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SSS contribution rate hike to offset pension increase, prolong fund life

THE HIKE in the Social Security System’s (SSS) contribution rate is meant to guard the fund’s long-term viability and to offset the increase in monthly pension implemented in 2017, the state-run pension fund said.

SSS announced it will push through with the scheduled hike in the monthly contribution rate to 13% of members’ respective salary starting January from 12% currently.

“We understand the plight of our pensioners and recognize the good intention of the P1,000 second tranche additional monthly benefit, but without any additional funding, this would significantly reduce the SSS fund life,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said in an online briefing.

“Historically, from 1980 to 2016, the contribution rate was only increased four times while pensions increased 22 times,” she added.

Ms. Ignacio said the additional one percent will be equally shared by the employer and the employee, with each of them spending an additional 0.5% for the monthly contribution.

The higher contribution rate is part of reforms under Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

Meanwhile, SSS contribution collections in the 10 months ended October went down 5.4% to P169.73 billion from P179.34 billion a year ago.

“Any drop in collections may lead to cash flow and liquidity issues. This could endanger the SSS’ ability to provide its members and their beneficiaries with benefits and loan privileges,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said in a statement.

Despite the drop in collections, the pension fund’s investments remain well-managed, with the agency able to respond to members’ needs, he said.

SSS said it is also launching its Workers’ Investment and Savings Program for members with salaries in excess of P20,000 up to those with the maximum monthly salary credit of P25,000. Members that fall under the bracket will automatically have a portion of their contributions going into the new investment scheme.

“For example, under the P25,000 monthly salary credit, a member who will be paying the new monthly contribution of 13% rate will actually shell out P3,250, of which P2,600 will go to the Regular Social Security Fund (RSSF) and the remaining P650 to the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program,” SSS said. — L.W.T. Noble

Peso strengthens on seasonal surge in remittances

THE PESO appreciated against the greenback on Wednesday on the back of remittance flows for the holiday season.

The local unit closed at P48.07 per dollar, gaining 2.5 centavos from its P48.095 finish on Tuesday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

It also appreciated by 1.5 centavos against its P48.085 per dollar finish on Friday. Financial markets are closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for the Christmas holidays.

The peso started Wednesday’s session at P48.075 versus the dollar. Its weakest showing was at P48.085 while its intraday best was at P48.045 against the greenback.

Dollars traded increased to $679.2 million on Wednesday from $457.4 million on Tuesday.

The stronger peso was fuelled by the seasonal surge in remittances ahead of Christmas, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said.

Meanwhile, a trader said the peso gained on the back of profit-taking.

“The peso closed stronger as market participants profited from the initial weakness in the morning trade following news that President [Donald J.] Trump might not sign the stimulus bill recently endorsed by the US Congress,” the trader said in an e-mail.

In a video posted through his Twitter account, Mr. Trump said the current version of the bill “is much different than anticipated,” calling it a “disgrace,” Reuters reported.

Mr. Trump said he wants legislators to raise the stimulus check amounts to $2,000 for individuals or $4,000 for couples from the bill’s provision of a “ridiculously low” $600 for individuals. — LWTN with Reuters

J&T Express and PDEA partner to ensure safe and secure parcel deliveries during the holidays

Safety protocols enhanced as transactions rise with SMEs at the helm

Following the boom of e-commerce and the heightened demand for courier services especially during the hectic holiday season, J&T Express Philippines is continuing their commitment to uplift the Filipino as the fastest-growing and farthest-reaching logistics company by officially partnering with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

A memorandum of agreement was signed in an effort to strengthen the growing number of transactions and to avert any illegal transactions, especially in light of the holiday season rush. With PDEA having already destroyed 6.25B PHP worth of confiscated drugs just last October, the agency is now looking to private stakeholders to help avoid a likely surge in illegal smuggling as deliveries increase.

With the signing of this memorandum, J&T is heightening their crusade against such criminal activities, especially drug smuggling. This latest measure is just one of many that the company has taken to discourage criminals and to eliminate unlawful affairs.

J&T Express Philippines is dedicated to safeguarding their customers along with the Philippine Trade and industry which received a second wind from online businesses. Furthermore, they are enthusiastic to champion the local SMEs and their patrons who rely on their services for safe and fast deliveries no matter the distance or location. Therefore they are working alongside a government agency such as PDEA who wants to erase all crime from logistics.

Aside from receiving more stringent training for their team members and adding more safety protocols to identify erring packages, J&T is also reminding customers to follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Guidelines which are stated in-store and online at J&T platforms.

These include open checking, declaring the correct value, and filling in the item description of the packages. Doing so will also streamline the process for faster transactions during the bustling month of December.

