Gel Jose

Hole up like a hobbit during your Hobbiton Airbnb vacation

For the first time ever, fans from around the world can explore the faraway lands of their favorite holiday films with an exclusive overnight stay at the original Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Russell Alexander is inviting guests to his family’s property to live like Bilbo Baggins and retreat to The Shire™ for an overnight stay at Hobbiton, as featured in the famed The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.

Nestled in the picturesque pastures of New Zealand’s Waikato region on a 2,500-acre working farm, the property’s rolling, green hills – bear a striking similarity to The Shire™ as described by J. R. R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings, and captivated Sir Peter Jackson’s movie scouts more than two decades ago. The team quickly realized the Hobbits had found their home – and this holiday season, it could be yours.

Alexander will host three individual two-night stays for up to four guests at NZD $10 per night* as an homage to the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, courtesy of Airbnb.

With access to 44 Hobbit Holes, The Millhouse, The Green Dragon Inn, and other beloved locations from the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, guests will take an unexpected journey into Middle-earth for an experience unlike any other.

With sweeping views of The Shire, they’ll enjoy:

Cozy overnight accommodation curated by the trilogies’ Creative Director Brian Massey, including a writing nook fit for Bilbo Baggins at The Millhouse.
Private access to a personal Hobbit Hole, set up for relaxing moments of Preciousss™ downtime and afternoon tea.
An evening banquet in The Green Dragon Inn with a feast featuring beef and ale stew, whole roast chickens, freshly baked breads and plenty of ale, plus Second Breakfast™ and Elevenses™ served daily.
A behind-the-scenes private tour of Hobbiton Movie Set.

Now, one does not simply walk into Middle-earth. There are rules!

No unexpected parties, please – unless with Gandalf and company.
Bare feet are allowed but wipe them first.
Magical rings permitted, but keep them secret, keep them safe.
Pony parking is provided only at The Green Dragon Inn.
Straying far at night is discouraged, thanks to multiple troll sightings of late.
No pets are allowed, except Pickles the resident Hobbiton cat.
Never laugh at live dragons…

05 - Hobbiton Airbnb - Aerial Millhouse - Credit Larnie Nicolson

“For more than two decades, we’ve welcomed millions of passionate fans to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth. I am delighted to share the beauty of my family’s farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on Airbnb for fans from around the world,” shares Host Russel Alexander.

How to book

Hobbits, elves, wizards and others may request to book one of three overnight stays on Wednesday, December 14 from 10:00AM NZDT/5:00AM PHT at airbnb.com/hobbiton. Stays will take place March 2-4, March 9-11, and March 16-18, 2023. You Shall Not Pass! (without requesting to book, of course).

To request to book, guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be aged 18+. Maximum occupancy is four persons. Two bedrooms are configured, featuring one queen bed, and the other two king-singles.

Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from Auckland, New Zealand. Round trip car transportation will be provided for the two-hour journey between the airport and the property. (And just as a Wizard is never late, it’s important our guests arrive at their stay precisely when they mean to).

Travellers looking to book should note that this stay’s rules require strict adherence with local COVID-19 guidelines. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Auckland. Airbnb is closely monitoring COVID-19 infection rates and government policies and will offer booking guests a refund of the booking fee ($31) and $1,000 USD Airbnb travel credit if Airbnb determines it is necessary to cancel the stay due to COVID-19 guidelines.

*Plus taxes and fees. These three individual two-night stays are not a contest. The Hobbiton Movie Set is privately owned and operated.

SHIRE TOURS, SHIRE’S REST, MIDDLE-EARTH, GREEN DRAGON, HOBBITON, THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS and the characters, places, events and items contained therein, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Middle-Earth Enterprises, LLC and are used under license by Rings Scenic Tours Limited and Wingnut Film Productions Limited, which are independently owned and operated.

