Tagle assures faithful: Christmas coming to town
From Rome, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged the Catholic faithful to believe that “Christmas is coming to town” and it “will save us” amid all the suffering and hardships that have been weighing people down......»»
Balik-Tanaw | The revealing of God through Christ and through us
In a moment, anytime today we will be hearing loud bangs and celebrations coming across the world as we close this year’s chapter. A few days ago, we were also delighted at how we joyously celebrated Christmas Day and how we also stood in solidarity with those who were unable to do so because of the many struggles they were facing. The post Balik-Tanaw | The revealing of God through Christ and through us appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
FASTLANES: No more Christmas deaths
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 27 December)—While most of the world rejoiced in the birth of the Messiah in a manger somewhere at the crossroads between Europe and Asia or the coming in of Santa through holes in the roofs to bring gifts, whatever, war looms in several parts of the world. We need […].....»»
A wonderful year-end gift for your family
An important part of Christmas and New Year is buying gifts for loved ones and making resolutions for the coming year......»»
Weather in Cebu will be fair, pleasant during holidays
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The weather in Cebu will be pleasant this Christmas season, as there is a low likelihood of weather disturbances in the coming days. This was announced by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration Mactan (Pagasa-Mactan) on Saturday, December 23. According to Engineer Al Quiblat, the chief of Pagasa-Mactan, Cebu’s.....»»
Fewer Pinoys expect more prosperous Christmas
While most Filipinos say they are ready to face the coming year with hope, only one in three anticipates a “more prosperous” celebration of the holiday season, a recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed......»»
MPD chief Ibay bares plans for Christmas, possible return of ‘Traslacion’
MANILA Police District (MPD) Director Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay expressed the readiness of the premier police district for the coming Christmas season and in the wake of the possibility that the traditional ‘Traslacion‘ may also be allowed next year, since the COVID-19 health emergency status had been lifted. Speaking at the Manila City Hall Reporters’ […].....»»
Freed Pinoy now out of hospital — DFA
The Israel-based Filipino caregiver who was among those freed by the Hamas extremist group has been discharged from the hospital, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega said Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco received medical evaluations at Shamir Medical Center, one of the largest government hospitals in Israel. “[He is] out of the hospital and staying at a hotel near the embassy,” De Vega told Daily Tribune. Pacheco, a 33-year-old caregiver, was among the first batch of hostages freed by Hamas following its surprise cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October. His release was a result of the Qatar-mediated deal for a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The deal includes the release of 50 captives held in the enclave, as well as the release of around 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Pacheco was one of the two Filipinos missing since the 7 October surprise attack. The other Filipino has been identified as Noralyn Babadilla. Like Pacheco, Babadilla is believed to have also been taken hostage by Hamas along with over 200 individuals from Israel. De Vega said Pacheco was not physically hurt by his captors. He, however, was traumatized by the incident. “He was traumatized by what he experienced. He said he did not have any wounds or anything,” De Vega said in a separate interview. Despite his traumatic experience in the Middle East, Pacheco said he does not have any plans to return to the Philippines for good. He, however, intends to visit the Philippines next month. “Coming home next month. In December shortly before Christmas. No exact date [yet],” De Vega said. Over the weekend, Hamas released 17 hostages held in Gaza, including a 4-year-old American girl in the third batch of hostages. For its part, the Israeli government freed 39 Palestinian prisoners......»»
PVO assures supply of pork for coming holiday season
PVO assures supply of pork for coming holiday season.....»»
