August 25, 2012

Nicotine


It is only a matter of seconds after that first puff that nicotine starts to have an effect on your central nervous system, and the rest of your body. Certain areas of the brain, when stimulated by nicotine, help you think more clearly. Other areas of the brain lie in a pleasure center which when stimulated, can make you feel more relaxed and less anxious.




Nicotine also affects the hormones produced by the body which creates a chemical dependency to nicotine and the accompanying craving. Heavy smokers have become dependent on heightened levels of hormones, stimulated by nicotine, which can have an addictive quality. They need a cigarette at certain intervals of time. After the stimulation of the hormones starts to fall, they need another cigarette to bring them back into the comfort zone. If they do not get that cigarette, the craving begins.

source: How to stop Smoking forever


Nowhere


I’m currently running out of ideas and sense of consciousness. Thoughts seem to be running back and forth my brain but my stroked being can’t seem to grasp and fortify the same. Being too long under the weather has really taken its toll.





It has furthered me to give up and surrender. It teases me with reality. Truth suggests me to stop my abstract hallucination of life. It is halting my phase because of my condition. Be dead or die. I should stop.

But this rage inside me unknowingly holds me back to further go on. This voice asks me to strive, work and aspire more despite my complicated condition. It taught me to draw my strength through my work and the people I somehow affect.

I know and fully aware of my flaws and literary inadequacies but those won’t stop my freedom of self-expression as well as my humble and ‘stroked’ line of thinking.


August 24, 2012

Food Components





Since I’m into it, why not enjoy, learn and share this new experience in my stroked life. I have learned the following food components whereby mixing it together with heat, we savour the essence of it and its added dimension. The following is from Professional Cooking, 6th Edition.


CARBOHYDRATES

1. Starches and sugars are carbohydrates. Both compounds are present in foods in many forms. They are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and nuts. Meats and fish also contain a small amount of carbohydrate.

2. For the cook, the two most important changes in carbohydrates caused by heat are caramelization and gelatinization.

• Caramelization is the browning of sugars. The browning of sautéed vegetables and the golden color of bread crust are forms of caramelization.

• Gelatinization occurs when starches absorb water and swell. This is a major principle in the thickening of sauces and in the production of breads and pastries. Acids inhibit gelatinization. A sauce thickened with flour or starch will be thinner if it contains acid.


FRUIT AND VEGETABLE FIBER

1. Fiber is the name for a group of complex substances that give structure and firmness to plants. Fiber cannot be digested.

2. The softening of fruits and vegetables in cooking is, in part, the breaking down of fiber.
3. Sugar makes fiber firmer. Fruit cooked with sugar keeps its shape better than fruit cooked without sugar.

4. Baking soda (and other alkalis) makes fiber softer. Vegetables should not be cooked with baking soda because they become mushy and lose vitamins.


PROTEINS

1. Protein is a major component of meats, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and milk products. It is present in smaller amounts in nuts, beans, and grains.

2. Coagulation. Proteins consist of long chains of components called amino acids. These chains normally form tight coils. As proteins are heated, the coils gradually unwind. At this point, the protein is said to be denatured. For the cook, the important fact about denaturing is that, when the protein coils unwind, they become attracted to each other and form bonds. This bonding is called coagulation. The coagulated proteins form a solid network of these bonds and become firm. As the temperature increases, the proteins shrink, become firmer, and lose more moisture. Exposure of proteins to excessive heat toughens them and makes them dry. Most proteins complete coagulation or are cooked at 160°F to 185°F (71°C to 85°C).

3. Many protein foods, such as meats, contain small quantities of carbohydrates. When proteins are heated to about 310°F (154°C), the amino acids in the protein chains react with carbohydrate molecules and undergo a complex chemical reaction. The result is that they turn brown and develop richer flavors. This reaction is called the Maillard reaction. It is what happens when meat browns. Because of the high temperature required for this reaction, the Maillard reaction takes place only on the dry surface. Because of its water content, the interior of the meat cannot get this hot.

4. Connective tissues are special proteins that are present in meats. Meats with a great deal of connective tissue are tough, but some connective tissues are dissolved when cooked slowly with moisture. Cooking tough meats properly, therefore, makes them more tender.

5. Acids, such as lemon juice, vinegar, and tomato products, do two things to proteins:
• They speed coagulation.
• They help dissolve some connective tissues.


FATS

1. Fats are present in meats, poultry, fish, eggs, milk products, nuts, whole grains, and, to a lesser extent, vegetables and fruits. Fats are also important as cooking mediums, as for frying.

2. Fats can be either solid or liquid at room temperature. Liquid fats are called oils. When solid fats are heated, they melt, or change from solid to liquid. The melting point of solid fats varies.

3. When fats are heated, they begin to break down. When hot enough, they deteriorate rapidly and begin to smoke. The temperature at which this happens is called the smoke point, and it varies by type of fat. A stable fat—one with a high smoke point—is an important consideration in deep-fat frying.

4. Many flavor compounds dissolve in fat, so fats are important carriers of flavor. When fats melt and are lost from food, some flavors, as well as some vitamins, are lost with them.


