Gel Jose

5 fun facts about Antipolo’s Hinulugang Taktak

Tayo na sa Antipolo
At doo'y maligo tayo
Sa batis na kung tawagin
Ay hi-hi-hinulugang taktak

A tour of Antipolo in the Rizal Province would not be complete without a visit to its most famous tourist attraction, immortalized in the folk song “Tayo na sa Antipolo.”

This landmark is called Hinulugang Taktak, a scenic waterfall located in a national park that covers 3.2 hectares of land. It is considered the second most popular national park, following the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.

Fancy a visit to this celebrated natural wonder? Here are some fun facts to regale your companions with during your trip:

1. What’s in a name?

If you ever wondered how the waterfall got its name, Hinulugang Taktak literally means “where the bell was dropped.” Legend has it that a giant bell was dropped into the waterfall by the townspeople during the Philippine Revolution to prevent it from being taken by the Spanish colonial authorities.

Our ancestors sure knew how to stick it to the colonizers, didn’t they?

2. Protection and rehabilitation

The waterfall was declared a National Park in 1933, making it one of the oldest protected areas in the Philippines.

It used to be a popular swimming spot for locals and tourists (hence the mention in the song). However, due to pollution, the waterfall was closed to the public in 2000 for rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation efforts proved to be successful, and the waterfall was reopened in 2018. Today, visitors can enjoy the newly renovated park, which features a picnic area, walking trails, and viewing decks.

In 2018, Hinulugang Taktak was declared a Ramsar site, which is a wetland area of international importance. The designation recognizes the importance of the waterfall and its surrounding ecosystem for biodiversity conservation.

It is home to at least eleven species of trees and to various wildlife.

The waterfall is also a popular spot for birdwatching. The park is home to several bird species, including the Philippine bulbul, the olive-backed sunbird, and the Philippine pygmy woodpecker.

3. Onscreen appearances

Hinulugang Taktak has been featured in several Filipino movies and television shows, one of which is the 1947 black and white film “Himala ng Birhen sa Antipolo” topbilled Rosa del Rosario and Rogelio dela Rosa.

It has also been featured on various talk shows such as Kris TV and Byahe ni Drew.

4. Closing, rehabilitation and reopening

To stem the degradation of the falls from pollution, it was designated as a national park in September 1990, and it became a protected landscape in November 2000.

As the river itself was deemed unsafe for swimming due to accumulated water pollution, a nearby pool was constructed for swimmers.

An oil spill in 2015 forced the closure of the park for eleven days and the intensification of efforts to rehabilitate it.

After rehabilitation, it reopened on February 13, 2020 with new recreational activities installed which include a spider web platform, canopy walk, rappelling and a wall climbing facility.

5. Get in for free!

That’s right: you and your friends can visit the park for free: there’s no entrance fee and no need for reservation.

The recreational activities are also free to use on a first-come, first-served basis to park visitors fourteen years old and older. Here are a few safety reminders:

No pets allowed
Guests are advised to wear pants or shorts (no dress or skirts) as well as closed shoes (sandals, doll shoes, high-heeled shoes, adjustable crocs and bicycle shoes not allowed)

The following activities are strictly prohibited inside the park:

Cutting, destroying or picking of plants
Any act of vandalism
Hunting of gamebirds and other animals
Littering and smoking
Carrying of firearms and deadly weapons
Collecting insects
Drinking alcoholic beverages
Unauthorized selling of any kinds of goods
Any form of gambling

So if you’re in the Antipolo area, don’t miss the opportunity to wonder at nature and the great outdoors as well as immerse yourself in local history and culture at Hinulugang Taktak!

Hinulugang Taktak Nature & Adventure Park is located along Daang Bakal Road, Sitio Taktak, Barangay Dela Paz, Antipolo, Rizal.

The park is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 7am to 4pm.

Check out my previous posts about Antipolo attractions:

5 reasons to celebrate birthdays at Vikings Luxury Buffet, SM Marikina

Quick question: Where do you usually take the fam or the barkada when it’s someone’s birthday?

