This is the first time I've seen a LOT of people clad in their best garb and outfits that could resemble royalty in Mindanao, but right smack in the heart of Ortigas Center's Crowne Plaza. We were there for AlBarakah, a new brand of halal certified food chain in the country. For those who don't know, Halal certified food is a bit scarce in this side of the country, but with their presence, it would now be possible for halal food and ingredients to be served in different parts of the country.
This is the brainchild of AlBarakah CEO Ameerah Tamundong who says "It is a bit difficult to adhere to dietary principles in Metro Manila and different parts of the country. With the existence of AlBarakah, good halal certified food and drinks is now accessible for Filipinos. We also have different dishes to serve for our Filipino patrons if they're looking for carefully prepared meals."
At the venue, they had Muslim attendees enjoy dishes like Shredded Corned Beef, Minced Hash Corned Beef, their 3 in 1 brown coffee, and also white coffee. They also had Protein Bites which could serve as snacks in between meals, or even before athletes race, as it's got peanuts, almonds and other seeds. Each is assured of halal certification and lawful in Islamic ways. If you're in need of their services, visit their social channels on FB or their website albarakahph.com as all the details on how to order will be there.
This is just one of the few instances where I met Congressman Sam Verzosa (of Tutok To Win Partylist), and yes he's been doing this even before he went into public service. Today was the same as he ventured into the inner streets of Manila, to say the least, spend time and effort for the people who live here.
He's worked with organizations, in Frontrow Cares, and his show SV Cares in GTV to make sure that he could still lend a hand where he can. His story of success is amazing. Growing up in the streets of Sampaloc, Manila, he wanted to make sure his family would have food on the table, a livable income, and education. He didn't get this outright, so he had to device a way to use his street smarts to find and build a business that could finance his needs and his family. He now owns several businesses and was successful with it because he really worked hard for it. With his capacity yo earn, he now has the chance to help other people which is why he's doing this. He didn't just give rice and basic necessities, but also taught how they could have their own businesses so they too could fend for themselves. He's teaching them exactly what he learned from his life story, he did this in different parts of the Philippines and this time, he wanted to do it in his hometown Manila.
Here's our interview with him during his activities:
Sam says "This is really not just because I'm celebrating my birthday in a few days, this is something that I do on a normal day to help communities. I've been doing this for a while now. I'm glad that Frontrow Cares, different organizations, Tutok to Win, Batang Sampaloc Foundation and SV Cares have partnered up so we can do this for them. We are just continuously doing what we have been doing in the past. We are now in Pandacan, but this morning we also went to Sta. Mesa, Pandacan, Sta. Cruz, and not just give them necessities, but medical assistance too. People need their maintenance medicine, and we included that in our caravans."
He adds "I almost cried when I saw the crowd here earlier, they warmly welcomed me when I arrived. I went to different parts of Manila and it felt special. I received hugs, some people were crying, and this is one of the reasons why I want to do this more on ground. This is why I want to extend help, even if it's out of my pocket, because I have the capacity to do so and hope I could do this even more. As long as I have the capacity to help, I will do it."
His unending urge to serve is evident, and for the people of Manila, who sees value in this, SV will be in your place soon. He promises to do this as long as he has got the capacity to help, and that's good news.
I've been recommending a lot of places to live in and sometimes it just is getting a little expensive to do because instead of just plainly recommending it, I'd mostly be contemplating to do investments instead LOL. Why? Because sometimes you get the nitty gritty details that are just too attractive to pass on. Case in point is Kizuna Heights, an urban residential mecca right in the heart of the university belt.
As the name suggests, it's a Japanese inspired condominium project that's situated in Taft Avenue. This place is very near De La Salle University, College of St. Benilde, UP Manila, Letran, Adamson, so it's pretty good for families with students in tow. It's a great place tor receive your next course or do graduate studies if you're looking for opportunities like that. It's also near business establishments, churches, banks, and the cultural district of Manila.
Ms. Teresa Tumbaga the property Division Head says "Living here is like taking part in Manila's rich history, you get to visit parks, iconic places because of its close proximity to Kizuna Heights. The address is highly sought after, and we are giving the chance to live in an urban metropolis, and have a life that they deserve at this address."
If you're looking for investments, you know where to go! Visit their official website vistaresidences.com.ph/properties/kizuna and their social channels to get more information.