Category Archives: Paolo Abrera, Host

April 11, 2013

Soap

By nikkipua

Bath soaps can disintegrate so fast, especially now that we tend to take more baths due to the extremely hot weather. Have you ever had those little leftover soap bits that are too small to use for a regular bath? Well, instead of just throwing them away, here are some fast and easy tips to use them to sanitize different parts of your home.

  1. Easiest way is to make a new bar from the old bits and pieces. Simply wet the sides of several bars with warm water and press them firmly against each other, securing them with a cling wrap. Wait for it to completely dry before using.
  2. Turn them into liquid soap. Toss the pieces into a bowl filled with boiling water and stir briskly. Let cool and pour into your hand wash dispenser or any container.
  3. Dry out scented pieces from soaps and add them to clothes drawers. This will prevent that unwanted, musty smell from creeping onto your clothes.
  4. Make a non-toxic insecticide for your plants. Shred one tablespoon of leftover soap into ¼ cup warm water and stir briskly. After letting it cool, transfer the mixture into a spray bottle. Just spray it on the infested plant, wait for it to dry, then rinse with water. This soap spray effectively kills small insects and their eggs.

Aside from saving up money, you can lessen the amount of your household waste by following these practical tips. Now you can use your soap down to the last bit!

Leave a comment | posted in Do It Yourself Tips, Eco Fashion, Green Home Ideas, Paolo Abrera, Host, Production Notes, Reuse, Repurpose & Recycle, Television

April 10, 2013

Bike Maintenance Tips

By Gerlene Reyes
Paolo in Extreme Bikeshop at Panay Avenue, QC

Paolo in Extreme Bikeshop at Panay Avenue, QC

Basic Bike Maintenance Tips:

1. Do not use high-pressure water to clean your bike. Use hose and rag instead. Otherwise, water may get into some parts of the bike that shouldn’t be exposed to water.

2. Keep your chain lubricated. Wipe off excess oil, because oil can also attract dirt.

3. Observe proper tire pressure according to the type of trail. High pressure for firm surfaces, while low pressure for rocky roads.

4. Bring with you important tools that are necessary for your bike’s maintenance and safety. These include tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit, multi-tool, tire levers, chain tool, and flasher.

Some basic tools

Some basic tools

For more tips and consultation you may visit Extreme Bikeshop at #88 Panay Avenue, Quezon City.

Leave a comment | posted in Active Living, ANC (ABS CBN News Channel), Do It Yourself Tips, Green Home Ideas, Paolo Abrera, Host, Production Notes, Television, TV Show

April 10, 2013

Eat your cilantro!

By Jb Aquino

There are certain people who do not fancy eating vegetables. But out of all the vegetables out there, nothing garners as much controversy as cilantro.

Cilantro -- an often misunderstood herb.

Cilantro — an often misunderstood herb.

Believe it or not, people who passionately express their bias against the cilantro may actually stem on a biological level. Some people are genetically more sensitive to the herb’s smell, which for them makes it more unpleasant to the nose and taste. Whatever the case, cilantro has a lot more health benefits that makes the herb a lot more lovable. It is said to help with a lot of cardiovascular problems, and is rich in antioxidants, and even demonstrates some insulin-like abilities. How’s that for a wonder herb?

Luckily, however, there are recipes that even the most sensitive of cilantro eaters will enjoy. Here are some of the recipes Paolo came up with:

Cilantro Lime Herb Butter

This wouldn't be a difficult dish to stomach!

This wouldn’t be a difficult dish to stomach!

Ingredients:

4 tbsps. unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 tbsps. chopped cilantro

2 tbsps. Lime or lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste.

All you have to do is combine all ingredients and mix them in until the blend is consistent. You can wrap it in foils or put it in storage in your refrigerator for future use. This butter mix will be best on grilled food, and even on snacks as simple as bread and corn-on-the-cob.

Sauteed shrimp in cilantro

This is one dish that will sear its way in your stomach.

