July 2022 – Page 2 – Jellybeans in the City

DTI-CITEM’s Creative Futures 2022 to present what’s next for the Philippine creative economy

CREATEPhilippines once again gathers local and international creatives to discuss the future of the Philippine creative economy via the digital conference Creative Futures 2022. On its second run, the conference, to be staged using digital platform Hopin from July 28 to 29, 2022, includes an expo, knowledge sharing sessions, and business development and networking opportunities among creative professionals, policymakers, business leaders, and potential clients.

CREATEPhilippines, run by DTI’s export promotions agency Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is the country’s flagship trade promotions program that champions the Philippines’ creative industries as a high-potential export sector and driver of economic growth.

In 2021, the program first staged Creative Futures and launched CREATEPhilippines.com, the country’s first government-led digital content and community platform for Filipino creatives. The site features a directory where local talents can upload their portfolios for a global audience.

This year, Creative Futures will highlight the immediate future of local creative industries. “Our lineup of speakers, resource persons, and partners will present what tomorrow could look like for the Filipino creative. The event is all about possibilities, not in the distant future, but now, like in the next 5 minutes,” said Erwin Romulo, CREATEPhilippines creative director, and Creative Futures Program Director.

The theme of this year’s Creative Futures is “Tomorrow” and will include discussions on current developments and industry trends as well as projections for the creative sectors.

The two-day conference will include presentations on Creative Governance, Gastronomy, Advertising, Design, Film, Tourism, Dance, Game Development, Fashion, and Communication Design.

“Creative Futures 2022 is particularly designed to take advantage of the latest opportunities brought about by recent developments in the local creative landscape, particularly the Congress approval of the consolidated version of Senate Bill 2455 and House Bill 10107, or the Creative Industries Development Act. To support the country’s thrust toward a robust creative economy, we’re putting forward practices, strategies, and programs that creatives can immediately capitalize on and incorporate into their respective fields in order to become more globally competitive,” said CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

Creative governance at the forefront

Creative Futures puts the spotlight on creative governance after the pandemic hastened the need to institutionalize protection in the creative sectors.

“CITEM consistently advocates for institutional support which we believe is crucial to the growth of our local talents and the creative economy at large. Through efforts like Creative Futures, under our signature program CREATEPhilippines, we aim to foster an environment where creatives can thrive, taking us closer to our vision of the Philippines as the leading creative hub in the ASEAN region,” added Suaco-Juan.

Returning as a guest speaker is Hon. Christopher “Toff” De Venecia, principal author of the House version of the Creative Industries Act, who will discuss the immediate impact of the law in a presentation.

Creative Industries Act proponents and policymakers are also expected to attend. DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual and DTI-Trade Promotions Group Officer-in-Charge Glenn Peñaranda will discuss the role of the public sector in the advancement of the Philippine creative economy.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and US-based design firm Alao Design will present a vision of how design can renew public spaces. Arch. Aya Maceda and designers Kristian Henson and Monica Ramos will discuss their design process, doing historical research, on-ground mapping, and immersion, and how they collaborated with the Pasig City LGU.

No creative left behind

A new documentary by Martika Ramirez Escobar will premiere at the event. A live Q & A with the director of Sundance-winning feature film Leonor Will Never Die will follow the screening.

A new P-pop web series featuring Mon Abrea, Chairman and Chief Tax Advisor of Asian Consulting Group, is also set to premiere at Creative Futures 2022. Written and directed by Joel Ferrer, it stars Kat Galang and Jal Galang as local creatives dealing with life, love, and their taxes. In a related session, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) will tackle copyright and other intellectual property rights-related issues in a presentation.

The conference also has on-demand sessions streamed throughout the two days, including the Department of Tourism’s ASMR series featuring spots from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and the 360-degree interactive video series Across the Archipelago along the Pan-Philippine Highway. There will also be replays of the different presentations and sessions following the event.

To learn more about Creative Future’s growing list of presentations, including advertising and communication design, visit our registration page.

Digital expo of Philippine creatives and FAME+ e-tailers

Another key event component is the expo, which will showcase creatives from the CREATEPhilippines directory. Participants can also discover and shop Filipino home, fashion, and lifestyle products by e-tailers from digital sourcing and storytelling platform FAME+.

