National University Students of Culinary Make It BIG With Jolly University

7th Floor – College of Hospitality Management, National University , Mariano F. Jhocson Street, Sampaloc, Manila – Philippines

L-R Ms. Michelle Ann S. Mori , Ms. Chezper Ann B. Carullo and Ms. Jennilyn C. Merin

Team 2 or THE JIP Girls ( known as Jolly , Incredible and Productive ) or Joke in Public bested 2 other teams in an inter-college competition which brought the best teams in tough elimination round .

team competition

The team garnered a total score of 86.7% earning the final slot , (12 colleges and universities in Metro Manila ) which earn the team the right to represent their school in the 2nd Jolly University Grand Culinary Challenge which will culminate on March 7, 2015 from 1;00pm to 5:00pm at Robinson’s Place -Midtown Atrium, Manila.

Robinson’s Place – Manila : http://www.robinsonsmalls.com/malls_manila.php

L- R panel of judges included Mr. Marius Hernani Garcia ( Purchasing and Logistic Director – National University ) , Ms. Dolly Rose Manalang ( Marketing and Admission Director – National University ) and Mr. Ralph  Rebulanan ( Assistant Product Manager-  Fly Ace Corporation)

Jolly University Booth Camp

The team will also have a chance to participate in a 2-day boot camp starting February 28 to March 1, 2015 at the Fly Ace Corporation main office in Pasay City .

Prof. Errol Martin – Faculty Members in Charge for Activities and Competitions

The special invited guests , bloggers, freelance media and journalists were warmly “welcomed” by Mr. Errol Martin of the College of Hospitality Management, National University.

Mr. Paul Quimbo

Mr. Paul Quimbo delighted the audience with his jokes and on the spot contest

Ms. Frances Ann Riva , Mr. Paul Quimbo , Ms. Ma. Rinalyn Lopez and Ms. Chen Wun Huei

Jolly University Campus Tours

Participating colleges and universities includes Arellano University ( Legarda )  , San Sebastian College, Technological University of the Philippines , Saint Louis College -Valenzuela , Perpetual help College of Manila , Far Eastern University – Manila , Universidad de Manila , Colegio de San Juan de Letran, La Consolacion College , Polytechnic University of the Philippines , University of Santo Tomas and National University .

Team Makatang Kusinero

Team Makatang Kusinero ( Team # 1)  led by an all male students  Mr.  Archival Ace Fernandez , Mr. Ken Daniel Leul and Mr. Marck Nestor Rodriguez  ( The team garnered a total score of 83. 7% )

Criteria for Judging

Each of the team is required to submit a food bazaar dish recipe , using the different JOLLY Food line products. This enhances the students ‘s knowledge of the various Jolly products and its usage . This activity aims to develop their creativity in coming up with innovative recipes that are perfect for a start -up business .

registration desk officers

Winners are chosen based on the following criteria : Food Execution (25%) , Relevant Usage of Jolly Food Items (25%) , Organization and Sanitation (20%) , Taste and Texture (20%) and Creativity and Visual Impact (10%)

shrimp ala pasta corn peas

creme de fruitas

Team Chrizeynee ( Team number 3) The group nicknamed their team ” The Jolly Chef ” . The team composed of Ms. Christine Rodriguez, Ms. Renee Charisse Seneres and Ms. Kryzane Gutierrez . The team garnered a score of 86.3%

fish and vegetables burritos with tomato salsa

fruity jelly pudding

L-R Ms. Michelle Ann S. Mori , Chezper Ann B. Carullo and Ms. Jennilyn C. Merin

Team JIP Girls ( Team number 2)

vegetable samosa

lychee panna cotta

They will represent their school in the Jolly University Boot Camp and the Jolly University Grand Cook-Off on March 7 at Robinson Place – Midtown Atrium / Ermita

Website : http://www.flyacecorp.com/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/JollyFoods

L-R  Mr. Ralph  Rebulanan, Ms. Niña Daza-Puyat , Professor Errol Martin , Ms. Jasmine Capule  and Ms. MJ Cordova

small token of appreciation were given by the officers of Fly Ace Corporation to Professor Errol Martin ( National University )

Appetite Magazine: https://www.facebook.com/appetitemag

Cash Prizes for the National Grand Culinary Challenge includes Php 15,000 and gift packs for the First Place, Php 10,000 and gift packs for the Seond Place and Php 5,000 and gift packs for the Third Place.

