Terra Verde: A Diversified Organic Farm and More...

After building an academic empire with more than 12,000 students in 10 campuses all over Cavite and Metro Manila, the Atanacio family already created a legacy that is significantly making a positive impact in society, especially among the underprivileged youth. Mr. Emerson Atanacio, a 2013 TOYM Awardee in the field of education devotes his skills and God given talents in the academic scene. But, little did he know that less time was being spent for his own well-being.

OA Bloggers Coordinator, Ruth Floresca, ATI Region 4A Information Officer III, 
Sir Olan Maningas with Brothers Emer and Erick Atanacio

After being diagnosed with a thyroid condition along with mild depression, Emer's attending physician prescribed him to engage in other endeavors such as farming to relieve himself of the stressful demands of being a school president. With practically zero-background on agriculture, Emer, with the loving support of his brothers Eric and Erwin and the rest of the family, ventured out into a farming project.

Organic Agriculture (OA) Bloggers,  ATI Staff and with the Atanacios...

Starting with a hectare of land they acquired in Maragondon Cavite, the brothers sought the help of other farmers and experts from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to teach them about appropriate vegetation for planting. A big part of their awakening in organic farming is an experience with a farmer who grew vegetables where those for human consumption are different from the one he sells commercially. That’s when they learned that majority of the vegetables being sold in the market are drenched with toxic fertilizers and pesticides. From then on, they decided to pursue organic agriculture and called their farm Terra Verde or Green Earth.

All the vegetables mentioned in "Bahay Kubo", they have it...

Pepper...Just a few of Terra Verde's Organic produce

Climb Central: A Climbing Facility Fit for Any Fitness Level

Finally, after months of busyness, my wife and I got to visit Climb Central Manila to check out their latest systems in indoor wall climbing. I was first introduced to this sport by a good friend and one of my influences in the sports climbing world back when I used to frequent Power Up Pasig during the late nineties, which he started and operated for several years until it closed.

Climb Central offers various levels of difficulties...

During those times, climbing was my regular workout regimen. When Power Up Pasig was no longer operational, I also became busy with work, which led me to become less active. Thankfully, that was the time when the running culture was starting to grow. So I started running to keep in shape. Eventually, I started to run barefoot and eventually conquered longer distances. By that time, I considered myself a seasoned athlete in the running community.

Me, checking out the auto-belayer device...

Over the years, I acquired a lot of knowledge about the sport and learned about the importance of cross-training and its effect on the overall strength of runners. Although many runners are either in to gyms for weight training or circuit training, in which I also had the opportunity of trying, neither of which made a traction to my preference.

Primo is giving me a refresher course in belaying...

HOOQ Just Hosted the Premier Telecast of Supergirl Season 2

If you are one of the many loyal followers of Supergirl that which debuted its first season last year, then the Philippine viewers will be up for something exciting as Supergirl Season 2 comes to our TV screen this coming October 10, 2016. And for the HOOQ app users, waiting would not be too long, because it will come out just two days after, which is October 12.

the HOOQ Snook...

In the past few years, DC superhero characters have been storming the TV screens with exciting and action packed series which made Warner Bros. channel reach exponential ratings. Shows like Arrow, the Flash, Gotham and of course Supergirl are just among Warner Bros. have instore to its fans. Last year, these TV superhero hits series was also launched on HOOQ, the leading subscription video on-demand mobile app provider today.  And since HOOQ is also owned by Warner Bros., all of these shows are exclusively available only on HOOQ.

HOOQ, the world's leading SVOD app...

A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to be invited to watch the premier telecast of the much a waited season 2 of Supergirl. Honestly, I didn’t had the time to watch all of season one, that is why I had a lot of time grasping some of the connection of the characters. Good thing my wife was with me to entertain all my questions.

Clark and Kara as the mild mannered news reporters of Daily Planet and CatcCo respectively...

Money for Life: Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

What is DEBT?

According to Aya Laraya, Sun Life personal finance consultant, defines it simply as "using other people’s money." It may sound simple but, in reality, debts we often engage into can pull us down to deep financial burden if we fail to pay them back when they're due. 

For a novice business practitioner, any form of debt is not ideal. However, when it comes to personal and commercial purchases, it seems that many could not resist the temptation of a seemingly very attractive deal or discounts on the latest edition of your favorite smartphone brand in the market, even if the existing one still works perfectly well. That is what you call a “bad debt”.