Israel envoy assures financial aid to 4 Filipino victims
The Israeli government, through its envoy in the Philippines, Ambassador Ilan Fluss—assured the families of four Filipinos who earlier died in the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Sunni-Islamic terror group Hamas—that they will be receiving enough financial aid from the Israeli government distinguishing them as victims of terrorism. “As long as they are documented and in Israel, then the Israeli government will recognize them as victims of terrorism. For that, they will be receiving financial assistance, their parents, spouses, their children, accordingly,” Fluss told members of the media during the forum “Coming Together: An Afternoon of Unity, Prayer, and Solidarity with Israel” in Makati City on Thursday, organized by the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. “We have clear legislation in helping Israelis in this case, as well as Filipinos and other foreign nationals. This will come in financial assistance on a monthly basis, depending on if they need assistance in education, health care, or even a grant for housing, as clearly stated in Israeli law. The aid will be coursed through either the Philippine government or to the families of the victims,” he added. Photos of four Filipino caregivers who perished during the war were displayed during the forum, namely Ilongga OFW Grace Prodigo Cabrera, who chose to be taken away by Hamas to save the 80-year-old Israeli woman under her care; Angelyn Peralta Aguirre, a 33-year-old, who was killed along with her patient in Israel; Loreta Alacre who was shot to death by Hamas while she was on her way back to her employer, and Paul Vincent Castelvi, who was also killed during the onset of the war. Meanwhile, with the report that the two missing Filipinos are now in the hands of Hamas as hostages, Ambassador Fluss said they are leaving the responsibility to the Philippine government to provide updates. “There are formal channels of communication between the two governments. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquartered in Jerusalem is constantly coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, while we are coordinating here with the DFA,” he said. The DFA on Thursday said they are verifying reports that the two missing Filipinos in Israel were taken hostage by Hamas with the Israeli Embassy in the Philippines. According to the report of the Israeli government and international multimedia news provider Reuters, two Filipinos who were previously tagged as missing were among the estimated 220 hostages held by Hamas. Fluss maintained that the Israeli government "is dedicated to dismantling and destroying all the infrastructure made by Hamas forces in Gaza, bringing back the abducted Israeli and foreign nationals held in Gaza," but emphasizing that "they are not planning to occupy Gaza." For the part of the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, its president Yoray Ofek, stressed that they stand behind Israel and aired utmost support to the Israeli government. The post Israel envoy assures financial aid to 4 Filipino victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cargo influx seen, but no bottlenecks
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Wednesday said shippers should expect congestion in Manila’s ports due to the holiday season. “We must always expect congestion during holidays. But we are prepared for that,” Bautista said in an interview. Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, however, said port bottlenecks are not expected. “We do not anticipate any port congestion this coming Christmas season, but we anticipate in the coming weeks that utilization will be higher due to the expected influx of cargoes gearing up towards the holidays,” Santiago told the DAILY TRIBUNE in a Viber message. To date, Santiago said the yard utilization rate at Manila South Harbor is at 48.42 percent and 65.52 percent at the Manila International Container Terminal. For berth occupancy, the rate is currently 75.35 percent at the MSH and 49.87 percent at the MICT. The post Cargo influx seen, but no bottlenecks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA assures public of stable pork prices until yearend
The Department of Agriculture has assured the public of stable pork prices until the end of the year, even with the coming holiday season......»»
Valenzuela City kicks off joint Christmas and 400th-anniversary celebration
