June 2023 – Page 4 – Jellybeans in the City

Embracing immersive travel: How Filipinos are opting for longer stays with Airbnb

Airbnb, the leading online marketplace for lodging and travel experiences, reveals a significant increase in the popularity of long-term stays among Filipino travelers. With a growth rate of over 2.4 times year-on-year in 2022, the trend indicates a shift towards slower and more meaningful travel experiences. As the upcoming off-peak season approaches, Airbnb encourages travelers to take advantage of lower travel fares and consider extended trips. To inspire potential adventurers, Airbnb shares the story of Liezl Jose, the winner of the ‘Fly and Live Anywhere’ contest, who embarked on a month-long immersive travel adventure with her family.

Photo of Liezel — Liezl Jose, the winner of the ‘Fly and Live Anywhere’ contest

Embracing a New Way of Travel

In the pursuit of escaping the confines of the pandemic and exploring new horizons, Liezl and her family eagerly sought an opportunity for relaxation and adventure. Winning the ‘Fly and Live Anywhere’ campaign through Airbnb felt like destiny, offering them the perfect chance to fulfill their dreams of visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations and creating lasting memories as a family.

According to Liezl, “An adventure doesn’t always have to be in far-flung regions or the most popular destinations because there are so many choices in our beautiful islands. Some natural wonders are practically in our backyards.”

During their month-long journey, Liezl and her family immersed themselves in the wonders of Dumaguete, Boracay, and Cagayan de Oro. They discovered the rural charm, indulged in the local food scene, witnessed breathtaking sunsets on stunning beaches, and even experienced adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting. Additionally, they embarked on road trips to Rizal and Batangas, where they reveled in picturesque natural landscapes and countryside beauty.

For Liezl and her family, the contest provided not only an opportunity to travel but also a chance to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle. Working and attending remote school from various locations, they discovered the joy of living like digital nomads while uncovering hidden gems in their own country.

Tips for Modern Travelers

Drawing from her experience, Liezl shares her top tips for anyone planning a multi-city adventure:

Choose Accommodations Carefully: When booking longer stays, prioritize Airbnb listings that offer reliable WiFi connection and essential amenities like drinking water, bathroom supplies, and a well-equipped kitchen. These small details contribute to creating a home away from home experience.
Explore Local Culture: To truly experience the local culture of your destination city, start by visiting local markets. Walking around allows you to explore the neighborhood and gain insights into the local food, people, language, and lifestyle.
Travel Light: Pack efficiently and double-check airline policies and airport transfers in case of last-minute schedule changes.
Disconnect and Immerse: Take breaks from technology and immerse yourself in your surroundings. Be present, respect the locals, appreciate the natural beauty, and take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Embracing the Journey

Liezl reflects on her month-long getaway with her loved ones, emphasizing the importance of embracing the present and cherishing every moment. “No two sunsets are the same. Each one is different. Yet, it comes from the same sun. It doesn’t matter where we are; we belong anywhere we choose to make our home for the day.”

Section 5: Start Planning Your Adventure

To embark on your own immersive travel experience, visit the Airbnb website. Begin your journey today and explore the countless possibilities that await you.

About Airbnb

Airbnb is a global online marketplace that connects travelers with unique accommodations and travel experiences. With a diverse range of listings in over 220 countries and regions, Airbnb aims to create memorable and authentic travel experiences for people worldwide.

Details provided in a recent press release.

NY-based bartending expert praises the versatility and unique flavor profiles of Tanduay rums

Tanduay rums, known for their wide range of expressions, are receiving high praise from renowned New York-based concept beverage director and bartending veteran, Jeremy Le Blanche. Each Tanduay product offers a distinct and unique flavor profile, making them highly versatile for both sipping and mixing.

Le Blanche, with over 11 years of experience in the bartending industry, has established himself as an expert in his field. Having studied hospitality for five years and obtaining bartending licenses and degrees, Le Blanche’s passion for mixology and culinary arts led him on a journey around the world, constantly seeking new horizons and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

“For the past 8 years, each of my roles has been an amazing experience. I learned something new every single day. From Switzerland to London and finally New York, my focus has always been on personal growth and setting new goals for myself,” shared Le Blanche. His commitment to innovation and consistency allows him to create immersive sensory experiences through his cocktails, ensuring every customer receives the perfect drink.

New York City, with its dynamic and ever-evolving nature, provides an ideal platform for Le Blanche to showcase his creativity. The city’s vibrant energy fuels his drive to continuously explore and experiment with new flavors and techniques.

When asked about Tanduay’s position among other rum brands, Le Blanche expressed his admiration, describing the product as “very good, very clean.” Currently, his two favorite expressions are the Tanduay Double Rum and Especia Spiced Rum. However, Le Blanche acknowledged the highly competitive rum market, emphasizing the importance of effective marketing to increase awareness and give more people the opportunity to try Tanduay.

