Take a bite into delicious rewards with SMART Rewards and Chowking

Food-lovers can take a bite into delicious rewards as SMART Rewards treats them to great-tasting freebies from Chowking. Along with the long list of exclusive discounts and privileges that await SMART subscribers, they can also delight in free siomai when they dine in or have their favorite Chowking meals delivered.

From June 1 to August 31, SMART Gold and Buddy subscribers who dine in at Chowking can enjoy 3-pieces Siomai for every minimum purchase of P150. Redeeming the reward is easy. Those who wish to get in on the siomai craze need only to download the promo coupon on their mobile phone by texting COUPON 467 to 9800, and present it upon dining in to receive the free treat.

For foodies who want their Chowking favorites delivered, they can take home free 3-pieces Siomai for every P200 minimum purchase. Simply download the SMS coupon and dial the Chowking hotline to place the order and avail of the treat.

With the new partnership with Chowking, SMART users can enjoy more satisfying rewards only from the country’s first mobile rewards program, SMART Rewards. Text “REWARDS” to 9800 to join SMART Rewards and dial Chowking delivery at 9-88-88 for Metro Manila or 0918-9399888 for provincial stores to redeem amazing treats.

To know available rewards points, text “POINTS” to 9800. No need to use your points to avail of this promotion. For further details, see Smart flyers and print ads, or visit smart.com.ph/rewards.

Geneva Cruz named the Philippines' sexiest vegetarian

Tens of Thousands of Votes Were Cast to Help PETA Pick the Winner at PETAAsiaPacific.com

Manila — Singer and actor Geneva Cruz has been crowned the Philippines' Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity for 2011 after a fierce, month-long battle that recently ended at PETAAsiaPacific.com. Geneva narrowly beat out Delara frontwoman and TV personality Lougee Basabas for the title. Other popular contenders included actors Yasmien Kurdi, Chin-Chin Gutierrez, and Raymond Bagatsing, actress Alicia Mayer, and international stars Natalie Portman, Hayden Panettiere, Russell Brand, and Leona Lewis.

Geneva has appeared on the covers of several magazines, including FHM, Uno, and Maxim. Her fame grew after the album that she released with pop group Smokey Mountain went double-platinum. Not long after that, her first solo album, I Like You, went platinum. She recently performed at a sold-out show on Valentine’s Day.

Geneva has been vegetarian since she was 15 and made the decision to switch to a compassionate diet after she interacted with animals in their natural environment while filming a shampoo commercial. "[We] were in this location in Palawan where all the animals were just roaming free! Free! All I had to do was feed one of them and say 'Natural!' We kept doing that, take after take. … I couldn't take it anymore. Not after that." Now a staunch vegan, Geneva says, "For me, being vegan is not about the diet. It's really about my love for all creatures."

"There's no easier way to put passion in your life than to put compassion in your diet," says PETA Asia Vice-President of International Operations Jason Baker. "Geneva knows that going vegetarian is the best thing that you can do for animals, the Earth, and your health. Plus, she's living proof that being vegan keeps you slim and sexy."

The complete list of vegetarian celebrities who were in the running in this year's poll is available at PETAAsiaPacific.com.

Discover inspiration everyday with Signature Dishes 2011

For the country’s top chefs, the art of creating a true signature dish starts with the promise of fresh ingredients and inspiration. Like any masterpiece, signature dishes offer stories that can excite the pulse and palate of a guest. Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) shares how gastronomy’s giants in the Philippines create these stories and build its flavors from inspiration found everyday through its special cookbook, Signature Dishes 2011.

A must-have on every food-lover’s shelf, the cookbook offers an intimate take on the trailblazing cuisines of 11 mostly Manila-based culinary artists including Chefs Josef Miklavc, Franco Brodini, and Mark Mulder. With page after page of delectable dishes, the book offers appetizing inspiration that will let Filipino gourmands, food operators and restaurateurs discover the passion it takes to develop their own trademark flair. After all, it’s a restaurant’s signature dish that creates its distinct identity, ensures enduring success, and unravels that irresistible all-time favorite that diners will always cherish and look for.

Flavorful secrets served
With their toques filled with experience and time-tested techniques, the featured chefs create the perfect combination of aroma and flavor in each of their renditions, from fricassees, confits to gratins.

Chef Josef Miklavc, the executive chef of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, has mastered almost any type of cuisine through his travels across the globe. His close-guarded recipes and masterful dishes have enticed guests including Prime Minister Tony Blair, Queen Elizabeth II and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei. His signature dish demonstrates how rich cooking traditions and a back to basics approach can inspire boundless possibilities.

From one world-class hotel chain to another, Makati Shangri-La’s executive Chef Franco Brodini takes part in the all-star ensemble of Signature Dishes 2011. Ensuring that the hotel’s stellar food experience will remain consistent to worldwide standards, Chef Franco’s administrative tasks are just as crucial as his expert cooking in the kitchen. As technique is said to be the first thing that a chef should learn, Chef Franco mastered diverse techniques to deliver brilliant dishes. This is his inspiration for his signature dish that upholds the fine-dining experience of Makati Shangri-La.

