Though the year 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic brought a lot of discomfort, anxiety and more questions about how the world will adjust to the so-called “new normal,” there were also things that made people look at life from a different perspective. The events that transpired that supposedly brought heartaches to a lot of people also brought out the good out of so many and to some, even skills that they didn’t know they have.
Enter “Comfort” and “Mastery.” For many people, these are two things that were pushed at the forefront of people’s lifestyles as they tried to adjust to the changes 2020 has brought. Many thrived and pushed themselves to provide some degree of comfort amid the troublesome months, and also mastery of undiscovered skills to help improve lives in the middle of uncertainties.
As Filipinos spent most of their time at home, many became more attracted and acquainted with different hobbies and activities that could bring out some joy to an otherwise difficult year. For some, it was baking. Others explored their green thumbs. Many transformed from being kitchen novices to pros.
As interests were explored and widened further, so came the need for many home partners that could support them in this phase. This is something that Breville Philippines, a premium home label brand exclusively distributed in the Philippines by IAJ Wellness Corporation, made sure to deliver throughout the year as it celebrates its first decade in the industry.
The brand, known for its first-rate and top-of-the-line kitchen products like the Barista Express, the Smart Oven Pro, and the Juice Fountain Max, has dedicated its year-long efforts to inspire kitchen mastery by providing the market with the best tools possible. A global heritage brand, Breville has championed culinary craftsmanship and technological artistry with its products, event initiatives, and partnership with the best experts in the food and beverage industry.
Among its most recent and highly successful events is the “Breville Virtual Coffee Hub” which invited the best chefs and baristas in the country to share their recipes and techniques with everyone. The free live Facebook event, which was open to all, talked about everything and anything about coffee and baking, and hosted several cooking and brewing challenges for event participants.
Now that the year is almost over, the premium brand is closing 2020 in a strong sense by hosting a two-part virtual event dubbed as their last hurrah for the year. “Bravo, Breville!” served as a holiday celebration for the brand. and will be streamed live on Facebook in two separate events. The first one happened already last December 12, while the second will be streamed on December 19, Saturday, again at 3 pm.
The first part, “A Breville Christmas,” featured culinary masters Chef Waya Araos-Wijanco from the Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe, and Chef Myke Tatung Sarthou, popular for his “Simpol” YouTube videos on cooking, and entertainment personality and coffee enthusiast Mikael Daez. In this session, hosted by events/TV host and theater actor Kakki Teodoro, participants learned how to make recipes perfect for their Noche Buena tables using some of Breville’s best kitchen products.
The two culinary virtuosos presented to participants several mouth-watering dishes that are sure-fire hits for the Noche Buena. Chef Tatung’s Chicken Galantina made use of the Breville Smart Oven. As it came out of the oven, one can practically hear the crew’s stomachs grumble with hunger.
Chef Waya, on the other hand, created her refreshing version of Mojito with Lisbon Lemon and rum infused with Kafir lime leaves to give the mojito’s aroma a slight push, local raw honey from Batangas as sweetener, and freshly picked mint leaves direct from Chef Waya’s own garden, then used Breville’s Kinetix Pro in making her concoction. She proceeded with her version of the Tabbouleh Salad, and a Lemon Meringue pie for dessert using the Breville Bakery Boss Stand Mixer.
For his part, TV host, actor, gamer, adventurer and coffee enthusiast Mikael Daez presented his Iced Peanut Butter Mocha with whipped cream and choco shavings, which Mikael, who admitted has no professional culinary experience, prepared himself.
The event was made livelier with the presence of Kakki as host, who was in her jolly mood all throughout, what with the presence of the two masters’ gustatory creations right in front of her eyes. Who wouldn’t be excited anyway?
The second part of the online event is the “House of Masters” and will feature more holiday-themed recipes and drinks from Breville’s very own affiliated chefs and ambassadors. Joining the session will be Chef Philip John Golding (Culinary Director of CCA Manila), Chef Louise Mabulo (Founder of The Cacao Project, Forbes under 30 Honoree), Chef Chad Joseph Datu (Breville Corporate Chef), Dave Dexter Dource (Academic Director-Philippine Chapter, Barista Guild Asia), and Chef Edward David Mateo (Owner, La Royale Patisserie Food Group).
In addition to helping consumers become masters of their kitchen, Breville has always been focused on connecting with its community and inspiring them to start a healthier lifestyle, too. Even as the year comes to a close, the brand promises to continue its efforts to champion mastery and creativity among its market.
Keep up to date on more details of the event by following Breville’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/brevillephilippines. Find out more also about their 10-percent off offers until December 31. Kitchen aficionados can also check out their Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/breville_phils/ and https://foodthinkers.com.ph/ for more inspiration and recipes.
(Main photo (from left): Event host Kakki Teodoro, and chefs Myke Tatung and Waya Araos-Wijanco.)