koko & everything else

koko & everything else

Monday, December 9, 2013

Manila Water Foundation boosts potential of PWD Cooperative

PRESS RELEASE

Manila Water Foundation supports the livelihood and sustainable endeavours of the Makati Persons with Disability Green Consumers Cooperative, through its Kabuhayan Para Sa Barangay (KPSB) program. With confidence and high hopes, the Foundation hands-over a P200,000 zero-interest loan payable in 24 months that will serve as the Cooperative’s seed-capital.

(From left to right) Carla May B. Kim,  Executive Director of Manila Water Foundation; Errol Barba,
Chairman of Makati Persons with Disability Multi-purpose Cooperative; Danny Villas,
Department Head of Makati Cooperative Development Office; Hon. Tosca Camille Puno-Ramos,
Head of Committee of Cooperatives; and Ferdinand M. dela Cruz, President of Manila Water Foundation

As an organization that focuses on underlining the capacity of persons with disabilities (PWD) as a significant part of a business production line while upholding environmental stewardship, the Makati Persons with Disability Green Consumers Cooperative manufactures and retails eco-friendly bags, pillows and pillowcases, swatch rags, and other  sewn products. Recyclables such as used plastic tetra packs and old tarpaulins are reused as basic materials for its products.

Danilo Villas, Department Head of the Makati Cooperative Development Office, applauds the Cooperative for its desire to make a difference critically needed by the environment. “The local office truly salutes these PWDs who, in their own ways, live up to our environmental obligations” he shares. “We extend this respect to Manila Water Foundation for recognizing and strengthening such efforts. May the cooperative value this support to embolden the Foundation to continue its pursuit” he furthers.

Together with its 39 members, the Cooperative accepts the seed-capital with a promise to expend this on the road to better operations. “Each of us (members of the Cooperative) will work hand-in-hand to make this source of opportunity flourish”, says Errol Barba, Chairman of the Cooperative. “We are overwhelmed, and at the same time proud of the trust given to us by Manila Water Foundation. All the help we are receiving attests the trust granted to us by various parties as well as the local government” he adds.

Member of Makati Persons with Disability Green Consumers Cooperative,
Jocelyn Broqueza sewing used juice tetra packs to eco-friendly bags.
 

The said beneficiary is the 14th cooperative that has received financial backing from the Foundation’s livelihood assistance program. Since its initiation in 2003, the KPSB program has already touched the lives of 2,265 families from Base of the Pyramid (BOP) communities. According to Ferdinand dela Cruz, President of Manila Water Foundation, the KPSB project aims to aid formed cooperatives like the said PWD group that are struggling to carry out its goals. “We are presenting the maximum grant of P200,000 to the PWD Green Consumers Cooperative not only because of their great potential, but also because of the immense optimism they exhibit towards their work and their cause” he voices.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Kok’s Manok – Cavite’s Latest Noche Buena Treat




Noche Buena is one thing all Pinoys look forward to this yuletide season. Everyone will be busy planning what to serve on the eve of Christmas – the sinfully delicious lechon, the pleasingly sweet leche flan and of course, the aromatic roasted chicken that will always be one of the favorites.

And when it comes to chicken, Kok’s Manok is the place to go for that delectable serving of So Juicy, So Lambot roasted chicken. Opened last August 31, 2013, the take-out restaurant already gained a following in Imus, Cavite just a month after its opening. But from a handful of stores which offers the same product, why does Kok’s Manok continues to gain loyal customers?

One. It is So Juicy, So Lambot! As the tagline says, the chicken is cooked in a rotisserie at a precise temperature and time creating an evenly cooked chicken – inside and out.

Two. It is a healthy option for the health-conscious. The method of cooking allows the chicken to get rid of the excess oil – leaving only the natural juice of the chicken along with the special marinade within the chicken meat.

Three. It is affordable and comes with different flavors. Aside from the Classic recipe, Kok’s Manok also offers Garlic and Spicy flavor. And though each flavor is good on its own, every flavor is best paired with the special Kok’s Manok sauce mixed with catsup.

Enjoy your one whole Kok’s Manok for only Php 189.00 for the Classic flavor or just add Php 10.00 for the Garlic or Spicy options. The store also gives discounts for bulk orders this coming season. Caterers who wish to partner with Kok’s Manok will also receive a special discount and privileges.




Visit Kok’s Manok now at Patindig Araw, Imus City, Cavite (near Tricycle Terminal) or call/text +63 927 301 7224. You may also visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/koksmanok for special promos.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Meeting the Star for All Seasons: Governor Vi of Batangas




I admit, I am always the type pf person who get starstruck, mostly when I am surrounded with god-like creatures, oozing with beauty, confidence and all the other stuff that I seem to lack. 

