The Foodinista: February 2017

Crazy Mama's Kitchen: Bagoong

Friday, February 24, 2017

Crazy Mama's Kitchen Bagoong

Crazy Mama's Kitchen started with a crazy ol' lady (and we say that with all the love and respect we can muster), our mom: Josie. Always bustling in the kitchen coming up with meals that are always a pleasure to chow on. Always busy, always a mother, I guess.

Keeping her company is our junior culinary savant: Jommuel or Aikkeh or *insert his new nickname here*, also Crazy Mama's Kitchen's #1 Fan. You should see his size, he's huge from all that good food, that and he's got mean kitchen skills too.

And finally, there's you. Friends and family, and friends of friends and family of friends, and people we don't know who heard from more people who heard that there's this Kitchen ran by a Crazy Mama that cooks crazy good Bagoong!

#TimeToShareTheMadness

(Source: Crazy Mama's Kitchen)

For those who are unfamiliar of what Bagoong is - it is actually a known Filipino Dipping Sauce which is usually paired with Kare-Kare. Bagoóng is an encompassing term for Philippine condiments made from fish or tiny shrimps that are salted and fermented for several weeks. It is sometimes also mixed with rice thus the dish Binagoongan. I'm a lover of salty so this one interests me a lot. My mom and lola usually buys Bagoong in Palengke or wet markets whenever they cook Kare-Kare at home usually in small quantities cause it's salty and is not recommended being eaten in big servings, when they sent me two jars of Bagoong, I thought how can I even finish all these?

Surprisingly it's Malinamnam - meaning GOOD, the first adjective I've thought of when i've first tried Crazy Mama's Kitchen Bagoong. It's priced at P200.00 per jar and best paired with Mangga, Porkchop, Liempo, Bagnet and the tastiest ulam I can think of!

They also have a Spicy Crazy Bagoong which is also priced at P200.00 for those who wants a little kick on their dish.

It is made with Shrimp Fry, Palm Oil, Sea Salt, Onion, Garlic, Sugar, Chili and Pork.

It has PORK in it so if you are in a hurry and can't think of any ulam to eat just sautee the bagoongs and mix it with rice, buy indian mangoes and voila you're all set, pwedeng-pwede bang baunin!

VERDICT (Here are the reasons why I love this Bagoong so much that I would recommend it to everyone!)

Alam mong made-with-love. Home-made na home-made ang lasa.
Hindi tinipid yung ingredients. They've mixed a lot of pork chunks there so perfect talagang ulam or pwede ring Binagoongan Rice.
It just didn't taste 'salty' like what a usual bagoong would taste like, may kaunting tamis which lessens the over all umay factor given naman na hindi natin uulamin yung bagoong and would mix it with rice.
Please note that this photo were already cooked by my Mom so she added tomatoes and onions already when she sauteed it pero masarap pa rin.
I find the P200 pretty affordable in consideration with the QUALITY of this product. I know not everyone will be able to purchase this at a regular basis especially those who has Bagoong as a staple condiment but if you are looking for one good bagoong, this one is a MUST TRY!

BAGOONG PALANG, ULAM NA ULAM NA!

Detox

Lemonade: Health Benefits

Friday, February 24, 2017

Lemon water is all the rage these days.

Many restaurants serve it routinely, and some people start their day with lemon water instead of coffee or tea. There’s no doubt lemons are delicious, but does adding them to water make you healthier?

Scientifically known as Citrus limon, lemons are among the world’s most popular citrus fruits.

They grow on lemon trees, and are a hybrid of the original citron and lime.

There are many ways to enjoy lemons, but they taste very sour and are usually not eaten as whole fruit.

Instead, they are eaten in little slices, as garnish with meals, and their juice is often used to provide a sour flavor. They are also a key ingredient in lemonade.

Lemons are a great source of vitamin C and fiber, and contain many plant compounds, minerals and essential oils.

Eating lemons may help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and kidney stones.