Note : I would like to ” Thank ” Ms. MJ Cordova ,Mr. Paul Quimbo , Prof. Errol Martin of the National University  and  Fly ACE Corporation for the invitation extended .

Advertisement

Flora Filipina 2015 : Exciting Cultural and Flower Display Opening Highlights

Hardin ng mga Bulaklak ( HB Garden ) Quezon Memorial Circle , Quezon City – Philippines

guests of honor ( ribbon cutting ceremony )

The Philippine Orchid Society in partnership with Quezon City government, Quezon Memorial Circle,Department of Tourism , Department of Agriculture , Del Monte-Philippines, KFC, Allied Botanical Corporation , Ramgo International,Philippine Bonsai Society and major garden clubs in different parts of the country opened the 4th Flora Filipina Exposition 2015 at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak ( HB Flower Garden ) .

Ms. Charry Valencia and Ms. Candice Chua -Ong ( Ramgo International )

Ramgo International Seeds and Fertilizer Company is one of the key industry players . Aside from quality vegetable and flowering annuals seeds , fertilizers brands like Nutricote , Siam , Hormex . The company also sells quality plastic pots and gardening tools.

Website: http://ramgoseeds.com/

It was past 4:00pm when the special guests of honor arrived at the site.

Mrs. Irma Potenciano , Mrs. Remedios Rodis-Santelices and Mr. Antonio Padilla

Allied Botanical Corporation sales and marketing and Mr. Noel Vincent ” Botchie” Canicula

Ms. Eleonor Lim ,  Dr. Olivia Sanchez , Mr. Reynaldo Lucas

Mr. Reynaldo Lucas is a long time member of the organization. He collects native orchids and was part of the orchid judging committee several years ago

Ms. Evangeline ” Vangie ” Go

Allied Botanical Corporation landscape exhibit

Allied Botanical Corporation or simply called ABC , They are the local distributor of Peter’s fertilizer , vegetable , ornamental flowering seeds producer .

sunflowers, lettuce , marigold, watermelon , herbs, vegetables,  bell peppers , tomatoes , zinnas, sorghum , celosia  among others were incorporated to be a part of the landscape .

fruits and vegetables

A growing trend all over the world is to have edible plants such as vegetables, fruits , herbs and their companion flowering plants ( which drives away pests like insects or attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies  )

They are group together to add more color to the landscape and at the same time serves as food for the community. The predominant color is yellow – The arrival of the summer ( hot season in the Philippines ) is just around the corner.

nipa hut inspired landscape exhibit

Another simple yet reflective of Philippine culture is the ” Bahay Kubo ” or Nipa Hut . Typical scene that capture the rural setting with lots of ornamental flowering plants like bougainvillaeas, orchids , bromeliads  ,  bonsai on display.

completing the accents were pebbles, adobe stones , old jars

Mr. Noel Vincent Canicula

Dr. Olivia Sanchez

Dr. Olivia Sanchez booth had a mix array of flowering orchids, gerberas , ferns, bromeliads, anthuriums, tillandsia and old railroad logs.

Ms. Becky Buenaventura and Architect Bimbo Vergara

Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines landscape exhibit which consists of wood panels , native handicrafts, old wooden poles and other accents. Take a peek to the collection of natural stones neatly arranged in a wooden rack.

guests marvel at the bonsai collection of Professor  Juan T. Lim

bonsai collection

The best bonsai of Flora Filipina 2015 was from the collection of Professor Juan Lim

He was again awarded ” BEST Bonsai ” for Flora Filipina 2015

Link to my previous article : https://renz15.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/big-winners-of-the-68th-mid-year-philippine-orchid-societys-landscaping-competition/

He is also quite lucky for choosing the same spot – Just like the mid-year show last year .

Philippine Bonsai Society Incorporated  exhibit

Philippine Bonsai Society , Inc. had  the tallest structure at the Flora Filipina  2015 event. The only downside of the structure is that people who wanted to take photos and see the bonsai on display will have to look -up.

Noel Vincent ” Botchie” Canicula

NVC Garden

crowd

There were about 170 to 200 people representing different garden clubs , organizations , international guests, foreign tourists, government officials during the opening day ceremonies.