Chances are: Vikings Luxury Buffet is right at the top of your shortlist, right?

And why not? Celebrating someone’s natal day here calls to mind the grandiose shindigs that the legendary Vikings held where food and drink overflowed for days until everyone is fully satisfied.

If you’re still on the fence on whether you should hold birthday festivities at Vikings Luxury Buffet, here are five reasons why:

1. Festive atmosphere

The restaurant is designed to create a cheery yet elegant atmosphere that makes your group’s dining experience even more enjoyable.

Equipped the largest buffet areas found in the country, Vikings brings and ambiance of splendor and opulence to its diners.

The spacious dining area is decorated with elegant fixtures and comfortable seating, and the staff is friendly and attentive. They provide excellent service, ensuring that your needs are met throughout your dining experience.

2. Wide selection of dishes

Vikings offers a variety of international cuisines, including Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more, all specially prepared by its team of world-class chefs. The entire party can find everything they crave for – whether appetizers, entrees, seafood, meats or desserts – one plate at a time among the different stations for each cuisine:

Japanese: fresh sushi, sashimi and tempura
Chinese: dim sum and noodles
Filipino: classic dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon
Carving: various roasted meats
Pastas and Pizzas
Desserts

With such an extensive array of dishes, the birthday celebrant, and the whole group, will be able to enjoy old favorites as well as try out new cuisines to explore.

3. Eat all you can!

Vikings Luxury Buffet is an all-you-can-eat restaurant, which means the entire party can enjoy as much food as they want for the fixed adult rate of Php988 on weekdays and Php1,088 on weekends.

This way, everyone can savor their favorites or try out different dishes without having to worry about the cost.

Bringing the young ‘uns with you? Here are the buffet rates for the kiddos:

Kids below 3 feet: FREE
Kids 3 feet to 4 feet: Php338 (weekday lunch and dinner) | Php388 (weekend/holiday lunch and dinner)
Kids 4 feet to 6 feet: Php598 (weekday lunch and dinner) | Php698 (weekend/holiday lunch and dinner)

(All buffet rates subject to 5% service charge)

Be mindful of food waste, okay? Make sure that everyone takes only what they can eat and go back for seconds if needed.

4. Birthday celebrants eat for FREE!

Who can forget Vikings’ much-loved promo which allows birthday celebrants to tale full advantage of the restaurant’s delicious buffet spread – from its signature dishes to unique local flavors – absolutely FREE!

All they have to do is a bring a full-paying adult on their actual birthday or four full-paying adults if their visit falls within their birth month. (Be sure to bring a valid government-issued ID).

5. Cheers all you can too!

Go ahead and pair your food with your own alcoholic beverage. You can bring as many bottles as you want with no corkage fee.

So the next time someone’s birthday comes around, you know where to take them and the entire party to eat like a Viking, celebrating great times with great company and great food!

This Vikings Luxury Buffet branch is located at the 2nd Floor, SM City Marikina, Barangay Calumpit, Marikina City, open for lunch service daily from 11am to 2.30pm, and for dinner service Sundays to Thursdays from 5pm to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 5pm to 10pm.

Other Vikings Luxury Buffet branches in Metro Manila are located at:

SM Mall of Asia
SM Megamall
SM North EDSA
SM Jazz Mall
SM BF Paranaque
The Venue

For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 88454647 (8-VIKINGS) or book your table online.

An Exquisite Saga-gyu and Wine Adventure at The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room

Have ‘A Taste of Japan’ as The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room invites you to an evening of epicurean journey with its exclusive Saga-gyu dinner paired with bespoke wine.

The most discerning meat fans and wine enthusiasts will be treated to a 7-course dinner featuring dishes curated by our special guest chef from Japan, Hiroki Samata—a classically-trained chef and master butcher whose impeccable knife skills are admired by many.

Saga-gyu at The Manila Hotel — Guest Chef Hiroki Samata. Book your The Manila Hotel stay here.

