Fortune Seafood Restaurant Baguio City

Fortune Seafood Restaurant

Fortune (Hong Kong) Seafood Restaurant is one of well-known fine dining restaurants here in Baguio City. They do serve delicate and tasty cuisines that you don't eat regularly. New customers would definitely enjoy the sophisticated, modern, and elegant design of the restaurant. 

The restaurant is located at Otek Street beside Good Taste Restaurant and Burnham Park and PRC Baguio branch. The place is great for family and friends. Its best if you go there in groups because the do serve a lot. They do cater to events such as debut, birthdays, and wedding reception. Here's a peak of the inside of the restaurant.

Fortune Seafood Restaurant Menu and Pricelist

They do serve lots of different dishes, so there's much to choose from. Although, they do offer dishes at a higher price range compared to other restaurants. Here's a picture of Fortune's Seafood Restaurant menu and pricelist.

Other Restaurant Info:
Address: 16 Otek Street, Baguio City
Phone number: 074- 442- 9773
Price range: $$$
Accepts Catering and Reservations: Yes

The Harmful Effects of Skipping Meals for Weight loss

The Effects of Skipping Meals

Most people choose to skip meals in order to lose weight. Meal alternatives are safe for as long as you put something in your stomach but never go on a day without even eating a single meal ever! Skipping meals involves the famous yo-yo diet where people don't eat meals in order to lose weight. There are various harmful effects noted when you skip meals and it does cause rebound weight gain. Know the harmful effects of skipping meals before you it's too late for your health.

Source: freedigitalphotos.net 

The harmful effects of Yo-Yo dieting illustrated

Malnutrition like overweight and obesity are part of the current issues faced by the society today. The world has set a standard that the being skinny is more accepted and more beautiful. That is the reason why many people are dieting just to lose weight. Advertisements and endorsements make the yo-yo diet look so effective and easy. What the audience fail to see are the risks that accompanies the yo-yo diet. I have tried the famous yo-yo diet before; it gave me peptic ulcer disease and more weight gain. Here are some friendly reminders to avoid being a victim of this fad diet.

1. Skipping meals can cause diseases

People who do the yo-yo diet are not eating in a healthy way. Frequent skipping of meals will lead to diseases like ulcer formation, anemia, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Inadequate intake of nutritious food will likewise cause the cells to starve rendering the body vulnerable to infection and disease.

2. Starving yourself will increase your food intake.

The body needs food so that it can function well. The brain is responsible for detecting low glucose levels in the body. This is a normal mechanism of the body to prevent hypoglycemia. When the body is starving, the brain will send a signal to the stomach to release high amounts of Ghrelin, a hormone which initiates meal and increases appetite. Food intake will consequently increase due to the effect of the hormone.

3. Yo-yo diet brings a rebound effect.

Starvation will cause the cells to shrink, which will get bigger after food intake. It becomes a cycle of shrinking and enlarging of fat cells within the body. Research has proved that starvation will not eliminate or destroy fat cells. The problem with yo-yo diet is that the body will demand for more calories to compensate for the meals that were skipped. This will make the person gain more weight compared to what was lost.



There's nothing wrong with wanting to have a normal and healthy weight. But be sure that the weight loss method you choose is one that is effective and safe for your overall health.

Top Seven Herbs with Healing Properties

Top Seven Herbs with Healing Properties

Herbs have long been a part of our society and are used as ingredients and as a part of natural alternative medicine. According to several studies and researches there are herbs that are more superior than others because of its noted healing properties. There were seven herbs ranked to be at the top of natural alternative medicine. These seven herbs cover almost all of the common illnesss and disease condition. Read through the article to know more about these seven powerful herbs.

Herbs to add in your grocery list:

1. Turmeric powder

Image source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Turmeric powder has been featured as one of the world's healthiest foods. It contains vitamins and minerals that can boost your immune system and enhance other enzymatic processes in the body. It also has ingredients that can protect the heart and reduce blood cholesterol.

Turmeric powder has an active component known as Curcumin. This active ingredient basically works in the body as a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient that is why it could effectively reduce inflammation in Arthritis and Colon Cancer. Curcumin was also found to be useful in Alzheimer's disease since it promotes the removal of brain plaques.

It is popularly used as an ingredient in curry, while others try to incorporate it to their drink.You could also do the same and try this powerful herb. However, I do advise to use in small amounts first because using too much turmeric powder all at once could cause hyperacidic symptoms.

2. Cinnamon

source: freedigitalphotos.net

Cinnamon is also included as one of the top herbs with healing properties. It is easy available in the market plus it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals that could help boost the immune system. It has active ingredients that help clean the body system and regulate processes. It is basically used to add flavor in beverages and in pastries. 

