CDO Premium Holiday Ham for the Holiday Season

Noche Buena for Filipino is usually the highlight of the Christmas season. It is the time when families and friends gather together to celebrate the life of our Redeemer and His love to us.  To any Filipino family gathering, food will never be absent and what more we needed to make the occasion more special but a tasty-looking, sumptuous ham. Finding the said kind of ham is usually difficult or pricy, but now, the search is over.

Last November 20, 2010, my husband and I were invited by Miss Sai to the product launch of CDO Premium's Holiday Ham. The event was held at the Felix Restaurant and Bar in Greenbelt 5, and one of the reasons that I was very much willing to attend the occasion is because of Chef Rob. Endorser of Holiday Ham, a young chef and entrepreneur, was the host of QTV’s “Chef To Go” and now ETC 2nd Ave’s “You’ve Been Served”.

While waiting for the event to start, we were offered with some h'orderves like shrimp vermicelli, bread sticks wrapped with bacon, short bread cookies with smoked salmon, pesto  quesadillas and the chocolate fudge brownie topped with fresh strawberry slice.

When he entered the room, all heads turned his way. Hunkier than before, he introduced the finest whole-meat ham in the market- The CDO Primium's Holiday Ham. It is made from one whole boneless meat from the hind leg which is the best cut of pork for hams. Hind leg ham is tastier and meatier compared to the more common shaped hams. It is also a high-quality smoked ham. The net marks attests to that. Only whole-meat hams can be smoked in ham nets because if it isn’t, pieces would fall off. Finally, Holiday Ham has no extenders. It is meaty, juicy, and flavorful that gives your money a lot more of its value.

After a few quick ham recipe demonstrations, they've given us some sampler of the green salad and of course, the Holiday Ham with pesto sauce. It was a simple but superb dish. After which, everyone gathered around Chef Rob to have some pictures taken with them, then it was followed by a short Q&A about chef rob and the Holiday Ham.

Thought the program was over, they announced that there will be a raffle and they will be giving away 3 iPod touch and a kiss with chef rob (kinda automatic when you win hehehe). But there's a catch. When your name is drawn, you should be able to answer first the question about Holiday Ham before you could have your prize(s). I honestly wasn't even hoping to win or even called because of my past experiences with raffles.  But hey! Miracles do happen.

I was called (twice!) and was really nervous that I might not be able to answer their question. The question was "What's the Holiday Ham doesn't have that makes it more juicy and delicious than the other hams?" I really didn't know the answer and yet it seems that I heard an Angel whispered something to my ear and I immediately answered "no extenders", and yes, my answer was correct so I now got this wonderful iPod Touch.

That day was marvelous for me. My raffle curse was broken, and true to their words, I've tasted the most festive ham that fits our Filipino palette. It will be the perfect Christmas gift you could give to your family and friends.

Have a joyous season everyone!

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To make the holidays a cut above the rest, Holiday Ham will be giving out an Apple iPad tablet computer. Interested parties need only to register with their name, Facebook page URL, mobile phone number, and email address. It's that easy!

The registration is on the Holiday Ham website http://holidayham.com.ph/subpages/promo.aspx and is open until December 20, 2010.

Mother Nature's Gift of Health: Malungai Life Oil

Since I got pregnant with our son, everybody around me told me that I should eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, mostly, I should eat a lot of Malunggay (horseradish). My OB-Gyne even prescribed some type of dishes I should cook and eat. Of course, malunggay is the main ingredient. I wondered why malunggay when there’s a lot of other vegetables available. Maybe one, because we already got two trees planted in our front lawn, and two, because of this:

Rich in Vitamin C, calcium, antioxidants and essential amino acids, malunggay has long been associated with benefits that are more relevant than ever. These include higher energy, increased immunity, and helping to manage three of today’s main health concerns: blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.

*Interest in natural wellness is at an all-time high – and so are stress levels. A 24/7 lifestyle and perpetual multi-tasking leads us to demand maximum return from every money and every calorie. Yet for most urbanites, 100% health perfection is simply not realistic. Our daily trip to work exposes us to toxins and pollution; sleeplessness, convenience food and inadequate exercise are facts of modern office life.

Funny then, to fight these new ills with wisdom from an old source: Mother Nature. In the days when organic” was the rule rather than the exception, balanced health could be found as close as the family garden. Humble, homegrown malunggay kept generations of people hardy and strong, without ever setting foot in a gym.

From that inspiration comes, MALUNGAI LIFE OIL by Manila Nature's Link, Corp.: an all-natural supplement that unlocks the disease-fighting powers of moringa olifera in extracted, highly concentrated oil. A product of proudly Filipino company Manila Nature’s Link, Malungai Life Oil is the first and only oilbased malunggay supplement in the market today.

In fact, while it is still being studied, malunggay oil also shows promise not only in preventing cancer but in easing the painful effects once it is already developed. The key to it all is chlorophyll, engine of the plant’s powerful conversion of energy. By distilling both seeds and leaves into a pure, cold-pressed oil, MLO maximizes malunggay’s chlorophyll and renders it, in the words of a medical expert, “preserved, conserved and available.”

