When my sister, the late Gloria Dychauco came to Cagayan de Oro City more than 30 years ago, she envisioned herself owning a “little” cozy bakeshop. Armed with a degree in Home Economics from University of Santo Tomas and having studied in various well-known and recognized culinary schools and culinary experts in Metro Manila, she started Pots & Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop inside Juan Sia Enterprises in 1976.
It was a comfy little place but very pleasant and homely. Nothing much and very unpretentious. Just six little square tables which can fit not only four but at times six to seven customers. Why? Well, let me bring you back to the 70s. It was a time when people were a lot friendlier and nicer then. And people made friends by sharing tables and even get into a conversation to a total stranger, sharing and getting into a process of “getting-to-know-each other” which made the shop eventually a place to enjoy simple comfort foods with new found friends, friends and families. I can still vividly recall the long lines of familiar faces outside the shop waiting patiently to be seated inside.
However, with the changing time & needs of the people, Pots & Pans also evolved and changed. And as our way of saying “Thank You” to our ever-loyal clients and friends, Pots & Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop, on its 33rd year, is offering HUGE discounts on ALL remaining WILTON CAKE DECORATING Items which include decorating tips, character pans, separator plates, gel paste coloring, cake toppers, books and many other accessories. Prices on many other items are also reduced like decorative resin toppers, selected cake boxes, plastic containers and many more. Hurry all while supply lasts.
And for the whole month of SEPTEMBER, a soft and airy home-baked chiffon cake (with seven delicious flavours to choose from), can be enjoyed at a special rate of P400 only completely decorated with a figurine topper, back drop, candle and flowers!
Incidentally, culinary classes are still being offered at Pots & Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop.
Call 858-4209 for more information or visit us at Velez-Hayes Streets, Cagayan de Oro City.
Email us at potsnpans1976@yahoo.com. Check also our website: www.potsnpans1976.multiply.com
“Delicious Breads, Cakes & Pastries at Affordable Prices.....Since 1976!”
http://www.goldstardailynews.com/content.php?sectionid=4&id=5917
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Lahoy Oil
WE are all in search of perfect health. Well, at least something that will make us feel better, look younger and improve our lives. And in doing so, we try to eat healthy, drink healthy, stay healthy and act healthy.
During the trade fair held recently in the city, I chanced upon a product which I remember my uncles and aunts were using a long time ago. A product that smells terrible and tastes horrible (well, blame it on my being a kid then!), until it was improved and came out in capsulated form which is said to do wonders on one’s health. It wasn’t as expensive then but became costly as the demand grows.
I am talking about squalene, a natural treasure from the deep and cold water of the South Pacific. It was discovered by a Japanese doctor in1906 but didn’t get enough attention until 1930 when researchers found out that sharks do not develop tumors and cancers. Squalene is an extract of shark liver oil whose natural habitat is found in the unpolluted ocean of the Pacific with a depth of about 3,000 feet in 35 degrees water.
Lahoy, on the other hand comes from the liver of deep sea dog fish shark (squallus SPP) and is believed to be not included in the endangered species list. This type of shark stays deep and can be seen or caught only at 600 feet to 10,000 feet deep, near the sea bed. They can grow to as big as three feet and can weigh as much as 13 kilos. And the liver where the oil is extracted can be about 30 to 45 percent of the total weight of the fish! Such a huge liver I should say! No wonder they stay very healthy!
Mr. Robert P. Vicente, married with three kids, is originally from Davao City but transferred to Aloran, Oroquieta City in 2007 to be with his 73-year-old mom. Although he has an Accounting degree from University of Mindanao, he felt there is a need for some food supplement in the community that can also become a source of income for him and his family. He first heard of squalene as an ingredient from a neighbour who owns a herbal supplement company in Davao and became interested, particularly in squalene itself.
Being in Oroquieta City and surrounded by the vast seas, he soon found out that Lahoy (la-from lami/lasa & hoy- as a way of calling people) flourished in the clear seawater of the area and made further research on it. Having all the necessary know-how, he then made contacts with the fishermen since they have been catching these sharks and cooking them fresh with coconut milk or as kinilaw. Also believed to be an “aphrodisiac”, Robert then worked with the fishermen to provide him with the shark’s liver where he then processed them into “oil”, removing the dirt and sediments and sells them. Aside from the area, Robert also acquires other raw materials from Camiguin, Cotabato and Ozamiz. In August, 2008, he started exporting these “oil” to Japan, one of the world’s biggest consumers of squalene.
