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12 Awesome Themes for a Bachelorette Party

What can be the Best Theme for a Bachelorette Part?

Prepare a camping trip
Party with makeups and get some makeovers
Sing along with the bride
Prepare a replica of the bride’s honeymoon
Join her in her to-do-list and make it happen
Make everything in the bride-to-be’s place in her favorite color and enjoy a slumber party
Party at the poolside and relax in your bikinis
Party at the club
Conduct a tea party for her
Reminisce memories and enjoy a brunch full of laughter with the bride and the squad
Make her wish come true – prepare a Princess-themed party for the bride
Get the bride in an adventure, gather the squad and plan a road trip

While your sister or best friend is busy planning a wedding in Manila, the catering, the wedding venue, and other wedding plans are going to cloud her mind and stress her out. Why not help her to enjoy the days leading up to her special day? You can do this by planning a bachelorette party!

Whether you are on a budget or not, you can organize the perfect one for the bride. Pick one from these fun, smart ideas and gather your girlfriends for a bachelorette bash you will never forget!

Camping trip

What’s not awesome about adventure? A camping trip is perfect when you ladies are on a budget but still want to have a great time. With just a tent or two, some sleeping bags, and a bonfire, you and your friends can enjoy a night filled with gossip and stories. While you enjoy talking, eat some sandwiches, grilled food, and the ever favorite s’mores to go with the camping mood. If you go with this plan, then be sure to prepare camping-themed games as well like scavenger hunts to add creativity and laughter.

At-Home Beauty Party

Sometimes, all any girl needs for a good time is a beauty party with her closest friends at home. Gather your girlfriends and tell them to bring their makeup, skincare, nail polishes, bathrobes, and flip flops and head on over to the bride’s place. Give each other a makeover! You can even prank some of friends by giving them silly makeup and having a great laugh about it!

Who said you have to pay a lot for a spa when you can do it at home? An at-home beauty bachelorette party is a great way to give the bride a last day of child-like carefreeness before moving forward in her life.

Good ol’ karaoke

Go plug in the microphone and speakers then let loose with a couple of the bride’s favorite tunes all night. Who cares if you can’t belt out to Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing’? As long as you and your girlfriends are having fun, nothing else matters. But make sure to alert the neighbors that you will be singing all night long to prevent furious yells at the front door telling you to shut up.

Honeymoon preparation

Surprise the bride by decorating her place to resemble where she and her soon-to-be husband will be having their honeymoon. As for gifts, make sure you and your friends get the goodies and outfits the bride and groom can use during her honeymoon. You can also amp things up by cooking food that the honeymooners will possibly experience during their stay at their destination.

The To-Do List

The bride may have a bucket list of things to do before getting married. However, sometimes, not all the items on the list would get crossed off before the special day. This could be because she’s press for time while planning or she couldn’t do those things with her fiancé.

Use this to your advantage and plan a bachelorette party when you and your girlfriends check those remaining things off together! Just make sure everyone is on board with what she requests. Who knows, the bride may be dying to go bungee jumping but one of your girlfriends has a fear of heights.

(Insert favorite color here) Slumber Party

If you would like something simple yet creative, then just hold a slumber party in the bride-to-be’s place. The big twist you can do to make it feel special is to make sure everything is in her favorite color! Change the carpet, curtains, pillowcases, bed sheets, tablecloths, and even the wallpaper in whatever color the bride loves. Then give the bride silly, cute gifts—and yes, in her favorite color as well.

Poolside Party

The bride may be looking for some vitamin sea and what better way to make this happen is to rent a unit at a hotel that has a cool pool scene. Make use of your beautiful bikinis, grab some good cocktails, and avail a spa treatment if possible! Definitely, this suggestion is one that everyone will enjoy and have the bride relaxed before her dream wedding.

A Bachelorette Club Party

If the bride’s one to party, then reserve a table at her favorite club. Add spice to the night by dressing up in a themed attire or the most dance worthy outfits! But of course, where there is a club or bar, there is also alcohol. Thus, it’s best not to have too much fun by drinking too much to avoid any unwanted troubles.

Tea Party

If the bride is particularly a tea lover and wants an elegant affair, then it’s best to conduct a tea party for her. You can add finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, lace doilies, and various kinds of teas that everyone would love! What’s convenient with this party theme is the fact that this kind of bachelorette party can be held in homes or a rented tearoom.

A Brunch Party

Not all bachelorette parties are held at night. Some can be during the day and no, it wouldn’t be boring. You can gather the bride and your friends in your favorite brunch restaurant, eat your favorites, have fun conversations, and drink unlimited mimosas. Reserve this favorite of restaurant of yours immediately if you’re going for this option. But you can also choose to host the brunch at your place – just add some flair to the drinks for a better experience. You can also make a good and memorable speech too!

‘Princess-Themed’ Party

Every girl wants to be a Princess at least once in her life. To make the bride’s dream come true, why not plan a Princess-themed party? Collect some tiaras for everyone to wear along with their favorite dresses or, even better, have everyone dress up as their favorite Disney princess! Of course, get the bride the Royal Tiara that she deserves – before she becomes someone’s queen, of course.

Road Trip

A bachelorette’s party doesn’t need to be that grand; especially if the bride is the kind who prefers something simple yet adventurous. Aside from a camping trip, you can do this by getting her and your friends to go on road trip.