MINERALS, VITAMINS, PIGMENTS, AND FLAVOR COMPONENTS

1. Minerals and vitamins are important to the nutritional quality of the food. Pigments and flavor components are important to a food’s appearance and taste and may determine whether the food is appetizing enough to eat. So it is important to preserve all these elements.

2. Some of these components are soluble in water, and others are soluble in fats. All of these components may be leached out, or dissolved away, from foods during cooking.

3. Vitamins and pigments may also be destroyed by heat, by long cooking, and by other elements present during cooking.

4. It is important, then, to select cooking methods that preserve, as much as possible, a food’s nutrients, taste, and appearance.


WATER

1. Nearly all foods contain water. Dried foods may contain as little as a fraction of 1 percent water, but fresh meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits consist mostly of water.

2. Water exists in three states, solid (ice), liquid, and gas (water vapor or steam). At sea level, pure liquid water becomes solid, or freezes, at 32°F (0°C) and turns to steam at 212°F (100°C).When water molecules turn to steam and energetically escape into the atmosphere, water is said to be boiling.

3. Water can also turn from liquid to gas at lower temperatures. When water turns to gas at any temperature, the process is called evaporation. Evaporation happens more slowly the lower the temperature is. Evaporation is responsible for the drying of foods. The drying of food surfaces as they are cooked enables them to be browned.

4. Many minerals and other compounds dissolve in water, so water can be a carrier of flavor and of nutritional value.

5. When water carries dissolved compounds, such as salt or sugar, its freezing point is lowered and its boiling point is raised.



Food Trip


I’m not much of a chef but I humbly present my burst of gastronomical prowess whipped and stirred thru the help of some cookbooks. For your palette’s perusal.





Clam chowder

Ingredients:

8 celery sticks, chopped
700g/11⁄2lb onions, chopped
1.8kg/4lb red potatoes, diced
900g/2lb canned clams with juice
3 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
225ml/8fl oz fish bouillon
2 teaspoons ground white pepper
225g/8oz butter
250g/9oz plain flour
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1.2 litres/2pt milk

How to cook:

        Put the celery, onions, potatoes, clams, thyme, oregano, basil, bouillon and pepper in a large heavy saucepan. Gently cook for 30–45 minutes until the vegetables and potatoes are soft.
        To make a roux, melt the butter in a small heavy pan, add the flour and garlic, and stir constantly with
        a wooden spoon for a few minutes until slightly brown.
        Combine the roux with the vegetable mixture and add the milk. Stir well and cook for 10 minutes.
        Serve hot.






Baked mushrooms

Ingredients:

8 large flat mushrooms, wiped with damp kitchen paper
2 tablespoons olive oil
250g/9oz Taleggio or Brie
cheese, thickly sliced
1 bunch of fresh lemon thyme, leaves only
salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to cook:

        Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6.
        Trim the stalks from the mushrooms.
        Put the mushrooms, rounded cap side down, in a medium roasting dish. Season with salt and pepper.
        Pour the olive oil over the mushrooms. Place the cheese slices on top, and finally sprinkle with the lemon thyme. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until the cheese has melted.
        Serve hot.





Prawn kebabs


Ingredients:

1 clove garlic
1 small fresh red chilli
1 teaspoon crushed fresh root ginger
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
juice of 1 lime
700g/11⁄2lb raw prawns, peeled and deveined
175g/6oz cherry tomatoes
1⁄2 cucumber, cut into thick slices or chunks
1 bunch of fresh coriander leaves, to garnish

How to cook:

        Blend or process the garlic, chilli, ginger and sugar into a paste. Add the olive and sesame oils, soy sauce and lime juice. Put the prawns in a shallow glass or ceramic dish. Pour the marinade over the top. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
        Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them burning. Thread the skewers with the prawns, tomatoes and cucumber. Grill or barbecue for a few minutes until the prawns
        are pink and cooked through.
        Arrange on a platter, and garnish with coriander leaves.
        Serve hot.






Chili Rellano

Ingredients:

3 7-oz. cans whole green chilies, drained
3/4 lb. each of jack and mild cheddar cheeses
12 oz. Evaporated milk
3 T. flour
salt
4 eggs
Tabasco Sauce
10-oz. can green
chili salsa

How to cook:

        Make batter of flour, eggs, milk and salt. Pour half of  batter in bottom of 9 x 12-inch casserole dish. Layer chillies on batter. Shred cheeses and sprinkle over chilies.
        Pour rest of batter over cheese.
        Bake at 325° for 45 minutes. Pour salsa with Tabasco over casserole. Bake 15 minutes longer. Best served hot, but let sit a few minutes before serving so casserole doesn’t run.





Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 eggs
1 T. milk
1/2 cup grated parmesan or romano cheese
1 T. parsley
bread crumbs
4 slices mozzarella cheese

Sauce:
3 T. butter
1/2 pt. Heavy cream
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. grated cheese
1 T. Parsley

How to cook:

        Beat eggs with milk. Add 1/2 cup grated cheese and parsley. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture and roll
        in bread crumbs. Lightly brown in a skillet with a bit of olive oil. Remove to a baking dish.
        Over medium heat, melt butter. Add cream and milk, stirring constantly. Add cheese and parsley until it is a warm sauce.
        Pour sauce over chicken breasts. Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 20 to 30 minutes or until chicken is
        cooked. During the last five minutes, add a slice of mozzarella to each bread piece and allow to melt.




  
Indian Pudding

Ingredients:

4 c. milk
1/3 c. yellow corn meal
1/4 c. water
1/2 t. ginger
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. molasses

How to cook:

        Pour 3 cups milk in saucepan and bring just to a boil.
        Moisten corn mean in a cup with 1/4 cup water (to prevent lumps). Stir rapidly into hot milk using a wire whisk. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring often.
        Combine spices and stir into mixture. Stir in molasses.
        Pour into a buttered 1-1/2 quart casserole. Gently pour the one remaining cup of milk over the top — do not stir. Dot with butter and bake at 325º for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Serve hot with cream, ice cream, or hard sauce.


Money talks...


After watching today’s running TV series and a handful of movies to keep me aware and updated, I was thrown to the reality of how everyone treats money nowadays. May it be fictional or not, almost all twists, problem or story trace their roots to money. It’s every individual’s dream. Having lots of it entails fame and power.





I hope you don’t mind my observation but the way I see it, money has changed us. Lives of others don’t matter anymore as long as there are lots of money on our pockets and bank accounts. It has already become the thing that controls us, which, should be the other way around.

I was thinking sarcastically of maybe economics’ law of diminishing returns doesn’t apply to our want for money. To be true about it, who else doesn’t want anyway? Just don’t let it ruin your life. Just like alcohol, don’t let it (money) reach your head. 

Mermaid


They lure sailors by singing and with lovely music. They live in a kingdom on the bottom of the sea, and it is here they take their prisoners to. A marine creature with the head and upper body of a beautiful young maiden and with the lower body of a fish. She can be found in seas and lakes, or lying on a rock and combing her hair with one hand while holding a mirror in the other. A mermaid, that is.




A friend of mine told me of her cute and child-like fascination with those. Although a myth, sailors says it brings good fortune. But whether this is true or not, it is up to us to make a fortune for ourselves. Mermaids are just conscious hallucinations of our want to live better amidst this half-cooked reality. Let the beauty of the mermaid inspire us. Let her sweet music accompany us to a life that is good and worthy.

August 23, 2012

...mending...

To accompany your broken and aching heart. It somewhat helps us to thresh out the pain or maybe regret what had transpired. Its time to go forward and mend that broken heart.









Coffee, please...


Something to enjoy anytime of the day mostly every morning to jump-start our daily routines. Our moods are sometimes affected by the amount we take. Considered as the third largest exported commodity in the world, Coffee continues to capture the hearts of those that in need of a sip. Here are some of our favorite coffee beverages we love:


Caffè Americano - Caffè Americano or simply Americano is a style of coffee prepared by adding hot water to espresso, giving a similar strength to but different flavor from regular drip coffee. The strength of an Americano varies with the number of shots of espresso added.


Caffè Americano



Breve – a coffee made with steamed half & half cream


Breve



Iced coffee - Iced coffee is a cold variant of the normally hot beverage coffee.


Iced coffee


Café au lait - the name most often used in coffee shops. It is a coffee beverage consisting strong or bold coffee (sometimes espresso) mixed with scalded milk in approximately a 1:1 ratio. Wikipedia further says that a café au lait is a French coffee drink. In Europe, "café au lait" stems from the same continental tradition as "caffè Latte" in Italy, "café con leche" in Spain, "kawa biała" ("white coffee") in Poland, "Milchkaffee" in Germany, "Grosser Brauner" in Austria, "koffie verkeerd" in Netherlands, and "café com leite" in Portugal, simply "coffee with milk". In northern Europe, café au lait is called Café Bombón.


Café au lait



Espresso Romano - An Espresso Romano is a shot of espresso with a small rind of lemon and sugar added to it.


Espresso Romano



Black Eye - A Black Eye is dripped coffee with a double shot of espresso. It has a strong taste.


Black Eye


Frappuccino - Frappuccino is the name and registered trademark of a Starbucks blended ice beverage and a bottled coffee beverage. Common Flavors are Coffee, Espresso, Caramel, Mocha Coconut, Mocha, White Chocolate, Java Chip, Caffe Vanilla, Peppermint Mocha, Mint Mocha Chip, Strawberries & Crème, Green Tea.


Frappuccino


Cafe mocha - A café mocha is a variant of a caffè latte. Like a latte, it is typically one third espresso and two thirds steamed milk, but a portion of chocolate is added, typically in the form of a chocolate syrup, although other vending systems use instant chocolate powder. Mochas can contain dark or milk chocolate. The term moccaccino is used in some regions of Europe and the Middle East to describe caffè latte with cocoa or chocolate. In the U.S. it usually refers to a cappuccino made with chocolate. 'Mochachinno' is usually mentioned at Starbucks.