Mr. Aya Laraya, Sun Life Financial Consultant

However, bad debts may not be all that bad such as in the case of expenses needed for medical emergencies. Unfortunately, in these urgent situations, people are sometimes forced to take out loans with high interest rates just to pay hospital bills. What's frustrating is that many Filipinos suck up to loan sharks just to get quick loans. That is why it is very important to learn about financial tools that could help us prepare, or at least can provide some buffer, for unforeseen expenses like these that may happen in the future.

And while there are bad debts that we should veer away from as much as possible, there are also good debts worth considering. A good example of putting debts to good use are people who have successfully made it big in their chosen industries because they see the positive sides of borrowing money. Good debts are loans that allow the purchase of assets like vehicles or additional capitalization that may improve our business or livelihood. These debts, if used the right way, can actually work in our favor and further increase our wealth. 

But, before we jump to filling up those application loans or pulling credit cards out of our pockets, we need to settle some pressing issues on why we need to borrow money in the first place. We should also entertain the thought of considering other options apart from placing ourselves into debt. If these issues are settled first and you have concluded that borrowing money is the most favorable option, the next step is to establish the right amount of money that you need to borrow.

Not lesser and not more than what is needed can increase your capacity to optimize these financial tools for your benefit. It is also important to create a financial plan on when you can you pay back your debts and the best possible ways to pay them. Know how much you really owe and how much fees and interests are there in your loan that you need to cover.

Beware: the “Zero-Interest” signs for credit card users can be very attractive and tempting. But it pays to know that these credit card companies will never allow you to use their services for free and there is always a financial obligation that comes with it. Always remember that the amount you thought you saved for the zero-interest deal is actually tucked-in with all the necessary fees that comes with the commodity.

If your transaction is done with a financial institution or a bank, learn how to negotiate on comfortable and flexible ways to pay your debt. Most often, banks will find ways on how you can pay off the loan while also maintaining a very good relationship with you as their valued client. Bank officers normally allow loan schemes to be recalibrated and may set additional allowances as long as you can provide post-dated checks as a guarantee of your earnest gesture to pay.

Good debts are often beneficial while bad debts are avoidable. But, whether debts are bad or good, the most important thing to do is to settle them at the soonest possible time. Otherwise, as Mr. Laraya warns, “Debts are immortal and can outlive you.” If that happens, your family members would suffer and nobody wants that to happen.

So pay attention from this day forward how you borrow and spend your money. They will definitely make a big impact on your and your loved ones' futures. 

Mall of Kitchens (MOK): The Business of Kitchens in one mall

Whether for home kitchen use or for a full industrial culinary set up, the Mall of Kitchens or simply MOK, has all the equipment you need and more. Under the Technolux brand of service, Mall of Kitchens offers not only quality culinary and kitchen wares and equipment, but also features business venture proposal that a new or an existing food business can grow into.

 Recently, I had the opportunity to view the new Mall of Kitchen along Kamagong Street in Makati that underwent a major refurbishing to cater the ever changing needs of the food industry. Now, a part of the huge aisles with tall shelves of pots and pans, a guest will be received by a very comfortable dining ambiance. 

A whole warehouse of all the kitchen equipment...

The mall features various modules for different business formats such as a full coffee shop set up and bar-tending equipment for those who wish to set up a café or a snooker bar. It also has a gelato set up for existing restos who wish expand the business by offering gelato products with their state of the art machines. MOK offers a multi-gelato machine maker that can produce multi-flavors to a table-top single-flavor machine. Another highlight is the Baking and pastry module that features state of the art baking equipment from oven to large volume dough mixers and a whole lot more. 

Comprital Gelato machine. Made in Italy....

A part of the equipment and formats that is being offered are the free-training that comes with the set up. Whenever there is a customer who wish to set up a coffee shop, MOK has well trained baristas that can conduct barista training. Same goes also for the kitchen equipment where a French chef can demonstrate various international cuisine using the brands MOK is carrying.  

Coffee shop and bar-tending module format in one...

 For those people who are already in the business, you can be confident that MOK carries high quality brands of Kitchen equipment such as; Convotherm Combi Oven, Manitowok Ice Machine, Frymaster deep fryers, Taylor Soft Serve Machine, Vittore Coffee Machines, Lincoln Conveyor Ovens, True Refrigeration Equipment, Vitamix Blenders, Winterhalter Dishwashers, Turbo Air Reach Chillers and Freezers, Manumaster Microwave ovens, William wine chillers and Kolb Deck ovens, which are the top choices of hotel chefs, fastfood service restaurants. 

