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Art Gallery in Boracay

Monday, March 28, 2022

I was looking for anything art related in Boracay, when I chanced upon the House of Howell.


House of Howell is the first contemporary Art Museum in Boracay, featuring Filipino Artists. You'll easily recognize them from their bright entrance:



Calling all Gcash users: Have you been looking for a way to get into the #pandaproClub? Here’s some exciting news! foodpanda continues to pave the way for convenient ordering and huge savings by adding GCash to the available payment methods for pandapro.





“Babae ka, hindi babae lang.”



Dining in Ikea | Manila, Philippines

Saturday, March 26, 2022


My friends and I decided to finally go to Ikea last Sunday. 

The decision came about while planning other things to do along with the Hyunjin Cupsleeves event and attending the Pasig Rally later that afternoon. And since there is no need for pre-registrations, and we were also hoping the first-month hype had finally died down, we also targeted having a meal in Ikea.




But since we went on a weekend, we still made sure to arrive as early as we can. Ikea opens at around 10am, so my friends who lived nearby were already there by 9:30. 

It was a good call, coz come lunch time lines were longer uli. There's a Swedish Bistro right outside the main entrance of Ikea, but has limited menu and no dine in option so make sure to head inside the store and look for the start of the line to the main restaurant. I was running when my friends messaged me they're already in line.




I can't remember how long first week goers waited in line to order their food, but hearing these horror stories discouraged me to visit asap. Kaya pa naman mag hintay. During our visit, I wasn't able to track but I think we were in line at about an hour before reaching the main area for ordering. Got distracted by our kwentuhan, but I also think it was a tolerable waiting time for a Sunday compared to if we went earlier this year.






The staff were also very commendable, and the whole Ikea system was very efficient that the waiting time was really just because of the line and hindi yung mabagal yung mga tao or yung order. 

Everything's ready na in front of you, food all clean and presentable. Complete menu with prices are all plastered above the counters. You will just have to pass through with your trolley and request your orders to the servers. 

There are food items that you can get for yourself like the cakes and pastries. Meanwhile for the drinks, the glasses are right next to the cashier so you can pay for them, and then fill them up in the separate drinks counter afterwards. They have coffee and nordic juices all below Php 100!







While in line, I was gushing to my friends how the experience felt as if we're in another country on a travel.


My very first Ikea experience! Singapore in 2012 with Ate:




Finally in 2022 we get to enjoy Ikea anytime we want here in Manila:




The main dining area was already full by the time we're done paying for our food. But at the far corner, a bit of a walk from the drinks counters, there's a space for us who are still trying to adjust back to eating out.

While eating, we also get to appreciate the simple yet functional dining wares of Ikea. Napag usapan tuloy ang Muji cafe and Muji hotel in Japan, which I hope I also get to experience soon!




Aside from the efficient system and service, I was also amazed by their price points. Price starts at around Php 50, and nothing above PHP 300. We ordered a lot para sulit din ang punta and pila, but our total bill is just Php 1500 (including the drinks and desserts). 




What we ordered:

Green salad - PHP 55
Plant balls (8 pcs) with mashed potato and broccoli - PHP 159
Swedish meatballs (8 pcs) with mashed potato and broccoli - PHP 159
Baked salmon fillet with broccoli, and lemon and dill sauce - PHP 345
Chicken wings (6 pcs) - PHP 299
Mushroom soup - PHP 45
Steamed rice - PHP 19
Crunchy almond chocolate cake - PHP 89
Carrot cake - PHP 99
Brewed coffee (refillable) - PHP 35
Nordic drink (Elderberry, lemon, pear, raspberry, lingonberry, and cola) refillable - PHP 49


Note: Make sure to clean as you go after eating! There are stations where you can slide your trays before leaving.



The Verdict: My friends said the chicken wings are so-so lang, but super okay daw yung salmon. Meanwhile, I really enjoyed my plant-based balls with steamed rice, mushroom soup, and the free-flowing coffee and juices. Ang linis sa panlasa. For the dessert, I like the chocolate cake which reminds me of Daim chocolate bars.

Will not lineup longer than what we did that day, but yung experience namin was very pleasant which translated to the food experience too. Will definitely be back on a weekday to try out the pastries next, and also hopefully to shop nadin! 


The Swedish Restaurant is located at the 4th Level of IKEA Pasay City and is open daily, from 9:30 am to 9 pm. Proof of vaccination is required upon entry.


