Live Blog: The New Gillette Mach3 Turbo!

We're now here at the Eastwood Mall atrium to be at the launch of the newly designed Gillette Mach3. It's the shaver with diamond like blades with Zero redness guaranteed. I shave every two days so I know how its important to have a grooming tool that does not irritate your skin. I've tried this already and I knos how this product works. I don't shave against the grain unless it's needed but with the Gillette Mach3 you don't need to because it's the closest shave ever and it follows the countours of your skin which makes it 50% less blade pressure so you don't get knicks, rashes and wounds.

During the event we got gentlemen from the media also try it out and I've seen the difference between using this and the oridnary disposable shavers. You get a smoother, cleaner cut without worrying about getting injured. The Mach3 also has lubricants on top to help avoid cuts making it easier to achieve that perfect shave. Beards, moustache? No worries, Gillette Mach3 can take care of that.

Would you trust your skin with cheap disposable shaves when you can get premium ones which you can use for a longer time? You deserve the best, you deserve the Gillette Mach3 Turbo! A great shave awaits you!

Ciao!

KUMAGCOW

Charles Tongol, Jenny Alvarez, Joyce Ching, Lyndt Johnson and Ken Chan Celebrates Birthday with Kids!

It's a great morning to celebrate the birthdays of Kapuso artists Charles Tongol,  Jenny Alvarez, Joyce Ching, Lyndt Johnson and Ken Chan. We went to Brgy. UP Campus in Diliman, Quezon City to be with kids from different Barangays and share their blessings for the malnourished and less fortunate. As you know, not all families in this barangay are well off, of which some are just temporarily living in shanties and have low bracket incomes. They're giving a few things for the kids so they have something to at least get their minds off depression and hunger which I think happens when in dire straights. Then again, I've seen some happy faces when we were there.

This was also where our friends from Coca Cola Philippines/Far East Limited, Coca Cola Foundation signed a MOA with GMA Network, Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko and the local barangay for Coke's Nurisha Project which aims to provide malnourished kids from communities like these the needed nutrition. It's a feeding program which is part of the efforts of Coca Cola after Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines which I wrote about in previous articles. 

Ken Chan came up the stage and gave the kids a few words about achieving their dreams by working hard and striving big. He also advised them to stay in school and study very hard so they can achieve their goals. Jenny Alvarez on the other hand told the kids to eat healthy and never waste their time in school because it's very hard to get a job later on if they don't do their best. Lyndt Johnson thanked them and promised that they'll have lots of fun with them during games. The kids got excited with that. Joyce Ching looked so pretty! She told the kids to pray hard if they want something, and never lose hope when the thing they wish for isn't given to them yet. The value of patience and virtue is something she would like to empart. She also invited everyone to watch their new show called "Healing Heart" which she'll also be with Ken Chan. It'll probably replace "Ang Lihim ni Anassandra" or be placed pre-rime in the evening - it had a very good run this last quarter btw.

The kids had so much fun because the artists also joined them for fun and games. They also gave them prizes too later on in the program. Ken and Joyce also sang with them to the delight of the crowd inside and outside the venue. Joyce had fun dancing with the kids, she was ecstatic while Ken Chan's album was playing in the background. They had sleep I guess haha!

The lovely Joyce Ching

While having lunch, we sat down and talked to the lovely Joyce Ching. The last time we met was during Kristoffer Martin's birthday. Her character in the new soap "Healing Hearts" is all about an orphan - and how she would be able to weather the thought of having to forgive her own mother. It's how she would be able to do it with the thought of having her own flesh and blood - shockingly kill her Dad. I thought it was going to be something medical related since they had shows of that kind before, but it was none of that. It was just how healing occurs inside, and show it during pre-primetime. She's very happy about the fact that she was given the chance to be in a lead role and mentions this is a little of, a romantic comedy. The series will include stars like Mickey Ferriols, Angelika Dela Cruz, Kristoffer Martin, Crystal Reyes, Maureen Larrazabal and Ken Chan. Her on screen romance will be with Kristoffer Martin and so I asked her about their current state. She says "We're just friends..", no matter how cliche that sounded, she confirmed that they are not an off screen pair. They were really sweet during Kristoffers birthday, but she says they are really friends and Kristoffer was just normally "sweet/malambing", and that's really how he just is. Kristoffer gave him a really good gift during her birthday. He went with Joyce the whole day and acted as her personal assistant. He also gave Joyce a bouquet of flowers, a Sophia I doll, mug, puzzle and a standee. She went on and said the gifts didn't really mean anything, it was just that their trust with each other just came back. She also said that they have healed each other and moved on. As for the program, she's excited than pressured in Healing Heart because she said she wouldn't be able to control that. She wants to know what people would thing and gives high regards with the people she worked with in Healing Heart. They are helping her a lot. This she says also is for the KrisJoy fans who have been waiting for them to get paired again because it's been a long time since they've been together in a project. She knows you guys are excited about that too, and hopes whatever time slot they are going to land in, you would still support them no matter what. Originally this was going to be in the afternoon prime and they are still thinking to replace either Kim Sam Soon or other programs in that same bracket. She says thanks to everyone who have been supporting them all these years and can't wait to show you the work they put in in this project! Are you excited too Team KrisJoy? :)




