#Taste of Asia Festival

[oneistoinfinity]

Mapled Mei Day 10-13: Toronto

Mei's chill Toronto stay is summarized in this blog entry so check it here! #canada

Konnichassu!!! More Canada travel blog for my readers! But we’re approaching the end of it but it’s but the beginning! This leg of the trip was actually the most chill on the one hand, but also the most stressful on the other. But, don’t expect it to have the Toronto landmarks because I wasn’t actually able to go around Toronto proper for several reasons. One, it rained like madness during the…

[hallowpen]

This series continues to be a love letter to Thai tradition. It makes me sooo happy to get to share these cultural insights with you guys through watching Girl's Love media. We've come so far 😭😭😭

So... This episode didn't really highlight any traditional Thai dishes, but in keeping with last week's edition, I want to at least mention two that stood out:

ช่อม่วง (pronounced 'chor muang') are flower dumplings that were to be considered part of royal Thai cuisine. The dumplings are filled with a sweet and salty pork mixed with roasted peanuts. They are wrapped in a purple dough that gets its coloring from being dyed by butterfly pea flowers steeped in water with lime juice. (Any fellow UWMAers will recognize this dish, as the process of how to make them were included in that series)

สละลอยแก้ว (pronounced 'sala loy kaew') is another version of the dessert we discussed last week. It is made by having Salak fruit 'floating' in iced sugared syrup. Salak is a fruit native to Southeast Asia (specifically Indonesia). The Thai variety have more flesh with a uniquely sweet and slightly sour taste.

ยิงปืนกันกล้วย (pronounced 'ying peun gahn gluay') is a traditional children's game typically played amongst young boys. It is a game where children "shoot" at each other with an imaginary rifle that is made from banana stalks. They swipe one hand quickly along the banana stalk, and the following impact causes the upright parts of the stem ("the ammo") to loudly "snap"... a sound similar to that of a gunshot. The banana rifles are called ปืนของกล้วย (pronounced 'peun gahn gluay') hence the name of the game... and the "horses", which are also made from banana stalks, are called ม้าของกล้วย (pronounced 'ma gahn gluay').

ลอยกระทง - Thailand's Loy Krathong Festival is probably something viewers are already familiar with if they've watched other Thai dramas. It is a Thai tradition that takes place on the night of the full moon during the 12th lunar month. "Krathongs", which can be translated as 'ritual lantern vessels', are made from natural materials including banana leaves and flowers. They are often formed in the shape of a lotus to symbolize rebirth, strength, and resilience. For Anil and Pin it is a gesture to make merit, while simultaneously wishing for each other’s happiness and good fortune. It is representative of their hope for only good blessings to come into their lives while they are apart.

In more modern tradition, there are also certain romantic undertones revolving around the Loy Krathong Festival. It is said that any couple who float a Krathong together, will be bound together for life.

Aside from these cultural aspects, there are a few other instances I want to note.

I loved seeing the juxtaposition of Anil knowing and actively wanting to pursue a romantic relationship with Pin... and Pin only just coming to the realization that, maybe, her fond affection for Anil actually runs a lot deeper. I also want to point out, that Prik's participation in facilitating their romantic relationship is incredibly risky. As a low-ranking servant of the palace, she stands to receive the harshest punishment for 'breaking convention'. Which brings me to this scene:

There are so many social class dynamics happening in just this one scene alone. Pin cannot afford to be rude to a higher ranking official by saying, upfront, she does not wish for him to pursue her. Prik is being used as a shield to protect Pin from Kuea's advances. And Kuea, as a friend of Prince Anon AND who holds title himself, is blissfully unaware that his presence is completely unwelcome... because who, in their right mind, could ever want to turn away a person of his fortune and stature? Aaahhh, it's just such a brilliant scene!!!

[sashi-ya]

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑨𝑵𝑺𝑾𝑬𝑹 「cuts of freedom: final part 」 soshiro hoshina x f! officer! reader

a/n: and the end is here! i'm not gonna lie, I wish for this story to last forever. And, actually, I might add some little updates about these two here and there sometimes! anyway, please enjoy! And thank you so so much for being here since the very beginning when this started as a simple scenario 💖 a/n 2: some clarification about the contents: "せーの!”  is the classical expression "seeh・noh" in Japanese used like "ready, set, go!". Tanabata, is a very well known festival in Asia celebrated during July- Aug. The Hoshina clan is real clan! I did my research, that's why I added the "Fukushima" patterns. tw: mdni! sex explicit scenes. masturbation. nipple bitting. marking. public car sex. wc: 3.5k // part 1: cuts of freedom // part 2: かんぱい！// part 3: stuffed // part 4: side B: relax // part 5: mirror, mirror... // part 6: sex for breakfast // masterlist

Eyebags puffy and visible, you haven’t really sleep much. Breakfast -and sex after breakfast- though, tasted delicious.

Should you both arrive together? Where are you, exactly, after all?

“Come on, did you bring the uniform?” Soshiro asks, putting on one of his classic black compressive shirts.

Your heart breaks, as the abs you adore get once again covered by that tight fabric. You are not mad, though.

“I haven’t- I just brought normal clothes…” you sigh, remembering the fact you left your boiler suit at the base.

“Then wear mine” he says, pretty naturally, handing you over one of his suits.

If there is something us women like, is to wear our couple’s clothing. And you aren’t any different. Instantly, you take -almost snatch- it from his hands. You are eager to see if it smells like him, you are eager to feel hug and warm by even his clothing.

And, indeed, it has a faint trace of his perfume. Manly and delicious, you engulf the smell, feeling your insides get filled with butterflies as you do.

“Should I take it off? Or wanna wear it around?” Soshiro asks, laughing cutely while coming closer to you. His delicate fingers graze the little enamel pin on your chest.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ“Hoshina Soshiro ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ 3rd Div. Vice Captain”

You smile softly, eyelashes fluttering slowly, looking down at his hand. Of course, you’d love to wear it around; because you are his… but you aren’t ready for “he say she says” although rumour already has it that you two have something going on.

“Do you think is it ok? Isn’t it against the rules?” “Indeed it is, doll. Give it back, haha!”

Your cheeks become hot from embarrassment. Of course it is against the rules. And sometimes with these type of little pranks, Soshiro can be a little bit annoying.

“Don’t be sad, I promise you I will search for my old badge, and I will give it to you. Ok?” he says, kissing the tip of your nose as he takes off the pin from your clothes.

You nod, sweetly. Like a little girl, you are instantly happy and satisfied with such a beautiful and cute promise.

Soshiro doesn’t pay much attention at anything besides you while walking out of his apartment. His hand is placed on your lower back, guiding you through the hall towards the elevator.

“You look so good with my clothes, hun” he whispers, closely to your ear right from behind.

A shiver runs down your spine and it travels to every little sensitive spot on your body.

“Thank you… Soshiro~” you answer, not sure if you wish the elevator to arrive faster or slower.

Unfortunately -or not- the doors of the lift open, and the sterile white lights of the mirrored inside receives you reflecting all of your angles.

You remember Soshiro complaining of the cameras inside the elevator, and as much as you wish he could push you against the walls to grope you, you know it is impossible. But nothing is when it comes to Hoshina Soshiro who is apparently crazier for your sex more than what you could think of.

He, then, proceeds to stand right at your back. It is him who’s against the bars attached to the mirror wall, now. His hands slowly slide from your waist to your front, getting into the front pockets of your boiler suit.

With his chin carved on your shoulder, he smirks to the mirror in front of you. His fingers reaching for your core, pushing quite strongly against it in tiny circular motions.