About Hobbiton Movie Set

From the moment you journey through the rolling green hills of the Waikato and get your first glimpse of real Middle-earth™, Hobbiton Movie Set will enchant you as a fictional world comes to life and captivating stories are shared. Since that fateful knock at the door in 1998, to the permanent reconstruction in 2009, every detail of the 12-acre movie set is lovingly maintained, creating the experience that exists today. Guests from around the world will feel welcomed to our slice of New Zealand countryside with iconic storybook landscapes, where each encounter offers a unique and authentic behind-the-scenes movie set experience.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 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 experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Get a chance to win a year’s worth of groceries, appliances, and more with MetroMart’s GroceFREE for a YEAR Raffle

Start 2023 strong with MetroMart’s GROCEFREE for a Year. Up for grabs are prizes like a year’s worth of grocerie, appliances, and premium grocery items that can be won by customers through online orders on MetroMart.

Customers must enter the promo code “RAFFLE” upon checkout to join the e-raffle. Every completed order with the minimum spend requirement on the MetroMart app or website entitles a customer to e-raffle entries. Each transaction with the e-raffle code also provides a ₱50 discount.

Minimum Order Spend	No. of e-Raffle Entries
₱ 1,500 – ₱ 3,499	1 e-raffle entry
₱ 3,500 – ₱ 4,499	3 e-raffle entries
₱ 4,500 & above	5 e-raffle entries

The Minor Prizes include premium items from Pet Lovers Centre, like 2 winners of Pet One Puppy Food (15kg), and 3 winners of IAMS Tuna & Salmon (1kg). There is also 1 winner of a Hunter Classic Ceiling Fan from Handyman and 1 Greenfield Pressure Washer from True Value.

The Major Prizes include a chance to win a year’s worth of free groceries. These consist of 5 winners of ₱6,000 MetroMart store credits, 3 winners of ₱12,000 MetroMart store credits, and 1 winner of ₱24,000 MetroMart store credits.

The MetroMart GroceFREE for a YEAR runs from December 7, 2022 until January 8, 2023. The e-raffle draw will be held on January 13, 2023.

The MetroMart GROCEFREE for a Year raffle is applicable across all partner stores of MetroMart. This e-raffle is available throughout the Philippines, where MetroMart has expanded its serviceable locations. These are all over Metro Manila and key locations throughout the Philippines, including Batangas, Bicol, Palawan, Tagaytay, Pangasinan, Cavite, Cebu, Baguio and Davao.

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, No Brand, 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!

For more updates on MetroMart, like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @metromartph. Order groceries online or download the app via https://bit.ly/DownloadNowMM

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

How to choose the best school for your child

Where your child goes to school is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Given how their education can impact their future, you might be tempted to take control and decide for them. However, you might be doing more damage than helping them in the long run.

Your job as parents is to support them throughout the process so they can choose their path and find an educational institution that will not only make them happy, but also bring out the best in them as they prepare for real life. Here are helpful ways you can help determine the best school for your child without going overboard:

Create a list of school options with your child. If your child doesn’t have a particular dream school, you should help them gauge their choices by brainstorming with them. It’s vital that you take time to listen and understand what your child needs and wants.

For instance, if your child is an independent learner who learns best at his own pace, he might do better in a Montessori school. If your child responds better in a structured teaching style, then a traditional school might be best for him. Keep an open mind and decide on what will give your child what he needs.

Visit school campuses with your child. Some academic institutions have impressive websites with carefully curated photos, but in reality, the school leaves much to be desired. Instead of relying on brochures and the internet, take time to visit school campuses with your kid.

Schools are open to tours. You just need to schedule your visit in advance unless you’re an alumnus of that institution and have access to the grounds. You and your child can get a feel of the campus atmosphere to determine if it’s the right fit.

Provide guidance and support. While your child should have a say on where they will study, you should give them guidance based on pros and cons, and what you know about the school options. Choosing a school is a big decision and might cause anxiety for your child, so it’s best to be there for them.

The best way to provide emotional support is by actively listening to them. You should make your child feel comfortable about discussing their options and fears. Listen to understand where they’re coming from so you can help them make the right choice.

Prepare financially as soon as possible. Tuition fees are very expensive, especially with rising inflation so you need to prepare and be ready to provide for your child’s education. This way, you will be able to provide the best education for them.

Once you have made your choice for your child’s primary education, it is time to think ahead and prepare for the next big educational expense: college. You can save up on your own, or you can get AIA Philippines’ Future Scholar, an insurance product that gives guaranteed cash payouts that can help pay for your child’s tertiary education. Whatever happens, you’re confident your child will be able to get the college education that you envisioned.

