor experiences for all ages in the 1,800-hectare estate of Alviera thru “Explore Porac” , With its myriad of offerings, EXPLORAC brings you closer to the local landscape's beauty and wonder the Alviera way—through urban living in nature. Whether to slow down or to amp up the energy, one can experience the joy of reconnecting with the environment through EXPLORAC, all while enlivening the local community of Pampanga.

Motorists also have something to look forward to in Alviera. The estate now houses the KTM Off road Track, a 3-hectare motocross course that hosts off road events and offers training programs complete with a set of obstacle courses and facilities.

For adventurers who want to fully immerse themselves in the refreshing Porac environment, Alviera is set to soon open its inaugural camp site: W camp. The W Camp welcomes car campers, along with traditional campers and glampers upon request. The campsite features lush greenery, clear, open skies, and nearby streams for a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Mark your calendars for the site's first family camping activity on April 30.

Why invest in Alviera? It is highly accessible via major thoroughfares NLEX, SCTEX, and TPLEX, Alviera is in proximity to key areas such as the Clark International Airport, Subic Freeport, San Fernando, and Angeles City in Pampanga. The estate serves as the gateway to vibrant investments, amplifying economic vitality in the North.  

Ready. Set. To-go! Panda Express Now Available for Delivery

Since April 16, Panda Express is bringing your favorite Orange Chicken right to your doorstep via food delivery apps Foodpanda and GrabFood.

Enjoy your favorite Panda Express food again by ordering the bestsellers like Kung Pao Chicken, Broccoli Beef, and the crowd favorite, Orange Chicken. You can pair these American-Chinese classics with Chow Mein.

“We got a lot of craving requests and quite honestly, we also miss our fans. So while we’ve temporarily closed our store for dine-in, we still want to make our food more accessible, especially during this time of enhanced community quarantine,” said Panda Express Brand Manager Julius Marlon Dela Cruz.

Delivery locations are within Metro Manila only. To know more about Panda Express, you may visit http://www.facebook.com/PandaExpressPH/ (Facebook) and @PandaExpressPH (Instagram)

Our Planet, Our Future: Pledge Your Advocacy to #ActNow

The campaign takes inspiration from the United Nations’ (UN) sustainable development goals in its own #ActNow campaign, which urges individuals to do their own part to address climate change.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), all areas of the country will get warmer, more so during the summer months. As an archipelagic developing country, the Philippines has a lot to lose once the irreversible effects of global warming lands on its shores. Coastal communities are one of the most vulnerable as their entire way of life will be negatively impacted by rising sea levels and the changing climate. Even those living in urban areas will not be able to elude the consequences of global warming as flooding will be a more frequent occurrence and summer droughts will intensify.

A future of inaction is dismal and inhospitable. Fortunately, there is still something to be done for the Earth and its inhabitants. With the #WorldIsOurs campaign, everyone is encouraged to join the movement to preserve the environment by making their own advocacies known and to urge others to be conscious of their actions to attain a sustainable future.

Keeping in mind that people are still encouraged to stay at home in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19, Discovery launches #ActNow@Home to prompt everyone to remain vigilant when fighting for the environment even amidst hard times. After all, one of the lessons we can learn from this pandemic is that the health of both humans and the planet go hand-in-hand, and that taking care of Earth is as much of our job as it is to take care of our health.

Even with strict community quarantine guidelines being implemented throughout Luzon, eco-conscious individuals can still share what they can do and have been doing to help preserve the environment in the safety of their own homes by using the #ActNow@Home hashtag. Earth-saving actions can range from something as simple as bringing your own bags when buying groceries to more elaborate efforts such as planting herbs and fruits.

Eco warrior and 2016 Pearl of the Philippines first runner-up Sade Nicha has made her eco-friendly efforts known with her #ActNow@Home video posted on Discovery Channel Southeast Asia’s Facebook page. Planting her own fruits and herbs are only some of the things she does to live a sustainable life as she believes that it helps in lessening her use of plastics compared to when she buys them from the market.

“We can never reach total zero waste, but that is no reason to create zero action,” Nicha says.

Discovery Channel has also featured Filipino-American social entrepreneur Bryan McClelland and his socio-ecological enterprise, BamBike, that works with community members of Gawad Kalinga workers to build bicycles made of bamboo.

“Bamboo may very well be the most useful plant on the planet,” McClelland says in his video pledge. “It is one of our most important tools to mitigate climate change.”

BamBike has previously garnered interest through its eco tours around Intramuros, Manila that allows tourists to explore the historic city in an eco-conscious way by using handmade bamboo bicycles.

Every action counts, no matter how big or small, in this movement to save our only home planet. You can let the world know about your own efforts and challenge your friends to do the same by posting your own photo or video pledge on your social media accounts with the hashtag #ActNow@Home and #WorldIsOurs.

Check out how others have pledged to #ActNow by following Discovery Channel on Facebook and Instagram.

Making the most out of pantry staples

The kitchen has never been busier now that everyone’s staying at home. The thing is, options have also been limited with the community quarantine in place.  With most of us stocking up on canned and instant food for their long shelf life and convenience, you won’t be alone when finding yourself out of ideas on how else to serve pantry staples.