But as my friend Mai and I had been discussing, it's totally a different experience when you meet someone legendary. In the local showbiz scene, I think there are two famous and legendary people that I am happy to have met, and even had a chance to take a photo with. That's Mr. Eddie Garcia and just recently, the Star for all Seasons and current governor of Batangas, Honorable Vilma Santos-Recto. 

But what makes me really impressed (therefore makes me really into them) is the fact that despite their accomplishments and status in life, both are very humble and welcoming. And you know what, I don't think Gov. Vi is just acting it out. I really think that she is purely and sincerely pleasant. 

She greeted everyone with her smile and inviting attitude. She made everyone comfortable in her presence. She joked and made everyone laugh, but most of all, she made everyone understood her message. 




Her message was to improve the current situation of children (specifically school children) who are suffering with Micronutrient deficiency (MND). Along wit FNRI-DOST (Food and Nutrition Research Institute - Department of Science and Technology and Nestle Bear Brand, they conducted a study on how drinking fortified milk drink can help solve the problem on MND; or the condition where children are deficient of zinc, vitamin C, iron, among other micronutrients. The reality of MND is actually common yet unsolved. This is in fact, one of the reasons why most children do not perform well in school, cannot absorb new knowledge and even why they get sick all the time. 

I learned all these during the Nestle Bear Brand event for the awareness of MND, where I also met Gov. Vi. I am a milk drinker ever since, and though I drink it because I have acquired the love for it, it's a first for me to learn all the other things milk can do for people; more than healthy bones and teeth. 

And thanks to Gov Vi, who was very passionate in explaining even the nitty-gritty of this reality, I was able to absorb it, understand it and I can say, I can even be an advocate of milk drinking because of this. 


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Gov. Vi supports the fight against micronutrient deficiency



She may be occupying the seat of power in the whole province of Batangas, but in her heart Governor Vilma Santos-Recto is simply a mother taking care of the health of her family and of the community. The love and concern she shows to her constituents through her “health-first” policy has earned her the respect and trust of her people.

“As a mom, it is my priority to take care of the health needs of my family, and this extends to my larger family of Batangueños,” she admits. “I have always believed that even if you raise the quality of education, give jobs or livelihoods, or provide infrastructure, it would all be useless if the people suffer from poor health.”

Santos-Recto channels this outlook through her HEARTS Foundation, which stands for Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture, Roads, Tourism and Security. Putting much emphasis on health, she is rightfully concerned about the condition called Micronutrient Deficiency and how it affects millions of Filipino schoolchildren.

This is the reason why, for several years now, she has been supporting health advocacies that fight malnutrition. Her campaigns continuously educate and encourage both parents and kids on the importance of eating healthy foods and drinking milk.  

“Parents should know the right food choices at ito ang dapat na binibigay nila sa mga anak nila,” she says. “Lalo na ngayong panahon na naman ng pasukan, being healthy is very important because otherwise, maaaring maging masakitin ang mga bata, o kaya matamlay, laging nag-aabsent.”

Santos-Recto explains that kids who always seem to lack energy, easily get tired or have a hard time concentrating on their schoolwork are likely candidates for Micronutrient Deficiency. Lacking essential nutrients like Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin C in their diets, these children often grow up to be underweight or stunted, conditions from which roughly half of Filipino kids suffer.


“Ayon nga sa survey ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology, four out of five schoolchildren suffer from lack of iron,” she says. “Seven out of ten public school students naman ang may kakulangan ng Vitamin C, samantalang one out of five ang kulang sa Zinc.”

The governor is happy that, through her collaboration with Nestlé Philippines and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), she is able to communicate to a wider audience the importance of eating nutritious food and drinking milk. BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink is fortified with Tibay Resistensya nutrients Iron, Zinc and Vitamin C to help children in their proper growth and development during their formative years.

“Ako at ang mga kapatid ko ay pinalaki sa gatas kaya yun din ang ginawa ko sa aking mga anak,” says Santos-Recto. “Alam naman natin lahat na talagang masustansya ang gatas lalo na kung fortified ito. “Isa ito sa mga napatunayang paraan para malabanan ang Micronutrient Deficiency – bigyan sila ng wastong nutrisyon kasama ang pag-inom ng gatas na may dagdag Iron, Zinc and Vitamin C gaya ng BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink,” she adds. “Gusto ko ma-absorb ng parents ang importance nitong solusyong para sa pagpapalaki, pagpapalusog at pagaaral ng kanilang mga anak. Ang Micronutrient Deficiency, kaya nating labanan!”