“I really want my suit to get covered by your scent… would you make a little mess for me?” he asks, pressing his crotch against your ass, showing you how hard he is once again.

You swallow; it wasn’t necessary to ask, if he keeps doing what he is doing you will for sure make a mess in it.

“So-Sosh-ngh…” you fidget around his index going crazy over your clit. “Mmh? Don’t be that noticeable… you know I don’t want the guards to see you! plus, the doors are about to open. What if a neighbour sees you?” he says, in such perverse tone it makes you tremble.

You bite your lips shut, taking a big gasp of air, wishing for his fingertips to finally touch you without anything in between. Your eyes shut closed, inevitably thinking of what he said; what if the doors open and someone sees you in such state?

The “ping” announces the doors are about to open, your heart rising faster, your inner thighs dripping with sensual wetness.

“せーの!”  he whispers. And as soon as a fine line of light filters through the sliding doors, he takes his hand off the pocket -and your sex-

You sigh loudly, putting yourself together in a matter of seconds.

“Morning, Soshiro-chan!” she says with a lovely tone, as if this happened every day.

“Morning, Mrs. Tanaka!” he salutes her, like a usual daily happening.

An old woman stands right in front of the elevator, with an as old as her poodle in her hands. The dog barks annoyingly at Soshiro and you, as it might have seen a cat… well, Soshiro kinda looks like one.

“Go kill many Kaiju, boy!” “I sure will, Mrs. Tanaka! Give Mr. Tanaka my regards!”

Apparently, that woman is Soshiro’s neighbour. Did he know she was going to be there by the time the elevator reached the floor level? He is more perverted than what you could have ever imagined…

You smile all throughout the mere seconds the conversation lasts, walking out of the mirrored lift trying to regulate your accelerated breathing.

The moment the doors close, he turns to you too look into your eyes. He burns holes into yours, with a smirk that shows he is not quite over with it.

“See? I told you…” “Soshiro, sometimes I think you are just a villain…”

He laughs, loudly, like he is used to do. From his pocket, he takes the keys of his car, and both walk to the little parking lot right behind the building.

He opens the door for you, putting first your little bag in the backseat and then letting you sit on the front. He then closes such door and jumps into the drivers seat.

And despite you thinking he was going to start the engine, he had first quite different plans...

“You said you thought I was a villain…” he mumbles, looking at you, coming closer to your lips with his index under your chin.

“You must be ~” you playfully back up.

He smirks and it’s all you need; next thing you know, is him pulling you from your seat to straddle your hips on top of his lap.

“Then, as the villain I am, allow me to finish my perfect crime…” he whispers, lowering the zipper of your -his- suit open.

You wonder if this man has a “public sex kink” or he actually just don’t care the rest of the world but you; Soshiro wants to have you at any time, in any place, whenever he desires.

His hand slides down your belly and into your panties. Wet as he wanted you is what he founds. And he is pleased.

Soshiro’s free hand pulls you closer as he pushes your lower back further. Your breasts, free of any other clothing, bounce temptingly in front of his face. It doesn’t take him much to finally attach to them with lips and teeth. Sucking like his life depended on  it, he makes you whine loudly from pleasure and pain… boy, those fangs are certainly sharp.

While he delights himself with the taste of your nipples, his thumb finishes the work he started in the elevator; masturbating you so good you soon forget about the weak morning light bathing the parking lot, or the fact Soshiro’s car windows have a barely purple tint on them.

Soon enough, your thighs accompany the spasms your inner walls experience. And climax hits you uncontrollably; the mess Soshiro wanted, had finally been materialized… his suit will hold the stains of your relief exactly as he wished.

“As long as I wish to fuck you hard, we are gonna get late there. I don’t want Mina to scold us” he says, helping you sit on your spot back again.

You are trembling still, only recognizing his voice, and the sweet way in which he closes the zipper and fasten the seatbelt to keep you safe.

You blink twice, still in awe. You look into the little mirror, seeing your heated cheeks and the mess of your hair that you slowly fix while he starts to drive. The pony tail you just finished, your hands still around the elastic band… the lustful idea of pleasuring him while he drives; after all you believe in equality, and just as he made you come… you must make him come, too.

You drift to the side, still without catching much of his attention. You bend slowly; waiting for a red light to make him stop. Your mouth is watering, and it is that Soshiro somehow tastes so delicious. Maybe it is his healthy life style, maybe is the testosterone of a modern samurai or it is just that you are infatuated with him.

“Wha- hahaha- what are you doing?!” he laughs, thinking you are just being funny. “I think I want my mouth to be a mess as well” you whisper, moving like a cat about to pounce on a little mouse.

His eyes now open widely; looking down as you lower the pants’ zipper.

“This is one of the things I love about you, (Name)-san… go ahead, feast on it” “It will be my pleasure, fuku-taichou” you sing, kissing the bulge before finally freeing his sex from his briefs.

You can feel on your chest the little ups and downs of his legs while he drives, and every bump pushes his dick inside you even deeper against your throat. Your tongue makes sure to damp the whole shaft, while your bobbing head and sucking lips make him grunt.

Soshiro’s hands grip tightly to the wheel; a little drop of sweat forms on his forehead. His sex becomes harder, ready to burst. The way you let his dick go deeper into your throat, allows the tip of your tongue to reach for the base and even more if you use your hand to play with his balls. The poor soldier is doing a great job while driving through the busy streets of Tachikawa, fast enough to park right at the base for the moment he reaches the peak…

“I’m gonna… come… you-“ “I won’t let a drop mess with your seat, don’t worry…” you whisper, giving him the last pumps this time with your hand and your tongue against his tip.

Soshiro retorts in silence, letting scattered “nghs” and “fucks” as he finally bursts. He grabs your pony tail, having the hair tangled on his fist, burying your head down so that he can finish right into your throat.

Eyes watery, lungs using the last molecule of oxygen, nose inhaling his skin’s perfume, your tongue feeling the accelerated pulse on his sex’s veins… oh, the delicious warm seed of Hoshina Soshiro going down your throat.

“You are gonna be the death of me, babe…”

The return to the base felt silent; both got out of Soshiro’s car, smiled at each other and parted ways. He needed to go back to his office, while you had to go straight to morning training. Your muscles were screaming at you; they didn’t want any more exercise this morning… but you simply couldn’t skip it.

The day went by fast and in between building strength and weapon management; by the time the afternoon arrived, the constant memory of Soshiro’s promise for tonight’s plans that reverberated in your brain, fade off to the point of almost forgetting about it.

However, there are certain things you couldn’t escape from, and you were about to find out.

By the time the training was over, and everybody was stretching, you began to win a couple of looks; your suit didn’t feel like yours and indeed it had a special pair of little straps on the back that you didn’t take in consideration when you chose not to change into yours…

“(Name), what is this?” Akari asks, passing her finger in between one of the hoops that’s clearly meant to be used to hold a certain type of blade.

“What?” you ask, still unaware.

“Oh, oh… don’t tell me you are a double blade user like Hoshina Fukutaichou, (Name)?! Platoon leader Nakanoshima says, laughing loudly with clear intentions of teasing you. She continues, also, telling Ryo he owes her money for winning “the bet”… “I told you they were screwing!”  “Nakanoshima -.-“

Your eyes open like two pair of eggs. Your cheeks turn to fire, the whole squad laughs and other start whispering… yet, none of those reactions were filled with bad intentions. In fact, it was quite the opposite, making even Mina give Kafka a soft little smile in complicity.

“No, no I- We aren’t… It is not what it seems like! We aren’t… uh…“ you try to excuse yourself, being aware that this could be detrimental to your relationship. You aren’t sure if Soshiro wants you like anything else than an “acquaintance”. This rumour could fuck everything up.   

