Hundreds of aspiring chefs from universities, colleges and culinary schools in Metro Manila and nearby provinces battled it out in both culinary and non-culinary competitions to dish out the best meal of their life.

The entire day was reserved for competition and cooking demonstrations. Participants battled in group competition with the Umami Bento, Plate-My-Dish, Amazing Aji-Ginisa Race, Prep, Shake and “Tak-Tak-Tak” (PST) and Mystery Umami Ingredient categories.

But the highlight of the whole day event is the Awarding Ceremony hosted by Ms. Suzi Entrata-Abrera. Ajinomoto Executives opened the program with a special recognition to Philippine Culinary Icon, Ms. Nora Daza, for her significant contributions in the Food Industry. Mr. Taro Fujie, President of AJINOMOTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION, gave his welcome remarks to congratulate all participants.

Wild cheers and applause met Ms. Sarah Geronimo’s memorable performance as the Popstar delivered a message of inspiration and motivation to all guests and participants.

Miriam College came out strong “The Ajinomoto 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge (3rd UCC)” as they bagged the Umami Bowl Award for garnering the highest average score in major competition categories including the Umami Feature Writing Contest which also made them bag the Dr. Ikeda Award. The school brought home an Elba Kitchen Showcase on top of other prizes courtesy of AJINOMOTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION.

Mr. John Paul Ventura of Jose Rizal University was awarded the Umami Master title after delighting the judges with his umami masterpiece which he named “Pan-Seared Salmon w/ Veggie Rolls and Micro Green Salad in Spicy Coconut Sauce”.

Other winners:

• Lyceum of the Philippines Manila: Umami Bento and Mystery Umami Ingredient Categories
• Centro Escolar University: First Place in Amazing AJI-GINISA Race and the Umami Buzz Jeopardy Challenge
•  Trinity University of Asia: First Place in Prep, Shake and TakTakTak competition
• De La Salle Araneta University: Plate-My-Dish competition and Appetite Magazine’s Capture Umami Challenge (Food Photography Contest)
• College of the Holy Spirit: “Media’s Choice for Best Plated Umami Bento”

Top three (3) culinary schools in 5-Ingredient-Umami-Healthy Dish competition:

1.  Global City Innovative College
2. American Hospitality Academy
3. MOST Institute Culinary School

The Ajinomoto 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge is a collaboration of organizations which strongly support the development of the Philippine culinary scene, among them are Glutamate Association of the Philippines (GAP), Elba, Whirlpool/Fujidenzo, Masflex, PR Gaz, Meat and Livestock Australia, and Anvil Publishing together with media partners GMA 7, Appetite Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Libre and PR Moms Network.

In celebration of the “Year of the Forests” this 2011, two of the most awaited pre-pageant events of the Miss Philippines Earth were held in Thunderbird Resorts-Binangonan Rizal’s newest Event Center. Adding twist to the competition, announcement of the TOP TEN FINALISTS was made on the same day as well.

Too bad, I missed the urban clothes or casual wear, And oooh I missed the swim wear too.

But watching them on their Cultural costume is really something. I love Cebu’s gown. =) I’ll post the pics soon.

For the mean time, here’s the top 10 for the Miss Philippines Earth (in random order):
Pagadian City
Cebu City
Cotabato City
Fil East Coast USA
Las Pinas City
Makati City
General Santos City
Mun of Casiguran, Aurora
Puerto Prinsesa City
& Mun of Malolos, Bulacan

April 2, 2011, 7PM

Admission if free.

For reservations, please call the Eastwood Mall Concierge at 7099888, 7090888, 0917-8380111 or email us at ewcity@gmail.com

I wonder if St-Pierre or Koscheck wear something likeyouth wrestling shoes. Anyway, here’s how to watch UFC 124:

On the Big Screen Up North
If you are in Canada and don’t have a ticket, UFC 124 will be exploding onto the big screen in HD at select theatres. For a list of participating theatres visit: http://bit.ly/e9Ln0x and to purchase tickets visit: http://bit.ly/ag4ZmH.

ROKU
The ultimate UFC experience is now available on ROKU. With ROKU, you can stream all UFC live events, insider info, archived event, and unaired prelims right to your TV – without a PC. To learn more about purchasing ROKU and viewing the UFC 124 event, visit: http://bit.ly/gQtfGH.