Chef Samata will exhibit his culinary creativity with a menu that puts the spotlight on Saga-gyu beef which is one of the world’s most revered delicacies. But what makes this illustrious meat stand out among the rest? Saga beef cows live a life of comfort and luxury, nurtured using expert breeding techniques, and are free to relish the infinite beauty of Saga’s natural surroundings. As a result, the cows produce a perfect balance of fat marbled in lean meat, known in Japanese as tsuya-sashi or “glossy marbling” which is the key to its melt-in-your-mouth texture and unparalleled flavor.

To make the dining experience more enjoyable, our partner Titania Wine Cellar will guide our diners with wine pairing nuances using their extensive range of quality wines such as Piccini Memoro Italia Bianco and Chateau Loyasson Bordeaux AOC, to name a few.

This elegant night of fine dining and wine pairing will be held exclusively on March 15, 2023 at 7PM at the Champagne Room. Seats are limited to 40 persons and are priced at Php 10,000 nett per person.

For inquiries and reservations, call (+632) 85270011 or (+632) 53015500 locals 1262-1266, 1300. You may also send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com or r.champagneroom@themanilahotel.com.

About The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, the Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms. Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa and Manila Hotel Health Club. It has 6 dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of international buffet delights; The Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila—it features French cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of jazz music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and The Deli that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.

Book your stay at The Manila Hotel via Klook.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Sweet somethings from Big Al’s Cookie Jar

Every once in a while, I get that irresistible craving for something sweet.

I normally give in to this craving because:

Doing so brings me so much joy (and yes, a bit of sugar rush!)
It’s so easy to get something sweet and delish from Big Al’s Cookie Jar!

Since 2004, Big Al’s Cookie Jar has been whipping up delightful desserts from its home kitchen or from its four branches conveniently located in the metro.

It also conveniently delivers its confections via GrabFood, enabling sweet-tooths like me easy access to it sugary offerings such as:

Triple Decker Cookie Jar (Php459).

This prettily packaged jar of cookies contains sixteen cookies of all three of its chewy soft-batch cookie variants: Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Macadamia and Chocolate Oatmeal Walnut. Each cookie generously laden with chocolate chips and chunks.

Decadent Chocolate Cake (Php409/loaf | Php749/junior).

Big Al’s best-selling moist chocolate cake generously covered with rich and smooth chocolate icing.

Butter Caramel Cake (Php449/loaf).

Moist butter cake topped with Big Al’s signature caramel sauce.

With these delicious delights so easily accessible, there’s no reason not to give in to my cravings, is there?

So if you’ve got sweet cravings like I do, why deny yourself such decadent pleasures?

Order your decadent desserts from Big Al’s Cookie Jar today via GrabFood.

You can also pick up your Big Al’s Cookie Jar treats at its branches located at:

G/F MaxFill Gas Station, Marcos Highway, Mayamot, Antipolo City
G/F Regray Bldg., 30 Matino St. cor. Malumanay St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
G/F CEO Flats Jupiter, 27 Canopus St. cor. Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City
Blk 3 Lot 13 President’s Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City

To know more about Big Al’s Cookie Jar, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

6 ways gardening may be good for you even in your post-pandemic era

The strict quarantines may have been lifted by now but one of the trends they gave rise to sure looks like it’s here to stay.

With quite a number of plantitos and plantitas flexing their verdant and thriving plantbabies to their houseguests and social media buddies, we can definitely say that gardening has taken root among many of the metro’s denizens.

While gardening is a rewarding and fulfilling activity that has become increasingly popular during the pandemic, it still presents a variety of benefits that make it a hobby worth pursuing even as we continue on to our “next normal” lives.

Read on to see six reasons why gardening is good for you, even in your post-pandemic era.

1. It provides you with an opportunity for outdoor activity

Gardening is an outdoor activity that allows you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while still practicing social distancing. After months of lockdowns and isolation, getting outside, loading up on Vitamin D from the sun and being in nature can provide a much-needed mood boost.

