Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery approved several requests for the local Green Card with health and welfare in mind, according to a May 31, 2023 social media post by the City Government.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s Facebook post. Some parts in boldface…
In a move aimed at prioritizing the health and welfare of its constituents, Vice Mayor April Aguilar has recently approved multiple requests for the city’s Green Card Program on Tuesday, May 30th in City Hall.
The initiative provides substantial subsidies for hospital bills, easing the financial burden on residents seeking medical treatment. The Green Card program, introduced by the local government of Las Piñas City, has garnered significant attention for its innovative approach to supporting the healthcare needs of its citizens.
Since its inception, the program has provided crucial support to countless individuals and families facing medical emergencies or requiring prolonged treatment. With Vice Mayor Aguilar’s recent approval of several requests, more Las Piñas City residents will benefit from the program’s subsidies for hospital bills.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Were there many people in your local community who had been wanting to avail of the Green Cards from the City Government?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery welcomed local residents and 2023 SEA Games medalists Jocel Lyn Ninobla and Ana Alicia “Khate” Castillo at City Hall and had a meeting together, the City Government announced via their Facebook page post dated June 2.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the social media post. Some parts in boldface…
Two remarkable athletes, Jocel Lyn Ninobla and Ana Alicia “Khate” Castillo, who proudly represented the Philippines at the recently concluded 2023 South East Asian Games in Cambodia, paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar on Thursday, June 1st in City Hall.
Jocel Lyn Ninobla and Ana Alicia “Khate” Castillo are the 2023 SEA Games medalists based in Las Piñas City. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
The SEA Games medalists in their meeting with Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
Jocel Lyn Ninobla, an outstanding taekwondo athlete, won a prestigious Gold medal at the Women’s Recognized Team Poomsae event and a Bronze medal in the Mixed Recognized Pair Poomsae event, highlighting her versatility and talent in the discipline. Jocel, an alumna of Divine Light Academy in Las Piñas, returned to her hometown to express her gratitude to the city that played a significant role in her journey.
Jocel Lyn Ninobla showing her 2023 SEA Games gold and bronze medals while posing with the Vice Mayor and Mayor. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
Accompanying Jocel was Ana Alicia “Khate” Castillo, a basketball athlete who secured a Silver medal at the Women’s 5×5 Basketball event. She is a proud graduate of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Las Piñas.
Ana Alicia “Khate” Castillo with her 2023 SEA Games silver medal, and the Vice Mayor and the Mayor. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar commended Jocel and Khate for their dedication, hard work, and perseverance, which led them to excel on the international stage and bring glory to both the Philippines and Las Piñas City.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted to see local residents who won SEA Games medals for the Philippines?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar extended financial assistance using her personal funds to the grieving family of a minor who recently was found dead inside a washing machine, according to a city government Facebook page post dated June 1, 2023.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the social media post. Some parts in boldface…
Mayor Imelda Aguilar has taken swift action to provide financial assistance from her personal funds to the grieving family of a 4-year-old boy who was found dead inside a washing machine on Sunday, May 28th in Brgy. BF International CAA.
Through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Mayor Mel Aguilar reached out to the victim’s family in Brgy. CAA, expressing her condolences and assuring them of the city’s support during this difficult time.
Recognizing the emotional and financial burden they now face, the CSWDO representatives personally visited the bereaved family to provide immediate financial aid and offer additional support services including the cremation of their beloved child at the Las Piñas public crematorium.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you happy that Mayor Aguilar made a generous move by using her personal funds to assist the grieving family?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
This morning at Kep in Cambodia, Andrew Kim Remolino won for the Philippines the silver medal of the men’s individual aquathlon event in the ongoing 32nd Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023). For the newcomers reading this, this is the first time ever that the aquathlon got organized during the SEA Games and both the duathlon and triathlon events will follow over the next two days.
The image from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Facebook page post congratulating Andrew Kim Remolino.
As expected, the battle for gold was indeed tough. The official results showed that the Cebu-based Remolino finished 2nd with a time of 15 minutes and 7 seconds (15:07). Remolino finished the 500-meter swim leg in 6:06, had transition time of 22 seconds and ran 2.5 Kilometers in 8:39. The gold medal of the men’s aquathlon went to Indonesia’s Rashif Amila Yaqini (14:28) while the bronze went to Singapore’s Bryce Sheng Cher Chong (15:39). Remolino’s teammate Joshua Alexander Ramos finished 5th place with 16:14.