“There are no rules against it, (Name)! don’t worry!” Kikoru smiles, assuring an essential truth; her parents were known to be one of the strongest couples inside of the JAKDF.

You give a sweet smile to your young but strong nakama; she doesn’t really need to know the details of how intricate adult relationships really are… yet.

The commotion gets instantly silenced by Mina ordering you all to go back to your stretching exercises. You all bow respect to your captain, and fast enough you all continue with your duties.

Soon, as the training finally finished, everybody start walking back at the barracks. You needed a bath, perhaps more than anyone else in that place… this morning “mess” was still unwashed.

None of the women said much as you walk to the bathrooms; everybody seemed more tired than ever. Probably, like you, they all had fun on that free day you were given yesterday.

It was not until you undressed that you noticed the marks all over your body; fangs that carved into your flesh have left a vast area of purple and painful spots all over that have been developing all throughout the day.

“There is no way I will make another scene. I must shower when everybody is done…” you think, suddenly remembering the day Soshiro cut open your anti kaiju suit; the day he saved your life, and the day both skins touched for the very first time in such intimate and deep way. This, lead you to remember, also, the so mentioned “plans for tonight”.

What were those plans? Were they still happening? What if he -and probably he already does- knows about today’s fuss on you wearing his uniform? He hasn’t reached out yet…

By the time you are out of the shower, you keep lost into your thoughts and memories of Soshiro’s sweet kitty face.

“(Name)? you lost your intercom again. Here…” A soft voice, calm and patient pulls you out your own thoughts and hands you over a little white earphone.

You blink twice, noticing captain Ashiro being as delicate as a flower while she gives you the ear piece. She simply takes his index to her ear and taps twice leading you to wear what she gave you.

You haven’t lost it, though. You simply didn’t wear it today; nobody was expected to do so, either way. But you understand, almost immediately, that you must follow your captain’s orders because something beautiful was waiting for you.

She turns around, fluttering her onyx hair while holding her towel on her shoulder, and disappears through the door to leave you alone.

You put the little intercom on; tapping twice on it.

“Hello?” “Hello, Miss (Name). Would you please come to my office?” Soshiro says, playfully acting like your vice-captain. “Yes, Sir!” you say, clearly and loud. However, your insides were turned into a holy mess; the butterflies felt like Kaiju flying around your stomach.

You run; you couldn’t hide it anymore. The halls of that base felt endless, why did it feel like Soshiro’s office had changed places with any other room?!

It took you a couple of minutes to get there. Panting, you wait for a couple of seconds to regulate your breathing. A single desktop lamp turned on guides you to his desk. However, Soshiro isn’t there, but a washi paper wrapped box waiting for you with a note on it.

“Dear (Name), please wear this and talk to me so that I can guide you to your next destination. Be aware the clothing and the hair pin you will find inside this box has a long history in the Hoshina family ~”

Your eyes get a little watery; you weren’t exactly sure on what to expect… but this is definitely something better than what you could ever. This seems truly romantic, and you are by far speechless.  

You open the box, taking care of not ruining the paper… you really wish to keep at least a piece of it. Inside it lays an even more beautiful piece of traditional clothing than the one you wore at his apartment; a yukata, purple with hints of lilac flowers, typical Fukushima Aizu patterns from where the Hoshina clan are the originally founders.

The hair piece, looks like two little representation of katanas imbued in sakura flowers of silver and purple little stones.

You cover your face in total awe; deep inside you still think you don’t deserve to wear such beautiful piece of art. But you end up doing it, Hoshina Fukutaichou said so, right?

The Japanese silk falls so delicate on your skin, kissing it softly with cold pecks on every mark he has left on you. You take a last look at your image on the little mirror he keeps on his office, still unable to process how beautiful you look, and double tap your intercom.

“You ready, princess?” he asks, curious.

“I am… Soshiro, this is… beautiful” you whisper, blushing harder with every word you mouth.

“Not as you, (Name). Now, please walk to the back of the base. There is a zen garden, you will find your next surprise there… and the answer you’ve been waiting for”

“Yes, Soshiro ~”

Walk? He said walk? who could walk?

Run, run, run. Your hair set free, only holding by a single strand to silver blades,   dances with the wind your own speed creates. Run, run, run. Through the halls of the base that’s been your home, your dream and your begin and end….

Fairy lights look like blurry dots, like fireflies, by the end of the hall; you run to catch them all. To see him, to hear an answer your heart already knows.

“Soshiro!” you whisper, when you stop all of a sudden, noticing how beautiful the Zen garden had been decorated. Warm lights, and every branch of the bamboo holding little multi-coloured papers… have you forgotten? It’s the night of Tanabata.

Your lips tremble, your eyes become watery once again; never experienced something more beautiful, even more because it was prepared for you… and only for you.

“Welcome ~” he sings, lifting his two hands and indexes up. “You look, and I know I told you this before, so beautiful wearing my family’s clothing… Please tell me you are the type of person who loves Tanabata” he continues, a little insecure now.

You wipe a little tear off the corner of your eye; anything you could love or even hate means nothing compared to him… you are the type of person who loves… him.

“This is… more than beautiful… why? I don’t deser-“ you start, but his hands grabbing yours stop you from keep on talking.

“You do deserve it; shall we write our desires in the little papers? Let’s go, I’m sure the Hanabi are about to start ~”

You nod, following him to a little table where two little papers lay on top, and each one has a pen to write on. Soshiro allows you to write yours, and then he does with his, not before asking you to wait until you read.

When both are ready, he guides you with your little paper towards one of the trees. Such tree, the tallest of them all, seemed to be fading into the night sky. Stars shining like diamond dots, like the river that separated Orihime and Hikoboshi but not you two.

“Let me tie yours, and you tie mine” he whispers, while both exchange your desires. As you grab his, you proceed to read...

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ“I wish to be yours, (Name)”

“Soshiro… is this…?” “That’s my answer, (Name)… I really, really wish to be yours. Can you cut open this jail and set me free from this doubts? Am I yours? You are the one to tell me so” “Read mine, and you will find the answer Soshiro…”

ㅤㅤ“For him, the man who set me free with cuts of love, to be mine forever”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ… ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑬𝑵𝑫 ~

dear reader: thank you for reading! hope you liked this story as much as I enjoyed writing it! hope all your dreams come true! 💕 ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Sashi 🌱

[tiredwitchplant]

Everything You Need to Know About Fruits and Veggies: Apples

Apple (Malus domestica)

*Poisonous *Medical *Culinary *Feminine

Folks Names: Fruits of the Gods, Fruit of the Underworld, Silver Branch, The Silver Bough, Tree of Love

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deities: Venus, Dionysus, Olwen, Apollo, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Diana, Zeus, Iduna

Abilities: Love, Healing, Garden Magic, Immortality, Spiritual Development, Opening the Door Between Realms, Manifestation, Abundance, Hexing

Why Poisonous?:The seeds within apples contain chemical compounds that cause cyanide poisoning. Mild symptoms include: anxiety, headaches, dizziness, and confusion, while acute poisoning can cause high blood pressure, paralysis, coma or death. Do not consume a large amount of apple seeds at once.

Characteristics: The tree is small and deciduous, reaching 3 to 12 m tall, with a broad twiggy crown. The blossoms are produced during the spring while the fruit itself is matured in the autumn. The flowers are white with pink tinge that fades over time.

