Consolacion cops: Close net cafe violating COVID protocols
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Consolacion policemen are requesting that a a cease and desist order be issued against an internet cafe in Purok 3, Barangay Tugbongan, Consolacion town in northern Cebu after minors were caught gathering there and playing online games. Police Master Sergeant Achilles Bacorta of the Consolacion Police Station said that while the […] The post Consolacion cops: Close net cafe violating COVID protocols appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
History on tap: Brussels serves beer museum to thirsty visitors
Sightseers who flocked to a grand reopening of the refurbished Brussels stock exchange building this weekend were invited to chase the visit down with a side order of Belgium's top tipple -- beer. The 90-million-euro ($96-million) makeover of the Bourse, once a temple to capitalism, tempted in passers-by from the cafe bars of the capital's old town. Thanks to the new "Belgian Beer World", they did not go thirsty. Belgian beer culture is listed by UNESCO as part of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity". It is a source of pride for many locals and a big draw for tourists from around the world. But, even though beer is ubiquitous here, the Brussels scene lacked a focal point for visitors or -- if you're a jaded glass-half-full drinker -- a promotional vehicle for Belgium's vast global booze industry. Traders moved out of the 1868 neo-classical Palace de la Bourse or Beurspaleis in 2014, and the Belgian exchange has now merged with former competitors in Paris and Amsterdam to form Euronext. So, when the city refurbished the historic building, the brewers were on hand to stand their round and sponsor a fitting modern beer museum and roof top bar for their star export. - Trappist monks - On Saturday, when the refurbished Bourse reopened to the public, 11,000 people passed through to see the trading hall, and 566 -- including a tourist from as far away as Singapore -- stopped by Beer World. "A lot of interesting interactions, features that involve the participants, all the visitors," said the tourist, who gave his name as Su. "I believe that all the beer drinkers, if they wish to have a good understanding about the whole process, about the history of the beer, it's definitely a place for them to visit." Opening the center this week, Brussels mayor Philippe Close acknowledged that, beyond the culture of beer, the museum is "a way to support a huge economic sector." Belgium has at least 430 brewers, from mighty AB Inbev -- which pours a third of the planet's pints -- to tiny Trappist monasteries that sells one eagerly sought-after batch of ale per year to patient punters on a waiting list. The trade federation, Belgian Brewers, estimates that its members employ 6,900 people directly and support 50,000 more jobs in a country of only 11.5 million. Some 70 percent of Belgian beer is exported, not just to neighbours in Europe's beer-drinking north, but around the world. Tickets for the Beer World are a hefty 17 euros -- but it does get you your first drink in the rooftop bar -- with its vast selection drawn from the 1,600 types of beer the country has to offer. Belgian brewers are not as conservative as their German and Dutch neighbors. The sour, bubbly lambic and gueuze styles -- "Brussels Champagne" -- are Belgium's own, but many beers including the big brands like Jupiler or Stella Artois are based on the Czech and German Pilsner style. There are even Scotch ales in thistle-shaped glasses, allegedly introduced to entertain General Montgomery's British Second Army when it arrived in September 1944. And of course younger small-scale brewers have begun making hoppy Belgian pale ales to rival the best of the US craft beer explosion. - Great complexity - Beer World administrator Charles Leclef -- a 30-year veteran Flemish brewery operator -- told AFP that the city wanted to capture the "playful" side of the everyday tipple, not to incite heavy drinking. "We're not the biggest producer in the world, far from it, but we're perhaps the most creative, with beer of great diversity of flavor, great complexity," Leclef boasted. In the museum, visitors can wander inside a virtual fermentation tank, with immersive screens taking them inside the process of turning hops, malt, yeast and water into national pride. In Germany, the law forbids any but these four ingredients, but Belgian brewmasters are free to experiment with spices and infusions and even fruits like cherry or raspberry. Museum visitors can pull taps to signal their favorite flavors and "virtual waiters" will print out a suggestion on a beermat to be ordered later at guests' leisure. mad-lob/dc/pvh © Agence France-Presse The post History on tap: Brussels serves beer museum to thirsty visitors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maker & Made resto draws brunch crowd
As businesses are thriving again following the coronavirus plague for three long years, people as usual are coming in droves to shopping and dining establishments in the busy commercial centers of the metropolis. [caption id="attachment_171844" align="aligncenter" width="822"] Bread baked fresh daily.[/caption] [gallery size="full" ids="171842,171846,171845"] We can see customers like honeybees enjoying various food delicacies in restaurants and sipping hot or cold coffee at cafes. Maker and Made, located at the Milestone Bldg. in Bonifacio Global City, is one such coffee shop that draws folks to its menu offerings. People from various nationalities and economic status, though the place is the habitat of the powerful, famous and rich, are fond of coming to the establishment to enjoy its coffee and other food delicacies. The coffee shop is manned by 30 ex-overseas Filipino workers who worked for over 20 years in a famous coffee shop in Singapore. Though gainfully employed there, they left, only to join with this company as all of them are Filipinos except the owners. John Paul Galang, executive sous chef and sous chef in Singapore for so many decades, said the place opened on 24 May. It is owned by Communal Artisan Group whose business acumen