MOK's resident-chef, Chef Mathew Amet...he's French

Mall of Kitchens offers a wide variety of small wares from home kitchen pots and pans to industrial size cauldrons. They also showcase various set up of dinning models from cutleries, furniture in different types of Tiffany table and chairs. Their well-trained consultants would even offer a free demos on dining set up complete with lighting moods and ambiance that will best fit to the restaurant concept you always wanted to put up. The small wares division of MOK supplies some of the top five-star hotels and restaurants all over the country. 

Ms. Jenny Carlos, Vice-President MOK Small Wares Division...

This year, the Technolux Business Series (TBS) will pursue to deliver and provide business opportunities for existing enterprises and budding entrepreneurs. With the new Mall layout and design, MOK is even more passionate in pursuing its objectives of bringing more products and enhance services to the local market. 

Pots and Pans in all shapes and sizes...

The Mall of Kitchens is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Mondays to Fridays. It is located at 9703 Kamagong Street corner Larawan Street San Antonio Village, Makati City. Ample parking is available. For inquiries, call 890-6758 / 552-3587. Also visit website www.technolux.net and follow us in Facebook at Mall of kitchens – Philippines.

Derek Dee Takes Action Against Hepatitis C

PRESS RELEASE:

Derek Dee started out as a photographer before he ventured into acting and movie production. His name is attached to titles such as Inay (1993), Sa Bingit ng Kamatayan (1996), and Rumble Boy (2007). But a lot of people associate him with ex-wife Melanie Marquez. Their short marriage was blessed with two daughters -  Maxine (22) who is a teacher based in Utah and Michelle (21) who recently began her modeling career for Bench and is steadily gaining ground in the industry.
 

These days, Derek busies himself with business and a new-found advocacy, which is the fight against Hepatitis C. 
 

Derek Dee, a Hepatitis C survivor...

 “One of the most common causes of liver-based sicknesses is Hepatitis C. According the Word Hepatitis Alliance, about 80 to 150 million people are dealing daily with Hepatitis C but there is not much information about it available. The main reason people die from Hepatitis C is because symptoms don’t show up until it is too late so you don’t know that you are sick,” he reveals.

 His own discovery of the illness was by accident. A routine blood test four years ago revealed that he had the dreaded disease. Doctors and his own research suggested that he may have contracted it through the use of contaminated needles in his younger days, around 30 years ago.

 “Four years ago, having Hepatitis C was a death sentence because there was no cure yet”. His search for a solution to his illness brought him many heartaches and disappointments. The only option he found were drugs which had deadly side effects and low cure rates. So he decided not to seek treatment.
 

Then two years ago, a medicine with a cure rate of 94%-97% was discovered but it was prohibitively priced. So he went into the digital realm to research his chances of getting the medicine outside the US where the drug was priced cheaper. This led him to Singapore General Hospital Pharmacy which was willing to order the miracle drug for him at a slightly lower cost.

 

A Rebel with a Cause...

After getting the treatment, he is now free of the virus and is officially cured. But he realized that these drugs are not affordable and accessible to many. This started him on a journey looking for generic medicines from India which cost so much less (USD1,000) than the original price of USD90,000. And now, with the new generic treatments that are very affordable and just as effective as the originals, the cure is available to all. 

 Armed with this knowledge Derek would like everyone to know that Hepatitis C is just a word, not a sentence. He now shares his experiences and insights and communicate these findings to other Hepatitis C patients and the public in general through his Facebook page, @hepcured and his website, hepcured.net. 

Derek with daughter Michelle...

 It is through constant updating and sharing of knowledge that the disease can be identified, battled, and defeated. Through HepCured, Hepatitis C patients can be part of a community of seekers for the cure, called The Cure Club. The Cure Club endeavors to search for treatments and remedies that are more accessibly priced and can be found in non-traditional sources.

 “I had so much doubt getting into this because of the stigma. I didn’t really want to come out, I just wanted to keep quiet. But the mission came up when a friend I haven’t talked with in many years suddenly showed up and the first thing he told me was that he has Hep C and he didn’t know anything about it, he was not aware that there is a cure. Shortly after that incident, another friend got in touch with me, with the same story. That’s when I decided to speak up. It doesn’t matter what people will think of me, if my advocacy can save the lives of even a few, then it would have been worth it,” he explains.
       
    For more information, please log in to www.hepcured.net or visit their Facebook page, @hepcured.

Gatorade Run is back for the second year!