History: Originated in Central Asia with its ancestor plant, Malus sieversii which is a wild apple native to southern Kazakhstan. In the bible, it was used a symbol of temptation as it was the fruit that tempted Adam and Eve to be thrown out of the Garden of Eden. It is also known as a symbol of immortality, health, vitality, love and fertility by many religions. In Wicca, you cut an apple through its core to reveal the five-pointed pentagram that represents the four natural elements plus Spirit. It has been written that witches would use apples to hex and poison their victims, while the tree itself is sacred to Druids. The druids believed it was one of only two tress that would support their beloved mistletoes. On the Twelfth Night tradition, Pagans would sing to the tree, hoisting cheerful mug of wassail to drive wassail demons and coax out an abundant harvest for the Earth. It is also said that unicorns love to dwell in apple orchards and love the taste of the fruit. Before eating an apple, one must rub it to remove demon or evil spirits that maybe hiding inside.

How to Grow An Apple Tree:

Easy to Grow? No

Rating: Moderate/Expert

Seeds Accessible: Yes

How to Grow an Apple Tree

Video Guide

Where to Buy Seeds

Magical Properties:

On August 13th, Diana’s Festival in Greece (Venus’ in Rome) was celebrated where a ritual meal was prepared with apples still hanging on their boughs.

Wiccan altars are piled high on Samhain for apple is considered the food of the dead

Their blossoms can be used for love spells, sachets, brew and incenses

Can be used for love divinations by cutting the apple into two and counting the number of seeds

Banish illness by rubbing the apple on you and burying it

Eating an apple can help you gain immortality through wisdom

The wood of the tree can be made into charms for longevity

Apple wood makes for excellent magical wands, especially for emotional magic

Rubbing an apple peel on your forehead can waken your third eye, allowing your intuition to develop

Eating an apple or drinking apple tea can fill you with trust and abundance

Medical Usage:

Apple blossoms and the fruit are full of fiber, vitamins A and C, and quercetin, an antioxidant believed to help prevent cancer

Placing crushed apple leaves on a wound can prevent infection

Can lower the chance of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and promote weight loss and brain health

May help reduce airway inflammation related to allergic asthma

Sources

[southeastasianists]

Established in 1905 by two brothers on Rochor Road, this shop holds the title of being the oldest establishment to sell bakkwa (rougan), a sweet-savory treat especially beloved in the Lion City. Over the course of a century, Mr.Lim and his brother developed a reputation for culinary craftsmanship. Today, the shop does a brisk business during the Lunar New Year festivities.

A preservation and preparation technique originating in ancient China, bakkwa is a Hokkien delicacy that made its way to countries in Southeast Asia, notably Malaysia and Singapore. Typically made from pork, the preservation process involves slicing it into thin sheets, then marinating it with sugar and spices. The sliced meat is then air-dried and cooked over a hot plate. The Malaysian and Singaporean versions of this delicacy carry a sweeter taste than its predecessor. After many centuries, one thing remains unchanged, once considered a luxury reserved for the lunar new year, its enduring popularity is evident as there are always long queues to buy this treat. 

Missing his hometown of Anxi, China; Lim Chwee Guan (林水源) started selling bakkwa as a way of assimilating his native culture into his new home, Singapore. With the help of his brother, he operated Kim Hock Guan, located in the Bugis Area. Today, this establishment remains as a family-owned business, with a history spanning five generations.

[sixminutestoriesblog]

Chinese New Year

What's better than one new year's celebration?

TWO new year's celebrations!

While most of the Western world marked the beginning of the new year on January 1st, most of Asia celebrates the the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year, that can fall anywhere from January 21st to February 20th. The reason the new year falls on different days is because it uses the lunar calendar that marks holidays not by set days but by stages of the moon. This year the new year will fall on the 10th of February. An estimated quarter of the world's population celebrates this new year. Are you ready to celebrate too?

The first thing to know is that, if you're celebrating the new year traditionally, most businesses will be shut down, usually for at least a week, sometimes more. Not only does this give everyone plenty of time to prepare and celebrate the days of the new year, it also gives people time to go home to visit their relatives. The Lunar New Year is the cause of the largest annual migration of humanity each year. Family is a large part of the celebration and that includes the dead as well as the living. Graves are visited, offerings are made, memories are shared. On New Year's Eve a family reunion dinner is held, with family coming from far and wide to gather together to welcome in the new year. There's plenty to do for people who can't visit family as well because visiting friends is an important part of the holiday. And lets not forget the festivals themselves with delicious treats, fireworks, dragon and lion dances and floating lanterns. This is the biggest celebration of the year and there's no doing things by halves.

Let's talk about some of the traditions and folklore of the celebration.

First off, the legend is that the new year is celebrated the way it is because, long ago, there was a monster called the Nian that would come out every new year's eve to hunt and devour helpless villagers, creating destruction wherever it went. The Nian had a special fondness for the taste of children too. Finally, one year, everyone decided to hide from the beast. As they were gathering to leave, an old man approached them and said that he would stay behind while they hid and he would get their revenge on the monster when it came. While they were away, the old man hung up red papers in the windows of the village and set off firecrackers during the night. When the villagers returned, their village was unharmed but the old man had disappeared. Realizing that he was a deity that had come to help them and show them the way to defeat the Nian, the grateful villagers followed his example and hence the tradition of firecrackers and the brilliant color red became a tradition.

In some stories, its a brave boy that sets off firecrackers to drive away the Nian instead of an old man. In others, its an old beggar that a poor woman gives shelter to for the night.

No matter the story, firecrackers are still set off during the new year's festival, their loud sounds thought to drive off evil and to welcome in good luck. They're set off again during the Lantern Festival that ends the New Year festivities.

Red is still used everywhere too. It's the color of prosperity and energy, driving off the negative. Evenly paired couplets like:

Yīfānfēngshùn niánnián hǎo, wànshìrúyì bùbù gāo

"Smooth sailing with each year; success with each step."

are hung or painted on double doors or to either side of them in red as even numbers (the characters of the couplet that match length on both sides of the divide) are considered lucky as well as warding off evil spirits. Sometimes pictures of gods or heroes are hung in pairs on doors for the same reason. Red lanterns get hung up and much like some people cut snowflakes out of paper, symbols for luck, prosperity and health in the new year are cut out of red paper and hung on windows. There are even red diamond paper decorations with the Chinese character 福 (fú /foo) hung so the symbol is upside down. This is because 福 means luck and when it is upside down over a door the luck pours out over the entire household.

If you want to keep that luck in your house, make sure you do a full spring cleaning just before the new year. This will sweep all the bad fortune out and have your house ready for new blessings to come in. Once the new year arrives though, don't wash yourself the first day. You don't want to wash all that good luck down the drain. For the same reason, there's no cleaning, and especially no sweeping or throwing out trash, until after the fifth day of the celebration. You want to start the new year the way you want it to go on. As such, don't get into fights, say negative words, swear or try to rush people around. Don't use sharp objects like scissors because it will cut off your good luck; for the same reason, don't cut your hair either. Treat yourself to new clothes for the festival, red is best, avoid black and white which have unlucky connotations. Don't buy shoes as the word for shoes sounds a lot like 'evil' or 'bad luck'.

Don't forget the red pockets either! These are red envelopes with money in them. Elderly family give them to the younger generation as a way to symbolically pass on their wealth and blessing and the younger generation gives them to their elders to show appreciation and wish them prosperity and longevity. These are so standard that there are even phone apps these days so you can give them electronically. Remember, an even amount of money is lucky so don't give out an odd one.

And let's not forget the Chinese zodiac. The upcoming new year will be the Year of the Green Wood Dragon. The dragon represents power, success, honor and luck and will bring a creative and auspicious year of progress. People who were born in the year of the dragon however should be careful to wear red underwear every day of the year to keep bad luck from settling on them. And, if you can, be sure to watch the dragon (and lion!) dances as these too chase away the bad and bring in the good with them!

