The 11th PHIL FOOD EXPO 2012 (FROM FARM TO FORK)

The 11th PHIL FOOD EXPO 2012 (FROM FARM TO FORK) was held last February 23-26, 2012 at the World Trade Center Manila. Its a showcase of the best Philippine food products for local and export trade varying from raw food to cooked food that's why (FROM FARM TO FORK).

I have attended the event on the last day together with my sisters. The event was open to the public and FREE admission but you just have to register at the entrance of the event which is not fussy at all.

There were cooking demos during the event like one of the demos we have witnessed on how to cook the Vigan Empanada. The ingredients were dough, potatoes, toge(bean sprouts), Vigan longganisa (sausage), and boiled eggs. We also bought some empanadas since its very appetizing to us. 

There were many food exhibitors but I will just highlight our favorites during the event.

We also managed to pose with the cute mascots of the food exhibitors like Mr. Liempo and Dee's Baked Popcorn.

We have tried to buy different organic products from Gourmet Farms (Tagaytay) like their Lettuce Chips with Tomato Salsa Dip, DIY Salad, Spaghetti and other sauces. The food tastes so good.

 

We have tried different food samplings from most food exhibitors from food staples, coffee, canned food, even chocolate and strawberry fountains.

I like this vegetable carvings because of its cute cat design since I am a cat lover. Its being showcase by an exhibitor selling food carving & knife set. We didn't buy from them since we have one at home already.

Before we left the event, we passed through The Bar Vodka's booth. They were having a drinking challenge of vodka for guys (with a prize). I was surprised because after that they were calling women as challengers.  I drink occasionally with friends only but I never drink liquor for a dare but I was challenged because of the prize.  There were 3 girls in the challenge (including me)  and you have to consume the five shots of vodka.

Who won the vodka drinking challenge? Of course it's me! 

Whats the prize? A set of  5 piece shot glass from The Bar Vodka Shots!

Fancy Feast Food Critics Contest

February is Feline Month not just V-Day. My kitty Ronnie won a 3month supply of Fancy Feast cat food From NESTLÉ PURINA® PETCARE Philippines during the Fancy Feast Food Critics Contest via facebook last February 3. 

It was a requirement to have the cat/kitten to have a picture together with their featured product.  I had a hard time positioning Ronnie to pose for the picture since he is very active and playful. He is a healthy kitten and a very good boy amidst that I got him from the streets last December 20, 2012 somewhere in Malibay, Pasay City.

Here is my review about the Fancy Feast Seafood Feast: 

My review had 17 LIKES only on facebook compared from other contestants but I think the judges don't rely on that but it depends on their judgment. I felt I was given a heads up because when they posted my entry on facebook, they added this, Sophia says her cat Ronnie goes "Yum Yum!" over Fancy Feast Classic Seafood Feast :)

I was very happy with the results and I am thankful to my sisters and friends whom have been very supportive to us in many ways. 

The 3 cases of Fancy Feast were delivered to our home last February 15, 2012. 
It was really a feast for my kitty. These are just a few of the 3 cases of Fancy Feast :)

Kitten 101: Feeding is Believing

I attended earlier the cat seminar, Kitten 101: Feeding is Believing at the PetExpress Makati Branch.  I live near Mall Of Asia but I attended another seminar last February 4 so I attended this seminar in Makati instead.  The seminar is all about cats which is the counter part to their Puppy 101 seminar last January 29, 2012.

The speaker Dr. Marco Ripoll DVM is the Technical Manager at Hill's Science Diet. 
I have met him before during the Pet Blessing event in Ayala Triangle last October 2, 2011. He was there since their company is one of the sponsors of the event. 

The seminar had few attendees compared with the Puppy 101 seminar last month. It means that most Filipinos own dogs more than cats. Dr. Marco Ripoll asked me before the event how many cats I have. I said I have two whom are Puspin (Pusang Pinoy).  One of my cats was given to me while the other one, I got him from the streets. 

So let me share to you the information that I have gained and learned during the seminar.