Expecting delivery transactions to increase in demand through the holidays and into 2021, J&T Express wants to bolster the online SME industry and help the country usher in an economic bounce-back without threat from drug smugglers and their ilk.

J&T Express Philippines is poised for brighter days in the next year and wants to assure everyone that J&T will help pave the way for an even better future for logistics beginning with a peaceful Yuletide season.

Shares improve as investors reposition ahead of holidays

PHILIPPINE SHARES ended in positive territory on Wednesday to close the shortened trading week ahead of Christmas despite the return of travel restrictions due to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) strain.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) improved by 1.99 points or 0.02% to close at 7,204.38, while the broader all shares index rose 4.31 points or 0.1% to end at 4,294.45.

Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a mobile phone message that the market closed higher ahead of the holiday despite the return of lockdowns and travel bans due to a newly discovered COVID-19 strain.

Reuters reported that the Philippines joined the growing list of countries that have issued a ban on all flights from the United Kingdom (UK) in an effort to block the entry of the said virus.

All flights from the UK to the country are banned starting Dec. 24 until Dec. 31.

Those who have been in the UK in the last 14 days immediately preceding arrival to the Philippines, including those in transit, are also temporarily banned from entering the country in the same period.

For AAA Southeast Equities, Inc. Research Head Christopher John Mangun, the local bourse ended almost unchanged after recovering from a decline earlier in the trading day.

“Selling pressure intensified at the open due to some panic selling due to the resurgence of a COVID-19 mutation as well as investors selling to raise cash for the holidays,” Mr. Mangun said in an e-mail.

Mr. Mangun said the majority of investors were quick to pick up battered shares, which pushed prices upward and deflected further sell off.

“Market breadth was positive as investors positioned on second and third liners to speculate on issues that would perform well in the upcoming quarters,” Timson Securities, Inc. Head of Online Trading Darren Blaine T. Pangan said in a mobile phone message.

Majority of sectoral indices at the PSE ended higher after Wednesday’s trading.

Services inched up 10.75 points or 0.7% to 1,526.43; mining and oil gained 49.9 points or 0.54% to 9,286.72; financials improved 6.38 points or 0.43% to 1,467.96; and industrials went up 20.55 points or 0.22% to 9,320.18.

Meanwhile, property declined 14.01 points or 0.37% to 3,694.05, while holdings firms retreated 4.37 points or 0.05% to 7,448.07.

Advancers bested decliners, 138 against 90, while 43 names ended unchanged.

Value turnover on Wednesday amounted to P6.94 billion with 29.39 billion shares switching hands, lower than the P10.09 billion with 22.72 billion issues during the previous trading session.

Net foreign selling declined to P695.96 million from P743.02 million on Tuesday.

“As the market continues to move sideways, support may be placed at the 7,000 level. Otherwise, 7,300 may be considered the nearest resistance area,” Mr. Pangan said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Last-minute holiday food gifts

There’s still some time between these holidays and the last day of the year for one to get edible treats as gifts for your loved ones, or yourself. And if you want to keep on celebrating after Noche Buena, order a special party platter or two.

Caprichosa Gourmet Provisions

Caprichosa is offering luxury condiments and accoutrements fit to be served on the best table: yours. There’s Black Truffle HoneyBlack Truffle Butter, Crab Fat Butter, Blueberry Raspberry Compote, Orange Strawberry Compote, and Chicken Liver Pâté. The honey jars come with customized wooden honey drizzlers, while the compotes and pâté come with wooden spatulas. They come boxed with silver or gold sleigh bells, adorned with  ribbons and tags. Prices start at P230 for the Black Truffle Honey and P280 for the Black Truffle Butter, and may be combined for sets that come in between P560 to P1,980. The price also comes with free gift-wrapping. Each product comes in 50 mL and 100 mL bottles for the honey and 120 ml or 200 ml bottles for the spreads. Connect with Rochelle Farrales at 0917-501-1372 for their varied sets to suit your taste.

Healthy Options

Healthy Options is putting a lot of favorite holiday treats in one basket. The Christmas Feast Hamper (P7,495) contains about 22 items, including zinc and Vitamin C tablets, St. Amour cookies, Field Day Shampoo and Conditioner, Savoursmiths Potato Chips, Pacific Organic Tomato Bisque, whole chia seeds, Cadia Blueberry preserves, Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts, and Pure Harvest Hazel Quench.

