With the fifth wave of COVID-19 and the current restrictions now in place across Hong Kong, diners who wish to stay home but still want to enjoy Maka Hiki, has everything from its Nourishing Bowls and Poke Bowls for breakfast, or a standard a-la-carte menu with Starters, Mains Sides, Desserts, Wine and Bubbles, available both for takeaway or delivery through Deliveroo.
Maka Hiki is full of colorful and flavorful dishes that are perfect for those looking to replenish and recharge, especially during this difficult time. Guests can relax on the terrace throughout the day while enjoying some of the restaurant’s signatures including the reviving Dirty Chai Detox Bowl and the eye-catching Blue Dragon Bowl from the breakfast menu, or delicious Poke Bowls including the garlicky Chicken Ginger Bowl and the vegetarian-friendly Tofu Peanut Bowl from the Set Lunch menu.
Maka Hiki’s Weekend Brunch Menu features an array of flavorful and delicious options.
For those looking for something fun to do at the weekend, the Weekend Brunch Menu (HKD498 with food, HKD648 with 3 hours free flow (non-alcoholic options), or HKD798 with 3 hours free flow) is available and features some of the restaurant’s best starters, mains, sides, desserts, and cocktails.
About Maka Hiki Tropical Bar & Grill (Maka Hiki)
Maka Hiki Tropical Bar & Grill (Maka Hiki) is an urban oasis that transports guests to a tropical escape in the quaint neighborhood of Tai Hang. Hong Kong restaurateur Maxence Traverse, known for his revitalized ‘tiki chic’ concept, introduces his first bar & grill, inspired by island experiences inclusive of the Caribbean and Polynesia, as well as the most beautiful beach towns and sanctuaries within the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
Maka Hiki: A tropical escape from the city.
Serving up a delicious range of fresh, and flavor-packed dishes and cocktails, Maka Hiki transforms from a wellness haven by day to the city’s hottest restaurant and cocktail bar by night, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Address: 2/F, Little Tai Hang – The Corner House, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang. Tel: +852 2155 1777
For International Women’s Month, we take a closer look into the concept of women empowerment in the academe through the lenses of college educators. How do women flourish in the four walls of the classroom, and beyond it? These proficient and accomplished educators in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) share their insights.
Gender equality in the academe
For Dr. Ma. Pamela Grace Muhi, an Associate Professor in PUP, women empowerment stems from familiarizing ourselves with reality first. “We live in a gendered society,” she says. “Most often than not, women are constantly challenged to assert their worth in any field she belongs to.”
Dr. Pamela Muhi (Facebook)
In each industry, women are pitted against men, and somehow, both genders are measured on an uneven playing ground. More than often, their sex comes into play when it comes to getting opportunities and receiving recognition. Dr. Muhi wants to eradicate that malicious take of gender inequality in the academe. “Giving equal opportunities to learn among students regardless of their gender is my topmost concern as an educator,” she shares. She ensures that her students are not discriminated against by their gender and that they all know the value of empowering other people to broaden their horizons.
However, with the present reality, further steps must be done to cement women’s contributions in their profession. “Since women are more vulnerable to gender bias they should be given a wider platform to flourish,” Dr. Muhi adds. “More importantly, teaching students to be more gender-sensitive is a way of empowering women creating a deeper understanding of gender relations to dismantle biases and barriers towards a more inclusive society.”
Setting an example for other women
Meanwhile, Dean Hemmady S. Mora of the PUP College of Communication, women empowerment starts by setting an example for others as a woman. The culture of the academe has been historically patriarchal, but Dean Mora challenges that in her way. “As a manager working for an educational institution, (I am) given the chance to prove that even women can make a difference in the academe,” she states. Her current profession involves managing the college’s four departments, namely: Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations, Broadcast Journalism, and Communication Research.
Dean Hemmady Mora (Facebook)
Amid all her responsibilities, she still ensures that her voice is heard, not just out of her authority, but also for her intelligence and wit. “As a Communication Educator/Leader, that is continuously in touch with the media industry, (I am) given a resounding voice even in the industry and allied fields that are known to be male-dominated,” she elaborates. Even though the culture of the academe at present strives to include women into the narrative, Dean Mora ensures that through her position, more women will be given a chance to fulfill their potential.