Welcoming two momentous events in one, the City of Valenzuela held its annual “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony at the Valenzuela City People’s Park on 30 September, an event graced by special guests Jose Mari Chan, Patrick Quiroz and Itchyworms. The ceremony also marked the beginning of the three-month-long celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the city. The “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony, a city tradition since2004, sees the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree and the installation of holiday decor to set the Christmas spirit early for Valenzuelanos. This year, the lighting ceremony is coupled with another historical commemoration — the kick-off celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the City of Valenzuela. It is a modern Pinoy Christmas theme bridging the past and future. Mayor Wes Gatchalian was joined bythe CDO Foodsphere and SM Supermalls in lighting up the Tree of Hope this year. The city also welcomed PWD children as the primary beneficiaries of the event, along with students from PLV and VALPOLY. Singers from PLV performed Christmas carols, while the local government invited Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan to sing his signature song, “Christmas in Our Hearts”, while the Tree of Hope was lit amid fireworks. A colorful and dashing fountain display provided the finishing touches to the occasion. Multiple attractions in the city such as Valenzuela City Family Park, WES Arena, Fatima Avenue and Polo Family Park are also set to turn on their Christmas installations in the coming days. A post-lighting concert took place at the Valenzuela City Amphitheater where guests Patrick Quiroz and The Itchyworms livened up the crowd. The city's 400th founding anniversary celebration happens on 12 November, following Pueblo de Polo’s founding date of 12 November 1623. Back-to-back celebrations awaits the city with the Polo Fiesta and Casa de Polo inaugurations as two of the grand events slated for #Valenzuela400 this month. Other huge events unfolding in the following months include the Oktoberfest, Polo Fiesta activities, Mass at San Diego de Alcala Church, Casa de Polo blessing and inauguration, Industry Summit, Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela Awarding, Cultural Night, Valenzuela’s coffee-table book launch, a visit from delegates of Bucheon, South Korea, Food Fiesta, and a Christmas Bazaar. Over the past 400 years, the City of Valenzuela has never stopped evolving. From an agricultural provincial town of Polo, it has become a highly urbanized, industrial and livable city, recognized as one of the progressive urban centers in the country. Thus, reaching four centuries of growth and progress is a milestone worth celebrating for all Valenzuelanos, and an inspiration to continuously commemorate and honor the rich history that established the city. The post Valenzuela City kicks off joint Christmas and 400th-anniversary celebration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nothing can drag a Boholana down
No pandemic, nor deadly natural catastrophe can bring down a Boholana: this is the living faith by which Lourdes Sultan, managing director of Travel Village Tours and Travel and owner of several vessels which comprise the Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, lives by. Sultan, a tour operator in Loboc for the past 35 years, is a perfect epitome of a resilient Filipina who did not falter while going through such major upheavals as typhoon “Odette” in 2021 that wrecked her vessels; the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol in 2013 and the perennial flooding in Loboc, and the global pandemic that shut down international borders, barring the arrival of tourists in the country. “The floating restaurant business here in Loboc started 30 years ago but in 2000, we decided to dwell in the floating restaurant operation. We used to have eight vessels, but after typhoon “Odette” hit us in December 2021, we are now left with four,” said Sultan in an interview. She said that pre-pandemic, there were 26 vessels plying the Loboc River serving foreign and local tourists, but the number was diminished because of the unfortunate wrath of natural catastrophes. Pandemic, ‘Odette’ challenge She said the strong earthquake in 2013, the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and the pummeling of the province by typhoon “Odette” in 2021 were the worst challenges that her enterprise has endured. “The pandemic made us totally close operations. During that time, we tried to maintain and improve our vessels in preparation for the reopening of borders. Indeed, losses with Odette and the pandemic were in the millions,” she told the Daily Tribune. Aside from that, Sultan said operators of floating restaurants were also required by the local government to update their vessels, making them shell out additional costs. In 2021, Sultan said tourist arrivals trickled, as some restrictions were modified and eased by the Inter-Agency Task Force of the national government. “Even if we only cater to domestic customers, we were more hopeful back then. But amid the high hopes, typhoon “Odette” hit us on 16 December 2021—a strong typhoon during an enduring contagion. We decided to let go of some workers. But luckily, we hired them back when things got better in March 2022,” she shared. Typhoon “Odette,” that pummeled Bohol before Christmas Day, was considered by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as the worst ever to hit the province, prompting the Provincial Capitol to declare a state of calamity after incurring massive devastation on agriculture and infrastructure and inundated swaths to the