History, Trivia and Interesting Lemon Facts:

Fashionable ladies used lemon juice as a way to redden their lips during the European Renaissance.
The lemon is a small evergreen tree native to Asia (as well as the fruit that grows on the tree).
The lemon is thought to have originated in the Indus Valley (a Bronze Age civilization in South Asia) because of a lemon-shaped earring from 2500 BC found by archaeologists in the area.
Lemons have been in cultivation around the Mediterranean from as early as the first century AD.
Lemon trees produce fruit all year round. One tree can produce between 500 and 600 pounds of lemons in a year.
Once upon a time lemons were presented as gifts to kings because they were so rare.
California and Arizona produce 95 percent of the entire U.S. lemon crop.

Health Benefits of Lemon Water
1. It promotes hydration.
2. It’s a good source of vitamin C.
3. It improves your skin quality.
4. It supports weight loss.
5. It aids digestion.
6. It freshens breath.

7. It helps prevent kidney stones.

How to Make Lemon Water

a few springs of mint
a teaspoon of maple syrup or raw honey
a slice of fresh ginger
a dash of cinnamon

10 Benefits to Drinking Warm Lemon Water Every Morning

1) Aids Digestion. Lemon juice flushes out unwanted materials and toxins from the body. It’s atomic composition is similar to saliva and the hydrochloric acid of digestive juices. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that is required for digestion. Lemons are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract. The digestive qualities of lemon juice help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching and bloating. The American Cancer Society actually recommends offering warm lemon water to cancer sufferers to help stimulate bowel movements.

2) Cleanses Your System / is a Diuretic. Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials in part because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Therefore toxins are released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy. The citric acid in lemons helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.

3) Boosts Your Immune System. Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in lemons demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, and is used as complementary support for asthma and other respiratory symptoms plus it enhances iron absorption in the body; iron plays an important role in immune function. Lemons also contain saponins, which show antimicrobial properties that may help keep cold and flu at bay. Lemons also reduce the amount of phlegm produced by the body.

4) Balances pH Levels. Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods for the body. Sure, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they’re alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). Lemons contain both citric and ascorbic acid, weak acids easily metabolized from the body allowing the mineral content of lemons to help alkalize the blood. Disease states only occur when the body pH is acidic. Drinking lemon water regularly can help to remove overall acidity in the body, including uric acid in the joints, which is one of the primary causes of pain and inflammation.

5) Clears Skin. The vitamin C component as well as other antioxidants helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes and it helps to combat free radical damage. Vitamin C is vital for healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. It can actually be applied directly to scars or age spots to help reduce their appearance. Since lemon water purges toxins from your blood, it would also be helping to keep your skin clear of blemishes from the inside out. The vitamin C contained in the lemon rejuvenates the skin from within your body.

6) Energizes You and Enhances Your Mood. The energy a human receives from food comes from the atoms and molecules in your food. A reaction occurs when the positive charged ions from food enter the digestive tract and interact with the negative charged enzymes. Lemon is one of the few foods that contain more negative charged ions, providing your body with more energy when it enters the digestive tract. The scent of lemon also has mood enhancing and energizing properties. The smell of lemon juice can brighten your mood and help clear your mind. Lemon can also help reduce anxiety and depression.

7) Promotes Healing. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), found in abundance in lemons, promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage. As noted previously, vitamin C also displays anti-inflammatory properties. Combined, vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of good health and recovery from stress and injury.

8) Freshens Breath. Besides fresher breath, lemons have been known to help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. Be aware that citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should be mindful of this. No not brush your teeth just after drinking your lemon water. It is best to brush your teeth first, then drink your lemon water, or wait a significant amount of time after to brush your teeth. Additionally, you can rinse your mouth with purified water after you finish your lemon water.

9) Hydrates Your Lymph System. Warm water and lemon juice supports the immune system by hydrating and replacing fluids lost by your body. When your body is deprived of water, you can definitely feel the side effects, which include: feeling tired, sluggish, decreased immune function, constipation, lack of energy, low/high blood pressure, lack of sleep, lack of mental clarity and feeling stressed, just to name a few.

10) Aids in Weight Loss. Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. Studies have shown people who maintain a more alkaline diet, do in fact lose weight faster. I personally find myself making better choices throughout the day, if I start my day off right, by making a health conscious choice to drink warm lemon water first thing every morning.

Balloon

Hot Air Balloon Festival 2015 Photoblog: Pampanga

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Every February, a Hot Air Balloon Festival premier event occurs in the Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines. The yearly event draws over 100,000+ people with 22 balloon pilots from 15 countries participating.