primarily is focused in foods and beverages. Galang averred that the resto’s specialty is coffee from a local source, artisan baking and other delicious food delicacies with an Aussie style known as brunch, but it is rooted of Filipino sensibilities. The coffee shop opens at 7 a.m. and takes it last order at 5 p.m. Rue Ribon, executive chef and certified executive officer, said the owners of this coffee shop have the heart to help and bless our Filipino small farmers as coffee beans and other products are locally produced. They also work with coffee growers from Mindanao. The cafe can accommodate close to 60 people as it has communal tables, bar seats and al fresco seats and tables along with a high-tech comfort room and washing area. Food and coffee are served in locally produced ceramic earthenware. Many components in their dishes and baked threats are all made fresh in-house, and should their customers take the goodies home, their packaging is biodegradable with less impact on the environment. Next time you pass by or have a scheduled food trip at BGC, why not give it a try at Maker and Made? The post Maker & Made resto draws brunch crowd appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Kamusta na kayo, mga bebe ko?’: Seo In-guk wows fans for over three hours
The multitalented Korean actor-singer Seo In-guk had a spectacular solo fan encounter at New Frontier Theater on 12 Saturday that lasted more than three hours — the longest solo fan meet by a Korean artist in the country thus far. For his first-ever fan meeting in Southeast Asia, Seo In-guk, known for his roles in popular K-dramas like Doom at Your Service, Reply 1997, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, Shopaholic Louis and Cafe Minamdang, thrilled Filipino Heartriders, as his fans are called, with his mesmerizing performance of “My Love.” [caption id="attachment_171044" align="aligncenter" width="624"] SEO In-Guk | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF EPIC EVENTS[/caption] He followed that up with an instantly iconic greeting. “Kamusta na kayo, mga bebe ko?,” he said, further sending the crowd into a tizzy. Waves of “We love you, Seo In Guk” chants were flung at the star in return. The Korean superstar hit all the right notes throughout his performance, serenading the audience with songs like “I Like You” from Cafe Minamdang, the touching “Tease Me”, “Shake It Up” and his own version of Yeng Constantino’s “Ikaw”, which the crowd expectedly lapped up. In the “Seo In Guk’s Choice Award” segment, fans from the Philippines, Korea and Japan competed for the title of finest “OOTD.” The winner from the Philippines earned a free hug and priceless photos with the celebrity. The entertainer’s versatility was on full display as he hilariously engaged in a variety of activities, including a playful showing of how to make “halo-halo”. For a nostalgic turn, he transported the audience back to 1997 with a heartfelt performance of “All For You,” a beloved crowd favorite that united fans in song. “Thank you for giving me this memory, and I’ll try my best to come back soon,” Seo In-guk said as the show came to a close. The post ‘Kamusta na kayo, mga bebe ko?’: Seo In-guk wows fans for over three hours appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gaza open-air cinema a breath of fresh air for Palestinians
Gaza residents took their seats in front of a large projector screen set up on a sandy beach, a rare event in the Islamist-ruled blockaded enclave that has no operating cinemas. Over two weeks in summer, the "Cinema of the Sea" festival which ended Monday screened some 15 films, many of them with Palestinian actors or producers. Providing a respite from the heat, the waterfront "is the only outlet for the residents" in the impoverished territory, said Ali Muhanna, a theatre director involved in the initiative. Around 2.3 million Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip, which has been under a crippling Israeli-led blockade since the Islamist group Hamas seized power in 2007. Sitting barefoot in a pink dress at the open-air cinema on Gaza City's beach, seven-year-old Salma Shamaleh was transfixed by the screen. "I have never seen a TV this size," she told AFP as she watched "Ferdinand", an animated blockbuster that tells the story of a giant but soft-hearted black bull. The first film screenings in Gaza date to the 1940s, with the opening of the Samer Cinema, whose building now houses a car dealership. Cinemas were forced to close in the late 1980s during the first Palestinian uprising, or intifada. They reopened following the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in the 1990s but for years have largely been gathering dust. In 1996, Islamists set a Gaza cinema ablaze. While not explicitly banned, Hamas authorities fear cinemas may amplify what they view as foreign or Western beliefs that go against Islamic traditions. There have been some outdoor screenings in recent years, most notably amid the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli air strikes during wars fought with Gaza militants. Like across much of the eastern Mediterranean, Gazans have flocked to the seaside in recent weeks to escape soaring temperatures. Shamaleh was thrilled by the cinematic experience. "Our house is nearby, I'll ask my mum for us to come every day," she said. - 'Happy' - The festival's program featured "Farha", a Jordanian film which, through a young girl's perspective, depicts atrocities committed against Palestinians during the 1948 conflict that led to Israel's creation. The hard-hitting film resonated with Mona Hanafi, 50, who watched it with her daughter and dozens of other spectators. "The film is brilliant in addressing a realistic Palestinian story... The performance and directing are impressive," she said. "Seeing the children and people watching the open cinema in Gaza made me happy," added Hanafi. Another audience member, Hadeel Hajji, said she had "never seen anything like that in my life". "I was with my family when I saw the screen from far away, so I came to watch," she told AFP. "Cinema of the Sea" was organized by Al-Bahr Elna Cooperative Cafe in partnership with the culture ministry. The cooperative was established in 2020 by a group of artists, with start-up funding from Palestinian institutions. Since that initial cash dried up, the group has relied on donations. For Muhanna, the cafe's founder, the festival has been an opportunity to show films which demonstrate how "Palestinians contributed to producing (cinema) and conveying the values of society". Atef Askoul, head of the Hamas-appointed body responsible for approving public art events, said Gazans who suffer from miserable living conditions under the blockade have "the right to watch films and cinema". my-gb/rsc/jd/ami © Agence France-Presse The post Gaza open-air cinema a breath of fresh air for Palestinians appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Landers opens ninth superstore in Taguig
