LOS MANUELES (soft opening in 2024)

Los Manueles is located in Rancho Caridad (also known as Gallego Farm) at the Municipality of Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija, just 5 minutes drive from the Anao Exit of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway or TPLEX. We provide a premium dining option to visitors of the Holy Face of Manoppello (enshrined in the Immaculate Conception Parish of Nampicuan) and the Ongsiaco-Alzate Heritage House. Please note that dining at Los Manueles is by reservations only. Please call Manuel at 0998-568-8175.

The Little Shopkeeper

Dad would occasionally comment on how Mom managed her family's business like a little shopkeeper, tending to all the minutest details and balancing accounts to the last centavo. Mom was a stickler to "cuentas claras" while Dad preferred not to bother with the details. I have a little bit of both traits of Mom and Dad--obsessive compulsive on occasion and a devil may care attitude at times.

My latest amusement is inspired by Mom's Food for the Gods; hence, our Heirloom Food for the Gods or Heirloom FFTG. It as an artisanal pastry of dates and walnuts that appears to have originated from Spain, where it is called Pan de Datil and is crafted with similar ingredients of walnuts, dates, figs, flour and butter. FFTG has been popular in the Philippines since the 1900s and was probably called "Food for the Gods" due to its expensive ingredients. Many Filipino families have their version of FFTG. Perhaps one of the best versions is based on the timeless recipe of my mother--Rosa Padilla-Gallego.

Rosa Padilla-Gallego–creator of our Heirloom FFTG

 

During special occasions, Mom would craft this delicious pastry for the family and close friends. In the Philippines (and indeed in Filipino communities all over the world), a properly crafted FFTG such as ours is considered a traditional and special gift during the Christmas season. As a young boy, I would assist my mother by breaking the walnuts by hand into just the right size and my reward was to sample the pastry fresh out of the oven. Today, I am pleased to share this exceptional dessert with select neighborhoods in Metro Manila and I personally craft every order with pride and joy, as if Mom herself was baking by my side. For those of you who have enjoyed FFTG since your childhood, do sample our Heirloom FFTG and have your very own Ratatouille Moment!

Cross section close-up of our Heirloom FFTG

9x9x¾ inch pastry (minimum weight of 600 grams) nestled on parchment paper

Completely wrapped in aluminum foil and placed in a kraft box (9x9x1.5 inch)

Traditionally, FFTG was cut into small bars (about the size of a thumb), then wrapped individually with aluminum foil (1st wrap) and cellophane (2nd wrap). I have elected NOT to follow this traditional method of packing for two (2) reasons: (a) it substantially increases the labor component (and the cost) of the product and (b) it requires more human handling of the product, which is less hygienic. The above method of wrapping the whole pastry slab in aluminum foil minimizes human handling and is thus more hygienic, and it reduces the labor component (cost) of our Heirloom FFTG, which makes it more affordable for my customers. For the environmentally conscious customer, we use less wrapping material, which means less waste. And no more cellophane, which only exacerbates the global plastic pollution crisis--in which the Philippines is currently ranked the third-largest contributor of plastic waste worldwide. Besides, it's nearly impossible to stop after sampling one small bar of our Heirloom FFTG, so why not cut yourself a size to your satisfaction?

In the course of dusting-off Mom's old (and nearly lost) recipe and recreating her FFTG, I've made only one adjustment, which is to lessen the sugar to accommodate our more health conscious customers today. As an industrial engineer by training (which seems like a lifetime ago), I continually find ways to streamline the "manufacturing" process without sacrificing the quality. For starters, my wife keeps our kitchen spotless. I use only the best ingredients of premium dates, walnuts and pure butter--no preservatives, no shortcuts, no compromise. I wear food grade gloves, a face mask and a hair net from prep to packaging. Finally, I bake in weekly batches every Saturday for pick-up on Sundays. This ensures a fresh and exceptional product at a competitive cost for the enjoyment of my customers--each of whom I know by name even as the list continues to grow every week.