This is one dish that will sear its way in your stomach.

Ingredients:

1/2 kgs. shrimp, deshelled;

2 chili peppers, sliced into thin rings;

1/4 cup of chopped cilantro;

2 cloves sliced garlic

2 tbsps. Olive oil

2 tbsps. Lime juice

Salt and pepper to taste

First, heat a saucepan on high flame. Add the oil, and saute the chili on it. Add the shrimp and garlic, tossing the contents around to coat it with oil. Sear the shrimps for about a minute, and proceed to stir-fry it for another 2-3 minutes.

Afterwards, turn off the heat and then add the cilantro and lime juice. Mix them around until the cilantro leaves are evenly distributed. Sprinkle with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Preparing a dish using cilantro is quite a simple task, and there are more benefits that justify its unusual smell. Follow these simple recipes and you’re bound to make cilantro lovers out of everyone who gets to taste them.

Leave a comment | posted in Healthy Food, Paolo Abrera, Host

April 1, 2013

Gandiva

By Gerlene Reyes

gandiva

Focus the mind, feed the body, fuel the soul..There are many ways to have a stronger life but there is one place in One Corporate Center, Ortigas that aims to do just that.

Gandiva… where healthy eats, paired with bows and arrows…hit the bull’s eye.

Gandiva offers an hour of archery (inclusive of equipment and trainer) for PHP 600. Extend your archery program for an hour for PHP 1,000. Gandiva also offers a Beginner’s Module (21-hour lesson) for PHP 8,000. It also have a Therapeutic Archery program.

But Gandiva is not only an archery range. It is also a vegetarian café that offers not just healthy meals but eco-friendly products as well.

Gandiva is now offering yoga classes, too.

For more information and inquiry, visit their website: http://www.gandiva.com.ph/

Leave a comment | posted in Active Living, ANC (ABS CBN News Channel), Green Living, Healthy Food, Paolo Abrera, Host, Production Notes, Real People, Sustainable Business Ideas, Television, TV Show

March 21, 2013

ADB Tutubi Project

By Jb Aquino

Just when you thought that ideas to make biking in the cities even more exciting have been exhausted, bike sharing suddenly takes an interesting turn for the better. Enter the Asian Development Bank and its new project for sustainable urban transportation, the Tutubi Bicycle sharing program.

Paolo rides the Tutubi Bicycle with ADB Staff

Paolo rides the Tutubi Bicycle with ADB Staff

We were able to sit down with Lloyd Wright, ADB’s Senior Transport Specialist, and Bradley Schroeder, ADB’s Sustainable Transportation Consultant. Lloyd and Bradley highlighted the importance of raising awareness of bicycle usage in the city, as well as having the infrastructure and support laid down for it. The more bikers that take the road, they say, the easier it will be for NGO’s, organizations and even LGU’s to provide support for it.

As of writing, the ADB Tutubi Project is currently in testing phases in the ADB complex, as well as in the University of Santo Tomas campus. The bike sharing system uses bike racks, and electronic cards that one simply taps onto the racks to release the bikes from their locks. The system records the card owner’s details such as name, payment details, address and duration of the bike user’s trip between stations.

The system might one day be suitable for inter-city transportation, but will need the devoted assistance of municipalities concerned. For now, however, a few key locations are in negotiations with ADB, namely places like Bonifacio Global City, Nuvali and Ayala Center.

Keep an eye out for these brightly-colored bikes! There might be some of them rolling alongside busy thoroughfares soon!

Leave a comment | posted in Sustainable Lifestyle Ideas, Paolo Abrera, Host, Active Living

February 26, 2013

Mango Recipes

By Gerlene Reyes

Mango, anyone? Well, here are the recipes featured on tonight’s episode.