Despite her high-profile position, Dean Mora also takes pride in being a mother and a woman in this dynamic society. She values her rights as a woman and continues to uphold the same rights for other women. “As a working-wife and mother, (I) receive support from the government based on my special needs as a woman to be able to effectively serve my country,” Dean Mora shares. For her, it is empowering to know that there are people out there who value women’s efforts in their fields.
Highlighting the role of women in society
Even though society has progressed considerably when it comes to women’s rights, PUP Department of Journalism Chairperson Renalyn Valdez believes that we can all do better.
For her, highlighting the role of women in society is vital. “I’m more in the terms of being able to identify the role of women in society, and being able to more and more expand that role of women in development, in nation-building, of course considering the difference of women when it comes to other genders,” she expounds. With these thoughts in mind, she also wants to focus on everyone’s individuality. By putting people’s talents and stories into the spotlight, we create more room for people to shine and succeed. “We should create more bumps to widen that circle of knowledge and for it to become the circle of empowerment.”
Society’s awareness of women’s rights also needs work, according to Chairperson Valdez. “I don’t know if we’ve reached that kind of saturation that people are conscious of women’s rights and understand the concept of women empowerment,” she states.
There are still stereotypes revolving around women, and these should be stopped by cultivating women’s studies. Furthermore, as a woman in the media industry, she also upholds the duty of journalists in shaping the women’s narrative. “The information that we put out there, the shaping of this information, the kind of consciousness we are creating, will lead to the kind of discernment that the people would have.”
Chairperson Renalyn Valdez (Facebook)
Being a woman in the academe is not an easy challenge, but for these educators, true empowerment also comes from within. By believing that they can do things and earn a spot in the male-dominated field, these educators also pave the way for other women to feel empowered and for them to take up space. Women, regardless of their profession, empower themselves and in turn, they inspire others to do the same.
Guests who yearn for privacy, serenity, and tranquility in nature can now pursue their much-awaited holiday plans to explore the ultimate exclusive destination, Banwa Private Island, as The Philippines opens its shores to international travelers without any quarantine period.
There’s no better time than now to discover a luxurious hideaway gem nestled in North-eastern Palawan, one of the world’s last frontiers of natural biodiversity. Remote yet not removed, Banwa Private Island boasts breath-taking views, flourishing flora and fauna, and powder-white sands of the turquoise Sulu Sea. Charter flights via seaplane, private jet, or helicopter will seamlessly take guests from Manila or Clark international airports right to the doorstep of the garden island.
Guests can choose to stay in any of the contemporary-designed villas or decide on an exclusive island charter and craft a dream holiday masterpiece.
Banwa Private Island is the perfect backdrop for shared travel experiences with family and loved ones — take a plunge in the house reef, go kayaking or paddleboarding, and walk on the wild side in the lush, verdant nature trails.
Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path, hop on a boat to explore nearby islands, and say yes to unique adventures. Embark on a deep-sea fishing excursion, take a short trek to a secret waterfall, or witness the quintessential Palawan sunset on a secluded sandbank while sipping your favorite cocktails.
Start planning now and see the world again. Revive your bucket list, journey across the oceans, and experience an escape unlike any other at Banwa Private Island.
My mind craves new experiences, new adventures. By going somewhere new at least once a year, I continue to expand my horizon and my zest for travel.
Since the pandemic hit us, we have been confined to our little bubble. We stay at home most of the time, and our movement has become limited. This year, we are opening tourism destinations, and we have started to travel subject to health protocols.
If I will be given again the chance to return to the place where I was the happiest, it would be at this majestic paradise, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa located in Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu. It gave me new and exciting discoveries about the destination and wonderful memories of a happy and relaxing escapade.
Plantation Bay is a vast 11-hectare tropical plantation, which offers one of the largest privately-owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of the colonial-plantation architecture. It’s a resort, a village, a playground, a respite from a stressful world, rolled into one. The resort has a waterfront hotel, a lagoon-style pool, and a posh spa.