Cafe mocha


Cappuccino - Cappuccino is a coffee-based drink prepared with espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk foam. A cappuccino differs from a caffè latte in that it is prepared with much less steamed or textured milk than the caffè latte with the total of espresso and milk/foam making up between approximately 150 ml and 180 ml (5 and 6 fluid ounces). A cappuccino is traditionally served in a porcelain cup, which has far better heat retention characteristics than glass or paper. The foam on top of the cappuccino acts as an insulator and helps retain the heat of the liquid, allowing it to stay hotter longer.


Cappuccino




Food evolution


It is inevitable. A dire want for sustenance. That is why its world is developing and pacing with modern technology. A hunger for a much wider market is remarkable as taste buds also evolves and rapidly changes. People today do much more than crave. They devour the possibility of that gastronomical happening. The evolution of food is suddenly at its climbing rate. You can’t find a TV set without a cooking show or food feature channel nowadays.





Well, it is for obvious reasons that it is growing. Food is a necessity along with shelter and clothing. But its phase today is enormous. And competition is stiffer as there is a food stall, equipment, idea, the means of presentation every day. Food is vital in our existence. Let us all just hope that there will be enough for everybody and no one gets hungry. Eat healthy and eat well for your personal well-being.


Empathy


To strengthen the meaning in its entirety, breaking it down to pieces is the more comprehensible and easy way. Such is in the case of understanding. I might lean more on the later Wittgenstein here since some of my arguments boasts or lack further readings from him. I am thus inclined to mere perception powered by freedom and knowledge.





For a finer grasp, I would simply underline it as Empathy. Our handy dictionary would put it as: the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner.

Layman’s term would be placing yourself in others’ shoe. It sounds more subjective as ‘understanding’ is subjective in itself. Another way of extracting its meaning is by exchanging sides. What would you feel if I were on your side and you vice versa?

Applying empathy with an open mind able us to see the true comfort and beauty of ‘’understanding’’.

August 22, 2012

Right?


There has been a constant battle over my conscience. That is doing what is dictated to be right or doing something that would make you happy. Am I ready for this type of challenge? Are you likewise?



I don’t know where to base my answers on my queries. Social perception seems to weigh more. But how about personal satisfaction? Not all we do is right, as perceived by others. Those righteous ones that judge actions with a closed mind. Thorough considerations must be personally undertaken and careful handling of the matter should be made before executing actions.

Remember that not all things we think is right are right. We just do them because it makes us happy and satisfied. There are certain things that are wrong and by doing so, make us also happy, which in turn, make it right.

Then, is being happy, sometimes tend to be wrong? Or being not, means doing what is right? It’s all up to you.

   

Imagine - II




Imagine the helplessness
Be composed under duress
It was almost emptiness

Imagine how sad
Everything that I had
Was lost because I was bad

Imagine being unaware
Without a compass, set to sail
Always throw a blank stare

Imagine being stale
Most likened to fail
A moved limb, a hail

Imagine being lonely
Almost embraced insanity
No one was left but me

Imagine adjustments
To everything, every event
As it was to be, it meant

Imagine the glimmer
Of hope I see as it shatters
I could only wish it won’t matter

Imagine how long
To recuperate and be strong
This havoc not to prolong

Imagine inability
At risk even longevity
At the brink of eternity

Imagine me likens life of mine a song
Fearing sometimes, I won’t last long
Fetch of death, I play along

Imagine the amount of faith
I gathered after this scathe
Mustered before turning to a wraith

Imagine...me...
Anyone could see
Imagine me...truly...


Ignorantia legis neminem excusat...






Would you believe that no matter how strange and obvious they are, they are still laws? Can’t believe? Read on. Enjoy, err be amazed.

  • In Oklahoma, you can be arrested for making ugly faces at a dog. (how ‘bout a dirty finger?)

  • In Devon, Texas, it is against the law to make furniture while you are nude. (wear your uniforms...)

  • In Danville, Pennsylvania, all fire hydrants must be checked one hour before all fires. (that’s pre-emptive, I say)

  • In Connersville, Wisconsin, during sexual intercourse, it is against the law for a man to fire his gun whilst the woman in having an orgasm. (fire away!)

  • In San Francisco, California it is unlawful to use used underwear to wipe off cars in a car wash. (please don’t  you dare...)

  • In Louisiana, biting someone with your natural teeth is considered “simple assault,” but biting someone with your dentures is “aggravated assault.” (it’s called a suit with fangs)

  • In the state of Washington, it is illegal to have sex with a virgin under any circumstances. (Including the wedding night.) – virgins, not allowed.

  • In Massachusetts, it is illegal to go bathing on Sundays. (saves a lot of water!)

  • In Texas, it’s illegal to threaten somebody with an UNLOADED gun. (so it’s much better to load it)

  • In York, it is legal to kill a Scotsman within the ancient city boundary, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow.  (Game of Thrones?)

  • In South Carolina unmarried women are not allowed to buy edible panties. (married ones only)

  • In Connecticut, night watchmen are forbidden from drinking decaf coffee while working. (espresso is much preferred)

  • In Illinois, giving a lighted cigar to a pet is illegal. (a drink too...)

