“In the Philippines, we have the best climate for grapes, which is 25 to 34 degrees Centigrade,”

Home > Lifestyle 'It's easier to grow grapes in PH than in US, Europe' By Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com Posted at May 15 2013 11:04 AM | Updated as of May 15 2013 07:18 PM Share Facebook Twitter GPlus LinkedIn Pinterest MANILA, Philippines – While most Filipinos think that it is impossible to grow grapes in the Philippines because of its warm weather, an expert in viticulture stressed that the country is a better place for the fruit than the United States and Europe -- two places where most of the world’s wines are produced. Unknown to many, the Philippines has been home to several vineyards, said Avelino Lomboy, who has been growing grapes in the country for more than four decades. He said some of these are located in La Union, Cebu, Cotabato, Iloilo, Masbate and Nueva Ecija. “In the Philippines, we have the best climate for grapes, which is 25 to 34 degrees Centigrade,” Lomboy explained. “And the temperatures the whole year round stay that way until winter. In Europe, you only grow [grapes] once a year. Here, you can grow [grapes] the whole year.” “Grapes grow based on summer, so we have the whole year. Heat is not a problem,” he added, referring to the misconception that grapes need cold weather to grow. Asked if Baguio is a suitable environment for grapes, Lomboy said: “No, because it’s gloomy. The grapes need sunlight. ‘Yung grapes sa Baguio are coming from La Union. Probably coming from me.” Lomboy has been tapped to help put up the first vineyard in Tagaytay, a picturesque city that is about two hours away from Manila. The 10-hectare vineyard will be part of Twin Lakes, a real estate project of Global Estate Resorts Inc. The company is a subsidiary of the Andrew Tan-led Alliance Global Inc. which also operates Megaworld, among others. For the vineyard, Lomboy will be working with local brandy maker Emperador and Spanish brandy house San Bruno, which are both owned by Alliance Global. A 10-hectare vineyard will be put up in this area. Photo by Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com “We’re also building a chateau, which means we’ll have our own winery,” explained Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s director for strategic marketing and communications. “We’ll be storing the grapes and we’ll age them. The company of Mr. Tan will be handling the production of the wines.” Soil not a problem Lomboy also reacted to questions about the Philippine soil, one of the most important things to consider when planting grapes. “There’s no problem with the soil quality here,” he said, adding, “[and even if there is] you can condition the soil, or even replace it.” The primary concern of viticulturists like him, Lomboy said, is the weather. This, according to him, is what gives the Philippines the edge over countries with cooler temperatures. “In the Philippines, from planting to first harvest, it’s below one year. In America, it will take you three years. Why? Because of autumn and winter, stop ang growth. Pero ang Pilipinas, tuluy-tuloy ang growth because of the sunlight. Mas madaling mag-grow ng grapes sa Pilipinas,” he said. First fine wines in PH? With the project, the Andrew Tan-owned company is expected to produce the country’s first fine wines, said Geronimo, who cited the expertise of Lomboy and their Spanish partners. “So it’s the best of both worlds, Europe and the Philippines. The Philippines with Mr. Lomboy’s expertise for more than four decades in growing grapes, plus the expertise of those growing grapes in Spain. Bring them together to produce the finest wines in the Philippines, the first finest Philippine wines,” he said. The products of the planned vineyard – mostly wine and brandy – will be sold by Emperador. But they are not going to do all the work: Alliance Global is also considering to sell lands to those who might want to plant their own grapes. The light green area in this model is where The Vineyard, which includes the 10-hectare vineyard, will be built. Photo by Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com “We are eyeing certain lots within the area which can be used as a vineyard as well by other interested growers,” said Erwin Francis Go, Megaworld’s vice president for sales and marketing. “So we’re not just confined to our own vineyard – we’re offering it already to others who might want to build their own vineyard here. We have pockets of available land for them to grow their own vineyard,” he added. As for the taste of local wines, Lomboy said these are generally sweeter than the ones sold in the United States and Europe, and is expected to be a hit among Filipinos. “Iba ang napro-produce ng tropical countries because of the heat,” he explained. “Mataas ang sugar content kaysa asim. Kaya iba ito sa Europe.” Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay The vineyard will be situated within a 177-hectare mixed use area, which is aptly called The Vineyard. The property will feature a low-rise hotel and three towers of condominiums labeled Merlot, Chardonnay and Shiraz -- just like the grape varieties. A look at one of the condominium units in The Vineyard. Photo by Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com The one- and two-bedroom units are priced between P7 million and P12 million each, depending on the size of the balcony, and will be ready by 2017. Other establishments are also set to occupy the 1,149-hectare Twin Lakes, from shopping areas and restaurants to retirement homes, schools and nature parks. Share Facebook Share on Twitter GPlus LinkedIn Pinterest Read More: grapes wine Tagaytay vineyard

