The poster above says it all. Adopt a panda or dolphin through the adoption program of WWF-Philippines and save some of the most lovable creatures on this planet from extinction.

All you need to do is make a donation of P3000 which will already entitle you to a Limited Edition WWF Panda or Dolphin stuffed toy, a WWF Adoption Certificate, and a WWF Species Information Card.
  
WWF’s Adoption Program is part of the organization’s efforts to engage the public into taking a more active role on species conservation.

Pandas now only found in the mountain ranges of China. It usually roams around bamboo forests but mothers will stay in caves or hollow trees when giving birth. Through WWF’s conservation work, the giant panda population has risen to 1600 – 40% higher than previous estimates.
Dolphins, on the other hand, are mammals, not fish, and are believed to be among the most intelligent of all animals. Their search for food is aided by echolocation, producing clicking sounds then receiving and interpreting the returning echoes. Malampaya Sound in Palawan hosts the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), now only around 42 in number. In 2011, about five Irrawaddy dolphins were accidentally killed in fishing operations. With your symbolic adoption, you’re helping WWF ensure the long-term protection of these intelligent and inquisitive creatures.

The first 500 donors will have their adoption kits delivered to them for free. This venture is in cooperation with 2GO, WWF’s official logistics partner for the Adoption Program. For donation and delivery inquiries, visit Facebook.com/WWF.Philippines or email adopt@wwf.org.ph.

Learn a new skill in 2012, or do something adventurous like engaging in business. If your interest is in culinary, check out the offerings at The Maya Kitchen. They have long term courses for the future chef or even short courses for the cooking or baking enthusiast. You never know if your hobby can turn into a life-long passion. Trust us, we’ve been there

The schedule for January includes Hawker Foods, January 14, 9am-2pm; Bread Making Workshop, January 28, 10am-3pm; and Coffee 101, January 28, 1-6pm.

Certificate Courses with hands-on include: Basic Cake Decorating, January 14 and 21, 9am-3pm; Fundamentals of Bakery Production, January 17-20 and January 31- February 3, 9am-2pm; Restaurant Operation, January 21 and 28, 9am-4pm; Basic Culinary, January 24-27, 9am-3pm and Barista, class starts January 28, 1-6pm, 120 hours with on-the-job training.

On January 27, Friday, 1-6pm, The Maya Kitchen presents the mother-and-son tandem of Blecenda Miranda Varona, DRPH, MPH, RND and Mark Miranda Varona, RND who will discuss the basis of the Healing Diet. The lecture will expound on the “Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension, Cancer, Stroke and Arthritis through Dietary Modifications.”

The class will focus on how the wise choice of food and its right preparation can bring anyone optimum health.

An important part of the talk is a cooking and food preparation demonstration that includes Fruit Blend Detox, Malunggay Pancake, Basic Tofu Quiche, Eggplant Szechuan Style and Paco Salad.
Blecenda Varona is a Nutrition and Lifestyle consultant and author who has written and co-written Healing Wonders of Diet, Smart Cooking, Vegetarian Cooking Laboratory Manual and Succulent Vegetarian Workbook. She is an in-demand lecturer and resource speaker as well as a researcher in her field. Her son Mark now works as a nutrition consultant in the family’s own NeedHealth Nutrition and Lifestyle Consultancy.

For more information, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or e-mail contactus@themayakitchen.com or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108.

YUMMY Magazine’s double issue for the months of January and February 2012 is all about eating healthy. It features homegrown products and local superfoods guaranteed to improve your lifestyle and achieve a balanced diet.

The magazine is celebrating its fifth year anniversary and we’re glad that they’ve opened up new sections. Guest Chef is where readers can get to know the cooking style of a noteworthy personality each month.Yummy Likes!, on the other hand, features YUMMY editors’ current best picks of their favorite food, drinks, and restaurants in the country.

Thes Everyday Recipes section is now given an upgrade with the addition of more baon ideas using five ingredients only. Plus, YUMMY also trains the spotlight each month to local artisans who are living out their passions in their Making It page.

