An American Independence Menu for the Whole July

 

July 4th is known as American Independence day or here in the Philippines, We call this celebration as a Filipino American Friendship day. In spirit to this occasion; Vikings has prepared a treat for everyone. An American inspired menu creation that would tickle Uncle Sam’s taste buds.

Yes the one and only Viking’s Luxury Buffet has created such dishes that’s original and yet has timeless impact and flavor.  This establishment has made the American Independence day theme for all food lovers in relation to the festivity. The menus and Entrée’ has some of  the twist to the foods we have known or some others we have yet to encounter. . Thanks to the Executive Chefs for coming up such great menu and lineup to add to their already vast selection of food.  We can look out for  more creation and more taste bud treats.  

For Soup We have the Boston Style Clam Chowder Soup. Such Mild creamy texture and infusion of the clams has set the balance vegetables and cream and the clam does not kill the other ingredients with in the dish.

The appetizer and main Course are served on bite size presentations. ( of course on the day of the unfolding it will be on larger portions). The servings are not only pleasing to the palate but visually impressive as well. The way each dish was prepared and the combination of sauces gives depth and different flavor for the main dish or accompanied meat. Even the most picky eaters would savor each bite and will ask for additional servings.

We were served with six dishes for the main  dish and appetizers. They served   the following: 

 

All of them are lovely dishes. The uniqueness of each ingredients does not over power one another thus providing harmony and balance. It brings such varied sensation to taste experience. 

Of course no Menu would be complete with out the desserts. Yes for all the sweet tooths out there. Vikings has made 3 additional dishes  to their dessert arsenal for everyone. Each pie or  cake will surely be a favorite even for those not so into the sweets. They made such pies that people will actually crave for.  Even yours truly, who is not so fond of pies or cake has fallen in love with the Key West Lime pie. Its not to sour but tangy bringing Fresh insights to the dinner.  It’s a personal favorite of mine especially when eating rich tasting food that one grows weary. This Pie clears away the weariness and can help you eat more ( it’s part of a buffet so no reason to hold back right?)

I can go on and on harping the texture and ingredients but the best way to experience it? Go to Vikings and Eat!!. J They will unveil this menu this July 4^th ( as if I’ve not said it earlier). We Filipinos do love to eat and what better way to enjoy the occasion and try new foods.

Meet and Greet Filapinas

Imagine Sports, Lifestyle and Chic all rolled into one event. Improbable and what is the relation of Sports to  Chic? Well Fila has made this all this possible.. Fila has come up a meet and greet for Fans of the Philippine Volcanoes, Tessa Prieto, Fabio Ide, and Michael Martinez. Yep Great Figures, and respected members on their fields are Filas Endorsers.

Team Volcanoes has taken time off from their rigorous training to spend time with their fans to goof around, take pictures and do fan signage with them. This guys are so humble and their charisma has taken a lot more people to liking them. I would not be surprised that after meeting them they would have more fans to support their games.

For Chic We have Ms Tessa Prieto who graced the scene. Her Chicness added to the event that fashion is in sports and nobody can pull it off better than her? Her grace and gameness with the fans further enhanced the scene.

Fabio Ide. Need I say more? His charm, Wits, and eagerness to learn the language made a lot fans “kilig”. A lot of girls swoon when they had their selfies with him.   This Brazilian hunk has the down to earth factor that even some people who are just strolling around have a sudden change of mind and enetered Fila store to look and get interested.

Last but not the least is Michael Martinez. The youngest endorserof Fila and a lot of teens went crazy about this world class skater. This skater is grounded that it makes people not only like him and cheer him but with respect as well. His charismatic smile and meekness added to his character. 

You can not only see but feel the love the fans for these icons. One girl even bought a jacket on the spot to have it signed by all. That is one lucky girl.

This ensemble I would say is an all star cast and Fila is a proud sponsor for these great individuals. Aptly FilaPinas which we as regular folks aspire to be great and do well to our own fields.  

“Acupuncture is not just sticking needles in ...”