This means that malunggay’s health benefits can be delivered with more stability and consistency than in the dried powder that was previously available. So you get a synergistic combination of nutrients which normally can be obtained only from separate food sources. It is so portable, you can have the complete supplement available when ever, where ever you are. No more gathering small branches of malunggay from the top of the trees or picking leaves one-by-one avoiding the small stems.

MALUNGAI LIFE OIL. Pure, potent power from Mother Nature – in convenient, concentrated form, perfect for getting the most out of life.

MALUNGAI LIFE OIL is available in packs of 10s and 60s, at Mercury Drug and other drugstores nationwide. For more product information, please visit http://www.malungailifeoil.ph.com

Easy Lomi But Healthy

A lot Filipinos love egg noodles in an egg soup. Hence, we have the Pansit Lomi. Unfortunately, the pain-staking process of cooking it and after-taste of the egg noodles, quite changes our gusto to prepare the dish for our family.

Recently, my Dad came home from our prefecture in Nueve Ecija and then bought some groceries including few packs of Lucky Me Instant Lomi.I was hesitant for my son to have a bowl of it because as much as possible, I don't want anything synthetic or anything I don't know how was created will ever touch my son's mouth. Because of that vacillation, I decided to compromise. I picked a couple of stems of Malunggay (horseradish) leaves and cut them into small pieces, supplemented into a dish, and my unsuspecting son just ate it gleefully.

Aizen loved it! I was amazed how good the Lomi was. Better than the traditional Lomi I grew up with. NO after-taste, NO natural shrimps or prawns that usually gives me my allergies, and NO long hours of preps. It was really satisfying and just add other vegetables to make it more healthier and tastier.

A Bit of KAOS In Our Lives

A press presentation was held last November 15, 2010 for the upcoming show, KAOS at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila. The event should have been 7 pm, but for some reason, it started around 8 pm instead. Mr. Jeff Evora initiated the occasion with brief dialogue about what are in store for us this year at the Resorts World Manila.

The Grand Fiesta Manila 2010 that will start on November 25 to 28 this year will hold different kinds of entertainment and fun awaits us. Rock with the best Pinoy Bands on November 25 at the RWManila Concert Grounds together with the launching of the Light Festival all around the RWM Complex. You could jam with Arnel Pineda and Ammo Band at the RWM Concert Grounds on November 26. On the 27^th of November, the Grand Parade and the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience at the RWM Concert Grounds will ensue. And on the 28^th, join the Grand Fiesta Run 2010 at the RWM Complex with great prizes await the winners.


After the fiesta details, Mr. Colin Kerr, jokingly half-Scotch, half-Filipino because of a blood transfusion, and the Executive Producer of the show, with his vigorous actions dominated the stage as he enlightened us what we should expect and gave some hints on how expectacular  the show will be.

Kaos is one of the most extravagant and ambitious production that depicts the archetypal romantic fairy tale but with the twist of adventure and mind boggling performances. It is a love yarn of a valiant prince, played by Pinoy Idol runner-up Gian Magdangal, with his beautiful maiden, starred Martha Joy (Canadian Idol finalist), in an incredible world of the future through a magical mirror, crafted thru the wonder of advisor, played by veteran actor Joel Trinidad, who longed acknowledgment by the sovereigns. With the help of the good wizard, played by Enrico Polo who happens to be the very trainer of Kaos - the white lion where the title of the show cropped up, Sito – the white tiger, and Betty – the yellow tiger.


It is a marriage of Broadway and Las Vegas' death-defying acts that will guarantee the approval of everyone. The breathtaking acts of the Human Time Machine from Columbia, the magnificent Cycle of Life from Spain, the feats of the world-renowned Defying Gravity Troupe from Guang Xi, China and The Power Duo from Europe that shows the gravity defying acts of strength that will make you gasp, combined with the heart-warming story and the exciting moves of the 2008 World Hip Hop Dance Champion, the Philippine All Stars.

The music is by the Manila Symphony Orchestra in the tuneful directions of Mr. Jed Balsamo and Mr. Jeffrey Solares as Assistant Musical Director. The Manila Symphony Orchestra is one of Asia’s oldest symphony orchestras. Disbanded in 1989, it was reinstated in 2001 by its longtime concertmaster. Many have been winners in the National Music Competitors for Young Artist (NAMCYA) and have represented the country in various international music festivals and workshops.

Overall art direction of Kaos production is done by Mr. Veniyamin Marshak of Belarus who has designed all aspects of theater, corporate events, and festivals over 35 years all over East and West Europe, Germany, Berlin, and Asia.