The 19th Philippine International Hot air Balloon Fiesta is back in the Clark Freeport for 2015. Planned for February 12 to 15, 2015, the event is anticipated to be bigger and better than any that went before.

The contract has been signed between the CDC, CIAC and the Asian Air Safari president Captain Joy Roa. The balloons are being scheduled for flight and the special events prepared as we write this posting.

Joy Roa is the President of the officially sanctioned event organization, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Foundation or PIHABF for short. In 2014 the group decided to cancel the event and gave the following statement as to why.

“The decision not to hold a Fiesta this year was not undertaken lightly. From the perspective of the PIHABF organizers, our 2013 event (featuring more balloons than ever, the highly impressive Breilting Jet Acrobatic Team, and the myriad of other flying, ground and static events) would be a hard act to follow without allowing sufficient time to plan, prepare and book new and interesting activities.

“We believe that by suspending the 2014 Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, allowing our organizing committee more time to secure a suitable venue for the fiesta and investing more time in planning, securing sponsorships and implementing enhancements, we can offer our spectators a truly safe and world-class event in 2015.”

Given the fact the PIHABF has had two years to plan the event for 2015, expect it to be a show stopper with new and interesting events introduced to the attendees.

Thes PIHABF was conceived out of the pure joy of aviation and to promote the many facets of aviation in the Philippines. Profits from the PIHABF show are used to fund a scholarship programs which help underprivileged but worthy youth in their pursuit of a career in aviation. Since 2008, fifteen young people have been recipients of the scholarship grant, and have been able to enroll in various aviation schools in the Philippines.

Bookmark and stay tuned to this page as the schedule forms and as the information on new events is added as the 2015 Hot Air Balloon Fiesta takes shape.

SAD NEWS FOR 2017

Clark Philippines 201 Hot Air Balloon Schedule

This year, 2017, may be the last time you’ll get to see the world-famous air event that put Clark on the map. Yes, there is talk that the hot air balloon festival must find another venue after 2017 due to increased air traffic at the Clark Airport. This results in a limited number of hours of operation for the festival due to the requirement of more hours of flight by commercial airlines at Clark. The three-year agreement signed in 2014 by the Clark Development Corp and the PIHABF Foundation will expire in 2017. The Philippine government is demanding the full and immediate use of the airport to help alleviate overcrowded at NIIA and the resultant roadway traffic in Metro Manila.

So, now is the time to book your hotels for this probable farewell event at Clark. The show will kick off on Feb. 9 until Feb 12, 2017 and the theme this year is, “Over Two Decades of Flying High.” Beginning way back in 1993, (before some of you Millennials were born) the Clark airshow is proud to be the longest-running aviation event in Asia. Be part of history and remember the last time this exciting event is held in Clark. Enjoy aviators and spectators from around the world as they gather for a 4-day weekend of non-stop aviation fun and excitement. This year as always, you can experience flying shows, aerial demonstrations, booths, food and entertainment that include hot air balloon flying, aircraft aerobatic exhibitions, formation flying, paragliding, skydiving, radio-controlled aircraft flying, music groups, and numerous ground activities.

For additional information on the Clark International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and all of the resorts, hotels and leisure activities in Clark, or for additional info on all of the exciting business opportunities investment advantages in Clark, click this link: http://www.clarksubicmarketing.com/

Clark Hotels, Resorts, Rooms, Lodging Accommodations, Reservations

Clark Freeport, Pampanga, Philippines

(Click Title for Details)

Call: 045-499-0695 for Assistance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotAirBalloonFestivalPhilippines/

BGC

Paper Moon Cafe, Uptown Place Mall BGC

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Paper Moon Matcha Mille Crepe

Exquisite Papermoon Mille Crepe Meets Matcha Heaven!

I have been craving to taste this famous Matcha Mille Crepe for a long time now. It's been being raved a lot by foodie friends so after the quick rendezvous at Morganfield's I dragged my newly found friend Norman to have our dessert here.

Paper Moon Cafe is located at the 2nd Floor of Uptown Mall. The store can cater up to 20 people or less. The ambiance is cozy and is a good place to have chit-chats and spend afternoon siesta.

