Northern Living: 2014 May by Hinge Inquirer Publications

NORTHERNliving May 2014 Volume 8 | Issue 9

power plant

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CONT ENTS

NORTHERNliving group publisher bea j. ledesma brand and community editor Dianne Pineda editorial assistant Marah S.D. Ruiz creative director Niña Muallam jr. art director Maria Aiam Angeles contributors writers Nante santamaria, Chinggay Labrador, kat patiŇo-marquez, mara miano, mansy abesamis, yvette tan, meg manzano, marbbie tagabucba, andrea libunao illustrator raf banzuelo III hair and makeup CHUCHIE LEDESMA, CATHERINE STA. ANA, Omar Ermita stylists edlene cabral, karen bolilia photographers edric chen, edric borja, sam lim, shaira luna, gabby cantero, joseph pascual, Ralph mendoza

14 COVER STORY Nante Santamaria retraces the story of the Manila Seedling Bank

MAY 2014 02 HEALTH Skip a doctor’s visit by growing greens at home

12 NORTHERNER A master weaver of pineapple fabric 24 STYLE Mother Nature becomes a muse for fashion

04 FIXTURE A fresh idea to grow herbs 06 BEAUTY Offset carbon footprint with shorter daily regimen 08 CRAFT The ABC’s of making rubber stamps 10 SPACE Vertical gardens in the city are on the rise

36 RECIPE Superfood for maximum energy 40 EATS Comfort food to remind you of home and family 44 THE GET Locally grown bikes turn the wheels for change

EDITOR’S NOTE Plants and Pains Grow One wouldn’t usually associate Quezon City as a “green city,” save for a few lush areas in universities and villages. The Manila Seedling Bank offers a small respite for urban dwellers with its diverse plant life offered by friendly vendors. At the beginning of the year, however, we saw its demise as it was demolished by the Quezon City government—killing plants and trees, displacing vendors and ultimately destroying one of the city’s natural treasures.

Now, an abandoned lot filled with debris paints a gray and grim picture opposite the Manila Seedling’s past green glory. We learn the stories of the vendors as they try to cope, fight and live through its demise. But not all hope is lost. The vertical gardens along EDSA are proof that it is possible to merge nature with the city. So we ask, what more can we do? What can anyone do? But the more important question is, when do we act?

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copy editor Leslie Lee proof reader september grace mahino editorial consultant Ria Francisco-Prieto board chairperson Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez finance adviser and treasurer J. Ferdinand de Luzuriaga legal advisor Atty. Rudyard Arbolado hr strategy head Raymund Soberano chief operations officer Allan Florendo vp and chief strategy officer Imelda Alcantara svp and group sales head, inquirer group of companies Felipe R. Olarte sales director Ma. Katrina Mae Garcia-Dalusong key accounts specialist Angelita Tan-Ibañez sr. account executive Ram Daniel Tan account executives Rachel Ann De Guia, Abegail Ginaga, Andie Zuñiga sales support assistants Rechelle Endozo, LA Flores, Mara karen aliagas production manager Noel Cabie production assistant Maricel Gavino final art supervisor Dennis Cruz fa artist Joemary Welie Cristobal

This magazine was printed responsibly using recycled papers with biodegradable inks.

HEALT H

Green Thumb

Let nature in and usher a fresh, new sense of wellness into your home text Chinggay Labrador illustration raf banzuelo III

“Almost everyone who wants a garden tells me it’s because they want to relax when they get home at the end of a long day,” says landscape architect Franco Hubilla. The de-stressing quality of having plants at home—whether you’re looking to set up a full-fledged garden in your backyard or would like to decorate your kitchen windowsill with some potted herbs— goes with the inherently soothing nature of greens. “A garden contrasts with the fast pace of life in the city,” he adds. Experience the benefits of greens in the home with these easy tips, whether you’re situated in a studio unit or have the luxury of wide, open spaces. Pocket garden Design: Carve out a nook for yourself by setting up a bench surrounded by plants, or even a roofed or trellised open space. Pocket gardens offer an intimacy that larger areas don’t have. Health perks: Intimate spaces are perfect to help you turn inward while soaking up nature’s energy. With a cocoon-like space created by large plants surrounding a hammock or a swing, you’re able to shut out the outside world and step away from external stress. It’s a special spot where you can shut off your gadgets and turn to pen and paper, providing you a space to journal and meditate.

