Tea is that one drink we can’t start our day without. It gives us the perfect energy boost, whether it’s to wake up on a lazy morning or to shake off the tiredness after a long office day. During these chilly days, some of us even enjoy tea multiple times a day. Everyone has their own way of making it. Some like it strong with ginger or whole spices, others swear by herbal, green, or lemon tea. But if you’re in India, especially during the winter, jaggery tea is a popular go-to! Jaggery is a great choice for a sweetener in winter as it’s considered healthy and packed with benefits.
Also Read: Tips To Store Jaggery And Easy Ways To Add It To Your Winter Diet
Health Benefits Of Jaggery Tea
If you’re looking for ways to add jaggery to your winter diet, jaggery tea is a great option. Not only does it have a warming effect, but it also helps relieve cold and cough. Packed with minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, jaggery also boosts your immune system and improves digestion. It’s no surprise that people swear by it in winter! However, making perfect jaggery tea can be tricky for some. Ever tried it and noticed your tea curdling? No worries! There are a few tips that’ll make sure your jaggery tea turns out just right, every time. Keep reading!
Tips To Make Jaggery Tea
1. Get The Right Measurements
Before you start, think about how many cups of tea you need to make. For the perfect cup of tea, the measurements are simple: one cup of water to one cup of milk.
2. Follow The Right Cooking Process
Start by adding one cup of water to a pan, then throw in 1 small cardamom, some crushed ginger (to your taste), and a few basil leaves. Once it starts to boil, add the tea leaves and let it cook for a bit. Now, add jaggery to taste and let it dissolve fully.
3. Always Use Hot Milk
Heat the milk separately in another pan. Once it’s hot, add it to the tea mixture. The key here is to always use hot or boiled milk when making jaggery tea. This prevents your tea from curdling.
4. Never Use Cold Milk
The most common reason for jaggery tea curdling is mixing in cold milk. Cold milk and jaggery don’t mix well, so always use milk that’s already hot or boiled.
5. Don’t Over-Boil It
Once you add the milk to the tea, don’t let it boil for too long. Turn off the gas as soon as it starts to boil lightly. Also, never add jaggery and milk at the same time; doing this can cause the tea to curdle too.
Now that you know how to make the perfect jaggery tea, go ahead and enjoy a warm cup of it this winter. It’s the perfect way to stay cosy!
Bandra Born started as a 12-week pop-up in October 2023, envisioned as a temporary resident of the space once occupied by the popular Salt Water Cafe. Right from its early days, it was clear that it was going to leave an indelible imprint on Mumbai’s food scene. Chef partner Gresham Fernandes’ creative ode to his roots in this buzzing locale found resonance with many people. It eventually established itself not only as a full-scale restaurant but one of the most acclaimed new openings in a neighbourhood that sees far too many ventures come and go.
Photo Credit: Pankaj Anand
We revisited Bandra Born a year after its opening, when it unveiled a revamped menu and a few changes in decor. It has also launched India’s (and the world’s) first dedicated Mahua bar on its premises. This indigenous spirit is made from the Mahura flower which is native to India. Bandra Born is now offering the chance to not only taste a luxury heritage spirit but also appreciate its versatility in the form of cocktails. Ravi Shetty, the Head Bartender, has curated 10 drinks that feature Six Brothers Small Batch Mahura in creative ways. Chef Gresham explains, “We wanted to create a doorway through which guests could discover the possibilities of what Mahua can be. We found that the spirit goes well with sweet and sour flavours. So the first drink that Ravi made was a Nimbu Paani with Mahua.” This early invention, christened Kadak Nimbu Sharbat, features on the final menu.
Classic cocktails have also been reimagined with Mahua instead of their usual spirits, with options such as the Mahua Mule and Mahua Colada. But what made Chef Gresham choose the spirit in the first place? He reveals that his other partner behind Bandra Born – restaurateur Riyaaz Amlani – has long wished to spotlight native liquor in India. He adds, “I think our Mahua programme also ties in with the rebellious spirit associated with Bandra Born. There are no rules about our cooking here, we don’t confine ourselves in any way – and I feel that is also reflected in the Mahua menu.”
Photo Credit: Bandra Born
There are some fascinating new additions to Bandra Born’s regular cocktail menu too, ranging from festive to fruity. Highlights include the Goan-inspired Dot’s Dodol (bourbon, ghee, coconut, and raisins), It’s Always XXXmas In Bandra (blended scotch, red apple, and cinnamon honey) and Zig Zag Nights (vodka, pineapple and cherry liqueur). As for the food, one can now expect a mix of fan favourites and fun new additions. Chef Gresham explains, “We changed the format of the menu – we have more small tasting plates instead of mains and other dishes. There are almost equal amounts of veg and non-veg options.”
Photo Credit: Bandra Born
We feasted on a series of delicacies, including the refreshing Watermelon Ceviche, the wholesome Anglo-Indian Coorgi Pork, and the smoky Chargrilled Squid. We were especially fascinated with the craftiness of the Duck Stroopwafel. We bit into wafer-thin waffles (made with a cookie batter) encasing smoked duck, plum and mustard ganache and arugula. It was a magical combination of sweet and peppery. Another twist not to be missed is the Mutton Panroll – an elevated version of a staple Bandra-style snack. The delicately crisp pockets held a stuffing of aromatic black mutton cooked with agri masala. The flavours were further enhanced with a roasted beet hot sauce. We couldn’t stop ourselves from taking seconds!
