Saturday, September 28, 2019

The Aristocrat Restaurant - Quezon Memorial Circle branch

Home of the Best Chicken Barbecue in Town


It's finally here! The Aristocrat Restaurant - Quezon Memorial Circle branch is now open located at 1 Elliptical Road, Central Diliman, Quezon City.

It is a recognized institution in its serving as an inspiration to many successful eateries here and abroad. 


The Aristocrat Restaurant proudly traces its roots to a loving lady whose greatest pleasure was in cooking delectable dishes served in generous portions at affordable prices. This grand dame endearingly called “Aling Asiang”, learned her kitchen basics from her mother, who equally enjoyed concocting stews and porridges which were welcome fare to the fisherfolk in the then bustling town of Navotas in the early 1900s. 

She created the most delicious “kare-kare”, “arroz con goto” and “dinuguan” in their hometown.


Asiang was wooed to an early marriage by Alexander Reyes, a bright young lawyer. Children came one after the other. Soon, Asiang had to rear a brood of twelve plus some ten more relatives that came to live with them. Her passion for cooking and desire to make ends meet saw her open a small canteen in 1928. It was called Lapu-Lapu, the forerunner of the Aristocrat and the first Filipino restaurant serving native menu at a time when American dishes dominated the commercial food scene. Shortly, it was a success. Since Lola Asiang’s brood was growing, she decided that since she was cooking for a lot of people already (the Reyes family had 13 children) might as well earn from all that effort. Asiang quickly converted the ground floor of their house in Marquez de Comillas into an eatery that she called Lapu-Lapu. Early on she decided that she would always cook and serve delicious and affordable Filipino food. Students from St. Theresa (across the street) would come in droves to sample Asiang’s specialties:
  • Pancit Luglog
  • Dinuguan with Puto
  • Lumpiang Ubod
  • Arroz Caldo


With this confidence and her entire savings of P80, she further ventured into the food business by converting an old van into a rolling store in 1936. She named the van The Aristocrat. The demand for her good food was ever-growing that she finally decided to open The Aristocrat Restaurant on a more permanent site along Dewey Blvd. in 1938. By then she had refined her philosophy to serve home-style dishes at popular prices - “masarap, malinis at mura.”


Adobo Sandwich
  • The Adobo Sandwich originated from the Reyes family habit of having picnics at Luneta. Because there was always a need for meals-on-the-go, Asiang would pack easy to get food for her family to eat. She observed that many of the stalls in Luneta were serving American fare like hotdogs and hamburgers so she thought to make a Filipino version. She decided to use chicken adobo as her “palaman.” Soon her native sandwiches became a hit that friends of her children and husband would intentionally stop by their picnic spot just to get the taste of it.

The Original Rolling Store
  • The popularity of her sandwiches in the park gave Asiang an idea for a “Rolling Food Store. “Much like the food trucks of today, they converted an old Ford car into a mobile canteen. The rolling food store would go around Luneta Park and the nearby areas serving the same food her family would eat during their picnics. By force of circumstance, the rolling store moved from Luneta to Dewey Blvd, now known as Roxas Blvd. Alex & Asiang decided to put up a restaurant in that same spot where it still stands today.

The Chicken Barbeque
  • The Aristocrat survived wartime through Asiang’s resourcefulness and food innovations. All these made Aristocrat the place to be, and soon there were new ventures including a branch in Cubao and Ermita and a beach resort in Las PiƱas. But the beach resort posed a new kind of problem for Asiang: her cutlery rarely found their way back to her kitchen since diners would bring them to their beach huts. As a solution, she began to serve food barbecue-style, lessening the use of utensils. This small problem-solving experiment paved the way for one of Aristocrat’s beloved bestsellers - Chicken Barbecue, which is now paired with java rice and java sauce.


Mother of Filipino Cooking
Lola Asiang was recognized as the Mother of Filipino Cooking. Whenever Lola Asiang cooked for her customers, she put in the same love and care as though she were cooking for her own children. She believed that no matter the size of your budget, you can eat like an Aristocrat. That’s how Aristocrat has come to be for Filipinos - a welcoming home where hearty appetites and modest wallets are rewarded with quality food and good old feeling of family.


An Icon in Cultural History
It is no easy feat to survive 80 years in the food industry. The success of Aristocrat is attributed to the clear and simple vision of Asiang to serve quality Filipino comfort food. In recognition of the Aristocrat’s contribution to Philippine culture, a historical marker was installed on July 4, 2013, by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).


To know more about Aristocrat check out their website:


MENU

BAKESHOP


BRANCHES


STORE HOURS: 7AM-9PM

Much credit goes to Aling Asiang’s industry, creativity and pioneering spirit that Aristocrat has raised Filipino dishes to the level of international cuisine. This is a legacy all Filipinos have a right to take pride in. A legacy that perpetuates itself in The Aristocrat Restaurant.




