October 2022 – Page 2 – Jellybeans in the City

#EatHealthyEatFresh with Nutrifresh Chicken

With the continuously rising prices, eating home-cooked meals in lieu of dining out is becoming more popular.

Aside from cutting costs on your food budget, home cooking also helps you choose healthy and wholesome ingredients, have greater control over preparation methods and portions, as well as practice your creativity in the kitchen.

However, one of the hurdles to be managed in home cooking involves sourcing of fresh ingredients that will help recipes turn into delicious dishes.

Fortunately, you can now turn to the Internet to conveniently shop for ingredients and have them delivered to your home.

Take Nutrifresh Chicken, for example.

Nutrifresh Chicken is a direct producer, processor and distributor of broiler chickens which is mainly based in Southern Luzon, with branches in Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Gensan, Davao and Palawan.

It carefully manages the production of its chicken products – from breeding, hatching, growing, processing to packaging and delivery – to ensure the adoption of humane practices and maintain product quality while eschewing the use of preservatives, added hormones and steroids.

These dressed chicken selections include:

Nutrifresh Chicken started its venture into consumer retail just when the worldwide pandemic reared its ugly head back in 2020, challenging the company to come up with solutions to efficiently deliver its fresh and premium quality chicken products from its farms to its customers.

Then, it launched an app that enabled home cooks like to order their choices from among its various chicken selections and have them conveniently delivered right to their doorstep.

This online facility made it that much easier for home cooks to prepare nourishing and mouth-watering dishes for their families.

The app is currently being updated to improve its user experience but you can place your orders through Nutrifresh Chicken’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. When the app update is done, you can download it here.

So go online to order your Nutrifresh Chicken selections and be on your way to eating healthy and fresh!

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

5 signs it’s time to consider buying your own home

For most of us, home ownership is a major milestone.

It is not just the hallmark of the ability to make a significant long-term financial commitment, it is also the start of putting down roots. It involves creating a home and establishing your presence in a community for a long period of time, perhaps even permanently. When you own a home, your family has a place to grow up in, and you have a legacy to pass on to your children.

Home ownership also demands some sacrifice: aside from the major financial investment involved, you also need to maintain the home, keeping it clean and in good condition and ensuring that its facilities – from its furnishings and appliances to its fixtures – are working well.

With all of these important considerations, how can you know if you’re ready to own a home?

Here are some signs:

You have a stable income. Paying off your home mortgage will take a significant portion of your budget over many years. You need to be able to count on a steady job or other revenue streams such as investments or side hustles to afford your monthly mortgage payments.
You have saved – a lot! – for a rainy day. Should an emergency occur while you are making those monthly house payments, you need to be able to handle both without putting yourself in a sticky financial predicament. A good rule of thumb is to have money equivalent to six months of your monthly house payments set aside as savings prior to signing the deed.

You have good credit. How you handle small debts – such as credit card payments – can be a strong indicator of how you will handle major financial responsibilities such as house payments.
You are comfortable with managing and maintaining a home. Aside from making your monthly payments, home ownership also comes with many responsibilities such as maintaining the property, making repairs and remodeling when needed.
Your life is aligned with home ownership. If you are at a time when you want more space to raise a family, pursue hobbies and interests, or to put down roots in an area you love, then it may be time to set up a home of your own.

So if you think you’re ready to dive into home ownership, be sure to check out your nearest Lumina Homes project!

These projects are available in over 50 key cities and municipalities in the Philippines such as in Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, Isabela, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Albay, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, South Cotabato and Davao del Norte.

Each is strategically located close to major thoroughfares, transport hubs, schools, hospitals, and business and leisure centers.

Inside these communities are well-designed and constructed house models for one that will suit your needs from single-story starter home rowhouses to two-storey townhomes and detached units, all built with living and dining areas, provision for bedrooms, service areas, as well as toilet and bath.

Aside from having an affordable yet comfortable abode, living at a Lumina Homes community also affords you with amenities that are conducive to enjoyable times spent out of doors.

These include a basketball court, children’s playground, function hall, and mini gardens enclosed in a perimeter fence with 24/7 security, plus free shuttle service to and from town.

