Meet Nana the Banana of the Goodness Gang

GOOD NEWS! K finally gets her free plush toy from Rustan's Supermarket. Naming it "Nana the Banana," this bright yellow fella from the Goodness Gang is part of the supermarket's campaign to promote healthy eating following the "5-a-Day Rule" among its shoppers.

The 5-a-Day Rule comes from the World Health Organization's recommended serving of at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables a day to lower the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (e.g. heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers), among other health problems. By consuming five 80-gram portions of fruits and vegetables combined, one can get maximum benefits such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

The Goodness Gang are here to help us follow the 5-a-Day Rule.

Who's your favourite?

Mechanics

Get one (1) sticker for every PhP 300 worth of purchase in Rustan's Supermarkets plus bonus stickers for a minimum PhP 100 worth of sponsor products. Promo runs until November 30, 2013.

Sticker cards are available at Rustan's Supermarket cashiers and customer service counters or click here to download and print a copy.

Sources:

1. Rustan's Supermarket: Goodness Gang
2. NHS (UK): Why 5 a Day?

How I Ran (and Not Walked) for the Pasig River

Sweaty Selfie, I had no choice! :D

I've almost called last Sunday's Run for Pasig River the run that wasn't.

With -- read: 79,000 runners in attendance at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, there wasn't only heavy vehicle buildup at as early as 5:00 am, foot traffic was also unimaginably shoulder-to-shoulder that it took my cluster roughly an hour just to get to the starting line.

It was almost impossible to run.

But thankfully, there were tiny opportunities called spaces that allowed me to zigzag through the thick crowd, consisting mostly of students and corporate volunteers. Then there were my fellow runners from the Metrobank Group who cannot be missed in their bright green shirts. Seeing a runner or two from our Group would inspire me to go on a little faster every time the conditions seemed tough.

At points where the crowd was really thick and dense that I just had to walk with everyone else, our solidly synchronised women and men from the Armed Forces of the Philippines helped me break through.

It also helped that I kept a focused mind. My goal was not just to finish the finish line; for once, I wanted to be able to say that I have run -- and not just walked -- for the Pasig River after two failed attempts in 2010 and 2011 due to personal emergencies.

Today, I am glad that finally did. Despite the sun, sweat and stench, I made through 5k in approximately just 37 minutes.

With my colleagues at the GT-Metro Foundation

Also read:

Green and Well: 3 Things that Running Taught Me

An Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo that Works

I chanced by Forest Magic hair saver products during one of my health store trips early this year. They caught my attention because they are made of gugo bark extract, which my mom used to keep her waist-long hair shiny back in her younger years.

Gugo: A Herbal Wonder

Entada Phaseoloides or simply, gugo, is a large woody vine that is commonly found in lowland coastal forests in Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Western Pacific (Source: NTBG). I was surprised to find out about its medicinal uses other than treating dandruff and hair loss. But for this post, let us just focus on this. According to Forest Magic's product labels, gugo barks contain saponin, which stimulates hair growth, helps control psoriasis and dandruff, prevents premature baldness, controls lice, and strengthens hair roots in order to make our scalp healthy and hair, shiny.

From a Credible Manufacturer

Upon inspecting the label, I saw that Forest Magic is a brand under CRD Herbal Products, Inc. CRD stands for Dr. Carlita Rex-Doran, a Filipino inventor who was awarded by the Department of Science and Technology in 1990 for Best in the Use of Indigenous Materials. (Read more about Dr. Rex-Doran here.)

Having read (and verified) this information -- thanks to the free WiFi at Echostore, I purchased both the shampoo and the liquid lotion as gifts for someone who had a really bad case of hair fall. I also bought the shampoo at a much later date and made a little experiment recently.

Simple and Easy to Use

Forest Magic Herbal Hair Saver Shampoo is used just like any shampoo. After applying a small amount on wet hair, it has to be gently massaged in three to five minutes then rinsed thoroughly.

While it is advised that the Forest Magic Herbal Hair Saver Lotion be used in the morning and the evening, some users may consider using it at night only due to its natural gugo bark scent, which I assume might not appeal to everyone. After bathing, apply a few drops of the lotion and massage on scalp for five to 15 minutes prior to rinsing. It can also be left on overnight.