In pursuing this modest artisanal enterprise, I have become a little shopkeeper of sorts, just like Mom. Indeed, not a single detail is left to chance as I turn-on my obsessive compulsive mode. Most of all, it's been lots of fun, especially when I know that my customers are smiling as they savor Mom's delectable Heirloom FFTG😋 

To all the the doubting Thomases, kindly read the reviews of my customers below:

• Soft, moist, yummy.
• Just the right sweetness.
• Had 2" square. Didn't spike my sugar.
• It's nice and chewy. Just the way we like it. Not dry at all. (ordered 20 boxes for Christmas)
• Your FFTG is fantastic! Thanks!
• Looks good & Tastes even better!
• It was delicious. I love the thinness of it. We sent some to our Singaporean guests who loved it too.
• Hello Manuel, the FFTG was super yummy! Moist and not sweet! It’s really good! (ordered again for the following week)
• My husband and I love it. It's not too sweet. Chewy especially if from the ref. Congratulations on a great recipe! We will surely order again and treat ourself.
• This version of your mom's recipe is the most elevated one I have tasted! Fresh, buttery and not too sweet. Top of line ingredients. There were no compromises on quality. (ordered 10 boxes for Christmas)
• It's just right in sweetness and it's very addicting!  We loved it!
• Finished 1/4 of the box in like a few minutes. Hahaha.
• It's not too sweet. Just right. Also liked the consistency and the nuts. I love the salt flakes!
• Mummy and my sister had a go at it, then hoarded it upstairs in Mom's freezer. Not long after, it was decimated!
• It’s chewy on the inside but with a slight crisp on the outside. It has a sinful taste of butter and dates.
• Love it . . . it is very good. Great for gifts this Christmas. It’s nice that it came from a home nearby. I love to say that it’s from the kitchen of my neighbor. Makes it even more special.
• Your FFTG 👍 (immediately placed 6 orders for the following week)
• Your baked FFTG is delicious! Thanks for reviving Tita (Aunt) Rosie’s recipe😊 Actually yours is a bit better than Tita (Aunt) Rosie’s. Less sugar so it was not as sweet.
• I am writing this as I savor forkfuls of the FFTG. I must have sliced a quarter of the big square. My husband tore off a sizable chunk 😂 No stale taste of walnuts. No "floury" taste. Chewy, moist but retains form. Does not crumble when sliced or peeled off. Generous size and quantity of good quality walnuts and dates, even color, well-balanced.
• Your Heirloom FFTG is the best! Am worried now of my sugar😊
• The Food for the Gods is pure Ambrosia! Moist. Not excessively sweet. No shortage of walnuts. Well packaged. Thank you for sharing the discovery. 😋😋😋 Forgot to add chewy. Flavor filled. A pleasure to nibble on! Kudos to Manuel! 👏👏👏
• The Best, really👍 (ordered again for the following week)

Treat yourself to Mom's Heirloom FFTG today! To order (cutoff for orders at 5 pm every Friday), kindly Viber me at +639985688175 for orders to be picked-up in North Forbes or call The Village Shop at +639175825495 for delivery to your home in Greenhills, Wack Wack, San Juan, New Manila and Scout, and we would be pleased to fulfill your order. As we serve several neighborhoods, please let me know your location, so that your order will be ready for pick-up (every Sunday in North Forbes) or delivered to your home (every Sunday afternoon) in Greenhills, Wack Wack, San Juan, New Manila and Scout by The Village Shop. Enjoy!

Shelf Life

From the date of pick-up, our Heirloom FFTG will remain delectable:

• up to one (1) week, UNREFRIGERATED
• up to two (2) weeks, REFRIGERATED
• up to one (1) month, FROZEN

Chewy or Cakey?

Personally, I prefer to serve our Heirloom FFTG chilled from the refrigerator as it is chewier and, indeed, yummier. If you prefer a cakey (less chewy) texture, then serve at room temperature.

Decarbonization of the World (Part 2--Transportation Sector)

What is the Philippine government doing about it . . . really?

