Sweet Rice with Coconut Milk Curd and Caramel

Dessert goes well in a meal course, pairing it with a beverage of choice that will complement the whole meal. Normally, a dessert dish consists of sweet foods, some may consider nuts, cheese or coffee drink a dessert. In the Philippines, a dessert can go extravagant and lengthy from a normal and typical dessert dish that others can prepare. 

Filipinos love their desserts, that is a fact! 

The tradition of preparing different kinds of desserts goes a long way and it is being passed through the family. I grew up in a household that always prepares dessert, being served in a normal meal of the day to a weekend cooking something for the whole family to enjoy. 

Sticky rice or "malagkit" mixed with brown sugar, nuts, fruits that are in season with coconut milk. One example is this, sweet rice with coconut milk curd and caramel I made. The ingredients are simple and you can find it anywhere in your Asian supermarket, although the taste will vary especially when you get the natural coconut milk in the from the freshly grated coconut meat that you can buy in the local market. 

Here is the recipe for this decadent sweet rice with coconut milk curd and caramel.

Ingredients:

2-cups sticky "malagkit" grain rice. 

concentrated coconut milk (first juice pressed)

1-cup brown sugar 

2-cups coconut milk (second and third juice)

pandan leaves

caramel syrup for toppings (optional)

1. Wash malagkit rice until the water turned clear, put in a pot and add the 2 cups coconut milk juice, cook until the rice becomes tender. Expect a soft, sticky rice when cooked. Place the pandan leaves until it simmers to low fire. 

2. In a small skillet cook the coconut milk concentrate in a very low fire. It will boil on the side, while stirring it gradually. The coconut oil will appear along with the coconut curd or "latik", scrape and stir the pan until the curd reached that golden brown color. That is the time you will know the "latik" is cooked already.

Strain and separate coconut oil from the curd. Set aside.

3. In a deep casserole, melt the brown sugar, when melted add the cooked sticky rice and mix. Stir and make sure the brown sugar that turned to liquid will mix evenly with the rice. Continue mixing it. Remove the pandan leaves after.

4. Let the mixture cool down, placed it in a dishpan, topped it with the coconut milk curd earlier and drizzle with caramel syrup, or replace it with any toppings you like. 

The ingredients are few, it will only require lots of time to prepare and cook. But, I assure you, you will enjoy every slice. Pair it with coffee, tea, juice or plain cold water. 

If you ever happened to try this recipe let me know the results, or maybe send me a slice? haha! Enjoy! 

Thanks for reading!

AMMUNITION IN BATTLING HAIR LOSS – CHOOSE NATURAL!

Day-to-day, you rise up and there are tons of things to do like go to the office, finish paperwork, and go back home. This might be what you call your lonely and humdrum life. Every day is a struggle for you. Your only defense against pollution, sleep deprivation, and daily grind is to look best. With this, you can’t go to the battleground unarmed. Tragically, your ammunition of beauty products is mostly made of hazardous chemicals; you win some, you lose some. Sooner or later, they shall take a toll on you.

Don’t just go with the flow. Change your direction. NOVUHAIR can show you the way, hence, it is dubbed as nature’s answer to hair loss. All its natural ingredients are scientifically proven to help promote hair growth. This way, you have no reason to go back to your old ways. Alter your regimen now if you can’t change the routine and finally admit that it’s time to part ways with chemically-laced products you keep in your vanity kit and say hello to NOVUHAIR. You can never go wrong with nature. Choose natural!

Now, you can optimize your NOVUHAIR experience with NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack (topical scalp lotion, herbal shampoo, and conditioner) and enjoy an extra 200ml. bottle of NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo for a FREE exclusive at participating Watsons stores nationwide! watch the video here


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SUBIC FREEPORT TO HOST SEA GAMES 2019 EVENTS

SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, along with SDA Ramon O. Agregado (left), listens to an assessment by Ramon Suzara, head of the Southeast Asian Games 2019 master-planning team, of proposed plans for the hosting of at least 10 different sport events of the SEA Games in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone next year. Suzara’s team visited Subic on Jan. 16 to inspect sports facilities and probable venues for the 2-19 SEA Games.

SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (center) welcomes Ramon Suzara, head of the Southeast Asian Games 2019 master-planning team, and his team members during an ocular inspection of sports facilities and venues in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Jan. 16. At least 10 different sport events of the SEA Games will be held in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone next year.