Future Scholar doesn’t just help you afford costly school expenses. Aside from guaranteed savings, Future Scholar has an investment component so you can look out for your child financially even after they graduate from college. Moreover, you can choose to build your child’s education funds in five years or until the child reaches the age of 17. Should you decide not to use the funds for educational expenses, it can also be used for other big expenses in the future like buying a car or post graduate studies abroad.

In addition, Future Scholar gives you peace of mind. Whatever happens, your child will have money set aside for his future needs. Aside from that, your child or your chosen beneficiary can also be entitled to an additional lump-sum cash benefit should anything untoward happen to you.

“We know that the pandemic and the volatile economy has made everyone insecure about their savings. As a parent myself, I understand every parent’s desire to ensure that there are guaranteed benefits intended for their child’s future,” said Tennyson Paras, AIA Philippines’ Head of Products. “And this is what we had in mind when our Products Team designed AIA Future Scholar. We wanted to make sure that no matter what happens, a healthier, longer and better life awaits our children.”

If you want to know more about AIA Future Scholar and how it can help you guarantee savings for your child’s future needs, click here.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Hosting on Airbnb gains momentum in the Philippines amidst growing appetite for travel

As the holiday season awaits and the travel rebound continues to unfold, more Filipino travelers are embracing flexible travel while more homeowners turn to hosting on Airbnb for additional income. A new survey commissioned by Airbnb* reveals that over half of Filipinos polled expressed interest in becoming Airbnb Hosts to take advantage of the new appetite for travel.

Around the world, Airbnb has seen strong growth rates of new Hosts, especially in countries with high inflation rates. Notably, 77 percent of Filipinos polled said they were looking for ways to offset rising costs of living. The survey also shows that desire for travel remains high, with over a quarter of respondents saying that they will continue to find ways to travel even if general costs of living rise.

In a trend that started since the pandemic, millions are now enjoying their newfound freedom to live and work anywhere. Notably, 65 percent of Filipinos polled said that they are now more flexible in terms of their type of holidays and time of travel. Notably, of those who plan to travel within the next year, 1 in 4 Filipinos said they plan to travel without set dates.

This new approach to travel and living continues to shape the choice of accommodation among Filipino travellers. When asked about factors that influence when and how they travel:

Almost half indicated they are likely to travel if they can find accommodation that makes longer stays easy and comfortable
35% pointed to destinations offering unique styles of accommodations
25% prioritised access to amenities that make it easy to combine remote work with travel, such as a dedicated workspace and a fast, reliable internet connection

This growing appetite for travel among Filipinos puts homeowners in a unique position to take advantage of the Airbnb Setup, the all-new easy way to Airbnb one’s home which was announced early this month. In Q3, Pasay ranked as the #1 trending domestic destination for Filipino guests on Airbnb, followed by El Nido, Cebu City, Paranaque, and Iloilo City.**

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said the fundamental shifts towards long-term stays and flexible travel point to the increasingly important role that short-term accommodations (STRA) like Airbnb play in the new era of travel.

“This growing appetite for travel is a positive sign as tourism recovery gathers pace. More keenly, this is an opportune moment for aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs to Airbnb their homes and earn additional income to mitigate rising living costs or support their travels,” he added.

* Online survey of 1063 respondents in the Philippines commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by YouGov between 6-12 October 2022

** Based on increase in searches of destinations (minimum 1,000) in Q3 2021

About Airbnb

Sony Music Entertainment Philippines gives back this holiday season with ‘season of giving’ campaign

Sony Music Entertainment Philippines and popular band NOBITA have partnered with Reach Out and Feed Philippines to support local communities impacted by hunger this holiday season.

This comes as part of Sony Music Group’s global ‘Season of Giving’ campaign, where the company and its artists are giving back to every local community in which Sony Music Group (SMG) operates. Across the world, SMG is supporting global organizations dedicated to providing aid for those facing food insecurity, homelessness and refugee support, as well as music industry relief and educational programs for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This also follows the support provided through the Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, to move the needle in broadening opportunities for underserved communities worldwide. In October, the company partnered with SPARK! Philippines to champion young women’s rights through music and film.