[rabbitcruiser]

Melon Day

Melon Day takes place on the second Sunday in August. This year, it takes place on August 13. On this special day, we celebrate cantaloupes, galias, and all the other muskmelons, specifically those belonging to the people of Turkmenistan. If you’re like us, you may have confused watermelons for melons at least once in your life, however, these two fruits are very different even though they stem from the same family. Melons, particularly muskmelons, have an important agricultural heritage and are the pride of the people of Turkmenistan, a country located in Central Asia. Today, they honor not only their well-groomed muskmelons but a fine crossbreed, named after their first president, the Turkmenbashi melon.

History of Melon Day

They are hard, musky, and netted on the outside, but soft, succulent, and orange or white on the inside. Today, all the hype is about muskmelons, these juicy fruits that are not to be confused with any other kind of melon. We often find ourselves placing all melons in the same category, but this is an oversight on our part. Muskmelons are quite different from all other melons, and this can be attributed to their physical features and taste. They typically have smooth, ribbed, wrinkled, or netted exteriors with sweet flesh that is yellow or white. Some examples of muskmelons are cantaloupes, honeydews, and galias.

Although we are celebrating all kinds of muskmelons today, Melon Day originated in Turkmenistan and holds cultural significance for its people. For those who may not know, Turkmenistan is the least populated country found in Central Asia. They are known for their beautiful culture, heritage, and also their delicious melons. Turkmenistan is responsible for approximately 400 of the melon varieties we have today. They grow and cultivate muskmelons in great numbers, and this has been an integral part of their history and culture for decades.

Melons hold such importance that one of the crossbreed products is named after their first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, who is also the creator of this holiday. He preferred to be known as ‘Turkmenbashi,’ which means ‘leader of the people.’ The Turkmenbashi melon is revered for its aroma, taste, and hefty size.

Melon Day timeline

2400 B.C.Picture Perfect

The first record of muskmelon is traced back to this time, on an Egyptian picture of funerary offerings.

500 A.D. — 1500 A.D.Melons Travel North

Muskmelons are introduced to China and other Asian countries in the Middle Ages.

1994The Best Muskmelons

The first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, establishes Melon Day.

2004A Fruit of Paradise

The president of Turkmenistan refers to the Turkmen melons as the source of their pride and as a fruit of paradise in his address to farmers.

Melon Day FAQs

Is Melon Day a public holiday?

Melon Day is a national, public holiday in Turkmenistan. Although this holiday is now acknowledged in a few other countries, it only remains a public holiday in its founding federation. Citizens are not required to go to work or school on this day and are encouraged to join in the holiday’s festivities.

Why are they called muskmelons?

Muskmelons were given their name based on their aroma. These fruits have a particularly flavorful smell when ripe. ‘Musk’ is the Persian word for ‘perfume’ and is the perfect description for the sweet aroma of ripe muskmelons.

Are all muskmelons sweet?

Muskmelons have hard, smooth, ribbed, or netted skin with a flavorful musk-like taste and aroma. Their flesh is sweet-tasting and often orange in color with high water content and nutritional value.

Melon Day Activities

Eat a muskmelon

Make something with a muskmelon

Attend the festival

How else can you celebrate Melon Day, other than by eating some delicious melons? Casaba, canaries, and honeydews are a few of the sweet possibilities you can enjoy on this holiday, and remember to share them with your family and friends.

Muskmelon can be eaten in several ways. One way is by including it in desserts. You can make melon boats, fruit salads, and a traditional Chinese dish called Glutinous Rice Fresh Melon and Coconut Roll. Go online and see what tasty dessert you could make today with one, two, or even three varieties of muskmelon.

If you find yourself in Turkmenistan on Melon Day, join in for the festivities! The people organize several festivals, events, and even competitions to commemorate their cultural holiday. You can also take some time out, explore, and see what the city has to offer.

5 Fun Facts About Cantaloupes

It’s named after a city

Low in calories, high in vitamins

They win the popularity contest

They have flowers

Ripe ones are easy to detect

The name ‘cantaloupe’ was derived from Cantalupo, Italy, which was the first place where the seeds arrived from Armenia in the 16th century.

An average-sized cantaloupe will have just approximately 100 calories and contain a bounty of vitamins.

Cantaloupes are the most popular melons in America.

Cantaloupe plants produce small yellow flowers while developing.

When a cantaloupe is ripe, its vines simply detach from the fruit and its rind and the netting turns beige or cream underneath.

Why We Love Melon Day

It’s a delicious holiday

It encourages us to eat fruits

It’s part of Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage

Who doesn’t love a holiday where we can indulge in sweet-tasting melons eaten on their own or as part of a dish or dessert — the flavorful options are endless!

Many of us don’t eat as much fruit as we should, but a holiday like this allows us to have our fill. This day encourages us to eat more fruits, and not just any fruit, but one of the sweetest you could come across �� muskmelons.

This holiday is not only important to the history, culture, and people of Turkmenistan, it was also established by them. Melon Day allows us to appreciate the wonderful fruit, gives us a sneak-peek into Turkmenistan culture, and allows us to learn more about the people.

Source

[mariacallous]

There is something mystical about plov that elevates it above taste and presentation. It is a shared obsession, generally served for lunch, representing hospitality, community, and identity. People pride themselves on their skill in preparing it. The most talented chefs, called oshpaz, can serve plov for up to 1,000 people from a single kazan (‘cauldron’) at weddings and festivals. Plov is identity here and it has become a symbol of the country, to be marketed to foreigners. ‘All you need is plov’ (a riff on the Beatles song ‘All You Need is Love’) is printed on T-shirts. Plov is sold, as a meaty souvenir, in cans with ring-pulls at airports.

Arminius Vámbéry, in his 1863 book Travels in Central Asia, witnessed plov being prepared in Samarkand: ‘The princely pilow [plov] … consisted of a sack of rice, three sheep chopped to pieces, a large pan of sheep’s fat (enough to make five pounds of candles) and a small sack of carrots…’ Out here, it is easy to take this legend of lunchtime for granted, but we shouldn’t. Elsewhere in the world, plov, the real thing, prepared slowly, rich with lamb tail fat, onions and carrots, is a rarity. You’ll only find dedicated cafés selling it in pockets of New York City and Moscow and a few cities of the former Soviet Union, where Uzbeks live, their kitchens and cafés a continuity of homeland and family. ‘If you’re rich, eat plov; if you’re poor, eat plov,” as the Uzbek saying goes.

Red Sands: Reportage and Recipes Through Central Asia from Hinterland to Heartland by Caroline Eden

[risingsoleil]

Hey its me lol. What fall activity does Linzin do with baby, carve pumpkins with baby or make/ give them a caramel apple. And what is the babys reaction-🧐🔎

This is a fun one! I think in the LOK canon universe, these kinds of activities don't exist bc it draws on various cultures across Asia/Inuit traditions. But regardless, they're still fun to HC and think about for Linzin and their baby! 🧡

With that said, here's a breakdown of what I think Linzin would do with baby:

Carve pumpkins - Tenzin attempted to cut the mf pumpkin,but didn't realize that you had to cut at an angle so that the top could rest naturally again. Thus, Lin became the designated executioner of the pumpkin. Once they can get inside and dig out the seeds, baby is helping Mommy and Daddy clean it. They get a small taste of the inside and make that 😖 face, but they give it a second chance when they try toasted pumpkin seeds. In fact, Tenzin might also use it to grind into a powder for medicine? It's Tenzin's bright idea to put the baby in the gutted pumpkin and take pictures of them bc "Look Lin, they can fit inside! They're so cute!"

