Why Igorots in Metro Manila Directly Source Goods from Farmers

Two pesos a kilo for cabbage. Four pesos for cucumber.

After spending money to bring their produce to the nearest vegetable trading post in the last week of July, Cordilleran farmers were given a cruel rate, crushing their hope of raising cash to buy seeds for the next harvest. 

Vegetables

A Sad Story for New-Gen Farmers

Shereen Umayat and Jessica Dapliyan, two young farmers from Sagada, had a cheaper option for their next maturing vegetables- let the plants rot in the farmland to stop having additional expenses. 

Asked how much she has spent for her cucumber, Umayat computed it to be at least P40, 000.

While there are active programs like Sustainable Sagada and Rural Rising organized to help ease the situation, not all produce in the remote Mountain Province town can be accommodated.

Dapliyan, a former innkeeper who shifted to farming following travel bans, started giving away her cabbage produce for free in September after unsuccessful attempts to sell what her family has been working since community quarantine restrictions were implemented. 

Trying the Metro Manila Market 

For generations, farmers in Sagada and other towns of the Cordilleras have been trading in marketplaces within the mountainous region and going to the lowlands is not part of their regular routine. But as they run out of options, they are forced to seek help outside the highlands.

Tapping Metro Manila-based Cordillerans or Igorots was the first move. Upon learning about the crisis, Christian Aligo, a Marketing Communications practitioner living in Quezon City, started the “The Sagada Harvests Project” on Facebook. 

With the assistance from Umayat, Menchie Buking of the Department of Agrarian Reform Mt. Province (DAR MP) and other concerned locals, The Sagada Harvests Project is able to sell out about three tons of produce in its first two runs.

Alongside Aligo are other Metro Manila-based Igorots including Luisa Gay Pugong, Jenny Lyn Likigan, Bing Podes Laguipen, and Hector Ngales who transformed themselves into vendors after their day job to help address the crisis.

Joining the force is the couple Atty. Pio and Noemie Jeanet Daoas who now spend their weekends on vegetables. With the help of dedicated riders, the couple deliver the goods within Taguig City at only P20. 

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The Sagada Harvest Project

A Trade Friendlier to Farmers

As agreed, it is the farmers who set the price of their produce. Currently in marketplaces, it is the multi-level middle-men who dictate the price and get a bigger portion of it.

When the rate at the La Trinidad trading post for cabbage was P2 per kilo, The Sagada Harvests Project purchased the vegetable at P20 per kilo– as dictated by the farmers.

To further assist the Igorot vendors, DAR’s Sagada Linksfarmers Consolidation Center opened its doors to help screen quality produce prior to shipping. 

Recently, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) also offered transportation assistance to help lower expenses.

Meanwhile, local food producers Gabay Wines and Food Preserves and Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant have been doing experiments for delicate items like wild blueberry, wheat bread, and goat cheese products to check on the shelf-life of the products when offered in places with a warmer climate.
To know more about The Sagada Harvest Project and a list of Igorot vendors who directly source their goods from farmers, contact Aligo at 0956-174-8464 (Globe) or visit www.facebook.com/sagadaharvests now.

Jungsu drops a new single in light of 2020 and the pandemic, Gotta Bring It Back

With the fusion of hip-hop and rock, the single BULLET HOLES released a month ago, K-Hiphop artist Jungsu sets up to release his new song, Gotta Bring It Back this month.  

Gotta Bring It Back (written on the mask)

This cover for the single, Gotta Bring It Back symbolizing the mask which hides our sorrow and limits our freedom.

This inspiring song about the lockdown and pandemic will bring you to hope for freedom and let you know that we are fighting this together. 

With the pandemic affected the world for the past several months, Gotta Bring It Back depicted as a way of wanting freedom from the lockdown and nostalgia about the normal past.

When we were chilling

Having fun like always

Broad daylight now it’s a red light

All day and night all we do is waste time

People only smiling through emojis

Gotta Bring It Back will definitely be the song that you’ll add into your playlist. You can stream it starting September 18 via Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Soundcloud.

Gotta Bring It Back on Spotify Cover

For more updates about Jungsu and his music, check out through social media and music streaming platforms.

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jungsubak

SoundCloud – https://soundcloud.com/jungsubak

Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/jungsubak

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ohokrJMkcaqza2gpFjSGF

Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jungsu/1457526211

YouTube Music – https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCPRYh11d1p1QklsTcC0BNBQ

Durable and Stylish Cowhide Cushions


Are you thinking about redecorating your living room? You can spruce up your living room with some animal hide cushions. It is amazing how cowhide functions in various settings. It has become a symbol of refinement in the modern home. Specifically, the bold style can highlight any decor theme. Animal hides are rustic and elegant. Cowhide cushions look great in any living room. They are soft and silky. Your animal hide cushions can blend well with any decor scheme. The unique print is a visual anchor, and it can make any room look cozier. You can make several cushions the focal point of your living room, or you can accent your sofa with one cushion

They Are Durable
Your pets and kids will relax on your sofa. The cushions will need to withstand wear and tear. Most synthetic cushions will wear down after a few months of regular use. Animal hide cushions are difficult to puncture or tear. Cowhide is a natural shield, and it is an exceptionally resilient material. You do not have to worry about your children or pets damaging your cushions. Your cushions can be a family heirloom. A few shakes will remove dust and debris. The natural oils repel dirt, and the material will not unravel at the seams. You can remove pet fur with a brush or a towel. Most stains can be removed with a moist towel. If a glass of juice is spilled on the cushion, you can remove the stain with mild soap and water. Cowhide cushions should never be laundered in a washing machine. When the cushions need to dry, they can sit outside in the sun for a few hours.