Squalene is actually a nutrient that is produced in our body and also found in nature. It belongs to a class of antioxidants called isoprenoids that helps neutralizes harmful effects of free radicals in the body. In other words, it helps repair cells of the human body as an anti-oxidant. It also carries oxygen that helps maintain a healthy body. It also helps in fighting common diseases like colds to cancer.
The fisherman and seaside folks used lahoy oil as an immediate medication to treat minor cuts/wounds, skin scratches, skin burns and irritations like pimples and insect bites. They even use it as an aphrodisiac/fertility oil. Also works well for dry skin and as a sun block and skin whitening agent. It can also be taken internally with about 5ml per day to achieve the maximum effect of the oil. Many of his clientele who has been using the oil for sometime swears it has helped their skin and sexual functioning.
Report of analysis has been done by the Department of Science and Technology
Lahoy Oil is manufactured by RPV & Sons Enterprises in Oroquieta City and can be reached through their email add: robertsqualene@yahoo.com or 0905-918-5886 or 0918-743-0457. It is available in natural and lemon and biasing flavor and comes in 70 ml plastic bottles.
http://www.goldstardailynews.com/content.php?sectionid=4&id=6088
During the trade fair held recently in the city, I chanced upon a product which I remember my uncles and aunts were using a long time ago. A product that smells terrible and tastes horrible (well, blame it on my being a kid then!), until it was improved and came out in capsulated form which is said to do wonders on one’s health. It wasn’t as expensive then but became costly as the demand grows.
I am talking about squalene, a natural treasure from the deep and cold water of the South Pacific. It was discovered by a Japanese doctor in1906 but didn’t get enough attention until 1930 when researchers found out that sharks do not develop tumors and cancers. Squalene is an extract of shark liver oil whose natural habitat is found in the unpolluted ocean of the Pacific with a depth of about 3,000 feet in 35 degrees water.
Lahoy, on the other hand comes from the liver of deep sea dog fish shark (squallus SPP) and is believed to be not included in the endangered species list. This type of shark stays deep and can be seen or caught only at 600 feet to 10,000 feet deep, near the sea bed. They can grow to as big as three feet and can weigh as much as 13 kilos. And the liver where the oil is extracted can be about 30 to 45 percent of the total weight of the fish! Such a huge liver I should say! No wonder they stay very healthy!
Mr. Robert P. Vicente, married with three kids, is originally from Davao City but transferred to Aloran, Oroquieta City in 2007 to be with his 73-year-old mom. Although he has an Accounting degree from University of Mindanao, he felt there is a need for some food supplement in the community that can also become a source of income for him and his family. He first heard of squalene as an ingredient from a neighbour who owns a herbal supplement company in Davao and became interested, particularly in squalene itself.
Being in Oroquieta City and surrounded by the vast seas, he soon found out that Lahoy (la-from lami/lasa & hoy- as a way of calling people) flourished in the clear seawater of the area and made further research on it. Having all the necessary know-how, he then made contacts with the fishermen since they have been catching these sharks and cooking them fresh with coconut milk or as kinilaw. Also believed to be an “aphrodisiac”, Robert then worked with the fishermen to provide him with the shark’s liver where he then processed them into “oil”, removing the dirt and sediments and sells them. Aside from the area, Robert also acquires other raw materials from Camiguin, Cotabato and Ozamiz. In August, 2008, he started exporting these “oil” to Japan, one of the world’s biggest consumers of squalene.
Squalene is actually a nutrient that is produced in our body and also found in nature. It belongs to a class of antioxidants called isoprenoids that helps neutralizes harmful effects of free radicals in the body. In other words, it helps repair cells of the human body as an anti-oxidant. It also carries oxygen that helps maintain a healthy body. It also helps in fighting common diseases like colds to cancer.
The fisherman and seaside folks used lahoy oil as an immediate medication to treat minor cuts/wounds, skin scratches, skin burns and irritations like pimples and insect bites. They even use it as an aphrodisiac/fertility oil. Also works well for dry skin and as a sun block and skin whitening agent. It can also be taken internally with about 5ml per day to achieve the maximum effect of the oil. Many of his clientele who has been using the oil for sometime swears it has helped their skin and sexual functioning.
Report of analysis has been done by the Department of Science and Technology
Lahoy Oil is manufactured by RPV & Sons Enterprises in Oroquieta City and can be reached through their email add: robertsqualene@yahoo.com or 0905-918-5886 or 0918-743-0457. It is available in natural and lemon and biasing flavor and comes in 70 ml plastic bottles.
http://www.goldstardailynews.com/content.php?sectionid=4&id=6088
Birthday Celebrations & Memories
AS far as I can recall, I was already eight or nine when I had a real birthday celebration.
