Don't panic, it's organic

MANILA, Philippines - Contrary to popular belief (or Amy Poehler and Tina Fey in Baby Mama, anyway), organic food isn’t just for rich people who hate themselves. It’s not even for people who remotely harbor any hatred or dislike for themselves, their family or the world.

With the growing environmental and health concerns, going organic may be the smartest thing to do, since it makes our remaining resources continually usable. It’s this idea of sustainability and accessibility that inspires the Food Bowl Night Market, a marketplace where safe and healthy fresh produce and products will be made available to the public.

Obviously, this is not your average night market. Over 15 organic and national farming groups have joined the cause, with no less than the Department of Health and Department of Tourism offering support through an information campaign to reach a wider audience.

“We have invited almost everyone in the organic and natural industry to join us in this endeavor,” says Sharon Tan, co-organizer of the Food Bowl Night Market. “This will be a good start for the farmers to program their production to meet the requirements of institutional buyers especially from hospitals, restaurants, hotels and food caterers.”

Sharon is the daughter of business mogul Lucio Tan, and owns the RFID Technology Resource Center. She has become more active in advocating for support for local farmers and producers, both from government as well as consumers and suppliers. The Food Bowl is a project that does just that.

Aside from selling vegetables, livestock and poultry, Food Bowl will also feature food operators and wellness organizations, ornamental and herbs producers and the eco-friendly product manufacturers.  

Promise, it’s not just for rich people either.

Environment-friendly vanity

When going green, what is most often overlooked is the stuff that goes on in the little girl’s or boy’s room. Fortunately, Organic Z.E.N. (that’s zestful, energetic and natural) products by Pease Blossom solves this problem. With a wide range of commonly used cosmetics and toiletries made entirely from organic and natural products and at a price-friendly range to boot, there’s no reason to not completely rid your body of chemicals.

Organic Z.E.N.’s products include massage oils, hair gels, lip balms and lip glosses, body butter, cheek tint, facial wash and toner, hair conditioner, soap and so much more. They even have organic deodorant. The toiletries, which are made by underprivileged livelihood communities, are between P40 and P360. That’s what you call doing good for yourself and for others.

Raw steak, anyone?

You’ve heard of the mushroom burger, but what about the coconut burger? Rawvolution is Cheloy Ignacio’s vegetarian/vegan restaurant, specializing in living food. Living food, she says, is raw food which means that all the nutrients in the organic ingredients are intact. Though it may be quite hard to imagine eating something like pancit bihon made totally out of raw ingredients, Rawvolution proves that it is possible. They sell other food like sushi, steak, salad and even siopao, which are all either raw or vegan.

Tacos With Turkeys

Many Filipinos associate turkey with Thanksgiving, and those who do celebrate the ocassion probably buy theirs frozen and imported, and have thus probably never bought them on regular days since they might be expensive. Herbest Turkey products are all-organic and produced locally.

Turkey meat is widely regarded to be a good source of low-fat white meat that still has protein. It is low in cholesterol as well. Thus, bite into the goodness of a turkey burger without any of the guilt. Not a burger fan? Maybe tacos will be your thing. They also sell bottled turkey sisig, adobo flakes and lechon paksiw, as well as sausages, ham and siomai.

Interesting Drinks

Need something other than your usual red wine? How about Basi wine, Turmeric wine, rice wine or strawberry wine? Sold by DS Pinoy, these unusual yet one hundred percent local wines retail for P150 to P300 per bottle.

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The Food Bowl is at the ETON Centris Walk, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City every Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 12 m.n.