From boxer to chef: Fil-Aussie launches book on Pinoy cuisine

Filipino-Australian Marx Canoy was a professional boxer who has chosen an unlikely path for most fighters — that of becoming a chef.

Now, he even has his own cookbook.

According to a report of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Canoy launched his cookbook entitled "Food Feast: Traditional to World-Class Philippine Cuisine" at Bankstown Sports Club in Bankstown in New South Wales, Australia on June 9.

The Fil-Aussie, who lives in Sydney, currently works as the Vibe Rushcutters Bay sous chef.

During his boxing days, Canoy trained under the renowned Lope “Papa” Sarreal, tagged as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Boxing.”

"Canoy's story is remarkable as he trained early in life to become a boxer. Moving to Australia in 1996, he pursued his ambition to become a professional chef by taking cooking courses and gaining experience under the guidance of some of the best chefs in the country," the DFA said.

Asked about his cookbook, Canoy said: “The recipes are made very simple for anyone to follow, and that readers are encouraged to experiment and replace some ingredients and in the process, make their own version of the recipes.”

 

Canoy said the cookbook was a product of a "community effort" as other Filipinos assisted him on the book including:

 

• Michelle Baltazar (Editor)
• Albert Prias (Concept and Design), and
• Millie Marcial-Phillips (Graphic Design, Production and Layout).

 

On his website, Canoy said that the “cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes.”

 

He said he chose to write the cookbook “to introduce Filipino cuisine, with a contemporary twist, to the wider Australian community.”

 

“[The cookbook also aimed] to show Filipino chefs, who want to work in Australia, a list of the dishes often served in top hotels, cafes and restaurants,” he said.

Kitchen champ

 

Born the second youngest of 12 children, his culinary journey started when he was 10 years old.

As a child, he used to help his mom sell fried cassava sweets (ukoy-ukoy), milk sweets (yema), and ice candy to supplement the family income.

 

When his family migrated to Australia, Canoy decided that he wanted to become a professional chef.

 

Despite all his culinary achievements, the Fil-Aussie chef considered as his career highlight the chance to prepare food for some 2,000 people during his homecoming party in the Philippines last year.

His boxing days over, Canoy said he now chooses to be a "champion in the kitchen." - VVP, GMA News

Pinoy Pulitzer winner Jose Antonio Vargas: 'We're no longer illegal immigrants'

A thunderstorm rolled into New York on June 25, the same day Jose Antonio Vargas swept across the city to proclaim victory for DREAM Act youth.

 

In early afternoon, he was at Nasdaq to ring the stock market closing bell, then proceeded to tape an interview with Bill O’ Reilly at the FOX News studio to air in the evening. At 6 p.m., he arrived at the New York Immigration Coalition office where he was to speak to media and supporters and sign autographs.

 

“I think we killed it,” he said, grinning ear to ear, emotional and looking overwhelmed by all the attention as he faced an audience of admiring young students and immigration activists.

 

He invited the DREAM Act students who appeared with him in a recent TIME Magazine cover to join him as he spoke. Five of them came forward and crowded him at the front of the room. As a group they were cheered and applauded like victorious soldiers coming home from war.

 

“I guess, we’re no longer called illegal immigrants,” a giddy Jose said quoting a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that “it is not a crime” for undocumented aliens to remain in the U.S. The decision, issued on the same day, reversed some of the controversial provisions of Arizona’s immigration law but also upheld the right of police officers to do random immigration checks on residents.

 

“This is everybody’s work,” said Jose. “Everybody won.”

 

He only played a small role, he said, and others were there before him. It is a victory for the NYIC, which has been advocating for immigrants rights for more than two decades, as well as it is for DREAMer Lucy who came out nine years ago, as it is for himself who “joined the conversation” a year ago in a New York Times essay and declared himself — a Pulitzer Award-winning journalist — to be another undocumented immigrant.

 

The gathering was meant to celebrate their victories, culminating in President Obama moving to end the deportation of undocumented students.