After the show tease, they’ve let us touched Sito and became the highlight of our experience that night. Followed by a press conference at the theater’s lobby, the main characters together with the producers, answered questions thrown at them. After all the questions, we were led to the Passion Restaurant at the Maxim’s Hotel for our dinner. We were served with Chinese Meat Platter, Chinese Egg Soup, Warm Shrimp Salad, Spicy Steamed Eggplant topped with meat, Deep-Fried Fish in Pomelo Sauce, Stir-Fried Rice, Dry Stewed Duck and Mango Sago for desert. It was a dinner where everyone at our table raised the white flag way before our desert even came. It was a fun night for us and a new beginning for me!

KAOS will start on 1st of December 2010 and will run for 6 months at the spectacular 1,500 seat Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) of Resorts World Manila, newest dining, entertainment, and gambling playground. The theater has a VIP exclusive section and features state-of-the-art technology lighting and sound system. It also features the largest Euro LED wall ever built in the Philippines. The Euro LED wall is installed on the center of the stage, which serves as a backdrop for 3D sceneries. The theatre is also built with an elaborate fly system with 27 battens and a 9 meter diameter revolving stage with 3 sets of scissors type stage risers, each can be lifted up to 2 meters from the stage floor. The Newport Performing Arts Theater, metro’s biggest stage where magic and enchantment begins as it houses Broadway musicals, magic and illusions, and other big productions as well as concerts and pageants. It presents a fusion of sights and sounds through majestic productions, excellent performances and splendid shows, holding it as a marvelous place of entertainment.



This spectacular production of love and magic is only one of many surprises to be unveiled in time for Resorts World Manila’s grand launch. The world of KAOS, a place of historical castles and good hearts, where a song solves a problem, a dance lifts a mood and a never ending search for true love. It is not just a show, an experience everyone will enjoy.



Ticket Price:
Upper Balcony        - Php 1,057.16
Balcony                   - Php 1,271.16
Deluxe                    - Php 2,020.16
Premiere                 - Php 2,876.16
V.I.P.                       - Php 3,090.16

For more details, please call RWM Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (+632) 836.6333 or TicketWorld at (+632) 891.9999

Happiness at the Araneta Giant Tree

Christmas season has officially started! The main indication is the tradition of Araneta Center’s Giant Christmas Tree lighting Ceremony. With Coca-cola as this year’s event main sponsor, happiness is definitely around us.

My husband asked me if I wanted to attend the annual tradition with his aunt. Thanks to him and Ms. Sai, we were accommodated inside, given free stubs and Coke gifts, and seated near VIP’s and celebs.

Coca-cola endorsers, Kim and Enchong, posed for the cameras.

The November 12’s event started with Santa’s parade together with some celebrities like of PPB Teen-clash 2010, Starstruck stars, Cris Bernal, Empress Schuck, Matt Evans, Kim Chiu and Enchong Dee. While the parade was going-on, an opening prayer and the blessing of the giant Christmas tree officiated by a priest with Araneta Center and Coca-Cola’s officials was performed.

Hoops for Coke shirts.

While waiting for the parade, booths were available offering free food, drinks, games for entertainment and souvenir photos of guests inside a coke bottle, available backdrafts or with Santa by a Christmas tree. Holiday music were played by the Philippine Navy Band as introduced by radio personalities, Nicole Hyala and Cris Tsuper, as they were the emcees for the night.

As the sun sets and the horizon started to darken, more and more VIP’s and celebrities arrived. Suddenly, groups of photographers, police officers and men in barongs swarmed the area only to find out that the mayor of Quezon City, Herbert Bautista, arrived at the event followed by tall, beautiful women of Bb. Pilipinas and their entourage headed by Ms. Venus Raj.

Kitchie Nadal singing Coke's new commercial jinggle.

The venue was jammed-pack! The program started with Kitchie Nadal’s performance followed by short messages from officials of Coca-cola Export Corporation. Latest Christmas advertisements were viewed on the big screen with a loud screams from fans, then their latest endorsers, Kim Chiu and Enchong Dee, were called on the stage followed by louder scream and shouts, to tell the exciting news from Coke.



The Coca-Cola Contour Glass Christmas Collection is already out for grabs. To avail the 5 (five) Coke limited edition Christmas Contour Glasses, they need to collect 2 (two) “Santa Claus Caps or Crown” of Coca-Cola Products (Coke Regular, Coke Light, Coke Zero, Sprite, and Royal) plus one (1) Coca Cola Products Cap or Crown that has Coke Glass inside. You can redeem the Coca-Cola limited edition Christmas Contour Glasses in 7-Eleven stores nationwide beginning November 15. This promo ends until December 31, 2010, so start collecting Coca Cola Santa Claus caps and crowns and get all 5 limited edition

Toast using Coke's Contour Glasses.

After which, a grand toast was held to celebrate the season and the event success with all the Araneta Center and Coca-Cola’s officials, City mayor and public officials, Bb. Pilipinas reigning queens and other celebrities. Shortly after, they again gathered all together to pull the ribbon of a giant gift that switched on the much awaited lights of the Giant Christmas Tree. Fireworks display accompanied the tradition.

An extravagant  finale for a great start of this season’s happiness. Happy greetings of Christmas to everyone!