“Cong-Tour” vlog advocates vibrant revival of Philippine Tourism

Cong-Tour or Congressional Tour is a vlog (video blog) of Congressmen that intends to help boost local tourism. In its previous episodes, there were interviews of Congressmen and other local officials and they are telling stories of their places, the food, delicacies and products that they have, and the tourist spots in which people can go to. This time of Covid19 where tourism was badly hurt, Cong-Tour aims to uplift the tourism sector. Laguna Representative Sol Aragones is the committee chair of the House Committee on Tourism. Congresswoman Sol Aragones said that CONG-TOUR will show the congressmen’s active involvement in the promotion of tourism in their districts aside from fulfilling their lawmaking functions.

In Cong-Tour’s first fb live last Monday, June 8, 2020, their fb live reached 20k views when they gave prizes in their page. Contestants need to comment their answers asked by Congresswoman Sol Aragones about local tourism. The correct answers will be chosen randomly and they will announce the winners on their page.  You can search their fb page at: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CongressionalTour/  and Youtube Channel: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCcVStdIIFGq2PFsX6qej7jw.

 

One of the most badly hit economic sector by Covid19 pandemic is the tourism industry. The pandemic unbaled people to gather, thus the closing of theme parks, resorts, beaches, and tourist attractions to the public. The employees and owners of these industries now face a big dilemma on how things will be in the quarantine state of our country.

 

According to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, “Tourism contributes 12.7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We employ 5.4 million people in the tourism industry. You can imagine how many people are affected. We had a 70% decrease in tourists since March 15, start of the ECQ”. (https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1270509/watch-covid-19-takes-its-toll-on-tourism-industry-as-ph-braces-for-the-new-normal).

Travel restrictions in other countries also prevented tourists to come in the Philippines as the problem about covid19 grips the whole world. It is safe to say that not only the Philippine tourism has been affected by this pandemic but the whole world as well. If there are no tourists from other countries, the economy of our tourist attractions will definitely fall, and it showed with the pronouncement of the Tourism Secretary.

Furthermore, looking forward to the new normal in the tourism sector will still be a problem since this sector puts premium and importance on a large number of people. For now, staying home is to stay safe from the virus. The Tourism Secretary reminded Filipino people during the interview to “post travel pictures in our tourist spots, those past travel pictures so that once we are allowed, we want our people to travel domestically first”. (https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1270509/watch-covid-19-takes-its-toll-on-tourism-industry-as-ph-braces-for-the-new-normal). Indeed, Cong-Tour vlog is a good step in rejuvenating the tourism sector in our country. We hope that many people and public officials follow suit so that in time, when several restrictions are over, we can revive the tourism industry in our country.

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

ARM SPORTS Sublimation Sportswear offers good quality, affordable apparels for sports enthusiasts

 

Sports has been one of the most important facets of daily living today since this not only cater for pleasurable entertainment but also of physical well-being as well. In all kinds of sports and in all walks of life, it is good to know that a sports apparel is ready to cater for the needs of athletes in terms of quality and design fit for their respective sports. ARM Sublimation Sports Wear has quality comfort, affordable and designs for all kinds of sports activities. Let us take a glimpse of this sports apparel in this interview.

 

Paolo: When did the business start?

ARM Sublimation: We started as a graphic shop in 2011 but since we have clients who are in sportswear industry and we saw the market in this kind of business, we studied the process. It’s a big challenge for us since we don’t have any idea in dress making but with the help of God, added with hard work and perseverance, we finally made it. We still have a lot of things to learn in this business. It’s innovative and a work in progress but we are hoping that someday ARMSPORTS will be a big name in this industry.

 

Paolo: What do you think is  ARMSPORTS’ advantage over your competitors?

ARM Sublimation: We make sure that our product is high quality and can compete for other big brands. We use high quality materials in printing, fabrics and sewing to reach or exceed the expectation of our clients. We also develop our own process in sewing to ensure durability of our products and the comfort that our client will get in using our products.

 

Paolo: What are your plans for the business?