Also featured in Signature Dishes 2011 is Chef Mark Mulder, formerly of Traders Hotel Manila, who finds most of his inspiration through travel. Having perfected his culinary skills in the kitchens of leading cruise lines around the world, he has earned stellar list of accolades including a third prize in the prestigious Young Chef’s Dutch National Championship. His signature dish is a testament to his caliber and his insatiable appetite for exciting flavor combinations.

With the wealth of tips, culinary insights and inspiration in every page of the cookbook, food service operators and food enthusiasts can draw inspiration everyday from these chefs, and start sharing their own flavorful stories with every dish. Signature Dishes 2011 will be available starting July in leading bookstores nationwide.

Make the meatiest soups this rainy season

To the Filipino taste bud, there is nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of deliciously meaty soup. From the first spoonful to the last drop, meaty, mouth-watering soupy goodness never fails to delight, especially if the soup is cooked with the standard ingredient of great-tasting soups, Knorr Cubes. Try these delectable recipes for a taste of Knorr Cubes’ five times meatier flavour that’s sure to please your palate.



Knorr Cubes Spicy Braised Pork Nilaga

Ingredients:
1 large onion, chopped,
2 tablespoons ginger, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
½ pork kasim, cut into large cubes
2 tanglad stems, pounded
2 siling labuyo
5 cups water
2 pieces Knorr Pork Cubes
1 can button mushrooms, drained and sliced in half
2 cups coconut cream
2 tablespoons wansuy leaves, chopped
½ cup onion leeks, thinly sliced

Procedure:

Heat oil, then sauté onions, ginger and tomatoes until these are tender. Add pork, tanglad and siling labuyo, and continue sautéing. Pour in water and add Knorr Pork Cubes. Bring to a boil and keep cooking until the meat is tender. Add mushroom and coconut cream. Reduce the heat and add wansuy and leeks. Serve hot.



Knorr Corned Beef Nilaga

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cooking oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 medium onions, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
2 cans corned beef 150g
4 cups water
2 pieces Knorr Beef Cubes
¼ teaspoon black peppercorn
½ cup cabbage, shredded

Procedure:

Sauté garlic, tomatoes and onion. Add corned beef and continue sautéing. Pour in water and, for a full-bodied broth, add the Knorr Beef Cubes. Add peppercorns and bring to a vigorous boil before adding the cabbage. Reduce the heat. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove from heat and serve hot.



Knorr Meatless Sotanghon Soup

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon cooking oil
0.5 grams atsuete, approximately 20 seeds
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
3 tablespoons, onions chopped
2 pieces Knorr Chicken Broth Cubes
1 liter water
50 grams sotanghon (soaked in water for 5 minutes prior to cooking)
¼ tablespoon black pepper, ground
1/8 cup carrots, thinly sliced
¼ cup pechay Baguio, thinly sliced

Procedure:
Heat oil in a pan and stir in atsuete seeds for one minute before removing them. In the same oil, sauté garlic and onions for three minutes until garlic becomes light brown and the onions translucent. Add water and bring mixture to a boil. Add Knorr Chicken Broth Cubes and sotanghon noodles. Let it boil for another five minutes. Season with pepper, then add carrots and pechay Baguio. Let it simmer for two to three more minutes. Remove from heat then serve.

Need to cook a satisfyingly savory soup dish even without the meat? Add Knorr Cubes for that mouthwatering, meaty taste. Knorr Cubes in Chicken, Pork and Beef flavors are available in sari-sari stores, groceries and supermarkets nationwide.

C2 cool & clean is the No. 1 ready-to-drink green tea in the Philippines

In this era of holistic wellness, C2 Cool and Clean Green Tea has made healthy living fun, fabulous and convenient. The country’s first ready-to-drink green tea, Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) C2 has become the nation’s most well-loved line of healthy beverage since it was introduced in 2004. With its delicious taste and health-giving qualities, it’s no wonder that Filipinos have been opting to enjoy the irresistible C2 goodness.

The formula that made C2 Cool & Clean such a big hit was nothing short of revolutionary. A trendsetter in the ready-to-drink market, C2 is brewed from 100% natural green tea leaves of Camellia sinensis and bottled on the same day, locking in all the goodness of green tea’s antioxidants called catechins in every bottle.

Today, C2 Cool & Clean offers an assortment of flavors like classic, lemon, apple, orange, strawberry, peach, forest fruits and for those concerned with their sugar intake, C2 Sugar-free Apple. Sizes range from the very convenient sip-and-seal C2 Solo, to regular 355ml and 500ml, to C2 Litro and 1.5 Liters, which are perfect for sharing.

Throughout the years, C2 has become a fixture in the lives of countless Pinoys who enjoy active and healthy lifestyles. With its rejuvenating advantages and refreshing taste, C2 has become more than just a healthy drink. For dynamic people who are always on the go, the pioneer green-tea drink has become their favorite delicious ally in holistic wellness.