Landers Superstore, the fastest growing membership shopping store in the country, recently opened its ninth store at Arca South in Taguig City. With its wide selection of topnotch brands, exclusive deals and premium perks, Landers Arca South is a stand-alone building situated in the heart of Arca South, a sprawling Ayala-owned estate slated to be the next BGC with its seamless integration of work, play and relaxed living. Key to its appeal is its accessibility, thanks to its close proximity to major cities and thoroughfares like Skyway, SLEX and C5. The façade features a fresh design and color scheme that blends in with surrounding structures — a first for any Landers store. As for the interiors, it sports the same modern yet elegant design seen in recently opened stores, making every visit truly Instagram-worthy. It also has a wide parking space, an expansive retail area and a cozy dining spot with high, airy ceilings and beautiful accent lights. The main highlight, however, is the diverse selection of imported and local goods — from hard-to-find brands and specialty items to grocery staples and locally sourced but high-quality produce. Delicious food choices also abound, starting with its in-house restaurant Landers Central that serves New York-style pizzas, pastas, fried chicken, hotdogs in buns, French fries and salads. Doppio Café, on the other hand, serves brewed coffee, milk tea, blended drinks and desserts. Landers Arca South completes the shopping experience with its host of exclusive perks for members. These include free haircut at Federal Barbers, low-priced medicines and wellness supplies at Capital Care Pharmacy and discounted fuel and Solane LPG at Landers-Caltex gas station. Landers Arca South offers easy access to major promos and events like Super Crazy Sale, Super Fuel Sale, Piso Sale, Wine Festival, Fresh and Produce Sale and more. To enjoy access to the store and its extensive list of perks, shoppers need to apply for membership in-store or at www.landers.ph. Membership fees are currently priced at P350 or 50-percent off the regular fee of P700 as a special treat for Landers Arca South’s opening week. Visit Landers Arca South at Arca Blvd, Western Bicutan, Taguig City. The post Landers opens ninth superstore in Taguig appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mercury hits new highs as heat waves scorch the globe
Temperatures reached new highs on Monday as heatwaves and wildfires scorched swathes of the Northern Hemisphere, forcing the evacuation of 1,200 children close to a Greek seaside resort. Health authorities have sounded alarms from North America to Europe and Asia, urging people to stay hydrated and shelter from the burning sun, in a stark reminder of the effects of global warming. Near Athens, a forest fire flared in strong winds by the popular beach town of Loutraki where the mayor said holiday camps for youngsters had come under threat. "We have saved 1,200 children who were in the holiday camps," said mayor Giorgos Gkionis. Emergency services were also battling wildfires in Kouvaras and the resorts of Lagonissi, Anavyssos and Saronida near Athens. Several homes were burned in the area, according to footage from public broadcaster ERT. "The extreme weather ... is having a major impact on human health, ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy and water supplies," said World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. "This underlines the increasing urgency of cutting greenhouse gas emissions as quickly and as deeply as possible." 'We thought we'd escape' In Rome, where temperatures hit a near-record 39C on Monday, American Colman Peavy could not believe the heat as he sipped a cappuccino at a cafe with his wife Ana at the start of a two-week vacation. "We're from Texas and it's really hot there, we thought we would escape the heat but it's even hotter here," said the 30-year-old. It was already the world's hottest June on record, according to the EU weather monitoring service, and July looks to be readying to challenge its own record. China reported a new high for mid-July in the northwest of the country, where temperatures reached 52.2C in the Xinjiang region's village of Sanbao, breaking the previous high of 50.6C set six years ago. Heatstroke alerts had been issued in 32 out of Japan's 47 prefectures, mainly in central and southwestern regions. At least 60 people were treated for heatstroke, media reported, including 51 taken to hospital in Tokyo. In Cyprus, where temperatures are expected to remain above 40C through Thursday, a 90-year-old man died as a result of heatstroke and three other seniors were hospitalised, health officials said. 