Want to be a food writer? This workshop is for you

MANILA -- Do you want to be a food blogger?

This year’s Power of the Pen workshop, which will happen on February 13 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, promises to discuss different topics on food writing — from writing from a historical perspective to tips on making food writing relevant during the digital age, among others.

Historian Felice Sta. Maria will talk about historical facts for food writing, while Singaporean author Bryan Koh, whose book "Milk Pigs and Violet Gold" tackled Filipino cuisine, will share the process of researching for a book on food from the challenges to his experiences.

Author Cecilia Brainard, meanwhile, will discuss how to turn one's love for food into essays and reviews, taking snippets from her experience in writing and editing books, including the award-winning anthology "A La Carte: Food and Fiction."

Chef Gene Gonzalez’s session will deal with his own transitioning from chef-owner of Café Ysabel to chef instructor to cookbook author ("Cocina Sulipena") to a food editor and writer.

Finally, the duo of Amy Uy and Jenny Orillios will tackle the secrets of collaborative writing, taking their experience from writing the book "Panaderia: Philippine Bread, Biscuit and Bakery Traditions."

For aspiring food writers aiming to transform their passion for food into words, tickets for Power of the Pen workshop are at P7,000 for adults and P3,000 for students. Tickets include a buffet lunch, workshop materials, as well as a certificate of participation.

As a special Valentine’s Day treat, Power of the Pen is offering a buy two tickets and get one free seat until February 5. For more information, email info@stramaeventsinc.com

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Anne breaks silence on rumored split with Erwan

MANILA – Anne Curtis just laughed off rumors that she and her long-time boyfriend, restaurateur and food blogger Erwan Heussaff, have split up, as reported by popular showbiz blog Fashion Pulis.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News after her “AnneKapal” concert on Friday, Curtis said she doesn't know who is behind the rumors.

“I think whoever started that, nice try of making negative publicity but it's not true,” she said. “I don't know who started it pero at least nalinawan naman kagaad, within the same day. It was clear naman that it's not true.”

Last Wednesday, Heussaff took to Twitter to address the story on the blog, which cited a "very reliable source" in confirming the alleged breakup.

"Thanks for the concern, but let's remember that FP isn't BBC, there are more veracious sources of information out there. We are fine," he said.

Heussaff also reacted to the story's comment on his and Curtis' "behavior" on their respective social media accounts.

"Also, I'm not in showbiz, so my relationship is mine to keep precious and not yours to devour," Heussaff said. "If I don't post about it, that's my prerogative."

Asked why Heussaff seemed sarcastic in his tweets, Curtis said, “He's not showbiz so he does not really get the whole ‘Bakit may tsismis na lumabas?’ Hindi niya pa nage-gets kaya medyo sarcastic 'yung dating nung post.”

She, however, reiterated that both of them are “super fine.”




What’s next?

Meanwhile, Curtis heaved a sigh of relief her second major solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum turned out to be successful.

“Sobrang ikling panahon lang [kami nag-prepare] because every day kami nagte-tape ng ‘Dyesebel.’ That's why may sense of relief kasi kahit na alam kong konting panahon lang 'yung meron kami to prepare, na-achieve naman 'yung kailangan naming gawin,” she said.

Asked what she thinks is the highlight of her concert, Curtis said, “Masaya 'yung opening. 'Yung death-defying stunt ko, I think 'yun 'yung parang surreal. Sobra akong nagpapasalamat sa Araneta for allowing me to do it.”

“To be honest, when I first tried it na ganun kataas, hindi ko magawa 'yung flips. Ayaw pa ng loob ko. To know that it was successful, sobra akong happy,” she added.

Curtis said another highlight would be her duet with Regine Velasquez.

“'Yun talaga ang isa pang bonggang bongga highlight. Pati 'yung kay Sir Ogie (Alcasid), Sir Martin (Nievera), Robert Sena, talagang legit singers. But to sing ‘On The Wings of Love’ with Ms. Regine Velasquez was just crazy,” she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Anne Curtis defends boyfriend Erwan Heussaff

MANILA – Television host and actress Anne Curtis said she is in no position to dictate what her boyfriend, food blogger Erwan Heussaf, posts in his social media accounts.