Pack some snacks, prepare a song list for everyone to jam with, grab a map (in case), and hit the road! If you pass by a few tourist spots, then stop-by and capture some gorgeous pictures to record your memories!

Tip: To make it even more special, keep track of the places you’re going to and write some quick notes – then give it to the bride at the end of trip.

Key Takeaway

Who said only guys have the right to hold bachelor parties? Ladies can also have fun on their last few days of singlehood. Don’t be shy to experiment; it’s the fun that counts.

The Benefits of Organic Food

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Why should you incorporate organic foods in your diet?

The food is undeniably fresh and avoids chemical contamination.
It tastes more deliciously than junk foods.
Antioxidant levels are higher.
You can consume much healthier omega-3 fatty acids.
One can avoid an extra dose of antibiotics that may weaken the immune system.
Helps secure animal welfare and of course, the safety of the children and women who consumes much more milk.
Helps you save in many ways.
Helps maintain environment-friendly surroundings.
Helps preserve agricultural diversity and save everyone from destruction.
Helps support the local company by creating jobs and keeping the farmers thriving.

Although there are people who find organic foods pricey and hard to find, studies show that they are much more nutritious and healthier compared to the conventional food. These can help lengthen lives as well as prevent diseases. Even the best wedding catering in Manila know these benefits and offer organic food in their services for the guests that need or want it.

Organic foods are those that were grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and antibiotics (in the case of animals). By removing these substances, consumers can enjoy a wide range of benefits that will be discussed below. After reading this article, you will know why the popularity of organic foods has boomed in the past few years. Without further ado, here are reasons why you should incorporate more organic foods in your diet:

Freshness guaranteed

Organic foods are fresher because, compared to conventional food, they don’t contain preservatives, synthetic fertilizers, and chemical pesticides. For the food companies, preservatives are considered important for these products to lengthen their shelf life. However, these chemicals also contaminate the food with harmful substances.

Likewise with preservatives, the same goes for fertilizers and pesticides when the food is still being grown. Though this may be essential for protecting crops from elements and pests, they’re made of dangerous chemicals such as organophosphorus, which could harm a person’s health. In fact, studies show that synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides have been connected to illnesses like cancer, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, and infertility to name a few.

Better taste

Organic foods are proven to be more delicious thanks to being grown in healthy soil and natural fertilizers. At first, eating organic food may feel different especially if you are used to foods loaded with preservatives like MSG. But after a short time, your body will get used to organic foods and the junk foods will start to leave a bad aftertaste.

More Antioxidants

The best benefit of organic foods is that it is 69% higher in antioxidants compared to conventionally grown foods. Research says that eating healthy organic food increases antioxidant content in the human body; further protecting cells from damage. Additionally, it also contributes to strengthening the immune system, reducing weight gain, and healthy reproduction.

It can help you save money

While it is true organic products are more expensive, they will help you save money in several ways. As mentioned above, they are very healthy and can help in preventing diseases. This means that you won’t spend too much on medical care in the long run.

For the gardeners, you can grow your very own organic garden in your yard and not have to worry about buying vegetables and fruits in the market. By doing this, you can always get them for free and at its freshest condition which make for the best tasting meal.

Environmental benefits

The process of creating non-organic foods is harmful to the environment. Here a just few examples:

Conventional farming methods can cause soil erosion.
The pesticides used will retain in the soil for a very long time.
Artificial pest controls are becoming less and less effective, meaning more chemicals must be used so that they can really kill the pests.

By buying organic products, you help to promote the natural ways of growing plants and raising animals as well save the environment from those harmful chemicals.

Helps Preserve Agricultural Diversity

Preserving agricultural diversity should be a concern to people to avoid losing crops and species that supports the food chain. If people would only rely on one or two kinds of food, devastation is more likely to occur. An instance of this is the potato famine in Ireland in which a plague struck the crops; thereby causing millions of people to starve which eventually led to their death.

In organic farming, food sources are maximized to an assorted range of food varieties. Also, traditional practices are taken into account. Hence, organic farming is more tolerant to regional conditions and pests.

Support for the Farming Community

Purchasing organic food especially in a farmer’s market can help support the local companies by creating jobs and keeping the farmers thriving. People who are committed to buying organic food are the only ones who keep these farms financially stable. Why not add to the community of organic-loving people and help these farmers?

Key Takeaway

Although organic food can sometimes be unbelievably expensive, the health benefits from eating these foods can help prevent you from spending much more money in various things such as hospital bills. Try investing in organic foods – or even in your own mini-farm in your garden – and see the difference or differences they make in your life.

13 Rather Inappropriate or Cliche Songs Used in Weddings

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What are examples of songs that can be deemed a bit cliché or inappropriate for a wedding?

Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers)
From this Moment on (Shania Twain)
My Heart Will Go on (Celine Dion)
Every Breath You Take (The Police)
I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston)
Amazed (Lonestar)
How Do I Live (LeAnn Rimes)
Macarena (Los Del Rio)
I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor)
Single Ladies (Beyonce)
If You Wanna Be Happy (Jimmy Soul)
All of Me (John Legend)
Love Story (Taylor Swift)

Wedding music helps set the mood during the said event. It’s a given that there are classic wedding songs for you to choose from, though that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t go modern on your playlist; however, as you get on with your nuptial plans like the guest list, decoration, and which restaurant or caterer to contact for your wedding catering in the Philippines, steer clear of the following music selections, which have already become overdone as the steak you probably had during your pre-nuptial taste test:

Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers

Although associated with the 1990 film Ghost starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, this song was originally written for a little-known prison film entitled Unchained. The song was all about a man who yearned for his true love and was played during the iconic pottery scene between Moore and Swayze. As romantic as it can be, the song’s overused already and it’s a little creepy to play a song associated with a sex scene in front of the bride’s parents.

From This Moment On by Shania Twain

It’s just appropriate that the newlyweds would do their first dance as husband and wife to the song “From This Moment On”. Props to Ms. Twain though: the song’s lyrics is almost the same as reciting wedding vows to each other all over again. But please, this song is already as cliché as it is romantic.

My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

This classic love song was associated with the film Titanic and is about the power of undying love. But still, this song is linked to a woman who woes over her lover who froze to death. Get it? He froze to death. Please don’t play any sad songs during your wedding.

Every Breath You Take by The Police

At first, this song sounds like a very powerful love song where the guy is being protective of the girl. But on second or third time listening, the song presents the idea of rape, stalking, murder and obsession, something that you most definitely should not play during the wedding.

I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston

Again, another love song that can set the wrong mood during the wedding. This song is about saying goodbye to a lover. Although it is a touching and powerful song, it’s overused already and it’s sad. You are newlyweds; don’t play something that can make your guests cry on their pillows.

Amazed by Lonestar

This country song has been played in weddings throughout the years. While this song may have expressed the “I-want-you-to-stay-beside-me-forever” kind of feeling with great accuracy, it is cliché enough to be played on your wedding. So please, just don’t.

How Do I Live by Leann Rimes

Some songs ought to be melodic and somewhat soothing because the singer sang it that way, however, the lyrics itself can be a little bit different. An instance of which is Leann Rime’s How Do I Live, it has been sung in such a soothing manner that you’ll definitely want it for your first dance while you’re in the arms of your beloved spouse. We hate to break it up to you but: it is a break up song. Sadly.

Macarena by Los Del Rio

Macarena may be a fun song to dance to especially during a party, but during a wedding? Your guests will definitely find the song awkward and too silly that they’ll most likely leave the dance floor than continue dancing.

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

This song has been played not only in one or two weddings, but in millions of weddings, and still counting. While it may be fun playing it while the girls are on it for the bouquet toss moment, don’t do it. Why? Because it’s all about surviving a breakup! You would not want to talk about breakup on your own wedding day, would you?

Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it) by Beyonce

This song can be an alternative background music for your bouquet toss, however, it can be as cliché as it would sound. Beyoncé is among the singers that has been singing around on weddings, and if you’d want to mark every moment of your wedding to be different, pick another song. We love Beyoncé, though.

If You Wanna Be Happy by Jimmy Soul

Regardless of the song being funny and catchy, this song shouldn’t be played at any wedding – ever. Certainly, your wife and her family wouldn’t be happy hearing, “Saw your wife the other day/ Yeah?/ Yeah, she’s ugly.” More so, you could be holding the title of the “Fastest Divorced Man” by the end of the song.

All of Me by John Legend

“’Cause all of me/ Loves all of you/ Love your curves and all your edges/ All your perfect imperfections,” – truly these lines sounded both romantic and soothing. It’s a song about appreciating everything of Legend’s wife, but, it’s been in almost every wedding possible since 2013. Not to mention you’ll hear it every now and then in the radio, the grocery store, or almost everywhere.

Love Story by Taylor Swift

While this may seem a perfect match to your generation, and you may have liked Tay-Tay, the concept just doesn’t fit a wedding. The song itself is based on Romeo and Juliet’s story, would you want that? If you’re not familiar of them, well here’s the thing: they’re two star-crossed lovers who went against family conflicts and then a lot of things happen. Then they die. It isn’t cute as the song has been sung.

Key Takeaway

It doesn’t hurt to research on potential wedding day songs. There are so many love songs being produced each year so try not to include these in your playlist. Spare the awkwardness and ‘here we go again’ looks from your guests. I

f you’re daring enough, feel free to compose your own. Not only will you wow your guests with your song-making skills, your partner will definitely appreciate the sweet gesture, especially if you are the one performing it.

Asim Kilig! Why Sinigang is So Popular among Filipinos

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Why is Sinigang so popular among Filipinos?

Sinigang is marked as a Filipino comfort food.
It helps cool the body during hot conditions due to its tangy taste.
There are many variations of the dish and it can be prepared in any way.
Depending on preferences, Sinigang can be easily adjusted in both quantity and quality.
Nowadays, numerous trends have been introduced to heighten the dish’s popularity to new heights.

When you think about the Philippines, one of the first things to come to mind is the country’s history, which is rich in excitement and intrigue. While many things throughout the times have been given the Filipino touch, there is nothing better than Filipino food; most especially dishes like adobo and sinigang. This is why the best wedding catering in Manila often serve these dishes in their events.

If a survey regarding the Philippines’ national food was conducted, then adobo and sinigang would certainly be tied for the top spot. Both recipes represent the Filipino culture and many consider these dishes as staples in the traditional family gathering.