Apple picking - Lin has never done this, but Tenzin did this apparently with Aang and his siblings before. But Lin enjoys this so much bc it's calming, peaceful, and most importantly, private. A few people try to make conversation with her but she doesn't really want to tell people about her personal life or family life to strangers. She lifts baby and they grab the apple, while Tenzin holds the basket for baby to drop it in. When Lin isn't looking, baby is trying to grab all the other apples and they want to stay at the orchard for the rest of the day. They throw a fit when they realize that Lin and Tenzin are taking them home, until Tenzin feeds them a few apple slices. They also leave with a few baskets bc Oogi deserves snacks, and Lin will use some apples for pie and other traditional desserts.

Mooncake Festival - This is a family-oriented holiday, so the whole Gaang is a part of it and I could do a long ass post abou this probably haha Anyway, Sokka is telling the baby stories about Yue bc he got to kiss the Moon Spirit! Lin is rolling her eyes, but baby is enthralled by Uncle Sokka's storytelling. The family is eating mooncakes together, baby is just stealing everyone's mooncakes by taking a single bite in each one 😂 They decide that the best ones are Aang's, he just has great taste.

[jojoseames]

I attended a banana party, and I contributed this banana drawing to the festivities as a decoration. It's, like, 24 x 18 inches, or thereabouts.

What is a banana party, you are asking? That is when your friend has some Gros Michel bananas imported from Asia and has a bunch of friends over so that they can all find out what they taste like, as opposed to the Cavendish bananas we in the US are all familiar with. The timing worked out so that it was also a birthday party. Good times. Good bananas.

[ego-856]

Title: Japan's Fascinating Culture and Unique Traditions Japan is a country located at the eastern tip of Asia that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. This magnificent country attracts the world's attention with its rich history, unique traditions and contemporary technology. Here are a few interesting details about Japan's fascinating culture and unique traditions: 1. Traditional Geisha Culture: Geishas, ​​traditionally educated in Japan and equipped with skills such as art, music and dance, constitute an important part of Japanese culture. In cities such as Kyoto and Tokyo, the neighborhoods where geishas live attract the attention of visitors. 2. Zen Gardens and Temples: Japanese garden design is world famous. Zen gardens symbolize that nature and humans live in harmony. Temples are an important part of Japan's religious heritage and are popular visiting spots for those seeking peace and tranquility. 3. Cultural Festivals and Celebrations: Many colorful and interesting festivals are held in Japan. For example, Hanami, the flowering festival, Gion Matsuri, celebrated with traditional costumes, and Obon, the fire festival. These festivals offer a great opportunity to explore the depths of Japanese culture. 4. Technological Innovation and Modern Lifestyle: Japan is home to the world's most advanced technology companies. Cities like Tokyo are symbols of the modern lifestyle with their neon lights, high-speed trains and tall buildings. The Japanese are also masters at combining traditional values ​​with modern life. 5. Magnificent Cuisine: Japanese cuisine is one of the most delicious and diverse cuisines in the world. Iconic dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura and sushi are the perfect start to discovering the taste of Japan. Additionally, the traditional Japanese tea ceremony highlights the cultural importance of Japanese cuisine. Japan is one of the most interesting and attractive countries in the world with its unique culture, traditions and modern lifestyle. Millions of visitors flock to Japan every year to explore this unique country and experience the magic of Japanese culture.

[40sandfabulousaf]

大家好! The boss and I caught up with Antho, our mutual friend, who introduced us to a stall specialising in mala. We left the ordering to him and he filled our small table with enough dishes to feed 5! The food was so delicious, I couldn't stop eating even after I was stuffed to the brim. None of us stopped until we wiped all the plates clean.

I'll share about what I got up to during Chinese New Year in the next post. This week, I came across a stall selling tomato soup fish bee hoon (vermicelli). In a nutshell, they serve the tangy broth used in tomato egg noodles with thick slices of fresh fish, tomato chunks, tofu cubes, lettuce and thick bee hoon. Digging through the noodles, I discovered a generous portion of fish slices, so for the price of $7.50, it was decent value for money. I'll return to try their original flavour sliced fish bee hoon soup.

Hokkien mee, frequently a combo of thick bee hoon and yellow noodles, is wok fried with egg, veggies and a flavourful broth. The noodles absorb the broth, making them very tasty and a firm local favourite, any time of the day. There are 2 versions: with prawns (usually sold by stalls that specialise in this dish) and without (sold at cai fan, or mixed dishes and rice) stalls. The former usually has a much more robust prawn flavour since it's eaten on its own, whilst the latter is milder tasting so as to pair well with other dishes. Both are very delicious.

This Chinese New Year, whilst I love my country deeply, I'm also fiercely embracing my ethnicity and roots. Grandpa came from Xi Men, Taipei, ROC and spoke solely in Hokkien for all his life. When he told me stories about how he came to Singapore, he always said he came from China. So to me, there was never any question about Taiwan; it's part of China. Nonetheless, the issue of Taiwan remains strictly between it and China. I have enough respect to keep my nose out of China's internal affairs.

We might be feasting during this festive period but elsewhere in the world, including in Gaza, hunger persists. Palestinian civilians currently survive off animal feed and rice. Food supplies are dwindling whilst Israel is interfering in how and where aid is delivered. Why haven't the US, UK, Canada and other Western countries said anything about the abuse of human rights? 下次见!

[independentartistbuzz]

DANKO from Lay Zhang’s Music Collective ‘D.N.A’ Releases New Single “Except”

Today, a new single is released under international idol Lay Zhang’s (LAY) very own music collective called the D.N.A Music Alliance, a curated collection of talented and emerging Chinese musicians that are to dominate the music industry on a global level. The new track, “Except,” is from rapper DANKO, which comes off the heels of back-to-back releases such as “21” by rapper GALI and “What She Said” by Vinida plus the group effort, “Break My Heart.” All releases are under the executive reproduction by LAY himself.

LISTEN TO “EXCEPT” HERE

WATCH LYRIC VIDEO HERE

D.N.A’s stacked line up consisting of 7 talented artists, including DANKO, GALI, Vinida and LAY himself debuted the collective with a full group project called “Cyphers.” Along with an experienced production team, with one of their producers being GRAMMY® award-winning producer Murda Beatz, this group of artists continues to expand its global reach. This next release sets the tone with a new subunit of the Alliance that is long-awaited and showcases a distinct style.

LAY's production skills shine through in his ability to craft captivating melodies, intricate beats, and atmospheric soundscapes that elevate the overall quality and aesthetics of the song. His creative vision and attention to detail contribute to the success and sonic appeal of the track, showcasing his versatility and talent as a multi-faceted artist in the realm of music production.

With a fluid flow, GALI’s abilities are unmatchable when it comes to style, he is a chameleon when it comes to adapting to different styles of music. GALI effortlessly showcases his lyrics and clever rhymes with his songs. With impeccable control and sense of flow, the artist creates a new style of rap that captivates the listener from start to finish.

Shanghai-based, hip-hop pioneer GALI is a rising star in the Chinese hip-hop music scene. He has established himself as a rapper and one of the most watched rappers in China, having been third runner-up of the 2020 hit show, Rap of China. His thoughtful lyrics and connotative taste distinguish him from other rappers. He continued to demonstrate that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry with the recent release of a single titled. “Stay With ME ((因你而在)” with YIHUIK (苡慧). The well-known Chinese rapper is all set to take his fans on an electrifying journey when he brings his much-anticipated ATLANTIS tour to Melbourne's 170 Russell on Sunday, July 23, fresh from a slot at Australia's premier festival Splendour in the Grass.