It was because I saw a couple of photos and I was dressed “nicely”, blowing candles on a cake I shared with my younger brother, Sonnie, who was also born in the same month I was born. Guess it is because I don’t remember having one prior to it or it was totally a very simple “family affair”, meaning we just had dinner in a restaurant or something to that effect. Or maybe because I don’t see any old photos of me blowing candles in a cake that would prove that I had one. Or maybe I never had one!
One way or the other, having birthdays parties or not doesn’t make one a better person. I guess it is from within that makes a person what he or she is. All I can remember is that we (my parents and some of my siblings) would attend mass and light a candle on my special day (and theirs, too). What I can’t remember is what happens afterwards. Did we go out to eat to celebrate my birthday? Or did I have ice cream (that was really a BIG treat before!)? Or did I receive a toy? Or money in a red envelope? Whatever it is, I just can’t seem to have any idea at all! Poor me!
Having a cake and ice cream was already considered grandiose for a child and I am sure this hold true to the many young kids of today. Having a great party complete with mascots, fun and games is truly exceptional. But I never have those and I don’t think I ever will. Well, except if I intend to have a “kiddie” team party when I turn a year older next year and would also request all my guests to come in their most ridiculous kiddie get-ups!
Before, having a roasted pig in a party is considered “wow”. But nowadays, it seems to be very ordinary. Somehow, we still look forward to it but it has somewhat lost its extraordinary “touch”! Most of the food items then during the party would consist of big noodles (for long life) or spaghetti, macaroni salad, fried chicken, bar-b-que, “humba” or “adobo”, rice and some desserts like fruit salad, jelly roll, ice cream and of course, the wonderful birthday cake! Nothing fancy. All home cooked. And also, upon waking up, my mom would already be very busy in the kitchen preparing “misua” with meatballs and hardboiled eggs which we still do until today. Don’t ask me why, but I do remember we have been doing this since my grandparent’s time!
As we grow older, my late sister, Gloria would prepare foods for everyone’s birthday in the family. And that is where I come in, helping her out in the chores. It is just so natural and easy for her to prepare a “lauriat” meal with several desserts. Sometimes it is all Pinoy foods, sometime it is Italian, sometimes, just plain grilled sea foods. It seems that there is always a celebration every month and we always look forward to Gloria’s gourmet dishes! Something new and of course, always mouth-watering!
I also got the privilege to bake and decorate one-of-a-kind birthday cakes for my nephews and nieces then, who are mostly married now and have kids of their own. My sister Gloria and me used to do a lot for their parties like preparing all sorts of “kiddie” foods, games & giveaways since party organizers were unheard of before.
The only time my children had a “big” party was when they turned one. The cake was always bigger than the celebrants, of course! But as they aged, the cake gets smaller. How ironic! After that, the party became a “close” family affair. Blame it on the economy!
Two of the most memorable birthday celebrations I had were the ones I celebrated together with my passing the local nursing board exams 30 years ago. I had friends and classmates and of course, family members in attendance. We had so much fun. That marked a milestone in my colourful life, finally as a registered nurse. The second one was when I passed my New York nursing licensure board examinations which coincided also with my birthday. Since I was staying in the nurse residence of Bronx Municipal Hospital Center in New York, all of my co-nurses were around to help me in the preparations.
http://www.goldstardailynews.com/content.php?sectionid=4&id=6517
It was because I saw a couple of photos and I was dressed “nicely”, blowing candles on a cake I shared with my younger brother, Sonnie, who was also born in the same month I was born. Guess it is because I don’t remember having one prior to it or it was totally a very simple “family affair”, meaning we just had dinner in a restaurant or something to that effect. Or maybe because I don’t see any old photos of me blowing candles in a cake that would prove that I had one. Or maybe I never had one!
One way or the other, having birthdays parties or not doesn’t make one a better person. I guess it is from within that makes a person what he or she is. All I can remember is that we (my parents and some of my siblings) would attend mass and light a candle on my special day (and theirs, too). What I can’t remember is what happens afterwards. Did we go out to eat to celebrate my birthday? Or did I have ice cream (that was really a BIG treat before!)? Or did I receive a toy? Or money in a red envelope? Whatever it is, I just can’t seem to have any idea at all! Poor me!
Having a cake and ice cream was already considered grandiose for a child and I am sure this hold true to the many young kids of today. Having a great party complete with mascots, fun and games is truly exceptional. But I never have those and I don’t think I ever will. Well, except if I intend to have a “kiddie” team party when I turn a year older next year and would also request all my guests to come in their most ridiculous kiddie get-ups!
