Spice Up Your Favorite Dish with Basics and Organics

Spices and herbs provide food flavor, but you might be surprised when you discover that they are also beneficial for your health, especially the Organic Herbs and Spices.  

Herbs and spices have long been utilized as traditional medicines, even before they rose to fame in the kitchen over the previous century.  

Basics and Organic, a local food business in the Philippines, sells all-natural and organic products that support local farmers. Its twelve Organic Herbs and Spices are Himalayan Sea Salt, Annatto  Seeds, Basil Leaves, Black Pepper Cracked, Black Pepper Ground, Black Pepper Whole, Chili  Flakes, Curry Powder, Oregano Leaves, Rosemary, Taco Seasoning, and Thyme Leaves. — all packing rich flavor with health benefits.  

These Basics and Organic Herbs & Spices include no preservatives, making them considerably healthier for Filipinos to consume. 

According to studies, spices are particularly high in antioxidants, which help protect cells from harm caused by harmful environmental components and free radicals that pass through the body's defenses. 

Here are the Basics and Organic Herbs and Spices and how they work as natural health  supplements: 

Annatto Seeds. This is considered a spice. The most popular usage for annatto is as a natural food coloring for various foods. Annatto is used to treat diabetes, diarrhea, and hepatitis to name a  few. It is also used as an antioxidant. 

Basil Leaves. Includes minerals and chemicals that may aid in the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Basil contains eugenol, which can inhibit calcium channels and help reduce blood pressure. Magnesium, which is also present in basil,  can increase blood flow by helping your muscles and blood vessels to relax. 

Black Pepper. The presence of potassium in Black pepper prevents blood thickening and lessens the side effects of consuming too much salt or excessive sodium intake, which is one of the main causes of high blood pressure. 

Curry Powder. Typically contains turmeric, which also lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease. Curry's constituents have been demonstrated to have a beneficial impact on the body's stress response. They may contribute to a decrease in the production of stress hormones like cortisol, which may lower stress and anxiety. 

Chili Flakes. It aids in weight loss and boosts metabolism. Chili peppers assist your body in metabolizing fat, sweating more, and improving energy consumption. It was used to top pizza, stir-fry,  spicy pasta, and a variety of other meals. 

Himalayan Sea Salt. This salt contains a unique blend of minerals, including magnesium, calcium,  and potassium, which aid in circulation and detoxification. As a result, it can aid in the removal of toxins, the reduction of puffiness and bloating, and the keeping of soft, healthy skin.

Rosemary. This aromatic herb which is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, is high in both flavor and antioxidants. As a medicinal herb, it has long been recommended for strengthening the brain and memory and contains substances that are useful for improving digestion.  

Taco Seasoning. Taco seasoning is most commonly used to flavor taco meat; however, it is versatile and may also be used in other Latin meals and as a dry rub for grilled meats. Sprinkle it over fries for a delicious side dish or use it in taco-themed meals like taco soup. Taco flavor blends can provide iron and calcium through cumin, chili pepper, and oregano. 

Thyme Leaves. The antioxidant content of one teaspoon of thyme is equal to one carrot or half a  cup of chopped tomatoes. Besides flavonoids, which boost their antioxidant capacity and may have anti-inflammatory and age-related effects like preserving cognitive function and enhancing heart health, it also contains other beneficial ingredients. 

Oregano Leaves. It contains one of the highest antioxidant contents of any food. One teaspoon of dried oregano leaves contains the same number of antioxidants as three ounces of almonds and half a cup of chopped asparagus. Rosmarinic acid, found in oregano, prevents the growth of germs and parasites. 

For more information and details, visit the Basics and Organic Facebook page and Instagram Page  @basicsandorganicph.  

Parents and kids create special jolly memories at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair

Kids and their parents had the jolliest time at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair, held recently at the SMX Convention Center. The event served as the jolliest bonding experience for families, with its engaging learning activities, unique games and challenges, interactive shows, and all-day, all-around fun helping create special memories they’ll remember for a long time.

Jollibee has become a champion of joy for Filipino parents and kids throughout the years, and the Jollitown Kiddie Fair continues to give them more cherished moments. The event was opened by Jollibee’s brand ambassador, Jolina Magdangal Escueta, and her kids, Pele and Vika. She and her kids got to participate and have fun in all the event activities, while also getting interviewed about being a mother and brand ambassador.

“I’m so excited to be here at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair, having fun with my kids,” said Jolina. “Time passes so quickly, so I make sure that I spend quality time and make meaningful memories with Pele and Vika every chance I get.

“Jollibee is honored to be a part of many Filipinos’ core memories, from childhood to adulthood,” said Kat Facun, Jollibee Brand Manager for Noodles and Kids Category. “And with the Jollitown Kiddie Fair, we hope to give kids and their families more reasons to have happy, cherished moments because jolliest ang kids sa Jollibee.” 