Kayaking is fun!
You will enjoy your stay here because it offers you more facilities, more separate lounging areas, and more things to try. You can go swimming, kayaking, archery, mountain climbing, play tennis or volleyball, have a relaxing spa at Mogambo Springs, listen to an acoustic band in one of the restaurants, have your future predicted by a fortune-teller, or simply enjoy your day while at the hammock amidst the lagoon pool.
Outstanding Dining Options
Plantation Bay takes pride in its kitchens and can assure you of consistently delicious, beautifully-presented dishes at reasonable prices.
It has five outstanding restaurants, namely:
Kilimanjaro Kafé – offers international and Filipino cuisine, terrific soup and vegan selections;
Fiji – offers seafood, Asian, and Filipino. It is often full so you need to come early;
Palermo – offers Spanish Tapas, Italian Pastas, and the most complex, nuanced char-broiled steaks on earth;
Route 66 Diner – offers Retro American diner with all-day breakfast, burgers, hot dogs, and deli favorites;
Alien Abduction – offers soda fountain in the late afternoon, family-friendly Night Club after dinner
During our stay, we tried some of these in-house restaurants. We dined at Fiji, the ambiance was relaxing and the food served didn’t disappoint us.
Delectable dishes at Palermo
For something different, we also tried Kilimanjaro Kafe, famous for its light international fare. We also dined at Palermo, for another different ambiance and enjoyed Mediterranean-Continental dishes. Lastly, we enjoyed the delicious burgers and hotdogs served at Route 66 Diner/Savannah Grill for our afternoon snacks.
To complete our Cebu trip, we paid homage to the Cross of Magellan and Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino De Cebu and had a hearty lunch at AA BBQ, which reminded me of a happy conversation with travel buddies because of its funny-sounding name.
Overall, staying at Plantation Bay was a pleasant adventure. The charm of the place remains in you and makes you want to go back time and again.
UNIQLO today announces that it will launch the UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON 2022 Spring/Summer collection on Friday, March 18. The collection is part of an ongoing collaboration with the London-based brand that has revolutionized contemporary fashion. The rich heritage of Britain’s sailing and seaside culture inspires this season’s concept of At Home with the Sea. The collection combines the evolving simplicity and quality of LifeWear with JW ANDERSON’s playful craftsmanship.
Designer Jonathan Anderson says that, “The sea has been integral to my life ever since I was a child. It inspired this collection, and I hope people enjoy incorporating this maritime styling in their wardrobes.”
The lineup features shirts, caps, and socks with embroidered sailboats in playful hues, as well as a knot dress and yacht parkas that look great against the blue backdrops of the sea and sky. Combining water repellency, mesh fabrics, and other functional elements typical of UNIQLO with such signature JW ANDERSON elements as patchwork and asymmetry delivers comfort and design.
Color blocking and borders add a touch of contrast and feature hues from nature, including oceanic blues, beige from the shores, and vivid reds and greens, for a relaxing seaside look.
Collection
The lineup includes 12 items for women, 10 items for men and 4 accessories.
Note for select items that are available in ALL Stores: Women’s UNIQLO x JW Anderson Linen Blend Belted Sleeveless Lapel Dress, UNIQLO x W Anderson Roll-Up Shorts, UNIQLO x JW Anderson Oversized Work Short Sleeve Shirt, and UNIQLO JW Anderson Socks.
The line was developed on the theme of British classics: designed for life today. This LifeWear offering combines the innovative designs that JW ANDERSON brings to Britain’s traditional apparel with UNIQLO’s commitment to fit, materials, and functionality.
About JW ANDERSON
Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson established JW ANDERSON in 2008. At first an elaborate collection of accessories, it quickly attracted attention and enabled the fledgling label to show on-schedule during the 2008 London Fashion Week season. The success of this debut collection earned both critical acclaim and commercial success for Anderson, whose label is now regarded as one of London’s most innovative and forward-thinking brands. UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON first launched in Fall/Winter 2017.