ARM Sublimation:  Our plans include making the name ARM SPORTS known in sportswear industry by upgrading our machines, our process and our knowledge to produce more quality products and satisfy our clients.

The owner of  ARM Sports Sublimation is Ms. Ann Kathy Ferrer. You can visit the store at  # Don P Campos Ave. San Agustin 2, Dasma Bayan 4114 Dasmariñas, Cavite. For more information you can contact thru  (046) 541 6075 or thru their fb page https://www.facebook.com/armsportsteam/

Email the author  at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

WalterMart Los Baños Unveils Bigger, Better Supermarket

 

Waltermart Supermarket in Olivarez Plaza Los Baños celebrated its re-opening on Monday, December 9, 2019 with exclusive promos and a totally new grocery shopping experience.

Located in Olivarez Plaza National Highway Batong Malake Los Baños, this new format of Walter Mart Supermarket aims to elevate customers’ supermarket shopping experience to a whole new level. With the goal of bringing convenient and enjoyable grocery shopping to the community and its customers, here are four reasons why you’ll love WalterMart Supermarket Los Baños:

• OK ang service! You’ll love WalterMart’s superb customer service and conveniences like its online delivery for your groceries, which help you save a lot of time and money every day.
• Kumpleto dito! From fresh quality produce, branded food products, regular grocery list items, and unique finds, WalterMart Supermarket boasts a wide range of product selection – all at very affordable prices.
• Everyday savings. WalterMart always gives the best deals every day, every time. Enjoy great deals at WalterMart’s SALEbrations and PayDay Sales!
• Happy shopping! WalterMart bring families and communities closer and happier together with its unique offerings – making every day feel like sunshine.

WalterMart Supermarket Los Baños is set to provide all these to the community. This is all part of our unwavering commitment to make Happy Customers, bring out Great People, and become a Great Company.

Visit our Facebook page @WaltermartSupermarket or check our website at www.waltermart.com.ph, www.grocerydelivery.com.ph.

 

 

Sumptuous food, frolic aplenty at Cabalen Buffet Restaurant

 

After our television and radio guesting in TV5, I had the chance to have our food review for one of my favorite buffet restaurants in the country, Cabalen. It  is a Philippine buffet restaurant chain primarily serving traditional Filipino dishes heavy on influences from the Pampanga region of  Central Luzon, ranging from Filipino, Thai, and even Japanese cuisines.

 

Cabalen Founder and CEO Maritel Nievera also recently graced the cover story of Business Concept Magazine on its April 2019 issue. Business Concept Magazine is a global magazine focusing on business, entrepreneurship, investing, technology, leadership and luxury lifestyle.

 

I was with Dyrham Palfrey, Abed Green and 3 other friends who dined in. We were warmly welcomed and accommodated by Cabalen Trinoma’s Ms. Shally Dellota and Mr. Macgil Cherivias. We were served with a number of dishes that include their best tasting kare-kare, dinuguan, chicken adobo, fruit drinks that include watermelon shake, my favorite buko juice, and mango shake. After our meal, we had our desserts that include leche flan and their best seller tibok-tibok and special tibok-tibok.

 

For one, there is a wide array of Filipino and Asian dishes in Cabalen Buffet restaurant. The food is always hot and the display is always full. Their kapampangan dishes, sisig, and halo-halo station were superb. I also liked their chocolate dip and marshmallows as a dessert.  The staffs are courteous and friendly and the great place and excellent ambiance and interior design made it more comfortable and a delight to eat!

 

The collaboration of all the restaurants – Cabalen Eat All U Can, Eat All U Want, Soi Restaurant, Mangan Restaurant, Eat Pinoy, BKK Express and Cerveseria – will surely satisfy your food cravings with their wide array of food highlights. Cabalen introduced the best way to enjoy Kapampangan cuisine through an array of freshly cooked, beautifully presented food in the buffet line. It offers wide selection of dishes from soup to dessert selections combined in different choices of beverages as well. You can visit their Trinoma branch at the 2nd Floor Trinoma Garden.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

‘Wow Ihaw’ serves one of the best tasting Chicken Inasal in the City

 

Chicken has always been a Filipino favorite dish, and what better way to deliver the goodness

of this picnic favorite is to deliver the best of its taste at an affordable and satisfying  price. San Pablo City’s newly opened ‘Wow Ihaw’ ‘offers a new variety in answering the call for this.