“It’s all about marketing now to make Tanduay grow in the US, so more people know about it and have the chance to try it,” explained Le Blanche. He emphasized the crucial role of promotion in showcasing the most exceptional cocktails, highlighting that excellence alone is not enough; uniqueness and effective marketing are key to connecting with people.

Le Blanche’s introduction to Tanduay occurred when he connected with Matt Robertson, the brand ambassador for Tanduay in New York, through social media. This encounter sparked an instant camaraderie that has grown stronger over the years. Impressed by the quality of Tanduay’s rums, Le Blanche found it effortless to incorporate them into his cocktails, and the enthusiastic support of the New York team at Tanduay further strengthened his bond with the brand.

“I love that Tanduay is from the Philippines. It grabs people’s attention and makes it easy for me to suggest something new. Once they try one of our Tanduay rum cocktails, they usually want to order another,” Le Blanche added.

Marc Ngo, Tanduay International Business Development Manager and Senior Brand Manager, commended Le Blanche’s endorsement, recognizing it as a testament to Tanduay’s commitment to quality and product research and development. Ngo also praised the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Filipinos, as all Tanduay products are proudly made in the Philippines using the finest sugarcane in the country.

Established in 1854, Tanduay has become an iconic brand in the Philippines, renowned for its exceptional rums. The brand has been consistently recognized with international awards and has dominated the rum category in the country. Tanduay was named the World’s Number 1 Rum for five consecutive years by Drinks International Magazine and has received the prestigious “Brand of the Year” award for seven consecutive years.

For more information about Tanduay and its range of products, please visit www.tanduay.com.

Sun Life’s D.E.A.L.: Empowering first-time insurance buyers with a new digital platform

As a new wave of college graduates prepares to enter the workforce, it is crucial to ensure they start building their financial portfolios on a solid foundation. Sun Life recognizes this need and is committed to promoting its digital life insurance products through GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the country.

The Importance of Insurance for Young Adults

Many young individuals overlook the significance of insurance when starting their financial journey. However, Sun Life emphasizes the benefits of securing insurance products at a young age. Not only does it help foster smart financial habits, but it also enables individuals to stay on track with their financial goals. Alex Narciso, President of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., explains, “Our tie-up with GCash contributes to this goal because together, we can offer insurance that’s both affordable and accessible.”

Sun Life and GCash Collaboration

Through the partnership between Sun Life and GCash, first-time insurance buyers can experience the advantages of being insured without the burden of high premium costs. Sun Life’s “Digital, Easy, Affordable, Life insurance” (D.E.A.L.) products are available through GCash’s GLife and GInsure platforms.

Sun Life’s D.E.A.L. Insurance Products

The D.E.A.L. insurance products provided by Sun Life cater to different needs and include the following:

Life Armor. This life insurance product offers coverage to protect individuals and their loved ones in the event of unexpected circumstances.
Personal Accident Armor. Designed to provide financial support in the case of accidents, this insurance product ensures individuals have coverage for personal accidents and related expenses.
Byahero Protect. Aimed at travelers, this insurance product offers personal accident coverage along with hospital income benefits and burial benefits for accidents that occur during land travel.

Empowering the Younger Generation

Sun Life’s D.E.A.L. aims to help the younger generation invest in their financial preparedness for the future. The company firmly believes that the financial security of young individuals serves as a strong foundation for nation building among the Filipino people.

For those seeking affordable financial security, Sun Life’s D.E.A.L. insurance products provide an excellent solution. To explore and learn more about these products, visit Sun Life’s official website at https://www.sunlife.com.ph/en/insurance/digital-insurance/.

Header image by Freepik

A perfect lunch retreat: Tablo Kitchen x Cafe’s blend of creativity, community and comfort

In the bustling metropolis of Metro Manila, where foodies seek not only delectable dishes but also a place of creativity and community, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe stands out as a haven of comfort. With its inviting ambiance, generous servings of hearty cuisine, and a commitment to fostering connections, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe offers an exceptional lunch experience worth savoring.

I experienced it myself together with my officemates when we set out to explore the foodie possibilities in the Tomas Morato area during our lunch break.

An ambiance of openness and warmth

Tablo Kitchen x Cafe welcomed me and my companions with its open and airy atmosphere. The restaurant boasts a thoughtful blend of al fresco and indoor seating options, allowing guests to enjoy their meals amidst the natural light that floods the space. Recycled wood and metal furniture, accompanied by cozy throw pillows, create a welcoming environment that encourages relaxation and conversation.

However, do note that parking can be limited, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot before the lunchtime rush. (I learned this the hard way.)

A culinary journey through comfort food

Tablo Kitchen x Cafe specializes in satisfying comfort food that is perfect for sharing with friends, family, or colleagues during a leisurely lunch. Our dining experience included a feast of flavors, featuring standout dishes from their menu.

