Chef Ai's Baking Secrets with URC Flour.

The FCBAI Bakery Fair is back, and this year, the theme “Rise and Shine” couldn’t be more fitting with thousands of bakers from different parts of the world flocked to the World Trade Center for a 3-day baking exhibit.

Welcome to the FCBAI Bakery Fair!

This year’s fair is a celebration of resilience and innovation in the baking industry, testament to the bakers who have weathered challenges and emerged stronger. URC Flour Brand Ambassador Chef Aileen Asilom more popularly known as Chef Ai, graced this year’s Bakery Fair and led the bakery demonstration at the URC Flour booth.

Meet Chef Ai. :)

Chef Aileen’s story is one of inspiration. From her modest beginnings, fueled by a deep love for baking, she has risen to become a respected figure, known for her dedication to sharing her knowledge and empowering fellow bakers. Her journey resonates with many, making her the perfect face for URC Flour, a brand committed to providing quality ingredients for every baker’s dream.
URC Flour’s booth concept “SIKAT” reinforced the "Rise and Shine" theme of this year’s Bakery Fair. Chef Ai’s path to being a successful baker is a story itself of passion and perseverance

Chef Ai with fans and fellow bakers.

Choosing the Right Flour

Chef Ai conducted live baking demonstrations together with other expert bakers showcasing their signature recipes and innovative techniques, all using URC Flour. Attendees were able to witness firsthand the URC Flour quality products featuring Daisy, Globe, Continental, Sampaguita, Blend 100, and Cattleya among others. The baking demonstration also features baking equipment from Vesmach Hyundai Home Appliances while ingredients for the delicious baked goods are courtesy of Anchor Food Professionals, Sugar King Industries, Oleo-Fats Inc. and Neco Philippines, Inc. In collaboration with URC Flour, Chef Ai curated a selection of recipes, featuring both classic favorites and modern creations, that were given to booth attendees to take home and recreate.

The secret? URC Flour.

URC Flour: A Partner in Success

Chef Ai’s passion extends beyond her own creations. She believess sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to embark on their baking journeys. “Baking is a gift that should be shared", she says. “Through my partnership with URC Flour, hope to empower bakers of all levels to create delicious memories. Chef Ai’s partnership with URC Flour is e testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and its dedication to supporting the baking community. “URC Flour is more than just an ingredient; it's my partner in my baking journey,” she concludes.

Philippine Book Festival 2025 | Bigger, Better, In a New Location.

The Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country's biggest all-Filipino book festival is back - this time in a new location that is accessible to many. This year's PBF will be happening at the Megatrade Hall in SMM Megamall, Mandaluyong, City, from March 13 - 16, 2025.

Registration is FREE for the four-day book festival, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB). Every year, this project puts Philippine Books at the center if a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with your favorite authors.

The Philippine Book Festival is back!

"In just over a month, we are bringing back the Philippine Book Festival. Now in its third year, the PBF started in 2023 as an attempt to create the largest marketplace for Philippine books that the country has yet to see. Now, it has become an important annual gathering for families, educators, creatives, and avid readers - all in the name of Philippine books.” said Charisse Aquino - Tugade, NBDB Executive Director.

The PBF's third edition promises to be more exciting, putting the spotlight on the country's famnous festivals, each one designed by some of the best and brightest Filipino artists working today.

The creative minds behind the PBF 2024. 
NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade with National Artist and scriptwriter Ricky Lee, together with the artists of PBF 2025 Realms - Paul Eric Roca, Danielle Florendo, Joffrey "Pepot" Atienza, and June Abreau.

The first is the glorious Dinagyang Festival for Kid Lit (the PBF's section dedicated to children's literature), designed by Juno Abreau, and the Komiks realm inspired by the famous Tuna Festival in General Santos City, with design by illustrator and painter Paul Eric Roca. Aral Aklat, the section dedicated to textbooks, draws inspiration from the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Quezon courtesy of Joffrey "Pepot" Atienza, himself a native of the province, and finally, Panagbenga or the Baguio Flower Festival for Booktopia (the section for fiction, non-fiction and poetry), with design by Danielle Florendo.

The festive atmosphere is made all the more exciting as the PBF 12025 moves to a new venue - at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The NBDB believes this fresh location will bring new energy to the festival and draw and even larger audience.

NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

"The decision to move the PBF to a different and smaller venue is definitely a bold one. We hope to offset that with the venue's accessibility and generate higher foot traffic, as well as provide convenience for more visitors from other areas” shared Tugade.