We like the mag’s design already but they’re aiming higher. YUMMY editor-in-chief Becky Kho reveals that they’re coming out with their new look soon!

YUMMY is available at newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide. For more of YUMMY online, visit www.yummy.ph, become a fan on Facebook via Facebook.com/yummymagazine and follow them on Twitter via Twitter.com/yummyph.

Park and Sell, a new concept in holiday shopping, opens its grounds on Dec. 2, at the Boom na Boom complex (in front of World Trade Center), Gil Puyat Avenue, Pasay City.
With opening hours from 4 p.m. till 12 midnight, and to run until Dec. 23, Park and Sell is a tiangge with a twist where entrepreneurs are provided a 30-square meter space where they can park, sell their goods from their cars, pack up, and go!

” This is a good venue for start-up entrepreneurs and those who sell one-of-a-kind goods. They don’t have to rent expensive spaces in malls or in tiangges. Shoppers, on the other hand, will have a good time browsing through the selection of local and imported goods,” says Haydee Kwan of the Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation (PETCO), organizer of Park and Sell.

Among the hundreds of exhibitors are Cavite’s best furniture makers– Mes-Man Furniture, TJ’s Antiques and Handicrafts, Amron Wooden Art Furniture and Jovy Antique Furnitures; craftsmen such as Bicol’s Sweetgrass Handicrafts and Laguna’s Llames Handicrafts; and Marikina’s Shoefit, and Win Love Shoe Collection.

Clothes abound – from RTW and general merchandise – with bags and footwear to match, along with accessories – trinkets, pearls – to perfumes and make-up. Other sellers offer fresh produce, wines, powertools, packaging, LED lights and electronics. There will also be a swap meet for used cabinets, glasswares, appliances, and many more.

The best part about tiangges is that one never goes hungry with the abundance of food sellers. Most of them offer ‘free taste’ and it is impossible not to get hooked on them,” adds Kwan. From Mongolian rice and noodles, to waffles, chicken fingers, BBQ and dimsum to local favorites such as laing, empanada, alamang guisado, oyster chips, and many others – they are all at Park and Sell.

For more information, contact PETCO at 8325401/22; 8329304 or email: boomparkandsell@gmail.com

Here’s the official literature: “Osteoporosis occurs when the bone mass decreases quickly more than the body can replace it, leading to a net loss of bone strength. As a result, bones become brittle that even a slight bump can lead to painful fractures. It affects all bones in the body but fractures occur mostly in the spine, hips, and wrist. The alarming part is that, according to statistics, 20% of those who suffer hip fracture die within six months after the fracture. What is so critical about osteoporosis is that it manifests no signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs. Dubbed as the silent disease, osteoporosis almost always leads to irreparable damage or even fatality if not addressed early on.”

I just hope it’s not too late (to combat the dreaded O!)

In the Philippines, World Osteoporosis Day was commemorated recently under the auspices of leading adult milk brand Anlene. Close to 4,000 Filipino women from all over the country joined hands to raise awareness on the fatal silent disease.Simultaneous events under the umbrella theme “Kumilos ka, Sis” were held in Quezon City, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Baguio and Bacolod to highlight the cause of osteoporosis and how it greatly affects one’s quality of life.

Anlene conducted a Nationwide Bone Health Check Caravan to scan about 4,000 Filipinos to educate people about bone health and assess if they’re at risk of osteoporosis.

Photo below shows the scene outside Baguio Cathedral in Baguio City -

“Osteoporosis is a disease we should all take seriously,” states Louise Yu, Anlene Philippines Senior Brand Manager. “It’s a disease that can put an end to the activities we love to do. Worse, it can put an end to one’s life. The Philippines is one in observing World Osteoporosis Day so that we can elevate the awareness level of Filipinos on this deadly disease and prevent the onset of osteoporosis.”

