Monday, July 25, 2016

Urban Marche: Cash and Carry Weekend Market

There are several weekend markets in Makati today. A few of the posh villages here offer weekend markets for their residents and "outsiders" as well. One of the recent additions is Cash and Carry's Weekend Night Market called the Urban Marche. Marche, according Wikipedia is one of the 20 regions of Italy.

Urban Marche can be found at the parking lot of Cash and Carry in Palanan. The site is where the old "imported" shops were located.

There are stalls selling clothes, jewelry and all sorts of food. I seldom look at the stalls selling clothes and other dry goods because my primary purpose of going there is to eat.

Some of the food I've tried are shawarma, barbecue, pancit, pasta, Ilocos bagnet and  lechon belly. A couple of weeks ago, my doctors told me to cut down on oily and salty dishes. Grabe! It's really difficult lloking for healthy yet delicious food. But fortunately, in this weekend market, there is a stall that sells healthy stuff. Tuna pasta, veggie burger, etc.

The burger patties are made of puso ng saging. It's not really new for me because  my cousin used to make this in the province before. But I still liked the idea that they have it here in Manila.

Urban March is open Fridays to Sundays from 3 - 11 pm.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

SOI restaurant: A Special Restaurant

It was so hot in my room last Sunday I decided to go to SM Mall of Asia to enjoy their free aircon. lol I got there at about 11 am and decided to look for a place to eat before they all get filled with lunch goers. I was choosing beetween Soi Restaurant and Ya Kun Kaya Toast. Since they are both on the North wing of MOA, I decided to just walk by the restaurants to see which has more vacant tables. When I passed by Soi I noticed that the lady by the door (part of the crew) possibly has special needs. Please don't think that there is something unusual with how she looks or she looks weird as how persons with special needs are depicted in television shows. She is not like that. Don't think I was being judgmental. There was just something with the way she talked to me that caught my attention.

She was doing stuff just like the other members of the crew were doing but it still made me ask for the manager to confirm. It turned she was not but the supervisor was there to answer my questions. I just confirmed with him if the lady was indeed special. The supervisor confirmed it. I asked if all branches employ them but apparently it was only at MOA. It was the manager's decision to give it a try.

You may be wondering why I was so interested to know. Well, I work with children with special needs. I know how frustrating it is knowing that after you train them, some of them will not end up having the same opportunities like the others outside. You teach them and train them how to do things the way they are "normally" done in the real world. Then they end up not being able to find jobs because no one will accept them. So it is really special for me to see establishments like Soi that employs people with special needs. Don't get me wrong. I do not have anything against those who do not accept them. They probably have their reasons. But I really appreciate those who do give them the chance to prove their worth.

So SOI, keep up the good work.

Anyway here is what I ordered. For less than 200 pesos I got this meal that comes with  glass of iced tea and a small saucer (yes, a small one lol) of appetizer.

Monday, June 27, 2016

Orange Infused Water - Health Benefits of Orange

Like Lemon Infused Water, Orange Infused Water is also popular. Here are some of the health benefits of orange.

Orange contains soluble fiber which may help in lowering cholesterol level in your body. It also helps regulate high blood pressure.

Orange also contains a good amount of Vitamin C which helps in boosting the immune system. This means that your body will be able to fight infection better.

It also contains potassium which is good for the health of your heart.

Since it contains Vitamin C, many will believe it is acidic in nature. It is true. But only before it is digested. Orange actually contains alkaline minerals to help maintain balance in the body.

To make orange infused water, slice a medium sized orange into disks. Soak them in a jar of water.




Friday, June 24, 2016

Lemon Infused Water - Health Benefits of Lemon Infused Water

The most popular infused water (or at least I think it is) is Lemon Infused Water. Many restaurants serve lemon water now instead of ordinary tap water or mineral water. Anyway, here are some health benefits of Lemon Infused Water.

1. It is a good source of Vitamin C. This helps boost the immune system.
2. It is good for the skin -- giving it an added glow.
3. It aids in proper digestion.
4. It helps fight bacteria that cause diseases.

To make Lemon Infused Water, slice lemon to make thin disks. Soak the lemon in a jar filled with water.