Photo Credit: Bandra Born
While trying the new additions, we didn’t miss the chance to relish some of the dishes retained from the old menu: the beautifully tender Beet’s Meet, the heavenly East Indian Crab Curry Dip (served with a Croissant pav we could eat by the ladi), and the hallowed Venus Jam Cake with Mixed Berry Sorbet. But Chef Gresham had one last parting shot and we were fittingly left to marvel at his ingenuity. The Complex Kela is a new dessert that is composed of multiple elements made with bananas in different forms. Our bowl contained small bits of chewy pre-dried bananas and silken house banana ice cream. It was topped with a syrup slightly reminiscent of salted caramel, but that’s actually made of banana skins from the kitchen!
Photo Credit: Bandra Born
The decor and layout at Bandra Born have undergone a slight makeover. On the ground floor, there are now two key spaces: a high-top dining area and a sunken lounge, with an open-layout bar in between. The lounge is markedly different from its previous avatar and the seating is much more comfortable. Each aspect contributes to the ambience in a distinctive way and it has been accordingly curated. Chef Gresham says, “The playlists and the lights change according to the first and second seating. There are three different energy levels in this space.” Upstairs, you can find a 22-seater bar area with a more quirky vibe. There’s also a rooftop terrace nearby, facing a busy street but made cosy with string lights. The signature street culture-inspired touches to the decor remain playful.
Photo Credit: Pankaj Anand
By anchoring itself in a mix of personal and local, Bandra Born manages to offer a unique blueprint for various aspects of the city’s cultural fabric. This has been one of its hallmarks since the beginning. But even if you aren’t interested in the stories, there’s plenty to soak in and enjoy: lip-smacking food, innovative drinks and an electrifying ambience.
How do we introduce the phenomenon that is Izumi? It is well-known as one of Bandra’s buzziest hotspots, one of Mumbai’s most sought-after reservations and one of India’s leading Japanese restaurants. But is the attractive halo created by such descriptions just smoke and mirrors? We are happy to report it’s more of a light that exudes warmth through simply delicious food. We had the chance to dine at Izumi Bandra on its reopening night following a three-month hiatus. It was our first visit to this famous spot and we got to try the revamped menu.
Photo Credit: Izumi
After the restaurant closed its doors, Chef Nooresha Kably travelled along with a team of 12 enthusiasts to three cities in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo. The new dishes are inspired by their discoveries during the trip. Izumi’s menu as a whole does not try to tell a story – but some of the individual dishes are narratives in themselves. Chef Nooresha recalls, “After our train journey with views of the Sea of Japan to Otaru, we visited Sankaku Market, where we sampled some of the freshest seafood that Japan has to offer, like king crab, uni (sea urchin), scallops, and the sweetest shrimp. In Otaru, we were introduced to Kaisen-Don by a local fisherman. Those beautiful seaside flavours stayed with us, and we couldn’t wait to bring them back to India.”
Photo Credit: Izumi
We started our meal with Ohitashi Tomato and Crispy Tofu Salad, a vibrant combination that also included lotus root, cucumber and white onion. Drizzled with a light yuzu dressing, it set the stage for the more indulgent treats to come. We also liked the refreshing Avocado Tartare enhanced with habanero oil. The smoothness of corn cream, the crispiness of the sweet potato strands and the bite of the tartare came together quite well. From the hot non-veg small plates section, we tasted the Kushi Katsu ( a deep-fried cutlet-like dish on a skewer). We chose the Cinnamon Pork Korokke with balsamic and honey reduction, which had scrumptious layers of sweetness, heat and (a hint of) spice. This was followed by Izumi’s classic Pork Gyoza and we fought amongst ourselves for the last bite of it! The meat with almond chilli oil was encased in perfectly soft wrappers like little pockets of heaven.
Photo Credit: Izumi
Izumi’s drinks menu has 18 new cocktails, many of which are inspired by Chef Nooresha’s last trip where she visited different bars across Japan. Highlights include The Zen & Zest (rum/gin, yuzu, honey, ginger, fresh basil), Uji Twilight (Sencha-infused Japanese whisky, peanut butter bourbon, Amaretto, sweet vermouth, Amaro) and Tokyo Bloom (sake, gin, cherry blossom, kaffir lime). A special mention also for the mocktails here – we thoroughly relished Yuzual Suspect (a bubbly concoction with yuzu puree and kaffir lime) and Sinner Man (orange juice spiked with cinnamon syrup).
Photo Credit: Izumi
Izumi’s sushi selections have remained the same, except for the addition of the Open Rolls. Chef explains that these rolls are designed to be individually consumed: “If you must, you may bite into one end of the open roll and share it with someone.” The fillings were stacked inside a semi-folded sheet of crisp seaweed with a layer of rice at the bottom and reminded us of tacos in a way. We highly recommend both the veg Shimeji with Crispy Almond (with lettuce, carrot and ginger cream) and the non-veg Shime Saba (marinated mackerel and miso cream). We enjoyed the subtly sharp taste of the pickled fish – derived from the vinegar it’s marinated in. There are also cool new options for the Robata grill. While meat may seem like an obvious choice, don’t overlook the vegetarian possibilities. Case in point: the gloriously juicy and smoky Dashi Red Bell Pepper with Maple Butter.
