www.littlenars.com | Dianne Peña

Red Ribbon never fails to surprise us because they have yet released 2 new cakes for the month of L-O-V-E. Presenting to you the chocolatiest cake that will surely suit your cravings:

Chocolate Heaven

As what its name entails, you will experience heaven as you indulge yourself with it because of its 4-layer combination of creamy of chocolate brownie, chocolate mousse, rich dark chocolate icing and chocolate shaven curls. It really suited my taste because I am a chocolate addict and I super love the classic Chocolate Mousse cake. Chocolate is my energy food. It gets me going. Therefore, Chocolate Heaven, really pumped me up during my late night duties. LOL!

It is up for grabs in all Red Ribbon stores and is available in junior size (P335) and regular size (P560).

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE…

Since Red Ribbon is always present in all occasion as they claimed, they continue to prove it by giving us:

Roses and Kisses Cake

a heart-shaped chocolate pound cake designed with edible sugar roses and Hershey’s milk chocolate Kisses on top. Inside it is filled with layers of chocolate fudge filling coated with white icing.

It is now available for pre-order until February 9, 2009 and is available off the shelf in all Red Ribbon branches nationwide from Febraury 12-14, 2010. Roses and Kisses cake is six diameters in size that is worth P330. It is perfectly in time for Valentine’s Day.

The cake is just sweet and creamy enough to add spice to your “sugary” moment and what’s even delighting about it is you can have it personalized and make it extra special by giving a sweet message for a total of 14-character text before and after the “Happy Valentine’s Day”.

What are you waiting for? Try these very luscious cakes now or else….

Simbang Gabi… Misa De Gallo… 9 Mornings… A tradition for Filipino Catholics where in group of friends, families, etc… attends all 9 consecutive dawn masses at 4 or 5AM starting December 16 to December 24, after completing Simbang Gabi, you can have your wish. Simbang Gabi is a time of the year where the Church overflows with people everyday that you wish it’s always Christmas.

I have completed Simbang Gabi 4 times including this year. I have started attending it since 2002. So far, all my wishes were granted. The awesome part was this year’s wish because it was granted even before I finished Simbang Gabi. God is reaaaaally GOOD. He truly never let me down.

My Misa De Gallo experience for year 2009 was different because I attended mass at four different churches. The first day was at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Tagaytay City with my College friends, third day was at the Immaculate Conception Parish, Pateros also with my other College friends and a great way to end it was by attending the last stretch of Kraft Eden Cheese, Keso De Gallo— a nationwide event coinciding with the traditionally celebrated Misa de Gallo.

I, together with my mum and brother, Jeric had the privilege to attend our last day for Simbang gabi at San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor, Pampanga. The mass was in Kapampangan and I only followed through the mass because of the order, I even responded in Tagalog. (I was kind of worried if I were able to complete it because I didn’t understand the homily. Hihi). It was my first time to hear a Kapampangan mass and that was a splendid experience.

Parallel to the nine-day Simbang Gabi, Eden brought the goodness of Filipino dishes to Pinoys in nine different towns including Bacolod City, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, Naga, Butuan City, Laoag and Pampanga.

After the mass, At least 300 “kabalens” enjoyed the “Cheesy Squash Puto” a recipe done by pupils from the San Matias Elementary School in Pampanga sponsored by Kraft Eden Cheese. I can see those pretty little smiles from them that brightened the whole event after tasting the YUMM-Y Cheesy Squash Puto. You’ll never notice that there was a veggie in it. It was some sort of an alternative for our famous Bibingka and Puto Bumbong every after a Simbang Gabi mass.

Everyone was happy eating, chatting, singing, playing and taking pictures… It was a peaceful, triumphant, and superb event. I felt the warmness of the event even though its really cold outside the Church because I was able to savor this experience with my family—the most important thing of all.

Keso De Gallo as it aims to will explore the wonders of our country’s cuisine while providing an extended feast that will bring joy and delight to as many families as possible, was indeed a great means of celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This event really brought out the true essence of Christmas. Nothing beats sharing, loving and togetherness in this season.

Thank You Kraft Eden Cheese for this wonderful experience.

“Dahil kay rami talgaga nating nagagawa pag may Eden Cheese”

P.S

My mum kept on repeating this experience to our relatives during our family Noche Buena.

And the Filipinos have done it once again.

Kraft Eden Cheese broke the record of the “Most Number on Display, In a Single Day” last December 14, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum with………

*insert drum roll sound effects here*

5, 845 Palatable Dishes with CHEESE!!!

There were 500 Chefs and 5,000 dishes in the event. Premier culinary school Magsaysay Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) contribute the most of the research and student manpower in the making of the event, with the added help of other schools such as Regina Carmeli, St. Paul University-Manila, Centro Escolar University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, La Consolacion College and Arellano University-Manila.

In the event, there were also contests that the following schools participated. The Grand winner for the Cheese Carving Contest is Centro Escolar University and Grand winner for the Noche Buena Cook-Off Contest is La Consolacion College.

There were a lot of YUMM-Y dishes and I wished I could taste them all! It was my first event with this kind of cause.

With that, I can say, Filipinos have the habit of making a HISTORY!