Before, having a roasted pig in a party is considered “wow”. But nowadays, it seems to be very ordinary. Somehow, we still look forward to it but it has somewhat lost its extraordinary “touch”! Most of the food items then during the party would consist of big noodles (for long life) or spaghetti, macaroni salad, fried chicken, bar-b-que, “humba” or “adobo”, rice and some desserts like fruit salad, jelly roll, ice cream and of course, the wonderful birthday cake! Nothing fancy. All home cooked. And also, upon waking up, my mom would already be very busy in the kitchen preparing “misua” with meatballs and hardboiled eggs which we still do until today. Don’t ask me why, but I do remember we have been doing this since my grandparent’s time!
As we grow older, my late sister, Gloria would prepare foods for everyone’s birthday in the family. And that is where I come in, helping her out in the chores. It is just so natural and easy for her to prepare a “lauriat” meal with several desserts. Sometimes it is all Pinoy foods, sometime it is Italian, sometimes, just plain grilled sea foods. It seems that there is always a celebration every month and we always look forward to Gloria’s gourmet dishes! Something new and of course, always mouth-watering!
I also got the privilege to bake and decorate one-of-a-kind birthday cakes for my nephews and nieces then, who are mostly married now and have kids of their own. My sister Gloria and me used to do a lot for their parties like preparing all sorts of “kiddie” foods, games & giveaways since party organizers were unheard of before.
The only time my children had a “big” party was when they turned one. The cake was always bigger than the celebrants, of course! But as they aged, the cake gets smaller. How ironic! After that, the party became a “close” family affair. Blame it on the economy!
Two of the most memorable birthday celebrations I had were the ones I celebrated together with my passing the local nursing board exams 30 years ago. I had friends and classmates and of course, family members in attendance. We had so much fun. That marked a milestone in my colourful life, finally as a registered nurse. The second one was when I passed my New York nursing licensure board examinations which coincided also with my birthday. Since I was staying in the nurse residence of Bronx Municipal Hospital Center in New York, all of my co-nurses were around to help me in the preparations.
http://www.goldstardailynews.com/content.php?sectionid=4&id=6517
Rapha touch therapy
SO MANY revitalizing and restorative spas and clinics can be found in the city and yet, many are still to come. We, on the other hand always look forward to something new, something stimulating and invigorating, to help restore and maintain our health.
It is “trial and error” for some of us, trying something new, to find something where we can finally say: “This is what I have been looking for all these years!”
As we age, so does our body. When we are stressed our body's defenses break down and we become more susceptible to illness and disease.
Reflexology reduces stress by generating deep tranquil relaxation, helping the body balance itself and allowing healing energy to flow.
It has been proven that proper and regular reflexology and massage help us in so many ways. It relaxes our mind, relieves us from stress, increases blood flow, and loosens those tired and aching muscles. It has also been said to “treat and heal” some illnesses thereby restoring health and well-being.
The newest “clinic” to open is Rapha Touch Therapy Reflexology & Nails Spa, conveniently located in the heart of Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City. This relaxing place is owned and managed by Vince Pimentel Amora, a graduate of Computer Engineering at Liceo de Cagayan and a businessman at heart. It offers the following therapeutic services:
Reflexology Massages: Head acupressure, hands and arms reflex, foot reflexology and back massage.
Whole Body Massages: Shiatsu massage -- This traditional Japanese oil-free shiatsu massage involves fingertip pressure on vital energy points of your body. It increases your flexibility, relieving muscular and joint tension. Stimulating and energizing, yet magically relaxing, it restores the body’s natural balance and harmony.
Swedish Massage: Imagine your mind adrift in a world of tranquility where you discover a renewed self. Mixing pressure with pleasure, this harmonious combination of oil-free Shiatsu massage and Swedish back massage stimulates metabolism, improves skin tone, and promotes cell renewal.
Aromatherapy Massage: This massage uses essential oils that are believed to be therapeutic by nature. Peppermint and lavender oil easily relieve stress.
Nail Care services like manicure and pedicure. They use imported polish brands like Revlon, Orly, and Maybelline brands that lasts and shines longer than local brands.
Plus, they also provide Hand and Foot Spa Therapies that’s truly pampering and relaxing.
Rapha Touch Therapy is definitely worth your money and time for they have an ambiance that’s truly relaxing but rates that are just affordable. They also boasts of 10 professional massage therapists and nail technicians that are all TESDA/ALS trained.
Rapha Touch Therapy is located at Hayes-Velez Sts., Cagayan de Oro City, and is open daily, between 11am-2am. They also accept hotel, home, and office services.