Vice Mayor- Maria Josefina Belmonte-Alimurung

Quezon City ‘s – Vice Mayor Maria Josefina Belmote-Alimurung personally welcomed everyone at the event.  Her office never missed any of the events hosted by plant organizations like the Philippine Orchid Society . I must agree with what she said.

aruy/ aray

Filipinized version of the famous Spanish Aragonese dance Jota. The name of the dance was derived from a final exclamation on the song that accompanies this dance.

aruy/ aray dancers

The lyrics of this song is in Chabacano  Ermitense an extinct creole language spoken in Ermita, Malate and extends southwards to Pasay and Cavite area.  This dance is  performed to welcome a distinguished guests and the costume reflect strong Iberian, Mexican and Tropical Carribean colors  . Wooden castanets (  for male)  and tambourine ( for female) were used as part of the dance.

Tausug dance

Binasuan dance

It is a traditional folk dance in which the performer holds full wine or water glasses  in each hand while performing balancing tricks.

Wine may be used to fill the glasses, but other liquids may be substituted. The arms are rotated over and under the shoulder in order to keep the palms facing up so as not to spill the liquid. It is performed by male and female dancers.

balancing glasses on top of the foreheads

The origin of the dance is common in Pangasinan, Ilocos provinces , Central luzon provinces . The dancers were students from Commonwealth High School , Quezon City

usherette in modern filipinana( kimona) attire

catering

guests

invited members and board of directors

Los Baños Horticultural Society members

Mrs. Susan Lee , Mr. Manuel  Lee and members of the Philippine Bonsai Society Inc.

Finally , a late afternoon meal was serve to the special guests and dignitaries at the Hardin ng Bulaklak in a garden like setting.

Jolly -University 2015 – University of Santo Tomas winners

Benavides Auditorium  ( High School Building ) , University of Santo Tomas , Sampaloc, Manila -Philippines

Team 3- EPICURE

Mr. Rian Wilfred Cajiles ,   Ms. Monique Siguenza and Mr. Christopher Elijah John Asiddao

Three students from College of Tourism Hospitality Management – Hotel Restaurant Management earn the right to represent the university in the 2nd Jolly University Face-OFF challenge on March 7 at Robinson’s Place- Ermita .

The team name ( EPICURE )  means a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink. Something that is elegant !

 savory chicken samosa with Jolly Mixed mushroom, water chestnuts , garbanzos , cheese and with Jolly Mandarin orange chutney

They got their idea to come up with dishes which were influenced by several kiosk type eateries along P. Noval and Dapitan street . All within stone-throw away from the school .  There are fried chicken , fried dimsums and ilocos empanadas  ( It is where the group got their inspiration )  .  Although it is an Indian dish , there are a lot of elements and influences which comes from the  textures, ingredients and influences of the eateries around the place.

Lychee Pana Cotta crusted with Jolly Corn graham crust topped with gelatin Jolly Peach

Team number 3 garnered a score of 89.0% which bested the 2 other teams. They prepared 1 main dish and 1 dessert .

Panel of judges includes:

Ms. Marilou Acuña ( Fly Ace Corporation) , Chef Mitchie Sison (Celebrity Chef )and Chef Olga Ko – Chief Instructor for Culinary

Team Jolly Bees ( 3rd place ) and Team D-Lychee ( 2nd place)

dishes

Team 2( D-Lyche ) got 83.7 % while Team ( Jolly Bees ) got 83.0 %

Ms. Niña Daza- Puyat ( editor in chief- Appetite magazine) and Ms. Evangeline Timbang ( Associate Professor – CTHM-HRM ) University of Santo Tomas holding the latest issue of the magazine

 Mr. Jay Lao ( Marketing Staff) and Mr. Jett Tandoc ( Marketing Associate )-Solane

Solane giveaways

students and participants were given cute key chains and coin purse.

Website: http://www.solane.com.ph/

 Mr. Paul Quimbo – program host

The crowd was quite delighted with the hosting skills of Mr. Paul Quimbo . He had a travel and lifestyle show on Studio 23 , program emcee and an Information Technology graduate.

Jolly Food  products ( Fly Ace Corporation )

Jolly University program is a continuous learning program exclusively for college students which allow them to LEARN the essential industry skills, CREATE career milestone and SHARE inspiring values

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JollyFoods

Twitter: twitter.com/jollyeatsPH

Instagram: @jollyeatsPH

students enjoying a sample meal prepared by Ms. Niña Daza- Puyat ( tropical chicken casserole with rice and pineapples )

students

Mr. Harry Valdenor- Technical Engineer

He talked about some safety tips at home and in work place.

http://www.solane.com.ph/your-safety

 Ms. Jasmine Capule ( product manager)

Ms. Jasmine had a short talk on basic wine types and is the sensory examination and evaluation of wine . While the practice of wine tasting is as ancient as its production, a more formalized methodology has slowly become established from the 14th century onwards. Modern, professional wine tasters  ( sommeliers for buyers )  use a constantly evolving specialized terminology which is used to describe the range of perceived flavors, aromas and general characteristics of a wine.

 intermission

students performs their acrobatic and barista skills during the intermission

winners

Website: http://www.flyacecorp.com/

Note: I would like to “Thank” Ms. Mj Cordova , Mr. Paul Quimbo , Ms. Evangeline Timbang and Fly Ace Corporation for the invite and accommodation.