Beginning in the month of November, the Season of Giving program saw SMG committing sizeable amounts in each geography where the Company conducts business: Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Continental Europe, Latin America, United Kingdom, and the United States.

In the Philippines, non-profit organization Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc., which provides food aid to children who have little or no access to nutritious food, had its outreach efforts hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the typhoons that struck the Philippines over the past two years. With this funding, Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. will be acquiring mobile kitchens that can provide meals to vulnerable communities where needed, reaching more children and their families through the organization’s ongoing feeding and nourishment programs.

Anna Pauline Castro, Executive Director of Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc., said, “The funding from Sony Music Group will be a great help in pushing forward with our school and community outreach programs. We expect these mobile kitchens to reach 1,000 children and their households on ongoing feeding programs, as well as families affected by the pandemic and recent typhoons, to provide them with nutritious meals.”

“Ultimately, we hope that this will bring us closer to realizing our vision of seeing every Filipino child healthy, nourished, and empowered to reach their maximum potential for growth and learning.”

As a band that actively gives back to society, NOBITA also partnered with Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. to support outreach efforts and put on an intimate concert for some of the children who are beneficiaries of the organization.

NOBITA said, “It means a lot to be part of a label that strives to make a positive impact on society by reaching out to underserved communities. We are truly glad to have had the chance to spend time volunteering with Reach Out and Feed Philippines – seeing smiles from children and families whilst connecting with them through music was an unforgettable experience for us.”

In speaking of the seasonal initiative, Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy and Social Impact, Sony Music Group, said, “Globally, SMG is committed to supporting local communities throughout the year. For the holiday season, we wanted to bring extra support and relief aid to those in need and dedicate our efforts to more than three million people worldwide. We’re grateful to our artists and international partner organizations who work on-the-ground to provide direct assistance to their neighbors.”

In addition to NOBITA, notable artists and songwriters who volunteered with partner organizations in their communities during a series of in-person events include India Shawn (Epic Records), Tyler Shaw (SME Canada), Kobie Dee (SMP Australia), Tom Wilson (SMP Canada) – who volunteered with partner organizations in their own communities during a series of in-person events.

This campaign represents the Company’s ongoing philanthropic commitment to forge partnerships and support communities that need it most, inside and outside the music industry. For ‘Season of Giving’, every global organization selected to receive funding was determined by a group of global stakeholders including the Company’s internal task forces, legal and public policy teams. Learn more about SMG’s giving approach here.

Revenge dining with friends at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, BGC

Ah yes!

The holiday season is finally here, and it comes in the wake of pandemic panics and crazy quarantines.

After feeling isolated and restricted for almost three years, the metro’s denizens are now beginning to feel some semblance of freedom, particularly when it comes to dining out.

It’s time for some “revenge dining,” wouldn’t you say?

As we step out of our homes and into the outside world, we are rediscovering our appetite for dining out: the hunt for an erstwhile undiscovered location, the thrill of tasting new dishes, and, of course, the sheer fun of sharing these experiences with our friends.

That’s what I did recently at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar in Uptown Parade, BGC. Together with my friend, Tina, who’s home for the holidays from Singapore, I went on a revenge dining spree.

Thanks to Peri-Peri’s Holiday Epic Feast Chicken and Pasta Grupo, Tina and I indulged ourselves on a delicious selection of classic and fresh flavors from this restaurant.

At just Php1,399, this group meal is packed full of dishes that make for a filling meal for up to five persons. Super-sulit, right?

Want to know what you can enjoy with this meal package? Check these out:

One Whole Chicken.

Peri-Peri brings about this famous dish by marinating a whole chicken overnight in a special mixture of peri-peri (bird’s eye) chili, herbs and spices, then charcoal-grilling it to a gloriously golden hue.

This flavorful and juicy grilled chicken dish is best enjoyed with one or a combination of the restaurant’s eight signature sauces representing various gastronomic destinations, ranging from mildly sweet (Cajun Remoulade, Hoisin Sesame and Sweet Soy), medium spiciness (Garlic Brew, Spiced Vinegar and Mesquite BBQ) and hot (Chili Peppa and Harissa Exotica).