Friday, September 27, 2019

Leading online financial marketplace eCompareMo.com presents Finovation 2019: Real Problems, Real Solutions

Finovation 2019 pushes for strengthened collaboration and upgraded fintech services for better credit access.


Finovation facilitates roundtable discussions covering topics from consumer behavior, industry-wide challenges, to regulatory initiatives. Guided by the goal of providing valuable financial services to more stakeholders. Keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin Diokno, governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), graces the program, encouraging industry leaders to maximize technology and innovation to reach more financially underserved Filipinos.



Gathering an esteemed panel of experts, Finovation 2019’s sessions delineate existing issues and action steps to empower financial institutions and strengthen financial inclusion in the country. 


The annual forum gathers key industry stakeholders, policymakers, regulators, and cooperatives to discuss financial trends, industry challenges, and possible solutions to improve credit access among financially underserved Filipinos.


Moderated by Vince Rapisura, President and Founder of Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI), the panel includes Pia Roman-Tayag, Managing Director, Center for Learning and Inclusion Advocacy (CLIA); Mags Vasquez-Surtida, FVP, Cards Business Group Head, Asia United Bank; Harvey Libarnes, VP-Financial Service Head, Smart Communications Inc.; Hamilton Angluben, General Manager, Cashalo; and Stephanie Chung, Co-Founder and CEO, eCompareMo.com.


The second panel surveys industry-wide challenges, identifying areas of improvement in credit infrastructure, data and verification, and digital financial ecosystems. The discussion aims to generate solutions that will strengthen collaboration between financial service providers and create an accessible and trustworthy financial ecosystem for more Filipinos.




Moderated by Atty. Aileen Amor-Bautista from the Credit Information Corporation, the panel is comprised of J.P Ellis, Co-Founder and Group CEO of C88 Financial Technologies Inc; Marlo Cruz, President, and CEO, CIBI Information Inc.; Marty Gonzalez, Head of Integrated Solutions Group, TransUnion; and Simone Colombara, Managing Director, CRIF Corporation.


In addition, enriching the discussions are presentations on best financial and digital practices to help facilitate increased financial inclusion. Christo Georgiev, Country Manager and Chief Strategist of FinScore, talks about telco credit scoring, while J.P Ellis drills down on digital onboarding for financial services.













The last roundtable discussion looks into regulator projects and platforms, developing action steps toward creating tech-driven interoperable government databases, standard payment systems, and BSP report generation and storage. Cathy Yang, Anchor and Managing Editor of ABS-CBN News Channel, facilitates the panel comprised of Raymund Liboro, Commissioner from the National Privacy Commission; Ira Paulo Pozon, Chief of Staff, Anti-Red Tape Authority; and Jaime Garchitorena, President and CEO, Credit Information Corporation.




About eCompareMo.com
eCompareMo.com, part of C88 Financial Technologies Inc., is the Philippines’ largest online financial marketplace, connecting banks, loan providers, and insurers to millions of Filipinos. Since 2014, eCompareMo.com has helped consumers get approved for credit cards and loans, and find insurance products that suit their budget and lifestyle, while providing financial institutions a complete and secure digital financial technology ecosystem.



Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Mega Prime renews Marian Rivera as its Brand Ambassador

“Sobrang happy and excited ako to continue my partnership with Mega Prime. As a homemaker, full support ako sa mga quality and affordable products that they offer. And because of that, alam ko na nabibigay ko ang best mealtimes na deserve ng family ko. Through this rewards program, very confident ako na marami pang mommies ang ma-eencourage na sumali because it’s easy, fun and very helpful talaga. As an honorary member of the Prime Mom Club, inaabangan ko talaga yung mga bagong initiatives and activities nila na big help sa aming mga mommies. Dahil sa rewards program na ito, I’m sure masmarami pa kaming maututunan sa kitchen at mas mapapasarap pa ang mealtimes sa bahay. Very thankful ako kay Mega Prime dahil binibigyan nila ng pagkakatanon ang mga mommies na matutuo sa isa’t isa.” ~Marian Rivera-Dantes, Celebrity Mom
[L-R] Rams David, Marian Rivera's Manager; Marian Rivera, Mega Prime Ambassador; Michelle Tiu Lim Chan, Mega Global VP for Finance, Export and Support Group; Marvin Tiu Lim, VP of Sales and Marketing.
Mega Prime, Mega Global's canned fruit and vegetable line, committed to turning ordinary homemakers to savvy cooks through its line of premium and fresh meal-enhancing products, Mega Prime has chosen none other than Prime Mom Marian Rivera to represent the brand as its ambassador for the third year. 

