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The wisdom from our parents’ generation is often passed down, whether it is true or not. One particular area that is common to myths is parenting. While many of these myths turn out to be old wives’ tales, there are some that have been proved by science over the years. Here are some old myths that were once discredited but have since been proved by science.

Myth #1: Chicken Soup is Good for Colds

As a child, do you remember staying home sick from school and sipping on chicken noodle soup? While you may not have thought this was a cure for the cold, it provided soothing relief. However, it turns out there is some science behind this myth. Chicken soup has been proven to slow down white blood cell activity that causes inflammation. Therefore, while it may not exactly cure your child’s cold, it can help them feel better.

Myth #2: An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away


Everyone has heard this parenting myth, and many have added that the only way it works is if you throw it at the doctor! However, it turns out that our parents may have been on the right track. In addition to being high in Vitamin C, which benefits the immune system, apples are a great source of phenolic, which is a type of antioxidant. This antioxidant has been shown in several studies to reduce the number of free radicals in the body, thus preventing breast cancer, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.


Myth #3: Hot Tap Water is Bad
Who would have thought that the hot tap and cold tap could be better or worse for children to drink? This theory was discredited at first until science considered the lead found in the water pipes of home. The problem with lead is that hot water is more likely to dissolve contaminants quickly, so that they leach into the water. Additionally, boiling water does not remove the lead- it increases its concentration.

Myth #4: Eating the Crust of the Bread is Good for You

Eating the crust of the bread and eating your vegetables seem to go hand in hand. Our parents likely told us that it would put hair on your chest, help you grow big and strong, or some other tale to encourage us to eat the crusts. It turns out, however, that this may be based on fact. The crusty part of the bread may contain eight times the amount of antioxidants found in the rest of the loaf.

Myth #5: Eating Fish Will Make You Smarter
This is another myth passed on through the generations that turned out to be true. The science behind this is that fish contains fish oils, including omega-3 and omega-6. These are fatty acids have been proven to help with the growth, development, and function of a healthy brain. Some studies have even shown that a diet high in these types of oils can improve function at school. As an added benefit, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can improve coordination, reduce inflammation in the joints and blood vessels, and protect against Alzheimer’s disease, coronary heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

There might have been some myths that came to mind while reading this, that you as a child grew up on. You may have even carried them over into your own child’s life. However, we sometimes say whatever we can to get our little ones to eat certain foods, it is smart to do your research and know if what you’re saying is beneficial, health-wise. There are numerous sources on the internet (though, you can’t believe everything you read) to refer to for answers.  You can even ask the doctor the next time you take your child to a pediatrician, like Night Lite, to clear up any confusion you may have. 



Lautaro Martinez is a family man and freelance writer who writres articles on his own experiences in running a household. If you would like to learn more about Lautaro, feel free to check out his Google+ profile. 

Aside from its diverse culture and heritage, Davao City is also considered to be a great culinary destination. With its abundant supply of farm-fresh produce, one will not find it difficult to come up with a dish that uniquely depicts the character of the city. Yet, there are those who truly stand out way above rest in terms of creating a culinary masterpiece.

Take for example Marco Polo Davao’s new Executive Sous Chef, Chef Alex Destriza. Having spent his formative years as a culinary practitioner here in Davao, Chef Alex Destriza is excited to take the hotel’s dining outlets to greater heights with the introduction of his signature dishes that are reflective of Davao’s appeal, uniqueness and flavor.


His experience in various hotels and dining establishments here and abroad has sharpened up his culinary expertise. Having experienced being a chef in Ireland opened new doors of learning and opportunities for him to imbibe a different culinary culture. With that, Chef Alex is very willing and confident to share all of these in his new challenge as the hotel's Executive Sous Chef.

During the launching of the Kadayawan Art Exhibit last August 10, 2015, we were treated to a full-course menu at the CafĂ© Marco featuring scrumptious masterpieces created, of course, by the new Executive Sous Chef. 


Sweet Corn Bisque with Lapu-lapu Croquette and Ube Tarragon Cream: I like how rich, creamy and surprisingly flavorful this bisque came out to be. The lapu-lapu croquette is seasoned just right to complement with the flavor of the soup.



Malagos Green and Fern Salad, Sauteed Garlic Shrimps, Guava Jelly, Roasted Peanuts and Davao Suka Emulsion: The Davao Suka Emulsion adds that invigorating zest that makes the dish more alluring to the palate.