Accent walls and planting Design: If your dining or living areas look out toward a blank perimeter wall, it helps to decorate these walls with cantilevered plant boxes containing greens that can maximize the sunlight streaming in. Health perks: Working with your hands and actually toiling with earth and greens are beneficial to health. People are so confined to hard-edged, man-made materials that the experience of working with the earth is new and eye-opening. Even just moving around to replant your blooms can offer a newfound love for physical exercise that can wake up the senses and allow you time under the sun. Water features Design: “The sound of water is always relaxing and cooling, whether set in a large main garden or in a smaller pocket space,” says Hubilla. Health perks: The simple effects of a cooling water feature allows you to reconnect with nature in an instant, turning your attention away from the overdriven state it is used to and instead, letting it focus on the little details. Even just the sound of running water or the detail of dew on a leaf can help you center your mind so it learns to calm and cool down. Edible plants Design: “For an indoor garden, movable plant boxes work best since they’re adaptable,” advises Hubilla. Placing your plants on a base about 0.60 meters high will keep them easily at arm’s length, especially when you need them in the kitchen. Health perks: Everything from green smoothies to fresh salads can be made more interesting with plants that are from your own home. Not only do they promote healthy digestion, they’re a wonderful way to educate kids on the value of growing your own greens and eating healthier.

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FIXT URE

Marjoram, thyme and tarragon adapt well to the local climate.

Herbal Therapy

Sow your own mini herb garden in your home and reap its benefits text Kat Patiño-Marquez photography edric borja

Other than a perfect set of knives, a variety of pots and pans, and about every kitchen appliance out there, there is nothing a home cook wants more than fresh herbs right at her finger tips. Imagine only having to reach out to grab a bunch of fresh, fragrant basil to add to your tomato pasta. Or being able to take whole, fresh sprigs of thyme and placing them in the cavity of a soon-to-be roast chicken. Of course, store-bought herbs work just fine, but they’re not at all practical: they’re pricey and have a short shelf life. Not to mention, each herb variety’s availability may vary with each season while others are never on hand. Even with all these considered, it’s quite understandable why not many home cooks have their own herb gardens at home. It’s difficult to see how growing your own at home would be easy, knowing their delicate state. And given our extremely warm climate, an herb plant might not survive under such unforgiving weather conditions. But thanks to your local gardening store, you can already skip a few steps of the process. All you have to do now is care for them. Here’s how: Keep herbs indoors This may come as a surprise, but your herb plants will prefer the inside of your home as shelter. Although plants do need sunlight, too much exposure will dry them out almost immediately. Look through your home for a window with plenty of good, filtered rays. If you do decide to care for your plants outdoors, you

might have to move them around throughout the day to make sure they’re not under the sun entirely. If you keep them indoors, you can permanently position them on a sunny windowsill. Allow for plenty of moisture Give your plants a regular shower under the sink to keep them happy and healthy, especially during warmer weather. Another trick to keep your plants nice and moisturized is to keep them in coated or plastic containers. Clay pots, when exposed to heat, tend to dry up any moisture. As threatening it is to a plant to deprive them of water, too much water can spoil them, too. Stagnant water, when kept too long, will rot plant roots. Make sure your container has a good drain to allow excess water to flow right through. Don’t forget to place your plants over a saucer to catch the excess water. You don’t want your herbs to ruin your beautiful wooden windowsill. Choosing the right herbs Of course, our hot and humid climate might not allow just any herb plant to thrive, but there are many plants that can withstand the heat. Basil, garlic, chives and lemongrass can grow perfectly fine in tropical weather. Other plants include cilantro, coriander, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme (among others). The necessary care for each may vary but you can probably gauge it just by observing them.

NORTHERNliving

BEAUT Y

Keep It Simple

Why a pared down beauty routine works best, and other things beauty companies don’t tell you text Mara Santillan Miano illustration Raf Banzuela III

Contrary to popular belief, it would actually be better—for our skin, for nature and for our pockets—to go minimalist. Here are easy tips on how to simplify your beauty regimen and decrease your carbon footprint: Invest in multipurpose products Beauty brands tell us to buy and buy until we find our drawers filled to the brim with products we don’t really use. Save bucks and those extra five minutes in the morning with products that do a lot for you, like shampoos that double as cleansers, and argan oil. Argan oil, or liquid gold as the enthusiasts call it, is produced from nuts from the argan tree, which only grows in Southwestern Morocco. It’s pricey but it’s worth it: It can function as a moisturizer, toner (add a few drops to rose water), lip exfoliant (add to fine brown sugar), leave-on conditioner, overnight hair treatment, and cuticle and heel softener.