Here is my previous blogpost http://www.littlenars.com/2009/11/11/be-a-part-of-history-with-kraft-eden-cheese/

Denim Jeans is a must-have for every wardrobe. It is flexible ‘cause you can mix and match it with any top you wish for every occasion. Denims has a long life span, I mean, it’s not obvious that its already worn out unless you’ve already out-grown your jeans. There are a lot of brands to choose from but love your own, support Bobson.

Bobson offers a range of easy and relaxed casual clothing made for the laid-back lifestyle of today’s men and women. Their style includes Bobson Basic and the new-innovative Bobson Series II.

BOBSON Series II was launched onto the local jeans scene that created immediate following for its modified designs. The name Series II is synonymous with Edgy, Progressive and Modern. The BOBSON Series II includes an innovative denim line for ladies and men, shirts and tops designed for today’s men women

With Bobson, you can have more ways to be hip and fab. Bobson designs for ladies and men, can be mix and match for an unlimited trendy and style.

Bobson denims are trendy, new colors and washes, unique pocket details, appliqués, embroideries and finishes. Each denim piece has a slanted red leather belt loop at the back. Bobson Series II pants were designed with larger back pockets, wider waistband, and a red facing combination.

This is a perfect gift for Christmas and the holiday season. Bobson clothesline is available in all SM, RDS and leading department stores nationwide at reasonable prices (P850 for the jeans).

Where is Maki Haus?

That was the question. My mum and I had difficulty in finding it but our effort had been paid of because of their delectable Fookien Style foodies:

D “original” Maki noodles (P95). A thick Chinese soup with undeniable tenderness and juicyness of pork meat. This dish maybe served in a small portion or a large bowl. This “already-a-full-meal-for-me” dish was just the appetizer.

Kiampong (P35). A Chinese version of our Filipino “Paella” rice atop with whole fried peanuts.

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ABS-CBN, the Philippines biggest television network and Worldbex Services International, the country’s most successful exhibit organizer come together for the first time to present the longest-running and most successful Christmas bazaar in the country – the 9th World Bazaar Festival.

World Bazaar Festival will be open for shoppers from December 6 to December 14, 2009 at the World trade Center Manila. It has the best assortment of products and merchandise ranging from food, car accessories, fashion jewelry, toys, clothing, foot wear, plastic products and many more that paved way for upscale profits for long-time and first-time exhibitors in the yearly grand Christmas bazaar.

Since it is a joint project of ABS-CBN and Worldbex Services International, this 14-day event will feature a special Celebrity Village where shoppers can interact, meet and even buy items from their favorite stars. The village will feature artists and celebrities from ABS-CBN such as Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo, Gladys Reyes, Christopher Roxas, Rica Peralejo and Donita Rose, G-Force Dancers Sheryn Regis, Cris Pastor, Miguel Mendoza, Phoemela Baranda, Gretchen Fullido, Mariel Rodriguez, Nene Tamayo, Bea Saw, Ruben Gonzaga, Jason Gainza, Pokwang, among many others.

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Thankful people gathered to celebrate the second National Thank You day at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last November 20, 2009.

As a prelude to the excitement and anticipation of the results of the 1st National Thank You Day Awards, Toblerone revealed the winners of the Spread the Sweetness of Gratitude Photo Competition:

Remi Ann Sta. Cruz’s ‘My Best Playmate Ever‘
Jordana Quedding’s ‘Walang Iwanan’
Pat Lorico’s ‘Smooch & Pooch’

This year’s National Thank You Day aims for the Filipino people to go a step further than just asking to say thank you more often– by giving them a chance to vote and nominate their favorites through the website (www.thankyoudayphilippines.com) for about 2 months ago. From the nominees which were:
People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao fresh from his victory from Miguel Cotto
the late Francis M, who was part of the first National Thank You Day with daughter Maxene Magalona
Dolphy, Comedy King
Daniel Razon, broadcaster and public servant
Efren Peñaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year (2009)
former President Cory Aquino, one of the greatest leaders of all time for her fight for freedom and democracy

People casted their votes for someone whose talent, leadership, and vision has made them proud to be a Filipino and most thankful of.

The First National Thank You day award goes to…….

*Drum roll*

Former President CORAZON C. AQUINO

Well, she really deserved it. No words to express how Filipinos are thankful for her great deeds for our country.

The award was accepted by her daughter, Ms. Viel Aquino-Dee.

Yes, believe it or not, I was star struck. I didn’t expect anybody from the Aquino family to be present there. Being the photographer, I was the one who took this photo:

My bro, Jeric with Ms. Viel Aquino-Dee.

—For those who wants the National Thank You Day to be “officialized” (if there’s such a word. LOL) please sign up in this petition here.

7-Eleven hosted its 1st Big Bite Challenge, one of the biggest and widest gastronomic competition ever assembled in Southeast Asia last November 14, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. 7-Eleven is celebrating its 25th year of being the largest convenience store chain in the Philippines.

The 25 top finalists selected simultaneously started their gastrointestinal engines and battled it out, where the champion gurgitator brings home P500,000 in cash.