China-based rapper, DANKO is no stranger to the public in Asia and has become a household name from his vibrant career. He debuted in 2011 with his first album, “Illusion Human Nature” and soon became part of several known groups. He’s toured the United States and has released an array of hit singles, even appearing on the hit TV show, “The Rap of China'' like his predecessors that brought him to prominence. This latest release is a testament to DANKO and LAY’s undeniable chemistry as artist and producer. The track showcases the pair’s perfect blend of rhythmic beats and verses to catch melodies effortlessly executed under a classical instrumental.

LAY has been and continues to be a household name in Asia, and his career his been a whirlwind the last three years after joining forces with Steve Aoki and will.i.am for the 2020 hit cross-cultural collaborationLove You More, reaching #1 on the QQ Music China chart. He then released a string of hits with an album, two EP’s, cross-genre collaborations and solo singles overseas further propelling his international star power. The Chinese icon is one of the most beloved stars in the region with a loyal and highly engaged 51 million followers on Weibo and over 14.2 million followers on Instagram. As a solo artist, the entrepreneur’s career has skyrocketed to tremendous success, becoming the highest-ranked Mando-pop star on Billboard 200 chart and the first Chinese artist to enter the iTunes Top 60 in the U.S.; with his third solo albumNAMANANA. Outside of music, he routinely showcases his skills for acting in TV and film roles, hosted multiple top-rated reality shows in Asia and is one of the most awarded artists in China. Now, LAY is working with a multitude of established and emerging artists to help bring their star power overseas with this project close to his heart.

[bionikoboy]

INDONESIA

Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia, is an archipelago nation comprising thousands of islands. It is a country known for its remarkable diversity, ranging from its people, culture, landscapes, to its vibrant wildlife. With a population of over 270 million, Indonesia is the world's fourth-most populous country. Let's delve into the rich tapestry of Indonesia and explore what makes it a truly unique and fascinating nation.

Cultural Melting Pot: Indonesia is a melting pot of diverse cultures, with more than 300 distinct ethnic groups inhabiting the archipelago. The country's cultural heritage is influenced by various civilizations, including indigenous tribes, Indian, Chinese, Arab, and European traders. Each ethnic group has its own language, customs, traditional clothing, and art forms, which contribute to Indonesia's vibrant cultural tapestry.

Rich Traditions and Festivals: Indonesia's cultural richness is showcased through its numerous traditional festivals. For example, during the colorful Hindu festival of Nyepi, also known as the "Day of Silence," the entire island of Bali comes to a complete standstill. On this day, people reflect, fast, and observe silence to purify the mind and soul. Similarly, the Javanese celebrate the ancient tradition of Gamelan music, accompanied by traditional dances, such as the enchanting Ramayana ballet.

Pristine Natural Beauty: Indonesia boasts a breathtaking array of natural wonders, from pristine beaches and turquoise waters to lush rainforests and towering volcanoes. Bali's picturesque landscapes, including iconic rice terraces and stunning sunsets, attract millions of visitors every year. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo National Park is home to the famous Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards. Moreover, the captivating beauty of Raja Ampat's marine biodiversity offers exceptional diving and snorkeling experiences.

Flavors of Indonesian Cuisine: Indonesian cuisine is renowned for its unique blend of flavors, influenced by Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and European culinary traditions. From the spicy and aromatic rendang, a slow-cooked beef dish, to the beloved nasi goreng, Indonesia's national fried rice, the country's cuisine tantalizes taste buds with its diverse range of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients.

Warm Hospitality: Indonesians are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. Visitors to the country often experience the "gotong royong" spirit, which promotes cooperation and mutual assistance within communities. Whether it's offering a smile or sharing a meal, Indonesians welcome guests with open arms, making visitors feel at home in this culturally rich nation.

Conclusion: Indonesia is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of cultural diversity, natural wonders, and warm hospitality. From exploring ancient temples and vibrant markets to diving in world-renowned marine ecosystems, Indonesia has something to offer every traveler. By embracing its rich heritage and preserving its stunning landscapes, Indonesia continues to captivate the hearts of those who seek adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty.

[kynaswhereabouts]

GIN IS IN: Ginebra hosts White Party to celebrate World Gin Day

GSM highlights the ‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile’ quality of gin

White is the color of fun this year as Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the maker of the world’s no. 1 selling gin, is celebrating World Gin Day (WGD) in a “cool, clear, and versatile” way. Starting with a media launch on June 8 at The Westin Manila in Ortigas, a series of events will be held to highlight June as World Gin month.

WGD, a global celebration observed every second Saturday of June, is spearheaded in the Philippines by GSMI, as it was also the one who brought the first WGD festivities to the Asia Pacific region back in 2014. That year, GSMI marked the 180th year of its flagship brand, Ginebra San Miguel. Today, gin enthusiasts look forward to GSMI’s month-long activities, which not only celebrate gin’s enduring influence on our drinking culture but also its role in celebrations, fiestas, gatherings, and even our everyday triumphs.

“We join gin enthusiasts worldwide in celebrating World Gin Day. As pioneers of this event in our country, we aspire to ignite the spirit of greater appreciation for more Filipinos to know gin’s outstanding qualities, as it is a drink that is ‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile,’” says GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina.

‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile’

This June 8, GSMI once again reinforces that “Gin Is In,” highlighting gin’s “Cool, Clear, and Versatile” qualities that elevate it from the rest.

Gin has been around since the 17th century, and remains popular to this day, especially in Europe, and of course, the Philippines. It is loved by many, and its popularity can be attributed to its taste—the flavor of Juniper and a variety of botanicals—allowing gin to exude that classic yet “Cool” vibe.

The gin’s “Clear,” pure quality is derived from a rigorous distillation process that brings out its best flavor. Since it is unpretentious – with nothing to hide – it is a drink known for its “Versatility,” as it can be enjoyed straight or mixed with other ingredients in a cocktail.

In a new campaign supporting the appreciation for Gin, GSMI features three exciting and authentic personalities who perfectly embody these unique characteristics of gin.

Gin Is Cool.

The actor and model Zanjoe Marudo likes the cool and refreshing gin experience to punctuate the day. For him, being cool is more than style and moves; it is being calm, too. “Alam niyo kung anong totoong COOL sakin? Yung pagiging kalmado ko (You know what’s truly cool for me? It is my being calm),” says Zanjoe. His choice of gin is popular to this day – Ginebra San Miguel, which has been his favorite since his days growing up in Batangas.

Gin Is Clear.

Basel Manadil’s choice is GSM Premium Gin, a distilled gin made with natural ingredients and fine botanicals. Popularly known as “The Hungry Syrian,” the Syrian-born Filipino vlogger’s viral posts have made him a clear favorite among millions of netizens. As he would say, “always be CLEAR with your intentions no matter where you go. Because everything you do, can make an impact to others.”

Gin is Versatile.

Actress comedian Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol likes her gin to be versatile, a drink she can enjoy in many ways. This love for versatility in drinks is something that she also carries in life. The fact that this comedian was able to transform herself into a serious pageant contender truly is outstanding and admirable. Herlene has won over Filipinos with her charming wit, down-to-earth personality, and of course, her remarkable versatility. “In life, dapat VERSATILE (In life, one should be versatile). If you are good at one thing, you can also be good at anything! Stay true while learning many things.”

The three of them – Zanjoe, Basel, and Herlene – will not only grace the WGD celebration but will also be present at various events of GSMI during “Gin Is In” celebrations starting in June.