The PBF is the largest all-Filipino book fair in the country and is one of the NBDB's flagship programs. NBDB, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this June has amped its readership efforts in the past four years, shifting to solutions-based programming to improve trade and distribution. Concerned with the lack of quality Philippine-authored books in libraries and bookstores across the country, Aguino-Tugade spearheaded the PBF in 2023, a retail activation space that celebrates Philippine books while bringing in revenue for publishing professionals.

The fair also showcases the creme dela creme of Philippine literature, culture, and content - all situated in an engaging, experienced-based setting that fuses entertainment, education, and learning. Positioning PBF as a favorite pastime (reading) among Filipinos, all for a good cause.

For complete details, visit the official Facebook page of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) https://www.facebook.com/NBDBPhilippines

URC Flour "Rises and Shines" with Innovation and Expertise at FCBAI Bakery Fair 2025.

THE Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association Inc. (FCBAI) Bakery Fair 2025 witnessed a dazzling display of innovation and expertise as URC Flour took center stage, reinforcing its position as one of the country's leaders in the baking industry. With a focus on cutting-edge techniques and high-quality products, URC Flour's participation underscored its commitment to empowering bakers and driving the industry forward.

"Innovation is at the heart of everything we do," URC Flour Division Sales, Marketing and Distribution Manager Naida Ebora stated. "With the recent opening of our Sariaya Plant, we continuously strive to develop products that meet the evolving needs of bakers, whether they are home enthusiasts or seasoned professionals. Our goal is to provide them with the tools and resources they need to create exceptional baked goods," she added.

This year's theme of "Rise and Shine" perfectly aligned with URC Flour's dedication to helping bakers achieve their full potential. At its vibrant booth, attendees were treated to a showcase of the company's latest advancements in flour technology and baking solutions. To support this year's theme, URC's concept of "Sikat" embodies the company's position in helping bakers achieve their objectives.

"Sikat" in Filipino, means to shine, to be radiant, to be successful. It embodies the very essence of what we aim to achieve together. With URC Flour, we want to empower you to be 'sikat' in your baking endeavors. We understand that every baker, from home enthusiasts to established professionals, dreams of creating baked goods that stand out, that are truly exceptional. That's why we've dedicated ourselves to providing you with the highest quality flour, the perfect foundation for your culinary masterpieces," Ebora said.

One of the hightlights of URC flour’s exhibit was the live baking demonstrations led by renowned Chef Aileen Asilom, which captivated audiences, showcasing the versatility and superior quality of URC’s Flour product range. The baking sessions not only highlighted the adaptability of URC Flour’s product range but also provide valuable insights into the latest baking techniques. In addition to the live demonstrations, URC Flour also featured interactive displays that highlighted the science behind baking, which provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the properties of different flours and how they affect the final product. The company's representatives were on hand to answer questions and provide expert advice, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to education and knowledge sharing.

URC Flour's participation in the FCBAI Bakery Fair 2025 was a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and expertise. By showcasing its latest products and providing valuable educational resources, the company has solidified its position as a leader in the baking industry. As the industry continues to evolve, URC Flour remains at the forefront, empowering bakers to "rise and shine” with their exceptional creations.

The FCBAI BAKERY FAIR 2025 has provided a platform for URC Flour to showcase their commitment to the baking community. Their SIKAT theme, combine with the fair’s RISE AND SHINE focus, has created a powerful message of empowerment and inspiration. By providing high quality flour and unwavering support, URC flour is helping bakers across the nation to truly shine.

Cetaphil Introduces 2025 Brand Ambassadors and Reintroduces Trusted Advocates with Personal Skin Stories at Cetaphil SkinLabs

Cetaphil, the renowned dermatologist-recommended skincare brand for sensitive skin, announced the newest additions to its lineup of brand ambassadors for 2025 during the Cetaphil SkinLabs event.

The immersive and educational experience focused on sensitive skincare, coupled with the unveiling of Cetaphil’s re-brand, underscored the brand's commitment to providing trustworthy, expert-backed skincare solutions.

The stellar lineup of Cetaphil’s esteemed roster of ambassadors features Catriona Gray, Atasha Muhlach, and the newest ambassador, Donny Pangilinan. Rounding up the current list of endorsers are Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff, Nico Bolzico and Jess Wilson.

Also in attendance were Bianca Gonzalez, Andi Manzano, Bea Fabregas and Ella and Hannah Pangilinan. Together, these voices unite to promote the brand’s message of safe, effective, and gentle skincare tailored for sensitive skin.

The Role of Brand Ambassadors in Cetaphil’s Advocacy

In an era where misinformation about skincare runs rampant across social media, Cetaphil recognizes the importance of bridging the knowledge gap in dermatology and skincare science. By collaborating with a diverse group of trusted personalities, the brand leverages their voices and platforms to counteract misinformation and empower consumers with dermatologist-approved advice.

