Among my biggest dreams is to become a chef. Yeahuh, CHEF. Probably because of my daily exposure to Cooking Master Boy, Chef Academy, Iron Chef, and local cooking shows such as QTV11's Delicioso-- I have longed to be the one whipping up sumptuous dinners and mouth-watering desserts...and! literally sweating it out in the kitchen.
I wanted to be a chef so bad that I searched online for possible scholarships. In fact, I was among the short-listed applicants for the Academy for International Culinary Arts scholarship program late last year. But I guess, I wasn't meant to chop, baste, and fry as I didn't get the much-coveted scholarship. So imagine my excitement when I got the chance to sit in front 10 chefs, with chef bruce Lim at the helm, running to and fro the Chef's Table kitchen--wearing their game faces; making sure that dishes were perfectly done-- for Bounty Fresh Chicken's media event.
I so wanted to be in their place that time :p
"Bounty Fresh Chicken held the event at the classy and popular Chef’s Table Restaurant in The Fort. Friends from the media and top bloggers had a fun, prize-laden and educational experience. Aside from bringing home great freebies from Bounty Fresh, they learned delicious and healthy chicken recipes personally prepared and demonstrated by popular TV celebrity gourmet chef, Bruce Lim. Lucky guests went away with special prizes for participating in the games and raffle. A wellness talk given by respected nutritionist Joan Sumpio was one of the highlights of the day’s program, which stresses the importance of chicken meat, nutrition and finding the right product in the market. A ‘Best Blog Post’ Contest was also launched."
I never knew much about Bounty Fresh and its yummy choices until I cleared my once-overflowing plate of their own version and mix of chicken pandan, chicken nuggets, and chili wings.
There’s something relaxing and unequivocally exciting about the simple utterance of the word “spa.” Down south, the tranquil vibe that the word exudes is simply translated into a place called Quan Spa. Somewhere in Marriott Hotel Manila rests this unassuming minimalist of a relaxation haven where southerners and northerners alike surrender themselves for an hour or two.
What’s in a name?
Quan Spa lives up to its name, being a Chinese character quan meaning “a source of pure water”, as guests are warmly welcomed by a curtain of flowing water and the feeling of being along a crisp, fresh stream. Symbolically, the spa’s name is that of water and is often associated with good luck. Also, quan is a Chinese character synonym which denotes completeness or sufficiency.
(photo courtesy of Marriott Hotel Manila: uan Spa)
But don’t get too awed with the name just yet. Wait until you’ve tried Quan Spa’s therapies, wraps, facials, and massages.
The gift of the flowing water
There’s no denying the fact that this spa, which has made its debut in 2004 at the Sanya Marriott Resort and Spa in China, is very much inspired by none other than water. Friendly yet attentive certified therapists greet guests with beaming smiles that makes one feel as if they have long been part of each others’ lives. And this feeling will hold through even after the treatment has been done because the instant guests arrive at the lounge, they are asked to answer questionnaires regarding the status of their health and their personal preferences. This way, said Health Club and Spa Manager Almira Mondonedo,the guests are assured of a smooth-sailing spa relaxation, sans the burden of discomfort.
Proudly Pinoy
Although most spas abound offer various treatments and massages inspired by the different cultures of different countries, Quan Spa, albeit its Chinese origins, endorses and offers 100 per cent Pinoy-inspired treatments such as Hilot, Dagdagay foot spa, Banana Leaf Wrap, Papaya Scrub.
“What we are really promoting are Filipino treatments and Pinoy products,” stressed Mondonedo.
Wading in my own water
Quan Spa boasts of their treatments that have been backed up by empirical proofs, as witnessed by generations upon generations of patrons. Techniques for body scrubbing, body wrapping, massaging, bathing and steaming have been handed down in all cultures across the world and these time-proven remedies are the source of inspiration for their treatments.
Given these, I must say that my first Quan Spa experience was like being caressed by and wading in my own water. Personalized spa treatment was what I have observed and felt in my quick sojourn to this place.
Interesting tidbit I found out was that Quan Spa bases their guest’s kind of massage oil and suggests services that are more apt for the day, afternoon, or night. This way, says Mondonedo, guests do not feel sleepy when they should be awake and otherwise.
Guests leave Quan feeling that they have had a positive change in either the way they look, the way they feel or the way they respond to everyday situations. Quan treatments support the quest that all people have, which is to feel alive and vital and to present their very best self to the world.