Creative Futures 2022 is organized by DTI-CITEM in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.

Register at: https://hopin.com/events/creative-futures-2022/registration and take part in shaping the Philippine creative economy. To learn more about CREATEPhilippines, visit https://createphilippines.com/. Follow us on our social media platforms to get updates on Creative Futures 2022 and know the latest trends and news about local creative sectors.

About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) export promotions arm committed to nurturing the global competitiveness of Philippine micro, small, and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), exporters, designers, and manufacturers. The agency aspires toward the highest standards of creativity and innovation, spanning industries including home, fashion, lifestyle, food, and creative sectors.

About CREATE Philippines

CREATEPhilippines is the country’s flagship trade promotions program that showcases the Philippines’ creative industries as a high-potential export sector and driver of economic growth.

It brings together the creative industries and champions local talent by organizing events that provide opportunities to learn, network, and seize opportunities in the Philippines and beyond.

As a content and community platform, it houses stories that promote Filipino creatives and offers a directory to help them expand their online presence and share their portfolio to a global audience.

CREATEPhilippines is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

Design studio photo created by DCStudio – www.freepik.com

The Jelly List: 4 IG-worthy destinations in the metro to up your selfie game

#EveryOppIsAPhotoOpp, am I right?

If you get admonished for needlessly taking and posting photos of yourself in your social media, just respond with “Au contraire, boomer!” (These people can be boomers, or not… but they would still be killjoys, wouldn’t they?)

Selfies, after all, may have psychological benefits for you. By being able to preserve a snapshot of how you look and feel in a certain scenario, you are helping to preserve your sense of self amidst the various uncertainties that life throws at you.

So, for you, fellow selfie taker, let me share my picks of Metro Manila destinations which provide the perfect backdrop for your photo opps!

Lakbay Museo

Lakbay Museo offers visitors the opportunity a Cliff’s Notes version of touring the entire country, all done in a matter of two hours or a thousand steps. This is done through fourteen unique experiences representing eleven exciting destinations providing you an immersive experience into local color and culture.

Lakbay Museo recently reopened at 2nd Floor Filipino Village, Ayala Malls Manila Bay Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, cor Aseana Ave, Paranaque, Parañaque. Book your tickets via Klook.

More about Lakbay Museo here.

Art-in-Island

Art-in-Island is one of the biggest 3D art galleries in the Philippines, providing visitors a way to interact with the displays and “be part of the art.” The fun lies in you being creative with your poses.

Art-in-Island is located at 175 15th Avenue, Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City. Book your tickets via Klook.

The Dessert Museum

The Dessert Museum takes visitors on a sweet and whimsical tour of various sweets and pastries. It has eight themed rooms with eye-catching visual elements such as giant-sized simulations of well-known products, background info on desserts’ history printed on the walls, games that you can play and other bric-a-bracs that complement the themes, all making for perfect photographs.

The Dessert Museum is located at Units 124, 126, 127a, S Maison, Coral Way, Conrad Hotel Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Book your tickets via Klook.

Manila Ocean Park

As the first marine-themed park in the country, Manila Ocean Park has been enabling city-bound urbanites a way to get a lot of #VitaminSea without having to leave the metro. With fascinating marine life exhibits, entertaining dining and lifestyle hotspots, you can find your perfect shot for the ‘gram.

Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Book your tickets via Klook.

More about Manila Ocean Park here.

So go ahead, take your snaps! Post them to your heart’s content and look back your happy memories in these fabulous destinations.

OMG! Check out these extraordinary Filipino Airbnb hosts

As unique homes increasingly become destinations in themselves, travelers are searching for extraordinary spaces that make for a truly special getaway. And with Airbnb’s newly launched browsing experience via Airbnb Categories, it’s now easier to discover these homes than ever before.

Specifically, Airbnb’s new OMG! Category leads travelers into a world of incredible getaways that are equal parts wacky and wonderful. The OMG Category – which currently has one of the highest rates of engagement amongst guests browsing Airbnb1 – showcases the craziest homes around the world from the fairytale-inspired to the downright unimaginable.

If you’re craving an extraordinary getaway or aspiring to become an OMG! Host yourself, hear firsthand from these Filipino Airbnb Hosts who own some of the most OMG!-worthy Airbnb listings in the country.