The Results

One visible result of using both products was the significantly less amount of hair that was collected in the drain after a few weeks. (Sorry, I do not have a picture.)

On the other hand, I did not observe any remarkable difference on my psoriasis but I did document some obvious benefits of Forest Magic shampoo in terms of hair fall reduction: Using the same comb and conditioner but different shampoos, it can be noticed that I lost more while combing after a bath.

Taken a day apart...
I won't share what the "Other Brand" is; the anti-hair fall shampoo is definitely Forest Magic.

Actually, the first picture (above) was a re-take since I thought that the comb that I originally used for the mini experiment was fine-toothed. Nonetheless, I am sharing how it looked like:

I thought that I could have possibly lost more hair here because the comb's teeth were finer than the other one.

Forest Magic products are available at Echostore (with branches at Serendra, ETON Centris and Podium) and in some online sellers at sulit.com.ph.

Forest Magic products posted by sassyennaid, a seller at Sulit.

Calamansi Juice Instaboost!

To obtain maximum benefits, squeeze 8-10 pieces
of calamansi and sweeten with 2 tablespoons
of natural honey.

Known to the Western world as Asia's golden lime, calamansi, calamandarin or calamondin possesses medicinal value, which makes it an effective antidote for a variety of health problems. For this post, let us focus on the benefits of drinking calamansi juice, a refreshing drink that is famous in the Philippines.

Prevention & Cure for Cough, Colds and Other Infections. Daily consumption of calamansi juice gives a boost to the body's immune system since it is rich in Vitamin C. It is best consumed as a hot tea, mixed with natural honey, for treatment and relief from cough and colds.

Natural Laxative. Calamansi juice is also said to help improve digestion, as well as address constipation.

Heart Care. Aside from being a rich source of Vitamin C, calamansi also has high potassium content, which makes helps in the treatment of heart ailments.

In addition to the health benefits listed above, calamansi juice has some aesthetic benefits:

• it aids in weight loss; and
• it helps rejuvenate the skin.

So make drinking calamansi juice a part of your daily health and skin care regimen!

Sources/Additional References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calamondin
2. http://squeeze-c.com/about-us/benefits-of-calamansi/
3. http://www.all-about-philippine-fruits-and-herbs.com/Calamansi-Health-Benefits.html
4. http://healthbenefitsofcalamansi.blogspot.com

Grab and Go: Healthy Snacks for Less than PhP100

Egg Sandwich and Assorted Fruit Shake

SM Hypermart offers a healthy selection of snacks and drinks that you can grab as you go to the office or to your next appointment. Perfect if you're always on the go!

Why Mondo Juice Must Have the Healthiest Smoothies in Town

I'll give you three reasons:

1. Just fruit... and juice!

Mondo Juice smoothies do not have sugars, syrups, artificial sweeteners and other add-ons. It's all just fruit and juice, as they repeatedly say.

2. 5 servings of fruits in just one smoothie

Each Mondo Juice smoothie contains 1/3 lbs. of fresh fruits, equivalent to about 5 servings.

3. Fresher than fresh

Using Instant Quick Freezing (IQF) technology, fruits used in Mondo Juice smoothies have ripened from the tree, instead of the usual fresh fruits in the market, which are picked before they're ripe.

Clean and cozy interiors at the Makati branch

Aside from these three, having your smoothie fix at Mondo Juice is a great idea for they taste naturally superb, not to mention that the clean and cozy interiors of their branches make great hangouts.

They also serve fresh pressed juice, hot and cold drinks, salads, sandwiches, all-day breakfast meals, and pastries.

Choices, also available for delivery

You can order sandwiches and pastries such as these macarons

Merchandise from SIP

Pickled goods, teas and some by nUrish

Visit the following Mondo Juice branches:

Makati City
Rada St., Legaspi Village

SM Megamall, Ortigas
4th Level Bridgeway

Alimall, QC
Skywalk (bridgeway to SM)

For delivery, please call (02) 511-7331, per Makati tearaway menu.
For more information, visit www.mondojuice.com.