Photo Credit: Izumi
Izumi’s ramen boasts legions of passionate followers, so we were not exactly surprised by how good it was. However, we managed to discover new dimensions of appreciation as we tasted the Tokyo Chicken Chintan Ramen. The wholesomely light broth with flavours of shoyu and thyme, the slurp-worthy noodles and the double bite delight of chicken charsu and chicken liver pate dumplings… it was a one-bowl-meal that felt inexplicably healing.
Photo Credit: Izumi
We ended our evening with two of the new desserts: the fuss-free Monaka (wafer biscuit with coffee ice cream) and the indulgent Orange & Berry Parfait. The latter reminded us of Gadbad ice cream (a loaded dessert popularly found in some parts of Goa and Karnataka). It was a fun mix of orange blossom ice cream, berry compote, raspberry jelly, ice cream, fresh fruits and crumble. Despite the number of components, the level of sweetness was controlled very well and we loved the burst of freshness that accompanied each bite.
Photo Credit: Izumi
It would be safe to simply declare that “Izumi Bandra lives up to the hype.” But our experience was about so much more. It introduced us to new favourites and satisfied cravings we were not even aware of. Now that’s what makes a meal truly memorable!
A line in everyone’s favourite baseball movie, Field of Dreams, goes something like, “Build it, and they will come.”
While Kevin Costner might have been referring to the idea of a baseball diamond in his cornfield and the ghosts of some of the game’s greatest players, it’s not too much of a stretch to apply the same thinking to the Barton Highway duplication and what it means for towns between Canberra and Yass.
Back in 2017, the federal and NSW governments committed $200 million towards the upgrade of the highway – $150 million from the federal purse and the remainder from the NSW government.
The project was split into five stages; stage one, a seven-kilometre stretch from the ACT border to south of Kavenys Road, was completed in early 2024.
Eventually, the project will see the highway duplication bypass Murrumbateman, with a dual carriageway all the way out to the intersection with the Hume Highway.
For years, the two-lane highway has faced increased traffic, safety concerns and the rising demand for the daily commute as more people move to the region.
It’s estimated that nearly 13,000 vehicles use the 52-kilometre road daily.
The five-stage Barton Highway upgrade is anticipated to help economic growth in the region between Canberra, Yass and surrounds. Photo: Bidgee
With population growth in the area, it’s expected that by 2037, that number will rise to 21,000 a day.
George Southwell and his team at Ray White Rural Canberra and Yass have analysed what the duplication means to the region in a white paper that outlines not only its impact on property prices but also on economic growth for the whole area.
“Key industries, including agriculture, construction and tourism, are expected to experience increased efficiency and growth due to improved road conditions and reduced travel times,” Southwell says.
“The upgraded highway will attract more visitors to the region, boosting local tourism. The appeal of shorter travel times and safer journeys is expected to draw more city-dwellers for weekend getaways, which will benefit local businesses.”
Southwell predicts that property markets in Murrumbateman, Yass and surrounding areas are poised for growth as connectivity improves.
“Bypassing heavy traffic will make these towns more attractive for new residents commuting to the capital, driving demand for housing and leading to a rise in property values,” he says.
Between 2019 and 2024, the median house price in the Yass Valley jumped by close to $300,000, from $579,000 to $867,500. That presents an increase of 49.8 per cent in the past five years.
“We’ve got this area, no more than 45 minutes from the centre of our democracy, where we can purchase homes on large blocks in Yass, say, for less than a million dollars and acreage in places like Murrumbateman and Sutton for less than $1.5 million,” Southwell explains.
He says it’s the ideal region for those looking for that lifestyle change.
In the white paper, he refers to statistics from the Regional Australia Institute that show about one in five city dwellers think about leaving the metropolitan area in favour of regional living. This suggests that population growth in regional areas will continue in the long term.
Sam and Lauren McGregor of Windrose Property live in the region with their young family on four hectares on the Canberra side of Yass.
Sam and Lauren McGregor of Windrose Property moved seeking a rural lifestyle more than 10 years ago. Photo: Supplied.
“We moved out here about 11 years ago, we just wanted that rural lifestyle, room for a horse,” Sam McGregor says.
“We didn’t have kids then, but we knew it would be a good place to raise them. Enjoy country life but with access to Canberra when we need it.
“I’m seeing that same kind of thinking in people who want to live out here now, people who want a few acres, not so many neighbours, and that feel of a slower pace when you get home.”
It’s not only people after acreages who are looking in the area. Large residential blocks are being released in places such as Murrumbateman, which is opening the region to young families, for example, who might be priced out of the country market.
“I get a lot of people say to me, ‘Sam, we’re early in our search, we’re looking for a couple of acres out of town, we’re looking at Carwoola, Burra, Sutton and Murrumbateman, but why should we take Murrumbateman seriously?’” he says.
“But think about it. If $200 million has been invested by the government to duplicate the road, then they’re going to want to see significant investment in housing, amenities, schools, shops … all that will come. The new Murrumbateman Primary School is just the beginning!
Windrose Property’s Sam McGregor says more people are seeking a slower paced country lifestyle with fewer neighbours. Photo: Supplied.