2. It is a way to de-stress from your increasingly busy life

Gardening has been shown to be an effective stress reliever. It allows you to focus on a simple task and can help calm your mind, reduce anxiety and even provide an outlet for your creativity. Additionally, seeing the fruits of your labor can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your mood. Especially now that our days are filling up with so many tasks and responsibilities at work and at home, the simple joys of gardening can certainly lessen the load of our daily worries.

3. It can be your form of physical activity.

Gardening is also a form of exercise that can help improve your physical health. Tasks such as digging, planting, and weeding can provide a low-impact workout that can help increase your strength, flexibility, and endurance while burning off those pesky calories.

4. It can provide you with a steady source of healthy food.

Speaking of calories, you would need to burn off some of them to keep fot

Gardening can also provide you with fresh, healthy food that you can enjoy at home. Growing your own fruits and vegetables allows you to control what goes into your food and can provide a more sustainable and affordable source of nutrition.

5. It can help in building a sense of community with your neighbors

Gardening can also help build a sense of community. Whether you join a community garden or simply share your produce with neighbors, gardening can help connect you with others and foster a sense of belonging.

6. It can be your contribution towards sustainability.

Gardening can help promote sustainability by reducing your carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity. Growing your own food can reduce the amount of transportation and packaging needed to get food to your table, and planting native plants can provide a habitat for local wildlife.

Clearly, gardening provides a multitude of benefits beyond just a pandemic pastime. Continuing to garden as a hobby offers a sense of physical and mental health benefits, sustainability and self-sufficiency, connection with nature, a creative outlet, and social connection. So whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there are plenty of reasons to continue gardening as a hobby beyond the pandemic.

https://flic.kr/p/2nSE1JY

Pictures featured in this blog post were taken during visits to EFS Garden and Pond Center.

It is a plant nursery owned and operated by Engr. Ed Santiago and Architect Errol Santiago. The nursery offers a wide range of plants and garden accessories to both novice and expert plant enthusiasts, manned by knowledgeable staff to assist you with your gardening needs and queries.

EFS Garden and Pond Center is located at Green Meadows 3 Lower Park, Green Meadows Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila, open daily from 7am to 6pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 89824975 or email efsgardenandpondcentre@gmail.com.

To know more about its updates and offers, follow EFS Garden and Pond Center on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about gardening and green spaces:

New to being a plantita? Keep these tips in mind

Enjoy delish Filipino hotplate your way at Butter Grill, The Landmark

Who would have thought that dining at a mall food court would give you such a superb dining experience?

Sure, food courts have their own appeal due to a variety of reasons: the variety of cuisines offered at affordable prices, easy accessibility, fast service and liveliness and bustle of the crowd.

However, the entrance of a brand new concept stall at The Landmark’s Supermart Foodcenter presents an exciting possibility for diners: personalization!

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Butter Grill offers sizzling plates classic Filipino dishes and foodcourt faves but with a fresh twist: the diner can mix and match various items on the menu to craft a hotplate according to their specifications.

Here’s how:

First, choose your meat among Butter Sliced Pork (Php159), Butter Sliced Beef (Php249), Mixed Seafood (Php285), Peppered Bangus (Php298), Angus Burger Steak (Php315) and Beef Tendon (Php345).

Second, choose a free sauce to complement your meat: Pares Sauce, Bicol Express Gravy, Kare-Kare Gravy, Honey Binagoongan Gravy, Steakhouse Gravy, Sinigang Gravy, Kaldereta Gravy and Salted Egg Gravy.

Lastly, choose a free side to complete your meal: Butter Rice, Pancit and Sourdough Pan de Sal.

Combining items from this menu produces tasty hotplates such as:

Butter Sliced Beef in Kare-Kare Sauce with Buttered Rice

Angus Burger Steak in Steak House Gravy with Buttered Rice: my absolute fave!

Sliced Pork in Kaldereta Sauce and Pancit

Beef Tendon in Honey Binagoongan Gravy and Buttered Rice

Beef Tendon in Sinigang Gravy and Buttered Rice

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcourt

With the Lenten Season coming in, you’d be happy to know that Buttergrill’s got your back for Meatless Fridays with a Buy 1 Get 1 Offer on its seafood hotplates for just Php298. Promo is available every Friday from February 24 to April 7, 2023.