Wash your face only once a day Beauty experts, dermatologists and even The Wall Street Journal say so. Unless you have a skin condition like acne, you only really need to wash your face once a day—at night before you sleep, when makeup, pollutants and oil have collected on the skin. Overcleansing and overexfoliating can cause sensitive skin to react by producing more oil to compensate, thus speeding up the skin aging process by thinning the outermost layer; and it is actually one of the causes of fine lines and wrinkles. Stick with just

Natural beauty products

Leyende Face Canvas Moisturizer Mango Butter, Echostore, Podium; Z.E.N. Nutrients Natural + Organic Aloe Vera Shampoo, G/F, TriNoma Mall; Marilou Bio Organic Body Milk, www.cutieverse.com.

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water in the morning, especially if you have dry and sensitive skin. Learn beauty tips online Many body scrubs contain beads made of polyethylene, a form of plastic that clogs pipes and pollutes water systems. Instead of buying a branded body scrub, opt to make your own. There are a lot of sources online you can learn from. You can use hair conditioner as shaving lubricant and eye makeup remover, turn old eye shadow into nail polish and depill worn fabric with a razor.

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CR AF T

stamp of approval

Check your spelling with nature-inspired carvings text Mansy Abesamis photography sam lim

Rubber Stamps

Directions: 1. Plan your stamp design using scratch paper. 2. Transfer it to a block of eraser using carbon or parchment paper. 3. Carve out the design using the craft knife. 4. Use your stamp and fabric paint to personalize a canvas bag.

NORTHERNliving

8 08

www.mansyabesamis.com

What youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need: Paper Pencil Carbon or parchment paper Craft knife Block of rubber or old rubber eraser Paint or ink

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SPACE This local mobile phone company’s living wall stands out in the gray landscape of Ermita.

Greening the Concrete Jungle Vertical gardens lend beauty in the middle of a bustling city text Yvette Tan photography sam lim

Vertical horticulture has once again gained mainstream traction, with vertical gardens cropping up in different parts of the city as a way to counter the negative effects of pollution while beautifying them. The idea isn’t new however, as Vincent T. Lim, the principal landscape architect of BCL Asia & Partners Co., says. “It’s only in the recent decade that we started seeing this in the Philippines. It took a while before more people started using it here, primarily because of the upfront costs.” Green Manila Manila has its share of green walls in public places, such as the award-winning Coke billboard featuring real plants, the green wall on the San Miguel Building and the pockets of greenery that adorn some of the tunnel walls along EDSA. “Plants have a big role in cleaning the air and absorbing pollutants. Vertical gardens help in reducing heat island effect and even noise pollution. In building applications, they help cool the structure,” Lim says. Also along EDSA is the Public Safety Savings and Loan Association (PSSLAI) building, which features a green wall running the entire length of the 12-storey, eco-friendly edifice. “The decorative function of the green wall actually goes handin-hand with the functional aspect,” says Arch. Liza MoralesCrespo, design principal of Liza Crespo Ecotecture, the firm behind the project. “We situated the green wall on the south side of the building to shield it from the hot afternoon sun.”

A matter of maintenance Building a green wall isn’t just a matter of slapping some plants on an existing structure. There are factors to consider, such as wind and sun direction, climate suitability and hardiness toward pollution. “Also in the realm of public spaces, when not installed properly, they may break down,” Lim adds. There is also the issue of maintenance. Crespo, with the help of consultants, made the PSSLAI Building as sustainable as possible. “As a green building, we wanted to make sure that we used rainwater as a means of irrigation for the plants. We also needed to specify plants which were fairly easy to maintain.” Lim says that a vertical garden’s cost can depend on the gardener’s creativity. “It depends on the source and type of technology. There are efficient and cost-friendly ways to irrigate and maintain vertical gardens. If the green walls are small, say about the height of an ordinary fence, they can be watered manually. It’s just like watering shrubs or trees planted on the ground.” More than just a trend Perhaps the biggest draw of a green wall is that it doesn’t require a lot of space. Its orientation makes it suitable for the urban environment— and it doesn’t have to be purely decorative. Suffice to say, vertical gardens and green walls are here to stay. As urban design embraces a more holistic worldview, more and more people are looking to urban gardening as a means of incorporating greenery into the concrete jungle.