island. Not yet pre-pandemic She said, however, that the tourism industry in Loboc is not yet in the pre-pandemic state, saying that foot traffic is only at 70 percent to date, even if they are fully booked during daily operations, especially weekends. “Revenge travel is real. The influx of domestic travelers is greater now compared to pre-pandemic. Aside from local tourists, European and Asian tourists are now coming back,” she said. As of July 2023, the Department of Tourism logged a total of 3,000,079 international visitor arrivals. On the other hand, the country’s inbound tourism receipts from 1 January to 30 June 2023 climbed to P212 billion or 502.02 percent higher than the P35-billion tourism revenue generated from the same period last year. Support for DoT program Sultan, also the president of the Bohol Federation of Travel and Tour Operators and an officer of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council, said she is backing the DoT program Faith-based Tourism Circuits, as part of the department’s thrust to develop new tourism circuits and multi-dimensional tourism products. Last 14 to 17 August, the DoT Central Visayas, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol, organized a familiarization tour of Bohol’s Faith-based Tourism Circuits, with the aim to promote and showcase Bohol’s historical and cultural assets specifically its century-old churches, heritage houses, religious landmarks and living cultural traditions. Through Bohol’s Faith-based Tourism Circuits, participants, including members of the media, visited some of Bohol’s heritage churches declared as National Historical Landmarks or cultural treasures and experienced a few of their inherent traditions such as Asin Tibuok, among others. The main highlight of the tour was the canonical crowning of the image of the Virgen de la Asunción of the Municipality of Dauis, officiated by Papal Nuncio Charles Brown last 15 August. “The direction is we do not want the churches to be just tourist spots, but for tourists to have a glimpse of the spiritual component,” according to Sultan. The post Nothing can drag a Boholana down appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cambodian PM quits,Thai ex-premier returning
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Wednesday he is stepping down as the former leader in neighboring Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, ends his 15-year self-exile and will be back in his country on 10 August. Hun Sen, the 70-year-old former Khmer Rouge cadre who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, is paving way for a dynastic succession by handing power to his eldest son, 45-year-old four-star general Hun Manet. “I would like to ask for understanding from the people as I announce that I will not continue as prime minister,” Hun Sen said in a special broadcast on state television. The prime minister’s announcement followed his Cambodian People’s Party’s landslide victory in Sunday’s election that was nearly bereft of challengers with opposition candidates disqualified. The victory virtually assures the CPP of all but five lower house seats. While 84.6 percent of voters turned out in the polls, Western powers including the United States and European Union condemned the poll as neither free nor fair. Meanwhile, 74-year-old billionaire Thaksin is expected to inflame an already tense political situation on his return announced by his daughter Wednesday. “Dad is coming back on Aug 10 at Don Meung airport,” his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote on her official Facebook page on Wednesday — Thaksin’s birthday. The military, which ousted Thaksin from power in 2006, was badly beaten in the May elections and its senators is blocking the elections of a reformist prime minister in parliament. Paetongtarn was a candidate to become prime minister for the Pheu Thai party, which came second in the election and is now trying to form a government after Move Forward Party’s Pita Limjaroenrat was suspended. Days before the May election, Thaksin said on social media that he would return to Thailand “before my birthday” because he was getting old and wanted to spend time with his grandchildren. Thaksin was convicted in absentia on corruption charges in 2008 — and has since faced numerous other cases — but said in May he was ready to face the courts. Parties linked to Thaksin have dominated Thai politics since 2001, but lost two prime ministers to military coups and another to a court ruling. WITH AFP The post Cambodian PM quits,Thai ex-premier returning appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lacuna assures no one will be left behind