On the women’s individual aquathlon, Raven Faith Alcoseba ended up short of capturing the bronze medal as she finished 4th with 17:43 (6:47 in the swim, 26 seconds transition time and 10:30 in the run). The Cebu-based Alcoseba was just ten seconds behind Indonesia’s Dea Salsabila Putri who captured the bronze medal. Alcoseba’s teammate Gene Heart Quiambao ended up at 8th place with 18:30. The gold and silver medals went to Cambodia’s Margot Morokot Garabedian (16:09) and Thailand’s Aisika Kaewyongkod (17:15).
The Mixed Aquathlon 4X Team Relay will be held this afternoon. Tomorrow, the Men’s Individual Duathlon will start at 6:30 AM while the Women’s Individual Duathlon will take place at 8:30 AM.
On May 8, the Women’s Individual Triathlon will go first at 6:30 AM followed by the Men’s Individual Triathlon at 8:30 AM. The Philippines is aiming for 3-4 gold medals in the triathlon events.
Watch out for more 2023 SEA Games multisport updates right here.
The vloggers who have been charged already over the public prank in the form of a kidnapping in Las Piñas City in the presence of a police officer could face additional charges from the police, according to a Philippine Star news report. It also turns out that the said incident took place at Barangay BF International – CAA.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine Star news report. Some parts in boldface…
Police are eyeing more criminal charges against three vloggers who were responsible for a kidnapping prank in Las Piñas City recently.
Col. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police, said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group is studying if additional complaints could be filed against the content creators behind Tukomi, which has 4.21 million subscribers on YouTube and 4.21 million followers on Facebook.
Fajardo said the vloggers uploaded a video of the kidnap prank on social media platforms, which generated thousands of comments from netizens.
The vloggers are facing complaints for alarm and scandal filed by the police Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) before the Las Piñas prosecutor’s office.
The respondents are Mark Lester San Rafael, Mark Hiroshi San Rafael and Eleazar Stephen Fuentes.
The vloggers staged a scene which showed men wearing black bonnets kidnapping a person in Barangay CAA-BF International.
Unknown to them, an off-duty police officer, S/Sgt. Ronnie Conmingo of the IMEG, was in front of a nearby store when the content creators staged the stunt.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Do you think that digital content creators who organize public pranks and post videos of them should be held accountable for causing disturbance on others? What do you think should be done with pranksters who organize pretentious acts of crime like kidnapping?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, a group of vloggers organized a public prank in the form of a criminal act on the street only to realize that there was an actual police officer (in civilian clothes) who was armed. The police officer confronted them causing one of the vloggers to explain that what just happened was all a hoax as their group had been doing public pranks and shared videos of them online. They have since been charged for causing a disturbance in public. All of these and more were reported by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
Several vloggers are facing complaints for their April 6 prank in which they pretend to be kidnappers, causing a police officer to draw his weapon and respond to the fake crime.
According to Jun Veneracion’s “24 Oras” report on Friday, the bonnet-wearing pranksters alighted from a car along a Las Piñas City street and pretended to kidnap someone.
While panicked locals fled from the scene, Police Staff Sergeant Ronnie Conmigo of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, who lived nearby, showed up with a gun.
One of the vloggers tried to calm Conmigo down and explained it was all a prank.
“Hanggang sa nagsabi na lang na, ‘Sir prank ito! Prank ito!’ Gumaganoon sa akin. Medyo nahimasmasan ako. Sabi ko, madidisgrasya ko pa ang mga ito,” Conmigo said.
(Until he said, “Sir, it’s a prank! It’s a prank!” It calmed me down. Thankfully, I did not hurt anyone.)
Conmigo, who has been in the service for 26 years, was angry as he almost harmed the vloggers because of their prank.
“Kung iba po yun sakaling trigger happy yung pulis o may iba pang hindi pulis nabaril sila,” he said.
(If it was someone else, a trigger-happy police officer or an armed civilian, they could have been shot.)
Conmigo filed complaints against the five vloggers for alarm and scandal over their prank.