It’s an epic celebrat-10-n at Lazada’s Epic 10th Birthday sale happening from March 27 to 29. Ka-Lazadas can enjoy nationwide free shipping with no minimum spend, 10% Lazada Bonus Discount for every PHP 1,000 spend, and 10% cashback during the 3-day sale. What’s more? You can look forward to bagging amazing deals from these brands and sellers:





Affordable Henann Resort in Boracay (Php 3000 / night for 2 persons, with buffet breakfast)

Thursday, March 24, 2022

I decided to book for a different resort during my last night in Boracay. I realized that it's a short vacation, onting pasarap is fine. 


I already booked for my full stay during the 5-day trip, so I have to make peace with not getting a refund for my last night. Anyway, after 4 days of cold showers in Boracay Midtown, I was really looking forward to a comfortable last night in the island with Henann Lagoon Resort.


Cebu Pacific CEB Super Pass is Back! | Travel Anywhere for PHP 99

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Cebu Pacific’s month-long Super Seat Fest for its 26th anniversary continues with a super surprise as the Philippines’ leading airline brings back the first-of-its-kind and highly sought after CEB Super Pass, starting from 10AM on March 21, all the way up to March 27, 2022.


BRIA Homes Aims to Dominate the Davao Region With Projects in Digos, Tagum and Panabo

Tuesday, March 22, 2022


What comes to mind when one thinks of the southern Philippine island of Mindanao? A region acclaimed for its abundant natural resources, exotic attractions, and lush biodiversity, that’s what! And smack dab in the midst of all these is Davao, a province that boasts historic sites, pristine beaches and nature theme parks.

 

It’s no wonder that the cosmopolitan city of Davao has drawn the keen interest of the country’s top property developers who have since built high-end malls, five-star hotels, and world-class tourist destinations to reel in visitors—local and foreign. 

 

However, there’s more to the province than Davao City. Sharing in its charms are the cities of TagumPanabo, and Digos, where leading real estate company BRIA Homes is building major developments for Filipinos seeking viable housing options in the region. 



Davao has drawn the keen interest of the country’s top property developers.



BRIA’s much-awaited projects in Digos, Tagum, and Panabo offer safe and secure living to young families.


 

Residents of Tagum, the provincial capital of Davao del Norte, touts its lively and colorful fifteen festivals that showcase the remarkable skills and talents of Tagumeños in culture, sports, entertainment, arts and music. It is also dubbed as the Mango Capital of the Philippines for its luscious 'carabao variety mango,' sold locally and exported abroad.

 

Sharing a border with Davao City is Panabo, an agro-industrial city that is known as the “Banana Capital of the Philippines” as it is host to numerous banana plantations.

 

Finally, Digos City, the provincial capital of Davao del Sur, is home to Mount Apo Natural Park and quiet beach getaways like Dawis Beach. Adventure seekers gravitate towards Digos, which provides mountain climbers access to Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, via its village called Kapatagan. 

 

Eduardo T. Aguilar, BRIA’s Division Head, is upbeat about the company’s prospects in Davao. “BRIA Homes is reaching out to more Filipino homeseekers and investors, encouraging them to settle down, grow, and prosper at any of our three idyllic communities in Davao. Few locations would surpass these as the best places to spend one’s retirement years.”



BRIA Homes is poised to dominate the region with modern residential communities in Davao.



 

Working to provide sustainable residential projects in Mindanao, BRIA Homes is poised to dominate the region with modern residential communities in Davao province’s Digos, Tagum, and Panabo. With these three new locations, BRIA affirms its reputation as the ‘home of choice’ for Filipinos, bringing more families close to major economic centers as they thrive in well-built and comfortable house-and-lot and condo units. 



BRIA affirms its reputation as the ‘home of choice’ for Filipinos.



 

With peace and order now reigning in the province, BRIA’s much-awaited projects in Digos, Tagum, and Panabo offer safe and secure living to young families and even a tranquil haven for Filipino retirees and homecoming OFWs. 

 

For instance, property investors and potential homebuyers are looking into Tagum and liking what they see: a first-class city marked by relaxing getaways such as the Nine Caves of Kapalong, Camp Kawayan’s panoramic views, the Talaingod View Deck, Mont Blanc Mountain, and Uraya’s Peak. 




The cities of Tagum, Panabo, and Digos are where leading real estate company BRIA Homes is building major developments for Filipinos seeking viable housing options.




BRIA in Tagum, Digos, and Panabo will come with modern, family-friendly amenities


 


As in every BRIA Home in the country, BRIA in Tagum, Digos, and Panabo will come with modern, family-friendly amenities to spur residents into fostering wholesome and healthy communities. These will include multipurpose halls, covered basketball courts, playgrounds for little children, walkable paths, and open green spaces for leisurely strolls. 