They Are Natural and Unique
Cowhide cushions do not have a complicated manufacturing process. Real animal hide cushions are not dramatically enhanced. A real animal hide cushion will have a unique pattern. The colors can be brown, black or white. Some animal hides have a solid color. The pattern can also be sparingly broken. The earthy colors are soothing, and they can create tranquility in any living space. Animal hide cushions can be used in bedrooms. You can look forward to many restful nights in your bedroom when you lay your head on an animal hide cushion.

They Are Hypoallergenic
If you have allergies, you need to think about fabrics when you are purchasing decor cushions. Synthetic fabrics can cause rashes and respiratory irritation. Natural animal hide cushions are not manufactured with any synthetic fibers. Cowhide is hypoallergenic. The fabric will not aggravate your allergies or irritate your skin.

Add some uniqueness and rustic glamour to your home with these timeless cushions. These classic cushions look great in suburban homes, country homes and upscale condominiums. Your guests will compliment your style. Your cowhide cushions will be a great conversation starter when you have parties. They may want to redecorate after seeing your beautiful cushions. You can let them know that every animal hide cushion is soft and unique.

Plus Size Sexy Dress

It’s hard to shop for clothing when most stores don’t even have the available sizes for your body type. It’s a shame to know that you won’t get to wear ‘that pretty dress’ you wanted to bring home. Luckily for us, a great number of stores have started to open up and offer various and diverse sizes ranging from small to plus size. I think it’s great to see people finally being body-positive and inclusive to everyone. 

These trying times had online stores give their customers a great deal for cheaper prices. It’s hard to score good deals because the internet is a big place. So if you came across this blog, you’re in luck! The best plus size wholesale is now happening!


From dresses to lingerie— you have a lot to choose from. Everything is of great quality with classy, formal, elegant, and casual designs available. 

Tired of your daily worn-out jeans and faded shirt? Maybe you should upgrade to wearing dresses. They’re more comfortable and a lot simpler to style; so you won’t run late when going to work! Even better: bandage dresses. They’re a classy and elegant type of dress that almost always fit well with every occasion. 

With bandage dresses, you’ll be flaunting your curves but still look professional either way. Sexy bandage dresses are the hottest fashion trend in 2020! 

These bandage dresses have a high-end feel to it, but at a low price! The styles range from sultry and passionate to professional and formal. 

If you wanna know where to get the plus size clothing and the gorgeous bandage dress, you should definitely check out HexinFashion. They have more to offer on their website aside from the products I just mentioned. Their clothes have amazing designs and are made of amazing material. They have a lot of new products, and if I were you, I wouldn’t want to miss out!

The Manila Hotel joins Manila Restaurant Week from Sept. 20 to 27

Great food and great company are two of life’s simplest pleasures. So mark your calendars and get ready to feast on scrumptious food as The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang Ilang participates in Manila Restaurant Week happening from September 20 to 27, 2020.

Indulge in a choice of starters like the savory Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli in light Parmesan Cream Sauce or Pomelo-Prawns Lumpia in Calamansi Honey Dressing; main course of sumptuous Beef Tenderloin in Balsamic glaze with marble potato and market vegetables or Pampano cooked in Tandoori Oven with Peas Pilaf rice and stir-fried Asian vegetables; and dessert of Fresh Fruits Salad with Ube ice cream or Mango panna cotta as dessert. The starter-main-dessert set is offered at only P980 nett per person, but cannot be availed of in conjunction with other promos or discounts.

Cafe Ilang Ilang chefs led by Executive Chef Konrad Walter (left) preparing the dishes showcased at the Manila Resturant Week launch held in Roma Salon at The Manila Hotel

Manila Restaurant Week is an event under the “Manila, Support Local” Campaign, launched by the Bureau of Permits and City Government of Manila. The city-wide project aims to promote local food establishments in Manila that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. About 80 restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus at affordable prices during Manila Restaurant Week.

Launched on September 15, The Manila Hotel played one of the hosts of the multi-venue simultaneous kick-off, which was livestreamed on social media platforms. The other hosts were Bayleaf Hotel, Lucky China Town Mall, and Robinsons Place Ermita. The virtual launch was marked by an online performance of Lea Salonga who sang her new single, “Dream Again,” the official theme song of the campaign.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno with The Manila Hotel president Atty Joey Lina visit Cafe Ilang Ilang’s table at the Manila Restaurant Week luanch held at the Roma Salon in Manila Hotel
From left_The Manila Hotel president Atty Joey Lina, Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno watching the livestream during the Manila Restaurant Week launch
The Manila Hotel president Atty Joey Lina (right) welcomes Manila Mayor Isko Moreno during the Manila Restaurant Week at the hotel

“I believe we can do a lot in restoring the City of Manila back to its former glory under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno. We in the private sectors will always support you in this very worthwhile undertaking. Soon, Manila will be great again,” said Atty. Joey Lina, The Manila Hotel President, in his opening remarks during the launch.

Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna at the launch of Manila Restaurant Week at the Manila Hotel

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña gave their respective speeches before checking the 11 restaurants that showcased their dishes at The Manila Hotel’s Roma Salon—namely Café Ilang Ilang, Century Park Hotel, Scorched, Golden Fortune, Luneta Park Hotel, Ilustrado, Tanabe, Jus & Jerrys, Patio de Conchita, Pares Kimchi, and Harbor View—and visiting the other venues, which was watched by thousands via livestream.

The Manila Hotel and all its outlets operates in strict compliance to health protocols, so our guests are assured of the highest standards of food safety and sanitation measures in accordance with the government guidelines.

For more information, you may check us out on Facebook or Instagram (@TheManilaHotel), or call 85270011 or 09989501912. For reservations, email resvn@themanilahotel.com.