One of the most claimed therapeutic use of cinnamon is its ability to lower blood sugar levels. That is why a lot of health experts recommended its use for people living with diabetes. It has a sweet and distinct taste that could substitute sugar. In addition, other studies also show that cinnamon could also lower down blood cholesterol levels in moderate amounts.

3. Ginger

source: freedigitalphotos.net

Ginger is a widely distributed natural medicine that is easily bought in grocery stores. Ginger is very potent in curing nausea and vomiting. Ginger is very effective in curing and preventing gastric diseases. Different causes of stomach upset like motion sickness and vomiting can be cured by ginger. Ginger is a very potent antioxidant that can soothe and calm the lining of the stomach. Ginger is a wonder medicine for stomach upset that can also reduce blood pressure and joint problems.

4. Rosemary

source: freedigitalphotos.net

Rosemary is popular for its anticarcinogenic properties. Rosemary contains natural phytochemicals that can fight off cancer cells. It is a widely studied herb used for the management of cancer. Because of its high levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants, it can cure and even prevent the formation of cancer. The herb is most widely used as a spice but could also be incorporated in aromatherapy.

5. Holy Basil

source: freedigitalphotos.net

Basil is found in various areas of the world and is probably one of the herbs that is easily accessible. Holy basil is very popular for fighting off stress. Basil can treat indigestion and headache especially those that are caused by stress. 

Aside from that, Holy basil can also stop the formation of breast cancer in female patients. It is also found to contain different vitamins and minerals, but is more popurlalry known to contain high amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is an important cofactor for the formation of blood clots in the body. That is the reason why it can help in the wound healing, bleeding and other clotting disorders.

Other studies show that Basil is also effective in curing symptoms of dizziness and light headedness. This is truly a wonder herb that can cure a lot of disease and relieve various symptoms. The leaves of Holy Basil are commonly used as a spice in different dishes like pesto and pizza for example. You could also incorporate it in your meals to get the different health benefits from the herb.

6. Ginger

source: freedigitalphotos.net

Garlic is one of the most widely used herb in the kitchen but most people are still not aware of its healing properties. According to studies, the increased consumption of garlic can decrease the risk of having colon and ovarian cancer. It can even stop the formation and growth of cancer tissues in the body. 

In addition, it is also rich in phytochemicals, specifically Allicin, which can lower down blood pressure. That is the reason why moderate consumption of garlic protects the heart and prevents the occurrence of heart attack and stroke. With these combined, it makes garlic one of the most powerful herb and is a must have ingredient in your grocery list.

7. St. John’s Wort

This natural medicine is widely known for its ability to combat anxiety and relieve symptoms of depression. St John’s Wort is a wonder medicine that can calm the mind without causing harmful side effects. St. John’s Wort can also cure insomnia and other sleeping disorders due to its relaxing and calming effect to the brain. St. John’s Wort is a very effective natural medicine for curing mood and sleep disturbances.

Conclusion

Health experts recommend the use of turmeric powder, cinnamon, ginger, holy basil, rosemary, garlic, and St. John's Wort for various illness and disease condition. Having these seven powerful herbs in your kitchen could make a lot of difference in your health and in your family's health as well.

Amare La Cucina Baguio City

Amare La Cucina- A unique restaurant in Baguio City

Photo by: Chic Exclusive

Overview

Amare La Cucina started as a small restaurant in Baguio City which was originally located at one of the owner's home. They started small and people loved their food which helped them to make a spot in the food industry. 

I would personally recommend tourists to drop by the restaurant which is now located at Albergo Hotel. It's a unique restaurant here in Baguio City that serves wooden brick oven pizza. The ambiance is great and comfy. It's definitely a  break from the noise and traffic in town. 

Food

The food quality and presentation improved a lot compared to the last time I went there. They do salads (sure to have fresh ingredients from Baguio & Benguet), pasta, and pizza. They also serve a dish with rice (ribs only). They do have a limited menu which is a disadvantage, but the place is still worth the try. Here's a sample photo of their dishes.

Photos by Chic Exclusive

Food serving is actually great compared to other Italian restaurants. One pasta is good for 2-3 people which is quite reasonable with the price. :) Also, what I've noticed with their pizza is that they're all thin crusted. Maybe because its more compatible with the wood fire oven and thick crust pizza would take a longer time to bake.

Amare La Cucina Menu

Here is a sample of their menu for those who are interested to try other dishes. Do notice that they serve ONE pizza size which is 12". 

