Amid these challenging times, the Christmas season enters with hope, cheer, and the anticipation of reuniting with friends and family. Indeed, a lot of us faced obstacles along the way, but it should not stop us from celebrating and enjoying the happiest time of the year together with our loved ones.

My husband loves to cook and I would be the one who'd be buying the cookware, cooking utensils, accessories, kitchenware, and everything related to cooking.  These days, I've been eyeing on cookware that works on all stovetops: Induction, Gas Electric, Ceramic, etc.  I've found a brand of cookware on my favorite e-commerce site, Shopee!  It's Maxflex Premium Stainless Steel Cookware!

When I purchase, I make sure that it's of good quality and then affordability.  I don't just look at the price tag and get the cheapest one in the market.  When I do an important purchase, I make sure that it's value-for-money, durable, and versatile. 

I've found all these qualities in all Masflex cookware!  To be specific, we've been eyeing on this Masflex Limited Edition 6 piece Premium Stainless Steel Cookware Set with 20 cm Casserole. 

 

16cm Premium Stainless Steel Saucepan with Glass Lid Perfect for cooking sauces such as gravy my kids' favorite. But you could also cook more than just sauces with this saucepan. When we usually reheat sauce-based food or fry in small batches, we also use this. It's very versatile! A saucepan is a must-have for us! Glad that this one comes with a tempered glass lid unlike others.

24cm Premium Stainless Steel Frypan with Glass Lid I don't know any family who doesn't fry their chicken or fish in cooking oil! Even if we have an air fryer, sometimes frying the old fashioned way gives additional flavor to the food! So this is another cookware must-have for us. Glad Masflex has this high-grade stainless steel frypan. More importantly, it comes with a tempered glass-lid that protects us from hot cooking oil splats.

20cm Premium Stainless Steel Casserole with Glass Lid Happy that there's a casserole with just the right size that comes with this set of cookware we're eyeing on Masflex's Official Shopee Store! And yes, it also comes with a tempered glass lid. Our family loves soup-based viands such as Sinigang, Nilagang Baka, and Tinola. For a family of 5, for me this is just a perfect size.

What I like about these are: 

• Made of heavy gauge quality stainless steel
• They have thick Tri-ply Encapsulated bottom for even heat distribution
• Ergonomically designed riveted stainless steel handle and knob
• It's safe to use, durable and will never rust
• They come with a tempered glass lid
• They work on all stovetops: Induction, Gas Electric, Ceramic, etc.
• It's easy to clean and dishwasher safe

Eco-friendly, reusable, washable Masflex White Apron

So for cookware and all other kitchenware and for the love of cooking, check out Masflex's Official Store on Shopee!  Happy Shopee-ng!

How do you enjoy your tea?  Hot, cold, with milk and sinkers, bagged or loose?  I like mine fresh, brewed, both hot and cold, and I'm now appreciating loose leaf tea.  I've recently discovered a tea brand that brings back the art of drinking tea, T2.  There's no other tea brand out there, like T2.  T2 is the newest brand launched by John Michael Hilton of Visum Ventures & Leaf Beverages PH.  I've had the pleasure to be present during the Leaf Beverages media launch at the SM Aura Premier.  

T2 SM Aura Premier Branch

John Michael Hilton of Visum Ventures & Leaf Beverages PH

Taste testing T2's selection of loose leaf teas

French Earl Grey, Melbourne Breakfast, Green Rose, and Fruitalicious

Made NEVER ENOUGH Cocktail Drink

Love its light and fruity taste with a punch in the end of each gulp.

My 18-year old joined the fun in mixing his own cocktail!

T2 humbly started in Melbourne, Australia and has taken the traditional art of tea, turned it on its head, and taken it to the world.  The brand has been around for 20 years and with over 100 stores worldwide including the Philippines.  They are here to influence the way Filipinos enjoy their cup of teas.

Today, T2 has four branches already: SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, The Podium and SM Aura Premier.  Now we could all have an elegant High Tea experience with unlimited T2 Tea selection.  Choose from Bronze, Silver, and Gold set where you could enjoy your T2 tea served with sandwiches and snacks from Shangri-La The Fort. You could add a glass of wine or cocktail and end the indulgent experience with gold leaf ice cream. This is happening only between November 19 -December 19, 2021 only.  Perfect for that much-needed me-time or long overdue catch-up with your friends.