Basic beauty can be achieved without breaking your piggy banks. Maintenance products are widely available in the market today, you won’t even miss it. There are toners, astringents, creams, wash, and moisturizers tailor-fit for every skin type, but not all may be perfect for you. Lemme share some pointers before purchasing that loot.
For those with the luxury of a weekly facial treatment and skin enhancements, having healthy and radiant skin is a breeze. But for those who believe that maintaining a beautiful skin needs no humongous financial investment. Creams, moisturizers, and all those facial enhancers, that last up to a month or so, come in handy tubes and pretty pots which are cheaper compared to that coveted one-time facial treatment.
But take heed, not all products that you deem okay-to-perfect for your skin type are that friendly. Some may cause breakouts and excessive drying effect despite the labels that say otherwise.
It’s in the skin
Oil is good even on the face as it keeps it moist and supple, but having too much of it is not a pretty sight. Some people think that the way to oil-free skin requires scrubbing and one-too-many washes a day, this is wrong.
“Oil production is nature's response to irritation – so the harsher the cleansing, the more likely the body is to respond by producing more oil, "said Joel Schlessinger, MD president-elect of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, in an article by Collete Bouchez, published in WebMD.com.
The way to go is a gentle but constant, thorough cleansing. Dr. Gwendolyn Wong recommends purchasing products that have salicylic acid and those that are sudsy as these kinds cleanse the skin better than soap-free, non-sudsy facial wash. “The sudsier the better,” said Dr. Wong.
ZEN Health Magazine beauty columnist and beauty blogger, Lee Shen Gee, said that “anything that says oil control would most likely work for you. Living in the Philippines, most skin care products have oil control variants since most Filipinas do have oily skin. Pore minimizing products may also work since those who have large pores tends to have oily skin.” She suggests using Garnier Light Complete and Clean and Clear products.
The offshoot of oiliness is acne or pimples as oil, when mixed with dirt and grime, tends to block the pores which causes annoying and stinging zits. Again, Dr. Wong suggests that you use facial cleansers with salicylic acid, belonging to the class of keratolytic agents, as this reduces the pimple’s redness and swelling, and dries it up faster.
While Gee suggests products with Tea Tree Oil in it as it has disinfecting factors that is just perfect for acne, blackheads,
whiteheads, and even fungi infections and recommends products from Neutrogena, Garnier Pure A and those from Flawless and Let’sFace It as most of the items are mere PhP250 below.
If you have dry and sensitive skin, shun the fragrance. If you have hypersensitive skin you don’t want something with
color with artificial fragrances as these might contribute to further irritation of the skin. For the cleansers, the less sudsy the better so opt for milky and soap-free products, said Dr. Wong.
(photos courtesy of Google Images and shensaddiction.com)
Has the gym become your last resort to fitness simply because it has bored you to exhaustion after a few weeks?Or have you quit going to your favorite fitness hub due to your demanding work schedule; leaving lesser and lesser time for you to sweat it out? Perhaps, circuit training might be perfect for you!
A combination of aerobics and resistance exercises, circuit training is specifically designed to initiate and target muscle development, fat loss, and over all fitness. Brainchild of G.T. Anderson and R.E. Morgan, circuit training was developed at the University of Leeds, England in 1953.
Circuit training employs a little over 30 minutes of a gym-goer’s time and usually has quick intervals between routines and exercises. The training, originally composed of up to 12 various exercise stations and themed circuits, uses the aid of dumbbells and weights, exercise machines, calisthenics, and resistance equipments. And because it is time efficient, there’s no space for boredom or the feeling of being burnt out
Studies have shown that this particular training aids people, more specifically women, in achieving their much coveted goal of having a fit and svelte physique, and maintaining it longer in the process with lesser time needed. Thus, this has become a group of college friends’ inspiration for their newest baby, the 360 Fitness Club.
360 degrees and more
Joana Pinon, managing director, has been working out for 10 years until her work got in the way, she stopped, and gained weight.
“At an average I stay around two to three hours in the gym. But when I got so busy with work, I stopped and I gained weight,” Pinon said. “So that’s where the idea came up. What if there’s an express fitness center that you can workout in?”
