COCA-COLA FEMSA PHILIPPINES

Everybody has a perceived dream when they are still young. Funny because I wanted to make Coca Cola when I was a kid. Failure, oddly enough makes you a better person and your goals change as time goes by. I went to a Coca Cola plant back then but didn't know how it happened as it was part of a field trip itinerary. Lo and behold, I was back at it again a few weeks ago. It was an eye opening experience.

For those who don't know, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines was incorporated in January of this year. FEMSA, is one of the biggest companies in Latin America that acquired a 51% stake in Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Incorporated (CCBPI). This means, they are now part of the largest beverage company and Coca Cola bottler int the world.

I was in the company of executives of this prestigious corporation. Had a few jittery moments because I think I was the only blogger there. They wanted to show us how they do things in the Sta. Rosa plant. Shown are pellets of resin that they make into bottles before filling it up and sending it to your homes. These are standardized processes and they are strict in implementing it. I even took the thing home as a souvenir haha. Then we proceeded to the plant.

Quality, safety and sustainability is what they have built in to the process. They are following international and global standards and ensure that they are complying or a step ahead in providing happiness. What's pretty cool is that they even went ahead and did initiatives to help the community, an integral part of their being according to Mr. Juan Dominguez (HR and Corp Affairs Director) of Coca-Cola FEMSA. Their thrust of being the best in the industry for Water, Energy Conservation, Safety Programs and Environment Best Practices is a priority. This is beside their main function of producing, bridging route to market paths and distribute to centers nationwide. Whilst Coca Cola Philippines still sells syrup to them and markets product.

Year on year, there has been remarkable improvement in making their plant more efficient and environmentally friendly. They have even won several awards to date and has been regarded by the local government institutions as a stalwart of solid waste management, environmental runs, tree planting, river and community cleanup drives.

This is their promise to the Philippines as they continue to provide happiness in every home.

Heard they also helped a ton with Yolanda victims. The small chats on how their plant in that area got ravaged and just gave away their products was heartwarming. They had clean potable water which helped countless families in the region. They also have been producing non stop more water and donating them at these times. A noble gesture indeed. They will also be waiting for more information about where and how they could rebuild their lives (and their workers)after one of the strongest typhoons on Earth has landed in the Philippines. I believe Coca-Cola Femsa Philippines will continue to make head way in not only spreading happiness, but start responsible corporate initiatives that change the lives of Filipinos nationwide!

For more information about the company 

Please visit their official website

http://www.femsa.com/en/business/coca_cola_femsa/philippines.htm

Harina Artisan Bakery Café

There are many things that a blogger can do and one of them is eat. I don't just eat though, because I am very picky about breads. I mostly love those freshly baked ones in hotels because those are made by chef-artisans. I didn't know there was one quite near my neighborhood. This is Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe!

This quaint all day breakfast store in 118 Katipunan Avenue, White Plains in Quezon City (who has SUPERB bread sticks btw!) embraces the notion of selling only the best artisanal breads (no artificial flavors or preservatives) this side of the metro without holding back on the freshest ingredients... a word of warning, it shows on their products. We had the best ones from the menu and tried them out one quaint morning. It looked pretty good!

Brunch is special. The Iced Tea, ahm I've got to be honest. It wasn't a special brew but it was alright. It's not sweet, encourages you to eat a bit because you'll feel refreshed in a hot afternoon.

This is the Chicken Caesar Sandwich. Much like the salad dish that they wanted to emulate, it takes a whole different level if you put in on toasty, crunchy bread. That thing makes a whole lotta difference because its really good. It's not a run of the mill commercial bakeshop thing, it's all pure unadulterated bread, with all the nice greens, crispy bacon, runny egg and mouthwatering dressing.

 

This is Harina's Bloomin' Bread. I had tons of this. Imagine that fresh yeast smell pouring out on soft pillowy center and that crunch you get on the outer shell. Dip it in herbed balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Heavenly.

This is their Waldorf Salad Sandwich. Light, filling and very tasty. Bread is croissant like. I love this and imagine I could go out for brunch with a friend eating just this.