Sous Vide Beef Tenderloin in Bistek Sauce with Pumpkin and Chorizo Risotto, Kangkong Two Ways, Glazed Carrots and Onions: This elegant serving of beef tenderloin is tender, juicy and simply delightful. The bistek sauce made it even more savory and scrumptious. 


Biko Pandan with Chocolate Mousse and Caramelized Pecan Nuts: For me, this was an unexpected combination of different spectrum of desserts, yet the convergence of flavors was just right to culminate a gastronomic delight.

These dishes are actually part of the hotel's Kadayawan Menu which will be available from August 17 to 23, 2015 at Cafe Marco of the Marco Polo Davao. 

With the introduction of Chef Alex Destriza, a whole new dining experience surely awaits every guest at Marco Polo Davao.


CAFE MARCO AT MARCO POLO DAVAO
C.M. Recto St. Davao City
8000 Philippines
(082) 221 0888
https://www.facebook.com/marcopolodavaohotel
Email: sales_marketing@marcopolodavao.com
Instagram: @marcopolodavao
Twitter: @marcopolodavao


It's been raining here in Davao and this cuddle weather makes me crave for suman at sikwate. To those who don't have any idea about it, suman is a popular delicacy here in the Philippines, which is made up of glutinous rice wrapped in leaves and cooked in coconut milk. It is usually served sprinkled with sugar and best served with sikwate, the Cebuano version of hot chocolate. 



I had this photo taken during my trip to Buda last summer with my blogger friends. We dropped off at the Seagull Mountain Resort, which had the best suman + sikwate I've tried so far. My standard is quite high when it comes to suman, but this one got me asking for another serving. In fact, I wouldn't really mind travelling back again to Seagull just to have a fill of these because it's really worth the distance and the calories. 

Have you tried the suman at sikwate at Seagull Mountain Resort?



Brace yourselves for another Minion invasion as these lovable goggled creatures are set to take over the world once again!

McDonald’s is happy to announce the return of these much-love Minions in every Happy meal. To make their comeback extra special and more irresistible, customers can now pre-order the complete Minions Happy Meal set in all McDonald’s store nationwide starting June 15 until June 20, 2015.


Here’s a detailed guide on how you can be the master of all 10 Minions Happy Meal toys and get them before everyone else:

Step 1 - Visit any McDonald’s store from June 15-20.
Step 2 - Pre-order the complete Minions Happy Meal set in the front counter of a McDonald’s store.
Step 3 - For only Php949, each pre-ordered Minions Happy Meal set includes a Claim Stub Set for all 10 Minions Happy Meal toys and 10 Happy Meal food stubs composed of:
·         Four (4) Burger McDo with fries Happy Meals
·         Two (2) Chicken McDo Happy Meals
·         Two (2) McSpaghetti Happy Meals
·         Two (2) Burger McDo Happy Meals
Step 4 - Happy Meal food stubs may be used upon purchase or until August 19.
Step 5 - The complete Minions Happy Meal set may be redeemed at any McDonald’s store starting June 25—before the Minions toys are available individually in store.



With these simple steps, you are way ahead of others in completing your Minions Happy Meal Set. Share the fun to your closest buddies, family, and loved ones. Kids and every kid-at-heart will surely get an instant dose of happiness that only a Happy Meal and a Minions toy can bring.

Watch out for more exciting surprises that McDonald’s has in store for certified Minions fanatics! For more information, visit happymeal.com.ph, like the official Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/mcdo.ph, or follow @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram.  #MinionsAtMcDo.

* * *


Disclaimer: Not available in Boracay stores.
Davao City is not only known for its iconic Philippine monkey-eating eagle, waling-waling orchid, pristine beaches and eco-adventures activities. In fact, another good thing that Davao City has to offer is its diverse culinary terrain, which includes a variety of gastronomic delights from street food to fine dining.

Since there is a huge variety of dining options to choose from, here are some of those I highly recommend, in no particular order.

Who would have thought that in one of the secluded areas in the heart of the city lies a culinary haven? The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge used to be an ancestral house that was later on converted into a fine-dining restaurant offering Japanese-European fusion cuisine. Guests can choose from several degustation menus, usually ranging from five to nine courses of traditional Japanese-European dishes made contemporary and served in a romantic ambiance. Highly recommended are the Chilean Sea Bass and their famous Yamamomo Cheesecake, which is made up of green tea meringue base and topped with a yamamomo and mixed berries compote. The price can be a bit steep, but the dining experience is totally worth it.