  • In Texas, if you are going to commit a crime, you legally have to give 24 hours notice to the police. (it’s better to be prepared...)

  • In St. Louis, Missouri, if a woman is in her night clothes, it is illegal for a fireman to rescue her. (nah..ignore her....)




August 21, 2012

Business Plan


Recently, I made a Business Plan or sort of. These are what it produced. So, calling out those ‘’business minded’’ persons and students, maybe this work of mine might help. Otherwise, another feat of mine.

1.0      EXECUTIVE SUMARY
Statement and Background of the Problem

          The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) located in Sta. Mesa, Metro Manila houses one, if not, one of the largest student population amongst the various universities administered and operated by the Philippine government nationwide.  According to one of its faculty members, Atty. Jay Joseph C. Jamandre of the College of Arts and Sciences, PUP boasts of an enormous approximate Fifty Thousand in terms of student population.  One can just imagine the volume of people coming in and out of the PUP campus every single day.  That is why no wonder, traffic jams are always present and always a part of a PUP student once he/she reaches the school vicinity.  To traffic assigned enforcers nearby, it’s a daily headache but for businessmen or an entrepreneur, heaven.

          The aim of this Business Plan is to answer one of the never-ending needs of students – FOOD.  Apart from the school supplies, Food is the next best thing that this student necessitates.  Obviously, as one would try to walk down Teresa Street near the PUP campus, there is no single stall that offers food and the variety it presents from its availability to the costs…it’s endless.  The main reason why these stalls do well is the variety and the costs.  More importantly, almost a considerable number of students eat in these stalls everyday.  Why is it that irregardless of the food ingredient, taste and preference of the food being served and the health risks coupled, do the students prefer to eat on these stalls located outside the campus?

          The next sections and sub-sections of this Business Plan will try to formulate an answer to the queries above-stated.  There can be no further direct answer but the prices of the food, nothing else.  Where in the entire PUP campus can one find a hamburger at only Ten Pesos (PhP10.00), but only at Teresa Street?  What becomes more interesting is that this particular ten-peso burger also comes along with a serving of coleslaw!  With the kind of standard of living that these students have, a ten to twenty peso savings in their respective “baons”, is obviously a great deal for them.  Some of the secondary reasons follow why the students prefer to eat outside is because of the ambiance it gives.  Students have much freedom of expressing themselves outside the campus.  Their freedom and the variety of choices of food are much larger in quantity than those inside the campus.  Another reason is that the students enjoy it much eating outside because they can do it while chatting on the internet or playing their favorite RPG games.

          And now comes SNACK ATTACK…it maybe somehow does answer the problems posted thru the questions above-stated but it will somehow offer a competitive alternative for a sound food choice for PUP students especially those who has a daily 30 Pesos food budget.  A sumptuous, delicious, hot, clean, healthy and fast satisfactory-approved meal awaits everyone who “attacks” and pay Snack Attack a visit and avail of its products and services.  But Snack Attack will not rest on the usual snack alternative alone as it will try to invade PUP various school activities, school organization’s activities thru sponsorships, launching of new product lines, offer endless gimmicks and marketing strategies that contains what the PUP student deserve in these trying times – discounts, discounts and more discounts.

          Further expansion plans of Snack Attack foresee it to be a true one-stop-shop for all the students to enjoy visiting and having around.  It will try to offer more variations in food by the introduction of new meals in its product line.  A cellular phone loading station for all networks, a photocopying machine and school supplies section to answer the students’ daily needs and requirements.  Moreso, the change in the corporate structure of the company will be on the agenda as Snack Attack further plans on setting up an additional branch to a PUP Annex building nearby in order to augment the needs of other PUP students.

          The company that will own and manage the food stall will not anymore be a sole proprietor but instead, the same will be owned and managed by a food corporation.  This food corporation will be named as PFG FOODS, INC. (“PFG”, for berevity).  PFG will comprise five (5) stockholders (of Filipino Nationality, or in case of foreign partner/s as stockholder/s, should only hold a total percentage of 20% of ownership), who will also serve as the officers of the corporation.

          PFG’s corporate set-up will be that in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  PFG’s authorized capital stock to reflect in its proposed Articles of Incorporation and By-laws will be equivalent to Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP500,000.00).  The authorized capital stock of PFG will be divided into Ten Thousand Shares (10,000) at One Peso (PhP1.00) per share.  Fifty Thousand (50,000) shares shall be subscribed.  Twenty-five percent (25%) of said authorized capital stock shall be subscribed, which will be equivalent to One Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Pesos (PhP125,000.00).  The amount to be paid-up and should be reflected in PFG’s bank statement should at least be, according to SEC rules, also twenty-five percent (25%) of the subscribed amount.  In this case, PFG opts to pay the 25% percent of the same, which is equivalent to Thirty-one Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Pesos (PhP31,250.00).