Acupuncture has long been associated with pins and needles which is why a lot of people balk at the thought of trying it. Many Filipinos are scared of the needle and having a few being poked at you to treat a sickness is not their idea of fun. Truth be told, most would choose to suffer through their illness than have some needles be stuck on them. Thankfully, Doc Philip Nino Tan-Gatue, an acupuncturist, is more than willing to shed light as to why Acupuncture is nothing to be afraid of.

1. What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture, in the narrow sense, refers to the insertion and manipulation of needles into the body, usually at set locations known popularly as “points”.  In the broad sense, it refers to a collection of procedures related to needling. The word itself comes from the latin acus meaning “needle” and pungere meaning “to puncture” and it involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles. These needles are then manipulated by hand or by electrical stimulation. Needles can be placed on sites of local pain or on pre-defined acupuncture points that lie on pathways of Qi known as “meridians” or “channels”.

2.  What are its benefits?

The most important benefit that acupuncture offers comes from the fact that it does not involve administering or taking any medication.  There are patients who, for various reasons, are unable or unwilling to take or to increase medication dose or number.  These include patients on kidney or liver failure, or simply patients who want to take less medication - pharmaceutical or herbal - to keep from "overloading" their systems. As for conditions it can treat, acufinder.com lists the following:

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

• Sinusitis
• Sore Throat
• Hay Fever
• Earache
• Nerve Deafness
• Ringing in the Ears
• Dizziness
• Poor Eyesight

Circulatory Disorders

• High Blood Pressure
• Angina Pectoris
• Arteriosclerosis
• Anemia

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Spastic colon
• Colitis
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Food Allergies
• Ulcers
• Gastritis
• Abdominal Bloating
• Hemorrhoids

Gynecological / Genitourinary Disorders

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation
• Endometriosis
• Menopause
• Fibroids
• Chronic Bladder Infection
• Complications in Pregnancy
• Morning Sickness
• Kidney Stones
• Impotence
• Infertility in Men and Women
• Sexual Dysfunction

Respiratory Disorders

• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Bronchitis
• Colds and Flus

Immune Disorders

• Candida
• Chronic Fatigue
• HIV and AIDS
• Epstein Barr Virus
• Allergies
• Lupus
• MS
• Hepatitis

Addiction

• Smoking Cessation
• Drugs
• Alcohol

Emotional and Psychological Disorders

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Stress

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

• Arthritis
• Neuralgia
• Sciatica
• Back Pain
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Stiff Neck
• Bell’s Palsy
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Headaches and Migraines
• Stroke
• Cerebral Palsy
• Polio
• Sprains
• Muscle Spasms
• Shingles

Acupuncture Also Treats

• Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
• Diabetes
• Dermatological Disorders
• Weight Control

3. What are its limitations?

In my opinion, its limitations come from the fact that it is practitioner dependent - acupuncture is not just sticking needles in.  It involves diagnosis, points selection, needle insertion and manipulation.  A certain mastery of skill is required.

Another such limitation is that it is difficult to use acupuncture for treating diseases with an obvious anatomic cause.  Treating muscle pain because of spasm is one thing, but treating an injury like a torn tendon may require surgery.

It is also good for initial stages of infections, but it's only secondary for later, more severe infections.

4. What are the restrictions once you start undergoing acupuncture?

Generally, Acupuncture is discouraged for people who are hungry or who have just had a heavy meal.   Hemophiliacs are also discouraged from undergoing acupuncture.  Also, it is recommended that patients avoid exposure to cold right after acupuncture (maybe 2-3 hours) because this might lead to cramps and spasms.

Patients on blood thinners are NOT forbidden from undergoing acupuncture.

5. It's summertime. What are the common ailments that can be easily cured by acupuncture?

Interestingly, summertime in the Philippines means more people turning on aircons and electric fans.  This leads to more exposure to cold and thus, more aches and pains.  Also, summer weather leads to respiratory problems such as allergic rhinitis.  I won't say acupuncture will cure allergic rhinitis, but it will sure help in reducing it!