TWG

The tea salon has come out with Red Christmas tea, a theine-free red tea blend with citrus fruits and spices, packed in a limited-edition matte red gift box embellished with gold imagery of snowy sleigh rides. While this is only available at its physical stores in Greenbelt 5 Mall, Central Square, Alabang Town Center and Ayala Center Cebu, you can find other selections of tea at their just-launched online store at Lazada. Explore a selection of signature teas and gift collections from TWG Tea’s Haute Couture Tea Collection (P2555), 100% Cotton Tea Bag Gift Boxes and tea accessories from the comfort of your own home. Impress your loved ones with the Tea Taster Collection (P1,895), a classic tea bag assortment with the Singapore Breakfast Tea, French Earl Grey, Silver Moon Tea, 1837 Black Tea, Vanilla Bourbon Tea and Chamomile, displayed in a gift box. Celebrate the season of gifting with the Secret Tea Tins (P1,895) in 10 different numerals from one to 10 and vibrant colours. Fill these luxury tea tins with the recipient’s favorite teas — the perfect little something for your stocking stuffers. Shop for tea at www.lazada.com.ph/shop/twgtea/.

Cucina di Francesco

Cucina di Franceso has a P400 party pack that includes pasta, solo pizza, two flavored palmiers and homebrewed iced tea. A P500 party pack includes a solo pizza, pasta, chicken entree, two flavored palmiers and homebrewed iced tea. Just add P50 to upgrade an iced tea to a red or white sangria, mojito, or mango tango. Call 0997-471-9094 or 8534-9935 to order party packs.

Diamond Hotel

From party platters to cakes and pastries to go, Diamond Hotel Philippines has you covered. It has savory platters for holiday spreads. There are gourmet favorites such as Slow roasted US choice rib eye, Honey glazed leg of ham, Lechon de leche (roast suckling pig), Baked Mediterranean-crusted Norwegian salmon, Christmas turkey, Porchetta (roasted pork belly roulade), or Juicy chicken relleno (stuffed chicken). Make sharing and gifting more special with a selection of delicately crafted pastries and sweets available at the Lobby Lounge. Topping off the list of cakes for the table are the favorites Baked cheesecake, Super Moist cake and Le Royale. Wrap up a meal with Sable Crunch cookies in chocolate almond, salted caramel, and double chocolate. The Lobby Lounge also has a wide variety of loafs — Chocolate pound loaf, Lemon loaf, Choco chips banana bread loaf, Walnut banana cake, and Chocolate Christmas babka loaf — and Christmas muffins like Blueberry, Dark & White choco chips, Double chocolate & hazelnut, Red Velvet, Green tea and raspberry. Take home a box or two of the renowned Diamond ensaymada and give them out as presents. Also perfect for gifting are La Crown Chocolate Viennoiserie, Chocolate Cruffins, Raspberry Brioche Feuilette, Christmas Éclairs, and the Mango & Passion Buche de Noel. To place an order for Christmas Goodies, Party Platters or Gift Certificates, call  8528-3000 ext. 1121 or 1118 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays to Fridays; or e-mail restaurant_rsvn@diamondhotel.com. You may also visit onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com to purchase. Orders must be placed at least three days before the day of pick-up or delivery. Payment is through cash or credit card. Pick-up venue will be at the Lobby Lounge of Diamond Hotel. The Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila.

Helping others this Christmas

Everyone can agree that 2020 has been an awful year — from the volcanic eruption at the start of the year, through the pandemic which ravaged people’s health and wealth, to the typhoons and floods that have wrought so much damage in the last couple of months. The one good thing to come out of all this has been people’s willingness to help others. From offers of shelter to the refugees from Taal Volcano, to fund drives for PPEs and free meals for the pandemic struck, to free kitchens and donation drives for the flood ravaged, this year has brought out some of the best from people. And as the year wraps up, there are still more ways to help make at least this season truly one of hope.

Hugo Boss and JP Anglo collaboration

Proving to be more than just a fashion brand, BOSS initiated a global campaign aimed to support local communities and businesses that were greatly affected by the pandemic. In countries like France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US, the fashion house connected with various movers and makers to share with the world how their passions and professions keep them positive throughout the trying times. In Asia, the campaign is highly driven on supporting food and beverage businesses through collaborating with chefs and restaurants and creating an exclusive menu. A portion of their sales is donated to a chosen foundation or charity. This initiative has successfully taken off in Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand.

In the Philippines, it comes in the form of a gastronomical partnership between BOSS and Chef JP Anglo, running from Dec. 1 to 31, with 10% of the sales from the exclusive menu donated to the YesPinoy Foundation which provides food to marginalized families and frontliners, as well as education-to-employment support for youth beneficiaries. As an added incentive, customers can shop BOSS at 15% off through Trunc.ph within the promo period.

The exclusive BOSS menu includes five dishes: Grilled Esguerra kurobuta pork barbecue, Tofu inasal (barbecue) basted with annatto oil, served with coriander spiced coconut vinegar, soba noodles tossed in talangka (crab) butter topped with grilled lemongrass prawns, Organic chicken inasal, Beef cheeks braised in batchoy (a noodle soup) stock, served with batchoy gravy, and  32% white chocolate with kasuy (cashew nuts) in collaboration with Auro. For orders and inquiries about the exclusive BOSS menu, customers can contact 0917-528-0115.