NORTHERNliving

NORT HERNER Rambie Lim and Tepiña aim to transform indigenous fabrics from mere souvenirs to practical everyday objects like this traveler’s blanket that folds into a pocket.

back to the loom

This entrepreneur breathes new life into the almost forgotten art of local textile weaving text meg manzano photography shaira luna

“Weaving tells a story,” muses Tepiña’s resident merchandiser and marketing specialist Rambie Lim. “It’s told me so many stories.” This time however, it is Lim’s turn to let us in on her life as a craft curator, merchandiser and aid worker. Tepiña was an honest attempt at creating something relevant both culturally and economically. With an industry intoxicated with the idea of selling exports, Lim’s family decided early on that their company will be a celebration of all things local by way of production and consumption. By getting their hands (both literally and figuratively) on the art of weaving, Puerto Princesa slowly rose to become one of the main producers of piña, especially with the abundance of pineapples growing around the province. For some time, however, the ancient art seemed lost on the generation that came before it; we learn from Lim that the master weavers are already in their 70s and the next weavers are only in their 20s. “What people fail to realize,” begins Lim, “is that we have such a rich culture. We

have to do something about it.” By bringing in master weavers from Aklan to teach the delicate craft to women in Puerto Princesa, Tepiña gave rise to a community that would later on expand as the market for the product grew. “It’s my dream for every Filipina to have a Tepiña in their closet,” says Lim.” Aside from Lim’s efforts to revive the conversation on textile, Lim also serves as the treasurer of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council. As Lim pursues her passion for textiles, it was only fitting for her to be involved in ECHOsi Foundation’s Great Women Program, a project that allows her to foster discourse among women on artistry, local crafts, and building a livelihood. “I would sit down with the elders and listen to their stories,” says Lim, “that’s the thing with Philippine culture, so much of it is passed verbally.” After listening to traditions and stories about the art of weaving, Lim weaves these valuable bits of techniques into Tepiña’s craft and passes the story on to yet another curious cat.

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COV ER STORY

FLIGHT OF THE FIREFLIES After decades of serving as vital support to the city reforestation efforts, this is all that is left of the Manila Seedling Bank. Its displaced tenants now speak up. NORTHERNliving