“It’s rare to be able to say a suburb is getting close to a capital city but that’s what’s happening out here.”
Although, it’s not too close.
There’s nothing that McGregor loves more than the drive home after work.
With the initial duplication now finished, he’s in the door from the city in about 20 minutes.
“Now that drive is a necessary part of my day,” he says. “I can detach from work, decompress, and be focused and ready for the family when I get home.”
TikTok’s future in the U.S. appeared uncertain on Friday after a federal appeals court rejected a legal challenge to a law that requires the social media platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company or be banned by mid-January.
A panel of three judges on The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled unanimously that the law withstood constitutional scrutiny, rebuffing arguments from the two companies that the statute violated their rights and the rights of TikTok users in the U.S.
The government has said it wants ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its stakes. But if it doesn’t and the platform goes away, it would have a seismic impact on the lives of content creators who rely on the platform for income as well as users who use it for entertainment and connection.
Here are some details on the ruling and what could happen next:
In their lawsuit, TikTok and ByteDance, which is also a plaintiff in the case, had challenged the law on various fronts, arguing in part that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and was an unconstitutional bill of attainder that unfairly targeted the two companies.
But the court sided with attorneys for the Justice Department who said that the government was attempting to address national security concerns and the way in which it chose to do so did not violate the constitution.
The Justice Department has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say that Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok’s U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread, or suppress, information. However, the U.S. hasn’t publicly provided examples of that happening.
The appeals court ruling, written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg, said the law was “carefully crafted to deal only with control by a foreign adversary.” The judges also rejected the claim that the statute was an unlawful bill of attainder or a taking of property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. Furthermore, Ginsburg wrote the law did not violate the First Amendment because the government is not looking to “suppress content or require a certain mix of content” on TikTok.
TikTok and ByteDance are expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court, but it’s unclear whether the court will take up the case.
TikTok indicated in a statement on Friday the two companies are preparing to take their case to high court, saying the Supreme Court has “an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech.”
“We expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue,” a company spokesperson said.
Alan Morrison, a professor at The George Washington University Law School, said he expects the Supreme Court to take up the case because of the novelty of the issues raised in the lawsuit. If that happens, attorneys for the two companies still have to convince the court to grant them an emergency stay that will prevent the government from enforcing the Jan. 19 divestiture deadline stipulated in the law, Morrison said.
Such a move could drag out the process until the Justices make a ruling.
Tiffany Cianci, a TikTok content creator who has supported the platform, said she was not shocked about the outcome of the court’s ruling on Friday because lower courts typically defer to the executive branch on these types of cases. She believes the company will have a stronger case at the Supreme Court.
“I believe that the next stages are more likely to produce a victory for TikTokers and for TikTok as a whole,” Cianci said.
Another wild card is President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the recent presidential campaign that he is now against such action.
The Trump transition team has not offered details on how Trump plans to carry out his pledge to “save TikTok.” But spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement last month that he plans to “deliver” on his campaign promises.
After Trump takes office on Jan. 20th, it would fall on his Justice Department to enforce the law and punish any potential violators. Penalties would apply to any app stores that would violate a prohibition on TikTok and to internet hosting services which would be barred from supporting it.
Some have speculated that Trump could ask his Justice Department to abstain from enforcing the law. But tech companies like Apple and Google, which offer TikTok’s app on their app stores, would then have to trust that the administration would not come after them for any violations.
Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said enforcement discretion — or executive orders — can not override existing law, leaving Trump with “limited room for unilateral action.”
There are other things Trump could potentially do. It’s possible he could invoke provisions of the law that allow the president to determine whether a sale or a similar transaction frees TikTok from “foreign adversary” control. Another option is to urge Congress to repeal the law. But that too would require support from congressional Republicans who have overwhelmingly supported the prospect of getting TikTok out of the hands of a Chinese company.
In a statement issued Friday, Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said he was “optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok” and allow its continued use in the United States.
ByteDance has said it won’t sell TikTok. And even if it wanted to, a sale of the proprietary algorithm that powers TikTok is likely to get blocked under Chinese export controls that the country issued in 2020.
That means if TikTok is sold without the algorithm, its likely that the buyer would only purchase a shell of the platform that doesn’t contain the technology that made the app a cultural powerhouse.
This week, a spokesperson for McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital. The spokesperson did not disclose the identity of the participants.
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has recently opened a new restaurant on its premises: BarQat. The al-fresco space is nestled on the 10th-storey terrace of the hotel, a little distance away from the pool. It offers a limited but specialised menu of Awadhi and North Indian delicacies. We recently had the chance to dine at BarQat and sample some of its signature dishes. When we visited on a winter night, the ambience felt inviting: comfortable seating and spaced-out tables bathed in the warm glow of fairy lights and lamps.
Photo Credit: BarQat
The restaurant is helmed by Chef Prakash Chettiyar, Director of Culinary, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. The single-page food menu spotlights familiar and niche specialities from various North Indian locales. Among the appetisers, we feasted on the Lucknowi Seekh, the Doodhiya Paneer Tikka and the Peeli Mirch ka Zaffrani Aloo. Each of the starters stood out to us for different reasons. The lamb kebabs were beautifully packed with spice. They arrived smoking hot on a mini grill eventually placed on the table.