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna delivered her first State of the City Address on Wednesday where she enumerated the gains achieved during her first year in office. Lacuna stressed that her administration is committed to ensuring that all Manila residents are served and given access to basic services and cited the launch of her “Kalinga sa Maynila (Pulong-Pulong sa Pagtulong)” program, where she holds weekly or twice-weekly forums in different communities to bring city services directly to the people. Santos Lacuna also reported that her administration has been able to deliver to its senior citizens their updated monthly allowances, birthday cakes, senior food supplies, weekly free entrance to Manila Zoo, and monthly allocation of medicines from the city’s 44 health centers. Around 20,000 students from the city-run Universidad de Manila and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila were given their monthly allowance of P1,000 each, while more than 4,000 students from elementary and high school were also given financial aid through the city’s educational assistance program. The city also provided more than P1 million allowance for 14,735 solo parents and about P200 million allowance for 35,000 persons with disability. Senior citizens and PWDs were also provided with job opportunities through the city’s monthly job fairs. Lacuna expressed gratitude to those who have helped her mount the Kalinga program and to the residents who continuously support and believe in her. She vowed more programs in the coming years that will redound to the benefit of the needy sectors of the city The post Lacuna assures no one will be left behind appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Yoga is better than heroin, says Blur’s Damon Albarn
British band Blur are back with a new album and reunion tour -- a chance to "time-travel" for band leader Damon Albarn, even if he admits the years are taking their toll. "The Ballad of Darren", only their second album in 20 years, came as a surprise to everyone -- members of Blur included. "I didn't tell anyone I was writing it," Albarn told AFP during a visit to Paris, saying it happened while touring with his other band, Gorillaz, in the United States last year. "I came back in January and said: 'Come to the studio, I've got something to play you.'" He presented the band with 20 songs and told them to pick their favourites for the album, which is out on July 21. They are a typically strong set of tunes, but mostly the softer Blur of "Tender" than the perky pop of "Girls and Boys" or grungey rock of "Song 2". "I'm a profoundly sadder person in my 50s," the singer offered as explanation, laughing as he said it. "It's OK -- I'm leaning into my sadness. It's not that far from happiness. I'm comfortable with melancholy." Indeed, Albarn admits his cheeky-chappy persona in the 1990s was never a natural fit. He thinks about that younger self as he considers the huge upcoming dates at Wembley -- England's national stadium -- which Blur never played at their peak. "That would have terrified me beyond comprehension. Panic attacks, everything," he said. "Yoga helped me massively. Firstly it was heroin, and obviously I knocked that on the head 100 years ago. And now yoga -- if I do it pretty much every day, I'm calm. That it's not taught in every school is absurd." He also takes heart from the surreal sight of all the young people coming to Blur concerts these days. "It's like time-travelling. The audience is young again," he said. "It's weird -- you forget where you are sometimes." - 'Struggle inhumanely' - Albarn was always the most restless of the Britpop stars, exploring new sounds and styles on each album. It brought global fame, but he said it cost him mainstream acceptance back home. "It feels good at the moment of course -- people have suddenly realised I exist again -- but it's been a while since England is a place where I feel welcome," he said. Albarn's desire for the spotlight is central to infectious recent single "The Narcissist", which sees him cast back to his teenage years "with my strobe light and mirror and synthesiser in my dark bedroom, playing along with my favourite records. "That was the beginning of my narcissism," he said, though the song is also about "the fact we live in the most narcissistic age of man ever". "I don't have a phone but I understand the principle. We all carry this machine that sends pictures of ourselves, we look at them, check them, we manufacture our own narcissism." Not that he enjoys writing lyrics. At all. "I struggle hugely, almost inhumanely, with my lyrics. There's always a month when I'm trying to finish the lyrics of something... ugh, it's awful." - 'Lost our minds' - Since Blur's first hiatus back in 2003, it has been France that has been more welcoming of Albarn's experimental projects, including a full opera he is planning at the Lido in Paris next year. "Last time I tried something like that in England, it was at the National Theatre and I ended up being bullied into doing a Christmas show for 'commercial concerns'," he said, spitting the last words. There are also happy memories from Blur's first visits to Paris: nights at the legendary Bains Douches club ("a fairly explicit place," Albarn deadpans), and the Refuge des Fondus in Montmartre, famous for serving its wine in baby bottles. "Imagine being a 21-year-old English lad and being given red wine in baby bottles and melted cheese. We lost our minds!" er/bp/fg © Agence France-Presse The post Yoga is better than heroin, says Blur’s Damon Albarn appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill opens city of dreams branch, expands menu