6. How can people who are scared of needles undergo acupuncture?

That's just a matter of proper communication with the patient - helping them understand what they will experience and instilling confidence in the practitioner.

Doc Phil, as he is fondly called, actually held a session with me where he poked me on the arm and true to what he said, if the practitioner knew what he was doing, you would hardly feel the actual poke. When the needle is in though, it will give you this unusual feeling where you can feel the needle being moved inside your muscles but it wouldn’t hurt. It felt like a heaviness or a vibe and it wasn’t painful at all.   Now this is the kind of acupuncture that I can definitely do and live with.  The above FAQ is taken from Doc Philip’s blog at http://acupuncture.net.ph

MasterGameFace Master® Game Face All-Star Basketball Challenge

Yesterday Master the men's leading facial cleanser launched its Master® Game Face All-Star Basketball Challenge Year 2.  A bigger version of of the previous year's game. This year is the showdown where the best collegiate players, PBA and Gilas players face off for an epic match as they show their oil-free game faces on the court. The game features the teams of two PBA stars and current Master® Ambassadors – Chris Tiu and Marc Pingris.

This certainly is an even match and no sure bet who will win. Each team has his  counterpart in the other that it will be an exciting event.  There will be two teams with a mix of players – Team Chris and Team Marc. The starting five per team are members of UAAP schools. Beefing up the line-up are NCAA players and to complete each team, fans will be able to vote for their favorite PBA and Gilas players via the Master® Game Face Voting application in Facebook.com/MasterPhilippines.

After 6 weeks of online voting where fans got to choose their top players, a draft for the top 12 players was held last June 7 to officially complete the pool of players under Team Chris and Team Marc.  From a pool of 30 PBA players, Tiu selected Ranidel De Ocampo, Jeff Chan, Larry Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag, Jeric Teng and Alex Nuyles to backstop UAAP and NCAA collegiate stars Jeron Teng, Chris Newsome, Kevin Ferrer, Mike Tolomia, Rome Dela Rosa, Mark Cruz, and Zach Nichols.

Pingris, on the other hand, chose Gary David, Mark Barroca, Mike Cortez, Jared Dillinger, Cliff Hodge and Paul Artadi to provide experience to his team composed of UAAP and NCAA standouts Andre Paras, Jeoffrey Javillonar, Jericho Cruz, Roi Sumang, Baser Amer, Kevin Racal, and Josan Nimes. 

so you think that's it?  Wait there's more. Aside from the highly-anticipated match-up, the Master Game Face All-Star Basketball Challenge also promises basketball fans an equally thrilling halftime show courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves’ star player Kevin Love who will be coming over to Manila for the first time.The 6’10” power forward is set to appear during the event to display his signature basketball moves and outlet passing in a skills challenge. The 2012 NBA 3-point shootout champion will also slug it out with some of the PBA’s best shooters in a 3-point shootout. Joining him as well will be basketball slam dunkers from the US to bring a truly memorable and exciting basketball fest. 

SO when and where will the event takes place? The Master® Game Face All-Star Basketball Challenge will happen on June 21, 7pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It will also be televised live at TV5. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketnet.  The ticket entitles includes entrance to the Master® Game Face All Star Challenge game at 7 PM. They can also avail tickets by buying Master® products at participating SM Supermarkets nationwide starting May 31, 2014. Just buy 1 Master® 100g Facial Wash and 1 Master® Face Cleanser 135ml and you automatically win tickets for the match.

Tickets are priced at Php120 for General Admission, Php240 for Upper Box, Php420 for Lower Box, Php820 for Patron A and Php930 for Patron B. Available at Ticketnet or by simply purchasing selected Master® products. 

For all basketball fans and enthusiast out there.. its an exciting match. get your tickets.. 