World Vision’s Noche Buena initiative

World Vision — a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice — continues its annual Christmas tradition with the Noche Buena campaign.

By giving a one-time donation of at least P1,000, sponsors and donors can help provide two families with a Noche Buena gift that contains ingredients for Filipinos’ holiday favorites, spaghetti and fruit salad.

“The Year 2020 is a very different year for each one of us, but the spirit of Christmas never wanes. World Vision continues to bring joy, peace and hope to every Filipino especially in these trying times. We invite everyone to join our Noche Buena campaign and make this a Christmas like no other for Filipino children,” says Mr. Rommel Fuerte, World Vision National Director, of the campaign which was launched in 2005..

World Vision’s Noche Buena campaign is accepting donations until Jan. 8, 2021. To know more and donate to the Noche Buena campaign, visit http://wvph.co/NB, and follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for updates.

App donations for a Merry GCash Christmas

Mobile wallet GCash is encouraging Filipinos to give back during the holiday season by donating through the GCash app and giving beneficiaries a Merry GCash Christmas.

Coming from a total of over P23 million gathered from its #UlyssesPHAid and #TulongCagayan donation drives, GCash is looking forward once again to the Filipino “bayanihan” spirit to spread the yuletide cheer to communities that need aid and support.

As part of GCash’s Merry GCash campaign, customers can make a donation using the app by simply going to Pay Bills, looking for #GCashGivesBack, and entering the amount they want to donate. Customers will be provided with an SMS receipt as a proof of transaction.

GCash is working with 12 NGO partners, namely, Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc., Animal Kingdom, Kaya Natin Movement, Kusina ng Kalinga, Mama Earth Foundation, Operation Blessing, Project Biyahero, Project Pearls, Pusod Inc., Smile Train, Tanging Yaman Foundation, and Virlanie Foundation, in helping affected communities. All proceeds collected throughout December and until January 2021 will go directly to the aforementioned beneficiaries.

Aside from giving back this Christmas through donations, godparents can also give Christmas gifts to their godchildren by sending money through the app through Send Pamasko — no need for physical red envelopes, while staying safe against the pandemic. GCash has also launched the Merry GCash campaign this holiday season, with over P30 million in prizes and surprises in store for customers. Customers may visit facebook.com/gcashofficial for more information.

McDonald’s Buy 1 Share 1 Program

At the end of November, McDonald’s launched its Happy Meal Buy 1 Share 1 Program for the  holiday season — every Happy Meal purchase makes not just one, but two children happier as McDonald’s matches each purchase by gifting a toy or a book to children from its partner beneficiaries. The program is ongoing until Dec. 31, so there is still time to buy some more Happy Meals and help.

McDonald’s has already distributed books and toys with the help of partner organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Manila Water Foundation and Makati Med Foundation. Beneficiaries of the Happy Meal Buy 1 Share 1 program include children from areas affected by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses such as those in Rizal, Marikina, Albay, Batangas, Quezon, Catanduanes, Camariñes Sur, Pampanga, and Sorsogon, as well a number of local government units and non-government organizations and all Bahay Bulilit communities.

Keep pets safe during the Christmas season

While the Philippines’ Christmas season has been up and running since September, the eating part of the holidays is just starting to kick in, so the the Pet Food Institute (PFI) is sharing tips on how pet owners can keep their pets safe during the holidays.

Even with the ongoing pandemic and the required social distancing putting a damper on the partying, Noche Buena tables are sure to be covered in the food of the season. Families who will have a feast are reminded to properly discard leftovers which may contain high levels of fat and sugar to prevent their pets from consuming these unhealthy foods.

Owners who are planning to give their pets treats for Christmas should remember to properly read the label and check with their veterinarian if said treats are healthy for their pets. Raw hides are a common gift to pets around this season, but these should be given with caution. These popular treats may cause choking and digestive obstructions which can lead to severe complications.

It is imperative that pets get a well-balanced diet despite the festivities. A well-balanced diet that provides pets their nutritional needs must be at the forefront of their daily intake — whether the holidays or just a regular day — to ensure their overall well-being. Coupling this with daily exercise will help prevent obesity, diabetes, and other serious health issues for pets.

The Pet Food Institute —  the lobbying organization of the US pet food industry — is committed to educating pet owners about proper pet nutrition to keep pets healthy and happy. Through its local initiative, “Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured” campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), it seeks to advocate responsible pet ownership in the Philippines.

Less stressful holiday dishes

While many people are all ready to make the stars of their Noche Buena tables, this has been an odd year and many people have put this off to the very last possible moment — which is now. Here are recipes for some relatively simple holiday dishes to whip up, courtesy of the folks at San Miguel Foods and Universal Robina Corp.’s El Real noodles.