The name alone sounds expensive and intimidating, but the owners of Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill swear it’s because they serve only the finest food. Known for its signature USDA prime dry-aged steak, the chain has opened a fourth restaurant in the Philippines with more grilled items on offer — the better to encourage people who love first-rate food and a relaxed atmosphere The new Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill at the City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City had a grand launch Tuesday night attended by the founder himself, Wolfgang Zwiener, accompanied by wife Elena and son Peter, now the president of the world-renowned Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. The event was also graced by its local managing partners led by Raymund Magdaluyo (Red Crab Group of Restaurants) and Leina Bolinas (Excello Restaurant Management Group). The resto’s other outlets are in Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City and The Podium in Mandaluyong City. This is also the 32nd location of Wolfgang Steakhouse worldwide. What makes this new location extra special is that this is the only Wolfgang Steakhouse with grilled offerings. New grilled dishes have been added to the menu for diners to order from brunch to late night, such as Grilled Barbecue Short Ribs, Dry-Aged Brisket Pastrami, Beef Tartar and Grilled Lemon Caper Chicken. “Wolfgang Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse that serves the finest beef,” said Peter in his brief speech. “Here at the Grill, we are able to introduce more dishes using the different parts of the cow and the various ways of preparing it. This gives us an opportunity to offer those who want to eat other interesting and flavorful dishes, such as Lomo Saltado (a Peruvian dish) and chicken dishes. But, the good thing is, we still offer the regular full menu of Wolfgang Steakhouse.” Peter reflected on how the restaurant has come a long way from its first outlet in Manila in 2016. “Thanks to our fabulous partners like Raymund Magdaluyo and Leina Bolinas and their team,” Peter said. “We were very fortunate. I still remember the day I met Raymund in Japan after he called me to say he had a fabulous dinner at Wolfgang on Christmas Eve. He told me a beautiful story about his family and how they had a great dinner there. He told me he wanted to have Wolfgang Steakhouse in the Philippines. And it came to fruition many years later.” “After the pandemic, we are coming out stronger and we want to grow more rapidly in the Philippines and offer our steaks to everyone,” he added. Elegant, contemporary Boasting an intimate and cozy atmosphere with dark wooden interiors and an old-world charm, the 350-square-meter steakhouse features an intimate whisky lounge and impressive wine cellar. Popular among its steaks are the short loin, porterhouse and rib-eye. “Grill means basically direct fire. We offer more grilled items,” said Magdaluyo, adding that, “for us, the actual concept of the grill is that this place is a bit casual. Upscale but casual. Meaning, you can come as you are. You can wear shorts or beach wear and that’s perfectly fine.” Magdaluyo also shared that another Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill, with a sports grill theme, is opening at the Araneta Coliseum by October. “It’s a 40-seater place to serve the Quezon City market,” he said. Turn to page C18 Meanwhile, Wolfgang Steakhouse in Boracay will open in February 2024 at Megaworld’s Belmont Hotel, according to Magdaluyo. The steakhouse, overlooking the beach, can accommodate about 50 diners. [caption id="attachment_133452" align="aligncenter" width="1707"] photograph courtesy of wolfgang steakhouse grillBURRATA Salad.[/caption] Menu The Grill’s new offerings include the fall-off-the-bone Grilled Baby Back Ribs, Lomo Saltado (marinated strips of sirloin with onions and tomatoes) and Grilled Barbecue Short Ribs. Salad options have also been updated with Classic Wedge Salad, Burrata Salad and Arugula Salad. The USDA Prime Dry-Aged Porterhouse Steak remains a meat lover’s dream: thick, tender, juicy and formidable right down to the very last bite. The resto’s all-time favorites include Creamed Spinach, Steak Fries, Burger Sliders, Filet Mignon, Shrimp and Lobster Cocktails and Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell, while among the must-try desserts are the New York-Style Cheesecake, Apple Strudel, Key Lime Pie and Hot Fudge Sundae. Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill is on the upper ground floor of City of Dreams Manila, Paranaque City, It is open daily, 11 am-12 mn. Visit www.wolfgangssteakhouse.ph. Meanwhile, Wolfgang Steakhouse in Boracay will open in February 2024 at Megaworld’s Belmont Hotel, according to Magdaluyo. The steakhouse, overlooking the beach, can accommodate about 50 diners. The post Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill opens city of dreams branch, expands menu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The metro’s best heirloom ham