Peppered Bangus in Salted Egg Sauce with Buttered Rice

Mixed Seafood in Pares Sauce with Pancit

Mix things up a bit and try some of the dishes with Butter Grill’s Sourdough Pan De Sal!

Cap your meal with something sweet and refreshing: Buttergrill’s Clear Gulaman available in Bulilit (Php49) and Giant (Php99) sizes!

Here are some tips to further enhance your Buttergrill experience:

Unsure of which combination to try? Ask the servers for their recommendations!
Mix the hotplate contents well to distribute the flavors from the sauces evenly.
Allow some of the rice and gravy to caramelize (forming a flavorful tutong I’m you’ll love!)

So if you fancy a fresh take on your favorite Pinoy dishes and more, be sure to drop by Butter Grill!

Butter Grill is located at the Supermart Foodcenter of The Landmark, Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Butter Grill on Facebook and Instagram.

Culinary delights at SilverSpoon QC

Being a foodie myself, there are few pleasures in life as universal as the enjoyment of a delicious meal. From childhood memories of dinners with my family to those first kilig dates at fancy restaurants, dining on good food has the ability to bring not just satiety, but a sense of joy.

And for people like me who are passionate about food and all its delicious possibilities, there’s no better feeling than sharing their gustatory adventures with others.

That’s what I did when on the first day of our #ReturnToOffice, I took my teammates to one of my favorite places in the Tomas Morato area for our first #HappyLunch after nearly three years: SilverSpoon Kitchenette.

Located in one of the side streets off Tomas Morato Avenue, this cozy little kitchenette is a hidden gem that has been making waves in the local food scene.

The kitchenette is run by a team of passionate foodies who are dedicated to bringing dishes that are not only delicious but also made with the freshest ingredients. They source their produce from local farmers, ensuring that every dish is packed with the goodness of the season. They also instituted a quarterly showcase of classic Pinoy food from various regions to make these heritage dishes more accessible to their clientele.

However, for this particular food adventure, my coworkers and I focused on SilverSpoon’s pastas and mains, which included:

Creamy Spinach Ravioli (Php365). Handcrafted ravioli stuffed with creamy spinach filling served on a flavorful sauce bed.

Pasta al Nero (Php330). Squid ink pasta tossed with crisp vegetables and calamari.

Crispy Lechon Kawali (Php330). Deep-fried pork belly served with saffron rice with lechon sauce on the side.

Honey Garlic Liempo (Php330). Tender grilled pork belly glazed in a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce and served with garlic rice.

Gambas in Tomato Sauce (Php385). Plump tiger prawns flavored with paprika and tossed in a sauce of pureed tomatoes.

Beef Salpicao (Php495). Tender beef strips and mushrooms stir-fried in Worcestershire sauce, butter, garlic and chilis served on a bed of garlic rice.

But the food is only part of the story. SilverSpoon Kitchenette is a warm and welcoming space that’s perfect for everything from a quick lunch for office workers to a leisurely dinner with friends.

The decor is simple and minimalist but has a charming vibe that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re sitting at the bar with your coffee and a sandwich or feasting with your buddies at one of the cozy tables, you’ll be feeling quite at ease.

In a world where fast food and pre-packaged meals have become the norm, SilverSpoon Kitchenette is a refreshing reminder of what real food is all about. So the next time you’re in the mood for a meal that’s made with love and care, head over to SilverSpoon Kitchenette and prepare to be delighted.

Silverspoon Kitchenette is located at 81 Scout Gandia Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily for dine-in, takeout or delivery from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries, reservations or delivery orders, call +63 917 1603327. It also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Plus, here’s a something to make your culinary adventure even more delightful!