“We wanted guests to experience the outdoors in style”

Host Dennis is a frequent traveler who loves discovering and staying at unique accommodations. When the thought of owning a vacation house popped into his mind, he took on the challenge of creating a new, exciting vacation rental never seen before in the Philippines — and thus came about the very first Airstream accommodation in the country.

Dennis’s initiative to bring the iconic vintage trailer to the Philippines was fueled by his fascination with the Airstream. Personally designed and built by him with guests in mind, the 25-footer 1970s caravanner allows guests to camp in the wilderness with all the comfortable touches of home including a queen-sized bed, kitchenette, dining area and an outdoor grill. He’s seen overwhelming guest interest after listing the Airstream in March 2021, and is now building two more unique properties which he will soon list on Airbnb.

Dennis says, “For me, one of the most memorable conversations I’ve had with my guests is when they said that we inspired them to build their own vacation rentals. This is why I don’t hesitate to share my own experiences and advice on design and construction – these have eventually turned into conversations and friendships that go beyond hosting. To date, we’ve had a number of guests who went on to build their own Airbnb stays!”

“Sharing our home gives a different level of satisfaction”

The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Hazel and Jose Romualdez, The Lahluna was inspired by the famous hobbit-inspired attraction in New Zealand. With a keen interest in ecology and sustainability, the couple made it a point to integrate both concepts into their property. The result is a calm, lush, and environmentally friendly retreat away from the city.

The Lahluna taps on solar panels and wind turbines for energy, and grasses and vines creeping on top of the domes help act as insulators to keep the rooms comfortable and breezy. Guests are also encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle during their stay.

“It always excites us when guests keep coming back to our place to relax and enjoy quiet moments away from the city. Especially during the pandemic lockdown, parents would book our space for their kids to play under the sun with our bunnies, and for everyone to breathe some fresh air,” shares Hazel.

“It’s our attempt at a Filipino version of van life!”

Interior designer Michael has been an Airbnb Host since 2015. He hosts several unique homes on Airbnb but his Jeepney Camper is the most eccentric – and the most popular.

With recreational vehicles (RVs) gaining popularity in recent years, Michael thought of building his local version of an RV using the country’s “king of the road” — the Philippine jeepney. To get around the jeepney’s low ceiling height, he decided to add a second floor and an extendable roof. The result is a comfortable lodging space complete with a queen-sized bed, air conditioning and mini kitchen. Located right in Sierra Madre’s rainforests, this special home includes a pool and bonfire area for the ultimate camping experience.

“My advice for aspiring Airbnb Hosts is to always be hands-on, because that’s the secret to keeping your guests satisfied. When you see all the positive feedback, it will surely make hosting worthwhile,” says Michael.

Be an Airbnb OMG! Host through the $10M OMG! Fund

If you have a similar out-of-this-world idea, you might just be the one Airbnb is looking for! Airbnb’s US$10,000,000 OMG! Fund is seeking ideas from existing and aspiring designers, architects, DIYers, and makers from around the globe. The US$10 million fund will help finance 100 of the craziest home ideas, giving 100 people an opportunity to turn them into actual Airbnb OMG! Category listings.

The USD $10,000,000 OMG! Fund will be open until 22 July 2022 at 11:59 pm PHT. The 100 fund recipients will be selected by the panel over the next several months, with the intent of having their newly-constructed spaces complete next year. To apply, visit airbnb.com/omgfund.

¹ According to Airbnb Category data, since May 11, 2022

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer one-of-a-kind stays and unique Experiences that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

Details and images provided by Airbnb in a recent press release.

Chimichurri makes a comeback at Kenny Rogers Roasters!

Guess what’s making its way back to Kenny Rogers Roasters’ menu…

Chimichurri!

This flavorful condiment made from finely chopped parsley and cilantro, minced garlic and spices, kmixed together with a healthy dose of citrus for that blend of spicy and citrusy flavors that adds elevates many South American dishes.

Now, Kenny Rogers Roasters is bringing you seven delicious ways to savor this unique flavor with various proteins so you can choose how you want to enjoy your chimichurri, any day of the week.