“Para hindi na po maulit yung ginagawa nila sir kasi maraming gumagaya pangit din sa mata ng bata yun tsaka napaka delikado sir,” he added.
(To prevent copycats. It sets a bad example. And it’s dangerous.)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that such pranks could lead to criminal cases.
“Binabalaan po natin yung mga vloggers at yung mga pranksters na wag po nating gawing biro ang mga vlogs and pranks about sa paggawa ng krimen sapagkat yan ay may kaukulang parusa sa revised penal code article 153, ito po ay nagkakaroon ng kulong, may kulong po ang penalty dito na anim na taon,” Police Colonel Redrico Maranan, PNP Chief PIO, said.
(We are warning vloggers and pranksters that we should not turn crimes into laughing matters because there are penalties. In the revised penal code article 153, they might end up in prison. There is a penalty of six years in prison.)
The kidnapping prank video has 990,000 views on Facebook and almost 549,597 views on YouTube.
GMA Integrated News is still seeking the side of the vloggers.
The vloggers have been uploading prank videos on their social media platforms for some time. They said the videos were only for “good vibes.”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that vloggers who organize and record pranks in public for the sake of attracting viewers are causing more trouble than good? Do you consider a prank in the form of a crime a serious disturbance of the peace?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The many millions of people here in the Philippines who own SIM cards but were unable to get them registered now have extra time to do so as the national government announced that the SIM card registration process has been extended for ninety days, according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Take note that the original deadline for SIM registration was April 26, 2023.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The registration for the subscriber identity module (SIM) cards will be extended for another 90 days or until July 25, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Tuesday.
However, after the April 26 deadline, subscribers will have limited access to services until they finally register.
“Most of the services will be cut off with the telcos (telecommunications companies). So, there will be a social media unavailability for those who do not register in the next 90 days,” Remulla said in an interview after attending a Cabinet cluster meeting.
Senator Grace Poe, meanwhile, called for a boost in information dissemination of Republic Act (RA) 11934 or the SIM Registration Act now that the deadline has been extended.
Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the extension would help clarify the confusion and concerns of registrants regarding the law.
“It should be emphasized that SIMs will still be available in local retailers and sari-sari stores even past the SIM Registration deadline. Users will simply be required to register first before they can activate their new SIMs,” she said in a statement as she welcomed the decision to extend the registration.
“SIM registration was meant to promote the responsible use of SIM and to halt the abuses of scammers and criminals. It is not meant to punish legitimate SIM subscribers, especially those at remote areas.”
She recalled that when the bill on SIM registration was under deliberation, lawmakers considered the compliance of the more than 168 million SIM subscribers and had foreseen the need to extend the registration period to accommodate all users. Poe was the bill’s sponsor in the Senate.
As of April 23, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) data show that about 82,845,397, or 49.31 percent of SIM cards have been registered.
The breakdown is as follows:
DITO: 5,796,175 or 38.73 percent
Globe: 37,099,437 or 42.77 percent
SMART: 39,949,785 or 60.25 percent
Poe reiterated her call to telecom firms to go down to the grassroots to reach out to more subscribers.
“As most telcos have been enjoying vast profits from their services, they have the corresponding obligation and the necessary resources to track down their SIM users and to widen the opportunity for registration,” she said.
Poe noted that while several locations have been visited for remote registration, more needs to be covered as key areas, such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have yet to be reached, according to data from the NTC.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) should also look into the continuing proliferation of spam messages despite the ongoing SIM registration, she said.
Meanwhile, two days before the SIM card registration deadline, the DICT and its attached agencies met with officials from the country’s three public telecommunication entities (PTEs) – Globe, Smart, and DITO – to discuss concerns on the implementation of RA 11934.
In a statement, the DICT said it exchanged views with the three firms on ways to resolve some issues faced by the registrants, such as barriers in obtaining government-issued IDs and documents, and improvements in the SIM registration process.
Only one of the 17 accepted government-issued IDs and documents is needed to proceed with the registration, the DICT said.
“The possibility of extending the SIM registration period was also discussed during the meeting. We advise everyone to await the official announcement of the Department on the matter,” the statement read.
Filipinos are encouraged to register their SIM cards before the deadline.