Photo Credit: BarQat
The paneer was unlike any tikka we had tasted before: it was presented in the form of something akin to a circular sandwich tart. Don’t let the description daunt you, because it’s delicious! The layers between the paneer pieces were a flavourful mixture of potatoes, dry fruits and a red chilli marinade. The Zaffrani Aloo were potatoes stuffed with khoya, veggies and cheese. Flavoured with yellow chillies and saffron, they were aromatic and delicately sweet. They also provided an interesting contrast to the fiery seekh.
Photo Credit: BarQat
The mains are a great cross-section of popular and under-represented North Indian delights. Craving timeless treats? There are classic options like Gosht Nihari and Awadhi Biryani. Want to taste something different from the usual fare? You have the chance to try dishes like Methi Ki Tehri and Purvanchal Ka Saag. We highly recommend the Chooza Makhani, which is similar to the beloved Butter Chicken. One of the highlights of our meal was scooping this rich tomato-based gravy with Khameeri Roti and Pudina Paratha fresh from the tandoor. If you’re in the mood for a dal, relish the BarQat Dal: a luscious preparation of black lentils cooked in cream. The garlic in the tadka packs a good punch – but we were not complaining – it matched our preferences perfectly.
Photo Credit: NDTV Food
BarQat’s drinks menu features a limited selection of wines, spirits, cocktails and mocktails. You can opt for classic cocktails or go with JW Signatures (bestsellers from each of the restaurants in the hotel: JW Cafe, Autm, Romano’s and BarQat). We tasted the mocktails and especially enjoyed the Pomrose Soda (a fizzy concoction with pomegranate flavour) and the Bombay Colada (BarQat’s take on a virgin Pina Colada, enhanced with some desi spices).
Photo Credit: NDTV Food
There are only three options for desserts and we managed to taste two of them. The BarQat Kulfi is a dependable choice: the chilly, creamy treat was topped with bits of chikki, almonds, pistachios and rose. While it was yummy, we liked the Warm Doodha Barfi more. It was paired with a salted pistachio ice cream that elevated the flavours of the barfi in a unique way. This one’s a must-try.
The word “BarQat” has several meanings and is often associated with terms like prosperity and blessings. In the case of this restaurant, we experienced an abundance of flavours we won’t forget anytime soon.
Where: 10th-floor poolside terrace, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, near Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, IA Project Road, Navpada, Vile Parle East, Mumbai. Timings: Tuesday-Sunday: 6:30 pm to 11 pm | Saturday-Sunday: 1 pm to 4 pm
SM Aura and SM Podium are setting new standards for food and lifestyle, offering a harmonious blend of world-class dining and premium shopping experiences. Explore first-in-SM culinary concepts that delight the palate, alongside a curated selection of lifestyle stores showcasing the latest in fashion, home essentials, and wellness. These premier destinations invite you to experience extraordinary flavors while elevating your style and living spaces, creating a seamless fusion of taste and trend under one roof.
New flavors to savor at SM Aura
Experience Manila’s first Kyoto-style sukiyaki bar at Inari Sukiyaki! Inspired by a memorable sukiyaki experience in rural Japan, Inari offers a unique Kansai-style sukiyaki where marinated beef is caramelized to perfection, creating an intense, flavorful dish. Served donburi-style with premium beef on rice, miso soup, and a soft-boiled egg, it’s a hearty and authentic taste of Japan.
Burger & Lobster, the renowned London-based brand, is excited to announce the grand opening of its first Manila branch at SM Aura! Known for its gourmet burgers and premium lobsters, Burger & Lobster is bringing its celebrated menu to food lovers in the Philippines. The Manila branch will offer guests a taste of their iconic Original Burger, Lobster Roll, and Whole Lobster in a vibrant, contemporary setting.
For food lovers seeking something new and exciting, Kodawari is a dining destination that should not be missed. What began as a go-to comfort food during the pandemic has now expanded to more locations, including SM Aura. Kodawari offers a fresh take on traditional Japanese-inspired dishes, with its signature gyudon at the heart of the menu. It’s a must-try spot for anyone looking to explore bold, delicious flavors.
Discover more for your lifestyle at SM Aura
Treat your fur babies to a luxurious pamper day at Furs Class, the first pet grooming, salon, and spa of its kind in the Philippines where pets embark on a first-class grooming experience. From high-quality cuts and refreshing baths to soothing spa treatments, every detail is designed to ensure a luxurious getaway for your pet, making them feel like royalty with every visit.
Discover exclusive collections and statement pieces that redefine style and creativity at Commonwealth. Whether you’re a lover of streetwear, contemporary art, or underground music, Commonwealth offers a space where culture thrives and individuality shines.
Next in premium dining at SM Podium
Venchi Italian Chocolate brings the joy of Italian Allegria to the world with 145 years of chocolate-making expertise. Known for its 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavors, Venchi is a global favorite, with boutiques in cities like London, Dubai, and Tokyo. Now, this internationally loved brand is coming to SM Podium!
Coming soon to SM Podium, Lusso redefines comfort food with its decadent creations, such as the signature Foie Gras Burger and Truffle Pasta. Its chic yet welcoming ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations, combining elegance with heartwarming flavors.