Here are a couple of ways to jazz up what you most likely have in stock from The Maya Kitchen.

Hotcakes. Maya Hotcakes are great on their own, but there’s always room to introduce new flavors to this menu favorite. It’s easy enough to add in oats, fruits, peanut butter, or anything else you prefer. If you don’t want to go for sweet, here’s a tip: Get some onions and cheese and mix in leftover shredded roasted chicken or chopped square ham bits to your hotcake batter for something savory to start the day.

Canned sardines. A popular pantry regular, it’s a good source of protein and a versatile ingredient. Add eggs to make torta, grab some spaghetti to whip up a quick pasta dish, or throw in misua or sotanghon for a hearty noodle soup. Cook with leftover rice for another take on your favorite  sinangag, or sauté canned sardines with your preferred seasonings to serve on top of a steaming bowl of rice.

Hot dogs. A top pick for kids, hot dogs have long since established their place in our fridge. Saute with onions and banana ketchup (you can choose a spicy version for extra kick), or try a twist on lumpiang shanghai by swapping your usual giniling with hot dogs and lots of gooey cheddar cheese. Add canned or bottled corn, beans, salsa, and peppers for a Tex-Mex-inspired hot dog dish, or serve as corn dog bites for a fun, tasty snack.Tinned tuna. Budget-friendly and good for you, canned tuna presents many possibilities for everyday meals. Turn it into a  spread  to go  with  your  breakfast  toast  or  as  the star  of  your  salad.  Make quick  patties by adding breadcrumbs and onions, or get all the #avors you love about  sisig  by substituting canned tuna for an equally delicious dish without the cholesterol. 

Tip: Whip up a creamy tuna bake with Spanish-style canned tuna, fettucine noodles, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and frozen mix vegetables. Top with saltine crackers and grated cheese, and pop in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Instant noodles.  Instant noodles are convenient and tasty, but there’s really nothing stopping you from going beyond what it says in the packaging. One of the easiest ways to upgrade instant noodles is to use it with other ingredients or infuse it with different flavors. Enjoy your own ramen by adding pork slices, eggs, nori, and miso paste to your instant noodles, or do a Thai-inspired stir fry by using peanut butter for your sauce. For a dish that’scloser to home, use your instant noodles to make bulalo or as the base to pancit canton. 

Discover   many   other   tips   and   recipes   you   can   try   while   keeping   safe   and   healthy   at  home  atwww.themayakitchen.com. Like   and   follow   Maya   Kitchen   on   Facebook   and  Instagram   @TheMayaKitchen1   and   follow   us   on   Twitter@TheMayaKitchen.

BPI extends public service, relief in the time of COVID-19

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has stepped up efforts to provide service and relief to Filipinos to ease difficulties brought by the COVID-19 situation, while at the same time ensuring the safety of clients and its employees.

“As a bank, we have to help ensure that the financial system continues to operate efficiently, no matter how trying the circumstances. We have to do our part to minimize the chances that a health crisis becomes an economic crisis. And we have to do this in a way that minimizes the health risks to the people that we have deployed,” said Cezar Consing, BPI President and CEO.

Some of the Bank’s initiatives that are currently being rolled out include:

1. Branch network. Select BPI branches as well as those of its subsidiaries BPI Family Savings Bank and BanKo remain open to attend to clients basic banking needs with all Over-the-counter (OTC) fees temporarily waived. For its skeleton staffing, BPI is providing special food and transportation allowances, and arranging carpooling or transportation to help employees get to their workplace assignments. Soon, all branches will have acrylic screens, which are currently being delivered to the first batch of branches, to help protect clients and employees.

2. 90-day grace period. Front liners--such as those in the medical field including doctors and nurses, as well as policemen and soldiers who are on duty or called on by the government to deliver service during the enhanced community quarantine period-- are given the option to avail of a 90-day deferral in their existing auto and housing loan payments, interest-free.

3. 30-day grace period. BPI clients can avail of a 30-day grace period payment option applicable to personal loans, home loans, auto loans, SME loans, and microfinance loans. All are subject to certain terms and conditions. Credit card holders also have the option to defer payment for 30 days without incurring late payment charges.

4. Waived fees. Transfer fees to other banks using InstaPay and PESONet are waived, as well as transfer fees to other BPI accounts using its mobile app for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine period. BPI’s remittance partners also either waived fees or offered discounts for overseas Filipinos: Kookmin (discounted fees until December 31, 2020), i-Remit (waived fees from March 21-22, 2020), and Remitly (waived fees and higher FX rates from March 25 to June 30, 2020).

5. Corporate citizenship. BPI, together with the Ayala Corporation and Globe Telecom, donated PhP 5M to Philippine Red Cross for the procurement and distribution of 50,000 face masks and 2,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical front liners who are in critical need of protection in hospitals, local government units, and airports.

As the need for social distancing becomes more critical, BPI is also advocating online banking to minimize the need for branch visits during this time. BPI clients are encouraged to do their everyday banking with BPI Online and Mobile App, conveniently and securely at the comfort of their homes.