 Conquering a 21 kilometer distance is a great feat, but can you do it over a kilometer more?

Gatorade Run 2016 is finally back and just as last year, it has an 11k and 22k categories. The Gatorade Run is one of the few races which gives a 10k run a kilometer longer and a “half marathon” a kilometer more challenging. If you are a sub-one in 10k and sub-two in 21k, can you still do it adding a kilometer more? Gatorade set that challenge because 22k is the new "half-marathon". 

Coach Rio Dela Cruz of RunRio and Mr. Tony Atayde of Gatorade

On its second year, Gatorade Run 2016 will be held on November 27, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Last year, the run attracted more than 6,000 runners and are expected to have more this year. For online registration, you can log on to runrio.com for updates and a glimpse of their coolest running shirts. 

Ready to take the challenge...

In connection with this, after their very successful introduction of the Gatorade White Lighting last year, Gatorade launched another a new set of flavors that will sooth everyone’s thirst. Introducing the Gatorade Fierce with its three new exciting flavors namely, Green Apple, Torpical Fruit and Grape. I had the opportunity to test run these flavors in my practice runs and the fruity flavors are indeed give a refreshing feeling after an exhausting 16k run.

The new Gatorade Fierce with its three exciting flavors namely, Green Apple, Tropical Fruit and Grape...

What do we expect from this year’s run? Gatorade promises to make this running event more exciting while still focuses on pre- and post-run hydration. Pepsico Marketing Manager for hydration, Tony Atayde said. “Gatorade is global leader in sports performance and will definitely bring that expertise to the run. Learning the benefits of proper hydration, is crucial for runners and we look forward of reinforcing that message through Gatorade Run. We’re excited to show how, whether in sports hydration or a unique consumer experience, NOTHING BEATS GATORADE.”

Calvin Abueva, Gatorade Brand Ambassador...

Gatorade is an energy drink that boost not just your energy but also your optimum potential. The thirst quenching experience and the elements that powers to push you even further is what this drink is quite famous for. That is why the Gatorade Run 2016 made the distances one kilometer longer to give the runners one step higher in the test of endurance and strength. 

#LOVEPINOY AT SECOND HOOQ HANGOUTS

PRESS RELEASE:

HOOQ HANGOUTS, the biggest outdoor cinema event series from HOOQ, returns this Friday, September 23, 2016 to give its loyal subscribers another unique and memorable viewing experience and spread some Pinoy love.This time, HOOQ showcases its massive catalogue of local movies with a screening of the Every Breath You Take, starring Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban. 

Majoy (Angelica Panganiban) is a romantic who desperately waits for her true love to finally come while Leo (Piolo Pascual), a bigtime sales executive in the real-estate business, is a career-driven playboy who does not believe in love at all. The two meet by accident on a Valentine’s Day, after Majoy’s failed date. She deems Leo as her destiny, she has never been surer that Leo is the one for her. Leo thinks otherwise. But as they find themselves growing closer to each other, the crazy and seemingly accidental events surrounding them seem to put their lives in danger! Unbeknownst to them, people are after them, determined to ruin their budding relationship, and will stop at nothing to get what they want! Will Leo and Majoy’s magnetic feelings for each other surpass the deeper dangers that face them? It all began as a fairy tale – but will the outrageous circumstances ever allow them to achieve their happily ever after?

“We are excited to continue HOOQ Hangouts with a Pinoy movie offering – and a story that’s close to our viewers heart,” says Jane Cruz-Walker, Country Manager of HOOQ Philippines.

“HOOQ is the prime destination for Filipino entertainment on demand with the largest library of local movies among any of the video-on-demand services in the country with over 4,000 hours of local television content which includes the best teleseryes, sitcoms and TV shows,” adds Cruz-Walker.


HOOQ Hangouts in cooperation with Samsung will regularly showcase blockbusters and all-time favorites through several massive LED screens at the Globe Iconic Entertainment Zone, transforming the BGC Amphitheater into a free outdoor cinema venue.  Viewers can use beanbags, blankets and cushions to enjoy the featured shows, participate in on-ground games and entertainment and munch on snacks from partner food concessionaires.


As an added treat, the acoustic duo and YouTube sensations Migs and Maya (member of the Pan-Asian vocal group, BLUSH) will help set the mood as they serenade the crowd with their repertoire of love songs and chart topping hits.