SBMA, IP group ink accord for Ayta conservation area

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (left) and SIPAG President Betty Fielder sign an agreement to implement a conservation program to benefit the Magbukun Ayta tribesmen living within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has formally signed an agreement with a non-government organization for the implementation of a conservation program to benefit the Magbukun Ayta tribesmen living within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma signed the accord with Betty Fielder, president of the Subic Indigenous Peoples Assistance Group (SIPAG), on Wednesday at the SBMA office.

                            

Members of the Magbukun Ayta tribe welcome the signing of an agreement by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (left) and SIPAG President Betty Fielder to implement a conservation program at the tribe’s territory within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SIPAG had launched its Indigenous Communities Conservation Area (ICCA) project last December under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to help protect and preserve the indigenous Ayta environment and culture here.

The project will be implemented with the support of the local government unit of Morong, Bataan, and the Philippine Association for Intercultural Development (PAFID).

The project places the Magbukun Ayta tribe at the forefront of conservation efforts since they live in the conservation site, which forms a part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Eisma said the SBMA will give its all-out support to the project because it dovetails with the agency’s conservation and environment protection program.

“We have pledged our all-out support to this project because it strengthens our fundamental advocacy to protect the natural environment of the Subic Freeport,” Eisma explained.

“Of course, part of the effort goes to the conservation of the indigenous Ayta culture and we also support that,” she added.

Under the agreement, the SBMA allowed SIPAG to use a building at the Naval Magazine area in the Freeport for the establishment of the Ayta Cultural Skills Development and Livelihood Training Center.

Under the ICCA program, residents living within or nearby the conservation area are tasked to serve as protectors of the environment, while the local government unit takes the lead in implementing conservation and protection activities.

According to the UNDP, ICCAs are spaces de facto governed by indigenous peoples or local communities with evidently positive outcomes for the conservation of biological and cultural diversity.

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The UNDP also said that ICCAs can be classified as sacred areas or ritual grounds for the indigenous communities residing near it and may include forests, mountains, shorelines, wetlands, fishing areas, and other bodies of water.

Project officials said that with the ICCA program, the continuation, revival or modification of traditional practices or even new initiatives may succeed in protecting and restoring natural resources and cultural values in the face of new threats or opportunities.

Eisma said the SBMA has been successful in implementing a similar program with the Ambala Ayta tribe at the Pastolan village in the town of Hermosa, which also forms part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The SBMA has recently been recognized for its Ambala development program by the London-based International Finance Magazine (IFM) for having the best social responsibility initiative, Eisma also said.

Before this, the SBMA also initiated the so-called social-fencing concept at the Freeport to make residents of upland areas in the zone be part of the overall strategy to preserve Subic’s natural environment. 

The perfect backpack for the perfect hike—Tactics Climate Proof Backpack 20L!

Tactics Climate Proof Backpack 20L (Grey)

I’ve been climbing mountains for years now, and one of the most used climbing necessities is the backpack, which contains a hiker’s needs and tools for the climb. However, my most recent climb was also my backpack’s last. It was my trusted partner ever since my very first climb, but since I had another climb coming at the end of the year, I decided to treat myself with a new travel buddy: the Tactics Climate Proof Backpack, which I found on Takatack.com!

I carefully set aside a budget of 1k or less, and luckily the Tactics climate Proof Backpack costs only Php995.00, a great price for such a good-looking backpack! I guess I got myself another climbing buddy. I love its compact and sporty style. Moreover, it’s made of polyester and can carry up to 20kg. When I got mine, the inside surprised me big-time! It may look small but its inside is huge! I can fit most of my needs, tools, equipment, and gadgets inside! Nifty!

Thanks to Takatack.com, I can’t wait till my next climb! And I hope my new travel buddy is as excited as I am. Let’s go Tactics, time to see the world! Once again, I’d like to give my huge and warm thanks to Takatack.com for such an amazing product. 

Affordable Mermaid Prom Dresses 2018 From MillyBridal - Fashion Party Dresses

Shop Mermaid Prom Dresses: A mermaid dress style that accents your natural curves and an extremely popular silhouette. Millybridal.org carries a wide selection of mermaid prom gowns with unique features to choose from. Whether you prefer a lace-up back corset style or rather not fuss with lacing in a zippered mermaid prom dress. Whether you are searching for a head-to-toe lace mermaid party gown, a simple tulle mermaid with strategic pleating throughout, or a strapless mermaid dress heavily embellished with sparkling beads and stones that will have you shimmering from all angles, we guarantee you will find the perfect mermaid prom dress. If strapless prom gowns are not your thing, opt for a two-piece mermaid prom dress featuring a sleeveless crop top and satin mermaid skirt that will hug you in all the right places just as well if not better than a classic mermaid dress. Order your mermaid prom dress today!