Getting your own Lumina dream home is made even easier, thanks to various financing options, such as:

Pag-Ibig Financing which offers the lowest possible interest rate with a 14-month downpayment term and a 30-year maximum loan term
Bank Financing which has faster loan processing with a 16-month downpayment term and a 20-year maximum loan term
Deferred Financing which involves straight payment of total contract price over 24 month at 0% interest
Spot Cash which involves full payment of total contract price applying a 6% discount if made within 30 days from payment of reservation fee, 8% if made within the reservation month, and 10% if made within 10 days of reservation date

Here’s how to get Php500 off when reserve your own Lumina home online:

Visit Lumina Homes’ website.
Click “E-Services” and “Reserve Online” then fill out your details.
Fill out the project name, phase, block and lot of your preferred Lumina project.
Proceed to payment and use my code JLBLMN500. Payments via GCash or debit/credit cards are accepted.

Prima Casa Land & Houses, Inc., known through its “LUMINA” brand, has evolved to be the practical choice of everyone in realizing their dream of home ownership. Lumina is the leading mass housing developer in the country with its roster of value-priced homes in affordable and self-sustaining communities.

For more information and announcements, follow @luminahomesofficial on Facebook or visit Lumina Homes’ official website at www.lumina.com.ph.

Fam faves at RACKS, Entertainment City

Now, why would my Pasig City-based family be in this restaurant on the other end of the metro on a weekend?

The answer’s pretty simple: we just finished a round of shopping at the IKEA nearby and we didn’t want to wait in line for its in-store restaurant.

Having espied this RACKS branch upon leaving the furniture store, I just knew that this is where the fam can sate our hunger quite happily. After all, eating at RACKS is always something the entire family agrees on.

Here are three reasons why:

1. It’s a place for casual and comfortable dining.

Surprisingly, RACKS is a homegrown brand but the look and feel of the restaurant is of the American Southwest from the wide and open layout, brick architectural features and farm-style decor, among others.

Smoking meat, essentially barbecue, after all, is an American tradition.

However, RACKS was actually launched by auto magnate Wellington Soong, exclusive distributor of Jaguar, Land Rover and Maserati in the 90s. It was then acquired by the Prieto family (the same group behind Shakeys, Tia Maria and Via Mare, among others) in the mid-2000s.

The new owners instigated some changes, such as transitioning the look of the restaurants from the all-white, country-style theme, to a more homey farmhouse style which is still in place in all of its outlets in the country, this branch included.

2. Its signature barbecue sauces just makes everything better.

Among the things RACKS is known for is its own-brand barbecue sauces. Available in two variants – Original and Extra Hot – these sauces are the perfect condiments to bring out the flavors or RACKS smoked ribs.

These sauces accompanies all orders in the restaurant but can also be bought by the bottle for Php340.

(Cooking hack: my mom also uses it as a marinade for her Crispy Tadyang recipe.)

3. Our family already has its go-to orders here.

Having patronized RACKS since its launch in the 90s (Hubby and I even had a few of our dinner dates in some branches), it’s no wonder that we have established our fast faves from its menu.

Our meal, of course, is centered around RACKS’ Classic Pork Ribs (Php495 quarter | Php775 half | Php1,565). Hickory-smoked in a blend of herbs and spices to achieve that rich and smokey flavor. Given the appetites of my family members, only a full rack can satisfy us.

Our order of Classic Pork Ribs is served with a two side dishes and we opted for our faves, tangy Coleslaw for Hubby and myself and snackable Mac ‘n Cheese for the kiddos.

In other restaurants, we could have had an appetizer of a plate of onion rings but not in RACKS. Oh, mo! Here, we start our meal with a sizable Onion Brick (Php345).

Our meal also includes our preferred grains: Java Rice (Php85 single | Php425 platter) for Hubby and the kids, and Garlic Rice (Php85 single | Php425 platter) for me.

Completing our meal is a Pitcher of House-blend Iced Tea (Php295).

Is it any wonder the fam tends to gravitate towards RACKS for a fuss-free yet delicious family meal?

This branch is located at Aseana Square, Entertainment City, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Tambo, Parañaque.

Other Metro Manila branches are located at:

Las Pinas: SM Southmall, Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Paseo de Magallanes
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Ermita
Muntinlupa: Festival Mall
Paranaque:
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Pasig: Tiendesitas
Quezon City: UP Town Center, Timog Avenue, Trinoma Mall, SM North EDSA
San Juan: Greenhills Shopping Center
Taguig: The Fort Strip

To know more about RACKS or to order online, visit its website. To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Maximize your budget and groceries with Robinsons Supermarkets’ PISO Sale at MetroMart this October 14-17

As we are heading into the holiday season, the double digit promos, payday discounts and PISO SALEs are also ramping up! And with this payday weekend, you can definitely double down on the deals from the Robinsons Supermarket PISO SALE, exclusively via MetroMart this October 14-17, 2022.