Thursday, June 23, 2016

Apple Infused Water - Health Benefits of Apple

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. For you, what does this line mean? This phrase is just a saying and should not be taken literally. But let's give a little meaning to this. In simple terms, if we eat fruits like apple, we'll get a lot of health benefits. This may help prevent diseases so we won't have to go to the doctor's clinic for treatment. But please, let us not keep the doctors away. Even if we're not sick we still need to see them for check up. That is something that many people forget or ignore. To stay healthy, let's not forget to have regular check up with a doctor. This is more preventive than anything.

Anyway, let's talk about apples. Here are some of the Health Benefits of Apple

Apples contain Vitamin C that boosts the immune system. In that case, it could really help prevent sickness. When the immune system is up and running well, we'll be able to fight whatever disease causing agents come our way.

Apples also contain phenols which help reduce cholesterol.This is a fun way of fight thing that dreaded stuff we have in our bodies.

Apples also help increase the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This, some articles say, will help fight Alzheimer's Disease.

Some say this may also help reduce the risk of having Parkinson's Disease. Apples help the protection of the dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Had I known about this 7 years ago, I would let my dad eat apples for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lol

An old "tradition" I learned from an aunt is to eat apples whenever I have diarrhea. She told me it's better than taking d*@*s.

Another help benefit would is about fighting cancer. Apples have antioxidants that will help get rid of free radicals in your body. I don't really know what specific cancers it could help fight but just the same, it's nice to hear that this can help prevent or fight the big C.

Apples are also rich in fibers so it can help flush the toxins away.

Lastly, eating apples can help you reduce weight. How? Since apples are rich in fibers as said above, eating it as snacks or in-between-meals will help you feel full so you won't be eating much come mealtime. It has less calories than meat or whatever you'll eat. 

So, what is my point? Well, I simply would like to tell you that my infused water suggestion for today is Apple Infused Water.

Just like the others, simply cut an apple into small pieces and soak them in a jar of water. I guarantee you, this is nice because it tastes good and looks good too.


Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Healthy Snacks for School - Healthy Baon for Your Child 4 (Microwave Omelette Cup)

I think one of the good styles to hide vegetables from your children in by putting them inside an omelette. But since some kids are like scientists who easily discovers things, try to use trick I'm going to tell you.

Cook your omelette using a microwave oven. Wait! I'm not done yet. Do not use the microwavable plastic containers but instead, use ceramic mugs or whatever containers you have at home that has cover for easy packing. Here's what you should do.

But first, let's start with the ingredients.

Microwave Omelette Cup

2 large eggs - beaten
3 tbsp grated cheese (or you may use cubed or diced cheese)
3 tbsp cooked ham (or diced hotdogs)
2 tbsp diced carrots (or shredded for easier hiding)
2 tbsp diced potato
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure
1. Spray oil (just a little or better yet use butter) inside a ceramic mug.
2. Put all the ingredients inside the mug. Mix well. (Fill to about 3/4 of the mug since the omelette will still rise).
3. microwave for about a minute. If the egg is still not yet set, microwave again for a few seconds or until the egg is well cooked.
4. If the mug has a lid, then there's no need to transfer it to a different container. If not, then run a knife around then transfer to your preferred container.

You can use this recipe not just for your child's healthy baon but also for your breakfast at home.

What I want to try is to use mason jars instead of ceramic mugs. It would be nice to look at, I think. I've used mason jars for a number of things already like for cathedral windows, nut layers, etc. But I don't know if you can put it inside a microwave oven. I'm afraid to try, lol. If you're brave enough to do it then please let me know of the result.


Anyway, I hope this simple omelette recipe will be of help. It's very easy to follow -- just like your ordinary hotdog omelette or ham, omelette.

Longan Infused Water - Good for the Heart and ... Sex Life?

Are you familiar with Euphoria fruit? Euphoria fruit or euphoria langana is popularly known as longan. It  tastes like lychee and when peeled looks like one too.

Longan is commonly used by the Chinese as a tonic used for a lot of health reasons. The most common use is for the heart. It also helps rejuvenate the blood. They say it also helps the skin become smoother and gives it it's much needed glow. It improves the eye-sight. It has Vitamins A and C. It also has potassium. And lastly, and interestingly, it is also popular as a sex tonic. Why? Well, some texts I read simply says that since your skin improves, your sex life will also improve. 

So by now you can probably predict how to make longan infused water.

Just soak a dozen pieces of peeled longan in a jar of water and you're all set.