My Healthy Birthday Lunch

Upon arriving at work on Friday morning, I saw this card on my desk:

It was an invite for a lunch at my healthy haven, Sugarleaf, to be hosted my friends at work a.k.a. my lunchmates.

As usual, food was deliciously satisfying but not too filling. We ordered a serving of Waldorf salad, consisting of mixed lettuce, apple, potato, raisin and walnut and comes with a yummy dressing, plus a variety of goody wraps and sandwiches (some not in photos). For myself, I ordered one of their healing juices, Immunizer, which is a mix of apple, lime, ginger and garlic. It helps boost the immune system to protect one's self from common viruses that cause this rainy season's oohs and ahhs.

Waldorf Salad

Smoked Fish Wrap with Dijon Mustard and Herb Finish

Veggie Wrap

Many thanks to my friends for the healthy treat! :-)

Three of us in this table celebrated our birthdays in the same week.

3 Things that Running Taught Me

I never was the sporty type but in April this year, I started running, along with biking and swimming, in an attempt to get back into shape. At that time, I was already spilling bulges off my clothes, refusing to shop for tops and bottoms that should be one or two sizes bigger than my old ones.

Little did I know that more than helping me lose weight, running would teach me things that trained me mentally for my journey to well-being.

1. Focus

Finished 10k in 01:19:41
during my second running event.

When I started running, I had a very clear goal in mind: I wanted to lose weight. A secondary goal was for me to become better at it, having been challenged by some people who did not think I was serious enough about the sport.

To do this, I had to be very disciplined in training. Instead of finding excuses, I made opportunities happen despite my priorities at home and at work, my four-hour daily commute notwithstanding. I also learned that it is impossible to train well if I am both physically and mentally unfit. So I took care of my body by eating right, getting enough sleep and yes, shopping for clothes and shoes that are perfect for running!

From a mere 1k, which I could not finish without alternating walks and panting, I was able to do a full 10k with hardly any walking and pausing for rest.

In running long distances, it is hardly about running fast; it is reaching the finish line. Goal over speed. With this, I realize that FOCUS is the key to meeting one's goal no matter what the odds are and how ambitious it may be.

2. Mindfulness

To maintain focus despite the many things on my priority list, I had to learn to sweep away all worries and fears, and adopt the "I'm here in the now" attitude when I go on my runs. I had to focus not only on each and every step I make, but also on my breathing. At the same time, I had to put all my senses at work in the scene -- whether it's a cityscape of tall buildings or a good landscape filled with lush lawns and old trees -- to remain in the present.

Love running in places with scenic views

As I learned to observe proper breathing and posture in running, each activity became an opportunity to practice mindfulness, a part of the Buddhist tradition, which enables self-transcendence.

Because of this, I often end my runs feeling refreshed with a clear mind and an energized body---full of love and gratitude, and ready to give more of myself to others.

3. Consistency

It's not how you start but how you finish.

My first running event.
It's always great to run for a cause.

One common mistake among those who just started running (and I am one of them) is beginning at top speed, which immediately exhausts the body. What I failed to take into consideration in doing this was that I have to gain my momentum---meaning, I had to let it build up. And once it has, I have to preserve it all throughout my run for me to reach the finish line at an acceptable time.

Similarly, I have to follow consistency in practice. One cannot just be a better runner overnight. It takes practice. It takes discipline. I figured, one of the things that I have to improve on in myself is consistency.

I am glad that running just taught me this.

Homemade Garlic Soup: An All-Natural Cure for Swollen Tonsils

My version of an all-natural garlic soup

It was quite unfortunate that my daughter met the weekend with a fever and a painful throat. I was hoping we were done with antibiotics for the rest of the year... So I thought of concocting my own garlic soup recipe after reading in naturalnews.com that garlic is an effective herbal cure to tonsillitis, the swelling of tonsils due to bacterial or viral infections. Garlic is said to be a powerful antibiotic, being able to kill a wide range of microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites.

I am sharing my very simple recipe here after observing that it has quickly (almost immediately) and successfully relieved my daughter's sore throat.