'Oppressive' US heat In western and southern US states, which are used to high temperatures, more than 80 million people were under advisories as a "widespread and oppressive" heatwave roasted the region. California's Death Valley, often among the hottest places on Earth, reached a near-record 52C Sunday afternoon. In Arizona, state capital Phoenix tied its record of 18 consecutive days above 43C (109F), as temperatures hit 45C (113F) early Monday afternoon. The US National Weather Service predicts similar highs at least through Sunday, while warning of overnight lows remaining dangerously elevated, above 32C (90F). "We're used to 110, 112 (degrees Fahrenheit)... But not the streaks," Nancy Leonard, a 64-year-old retiree from the nearby suburb of Peoria, told AFP. "You just have to adapt." In Southern California, several wildfires have ignited over the past few days in rural areas east of Los Angeles. The biggest, named the Rabbit Fire, had burned nearly 8,000 acres and was 35 percent contained on Monday morning, according to authorities. In neighbouring Canada, 882 wildfires were active on Monday, including 579 considered out of control, authorities said. Smoke from the fires has descended on the United States again, prompting air quality alerts across much of the northeast. Historic highs forecast In Europe, Italians were warned to prepare for "the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time", with a red alert issued for 16 cities including Rome, Bologna and Florence. Spain enjoyed little reprieve with temperatures of 47C in the southern town of Villarrobledo. Along with the heat, parts of Asia have also been battered by torrential rain. South Korea's president vowed Monday to "completely overhaul" the country's approach to extreme weather, after at least 40 people were killed in recent flooding and landslides during monsoon rains, which are forecast to continue through Wednesday. The post Mercury hits new highs as heat waves scorch the globe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Take control of your space
TROFAST is a good storage for toys. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF IKEA PHILIPPINES BRIMNES bed frame with storage and headboard. KALLAX cabinet. A funny thing about decluttering is that it never seemed to end. One day, everything was spotless. The next day, clutter fills up your space. It becomes too bothersome to organize. Filipino culture is high on maximalism. Sentimentality has become a common theme in Filipino homes as we keep souvenirs, photographs or any items we value close to our hearts instead of throwing them away. At the same time, Filipinos lean towards space-saving and multi-purpose furniture. Storage items that can be used in multiple ways are a definite must-have in a Filipino household. Ikea celebrates the concept of “organized mess” through its innovative and minimalist storage pieces. The Scandinavian company aims to integrate modern yet ingenious solutions to your humble abode while maximizing space as possible. Efficient storage solutions Ikea Philippines is committed to elevating your space through seamless and efficient storage products, from sturdy drawers, bookshelves to an array of high-quality organizers that will keep your place tidy yet showcase your unique personality — whether you’re into traditional furniture or trendy art pieces. “Make use of the height, width and depth of your room,” said Ikea Philippines interior designer Judith Magno, adding that we should utilize and maximize different parts of your room, so your essentials don’t get misplaced. Organizing becomes exciting Organizing your space does not have to be stressful and taxing. Ikea offers innovative space-saving solutions, accommodating Filipino families and different household sizes without breaking the bank. As we celebrate personal milestones and keep more memories in the second half of the year, Ikea continues to be a part of our momentous events through exciting deals and offers happening this July. Among these are big discounts and exciting perks and offers exclusive to Ikea Family Festival members: 50-percent off on select storage items and more until 9 July; P77 on delicious bistro and cafe treats starting 7 July; and P170 off on Mober delivery rates for the entire month of July, and more. Ikea also extends its reach through online planning services, ensuring that customers can treat themselves and buy their favorite furniture and storage products without the hassle of going out. The post Take control of your space appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Swiss welcome offers sweet respite
Welcome to “The Suite Life,” which explores the world of hotels in and out of the Philippines. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious novice, I hope this column helps guide you to what hotels in the Philippines and beyond have to offer. From the bustling cityscape of Manila to the tranquil beaches of Boracay, it’s a journey through the best hotels, resorts and villas in the country and beyond to discover the most exciting and exotic hotels in the world. Pack your bags and join me on this exciting adventure as I share the hidden gems and ultimate destinations for your next getaway. Our first hotel for this month is the Swissötel Clark in Pampanga. [caption id="attachment_148661" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF Swissötel Clark | Swissötel Clark Pampanga.[/caption] Cheese and chocolate, watches and private banks — if there’s any country defined by these words, it’s Switzerland. Renowned for its punctuality and precision, the country is very well-known for its high-end horology. If you want to know how deep this characteristic runs within the country, Switzerland’s national hero, William Tell, is more famous for shooting an apple off his son’s head than his defense of Switzerland from many a tyrant. Such precision is what Tell and Switzerland are known for, and it’s this exact value that the Swiss carry into hospitality. [caption id="attachment_148662" align="aligncenter" width="525"] THE atrium.