Power to the Piso

Don’t miss out on the upcoming Robinsons Supermarket PISO SALE, exclusively available via MetroMart topbilling the mid-October payday weekend this October 14-17, 2022. You’ll have a chance to snag premium brands and products in big quantities for ₱1.00 ONLY! It’s perfect for stocking up your pantry, and the big quantities are great for sharing among members of the family. These include Delimondo Ranch Style Corned Beef, Coke Zero Sugar, Oreo Vanilla Cookies, Selecta Fortified Milk, Gardenia Sliced Bread, and Colgate Triple Action Toothpaste.

The Right Timing

Select products are available for only ₱1.00 within schedules of 9AM- 2PM & 3PM-8PM throughout October 14-17, 2022, Friday until Monday. The first PISO SALE day will also have the 1-peso products available the whole day, from 9AM – 8PM.

Please see the PISO SALE itinerary below:

Date and Time	Item	Retail Price
Oct 14, 9am-8pm	Delimondo Ranch Style Corned Beef 380G Gardenia Regular Slice Whitebread	₱185.00 ₱79.00
Oct 15, 9am-2pm	Ruffles Cheddar Sour Cream 6.5oz Coke Zero Sugar 2L	₱157.50 ₱74.50
Oct 15, 3pm-8pm	Selecta Fortified Milk 1L x2 Oreo Vanilla x9	₱150.50 ₱74.00
Oct 16, 9am-2pm	Coke Zero Sugar 2L Mi Sedaap Spicy Chicken 87g x5 Mi Sedaap Mi Goreng 91G x5	₱74.50 ₱88.00 ₱88.00
Oct 16, 3pm-8pm	Colgate Triple Action Toothpaste 175G 2pcs Zonrox ColorSafe Bleach 900ML	₱185.00 ₱67.25
Oct 17, 9am-2pm	CDO Funtastyk Chicken Tocino 450g CDO Chicken Ham 250G	₱173.00 ₱99.75
Oct 17, 3pm-8pm	Gardenia US600 Thick Slice Whitebread Libby’s Vienna Sausage Robinsons Interfold Kit 1ply 120 pulls 3 pcs	₱79.00 ₱65.00 ₱98.00

*Sale items are subject to availability in Robinsons Supermarket branches.

Bank promos and cashbacks

200 or 300 pesos shaved off of your total tab can go a long way, and the trick may lie in the payment method! Most banks offer discounts for both their debit and credit cardholders. Even e-wallet fintech platforms like GCash and Maya do the same. Partnered with the PISO SALE, you can definitely stretch your peso and purchasing power with your MetroMart order!

Nationwide PISO SALE

This payday weekend event is also available throughout the Philippines, where MetroMart has expanded its serviceable locations! The PISO SALE is available in participating branches of Robinsons Supermarket via the MetroMart app and website, all over Metro Manila and key locations throughout the Philippines, including Bicol, Palawan, Tagaytay, Pangasinan, Cavite, Cebu, Baguio and Davao

The Robinsons Supermarket PISO SALE, exclusively via MetroMart, is applicable to New and Existing Users of MetroMart. A min. spend of only ₱2,500 is required in order to avail the 1-peso sale items. Only completed checkout of orders within the scheduled day and time can avail the discounted items.

Are you new to MetroMart? Sign up for a MetroMart account here and enjoy Php200 grocery credit.

MetroMart is the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. Our grocery partners include S&R (with or no membership card required), Robinsons Supermarket, Landmark, The Marketplace, Shopwise, All Day Supermarket, Merrymart, Super8 Grocery Warehouse, Ever Supermarket, UltraMega Supermarket, and over 500+ specialty store retailers like Pet Express, Baby Company, Toy Kingdom, Toys”R”Us, National Book Store, Office Warehouse, Southstar Drug and AllDay Rx. Customers can order from their favorite stores on the MetroMart app and have it delivered to their door in 2 hours!

Over 160,000 products are available with MetroMart’s 500+ partner supermarkets and partner specialty stores. Order your groceries through http://www.metromart.com, or download the app on iOS or Android app store.