We started with complimentary Prawn Crackers, accompanied by a tangy Vinegar dip, which set the tone for the meal ahead.

The Tablo Meat Platter (Php2,640), a generous serving of Tablo’s grilled meat specialties meant for eight or more, impressed us with its mouthwatering variety. It showcased Half Texas BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Roast Beef Slices, Peri Peri Pork Chop, Salt & Pepper Pork Steak, Chicken Chops, Corn, Buttered Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, Side Salad, Garlic Rice, and Garlic Bread—a true feast for the senses.

Another standout dish was the Roast Beef Adobo Cream (Php640), featuring tender slices of roast beef and potatoes and French beans, all brought together with a delightful soy-vinegar marinade and coconut cream.

These comforting flavors were perfectly complemented and made more filling by our Pinoy staples Plain Rice (Php64/cup) and Garlic Fried Rice (Php80/cup).

Attentive service and memorable experiences

At Tablo Kitchen x Cafe, the service and staff add an extra touch of hospitality to the dining experience. The attentive and competent staff ensure that guests are well taken care of, catering to their needs and providing helpful recommendations. Moreover, the friendly servers are always ready to capture those Instagrammable moments, making sure your memories of the meal are captured in the best possible way.

Convenient locations for Metro Manila foodies

Tablo Kitchen x Cafe boasts multiple branches across Metro Manila, making it accessible to a wider audience of food enthusiasts. The branch we visited is located at 14A Scout Borromeo St., South Triangle, Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, you can contact it at +63 912 4330580.

If you find yourself in other parts of Metro Manila, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe has branches in BF Resort (Tel:+63 925 3372789), BF Homes (+63 956 4805696), and South Las Pinas (Tel: +63 927 0190919), offering the same delightful culinary experience.

As my workmates and I discovered, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe stands as a testament to the power of creativity, community, and comfort food coming together in a delightful culinary experience, thanks to its inviting ambiance, generous servings of hearty cuisine, attentive staff, and accessible locations. Whether you’re looking for a place to gather with family and friends or simply indulge in comforting dishes, Tablo Kitchen x Cafe is sure to provide a haven of creativity, community, and delectable comfort food that will leave you longing for more.

Know more about its menu and offers by visiting its website or following Tablo Kitchen x Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.

Discover the taste of luxury: Kurobuta Pork Showcase at The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang

Café Ilang-Ilang, the renowned dining destination at The Manila Hotel, is thrilled to showcase a series of mouthwatering dishes featuring the exceptional quality and flavor of local Kurobuta pork throughout the month of June.

Discover the “Wagyu of Pork”

Kurobuta, a type of pork originating from the English county of Berkshire, is often referred to as the “black pig” in Japanese. Renowned for its abundant marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor profile, Kurobuta pork has earned the moniker “Wagyu of pork.”

Chef Konrad Walter - Executive Chef of The Manila Hotel — Chef Konrad Walter – Executive Chef of The Manila Hotel

A Collaboration for Sustainable Excellence

“We are delighted to enhance the buffet spread at Café Ilang-Ilang with the produce of Esguerra Farms,” states Konrad Walter, Executive Chef at The Manila Hotel. Esguerra Farms, located in Lipa, Batangas, is committed to employing sustainable and ethical farming practices, prioritizing animal welfare and environmental conservation. With a dedicated Kurobuta Village on the farm, the pigs are raised in a safe, clean, and stress-free environment. They receive proper shelter, nourishment, and care, resulting in a higher pH level, maximum marbling, and the retention of natural flavor and healthier meat color.

Kurobuta Pork Stew in Red Wine with Sweet Potato and Prunes

An Extravagant Buffet Experience

Café Ilang-Ilang’s culinary team has meticulously curated a sumptuous buffet dinner spread that showcases the exceptional qualities of Kurobuta pork. Indulge in a delectable array of dishes, including the following highlights:

Pork Ramen Soup
Kurobuta Pork Stew in Red Wine with Sweet Potato and Prunes
Korean Style Grilled Pork Belly
Kurobuta Pork in Mandarin Sauce
Roasted Crispy Pork Pata
Spicy Thai Mince Kurobuta Pork Salad
Mini Ensaymada with Pork Lard

Spare Ribs Mandarin Style _ Salt & Pepper Spare Ribs — Spare Ribs Mandarin Style and Salt & Pepper Spare Ribs

These tantalizing offerings will be available on a rotating basis at Café Ilang-Ilang’s Dinner Buffet every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from June 5 to 28, 2023. The rate is Php 3,145 nett per person, with a half-rate applicable to children aged 5-12 years old. Children aged 4 years old and below enjoy free admission.

For Inquiries and Reservations

To make inquiries or reservations, please contact +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500. You may also send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

Details provided in a recent press release.