[/caption] Apart from what the history books will say about Switzerland, it’s also a place I’ve gotten to know up close. I lived in Neuchatel when my husband was taking his post-grad degree and got to imbibe in its culture and way of life, day in and out. It’s always in the details. These may seem minute or effortless, but they always add a thoughtful layer to the whole experience. Such touches abound at Swissötel Clark, and it definitely reminded me of the Swiss approach to doing things. The welcome: Located in the Clark Freeport Zone, I was surprised to find the hotel packed and buzzing. The lobby café was full, leaving no seats available, and the bright, bustling lobby was filled with people waiting — either for loved ones or colleagues — to be taken in by Swiss hospitality or having just finished a relaxing stay. The lobby was a walk away from the casino, leaving the vibrant lobby to shine all on its own. The room: Rooms and suites at Swissötel Clark welcome you with floor-to-ceiling views of the city or the mountains, flooding the room with natural light. A medley of creams, grays and browns, coupled with a king-size bed and Posturepedic mattress, high-speed Wi-Fi, cable and satellite TV channels, and USB charging stations provide a great sense of comfort for anyone looking to relax. The bathroom continues this philosophy with marble furnishings, a rain shower, and a soaking tub. Anyone looking for a more luxurious experience can upgrade to a Swiss Executive Lounge access suite with complimentary breakfast and refreshments. [caption id="attachment_148664" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PREMIUM room with king size bed.[/caption] The restaurants: I wasn’t able to try the breakfast because my alarm didn’t go off that morning, but I was able to try meals at Swissötel Clark’s two restaurants. Markt is their all-day dining buffet with incredible food. Initially conceived as an a la carte offering for diners to choose from, every station offers the full package with mains at every section, making them all stars in their own right. The hotel also has a permanent place on the menu for classic Swiss dishes like älplermagronen (Swiss macaroni and cheese with applesauce) and Zurich-style veal with mushrooms. [caption id="attachment_148663" align="aligncenter" width="525"] NASI, a contemporary restaurant that specializes in Filipino cuisine.[/caption] Ristorante Di Verona, on the other hand, is easily one of the best places to try modern and authentic Italian cuisine without leaving the country. With large, luxurious windows and al fresco seating, their spacious halls are filled with soothing Italian music and the noise of happy diners. They offer a fine selection of aperitifs, over 300 wines sourced from various regions of Europe, digestivos, and other Italian favorites, as well as their famous balsamico de Modena 25 anni 550, delightfully paired with Italian bread. Unique touches to the hotel: Details like the collar brooch and the shoe buckle of the doorman did not go unnoticed. The doorman is the first to greet visitors and serve as the best representation of the Swiss tradition of service. Their gear resembles the Appenzell costume designed by Ida Gout and the delicate brooch designed by goldsmith Sebastian Fassler shows a lot of care and thought for the kind of service they want to bring. The hotel itself also makes use of Appenzell design, the town famous for its mountain range. One must also have the Swissötel traditional cake with its notable ingredient of ground hazelnuts. Experiential for all senses that pull focus on their attention to what matters. The Spa: Swissötel Clark will launch their spa and Vitality suites soon. Every one of their six private suites will have its own gym equipment for guests to enjoy their fitness regimens in private. Swiss mindfulness podcasts, the Vitality kit, wellness treatments, and menus round out the entire experience for a great session. Outside, on the other hand, lets guests exercise with fresh air on bike and jogging paths as part of the hotel’s promotion of a healthy environment. I’m hearing that one of the managers hails from a 5-star hotel in Mandaluyong with a very good spa, who is also a professional therapist with a good grasp of wellness and treatments — a lot of which they can do themselves, so consider my expectations high. [caption id="attachment_148665" align="aligncenter" width="525"] VITALITY suite[/caption] Great food, comfortable rooms and fresh air for all — they did not miss a beat when it came to bringing Swiss hospitality to the country, even down to the finest details. Taking a trip up north to Pampanga is a great way to retreat from the city for a bit, made even better if you’re staying at Swissötel Clark. The post Swiss welcome offers sweet respite appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The ‘Pambansang Ginoo’ is also an entrepreneur
David Licauco, who became known as the “Pambansang Ginoo” following his well-loved appearance in the hit series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” is making waves not only in showbiz but also in the entrepreneurial world. Licauco is the proud owner of two food establishments, Kuya Korea in Quezon City and Sóbra Café in Muntinlupa City. Licauco, along with co-owners Chef Mike Victorioso and AC Adriano, recently marked the first anniversary of Sóbra Café with a belated celebration, with GMA Network officials, Licauco’s family and close friends attending the event. Licauco posted a photo, captioned “1 year down” showing him with GMA executives including senior talent manager Tracy Garcia, vice president for Sparkle Joy Marcelo, senior vice president for Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development, concurrent Chief Risk Officer and head for Program Support Regie C. Bautista. The Sparkle talent pool was represented by guests such as stylist David Milan, talent manager Jan Navarro, senior artist handler Isabel Bulatao and artist Rain Matienzo. The presence of Licauco’s grandfather, author, lecturer, hypnotherapist and Daily Tribune columnist Jaime Licauco, made the occasion even more memorable for the young actor. [caption id="attachment_146835" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Licauco family (clockwise from top lef) Jac, Edn, David and grandfather Jaime Licauco[/caption] Licauco will next be seen with his Mari Clara at Ibarra love interest Barbie Forteza in the romantic comedy That Kind of Love. The pair (known to fans as “FiLay”) flew to Korea to shoot the film, which will be made available worldwide. The post The ‘Pambansang Ginoo’ is also an entrepreneur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Romulo Cafe: Honoring a matriarch and her culinary specialties