Fitness instructors engaged the participants by leading weight-bearing exercises that are vital in preventing osteoporosis, while doctors gave bone health lectures to explain the nature of the disease.. An Anlene Bone Health Discovery Tunnel was also mounted to interactively inform consumers about bones and the repercussions of osteoporosis.

The highlight of the day was the free bone scanning at the Anlene Bone Health Check stations. “Bone scanning is a routine check-up that most Filipinos don’t have access to. Without proper bone scanning, it will be difficult for them to estimate if they have osteoporosis,” said Angela Pablo, Fonterra Senior Nutritionist. “And if they already have osteoporosis, bone scanning can help the address their conditions accordingly.”

The Anlene Bone Health Check is the heart of Anlene’s Osteoporosis Advocacy. The service, which would approximately costs 4,000 pesos in a hospital, is given free to the public with no purchase requirement. After patients get a one-minute ultrasound bone scan, they can consult with a nutritionist who then initially assesses bone health.

The Anlene Bone Health Check is one of the largest health activation programs in the world. It’s designed to massively educate people about bone health, providing a quick ultrasound bone scan to people across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. It’s run in partnership with GE Healthcare, the world leader in medical imaging technology.

For the past 11 years, Anlene, the only milk in the world that is clinically proven to reduce bone breakdown within four weeks, has been actively leading the campaign against osteoporosis. The Anlene Bone Health Check has been going around the Philippines as a medical caravan that provides free bone scanning and assessment. The mission has scanned over a million patients and Anlene has allocated 150 million peso-investment to bring the mission to more provinces.

Through the nationwide observation of World Osteoporosis Day, Anlene, together with the local government leaders who gave their support to the events, hopes to make more Filipino women aware of the devastating impacts osteoporosis can bring into their lives. Armed with good health and the right information, these women can look forward to living their lives to the fullest. (from the press release)

Good service and warranty is the reason why people are loyal to Apple products (rest in peace, Steve Jobs!) I still remember the time when something went wrong with my aluminum Macbook’s LCD screen. Thankfully, we were subscribed to Apple Care and had it brought for repair with no fuss at a Power Mac Center. In a week, they returned my unit with a flawless screen and it certainly felt like my lappy was all-new again.

And now, am glad to learn that the Philippines’ leading Apple reseller Digital Hub is offering the Protect+ coverage for Apple products like the Macbook, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, iMac, iMac Mini, iPad, and iPod (excluded is the iPhone). Protect+ is just an extension to AppleCare 1 or 3 years warranty and not a replacement.

For a certain fee, Protect+ covers the following: 12 months protection from accidental damage, standard repairs and unit replacement, and 12 months protection from theft.

Digital Hub has teamed up with the Philippine Fire and Marine Insurance Corp. (Philfire) to offer the service. It will indemnify the insured against the cost of repair (maximum of two repairs for the period covered) or the replacement of the equipment itself.

What more, a FREE 30-day trial within 7 days from date of purchase is up for grabs. And Apple Protect Plus offers flexible terms when it comes to duration of coverage and payment of premiums. It is available to you within 14 days from date of purchase, the official Digital Hub press release says.

It’s very easy to activate Protect+ -

1. Visit your nearest DigitalHub store to purchase your favorite Apple gadget (excluding iPhones).

2. Ask for assistance from the sales representative to register for the 30-day free trial of the Protect Plus.

3. Visit the PhilFire website at http://www.philfire.com.ph. Click on the Products and choose “Protect+” Create your own account by supplying your personal information and details of your purchase. (Purchase should be within 7 Days of purchase)

4. Successful registration will be confirmed by means of an email verification of your purchase details.

5. For 6 and 12 months coverage, your insurance policies will be delivered to your preferred addresses

For more inquiries, you can visit any DigitalHub stores.
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/digitalhub.ph
Twitter: @DigitalHub_RP

We all know about the host of accidents that Manila’s motorcycle riders engage themselves in, and the unlucky ones even die. It seems safety really is a big issue for our motorcylists who get sideswiped by buses or bumped off by trucks. I would only dare ride a motorcycle in the metro’s crazy streets if I go to this school that just opened. What’s investing a thousand pesos for the sake of your dear life, right?