Elevating style and living spaces at SM Podium
Casa Euro, a luxury home brand collective that brings together the finest names in design and craftsmanship, opens its first flagship store at SM Podium. Casa Euro offers an exclusive selection of premium furniture, décor, and home accessories that redefine sophistication. Each piece is carefully curated, showcasing timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship, making it the ultimate choice for those who seek to elevate their living spaces with elegance and style.
Discover modern, minimalist fashion at Mosaic in SM Podium. Mosaic offers versatile pieces that combine functionality with understated elegance. Stop by and elevate your look with their curated collection, designed for those who appreciate simple, yet impactful fashion.
Known for their cutting-edge sportswear and footwear, Asics offers a range of high-quality, innovative products designed to elevate your athletic performance while keeping you comfortable and stylish. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of function and fashion at SM Podium, opening in Q1 2025.
For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.
There’s #MoreForYouatSM
SM Aura and SM Podium are evolving to bring even more to their visitors. From first-in-SM dining experiences to diverse, world-class brands and unique flavors, these lifestyle hubs are dedicated to offering world class experiences to everyone. With a strong commitment to sustainability, community involvement, and innovation, each visit promises to be more meaningful. There’s always more waiting for you at SM.
SM Aura and SM Podium are setting new standards for food and lifestyle, offering a harmonious blend of world-class dining and premium shopping experiences. Explore first-in-SM culinary concepts that delight the palate, alongside a curated selection of lifestyle stores showcasing the latest in fashion, home essentials, and wellness. These premier destinations invite you to experience extraordinary flavors while elevating your style and living spaces, creating a seamless fusion of taste and trend under one roof.
New flavors to savor at SM Aura
Experience Manila’s first Kyoto-style sukiyaki bar at Inari Sukiyaki! Inspired by a memorable sukiyaki experience in rural Japan, Inari offers a unique Kansai-style sukiyaki where marinated beef is caramelized to perfection, creating an intense, flavorful dish. Served donburi-style with premium beef on rice, miso soup, and a soft-boiled egg, it’s a hearty and authentic taste of Japan.
Burger & Lobster, the renowned London-based brand, is excited to announce the grand opening of its first Manila branch at SM Aura! Known for its gourmet burgers and premium lobsters, Burger & Lobster is bringing its celebrated menu to food lovers in the Philippines. The Manila branch will offer guests a taste of their iconic Original Burger, Lobster Roll, and Whole Lobster in a vibrant, contemporary setting.
For food lovers seeking something new and exciting, Kodawari is a dining destination that should not be missed. What began as a go-to comfort food during the pandemic has now expanded to more locations, including SM Aura. Kodawari offers a fresh take on traditional Japanese-inspired dishes, with its signature gyudon at the heart of the menu. It’s a must-try spot for anyone looking to explore bold, delicious flavors.
Discover more for your lifestyle at SM Aura
Treat your fur babies to a luxurious pamper day at Furs Class, the first pet grooming, salon, and spa of its kind in the Philippines where pets embark on a first-class grooming experience. From high-quality cuts and refreshing baths to soothing spa treatments, every detail is designed to ensure a luxurious getaway for your pet, making them feel like royalty with every visit.
Discover exclusive collections and statement pieces that redefine style and creativity at Commonwealth. Whether you’re a lover of streetwear, contemporary art, or underground music, Commonwealth offers a space where culture thrives and individuality shines.
Next in premium dining at SM Podium
Venchi Italian Chocolate brings the joy of Italian Allegria to the world with 145 years of chocolate-making expertise. Known for its 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavors, Venchi is a global favorite, with boutiques in cities like London, Dubai, and Tokyo. Now, this internationally loved brand is coming to SM Podium!
Coming soon to SM Podium, Lusso redefines comfort food with its decadent creations, such as the signature Foie Gras Burger and Truffle Pasta. Its chic yet welcoming ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations, combining elegance with heartwarming flavors.
Elevating style and living spaces at SM Podium
Casa Euro, a luxury home brand collective that brings together the finest names in design and craftsmanship, opens its first flagship store at SM Podium. Casa Euro offers an exclusive selection of premium furniture, décor, and home accessories that redefine sophistication. Each piece is carefully curated, showcasing timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship, making it the ultimate choice for those who seek to elevate their living spaces with elegance and style.
Discover modern, minimalist fashion at Mosaic in SM Podium. Mosaic offers versatile pieces that combine functionality with understated elegance. Stop by and elevate your look with their curated collection, designed for those who appreciate simple, yet impactful fashion.
Known for their cutting-edge sportswear and footwear, Asics offers a range of high-quality, innovative products designed to elevate your athletic performance while keeping you comfortable and stylish. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of function and fashion at SM Podium, opening in Q1 2025.
For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.
There’s #MoreForYouatSM
SM Aura and SM Podium are evolving to bring even more to their visitors. From first-in-SM dining experiences to diverse, world-class brands and unique flavors, these lifestyle hubs are dedicated to offering world class experiences to everyone. With a strong commitment to sustainability, community involvement, and innovation, each visit promises to be more meaningful. There’s always more waiting for you at SM.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 12: Logistx of the United States competes against India of the … [+] Netherlands during the Red Bull BC One World Final at the Hammerstein Ballroom. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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“The biggest takeaway for me from the Olympics was a huge realization of how powerful it is to be unique and to be authentically you in that spotlight, or in that moment, and the impact it can make,” Logan “Logistx” Edra of Team USA reflects on her experience competing in the Women’s Breaking event at Paris 2024 .