“It all started as my husband’s idea,” Sandie Romulo Squillantini, owner of Romulo Café, shared over an unforgettable lunch of the culinary favorites of her paternal family, the Romulos, whose fame and distinction began with the founding father, the legendary diplomat, general and writer, Carlos P. Romulo Sr. The old world setting of this delightful repast was at Romulo Café in Bonifacio Global City, a pleasant incongruity in a place replete with 21st century steel and glass skyscrapers. Sandie, the daughter of General Romulo’s son, lawyer Ricardo or “Dick,” and his wife, Teresita “Tessie,” herself the daughter of the late envoy Jose Romero, the first Philippine ambassador to the Court of Saint James, and her husband, Enzo, were dining at the Prince Albert Rotisserie of the Hotel Intercontinental Manila and were looking at the restaurant's Romulo Room, when he remarked, “You know, it’s too bad that not everybody can see these pictures of your lolo and his life. Why don’t we put up a restaurant for other people to see and learn about his life?” It was an idea that immediately clicked between the two of them, being familiar with the restaurant business as operators of corporate cafeterias and executive lounges. As to what food to serve, both agreed on serving the Romulos’ favorite daily and special dining fare that her grandmother, Virginia (nee Llamas), Philippine Carnival Queen of 1922, served the family and guests, including international dignitaries. An initial effort was to put together her Lola Virginia’s recipes, which, was not exactly difficult, “considering that the family was using it anyway. Next, they looked for a place and decided on the Tomas Morato area. “We were enamored by an old house which fit our purpose. Then, we brought our friend, interior designer Ivy Almario. We showed her pictures of our grandparents’ old house in Forbes Park called Kasiyahan, from which she took inspiration. That’s why the place is basically black and white because our dining room was black and white.” [gallery size="large" columns="2" ids="133445,133430"] Kasiyahan, a one-hectare property along Mckinley Road that also contained the homes of the Romulo sons and their families, has since been converted into the Kasiyahan Town Homes by the Zobel de Ayala group. It was the setting of many formal dinners hosted by the General and his wife, and its reincarnation today in Romulo Café, according to Sandie, “reflects the original elements of the storied home, including the hanging lamps and the wrought iron furniture, as well as the homey furniture. Ivy, thankfully, captured that old Filipino ambience typical of the genteel homes of the 1950s and 1960s era.” Sandie could not help feeling nostalgic, as she recalls that “while each of the Romulo sons and their families had a place to stay, we cousins, five boys and five girls, spent a lot of time together. We were one another’s playmates and we saw the weekly parties that our elders hosted for dignitaries including presidents, prime ministers and royalty. “It was our happy place as my grandparents intended it, that’s why they named it Kasiyahan. In Baguio, our home was called Kaligayahan.” Interestingly, other than the United Nations leaders and international politicians like Robert F. Kennedy, the Romulos also entertained celebrities, among them Burt Bacharach, “That’s why I have displayed his photo on the wall of Romulo Café, Sandie said.” But if there was much merriment in the company of the Romulos, there was also great food which, of course, enhanced the overall atmosphere of conviviality. A family signature dish is her Lola Virginia’s chicken relleno, “the recipe for which I was able to get, that’s why our relleno is still made at home and not in a restaurant. It is a Sunday dish for the family.” Sandie was only seven years old when her lola passed on, but earlier, she has tasted many of the family’s. That she could lay claim to having “witnessed” how her lola whipped up her dishes is due to her lola’s cook continuing in the service of the family. “Lola taught her how to cook the dishes that the family loved and enjoyed, so she kept cooking them long after lola was gone. From our old house, I got her,” Sandie explains. Of course, she found out too her lola’s secret ingredients. “Since she was in the United States, she had to look for substitutes for stuff she couldn’t find. For example, chorizo then was not easily available, so she used Vienna sausage. So, she had to revise her recipe. She was very innovative. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="133425,133426"] “She also had to modify some dishes to suit the palace of her international guests. For example, many guests didn’t like their adobo oily, so she made sure to do it differently from the way we would want to enjoy the adobo that we are used to having. She used pork that was not fat but kept the vinegar, of course. Since the setting mattered, it had to be pleasant and all that, she opened her windows every time she cooked adobo so the house won’t end up smelling like food. Of her lola Virginia, the little girl Sandie saw her “being always in the kitchen attending to the food. So she would be in the kitchen to prepare dinner. We grandchildren would be around too because we all took dinner together on the dining table at seven o’clock sharp.” Among the things she loved to cook, according to Sandie, was “steak and lots of foot stuff from her Pagsanjan hometown.” Her lolo Carlos, on the other hand, loved his halo-halo. “He loved sweets. He would not eat food, but he would eat halo-halo, ice cream and malagkit like bibingkang suman. That’s why we have lots of that at Café Romulo.” Her lolo, she shares, “loved to eat. He belonged to the Chain de Rotisseurs. That was his thing. He loved restaurants. He would take us to dinner every week, whoever wanted to come. These were usually in his favorite restaurants like Hyatt Hotel’s Japanese restaurant, Tempura Misono, Au Bon Vivant, Las Conchas and Prince Albert And when someone was celebrating a birthday, he would tell the celebrator, “Okay choose what restaurant you want to eat in”. Then he would take us. But every week, he’d take us out to dinner, whoever wanted to come. So, he really loves food. [caption id="attachment_133424" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] photograph by sonny espiritu for the daily tribuneKARE-KARE.