“The increasing number of registrants in the past few days is a clear indication that Filipinos share the desire to eradicate online and text scams once and for all,” the DICT said.
RA 11934, which was the first measure signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Oct. 10, 2022, aims to fight scams being made through text and online messages.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to have your SIM cards registered successfully before the 90-day extension was announced?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
If you have been engaging on selling items or services online, you should be aware that the Philippines’ authority on taxation the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is constantly watching you and it is seeking ways to tax you, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Already the BIR has been communicating with the e-commerce platforms.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news article. Some parts in boldface…
THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) is looking to collect taxes from online sellers on e-commerce platforms more efficiently.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui said it is difficult to monitor taxes on individual online sellers on e-commerce platforms.
“We’re in constant communication with the platforms, because it’s a challenge to monitor. We’re thinking of ways to approach it because if we look at individual online sellers, it’s a bit difficult. It’s a challenge,” he told reporters on Thursday evening.
Mr. Lumagui said the BIR is prioritizing ways to better collect taxes from online sellers and other new platforms this year.
The pandemic forced many entrepreneurs to shift to online selling using e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.
As of 2022, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) estimated there are around two million entities doing business as online sellers.
In 2021, the digital economy contributed 9.6% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), or about P1.87 trillion. DigiPinas, the multi-sectoral initiative led by UBX Philippines Corp., earlier said the Philippine digital economy can grow to as much as $150 billion or about P8.3 trillion in the next decade.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lumagui said the BIR will tap social media influencers to help educate the public on the importance of paying taxes.
“They have reach and I think that one way of making people comply with tax obligations is to educate the people since tax is a very complicated topic not easy to understand,” he said, adding the BIR will schedule a dialogue with them.
Mr. Lumagui said the BIR will continue its efforts to collect taxes from social media influencers, since they’re earning income. He noted there are already some who are undergoing tax audits.
“What we want is to dialogue with them that these are your obligations as social media influencers, you’re earning from whatever you’re doing, so this is your responsibility as income earners,” he said.
The BIR said it collected around P44.6 billion worth of tax from online content creators and retail sales at the end of 2021.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have been selling products or services online for the last twelve months, do you think the BIR’s move with taxing your business will negatively affect Philippine e-commerce as a whole? Have you set aside enough money for potential taxation by the BIR? What is the one thing about online selling that made you stay away from selling through physical establishments like a store?
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. Additional information from the official website and social media channels of the subject business is also used. This is not a sponsored article. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back, readers! This is the 5th chapter of my ongoing series of articles about the holy nation of Israel with recollections about the experiences and discoveries I had during the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church (hosted by its strategic partner Behold Israel). To see my previous Israel tour articles, click here, here, here and here.
In this latest edition of my Israel 2023 series, I share with you my observations and captured images about my two visits to the popular Mahane Yehuda market in the modern section of Jerusalem. While I recently wrote about my delicious lunch at a Shakshuka joint in that market, this time I want to talk about the joint that is rich with refreshing drinks – Etrog Man – which I actually visited twice.
To put things in perspective, our group spent the final days – including the day-off – in the holy city of Jerusalem. On February 12, our tour ended in the afternoon and there was enough free time and sunlight left for me to visit the local foreign exchange joint (because I ran out of Shekels) and then make my first-ever visit to Mahane Yehuda market on foot.
Several minutes after exchanging currency at a local FOREX joint and further hiking, I finally arrived at Mahane Yehuda market which was bustling with many locals and tourists. It was a lot of fun walking around seeing the many food, drinks, souvenirs and other assorted products offered by countless sellers to customers. Watch my YouTube walk video of the market below covering the open air and roofed sections. See if you can spot Etrog Man.
My two experiences with Etrog Man
As mentioned earlier, I visited Mahane Yehuda market twice. The first time on February 12 and the second time on February 15. On each visit, I stopped by Etrog Man with the intention of buying a drink with the largest serving. I really prepared for the moment.
To be clear, I researched Mahane Yehuda market by watching lots of exploratory walk videos on YouTube and in a few of those videos, I noticed Etrog Man standing out among the many sellers as it attracted customers wanting something fresh, fruity and delicious.
This is the Etrog Man branch I visited twice in Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem.