Plus, to complete your chimichurri experience, Kenny Rogers Roasters is launching two new side dishes available for a limited time only: baconized corn and chips & salsa. These are perfect foils to the savory dishes enhanced with the spice and zest of chimichurri.

Day 1: Chimichurri Roast

Get the week off to a tasty start with Kenny Rogers Roasters signature juicy chicken infused with garlic and lime flavors and served with zesty chimichurri sauce.

Day 2: Chimichurri Half Slab Ribs

Sate your appetite with fall-off-the-bone tender ribs smothered with spicy and garlicky chimichurri sauce.

Day 3: Chimichurri Burger Bun

On this day, you can indulge yourself with a perfectly grilled 1/3-pound Angus beef patty, tomatoes, lettuce and mayonnaise sandwiched between two wheat buns.

Day 4: Chimichurri Fish

How about opting for something healthy today with this soft and flaky grilled white fish served a chimichurri sauce.

Day 5: Chimichurri Sausage

Treat yourself to a flavor bomb with this juicy and salty Schublig sausage topped with chimichurri sauce.

Day 6: Chimichurri Burger Steak

Savor this 1/3-pound Angus beef burger patty topped with zesty chimichurri sauce.

Day 7: Chimichurri Premium Steak

Cap the week with this special indulgence: a perfectly grilled striploin steak paired with spicy chimichurri sauce!

Excited for to bite into your chimichurri feast? Visit your nearest Kenny Rogers Roasters outlet to dine-in or have it for takeout.

It is also available for delivery at kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph and through Kenny Rogers Roasters delivery hotline +63 2 85559000, as well as in GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick*A*Roo.

For more details about its offers and promos, follow Kenny Rogers on Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

8 reasons to have your family weekend getaway at Timberland Highlands Resort

Are the heat and the humidity of the metro getting to you? Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Or do you feel bored to bits while stuck in your room as you work from home?

It may be high time for you and the fam to take a break from the daily grind and hie off to a quick getaway for a much needed change of scenery.

That’s what Hubby and I did this last weekend. Together with the kiddos -#ExhibitA and #ExhibitB – we went off to a mountain adventure to Timberlands Highlands Resort for some family bonding time and well-deserved R ‘n R.

Here are 8 reasons why you should, too!

1. You won’t have to travel far to get there.

Timberland Highlands Resort is a sprawling property located within Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal.

Thanks to the ever-reliable Waze app, we were able to reach the resort in less than an hour from our home in Pasig (not counting our lunch stopover in Marikina).

If traveling by car, it’s also around 40 minutes away from the Batasan area in Quezon City, and a little over an hour away from the cities of Manila and Makati.

Imagine being that close to your staycation destination!

2. It’s your escape back to nature.

Surrounding the Timberland Highlands Resort property are lush greenery with the Sierra Madre mountains as a backdrop.

With this high altitude and its situation away from the busy cities, the area boasts of fresh air and a cooler climate. As is typical with other green spaces, the area is conducive to outdoor activities and socializing while promoting both physical and mental well-being.

3. You can engage in revitalizing physical activity.

One of the physical activities that the fam can do together is taking a leisurely stroll through the path surrounding the property. Doing so brings you to various vantage points to appreciate the surrounding mountainside.

After your invigorating walk, you can all take a dip in the swimming pools to cool down. One is an infinity pool that lets you enjoy the view while taking a swim. The kiddie pool, on the other hand, features a slide and cascading water, guaranteeing lots of fun time in the sun for the little ones.

If the weather does not permit outdoor activities, you can always engage in physical exertions indoors, thanks to the resort’s well-equipped gym (which got a thumb’s-up from fitness buffs Hubby and #ExhibitA).

Did you know that the resort used to be known as Timberland Sports and Nature Club? The indoor sports facilities it was famous for – such as the basketball court, badminton court, table tennis and indoor rock climbing areas are still here for guests to enjoy.

4. The kids are sure to have a great time.

While all the grown ups are exercising and getting into sports, the kids can play and entertain themselves near the pool area, thanks a wide space they can run around in, and kiddie-sized chairs and plush seats. Here, they can learn a game of chess, challenge themselves with Jenga or even spot a mascot or cartoon character handing out treats.