For more updates on MetroMart, follow it on Facebook and Instagram at @metromartph.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Recipe: Cinnamon Pecan Pudding

Here’s my confession: I get so antsy at the thought of food waste.

I don’t like the idea of throwing perfectly good food away just because the fam got tired of it. This attitude is probably a holdover from my younger years when my family was not living as comfortably as we are now and I didn’t get to enjoy a lot of good food.

Still, getting my fam to finish of every last bite of leftover bread can be quite a challenge.

After all, while freshly baked bread does get us salivating at the mere aroma of it wafting from the oven, stale leftover bread is, at best, ignored and placed at the back of the refrigerator.

The solution? Re-invention!

With just a few additional ingredients, a little bit of prep work and some time in the oven, the leftover bread that my kiddos turn their nose up at becomes a mouthwatering dessert.

I got the idea for this recipe from fellow blogger Tina of Hungry Travel Duo who made a Creamy Bread Pudding from stale bread. I just made a few substitutions – such as using leftovers from my homemade bread and using pecans instead of raisins (because I’m not big on raisins!) – and adjustments for my family’s taste – like doing away with the sweet milk sauce – and my Cinnamon Pecan Pudding came to be.

Here’s how I did it:

Ingredients:

6 to 8 1-inch slices of bread cut into 1-inch cubes (you can use 8 to 10 pieces of regular sliced bread)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
2 tablespoons room temperature butter
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup roughly chopped pecans (you can substitute this with chopped walnuts)
3/4 cup condensed milk

Procedure:

Grease a baking pan with butter.
Spread the cutup bread and 3/4 cup of pecans evenly in the pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, cinnamon powder and condensed milk, then pour over the bread.
Top with the remaining pecans.
Bake in a 200 deg C oven for twenty minutes until golden brown.

This recipe is great when you want a quick and fuss-free dessert or if you want something fresh from the oven for your coffee break.

How about you? How would you re-invent your leftover bread?

Check out my other dessert recipes:

Why you should design your bedroom with a Scandi aesthetic

The Scandinavian aesthetic – which originated from Nordic countries such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland – has stayed in prominence among design styles preferred by home owners for quite some time.

Characterized by clean lines, light spaces and the absence of clutter – hallmarks of Nordic minimalism – this design theme has the surprising ability to imbue the look and feel of warmth and welcome into a space, as well as having a strong visual appeal.

Basic Principles

Scandinavian design is guided by the principles of balance and harmony with one’s environment using well-crafted and high-quality items while remaining unencumbered by excess clutter.

This design philosophy uses a minimalist and well-considered approach which seeks to combine beauty and functionality, resulting in a sleek and modern decor that still feels warm and inviting.

Scandinavian design principles for the bedroom

It’s not surprising then that Scandi themes translate quite well in bedrooms.

The bedroom is space within the home dedicated to resting and restoring oneself – where one shakes off the concerns from the outside world at the end of the day, and then prepares for the challenges of a new day.

Within this space, one should be able to take a restful slumber, do relaxing activities like reading or meditation, or just enjoy one’s solitude.

The bedroom should definitely be a welcoming place, somewhere to let loose and relax. Applying Scandi design principles to one’s bedroom helps to bring about these desired effects.

Here are rules of thumb that will help you design a tasteful Scandi bedroom:

Keep it simple.

Prioritize simplicity and functionality by keeping the bedroom free of clutter and unessential elements. Use sleek, clean-lined modern furniture, while implementing proper arrangement and storage of the room’s elements. Doing so will help to declutter your mind, resulting into a more relaxing space.

Use muted colors.

Scandi design uses quite a lot whites, grays and tans, and complements this neutral and nature-based palette with accents of blue and other bright colors. These contribute to less unwanted visual stimulation and gives the room a more soothing atmosphere.

Maximize natural light.

Artificial sources of illumination may increase risks for migraines and eye strain so it follows that making the most of natural light will help in minimizing these risks, and has the bonus benefit of improving one’s sleep cycle.

Painting the walls white as well as making minimal use of window treatments help to optimize the natural light the enters the bedroom.

Bring the outside in.

Nature plays a big role in Scandi design, attributable to the natural beauty of Scandinavian countries, as well as their long winter season which led to the desire to incorporate natural elements into interior spaces.