As discussed in Part 1 (Power Sector), the power and transportation sectors typically constitute over 50% of the emitted greenhouse gases. Hence, we discuss the decarbonization of the transportation sector in this Part 2.

For starters, there is no need to rehash established modes of decarbonizing the transportation sector, which is succinctly articulated by the International Council on Clean Transportation or ICCT--an independent nonprofit organization founded to provide first-rate, unbiased research and technical and scientific analysis to environmental regulators. ICCT's mission is to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation, in order to benefit public health and mitigate climate change. Click on the above link to access the publications and videos of the ICCT.

In the local scene, transport groups filed a petition with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to increase the minimum fare for jeepneys from P9 to P12, amid rising oil prices--see the chart below.

The price of Brent crude oil, the global oil market benchmark, climbed above $74 per barrel on 15 June 2021 –
the highest level since October 2018. Brent has doubled since the end of October 2020, when it was trading at $37 a barrel.

In the case of the Philippine power sector, private power plants that are fueled by fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil have automatic adjustments (including foreign currency adjustments) to their tariffs to mitigate the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels and foreign exchange rates. These are international commodities (fossil fuels and hard currencies) with corresponding pricing risks that, at least in the case of the Philippine power sector, are absorbed by consumers--NOT the private power plant enterprises.

The question is, why should the jeepney sector (and the public transportation sector in general) have to constantly fight for an increase in tariff/fare every time crude oil prices (and correspondingly diesel and gasoline prices) increase in the world market? It stands to reason that if the Philippine power sector enjoys automatic adjustments to their tariffs, then the Philippine public transportation sector should likewise be granted the same automatic adjustments to their fares. However, note the government's response in the above petition for an increase in the minimum fare of jeepneys. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade rejected it, which is, of course, a political and populist response that makes no economic sense whatsoever.

Decarbonization of the World (Part 1--Power Sector)

What is the Philippine government doing about it . . . really?

The UK Government’s target to 100% clean electricity by 2035 (defined as electricity production that does not involve burning fossil fuels) is just another recent example of the massive global shift to renewable energy in an effort to address the existential threat of climate change. Noteworthy is the overwhelming support of the Britsh public and leading British companies.

The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 – an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This objective is at the heart of the European Green Deal and in line with the EU’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement.

President Biden has set a new target for the United States to achieve a 50-52 percent reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution in 2030, which is in line with the President’s existing goals to create a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.

Even China announced its intention to become carbon neutral before 2060. Corollary to this is President Xi Jinping’s announcement in September 2021 at the UN General Assembly that China “will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad.”

In April 2021, the Philippine government revised its target to cut greenhouse gas emissions to a 75% reduction by 2030 under its commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, up from a target of 70% set four years ago. Perhaps the most concrete example of this commitment is the Duterte administration’s pronouncement of a moratorium on new coal power plant projects and the alleged fast-tracking of renewable power projects. That said, what is the Philippine government really doing to cut greenhouse gas emissions?

Diametrically opposed to the above April 2021 announcement of the Philippine government, in March 2021, the Department of Energy (DOE) promoted the Philippines as a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) hub that will ultimately serve not only the country’s energy needs, but also that of the Southeast Asian region as envisioned by Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.

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During the 2nd LNG and Clean Energy Investment Summit in the Philippines, DOE Assistant Secretary Pulido, who supervises the Natural Gas Management Division of the Oil Industry Management Bureau (NGMD-OIMB), presented an overview of the burgeoning LNG investments in the Philippines.

He explained that the Philippine natural gas sector essentially is all about the Malampaya Gas Power Project in the West Philippine Sea, which is being run by a consortium composed of Shell, Chevron, and the Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC). [As of May 2021, Udenna Corporation of Duterte crony, Dennis Uy, is buying Shell's 45% stake in the Malampaya gas field, bringing its operating interest to 90%. Udenna purchased Chevron’s 45% stake in the Malampaya gas field in 2019.]