Paper Moon Cafe

It's a no brainer that I will be ordering their Matcha Mille Crepe cause it's the talk of the town lately I knew I just had to try it!

Subtly sweet, creamy and fine green tea powder infused in every delicate paper-thin layer of no less than 20 crepes, topped with pure matcha. The Matcha Mille Crepe is priced P225 per slice and P2000 for the whole order.

First impression: It looks pretty, delicate and fancy. It didn't taste bad but it didn't taste so good to be worth the hype at all and it's quite costly.

Matcha Mille Crepe P225 / Slice

I'm a fan of anything with Matcha so I was really looking for the strong Matcha taste but then I got upset cause I was only able to taste it a little on the powder. Maybe because it was so light and creamy and the only distinct taste would be the cream. I appreciate it being subtle and light but I was looking for MORE. It didn't give me the Matcha sparks I was looking for.

Anyway, I still liked it but I didn't love it. I may come back for it but only if I need something light for a dessert.

To add to that my friend Norman tried the Checkered Cake which is P250 per slice. It's a vanilla chocolate chiffon cake covered with a chocolate ganache in checkered style. Honestly, we were both disappointed with this cake. Probably because we're both not fan of chiffon cakes and it tasted quite blunt. I tlooked fancy but that's it! It's moist but I really can't find the exact words to describe how it tasted cause it was so light and airy.

Checkered Cake P225 / Slice

Overall, I can say this is a not so good first experience with Papermoon Cafe cause I was expecting it would be so extravagant due to the hype it's getting. Maybe I should try their Chocolate Mille Crepe instead next time which is another favourite by many?

SPECIAL NOTE: I just realized this might be a good cafe for the adults/ elderly/ Titas of Manila/ and the like because the cake is not too sweet which tastes good paired with coffee or tea, one can definitely eat 1 whole slice of it without feeling too much!

Will I go back regardless how my first experience went? Maybe, yes. I would probably try other flavours which might suit my palate better. :)

Macarons

Beliefs

Kamay ni Hesus: Lucban, Quezon

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Kamay ni Hesus

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is popular Pilgrimage Site in Lucban, Quezon. It's a 3 to 4 hour drive away from Manila. It is also a famous Holy Week Destination and Sacred Ground for those who want to repent and pray for healing. It is currently the world's 3rd Tallest Christ Statue.

To have the full experience at Kamay ni Hesus, You will have to climb 305 steps to reach the 50ft. Ascending Statue of Christ. You better wear sneakers when going here! I was wearing slippers when I went here and my feet got toasted completely sunburnt. Better bring umbrellas and caps cause it's gonna be a little tiring going up and also bottled waters.

Grotto Entrance

The statues were so big and the scenes were portrayed very well it feels like you are part of the actual scene of the Cruxification of Christ. My Mom loves to do Visita Iglesia during the Lenten Season and this has been one of the most memorable experience for her.

Pilgrimage

It took us about 30 - 45min to reach the peak cause we stopped at every Station to take photos. At every stop you will get to experience the Scene of the Station Of The Cross. It was one of the most humbling experience ever.

Upon reaching the top, a spectacular view awaits. There you will see the Town of Lucban. Sobrang worth it ang pagod. Along the way you'll even have time to reflect on your life and you'll feel the serenity of the whole experience.

Kamay ni Hesus is also famous because of Father Joey Faller who is believe to perform healing miracles on the sick. This place is a haven for troubled souls. If you are feeling a little depressed, try visiting Kamay ni Hesus and you shall feel all your worries go away.

Other Interesting Sights to Visit in the Area:
Luklukan ni Maria, Noah’s Ark, Resurrected Christ, Gallery of Saints, Garden of Eden, The Angels Hill, The Marian Park and the religious Murals

We didn't have time to roam around the whole area because I was with the elderly and they got really tired after the long climb. But I will definitely go back here in the future.