Scan this code and present your boarding pass when you dine in at SilverSpoon to enjoy 10% off on your bill! (Applicable to dine-in transactions only)

For updates on its latest offers, follow Silverspoon on Facebook or Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about SilverSpoon:

‘Tis the start of the season for fam celebrations with Silverspoon

3 reasons to treat your Valentine to a meal at Silverspoon, Tomas Morato

Sumptuous snacking at Silverspoon, Tomas Morato

Take a bite of classic Kapampangan food at SilverSpoon QC

Sharpen your money smarts with these online money games

Let’s face it: chances are, many of us aren’t money-smart.

Some of us can go through our entire lives without knowing how to make budgets work, save our earning, handle debt or even make our money grow into wealth.

Sadly, most of the education we received growing up involved practically anything except money matters. Whether this is due to the lack of appreciation of our educational institutions on financial literacy or the tendency of the academe to look down on matters of coin, this situation leaves us at a loss when it comes to financial problems.

What is money smarts?

Money smarts, otherwise known as financial literacy, refers to the knowledge and skills required to manage one’s personal finances effectively. It involves understanding how to earn, save, invest, and spend money in a way that maximizes one’s financial well-being and minimizes financial stress.

If you feel yourself lacking in any of these skills, you may need to brush up on your money smarts.

Budgeting. Can you create a budget and stick to it? Do you understand the flow of your income and expenses and therefore know how to allocate your money accordingly?
Saving. Can you put aside some money for short-term and long-term goals? Should a medical emergency that brings astronomical hospital bills, a major purchase such as a downpayment for a house, or sudden unemployment arise, will you have saved funds for it?
Investing. Can you make your money grow aside from just working several jobs, thereby getting passive income? Would you know how to invest your money and manage your risks to support your goals?
Debt Management. Would you be able to manage your debt responsibly, such as paying off high-interest debt first and avoiding unnecessary debt?
Financial Planning. Can you plan your finances for a long-term basis taking into consideration your goals, income, and expenses? Can you plot out the steps you have to take and adjustments you need to make with how you earn, spend and save your money to be able to achieve your goals?

Why is it important to have money smarts?

Money smarts is important because it allows us to take control of our finances, bringing about these benefits:

Financial Stability: It helps us ensure that we are living within our means and saving for our future.
Reduced Stress. It provides us with the know-how to manage our finances effectively, eliminating guesswork and uncertainty.
Better Financial Decisions. It allows us to make informed decisions about our money, particularly in terms of investing, saving and spending.
Increased Wealth. It helps us increase our wealth over time through making smart financial decisions and investing in our future.

How to develop money smarts

If you find yourself lacking in money smarts, it makes sense to start developing it. The prospect may seem daunting at first, but with some dedication, you can take some steps to improve your financial knowledge and skills:

Get in the know. Educate yourself about personal finance by reading books, attending seminars, or taking online courses about the basics of budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.
Start budgeting. Creating and sticking to a budget is an essential component of money smarts. Track your expenses for a month – including all expenses such as rent, utilities, food, and entertainment – and factor those into your budget.
Set financial goals. Have a definite goal in mind to help you make smart financial decisions and stay motivated to do so while saving for a down payment on a house or paying off debt.
Start saving today. If you haven’t already, set aside a portion of your income each month for an emergency fund or long-term savings.
Manage your debt. Being entirely debt-free is not the main goal as debt can help fund investments or assets to improve your life while allowing you practice good payment behavior.
Invest wisely. Investing can help grow your wealth over time, but it’s important to get into it with eyes wide open. Research different investment options, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and choose investments that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Benefit from the wisdom of others. Seek advice from a financial advisor or mentor who can provide guidance and support as you work towards your financial goals. You can also make use of online resources such as MortgageCalculator.org to deepen your knowledge about personal finance.

A fun way to sharpen your money smarts

Aside from providing a range of educational resources on mortgages and home buying, MortgageCalculator.org also offers free and easy -to-use mortgage calculators to help users calculate various aspects of their mortgage payments and, ultimately, their financial health.

It also houses a variety of engaging and educational money games that can help users improve their money smarts and practice their financial decision-making using real-world scenarios. Over time, as users develop their financial acumen, they also develop their confidence to make sound financial decisions in real life.