He pointed out that natural gas currently provides for 3,200 megawatts of electricity and accounts for 21.1% in the 2019 Gross Generation of the country. But in Luzon alone, natural gas’ contribution last year (2020) was at 29.3%.

“With Malampaya’s depletion estimated to occur in the next few years, there is an urgent need to attract more investments in the downstream LNG industry,” Assistant Secretary Pulido stressed. 

As such, the DOE has approved the permits of five proposed LNG Regasification Terminal Projects targeted for operation from 2022 to 2025. These include three proponents, namely Excelerate Energy L.P., Batangas Clean Energy Inc., and Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila, Inc. which were issued with a Notice to Proceed (NTP); and two (2) proponents, namely FGEN LNG Corporation and Energy World Gas Operations Philippines Inc. both issued with Permit to Construct.

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Broadly speaking, the bulk of greenhouse gases are emitted by five (5) sectors; namely,

1. power,

2. transportation,

3. industry,

4. buildings and

5. agriculture.

Further, the power and transportation sectors typically constitute over 50% of the emitted greenhouse gases. And because wind and solar power generation technologies are already available at scale, power would be the quickest sector to decarbonize, thereby representing the proverbial “low-hanging fruit.”

In short, the Philippines has the opportunity to “decarbonize” over 18,000 MW (coal, gas and oil) or over 70% of the power sector,” including 3,453 MW of gas generating capacity, over the course of the next two decades; yet, the government is going against (a) the overwhelming global tide of decarbonization and (b) its own target to cut greenhouse gas emissions, by encouraging the establishment of a currently non-existent LNG sector that (a) irresponsibly prolongs the operations of gas plants (which are mostly at the end of their life-cycle), (b) generates expensive electricity (using imported gas/LNG) and (c) emits greenhouse gases.

The Philippine government has declared a moratorium on new coal power projects. This should be a permanent moratorium on new coal power projects–period. To be fair to the private sector proponents that have already invested in existing coal power plants, these facilities should be permitted to complete their life-cycle of no more than 25 years (from start of commercial operations), then shut-down for good. Likewise, the private sector proponents that have already invested in existing gas power plants and, more recently, in Floating Storage and Regasification Units or FSRU (which are interim facilities to a more substantial land-based LNG storage and regassification plant), should also be permitted to complete their respective life-cycles (say 25 years for the gas plants and 10 years for the FSRU), then shut-down for good. Finally, a similar 10-year transition should apply to oil-based power plants. These gradual and fair transitions to shut-down coal, gas and oil-based power plants should give way to renewable energy power plants (mainly solar, wind and corresponding battery and non-battery energy storage facilities) all over the country and decarbonize the Philippine power sector by 2050. It is not only the responsible thing to do as a member of the global community, the same would result in (a) the tremendous growth of a local and sustainable renewable energy sector and (b) an independent and secure Philippine power sector that would also be insulated from the vagaries of the pricing of international energy commodities (i.e., coal, oil and gas), which have a direct and substantial impact on the price of electricity paid by consumers.

This insulation from international energy commodities would be strategically advantageous to the Philippine power sector (and ultimately the Philippine consumer) in light of the fact that the age of fossil-fuel abundance is dead. Because of the overwhelming pressures to decarbonize all over the world, investments in oil-wells, natural gas hubs and coal mines are slumping, resulting in the soaring prices of these commodities. The longer the prices stay high, the more likely the transition to clean energy ultimately buries the fossil-fuel industry. The writing is on the wall: decarbonize by transitioning to clean energy or suffer the consequence of soaring prices of fossil-fuels.