After several assignments in the Diocese of Lucena, on June 2002, Fr. Joey decided to devote full-time in the Healing Ministry after hearing from people stories, and incidences of healing attributed to his ministering. At first he refused to believe God’s gift to him, until January 1993, when he took over from Fr. Barham in Mt. Carmel Monastery Church in Lipa City, Batangas, where some people claimed of healing. The true “Baptism of Fire,” so to speak came in January 19, 1993 when a paralyzed woman on a wheelchair, was able to walk after being prayed-over, to his, and everybody’s amazedment. Fr. Barham, internationally renowned healer confirmed that indeed it is truly God’s gift to him. There are other manifestations of God’s gift to Fr. Joey. On February 6,1993, he went to Lipa City, and visited the Carmel Monastery. Strangely, nobody had really invited him to go to that place, as if something forceful pushed him to go to Lipa. It was like a sudden inspiration. Upon reaching Lipa City, he was happy to find out that there was a Nationwide Marian Pilgrimage, and it turned out that there was no priest who will celebrate the mass. It seemed coincidental, but he felt that the circumstances were far more than just coincidental. During the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, he began to experience unexplainable instances. The whole place seemed to filled with the scent of roses.They also experience the “gift of tongues,” while celebrating the mass. But the most astonishing thing was when he had a vision of a woman in red blouse who was a cancer patient from Manila. Just right before he ended the mass, he asked if there was a woman among the mass goers who was diagnosed with cancer. To his amazement, a woman wearing a red blouse suddenly stood up, and declared that she came from Manila, and was suffering from cancer of the bone. She was instantly healed after Fr. Joey heard her confession, and prayed over her.At that instance after witnessing his healing, a lot of people approached him. There was a man, who for a long time could hardly walk, because of severe osteoarthritis. He was able to walk again, after he asked Fr. Joey’s healing. Unfortunately, the sisters of the monastery advised that he leave the monastery, because of the commotion caused by the incident. At that moment, he doubted God’s calling to heal. Fr. Joey continued to disbelief God’s gift to him, but kept on asking for signs if he was truly blessed with gift of healing. During his first trip to the Holy Land (Jerusalem) in March 1993, as he was praying at the place where the Pentacost happened, two doves camed down to him out of nowhere. on his second visit to the Holy Land, and Europe, he was able to heal two women. The first one was a foreigner who can only walk if assisted by somebody, or by using a cane. After the healing, she could already walk by herself, free from cane, and without the help of somebody else. The second one was suffering from severe arthritis. Her dream was to see the Holy Places, but she was unable to fulfill her dream, because she couldnot walk. But when she joined Fr. Joey in his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and visited Beteseda, she received complete healing, and was able to walk again. She even taught us dance steps during our last days in Israel. But still with all the sign given to him by God, he was still confused, and undecided. The questions whether he was truly worthy of the gift still persisted in his mind. He kept on asking God why a person like him would be chosen to be a healer. He felt that he was too weak, sinful, unworthy, wounded, and broken, a paradox of a healer. In August 1993, his cousin Caroline Ayala from the United States asked to be prayed over. At that time, she was suffering from psoriasis, and a serious heart problem (there was a hole in her heart) and was scheduled for operation. When she returned to the U.S. for her operation, the doctor was surprised to find that her heart was doing well, and there was no need for an operation. Then after some months, the parents of his cousin (Mr. & Mrs. Ben Ayala) gave him free tickets to the U.S. He used this opportunity to conduct healing masses in the states. Since then, various charismatic groups in the U.S. have invited him to have healing masses. Fr. Joey received testimonies from people who experienced healing from cancer, paralysis, and problems in the reproductive system. There were also testimonies regarding cases of deliverance from eveil spirit. But even with all these testimonies, he remained in doubt. But it was in April 8, 1994, that he totally embraced God’s gift of healing. He had an accident that almost cost him his life. But the most extraordinary thing happened, when one of his hands was injured during the accident. The small finger, and index finger of his right became permanently curled down, and couldn’t be straightened anymore. But he realized that his right hand seemed to have resembled the hands of the Little Jesus (Known as “El Senor Sto. Nino”) and of the hands of the risen, and victorious Christ. He underwent operations here and in the U.S. to straighten his hand again, but no operation could ever bring back to normal. For him, the accident confirmed God’s call for him to become His instrument of healing. His right hand is a constant reminder that it is God’s healing hands that works through him. Since then, he has carried the hands of the Lord to heal other people. There were several individuals who have experienced, and received the healing power of God through Fr. Joey Faller. These are manifestations of God’s healing hand working through Fr. Joey.