Four Side Dishes. The group meal also comes with your choice of four side dishes to accompany the Peri-Peri Chicken and add new flavor dimensions to the meal.

Four Java Rice. The package also comes with the preferred rice dish for grilled or barbecued dishes.

One Pasta to Share. As if the previous inclusions are not gut-bustingly filling enough, the meal also includes a platter of your choice between creamy Pasta Carbonara or savory Chorizo Bolognese.

One Liter Drink. A liter of house-made iced tea or lemonade completes the meal.

While exploring the wonders of Peri-Peri’s delightful dishes, Tina and I were able to catch up on each other’s news. There’s nothing like a good meal to spur good conversation, right?

You, too, can #LetYourFlavorBegin by taking your pals to Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar for some flavorful revenge dining.

Happy and delicious eating!

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar is located at Ground Floor Uptown Parade, Bonifacio Global, Taguig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 10pm, Fridays from 10am to 1am and Saturdays from 10am to 11pm.

Other Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar outlets are located at:

Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala North Exchange, Greenbelt 3
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Marikina: SM City Marikina, Gil Fernando Avenue
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Pasay: Resorts World Manila
Pasig: SM City East Ortigas, Ayala Malls Feliz, Capitol Commons, Robinsons Galleria
Quezon City: Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Brittany Square, Eastwood Mall
San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
Taguig: Market! Market BGC, Venice Grand Mall

To enjoy this feast at home, order from Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s delivery website or call +63 2 73747374 for Metro Manila orders and +63 917 7747374 for provincial orders.

To know more about Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, browse through its website , or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken:

Peri Peri Chicken, SM East — Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, SM City East Ortigas

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Capitol Commons

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Gil Fernando Marikina

Delish family dine-in with Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s Hearty Flavor Feast

Holiday Epic Feast for the fam at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Eastwood Mall

CBTL’s Holiday Drink: Chocolate Banana Caramel Ice Blended

The holiday season is a special time to indulge ourselves with tasty treats, and what better way to do so than to enjoy ourselves with a new delicious discovery from an old favorite?

That old favorite is the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, also known as CBTL.

This chain of cafes had its start in Southern California back in 1963 when its founder Herb Hyman began importing and roasting coffee as a coffee service for offices. Today, it has expanded globally and has presence in 32 countries.

One of its Metro Manila branches is located in One Park Drive where I recently spent my Saturday morning working on some items for the office and trying out its newest holiday beverage.

In the late 1980’s, CBTL started the craze for ice-blended drinks when a store manager in its Westwood California Store had a burst of inspiration, brought a blender to the store and started whizzing up a combination of coffee, chocolate powder and milk.

Its holiday season offering for this year is the Chocolate Banana Caramel Ice-Blended drink made with decadent dark chocolate and topped with caramel drizzle and banana caramel cubes.

It’s a cheery treat fit for the merriest of times!

I paired it with another chocolatey treat: CBTL’s deliciously rich Turtle Pie, a confection consisting of a chocolate cookie crumb crust and layers of salted caramel and cheesecake.

With these two treats, I was able to get through a busy Saturday morning.

This CBTL branch is located at the Ground Floor of One Park Drive, 9th Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, open daily from 6am to 12 midnight.

Other Metro Manila branches are located at:

Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Makati: Ayala Triangle Garden, Ayala North Exchange, Century City Mall, Circuit Lane, Four Seasons Salcedo, Glorietta 2, Glorietta Activity Center, Greenbelt 5, iAcademy, Philamlife Tower, Phinma, Powerplant Mall, Rada Street, SM Jazz, The Residences
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall, The Podium
Manila: Adriatico, Avenue of the Arts, De La Salle University, Lateral Apartments, Midtown Padre Faura, One Archer’s Place, Robinsons Place Ermita, SM Grand Central, UST Bellagio Residences
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center, Alabang Hospital, Ayala Malls Southpark, Festival Mall, Filinvest 2
Paranaque: Okada Manila
Pasay: Double Dragon Plaza, NAIA 3, Newport Kitchen, S’Maison, SM Mall of Asia, SMX Convention Center, Solaria Casino Resort, Two e-Com, W Mall
Quezon City: Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Banawe Lifestyle Center, Batasan Pambansa, Eastwood Mall, Fairview Terraces Mall, Fisher Mall, Gateway Cinema, Katipunan, M Place, Mezza Residence, Robinsons Galleria, SM Fairview Expansion Parkway, SM North EDSA, Tomas Morato, Trinoma Mall, UP North, UP Town Center, Vertis North
San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
Taguig: 26th Street Bistro Net Lima, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Stopover, Burgos Circle, Central Square Cinema, Every Nation Building, Serener, Starmall Taguig, Uptown Mall, Venice Piazza McKinley Road