Sports Bars
Enjoy a night on the town and catch the UFC action at a sports bar. To find a one near you showing the event, visit: http://bit.ly/gCeTsp.

iPhone/iPad
If you’re traveling, on the job or stuck at the opera (we’ve all been there), your iPhone or iPad is your savior during the fights. UFC 124 will be available live via the UFC app. To purchase the app, visit: http://bit.ly/hlZv6R.

Cable Providers
As always, UFC 124 will be available on Pay-Per-View through your local cable providers. If you want to order it on your TV and have your friends over for a viewing party, don’t forget to send out and evite: http://bit.ly/fRMhNu.To see a list of participating cable providers in both English audio and Spanish, visit: http://bit.ly/esGCB6.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR AT THE FOODCOURT
More than just good food, SM City Marikina’s Foodcourt invite everyone to visit the Health and Wellness Fair on September 3-5 and 10-12. For every P150 purchase at the Foodcourt, get access to free services such as Blood Pressure reading from the Philippine Red Cross or get a 10% Discountwhen you present your receipt at Executive Optical. It’s all here at SM City Marikina, the Hottest Venue in the East!

BALLET PHILIPPINES AT SM CITY MARIKINA

With a treasure trove of over 400 works, Ballet Philippines’ wide ranging, eclectic repertory is unparalleled in Asia. From full-length classical ballets and internationally recognized masterworks to indigenous works of Filipino folklore and social issues, the company weaves a colorful tapestry of the Philippine’s rich and diverse cultural heritage – uniquely and distinctly Filipino. Catch them LIVE at the SM City Marikina 3rd Floor Event Center, September 11, 2010 at 4PM. It’s all here at SM City Marikina, the Hottest Venue in the East!

GRANPARENTS’ DAY COOKING DEMO AT THE FOOD COURT
Remember Lola’s secret recipe? It’s about time that we return the favor as SM City Marikina Foodcourt unveils its heartwarming culinary creations that is both healthy and delectable. Enjoy dining while we cook up a storm this September 12, 2010 2PM at the SM City Marikina Foodcourt. See you there! It’s all here at SM City Marikina, the Hottest Venue in the East!

GRANDPARENT’S DAY AT SM CITY MARIKINA
What better way to enjoy this fun Sunday with the extended family as SM City Marikina Celebrates Grandparent’s Day. Our beloved Lolo and Lola will be amazed by the timeless musical stylings of our LIVE performers. September 12, 2010 4PM at the Atrium. It’s all here at SM City Marikina, the Hottest Venue in the East!

SM CITY MARIKINA 3 DAY SALE
The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived! Shop ’til you drop at SM City Marikina’s 3-Day Sale. Enjoy of up to 50% OFF on great finds! Starting on September 17-18 from 10AM to 12MN and September 19 from 10AM to 10PM. After Shopping, enjoy an evening with the 3 Day Sale Al-Fresco Concert Series! With musical numbers from Opera Belles and Sabrina. It’s all here at SM City Marikina, the Hottest Venue in the East!

3RD MARIKINA AUTOSHOW
SM City Marikina, in cooperation with Genix Auto Club with the support of the City Government of Marikina, present the 3rd Marikina Autoshow. See pumped up cars as they showcase what they are made of in this one of a kind event. From drag and engine roar contests to a special fashion show with the Genix models. Capping the festivities is the Autoshow Afterparty that is a sure fire hit! Start your engines on September 25-26 10AM at the Basement 2 Parking.

He is now back, all geared up with the release of his all-original album under his new home, MCA Music Inc!

Catch the album launch of Nyoy Volante at the Eastwood Mall Open Park on Saturday, July 24 at 7:00 pm and Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill on July 31 at 8:00 pm.
Grab a copy of Nyoy Volante’s newest album “IN YOU” at the Eastwood concierge and get special VIP seats and the chance to Meet & Greet Nyoy Volante live!

I might cover Nyoy Volante album launch at Eastwood Mall, plus I have to look for promotional pens for my MIL’s business. I hope to see you guys.