Decarbonization . . . dwindling investments in fossil fuels and soaring prices of the same . . . more decarbonization . . . and so on

What about the alleged fast-tracking of renewable power projects? The reality is quite the opposite as articulated in the following article entitled “Moratorium on land conversion for solar projects sought.” The Department of Agrarian Reform or DAR, which has outlived its usefulness, is holding numerous solar farm projects hostage in the guise of the tired mantra of “social justice”--in reality, an established criminal syndicate within the DAR that charges the developer an under-the-table “DAR conversion fee per square meter” even in the context of a legitimate DAR Conversion or DAR Exemption Clearance. Similarly, rural Local Government Units or LGUs, in which solar farms are typically located in light of the relatively large tracts of agricultural land required for such facilities, usually have little appreciation for the strategic importance of solar farms in the country–other than an opportunity to extort bribes from the developers. Hence, the national government should, once and for all, defang the DAR and LGUs, particularly with respect to the development of renewable energy projects–so that these projects of strategic importance are finally permitted in a legal and timely manner to support the environmentally-responsible and sustainable economic development of the country.

What about the decarbonization of the Philippine transportation sector? That’s a topic for another discussion--read Part 2.

Lessons in Hydroponics--Part 1

One of the benefits of the COVID pandemic is the opportunity to slow down and work on the virtue of patience. In spite of my family's fortunate circumstance of owning a farm, I did not have much affinity to planting. For impatient people (like myself), it's a slow process, labor intensive and subject to the vagaries of the weather. I truly sympathize with the plight of our farmers who labor to grow their crops, only to be wiped out by a typhoon or even just an "unscheduled" rainfall. Hence, as evidenced by the more progressive and productive agricultural sectors in the world, it is imperative to control (as much as possible) the environment of your crop. This is where hydroponics within a greenhouse comes into the picture.

Hydroponics has been around for decades but it has become quite accessible to the common person today. I have also studied with great interest the integration of aquaculture and hydroponics, also known as Aquaponics. However, to keep things as simple as possible, I decided to undertake a modest hydroponics project in my veranda (outdoors but not completely), a practical "R&D" initiative that could potentially be expanded at the farm or, at the very least, be demonstrated at the farm for the training of other farmers who may wish to venture into hydroponics high-value crops.

For starters, I have chosen to use two (2) well-known and proven hydroponics systems. One is the Nutrient Film Technique or NFT and the other is the Kratky Method--the latter being the simplest method in hydroponics. In addition, because I am growing vegetables in hot and humid conditions, I am leaning towards the Kratky Method, which reportedly keeps the relatively deeper water/nutrient solution reservoir in direct contact with the roots of the plants cooler (i.e., cooler roots are reportedly better for growing vegetables in hot weather). This is in contrast to the relatively shallow water/nutrient solution in the NFT system, which reportedly warms-up in hot and humid conditions (i.e., warmer roots are reportedly undesirable for growing vegetables in hot weather). 

Second, I chose to grow green leafy lowland vegetables that are likely to thrive and be more productive in hot and humid conditions. For now, it appears that Rocket Arugula, Watercress and Sweet Basil are good candidates; whereas, Grand Romaine Lettuce is less productive. I am also evaluating, Cilantro, Parsley, Chinese Kale or Kai-Lan, and Parris Island Lettuce. More on these varieties later.

One exception to my green leafy vegetables is my indeterminate cherry tomato, which I have also decided to grow, just because I like it. Cherry tomatoes are not only more complex to grow but also take a considerably longer time. Notwithstanding, I hope to report on my cherry tomatoes in a few months. I have started an indeterminate variety, which would hopefully bear fruit over a period of many months.

Nutrient Film Technique or NFT System.
Contains seedlings of Rocket Arugula, Grand Romaine Lettuce, Watercress and Sweet Basil.

Kratky Method for my indeterminate cherry tomato.
This one is for the long haul and will be transferred to a larger container as it grows into a vine.

This is also the Kratky Method.
This shows the incredible growth rate of the Rocket Arugula as of September 13. The seeds were germinated on August 25.
That is only 19 days from germination. Very impressive indeed!

This shows the Watercress (also germinated on August 25), which is doing well
but not nearly as impressive as the Rocket Arugula.
The pot at the bottom left is the Grand Romaine Lettuce (also germinated on August 25), which is not exceptional.

Third, I have begun to use LED full spectrum grow lights at night to hasten the growth of my vegetables. Hence, I take advantage of the natural sun light during the day and grow lights at night.