The renewal of partnership and other exciting updates on Prime Mom Club, Mega Prime's online community that serves as a platform for moms to share insights, activities, and learnings about successful homemaking. 

“The Prime Mom Club was created by Mega Global to create a community of homemakers who love learning from one another. Through this community, members exchange tips and ideas on how to provide better meals and make parenting easier. Our new rewards program complements the activities of the club, by rewarding those who are loyal users of the Mega Prime brand.” ~Raymund Alegre, Senior Brand Manager of Mega Prime
To treat moms who continuously strive to serve the best meals to their families, Mega Prime launched an exciting rewards program that makes it much easier and more rewarding for homemakers to provide healthy and great tasting meals for their family.


The rewards program was launched on September 24, together with the official contract signing of celebrity mom Marian Rivera-Dantes as she marked her third year as Mega Prime’s ambassador and as an honorary member of Prime Mom Club.

[L-R] Rams David, Marian Rivera's Manager; Marian Rivera, Mega Prime Ambassador; Michelle Tiu Lim Chan, Mega Global VP for Finance, Export and Support Group; Marvin Tiu Lim, VP of Sales and Marketing.

Mega Prime has been a steady ally of homemakers for its array of high-quality products that make cooking much easier with its easy-open canned vegetables such as Whole Mushrooms, Pieces and Stems Mushrooms, Whole Kernel Corn, Cream-style Corn, Green Peas, Garbanzos, and canned fruits and sweet preserves. Their newest products include the Mega Prime Choices such as Vermicelli Noodles, Oyster Sauce, and Sweet Chili Sauce.

[L-R] Rams David, Marian Rivera's Manager; Marian Rivera, Mega Prime Ambassador; Michelle Tiu Lim Chan, Mega Global VP for Finance, Export and Support Group; Marvin Tiu Lim, VP of Sales and Marketing.
To support homemakers in their kitchen adventures, the Prime Mom Club was set up in 2018 as a community that will empower moms with tips and delicious recipes using Mega Prime’s products, all made of premium ingredients that transform everyday dishes into memorable meals. In addition, the workshops also focus on the many aspects of homemaking and parenting. This online community has grown steadily and now includes more than 1,000 members who regularly participate in its activities.


To take part in the rewards program, interested parties should sign up as a member at primemomclub.com. The rewards program gives points to active members and those who purchase Prime products as well. Attendees who registered at the launch event instantly received 200 points.


Join the Mega Prime Mom Club and be treated to a wide range of privileges, including access to Mega Prime exclusive events featuring experts, member-exclusive newsletters, rewards, and special gift items and products from Mega Prime. 


Visit https://primemomclub.com/sign-up/ to sign up. For more information and updates, like and follow them on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.



Tuesday, September 24, 2019

SiGMA Manila iGaming show announcement

“We are impressed by the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in South-East Asia, specifically in Manila and the Philippines. Which is why we believe that ICE, SiGMA and AIBC - Asia - should be held in Manila. I look forward to the first edition this coming June 2020 with excitement. The feedback from our previous attendees in Europe has been overwhelming.”  ~Eman Pulis, Founder, and CEO of SiGMA

SiGMA Group and Clarion Gaming recently held a press conference last September 19, 2019, at Sage Bar - Shangri la hotel, Makati. To officially launch SiGMA Manila 2020, set to be the biggest iGaming and land-based gambling expo in the Philippines.

For the very first time in history, the two verticals - new tech and gaming will meet in one city on the same dates, bringing the brightest minds and most successful entrepreneurs under one roof. Excitement for next year’s super expo for iGaming, land-based gambling, and blockchain reached new highs on Thursday in Manila, as SiGMA Group and Clarion held a press conference and networking event to officially launch the Manila 2020 show.

SiGMA Manila, ICE Asia, and Manila AI & Blockchain Summit will take place June 8th-9th 2020 at the SMX Convention Centre, as well as the adjacent Conrad Hotel, Manila. The conference will address all the latest developments in land-based gaming, igaming, esports, digital games as well as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Big Data, Quantum Technology, and FinTech.  

Almost 200 media and members of Manila’s business community attended the event to confirm the event, discuss the sector and network with others across these three business verticals. SiGMA Manila, ICE Asia, and Manila AI & Blockchain Summit will take place June 8th-9th 2020 at the SMX Convention Centre, as well as the adjacent Conrad Hotel, Manila. 
“The opportunities for growth in Asia are increasing exponentially year on year, and the time is right to cement new and existing relationships between the gambling industries in both East and West. To combine the expertise of Clarion courtesy of the world-famous ICE brand and SiGMA ensures both the land-based and iGaming sectors will find synergy in Manila in 2020. This is an exciting time as we extend the reach of the ICE brand following the launch of ICE Africa in 2018 and ICE North America in May 2019.” ~Kate Chambers, Managing Director for Clarion Gaming
About iGaming Show in Manila
As a joint venture between SiGMA Group and Clarion Gaming, the gaming part of the event will cater to both the land-based gambling sector as well as the iGaming sector, with online suppliers, operators, affiliates, regulators and blockchain businesses all being housed under one roof at the SMX Convention Centre (situated in the heart of Manila as well as the adjacent Conrad conference venue).