Money Wise Shopping For Dresses Online

Valentine's day is just around the corner, and it is the time where we get excited to shop for new dresses and suits for prom and all parties in line with the occasion. Picking up a dress can be tedious and can take up all the time you have. I personally enjoy shopping and when I discovered shopping online I got hooked!

I find it enjoyable to browse through pages of shopping sites online, the designs and styles; from what's in and what's hot for the season. 

Yoins, offers a variety of ready-to-wear clothes; from classic to contemporary even to the latest sexy dresses for women. 

This Navy Cut Out and Lace back can be worn for a cocktail party or to even a Valentine ball that requires casual, elegant and comfortable styling. I like the sheer pattern of the dress. This style is available from xs to double extra large size. If you prefer a different color I saw a few color options. 

Aside from dresses, women like me can't get enough to purchase lingerie or undergarments. The essential of getting that perfect cut, color, and style will always be considered. The price for undergarments and lingerie sometimes can make your pocket empty or cut-off much of your shopping budget, But, for me, I always look for stylish sexy lingerie online sale! We all love a sale and to score one is just easy as going online. 

Any styles you have in mind for a dress and undergarments? 

How To Cook #PandaExpress Kung Pao Stir Fry Chicken

Do you have any plans for the weekend? Invite a family member, a friend or a co-worker over for lunch and dinner. Here is an easy to prepare that you can whip up using some common and simple ingredients you have in the cabinet and fridge. Using Panda Express Kung Pao mix you can make an Asian rice-topping meal, crunchy, colorful, sweet and spicy at the same time. 

Panda Express Kung Pao Stir Fry photo in low light

Perfect with a bowl of steamed rice

Click the video for the complete how to cook Panda Express Kung Pao Stir Fry Chicken.

For easier to prepare meals and recipes, subscribe to my Youtube channel. 

SBMA Posts P1.2-billion Port Revenue in 2017

Containerized cargo boxes line up the New Container Terminal in the Subic Bay Freeport

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has recorded P1.2 billion in seaport revenue last year, surpassing its 2016 record by three percent, with an increase of 12 percent in the port’s containerized cargo volume.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said that figures from the SBMA Seaport Department indicated a total income of P1,173,720,042 in January to December 2017 last year, compared to the P1.137 billion revenue collection in 2016.

“The continuing effort of the Seaport Department to upgrade its process flow minimized transaction time and attracted more and more importers and exporters to use the Port of Subic,” Eisma noted.

She pointed out that the volume of containerized cargo grew to 139,980 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2017 from just 124,707 TEUs in 2016. This increase in containerized cargo had offset a six-percent decrease last year in the volume of non-containerized cargo, which fell to only 6,646,322 metric tons as against 7,071,444 metric tons in 2016.

Accordingly, the SBMA Seaport Department processed 66,172 TEUs of imported containerized products in 2017, which was nine percent higher than the 60,593 TEUs processed in 2016. Meanwhile, the department processed last year 25,007 TEUs of exported containerized products, which was six percent higher than the 23,527 TEUs in 2016.

The increase in import-export volume that passed through the Port of Subic likewise resulted in a significant increase of containerized cargoes transshipped in the Freeport: 1,462 TEUs in January to December 2017 against 368 TEUs in 2016, or an increase of 297 percent.

Jerome Martinez, head of the SBMA Seaport Department, said much of the increase in revenue was due to the growth in imported products like vehicle parts by Foton Motor Phils., Inc.; paper materials by Trust International Paper Corp.; and rubber by Yokohama Tire Phils. Inc., which were all sourced from Japan. 

Likewise, the growth in export revenue was attributed to increased export of tires by Yokohama Tires Phils. to Japan; Juken Sangyo Phils. for veneer lumber also to Japan; and HLD Clark Steel Pipe Co. for steel pipes to the United States.

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Martinez also said that another factor in seaport revenue growth was the implementation of Republic Act 10668, also known as the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, which allowed arriving or departing ships to carry a foreign cargo to its Philippine port of final destination, after being cleared at its port of entry or exit.

“This law tends to decrease, in some instances, vessel activities going to the Port of Subic, particularly in the importation and exportation of goods,” Martinez said. “However, transshipment activities increase,” he added.

The devaluation of the peso against the US dollar and the unstable global price of crude oil in the world market which caused a decline of the importation of petroleum products, also buoyed Subic seaport income, said Martinez.