Want to try your hand at honing your own money smarts through online games at MortgageCalculator.org? Check these out:

Cashback: Give the correct change for each transaction by selecting the bills and coins needed to correctly sum to the customer’s change amount. This is perfect for teaching kids about the value of money (because they, too, need to develop money smarts!)
Stocks: Ever wondered what it was like to be one of those day traders at Wall Street? This game simulates the up- and down-trends of the stock market while the player tries to buy low while selling high.
Red Outpost: Colonize Mars by sending astronauts to harvest food and mine valuable goods. The game approximates the dynamics of building a new economy from the ground up.
Coffee Shop: Build your coffee shop business by managing your inventory, cashflow, pricing and formula taking the fluctuations on the demand for coffee based on the weather. This teaches players to balance both internal and external factors in growing a business.
Sort the Trash. Move the recycling bins across the screen to catch recyclables such as cans, cartons and bottles. This is a good approximation of the need to weed through all sorts of trash to get the items of value.

These are just a sampling of the games available at at MortgageCalculator.org. Browse through the various categories to find the games that can help you grow your knowledge and skills on financial matters while providing you with lots of fun!

By providing an engaging and interactive way to learn about business strategy and personal finance, these games make learning about money more accessible and fun, which you can then apply to your real-life money strategy.

No matter which stage in life you are right now, developing money smarts is the best way to take control of your finances to get you to achieve financial stability. Honing your financial literacy will help you make smart financial decisions to set you up in a good financial position for life. So take the time to learn about money and take full advantage of the resources available to sharpen your money smarts.

Upgraded power and storage for vivo Y02s

Launched last December, vivo’s slim yet powerful Y02s just got even more powerful with a storage upgrade. One of the thinnest smartphones in the industry today, the vivo Y02s now comes in a 3GB+3GB Extended RAM and 64GB storage setup to deliver an even more powerful mobile phone experience to vivo users.

Power for all

With its upgraded storage configuration, the vivo Y02s is set to deliver more productivity and an uninterrupted experience like never before. You can now store all of your important applications, photos, videos, and files for use whenever and wherever you need them. For those who are constantly on the move, this major update ensures that no interruptions such as a sluggish interface or a sudden screen freeze, occur while multitasking or taking a break for some “me time”.

Power up your day

Designed to give you power all day, this device is equipped with a 5000mAh battery capacity that is more than enough to sustain your daily errands. That means having enough power to go through daily online work meetings, photo sessions as you meet up with friends, or even squeezing in some personal time to catch up on the latest TV series. What’s even more, this phone comes with a Type-C Hi Speed Port and a 10W Fast Charge to fuel you more with an uninterrupted smartphone experience.

Power up your style

Be confident as the vivo Y02s is built with a slim (8.19mm) body that makes it easier for users to secure it safely in the pocket without having that bulky feeling, leaving you with convenience and comfort while on the go. Its easy-to-hold body frame also allows you to flaunt the vivo Y02s’ unique design to give that vibrant accent to your OOTD.

Power up your mobile phone adventure

The vivo Y02s’ 6.51-inch HD+ screen with Halo FullView Display allows users to explore an entirely different world with its immersive and interactive mobile phone display. Scream at the top of your lungs for that mobile game moment, or watch your favorite show or movie as if you’re one of the main characters.

Availability

This February, vivo extends the love by offering the slim yet powerful vivo Y02s with its massive update of 3GB RAM and 64GB internal storage for only Php 5,999! The vivo Y02s comes in two color options: Flourite Black and Vibrant Blue. The 3GB+3GB Extended RAM and 64GB Storage variant is now available at all vivo stores and kiosks in the Philippines, as well as vivo’s E-Store and official stores in Shopee andLazada.

To learn more about the vivo Y02s specifications and order details, visit vivo Philippines’ website: https://www.vivo.com/ph. For more information on vivo’s latest news and updates, please head to vivo’s official Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube channel.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Treat the fam to a magical experience at ZOORI

Heading over to Tagaytay with the family?