Ingredients:

4 garlic heads

1 1/2 cups of olive oil

1 cup flour

1L water

Salt

Ground pepper

Spring onion

Fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Halve the garlic heads cross-wise using a knife then peel the skin.

2. Heat 1 cup of olive oil on a deep pan using low flame.

3. Once the oil is hot enough, put the garlic and cover the lid until the garlic becomes golden brown.

4. Turn off the flame.

5. Pour one cup of flour then mash and mix with the garlic. To make a rich mix, you may pour the remaining olive oil.

6. Once a smooth combination is made, heat the pan and fry for a while.

7. Slowly add 1L of water while stirring.

8. Season with salt and pepper until desired taste is achieved.

9. Add spring onion that's chopped into small pieces and parsley.

10. Serve hot.

Quick and Safe Home Remedies to Cough and Sore Throat

Manila weather, with its alternating sunny and rainy days, can bring about common cough and sore throat. I usually do not wait for symptoms to worsen; it just takes that familiar sting in the throat to send me to the kitchen cupboard for these quick and safe home remedies that I have learned from my parents.

Warm Salt Water: The Sore Throat Buster

Source: http://img2.timeinc.net/health/img/web/2012/11/slides/gargle-salt-sick-400x400.jpg

Sore throat is usually caused by viral and bacterial infections. One of my tried and tested natural ways to quickly cure inflamed and irritated throat is to gargle warm salt water at least twice a day - upon waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night.

When gargled correctly, warm salt water can help give temporary relief to scratchy throat, as well as wash away the germs that are causing the problem.

How to prepare warm salt water

1. Fill a glass with warm water. (I put warmer water when my sore throat is worse.)

2. Put one tablespoon of salt into the water and stir.

How to gargle

1. Sip a small amount of the mixture and leave it in your mouth.

2. Tilt your head back and start gargling.

3. In order for the salt water to reach lower down your throat, slowly extend your tongue or stick it out while gargling. 

4. Gargle for about 10 to 30 seconds, depending on how long you can hold the salt water in your mouth.

5. Repeat until you consume the whole glass of warm salt water.

Honey: The Natural Expectorant

Source: http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/image-files/teaspoon-of-honey-small.jpg

When my mom first told me to treat my daughter's cough with honey, I could not believe her. I thought that honey was sweet - aren't we supposed to stay away from sweets if we're sick? 

So I ran a Google search and found some articles citing studies showing honey as an effective cough remedy. (Click here to read about Dr. Ian Paul's study at ABC News.) I learned that honey has antioxidants and antibacterial enzymes. It helps soothe irritated mucous membranes and eventually, helps stop the cough. (If you think about it, most cough syrups are sticky!)

I tried the honey remedy recently by taking one to three tablespoons of honey before bedtime. I was surprised that by the next day, I was already releasing phlegm and mucous quite easily. I continued taking honey for the next two nights and believe it or not, I was already well by the third or fourth day.

I also tried the same remedy for my eight year-old daughter - only, at smaller doses. I gave her one tablespoon of honey every night and the same results were observed.

Here's a warning though: it is said that honey should NOT be given to children below the age of two.

(For further reading, visit Food Matters and The Survival Doctor.)

I am glad to have tried both remedies so I take the opportunity to share them through Green and Well. I would like to add too that these remedies work best when coupled with proper diet (with a boost of foods that are rich in Vitamin C), plenty of water, and enough rest. In instances when cough and sore throat seem to linger or worsen, it is always best to see a doctor. :-)

Lunch at MoMo Café

I became quite picky with restaurants since I have decided not to chew any meat that comes from land animals. Coming from a very productive meeting in the morning, my friend and I decided to have lunch out instead of having the usual cafeteria food.

We had Crispy Garlic Butter Butter Blue Marlin "Shish Kabobs" skewered with bell peppers, zucchini and red onions with corn on a cob and served with party rice and fresh lemon. It's PhP 350 only and good for sharing.

We earned our meal that came with onion soup as we walked from our office to the Ayala Triangle Gardens and back.

Doncha love cloudy days like this?

Organic Vegetable Quiche

Oh my quiche!