Photos by Chic Exclusive

Conclusion:

I am not really much of a food reviewer but I do have standards. I did enjoy the food quality, serving, taste, ambiance, which is reasonable with the price. Overall, I would definitely recommend Amare La Cucina to my family and friend. Plus, I would certainly love to go back to the place! I hope you enjoyed the page :)

Hill Station Casa Vallejo Baguio City Review and Pricelis

Hill Station - Casa Vallejo

If you'r looking for a good restaurant or cafe in Baguio City, then you might want to consider Hill Station - Casa Vallejo. The main branch is located near SM Baguio City, which has a great interior design. The other branch is located at Technohub Camp John Hay, which has a smaller architecture but still has the same kind of service.

However, take note that Hill Station (Main Branch) is a fine dining restaurant. That is why they follow a dress code, like slippers (and the like) are not allowed. The other branch located at Technohub John Hay is not so strict when it comes to dress code :)

The food quality, presentation, and quantity is great. Their menu is a bit pricey but is still worth the price. I also recommend first timers to try their cakes and pastries, its definitely one of the best cakes in town! :)

Here's a sample menu of Hill Station - Casa Vallejo for those who are interested to try their dishes :) Enjoy!

Hill Station - Casa Vallejo Menu

How to Choose Between Sunscreen versus Sunblock

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Sunblock

Summer is not yet over, recent weather forecast show that the summer heat is still on. Aside from beating the high temperature and staying hydrated, it is also important to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun especially when you're going out or planning for a summer vacation.

Those who will be staying under the sun for longer periods will need a stronger sun protection cream like sunblock or sunscreen. Both can shield you from UV rays but they work in different ways. Read through the article to know the difference of sunblock from sunscreen and other important factors to keep your skin healthy.

Image Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Types of ultraviolet radiation

UVA and UVB are the two types of ultraviolet radiation that can harm the skin. With prolonged exposure, these ultraviolet radiation promotes premature skin ageing and increases one's risk of having skin cancer.

UVA penetrates deep into the skin and is responsible for wrinkling and skin sagging. It causes premature skin ageing and supports the effect of UVB towards cancer formation. UVB on the other hand is more intense on the superficial layer of the skin. This is the one which causes redness or sunburn.

2. The right sun protection

Sunscreens are usually interchanged with sunblock but they are different terms. Sunscreen absorbs UV rays and diffuses it to the skin. It contains chemical ingredients that creates a thin film on the skin to reduce the harmful effect of UVB rays. Others say that it converts the UV rays into less damaging radiation.

Sunblock works by making a physical barrier rather than a chemical one mentioned previously. Sunblock creates a thick film which acts as a barrier which can actively block both UVA and UVB rays. They offer a higher degree of sun protection compared to sunscreens. According to the American Melanoma Foundation, sunblock is a better option because of its broader action.

• If the product label do not include the type of sun protection, you can look at the ingredients to distinguish sunblock from sunscreens. Sunblock contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide while sunscreens do not.  
• Creams, lotions, and sprays are equally effective so you don't have to worry about those.
• If you're going to stay under the sun for longer duration, sunblock is a better option. Sunblock is also best for those who have sensitive skin since it physically blocks the entry of ultraviolet radiation.

3. Application & exposure time

Sunblock are immediately effective right after application because of the physical barrier made by the ingredients. If you opt for sunscreens, you need to wait for at least 20 minutes before it could take effect. That's why it is usually advised to apply sunscreen in the morning or before going outdoors.

Water resistant sunscreens lose effectiveness after 40 minutes of exposure, while waterproof sunblock start to lose effectiveness after 80 minutes of exposure. Reapply often especially after swimming or heavy perspiration. Also, be sure follow the product's directions for reapplication.

4. SPF - Sun Protection Factor

The sun protection factor (SPF) denotes the product's ability to block UV rays.  Most Dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 30 to ensure adequate sun protection. Choosing a product with an SPF of 30-50 is ideal since an SPF of more than 50 is actually no longer beneficial. Keep in mind that the SPF do not equate with the protection time, for example:

• SPF 15: 94% protection
• SPF 30: 97% protection
• SPF 45: 98% protection

Reference:

• AMF. Facts About Sunscreen. American Melanoma Foundation. Retrieved 26 May 2015 from http://www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/facts.htm 
• No Author. Sunscreens Explained. Skin Cancer Foundation. Retrieved 26 May 2015 from http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-explained.

BenCab Museum

Baguio City Where To:

BenCab Museum

BenCab museum is  one of the most recommended tourist spots here in Baguio City. If you're up to some mind relaxation and rejuvenation, why not visit the museum which is located along Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet.

It features the talent of local and national artists in the country. You can also find Cordilleran inspired crafts like wooden carvings and the like. A lot of tourists loved their stay at the museum and so this is a place where you should go when you're in Baguio.