Then bring the fam over to ZOORI for a truly enjoyable and magical time!

ZOORI (Zoo @ Residence Inn) is a delightful destination in Tagaytay City which provides visitors with unique and memorable experiences.

A special magic show

One of ZOORI’s chief highlights is a magic show performed by the zoo’s own staff, along with some of the resident animals.

In this highly entertaining skit, a fantastical story from the Granny sends kids Alice and Sebastian off to slumber, dreaming of being whisked away Tagaytay Never-Neverland where Lakan Taal and the White Rabbit regale them with various magic tricks such as making coins disappear, transforming flaming wands into spears and and pulling items out of a seemingly empty bag.

Later tricks incorporate the zoo’s animal’s such as rodents, spiders, reptiles, raptors, monkeys and even a huge St. Bernard in an amazing showcase of talents and exciting animal stunts.

Afterwards, brave volunteers among the audience can get really up close and personal with the featured creatures, ably assisted by the trainers and handlers.

The combination of the engaging magic tricks and the exciting appearances of zoo animals against the breathtaking view of Taal Lake make for a highly diverting experience.

Fun animal encounters

Aside from the magic show, the ZOORI also affords guests various areas where they can view and interact with the creatures which makes the zoo their home.

These include:

Zoo Grounds which hosts various wild and farm animals ranging from lions, tigers, monkeys , camels, goats and miniature horses.
The Aviary where they can view different colorful birds in their enclosure plus even feed them with their own hands.
The Serpentarium where they can check out different species of reptiles such as snakes, lizards, iguanas, turtles, and other cold-blooded creatures.

Thrilling Rides

The zoo also offers a range of fun and exciting rides that provide a unique way to experience its beautiful natural surroundings, its diverse animal collection and its stunning views of Taal Lake and Volcano.

These include:

Zipline: Soar through the air while taking in the awesome sights
Cable Car: experience the stunning views of Taal Lake and Volcano through a slower and more peaceful ride
Horseback Ride: enjoy a leisurely ride around the zoo
Camel Ride: get your picture taken against a dessert backdrop seated on top of a real life camel
King Kong: get lifted up into the air for a bird’s eye view of the zoo

Scenic dining

Exploring the zoo will definitely work up an appetite so be sure to drop by the Gazebo Restaurant for tasty Filipino dishes or at Samgyupsalamat for all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue.

Both of these eateries overlook the Taal Lake and Volcano, so diners can enjoy their meals while taking in the awesome scenery.

So if ever you’re in Tagaytay, don’t forget to bring the fam over to ZOORI for a a fun and magical time with animals, great food and awesome views!

ZOORI is operated by the Zoomanity Group, a leading provider of theme parks and attractions in the Philippines, with a focus on sustainable tourism and responsible animal care.

It is located at Km. 65 Barrio Neogan, Tagaytay City, open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Here’s a tip: you can get discounted tickets to Paradizoo Theme Farm by signing up for a free YOGO customer account and ordering tickets via the YOGO PH app (download now on Google Play or the App Store).

You can also enjoy savings when you book your tickets via Klook.

For inquiries, email zoomanityonline@gmail.com or call +63 046 4131244 | +63 966 1938965. Know more about Paradizoo and other Zoomanity’s attractions at zoomanity.com.ph.

Entrance rate for adults is Php249/head while for children within 3 feet- to 4 feet in height is Php199/head. Entrance for children below 3 feet is free.

Fees for additional activities include:

Zip Line or Cable Car: Php150/person
Animal Food Basket: Php20
Bird Thrill Feeding: Php10
Zing Ride for Kids: Php50/person
Horse Back Riding: Php50

Check out my previous posts about Zoomanity Group’s attractions:

Green space musings at Paradizoo Theme Farm in Mendez, Cavite

Disclosure: Together with fellow media personnel and fellow content creators, I was invited by the Zoomanity Group to tour and experience the attractions at the Zoo @ Residence Inn. The tour was sponsored by the company and was not paid for by the attendees including myself.