Sugarleaf's organic vegetable quiche (PhP 150) is deliciously light but filling. :-)

Sugarleaf is located at the 2/F MEDICard Lifestyle Center, Paseo de Roxas corner Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City.

Sent from my Windows Phone

Beef with broccoli, young corn and carrots and fresh green mangoes

Yummy, yummy!

In support of my healthy diet, my sister prepared this healthy meal early this week. Since she's the one who does the weekly groceries and meal planning, she now makes sure that the whole family eats nutritious foods. Thank you, ate!

Comfort food for a rainy Friday

Spinach and Cheese Tortilla-which (PhP 185)

Muscovado-sweetened Cafe Americano 12 oz. (Php 85)

It's easy to fall into a state of melancholy in this kind of weather, on a plan-less Friday evening. The rains have caused shuttle queues to criss-cross so I decided to have a quiet dinner at ECHOStore to practice mindful eating.

I chose a vegetarian bestseller, Spinach and Cheese Tortilla-which (PhP 175), and partnered it with a warm cup of Cafe Americano that's sweetened by muscovado.

I miss Krissy and I think about all my loved ones. I guess this is the advantage of having some time to yourself - you realize that your love is always, always alive. :-)

GK and Sustainable Consumerism

I share the sentiments of Ms. Rina Jimenez-David regarding the superbly planned and well-packaged social enterprises, which Gawad Kalinga has given birth to.

 

Happy reading! J

 

At Large

Best of both worlds

By Rina Jimenez-David
Philippine Daily Inquirer

11:42 pm | Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

Even before Anna Meloto-Wilk, cofounder (with sister Camille) of Gandang Kalikasan Inc., the “mother company” behind the Human Nature line of health and beauty products, got in touch with me, I was already a customer of its organic and natural body care line.

About a year ago, I was in Shopwise Libis looking to replenish my stash of toiletries that I keep handy for traveling. This was when I stumbled on a stand-alone shelf for Human Nature products, and, liking the attractive packaging and come-on that Human Nature was “pro-Philippines, pro-poor and pro-environment,” I decided to pick up travel-size containers of its body lotion, feminine wash and “balancing” face wash. I haven’t had reason to regret my decision since.

Before then, I would spot some Human Nature items on the shelves of EchoStore, managed by friends Chit Juan, Reena Francisco and Jeannie Javelosa. The venture likewise markets organic and all-natural products which they source from communities and creative entrepreneurs around the country, but gives “value added” services by conducting workshops on product design and packaging, among others, to the women they work with.

Likewise, the Human Nature stores along Commonwealth, Quezon City (its flagship), and 25 other outlets nationwide (aside from their network of dealers) also carry other products, not necessarily of the same line of makeup and toiletries, but having the same DNA mix of corporate social responsibility and sustainable consumerism. Among these products are the “Theo and Philo” chocolate bars made from native cacao beans and attractively packaged in wrappers that mimic Philippine weaves. There’s also “Furry Kind,” a natural pet care brand (created by Human Nature global ambassador Rachel Grant, an actress and model) that has won over my son and his wife, who swear that the “tangerine treat” Cocomutt Shampoo has made their two dogs smell delectably sweet.

And then there are “Jessica Saging” and “Manny Pakwan,” names given to plush toy pillows that are, says Anna, “safe and nontoxic,” created by a visiting Frenchman, handmade by community women in Bulacan, and come together with storybooks that seek to teach young readers the virtues of a healthy diet.

* * *

Anna and I are having lunch at the Enchanted Farm Café. This is a small unpretentious eatery located above the flagship store that serves dishes and products produced by the 40 families living and working in the “Enchanted Farm,” a training and demonstration project of Gawad Kalinga in Bulacan.

For many years now, Gawad Kalinga, recognized by the Ramon Magsaysay Awards for its social development thrust centered on affordable housing, has helped create communities around the country for the previously homeless and landless, the “poorest of the poor.” The Enchanted Farm, which sits on a parcel of land donated by one family, provides more than just housing for the community. It also houses small garden plots for the residents, livelihood projects, and training and exposure programs for volunteers who come from all over the world.