This is their Breakfast Tart. Imagine flaky puff pastry topped with cream cheese, spinach, baked tomatoes, bacon and eggs. I'd recommend this for two people but if you are a little hungry this would be so easy. 

This awesome PBB and Chocolate-Stuffed French Toast is highly recommended. It's comfort food that is contained in your dreams... then come to reality. The toasty whole wheat bread isn't bad either. For the price you pay for this breakfast, totally worth it!

Nice and light, Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is just one of those dangerously looking calorie bombs that really isn't. We were surprised at how light and airy this was as compared to the other French Toast variant mentioned above. For health buffs, if you are to cheat... get this healthier alternative since its got fruit on it. But if an honest match goes, I'd rather choose the PBB Chocolate Stuffed French Toast because its more sinful.

Oh and if you are crazy with Cronuts, they've got their version too!

Sweet and flaky, you can get the Laminated Donuts in Peanut Butter, Chocolate and Blueberry Cheesecake variants. Good to take home.

Sweet and moist Chocolatey Brownie topped with Cream Cheese and Slivers of Fresh Strawberry and sides of sweet Red and Yellow Fruit Syrup. How can anyone say NO to this? Of course it's already gone after a few minutes!

DO NOT FORGET to take home a bunch of these scrumptious, sweet, decadent and wonderful Cinnamon Rolls. We can't have enough of this and it'll surely run out of the box in no time if you have kids or people like me looking at the box. Pretty good, another reason why you should make an effort to go and drop by the White Plains area. They are right in front of the row of the gardens on the side streets. Take my word for it and get the best artisan made products in a simple neighborhood store in Quezon City.

Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe is one place I could vouch for. For meetings, a small get together with friends and family, consider this a warning... if you don't try the place, you'll regret it.

For more information about the shop

Like them on Facebook

Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe

 

Daniel Padilla and Bea Binene For The BUM Holiday Collection

Fashion never comes late for popular brand BUM as they've come out with their Holiday collection this 2013. With hues of Black, Blue, Gray for men, and added Reds for women... they've amped up what figures to be the usual BUM jackets, shirts, pants and accessories and made them more wearable, appealing and super cool!

Check out these photos from the BUM PR which we've reworked and cropped a bit. I must say, Daniel Padilla looks good... whilst Bea Binene looks so hot in these clothes!

Layers are still in. The faux leather jackets are my favorite. You can still mix and match it with your current BUM wardrobe but never get lost in style. Simple black pants and a white printed shirt, it all looks so cool on Daniel carrying that rocker vibe. Bea Binene on the other hand complements Daniel's style with a gray long sleeved printed shirt, black denim pants and faux leather jacket too. Accented by studded bracelets, gloves and rings, she can pass up as the rocker chick Daniel would love to have as a partner. I can imagine these two on a motorcycle, a Harley perhaps and it'll still work! 

Tokyo Tokyo Ramen Trivia Quiz

I've been eating bowls of ramen and Bento Boxes by volume in this restaurant for years! Since it's Christmas and we're feeling a little generous, now's the chance for you to win gift certificates courtesy of our good friends from Tokyo Tokyo Philippines! We're making it easy for you and don't worry we're doing this in an easy way. Hope you get your clickers ready and make sure you follow instructions to a "T" and have a Metro Manila address.

a KUMAGCOW giveaway



Here's the fine print

1) Like Tokyo Tokyo on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TokyoTokyoPhilippines)
2) Follow Tokyo Tokyo on Instagram (www.instagram.com/TokyoTokyoPhilippines)
3) Answer the Ramen Trivia quiz on http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/j7JzCM3/Tokyo-Tokyo-Ramen-Trivia-Quiz then take a screenshot of your score.
4) Post the screencap on your Facebook wall with the caption:

"I answered _____ out of 6 questions correctly in the Ramen Trivia Quiz. Go to [ http://bit.ly/1bSAjXP ] to answer the quiz and get a chance to win P1,500 worth of Tokyo Tokyo gift certificates!"

Make sure it's set to PUBLIC, and then copy-paste the link of your post here.

5) Leave a comment on this blog post with your name and email address so I can easily contact you.
6) Metro Manila residents only.

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