          Aside from the proposed corporate set-up and shareholdings, the primary purpose of said Food Corporation shall be:

“To establish and maintain, operate, restaurants, coffee shops, refreshment parlors, cocktail lounge; to cook, arrange, serve and cater goods, drinks, refreshments and other food or commodities commonly served in such establishments, and to offer such other services to the public in connection with the operation of restaurant and catering enterprises.”

          An equal number of shares shall be distributed among the stockholders of the corporation.  As such, the following will be the corporate set-up of PFG Foods, Inc.:


Name
No. of Shares
Amount Subscribed (PhP)
Amount Paid-Up
(PhP)
Stockholder #1
10,000
25,000.00
6,250.00
Stockholder #2
10,000
25,000.00
6,250.00
Stockholder #3
10,000
25,000.00
6,250.00
Stockholder #4
10,000
25,000.00
6,250.00
Stockholder #5
10,000
25,000.00
6,250.00
TOTAL
50,000
125,000.00
31,250.00



          PFG Foods, Inc. will also be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry as it will be using other business names upon the commencement of its operations.  PFG will, likewise be registered with the proper and concerned government and non-government agencies to ensure a smooth and a legitimate business operations.  PFG will eventually be registered with the local government where the principal office of the same is located.  The necessary permits in order to operate such as business permits, building, sanitary, electrical permits and such the like will be procured.

          For tax purposes, PFG will also be registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenues and since the same will employ a handful of employees that will man the daily operations of the stall from the moment it starts operating, until the last sale of the day, PFG should and must be registered with agencies that promotes the welfare of common laborers or employees, with the Social Security System, Philhealth or the Pag-Ibig (Home Development Mutual Fund).

          As its future plans, PFG Foods, Inc. with its future operating plans and projected increase in income and return of Investments within the next two (2) years, plans of continuing the business thru its expansion programs.  Thus, having to necessarily register the same with the Intellectual property Office (IPO) for trademark purposes and with probably the infusion of new, innovative and unique own products in its line, with the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).


2.0      COMPANY SUMMARY

          For its initial operation, Snack Attack will be owned and operated on a sole proprietorship basis.  The President and Proprietor of PFG Foods, Inc. will be _____________.  Its initial capital will be in the amount of _____________.  The same amount will be reflected in PFG’s registration with the Department of Trade and Industry.  It will also procure the necessary government and non-government permits in order to operate as a small business to the locality where it is to be located.  Agreements and other documents (e.g., Contract of Lease) will also be executed between PFG and the administration of PUP in order to legitimize the operation and the setting up of a food stall inside the PUP campus.

          With its present set-up, PFG Foods, Inc. will maintain a small space for office and warehouse purposes.  The same shall be located at Manila and will house PFG’s offices for its operations and a warehouse and commissary where stocks will be placed for storage.

          PFG will concentrate, as stated thru its primary purpose, and will mainly dwell into having to sell food or snack items to students.  Basic machineries, utensils and all the required possible things and manpower that has to do with cooking and serving food for the students.


3.0      PRODUCTS AND SERVICES


          Through its initial stage of operation, PFG shall adopt the business name: “SNACK ATTACK”.  Snack Attack will cater to students in a unique and delicious way of eating the usual student’s snacks with less the costs.  Its product line includes the basic, usual elementary processed and cooked foods and snacks as well as refreshing drinks.  Its product line includes Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Hotdogs on Bun, “Footlongs” on Bun, flavored and unflavored French Fries, Siopaos, Cheese Sticks, fish and squid balls served on sticks as well as Kikiam and siomai of various flavors.

          Snack Attack will also refresh and cool down the student’s thirst by serving not the costly bottled soft drinks but instead serving them by cups of different sizes.  A variety of fruit juices will also be available.  For the early birds, a serving of coffee or hot chocolate will also be available.

          For those who are have big appetites, a hot and delicious, easy-to-make instant “pancit canton” of various flavors with an accompanying bread bun or a steaming cup of rice coupled with a cold drink will also be available for serving upon ordering.

          Such products and utensils that will be used and to be consummated shall be purchased from Nepa Q-Mart, Quiapo, Metro Manila.  It is where everything needed, can be bought at a very low but qualitative price.

          Although Snack Attack’s product line may sound too usual, its competitive advantage and plus factors will all rely on its price, unique presentation and flavor.  It will also be an advantage to employ uniform-donned staff together with a very clean, neat and attractive stall.

          Entire sales for Snack Attack will come entirely from its products.  These products will cater to students who have a snack or food budget from 20 to 30 pesos.  Snack Attack’s appeal will come from food stalls to be located inside the school canteen’s premises.  The stall will do a colorful and attractive mood.  The staff that will man the stall will be composed of two uniformed (clean t-shirt with hairnets and cellophane gloves for sanitation purposes), clean, neat, courteous and friendly employees.  They will take turns in cooking, serving, taking and receiving of orders.

          Since it is a food stall for catering food snacks to students, its technology will be based on cooking alone.  The main purpose, and maybe the marketing strategy or secret of snack attack will be the manner of serving its products to the student-buyer: Serving the snack in an “attack” way, which is hot and fast.

