The second edition of  Tunog Natin: Songs From Home  has been released in celebration of  Avida Land Corporation's   25 years of inspiring possibilities, as it pays homage to the nation through music that connects us all. The album  is Avida’s contribution in promoting local music. It features renditions of popular OPMs from Jim Paredes, Bloomfields,  Johnnoy Danao, Moira Dela Torre, and  Princess Velasco, together with aspiring artists. It also includes Avida’s anniversary soundtrack “Home is Here”, which is an original composition sung by Danao. Avida’s Marketing Head Tess Tatco said that this project is in line with the company’s ongoing advocacy to “keep the Filipino heritage alive,” and bring back OPM to the public's consciousness.  “We’re always, you know, a supporter of any Filipino talent may it be in types of cuisine or music.” Tess, who also served as the executive producer of the commemorative album, said during the ...

Cheese Ramen: Miso-based soup with moyashi, corn, ajitsuke tamago, topped with a mound of minced pork and grated cheese How do you eat ramen? Which do you eat first, the noodles or the soup? According to a Japanese friend, either is fine, but tasting the soup first is highly recommended. Put some of the broth in the “renge” (a special spoon used for soups) and taste it. With your mouth still warm from the soup, grab some noodles with your chopsticks and give them a taste. When eating the noodles, she said, don’t worry about slurping! It’s not a problem and is even encouraged! Taking in air while slurping up noodles into your mouth is good for eating ramen. This is called “susuru.” It’s a little difficult to master at first, but learn this technique, and you’ll be that much closer to the authentic Japanese way of eating ramen. If you’ve eaten all the noodles and are still not full, empty out the bowl by drinking the rest of the soup. Then say “Gochisousamadeshita,” a tra...

“We dedicate our 900 th store to the people of Leyte who exemplified resilience, optimism, and hope despite the challenges they face. They have shown us and the world that the strength of the Filipino family can overcome any obstacle, and there is always a reason to smile and look forward to better days,” Joseph Tanbuntiong, president of Jollibee Philippines, said during the blessing of Jollibee store in Palo, Leyte on September 30. True enough two years removed from the onslaught of Yolanda  (international name: Haiyan) , the people and the town is slowly but surely on the road to recovery, and Jollibee hopes that the opening of a new store will bring them a new reason to smile as they provide not just employment, but a place for families to bond and make new happy memories. Some attendees can’t help but be teary eyed as they remember the deadly experience they had during the devastating typhoon. According to them, Jollibee  was the first to set up of a mobil...

“We can sit down together and share experiences, not looking at each other as Muslims or Christians but all as creations of one God. This is liberating, thanks to Nonviolent Communication.”—Amina Mambuay Seeing the many faces of pain and suffering of people affected by calamities especially its effect on the children and the experiences brought about by animosities among Muslims and Christians in Mindanao has led Amina Mambuay and her family to establish a non-governmental organization called Kalilintad Pilipinas Inc.  Founded in 2010 in the hope that starting with proper education for the children, the family believes there is a great chance for peace if not at this time, for the future generation. Today, the family NGO has put up a shelter for 17 students for Grade 4 to Grade 8; six of them Muslims while 9 are of Christian faith. According to Amina some of the children are orphans while most come from impoverished families who really cannot send them to school. A...

I’m not really a fan of motorcycling especially that I was nearly hit -- not once but twice – by irresponsible riders. The first one happened at EDSA Annapolis when I alighted the public bus to ride the MRT. I was just one step away from the sidewalk and was about to lift my right leg to cross when a speeding motorcycle made its way. The second incident happened in HV Dela Costa St. in Makati. I was on the middle of the road, half way across Liberty Center Bldg, when a speeding motorcycle cut my way right on that street. If not for my guardian angels, I believe, any of the two incidents could have caused my life or left me with bruises or broken bones.  It is not surprising that I belong to the many pedestrians who call for our riders to be very careful and responsible. Therefore, it came a welcome respite when leading motorcycle manufacturer Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI)  launched Generation S, a new breed of smart, responsible riders – even if the campaign only mean...

Managing chronic pain can be costly and most individuals would really spend a fortune just to be pain-free. Constant body aches can afflict anyone, young and old alike, and can be a harrowing experience for those suffering from it. The most common types are head, neck and back pain; muscle and joint pain, or neuropathic pain which occurs when the nervous system doesn’t function properly. Chronic pain   could be a medical condition that needs attention and should not be ignored. S evere pain in the muscles and joints very much resembling those you might experience during flu can be debilitating. The aches and pains may cause fever and when the pain becomes severe, tenderness in the joint areas and inflammation of the muscles may result in weakness and feeling sick. Body aches may lead to increased fatigue, as the pain occurs not only in one particular area but almost all over the body. So much so, you might even have trouble sleeping. Injuries from acciden...