The event offered activities where kids not only enjoyed with their friends, families, and fellow kids, but also engaged in unique family-friendly challenges that helped them learn along the way through creative play. Kids got a chance to make their own Jolly Spaghetti, Yumburger, and test their store manager skills in the MiniBee station as they had fun assembling delicious Jollibee food for their friends and parents. They also had the Party Palooza, which was an energetic all-day party celebration that had a whole host of games and activities that offered the full party experience.

The Jollitown Kiddie Fair also offered activities that challenged their skills, like the Chickenjoy Bucket Throw game where they tested their aim to win prizes, and avoided spaghetti-shaped wires in the Spag-o-wired game. Kids also solved different puzzles in the Jollitown Puzzle House, which was also a fun learning challenge and an interactive experience for kids of all ages. They also uncovered fun prizes in the Fry-nd The Treasure activity, while other kids tried to grab theirs at Yum’s Claw Machine.

Alongside the many activities and fun games, kids also got to watch an incredible set of shows happening on the main stage. This includes the bubble show where kids rushed to the stage to get closer to participate in blowing and popping bubbles. The magic show had jaw-dropping tricks that left kids in awe with each routine. The Dancing Balloon Show by Tectonix was also a highlight, as kids were dancing along to the music while being fascinated by the many balloon tricks.

Aside from the activities, parents and kids enjoyed delicious Jollibee food. This included sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti, which families enjoyed so much during the event. With delicious food and the jolliest activities, the Jollitown Kiddie Fair gave families moments to remember, and memories that they cherish together.

Have the best time at your favorite Jollibee store, because #JolliestAngKidsSaJollibee! For updates on the latest exciting offerings and events from Jollibee, visit Jollibee.com.ph, follow Jollibee on Facebook at facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines, and on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @Jollibee. 

Review of Salmon HQ Express at The Corner Market in Podium

I was at Podium a couple of weeks ago to meet some friends and I remembered that Salmon HQ has a kiosk at The Corner Market so I decided to have lunch there with them. I wanted some Japanese food and sushi and nothing has ever come close to the freshness served by Salmon HQ whenever I ordered from them. 

Salmon HQ Express is located at Kiosk # 11. You go straight ahead when you walk in and then turn left and it's the second stall. 

The menu at The Corner Market is more diverse than their online store which I totally loved. People working near Podium are so lucky to be so close to this place. I am envious if I were to be honest. 

I guess because it was my first time to eat here, I went a little bit crazy and ordered a lot of things. It's a good thing my friends were game to gorge on awesome food. 

Sushi Boat

The Sushi Boat was the first thing that caught my eye when I perused the menu. It's a visually stunning spectacle, with a selection of delicate sushi rolls and sashimi elegantly arranged on a miniature wooden boat. Each piece of sushi was a mouthwatering treasure, and the freshness of the salmon was unmistakable. There's something about the combination of perfectly seasoned rice, silky salmon, and a touch of wasabi that's simply irresistible. It was a sushi lover's dream come true, and every bite was a journey to flavor town.

Poke Nachos

The Poke Nachos were an unexpected delight that had me pleasantly surprised. This fusion dish melded the beloved Japanese poke with the classic nacho concept. A bed of crispy wonton chips was generously topped with fresh, cubed salmon, avocado, and a drizzle of zesty sauce. The textures and flavors were a symphony of contrasts - the crunch of the chips against the melt-in-your-mouth salmon, and the spicy tang of the sauce playing off the creamy avocado. It's a bold twist on traditional flavors that's definitely worth trying for the adventurous palate.

Spicy Salmon Poke Bowl

The Spicy Salmon Poke Bowl was a highlight of the meal. A vibrant, colorful bowl arrived at our table, packed with chunks of succulent salmon, avocado, cucumber, and a spicy sauce that added a delightful kick. It was a hearty, well-balanced dish that made me savor every bite. The heat of the spice was balanced by the coolness of the cucumber and the rich, buttery salmon. This dish was a delicious reminder of how simplicity, when done right, can be a true culinary masterpiece.

I must admit that the other dishes on the menu, including the Katsudon, Seafood Curry, Inani Plate, and Salmon Teppan, were also visually enticing and had fellow diners raving. However, the sushi boat and poke nachos were my personal highlights, and I can't wait to return for another taste. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere and friendly service only enhance the overall experience. So, if you share my love for Japanese cuisine and fresh salmon, be sure to give these dishes a try – they are a flavorful journey you won't want to miss.

Review of Bistro Marahuyo in Marikina

We chanced upon this place about a month ago when we went to do a shoot. I've heard a lot about Bistro Marahuyo and I've actually ordered from them before but it was a delivery so I wasn't able to see the actual store. However, I did love the pansit habhab and biko I ordered so when I had the chance to visit its physical store in Marikina, I grabbed the chance. 