San Miguel Foods has come up with 10 easy holiday recipes — from main dishes to desserts — made using Monterey Exclusives’ Ribs, Purefoods’ Ready-to-Eat and Seafood Delights and San Miguel Mills’ pre-mix line, which are available at most supermarkets and grocery stores.

 

DELICIOUS BABY BACK RIBS IN CLASSIC BBQ SAUCE

Makes 4-5 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 kg Monterey Exclusives Ready-to-Cook Baby Back Ribs
  • 1 cup Water
  • Marinade:
  • ½ cup tomato ketchup
  • ¼ cup Magnolia Dari Creme Classic, melted
  • 2 tbsp store-bought char siu sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • ¼ tsp rosemary
  • ¼ tsp thyme

Procedure:

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.

2. Transfer to a saucepan and add water. Cover and let boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 40-45 minutes.

3. Remove ribs from the pack and set aside the sauce to cool down.

4. On a hot grill, place ribs and cook until lightly charred. Baste with sauce occasionally.

 

CERVEZA NEGRA CHAR SIU RIBS

Makes 6 servings / Yield: One rack of ribs

Ingredients:

  • 1 800g pack Monterey American Style Ribs
  • 1 cup tomato ketchup
  • 3 tbsp Magnolia Butter-licious
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp char siu
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely crushed
  • 1 tbsp five spice
  • 1 330ml San Miguel Cerveza Negra
  • 1 cup water

Procedure:

1. Add rib marinade in a pot, including all the sauce ingredients over low heat. Mix until butter has melted and the sauce is uniform in color.

2. Add ribs and bring to a boil. Cover and bring heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes. Remove

cover and turn heat to high for five minutes.

 

ARROZ VALENCIANA CON POLLO

Makes 2 servings / Yield: 3 cups rice or 1-½ cups per serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack Purefoods Heat and Eat Afritada
  • ½ cup glutinous rice, washed and properly drained
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 50g red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 50g green bell pepper, sliced

Procedure:

1. In a paellera or large frying pan, add the afritada over medium heat until cooked through. Add washed rice and cook for two minutes.

2. Add coconut milk and stock. Bring to a boil while stirring continuously then lower heat. Add

The bell peppers, cover, then cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid has been fully absorbed.

 

BISTEK STROGANOFF

Makes 5 servings / Yield: 5 cups at 1 cup per serving

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup Magnolia Gold Butter unsalted
  • 5 pcs fresh button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 pack Purefoods Heat and Eat Bistek
  • 2 250ml Magnolia All-purpose Cream
  • 4 cups fusilli pasta, cooked according to package directions
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Procedure:

1. Melt butter in a pan and sauté mushrooms for one minute. Add bistek and cook until heated

through.

2. Slowly add cream while mixing. Bring to a boil and toss in the pasta until well-coated with sauce. Turn off heat and mix in chopped parsley.

 

CALDERETA SHEPHERD’S PIE

Makes 8 servings / Yield: One 8 x 4 x 4 loaf pan

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack Purefoods Heat and Eat Caldereta
  • 2 cups grated mozzarella
  • 1 165g Magnolia Quickmelt Cheese
  • 1 100g red bell pepper
  • 1 100g green bell pepper
  • Mashed potato
  • ½ kg potatoes, washed thoroughly and boiled
  • ½ tbsp iodized fine salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 250 ml Magnolia All-purpose Cream
  • ¼ cup Magnolia Gold Butter unsalted

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.

2. Chop the caldereta meat into 1/2-inch squares. Transfer into a pan and simmer until the sauce has thickened. Set aside.

3. Mash the potatoes and set aside. In a pan, combine salt, pepper, cream, and butter over low

heat. When the butter has melted, mix into the mashed potatoes.

4. In an 8 x 4 x 4 heat-proof loaf pan, place the caldereta evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes and bake for 30 minutes or until the top has browned.

 

SWEET AND SOUR FISH NUGGETS

Makes 5 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 200 g Purefoods Seafood Delights Fish Nuggets
  • Sweet and Sour Sauce:
  • 1 100 g carrot, sliced thinly
  • ½ cup cubed green bell pepper
  • ½ cup cubed red bell pepper
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup vinegar
  • 1/3 cup banana ketchup
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 227g pineapple chunks
  • 2 ½ tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 1/3 cup water

Procedure:

1. Cook the carrots and bell peppers in boiling water until the carrots are tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

2. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, vinegar, ketchup and soy sauce. Bring to a boil over

medium heat.

3. Gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture until sauce thickens. Add vegetables, pineapple chunks and fish nuggets. Simmer, then serve at once.