5. You can settle down to a relaxing retreat.

After your very active day, you can wind down and relax in your well-appointed accommodations. The hotel has 70 fully air-conditioned rooms which can all accommodate two adults and two children sharing the bed with their parents, making the hotel perfect for a family retreat.

The Deluxe Twin is a 35-sqm room situated in the main building, furnished with comfy twin beds.

The Deluxe King, a similar-sized room furnished with a king bed and features a fitted bath tub, is also an option.

At the newly renovated building annexed to the main hotel, you can find the 32-sqm Premiere Deluxe accommodations.

All hotel rooms are equipped with a safety deposit box, flat-screen TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi connection and a work desk. (The latter two, in particular, were very helpful during our first day there as I was doing remote work. I was able to log in to three consecutive Zoom meetings, and was presenting in two of them with nary a dropped call or frozen screen.)

Note: Mobile phone signal may be spotty in the room and at some other locations within the hotel so I would suggest logging your devices into the hotel WiFi. That way, you can be reachable via online messaging to your work colleagues and family members (if you want to be reachable, that is, hehehe!)

Other room features include toilet and bath (with hot and cold shower), dental kits, bath items such as soap, bath gel and shampoo from Aum Spa, a minibar, a coffee/tea set and bottled water.

The fam loved the crisp linens and the blackout curtains that helped us get a restful slumber after our activity-filled day.

6. Dine with a majestic view at Ridge Cafe.

Of course, any weekend getaway wouldn’t be complete without a gastronomic adventure, wouldn’t it?

Fortunately, the hotel two in-house restaurants, one of which is Ridge Cafe. It has an elegantly appointed interior dining room, as well as an al fresco area which boasts of grand view of the surrounding mountains and overlooking Metro Manila.

Every weekend, foodies can look forward to a sumptous breakfast buffet which includes:

The makings of classic Pinoy silogs such as Corned Beef with Potatoes, Tocino, Longganisa and Tocino (just add the Garlic Fried Rice and a sunny-side up egg from the Omelet Station)
Locally-grown fresh produce for salads or fruit desserts
A variety of freshly baked breads, including four types of pan de sal (regular, ube, cacao and malunggay).
Continental breakfast choices such as cereals, chicken nuggets and breakfast sausages
Kiddie treats such as mini pancakes and cookies

On weekdays and for other parts of the day, guests can order ala carte from a menu that includes Appetizers, Sandwiches and Burgers, Pastas and Noodles, Salads, Sushi, along with main courses and desserts.

Curious about the foodie possibilities here? I’ll tell you more about our dining experiences at Ridge Cafe here, here and here.

And should you fancy a drink while hanging out at the pool or viewing deck, you can always get refreshing beverage from The Pool Bar.

Pool Bar - Timberland Highlands Resort — Butterfly Pea Lemonade

7. It supports local industries.

Timberland Highlands Resort recently partnered with local merchants in showcasing sustainable and home-grown products. These include brands such as Zarah Juan, TÙ by Modern Filipiniana, Gourmet Farms, Engkanto Brewery, Alab.Mnl, Lakan Lubi, Circa 1740 by Timplado, Better Snacks PH, Tu’ka Spiced Vinegar and more. Their wares are all prominently displayed and available for purchase in the Live Love Local corner in Ridge Cafe.

These are also great for souvenirs or pasalubong to your city-bound friends and relatives.

8. The management and staff are all geared up to provide you with a memorable stay.

All of these are just the tip of the iceberg, as they say, because more exciting developments are in store for guests and visitors, as envisioned by resort’s management.

These include additional restaurants and other exciting renovations (which will be revealed in due time!)

The resort also helps local communities by sourcing its manpower from nearby areas, upskilling and retooling them to provide world-class service to guests.

They’re always ready to give you a hand, so when you see them around, be sure to say hi!

https://flic.kr/p/2nyG5gB

Rom, Housekeeping. He gives quite an animated tour of the hotel room.

Thanks to the above reasons, my family and I had a fun, restful and memorable stay at the Timberland Highlands Resort, so why don’t you treat your family to one, too?

Book your room via Klook today and use my code JELLYBEANS to enjoy great savings!