This can be achieved through the use of plants and flowers that add pops of color to the minimalist design, as well as through the use of light woods such as beech, ash and pine which inject warmth into the space.

Design for hygge.

Scandinavian design embraces the concept of hygge – the quality of coziness and comfort that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being – which would definitely suit the bedroom.

Adding elements that add joy or the feeling of living well such as cool and silky bed sheets, a comfy comforter, or tasteful artwork will not only personalize your bedroom but also create a space you would look forward to escaping to.

Thinking of applying a Scandi aesthetic to your bedroom? It might be time to hie yourself over to IKEA for great ideas and exciting finds.

About IKEA

In 1951, the IKEA began operating as a mail-order catalogue business based in Almhult, a small, forested village in the Swedish countryside. Its founder, Ingvar Kamprad decided to sell good-quality furniture at low prices.

Since 2008, IKEA has been recognized as the largest furniture retailer in the world, with presence in Europe, Middle East, North Africa, East Asia, India, Southeast Asia, Oceania and North America.

In 2021, opened its largest store in the world right in our home turf, a 65,000 square meter outlet located in the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City which houses over 8,000 items.

You can visit IKEA Pasay at the MOA Square, Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Barangay 76 Zone 10, CBP-IA, 1300 Pasay City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

You may also order online through its website.

To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Header Image by Freepik | Other photos taken during store visit to IKEA Pasay.

Check out my previous posts about IKEA:

Answers to some questions you may have about IKEA PH (but haven’t gotten around to asking)

A taste of Scandinavia at IKEA’s Swedish Restaurant

Yummy baked goodies from The French Baker

I can barely remember a time when The French Baker was not around.

Since the early 90’s, it has been making affordable, premium-quality and freshly baked European-style breads available to more Filipinos, thereby broadening our food horizons beyond the neighborhood panaderia.

The French Baker was born out of founder Johnlu Koa’s desire to bring his Paris experience back to the Philippines in the form of French breads and pastries. Since then, the bakery-slash-restaurant has been churning out baguettes, croissants, sourdoughs and tarts alongside local bakery treats such as pan de sal and ensaimada, and cafe fare like soups, salads, pizzas and pastas.

If it weren’t for The French Baker, I might not have developed such a deep appreciation for the art of bread and pastry-making, and my family also would not be enjoying our favorite baked goods so easily.

These include:

Apple Crumble Danish (Php105). Layered and glazed pastry topped with cinnamon-infused apple streusel. While I usually gravitate towards The French Baker’s Blueberry and Peach Danishes, this is a welcome addition to my faves.

Choco Walnut Danish (Php105). Another variation of the delightful Danish pastries, this time with a chocolate cream filling topped by crunchy chopped walnuts.

Blueberry Muffin (Php72). A buttery quick bread with sweet and tangy blueberries mixed in. This is great for a fuss-free dessert after a meal, or a sweet snack.

Butter Croissant (Php73). A crescent-shaped viennoiserie made by layering the dough with butter, rolling it out and folding it several times resulting in a flaky textured roll with the same airy texture as a puff pastry. This goes so well with butter and coffee as a breakfast treat, and is my daughter’s favorite pastry.

Almond Croissant (Php115). A tasty expansion to The French Baker’s croissant possibilities, thanks to the addition of toasted and sweetened almond slices.

Beef Turnover (Php118). The French version of the empanada, this consists of savory ground beef filling encased in the flaky pastry dough. This is my husband’s go-to quick eats, whether for his coffee break or midnight snack.

What I love most about these baked goodies from The French Baker is that my family and I can enjoy them at home!

Whether with our coffee or hot chocolate in the morning, a sweet way to cap our lunch or dinner or as a delicious snack in between meals, these yummy pastries are always within easy reach.

You too can stock up on your favorite European-style baked goods from The French Baker by dropping by the outlet nearest you and ordering them for takeout. With over 50 branches nationwide, this shouldn’t be too hard. 🙂

You can also order for delivery from its website or via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Deliciously healthy meal at home with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Roasted Chicken Group Meal

If you want to treat your family to a delicious meal right in the comforts of your home, then a Roasted Chicken Group Meal from Kenny Rogers Roasters should be right up your alley.

After all, for over 25 years, Kenny Rogers Roasters have been synonymous with great-tasting roasted chicken. It is also known for serving deliciously wholesome and healthy food.