We were served select freshly brewed loose tea leaves of T2 Teas during the launch.  We were even made to mix our own Never Enough cocktail drink, which when you taste, you'd definitely say one glass is Never Enough!  

The experience of having T2 Teas?  Think of Bridgerton high tea time with your amigas while talking about the latest and exciting news around town.  That's the feeling I get with every sip of T2 teas.  In this day and age where milk teas and different versions of iced teas have dominated the tea market especially among the millennials and GenZs, it's refreshing to see T2 reinventing the humble tea leaf.  Every sip takes you back to the traditional beginnings of tea.  

T2 Tea + Tea wares = T2 Lifestyle

The transition from face-to-face classes to a fully remote learning setup has been challenging, especially for the parents. From keeping their kids away from boredom to ensuring that they are focused in school, parents have never been as busy when it comes to ensuring their kids remain engaged despite the restrictions of distance learning.

Photo credit: Kara Crisostomo’s personal photo

As we are well into our second school year in lockdown, licensed psychologist, professional teacher, and mom of two Kara Crisostomo shared that among the biggest challenges in distance learning is keeping students engaged due to pandemic fatigue. Similarly, parents reporting back to their offices means they also need to have the energy to keep up with their child’s schoolwork. 

To help parents and their kids everywhere conquer another school year at home, Kara together with Nestlé Wellness Campus (NWC) and KOKO KRUNCH share four crucial tips to help make distance learning easier than ever:

1. Start the day right with a delicious, healthy and affordable breakfast.  Good nutrition, health, and wellness are essential for a healthy body and mind. Starting the day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast is vital now more than ever for kids so they have the energy they need for a great day of learning.

“A healthy breakfast will help keep kids active and engaged during online learning, especially when they’re sitting in front of a laptop without any physical interaction. Since our mornings are usually short and rushed, breakfast consists of quick and easy to prepare meals like cereals, sandwiches, and milk which our kids would love,” shared Kara.

One example of a delicious, healthy and affordable breakfast combo is a whole grain cereal bowl paired with milk and fruits. KOKO KRUNCH  makes a good choice as it provides the great chocolatey taste that kids love AND the energy from wholegrain cereals. This, while providing B-vitamins & Iron to help make this energy available for the body. Milk is high in protein and calcium while fruits have fiber and Vitamin C. 

1. Provide a more conducive learning environment at home. It can be as simple as setting up a table, computer, and chair for them in one part of the house or even making one room into a designated study or work place. Their books, art materials, and any other relevant school materials can be organized here. The children can also place their own decors that will keep them inspired when they work.

Kara explained, “Having a proper set-up prompts them to know when and where to do their school work. This can also help them alleviate distractions and be more focused when needed in completing their assignments.”

Serving delicious, healthy and affordable snacks during breaks, like a bowl of KOKO KRUNCH, may also help kids think better and concentrate on their lessons. Parents don’t have to worry with the nutrients their kids are getting because one serving of KOKO KRUNCH already provides 38% of iron1 and about 60%2 of Vitamins B3 and B6  needed for the day3.

2. Keep connected with the children’s school and teachers. Whether it’s messaging through the school’s learning platform or staying active in a parent’s group chat, establish lines of communication to stay up to date with requirements and gather support for school work.

Kara shared that in her son’s school, parents can communicate with teachers through their learning management system and can also email school admins for other concerns. They also have a chat group for parents which has been very active since the pandemic started. “Having this communication line with co-parents can also help when guiding our children with their school work,” Kara said.

3. Find time to be proactive in a child’s learning development. Despite having a long day at work, it’s crucial for a parent to be on top of their child’s learning. This can be done by being familiar with their children’s lessons, helping with assignments daily, or simply checking on them. 

Kara shared parents cannot expect the same things from their children as they did before the pandemic. “We cannot press our children to make sure that they get everything right in school. Let us give them the space they need especially when they want to relax.”

This can be supported by having a family movie night at home, ordering food from a place the kids usually enjoy, or even as simple as dancing to Nestlé Wellness Campus’ Dancercise program. Find anything that can help the children unwind and recharge. Doing so can help maintain their motivation and engagement in school.

Nestlé, as the Kasambuhay sa Kalusugan, acknowledge that nutrition, health, and wellness are all key in getting through the new school year. This also highlights the value of delicious, healthy, and affordable breakfast meals like KOKO KRUNCH as it is essential to keep children nourished for the day ahead.