 

CRISPY SHRIMPS CAESAR SALAD

Makes 5 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 200 g Purefoods Seafood Delights Tail-on Shrimp
  • 1/3 cup store-bought Caesar salad dressing
  • 1 170 g mixed greens
  • 2 pc Magnolia Brown Eggs, boiled, peeled and sliced
  • 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup store-bought croutons

Procedure:

1. In a mixing bowl, toss lettuce and salad dressing and arrange in a serving bowl.

2. Top the salad with the sliced eggs, crispy shrimps, parmesan cheese and croutons.

 

NUTTY CARAMEL BARS

Makes 60 pieces

Ingredients:

  • 1 1kg pack Mix ’N Bake Cookie Bar mix
  • 3/4 cup + 3 tbsp condensed milk
  • 1 cup Magnolia Butter-licious
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup coarsely chopped peanuts
  • ½ cup coarsely chopped cashew nuts
  • ½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 170°F (350°F). Grease and line two 8 x 8 inch baking pans with baking or wax paper. Set aside.

2. Pour the cookie bar mix into a bowl. Add condensed milk, butter blend, and water. Mix well.

3. Add nuts. Mix until well combined. Press the dough down evenly on the pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Let Cool.

 

FRUIT AND NUT CARAMEL BARS

Makes 60 pieces

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups gazed fruits
  • ½ cup Anejo Rum
  • 1 1 kg Mix ’N Bake Cookie Bar mix
  • 3/4 cup + 3 tbsp Condensed milk
  • 1 cup Magnolia Butter-licious
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup walnuts

Procedure:

1. Soak glazed fruits in rum for 2 hours. Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 170°F (350°F). Grease and line two 8 x 8 inch baking pans with baking or wax paper. Set aside.

3. Pour cookie bar mix into a bowl. Add the condensed milk, butter blend, and water. Mix well.

4. Add the glazed fruit. Mix until well combined. Press the dough down evenly on the pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool.

 

CARAMEL BISCOTTI

Makes 60 pieces

Ingredients:

  • 1 1 kg Mix ’N Bake Cookie Bar mix
  • 3/4 cup + 3 tbsp condensed milk
  • 1 cup Magnolia Butter-licious
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 cups sliced almonds

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 170°F (350°F). Grease and line two 8 x 8 inch baking pans with baking or wax paper. Set aside.

2. Pour cookie bar mix into a bowl. Add the condensed milk, butter blend, and water. Mix well.

3. Add almonds. Mix until well combined. Press the dough down evenly on the pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool.

4. Slice thinly and air dry for four hours. Bake again at 135°C (275°F) for 30 minutes or until crispy.

 

Meanwhile, here are a couple of easy-to-cook recipes to try from El Real.

 

PINEAPPLE BACON MACARONI

Ingredients:

  • 400g El Real Elbow Macaroni
  • 1 cup bacon
  • 150g pineapple Juice
  • 1 can pineapple slices
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1. Cook El Real Elbow Macaroni in lightly salted boiled water for 8 minutes. Set aside.

2. Fry the bacon until crispy. Set aside.

3. Drain pineapple slices from the can then coat them with brown sugar. Fry the brown sugar-coated pineapple slices until browned. Set aside.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and pineapple juice.

5. Mix the cooked macaroni with the sour cream-pineapple juice mixture and toss in crispy bacon and brown sugar-coated pineapple slices. Serve.

 

PINEAPPLE PARTY PASTA

Ingredients:

  • 400g El Real Party Pasta
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup all-purpose cream
  • 250g bacon, chopped
  • 2 cans pineapple tidbits
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1. Cook El Real Party Pasta in lightly salted boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain and let cool.

2. Heat oil in a frying pan.

3. Fry bacon until crispy. Cut into small pieces and set aside.

4. Once pasta is cold, mix in all-purpose cream and mayonnaise.

5. Top with crispy bacon bits.

6. Serve

For more recipes, follow El Real on Facebook.

Filipino Rolando Dy is Brave CF Fighter of the Year

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

HAD his career hit early this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, Filipino mixed martial arts fighter Rolando “Dy Incredible” Dy managed to finish 2020 strong, recently awarded the Brave Combat Federation (CF) Fighter of the Year.

On the strength of two straight victories in September and November after months of going without a fight, the 29-year-old Dy successfully willed himself as one of the noteworthy fighters in the Bahrain-based promotion and a contender in the lightweight division.

Mr. Dy (14-9), son of Filipino boxing legend Rolando Navarrette, first defeated Polish knockout artist Maciek Gierszewski on Sept. 24 at “Brave CF 42” in Riffa, where he won by split decision.

In said fight, he more than proved his worth notwithstanding the long layoff en route to the hard-earned victory.