CBTL also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Check out my previous posts about Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf:

Rediscovering tea at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, BGC

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brings childhood indulgence with its Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf launches summer flavors with its coconut ice-blended drinks

Work and Hot Chocolate at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Venice Piazza, Taguig

What you can do with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s 2019 Giving Journal

Tea break at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Crosswinds Tagaytay

Matcha Good Time at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, SM East Ortigas

A Matcha Treat at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Tomas Morato

12 Stays of Christmas: 12 unique and luxurious Airbnb stays now available to book for only Php 1,222 each

As the country with the longest Christmas season in the world, celebrations in the Philippines are uniquely festive and filled with heartwarming homecomings, joyful reunions, and exhilarating merrymaking.

This year, to enable Filipinos to create more meaningful celebrations during this beautiful time of the year, 12 of the country’s most amazing Airbnb stays will be made available in December for only Php 1,222* each!

Spanning across six of Airbnb’s unique Categories ranging from Design to Amazing Views, these incredible homes will be available to book for an exclusive one-night stay over two weekends: December 10 to 11, or December 17 to 18.

“Christmas is a very special time for Filipinos. More than the colorful light displays and the exchanging of gifts, Christmas represents an opportunity for Filipinos to celebrate what really matters most — their loved ones. We hope that this special offer will encourage Filipinos to create precious memories with family and friends, while celebrating our Host community and the diversity of stays and destinations that the Philippines offer,” shares Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Each of the 12 homes below are available to book for only PHP 1,222 starting today for an unforgettable Christmas vacation — fastest fingers first!

December 10 to 11: Farm Stays, Amazing Views, and Cabins

1 Farm Stay - La Casa in Pampanga — For the perfect holiday escapade, drive up north for La Casa in Pampanga. This farm stay comes with lush fruit orchards and a crystal-clear pool for loads of splashing fun with the family.

2 Farm Stay - Hidden Rose Farm Villa in Batangas — Located in the south, Hidden Rose Farm Villa in Batangas offers a cosy bonfire pit, reading lounge, and a half-mile hiking trail and hanging bridge for a thrilling adventure.

3 Amazing Views - Beach House in Pagbilao — Fancy going off-grid this Christmas? This Beach House in Pagbilao offers the luxury of privacy amidst beautiful blue waters. You’ll even need to ride a *bangka* to reach the island!

4 Amazing Views - San Juan Garden Hill in Talisay — San Juan Garden Hill in Talisay promises a breath of fresh air – this mountainside home is a sanctuary for nature lovers and boasts unprecedented views of the waters of Taal Lake.

5 Amazing Views - Kasbah Remo in Puerto Galera — Seated at the cliff edge of the Punta del Este promontory, Kasbah Remo in Puerto Galera offers guests a relaxing feeling of serenity and simplicity — thanks to its uninterrupted views of the surrounding islands, mountains, and ocean.

6 Cabin - Bufi Log Home in Tagaytay 2 — One of the most beautiful cabins in Tagaytay, Bufi Log Home comes fully decked out in Christmas decor with a warming fireplace that will surely rouse everyone’s holiday spirit.

7 Cabin - Home in Tagaytay — For a classic, no-fuss getaway, this home in Tagaytay is perfect for large families or *barkadas*. Make sure to pack sweaters and lots of stories for long Christmas nights.