Today, says Anna, one would be hard put to find an idle family in any one of the “GK” communities. With the goal of creating self-sustaining lifestyles, especially in terms of food production, GK villages are ringed with vegetable plots and animal lots that use sustainable and renewable technology and products. “We use no chemical fertilizers nor pesticides,” Anna declares proudly.

The Enchanted Farm Café is a showcase of this food philosophy, offering rice meals, salads, pastas and desserts that use the products grown on the farm and prepared by members of the community. Why, the food is even served on wooden dishes and bowls, and when I comment that they are using plastic utensils, Anna gently informs me that the spoon and fork are made from starch and, therefore, environmentally sustainable. Oops, my bad!

There is a whole story, even, on the “Bayani Brew,” an iced-tea mix whose formulation was created by one of the “nanay” or mothers in a GK community. The “brew” makes use of natural flavor enhancers like lemon grass, pandan leaves, and duhat leaves. “It was all her doing. We only gave our inputs on standardization and packaging,” says Anna.

The Bayani Brew in the café is served in used glass containers (mayonnaise jars, actually), but bottles of the brew are likewise on sale at Human Nature stores. And believe me, the brew is so good, I had two glasses over lunch!

* * *

Are Human Nature and Echostore—among others—harbingers of a trend in which marketing imperatives are tempered by social conscience? I myself think it’s a melding of the best of both worlds. Consumers find and get what they want, and are even guaranteed that the products they buy and use are healthy, safe, and effective—and do no harm to the environment.

At the same time, they shell out cash with the full knowledge that they are not just meeting their needs but also helping everyone involved in Human Nature—the management, sure, but also their employees and the producers, including the farmers who grow, sustain and harvest the organic products that go into every bottle, spray, jar, makeup case and plush toy.

It is social commitment with a smile, an exchange that demands no anger, denunciation, politics or exploitation. Maybe I’ve grown soft in my impending senior years, but you know what, sometimes it’s nice to help without needing to get mad at anyone!

Read more: http://opinion.inquirer.net/56723/best-of-both-worlds#ixzz2ZHitcHpB
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

 

DISCLAIMER

"This message is for the designated recipient only and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you have received it in error, please delete it and advise the sender immediately. You should not copy or use it for any other purpose, nor disclose its contents to any other person."

Goldilocks Go Lite Sugar-Free Mamon

When I think of Goldilocks, I am reminded of growing up to all their sweet-tasting breads and pastries. They made perfect baons/snacks and pasalubongs.

As an alternative to Goldilocks Fluffy Mamon (PhP 20), the Go Lite Sugar-Free Mamon (PhP 29) uses sucralose (Splenda), which is a safer sugar substitute than aspartame according to the Bureau of Food and Drugs Administration (BFAD) and (United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

According to No Sugar Added, an article written by Tina Arceo-Dumlao of the Inquirer, a teaspoon of white sugar contains 120 calories as compared to Splenda's zero.

The sugar-free mamon tastes just as mildfully sweet and feels just as soft in the mouth as the fluffy mamon.

Happy snacking! :-)

Be Organic's Argan Oil Hair Products

(From Be Organic Bath & Body's Page)

Dubbed as Morocco's liquid gold and beauty elixir, argan oil has been hailed by women around the world for its cosmetic wonders.

Benefits of argan oil include skin protection from UV rays, stress, and other environmental factors that can cause dryness and aging. It is an effective cleanser and moisturizer - not only for the face and the body, by also for the hair.

I got attracted by Be Organic Bath and Body's display of argan oil hair products in Echo Store. Being a Forest Magic Gugo shampoo user, I was perpetually on the lookout for a natural conditioner that can complement its hair saving effect. Now guess what? I think I've found the one.

Be Organic's argan oil conditioner is made of argan oil, which is naturally rich in anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids such as Vitamin E and squalene; jojoba oil, which treats coarse and frizzy hair as well as moisturizes the scalp; silk protein, which strengthens the hair; and panthenol, which helps hair growth.

A 250 ml bottle of Be Organic's argan oil conditioner costs PhP 350 at Echo Store. I felt its instant magic as soon as I used it. My hair felt softer and smoother without the eeky grime. And it smells oh so naturally nice!