In 360 Fitness Club a group circuit training is more than just an exercise program. It consists of 20 exercise stations that combine cardiovascular and strengthening exercises – a total body workout that will make you burn up to 500 calories in just 30 minutes, tone and shape up with the use of free weights and exercise accessories.
“We're all about making fitness a way of life, a habit, and it's easy to do just that if exercising will be fast, efficient and fun—30 minutes and you get a total body workout. Of course, it should be effective especially if you complete the circuit at least 30 minutes for three times a week,” Chappy Callanta, a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Nebraska, USA said.
In the Philippines, 360 Fitness Club is by far the first co-ed express circuit training club and is the first to offer group TRX suspension training.
“The club will also offer 45-minute group exercise classes such as power yoga, hip-hop dance off, latin dance, and cardio combat, and these classes will be taught by the best group exercise instructors. The group exercise coaches, however, will not just instruct - they will teach, motivate, and inspire. 360 Fitness advocates fitness as a way of life, so there will also be a health bar that will offer low calorie, healthy dishes to encourage proper nutrition to its members,” Piñon added.
Get started! Visit 360 Fitness Club at Strata 100 bldg., Ortigas Ave, Ortigas Center in Pasig City.
Loooooong blogging absence due to work and makeup gigs. Speaking of makeup gigs, I wanna share with all of you some of my obra maestras in the past few months. Enjoy!
(My pre-sore eyes muk ap)
(One boring Friday. Played with purples)
(Kim de Guzman, Mutya ng Subic)
(Sharon Angel, Mutya ng Lapu-Lapu)
(Cheenie Sy, Mutya ng Malolos)
(Suzette Hernandez, Mutya ng Batangas)
(Beauty ed for Zen Health Magazine)
(Cover shoot with Ms. Mae Paner aka Juana Change for H&L Magazine)
Few years ago, I loathed makeup. I did not like the sticky feeling lipsticks bring and the way foundations and powders (layers and layers of it) suffocated my dear pores. I even swore I won't wear any makeup until the day I die (yes, not even the ones used for cadavers) Fast forward to today. I am swallowing my half-masticated promise as, in fact, I have experienced my first-ever fashion show makeup gig. That night was a whirlwind of faces, tips, and experiences. I have learned how to coordinate with the staff and the models to get the look that they wanted; to be patient when I didn't get to perfect the look that I chose; to control my hunger pangs because I still had lotsa faces to finish; to smile despite the aching back and the strained legs; and finally, this makeup debut taught me how to be thankful. Thankful because despite my lack of knowledge in the latest trends and techniques in makeup and my lack of proper and formal schooling (no budget eh), Papa God and the universe still gave me the chance to showcase my abilities and tell myself in the process that "Yes, Chuchie, I believe in you. Go kick some ass!"
Below are some of the faces that I have made...including my friend's...JORELLE BALITBIT :) (photo credits: Jorx Balitbit)
While killing time in Cubao, Ian and I decided to drop by the newly renovated Ali Mall and found ourselves inside Daizen Japan Store where everything's for 85 pesos. Japan 88, Daiso and those undiscovered Japan surplus stores make me oh so happy because of all the various sunshiney knick knacks that they offer. Aside from the usual pots and pans and all those mother-y stuffs, what makes Daizen my favorite stress buster is their hilarious and out of this world merchandise that puts a huge Cheshire cat-like smile on my face even before I step out of the store. Below are some of the funny thingies that we've wasted our money on:
(Black cotton buds make you see your tutuli more clearly)
(Banana case...fill in the blanks)
(I'm really sorry about this but my boyfriend, Ian, found this really funny :D)
(as published in ZEN Health Magazine November-December 2009 issue)
Beating cancer is one tedious task. People who suffer from it often turn to chemotherapy sessions, countless trips to the hospital, and taking tablets and tablets of medicines for cure; all costing more than an arm and a leg.
Despite the medical and technological advancements that abound today, nothing tops cancer prevention than the aid of the miraculous healing prowess of Mother Nature and her bountiful produce.
1Cabbage
A cousin of broccoli in the Cruciferae family, cabbage tops the bill because of its ability to lower the risk of lung and prostate cancers when eaten regularly.
Cruciferous vegetables have hefty intensities of phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which contain cancer-fighting attributes.
A study of over a thousand men in the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, has shown that those who consumed three or more servings of cruciferous vegetables every week had 41 percent lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who ate less than one serving.