December 17 to 18: Design, Amazing Pools and Beachfront

8 Design - Moriz Place in Tagaytay — A modern-style *bahay kubo* made of bamboo, glass, and anahaw, Moriz Place in Tagaytay offers a perfect break from the bustle of urban living. It comes with a spacious backyard including a billiards table, darts, arcade, and roof deck.

9 Design - Modern Contemporary Villa in Bacolod — Traveling to the City of Smiles? This modern contemporary villa in Bacolod comes complete with a spacious dining area for feasting and a luxurious pool.

10 Amazing Pool - House in Pampanga — Originally a warehouse built in the 1970s, this spacious house in Pampanga reminiscent of the traditional *bahay na bato* sits in the middle of a 3-hectare fruit orchard.

11 Amazing Pool - Casa Nordell — Also located in the Christmas capital is Casa Nordell, a three-bedroom Spanish-inspired villa ideal for a family gathering with a huge pool and garden lined with lush trees.

12 Beachfront - Casa Angelina in Zambales — A beachfront home offering guests respite from the metro is Casa Angelina in Zambales. This wheelchair-accessible beachfront cottage is pet-friendly and *lolo* and *lola*-friendly!

Introduced in May this year, Airbnb Categories allow millions of travelers to discover homes they never knew existed and have since revolutionized how people search for vacation homes. Discover more unique stays for festive getaways by downloading the Airbnb app or visiting https://www.airbnb.com.

All Homes referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home listings on the Airbnb platform.

*Plus taxes and fees.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 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.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Joshua Garcia celebrates Christmas Magic as the new face of GCash for the holidays

There are still several days until Christmas, yet the season is already very much alive everywhere in the country. While the last few years may have been a little less jolly, GCash, the country’s leading e-wallet app, is bringing back the magic to the holidays with a little help from Philippine entertainment’s new leading man.

Joshua Garcia has been heating up televisions across the country with his starring role as Brian Robles in “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” and an upcoming landmark deal for Dreamscape production’s “Unbreak My Heart”. Adding to his already impressive list of milestones is his new role as the face of GCash to celebrate a Merry G Christmas and uphold what truly warms his heart – traditions with his family and friends.

“The family tradition I look forward to every Christmas is our family reunion wherein my family spends Christmas together,” he said. “We take advantage of the time we can have our bonding during this season when we are not too busy with work with some games and a simple feast for the whole family.”

Christmas Magic Lives On

Just like many Filipinos, Christmas for Joshua becomes truly magical when spent with the right people.

“My most magical Christmas experience was when I was living in the province and I went caroling in our neighborhood with my friends. Afterwards, we attended the Simbang Gabi with our family. I’m really glad that I got to experience Christmas that way,” he said.

Of course, part of any Christmas celebration is hunting for the perfect gifts for your loved ones. But despite his high-profile stature, Joshua stays humble and opts for meaningful gifts and thoughtful spending.

“To find the most meaningful Christmas gifts for my loved ones, I always think about what they really need at that time so the gifts are useful and that, through those gifts, they will also remember me somehow,” Joshua said. “I don’t really give very expensive gifts. As long as they make them happy, then I am, too.”

Gift-giving, the Joshua way

With the long list of celebrations lined up for Joshua this Christmas, looking for these useful items will be a big task. His secret? He does his shopping with GCash.

According to the actor: “One of my favorite GCash services is GLife because there are lots of merchants to choose from. It is a one-stop shop for a quick purchase of my favorite products and services. It is very timely since Christmas season is almost here, I can definitely use it for my Christmas shopping to buy gifts for my loved ones.”

Thanks to GCash, Christmas shopping can be a magical experience in itself, especially when you get cashbacks and discounts from the GCash Online Bazaar from Nov. 28 to January 5, 2023. You can conveniently pay through your GCash wallet, pay later through GCredit, or pay in installment with GGives.

Though many Filipinos will celebrate with their families this year, there are still some who wouldn’t be able to enjoy family reunions like Joshua and might spend time apart during the holidays. Despite the distance, GCash makes sure that everyone can send Christmas cheer wherever your loved ones may be.

You can send pamasko to anyone anywhere through Send Money for other GCash users, Bank Transfer or GCash Padala for non-GCash users, or Send with a Clip to attach a special message to your Aguinaldo. If actual presents are your thing, you can also shop online with GLife and pay for your gifts on GCash.