The ceremony at Nasdaq was in recognition of more than a million DREAM Act youths being potential members of the workforce.

 

The so-called “deferred action” policy – valid for two years and renewable – allows the youth to remain in the U.S. and find employment based on certain requirements.

The policy does not automatically guarantee their eligibility for driver’s licenses and in-state tuition fees, but it allows those in deportation proceedings to get a fresh hearing on their cases.

 

The policy makes it clear the grant of “deferred action” is temporary and is not a path to citizenship.

 

Jose said the campaign, since he joined, has managed to “turn the conversation around.” He is still confronted by questions like ‘Why don’t you just go back to the Philippines?’ but he would always respond with, “But I am an American” who knows no other country but the United States.

 

“He has helped. He became the face of the DREAM Act,” said Mae Lee, director of the Chinese Progressive Association of New York, of Jose’s high-profile involvement with the advocacy campaign.

 

By telling his own story, Jose personalized the campaign in a compelling way, said Gonzalo Mercado, director of the El Centro del Imigrante in Staten Island. - The FilAm

Philippine rice terraces no longer in danger

MANILA, Philippines - The World Heritage Committee on Tuesday removed the Philippine Rice Terraces in Banaue from its List of World Heritage in Danger.

Photos by Rem Zamora for ABS-CBNNews.com

 The Philippines has successfully restored the terraces in a desired state of conservation, the 36th Session of the World Heritage Committee said.

Aside from restoring the terraces, local authorities have also undertaken their protection, planning, and proper management.

The international body said the Philippines has restored at least 50 percent of the collapsed terraces.

The required documentation and rehabilitation of major irrigation systems at the site has also been completed, it added.

The World Heritage Committee also said policies and laws preserving the site are now in place.

Community-based land use and zoning plans are being developed, and measures ensuring the site’s proper management and its protection from natural disasters had been implemented, according to a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) official.

“This decision is a historic moment for the Philippines,” said Ambassador Cristina Ortega, Philippine Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.

“To have the international community recognize our commitment and effort in reinstating the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras in the World Heritage List is, for us, a great honor and accomplishment. Its removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger reinforces anew its grandeur and relevance as a globally important cultural landscape,” she added.

The centuries-old rice terraces, which are found in the Cordilleras, are considered as a global cultural treasure.

The UNESCO said the rice terraces represent the “fruit of knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance.”

UNESCO said the rice terraces show a “landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment.”

They became became the first-ever property in 1995 to be included in the cultural landscape category of the World Heritage List.

However, 6 years later, the rice terraces were placed in the endangered list.

Neglected systems and migration

During its 25th session held in December 2001 in Helsinki, Finland, the World Heritage Committee said the rice terraces were threatened by neglected irrigation systems and migration.

It also warned against unregulated developments in the site, lack of focus on tourism requirements, and a weak management system.

Photos by Rem Zamora for ABS-CBNNews.com

 The International Committee on Monument and Sites (ICOMOS) warned that "a worrying percentage of [the] rice terraces had deteriorated; springs had dried up and deforestation within the watershed had occurred; subsistence farming and limited alternative economic opportunities had forced many Ifugaos to seek work elsewhere; and traditions and rituals associated with the cultivation of rice had been disappearing.”

The Philippines established the Ifugao Cultural Heritage Office (ICHO) to save the terraces. It closely worked with various groups, such as the provincial government of Ifugao and the non-profit Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement.

The groups managed to help restore the rice terraces and their watersheds, while promoting or re-introducing the site’s ancestral traditions that are crucial to its sustained development.

The UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM), meanwhile, joined forces with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DAR), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to map out programs to protect the terraces.

UNACOM secretary-general Dr. Virginia Miralao thanked various organizations and individuals such as Governor Eugene Balitang, rep. Teddy Baguilat, Jr., the past and present members of the UNESCO NatCom Cultural Committee, various international UNESCO units, IUCN, and academic institutions such as UP, UST and Ifugao State University for helping restore and protect the terraces.