For reservation call them at 0917-741-89-89 or 72-93-51. You could also visit their website at www.raphatouch.multiply.com for more information on their services. (potsnpans1976@yahoo.com)
Veegee instant energy powder mix
WE ARE now in search of anything that can make us healthy. Be it food, drinks, supplements, health products, and services. And what I’ve noticed is there is really so much to choose from.
Availability wise, one can find them even in small sari-sari stores to big malls. Prices can range from a few pesos to thousands of pesos.
With a large amount of food that is accessible for everyone, one tends to overeat and over drink to the detriment of our health. I always believe in the saying “we are what we eat” and that we never get to experience and see the results until we get to a ripe age when all our systems starts to fail.
But it is never too late to start and be healthy again. And one product that interests me was displayed during the trade fair here in Cagayan de Oro City during last week’s fiesta celebration. Guess because there were many people in the booth and there was “free sampling,” too! I was then offered a small cup with this “energy” drink which I found surprisingly delicious.
Ingredients
My curiosity was made even more intense when I get to meet the owner/producer by the name of Emmanuel B. Balaron. Originally from Oroquieta City, he always believes that soya is really one of the “world’s healthiest food.”
And with that conviction going in his head plus a sample drink that he had tried, Emmanuel finally decided to formulate his own energy drink with the assistance of his R&D (Research & Development) team using the following healthy & energy ingredients: malunggay (moringa), mangosteen, ampalaya (Momordica Charantia), Psyllium, rice & corn but with a more pleasing & acceptable taste.
Now, let’s try to dissect the ingredients. A.) Rice & corn were added because it is a staple food item that we all love to eat, plus the carbohydrates that we get from it. B.) Psyllium because it is a soluble fiber that acts as a bulk-forming laxative which swells when in contact with water thus helps in the transport of wastes. It relieves constipation, relieves diarrhea, soften stools to reduce pain in associated with hemorrhoids, and is said to help lower heart disease, lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol & high blood pressure. C.) Ampalaya (bitter melon) helps in the treatment of diabetes, cough, skin diseases, and many others. D.) Soya is a vegetable protein that contains beneficial compounds which help in cancer prevention, cholesterol reduction, and prevention of cardio-vascular diseases. It has anti-oxidant properties and is low in saturated fats and cholesterol free. E.) Mangosteen neutralizes free radicals, supports a healthy cardiovascular system, cartilage & joint functions, strengthen immune system & respiratory system. Whew! That’s a lot packed in that one small packet!
No wonder it is packed full of energy producing substances that is really good for our body!
Business venture
With the help of his equally talented mechanical engineer brother, Julius (a Mapua Institute of Technology graduate) they were able to come up with a machine that would make the components of the drink more fine which eventually made the drink smoother & tasty.
Business started as a home-base activity in 2006 and was eventually registered in 2007 as BMAN Foods Phils., producing 2 health drinks: Veegee - Instant Energy Wellness Powder Mix Drink (Coffee & Chocolate Flavors) and Zoya - The Soy for Heart (All Natural Non-GMO Soy Beans in powdered drink).
The way up wasn’t a bed of roses, according to “Manny”, a ship captain by profession (having a degree in B.S. in Nautical Studies from PMI Colleges in Manila) who have tried other business ventures but wasn’t so lucky.
However, his supportive wife, Dr. Cheryl Acaac-Bularon, and his family were always by his side and this time, he finally made it.
The very first test market was in Clarin, Misamis Occidental as an Otop (One Town, One Product) display where customers finally get to taste and like the product. Advertising was through “word of mouth” and needless to say, it opened doors for this exciting drink where it finally reached Manila during the IFEX (International Food Expo) in May 2009.
People who tasted the product swear that it gives them that “extra” kick of energy. Some take it as a breakfast drink and feel full till lunchtime; not an awful way to reduce those extra inches and pounds! And personally, the coffee variant tasted really good. I still have to try the chocolate flavor, though!
Veegee Instant Energy Drink Wellness Powder Mix comes in 23 grams per sachet with 15 sachets in a box. Zoya Drink is available in 180 grams pack. It is now available in Ororama Cogon and Carmen, all Gaisano branches (CDO, Bukidnon, Butuan and Iligan) and Pots & Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop. Very soon, it will also be in major CDO malls like Limketkai, Robinsons, & SM Mall.
Achieving good health and additional energy need not be expensive. Try one today and be convinced. Enjoy life to the fullest. Be healthy!http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/veegee-instant-energy-powder-mix
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