This comes after Curtis was asked about Heussaff's posts about the re-election of former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada.

Estrada’s daughter Jerika called out Heussaff’s attention on Twitter, saying the blogger should “not to abuse" his "status to demean ANYBODY for that matter.”

“Well he’s that kind of guy, very outspoken because I guess hindi naman siya laking showbiz, hindi naman siya laki dito. He has a whole different world where you are allowed to speak your mind, you are allowed to say whatever you want,” Curtis told entertainment website Push.com.ph.

Curtis said Heussaff has the right to express his opinion and she cannot do anything about it.

“Even if I talk to him and say you have to be a little bit careful kasi somehow you are linked to me and whatever… But I also understand that it’s his right, that’s his account and who am I to say anything about it? So it’s his opinion and you know the people who follow him get him. If they don’t, just unfollow na lang,” she said.

Curtis added Heussaff also listens to what she says but at the end of the day, it’s still his own opinion.

“Nakikinig naman ‘yun but at the same time I also have to respect. Siyempre lalaki pa rin 'yan, may sariling [opinion yan]. And also 'yung where he is in his life and his career is totally different from our world,” she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Jennifer Behm Offers Tips for a Perfect Summer Road Trip

With the summer now here, I am very excited at the possibilities for road trips – for a day, a weekend, a week. Growing up, we did not have a lot of money, so we often turned to the road for our escapes.

Camping was No. 1 on our list, followed closely by travel to soccer tournaments. I loved it, but I'm sure my family was over it by the third weekend in a row.

But now, with the east coast under heat attack, the beach is a great destination. I'm lucky that it's so close, but we can also easily reach the mountains or simply venture off to visit friends.

My dilemma, however, has always been about what I should bring along for two kids who generally eat us out of house and home, as well as for ourselves and whoever is adventurous enough to join us. I always pack too much, of course, but as a former Junior Girl Scout I'm always prepared for anything. Why, I do believe I even have my old mess kit!

So, where to start? What shall I pack for this trip of a day?

Great music on the iPod
Always important! Singing in the car always makes for awesome Youtube videos and great memories. "Hands … touching hands … touching me … touching you!" You know the rest; just don't mess with the driver too much! Look for one of our performances on YT soon!

Killer sandwiches
Roast beef with a horseradish béchamel sauce, pickled vegetables, micro greens with roast beef on a croissant, burrata and heirloom tomato sandwich with arugula and sriracha mayo, cold fried chicken with cranberry sauce and sage brown butter stuffing. Ooh, yummm! For the kids, usually chunky peanut butter and Nutella with bananas. Brings me right back to my childhood. (Suggestion: Cut in half and wrap halves separately in plastic wrap – then you can enjoy both types.)

Jen Behm's Kickoff Blog: Flank Steak Recipe to Impress Dad

Finger-licking sides
Grilled corn salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with cilantro champagne vinaigrette, zucchini brownies (a great way to get the kids to eat veggies and not even know it. Sneaky!), beet salad with goat cheese dressed in rosemary vinaigrette. Grilled veggies are a great snack with a roasted pepper dip. You can divide these up in Baggies or in small plastic containers.

The essentials
Bug spray, sunblock, adhesive bandages, aspirin, hand-wipes, toilet paper and a few games for the car (we play the A-Z game in themes).

Along the way or upon arrival
A cool beverage. But stick with clear drinks – potholes sneak up, and removing stains is no bueno! For teens, try mixing O.J., cranberry and Fresca.

Our trip to the beach was a success, aside from the overcast skies, a car full of sand, rough seas (though the kids found them perfect for boarding) and the occasional rescue from the frothy sea (necessary only for the adults, and not our half-human, half-fish kids).

The memories of laughter and food are perfect! So, on your next road trip skip the fast food and take/make your own creations and fun!

source: people.com