 

At the same time, safety and security are ensured with BRIA’s guarded entrances and exits, 24/7 CCTV coverage, and solar lights to illuminate the streets at night. 

 

 

 

 

Those looking to invest in a BRIA Home in Davao or to check its house models may immerse themselves in BRIA’s 360 Virtual Tours through www.bria.com.ph and inquire online through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BriaHomesIncOfficial

They can also reserve a house online through https://www.bria.com.ph/online-reservation/

 

Power of Seven: Women Behind Golden Haven


Every year, the International Women’s Month of March has become a propitious time for celebrating women for their amazing courage and influence in many spheres of life. They are “the hand that rocks the cradle”—and rocks the world—as they post extraordinary triumphs in their professions while nurturing home and hearth.



I've been heading out frequently nowadays, but still making sure I have alcohol and wipes with me wherever I go. I have an upcoming trip soon, so I made sure to stock up on disinfectants from a trusted brand like Hygienix.


Good news! Hygienix joins Shopee's #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair and offers discounts of up to 30% off! Catch exclusive discounts from Hygienix, Maxi-Peel, SkinWhite, and other well-loved Filipino brands at Shopee's first #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair of the year.  


Here are some of my favorite Hygienix products:



Sunnies Studios' Anti-Rad One Day Exclusive Shopee Drop This March 20!

Sunday, March 20, 2022

PSA: Sunnies Studios is having a one-day exclusive Shopee drop this March 20 for their new Anti-Rad styles and colors!


Boracay Food Trip: Where To Eat in Boracay 2022

Saturday, March 19, 2022


This summer, expect pure fun and entertainment from Puregold Channel with the much-anticipated release of its first ever romcom digital series “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask” on March 26.



On My Shopee Beauty Cart: Face Republic

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

I've been using some of the skincare products of Korean beauty brand Face Republic for a while now. This brand focuses in helping your skin return to its original and healthy state. They are dermatologically-tested, cruelty-free, and vegan-formulated--some of the qualities I look for in the products I use. 


Currently, I've tried and will recommend their Hydro Boost Solution Serum and Calming Blemish Madecassoside Serum for total skin hydration, and for acne prone skin especially when it's that time of the month. They have products for different skin types and skin concerns. Just in time for summer, I would like to explore their curated kit with products that will keep skin fresh while protecting it from harmful UV rays.



Revisit familiar flavors and discover new faves at Ayala Malls! Get in touch with your inner foodie and enjoy amazing eats while skipping the ques through PICKUP or staying within the safety and comfort of your home through DELIVERY.




Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo lives like a pro as Beko’s new brand ambassador

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Beko Philippines recently welcomed its new family member, who is none other than the actress, entrepreneur, celebrity cook and true pro mom Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo.  


BTS Concert At Home Ideas: Permission To Dance LA Online Concert

Saturday, March 12, 2022

Last year during Permission to Dance LA's online concert, my friends and I were able to plan our own mini event. Since tomorrow is another concert day we are spending online at our own homes or private venues, I am sharing some details of our BTS party last year that you might want to try too!


UNFPA Philippines launched Here for Her flagship campaign

Friday, March 11, 2022

To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in the Philippines,  launched the “Here for Her” campaign.


A New Era Of Travel with Klook

Wednesday, March 09, 2022

After 2 years of canceled flights, travel bans, and closed borders, I finally got the chance to travel again. 


At the moment, I've already had two solo local travels to Boracay, and as always, one of the apps that I made sure to visit for my pre-travel needs is Klook.


foodpanda celebrates the women behind your orders

Tuesday, March 08, 2022

The need for food deliveries increased when the pandemic hit. But Filipino women are known to be quick to adapt to challenges and be always on top of their game, even in a male-dominated industry.



In celebration of International Women’s Month, foodpanda highlights the stories and experiences of these bold female foodpanda riders.

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier, is proud to celebrate today, 26 years of making moments happen, with another exciting anniversary seat sale.




While planning for your Boracay trip, make sure to also research on your transfers from the airport to your accommodation (and vv). 


As we all know, the journey does not end the moment your plane lands at the Caticlan Airport. You still have to travel via land-water-land to get to the White Beach area where hotels and resorts are usually located.


How to make your me-time celebrations more rewarding

Friday, March 04, 2022

Spending hours on work can be both fulfilling and draining. The latter is especially true if you don’t take time off to reflect on your achievements. It doesn’t have to be big and extravagant. It can be as simple as staying home, taking time to rest and indulging on sweet rewards that are within your reach.