Between these two dishes, many argue that sinigang is the dish most representative of the Filipino palate. This is mostly because it can be customized according to any taste, budget, season, and availability. Basically, it is a dish that can be enjoyed by all.

Even celebrities can’t enough of it. In the union of Philippine showbiz icons, Ding Dong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Chef Margarita Fores whipped up shrimp sinigang for the couple’s wedding.

What is Sinigang and How is it Made?

Sinigang is a Filipino soup dish known for its sour and savory taste. Traditionally tamarind-based, this sour dish consists of meat – which can be beef, pork, fish or shrimp – and vegetables like okra, water spinach (kang kong), daikon (labanos), onions, and eggplant. Sometimes the tamarind can be switched with guava, calamansi, or even unripe mango, depending on the cook’s preference. Green long peppers (siling mahaba) are also added to the dish to add some spice. There are also variations such as sinigang sa miso and sinigang na baboy at hipon.

So why is Sinigang a hit among Filipinos?

With its sour soup, sinigang is marked as Filipino comfort food. It rouses the senses because of the sourness and slight spice. Also, ingesting the long peppers can make the body sweat, which helps it to cool especially during a humid day. Food historians even commended sinigang for being a refreshing and appetite-boosting dish perfect for the Philippines’ tropical climate. A Filipino food writer even wrote in an article that the dish most likely was already in existence during the pre-Hispanic era. He also considers sinigang as the Philippines’ national food.

Nowadays, not only do different kinds of sinigang exist for your preference, but different variations of it have also come to light. Have you ever heard of something called ‘sinigang rice’? The thought of merging the flavor of sinigang with rice is something that exudes innovation in traditional Filipino food. Other variations such as sinigang paella, sinigang bulalo, and even sinigang with other fruits such as strawberries and watermelon have also emerged. No matter what you choose, it’s always a guarantee for you to have a thrilling and unique sinigang experience.

A dish like sinigang is something that’s extremely common to the Filipinos to the point where each and every variation of the dish is entirely in their hands to control. It is this ability to be able to customize the dish that makes it enjoyable to every Filipino’s taste. With that said, sinigang is the kind of dish that can be served to meet many expectations anyone can have of the dish. It’s entirely up to you, as the cook, to deliver.

Although foreigners have mixed views about this dish – claiming that it is too sour for their taste – Filipinos remain undaunted over the negative views to their beloved sinigang.

Is there such thing as ‘authentic’ Sinigang?

With 7,107 islands in the Philippines, it’s no surprise that every region has a different way of preparing the said dish. In 1995, Sidebar of the Chateau 1771 Group introduced sinigang with corned beef to the public. Eventually, this became a trend recipe.

There’s also this recipe called sinampalukang manok. Some do not technically consider it as a variation of sinigang because of the way it’s cooked and how the tamarind leaves are used. In this recipe, the chicken is sautéed with ginger first instead of being dumped raw in a pot with the rest of the ingredients. This is the typical way to cook sinigang. Also, fish sinigang’s primary ingredient is milkfish (bangus) or any local fish like maya maya and lapu lapu. However, many people switch out the milkfish for salmon or tuna.

When it comes to adding the signature sour flavor, tamarind is the go-to ingredient. However, what many don’t know is that other fruits can be used as a souring agent for this dish. Fruits like lemons, pineapples, strawberries, guavas, and watermelons have been known to make great substitutes to add the sinigang’s signature sour taste while adding a hint of sweetness to the dish. Each addition to this dish brings exoticness and authenticity to it.

Key Takeaway

Whether authentic or not, tamarind-based or guava, sinigang is still sinigang for Filipinos. In a way, the diversity is a Filipino tradition in itself. One thing’s for sure: nothing can beat the refreshing feeling one could get after tasting that sour, savory broth during a rainy day or a hot, summer afternoon.

Eight Foods that are Eaten Cold

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What are foods that are eaten cold?

Ice Cream
Floats
Halo-Halo
Cucumber Soup
Ajo Blanco
Leftover Pizza
Salad
Sushi

Traditionally speaking, food is best served hot and fresh. There’s nothing like the feeling of serving your food piping hot and getting the highest regards from your friends and family. The look on their faces when they take a bite of your freshly-cooked food will definitely motivate you to cook more and more. This is the same feeling that drives the best corporate catering in Manila to provide their clients with a good time through their fresh food and quality service.

However, there is always an exception to the rule; there are some foods that are best served cold. These could be appetizers, main courses, or desserts. Eating these kinds of dishes is a great way to send shivers down your spine and stomach in a good way.

If you’re looking for some dishes that are best eaten cold, here are some of the best examples:

Ice Cream

Ice Cream is the quintessential cold food. It is made of milk and cream. Other ingredients are added to this flexible mix which allowed many of the first innovators to easily create the common yet lovable Iced Cream flavors we know today. Nowadays, many people still come out with new and interesting variations which make this dessert a staple that won’t be leaving menus anytime soon.

It is a dessert that is meant to be eaten to finish off the main course. This sweet type of food that is best served cold because it is refreshing and filling. Some would even argue that it is a healing food.