Now that graduation is drawing near, everything feels like a hazy blur. All the plans and requirements that need to be completed before the actual rites can be stressful at some point. With all these things in mind, planning a memorable graduation celebration can be a challenge. Don’t panic – we know just the right place!
Tia Belle’s is Tagaytay’s best-kept secret – a haven of great food partnered with a wonderful ambiance, all within a few hours’ drive away from Manila. It features a variety of Filipino cuisine that will surely make your mouth water and your heart swell with pride. True to its word, Tia Belle’s Tagaytay will surely give you a taste of home.
Humble origins
Evelyn Wise, the person behind Tia Belle’s, is deeply committed to paying homage to the diverse culinary history of the Philippines. As a Nueva Ecija native, she has been exposed early on to the dynamic nature of cooking. For Evelyn, cooking is both an art and a skill. “Every time I am in the kitchen, cooking and concocting sauces, I feel like dancing — dancing with my wok,” she playfully narrates. Her love for cooking is honed with her burning passion and dedication.
She had her share of travel as she also spent 20 years living in Europe, basking in the shores of international cuisine until Evelyn felt that there is no place like home – the very words that established Tia Belle’s to the culinary beacon it stands today. With each year, it grows and expands to being one of the best-rated restaurants in the South.
Definitely Filipino
Each dish served in Tia Belle’s is intricately cooked to perfection, with its ingredients and methods stemming from genuine Filipino cuisine. Among her best sellers are the flavor-rich Pancit Malabon and cheesy Pichi-pichi. Travelers from all over the country also come for Tia Belle’s lomi assortments, the ever-so-fantastic Bulalo lomi, and Mucho lomi.
Lumpiang Laguna
Of course, Tia Belle’s also pays attention to homegrown recipes. This sumptuous lineup includes the classic nilagang baka Tagalog (Bulalo), lumpiang bukid and the crunchy lumpiang Laguna, and of course, the piping hot crispy pata that makes everyone’s mouth water. These dishes are perfect for families looking for a traditional home-cooked meal while celebrating a lifetime achievement.
Nilagang Baka (Bulalo)
Tia Belle’s has always valued Filipino values more than anything, which is why its hospitality is like no other. “We want to be of service to our fellow countrymen while keeping and incorporating the important values and traditions of what being Filipino is all about,” Evelyn proudly shares. She wants Tia Belle’s to feel like a home wherein everybody can dine and share stories, all while keeping the Filipino culture and spirit alive.
Lumpiang bukid
All-around resto
As you enter Tia Belle’s, a warm welcome from the staff, and even Tia Belle herself will envelop customers with pride and happiness. Of course, they love taking part in their customers’ milestones too – which is why Tia Belle’s is the go-to restaurant for family occasions and celebrations.
Aside from its variety of scrumptious dishes, dining at Tia Belle’s feels like traveling back in time as they play Kundimans while the customers enjoy their meals. Their interior design has so much to say as well – the native Filipino trimmings and antique setup give off the ancestral home vibe.
Tia Belle’s also offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery options. They also accept advance orders and pick-ups. Health protocols are also strictly observed on the premises. To complete Tia Belle’s dining experience, customers can also visit the gift shop, Tia’s Aromatherapy Essential Oil and Cleopatra from Canada. They sell souvenirs and pasalubong to bring home to your loved ones.
For your graduation celebration, Tia Belle’s got you – it will surely reward your hardships with a glorious Filipino feast!
Tia Belle’s can be found at Putingkahoy, Silang Cavite, along Tagaytay – Sta. Rosa Rd. To learn more, you may contact them through these phone numbers: (049) 576 4155; 0939 3868 648; 0927 7133 558; 0929 1852 084; and 09554985998.
Landco, known for pioneering landscapes for more than 30 years and its strong thrust on sustainability, allotted a portion of the BeachTowns CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach) in Batangas to provide a safe, convenient, and round the clock access road for fisherfolks to easily reach the Calatagan seas from the public road and vice versa.