[/caption] But if the general loved food, there was one big caveat. “He was very much a stickler for dining manners,” Sandie says. “He was not uptight, though, because he could be relaxed and good-homored , but he was very strict about time. If he tells you, you be in dinner at seven, you better be standing already or going close to the kitchen by 10 to seven. Because if you’re not there, especially if you’re a journalist, he’ll tell you you’re late. He was also very strict about dress code. If he tells you, it’s black tie, you better be in black tie and the girls better be in long gown. One time an ambassador came in a suit. And he said to an ambassador, when he was saying hello, “Oh, Mr. Ambassador. I’m glad you’re early. You have time to go home and change into your black tie”. These are but few of the stories and anecdotes about General Carlos P. Romulo and how he regarded food and the art of eating, especially find dining. It is in the same vein of propriety and pleasantry that the great old man espoused, along with his wife’s insistence on preparing and serving food at their best, that Sandie and Enzo Squillantini have created Café Romulo. You are cordially invited to enjoy the specialties that were once prepared by the grand lady of the Romulo home in this beautiful restaurant reminiscent of the glory days of yore, just make sure you are properly dressed, you know your manners, and you know how to engage in polite conversation. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="133448,133449"] The general and his lady may no longer be around but they are in every detail that makes fine dining in this iconic restaurant indeed an epicurean pleasure and an exercise in charm and refinement. Another family favorite is kare-kare, which the family calls Tito Greg’s kare-kare “because it was to him, her second son, that our lola passed on her recipes and he has made her kare-kare his specialty, too.” Sandie was only seven years old when her lola passed on, but earlier, she had tasted many of the family’s favorite dishes. That she could lay claim to having “witnessed” how her lola whipped up her dishes is due to her lola’s cook continuing in the service of the family. “Lola taught her how to cook the dishes that the family loved and enjoyed, so she kept cooking them long after lola was gone. From our old house, I got her,” Sandie explained. Of course, she found out too her lola’s secret ingredients. “Since she was in the United States, she had to look for substitutes for stuff she couldn’t find. For example, chorizo then was not easily available, so she used Vienna sausage. So, she had to revise her recipe. She was very innovative. “She also had to modify some dishes to suit the palate of her international guests. For example, many guests didn’t like their adobo oily, so she made sure to do it differently from the way we would want to enjoy the adobo that we are used to having. She used pork that was not fat but kept the vinegar, of course. Since the setting mattered, it had to be pleasant and all that. She opened her windows every time she cooked adobo so the house won’t end up smelling like food. Of her lola Virginia, the little girl Sandie saw her “being always in the kitchen attending to the food. So she would be in the kitchen to prepare dinner. We grandchildren would be around, too because we all took dinner together on the dining table at seven o’clock sharp.” Among the things she loved to cook, according to Sandie, was “steak and lots of food stuff from her Pagsanjan hometown.” Her lolo Carlos, on the other hand, loved his halo-halo. “He loved sweets. He would not eat food, but he would eat halo-halo, ice cream and malagkit like bibingkang suman. That’s why we have lots of that at Café Romulo.” Her lolo, she shares, “loved to eat. He belonged to the Chain de Rotisseurs. That was his thing. He loved restaurants. He would take us to dinner every week, whoever wanted to come. These were usually in his favorite restaurants like Hyatt Hotel’s Japanese restaurant, Tempura Misono, Au Bon Vivant, Las Conchas and Prince Albert. And when someone was celebrating a birthday, he would tell the celebrator, Okay choose what restaurant you want to eat in. Then he would take us. But every week, he’d take us out to dinner, whoever wanted to come. So, he really loves food.” But if the general loved food, there was one big caveat. “He was very much a stickler for dining manners,” Sandie said. “He was not uptight, though, because he could be relaxed and good-homored, but he was very strict about time. If he tells you, you come to dinner at seven, you better be standing already or going close to the kitchen by 10 to seven. Because if you’re not there, especially if you’re a journalist, he’ll tell you you’re late. He was also very strict about dress code. If he tells you, it’s black tie, you better be in black tie and the girls better be in long gown. One time an ambassador came in a suit. And he said to an ambassador, when he was saying hello, “Oh, Mr. Ambassador. I’m glad you’re early. You have time to go home and change into your black tie.” It is in the same vein of propriety and pleasantry that the great old man espoused, along with his wife’s insistence on preparing and serving food at their best, that Sandie and Enzo Squillantini have created Café Romulo. You are cordially invited to enjoy the specialties that were once prepared by the grand lady of the Romulo home in this beautiful restaurant reminiscent of the glory days of yore. The general and his lady may no longer be around but they are in every detail that makes fine dining in this iconic restaurant indeed an epicurean pleasure and an exercise in charm and refinement. The post Romulo Cafe: Honoring a matriarch and her culinary specialties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Carlo ‘nainlab’ sa isang baguhan
SHOWBIZ KONEKni Maricris Valdez Nicasio HINDI naman nahirapan si Carlo Aquino na magkaroon sila ng bonding at maging close ng leading lady niya sa pelikulang Love You Long Time, si Eisel Serrano, isa sa official entry sa 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival na handog ng Studio Three Sixty na si Eisel Serrano. Ayon kay Carlo sa ginanap na mediacon sa Kamuning Bakery Cafe dahil ….....»»