COV ER STORY

wilted dreams

Empty spaces and debris now paint the once glorious Manila Seedling Bank

It was in the too-early hours of the morning of January 20. already stood their ground before the Quezon City Hall, waiting Everything was hushed in the garden. As is true of any remaining for the mayor’s word regarding the threat. It was a strange case, so authentically green place, fireflies were flying over it. Their irrational to them, that after the area’s commercialization in the late luminescent bodies were as small as the stars that shone over the ‘90s, they are being asked for taxes, which should have been paid for city. The garden breathed heavily, sighing cool air against the by their landlord, the National Housing Authority. It had control sluggish heaving of the polluted cityscape. Everything was quiet, of the land since the presidential proclamation 1670 in 1977. On but there had also been murmurs of something bad happening to the other hand, the Securities and Exchange Commission says their village. that the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation’s (MSBF) registration They were being asked to move. “By what logic?” they thought. was revoked because of its inability to show financial statements, They had been faithfully renting their spots for more than a and the government is claiming that it owes P57 million in taxes decade. Unlike neighboring slum dwellers, they were doing lawful from 2001 to 2011. There is a legal glitch being brought up, business, tending to their gardens, toiling to their hearts’ content. suspiciously around the same time as the controversial Agham They provided their families what a decent living deserves. Theirs Road demolitions. is a social enterprise doing good, providing the greenery this city The desperate efforts of Marcos’ Bigong Lipunan and its much needs, and they rendered to Caesar what is Caesar’s. prosthetic obsession with facades left an incidentally sustainable That early morning, the city was dead result in what was eventually the MSBF. asleep, unable to hustle around this last It is supposed to be a space for their greens remaining patch of green. Danilo Armenta until 2027, possible even for further “Structures came down. noticed a commotion. At 49, after renewal. The villagers were confident Families who took refuge spending 13 years as a tenant in this godly of their tenanthood claim. Since they garden, he saw unknown men walking started nourishing the plot, it had inside their dwellings through the darkness. His eyes adjusting supported both private and government to nature’s night light, he saw them, some were scared as demolition sectors in reforestation efforts. It has built not in uniform, commence a total ransack orchards and industrial plantations. They men started boring holes on their fenced village. Electricity was cut have even volunteered to beautify parks and so was water. They did not bear a at no expense. They have been the gothrough their roofs.” court order to do this. to supplier for ornamental and greening projects of LGUs. They are not just It was what they had been fearing despite their best hopes and their ardent faith in the law. Structures plain gardeners but ardent technologists, doing research and came down. Families who took refuge inside their dwellings were testing for tree farming. They provided organic garden soil, scared as demolition men started boring holes through their roofs. manufactured compost and produced quality seeds. What then Mounds of soil were scattered, gravel mountains were eroded into could be made of forcibly removing these nation builders from flat mines and garden rocks were shoved into trucks. Rare orchids a slot that needed them? and painstakingly crafted pots of bonsai were taken off caring What can be said that a city cannot safeguard a Central hands. Ponds were drained, Kois were trampled to death. They Park for its people? With real estate developments left and went off to flee: Families who have lived through this previously right, at what cost are they taking this garden away? As the sacred garden, its greenhouses laid skeletal, a patch of paradise rumors purport, another mall? What does this say about our lost. There was no news network covering the destruction. No government’s priorities, of its city planning, of its capability one but the shady men, the villagers themselves and the fireflies for sustainable zoning? Is it a conflict between government and environmental cause or just another conveniently unfolding were witnesses to the total damage. Since around one in the morning, some of the villagers had business venture? continued on page 20

NORTHERNliving

Note: All former MSBF resident names have been altered.

text nante santamaria Photography edric chen

special feature

COV ER STORY

What can be said that a city cannot safeguard a central park for its people? With real estate developments left and right, at what cost are they taking this garden away? As the rumors purport, another mall? What does this say about our governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priorities, of its city planning, of its capability for sustainable zoning?

NORTHERNliving

COV ER STORY

Stalls double as houses as families poured the last of their resources into renting them.

There has been an offer of a relocation spot, as is proper, at the Quezon Memorial Circle, and some of the demolished garden’s previous residents have moved to it. Today, we find the remaining vestiges of the last great garden scattered into fragments: Some of the gardeners fled to Farmer’s Market in Cubao, others to Mindanao Avenue, at a spot merely a quarter of the seven hectares that was the old garden. In this area, shops have been reduced to at least half of their previous sizes. Forty-five square meters were cutdown to 20, 100 to 35 and so on. The tenants, one of them Jun Mendoza, lament about a 70 percent decrease in income. They are still slowly getting back up after the irreparable damage. As of this writing, the cause is trapped in a pending case. Last February 8, the members of the Manila Seedling Garden Owners Association have these as their demands: A relocation accessible to their patrons, reimbursement for damages, access to loans and medical assistance for stress victims. It is almost less than fair. The scattering isn’t the best move for a synergistic enterprise such as theirs. The great

amount of damage and loss of property dubiously smell of theft and plain looting. Some of the tenants, particularly those merely getting by, became easy preys to loan sharks after the tragedy. The 13 people who were forcibly detained and made bailable for P35 thousand per head are not the only likely victims of post-traumatic stress—what of the children, women, elderly, of the hopeful men living in peace? Today, in Mindanao Avenue, Jeffrey Torres, 40, lives in a makeshift tent as he slowly rebuilds both a garden and a new shelter after his family’s nine years of service at the seedling bank. Ramon Encarnacion, 36, with five children, struggles to keep things together after 11 years of tending to his garden. Eric Hubalde, 36, is back to shoveling ground after a decade of venture in the previous plot. This is a story of destruction, flat out. But this is also a story of rejuvenation. How lucky is the city to have local experts at growing things? How unlucky is it that it has a government who hardly answers for the travesty that these people have met?

NORTHERNliving

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COV ER STORY

Security at the compound has been tightened due to tensions between tenants and the management. Too big to be uprooted, this tree survived the demolition (below).