For more details, visit Timberland Highlands Resort’s website, call +632 8891 8288 or +63 918 9799863 (calls are entertained between 9am and 6pm) or email reservations@timberlandresort.com.

Check-in is at 3pm while check-out is at 11am.

Timberland Highlands Resort is located inside Timberland Heights, Barangay Guitnang Bayan II, San Mateo, Rizal 1850 Philippines.

In accordance to COVID-19 safety guidelines set by the Department of Tourism and the local government, the following safety practices are in place:

Observance of minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks, maintain physical distance and frequent handwashing
Requirement for guests 18 years old and older to present proof of full vaccination or a negative result of a swab or saliva-based RT PCR test, taken within 48 hours prior to check in
Guests below 18 years old should always be accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian

To know more about Timberland Highland Resorts’ latest updates and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my other posts about Timberland Highlands Resort:

Ridge Cafe - Timberland Highlands Resort — Timberland Highlands Resort’s Ridge Cafe introduces Arabic Dinner Buffet

Fresh seafood and paluto at Dampa sa Libis

If you’ve got some serious craving for fresh seafood but the beach is quite some distance away, your best bet is to go to your nearby dampa.

Originally, the word “Dampa” is a Filipino term for “hut,” reminiscent of the small houses that line the seaside where fishermen live and make their living.

Today, it is associated with a wet market attached to a restaurant. In this kind of eatery, diners can select the fresh seafood they want to eat and then choose from a menu of ways on how they want these to be cooked for an additional charge, hence term paluto.

As a Pasiguena, landlocked and situated far away from the seaside, I’m lucky that there’s a Dampa sa Libis located nearby.

As is typical with other dampa-style eateries, this one is geared towards catering to large groups in a very informal setting.

The place is suitable for boisterous gatherings of people who love to dine together over their favorite seafood dishes, with little to no concern about the restaurant’s decor or aesthetic. (So if you’re feeling particularly tita-ish, this might not be the place for you.)

However, if you’re game for fresh seafood, cooked upon order and served fresh from the kitchen, this just might be your foodie haven.

During a recent get-together with my in-laws, the extended fam feasted on:

Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso.

Fresh salmon prepared in a variant of the famous dish sinigang which also includes miso (soybean paste) among its ingredients.

Prawn Tempura.

Large prawns battered and deep-fried until golden-brown and served with a sweet soy-based dipping sauce.

Inihaw na Pusit.

A beachside favorite, this dish is made from a large squid stuffed with tomatoes and onions, then grilled for that smokey taste.

Sweet and Spicy Crab.

Fresh crabs cooked in tomato sauce, chilis and other spices with a bit of brown sugar for that irresistible interplay of spice and sweetness with every bite of succulent crab meat.

BBQ Liempo.

For those who have a more carnivorous bent (or those with kids who have not yet discovered a love for seafood), barbecued pork belly is always a delicious possibility.

Leche Flan.

The best way to cap a great meal is to linger over dessert, right? This Pinoy take on the creme caramel will do quite nicely as a post-meal sweet.

When dining at a dampa, it’s best to let your adventurous side out and to savor the good food along with the good company you’re having.

Dampa sa Libis is located at 107 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Bgy Libis, Quezon City, open for dine-in and takeout on weekdays from 11am to 9pm and on weekends from 10am to 9pm.

For more information, follow Dampa sa Libis on Facebook or call +63 2 86373303 or +63 917 7071553.

Calvin Harris drops new single “Stay With Me,” featuring Justin Timberlake, Halsey, and Pharrell

GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-platinum selling artist and heavyweight producer Calvin Harris continues to soundtrack summer with the release of his new single “Stay With Me” featuring musical giants Justin Timberlake, Halsey and Pharrell out today via Columbia Records/Sony Music. The psychedelic official video directed by Emil Nava also premieres today and features all four artists. Listen to the song here.

The new single marks the first time Harris has collaborated with Timberlake and Halsey, and the second time with Pharrell, who was previously featured on ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1’ and has notably collaborated with Timberlake on countless hits over the years.

“Stay With Me,” a dancefloor ready tune perfect for any party is prime to become song of the summer.