          Future product line that Snack Attack plans to venture into is serving more snack variations such as short orders (spaghetti, lasagnas, mami and other noodle or pasta entrees), packed meals and even a cellular phone loading station for all networks.  Snack Attack also has a plan to expand thru the putting up of a mini-photocopying station and school supplies section for the student’s continuing needs and requirements.  All in all, one of Snack Attack’s future plans is to build and be known as a one-stop-shop for the entire PUP studentry.


4.0      MARKETING AND COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

          Snack Attack’s market will solely be on the PUP students alone since the stall will be placed inside the school canteen’s premises.  The attractive stall will be strategically located and placed amongst other food and snack stalls that cater the same products in order to stiffen the competition.  Students with a food and/or snack budget of thirty pesos (PhP30.00) and up will most likely to benefit the unique and delicious goods and services that Snack Attack offers.  It will also try to cater to other school personnel and visitors and will oftentimes coordinate with the school administrators to sponsor or act as snack caterer to some of the school’s major and minor annual activities.

          Inasmuch as Snack Attack wants to uniquely dominate or monopolize such food stall service, it maybe quite impossible to realize the same considering the other stalls located at the canteen also serve the same product line.  What is important or the key movement, activity or strategy that would initially boost and make that Snack Attack stall competitive enough would be the variety of food it offers, the establishment of a “recall value” thru the courteous and friendly staff, the cleanliness and the way food is served and most of all, the student’s enjoyment and satisfaction of the same food being served hot and fast with less the price compared to others.

5.0      STRATEGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY

          5.1     Stall and Staff

          It is accepted and given that by the mere location of Snack Attack’s food stall amongst the numerous food stalls inside the canteen area of PUP spells a stiff competition.  If this is so, PFG plans of showing a “wow” effect o the appearance of Snack Attack’s food stall once it commences its operations.  Said surprise marketing strategy will surely woo the minds of the students.  A much colorful than the usual and an appealing food stall appearance, that is vivid, with clear light fixtures, should be installed in the food stall for its clean and neat appearance.

          The staff that will receive, get and serve the order from the students should be in uniforms.  The uniforms need not be over-decorated.  Plain red shirt as uniform will do as the color red is attractive and strikes attention easily.  For cleanliness and sanitation purposes, the staff shall be compelled to use hairnets, aprons and cellophane gloves when cooking.  The taking of orders as well as the manner of serving them should and must be done on a friendly and courteous manner.  The staff will likewise take turns in doing such tasks and the necessary activities that needs to be done to assure a safe, clean and neat food stall.  The upkeep of the spaces surrounding the stall, tables and chairs where students eat their food and snacks must also be well maintained and kept clean and neat by the staff.  The staff should be prepared in advance before the start of every operation as early as half past seven in the morning as the stall will offer snack breakfast for students who usually comes to school early and to those students of non-students that skips breakfast just to be able to reach PUP at an early time.  The staff also will have to be sure that the stall is already closed at around five in the afternoon with all the sales already counted and properly accounted and logged.  The staff may have to opt for an extended time in closing depending on the availability of stocks and the demand of the students.
  
          5.2     Sales Strategy

          Snack Attack’s target markets are PUP students who have a daily Thirty Pesos (PhP30.00) budget for food and/or snacks.  Snack Attack will focus on formulating various meal combinations that will surely fit in the given food budget of the students.  The following budget meal will be presented and made available:

NAME
VARIATIONS
PRICE
Attack No. 1
 1 Hamburger + 1 Large Drink + 1 French Fries
PhP30.00
Attack No. 2
1 Cheeseburger + 1 Regular Drink + 1 French Fries
PhP30.00
Attack No. 3
1 Hotdog on bun + Regular Drink + 1 Cheese Sticks
PhP30.00
Attack No. 4
1 Footlong on Bun + 1 Regular Drink + 1 French Fries
PhP30.00
Attack No. 5
Squid Balls (4pcs) + Siomai (3pcs) + 1 Large Drink
PhP30.00
Attack No. 6
1 Siopao + Siomai (3 pcs) + Large Drink
PhP30.00
Attack No. 7
1 Pancit Canton + 2 bread buns + 1 Large Drink
PhP30.00
Attack No. 8
1 Pancit Canton + 1 steaming rice + 1 Large Drink
PhP30.00

          Apart from the usual appearance and variations of the snacks presented above, the students can or may opt for mixed variations of the above products as long as their Thirty-Peso food budget fits.  E.g.:  1 Cheeseburger + set of siomai + 1 large drink.

          Snack Attack will present mixed possibilities and endless variations to the PUP students to ensure and enable or give them a sense of customer satisfaction by letting them choose a mixed meal in so small a budget.  Psychologically, it promotes a continuous active participation between the students and Snack Attack.  It further gets them involved in real life and somehow shows them on how go about stretching a small amount ion order for them to survive without the need of ever having to sacrifice their need to sustain their student lives through proper eating.  It also somewhat gives them freedom to choose and to stand for their own choice and decision.