You may visit Be Organic's Facebook page at: https://m.facebook.com/BeOrganicBathandBody

Green and Well Booths at the 2013 LCF CSR Expo

The annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Expo exhibits of the League of Corporate Foundations have increasingly become a venue for non-profits to showcase eco-products that are mostly produced by social enterprises. I took photos of *some interesting booths and thought of sharing them here at Green and Well.

Please click the names of the exhibitors to be directed to their websites or contact info.

East-West Seed Foundation, the CSR arm of a East-West Seed Philippines, is our technical partner for the Oh My Gulay! School Vegetable Garden Project.  Through their community workers, students from our adopted schools learn to appreciate the value of eating healthy as they become involved in planting, maintaining and harvesting veggies.

Nutrition Center of the Philippines, the CSR arm of Philippines Nutri-Foods Corporation, promotes good nutrition in schools through health education.

Blue Watershed seeks to sustain the reforestation activities at Marikna Watershed - whose denudation caused the massive floods of Tropical Storm Ondoy - by empowering the local community to produce their own natural products. Doing this secures the livelihood of the community and ensures that they will not go back to destructive activities such as logging. Blue Watershed is organized by the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation through the support of Coca-Cola Foundation and PLDT-Smart Foundation.

Roxas Foundation markets these local products that will make awesome gifts to  balilbayans, foreign guests and our closest friends.

Caritas Novaliches sells all these interesting goods: handmade purses, preserved goods and soaps and ointments.

Peace and Equity Foundation sells all these healthy goods from Got Heart Foundation. Interested green and well buyers may visit their stores on E. Abada St., Loyola Heights, QC and Katipunan Ave., White Plains side.

The Manila Doctors Hospital also rendered free medical and first aid services of which, I was a beneficiary.

On a personal note, the CSR Expo is always a great time to catch up with my colleagues and friends in the development sector. It's also the time to meet like-minded folks for possible project tie ups.

Echo Store's Vegetable Pancit Canton

I bought Echo Store's vegetable instant noodles for my daughter's baon today. It tastes good and so natural plus, it's easy to prepare.

A pack of six costs PhP 175. It includes malunggay, squash, carrot, spinach, saluyot and soybean.

From The Sexy Chef - PhP 1,500-1,750 for Mon-Fri Healthy Lunch & Dinner Deliveries

The Sexy Chef delivers light and nutritious meals that are perfect to every health-conscious working women and men. The Health Bar menu offers affordable yet mouth-watering dishes for as low as PhP 1,500 a week - inclusive of lunch and dinner. (Only PhP 150 per meal!) 

 

"Each meal is prepared using only the freshest, most wholesome ingredients that are sugarfree,lowfat,rich in lean protein and high in fiber."

 

Click here for more info: http://www.thesexychef.ph/healthy-meals/health-bar/

The Sexy Chef's HEALTH BAR MENU has an amazing variety of rice bowls, pasta dishes, wraps, sandwiches, salads and soup that you can mix and match to make up your Monday-Friday healthy eating habit.    It's easy and affordable to be slim and feel great with our Health Bar 5 DAY PACKAGE!  Get your officemates to join you in your quest for a healthier lifestyle.   Check out the HEALTH BAR section of http://thesexychef.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=f1b53fd6d4eaba3dd2ac842b4&id=03e65b2aa0&e=2c35252a60 and see our sample 5 day menu! CONTACT US OUR LOCATION G/F, Tower 4, Xavier Hills Condominium, Granada cor. N. Domingo Sts., Brgy. Valencia, Quezon City OUR HOURS Mon-Sun    8am-5pm VISIT US ONLINE TheSexyChef.ph Copyright © 2013 The Sexy Chef, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you joined our mailing list on TheSexyChef.ph Disclaimer: Weight loss results may vary and can be influenced by other factors, including your metabolic rate, energy expenditure, hormonal imbalance, diet (foods you eat other than our meal deliveries) and other pre-existing medical conditions. Our mailing address is: The Sexy Chef G/F, Tower 4, Xavier Hills Condominium, Granada cor. N. Domingo Sts., Brgy. Valencia Quezon City, Man 1100 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences