It began with one man's pursuit of a passion that led to a visionary achievement. Having traveled the world and sampling a variety of unique recipes from many food establishments, bringing home these experiences and reinventing the recipes became a challenge for MR. ERNEST DE LEON ESCALER.

Sweet Summery Scenes : Candy in the Farm

Candy Magazine, one of the leading teen magazines here in the Philippines, is definitely an established brand when it comes to things that are new, exciting and hype. They know what is appealing to their readers, who are primarily composed of teenage girls. Can be considered a Bible for fashion, trends and lifestyle for a young cosmopolitan woman.

Just today, May 17, 2013, Candy Magazine had a photoshoot in Gourmet Farms Inc. The team was composed of Jed Gregorio, fashion editor; Kaity Chua, photographer; and Maan Marquez, model.

Why Gourmet Farms by the way? The shoot was done in a farm to give a different flavor on their usual venues. Since it is summer time, the fashion, clothes and accessories that will be featured absolutely compliments the lively and sunny backdrop.

Gourmet Farms Inc., in the suburbs of Silang, Cavite is definitely the perfect setting for a summer photoshoot. The verdant landscapes of this lush estate gives you the vibe of everything summer; the green nature, the warmth of the sun and the cool afternoon breeze. Not to mention the abundance of picturesque views.

The shots that they took will totally be amazing for their August 2013 issue. This is definitely a must have so note your calendars and make sure you get that issue!

Gourmet's Coffee

Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa - Gourmet's uses only the finest coffee beans to create their popular blends. All are freshly ground to ensure nothing but the finest, purest flavors. Deservedly called "pambansang kape!"
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The Sanctuary

The secret heart of Gourmet Farms is an exquisite half-acre park perched on the highest point of our Farm. It is a place of silence and spiritual joy. In it is a 10-room airconditioned Guesthouse, a Conference Center for 20 people, an al fresco pavilion, and paths that wind through flowering and fragrant gardens. Ask to see the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace. And don't forget to pick up a brochure on 2012's programs…
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Coffee Reduces Risk of Rare Liver Disease

Thursday, May 23 2013

New research from the Mayo Clinic showed that people who drink coffee have a lower risk for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). PSC is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation (cholangitis) and narrowing of the bile ducts (sclerosis). This leads to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and bile duct cancer. In the study, researchers noted that patients with were more likely never to drink coffee and spent around 20% less time drinking coffee compared to the control group.

Reference: Coffee Consumption is Associated with Reduced Risk of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis but not Primary Biliary Cirrhosis"; Craig Lammert et al; presented at Digestive Disease Week, 18-21 May 2013, Orlando, Florida.

Coffee for hangover? Even better than we thought!

Monday, May 20 2013

We have always known that coffee helps in relieving the discomforts of hangovers. Recently, researchers found that coffee also counters the harmful effects of alcohol. It lowers by 50% a substance that causes liver damage, heart disease,& diabetes.

Alcohol consumption has been demonstrated to increase the levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), a substance which exerts a prooxidant effect and causes inflammation and tissue damage. GGT has been linked to a range of illnesses.
Experts from Tampere University and the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland conducted a study that ran for more than 10 years. Among the nearly 19,000 people in the study, consumption of over 20 bottles of beer or 4 bottles of wine a week showed an increase in GGT activity by up to 300%. Conversely, this GGT activity was reduced to approximately 50% following regular consumption of four or more cups of coffee daily.

Reference: Alcohol and Alcoholism (May/June 2013) 48: 303-307. doi: 10.1093/alcalc/agt017