Razon's by Glenn: In the Business of Serving "DELIGHT!"

Filipino comfort food is always served at Razon's by Glenn. It's a company built with family - and love. Consequently, they're celebrating their 21st anniversary and are gunning to have 60 branches by years end. The chain is largely known for their Palabok, Halo Halo, Bibingmamon, Beef Tapa, Beef Kare Kare, and new innovations on the usual Filipino flare. Their menu stemmed from real Kapampangan heritage and flavors, so you don't get disappointed in what they serve.

The Beef Kare Kare is a bit sweet and can be eaten even without bagoong. The peanut sauce has home made peanut butter in it, which they made themselves. The Bibingmamon is available in 4 flavors namely Original (which I prefer), Cheesy Melt, Custard and Nutty Custard. The Beef Tapa is on the sweet, smoky, and spicy side, but quite tender. Their Fresh Lumpia is good and savory, it felt like what grandma used to make. They have a hefty serving of Pork Chop with gravy (my personal favorite served that afternoon). They also teased us with their conceptual Crispy Palabok, which I'm sure young ones and everyone would enjoy!

For those looking for something extra comforting, they've got Caldo Overload which you can ask for refills if you want more. You get the fuzzy feeling that comes with it on a rainy day.

Razon's by Glenn is third generation owned. Their grandma gave them freedom to be creative in recipes, hence the variations they made with the dishes.

Bibingmamon is quite nice, as the name says, it's a cross between the Christmasy Bibingka and the fluffy Mamon. This was quite delicate and perfect to pair with coffee.

Razon's by Glenn has always been regarded as the best spot for Halo Halo. This Special Halo Halo was quite satisfying despite it only having a few ingredients. I personally think it's the Macapuno that makes it different from the rest in the market.

We also got to talk to the owner and President Mark Anthony "Glenn" Razon. Right now, they have 36 branches operating nationwide, but aggressively plan to have 100 of these stores before 2030.

Glenn reiterated "We are not just selling products, we are providing delight!". This is the reason why people who visit their stores feel happy every time they get to taste the dishes coming out of their kitchen. It's also a family spot, so whether you're a Lola who wants their merienda fix or the cutest bunso that wants something sweet, Razon's by Glenn makes every moment special no matter what age group you belong. 

Visit their stores nationwide, or if you prefer to be part of the movement, they are looking for franchisees. Just get in touch with them via their social channels or official website razonsbyglenn.com.

Sendwave Taps OGIE ALCASID: An Affordable Way to Send Money Home

The Philippines is home to 2.16 Million OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers according to latest statistics), and in so many instances, they need to send money home to help with family, friends, and other reasons. Going through banks and other entities cost so high, and of course, every cent counts with your hard earned money. International Money Transfer service provider Sendwave presents a very affordable option. If you are in one of the countries they serve, sending money to your loved ones will become simple, secured, and fast. This is something that is needed, an essential for family or OFW's so when they wanted someone to represent them in the country and the community, they tapped the good looking singer, songwriter, OPM icon, OGIE ALCASID. They introduced him to the press, and told us the reasons why he was the perfect person to send what they want to communicate:

Ogie says "It's important for Filipinos to send money home that's simple, affordable and without transfer fees. You know, the values of this company and mine as a father, husband is the same. We wake every day for our families, and they take care of hard earned money from abroad to the Philippines with ease, with trust that it will reach the person intended to, it is our connection to our family. We do concerts in other parts of the world and OFW's are an integral part of it. I hope in some way, we could get the message across that there is a way to save while sending money home."

Ms. Janice, the Global Brand Lead for Sendwave says "We are an online money remittance app, designed for OFW's and we champion them. We focus on simple, easy and convenient ways to send money from abroad to the Philippines (or any participating country) and made it affordable. Sendwave has no transfer fees, we stretch the value of the money that they send to their families here at home. We are present in the US, Canada, UK and parts of Europe. If you have OFW friends or family, please tell them to download the app and use the service. Try Sendwave!".