SBMA Chairman Eisma also expressed optimism for the Port of Subic this 2018, pointing out that one of the world’s largest cruise ships will be arriving here in June for a 12-hour tour of the Subic Bay area.

Eisma said this was confirmed after Dr. Zinan Liu and other officials of Royal Caribbean International (RCI) spent a two-day assessment of the Subic Bay area last December for the purpose of including Subic in the itinerary of RCI’s Asian cruise program.

Subic reportedly checked out as a cruise ship destination after Liu noted that it has attractions for people interested in culture, history, and religion, aside from the theme parks, beach resorts, hotels and other modern amenities found in the area.

Eisma estimated that should each cruise ship passenger spend US$100 during their stay in Subic, local businesses would gain millions in income during the visit.

SBMA bans 3 brokers in P40-M liquor smuggling try

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has blacklisted three customs brokers for involvement in the attempted smuggling here recently of expensive liquor worth around P40 million.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said this was the initial action of the agency in connection with the smuggling attempt that was foiled by the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (SBMA-LED) just before Christmas.

The SBMA Seaport Department has identified the blacklisted brokers as Ellen Baylon, an authorized representative of the brokerage firm Alava Alliance, Inc.; John Louie Pabico, a processor of Phil-Hohan International Corp.; and Cherry Springael, a freelance processor and authorized representative of Alava Alliance.

“These persons have been banned from doing business with the SBMA Seaport, and the companies they represented have been placed on indefinite suspension pending the final results of investigation by the Bureau of Customs (BOC),” Eisma added.

She added that the BOC, which received custody of the smuggled items from the SBMA, will also file appropriate criminal charges against the brokers for violation of the Customs and Tariff Act, as well as Republic Act 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act.

“Let this serve as a warning that Subic authorities won’t tolerate illegal activities in the Freeport, and we will apply the full measure of the law in cases like this,” Eisma added.

The SBMA said earlier that its law enforcement operatives seized a total of 1,321 boxes of liquor from a closed van that was about to leave the Freeport on Dec. 24, and from a 40-footer container van parked at the Subic Seaport Terminal on Dec. 28.

The seized contraband included 54 bottles of Remy Martin Louis XIII, which sells as much as P170,000 per bottle, and eight boxes of Remy Martin Centaure De Diamant, which fetches P60,000 per bottle.

The SBMA police began the operation on Christmas Eve after a tipster informed them that a closed van and a Nissan Patrol SUV would attempt to smuggle contraband from the Freeport.

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Subsequently, SBMA-LED operatives posted along the Argonaut Highway leading to Subic’s sea ports monitored the vehicles and tailed them to the 14th Street Gate where they were stopped by sentries.

The Fuso van, bearing File No. 036404 of BCR Trucking, was found to contain 275 boxes of Remy Martin Cognac Champagne, 448 boxes of Martini, 66 boxes of Remy Martin XO, 17 boxes of Remy Martin Champagne, 8 boxes of Remy Martin Louis XIII, 8 boxes of Remy Martin Centaure De Diamant, 7 boxes of Remy Martin Club, and 7 boxes of Remy Martin.

The driver, identified as 41-year old Julio Flores, as well as the helper, 46-year old Marvin Arcega, failed to present necessary documents when accosted by the police, the SBMA-LED said in a report.

Under investigation, Flores reported that he picked up the merchandise from the Subic Seaport Terminal Inc. (SSTI) at the Boton Pier here on instruction of a certain “Ed” who rented his truck for the pickup.

Flores added that a certain “Cherry” assured him that the goods were ready for exit at Subic’s Tipo gate even without any document because two other trucks with similar load were able to exit so.

With this information, SBMA operatives conducted a follow-up operation on Thursday that led them to a white Isuzu Giga cab with the markings “Sinfa Logistics Inc.” that was parked at the SSTI’s Boton Pier facility. The 40-footer container yielded 333 boxes of Remy Martin, 196 boxes of Remy Martin XO, 1 box of Remy Martin Club, 1 box of Martini, 2 boxes of Remy Martin, and 10 boxes of Remy Martin Louis XIII.

Eisma said the SBMA police conducted an inventory of the smuggled items in the presence of representatives from the Bureau of Customs, the SBMA Seaport Department and members of the media before turning over the confiscated items and the vehicles containing them to the Bureau of Customs in the Port of Subic.

What To Do When You Are Having Dysmenorrhea?