The finalist who has eaten the most Hotdog Sandwich in 10 minutes without spills and vomit.will gain the title of the “First Filipino Gurgitator”.

I was there, I saw them gobble to 50 pieces of Hotdog Sandwich served with I think 10 Big Gulp drinks. A lot of intensity and pressure from the crowd, after the time was up, the tedious counting… then there was the First Filipino Gurgitator.

Leopoldo “ Black Hole “Quinto, Jr. of Baclaran won by eating 13 hotdogs in a span of 10 minutes

Second runner up- was Kyle “The Beast” de Guzman, a nursing student from the University of Pangasinan, took the150,000 pesos prize.

I would never dare to do that. Even if I have a bulging stomach, I think, it cant bear digesting a lot of Hotdog sandwich in 10 minutes. Haha! P500, 000 just by eating… That’s a WOW!

Congratulations to the Winners!

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Nutrilite, the world pioneer in vitamin and mineral supplements celebrates its 75th Anniversary. In celebration of their success they bring out their new products:

Rhodiola (an herb supplement to boost energy and mental alertness), a natural supplement designed to combat stress and improve performance. A tablet perfect for both men and women on the go, this organic supplement’s main ingredient is rhodiola, an Arctic herb used as an all-purpose tonic since the ancient times.

Strive+ (a rehydration drink) is for those who engage themselves in extreme physical activity. Blending carbohydrates, electrolytes and 100mg of Red Orange Complex (which contains recuperative and rejuvenative properties), Strive+ helps your body protect itself from physical activity, the natural way. Just open a pack of Strive+, mix with water, and you’ve got an isotonic drink that not only rehydrates and energizes your body, but helps it recover from muscle fatigue as well.

FitH2O a drink which hydrates and nourishes the body for light activity to combat stress and fatigue. A low-calorie, low carbohydrate mix FitH2O contains powerful antioxidants, Niacin, B6, Pantothenic Acid, B12, C and E vitamins to help fight free radicals. One FitH2O stick added to 500mL of water gives you a healthy dose of anti-oxidants to keep you and your body fatigue-free.

These products are made from natural, whole plant concentrates and combine the best of nature with the best of science to provide you with the fastest way to jumpstart your path toward optimal health plus of course, the proper diet and exercise and you’re good to live your long, fulfilling life.

Nutrilite has emerged from a young, start-up company to become the biggest leader in vitamin and nutrition supplements in the world. The event happened last November 12, 2009 at SM Mall Of Asia Music Hall. There were photo exhibit of Nutrilite athletes, such as champion bowler Paeng Nepomuceno and FIFA World player Ronaldinho, line one part of the venue to serve as inspirations for all of us. Guests are also given the opportunity to experience the Nutrilite way of living, via free bone density, cholesterol and BMI (Body Mass Index) check-ups as well as nutrition consultations.

Nutrilite is the only global vitamin and mineral brand in the world that delivers high-quality products that are environmentally friendly and produced in its own certified organic farm, from seed to serve. All Nutrilite products are deeply anchored in scientific development and research, with over 100 scientists, researches and educators behind its development—comprising the biggest scientific staff in the industry.

It’s never too late to start the road to health. Jumpstart your path towards living your best–Nutrilite gets you on gear.

Nutrilite is the world’s leading brand of vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements with $3 billion in sales in 2007. For 75 years, Nutrilite is grounded on the most advanced research and technology and is exclusively distributed locally by Amway Philippines. For product inquiries or to be an Independent Business Owner, please call 814-8181.

Feasts have always been in the hearts of Filipinos. In the same manner, feast comes with food and foods prepared during feasts are extra special. There are many ways to make food served extra special and one of which is to put cheese to it.

Cheese is one of the most versatile ingredients to cook with and there are over 2,000 varieties to choose from. It is also one of the oldest manufactured foods in the world.

On December 14, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum, Kraft Eden Cheese will spearhead another history. Together with Filipino women, Cooking enthusiasts, Kusineros, Chefs and Culinary schools from all over aims to set a new World Record got the most number of dishes made with cheese in a single day. They target to make 5,000 dishes with Eden Cheese as one common ingredient.

In a similar spirit we are enjoined to come together as a nation and mobilize the Filipino gifts of creating, inventing and innovating —to showcase our Filipino food culture. From simple snacks to sophisticated main courses, Kraft Eden cheese products can b relied upon to deliver great-tasting meals by making simple recipes a more palatable one. (I, myself is a living testimony and experienced the magic of Eden Cheese when they launched this event to media last November 7)

Since Christmas is fast approaching and the Christmas spirit can really be felt anywhere you walk in Philippines, I am sure Kraft Eden Cheese will surely be present in our homes— or at least in ours (Mum never forgets to buy “Keso De Bola” for Christmas)

I have always been a fan of sweet plus salty taste present in Filipino Spaghetti, composed of sweet tasting sauce atop with YUMM Eden Cheese makes me come back for another plate.

Be a part of history! Let the miracle of sharing happen once again… Sign-up and contribute your favorite recipe with Kraft Eden Cheese at www.sarapngbuhay.com.

Make your every day a YUMM— Your Ulam Mas Masarap with Kraft Eden Cheese.