The four notable flavors of drinks on display with English descriptions to help customers make their choices.
Going back to February 12, 2023, it was my moment at last to be at Etrog Man’s space in the shuk and I came all the way from my native Philippines. I talked with the store handler (male, with facial hair) looking at the displayed juices with four notable flavors or variants – EtroGat, Coconut Passiofruit, Natural Berry Heaven and The Rambam’s Drink.
For my first-ever Etrog Man purchase, I chose EtroGat. In support for their business, I bought the largest serving of EtroGat at 24 Shekels and gave the store a tip. Then I finally took my first sip and instantly, I liked it! For transparency, the EtroGat’s taste was like citrus-based drinks but with a unique texture in my mouth. EtroGat, after all, was described by the business as Jerusalem’s flavor as it was composed of Etrog (a yellow citron which Israel is very blessed with and has long been part of the culture of the Jewish people especially during the Sukkot holiday), Gat and Grapefruit. This explains its taste.
My first-ever drink with Etrog Man is Etrogat! This large serving cost 24 Shekels. A really good and satisfying drink!
Etrog is a citrus fruit among the Four Species used on Sukkot and the Holy Bible contains a possible reference about it (note: Etrog itself is not mentioned but it is believed to be the mentioned fruit of pleasing/splendid trees) in Leviticus 23:40 which reads as follows in the translations below…
And on the first day you shall take the fruit of pleasing trees [and make booths of them], branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick (leafy) trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.
Leviticus 23:40 (AMPC)
And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days.
Leviticus 23:40 (ESV)
Etrog citrons are an excellent source of Vitamin C and helps in strengthening the immune system, protects the body from free radical damage and also reduces inflammation. There is a lot more to the health benefits with Etrog that I encourage you to research.
Going back to my EtroGat drink, I happily sipped more and enjoyed the taste. Taste aside, I chose EtroGat as it was formulated by Etrog Man to ease my body’s tension (note: me and my pilgrimage tour group companions had been hiking a lot for days around Israel before arriving in Jerusalem) and strengthen my digestive system. That being said, I consumed all of the content of my EtroGat drink feeling happy and got very satisfied. Back then, I knew I had to come back to Etrog Man on my planned 2nd Mahane Yehuda market visit. By the morning of February 13, the accumulated soreness on my feet was almost entirely gone and I felt reinvigorated which I believe were benefits from my EtroGat drink.
Eventually our day-off from tour came on February 15, 2023. In the morning, I hiked first to the old city of Jerusalem to visit the Temple Mount, revisit the Western Wall and went on to a few more sites before taking the long hike to Mahane Yehuda market via Jaffa Street. I even managed to stop by Tmol Shilsom where I enjoyed their special beverage – the Halva Drink. As the weather suddenly turned cold in Jerusalem as I finally returned to Mahane Yehuda, the first thing I did there was enjoying a much-needed hot meal at Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda.
After my Shakshuka lunch, I walked around the market which was a bit more challenging as there were ever more people around. Eventually, I returned to Etrog Man and told the lady in-charge that I wanted their largest serving of the Rambam’s Drink.
The enjoyable Rambam’s Drink!
After paying 24 Shekels and giving a tip, I started drinking it and I experienced this mild sweetness in my mouth. Rambam’s Drink also had this really unique texture and flavor which is I find delightful as I kept consuming it. Of all the juices or fruit-based drinks I had in my entire life, this beverage from Etrog Man was really a standout. As it turns out, the Rambam’s Drink was formulated to help the digestive system, boost the immune system and stabilize blood pressure. By the time I drank all of the Rambam’s Drink content, I was happily satisfied and felt really good.
I should also mention that Etrog Man also offers smoothies which are beverages sourced from fresh fruits that were expertly mixed and blended together to create a rich liquid for consumption. They also offer Super Bowls for those who want to eat something fresh and fruity with ingredients mixed in.
Look at all those fruits, vegetables and other fresh ingredients displayed!
More than just refreshments – special focus on consumers’ wellness
In addition to the very delicious and healthy beverages and desserts, Etrog Man also sells other products online such as medicinal drinks and varied products of nature – Concoctions from Nature – as well. More on health, Etrog Man offers customers a Detox Program complete with specially formulated products that can be used. Going back to their store in the Mahane Yehuda market, I spotted an enclosed container with fresh fruits and some vegetables displayed. Next time I revisit Etrog Man, I will go for one of their smoothies.