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ST YLE

greenhouse effect Green is not only good for the environment but also easy on the eyes

Styling karen bolilia Photography ralph mendoza

On Cedric: Sleeveless hood. P2,795, Zara, Greenbelt 5. Trousers, P4,995, Rajo Man, House of Laurel. On Chanel: Romper (worn as top), P1,995, Zara, Greenbelt 5. Culottes, price available upon request, Rosenthal Tee. Slipons, P4,995, Zara, Greenbelt 5.

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ST YLE

Romper, price available upon request, Eairth, Soumak. Blazer (tied around the waist), P9,995, Rajo Man, House of Laurel.

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ST YLE

Sweater, P665, Forever 21, SM Makati. Pleated dress, P8,595, Rajo Laurel, House of Laurel. Platform brogues, P2,399, Charles & Keith, Power Plant.

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SPECIAL FEAT URE

No Filter Beauty

Why keeping it cool is the new definition of beauty and style–and it’s easier than ever text dianne pineda photography Edric Chen

There is a curious reason why a worn-out, muddied pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers looks a whole lot better than squeaky clean new ones. Or why, when a woman decks out in the perfect baggy jumpsuit like she just rolled out of bed and slipped on the nearest heels she could grab she would still be considered stylish. The rules of fashion and beauty have evolved. From the structured, spiff, well-thought of and coordinated styles to a more nonmainstream, individual, almost “lived-in” look, what is considered stylish is no longer the former, but one that is “effortlessly cool” in all aspects. In the same way naturallooking hair is better compared to stiff and styled tresses, a fresh, fuss-free tousled hair goes well with any stylishly relaxed outfit. The Hana shampoo line helps you achieve healthy, bouncy hair with its

naturally derived hair solutions. The line by the Japanese brand Shokubutsu comes in three variants: Soft and Silky, AntiDandruff and Anti-Hairfall, all of which contain natural cleansing ingredients that are gentle to the scalp. R-Essential (Arginine), which helps the hair to hold moisture naturally, comes in the Soft and Silky shampoo while Sophora Root Extract, which helps maintain the hair’s natural growth cycle, is found in the AntiHairfall variant. The Anti-Dandruff helps remove pollutants from the scalp and prevents dryness. So if you still have no idea what to wear for the day, it’s okay not to overthink–it’s all about having great, healthy hair, natural makeup and your own personal style to achieve that perfectly imperfect look.

HANA Shampoo. Also available in HANA Conditioner, HANA Body Wash, and HANA Hand Wash. Available in leading department stores.

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ST YLE

Printed top, P4,995, Rajo Laurel, House of Laurel. Shorts, P2,595, Zara, Greenbelt 5. Sandals, P5,050, Birkenstock, Glorietta 2.

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ST YLE

(Cedric and Chanel): On Cedric: Parka, price available upon request, Gian Romano. Shorts, 2,595, Zara, Greenbelt 5. On Chanel: Slip, price available upon request, Rosenthal Tee. Parka, P2,990, Stradivarius, Glorietta 2.

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Crop top, P2,595, Topshop, Shangri-La Plaza. Pants, P1,275, Forever 21, SM Makati. Makeup by Omar Ermita for Shu Uemura. models: chanel olive thomas of im agency. cedric of elite models manila.

style

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I n it y, ut h d y -

ut e of t, r s, m m g ’s e n

Topped with leftover chicken, mussels, and hardboiled eggs, this paella, as seen on Sabrina’s Glam Cookbook, takes less than an hour to cook.

A TAsTe of GourmeT

It’s possible to effortlessly whip up a flurry of fine flavors at the comforts of your own home text Pam Brooke Casin PhotograPhy sam Lim