These are only some of the many resources that parents can access through NWC. Join the Nestlé Wellness Homeroom Facebook Group to learn more about how you can make the new normal schooling experience more fun and engaging for you and your children.

The chocolate chip cookies we all love, Chips Delight, first hit the shelves in 1996. These freshly baked and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies were the delicious creation of Grand Alphatech International Corporation (GALINCO). Founded by its visionary entrepreneurial Chairman William Co Buchong, GALINCO has always aspired to make products that proclaim “Ang galing ng Pinoy!”, Mr. Co Buchong believes in exporting world class products made from the Philippines rather than “exporting” Filipinos separating them from their loved ones. 

Now, 25 years later, GALINCO continues to innovate, create, and deliver delightful treats to millions of families, not just here in the Philippines but around the world.

From its first ever Chips Delight chocolate chip cookies, GALINCO went on to expand its product line to several other delicacies and chocolate snacks. GALINCO Chief Operating Officer Josephine Co-Salonga who was trained in baking in the UK  explains: “Humbled by the success of Chips Delight cookies, we made it our mission to consistently cater and come up with products that can be shared by Filipino families, wherever they may be.'' True enough, GALINCO’s irresistible confectionaries and snacks are now staples in every home: Chips Delight, those nostalgic cookies with choco bits—which now comes in other delectable flavors: Striped Chocolate, Striped Cappuccino, Triple Chocolate, Soft Brownie, Peanut & Caramel, and Coffee Caramel. Smileys, the cream-filled cookie that’s every kid’s go-to baon; Egg Bites, treats that are baked-to-perfection and made with real fresh eggs; Sarap Pinoy features easy-to-prepare traditional Filipino snacks like puto, kutsinta, and champorado; Mr. Wow Gulaman, powder-based jelly desserts that are simple and quick to prepare; Cream Delight, hearty and delicious spreads; And to give Filipino families even more variety, GALINCO now bakes fudgy and moist Chips Delight Brownies–which comes with chocolate, white chocolate, and cashew nuts. More delicious chocolate treats are on the way!

Made for Filipinos by Filipinos, it’s really no wonder how GALINCO perfectly captured the panlasang Pinoy that makes the Filipino family bonding experience delightful, creating joy and memories to be treasured for all times.

But GALINCO has not just sweetened every Filipino family’s bonding moment. It has also shared their success with the community. Because Josephine’s mom was a school teacher for 40 years, education is at the core of their corporate social responsibility. GALINCO has donated numerous school buildings in less privileged areas of rural Philippines, which also acts as evacuation centers in times of disaster; gives scholarships to needy families; supports orphanages and abused children; provides community firefighting equipment and aids volunteers—pursuits they will all actively continue in the years to come.

Co-Salonga reiterated that GALINCO owes its success to its millions of customers who have chosen their snacks throughout the years. “Our company would not be where it is had it not been for our loyal patrons, team members and partners. They keep us inspired and motivated to continue bringing high-quality products and delicacies to Filipino homes, which we will continue to happily do. We remain true to our mission—to bring a delightful experience for everyone, every day.”

To know more about GALINCO’s products and ongoing promos, you can check their official Shopee and Lazada pages

Join Shopee's Big Brand Giveaways which is 10 days leading up to October 10 where users can win up to P15,000 worth of exciting prizes from your favorite Mall Brands. Join now: https://shopee.ph/m/big-brand-giveaways and catch the big brand giveaways from Chef's Classics on October 3!                          

Now this is what I've been waiting for this 10.10's Brand's Festival on Shopee!  Chef Classic is one of the cookware and kitchenware brands that I've been using at home!  I'm so thrilled to know that they're on great deals and they are in fact one of the brands included in the Big Brand Giveaway on Shopee!

Now time to add to cart and upgrade your kitchen with some of Chef Classic's well-loved products!  I'm sharing with you the things I've been eyeing on for some time.

Here's a list of my Chef's Classics Wishlist!

Chef's Classics Lee Plaza 30th Anniversary Non-Stick Frypan, 24cm

Celebrating 30 years of the biggest department store and supermarket in Negros Oriental, Chef's Classics commemorates Lee Plaza's anniversary with a special edition frypan. With a 3-layer teflon non-stick coating, and an ergonomic riveted bakelite handle, you can't go wrong with this induction-friendly frypan. It has a 3-layer Teflon non-stick, an Ergonomic riveted bakelite handles for extra durability and high heat resistance and a Honeycomb design induction bottom.