I. Mango Yogurt Parfait

Mango Yogurt Parfait

Mango Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

  • 2 large, ripe mangos, peeled, pitted and cubed
  • 3 cups low fat vanilla yogurt
  • 6 tbs low fat granola

Instruction:

1. Puree 1 mango and spoon equal amounts into 6 clear plastic cups.

2. Next, top each with 1/4 cup yogurt.

3. Spoon cubed mango over the top, saving a few pieces for garnish.

4. Then top with remaining 1/4 cup yogurt and reserved mango.

5. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Top each serving with a tablespoon of granola just before serving.

II. Mango Lemonade

Mango Lemonade

Mango Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups white sugar (you may substitute half the sugar for honey)
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups lemon juice
  • 3 mangoes, peeled and pitted

Instruction:

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water.

2. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar.Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.

3. Next, puree the mangoes using a blender or hand-held blender and strain through sieve to remove any fibers, set aside.

4. Then, remove seeds from lemon juice, but leave pulp.

5. Now, in a pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice, mango puree and remaining 7 cups water. You may serve immediately chilled or on ice.

III. Mango Gazpacho

Ingredients:

  • 2C mangoes, diced
  • 2C orange juice
  • 1 cucumber, diced and seeds removed
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 1 small garlic clove, diced
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp basil or cilantro (fresh coriander)
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instruction:

1. Process the mangoes, orange juice and oil in a blender or food processor until pureed.

2. Next, add the remaining ingredients and pulse gently until mixed but still a little bit chunky.

3. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Put it to the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Sources:

http://www.mango.org/mango-fun-facts/

http://freshmangos.com/aboutmangos/index.html

http://joylicious.net/2010/06/29/southern-stylemango-lemonade/

http://www.champagnemango.com/recipe/mango-yogurt-parfaits

http://www.vegangela.com/2010/11/14/mango-gazpacho/

Leave a comment | posted in ANC (ABS CBN News Channel), Green Living, Healthy Food, Paolo Abrera, Host, Production Notes, Television, TV Show

January 13, 2013

Recycled Light Bulbs

By Gerlene Reyes

Nowadays, more people are switching to LED (light emitting diodes) lights. That is because LED light bulbs are very energy efficient and they lower your electric bills! Because they require less power to operate, installing LED light bulbs cut down your electricity costs.

But aside from that, these LED lights also reduce heat given off while operating when compared to incandescent counterparts. That means, installing LED lights in your house will give you a cooler atmosphere as well!

So now, what do we do with these incandescent light bulbs that we just got replaced? These light bulbs are actually filled with toxins, and as more people switch to LED’s, these old bulbs filled up our landfills that may intoxicate our drinking water.

Here are three do-it-yourself project in recycling the old light bulbs:

1. Hanging Flower Vase

Hanging flower vase

What we need for this project are:

  1. light bulb
  2. needle nose pliers
  3. flathead screw driver
  4. gardening wire
  5. water
  6. your flower of choice

Steps:

  1. Empty the light bulb. Remove the little silver layer on the bottom of the light bulb. Work the pliers under the layer to create a little lip, and then you should be able to peel it right off with the pliers.
  2. Next, work the pliers into the hole left after removing the silver cap, and snap the glass.
  3. Use the pliers to tap the rest of the black glass off the bulb.
  4. Then remove the little glass tube and wiring inside the light bulb.
  5. Now that it is empty, add flowers and water, and hang with a gardener wire.

2. Light Bulb Lamp

Light bulb lamp

Light bulb lamp

For the materials:

  1. light bulb
  2. salt,
  3. bottle cap
  4. old cotton shoe lace
  5. lamp oil
  6. pliers
  7. needle nose pliers
  8. flathead screw driver
  9. knife
  10. scissors

Steps:

  1. Hollow out the bulb. Follow the steps from the previous project.
  2. Next, we clean the bulb using a spoonful of salt.
  3. Then we make the cap and the wick using the old sock and the bottle cap.
  4. And lastly, we fill the bulb with the lamp oil and light up our lamp.