Who is Etrog Man?
The late Etrog Man founder Uzi-Eli. (photograph used with permission from Etrog Man).
Based on the translated information sourced from the official website, the business was founded by the late Uzi-Eli (note: He passed away on June 2022). He was described as a medicine man and was the third generation of a family that deals in healing drinks, pharmacies and herbs. His family practiced Torah-based spiritual medicine. For decades, Uzi-Eli was reputed as a bringer of good news, remedies and recipes based on the teachings of Rambam (a Sephardic Jewish philosopher who was also a prolific Torah scholar) and ancient Yemeni medicine. Etrog Man clearly refers to Uzi-Eli and this is displayed in the business joint’s official artwork of a smiling bearded man carrying fruits.
Early in his life, Uzi-Eli realized that his vocation was in distilling the beneficial properties of medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables and spices – and distributing them to the masses. It was his intention to offer the best of nature and serve it with a lot of love. You can see more about Uzi-Eli in the YouTube video below.
Uzi-Eli was very knowledgeable about the many aspects of health which is reflected not only on the refreshing drinks of Etrog Man but also on their cosmetic products. He was a visionary and his expertise on wellness and nutrition is reflected through his business.
Conclusion
I can say that Etrog Man left a big and positive effect on me not only as a consumer but also as a person of faith who came to Israel to seek God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and to bless the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3) while on pilgrimage. That being said, I would love to see Etrog Man prosper not only by selling more to customers the refreshing products they are already known for but also to help more people over their specific health-related needs. The legacy of the late founder of the business remains strong and will be felt in the years to come. As such, I would not hesitate to return to Etrog Man at Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem the next time I visit Israel in the future. To those of you who are about to visit Jerusalem and the popular market place, I highly recommend you visit Etrog Man and try out their refreshing products and special items.
When it comes to receiving blessings from the Lord while you are in Israel, always remember that He clearly designated the land for the Jewish people. God will bless those who bless the Jewish people. That being said, always praise, honor and give thanks to the Almighty Lord. Follow the lead of the Holy Spirit so you can receive God’s plan for you with Jesus as your Lord and Savior. May the holy scriptures below enlighten you and empower your faith in the Lord.
Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (TPT)
The Lord has been mindful of us, He will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, He will bless the house of Aaron [the priesthood],
Psalm 115:12 (AMPC)
And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel. And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.”
Genesis 35:10-12 (ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV)
For God is one, and there is one Mediator between God and the sons of men—the true man, Jesus, the Anointed One.
1 Timothy 2:5 (TPT)
Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel articles here. There is more to come!
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. Additional information from the official social media account of the subject business is also used. Take note that this is not a sponsored article at all. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
During the free day I had on February 15, 2023 – the day-off from the Israel pilgrimage tour I was part of – I used the additional time to not only go to key sites in the old city of Jerusalem (the Temple Mount, revisiting the Western Wall, revisiting the Jewish Quarter, King David’s Tomb, revisiting the Upper Room plus Oskar Schindler’s grave in a cemetery outside the city wall) but also explore what Jerusalem has to offer in terms of food and beverages.
The popular Mahane Yehuda market was my destination of choice to have lunch at and explore other joints within. This was actually my return to Mahane Yehuda as I had my first visit to the place a few days prior. On my way to the market marching along Jaffa Street all the way from the old city, I managed to find time to have a much-needed break at Tmol Shilshom. It was an elegant place that was worth the challenge finding.
After the short-but-sweet stay at Tmol Shilshom, I proceeded to Mahane Yehuda but I noticed something…the weather suddenly got colder as a light rain took place. This is Israel winter season I am talking about here and a little rain is enough to make the air colder.
Eventually, I returned to Mahane Yehuda market. The difference compared to my first visit is that the air was colder and the pavement was slightly wet due to the weather. As I was desiring to have Shakshuka for lunch, I went into the roofed part of the market and eventually made my way to the one food joint that specialized with what I wanted to eat – Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda.
The view from my seat at Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda. This was taken while waiting for my lunch special.