“Landco works closely with the community, the local government of Calatagan, Batangas, and our landowners for inclusive socio-economic development of different sectors in the vicinity of our BeachTowns developments, particularly the fisherfolks. Ensuring their source of livelihood and stimulating the growth of their microenterprise are our prime concerns. Our team undertakes measures for community involvement because it’s the right thing to do and sustainability is deeply rooted in Landco’s DNA,” said Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corporation.
Complementing this support for fisherfolks, Landco provides jobs to the local community: 69 out of the 104 or 66% of Millennial Resorts staff are residents of Calatagan.
The access road for fisherfolks along with various community and environmental initiatives is part of Landco’s long-term sustainability program which is aligned with Metro Pacific Investment Corporation’s commitment to help achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable; and strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
For more information about Landco visit https://www.landco.ph/ or FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.
A woman of strength, style, and substance, Concert Queen Pops Fernandez finds greater joy in being on her own, doing the things she loves. “I have to keep moving and believing in the future, not just for myself but for my children,” she shares.
Life does go on for Concert Queen Pops Fernandez. She has become her own person and finds greater joy in being on her own, in experiencing her own successes.
She is busy as a bee – co-hosting with former husband Concert King Martin Nievera for “eXes&whys” over Cignal TV (channel 60 SD or 202 HD); maintaining her own YouTube Channel with 119k subscribers to date and is even active in social media (FB and IG).
At 55, Pops is looking great. She takes care of her overall well-being. She keeps the faith as evidence of her positive outlook in life.
Single parent
Pops considers being a single parent as difficult but she’s coping beautifully for the sake of her children – Robin and Ram.
“I have a life to live for my children,” she said from a previous interview. “I’m still their mother; what happened hasn’t changed that, and I must work for their future and make their lives as happy as I possibly could. I have to keep moving and believing in the future, not just for myself but for my children.”
She gives all the love and attention she could give to her two boys. “Ram and Robin are both loquacious and active,” she said. “But their attitudes are very different. When you talk to one, it should be different from the way you talk to the other because they’re two different personalities. But they love being together.”
She said being honest with them is the best way to cope with whatever they’re going through at present. “Sometimes parents think that because children are young, they don’t understand. I think it’s the other way around. They are smarter than we perceived them to be and they are more adaptive to change than older people,” she explained.
Of course, despite everything, it couldn’t be denied that Martin is still the father of her children. The boys see their dad whenever he’s free, and even go on trips with them just like one happy, modern family. Martin and Pops, whose marriage was annulled in 2000, have remained friends.
Pops added: “I don’t know how I could have made it without my friends and my faith in God. It’s true what they say about how a crisis has to hit you first before you feel God’s presence. Of course, there are times when you can’t help but ask God why this had to happen ‘coz sometimes you just feel like crying. But the good thing about God is that He has the answers to all the questions. I believe that there’s a reason for everything happening in my life.”
Pops throwback photo/ personal file
Hard lessons
Pops said she was very idealistic when she was younger. To be a single parent was farthest from her mind.
“When my parents separated, I told myself, “When I get married, I won’t let this happen to my kids.’ I had plans. I said, ‘I won’t do this, I won’t do that. I’ll be the best wife and mother I can be, then everything will be alright.”
She further explained: “But sometimes you just can’t help it. Things happen. Problems crop up. You try to fix them, but you can’t. You just learn to take things one day at a time and realized that each marriage and each situation is unique and that one rule doesn’t apply to all.”
What she always wanted was to have a complete family. “Just seeing my family happy is enough,” she said, “especially, my children.” But then, things don’t usually happen the way you want them.
For her, life can be a struggle and at the same time exciting. And there are always lessons learned after the pains, after the struggle. She had dried her tears and is going about the business of living as best as she can.
(Based on the article published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)
After a prolonged hiatus due to the pandemic, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas welcomes back diners to a new concept to re-introduce its after-office specials. Keeping in mind the needs of the metro’s ever-busy workforce, the hotel created a safe and cozy space for them to relax, unwind, and catch up with friends. And by merging its all-day dining restaurant’s gastronomic delights with its bar lounge’s drink specials, the Richmonde Gastropub was born!