“Stay With Me” follows the release of “Potion” with Dua Lipa & Young Thug and “New Money” featuring 21 Savage from Harris’ forthcoming and highly anticipated new album ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2’ out on August 5. ‘Vol. 2’ will feature a number of today’s most dynamic artists such as: Stefflon Don, Chlöe, Charlie Puth, Pusha T, Shenseea, Tinashe, Normani, Lil Durk, Offset, 6lack, Coi Leray, Busta Rhymes, Donae’O, Latto, Swae Lee, Jorja Smith, and Snoop Dogg. The album is available for pre-order/save here.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Classic pastries from O’Cakes Patisserie

Got a hankering for some sweet pastries?

There’s a shop that can serve up what you’re craving for and you won’t have to leave home to enjoy them: O’Cakes Patisserie!

Pastries are baked foods made with a dough of flour, water and shortening (solid fats such as butter or lard). These baked creations are different from breads due to their higher fat content which give them a crumbly or flaky texture. You will find that good pastries are light, airy and fatty but their structure is firm enough to hold the weight of the filling.

Thanks to O’Cakes Patisserie, pastry lovers can simply order their craved-for baked goods online and feast on them with no hassle!

Check them out:

Classic Croissant (Php450/3pcs traditional | Php270/3pcs mini).

Buttery and flaky French pastry that got its name from its crescent shape. It is usually enjoyed as part of a continental breakfast.

Pain au Chocolat (Php630/3pcs traditional | Php280/3pcs mini).

Also known as chocolatine in the southwest part of France and in Canada, this cube-ish shaped pastry is made with the same layers of dough as a croissant with pieces of dark chocolate at the center.

Belgian Dark Chocolate (Php630/3pcs traditional | Php280/3pcs mini).

A version of the chocolatine that takes the shape of a classic croissant.

Enjoy these delicious pastries for breakfast or paired with your favorite brew during your coffee break. You can even indulge your sweet tooth by having them as your dessert!

To order, text +63 936 9494767, email ocakespatisserie@gmail.com or message O’Cakes Patisserie on Facebook or Instagram.

K-pop and K-Chicken at Kko Kko

Still on a high from your latest K-drama binge? Got an urge to get close to your K-pop idols?

Well, hie yourself over to the nearest Kko Kko branch then!

There you can take selfies with Hallyu and K-pop stars as you partake in the cherished Korean meal: the chimaek. It consists of crispy double-fried chicken and cold beer, best enjoyed with your buddies.

You can share a Chicken Fondue (Php598 half | Php998 whole) with the fam like the group I saw when I dropped by. You can dip boneless chicken pieces (your choice of flavor) and other finger food such as onion rings, fries and nachos in hot gooey cheese inside a bread bowl!

You can also get your favorite fried chicken variant for take out, just like I did!

Giving in to my daughter #ExhibitA’s request, I ordered 6 pieces Korean Fried Chicken (Php558) flavored with Yangnyum glaze. She loves this sweet and spicy duality of the sauce, while I love it when she’s happy. (#MotherOfTheYear!)

These crispy and flavorful chicken pieces can be enjoyed on their own (papak Pinoy-style), paired with beer if you’re with friends, or eaten with rice and kimchi, with some soda drinks as a family meal.

This Kko Kko branch is located at The Sapphire Bloc, 35 Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Other branches are located at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, Market Market in Taguig and Festival Mall in Alabang.

Kko Kko Chicken also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To know more about its offers and promos, follow Kko Kko Chicken on Facebook and Instagram.

Perkier Mornings with New Breakfast Dishes at Italianni’s

Mornings at Italianni’s just got perkier with the addition of new breakfast dishes.

And for those who live near Greenbelt, this branch now serves breakfast daily while Italianni’s Bonifacio High Street is open for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Jumpstart your day with an item or two from this selection: French Toast and Fruits, Italian Sausage Scramble, Smoked Salmon Scramble, Granola & Mixed Fruits; Avocado Toast, Pancetta & Potato Hash, Croquette Madame and Breakfast Grilled Pork Chop.

Of course, there are the breakfast mainstays such as waffles and pancakes, omellettes, salads, Continental Breakfast selection, local favorites and coffee, tea, fruits and juices.

Bring your Bistro BFF Card and enjoy 20% discount on breakfast fare on Saturdays & Sundays. Follow Italiannis on Facebook and Instagram.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.