Consolacion cops: Close net cafe violating COVID protocols
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Consolacion policemen are requesting that a a cease and desist order be issued against an internet cafe in Purok 3, Barangay Tugbongan, Consolacion town in northern Cebu after minors were caught gathering there and playing online games. Police Master Sergeant Achilles Bacorta of the Consolacion Police Station said that while the […] The post Consolacion cops: Close net cafe violating COVID protocols appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
After 30 years, a farmer now owns three gardens and provides jobs amid crisis, part 2
In part 1, Mary Ann Cogollo, a farmer from Iloilo, shares about how her 30-year gardening story began and evolved. Here, she talks about the hurdles she had to face that molded her for who she is today. Trials behind the triumphs At the back of her success is an unsteady, challenging voyage that she had to endure. “It’s 30 years in the making and looking back to what I’ve been through and endured, my heart is full,” said Cogollo. Growing up, Camille, her eldest daughter, saw how she fell and risen many times, she says, “I witnessed how she carried the pails from our wells to water her plants, pull the weeds every day, carried potted plants to hide them because of the heavy storms, how she failed and endured everything, how she learned from her experiences, and how she managed to be a farmer, a gardener, and a mother to us.” A throwback photo of Cogollo taken in 1994 with her 5-year old daughter. Before the birth of the gardens, Cogollo had been gardening alone for 10 years. She did the propagation, watering, and application of fertilizers. It was a challenge for this gardener to find suppliers and to travel the plants from the city to their place, but the hardest to deal with is the weather. “Typhoons and extreme summer are two of the most difficult situations to handle as well as dealing with plant diseases and pests. I failed a lot, some of my plants weren’t a success, but I learned from them,” Cogollo added. Blooming profits The price for the plants in the flower farm ranges from P25 to P10,000 and up. On normal days, they get to sell hundreds of plants every month that differ based on the demand. Most of it is purchased by co-gardeners too. Cogollo said that this season has the highest sales so far to the point that they travel some plants to the other garden to fill the demand. When they opened last month, they were able to dispose of 3000 to 5000 pots, which allowed them to generate a minimum of 50k per day from all the gardens. A mother, farmer, and businesswoman As a mother of two, she lets her children participate in farmwork and immerse themselves in nature at a young age. As per Camille, Cogollo taught her how to plant when she was four and let her have her mini garden at home. Their youngest also helps in raising livestock since he was in grade six. “They let us oversee the farm the same way that my lolo did before. She’s taught me how to plant and to marcot, how to fertilize and water correctly, and educated me what plants can grow from cuttings and what plants need to be in full sun or in shade,” Camille added. Despite the crisis, Cogollo added that God still made a way to provide for her family and their farm workers. She finds herself staring at the sky and thanking God for not leaving her family and the families working for them after two months of farm closure. When many people began growing plants to improve lifestyle amid the crisis, her children told her, “Nay your dream is coming true, farming and gardening are taking its shape, gakatabo na nay (it’s finally happening).” Cogollo only hopes for the public to continue appreciating nature and to start growing plants. Farming has been her life ever since. The life she chose is the same life lived by her parents and grandparents and according to her, to be able to help others while pursuing your passion is a blessing. Current situation As the government implemented enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to halt the spread of COVID-19, they had to close their gardens for two months. Since they only allow walk-ins and do not offer delivery services, they had no income from the garden. For Cogollo, those two months were the hardest; there were no landscaping projects but they had to give salaries to the employees every weekend. They thought of stopping their daily farm operations, but their musings brought them back to their primary goal, which is to provide the workers’ livelihood. They hired five more people who lost their jobs during those two months and didn’t stop propagating and maintaining the gardens. All smiles on her farm – As per Cogollo, the crisis allowed them to pause and see what they can do better. Living on a farm is an advantage because it’s COVID-free and their staff live nearby so they carry on with their daily work in the gardens and farm. Fortunately, after two months, a sudden increase in demand for plants began. The crisis has become as she calls it, “a ‘plantdemic’ for Ilonggos.” Their gardens re-opened for visitors when Iloilo was placed under GCQ (general community quarantine). From then on, the farm was amplified by different networks through social media and word of mouth. Despite their location, they were shocked that people kept visiting or asking about their gardens’ location. At some point, they were afraid due to the increasing numbers of visitors and of the risks it can entail that might harm their whole community. However, it was all worth it because according to Cogollo, “We know our dream is coming true. Farming/Gardening is taking shape.” They were also supposed to put up a garden café and park last May but due to these circumstances, things didn’t go as planned. In the future, they see the garden as a haven where people can stroll and appreciate and realize the beauty of nature. Photos from Dafalongs Flower Farm. For more information, visit the Dafalongs Flower Farms......»»
Emergency protocols in case of bridge collapse sought
Emergency protocols in case of bridge collapse sought.....»»
Alden Richards, Jericho Rosales, Dominic Roque among stars at Kathryn Bernardo s yacht party
Kapamilya star Kathryn Bernardo celebrated her 28th birthday with close friends on a yacht......»»
Sheryl na-starstruck kay Ate Guy; Martin may pa-Tortang Talong!
HINDI napigilan ng Kapuso actress at singer na si Sheryl Cruz ang magpaka-fan girl nang makita up close and personal ang Superstar na si Nora Aunor. Inamin ng seasoned actress na na-starstruck siya nang makasama ang National Artist sa taping ng GMA afternoon series na “Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law.” Baka Bet Mo: Ellen hinamon ng netizens.....»»
Philippine scientists harassed by China helicopter
Another case of harassment at sea by the Chinese has been reported – this time near Pag-Asa Island last Saturday – involving a helicopter, which hovered dangerously close to a group of Filipino scientists doing research work on a sand bar called Sandy Cay, causing minor injuries......»»
The Mystery of Post-Inflation Stability: Exploring Economic Uncertainty
Inflation, a sneaky force eating away at our financial stability, makes us wonder: what happens after its rampage? Do things settle back to normal, or are we stuck dealing with the aftermath? Inflation is simply prices creeping up over time, quietly changing our financial landscape. Think of your favorite café inching up its prices or […].....»»
Philippine scientists harassed by China helicoper
Another case of harassment at sea by the Chinese has been reported – this time near Pag-Asa Island last Saturday – involving a helicopter, which hovered dangerously close to a group of Filipino scientists doing research work on a sand bar called Sandy Cay, causing minor injuries......»»
‘Serenade of the Seas’ arrival restarts Subic cruise tourism program
The arrival here of GTS Serenade of the Seas, a 12-decker cruise liner operated by Royal Caribbean International, is expected to resurrect Subic’s cruise tourism program, which had gained momentum before being halted by the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago......»»