It’s not surprising, then, that I find it so convenient to just order from this chain during those times when I want to treat them to a nice meal without me having to slave away in the kitchen, or having to burn a hole in my wallet.

This is why I consider Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Roasted Chicken Group Meal an absolute steal!

It all starts with the Classic Roasted Chicken.

Considering the many flavors and dishes that Kenny Rogers Roasters has launched since its arrival in our shores in 1995 focus may have been taken from its OG roasted chicken variant.

For me, though, this is the building block of so many flavorful possibilities that Kenny Rogers Roasters have introduced since its launch in 1995.

Flavored through a citrus-based marinated then roasted to perfection and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, the resulting flavorful and juicy dish has become the preferred chicken rotisserie for diners with discerning palates.

A perfect companion for roast chicken is, of course, the gravy which enhances its flavor and texture.

Complementing the roast chicken are four regular side dishes, giving a variety of flavors and textures to enjoy with the meal. My family’s go-to sides are coleslaw – to add a fresh and tangy counterpoint to the savory chicken – and Mac ‘n Cheese – for a rich and cheesy addition to the meal.

Upgrading the four cups rice to Java rice for Php13.60 per cup is also a great way to introduce some variety to the meal and level up the flavor game of the roasted chicken.

Four corn muffins, offshoots of Kenny Rogers Roasters’ American Southern origins, bring new dimensions of enjoyment for the dish. To some, these muffins are a side dish; to me, they’re dessert!

And lastly, 1.5 liter soda completes the group meal.

This deliciously filling group meal can be enjoyed by the family for just Php1,060.

Order it now for delivery at kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph or through Kenny Rogers Roasters delivery hotline +63 2 85559000, as well as via GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick*A*Roo.

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

Check out my previous posts about Kenny Rogers Roasters:

Eggs-perience eggs-tasy with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ new Salted Egg Chicken line

Chimichurri makes a comeback at Kenny Rogers Roasters!

Travel with your furry friends with Airbnb this festive season

This week marks World Animal Day, an international day celebrating all animals and promoting a better future for animals all over the world. As the festive season rapidly approaches, there’s no better time to start planning a getaway for your loved ones – with fur kids in tow.

Around the world, Airbnb Hosts have welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests and their beloved pets. As the pandemic pet boom continues and travel resumes, guests are increasingly looking for domestic stays that allow them to bring their furry friends along, with ample outdoor space for all to roam around.

More than 3 million pets have checked into Airbnb since last November. As of June 2022, pet-friendly stays make up almost one-fifth of all Philippines listings on Airbnb, a 44% increase compared to June 2019². The top ten destinations for pet-friendly travel in the Philippines in Q2 2022 are:

Manila, Metro Manila
Baguio, Cordillera
Calabarzon
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Taguig, Calabarzon
Cebu City, Central Visayas
Olongapo, Central Luzon
Nasugbu, Calabarzon
San Fernando, Ilocos
Calamba, Calabarzon

Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan said that when it comes to pet-friendly Airbnb stays, owners are seeking stays with additional space for their furry friends, often in locations outside capital cities.

“If you’re an avid pet lover, you’ll know that no holiday is quite complete without taking your family pet along. We have something for even the fussiest four-legged family members, and certainly, homes with spacious yards and deck areas are always among the most popular for guests with pets,” Bajaj added.

In the Philippines, over 15,000 guests have traveled with their pets on Airbnb³. To inspire more fur moms and dads planning to bring their pet friends on their next getaways, here are some amazing pet-friendly listings in the Philippines — from spacious homes with huge backyards for your pets to roam to stays co-hosted by equally hospitable pooches!

Spacious farms for the zoomies

If you’re itching for a quick weekend away from the 9-to-5 routine, these farm stays that are drivable from Manila can certainly give you and your fur baby that relaxing getaway you both deserved.

Pet Friendly Airbnb — The Alperi Farm is a newly built private farmhouse in Amadeo sitting on an expansive 2,000 sqm — perfect for non-stop fetch and the occasional zoomies. Offering guests plenty of opportunities to unplug and bond with loved ones (pets included!), the farmhouse comes with entertainment and activity options including a playhouse, bird sanctuary, a gym, and even a theater and arcade room.

Beachfront homes for the water-loving breeds

While some will just dip a toe, other dogs are born for the water — and will be truly delighted to hit the beach. Head on to these beachfront stays if you and your canine companion are dreaming of sands in your toes and paws.