Pinoy heroes carry Olympic torch in Manchester

MANCHESTER - As the Olympic torch relay makes its way towards the second largest city in the UK, two local heroes all the way from the Philippines came to take their spot in the limelight as they carried the sporting symbol closer to the London Games.

Mother of two Marcy Reyes at the start of her Olympic torch relay in Whitefield near Manchester in honor of her relentless charity work in the Philippines

Manila-based Joven Mallo and Marcy Reyes from the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) in the Philippines bested over 28,000 nominees to secure a place as one of the lucky 8,000 torch bearers from around the world.

Following a grueling selection process scrutinizing their character, professional career, and personal achievements, the Filipino torch bearers impressed the selection panel from LOCOG (London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games) for outstanding contribution to their local community.

“I’m just a simple person. I didn’t think I will end up here in the UK. This is a one-in-a-million lifetime experience for me, so words are not enough to express the happiness in my heart,” said Reyes, an executive housekeeper in Holiday Inn in Metro Manila.

Mallo, a sales and service assistant from Crowne Plaza, added: “I’m so happy. Of the millions of people in the world, especially in the Philippines, why were we chosen for this? Perhaps it’s God’s purpose to bless us with this opportunity.”

Proudly representing the Philippines, both runners hope their achievement will send a positive message, emphasizing the importance of hope, humility and community service.

“Try to do good deeds, and if you do, don’t expect anything in return. Just do the right thing for the sake of your fellow human being,” said Mallo, originally from Cotabato.

Reyes, who is married with two children, added: “The torch represents unity, peace and friendship, so I’m offering this to all my fellow Filipinos. There may be a lot of economic and political crises in the Philippines, but we should not focus on the negatives. Instead we should look at how we can contribute to developing our nation. Let’s not waste opportunities, because the Philippines is a good country.”

Local heroes

Joven Mallo carried the Olympic torch in Bury near Manchester in recognition of his heroic act during typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines

The Filipino torch bearers were nominated by their employer, IHG Manila, which spotted the life stories of both employees. The company itself, a sponsor of the London Games, held a worldwide search for worthy employees to be part of the Olympic Torch Relay in the UK. Mallo and Reyes were among the chosen few, beating 1,000 other nominees from the international IHG group.

Mallo was chosen for his heroic act during typhoon Ondoy in September 2009, when he saved the life of an elderly neighbor as floods hit parts of Quezon City.

Reyes, on the other hand, is being recognized for her extensive charity work, including running marathons for environmental causes, getting involved in social projects by IHG, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, and feeding street children in Pasig City.

Warm welcome

The pair travelled from Manila to Manchester to take part in Day 36 of the torch relay between Blackpool and Manchester, each running 350 yards in the towns of Bury and Whitefield in northwest England, where Filipinos proudly welcomed their fellow countrymen.

“We’re very proud. Well done, Filipinos. This is good for our nation. Filipinos excel wherever they may be,” enthused Jay Duenas, a local nurse who came out with his family to witness the event.

“We’re very excited. This is the first time for us to experience the Olympics and the torch relay right here in our area. It’s a once in a lifetime event. We’re happy that the Pinoy torch bearers made it to the UK because this is our adopted country and we’re very proud.”

The runners also received a warm welcome from the local British community who lined up the streets to catch a glimpse of local and international heroes bearing the Olympic torch.

“I’m really happy. People here are welcoming on the whole. Sometimes people think English people can be a bit cold, but most of us are welcoming,” said Mike Hancock, a local British resident involved in the day’s festivities.

Kay Richmond, another local resident taking part in the event, added: “A huge welcome to all of them. We’re glad to share this with the world. It’s a huge historic event.”

The 70-day Olympic Torch Relay in the UK started at Land’s End in Cornwall in May, slowly making its way towards Stratford in East London in time for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics on July 27.