          Another way to boost sales is by establishing a “recall” value.  It is very significant for Snack Attack to try to establish this thru its first two days or the first two weeks of operations.  With the already established stalls within PUP who also has already established markets, it would be necessary for Snack Attack to give out small discounts or freebies during the above-given time frame.  A best example would be a free regular sized soft drink for every meal bought or a free French fries, cheese sticks, squid balls or siomai.  These small freebies to a complete meal will surely attract attention from the students as well as to those school personnel, members of the faculties and visitors alike.  As we Filipinos are known to love these kinds of small treats, this strategy will surely make a mark or somehow establish a “recall” value on Snack Attack.  For everytime that they think of food that is free and delicious without spending much, it is Snack Attack that comes into their minds.

          Snack Attack’s participation with some of the school of school’s various organizations’ activities will also attract sales.  Thru proper and formal coordination with school administration personnel, key persons to school organizations, Snack Attack can propose to cater to students or once in a while, sponsor a specific school activity.  As these activities may trigger bulk sales, it is also necessary to give large discounts and freebies for the satisfaction of the activity organizers.  Thru the above, thru constant communication with the organizers all year long and thru Snack Attack’s fast and delicious way of serving food, will advantageously increase sales and furthermore establish a strong and growing market.

          Earning points is another way to increase sales.  This new marketing strategy is considered one of the most effective and widely used strategies by marketing experts nowadays.  Snack Attack will issue small cards with ten columns or boxes to represent the ten corresponding visits or purchase that each cardholder makes with each purchase.  The card will be stamped and be signed by Snack Attack’s representative on the box as a cardholder purchase a certain meal.  A free Snack Attack meal of the cardholder’s choice (depending upon the availability of stocks) awaits anyone who completes all the boxes with the corresponding stamps and signatures.  Only a single point or stamp can be awarded to a cardholder each day.  Said strategy of earned points will be done once every twice a month so the students has something to look forward to.

          It is also vital that Snack Attack is well informed of PUP’s annual activities.  Thru this, Snack Attack can offer discounted prices on some of its products to the qualified students.  For example, a 3-peso off discount for every meal bought by a graduating student as part of Snack Attack’s graduation promo or a free regular drink to freshmen as part of the back-to-school promo.

5.3.    Strategy Analysis

          The importance of Snack Attack’s active participation both among the student and between PUP is the very core of having and maintaining a good rapport and marketing relationship considering the limited market Snack Attack has.  The main ingredient here is the recall value which means that whenever a student necessitates or craves for a good and less costly snack amidst the busy school schedule, the thing that comes to his/her mind is Snack Attack.  A very classical example of the recall value is Jollibee.  Whenever a child is hungry or craves for food before or after a trip to the mall, or whenever you want to put a smile in the face of a child, the first thing that comes into mind is Jollibee.  That is because it has already had established a lasting recall value amongst the children and adult alike through their endless marketing strategies ranging from advertisements, discounts, freebies, mascots, humanitarian programs, variety of products the quality and costs of their product line, their active participation in socio-economic awareness programs that involves most especially, children and many others.  That although these may sometimes hurt or entail financial risks at the start, positive and considerable results on the sales and income aspect will be remarkable in the end.  A very excellent and valid unquestionable reason as to where and how far Jollibee has gone in influencing and inculcating the recall value of every Filipino.

6.0     MANAGEMENT PLAN

          As PFG is owned and operated by a sole proprietor, it will be inevitable to hire or tap a team that will focus on Snack Attack’s daily operations.  As such, the following personnel should be present in its structure:

Position
Function/s
Operations Manager
  • The one to overlook on every aspect of the daily operations of Snack Attack.
  • Should be responsible for: a) cleanliness and freshness of the food to be served; b)  cleanliness of the stall and its nearby surroundings; c)  food and non-food supplies and stocks;  and, d) Stall Staff and their proper implementation of various marketing approved strategies.
  • Will report directly to the owner or the Manager on a daily basis regarding issues that needs to be addressed.
  • Will closely coordinate with the kitchen/commissary staff personnel  regarding stocks, the food taste and the freshness of the same that is being served on a daily basis and,
  • Responsible in closely coordinating with the PUP administration, personnel, faculty members, activity organizers and student leaders for operation, administration and marketing  purposes.
Kitchen/Commissary Personnel
  • Will be in charge with the strict and qualitative emphasis on what kind of food is to be served by personally taking full responsibility of going to the market to buy the necessary stocks.
  • Should guarantee the cleanliness, freshness and the over satisfactory taste of foods to be served with less the costs, and,
  • Responsible for food costing implementation with close coordination with the Operations Manager.
Food Stall Staff
  • Will receive, take and serve orders in a friendly and courteous manner
  • To guarantee the correctness of food preparation, its freshness, cleanliness and the quality of the taste of the same, and,
  • Implement guidelines set by the management.


          It is very important for the owner-proprietor that a relevant job experience should be a requirement in these enumerated personnel.  This is in order to do away from the basic and elementary training which is very costly and eats a considerable amount of time and effort.  A weekly meeting is proposed among every member of the structure to ensure a smooth flow of operations and to properly address key issues that requires attention, consideration and adjustments.