When Cocina Murriel joined the Ultimate Taste Test 2022 in November last year, its signature product, the heirloom smoked ham of the Murriel family, made it to the winners’ circle and even took home the honors of being the Best Heirloom Smoked Ham in the Metro. It’s an honor that was well-deserved, considering how much care the Murriel family has put into the preparation of their heirloom smoked ham. “I believe that our dedication as a family to share our family tradition with everyone is the key ingredient that makes our heirloom smoked ham special. Quality is really at the very top of our priority. We use only fresh pork from our local supplier. It is never frozen and is always NMIS certified. Smoking is always done for eight to 10 hours using a local blend of wood chips. The whole process would take at least a week to finish,” explains Catricia Murriel, president of Cocina Murriel. [caption id="attachment_117831" align="aligncenter" width="669"] PHOTOGRAPHS BY DOLLY DY-ZULUETA FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE | Cocina Murriel's signature Smoked Ham.[/caption] The heirloom smoked ham recipe actually came from Catricia’s grandmother, Lola Mada, who made the ham for special occasions. The ham was always the most awaited dish during Christmas gatherings, but Catricia’s dad, Alvin, was not contented with just enjoying the ham during such occasions. Having a knack for cooking, Alvin, when he was younger, was constantly in awe of his mom’s cooking, particularly when she was preparing bone-in ham during the holidays. So, he happily served as her sous chef, and Lola Mada responded by gladly teaching him how it was done. For the next 10 years, he would improve on the recipe until he was able to reinvent the process, perfect the recipe and make it his own. He saw the potential of the ham as a family business, but he could not give up his office job to concentrate on it. Catricia and her three siblings were still in school, and he needed a steady source of income. So, what he did was start making it in small batches. He gave some to close friends for them to try. He got very good feedback from those who had tried it, and orders started coming. [caption id="attachment_117832" align="aligncenter" width="567"] Cocina Murriel's Whole Smoked Ham.[/caption] Heirloom When Catricia graduated from college in 2018, they started seriously selling the heirloom smoked ham. They sold it online, with Catricia’s elder sister Charisse starting a Facebook page for the ham and then joining food groups. She was able to tap the right target market for Cocina Murriel, and before they knew it, they were selling like crazy through social media. They made sure, though, that the quality did not suffer. [caption id="attachment_117830" align="aligncenter" width="582"] The Murriel family (from left) dad Alvin, mom Imelda, Charisse and Catricia.[/caption] “Because of the tedious process involved in making the smoked ham, it was all done by us, no staff. We made sure that we all stuck to the tradition of making it with quality ingredients, no shortcuts,” says Catricia. She adds: “When we started, all preparations were done in our tiny home kitchen in small batches. Our smoker was custom-made by Papa using a small steel drum that he had welded to become a smoker. Now, we are building a commissary for Cocina Murriel. We were also able to acquire a smoker that could fit in 100 kilograms meat in one smoking session.” Cocina Murriel’s heirloom smoked ham comes in Whole Smoked Ham at P1,000 per kilogram, in Smoked Bone-in Ham at P1,400 per kilogram, and in 500-gram Sliced Smoked Ham at P580. The menu now also carries Smoked Bacon, Imperial Sausage, Smoked Daing na Bangus, Hampanada, and Crab in a Jar, from recipes developed by Alvin Murriel himself. The post The metro’s best heirloom ham appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Altar servers share a glimpse of hope on Christmas Day!
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Christmas is indeed the season of giving and forgiveness. As we go ahead and celebrate this season with the hopes of being saved by the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ, let this simple photo remind you that, yes, our savior is here to heed our prayers. Iñaque Shaquille Garlet, altar server […] The post Altar servers share a glimpse of hope on Christmas Day! appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
BE Resort Mactan: A Christmas Tradition of Hope, Opportunity, and Transformation
Christmas is a time of festivities but it wasn’t always the case in Cebu, especially in the past year with Typhoon Odette. With 2022 coming to a close, one popular hotel in Mactan, Cebu promises hope and prosperity in this holiday season. BE Resort Mactan welcomes the holiday season with its Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. […] The post BE Resort Mactan: A Christmas Tradition of Hope, Opportunity, and Transformation appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»