While Olympic breaking (‘breakdancing’) has concluded its run and will not be returning as a sport in LA 2028, none of that has stopped breakers from continuing to train and test their skills internationally.
One of the last major breaking competitions of 2024 will be the upcoming Red Bull BC One World Final on December 7, to be held in Rio de Janeiro. Fortunately for USA fans, Logistx will be competing and is a favorite for the B-girl bracket. I had the opportunity to speak with her about her dance journey, including her time at the Olympics and what’s next.
At 21 years old, Logistx is already a veteran of the game. With dance experience starting from the age of 7, she has accumulated a number of accolades such as winning the 2018 Silverback Open and 2021 Red Bull BC One, as well as high placements at a range of WDSF events that paved her way to the 2024 Olympics.
B-girl Logistx’s Olympic Experience
For Logan, the main takeaway from the Olympics was “realizing how powerful it is to be authentic.” Authenticity is a pillar of breaking and hip hop, and her performance at the Olympics was a master class in bringing your own style and personality to the highest level of the craft.
She likens being on that stage to reaching the ultimate stage in a video game, “The biggest stage I’ve ever battled on with the biggest crowd and the biggest stadium…the Olympics felt like the final, the big grand finale battle.” With that much going on around you, it’s not easy to express and execute at the same time. But, Logistx made it look easy with her fresh toprock and well-rounded combinations, earning her a 10th place finish.
Sights On Red Bull BC One
If the Olympics was the biggest stage for Logistx yet, the 2024 Red Bull BC One World Final could have the toughest roster she’s faced to date. She is looking forward to the challenge, though, “I’m just most excited to battle and face the best. In my opinion, like it’s all the best b-girls of this time.”
Some of the young women that Logistx sees as strong contenders for Rio are Nicka (Lithuania), Syssy (France), and India (Netherlands), who all represented their countries in the Paris Olympics, with Nicka taking home the silver.
Unseen Struggles Of A Pro Breaker
But, behind the victories and the glory are the very real challenges of pursuing a less-understood discipline like breaking. “I think when you pursue what you love to do, regardless of what it is, it brings another layer of difficulty, more layers of difficulty that I think are unseen often,” Logan shares, elaborating, “I would say one of the biggest ones is this feeling, almost like a lack of self-acceptance because of not conforming to a normal career route, especially as a Filipino-American. So I’m constantly faced with ideas about who I am, if they don’t know what I do and the caliber that I’m at.”
Having pursued this path for over 10 years, Logan says she always tries to treat others with the same consideration, because we rarely get to know their internal experience. For herself, much childhood trauma and stress came from being pushed to train at a young age, but she made the most of it, “I tried to use it to my advantage because it’s one of those things where I got to learn things that a lot of people don’t get to learn. And the way I learned it may not have been the healthiest, but what I learned is valuable.”
Healing from this type of trauma takes considerable time and effort. Journaling, therapy, life coaching, and dance are some of the ways Logan works through it. She also founded a group for South Florida dancers focused on “building together, training together, feeling safe,” which is now in its fourth season.
Gratitude For The Important Things
In the midst of her busy life as a dancer—training, teaching, performing, and competing—Logistx keeps her mindset grounded. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I asked what she’s thankful for right now, and she answered, “I’m really thankful for the people in my life…I’ve experienced a lot at a young age. A lot of things with just people I love. And I think like, that means a lot to me. It weighs heavy on my heart. So I’m thankful for the health and happiness of the people I love.”
Logan’s story is an inspiring one, and there’s certainly more to come. The breaking community is teeming with inspiring stories and passionate individuals who deserve the spotlight. But for now, we can cheer them on as they step into bright lights to do what they do best.
A few recent and upcoming competitions to check out: Freestyle Session took place November 15-17, Red Bull BC One World Final is December 7, and Fujifilm Instax Undisputed is January 15 next year.
In reflective moments before the surgery, Moynihan, then 38, wondered what he had done wrong.
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“I did almost blame myself. I was like, ‘OK, was my diet bad?’ It wasn’t. ‘Was I stressed at work?’ I wasn’t. ‘Did I not get enough sleep?’ I was getting plenty of sleep. But unfortunately, I could not help but go, ‘Well, there’s a reason this has happened to me, and it is probably because of my own choices’.”
Age remains a significant risk factor for cancer – the average age of diagnosis is 66 – so why are young people, like Moynihan, increasingly being diagnosed?
Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, 47, recently revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. He is the latest in a long line of young celebrities with cancer, including Ben Stiller, diagnosed with prostate cancer at 48; Kylie Minogue, who was 36 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer; Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 at 43 from colon cancer; and Princess Catherine, who was 42 when she was diagnosed earlier this year.
Between 1990 and 2019, the incidence of early onset cancer – diagnosed in people aged 18 to 49 – increased by 79.1 per cent worldwide. High-middle and middle socio-demographic index regions were the worst affected.
A paper published in Nature earlier this year, examining the possible causes, pointed out that many of these early-onset cancers affect the digestive system. The suggestion was that they coincide with the rise of obesity and a diet largely comprised of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
Yet rising rates among fit and healthy adults, like Moynihan, suggest this is not the whole story.