Floats

Floats are actually a type of beverage/food hybrid that contains both a liquid portion as well as an edible solid portion. It is a combination of toppings, milk, and iced cream. As mentioned previously, Iced cream is best served cold and it just so happens that Floats have it as a key component to make it a delicious drinkable goodie.

Another variation of Float is the incorporation of soda into these drinks. Form the classic Root beer float to the other soda variants of this drink, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to finding the right kind of float for you.

Halo-halo

A traditional Filipino dessert, the Halo-halo is an experience in itself. It is a combination of so many ingredients that describing its flavor is often a difficult task even for professional food critics. But the very first thing anyone would notice about this dessert is that is it full of ice. This is why many Filipinos love it. Because it is cold, it has become a big part of many Filipino’s childhood who fondly remember it as the perfect summer food to be eaten with friends.

Many variations of the dessert have emerged that show its versatility. It can be served as a beverage, a flavor imbued in Ice Cream, or even a cake. Though other variations of this dessert may involve the use of heat in its creation process (aka Deep-Fried Halo-Halo), nothing still beats the classic way of how this dessert is eaten: with a lot of ice, milk, toppings, and the ever-favorite leche flan.

Cucumber Soup

Many variations of cucumber soup such as Mint Cucumber Soup are best served cold. These soups have the ability to fill your stomach and refresh you at the same time unlike traditional soups where you will be left thirsty after eating a hot bowl.

Cucumbers are known for their watery and tangy taste. By making a cucumber soup cool and refreshing, the wateriness and tanginess of it is complemented.

Ajo Blanco

Gazpacho is a soup made up of fresh ingredients such as vegetables. Its older cousin, the Ajo Blanco, is a cold almond soup that comes from the Moorish middle ages. It’s made up of fruits and vegetables which makes the Ajo Blanco able rehydrate and rejuvenate people who eat it with its myriad of fresh flavors and cooling feel.

Leftover Pizza

Pizza is definitely best served hot. No doubt about it. But when you leave this dish untouched in the fridge for a while, how would you eat it?

Well, if you’re thinking about re-heating your pizza to indulge in it once again, then isn’t necessary. Even when you eat your pizza cold, the flavor and texture will still remain the same. In fact, it’s the best way to eat it when it is leftover. Re-heating it can cause the crust to become chewy, making it a bit tougher to eat on some conditions.

Salads

This dish is definitely the go-to for people who wish to be at their healthiest. With a variety of greens and other ingredients to mix, you can do no wrong with how you’d want to eat your greens…with one exception.

Salads are meant to be eaten cold. All you’ll need to do is give your greens a good wash then have it prepared for your meal. Besides, if you want your salad heated, you might as well cook them all the way for a nice stew.

Sushi

Not only is some food is meant to be eaten cold, but they’re also meant to be eaten raw. Sushi is the perfect example of such food.

This dish is made of rice with vinegar combined with various uncooked ingredients which are mostly fish, fruits, or vegetables. These variations have different names depending on what ingredient is put on them. But the constant factor in all of these varieties is that they must be served cold. This is because most of the ingredients used are raw and it must be kept cold to keep it from going bad. For the same reason, the uneaten ingredients and sushi are thrown out at the end of the day.

So don’t worry when sushi is served to you cold because that’s how it is meant to be served and best enjoyed.

Key Takeaway

There are many more foods that are meant to be served cold, most of which are desserts. Here’s a fun fact: more than just tasty treats, desserts actually serve the purpose of helping the stomach digest the main course after a hearty meal.

If you are you interested in experiencing an all new culinary experience complete with delicious and fresh cold food, give Juan Carlo’s Corporate Catering a try.

Author’s Note: This entry was optimized by the best SEO Services Agency in the Philippines – SEO Hacker

5 Uniquely Australian Desserts

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One of the best things about connecting the world through the internet is the ability to discover other cultures and their practices with a click of the mouse. People all over the world eat different kinds of foods in several different ways, from a food festival in Europe to a catering in Manila; no two countries enjoy delicious food alike.

Culture is an important aspect to study when researching about a country because principally this is the identity of the country and their way of living. Culture is the window to the soul of a country because it is the culmination of several lifetimes’ worth of experience and innovation as a people.

In a way, food is also closely tied with a country’s past because in a way, it too is a reflection of the growth and development that its country went through in the past several decades. This is closely demonstrated in the Philippines where the country survived a couple hundred years under foreign rule.

In connection with this, a country with a fascinating history is of Australia. From early Australian food to English inspired dishes, here are a few examples of traditional Australian treats:

Lamingtons

Described as a sugary sponge cake, coated with chocolate with shaved coconut; Lamingtons are a delicious treat that are sometimes served with sandwiched with cream in the middle, providing a delicious contrast that compliments the chocolate over cream taste that lamingtons are known for.

Fairy Bread

A snack for kids, fairy bread is among the simpler treats on this list. Fairy bread is essentially white bread or even American bread covered with candy sprinkles and coated with butter. This is a tasty treat and is definitely delicious but it should be consumed in moderation as it is high in sugar while devoid of nutritional value that helps people stay healthy and fit.

Pavlova

This creamy treat is best served chilled. Pavlova are shaped like cake meringue with a crispy crust housing a soft and creamy inside. What makes this cake unique is that it is topped with cuts of fresh fruit. Complementing the creamy taste of the meringue is the tangy goodness that the fresh fruits bring to the mix.