HOOQ is Asia’s largest video-on-demand service hosting over 10,000 movies and TV shows available for streaming or download.  Globe customers can get free access to HOOQ with selected GoSURF mobile data plans and as well as Broadband Plan 1299 and up.   Visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for a 7-day free trial.

How to get HOOQ

It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day free trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can up to 90 days free HOOQ on selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers also get HOOQ for free on Globe Home Broadband.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to your Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.


HOOQ. Love Movies. Love Stories. Love Pinoy.

Alviera Hero Camp for the brave and the Bold…

When I was young I had asthma, so my pediatrician recommended my mother to allow me to be engaged in sports. As a young grade-schooler I had a little stint in many ball-sports, like soccer, basketball and volleyball, and after a few years, it worked, my lungs became stronger and my asthma was controlled. However, those ball games never got hold on to me as my regular sports. I don’t know why.

While I was in college, I was invited by my college friends to go mountain climbing and after several climbs, I was hooked. It seems that I’m more attracted to the outdoors and wilderness activities, most especially the camping, and sleeping in tents under night skies part of it. And not very long, the simple hiking and camping activities in the outdoors developed into more challenging outdoor sports, which also the context why I created this blog – Trails Unlimited.

Alviera, the next Nuvali of Central Luzon offers a different kind of outdoor activity that allows guests of all ages to a weekend of camping experience and its called The Alviera Hero Camp. A weekend-camper will have the opportunity to ride four SandBox attractions such as, Rollercoaster Zipline, the 10-meter high giant swing, Aerial Walk for Free-fall, wall climbing and rappelling. Along with these exciting rides and activities are skills training that are useful in helping others.

These training skills is the Hero Basic 101, where expert trainors teach basic survival skills. The KAPOW! Trianing is a crash-course on basic martial arts and self-defence and is facilitated and demonstrated by martial art masters. The creative side of the training programs is the Costume Crafting Corner where campers are taught how to make your very own super hero costume.

To field test all the trainings learned, the campers will have the opportunity to test their fighting skills by facing a “monster” in the Monster Obstacle Course in the Aqtiv Archery. In this challenge, Archers must target monsters and finish the course under a set time. They will also get to parade their super heroes costumes and go Trick-or-treating in participating booths and camp tents.

And finally, after a fun-filled day, every camper will get to relax and watch superhero movies under the night sky. This weekend camp is a special treat and the SandBox will exptend their operations until the evening. The Alviera Hero Camp is a one of a kind experience for not just kids but to the whole family.

The Alviera Hero Camp are available on Travel Factor’s website for P2,100 for a day adventurer and P2,950 for weekend campers. For more information, visit travelfactor.org/alvieraherocamp for more details.

About Alviera:

In partnership with Leonio Land, Alviera is an Ayala Land sustainable estate located at Porac, Pampanga, accessible via NLEX-SCTex. Envisioned to become a regional growth center of Central Luzon, it features a diverse mix of quality residential, industrial and commercial developments to support economic growth. 

#TESTYOURSTRENGTH WITH DOVE MEN+CARE

PRESS RELEASE:

“Men are from Mars, and women are from Venus,” John Gray once concluded. And we have to face the fact that there is some truth to it. Men and women are two completely different kinds of people, often dealing with problems and showing off their strengths in their own ways. They are so different that even their hair acts in a different way. In fact, studies show that men shed more hair than women and are more prone to baldness.

Every day, men are faced not only with countless challenges that test their mental and physical strengths, but also those that test the strength of their hair. It is subjected to countless rigorous activities on a daily basis, starting from their morning showers, to pollution from daily commute, stress from long hours at work and sweat from the gym right after. All these contribute to men’s increased vulnerability to hair loss.

Unfortunately, even today, men have not found a way to address this problem. More often than not, they only take action when they see visible thinning or balding, and by then, it may be too late.  

Dove Men+Care recognizes this, and wants to help real men address this concern early on, so that hair fall need not be part of the everyday challenge. Specifically engineered for men, Dove Men+Care Strengthening Shampoo has been formulated to ensure that men’s hair is ready for anything. Infused with caffeine, makes hair 5x stronger + less hair fall. So, whether they are family men taking care of children, or professionals making strides in their burgeoning careers, they can focus on honing their strengths, without worrying about hair fall.

Go ahead and #TestYourStrength with Dove Men+Care Strengthening Shampoo. Share with us how you continue to #TestYourStrength daily and tag us at @DoveMenCarePH.

Dove Men+Care Strengthening shampoo is available in all supermarkets, drug stores and department stores nationwide