Apart from Mallo and Reyes, three other inspirational Filipinos will carry the torch as it continues its tour of Olympic host nation, namely: British-Filipino entrepreneur and youth leader Stephen Cheung, UK-based caregiver Apol Enteria, and US-based cancer survivor Rodolfo Carlos.

Filipino dishes coming soon to Buddha Bar

A platter of appetizers served in Buddha Bar Manila. Photo by Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – Buddha Bar Manila, the first Philippine branch of the stylish Paris-based hangout, will soon have local dishes on its already extensive menu.

In an interview with ABS-CBNnews.com, Buddha Bar Manila executive chef Soc Santos said they are already preparing for the new dishes, which are likely to be unveiled at the end of the year.

“Some Filipino dishes will come out, but these are not your usual Filipino dishes,” Santos said without giving further details.

Buddha Bar is known for its “Pacific Rim” or east-meets-west dishes such as crunchy rice salmon rolls and sea bass with tamarind sauce.

Santos said the dishes served in Philippine branch are almost the same as those in the original bar lounge in Paris but with a few “improvements.”

The Thai-style curry red shrimp here, for instance, is served in a freshly opened coconut, better than the coconut husk used in Paris.

Buddha Bar Manila's Thai-style curry red shrimp is served in a freshly opened coconut.Photo by Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com

“We’d like to take advantage of the ingredients we have here,” she said. “When they (executives from Buddha Bar) saw it, they were so happy.”

But Santos was quick to add that she could not change the menu too much. “I cannot tweak most of the dishes because these are signature [Buddha Bar specialties],” she explained.

Lavish

Buddha Bar Manila opened at Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City early this year, much to the delight of celebrities, socialites and well-traveled Filipinos.

With three floors and a seating capacity of over 500 persons, it is said to be the biggest franchise of Buddha Bar worldwide.

The interiors are posh, like entering an Asian-inspired five-star hotel. A giant Buddha greets guests who enter through the bar’s wrought iron doors. The lights get dimmer as the day passes.

A look inside Buddha Bar Manila at Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City. Photo: Handout

The spacious first floor is dotted with rich mahogany furniture and etched with gold and scarlet designs by Parisian painter Bruno Tanquel.

On the second floor are more tables and private dining areas, as well as a large turntable where Buddha Bar’s signature music is being played and mixed by DJs.

The third floor, meanwhile, allows guests to dine al fresco.

The top floor of Buddha Bar Manila lets customers dine al fresco. Photo: Handout

The kitchen, Santos said, is just as lavish. “I’m so proud of my kitchen. We even have a gadget here using a USB and a touch screen. It will steam, cook, whatever, according to the sequence. And the oven also automatically cools down,” she shared.

Recommendations

Naturally, Buddha Bar Manila’s fine finger food and fancy interiors come at a price.

The Buddha Bar Rolls or maki made of five kinds of seafood and wrapped in thin slivers of cucumber, costs a hefty P760, or about P127 per piece.

Buddha Bar rolls contain salmon, shrimp, tuna, hamachi and lapu-lapu. Photo by Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com

“Cheaper” alternatives such as the Spicy Tuna Crunchy Rice costs P260 for five rolls.

For those who want to try the best of Buddha Bar Manila but are on a limited budget, Santos said they should get the hot appetizers such as the crispy boneless chicken wings, and a main course like the curry shrimp.

Other bestselling items include the Buddha Bar Chicken Salad, Deep-Fried Golden Duck Pao with Mee Bandung, or a soup with noodles, shrimp, chili and other spices, and the vegetable samosas.

‘The sea bass is also a must-try,” she said. “The concept here is sharing, so one dish is good for two or more people.”

Desserts are a hit here as well, with the most popular being the chocolate sesame bars, or three yummy sticks made of semi-sweet chocolate, wafer and sesame seeds.

Chocolate sesame bars are popular in Buddha Bar branches across the globe. Photo by Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com

Of course, being a Paris-based establishment, Buddha Bar also offers crème brulee in three flavors – chocolate, coffee and caramel.