Good looking crooner Ken Chan were all smiles when we talked to him. The charming guy is very happy he got to spend time with kids. He plays the childhood friend of Kristoffer Martin in Healing Hearts among a lot of things that are planned for him. His character will be taking several changes and you will see that once the series starts real soon on the Kapuso channel. He's not a fixed one but he doesn't know yet where the persona will be heading. He was informed that they have big plans for it and he doesn't have a love interest yet. We went on and talk about Kuya Germs since he is also one of the brightest stars in "Walang Tulugan", an evening show that's been running for years now. He says he visited him in the hospital and says the patriarch of teen stars in the Philippines' health is improving, he also got control back with the right side of his body which kept everyone worried. He's planning to visit him again at home and is optimistic the old Kuya Germs will be back. He says his "Tatay" will be back but he needs to rest a lot, perhaps travel abroad because German Moreno is pretty much a workaholic. Gift of Love definitely poured in "Walang Tulugan" too because the stars of "That's Entertainment" began coming in to pinch hit for him and didn't even want to get paid for it. They want him to get some needed rest, though they know how hands on and workaholic he is. Ken by the way celebrated with his family, a simple one, then went to church. They also got to celebrate Ken's birthday via prods in Walang Tulugan and this one where he got to interact with kids who are malnourished from different barangays in Quezon City. It was fulfilling, a charity event with the other GMA Artist Center stars was really a thing he wanted to do... and he promised to do this every year. He also thanks everyone who is continuing to support him and his album. He also thanks Polyeast Records and everyone who made it possible. It's his wish to make Kuya Germs be back in good health, and have more shows, more projects soon. I can't wait to see his star shine further, he's such a great guy... I can't wait to see someone so genuine make it in this industry, more so because he truly deserves it.

Jenny Alvarez, Lyndt Johnson looked so young, beautiful and very promising. I'm sure there will be more things planned for these ladies. They'll probably become GMA's leading ladies soon, with hard work and dedication there wouldn't be anything impossible with their careers.  

Ultimately, the kids had fun and went home full because packed lunch were also served courtesy of our friends from GMA Artist Center, Unisilver Time, Active White, Fernando's Bakeshop and MSE. Thank you guys for having us and happy birthday again to Ken, Charles (who wasn't there because of an emergency), Jenny, Lyndt and Joyce! 

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

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Take a Second Look at Racks

Racks Timog Avenue Branch (photo from Racks literature taken by my phone)

It's been a while since I visited Racks. The last time was with an event we had with a convenience store, and even then the food was awesome. A few days ago, we got word that they opened one of their newest branches over at Timog Avenue in Quezon City. I was thinking of the "all white" interior they had the last time... but it looks Racks has got a new look. Too bad I didn't get the chance to shoot the facade because I was rushing to another event, but I'm so glad we stayed for what seems to be the star of their new restaurant. Oh yes, they've got some of the best American country dishes. After all, RACKS stand for Real American Country Kitchen Style. I bet a lot of you didn't know that... but here's the thing, you'll have to agree with me if I say RACKS has got the Best Ribs in Town!

Onion Brick

This is their Onion Brick. I've seen these in US food shows, but I've never seen one in the Philippines, so for me this is a first. The verdict? Very good. The thing still tastes like onion, and the batter isn't that overwhelming. It's not like you're eating breading on each bite since the batter is nice and thin. They put just enough to keep it crispy. The brick is more like a basket because they probably had it on a fryer just like in the US. Would I order this if I go back there? Definitely.