The place looks very cozy. It can only seat a max of 6-8 people if they are skinny. For people like me, it'd be 4 max hahaha. 

This place is located inside this eatery. 

We tried out their habhab, bico, and Igado. 

Everything was on point. I loved that the flavor was consistent. Everything tasted so good, to think that it didn't take that long for them to cook it. We didn't have to wait long for our food. Excellent service. 

They are the owners of Bistro Marahuyo. If you'd like to order from them, just message them on their Facebook Page. I promise you won't regret it. 

Review of Sichu Malatang at SM Mall of Asia

I was actually here a couple of months ago but forgot to blog it so I'm doing it now. As they say, better late than never. 

This place caught my attention because of the many choices of veggies, meat, noodles, and balls that were on display. I figured if they cared enough to have that many options for their customers, then they must be preparing their meals with care as well. 

They had over 8 kinds of noodles. They also had shrimp balls, lobster balls, fish balls, and fish cake among others. They also offered beef and pork slices. As for the veggies, you can imagine all kinds of greens being offered to add more flavor to the soup.  

The place seemed small from the outside but on the inside, it was actually quite spacious. 

There were also a lot of choices for the sauce. I chose the peanut one since I love peanuts.

These are the containers to be used when picking your veggies, noodles, meat, and balls. 

This is the process that you'll go through. Quite easy actually. Just make sure that you don't become too trigger happy when choosing and fill up your bowl because trust me, the servings are HUGE!

This was my ball. I was trigger happy. Please learn from me. Hahaha. 

This was my face when I saw my bowl. I kept laughing because I couldn't imagine at all how I could finish the entire bowl. It was HUMONGOUS!

VERDICT: I would definitely go back to this place. The peanut sauce was amazing. Everything was cooked right. It was a harmony of flavors. It was just so good!

Sichu Malatang is located on the Ground Floor of the new wing of SM Mall of Asia. It's at the South Entertainment Mall, Marina Way. 

Review of Happilee Korean Kitchen

I passed this place 3 days ago along CAA Road in Las Pinas. This was near Southville International School and I said I wanted to try it out. Luckily, I was able to do so because of my husband who picked me up from a birthday party yesterday.  

This is the menu for Happilee Korean Kitchen. As you can see the prizes are very reasonable and the best part is that the servings are actually good for 2-3 people. 

We ordered the Cheesy Tteokbokki which was enough for 2 people. We also got the Soy Glazed Chicken which was more than enough for 3 people. The last item that we got was the tangsuyuk which can definitely feed 3-4 people. 

I guess the disclaimer here is if you have a hearty appetite then make it good for just 2 persons. 

The place is pretty spacious. I love that the chairs and table are spread out nicely. It feels very comfortable. 

My husband loved the cheesy tteokbokki. They used real cheese which made him really happy. They also made the spice milder so it was easier to eat for those who are not fans of spicy food. Best of both worlds. 

The soy-glazed chicken was another delight. It was marinated through and through. The chicken was also very soft and really tasty. 

We got so excited when we saw the tangsuyuk that we didn't have time to take a solo shot. I actually took a bite before even taking this photo. 

VERDICT: SOOO GOOD! This is a must try when you eat here. 

We spent around Php1200 for all of these and it was definitely worth the money spent. I would gladly go back here and bring my family so they can try it as well. 

Disney on Ice Presents 100 Years of Wonder at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments. Featuring new and classic tales, this multi-generational experience visits Manila from 22 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.  

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations. 

See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters. Travel to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti. Set off on a safari and snap unforgettable photos of wild cheetahs and monkeys when guests traverse through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa. 

Discover a whole new world and be swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade filled with spectacular stunts, magical moments with Genie, and a brand-new song from Jasmine that will render the audience “Speechless.”  Mosey on over to a larger-than-life comedic carnival and team up with Woody and Bo Peep as they search for their new friend Forky.  

Fans will hit a high note with Mickey and pals while singing along to beloved Disney tunes as they welcome Merida, Belle, Ariel, Mulan, and Tiana to the ice. Families should be prepared for a getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and surprise, up-close character interaction as Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder makes a pitstop right in Manila!

Event Location: SM Mall of Asia Arena, J.W Diokno Blvd., SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

Watch out for the complete list of ticket prices and best-view seats coming out this October via the SM Tickets platform and nationwide outlets.

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.  Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce  

You may buy tickets for our upcoming shows online at www.smtickets.com or at any authorized SM Tickets outlet nationwide. To know more about SM Mall of Asia Arena, visit www.mallofasia-arena.com or follow @moaarena on social media.