Lifestyle and the lag effect
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Up to 10 per cent of cancers are caused by hereditary genetic changes, but what about the rest?
“Lifestyle has a lot to do with it,” says Flinders University Associate Professor George Barreto, a gastrointestinal, HPB and liver transplant surgeon, academic and researcher. “Not just of the individual, but their parents as well.”
“Patients today who are in their 30s and 40s – their parents would have been at the peak of the drinking and smoking eras, and possibly even did that during pregnancy.”
In an editorial co-authored by Barreto in August, he argued that stressors at two critical periods in an individual’s life – namely, the perinatal and adolescent years – resulted in epigenetic modifications that may partially explain the rise of early-onset cancer.
It built upon a 2021 paper, published in Frontiers Oncology, which hypothesised that exposure of the fetus to stressors, including maternal malnutrition, smoking or alcohol, led to epigenetic changes to help the fetus cope.
“Exposure to the same stressors, early in the life of that individual, facilitates a re-activation of these ‘responses designed to be protective’ but ultimately resulting in a loss of regulation at a metabolic and/or genetic level,” wrote Barreto.
Unknowns in the environment
Adrian Esterman, a professor of biostatistics at the University of South Australia, agrees the most likely explanation for early-onset cancer is lifestyle choices, but he adds it could also be an environmental issue.
Forever chemicals have been found in Australians’ tap water, but the risks remain unclear.Credit: Sam Mooy
Yet, the impacts of environmental factors remain unclear. “If it was going to affect us, then we’d see increasing cancer rates overall, which we’re not doing,” says Esterman. “So why would it only hit younger people?”
There is complexity to the issue, says Dr Nicholas Chartres, senior research fellow at the University of Sydney’s medicine faculty. However, he returns to Barreto’s point about critical exposure windows, such as in utero and childhood.
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“Being exposed to all these contaminants in the critical developmental window makes us more susceptible and likely to develop a non-communicable disease at an earlier life stage,” says Chartres.
“This includes the 350,000-plus chemicals now registered for use; fossil-fuel consumption and petrochemical production that is more than 15 times higher than they were in the 1950s; a food system that is filled with UPFs made from chemicals and wrapped in plastic with chemicals; and an agricultural system that has become dependent on pesticides.”
Megan Varlow, director of cancer control policy at Cancer Council Australia, says they are “not aware of strong evidence” to suggest environmental factors may increase cancer risk.
She cites a 2014 Oxford University Million Women study where 600,000 women aged 50 or over were asked whether they ate organic food and monitored their health for nine years.
“They looked at cancers specifically linked to pesticides, such as breast cancer and soft tissue cancer, and found no evidence that a woman’s overall cancer risk was decreased if she generally ate organic food,” Varlow says. “Foods Standards Australia New Zealand has also advised that the chemical residues on conventionally produced foods are so low that they aren’t considered a health risk.”
What age should you get cancer screening?
Breast screening is recommended for women aged 50-74 and should be repeated every two years. Women aged 40-49 and over 74 are also eligible.
Bowel cancer screening home test kits are sent to people aged 50-74 by the Australian government every two years, and now people aged 45-49 can also request a free screening kit.
Women aged 25-74 are invited to screen every five years at their local healthcare provider under the new Cervical Screening Program.
Is there any good news?
“We have much, much better treatments, and we’re right on the brink of a huge revolution in treatments, and that is immunotherapy,” says Estermen. “I’m not sure that we’ll see cancer instances going down, but we’ll see huge improvements in survival.”
We already are, adds Varlow: “Mortality rates have been decreasing for people in their 30s and 40s.”
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And by improving our lifestyle choices, we both reduce our risk of getting cancer and, if we do get it, improve our likelihood of a good outcome.
“We encourage Australians to reduce their risk of cancer by eating a healthy, balanced diet, limiting alcohol, being physically active at least 30 minutes a day, staying sun safe and quitting smoking,” says Varlow.
To that list, Esterman adds limiting screen time and focusing on getting better sleep. We should also utilise cancer screening and vaccines for HPV (the common infection is the cause for most cases of cervical cancer).
Moynihan, who took a year off work to recover physically and mentally, says his energy is slowly returning, but he is still awaiting follow-up scans.
“I heard this beautiful saying in my own journey: if you listen to your body when it whispers, you don’t have to hear it when it screams. And for me, it was eye-opening in that, for years, and maybe it’s more of a male thing, I would be unwell, but I’ll persevere,” he says.
“We all know our own bodies, and if something is amiss or doesn’t feel right, just ask the question.”
What symptoms should you watch for?
The Cancer Council advises people to keep an eye out for any unusual changes to their bodies, such as:
Lumpiness or a thickened area in your breasts, any changes in the shape or colour of your breasts, unusual nipple discharge, a nipple that turns inwards (if it hasn’t always been that way) or any unusual pain.
A lump in the neck, armpit or anywhere else in the body.
Sores or ulcers that don’t heal.
Coughs or hoarseness that won’t go away, or coughing up blood.
Changes in toilet habits that last more than two weeks, blood in a bowel motion.
New moles or skin spots, or ones that have changed shape, size or colour, or that bleed.
Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding.
Unexplained weight loss.
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