No one can mistake the aromatic smell of Sabrina Artadi’s Pinoy Paella Valenciana wafting from her kitchen, teasing our senses and making our mouths water even before stepping foot inside her eclectic and cozy home. A vision in white, all primped up and in sky-high heels, the former Binibining Pilipinas title holder looked like she hasn’t been slaving away in the kitchen at all. She greets us with a smile and immediately directs us to her modest cooking space, as if to entice us even more with her already scrumptious-looking paella and goodnatured banter. Anyone who’s familiar with Sabrina and her lifestyle cooking show titled Sabrina’s Kitchen, though, will know that the mother of two has always been gung-ho in getting everyone in the kitchen. “I always say that life is complicated already, so I want to make

the kitchen simple. I find that in the kitchen, everything just works out,” she relates. “This McCormick-spiced paella, for example, takes less than an hour to make. Top it off with your leftover chicken, river prawns, and mussels and you’re all set.” Sabrina’s goal of encouraging people to try their hand at creating quick yet full-flavored meals for their friends and families stays true to this day—even after three successful seasons of her show and the publication of her own compendium of no-fuss recipes titled Glam Cookbook last December. Helping her realize this goal is multinational brand McCormick whose commitment is to provide “bountiful cooking options” for foodies and gourmands alike. “People are easily intimidated with herbs and spices and think of them as only chefs would use. That’s not the case. They, in fact, add layers and layers

of flavor to your meals,” she notes. “I consider McCormick my go-to kitchen companion, especially now that it offers a whole gamut of flavors in ready, MSG-free packets.” Her Mad About McCormick cooking demo showed both ease and expertise, and those who filled the Bonifacio High Street Activity Center were let in on Sabrina’s timeefficient tricks to try in the kitchen. Sabrina it seems never runs out of tricks to try, and is as inventive as they come. The new season of Sabrina’s Kitchen is evidence to that, with her taking the viewers out of her home kitchen and into the outdoors, featuring homegrown ingredients from the places she visits, which range from mountainous Makiling to far-flung Bukidnon—proof of this non-chef ’s passion to invite Filipinos to explore new flavors and textures for their own gustatory creations as well.

Sabrina’s Kitchen, Lifestyle Network 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. on Sundays. McCormick Philippines Inc. +63(02) 920-5291. www.store.mccormick.com.ph. www.facebook.com/friendsandflavor. www.pinterest.com/mccormickph. Instagram: @mccorcmickphils.

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HAIR AND MAKE-UP: GOLD MAGTOTO

SPECIAL FEAT URE

RECIPE

hearty clusters A big boost of energy comes in a small snack

Text marah s.d. ruiz Photography Sam Lim

Super Granola Snack Ingredients 1 ½ cup rolled oats 3 tbsp. coco sugar 1tbsp. dried malunggay flakes 1tbsp. flaxseeds ¼ cup coco nectar (or honey) 1/8 cup butter, melted 1/8 cup cranberries (optional) ¼ cup walnuts, crushed (or your favorite nuts)

recipe Go Salads

Preparation: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F 2. Combine the rolled oats, coco sugar, dried malunggay flakes and flaxseeds until they’re well mixed. 3. Add the coco nectar and melted butter to the dry mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. 4. Spread the combined mixture onto the pan and bake for 10 minutes. 5. After the 10th minute, move around the mixture every minute for 5 minutes to avoid burning. 6. Remove from oven then add and combine the cranberries and crushed walnuts. 7. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. 8. While the mixture is still warm, form them into snack-sized balls for a good snack size. 9. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!

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EATS A cup of freshly-made espresso is a good jumping point for figuring out one’s coffee preference, and the Squid Ink Croissant was a bold risk that paid off.

Coffee Authority

This café aims to change what people think of coffee Text marah s.d. ruiz Photography Sam Lim

Very few can claim to be an authority on coffee, but Department of Coffee sure has the chops to back up their claim. Owner Myles Hontiveros developed the idea after his stay in the US where he studied small coffee shops all over California. As such, this quaint little hangout is very particular about where their beans come from and how they are roasted. Armed with technical know-how, Hontiveros and his baristas can get the best out of each coffee bean. “As a specialty coffee shop, we only get the top five percent grade bean from farms,” he explains. Department of Coffee then roasts the beans themselves to keep everything fresh. Coffee is churned out from the very sleek La Marzocco machines—the Ferrari of espresso machines, as he describes them. (Incidentally, Hontiveros also distributes La Marzocco machines in the country.) They also have pastries that are made in-house, even the croissants, which are very meticulous to make.

Department of Coffee’s menu is an education. Instead of a list, they have a neat infographic on the different kinds of coffee, their components and how they are made. “We don’t want people to think of coffee just as a drink that wakes them up in the morning. We want them to really enjoy it and not just drown the taste with lots of milk or sugar.” Their interiors are designed with what Hontiveros describes as an “Oregon feel”—again inspired by his travels, no doubt. The space is predominantly made of wood with some metal accents. The chairs have all been scouted from antique shops while the narrow wooden tables are designed especially for the cafe. “We want Department of Coffee to be your third place, the first being the home, the second is work,” he explains, referring to the tables peppered with card games, puzzles and other conversational pieces. “A hangout,” he concludes.