I personally own a Chef's Classics Non-Stick fry pan and it's been with me for years, it's time to get a new one.  The old has served me very well.  It's indeed durable and definitely a must-have. 

Purchase on Shopee here: https://shopee.ph/Chef's-Classics-Lee-Plaza-30th-Anniversary-Non-Stick-Frypan-24cm-i.87138170.4292538761?position=6

Chef's Classics Sunflower Stainless Steel Low Casserole, 28cm

I own a Chef's Classics Stainless Steel pot and I tell you, it's really a must have for families who love cooking soup-based viands!  But this casserole, I want to also get, to complete my Sunflower Stainless set.

A good starter set for any kind of modern kitchen, the Sunflower cookware series will provide the right pot or pan for just about any type of dish you have in mind. Made with high-quality stainless steel that is both a pleasure to look at and a breeze to clean. This set is also specially designed to suit a wide variety of cooking techniques, in gas, electric or induction stoves. Each piece boasts of fully welded stainless-steel knobs and handles and a durable three-layer thermic induction bottom.

Purchase on Shopee here: https://shopee.ph/Chef's-Classics-Sunflower-Stainless-Steel-Low-Casserole-28cm-i.87138170.8869877327?position=7

Chef's Classics Carbon Fiber Non-Stick Saucepot, 24cm

I have a Chef's Classics sauce pot with a long handle.  I need one that I can hold on both sides and this non-stickl saucepot is just perfect!  I love using saucepots for making small serving soups and also gravy for my kids' favorite burger steak or fried chicken.

The Chef's Classics Carbon Fiber series are non-reactive non-stick cookware that marries the benefits of aluminum and non-stick. Cold-forged aluminum cookware finished with a tough, non-stick Greblon coating are some of the finest cookware you'll ever have because the aluminum body absorbs and retains heat well, while the non-stick coating protects it from reacting with acidic food. It is also lightweight and durable, and cooks and cleans with ease. Just stay away from metal utensils and stick to using nylon, silicone, or wood to avoid scratching the non-stick surface. When well taken care of, the Carbon Fiber series will stay with you for years. Slow cook meats, cook bigger batches of soups and stocks, boil water, or deep fry—there's nothing you can't do with a versatile casserole like this! 

Purchase on Shopee here: https://shopee.ph/Chef's-Classics-Carbon-Fiber-Non-Stick-Saucepot-24cm-i.87138170.10105810127?position=2"

So mamas who love to cook for their families like me, go check out all the other products Chef Classics offers on their Shopee Official Account!  Add to cart this 10.10 Brands Festival to get special discounts and who knows you could be one of the lucky winners of their Big Brand Giveaway!

Happy Shopee-ng!  

You could be one of the winners of up to Php40,000 daily in Dole's promo which is ongoing until July 23 - just like these lucky Pinoys!

Dole and Seasons kicked off their ‘Cash Prizes Araw-Araw Base sa Sikat ng Araw’ promo last May 25, and many daily winners are already enjoying their prizes!

The lucky winner of Php 17,200 is Diana Non, from Taguig City. She chanced upon the promo after being a long-time follower of Dole on Facebook.

"Napanood ko yung live ni Gretchen & Robi, pinakinggan ko ang mechanics and super na-excite ako talaga. Kaya bumili agad ako ng Dole Pineapple Juice para makasali,” she said.

(“I caught Gretchen & Robi’s livestream, so I listened to the mechanics and it got me really excited. That’s why after watching the live show, I immediately purchased Dole Pineapple Juice to join,” she said.)

Non expressed her gratitude, as the money had been life-changing saying, “Sobrang laking tulong ito sa akin at sa aking pamilya, lalo na sa panahon na ito na mahirap ang hanapbuhay dahil sa pandemya. Sobrang natuwa ako kasi may tindahan ako na kakasimula lang nung January, yung perang napanalunan ko ay dinagdag ko sa puhunan ko.”

 (“This is a big help for my me and my family, especially at a time like this with the pandemic making it harder for us to make ends meet. I was really happy since I just opened up a store last January, and I added my winnings to my investment.”)

There is so much uncertainty in these times as the pandemic continues to drastically change the lives of many. Dole is committed to bringing #SunshineForAll, giving everyone the chance to win in this promo.