“At Cetaphil, we understand that sensitive skin is personal—everyone experiences it differently. That’s why we partner with brand ambassadors who not only experience sensitive skin themselves but also have unique skin stories that their followers can relate to,” said Louie Roxas, General Manager of Cetaphil Philippines. “By sharing their journeys, they help us spread dermatologist-approved advice and empower more people to care for their skin with confidence.”

Personal Skin Stories and Connection to Cetaphil

Beyond their advocacy roles, each ambassador shared their personal skin stories and connection to the brand at the Cetaphil SkinLabs event. From Catriona’s longstanding trust in Cetaphil for her on-the-go lifestyle to Donny Pangilinan’s journey with sensitive skin, these authentic narratives highlight why Cetaphil remains a cornerstone in many skincare routines. “Being here was meant to be,” said Donny Pangilinan. The young actor shared how he and his sisters all grew up using the brand. “We are proud Cetaphil babies. Growing up we all had sensitive skin, so our mom would always apply the products to hydrate and protect our skin. I’m so happy to be here, and I’m looking forward to this journey.”

The Cetaphil SkinLabs Experience

Cetaphil SkinLabs brought the brand’s dermatologist-backed research to life with an interactive and educational experience. Attendees learned about the science of sensitive skincare and were among the first to witness Cetaphil’s rebranding, designed to highlight the brand’s legacy of innovation and trust.

“Cetaphil’s mission to make good skincare for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, is why they are my go-to brand,” said Gray, who, in addition to being a loyal user of Cetaphil also appreciated the science-first mindset of the event. “I was surprised to learn that the Philippines number 6 globally in terms of having sensitive skin, and the only Southeast Asian country in the top 10 list.”

For more information on Cetaphil and the new rebranding initiative, visit Cetaphil, follow @CetaphilPH on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Cetaphil products are available at Watsons, Mercury Drug, leading e-commerce platforms, and other key retailers.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a Delicious Culinary Adventure at SM Supermalls.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a gastronomic adventure at SM Supermalls from January 18 to January 31! Embark on a journey through flavors highlighting only the best Chinese restaurants and their must-try dishes to make your festivities even more special. Not sure where to eat out? Here are some delectable spots to celebrate the festivities:

Paradise Dynasty

SM Aura, SM Podium, S Maison

Known for the world’s first 8-flavored Xiao Long Bao, Paradise Dynasty is a must-visit for dumpling lovers. Each soup dumpling has a unique flavor, from black truffle to ginseng, szechuan to crab roe, making every bite a delightful surprise. Don’t miss their signature La Mian noodles and the mouthwatering Charcoal Custard Lava Bun for dessert!

Sichu Malatang

SM Mall of Asia, SM Podium

Dive into the numbing and deliciously fiery world of authentic Malatang hotpot, a Chinese classic perfect for chilly weather. Sichu Malatang lets you customize your bowl with your favorite ingredients and spice level. Tatler recognized it as one of the best hotpot spots in Metro Manila, so it’s a must-try for hotpot enthusiasts.

Honolulu Café

SM Aura

Step into Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene at Honolulu Café. Their signature egg tart is a flaky, creamy masterpiece you won’t forget. Pair it with their BBQ pork buns, curry fish balls, or a comforting bowl of Hong Kong style noodle soup with fried egg.

Lugang Café

SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM Megamall, SM City Davao

Lugang Café offers the finest in traditional Taiwanese cuisine. Indulge in their Three-Cup Chicken, Beef Noodle Soup, and a variety of dumplings that burst with authentic Taiwanese flavors. The classic taste of their Cantonese Iced Milk Tea is the perfect sweet ending to your meal.

Tong Yang

Multiple SM Locations

For those who love variety, Tong Yang’s unlimited hotpot and grill is the place to be. With an extensive selection of fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables, you can create endless combinations to satisfy your cravings. Pair it with a selection of dipping sauces for a truly customized experience.

Tim Ho Wan

SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia

Treat yourself to Tim Ho Wan’s iconic Baked BBQ Pork Buns. These sweet-savory buns are a crowd favorite and a must-try for any foodie. Other notable dishes include their flavorful Pork Dumplings with Shrimp and their lightly fried Beancurd Skin Roll.

Modern Shang

S Maison, SM BF Parañaque, SM City Clark, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Sta. Mesa

Modern Shang delivers elevated Chinese classics with a twist. Their Crispy Fried Noodles and Deep-Fried Squid with Spicy Salt and Pepper are showstoppers that will have you coming back for more. Don’t forget to try their savory Deep-Fried Chicken, which pairs perfectly with their signature fried rice.