Clarion Gaming are the organizers between the world’s largest gaming show, out of London, ICE Totally Gaming. SiGMA Group is responsible for the world’s second-largest gaming show, based out of Malta - SiGMA. With these two forces uniting and heading to Manila together, the organizers are expecting around 10,000 delegates from Europe and USA.

About Blockchain and AI Show in Manila
The organizers behind the world’s largest Blockchain and AI expo in Europe, AIBC Summit, will also be bringing their wealth of experience and contacts to Manila. Past editions have seen world-class speakers Akon (grammy-award winning artist and social impact leader), Winklevoss brothers, John McAfee, Sophia the World’s first robot citizen, Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Tim Draper, Anthony Pompliano and many more.

The AIBC Summit in Manila is supported by CEZA and Vibe.ph.


 Why Show in Manila? Why Asia?
As Asia tempts leading brands from the global gambling sector to expand business opportunities in the region, it’s fast becoming clear that Asia is the new frontier for both land-based and iGaming industries.

Recent figures from Global Gaming Statistics 2019 reveal that jurisdictions all over Asia are looking to capitalize on the global opportunities flourishing in the gaming sector. Given this trend, it’s crucial to foster dialogue between East and West, addressing considerations such as regulatory environments in different territories, payments processing methods, the integration of blockchain emerging technologies, and even bandwidth for mobile gaming.

It’s precisely these issues that next year’s show in Manila will address by bringing the biggest brands and jurisdictions in the sector together in one venue.

On June 8-9th, 2020, all eyes will be on South-East Asia, in Manila for this gathering of top-level delegates from all over the world. 

The floor plan for Asia is already filling up fast. Detailed information about our Sponsorship and Exhibitor packages can be found on our site. If you have any questions or wish to speak to someone about opportunities, please contact Eman eman@sigma.com.mt or Jean at jean@sigma.com.mt.

Visit www.sigma.ph or www.ice-asia.com for further details about the Gaming conference in Manila

Visit www.aibcsummit.com for further details about the Blockchain & AI conference in Manila.




Sunday, September 22, 2019

Bridal Collection: ETHEREAL - The Tale of a Bridal Fantasy by Ryan Chris Bridal Collection

“From a rebellious take in Ofrendas de Flores - R Y A N C H R I S will send us back to memory lane where everything is magical.” ~Kitten Zapata Editor-In-Chief Wedding Essentials

Imagine, your favorite fairy tale characters brought to life with a twist of modern-day minimalism and profound taste. R Y A N C H R I S is taking us on a whimsical journey, featuring his newest Bridal Collection: ETHEREAL - The Tale of a Bridal Fantasy.


Just like in every fairy tale, it all starts with a series of promiscuous misfortunes, but this should never stop us from dreaming and making these dreams a ”reality”.



#Ethereal will bring us to fantasy land during the entire show; featuring a diverse line up of models and a stunning display of artistry, at the end of the show we should always be reminded that behind every dream is ”e-THE-REAL”,  that we are in reality, and in reality dreams should be fulfilled, says Ryan Chris Baylen, Fashion Designer. 


Aside from enjoying the show, the proceeds of the event will help build bigger and better classrooms for the students of Tomas Earnshaw Elementary School, ends Ryan Chris. 

ETHEREAL, A Tale of a Bridal Fantasy Fashion Show for Cause is on October 5, 2019, to be featured in Engaged: Bridal and Beauty Fashion Weekend Expo - Second Edition at One Esplanade, Pasay City Philippines.


To know more about the event contact (0917) 800 9915




In partnership with AJCR Foundation | BEAUTY STUDIO - Hair, Nails, Brows, Lashes & Spa | BOBS JEROME | BOSLEY®?Professional Strength™| CND™| CJ CastaƱeda HMUA | Eiskin Laboratories Inc. | El Bottega All Day Breakfast Kitchen | Fullmakeover Professional Make-up & Hair | Gunita Studios | Hair and Make-up by Apol Alviar | Kris Laurence Make - up Artist | Mondes International Beauty Products Inc. | OƑEZatisfied HMUA | Ram Marcelo Photography | Ryan Chris Foundation | The Manila Grand Rentals | Thony Garcia Hair Stylist | Tomas Earnshaw Elementary School | VIDLENS Productions