 

This columnist is privileged to interview its owner, Ms. Jeanette A. Hilot. Here’s a peek of Wow Ihaw’s beginnings, future plans, and a short review of their affordable and mouth-watering offers.

 

Paolo: Who are the proprietors of the restaurant and tell something about the history and conceptualization of ‘Wow Ihaw’

Ms. Jeanette: The concept of ‘Wow Ihaw’ is solely from my brother who is the owner of the Adobo Experience restaurants in Canada. He came here in the Philippines late January for several days and opened the idea of the restaurant for me. That same day he was able to buy the chicken griller and was able to secure another location in M. Paulino.  I was overwhelmed at first thinking of two stores right away.

 

Paolo: Ano po yung advantage yo compared to other restaurants in San Pablo City?

Ms. Jeanette: We claim that our food is very affordable and definitely delicious. We do not use MSG to make it tasty because we prioritize the health of our customers. We treat each customer as our boss, good service is a must.

 

Paolo: Ano po future plans nyo for Wow Ihaw.

Ms. Jeanette: We hope to serve more places and be able to accommodate those who also want to put up restaurant business.

 

We were served with their special Wow Ihaw chicken inasal with rice and also iced tea on a pitcher. It was added with Pinaputok na Tilapia and my favorite sea food pusit (squid). As a lover of squid, this has to be one of the most balanced taste in terms of its chilliness and squid flavor. We liked all the food they served but the best for us would definitely be their best tasting Chicken Inasal. It was so flavorful and had just the right amount of garlic and spice for our taste buds. It really is one of the most delicious Chicken inasal we’ve tasted in a long while.

 

After the sumptuous dinner, our tummies were full of those delicious treats from Wow Ihaw. Thank you so much for the warm care and hospitality of its owners and staff. Truly, Wow Ihaw is the place to be at when it comes to chicken cravings and more.

 

Wow Ujaw also has Acoustic Band every Friday and Saturday Night from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Wow Ihaw is open from 11:00am to 10:00pm daily. Wow Ihaw powered by Adobo Experience is located at 809 Brgy Concepcion purok 3 San Pablo City Laguna. For inquiries you may contact (049300) 9072.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JCI San Pablo holds Fun Ride ‘Kabyaw’ 2019

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

Bike enthusiasts from different walks of life had their fun and exciting day on May 5, Sunday, where a fun ride event was held courtesy of JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes with biker participants from all over Laguna area. The event was held at Pamana Hall City Hall Compound San Pablo City and it started at around 6 in the morning. There were free t-shirts for the first 200 participants of the event. Registration sites were located at 7-Eleven San Pablo (near the Cathedral), 7-eleven Sta. Cruz (near Sta. Cruz Church) and 7-Eleven Pansol.

 

JCI San Pablo would like to acknowledge the following: Local Organization President of JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes Mr. Jan Audrey Lee Ho, Project Chair Patrick Ivan Calapine, Regional Vice President Mr. Raymond Estrellado and Corporate partners and sponsors of the event include that include Golden Cyclery, Energen, 3J Food Corporation, Kopiko and Collette’s Buko Pie.

 

Raffle of numerous bike parts and 10 free accidental insurance and bike was the grand prize for the event. Photos were courtesy of Eph Frago Arts and Photography.JCi would also like to thank its National President of JCI Philippines who belongs to JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes Mr. Paul Jess Estrellado.

 

Corporate Sponsors include Hon. City Mayor Amben Amante, Hon. Councilor Justin Colago, Congresswoman Sol Aragones, Radiance, Foton, Yellow Cab, The Coco Palace Hotel and AAA Standard Steel.