Prior to it, Mr. Dy last fought in December 2019, where he absorbed his second straight defeat as a featherweight.

He then followed up his victory over Mr. Gierszewski with an even more impressive win over New Zealand’s John Brewin at “Brave CF 44” on Nov. 5.

Despite taking the fight on short notice, being a replacement fighter, Mr. Dy wound up a unanimous decision victor in the lightweight title eliminator clash, putting himself in position to challenge for the Brave championship belt currently held by Amin Ayoub of France.

Given how things went for him in 2020, the significance of the award bestowed on him is not lost to Mr. Dy.

“It’s truly an honor to have this award. This trophy is a testament to my dedication, hard work, and sacrifice to be one of the best fighters in the world. It is a very proud moment for myself, my family, and my beloved country — hopefully, this is the first of many,” said Mr. Dy in a release.

“When my back is against the wall, I shine and prove my doubters wrong,” he added.

Mr. Dy went on to urge Filipinos to never lose hope and continue to forge ahead, despite the tolls that the pandemic has brought.

“I know this year has been difficult for a lot of people, but let this be a reminder to never give up in the face of adversity. Challenges are made to make us grow and strong. Just hang in there and keep on fighting,” he said.

Nash among new head coaches as 2020-21 NBA season unfurls

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

Two-time NBA most valuable player and now Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash (Brooklyn Nets Facebook page)

AS a player, Steve Nash built himself a Hall-of-Fame career, punctuated by two National Basketball Association (NBA) most valuable player awards. It is the same success he wants to achieve as he begins a new basketball journey — this time as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

On Wednesday (Manila time), the eight-time All-Star got his NBA head-coaching career going, making him one of four coaches to make their debut in the 2020-21 season of The Association.

Mr. Nash, 46, joins Nate Bjorkgren of the Indiana Pacers, Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Stephen Silas of the Houston Rockets in the ranks of first-time NBA head coaches.

The former Phoenix and Dallas player, who served as a consultant for the Golden State Warriors after his playing career, took over from Jacque Vaughn, who served as interim coach when the Nets played in the NBA “bubble” tournament early this year.

With Brooklyn, Mr. Nash will be spearheading a crew led by NBA All-Stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Being a new coach, Mr. Nash admitted that he has his work cut out for him but expressed readiness to take on the challenge and excited to make it happen.

“I love our team, I love our roster. I can coach these guys and try to build something incredibly competitive,” Mr. Nash was quoted by Reuters as saying in the lead-up to his first head coaching season.

He is the ninth former NBA MVP to serve as an NBA head coach, joining Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Dave Cowens, Magic Johnson, Bob Pettit, Willis Reed, Bill Russell, and Wes Unseld.

Mr. Nash and the Nets had a winning season debut, routing the Golden State Warriors, 125-99.

Messrs. Irving and Durant top-scored for the team, finishing with 26 and 22 points, respectively.

Brooklyn dominated the contest from start to finish, leading by as much as 38 points at one point.

Caris LeVert added 20 points as the Nets shot 45.7% and ended a seven-game losing streak in season-openers.

OTHER NEWBIE NBA HEAD COACHES
Meanwhile, Indiana’s Bjorkgren is a former NBA G League coach, where he compiled a 126-74 record (.630) with four different franchises across four years. He was an assistant with Toronto and Phoenix and a member of the coaching staff of the Raptors championship team in 2018-19.

He makes his debut on Thursday versus the New York Knicks.

Another NBA G League coach is Mr. Daigneault, who was promoted to the top coaching post after being an assistant with the Thunder last season. He joined the organization in 2014 as the head coach of the team’s G League affiliate Oklahoma City Blue, where he amassed a 143-107 record (.572) in five seasons and made four playoff appearances.

Oklahoma City gets its NBA season going against the Houston Rockets also on Thursday.

Mr. Silas, for his part, is a 19-year NBA assistant coach, the most recent with Dallas last season. He is the son of former long-time NBA coach Paul Silas. He was a former player at Brown University and spent three years as the assistant executive director of the National Basketball Retired Players Association. — with Reuters

Metro Manila’s parol capital Las Piñas celebrates 15th Parol Festival

The bamboo tree is known for being resilient. It sways with the breeze and bends when a storm comes, but it doesn’t break and remains standing tall even with the strongest wind. This particular trait makes bamboo stand out.

Amid the pandemic and natural disasters, the bamboo symbolizes Filipinos’ resiliency.

 

Home of bamboos

Las Piñas City, NCR’s Parol Capital, is home to three generations of parol makers who use bamboo frames. Bamboos may have grown abundantly in the area long before, as it is home to the world-famous Bamboo Organ built-in 1824.

In 2006, when Sen. Cynthia Villar was still the representative of Las Piñas, she started the Parol Festival.