Salad with Blackened Chicken Strips

The second one's pretty good too. This is Racks Salad with Blackened Chicken Strips. The fresh Caesar Salad is done quite remarkably although I have reservations with the chicken strips. The one that was served to us was coated with cajun spice (a thing that I use in the kitchen quite often because my family has a ton sent from Canada) but I felt that time it was slightly, no overly burnt. I suggested to have it lightly fried until brown because honestly, the burnt taste was overwhelming. Searing is okay but burning is another thing. It was kinda off, still, the salad was good. 

US Ribeye Steak

The presence of a US Ribeye Steak in Racks just made me wonder. How can a piece of meat this good be in Racks? Well my questions got answered. It's fate. However, the meat that was served to us that afternoon was already a bit cold which was probably because they prepared it ahead of time. I must say, you should only have this steak as soon as they take it out of the grill... and into your plate. Having it cold made me realize the necessity of prime meat to be eaten at the right time. It was still tender though, and the seasoned butter on top was delicious. I would order this on a date, or a regular manly meal because for the price, it's still worth it. If you see the price of this grade of steak in other establishments, you'll compare their rates quite fair. I would order this on a good day.

Racks Signature Baby Back Ribs

Piece de resistance? Of course it's the Baby Back Ribs! Racks has truly perfected the art of making this since they opened. They've impressed me of course and I think they're going to be the bar to measure the authenticity or goodness of ribs. It's really that good. They make it the ol American Country way so if you've dreamed of having the best ribs, sweet and savory, plus the thing just falls off the bones.. tender... mouthwatering meat when you see it on your plate. Just hold that thought, and take a good look at these bottles that will take you to heaven!

Racks Original Barbecue Sauce Regular and Extra Hot!

They make a mean barbecue sauce (available in Regular and Extra Hot!) to go with those ribs. I even thought they were holding back with the spicy version, but I'm glad I ate a ton of ribs with that smothered over it... it literally made me cry.. I was so glad, it was like the perfect way to have my taste of Baby Back Ribs. You should never let this experience pass and take your family, your friends and everybody else to a Racks branch near you. The Timog Avenue branch between Scout Tuazon and Scout Tobias was quite lovely though, I suggest you go there to experience the best ribs in town bar none! 

For more information about their restaurant:

Racks

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http://www.racks.ph/

A Filipino Dinner: Chicken Binakol

I've been trying to find something to cook for dinner and I'm rearing to have something very Filipino. I don't like the common ones and miss something in particular. When I was in Negros Oriental in the hacienda of my Uncle, a dish which I haven't been able to taste before was served to us. They called it Chicken Binakol. They cooked it around noon and it only took a few minutes to prepare. Here's the recipe.

1 Whole Chicken cut into 3 pieces per section

2 pcs. Young coconut, separate water and save largely chopped coconut meat for later

1/2 liter Chicken Broth or 1 Chicken Bullion cube dissolved in boiling water

3 tablespoons cooking oil

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 green papaya (small), cut into wedges

1 bunch Chili leaves

2 stalks lemon grass, cut into two and bruised

1 medium onion and 2 cloves garlic chopped

1 thumbsized ginger root chopped

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

They sauteed the usual onions, garlic, ginger in a clay pot. They put in the chicken to cook it a little then poured in the Young Coconut Water and Chicken Broth and let it simmer until it boiled over. Then they put in the lemon grass, boiled it further, then the green Papaya. When it was already tender, they put in the cleaned Chili leaves and simmer or another two minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure you serve this with hot white rice and Fish Sauce with bruised Thai Bird Chili on the side. It's so good you'll feel like you're back in Negros again. Oh it was so good, I loved the broth so much I had a cup of it solely for my own consumption! Now I wonder, what if I cook this with state of the art appliances from Samsung? Hmmm...

The Chicken Binakol was placed on the top left of this photo, right below the sweet mangoes. I loved it.

It was placed right beside the crispy skinned lechon. It was time with family, and time with them was really priceless! (circa 2011 in San Carlos City, Negros Oriental)

For more information about their products:

Samsung PH

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http://www.samsung.com/ph/