Breathtaking views for your best bud

Looking for vacation rentals with picturesque views where you can bring your fur babies? Search no further! These homes are not only pet-friendly — they make you want to bask in the scenery and stay for longer.

¹ Based on Airbnb internal data from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022

² Based on Airbnb internal data from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022

³ Based on Airbnb internal data from November 11, 2019 to June 30, 2022

Note: All stays referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific stay or experience listings on the Airbnb platform.

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 unique stays and one-of-a-kind activities that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

Header Image by Lifestylememory on Freepik

Kiehl’s: nature-inspired, scientifically proven skincare since 1851

I always thought that getting into my 40s would present no big adjustments compared to how I lived my life in my 30s.

After all, age is just a number, right? If the adage that “you’re only as old as you feel” is true, then I should be right smack in the middle of my 20s.

However, time does have a way of catching up with all of us, particularly with regards to our skin.

As we get on in our years, hormonal changes are bound to happen. Our bodies produce less estrogen and progesterone slow down significantly, making our skin cells produce less sebum or oil that keep it soft and supple. These hormonal changes also hamper the renewal process of our skin cells, resulting in a less than glowing complexion as well as the appearance of discoloration, enlarged pores and wrinkles.

What these changes ultimately mean for us is that if we want to come close to looking as young as we actually feel, we should take better care of our skin.

Skincare 101

Fortunately, skin care essentially involves four basic steps that we can easily incorporate into our everyday routine:

Cleansing. The pre-requisite to most skin care routines, this step – which should be done twice a day, in the morning and at night – involves gently removing the dirt and pollutants that our skin comes into contact with.
Toning. As opposed to the stinging astringents we grew up with, toners are now formulated to balance our skin as well as provide it with additional nutrients and help it absorb those from other products in our skin care regimen.
Treating. Some skin problems seem to get worse as we age so we need more efficascent tools in our skincare arsenal to address them such as serums. These are medicinal solutions that contain concentrated doses of active ingredients to address specific issues.
Moisturizing. This step basically hydrates and softens skin by helping to prevent water loss and complement the protective oils found in our skin.

Now, the challenge is where to source the products to use for our skincare regimen.

Would you believe that a brand established in mid-19th century can have skincare solutions that will suit our modern lifestyle?

A heritage of skincare

Kiehl’s started out as an apothecary – the old-timey version of today’s drugstores – situated in New York City in 1851. In the 1920s, the store expanded into a full-service pharmacy stocking tinctures, teas and herbs, started introducing Kiehl’s branded products, along with its signature personalized customer service and implemented generous sampling strategies to induce trial for its products.

While a lot of Kiehl’s best-selling classics such as the Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 and Ultra Facial Moisturizers were introduced in the 1960s, its collection of advanced skincare called Dermatologist Solutions came about in the mid-2000s.

Today, it is one of the most trusted skincare brands, with nature-inspired and scientifically proven formulas to improve overall skin quality for visibly healthy looking skin.

Its product line includes:

Retinol Daily Micro-Dose Serum (Php4,940/50ml | Php3,950/30ml | Php1,500/10ml).

A potent anti-wrinkle serum with a powerful micro dose of pure Retinol, Peptide and Ceramides that help to visibly reduce wrinkles, firm up skin and improves it texture by promoting surface skin turnover.

Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution (Php4,500/50ml | Php3,500/30ml | Php1,975/10ml)

A targeted dark spot corrector that helps boost radiance and improve skin clarity by diminishing the intensity of dark spots and skin discolorations caused by age and UV exposure, as well as brightening skin over time to achieve an even and radiant skin tone.

Creme de Corps (Php3,300/500ml | Php2,175/250ml)

A rich, non-greasy hydrating body cream enriched with Cocoa Butter, Beta-Carotene and Squalene to moisturize dry skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (Php2,100/50ml | Php1,450/28ml)

A shine-reducing, cooling gel moisturizer that has a cooling effect to reinvigorate skin while helping maintain its moisture balance and oil production for skin that’s shine-free, fresh-feeling and healthier-looking all day.

Kiehl’s “try before you buy” samples

Kiehl’s pioneered in best practices for health and beauty products such as listing active ingredients and allowing shoppers to try samples of the products prior to purchase. It’s a great way for shoppers to discover new items to incorporate into their skincare routine.