Now here’s the complete list of the Daytime Emmy Nominations 2010:

OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

• The Bold and the Beautiful
• The Young and the Restless
• General Hospital
• All My Children

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

• Crystal Chappell, Guiding Light
• Michelle Stafford, The Young and the Restless
• Maura West, As the World Turns
• Sarah Brown, General Hospital
• Bobbie Eakes, All My Children

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

• Peter Bergman, The Young and the Restless
• Jon Lindstrom, As the World Turns
• Michael Park, As the World Turns
• Doug Davidson, The Young and the Restless
• James Scott, Days of Our Lives

OUTSTANDING TALK SHOW – ENTERTAINMENT

• Rachael Ray
• Live With Regis and Kelly
• The Ellen DeGeneres Show

OUTSTANDING TALK SHOW – INFORMATIVE

• Dr. Phil
• The Doctors
• The Dr. Oz Show

OUTSTANDING TALK SHOW HOST

• Rachael Ray, Rachael Ray
• Bonnie Hunt, The Bonnie Hunt Show
• Dr. Mehmet Oz , The Dr. Oz Show
• Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, Live With Regis and Kelly
• Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Sherri Shepherd and Barbara Walters, The View

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Agnes Nixon

One of the cool places where Filipinos can simmer the heat down this summer is Cocktales, a dessert parlor by the Fruitas group.
At Cocktales, dessert lovers can try their different concoctions that come in four categories: Desserts, Shaken, Stirred, and Hot Items.

Desserts are actually fruit bowls, with a bed of shaved ice and topped with a milky sauce. They have the Beauty Boost (a bowl of detoxifying papaya), Tropical Paradise (a mixture of various fruits), Caribbean Dream (a combination of banana and papaya), Coconut Paradise (a blend of various fruits with shredded coconut meat and topped with vanilla ice cream), and Mango Bananarama (a fusion of mangoes and banana, with tapioca and rice balls). hmmmm sounds yummy. I think I need to bring my supplements for weight loss. Because I heard at Cocktales, there are the heavenly Cocktale drinks (of course, minus the hangover since they are just inspired by popular alcoholic drinks). They have the Chocolate Apple Martini, Vanilla Lychee Margarita (chilled lychee shake in margarita glass), Long Island Iced Tea (blend with the English breakfast tea), Watermelon Mojito with a touch of ginger and mint, Mango Daquiri with tapioca balls, and Piña Colada, a mocktail with pineapple and mint, among others.

In partnership with Yupangco Group which brought you Zoobic Safari and Residence Inn, EK will feature “ZOORI’s ADVENTURE”, an interactive museum where guests, especially kids, can have a close “EnKounter” with mechanical white lions.

The attraction is divided into different chambers; a replica of colossal caves where guests will go through doors opening to other realms. Guests will also have the privilege to learn about the habitat of white lions and how they survive the wild.

Trapped doors with various surprises also await visitors. Park goers can also check the bouncing room and try the different activities of lions such as pouncing, hopping, and jumping as they catch their prey like zebras, buffalos, and deer.

Expect to go through revolving tunnels, a hanging bridge and the swinging Tarzan zone as guests try to avoid falling into a pit of inflatable balls.

Witness natural calamities that occur in the forests and how the white lions battle these forces of nature in the typhoon room!

Aside from an “EnKounter” with the lions, “EKsotic” birds will also be housed at Enchanted Kingdom middle of April! Bird lovers will have the opportunity to enter the aviary and feed the winged creatures. Get a chance to meet EK’s very own Tweeter.

According to Ms. Cynthia R. Mamon, EK’s VP for Sales and Marketing, “Here in Enchanted Kingdom, we believe that animals are very precious creations of God. They make us appreciate life more and see how beautiful the world is. We need to give importance to animals by taking good care of them.” She also added, “This partnership with the Yupangco Group helps us to not only value the animals but the whole earth itself.”

This latest attraction opens on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010. Zoori, EK’s white lion, will meet and greet guests during the grand launching!

Come to Enchanted Kingdom where the magic stays with you! From April 3 until June 6, 2010 we are open Mondays-Fridays from 2PM to 9PM and Saturdays to Sundays from 11AM to 9PM with Fireworks Display at 8PM. For more details, you may call 584-3535 or 584-4326 to 29. You may also log on to www.enchantedkingdom.ph.