Din Tai Fung

SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall

Home to the world’s most famous Xiao Long Bao, Din Tai Fung is a must-visit destination for a Lucky Feast! Watch as these delicate soup dumplings are made fresh before your eyes and savor their signature pork Xiao Long Bao. Pair your meal with their Shrimp and Pork Wontons with House Special Spicy Sauce and Mango Sago with Pomelo for a complete dining experience.

Don’t miss this flavorful celebration of Chinese cuisine during the Year of the Snake festivities at SM Supermalls. Download the SM Malls Online app for dining deals galore!

From Modern Shanghai to Hap Chan, SM Malls Online will ensure that you enjoy the best meals and deals this Chinese New Year.

Solane Fuels Sinulog with Safety and Responsibility.

With the colorful costumes, vibrant floats, and energetic dance performances, the Sinulog Festival is one of the grandest and most anticipated events in the Philippines. This religious festival is held annually in Cebu City every third Sunday of January, and is widely participated not just by the Cebuanos, but also by tourists, both local and foreign. Even brands and companies from all over the country actively participate in the festivities, particularly the Grand Parade.

Solane, one of the country’s leading LPG provider, is once again igniting the vibrant atmosphere of Sinulog 2025. As the festival gears up for its grand celebration, Solane will actively join the celebration highlighting their participation with a colorful Solane float.

The Solane Float for Sinulog 2025.

"Sinulog is a time for celebration, and we at Solane want to ensure that everyone enjoys the festivities safely and responsibly", said Dennis Palomar, Public Affairs Officer, Isla Group Corporation. “As we join the exciting parade of Sinulog Festival 2025 with our official Solane float, our company together with our partner distributors, will ensure to provide access to safe LPG use for restaurant owners and stalls. Solane fueled this thru more active selling and promos prior the festivity” added Palomar.

For more than a decade, the company has been a consistent supporter of the festivities with a strong message of safety and responsibility. This year, organizers and the Cebu City government decided to hold the festival back at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC). The Grand Ritual Showdown, Street and Float Parade will take place on January 19, 2025.

The Solane mascot.

The Sinulog Festival is among the most vibrant and celebrated festivals in the Philippines, rich in cultural and historical significance. The festival pays homage to the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, who was once regarded as the patron of Cebu Province. Safe and Responsible LPG Use Solane, through its partner distributors, ensures to provide access to safe LPG use for restaurant owners and stalls. The company will fuel this this thru more active selling and promos prior the festivity.

"We are thrilled to be part of the Sinulog Festival 2025. This partnership allows us to not only support this vibrant cultural celebration, but also to reinforce our commitment to safety and community well-being. We believe that by promoting the proper use of LPG, we can contribute to a more secure and enjoyable experience for all. Lagi naming sinasabi lalo na sa mga katulad nitong fiesta at may masayang celebration, pagdating sa inyong pagluluto at paghahanda ng pagkain, Solane LPG na ang bahala sa cooking ninyo basta mag-enjoy lang kayo. Dahil sa Solane, sigurado kayong may peace of mind," said Palomar.

A Taste of Singapore at Hawker Chan.

SM City Sto. Tomas, the fourth SM Supermall in the province of Batangas, prides itself as the first "Singapore style" mall in the Philippines with its stunning, nature-inspired architectural design. With over 150 retail stores, restaurants, and specialty shops, SM City Sto. Tomas has easily become a favorite among Batangueños and those from nearby provinces. Personally, I like this mall because of Uniqlo and Digital Walker (which are not found in SM San Pablo), and the variety of dining options. Among the restaurant choices in this mall is Hawker Chan, where we had lunch last weekend. 

Hawker Chan at SM City Sto. Tomas.

Hawker Chan, which began as a humble hawker stall in Singapore, is a global franchise known for its high-quality yet affordable food. Originally known as "Chan Hon Meng Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle" (Chan Hon Meng being the chef and owner), the stall became popular for its signature dish, the soya sauce chicken rice - tender and flavorful chicken served with fragrant rice, drizzled with savory soy sauce. After earning a Michelin star in 2016*, this small hawker stall catapulted to fame and expanded beyond its original location in Singapore, opening branches in several countries including the Philippines. 

To date, Hawker Chan has nineteen branches all over the country. The new stores, including the SM Sto. Tomas branch, are now dubbed as Hawker Chan 2.0 with its stylish interiors and expanded menu. They've also somewhat evolved to a casual dining restaurant, with orders taken from and served to your table instead of lining up at the counter. 