Serving an all-new menu of gourmet bar food created by Executive Chef Tristan Galang and his kitchen team, the gastropub presents must-try items like Queso Fundido, Shrimp Scampi, Pulled Pork Quesadilla, Bangers & Mustard Potatoes (choice of veal bratwurst or Hungarian sausage), and Blue Marlin Ceviche.
RHO – Shrimp Scampi
Best-sellers like Angus Burger, Beef Salpicao, and Gamberoni Pizza are also making a comeback to pair with your favorite wine, spirit, or cocktail. If you’re not much of a drinker, no need to worry because lightweights can still join the gang in toasting to good times ahead with the gastropub’s very own handcrafted caramel and butterbeer. Featured cocktails include Deconstructed Mimosa, Little Kiss Crusher, and the ever-popular Sangria.
To celebrate the return of hotel regulars and welcome newbies, Richmonde Gastropub lets wine lovers and beer drinkers enjoy extended fun with unlimited wine pours for two hours straight for only PhP 800, and a free bottle of local beer for every 4 bottles ordered.
Richmonde Gastropub is available daily from 4 pm to 10 pm on the 2nd floor of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas. For inquiries and table reservations, call +632 8638 7777 or +63 917 534 4352 or email richmondecafe@gmail.com.
As a young kontrabida actress during her heyday, Gladys Reyes played many villain roles in movies and television. But she didn’t mind playing villainess in the past.
“I enjoy portraying villain roles because I get to experiment on my character,” related Gladys from a previous interview. “As the kontrabida, I see to it that I attack my roles in different ways, so the moviegoers will not get tired of my acting.” She’s known for her role as “Clara” the lead villainess from the Kapamilya’s popular TV series Mara Clara (in the 90s).
But is she a real kontrabida in real life?
“I know my right as an individual. I know that I’m not stepping on anybody’s toes. But when I’m not treated fairly and I have to fight for my right, that’s the time I become bitchy,” she uttered.
Gladys is indeed, blooming these days. She’s blessed with wonderful family life. She’s happily married to a long-time boyfriend and now husband Christopher Roxas. Both of them are Iglesia Ni Kristo devotees.
Gladys believes her feeling for Christopher (Christopher Sommereux in real life) is true love, which she defines as accepting one’s good and bad traits. “You know no matter what he does, I won’t be turned off, because you love that person,” she said.
She says for a relationship to endure, there should be a give and take and open communication. “Even in the Bible, it’s stated that you should respect the rights of a man in a relationship,” she shared.
What about Christopher’s feelings toward her? Gladys replied that he dislikes her tendency to nag. “But I’m not a nagger. I’m just a fast talker,” enthused the 44-year-old Kapuso actress, who appears in Pepito Manaloto Ang Unang Kuwento. She’s a doting mom to her four beautiful children – Christophe, Aquisha, Grant, and Gavin.
Off-cam, Gladys is a hands-on mompreneur managing their business called That’s EntertainMeat (frozen meat goods), which is open for distributors and resellers. She also manages their sommereux catering with her husband Christopher.
Gladys is an alumna of New Era University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications.
Gladys fetishes
Not all people know that Gladys has a fetish for a mosquito net. “Every taping, I always bring my mosquito net, the size of which is just right for my feet,” she related from a past interview. “Since I was a kid I couldn’t sleep without it. Then I rub my foot there and I fall asleep right away. ”
Another interesting fact about Gladys is that she always wears pajamas when she’s at home. “Because even when my mommy was still a teenager, she was like that,” she said.
She maintains her flawless complexion by applying calamansi to her lower body every day before taking a bath. “I only consume five pieces of calamansi, so that my skin will not get dry,” she said. “You should apply it to your elbows, neck, knees, and areas that sweat quickly.”
Gladys’s early exposure in show business was at the age of seven when she won the Little Miss Philippines title in 1984.
What matters most to her now is her family, career, business, and the never-failing affection she gets from her loving hubby Christopher.