3. Terrarium

A terrarium out of a light bulb

A terrarium out of a light bulb

We will be needing:

  1. Light bulb
  2. charcoal
  3. soil
  4. pebbles
  5. sphagnum moss
  6. needle-nose plier
  7. long tweezers
  8. screwdriver
  9. plants

Here’s what we’re going to do:

  1. First, remove the guts of the light bulb.
  2. Next, add a layer of pebbles. You may use any clean regular stones or expanded clay pellets. Then fill your container approximately 1/3 full with your layer of pebbles.
  3. After that, add a barrier layer of sphagnum or green moss, a layer of activated charcoal and a layer of soil.
  4. Choose a plant and finally, gently settle in your plant and decorate the interior of the terrarium with figurines, twigs or other ornamental additions.

Sources:

Leave a comment | posted in ANC (ABS CBN News Channel), Do It Yourself Tips, Green Home Ideas, Green Living, Paolo Abrera, Host, Production Notes, Reuse, Repurpose & Recycle, Television, TV Show

November 7, 2012

Banana Recipes

By Gerlene Reyes

Here are the interesting recipes featured on tonight’s show:

I. Open-Face Banana White Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:

4 ounces kesong puti, room temperature
1 large, ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup guava jam
1 slice multi-grain wheat bread
Additional banana slices
1 teaspoon diced green pepper
Cilantro

Process:

  1. Stir together kesong puti, banana and cinnamon, until well blended. The mixture may be lumpy.
  2. Spread 1 tablespoon jelly over each bread slice.
  3. Evenly spread cheese mixture over jelly.
  4. Arrange additional banana slices over cheese.
  5. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green pepper

II.  Vazhakka Thoran or Raw Banana Sauteed with Coconut

Ingredients:

3 pieces of raw banana

1 clove of garlic

½ cup of Coconut

3 – 4 pieces  of  green chilis

1/4 tspn mustard

1/4 – 1/2 tspn turmeric (luya)

Process:

  1. Cut the banana into small cubes.
  2. With about ½ cup water cook the banana with a little salt. Very little water is required to cook the banana so make sure you do not add too much water.
  3. Grind coarsely all the ingredients like coconut, garlic, and green chillis.
  4. Heat 1-2 tbspn of coconut oil or oil of preference and splatter ¼ tspn of mustard.
  5. Add the ground coconut sauté to dry up water if any.
  6. Add the cooked banana and stir in.

 

Sources:

Recipe can be found at Collaborative Curry website and at Dole Fresh Fruit recipe website.

Leave a comment | posted in ANC (ABS CBN News Channel), Green Living, Healthy Food, Paolo Abrera, Host, Production Notes, Television, TV Show

October 23, 2012

Green Car Care tips

By Jb Aquino

Paolo shares some tips to keep your car running green.

Our cars are probably one of the modern marvels that contribute to the majority of pollution in our atmosphere. While alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles are already abound, it’ll probably take some time before they become readily and economically available. Meanwhile, here are some tips you can use to still be able to use your car and help nature at the same time!

Green Car Care Tip #1: Change your Air Filter every 5,000 kilometers.

Our cars need air to be able to ignite the fuel inside its engine. Of course, the cleaner the air that enters the engine, the more efficient your car burns the fuel that mixes with it. Make sure to change your air filters every 5,000kms or so; this will ensure the optimal air quality needed to efficiently burn fuel with minimal waste.

Green Car Care Tip #2: Always check your tire pressure.

You might be aware that our cars are essentially riding on air—our tires provide a smooth ride due to the fact that it’s made out of rubber, which in turn is inflated with air. Now, every car comes with a recommended tire pressure, which can be seen on the inside panel of the driver’s door. Running with your tire pressure lower than the recommended may reduce fuel efficiency and also make your ride uncomfortable since softer tires have higher rolling resistance—it makes the engine work harder to push the car forward.

Green Car Care Tip #3: Use the right kind of fuel.