Here's a quick look at what we ordered at Hawker Chan. 

Soya Sauce Chicken, Php 198.

Yue and Maggie had the signature Soya Sauce Chicken meal, which comes with some peanuts and prawn crackers on the side. Yue had never been to Singapore before so he's not very familiar with Singaporean food, and I was pleasantly surprised that he liked this dish. (Looks like he's ready enough to go on a trip to the Lion City, haha.) 

Roasted Duck, Php 338 + Buchi, Php 98 (4 pcs).

Mom had the Roasted Duck meal which comes with a marinated egg and some prawn crackers. She liked the flavor of the duck, although the meat was not as tender as she wanted it to be. The marinated egg was good, kinda like the mayak gyeran (Korean marinated egg) that I make at home.

Char Siew (BBQ) Pork, Php 218.

Morgan and my sister-in-law had the Char Siew Pork meal, which also comes with some peanuts and prawn crackers like the Soya Sauce Chicken meal.

Hawker BBQ Pork Platefull, Php 280.

My brother and I, on the other hand, ordered a BBQ Pork Platefull each which comes with a cup of rice, stir-fry noodles, prawn crackers, a piece of buchi, a bowl of wonton soup, and a glass of cola. The BBQ pork was tender and flavorful, which I loved, the stir-fry noodles were good, the wonton soup was so-so. The true star of this platter was the buchi with its yummy peanut filling. Yue loved it so much he ordered four pieces for himself.

Our first shopping/food trip of the year. :)

Overall, dining at Hawker Chan was a pleasant experience. Everything was good - the food, the price, the ambiance, and even the service. Will I consider dining here again? Of course! Next time I'll probably try their Hainanese Chicken and Char Kway Teow (Singaporean noodles), and maybe some Chendol too, for that complete "Singapore style" experience. 

*Sadly, Hawker Chan lost its Michelin star in 2021. I'm hoping they earn it back.

Hawker Chan

SM City Sto. Tomas

Pan-Philippine Highway, San Roque,

Sto. Tomas, Batangas

Hair Story | Liese Bubble Hair Color in Milk Tea Brown.

Hello everyone, and happy new year! I hope you're all off to a good start this 2025. 

As for me, well, I have not been blogging much for the past year or so. I'm still active on my social media pages, but I sort of had a prolonged blogger burnout and I just can't seem to write the way I did back in my heyday (haha, heyday?!). This year, I promise to update this blog more often with product reviews, food discoveries, and if possible, travel experiences. Hopefully, I can churn out at least one blog post per week (fingers crossed).

Anyway so, I was under the weather for the most part of the Christmas break. For about two weeks, I just stayed at home coughing, sneezing, and wheezing to the point that I had to take antibiotics. My fifteen-year-old nebulizer even conked out on me during this crucial time, so I had to order a new compressor nebulizer online (maybe I'll do a review about this too, who knows). And because I was sick and couldn't leave home, I resorted to DIY hair coloring just to make my hair look decent for the holidays. 

If you can remember, I used to color my hair very often with bubble hair color from Korean brands. This time, I tried a Japanese brand called Liese, which prides itself as the number one styling brand in Japan. I purchased my box of Liese Creamy Bubble Hair Color through their official Shopee page, and my order arrived after three days. 

Liese Creamy Bubble Hair Color in Milk Tea Brown.

Like most bubble hair coloring, Liese Creamy Bubble Hair Color is very easy to apply. It comes with two solutions that you have to combine in the pump bottle, a sachet of hair treatment, a pair of latex gloves, and an instruction pamphlet. Sadly, there's no plastic cape in the box so you have to use your own towel or some piece of cloth that you wouldn't mind getting dye on. 

How to apply the bubble hair color.

I love how mildly-scented this product is, and how it does not sting on the scalp. This hair color is also very easy and non-messy to work with, no liquid dripping because the foam becomes dense after application. However, I feel like I lost a lot of hair while shampooing - to think that my hair is already thin to begin with. Huhu. Well, at least, this colored nicely on my hair (I left the foam on for about 30 minutes) and I liked the end result nonetheless. 

Here's how my hair looked like 48 hours after coloring.

And here's how the color looks like after a month.

Liese Creamy Bubble Hair Color comes in 19 different shades. They have the 'Natural Series' which includes the shade that I got as well as other brown shades like Soft Brown and Rose Tea Brown. They also have the 'Design Series' which has more bold and daring colors such as Coral Orange and Deep Violet. Most of the shades are available in their official Shopee store. I got mine for only Php 383 (with vouchers plus free shipping), by the way. 

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I have tried and tested, and that I believe will be of value to my readers. Thank you for your support!