Location: Camella Northpoint, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City

Known for its unrivaled Sansrival cakes and mouth-watering desserts, Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp.  is definitely one of the dining establishments one has to visit when in Davao City. Even though its location isn’t readily accessible to everybody, this place is always packed with those who swore to its delectable goodness.  Recently, Lachi’s has grown to serve more than just desserts and has included dishes like their Unforgettable Pork Ribs, Spicy Laing, Asian Chicken and more in their menu.


Location: Ruby St. Marfori Heights, Davao City

3. SEA GREEN CAFÉ AND LIFESTYLE SHOP
 Those who have sworn to eat healthy this year must give Sea Green CafĂ© and Lifestyle Shop a try. Their dishes are mostly made up of organic and fresh ingredients. Highly recommended are the Smoked Salmon Linguini, Vegetable Chips, Pan-grilled Fish with Cauliflower Rice and the Tablea Cheesecake. Aside from these sumptuous meals, they also sell home-made pestos and tomato sauces which you can use in making healthy dishes at home.



Location: Circumferential Road, Dona Vicenta Village, Davao City

Switching to healthier eating habits has never been tastier at Balik Bukid. Advocating in farm to table concept of dining, Balik-Bukid only uses ingredients which are produced and harvested from their organic farm in Wangan.  One of the offerings diners must try is their Classic Caesar’s Salad which uses a unique anchovy-based salad dressing. Since all ingredients are organically produced, one can taste the freshness and goodness in every bite.


Location: Ecoland, Quimpo Blvd. Davao City

5. ANNIPIE
Annipie has been known in Davao City for years as the ultimate cinnamon destination. However, to keep up with the transitioning gastronomic market, Annipie has grown to also serve delicious rice and pasta meals, pizzatillas and mouth-watering desserts. Highly recommended to try are their Pistachio Sansrival, Trikolate and Pizzatillas.


Location: Quimpo Blvd. Davao City

If you’re craving for authentic Chinese food, one of the restaurants which could satisfy such craving is West Empire Chinese Restaurant and Seafood Garden. It is only one of the few restaurants in Davao City which offer Xiao Long Bao, a small tasty soup-filled basket dumpling, and true enough, their Xiao Long Bao is convincing enough to make you revisit them again.

Location: J.P. Laurel Ave, Buhangin District, Davao City, Davao del Sur

If ever you find your palate craving for delectable Spanish cuisine and delectable dessert creations, Tiny Kitchen is the place to be. This not-so-tiny restaurant offers traditional Spanish recipes and a dash of Filipino taste rolled into an impeccable tasty combination. Highly recommended to try are their Al A Cazador Paella, Angus Beef Stew, Marbella Pasta in Penne, Frozen Chocolate Brazo and Oreo Cheesecake.


Location: F. Torres St. Davao City

RBG Bar and Grillthe in-house restaurant of one of Davao's top hotels, Park Inn by Radisson, showcases international cuisine but recently, modifications have been made to feature dishes with a touch of local flavor and distinctively Davao. One of the highly recommended dishes to try from their menu is the Seafood Sinigang in Mangosteen which was made more exceptional with the addition of Davao’s famous mangosteen fruit.


Location: Ground Floor, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Lanang, Davao City

9. ITAEWON KOREAN RESTAURANT
One of the restaurants to conquer Davao’s attention this year is Itaewon. It offers an unlimited bulgogi dining experience for only P195.00, including side dishes and a serving of rice. Whether you opt for chicken, pork or beef, make sure to order loads of pork as it is their best-seller.

Location: Mc Pod Unit 102 Mc Arthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

10. CLAUDE’S LE CAFÉ DE VILLE
French cuisine may not be common in Davao but there’s one restaurant that has made a name in the dining scene – Claude’s Le CafĂ© De Ville. The owners took over an ancestral house and it was transformed into a full-service restaurant offering French cuisine. Be sure not to miss their famous steak selections when dining at Claude’s.


Location: Rizal St, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur


Whatever floats your boat or whatever your palate craves for, I’m pretty sure Davao City has got it all for you in terms of gastronomic sastisfaction. Truly, when in Davao, there’s a lot more to discover.