 

Ogie was so happy and honored to be able to represent them. Being part of the Sendwave family he deems is important because OFW's spend years in other countries, but want to make sure they stay connected and felt when help is needed in the Philippines. He also knows how hard it was to work abroad because he's been able to talk to them in performances abroad. They need to make sure that the money they send would be secured, easy to do and affordable.  .

Ogie adds "Why do we work? What are the reasons to wake up in the morning? The reasons to send money home is a lot, this app assures your savings would get to the recipient. As a singer, I've entertained them through concerts in different countries. When I talk to people, they are mostly OFW's, it's not easy to market something like this, but it is important. I just signed with them, and perhaps soon, there will be Sendwave in Australia and I'd get to send money to Regine if needed."

They now have bonus additional money to give out too when you first try the service (10 dollars) aside from the amount you send. There are no transfer fees, so that is free. They just want you to experience it. It's not intended for receivers, but designed from senders from abroad. You don't need to be a member here in the Philippines to receive the money, they just tie up their cards and send it to whatever bank or GCash account the recipient has and get it, it's that easy!

There are limits, dependent on banks abroad and the receiving bank/app in the country because some of them have limits too. It already is being used by 2 Million users, and the plan is to include more people to benefit from it. They have plans to take Ogie to other countries where Filipinos are. Although Ogie already is doing that, he says "The fact that I'd be reaching a lot of audiences this year and next year, we have a lot of people to help. It's most welcome, to be able to sing and help our kababayans. We are partners with TFC, and events may be through that. It's part of their future plans. I'm excited, when I learned about this, at the shoot, it was happy there. It's not easy to do but I'm excited and happy with what we made in just a few days. When you do it with fun, with excited people, it's a breeze. You will receive the amount automatically converted to peso and what you see with the conversion is what they person will get in full."

The company earns through foreign exchange and if you see that their rates are better, you should use Sendwave. Congratulations to Sir Ogie Alcasid, it's so refreshing to see you excited to help more people with this recent partnership. If you can send money home for free, you should take advantage!

Get Ready for "Bountiful Blooms": The 1st Philippine International Flower Festival

If you are fond of flowers, flower arrangements, science and the art, you're about to get a happy pill this coming September as the 1st Philippine International Flower Festival entitled "BOUNTIFUL BLOOMS" happens at the SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City.

Convenor Jerry Sibal says "This is the first International Flower Festival. On September 19-22, our homeland will be the place to hold PHILIFF where floral designers, landscaping, trade show, exhibit for ikebana, the art of Bonsai, and Orchids. This will also be the venue for a Fashion Show together with international artists. Last year, I told them about the Flower Festival, and we now have people from the government and the private sector to help me make it happen. This Bloombee here is simple, but we are making a full bloomed one in September, so you better be back soon. In Atok Benguet, we have a huge cut flower industry and putting them into the 40 Billion dollar global export market will surely boost the industry. Aside from these, we are also trying to promote local farm tourism, and grow flowers like Tulips, those from New York locally through hydroponics. We have 350 flower farms all over the country. We also need to educate through forums, you'll be surprised how fast this would grow."

There will also be Floral Art Installations, the whole second Floor of One Ayala will be having over 80 booths, 4 huge displays in the center and the floral fashion show installation.

Table pieces will also be showcased as part of the design for entertaining and this will be historical. This is Sibal's way of giving back, to the industry and country. He will also be displaying a few well loved PH bred Waling Waling at the exhibit, dedicated to the orchid lovers and collectors.

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They need Bloombee sponsors to help them support more farmers, their CSR efforts will include the Bloombee Park which will host the fashion show, international participants, so you can experience what they do outside the country. Workshops and seminars will be posted soon. Make sure you follow the Philippine International Flower Festival social channels and official website to know more about how you can participate. There's no competition, the community will benefit from it.

Head on to philiff.com for tickets and updates about the event. If you want to participate or become a sponsor, they have it at the official website. This is supported by Ayala, and from the looks of it... it's blooming!