Villar SIPAG Chairman Manny Villar and Managing Director Senator Cynthia Villar

She helped organize the parol makers by launching the Samahang Magpaparol ng Las Piñas. She assisted them in setting up the Las Piñas Parol Center. The center served as a training area where new designs and packaging techniques were explored with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry technical personnel.

Villar also helped plant bamboos along the Las Piñas-Zapote River to bring back greenery in the riverbanks, prevent soil erosion, and provide parol makers a regular source of the material.

Bamboo festival

This year, Las Piñas Festival welcomed 14 entries to its 15th annual lantern-making competition.

Bryan Flores bagged the first prize, winning P20,000, while Glecy Dela Cruz won second prize, taking home P15,000. Fercival Santos ranked third, winning P10,000.

Graphic designer and event stylist Celestine Danielle Contreras, indigenous gown maker and hair and makeup artist Paul Catapia, and designer Karim Atudillo were this year’s judges.

The winners were judged according to ingenuity and resourcefulness, 30 percent; creativity, 25 percent; impact, 30 percent; and technical skills, 15 percent. The contestants used scrap or recycled materials and natural or indigenous materials. Bamboo, meanwhile, was utilized as the main material for the lantern frames.

The parols were evaluated last Dec. 10. They are now on display in Villar SIPAG HQ along C5 Extension in Las Piñas City.

 

 

Virtualahan partners with LGUs to socially franchise their impact formula 

ByCisco Patricia Mirasol 

Virtualahan, a virtual school with a mission to break down employment barriers for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other excluded communities experiencing discrimination, is partnering with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and local government units (LGUs) to socially franchise their impact formula.

“Our goal is to replicate,” said founder Ryan Gervasa. “Instead of Virtualahan training thousands of people, we can better amplify our impact via social franchising.”

Virtualahan developed an impact formula that incorporates life coaching, skills upgrade, apprenticeship, job coaching, and advocacy in their program. By replicating the formula and its methods in LGUs, it aims to empower talents who would not have otherwise contributed to the economy.

“[We only ask LGUs to reach this] one goal: to produce 100 graduates a year. It’s not too much to ask. If each LGU produces 100 a year and if we have 100 LGUs, that’s 10,000 talents per year – 10,000 talents who would not have otherwise contributed to the economy. In 10 years, that’s 100,000 people you lift out of poverty and empower to take ownership of their lives,” said Mr. Gervasa. “That’s our bigger vision. Once we reach that vision, Virtualahan can go out of business. We are no longer needed in the picture.”

There are 318,747 PWD registered voters according to 2016 data from the Commission on Elections. The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10524 require that government agencies reserve at least 1% of their regular and non-regular positions for PWDs. Private corporations that hire PWDs are entitled to certain incentives, including a 25% additional deduction from the private corporation’s gross income of the total amount paid as salaries and wages to PWDs.

An asset, not an accessory

Mr. Gervasa — who this year became the first Filipino to have been nominated for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award — created the social enterprise in 2015 out of necessity. After overcoming poverty and completing a degree, he discovered that his incurable medical diagnosis excluded him from jobs he was otherwise qualified for.

“Because no company decided to employ me, I decided to employ myself,” he told BusinessWorld in an interview. “Our outdated labor practice still requires applicants to get a medical certificate for an entry-level job. Another reason leading to the unemployment of PWDs and other excluded groups is their lack of skills to qualify for a job.”

The aim of the social enterprise is to address the root causes behind workplace exclusion through skills training and employment support. Specific courses on digital marketing, project management, website development and design, sales and marketing, and customer service equip graduates with the skills that companies are hiring for. Fundamental skills such as critical thinking and problem solving are also taught before students move on to more specific skill sets.

“I think the strongest life skills we provide is through our life coaching program with an in-house psychologist. We intentionally designed it using a self-determination approach,” said Mr. Gervasa. The purpose of the sessions is to help students move away from the victim mindset and learn more about emotional resilience and the psychology behind oppression. “If you do not help facilitate the healing process for them, they cannot thrive in the workplace. It will just be another cycle of training and support without sustainability, because there isn’t any holistic transformation.”

Some of Virtualahan’s other plans in the pipeline include bringing their impact formula to the United Arab Emirates, where it will start running its next cohort in 2021, as well as expanding its impact to areas of conflict in the Middle East.

“[I would like to extend] an invitation for people in decision-making roles to rethink how we see work and the value of diversity and inclusion,” said Mr. Gervasa. “Employing PWDs transforms an organization. Make them an asset versus an accessory.” He added that better institutional support is also needed so PWDs, solo parents, former sex workers, recovering drug addicts, people in jail, out-of-school youths, indigenous peoples, and other excluded communities are no longer left behind.