The odds were in favor of Ryan Jay Olpot, who took home Php 12,800. Unfortunately, Olpot is one of the millions of Filipinos who had lost their jobs to COVID-19.

“Sumali ako since nawalan ako ng work. At syempre matagal na akong bumibili ng Dole Pineapple Juice dahil bukod sa mas mura ay unsweetened siya which is healthier. Malaki ang naitulong sa amin since need ko talaga ng pambayad ng mga bills. Nakabili ako ng pagkain at mga gamot,” he shared.

 

(“I joined because I was out of work. And of course, I’ve been a long-time drinker of Dole Pineapple Juice, as it’s not only cheap but it’s also unsweetened which makes it healthier. The prize money was a big help for us, since we still need to pay bills even after I lost my job. I was also able to buy food and medicine,” he shared.)

 

 

Olpot now encourages others to join saying, “Guys sumali na kayo, dahil napakadali lang sumali at bukod sa magiging healthy sila sa mga products ng Dole ay may chance pang manalo!”

 

(“Guys, join now since it’s so easy to enter. Not only will you become healthier with Dole’s products, but you also have the chance to win in the promo!”)

 

How To Enter

Join now...the promo ends on July 23, 2021!

By simply buying any of the participating Dole and Seasons products, you can win up to Php 40,000, as long as the sun shines its brightest at the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Polomolok, South Cotabato. But whether you win or lose, all entries are qualified for the Php 1 Million Grand Dole and Season’s ‘Plantation Pachinko’--the biggest Pachinko in the world! This is definitely something that you wouldn’t want to miss this July 27.

To enter the draw, be sure to register first through Dole’s Facebook Messenger on www.facebook.com/Doleph. Send your complete name, age, complete address, and mobile number. You can make an entry for every purchase of a participating Dole and Seasons product.

 

Increase your chances of winning by buying as many Dole and Seasons participating products, and timing the submission of your entries on the day that the sun shines brightest in Polomolok, South Cotabato. (Check the weather there on accuweather.com.)

 

Participating Dole products are the new Dole Sparkling Juice Drink (Strawberry, Lemon Lime, Cucumber and Passion Fruit), the new All Natural Seasons (Pineapple Banana, Pineapple Coconut, Pineapple Mango and Pineapple Orange Juice) in 1L Tetra Pak, Dole 100 percent Pineapple Juice, Dole Pineapple Orange Juice Drink, and All Natural Seasons Tropical Fruit Cocktail.

 

Visit https://www.facebook.com/Doleph to learn more about the promo, and to catch the latest updates. 

There was one day or two, oh I think lately because of the holiday season (busiest work month of the year for me) it's been happening more frequently - that I forget to cook lunch or dinner for the family.  I've been too busy working at home that I don't notice time pass by. Next thing I know, it's already 1PM or 7PM and realize that I haven't cooked anything.

HANGRY.

That's how everyone would end up feeling when my mombrain (the side that is forgetful) is activated.  I usually rely on having fast food delivery or still cook (for at least 30 mins), but this option makes them even HANGRIER.  I know these band-aid solutions aren't healthy but I had to resort to them to feed my hungry favorite people.  I feel bad about this, but fed is best.

I'm so happy about this new discovery because:

• It's so easy to cook!  Just boil your spaghetti noodles and heat your thawed Purefoods TJ Slow-Cooked Spaghetti Sauce.  This means even if there may be times that I get too preoccupied with work, I can still serve heart-warming home-cooked meal that's delicious too!

• It only takes 10 MINUTES Amazing, right?  I also can't believe that I don't need to spend extra minutes to chop anything like garlic or onions.  But it's true, when I tried it, easy peasy cooking!  Super convenient, super fast!  Saves me a lot of time.

• Its ingredients are complete starring the #1TJHotdog we all love, other meats, spices, and the yummy Pinoy- Style sauce.  No need to stress out looking for other ingredients or the chopping part, because the ingredients are complete!  

• It can be a bonding activity with the kids!  Because it's easy to cook, even kids can join you in cooking without any fuss!  cooking with them makes it a perfect bonding or teaching activity.

• I can do more with less!  I can do more of my duties as a wife, a mom, and a working mama with less cooking time!  With Purefoods TJ Slow-Cooked Spaghetti Sauce, I can do more with less.  Having said that, it's indeed a practical solution for me on days when I get too busy to cook meals for my kids.