Maniolas

(Photo image courtesy of http://new.globalwitness.org/) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Philippines is the third deadliest country in the world for environmental activists, an international group reported. London-based Global Witness, an organization probing corruption and environmental issues, released a report this week recording 67 killings of environmental activists in the Philippines over the past 12 years, making it the deadliest country for environmental defenders in Asia and the third in the world, next to Brazil and Honduras. “In the Philippines, the risks to environmental and land defenders are acute…People have been killed opposing numerous environmental threats, including illegal logging, waste dumping, expansion of biofuel plantations and the construction of large-scale hydroelectric dams,” the Global Witness report stated. Most killings of environmental activists, however, were suspected to have been caused by “opposition to mining operations,” according to the international group. “The Philippines is rich in natural resources and has a significant mining industry, but there is very little transparency in this sector, with mining contracts and data seldom made public. Rules requiring mining companies to consult with and gain consent from communities who live in areas in which the firms seek to operate are not consistently followed,” the report read. In March 2012, for instance, anti-mining activist Datu Jimmy Liguyon was shot dead in front of his family. The suspect in the killing, Alde “Butsoy” Salusad, has a standing arrest warrant, but remains at large. ‘State forces behind killings’ Global Witness attributed some of the killings of environmental activists in the Philippines to Read More …

Parmesan pizza with tomato powder, basil and all kinds of yummy molecular toppings in Anti:Dote My heart usually yearns for the exotic. The discovery of new and exciting destinations, walking through hidden temples, contemplating old artifacts, getting lost in the streets of an unknown city… But when you’re 31 weeks pregnant like I am, adventure doesn’t come easy. In fact, adventure is restricted and perhaps limited to daydreaming from your sofa.  What does a pregnant lady do on a holiday escape? Long walks and full days of sightseeing hurt the back and forget shopping because everything just looks terrible. There is only one thing we preggos can do, and something I most definitely can do well – EAT. Singapore was a top choice – a variety of excellent restos, different types of cuisine, different price ranges, all accessible by a short flight and in case of contractions due to overeating, a truly safe place to be. I had planned my trip to the last minute. There is an art to the food trip, with each meal carefully selected to complement each other. I’m not one of those who like to accumulate fancy awarded fine-dining joints; there has to be a balance between high and low. From the glinting silverware and crystal glasses to the dingy chairs and grimy chopsticks, a perfect medley of refinery and just a good old chow-down. It is a serious strategy for indulgence and enjoyment. I also tried to balance my oldies but goodies, favorites that Read More …

Paint your palate: Vikings stands out by giving its clients the freedom to prepare dishes the way they want and come up with their own “masterpieces” to eat. MANILA, Philippines – Most buffets in the Metro offer identical cuisines. And the fifth and newest branch of Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM Megamall is finally here to break the monotony. This latest place-to-be for foodies stands out by giving its clients the freedom to prepare dishes the way they want to and come up with their own “masterpieces” to eat. After all, it has an “art museum”-inspired theme. In its Italian cuisine section, for example, diners can pick from a wide variety of ingredients and “paint the palate” to create their own pasta and pizza. And it’s not as complicated as a first-timer would think: Simply select your freshly made pasta, then choose your sauce or topping, and the chef will prepare it in about a minute, ready to serve fresh off the pan. The same goes with creating pizza. You can make your very own signature pizza with a variety of toppings to choose from at the station. Of course, there are readily available pizzas with signature flavors, including the Sicilian pizza and the intriguing Carbonara pizza. This “create your own dish” concept extends to the ramen station and the hot pot station, where diners can select the ingredients for your very own signature bowl. Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: At the grill station, guests can Read More …