“We’ll soon come out with French macarons. We’re targeting Christmas,” Santos said.

Trumps eye more projects with Century Properties

MANILA, Philippines - The sons of US real estate magnate Donald Trump are looking forward to working with the Antonio family's Century Properties Group Inc. on more projects in the future.

Donald Jr. and Eric Trump arrived in Manila on Tuesday morning to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the $150-million (P6-billion) Trump Tower Manila in Century City, Makati City.

US real estate magnate Donald Trump with sons Donald Jr. and Eric and daughter Ivanka, and Century Properties managing director Robbie Antonio.

In a press conference at the Manila Peninsula, the Trumps had nothing but praises for the Antonio family.

"We're incredibly excited to bring the brand here. The Philippines, a country that has done so well in recent years, and taking that and the high-end real estate experience to levels that have never been done here... When it came time to do a project in the (Philippine) market, we partnered with people who can do the best... Based on the conversations with Robbie and chairman Antonio, this will not be our last project in the Philippines. We're really looking forward to rolling out a number of things," said Donald Jr., executive vice-president of developments and acquisitions of the Trump Organization.

Robbie Antonio, Century Properties managing director and Trump Tower Manila project head, echoed Donald Jr.'s statement, saying: "Hopefully we can do some more projects with the Trump family."

Century City Development Corp., a unit of Century Properties, is developing the skyscraper with the brand name and mark under license from the Trump Organization. The Trump Tower Manila is not owned, developed or sold by the Trumps.

Donald J. Trump might not have visited Manila, but in a videotaped message, he said the project is "something special."

"I will be there soon. It's a great place. I love the Philippines and I really love what we're doing with Trump Tower Manila. My boys Don Jr. and Eric are there, they are really looking forward to this project, it's something special... Trump Tower Manila will be something very, very special, like nobody's seen before," he said.

New York-style luxury

With the Trump name, the residential building brings to mind luxury and exclusivity. Trump is one of the most high-profile American businessmen, thanks to his real estate business, extravagant lifestyle, the hit reality show "The Apprentice" and an aborted campaign to run for President.

Trump Tower Manila

Century Properties said the building, which will be the tallest in the Philippines, will bring New York-style luxury. Among the amenities are a grand lobby, spa, outdoor pool at the 30th floor, juice bar and concierge service.  It is expected to be delivered by 2016.

Eric Trump, EVP of Development & Acquisitions of the Trump Organization, said the Trump Tower Manila would be like a "paradise" in your own building.

"We wanted to do the best building not only in the Philippines but in Asia and the world... Trump buildings are always known to be the tallest, have the best amenities and this building represents that. It is uncompromised when it comes to amenities... This is something we're proud to have our name on," he said.

Jose E.B. Antonio, chairman and president of Century Properties, said bringing the Trump name to the project is more than just branding.

"The project itself is not just the brand, but behind the brand is the quality. They say quality will always be remembered, long after the price is forgotten. That's what we're trying to do with Trump Tower Manila. It's going to be one of the best developments in the Philippines, and we're assisting in creating Manila as a cosmopolitan center for investments and lifestyle," he said.

So far, the Trump name seems to have worked like magic. Units at the Trump Tower Manila have been selling well since it was announced last September.

"We sold 70% of the project in 8 months, we sold the highest price per square meter the Philippines has ever seen," Robbie Antonio said.

The Antonios and Trumps believe there is a strong market demand for luxury branded residential projects in the country.

"Obviously with growing middle class and increase in demand for the uber luxury space, we strive at Century Properties to constantly feed the demand because there is a significant need for it. It's becoming a necessity, not just a want," Robbie Antonio said.

Eric Trump noted buyers are now becoming increasingly conscious about brands, especially in Asia. "People want luxury and they want to live in the best in the Philippines...It's what we deliver as a company, what Century delivers," he said.

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