As a respected actress and public official, and as a health advocate, Santos-Recto’s commitment as well as credibility comes from being a mother herself to her family, to her community and, ultimately, to the whole country.


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

JUAN NIGHT WITH JOSE & WALLY – A FUNd Raising Event in Celebration of the World Thyroid Day

(EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT)



The fundraising concert for thyroid patients will be held on July 6, 2013, 8:00PM, at the Crossroad Center, Mother Ignacia Ave. corner Sct. Reyes St., Quezon City. Produced by the Philippine Society of Nuclear Medicine (PSNM), the said event features two of the country’s leading comedians, Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola. Also to perform are popular stand-up comedians Anton Diva and Ethel Booba.

So if you’re in for a night of laughter and at the same time support the cause, grab your tickets now.

You may contact Michael Go of iConceptualizeyourEvents Inc. – 0917-9159406 / 0922-8437628.

The event is sponsored by:
Mang Inasal, Jackman Plaza, Francis M Clothing Company, Black Beauty, Xight Interactive, RawMatters Café, Traveltime Travel and Tours, WhenInManila.com, Arman Taylo Photography, Oleia , and Gluta White and Firm

For updates, like our page: http://www.facebook.com/PSNM.WTD

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Lighting Up One Life after Another: Energizer Night Race 2013



Many would think that the Energizer Night Race is just another trend… running + night + lights = fun! But let’s get down to what the race is truly about: it is about spreading “PositivEnergy”; it’s about making people realize how important energy is and how it should be conserved; and it’s about creating a chance for our less privileged countrymen to experience “light” not as a luxury but as a right and privilege.

Not many understand this fact of life but somehow through the Energizer Night Race happening all over the world, somehow a portion of people now has a “brighter” image of what this cause is all about. And it does not hurt to learn, while having fun in the process.

That’s why Energizer Philippines makes every single of its race more interesting and enjoyable for the participants. In fact, at the recently concluded night race last May 4, 2013 at the Bonifacio Global City, aside from giving away prizes for the top finishers, they also had a side contest through the singlet design contest where the participants with the most creative and best “quote” also goes home with special prizes.

Aside from the usual route as well, they also created the dark tunnel, where the creative singlets will glow impressively in the dark. This is a favorite among the runners… some even disregarded their time by stopping and taking a photo of themselves. This goes to show that the run is not really about who gets the fastest time, it is really about having fun and doing something significant for the benefit of the society.


Of course, PRC INC was there as well, not missing the moment to support such noble cause. And although I wasn’t able to run, being there and seeing the beauty and nobility of the race is good enough for me. It gives me hope that people can really help one another, in the most creative ways possible.


For the race results, you may check out this LINK.

For more information on Energizer Philippines and the annual night race, please do check out http://www.energizerbatteries.com.ph/Energizer/NightRace. You may also LIKE them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/energizerphilippines

For more information on PRC INC, please check out their website at http://teamprcinc.com or LIKE them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/PRCinc. For Twitter and Instagram updates, follow them @teamprcinc

Julie’s Summer Temptations: Summer Breads Launched



While everybody’s preparing for the summer season, cutting down on carbs and staying sexy for their beach escapades… I was preparing myself too. I was preparing my tummy for a sumptuous summer treat that could tempt every last one of your bones: it’s not sexy… it’s yummy!

Last May 4, 2013, Julie’s Bakeshop and I had a delicious rendezvous when they showcased their latest offerings for the most awaited season of the country. And boy, was I impressed! Not only was I intrigued by the colorful treats, but the moment I took a guilty bite… let’s just say “they got me”.


Of course, not many of you would take my word for it. But then it wouldn’t hurt to try, right? But beyond what your palate can celebrate for, the Julie’s Bakeshop Summer Breads are just right for the pocket, especially now that it’s summer and the kids are probably hanging out at home. So why not, make the most out of the vacation not only by going out on a trip, but bringing delectable munchies along the way. The price range of the summer breads is from Php 5.00 to Php 45.00 per piece, a lot cheaper than the others. And kids will especially love it, since it is literally an eye-candy!

So without further ado, here it is:

Yummy Yoyos
Rainbow Cupcake
Chicken Empanada
Rainbow Round Cake

My fellow bloggers are also in for a sweet treat:


For more information regarding Julie’s Bakeshop Summer Breads, visit their Facebook account http://facebook.com/JuliesBakeshop, follow them on Twitter @JuliesBakeshop1 and also on Instagram @JuliesBakeshop.

Thank you PRC INC for inviting us as well. For more information on PRC INC, please check out their website at http://teamprcinc.com or LIKE them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/PRCinc. For Twitter and Instagram updates, follow them @teamprcinc