 

Ellen Reyes: Sampaloc Lake bilang “Center of Arts” makatutulong sa turismo at trabaho

 

Bilang dating Executive Assistant at Director of Tourism sa panahon ni Mayor Amante, naniniwala si Dating City Councilor Ellen Reyes na ang turismo ay tungkol sa mga tao at hindi sa mga istraktura. “Noong ako ay Director ng Turismo, nagdaos tayo ng market by the lake na ang intensyon ay maging taunan na ang pokus ay mga traders, mga manggagawa, produktong San Pablo na naka display sa ating lake”, ani Ellen Reyes. “Ang part ng turismo ay ano ba ang naandoon? Kaya pupunta ang mga tao. Masarap dun ang tilapia, prutas, buko pie, yung mga produktong atin. Nilalayon ko na ma i-repackage ang produktong San Pablo”, dagdag pa niya.

 

“Kung ako ay papalarin, gusto kong gawing sento ng teatro ang gitna ng lake. Yung gitna mismo ng lake. Sa isang bayan sa China, nilagyan nila ang kanilang lake ng teatro sa gitna ng dagat. Fiber glass ang kanilang nilagay duon. Hindi lang local na mga bisita ang ating makukuha, pati mga international. Ano ang magiging kapalit nito?? Magiging thriving economy ang San Pablo. Chain reaction yan. Ang hotel lalakas, ang nagtitinda ng gasolina lalakas, malaki ang magiging impact nito sa ekonomiya ng ating siyudad. Ang biyaya natin ay sobra-sobra. Meron tayong 7 Lakes. Hindi lahat ng bayan ay binayayaan niyan. Kailangan nating mapagyaman ito at mag-capitalize tayo kung anong bigay sa atin. Mag-aambag ito talaga sa lakas ng mga tao dito. Ayusin at linisin na natin ang lake natin kasi sacred yan sa ibang bansa”, wika pa ni Gng. Ellen Reyes.

 

Si Gng. Ellen Reyes ay naging guest speaker na para sa Chennal University sa India at Thammasat University sa Thailand. Isa din siya sa mga tinanghal noon bilang Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines.

 

Para sa mas marami pang detalye, maaring sundan ang kanyang fb page sa . https://www.facebook.com/ellenreyes.councilor?epa=SEARCH_BOX  at

https://www.facebook.com/19-Ellen-Reyes-Councilor-2019-262910947989083/

 

 

 

 

Cafelandia: Brewing coffee aroma with sumptuous meal you would go back for more

 

Coffee has been known worldwide to be an aromatic drink that has been served hot or cold anytime of the day. It has evidently sprouted anywhere with coffee shops around the country. One restaurant stood out here in the city of San Pablo, where they managed to compete with others offering only the best food and coffee in this side of the city. Let us take a peek of its history and the quality of food that they can deliver.

Brief history: Filmin Joseph Torres opened Cafelandia in November 2014 in Maharlika Highway, San Pablo City. He was 22 years old and just graduated then from college.  Supported by his family, he decided to dive full head on and studied barista in PBCA (Philippine Barista Coffee Academy) and took Pastry and Culinary Arts in Enderun Colleges later on.

The name was his dad’s idea. Cafelandia first started with 8 crew focusing on coffee and Frappes and now has 22 crew members in their growing family as a full cafe restaurant.

Asked about their future plans for Cafelandia. “We take small steps; but at times, we take that leap. We aim to be known not just here in San Pablo City but to be one of the best local cafe restaurants in the Philippines”, quipped Mr. Filmin Joseph M. Torres, sole propreitor.

“Advantages/Edge Our team always enjoys continuous learning and innovation in order to broaden our knowledge and experience. Our commitment and discipline to our work makes us one of the best in the city. We make everything with heart and connect with our customers every time they get an actual taste of our passion. We take extra mile to make the best food and coffee and to provide excellence in everything we do. We in Cafelandia, encourage everyone to grow, develop, take responsibility and genuinely take care of our guests. Our priority is to make a difference to the experience of our guests and to exceed their satisfaction” added Sir Torres.