Another onscreen bonding moment for Jean and Jennica

Beautiful actress Jean Garcia and her equally lovely daughter Jennica are lounging at home when the doorbell suddenly rings. The willowy Jennica gets up and finds three of her suitors at the door. What is usually a cause for panic becomes a delicious moment as Jean, with her expert mother instincts, helps her daughter prepare three delicious drinks for the unexpected guests. Sounds like a day in the life of the two ladies, but the mother-daughter tandem is just acting out the seemingly real-life scenario in their newest TV commercial for versatile creamer Cream All from Universal Robina Corporation (URC). Both women return to depict another entertaining moment that reflects their off-screen relationship.

“It was fun because it didn’t feel like work at all; it was a different kind of bonding experience talaga,” Jennica added. “We’re also very thankful to the creative team for making a concept na swak sa aming dalawa. “Sobrang positive and fun nung experience,” Jean shared. “We also enjoyed doing the first commercial. But during the shoot of the second one, we already knew the production people so sobrang saya. And iba rin kasi siyempre ‘pag may chemistry na sa ka-eksena mo. Magkatinginan lang kami ni Jennica, nagkakaintindihan na without having to say anything.”

It was a lighthearted and fun-filled shoot with the down-to-earth actresses and hotshot TVC director Jeorge Agcaoili. In the 30-seconder, Jean and Jennica showcase their real-life fondness for making their own favorite drinks—Buko Pandan Shake, Mais con Yelo and Rocky Road Cooler—at home with their favorite creamer. “Super sarap nung Rocky Road Cooler made with Cream All,” Jennica shared with a laugh, to which the youthful Jean confirmed: “Oo nga eh, naubos ni Jennica yung ginawa nila! Ako naman gusto ko yung buko pandan!”

With the perfect combination of Jean and Jennica, the versatile actresses effectively convey the wonders that Cream All can do for various drink recipes, and make daily bonding moments more fun and delicious. Learn more about the delicious drink recipes that Jean and Jennica Garcia love by visiting www.urc.com.ph/CreamAll.

The condo event you shouldn’t miss: SMDC Condo Craze

Owning a unit at SM Wind Residences is a breeze with Condo Craze.


Condo Craze makes the affordable, five-star residential projects of SMDC, such as Sun Residences for students in the University Belt area, even more accessible.


Sea sells: With Condo Craze’s low reservation fees and lowest interest rates, you can easily avail of a unit like this at SM Sea Residences.


SMDC’s Condo Craze makes it even easier for young workers can now easily a unit at M Place.

As cities get dotted with towering condominiums, future homeowners are on the lookout for developments without skyscraping prices. Understanding this trend is SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the country’s fastest growing condominium developer, as it reinvents its payment schemes with SMDC Condo Craze, the biggest and first ever condo madness in the country.

Until June 20, SMDC Condo Craze will have exclusive offers to condo-hunters. Happening at the SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM City North EDSA, the event brings the affordable, five-star residential projects of SMDC closer to those who are looking for their dream condo. SMDC Condo Craze will let future residents choose from the 14 SM Residences and M Place condominium projects, which are strategically located in the greater Manila area’s major commerce and lifestyle hubs. From the upscale district of Bel-Air Makati, the highly accessible Boni Avenue, to Manila’s university belt, the bustling Quezon City, and even at the cool and breezy resort city of Tagaytay – there is an SMDC condominium project to choose from.

Drop by the malls and see what the exciting buzz is all about. Avail of easy payments on Reservation Fees. Lowest interest rate of 5.75% for the first year of payment will be offered as well in partnership with Banco de Oro (BDO) and China Bank.


Do not miss the mad rush and be sure to catch the SMDC Condo Craze. Unlock the door to a vertical village by SMDC and live that urban lifestyle dream today.

Must-try twist: Tuna with pancit canton

Versatile, nutritious and convenient, canned tuna has always been paired with rice and sandwiches. Now, another exciting and mouthwatering combination is offered by 555 Tuna, the nutritious, delicious, convenient and budget-friendly tuna, with the “Lamang Ka Na, Lucky Ka Pa” promo. The promo brings to Pinoy households the latest meal or snack time combo—tuna with pancit canton. In supermarkets now, every purchase of three cans of 555 Corned Tuna will come with free Lucky Me Pancit Canton.

With its healthy “sarap-ginisa” taste, 555 Corned Tuna spices up the pancit canton experience. From meal times to snack times, 555 Corned Tuna provides a savory, extra filling twist, helping you enjoy your favorite pancit canton in many ways. Top with 555 Corned Tuna in regular and chili variants for an extra kick.

“This promo is for people who want nothing less than a healthy and filling snack. The unique pairing of 555 Corned Tuna and pancit canton perfectly fits the bill. A lot of people love this delicious, budget-friendly combination as a dish to enjoy alone or with the company of friends and family,” shares Amor Macapagal, senior product manager of 555 Tuna. This promotion is available in supermarkets and grocery chains nationwide.