For the newcomers reading this, Shakshuka (also spelled as Shakshouka) is a dish composed of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, oliver oil, pepper, onion and garlic topped with green vegetables and some spices.
Going back to my arrival at Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda, I was fortunate enough to find a vacant seat (located near the small restroom). The pretty lady behind the counter handed me their menu in English which I carefully viewed. For my meal, I eagerly ordered their lunch special composed of Shakshuka with bread, pickles, colored tahini and a soft drink. The type of Shakshuka I specifically chose was the Classic/Fire (48 Shekels).
The pretty lady behind the counter proceeded with my Classic/Fire Shakshuka order. She prepared the ingredients for the Shakshuka and had it cooked within her workspace. The bread, meanwhile, was cooked in a toaster oven.
This is my Classic/Fire Shakshuka lunch special served to me hot and with a nice aroma.
When my meal was served really hot, there was this nice aroma that greeted me. There was also this instant relief from the cold air. While I was already hungry considering how far I walked from the hotel to the sites in the old city, to Tmol Shilshom and the Mahane Yehuda market, I paused for a while to admire the my Classic/Fire Shakshuka meal. It was, after all, my first-ever Shakshuka meal and the end of our Israel pilgrimage tour was near.
A close look at my Shakshuka. The sauce is rich and you can see parts of the two eggs within.
Finally, I decided to take my first bite of the Classic/Fire by eating like a local. I cut off a piece of the hot bread and moved it through the Shakshuka to catch a portion of it, and then ate it. Instantly, I really enjoyed the unique taste of the Shakshuka and this includes the freshness of the tomatoes and ingredients cooked together. Consuming it with a piece of bread (note: which I learned from consuming bread with Humus) along with the green vegetables added this nice texture into what I consumed. Then I went on to cut off another piece of hot bread, moved it through the Shakshuka (note: I got more of the egg this time) and ate. It was a really joyful eating experience.
With a piece of bread, I managed to get a portion of the Shakshuka and consumed it.
After running out of bread, I started using the provided spoon to slowly consume the Shakshuka. The heat was really nice and I really felt it inside me after consuming portions. I ended up being fully satisfied and really happy to have my lunch there at Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda. I paid my bill and, in support of the business, I gave a tip.
Conclusion
I really had a great lunch at Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda inside the popular Mahane Yehuda market. Their lunch special was very delicious, nicely cooked and fulfilled what was promised. The Classic/Fire variant of their lunch special is just one of several types of Shakshuka offered. Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda also offers Eggplant Shakshuka, Spinach Shakshuka, Yellow Pepper Shakshuka, Alfredo Shakshuka, Eggplant Parmesan Shakshuka, Cream-Spinach and Feta Shakshuka, and even Pizza Shakshuka. The food joint has so much to offer customers looking for not only freshly cooked Shakshuka but also sandwiches, French Fries, Israeli Salad and coffee.
The next time I visit Jerusalem and the Mahane Yehuda market, I would not hesitate to come back to Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda and try their other Shakshuka variants. I am deeply thankful to our Lord for the great Shaksuka lunch I had. Never forget to thank the Lord and glorify Him in return for the good food and drinks you enjoy. In fact, always thank and glorify the Lord for the blessings you receive from Him and for His plans for you. Also, learn to stand united with Israel and love and bless the Jewish people. Learn from the holy scriptures below…
So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (AMPC)
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
Psalm 9:1 (NLT)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Again God said to him, Your name is Jacob [supplanter]; you shall not be called Jacob any longer, but Israel shall be your name. So He called him Israel [contender with God].
And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock;
The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and to your descendants after you I will give the land.
Genesis 35:10-12 (AMPC)
God told Abram: “Leave your country, your family, and your father’s home for a land that I will show you.
I’ll make you a great nation and bless you. I’ll make you famous; you’ll be a blessing. I’ll bless those who bless you; those who curse you I’ll curse. All the families of the Earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:1-3 (MSG)
Looking for Shakshuka, sandwiches and other nice food within Mahane Yehuda market? I highly recommend visiting Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda.
If ever you will be visiting Israel and you will be spending time in Jerusalem, then I highly recommend visiting Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda for meals as part of your visit in the Mahane Yehuda market.
Author Carlo Carrasco 