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Glorious, popularly known as the country's first Stevia company, is positive on its outlook despite almost 2-years in the pandemic as more and more people turn to healthier alternatives, sales of stevia products continue to grow.

According to agribusiness finance giant Robobank, Stevia's sales are expected to hit $700 million worldwide in the next few years. Consumers in the Philippines can now get their calorie-free sugar needs from natural alternatives. Before, stevia was restricted to the health food market without any FDA approval. Recently, it is now widely used as a natural substitute for artificial sweeteners in many products.

"Stevia has been touted as safe and healthy sugar substitute with proven health benefits. It can sweeten foods, and it has several health benefits, including decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and less risk of cavities," said Maura De Leon, the woman behind Glorious, the country's first stevia grower and manufacturer. 

While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight but who want to reduce their sugar intake. Stevia is an herb that has been grown in tropical climates for centuries. 

It is a small bushy plant that belongs to the sunflower family and grows in Paraguay and Brazil, but it can be quickly grown elsewhere. For centuries, the people of Paraguay add them to their foods as sweeteners, and countries like Korea, Brazil, China, Japan and South America, have long used stevia. Stevia products such as teas, juices, healthy coffees, chocolate beverages and natural sweeteners, manufactured by Glorious, are approved safe by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) even for people who have diabetes. 

"Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so you don't have to add much. It's good to note that the Philippines is also catching up on the use of this natural sweetener in various food preparations," added De Leon. 

Stevia is a natural sweetener taken from the leaves of a bushy shrub. The Stevia plant or (Stevia rebaudiana) has 150 species known to have originated from North and South America. Currently, it is produced by lots of countries, with China as the number one exporter of stevia products, and can be purchased at garden centers for home growing. 

People who have diabetes can benefit from stevia. Choosing pure stevia extract can help maintain normal blood sugar levels and should be used in moderation. Stevia can also help cut down added sugar consumption, which can be beneficial for children. High sugar intake in children could lead to heart disease due to reconstructing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, contributing to children's weight gain. Substituting added sugar for stevia can minimize the risks. At the same time, moderate consumption of foods with stevia and other sweeteners can prevent adverse side effects and promote overall health. 

What's even better is that you can add Stevia to make healthy desserts which are diabetic and keto friendly. This is great for people who have a sweet tooth but can't indulge because of health restrictions. Incidentally, all Glorious Blend beverages - from the 3-in-1, 5-in-1, 7-in-1 mixes, use Stevia which has no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index. All of their instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day. 

For more information about Glorious, the Stevia company, check out https://gidc.com.ph/.   

Quarantine restrictions in NCR+ have eased up a bit and part of it means allowing dine in options to be available again. After a temporary suspension of dining services due to ECQ, The Manila Hotel is now reopening its Lobby Lounge, beginning May 24, 2021. 

This is the perfect opportunity for valued guests to enjoy some of its perks again such as great food, meeting and endless conversation with both friends and business partners, excellent service and free Wi-Fi internet connection. 

More than a typical café set up, the Lobby Lounge is quiet, comfortable, and spacious, which also means that guests are kept at a distance from each other and enjoy a bit of privacy with high-backed seats. Cleaned and sanitized daily, the health and hygiene protocols put in place by The Manila Hotel includes fresh air dampers that circulate fresh outdoor air into the lobby, which is also sanitized by air micro filters.

The Lobby Lounge is also a grand heritage setting for a relaxing afternoon, with its white Doric columns, Philippine mahogany furniture with elegant chandeliers made of brass, crystal, and capiz seashells. More than our stellar interior, it serves hot meals like Sinigang na Salmon, Kare Kare, Crispy Pata, and other local delights. 

You can also enjoy the lavish “Merienda Especial” Filipino Afternoon Tea that includes native delicacies like Bibingka and Puto Bumbong paired with our specialty grade coffee beans, hot chocolate, or tea. Try the filling Manila Hotel club sandwich or assorted pastries.And escape the punishing weather outside when you relax in the cool interiors and enjoy fruit teas, or our Halo-Halo.

The Manila Hotel’s The Lobby Lounge is known for its exceptional facilities and warm service. It also gives its guests an assurance that “You are safe here” as we strictly adhere to stringent health and safety protocols.

The Lobby Lounge is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner from Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm. For more information, call 85270011.