A Guide to Dendrobium of the Philippines : Book Launching and Autograph Signing

Tropical Gardens, Quezon Memorial Circle- Quezon City , Philippines

Ms. Jo Quimpo, Mrs. Adoracion S. Bernabe, Mr. Jim Cootes and Dr. Romeo Gutierrez

The Philippines is considered as one of the centers of biodiversity for the genus. Home to at least 110 species which represents about 8 to 10% of the over 1,200 plus Dendrobium species that are found over a wide range of habitats . The Philippine Horticultural Society in partnership with Mr. Jim Cootes, League of Orchid Conservationists Philippines and other garden clubs and societies were invited to the grand launching held yesterday at the Tropical Garden within Quezon Memorial Circle.

Mr.Mickey Bustos

  Mr. Mickey Bustos ( you tube, Internet sensation and television celebrity ) together with some of his friends. I think they were scouting for a place to shoot his latest  video. People around the vicinity instantly recognized him and followed him wherever he went.

  Dr. John Clifton Martyr and  Ms . Mitch Frankenberger Pellicer emcee of the event

Ms. Ofelia Gelvezon- Tequi

Ms. Ofelia Gelvezon- Tequi is an avid orchid collector and represented the French Orchid Society

Dr. Nelson T. Geraldino

Dr. Nelson T. Geraldino is from University of the Philippines – Manila , an avid Philippine orchid species collector, photographer, professor and doctor by profession. He had a  collection of wide array of native orchid species ( and photographs)  that were featured in several international publication, magazines and calendars.

 ( LOC-PHIL ) League of Orchid Conservationists -Philippines members

Quote:”  Just came in from PHSI, where I introduced a person who needs no introduction. He brought a couple of orchid publications from Sydney, Australia, Orchids Australia February 2015 issue, where an article of his showed three of my photos of Bulbophyllum papulosum, and Orchid Digest July-Sept 2014 issue, where an article of his showed four photos of my Coelogynes. I got to have a free signed copy of Dendrobinae of the Philippines, where nine of my photos were published. Thank you very much, Jim Cootes . ”

League of Orchid Conservationists Philippines

L-R Mr. Christopher Castillo, Ms. Rowena Aben Daquioag, Mr. Joel dela Cruz and Mr. Niel Maceda

Architect Andrew Patrick Gozon

Mr. Andrew Patrick Gozon is an architect , professor, book author , tropical fish collector, native trees advocate and a blogger.

Doctor John Clifton Martyr

Doctor John Cliffon Martyr is a long time Philippine orchid species collector . I met him several times at the Philippine Orchid Society shows . He is also breeding some orchids species native to his home province.

Mr. Jake Gaw and Ms. Ressie Paz-Navarro

Mr. Jake Gaw is the current president of Fern and Nature Lovers Society of the Philippines and ( Avilon Zoo)  . He is an avid animal , fish , orchid and fern collector. Ms. Ressie Paz Navarro is also a exotic animal and native orchid species collector.

Mr. Dennis Dy Kho

Mr. Dennis Dy Kho – He is a car enthusiast,  blogger, internet shop owner, stamp ,  fish and now native orchid collector .

Atty. Bom Gomez ( Plant Chaser)

Atty. Bom Gomez is a plant enthusiasts,  blogger and orchid species collector.

Website: http://www.plantchaser.com/

Mr. Dennis Umali

Mr. Dennis Umali is from Cavite area.  He had several dozens of native orchid species in his home.