Give it a try before you judge the place. I'm also not into arts and those kind of stuff but I had fun when we went there. They feature a lot of crafts, arts, paintings, and photographs that will surely entertain you and make you want to make a masterpiece of your own! There are three main parts of the museum that you can go to:

1. The Artworks

Before you can take a tour at BenCab museum there's an entrance fee of Php 100 per person. The place is clean and peaceful. They also have clean restrooms in every floor and so there's not much to worry. Most of the pieces are arranged according to the artist or theme. There's a lot of fun crafts that you can take pictures with but of course I won't spoil the fun. 

2. The Garden

BenCab museum also have a wide and scenic garden where you and your friends can hang out and take more pictures. The weather in Baguio is hard to predict and it usually rains in the afternoon. It is better to go there in the morning or after lunch.

3. The Cafe

The museum also have a café to serve their guests and visitors. Café Sabel offers mainly pastas, pastries, sandwich, and drinks at an affordable price. I did enjoy their blueberry cheesecake and coffee.

Going to BenCab Museum

The museum is located at Asin and is at the left side of the road when you're from town. A piece of advice, the last time I went there (April 2015), the road was under construction so I do recommend you to take a detour along Naguilian road. You can also ride a jeep for a cheaper fee. The jeepney going to Asin is located behind Abanao square mall.

I did enjoy my visit at the museum and I hope you'll have fun too. It's a very nice and cozy place where you can enjoy scenic views, professional craftsmanship, and creative skills. If you're tired of seeing buildings or going to the mall and would like to go some place more quiet then BenCab museum is definitely one where you can go. Thank you for visiting the page and I'm glad to be of help!

Must Watch Movies this June 2015

Upcoming Movies in June 2015 to Watch Out For

The month of May is nearly ending and June is just a week away. Here are the top movies for the month of June that everybody should watch out for. The movies are listed based on the expected release dates. Enjoy!

June 2015 Movies

1. Insidious 3

Yes the next chapter of this horror movie series will be coming in cinemas soon. This time the story no longer revolves on the Lambert family, although the three chapters are related. The Insidious 3 focuses on the story of psychic Elise Rainier and her quest to help a new cast, Quinn Brenner. However, this time Elise is not able to use her natural abilities. How she will help Quinn is what you should watch out for.

2. Entourage
Entourage is a comedy movie that features Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) and his friends as they take a tour to the cutthroat world of Hollywood. Other casts include Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, and Kevin Dillon.

3. Police Story: Lockdown

Waiting for an adventure-action packed movie? Then Police Story: Lockdown is the one for you, featuring Jackie Chan as the main cast of the story. The movie revolves around Police Captain Zhong Wen's (Jackie Chan) fight to save his daughter from her fiancé.
 

 

 

4. Jurassic World (Jurassic Park 4) 3D

Isla Nublar now features a  new and fully functioning dinosaur park which is owned by the Patel Corporation. Owen (Chris Pratt), a member of Jurassic World's on-site staff, conducts behavioral research on the Velociraptors. They tried to create a new attraction in order to full more visitors but then it backfires and so the story goes.

 



 

 

5. Vendetta

Here's another action film this June as Dean Cain and WWE Superstar The Big Show plays main cast in the movie. Mason (Cain) plays a role as a detective who's wife got murdered by a criminal he put away. He deliberately got arrested in order to seek vengeance but the story gets even more action-filled when he gets inside.



 

 

6. Inside Out

This is more of an inspiring and adventurous movie for the family. It's an animated film featuring five emotions - Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness in the head of a young girl named Riley. This Walt Disney Movie highlights how Riley is guided by her emotions in her everyday life. But then things got messed up as they move on to a new city and her emotions conflict inside her mind.



 

 

7. The Overnight

This one's a romantic comedy about a young couple, Alex (Adam Scott) and Emily (Taylor Schilling), who just moved to Los Angeles. Desperate to make new friends, they agreed to join Kurt (Jason Schwartzman) for a family pizza over his place. But then things gets bizarre and more interesting.

 

8. Manglehorn

This one is a drama film with Al Pacino as the main cast. He's a lonely man who daily obsesses over the choices he made and how he lost the woman of his dreams for his "big job". Wanting to start over, Manglehorn faces a  terrifying moment where his very dark past is revealed.

 

9. Ted 2

Yup, there's a part two of Ted's (Seth MacFarlane) life. It's a comedy sequel but this time Ted is trying to raise a child with his wife. In order to do so, he must first prove that he's a person - well good luck with that.

 



 

 

 

10. Big Game

Onni Tommila plays a role of a  thirteen-year-old  who embarks on a traditional quest. He needs to prove himself by surviving in the wild with just a bow and arrow. But then a crash occurred nearby where he found the President of the United States (Samuel L. Jackson) in the escape pod or Air Force One.  The two are forced to pair up and escape from their hunters and then the quest begins.