 Kitten & Cat 101

 Life Stage
Kitten - 0 to 12 months
Adult Cat - 1 to 6 years old 
Mature Adult Cat - 7 years +  (prone to kidney problems)

  
 *Signs of Good Health
- bright and clear eyes
- clean and free of discharges, odorless ears
- smell (fresh mouth)
- gums should be pink
- no tartar or plaque on teeth
- free of sores or growth
- shiny and clean coat
- active cats are rarely overweight

 *Vaccinations
- Rabies  
- Feline Distemper
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- (FELV) Feline Leukemia
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis
- FIV (this is the same with HIV of humans) 
                                                                     

When should a kitten be vaccinated? 
The 4-in-1 should be given when the kitten is about 6 to 10 weeks old, every 2 weeks 
(total of 3 doses). Anti-rabies shot should be administered when the kitten is 12 weeks old (1 dose only).

When should an adult cat be vaccinated? 
 The 4-in-1 and Anti-rabies shot should be done yearly.

 Parasite Prevention & Deworming
Deworming should be when the kitten is 8 weeks old then follow-up after 2 weeks and every 2-3 months. When the cat reaches 1 year, deworming will be done yearly instead. 


Flea & Tick Prevention
Usually administered when the kitten is about 1-2 months of age since it was being transferred by the mother cat after giving birth to her litter.  Spot-on treatments are available and should be follow-up monthly.

When to take your pet to the vet?

- Diarrhea

- Constipation

- Vomiting

- Abnormal Urination (Urinary stone)

Overweight cats are also prone to some illnesses like:

- Diabetes

- Kidney problems (lack of protein source)

- Heart problems

- Skin problems

Transition Feeding Guide

Days 1-2	75% cat’s current food; 25% cat's new food
Days 3-4	50% cat’s current food; 50% cat's new food
Days 5-6	25% cat’s current food; 75% cat's new food

 Day 7        100% cat's new food

Hairball Prevention

- Brush fur coat regularly

- Cat food with hairball control

Avoid cat population! How?

Spaying/neutering (kapon) is available for both male cats (neutering) and female cats (spaying). Not unless you are rich and you can take care of your cat's litter. 

You just need to go to a veterinarian for this procedure or you may go to an animal NGO for cheaper rates or sometimes for free (every February during World Spay Day).

Don't make it a habit like other Filipinos that they bring the litter somewhere (nililigaw) just to get rid of it. Would you do that if those babies are yours?

Litter - offspring at one birth of animals from the same mother and usually from one set of parents. The word is most often used for the offspring of mammals.

Spayed/neutered cats live a healthier lifestyle and roam less to find a mate. Its also for you, you can't sleep at night when your cat is in heat and wanted to go out of the house to mate.
Don't worry, they don't crave for it unlike humans because for them mating is for reproduction only.


Important things to remember
- Never yell or punish your cat, use positive words
- Always praise him/her (even when your cat has been bad)
- Be patient when training your cat
- Cats don't like change (like changing cat litter, moving house, new pet or persons. 
Don't worry, they will adjust to the situation after some time)
- A pet is a lifetime commitment 

Cheap Date Ideas

Maybe you and your sweety are on a tight budget but want to go out and have some bonding together? Going out doesn't have to be expensive, there are some ways that you and your lovey-dovey can go out and enjoy time being together. Valentines' Day is almost near so I have listed some ideas of "cheap dating"

Have a walk at the park.  Being at the park is so much fun. You can also have a picnic at the park or watch some free concerts there.

Go to the bay or lake and watch the sunset.  It may sound hopeless romantic but I really enjoy this kind of date, you can also talk about everything under the sun.




Read a book in a coffee shop. Get a book that both interest you and read it together in a coffee shop. 

Visit a fruit farm and do some fruit picking. Me and my previous boyfriend went to a Strawberry Farm and we did some fruit picking there since we both like Strawberries.

Go biking, jogging or any sports that you both like to do. You don't only bond together but you also make yourselves fit in the same time. Its great to look good, not just for your partner but its also for your own good.

A candle lit dinner at home. Dinner is always good if you or your partner will cook at home. It saves time and money. The best way to your partner's heart is through his/her stomach. 

Rent DVD movies and watch it at home. You can also cook some popcorn or pizza that you can munch while watching movies. Watching movies at your own convenience has always been so good.

Listen to a mellow or romantic music. The two of you can dance sweetly while listening to a romantic music.  You can also open a bottle of wine that you have at home. This is a good time to start a conversation between the two of you.

Go around the city by train. Me and my bf loves to go around places by train. No traffic and its cheap. So go ahead and lose yourselves . 

Play some board games. Yes you heard me games, we are not too old to play board games like Scrabble and Monopoly at home. Its also a good way of spending time together. 

Enjoy the time being together, that's what matters most!