We were served with the following at cafelandia in their neewst branch in barleta St., San Pablo City: Caramel Frappe, Mocha Frapp, Oreo Cookie Frappe, Hazelnut Frappe, BBQ Cheeseburger with fries, Pinoy Sweet Srtylke Spaghetti, Bacon and sausage Carbonara and Nachos Platter.

Their Nacho Platter was filled with creamy cheese, it was crunchy, and its plating was superb. It has a perfect blend of its veggies and meat, and we were satisfied with their serving. Their bestsellers Frappe would be the most enjoyable since their toppings and syrup were just the exact sweetness and moist that I loved most especially for frappes. Their carbonara, known as the white spaghetti which is one of my favourite comfort foods, was the best I’ve ever tasted in a long while. I love how they put the cream white sauce and blend it so well with their sliced bacon. It was flavourful and satisfying. Their cheeseburger which has a herculean patty still had the perfect amount of juiciness and taste. Overall, it was such a resplendent dining experience we had with Cafelandia.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

 

Kuya J desserts: An exquisite, frolic dining experience for the whole family

 

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

Coolers:

Buko Pandan sweetly buko pandan flavored drink infused with pandan jelly. Mango sago, sweet milky mango flavored drink topped with sweetened sago. Both were refreshing drinks and had a cool and sweet taste of their respective flavors. Though I wish they could have made it better with additional sweeteners maybe. But overall, it was nicely done.

The desserts:

Kuya J Halo-Halo Espesyal. Topped with my favorite leche flan and oozing with delightful cream around, wait till the middle part bursts with flavorful cream as well, all in the lush bedding of milky-shaved ice cream ice. I’m sure dessert enthusiasts will definitely go back for more with Kuya J’s halo-halo. Kuya J Ube Halo-Halo Espesyal. Kuya J Duo Halo-Halo Milky and Ube Ice. This has to be one of the most innovative foods that have been delivered in casual dining. We were just enamored with its delicious assemblage and heavenly taste. Bravura work for halo-Halo Espesyal.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

Kuya J viands: An exquisite, frolic dining experience for the whole family

 

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

 

The Filipino dishes and comfort food has proven time and again that it can compete with the world’s best when it comes to taste and package. One of the best dining experiences we had was with Kuya J restaurant, one of the finest casual dining restaurants in the Philippines. We would like to thank first Ms. Rea and Ms. Junnie Casabon for the warm accommodation you had with us during our food review for Kuya J at SM City San Pablo.

The following foods were served and here is our honest review:

 

Viands:

Chicken Halang-halang. Chicken cooked tinola-style na may added creaminess of coconut milk and extra kick of spiciness ng green chilli peppers.

 

Relyenong Talong. The Filipino Omelet! Pan-fried inihaw na talog with egg, fresh kamatis, and cheese. I really liked eggplant when it is fried but with this omelet twist, Kuya J’s relyenong talong is such a breeze of innovation when it comes to viand. It’s mix of veggies and dairies is a sure delight.

 

Grilled Tuna Belly in Chilly Butter sauce. As earlier said, I am a seafood lover and the moist, texture and juiciness of this viand cannot escape my taste buds. This is truly worth it, Tuna Belly’s meat is just as tender and has a perfect taste as well.

 

Kuya J Crispy Pata, seen over the news, was a recommended must try Crispy Pata in the World’s Best Dishes of 2019 according to Taste Atlas. I couldn’t agree more, because Kuya J’s Crispy Pata is one of the best tasting crispy patas I’ve tasted. It has the perfect amount of crispiness and the tenderness of its meat is something that will surely catch anyone’s appetite.

 

Kuya J Sinigang na Tadyang. A hot bowl of Sinigang splendor, the kind of typical Filipino household viand just got a lot better with Kuya J’s Sinigang na Tadyang. This has to be the best tasting sinigang I’ve ever tasted. It has its soup in perfect thickness of taste, all the flavors of tamarind and vegetables are mouthwatering. It has a delectable Filipino sinigang taste that you will surely love.

 

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com