Mr. Kurt Tan

Tita Baby de Leon catering staffs

The food were catered by Tita Baby de Leon , resident caterer. Some of the members brought siopao, native delicacies ,  cupcakes , piyaya, biscuits ,noodles ,  pop corn and puto .

biscuits

pastries

Every member of the organization had contributed something from setting of tents , shelling out money  for catering services, bringing foods and regional delicacies which reflect the BAYANIHAN style of preparation.  The mood was very festive and everyone had the opportunity to meet on-line friends .

fried banana flower chips

piyaya and biscuits

maja blanca

egg pancit

sapin-sapin

 ( Sweet Lab) Puto Macapuo from Novaliches, Quezon City

fried chicken loli pop

fried lumpia ( spring rolls)

brownies

sliced carrots, picama ( singkamas) young beans and cucumber

Ms. Rowena Aben Daquioag holding her famed cupcakes

 For bulk orders : 0922-3807118

Note: The book is finally out of the press,  I will rank this book at 8.75 – I wish it could be hardbound for several reasons . For schools and public libraries which may purchase this book , soft bound book tend to tear easily . Sanggumay- ( Dendrobium anosmum ) only three varieties were mentioned in pages- 28,29 and 30.  Based on other orchid journals and magazine – There was around 5 to 7 varieties ( hope the author focused more on the other variation ) . Sanggumay is one of the most observed , studied and cultivated species and I think there is no reason why the author limited his description to just three.   Photography is  quite superb.

Cultural requirements and  synonyms were  not mentioned, despite some of the Dendrobium species are widely cultivated. Conservation status is also not mentioned . The 142 pages book is worth buying especially those collect and study Philippine native orchid species. This is quite handy

Amelie Hotel : Botique Hotel located at Manila’s Bohemian District

1667 Jorge Bocobo Street, Malate , Manila-Philippines 

Galleon Bar

Amelie Hotel is a 70- room boutique hotel which is located at  Jorge Bocobo street near Pedro Gil ( formerly Herran street ) near University of the Philippines– Manila ,  Robinson’s Place- Midtown Plaza, Philippine Women’s University , Philippine Christian University, Adamson University , United Nations, World Health Organization ,  Rizal Park , Intramuros and within one ride away from the historic Paco and Chinatown district of Manila. All these historical places are within 3 to 4 kilometers away from the hotel.

 photo courtesy of : University of the Philippines archives

Historic Street

Dr. Jorge Bocobo  (1886-1965) was a renowned Philippine scholar, lawyer, journalist, leader, and educator. He was the fifth president of the University of the Philippines  from 1934-1939. Known to be moralist and disciplinarian, he was influential in the development of education in the Philippines. He was the one  who translated Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo into English, was born in Gerona, Tarlac.

roof deck floor can accommodate between 70 to 150 people an an ideal place to host parties, debuts, valentine’s day , new year  parties and cocktails

According to one of the manager, The site of the present hotel used to be site of an old residential home , This is the first project of Ruygroup Hotel Corporation which is being built on land formerly occupied by the Uy ancestral home with art deco architecture . The hotel’s name was from the owner ‘s  grand-daughter named ” Amelie ” .

reception area with Mr. Dandi A. Galvez ( marketing and communication manager)

Amenities

Galleon Restaurant– named after the famed (Manila Galleon) trade that fostered goods and cultural exchanges between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico  by Mario’s Kitchen offers international cuisine sure to satisfy a wide range of palates .

linear art deco map

Galleon’s restaurant and bar serves , unique , familiar and fusion dishes . The restaurant provides all day , dining , room service and catering for functions and special occasions.

center piece leaf arrangement

In addition to spacious rooms, computer kiosks are available in the lobby as well as printing and facsimile services. There is a roof deck gym is also open to  guests.

Amelie Hotel Manila’s location in Malate makes it the perfect base for exploring the vibrant city of Manila and its neighboring cities. We are located just 13km from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and 7km from the Domestic Airport (NAIA Terminal 4).  The business districts of Makati and Bonifacio Global City are 12km away.

Deluxe 1

There are 37 Deluxe rooms  with a total area of 26 square meters . The room can accommodate  between 1 to 2 person.

Deluxe 2

DELUXE-2 rooms are suitable for families, friends or colleagues traveling together. The room accommodate between 2 to 4 persons with 33 square meters . There are 24 rooms available  . While Executive rooms can accommodate between 2 to 3 people with 9 rooms with 31 square meters .

group photo

We are quite fortunate to get invited by the resident PR and got a chance to meet the owners and staffs of the hotel.

Note: The author would like to ” Thank” Mr. Mark Abellon – brand manager , Ms. Mars Callo and the PR team for the invitation extended.

Main +63 (2) 875 7888 | Fax +63 (2) 995 3972

Address: 1667 J. Bocobo St. Malate, Manila 1004 PH

Website: http://www.ameliehotelmanila.com/

inquiry@ameliehotelmanila.com