Tim Tam

Tim Tams are famously Australian treats. Originally popularized in Australia, Tim Tams are chocolate cookies with chocolate filling that’s coated by chocolate. The triple threat chocolate Australian treat is famous with kids for being delicious and affordable. However, like fairy bread, consumption of Tim Tams are sinful so consuming them in moderation is recommended.

Mint Slice

Like Tim Tams, Mint Slice is a famous Australian treat that’s often eaten for dessert. What makes this treat memorable is the minty aftertaste it leaves after enjoying the chocolate coating and the chocolate cookie inside.

There are many more unique Australian desserts that are available on the market even here in the Philippines. What make these treats unique is their taste as well as the enjoyment that they bring with each and every bite that these sweet treats offer.

The Origin of the Filipino Style Spaghetti

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What is the origin of the Filipino style spaghetti?

The dish was dated back as early as the 1940s to the 1960s.
General Douglas MacArthur was served an “updated” version of the Japanese Neapolitan, which eventually transformed into the classic Filipino-style dish known and loved by many.

The Filipinos are one of those people known for introducing a new flavor to classical dishes. What better dish to add the Pinoy touch to than the classic spaghetti? This traditional Filipino style spaghetti is so delicious that it is a food that is appropriate for any occasion. It can be found everywhere; it can be offered as part of the wedding catering in a fancy hotel or in a simple family dinner at home.

Impact on Filipino Culture

Filipino kids who grew up between the 40s and the 60s can happily say that the local style of spaghetti is one of the brightest images of hope in their day. The ‘40s in particular was a grim time filled with oppression and violence because of World War II. If there was one shining ray of light that surely brought people – especially children – immense amounts of joy, then it’s this timeless dish.

A lot of people growing up were served their own family’s version of this spaghetti. Some families liked it spicier than usual while others relished in the creaminess that cheese can bring to it. The dish is flexible and that’s what gives it its charm.

But what seals the deal in this ability to customize the dish is how easy it is to do so. Just by adding or removing ingredients or varying their amounts, families could make their own special recipes that they pass on to future generations. If you want to create your own recipe, then you must know what each and every ingredient adds to the dish.

Uniqueness

The number one factor that makes Filipino-Style Spaghetti stand apart from other forms of pasta is its signature taste of its catsup spaghetti sauce. This features a unique tangy sweet flavor that is comparable to the taste of banana ketchup. In fact, other recipes include the use of sugar in their dish to intensify the flavor even further.

Another noteworthy aspect of the Filipino-style spaghetti is its meaty taste. Usually, Filipino-style spaghetti is adorned with ground beef (called ‘Giniling’ in Tagalog). This comes along with garlic and onion to complement its saltiness. It this unique mix of saltiness of the meat and sweetness of the sauce that gives the Filipino style spaghetti its unique taste.

Another thing about this dish is the generosity of cheese in their menu. There are many variants of cheese that can be used. It can either be grated, spread, or even infused into the sauce.

Secrets

While the crux of the Filipino style spaghetti can be made up of ketchup spaghetti sauce, ground beef, onion, garlic, and lots of cheese, the secret recipe that children will always look forward to are the thinly sliced cuts of hotdog that surround the sweet meaty dish. All together, these individual ingredients give the Filipino style spaghetti its uniquely Filipino taste that Filipinos all over the world crave for when they reminisce about their happier, simpler days as children.

Origin

While there isn’t a concrete origin story for Filipino-style spaghetti, research shows that the first instance of it appeared during the final days of World War II. This happened when General Douglas MacArthur tried Spaghetti Neapolitan at a hotel in Japan. While this is entire different from the Filipino version, it is believed that General Douglas MacArthur’s Filipino Adjutant/Staff Member modified it. He then brought the recipe it back with him to the Philippines. Eventually it transformed into the beloved Filipino-style spaghetti.

The ‘problem’ with the origin of the Filipino-style spaghetti is that nobody really took the time to sit down and write how they stumbled upon the recipe. They were too busy enjoying it to think that it needed to be documented. This means that, today, people are stuck with fragmented stories of the history of the Filipino-style Spaghetti. However, this lack of origin is actually what brings the magic to the dish. This because, today, this beloved ‘Filipinized’ dish has numerous variation which makes it loved by all.

Hotdogs for Kids

While the basic Filipino-style spaghetti is made up of catsup spaghetti sauce, ground beef, onion, garlic, and lots of cheese, the secret ingredients that children will always look forward to is the thinly sliced cuts of hotdog that surround the sweet meaty dish. It is this taste that Filipinos all over the world crave for when they reminisce about their happier, simpler days as children.

All together, these individual ingredients give the Filipino-style spaghetti is uniquely Pinoy. Since the flavor could be easily customized by adding or removing ingredients, you can take this opportunity to be more generous in what you’re going to add. Whether it be meat, cheese, or maybe even more pasta, just go for it. You’d be surprised on how happy you’d make your family. The best part is it is just as easy as preparing the classic Italian spaghetti.

Key Takeaway

So there you have it. Though the country’s history in some aspects may not have been kind due to certain circumstances, their culinary journey has nonetheless continued to thrive over the years.

With Filipino-style continuing to make the rounds with spaghetti-lovers everywhere, it’s no doubt that the Filipino-style Spaghetti continues and will continue to bring smiles to people’s faces. It remains to be one of the best foods that the Philippines can offer to both its visitors as well as its beloved residents.

Perfect Food for the Summer

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What are the perfect foods for a summer in the Philippines?

Street Food
Strawberries
Halo-halo
Durian
Sorbetes
Ice Candy
Fruit Shakes
Mais Con Yelo
Buko Juice
Chilled Taho
Leche Flan

It’s the summer season and it’s the time for some fun under the sun! The best thing about summer is that everything seems to take a different hue, from lavish night time parties at the beach to a gorgeous wedding catering in the metro. Summer can make so many things magical, which is why a lot of satisfied customers coordinate with Juan Carlo to cater a beautiful summer event with delicious food.

Summer is also a special time where certain foods can only be fully enjoyed during this wonderful season. In fact, studies show that out-of-season food can actually have its taste and experience deepen, especially during the summer season.

Research suggests that some experiences in summer are special because most of them invoke a sense of nostalgia that can take anyone back to their younger days. Those were the times when it was okay to stay out and play traditional Filipino games as well as sports-related activities with friends. After all of that is done, they would go to one of their friend’s houses and they would be served food that they would crave for even when they’re not hungry.

Summer time food fun

Aside from the hydrating food we listed in an earlier post, here are some examples of foods that are perfect for the Summer season:

Street food

Directly correlating the research on the psychology of enjoying summer food, street food is one of the best kinds of food to be enjoyed during the season of the sun. Of course, street food is available every day of the year when the familiar and friendly manong parks his cart in front of the office building; while this is true, street food actually tastes better when enjoyed during the summer, away from work and the hustle and bustle of the metro.

Strawberries

While strawberries are carefully grown in places with a cooler climate, there are actually special techniques growers employ in order for them to grow during the summer. While these summer strawberries aren’t exactly the same as the traditional strawberries people enjoy in Baguio, these strawberries taste the same as normal strawberries. The difference being is that summer strawberries are quite harder to grow compared to normal ones – and that’s where their charm shines. Enjoying a chilled-to-perfect strawberry dipped in cream during the heat waves of summer? Bliss.

Halo-halo

This chilled favorite is available for consumption all year round and is especially best enjoyed during the summer season. Each spoonful of fruity, milky goodness will not only quench the eater from the heat of the sun, it will also remind them of the simpler days of their childhood.

Durian

Now this one can be a tough addition. Not everyone can tolerate the smell of the “King of the Fruits”, but its taste is to die for and ironically, its smell too is to die for as well, albeit in a different manner than its actual taste.

The most hardcore of all durian fanatics will argue that while the smell is unappetizing, the milky and creamy texture of the durian is a unique experience in itself. Its taste more than makes up for the uncomfortable smell that the fruit exudes.

Sorbetes

This is a treat for all kids during the summer and they would patiently wait all day for manong sorbeto to pass by with his colorful ice cream cart. Inside the cart would be the iconic sorbetes, which is the Filipino-made ice cream that is made from carabao’s or coconut milk.

It can also come in chocolate, mango, ube, and cheese flavors and can also be served on a cone or in a bun. Because it comes in such an assortment, all kids will definitely be satisfied when manong sorbeto comes around.

Ice Candy

Ice candy is a treat for all ages while also being the most affordable frozen treat that one can buy. Essentially, it is just juice that is placed in a candy wrapper and frozen overnight. With a variety of flavor available, there is no doubt that this treat can be enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life.

Even though the process of making one is simple, the taste and refreshment factor it gives people is something that people crave for consistently. Truly, a treat to cool down even the hottest of temperatures.

Fruit Shakes

Sometimes, to beat the summer heat, one just needs a cold refreshment. Why not add satisfy this craving by indulging in a tasty drink blended with fruit and ice? Depending on how it is made, this can actually be a way to keep oneself hydrated while taking in some healthy nutrients.

Creating one is simple too! A few slices of fruit just need to be mixed together with sugar, milk, and shaved ice in a blender and will only take a few seconds.

Mais Con Yelo

This is another best seller especially during the summer. The mais con yelo is simply a glass of shaved ice with sweetened milk and sweet corn kernel. It can also be enjoyed with add-ons such as a scoop of ice cream, corn flakes, and rice crispies.

Buko Juice

The tropical fruit, buko (coconut), can be seen all over the Philippines. Because of this, a good source of nutrition is always nearby. In fact, if you’re looking for a great counterpart for buko juice, the meat can actually make a great source of calories.

Adding ice to young buko juice can make a really refreshing drink and it can be accented with buko strips, milk, and sugar. You can even serve it in a whole coconut shell to give it that ‘authentic’ feel.

Chilled Taho

Although this snack usually comes with hot caramel, it also comes in a colder version called ‘chilled taho’. It is still made of the same ingredients: silky soy pudding, tapioca pearls, and caramel sauce. The only difference is that it is a chilled version; usually refrigerated.

Leche Flan

Even though it is just an ingredient for halo-halo, Leche Flan is also delicious dessert on its own. It is usually present at any social gathering including summer fiestas and it has a sweet and creamy caramel desert made of eggs, sugar, and milk, that is usually served cold.