My Krakty System under LED full spectrum grow lights.
Natural sun during the day and grow lights at night hasten the growth of vegetables.

When I am reasonably confident of the growth viability of my selected crops and their respective grow cycles, I plan to plant a slightly larger area (just a few square meters within a mini-greenhouse) at the garden of my sister's home. My brother-in-law may decide to install a comparable system side-by-side with mine for some friendly competition. After a couple of more growing cycles with our selected crops, we should have a more definitive feel for the duration of the growth cycle and yield of the same. We will also be able to assess the relative ease or difficulty of setting-up and operating this system on a larger scale--just in case we decide to produce more as a "mom and pops" enterprise or even as a full commercial undertaking.

A couple of reasons I like hydroponics: it's simplicity and the absence of soil. Hence, it is neat, literally and figuratively. I am not particularly keen on getting my hands dirty with soil--even though soil-based planting has the advantage of beneficial microorganisms. However, unless soil is sterilized at the outset of planting, it could potentially contain a host of undesirable stuff that may wreak havoc on your crops. 

Hydroponics involves the use of water (even tap water from your faucet that probably contains some chlorine) and the addition of small amounts of liquid nutrients (usually purchased in a set of two bottles, one labeled A and the other labeled B) for every liter of water stored in the tank or reservoir. With respect to the germination of seeds, hydroponics uses sponge or rockwool cubes (not soil), upon which the seed or seeds are placed to sprout. And when the seeds have sprouted their first pair of baby leaves (several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the variety of plant), then the sponge or rockwool cubes (upon which the young roots have anchored) are transferred to "pots" that are slightly submerged in the water/nutrient solution. No soil, no dirt, no mess. Further, because there is no soil, there is practically no "uprooting" of the very fragile sprout, which (in my mind) seems traumatic for the plant. Instead, the handling of the tiny infant plant is done through the sponge or rockwool cube, which serves as a kind of buffer against clumsy mishandling that I am prone to do. Thus, hydroponics appears to work for heavy-handed non-green thumbs, which works for me.

A word on seeds. I try as much as possible to use seeds produced by a Taiwan seed company, Known You, which has a presence in the Philippines. Several years ago, I met the local partner of Known You, Julius Barcelona, a young, knowledgeable and enthusiastic agriculturist. He showed me (and made me taste) the excellent quality of their produce in their demonstration farm in Rosales, Pangasinan, including various kinds of melons, cherry tomatoes, papaya and lowland sunflowers (I forgot to taste the sunflower seeds). Julius planted on soil; therefore, I was not enthusiastic enough to initiate any planting. That said, I took note of the quality of his hybrid seeds, which I am now using for my hydroponics initiative to the extent that he has the seeds for my selected crops.

After my first harvest of the Rocket Arugula. This one is a "cut and come back" crop,
which means I can come back in a couple of weeks and harvest again.

A full plate of young Rocket Arugula . . .

. . . with cherry tomatoes and a light dressing of extra virgin olive oil, calamansi and rock salt.

Let me tell you, it doesn't get any fresher than this!

End of Part 1.

Canard à la Presse Certificate

"In the tradition of the historic La Tour d'Argent Restaurant in Paris,

Los Manueles is pleased to present our rendition of Canard à la Presse"

That Endless Expanse of Sea

Have you ever been sailing?

Imagine yourself looking out at the vast sea before you.  You reach down, and you put a hand into the water, and you scoop it up towards you. Immediately, the water starts leaking through your fingers until your hand is empty.  That water is a man’s life.  From birth to death, it is always slipping through our hands until it is gone, along with all that you hold dear in this world.  And yet the Kingdom I speak of — and I live for — is like the rest of the water out in the sea.  Man lives for that cup of water that slips through his fingers, but those who follow Jesus Christ live for that endless expanse of sea.

An excerpt from the movie, Paul, Apostle of Christ

Although the above does not appear to be taken from Scripture, it is no less brilliant!

This led me to a beautiful song by Shane and Shane, entitled "Though You Slay Me" featuring John Piper

Enjoy!