PBA STARS, NBA’S KEVIN LOVE TO PUT GAME FACES ON FOR MASTER GAME FACE ALL-STAR CHALLENGE

Master, the no. 1 face care brand for men, brings you the Master Game Face Challenge Year 2. Master Game Face All-Star Basketball Challenge will feature two all-star basketball teams led by two basketball superstars of this generation — Rain or Shine’s Chris Tiu and San Mig Coffee’s Marc Pingris. The game, scheduled on June 21, 7PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, will put select Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players and collegiate all-star basketball players will surely be a more exciting match.  It will also feature NBA superstar and Minnesota Timberwolves Power Forward Kevin Love doing his signature moves alongside dunkers from the USA.

After 6 weeks of online voting where fans got to choose their top players, a draft for the top 12 players was held last June 7 to officially complete the pool of players under Team Chris and Team Marc.  From a pool of 30 PBA players, Tiu selected Ranidel De Ocampo, Jeff Chan, Larry Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag, Jeric Teng and Alex Nuyles to backstop UAAP and NCAA collegiate stars Jeron Teng, Chris Newsome, Kevin Ferrer, Mike Tolomia, Rome Dela Rosa, Mark Cruz, and Zach Nichols.

Pingris, on the other hand, chose Gary David, Mark Barroca, Mike Cortez, Jared Dillinger, Cliff Hodge and Paul Artadi to provide experience to his team composed of UAAP and NCAA standouts Andre Paras, Jeoffrey Javillonar, Jericho Cruz, Roi Sumang, Baser Amer, Kevin Racal, and Josan Nimes.

 

“With my draft picks and collegiate players, I’m very confident that we will prevail in our match-up with Team Marc, especially with our game faces on,” said Tiu.

“Lalong lumakas ang team namin sa mga nakuha kong fellow PBA players.  Excited na ako for our June 21 Master All-Star Challenge basketball game,” said Pingris.

Aside from the highly-anticipated match-up, the Master Game Face All-Star Basketball Challenge also promises basketball fans an equally thrilling halftime show courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves’ star player Kevin Love who will be coming over to Manila for the first time.

The 6’10” power forward is set to appear during the event to display his signature basketball moves and outlet passing in a skills challenge. The 2012 NBA 3-point shootout champion will also slug it out with some of the PBA’s best shooters in a 3-point shootout. Joining him as well will be basketball slam dunkers from the US to bring a truly memorable and exciting basketball fest.

“We are excited to bring to the country three-time NBA All-Star player Kevin Love. Dubbed by the Associated Press as the new face of the Timberwolves franchise, we will see him put his Master game face on to electrify Pinoy basketball fans with his skills and signature moves to elevate Master Game Face to an even higher level this 2014,” said Jonathan Pua, Unilever Male Grooming brand manager.

In the NBA’s 2013-2014 regular season, Kevin Love garnered a career-high 26.1 points per game, dished an average 4.4 assists and grabbed 12.5 rebounds. He also became the first player in NBA history to record 2,000 points, 900 rebounds and 100 3-pointers in a single season.

Putting an Oil-Free, Game Face everywhere with Master

With a complete line of face care products including facial wash, face cleansers and face moisturizers for the highly competitive sportsman, Master takes basketball to a whole new level.  Oil can definitely reduce a player’s effectiveness in any game – especially in basketball. This was featured in the latest commercial of Master Facial Wash where both Chris Tiu and Marc Pingris battled it out with their oil-free, game faces on thanks to Master.

Boosting anti-oil protection, Master Oil Control Max Facial Wash has the revolutionary Cooling ZEROIL formula that controls oil for 8 hours for that fresh game face look to bring out the best in anyone’s game – even off the court. Get 8 hours of no oil with Master Facial Wash so you can put your game face on! You can also fight deep seated dirt that causes pimples with Master Oil Control Max Deep Cleanser. For more details about Master products and about the Master Game Face All-Star Basketball Challenge, visit www.MasterPhilippines.com.ph and facebook.com/MasterPhilippines. Follow Master on Twitter and Instagram @MasterGameFace to find out more.  

Tickets to the Master Game Face All Star Basketball Challenge featuring the PBA, UAAP and NCAA Players and NBA Star Kevin Love on June 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum can be purchased from Ticketnet outlets or by visiting Ticketnet’s Website at www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555.