Different cars have different requirements of fuel. It’s also a given that most of the fuelling stations we go to carry different variants, such as regular unleaded, premium unleaded and high-octane unleaded gasoline, and we’re led to believe that higher-octane fuel give us more performance than regular ones. But the thing is each car has a recommended octane rating. It can be found on the inside panel of your fuel door, and whatever octane rating indicated will make your car utilize fuel more efficiently, at the same time make sure that your engine remains clean from unburned fuel residue.

Green Car Care Tip #4: Keep your car running as light as possible.

We always chuck in stuff we “need” into our car. Sometimes, we forget to remove them once we don’t need them anymore. Things like extra hardware, sports bags and toolboxes get left in the trunk or under seats, and believe it or not, this buildup of unneeded weight makes our car work more to move us around. Keep your tools to a minimum and just leave the essentials in, such as the car jacks and wrenches. Keeping your car as light as possible will help keep your engine running optimally.

Green Car Care Tip #5: Shut off your engine instead.

We almost make it a habit to pull over if we see a fruit stand on the way home from the province, or when we need to use the ATM. Most of the time, we leave our cars idling while we wait. But it’s better to turn off the car instead when idling for more than a minute—it takes more fuel to stay idling for one minute than it takes to turn the engine off and turning it on after we’re done.

Green Car Care Tip #6: Be mindful of your driving behaviour.

Aggressive stop-and-go behaviour, especially in typical Manila rush-hour traffic, is one of the major reasons of decreased fuel economy. That’s why in city driving, you should make sure to be careful when driving, specifically being careful when you accelerate and brake. Gradually reduce your speed when approaching intersections, and gently accelerate when pulling away from a stoplight.

In highway driving, try using the cruise control function for automatic vehicles, and the highest drive gear on manual ones. This will make your car use the least amount of fuel possible while maintaining a proper highway speed.

Green Car Care Tip #7: Fill ‘er up in the morning!

Mornings are the best time to have a fill. Not only do oil companies usually lower their prices during early mornings, but you actually get a bit more fuel when refuelling during the morning compared to the afternoon. This is because fuel is denser during early morning, and pumps measure volume, and not density.

These are some tips you can use to make sure your car is running as eco-friendly as possible. But of course, the standard things apply: carpool as much as possible, walk/take a public vehicle when travelling short distances, and observe traffic rules and regulations.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , | posted in Do It Yourself Tips, Paolo Abrera, Host

October 17, 2012

Surprising Stain Removers

By Gerlene Reyes

Did you know that the stain-causing ketchup, soda, and tea can actually remove stains? Thanks to the acid content of these items, they can come handy in cleaning your stainless steel sink, toilet bowl, and hardwood floor! So you better think twice before throwing away your leftover ketchup, soda, or black tea, because you may be in for quite a surprise! Here are some ways to use these stain-causing items as stain removers.

1. Ketchup to tarnish your stainless steel sink

Apply ketchup onto the sink, spread the ketchup around the surface using a clean damp cloth or a plastic scrub sponge. Then, rinse with warm water and dry with a towel.

2. Soda as a toilet bowl cleaner

Pour cola into the bowl. You may use a plastic bottle to reach under the bowl’s edge. Now, work from the top down and make sure to cover the entire surface of the toilet bowl. Allow the soda to sit in for about ten to fifteen minutes. Next, scrub the inside of the bowl with an abrasive brush. At this point, the phosphorus acid of cola acts against the stains and wipes these away easily. Once brushed entirely, flush, and there it is.

3. Black tea to clean and add shine to dull hardwood floors

First boil a pot of water and add 5-6 tea bags. Then turn off the heat and allow the tea to sit for about 10 minutes. Now, pour the tea into your mop bucket. Add cool water to lower the temperature if needed. You can now mop the floor as you would normally do, using the tea water as your mop water. And just allow the floor to dry.

Source:

Sarah Aguirre’s 9 Surprising Household Cleaners in About.com guide

Leave a comment | posted in ANC (ABS CBN News Channel), Do It Yourself Tips, Green Home Ideas, Green Living, Paolo Abrera, Host, TV Show

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