“We are proud to say that they truly embody the best qualities of gin: Zanjoe is ‘Cool like Gin Is In.’ Basel is ‘Clear like Gin Is In,’ and Herlene is ‘Versatile like Gin Is In,’” Molina added.

GSM Bar Academy graduates ‘mix’ back

One of the highlights of the WGD event is the presence of three mixologists who are scholar-graduates of the Ginebra San Miguel Bar Academy, a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that gives Filipinos a chance to change their lives through education – training students in bartending, flairtending, and basic entrepreneurship.

With the goal of producing globally-competitive and job-ready graduates, while elevating the quality of the bartending profession in the process, the GSM Bar Academy is proud to say that it has produced an astounding 100% immediate employability for all its graduates in 2022.

During WGD, three graduates of the GSM Bar Academy – Jhyrus Denver A. Domingo, Angela Felarca, and JP Peñaflor – who are all employed in top bars in Metro Manila, will showcase their mixology skills in a friendly competition with the theme, “Gin Is In, ” which will feature the world’s most popular and bestselling gin Ginebra San Miguel and other brands, GSM Blue and GSM Premium Distilled Gin.

The success of the GSM Bar Academy in transforming the lives not only of the students but also of their families and the community has not gone unnoticed. In fact, the program will be a recipient of the prestigious International CSR Excellence Award, to be formally awarded on June 16 in London, UK.

‘Gin Is In’ Nationwide

Part of the WGD celebration will be the launch of the second season of G-MIX Nation Online Series, hosted by Luis Manzano, which will be shown for the first time and will feature new cocktail recipes. Alongside is the Home Bar Kit that features Ginebra products and tools for mixing different kinds of cocktails, which is sold online and at select supermarkets.

To ensure gin enthusiasts across the country can partake in the “Gin Is In” festivity, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. will also host mini events in around 50 bars nationwide, including those in Pampanga, Naga, Cebu, and Cagayan De Oro. These bar activations will offer consumers exclusive promotions, raffle giveaways, and outlet merchandising, providing an opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the celebration.

To sustain the momentum of the “Gin Is In,” there will be various activities in hundreds on-premise outlets from July to December. Participating outlets will receive exclusive benefits, special “Gin Is In” stubs for consumers to support their patronage.

GSMI's World Gin Day celebration is just the beginning of a series of exciting events, allowing enthusiasts to declare their love and support for the vibrant local gin culture. In the country, gin is synonymous with Ginebra San Miguel. It is the country’s pioneering gin and the oldest consumer brand still in the market, but still remains cool, clear and versatile, a timeless classic yet still in tune with the times.

Each bottle of Ginebra San Miguel undergoes a stringent production process to ensure optimal quality. As a testament to the strength of its brand name, variants such as GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, have been introduced to cater to different market segments. Just launched last year, its 1834 Premium Distilled Gin has now become a sought-after drink among those with sophisticated taste, as they are enamored with its infusion of classic juniper berries and unique Philippine botanicals such as Sampaguita and Calamansi.

GSMI is the producer of Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin, according to leading global drinks journal, Drinks International. GSMI’s other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, GSM Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy, the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu and the newly launched G&T Ultralight Spirit Drink.

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National Garlic Day 

If you think you have enough garlic, add more. These flavorful bulbs improve just about every dish you could think to put them in, so get cooking!

Garlic is beloved by a variety of cultures, with many people saying that there can never be too much garlic in a dish or a meal. For those people who love garlic, then garlic day is the perfect day!

National Garlic Day celebrates the history of garlic, in addition to its glorious taste and its incredible health benefits. National Garlic Day helps experts and average people alike to explore the history of this bulb, learning how it came to be one of the most popular flavors in the world.

The appreciation of garlic is never greater than on National Garlic Day!

History of National Garlic Day

Garlic is known as one of the most essential flavoring bulbs that have been used throughout human history. Wild garlic has been traced back to Central Asia more than 5000 years ago. While today garlic is now considered a significant part of Mediterranean cuisine, the ancient Romans weren’t actually massive fans of it, although their soldiers did use it to inspire courage.

The earliest uses of garlic in cooking were by the people of the Medieval and Renaissance times. It was only used in small doses in sauces because it was considered to be a peasant-food since it is technically just a root dug up from the ground. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that garlic was recognized by culinary chefs.

Garlic is now included in many dishes from different cultures, ranging along the Mediterranean, Italian, and French cuisines, as well as a variety of others. In American cuisine, it is thought that food critics such as James Beard and Craig Claiborne popularized garlic during the 20th century.

Garlic is also known for its magical and medicinal properties! These stretch so far as to include the ability to ward off creatures such as vampires, werewolves, and demons, but this may also just imply that the person who has eaten garlic has a bit of bad breath!

In addition to magical powers, garlic is known to have herbal medicinal properties, including being able to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

Today, garlic festivals exist throughout local towns in various places as garlic is used in many dishes all over the world.

So, why not grab a clove or two, peel them, and use them for the next dinner during National Garlic Day!

How to Celebrate National Garlic Day

To celebrate National Garlic Day, head on over to a local grocery store and get some fresh cloves of garlic or minced garlic. Bulbs can be found with the produce, while pre-minced garlic is sometimes available in a jar. Try out some favorite savory recipes and add garlic as a nice touch for a classic solution or a new twist.

Some of the best ways to celebrate National Garlic Day Celebration might include:

Join the Festivities at a Garlic Festival

Head on over to a garlic festival near you and enjoy all the creations people have made with this robust plant. Festivals are held throughout the year in Canada, Turkey, Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other places.

Events often include different garlic-themed culinary treasures (garlic beer or garlic fudge, anyone?), garlic weaving, garlic poem-writing contests, garlic golf, garlic balancing games, and so much more.

Cook with More Garlic

Of course, the simplest way to celebrate garlic is to add more of it in the kitchen. It’s healthy, easily stored, and inexpensive. People on this day might choose to celebrate by using garlic in their recipes, which might include making garlic bread, a tomato sauce or garlic chicken. So buy a garlic press and get started adding it to recipes!

Visit the “Garlic Capital of the World”

Head on over to Gilroy, California, the garlic capital of the world, for those who truly want a taste of everything related to garlic. Hosting over three million visitors in its 30 year, garlicky history, this town’s festival offers games, crafts, competitions and various other activities all centered around the theme of garlic. Even in the off-season, there’s plenty to do, including shopping for garlic-related gifts at The Garlic Shoppe.

They even serve Garlic Ice Cream in this town!

Start Using Garlic for Your Health

Make some herbal remedies and see how garlic might bring improvement to health as well as life overall. For ease of use, garlic can be found at health food stores in pill form. Or, for even more zing, use freshly chopped or crushed garlic in salad dressings, marinades or even mixed with honey and hot water to create a potent tea. Garlic can also be used to create a homemade cough syrup.

Host a Garlic Party

Share this holiday with friends and family by hosting a garlic-themed party, handing out tasty treats and enjoying its savory flavor. Have guests bring their favorite dish that includes garlic. For entertainment, try some of the ideas inspired by activities at the garlic festivals.

And for a costume-themed party, ask guests to dress up as their favorite garlic-related character (fictional or otherwise), such as these:

Dracula, the vampire in Bram Stoker’s fictional tales, who is warded off when a character wears a wreath of garlic to keep her safe

Werewolf, another character which folklore reveals to be kept away by garlic

Garlic Junior, anime fans know this is a fictional demon that appears in Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone

Greek Olympic Athletes, in ancient times, these athletes were expected to eat a lot of garlic in order to improve their performance

Roman Soldiers, ancient guards and soldiers were rumored to have used garlic to give them courage and inspiration

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