Hi guys! So, how was your Christmas holiday went? Practically most of us who came from a holiday or even a long vacation always has this post-vacation mood, the tired feeling, you just wanted to lay down, slouch and enjoy the day doing nothing, it was difficult to switch back! But, we need to get up and return to our regular programming as they say. Let me share with you guys what I've experienced last night (not fun, or exciting at all, will understand if you will skip reading the rest,;)).

For me, I started my day yesterday slow. Since, it was the middle of the week already I was anticipating the coming weekend again, haha! I had plans last night after dinner, we were supposed to walk around the neighborhood and get some sweats going. But, our body really works mysteriously, I suddenly felt weak and felt a sharp, crushing pain in my lower abdomen. I was having dysmenorrhea! My body couldn't handle the pain, although my pain tolerance is that high. I rarely complain of pain and my family knows that, so when I am in one they know that my pain threshold really shoots down. 

Pain is usually the initial reaction to what is happening inside your body, the unpleasant feeling, emotionally and sensory. Our body usually reacts differently when we are in pain. It is normally described as the initial tail-tell signs of a patient. Facial grimace, touching and massaging the affected area of the body which is painful can be the basis of what part of the body is experiencing tissue damage. Pain can be classified to as a chronic pain which has two types; Nociceptive and Neuropathic pain. Other symptoms of dysmenorrhea; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness and general achiness.

Mine was a nociceptive pain, a sharp pain below the abdomen and near the pelvis. This is due to tissue sloughing of the mucosal and endometrial lining of the uterus that is in the combination of blood discharge, called menstruation. 

Although, menstruation is a slow process that normally lasts for seven days in a regular menstrual period. The body reacts differently from one to another, also varies from one cycle period within your body. There are days the menstruation comes like a typical day for a woman, but some periods may be different, just like what I've experienced last night. 

I was trying to divert all the pain to other things at home, I got myself busy in the kitchen cooking dinner, like my typical nights on a regular day. My mood was kinda low, though I am trying to be interesting to people at home, I even opened a Christmas gift from a friend last night, but my pain pulled me down even. I went to take a shower and decided to lay my body to rest, I was moving slowly because I can feel the pain when I move. You may ask, why did I let my body suffer the pain? Because, as a nurse, this is very normal for a woman to experience dysmenorrhea. I wasn't able to sleep well because of the on and off the pain I was having the whole night. There was a time that I was crying for awhile because I was so sleepy and felt the throbbing pain. 

So, what to do when you are having dysmenorrhea?

Like I've said, dysmenorrhea pain varies differently from one body to another, but to relieve your body and mind from pain, you can be ready and prepare yourself once it sets. 

• Know your calendar for your monthly period- this will prepare you emotionally and psychologically.
• Study your pain threshold- you can have a baseline of what to expect when you are in pain.
• Relax your body, don't panic!- control your body from panicking, divert your attention.
• Hot shower and hot water bag or bottle- it relaxes the muscles and will increase blood flow to reduce pain. Applying hot water bottle directly to the lower abdomen. Making sure the bottle and the temperature of the water will not burn your skin.
• Massage- it can help reduce pain and increase blood flow. Massaging the lower abdomen or the back has a positive effect on one's body experiencing dysmenorrhea.
• Medication- anti-spasmodic and analgesic drugs can be helpful too. Both drugs are considered as pain reliever drugs. 
• Support system- people around you should know what you are experiencing at the moment. They need to understand your situation and pain. Like earlier said, pain varies differently. 

For me, taking medication will be my last resort when dealing dysmenorrhea. 

Menstruation or monthly periods is a normal occurrence of a woman's body when one is not pregnant. Counter interacting the normal occurrence of the body using a drug can make you independent (again, this is for my case only). I will be resulting in taking medication when I cannot stand it anymore, or when I a doctor requires me to do so. 

My alarm went off this morning with lesser pain compared to last night. I have my hot bottle compress right now as I am writing this, and having even lesser pain.

What about you ladies, what are your struggles when you have that monthly period pains? How are you dealing with it? Any other tips you can share? 

If you reached this line, thank you for reading the whole post!  💓

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Welcoming 2018 With A Bang!

Another 365 days have passed and it was a year of everything in between. We lost two members of the family a month-time apart, some battled sickness and there was a misunderstanding; though things were kind of rough, I am still grateful and content with everything that happened to us. 

In my blogging world, I am very thankful for all the opportunities that came. I gained a lot, learning, as well as earnings too. I got prizes from contests online that I can never imagine possible. I wish for continued happiness, success, peace, and love to everyone to people around me and to all.  

A bountiful New Year to all!