Located at the Ortigas Home Depot along Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City, Safe-T-Ryders Motorcycle Training Center offers basic and enrichment riding courses that will give motorcycle riders a sound foundation to be safer road users. And the lessons are affordable too. The basic and enrichment courses, which include theory inputs and practical riding exercises, are priced at only P750 for each two-day program. For those who want to refresh their knowledge about riding safety, there is also a three-hour lecture for only P200.

Novice riders can get started with the Basic Safety Riding Course which has the following outline: (a) respect for traffic rules; (b) consequences of accidents; (c) road usage principles; (d) stopping and following distance; (e) mirrors, signals and blind spots; (f) right of way rules; (g) alcohol and fatigue; and (h) qualities of a good rider. The practical training includes (a) physical exercise, preparation and check-up; (b) riding position; (c) basic operations for moving, stopping and gear-shifting; (d) practice running S-curve and Figure-8; (e) cornering and speed control; and (f) slalom.

For more experienced riders who want to enhance their riding skills, Safe-T-Ryders has two levels of Enrichment Riding Courses. Designed as fast-track programs, these enrichment courses tackle more advanced topics on how to handle difficult road conditions, anticipate risks and avoid accidents. The lecture contents consist of (a) motorcycle inspection; (b) behaviour of various road users; (c) lane changing and overtaking; (d) defensive riding; (e) turning of long wheel base vehicles; and (f) risk forecasting. The practical training covers higher-level riding skills such as (a) balancing and low speed control; (b) blind spot, turning and lane-changing; (c) braking in different conditions; (d) deceleration after acceleration; and (e) vehicle handling with backrider.

Safe-T-Ryders is established by Arnel Doria, a respected marketing executive who played a key role in establishing Honda as a leading car brand in the Philippines and was instrumental in setting up the country’s first integrated vehicle training center, the Honda Safety Driving Center.

The center manager is Julius Ballesteros, a TESDA-certified instructor, who has just returned from a two-year stint as a safety driving instructor of a large Saudi Arabian company. He is assisted by Sulfikar Guiabel, an experienced LTO-accredited riding/driving instructor.

For inquiries about the Safe-T-Ryder courses, call 208-8035 or (932) 872-3389.

I highly recommend these personalized wine bottle labels from ADP Industries. I like them the first time I saw them (aside from the fact that I like receiving wine gifts for COOKING!) They’re water-proof and come free for a minimum order of 30 bottles. Each label has been designed to fit the wine bottle of your choice and to seamlessly blend with the original wine label.Choose from an extensive library of designs and messages or create your own. Put a logo if it is a company gift. Put a photo for a really personal touch. It is not only for Christmas that you can use these labels. They’re also apt for special occasions like New Year, birthdays, christening, anniversaries, homecomings, weddings, bon voyage, thank you, welcome, best wishes, good luck and more.

About ADP Industries: for the past 30 years, it has forged strong relationships with some of the world’s best wine producers notably René Barbier and Freixenet from Spain and Yvon Mau from France. These wineries produce the finest merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, cava, rosé and more.

ADP Industries represent companies and brands that are leaders in their categories and countries of origin like Spain’s Freixenet SA, Galo Pasta and Cidacos, France’s Societe Bic and Yvon Mau Wines, Turkey’s Taris Zeytin, USA’s Sweet ‘N Low, Austria’s Pez, Germany’s Haribo Chewy Candies, South Korea’s Orion, Japan’s Kamaya, Netherland’s Droste BV, Colombia’s Noel, Indonesia’s Asia Pulp and Paper and Agel Langgeng.

To know more about their Wines and Wishes promotion, go to www.xmasgifts.com.ph or www.adpic.som.ph or call 921-2121.