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EATS The pleasant hum of the coffee machine can be heard throughout the cafĂŠ (left).Â Patrons can borrow the collectibles displayed all over the shop (below, left). Hontiveros plans to open a bigger space where he can hold more training sessions on coffee making (below, right).

Department of Coffee. 197 Wilson St., San Juan. 925-5388.

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EATS Kettle’s top dishes are the Reuben sandwich, Buttermilk Fried Chicken with homemade cornbread and Cajun honey and the Grilled Four cheese sandwich. A good pick for the appetizer is the pork and potato strips with herbs (below).

Sumptuous Servings Get your fill of Kettle’s hearty options

Text Marbbie Tagabucba Photography gabby cantero

Much has been said of Kettle’s buttermilk chicken, usually along the lines of “golden, juicy, crispy and crunchy” and “the best buttermilk chicken in Manila.” Whether you have it with country gravy and Cajun honey followed by the dense cornbread muffins it comes with, or eat it simply on its own, you must experience for yourself that all of them are true. General manager Bambi Meer and chef Chiloy Santos started with their own favorites, played around with them and sampled them with the kind of people you now see happily gathered at Kettle: Groups of friends and families. Kettle’s signature dishes are familiar food interpreted with small, exciting twists, all in serving sizes meant to be shared. Start with Kettle’s pork and potato strips: crunchy pork belly and fresh potato strips (think Pik-Nik shoestring potatoes), herbs and red pepper, all deep-fried with the occasional burnt edges.

And what’s an American menu without great sandwiches? Their Reuben is done as it should be, with homemade corned beef, braised cabbage, havarti and fontina laid on honey oat bread. The Kettle Grilled Four Cheese is heavenly: Gruyere, fontina, cheddar and Parmesan layered on an English loaf with sweet tomato jam and crunchy basil. Those looking to carbo load would love the truffled mushroom brown rice that goes with the Australian lamb adobo, slowcooked adobo-style with a surprising bite of basil. Kids would enjoy the mild flavors of the truffle gorgonzola spaghetti, topped with dried basil and parmesan. Malls aren’t on top of mind as go-to places for good eats, but Kettle’s melting pot of comfort food has made the Shangri-La Plaza East Wing an exception. Expect to wait a bit for a table, but the food—and a second serving—are worth it.

Kettle. 5/F Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing, Mandaluyong City. 654-7077.

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House-made corned beef with sauerkraut, pickles and melted emmental cheese are nestled between crunchy honey oat bread.

EATS

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T HE GET

Riding the Pole

Get some traction on green living with a versatile tree converted into an alternative means of transportation text Dianne Pineda

If there is one thing to be said about bamboo, it’s that much of its characteristics are considered polar opposites. It’s strong yet flexible; it can grow as tall as 40 ft., yet it is relatively light and easy to maintain. And while it may look intimidating because of its height, it is revered as a symbol of humility, nobility and friendship in many Southeast Asian countries. But more than its conspicuous qualities, bamboo is an incredibly sustainable and eco-friendly material. Bryan McClelland, founder of Bambike, brought the idea of using bamboo to make bikes here in the Philippines. The concept was inspired by a similar project in Africa, which McClelland learned about. With his goal of building a sustainable form of transportation and livelihood, he collaborated with skilled craftsmen called “bambuilders” from the Gawad Kalinga community. The whole enterprise helps provide jobs, scholarships and funds for a bamboo nursery program. The Bambike is the same as any other bicycle—except that it’s greener and sans the complicated steel components. Most of the frame is made out of bamboo and the joints are made of abaca fiber and resin. The bambuilders carefully hand-make the frames and take their time in shaping the abaca joints, polishing the frame and painting it with a waterproof, UV-resistant coat for a smooth finish. The result is a bambike that is durable and sturdy, built to overcome the toughest terrains. With biking as an eco-friendly way to get around, a Bambike is an even better vehicle that lets you save on gas and become healthier while you enjoy a smooth, steady ride.

www.bambike.com.

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