Also, apart from the risk-lowering attributes of cabbage and its kins, it also optimizes the cells’ ability to detoxify. So, what are you waiting for? Stop snubbing that coleslaw and dig in!
2Green tea
Beyond its antiaging and slimming properties, green tea is also known for its ability to reduce the risk of breast cancer. When cells multiply uncontrollably, green tea aids in the prevention of the cells’ abnormal and rapid increase.
3Onion
What’s a kitchen without the lingering smell of freshly browned onions? Or its rather pungent aroma reeking in your hands just after you’ve whipped up a mouth-watering dish?
Little do we know that this veggie that makes our eyes water is the same bulb rich in kaempferol, a flavonoid that helps protect women against ovarian cancer. In the 66,940-participant Nurses’ Health Study, women who had higher intake of kaempferol-rich foods, onion included, had a 40 percent reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
Here’s a tip: Stop your fingers from picking those onion rings in your green salad since onion contains bioflavanoids that regress a developing cancer cell back to its healthy form, explains Dr. Patrick Quillin, PhD, RD, CNS, in his book Beating Cancer with Nutrition.
4Whole grains
The whole grain clique of rice, oats, buckwheat, corn, rye, barley, and amaranth are among women’s top body armor against breast cancer. Also, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that whole grains are found to lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
5Garlic
Ah, onion’s equally pungent cousin!
Studies have shown that allicin, a substance found in garlic, has the capacity to prevent the development of cancer cells and also protects the colon from carcinogenic chemicals (substances that can cause cancer, that is).
A study published in Archives of Dermatological Research in July 2003 revealed that ajoene, an organosulfur compound found in garlic, can be used to treat skin cancer.
So next time you’re cooking meat at high temperature, such as grilling, as much as possible, cook it with garlic to reduce the formation of carcinogenic chemicals.
6Colorful berries
Raspberry, strawberry, cherry, blueberry, and blackberry are the most common berries that abound with ellagic acid, a potent anticancer agent that induces self-destruction to pesky cancer cells.
Stock up on fresh berry juices, or include them in your cereal. Or better yet, eat them raw in lieu of your typical afternoon snack.
7Tomato
Often synonymous to the word lycopene, tomato is one of the most commercially identified anticancer agents. In addition, tomatoes are filled to the brim with nutrients such as vitamins A and C, with carotenoids and beta-carotene on the side. Increased consumption of tomatoes reduces the risk of colon cancer, atherosclerosis, and complications brought by diabetes.
In fact, as published in the Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, 21 studies have verified that munching on tomatoes, with emphasis on the cooked ones, gives ample protection against prostate cancer.
8Yogurt
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition points that spoonful after spoonful of yogurt, as well as other dairy products, may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
With the advent of Fro-Yos (frozen yogurt), yogurts are no longer irked at and referred to as a mere dieter’s food. Yummier, creamier, and a lot more exciting to eat, this healthy snack fortifies the body’s shield against cancer.
9Tuna
Ideally eaten fresh, tuna now comes in flakes in water or in brine; in adobo, mechado, and lechon paksiw flavors; and now, it is even cured or pickled in salt, similar to corned beef. You can even choose if you want it spicy or plain!
Apparently tuna, one of the most versatile bounties of the sea and among the category of cold-water fishes, is well-known for its eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which boost and stimulate the immune functions and slow cancer spread, says Dr. Quillin.
And did you know that tuna has the ability to protect you from sunburn and, in the long run, skin cancer? Yes, you read it right!
Based on Dr. Lesley Rhodes’s research at the Photobiology Unit of the University of Manchester, eating omega 3-rich fish, such as tuna, could actually pacify the burning sensation or the inflammation caused by ultraviolet B radiation, which in turn helps in preventing severe sunburn and skin cancer.
Omega 3-rich fishes also aid in preventing the dreaded breast cancer among women, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2005.
10Legumes
Researchers have discovered that the darker the color of the bean’s seed coat, the more potent its antioxidant components.
Among this category are garbanzos, which are commonly found in the local halo-halo, kidney beans, and pinto beans. These are rich in “cancer-fighting protease inhibitors” and these “have the cleansing activity of soluble fibers,” explains Dr. Quillin. These protein inhibitors prevent cancer cells from easily attacking the neighboring healthy tissues.
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