On October 8, from 10am to 1pm, get ready as Chef Patron Gen Capati of The Cookbook Kitchen (In Eastwood & Pampanga) demonstrate some of his restaurant’s most popular dishes like CBK Stuffed Spring Chicken brimming with cheese, ham and basil and Boston Poached Fish Fillet poached in white wine and grapes. Also in the line up are the resto’s other crowd favorites like Meaty Herbed Eggplant, Pasta al Adobo and Decadent Chocolate Rhum Cake, a creation of Chef Capati himself.

Other one-day special classes include: Weekender Chefs Workshop for Kids 6-11 years old, October 8, 9am-1pm; Barchow, October 15, 9am-1pm; Food Catering, October 15, 9am-5pm; Pinoy Hawker Food, October 22, 9am-1pm; Pizza Workshop, October 22, 9am-2pm; and Coffee 101, October 22, 1-6pm.

Certificate courses with hands-on include: Fundamentals of Bakery Production, October 4-7 and 18-21, 9am-2pm; Basic Culinary, October 11-14 and 25-28, 9am-3pm; Basic Cake Decorating, October 21-22, 9am-3pm; and Barista, starts October 22, 1-6pm, 120 hours with on-the-job-training.

TESDA-registered course is Breads and Pastry Production NCII, starts October 18, 9am-2pm, 250 hours with on-the-job training.

For more information on other course offerings, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or email contactus@themayakitchen.com or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at the 8/F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 892-1185 or 892-5011 local 108.

Presented by the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX) and Fuego Hotels, Flavors of Spain brings to Manila’s discriminating diners the unique experience of enjoying Spanish tapas, big-flavored delicacies on small plates, that is best paired with a glass or two of sherry or beer.

El Cirkulo, Terry’s Selection, Barcino and Tapella will will offer their finest for the Flavors of Spain Tapas Festival.

El Cirkulo, the stylish restaurant run by the Gamboa family of restaurateurs, participates with a long tapas menu. Since its opening, the restaurant has collected rave reviews for its overall fine dining experience and Spanish cuisine. There are several tapas to look forward to, paired with a choice of the chef’s recommended wines and spirits. The restaurant with “paellas to die for,” as one food critic commented, is a landmark in Arnaiz Avenue.

Terry’s Selection, celebrating its twelfth year as one of Manila’s most loved Spanish restaurants, joins the Tapas Festival with its own inventive menu. Owned and run by Chef Juan Carlos de Terry, the restaurant also boasts of a gourmet store of exquisite wines, hams, sausages and cheeses. The restaurant has not only been hailed for its authentic cuisine but for great service. Terry’s has grown over the years with three locations: Pasong Tamo, The Podium and in Lafayette Square, Salcedo Village.

From a gourmet bar with selected specialties to a deli shop and four wine restaurants, the success of Barcino Wine Resto Bar is one for the books. Barcino Gourmet began with a bar, a table, wine, cheeses and chorizos and few Spanish delicacies. Today, with its popularity at a high, Barcino offers gourmands four locations to enjoy its tapas specialties. Diners can savor Barcino at Greenbelt 2, The Fort, Julio Vargas in Ortigas, Greenbelt 5 and Power Plant Mall, Rockwell.

Also joining the Tapas Festival is Tapella by Gaudi, located in Greenbelt 5. Making waves in Spanish tapas and paellas since it opened, Tapella has been lauded for a number of tapas specialties. The kitchen is headed by Chef Alexandra Cacho, who uses only authentic Spanish ingredients for the restaurant’s many specialties.

For more information on the Flavors of Spain, contact El Cirkulo at 810-8735, 810-2763; Terry’s Selection at 844-1816 (Pasong Tamo), 636-3513 (The Podium), 889-3194 (Salcedo Village); Barcino at 501-3250 (Greenbelt 2), 900-0726 (The Fort), 636-2963 (Ortigas), 756-0965 (Greenbelt 5), 846-9423 (Power Plant Mall); and Tapella by Gaudi at 757-2710.