Baker's Dozen Pumpkin Treats e-book Coconut Flour Baked Goods Series Volume 2

Hi Oscar!! How is your week treating you? I hope it has wonderful wherever and whatever you've been doing! :) I'm not going to beat around the bush today. I have an exclusive recipe for you and you're going to LOVE it! I'm sharing this incredible Pumpkin Donuts recipe from my friend Starlene's Pumpkin Treats eBook. You may remember Starlene (one of my FAVORITE affiliate partners) from past emails -- she is the baking with coconut flour guru and has mastered the art of this tricky craft. To celebrate pumpkin season, she gave me permission to share this recipe with you guys, plus she is also running a special sale for Delicious Obsessions readers for 50% OFF her Pumpkin Treats eBook! Which means this awesome ebook is only $3.99! In this eBook, you will find a plethora of pumpkin recipes to satisfy any cravings you may have in the Fall (or anytime of the year)! There are over 20 recipes featuring: Quick Breads Brownies Donuts Cookies Pie Muffins Ice Cream Beverages and More! All of the baked goods in Pumpkin Treats are gluten-free and grain-free, made using coconut flour - no other gluten-free flours. No starches, refined sugar, or dairy are used either, so there is something in here for everyone. Plus you get access to Starlene's expertise on making coconut flour work well in your recipes -- invaluable in my opinion, considering how tricky coconut flour can be! You can check out the full recipe list, see pictures, and learn more here:http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/Pumpkin-Treats Use coupon code PUMPKIN50 to save 50%! Coupon expires 11/7 at midnight. **EXCLUSIVE RECIPE** Pumpkin Cake Donuts gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, starch-free, refined sugar-free, GAPS-friendly, Paleo/Primal

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Baguio Night Market sellers and costumers society

DESCRIPTION Night Market Baguio was launched on July 27, 2011 and the suitable venue for night shopping is at the right lane of Harrison Road. You can enjoy walking along the road that stretches from Igorot Garden to Melvin Jones, and scouting for excellent bargains from 9:00PM to 12 Midnight. What’s in the Night Market? The Night Market boasts of a great collection of new and second hand items that will surely suit your budget. You can flip through armloads of clothes – from jackets, trench coats, sweatshirts, polo’s, pants, and dresses. You can also choose from a wide range of shoes, slippers, sandals, and trendy boots. Parents will be thrilled when they stumble upon stuff toys in widely-varying shapes and sizes as well as cute apparel for their pets. Towards the end of the lane, just in front of the Igorot Garden, shoppers can munch on local and well-loved street-food. You can buy sweet corn, barbecue, toknene and tokneneng, binatog, isaw and a whole lot more. So, if you’re someone who finds thrill hunting for bargains and plans to visit are planning to visit Baguio soon, then see to it that you include Baguio Night Market in your itinerary. For sure, you will not only enjoy the cool clime of the highlands, you can also get a kick shopping the ukay-ukay style. Courtesy of: http://discoverbaguio.com/2011/12/14/night-market/ GROUP TYPE GROUP TYPE Buy and Sell