Key Takeaway

Of course there are many other food that can be enjoyed during the summer but these four are among the most delicious food that people can enjoy during the summer.

Are you interested in experiencing the most breathtaking wedding catering experience the summer and the metro can offer? Give Juan Carlo’s services a try!

Beating the Heat: Foods that Hydrate

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What are the foods that can help hydrate?

Watermelons
Celery
Cucumbers
Strawberries
Lettuce
Milk
Coconuts
Apples
Spinach
Salads
Yogurt
Shakes

The thing about summer is that it’s a beautiful season to simply enjoy, say, a wedding catering at the beach. When it comes to weddings during the summer, having time for swimming is a fresh alternative to keep cool while enjoying the summer with friends and family. However, summer is also infamous for its scorching heat especially when for the people who live near the equator.

One of the number one reported summer related incidents are heatstroke related. Literally speaking, heatstroke is the condition that is onset with fever and is often accompanied by loss of consciousness. This happens when the body’s thermoregulatory system fails due to extreme heat. The inverse of heatstroke is hypothermia and is caused by extremely low temperatures.

Having fun under the sun is an experience that is often happy. Done with friends or family, summer fun doesn’t necessarily have to be less fun due to fear of heat stroke. In fact, one of the many ways of staying hydrated during the summer is extremely fun – and most importantly, tasty.

Listed here are examples of food that can help beat the heat:

Watermelons

Similar to the human body, majority of watermelons are made up of water. They are characterized by their uniquely red meat filled with seeds and sweet water. Watermelons are made up of sodium, calcium and magnesium and these are essential ingredients in keeping the body optimally hydrated.

Celery

Similar to watermelons, celery is a vegetable that is mostly made up of water. While it isn’t jam-packed with nutrients, it is however extremely light on calories, making it the ideal snack to keep fit and hydrated during the summer.

Cucumbers

Like the previous entries, cucumbers are made up mostly of water. Unlike celeries, however, cucumbers are filled with vitamin K, vitamin B6 and iron making it a perfect accompaniment to sweet hydrating fruits like watermelons.

Strawberries

Boasting the highest water count among berries, strawberries are jam-packed with fiber and vitamin C. Fiber is known for helping digestion and vitamin C helps with overall maintenance of the body. They’re sweet, delicious and best of all, healthy.

Lettuce

Lettuce is arguably one of the most flexible vegetables on the planet. They’re good raw, they’re good cooked and they’re great paired with other fruits and vegetables. Lettuces are mostly made up of water and they are light in calories making them an ideal meal to substitute rice with, and work great with sandwiches and salads.

Milk

Studies show that milk is an ideal alternative to carbonated drinks and even specially formulated sports drinks. Milk contains the necessary vitamins and minerals that constitute a regular meal as well as the optimal hydration required for the human body. Milk is also a nice addition when making your own healthy shake, and gives it that extra creaminess.

Coconuts

Perhaps the most common type of fruit you’ll be seeing in warm tropical beaches across the world, the coconut is a fruit that is not only delicious, but hydrating as well. The inside of the coconut contains the meat of the fruit, along with some refreshing juice that is best when served cold. The best part is that you can drink the juice from the coconut itself! Coconut juice is also wonderful when served as part of a fruit shake, or even when you add some milk and sugar.

Apples

As the saying goes: “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.”. Apples are not only healthy fruits that are delicious when added into a pie, it is also a frit that can keep you hydrated. Apples have high water content, which means each bite would give you a good amount of liquids to keep you refreshed.

Spinach

The famous cartoon character, Popeye the Sailorman, is best known for getting stronger after eating a can of spinach. But little did Popeye know, that spinach is not only healthy, but it is also a nice food ingredient that can hydrate you as well. Spinach has high water content, and is a great ingredient to add when you are making some sandwiches, or garnishing some pasta. Spinach also gives you vitamins like vitamin E, potassium, and lutein, which makes it a great healthy option as well.

Salads

If you are looking for a light meal or snack that would be both healthy and refreshing, why not make a nice vegetable and fruit salad? Salads offer you a great amount of nutrition, thanks to the variety of food present. You can mix and match different fruits and vegetables, and see which combination of flavors taste the best. For added flavor and crunch, you can put some delicious salad dressing and some croutons for more variety.

Yogurt

If you want a sweet and creamy dessert that you can add some fruits, a cup of yogurt is the way to go. Plain yogurt contains around 85-88% water, while also containing some calcium and B vitamins. Yogurt is best served with fruits like berries, which give it some extra flavor and variety. This is also another healthy snack option apart from salads.

Shakes

Can’t choose just one fruit or veggie from this list? Making a shake out of the fruits and vegetables on this list is a viable option too. The best part about shakes is that the person making the shake is in control of how much vitamins and minerals that he wants to consume in one sitting. Shakes are filling and light on the stomach as well as possessing the necessary kick to keep active people hydrated. There are many fruits and vegetable combinations to choose from, and you can even add milk to make it extra creamy.

Key Takeaway

There are many more fruits and vegetables that are good for staying hydrated under the summer sun. Coconuts are a good example of superfoods that not only fill but also hydrate. Having fun under the sun is great but it would be wise to keep in mind the importance of staying hydrated.

Interested in having a wide variety of food, both healthy and delicious for your event? Give Juan Carlo’s famous catering a try!