And because GCash wants everyone’s Christmas to be truly magical, every gift given through GCash becomes a gift for yourself, too.

For every PHP 100 spent using GCash services or when using GLoan, GGives, and GCredit, users can earn parols and enter the Merry GCash raffle. Raffle draws will be done on December 5 and December 19 where GCash will be giving away five iPhone 14 phones, five Macbook Air M1 laptops and five Sony PS5 Playstations. Sixty-five lucky winners will also take home P10,000 worth of e-fuel cards from Petron, P10,000 worth of Mercury Drugstore gift certificates, P20,000 worth of IKEA gift cards and P30,000 worth of SM Appliances gift cards.

With so many ways to hunt and shop for gifts, Joshua leaves his fans with just one piece of advice: “To be honest, I think for me what’s more important is that every time I give my loved ones gifts, they are pleased with what they received, whether they may be simple or otherwise.”

Whether you opt for grand gifts or small tokens, make every spend count when you use your GCash for every transaction. No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery! Register and get verified today, and discover how you can have a Merry GCash celebration!

Holiday Epic Feast for the fam at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Eastwood Mall

Hooray for the holidays!

We’re now at the final stretch of the year and it’s time to slow down and spend time with the people we love.

If we’ve been too busy hustlin’ and bustlin’ over the course of this year to catch up with our folks over a good meal, this period gives us the perfect opportunity to do so.

That’s exactly what I did with my extended fam at the Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar branch at Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City.

Here, my folks and I enjoyed a laid-back and comfy setting in which we can let loose and go on a fabulous flavor adventure together.

And with its Holiday Epic Feast Chicken & Riblet Grupo, a delicious curation of the restaurant’s best-selling specialties, there’s something for every family member to discover and love.

Of course, the star of this feast is the restaurant’s very own speciality: the Peri-Peri Chicken. This dish originates all the way from Africa, where peri-peri, the pepper which lends the dish its name is cultivated. Together with other spices and herbs, this pepper flavors the special mixture where a whole chicken is marinated overnight, then charcoal-grilled to a gloriously golden hue prior to serving, accompanied slices of lime.

The restaurant is also known as a sauce bar, and rightly so, given that it carries eight signature sauces, all made with natural ingredients, to add new dimensions of flavor to its signature chicken dish. Representing various international flavor profiles, the sauces range from mildly sweet, to medium spiciness and hot. Diners can choose any of these sauces (or mix and match them!) to tailor-fit their meal to their palate.

Well, the flavor adventure doesn’t stop there. The feast also features hefty hunks of BBQ Bourbon Riblets, tender and meaty barbecued ribs glazed in smokey bourbon infused sauce.

Being a lightly-spiced rice dish, Java Rice is the perfect companion to grilled and barbecued dishes. This feast brings eight cups of them, guaranteeing a filling meal for the whole fam!

Here’s a confession: half the pleasure of eating grilled meat is wolfing it down between bites of one’s favorite side dish. For the eight regular side dishes included in the Holiday Epic Feast, I opted to include the fam’s all-time go-to side dishes: Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese, Coleslaw, Fries and Mashed Potatoes.

Completing the meal are a liter each of the restaurant’s refreshing house-blend drinks: Iced Tea and Lemonade.

Would you believe that you too could treat the fam to such a deliciously filling Holiday Epic Feast for just Php1,999, saving you Php620? This meal is good for eight to ten persons, giving you the perfect opportunity to gather your nears-and-dears and enjoy a lovely meal.

Planning a more intimate get-together with the barkada? You can opt for the Holiday Epic Feast Chicken & Pasta Grupo, good for four to five persons for Php1,399 (which saves you Php255). This meal includes one whole chicken, one pasta to share, four cups of Java Rice, four regular side dishes and one liter of houseblend drink.

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar is located at the Second Floor, Eastwood Mall, 116 Eastwood Avenue, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 11pm, Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 12am and Sundays from 10am to 11pm.

Other Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar outlets are located at:

Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala North Exchange, Greenbelt 3
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Marikina: SM City Marikina, Gil Fernando Avenue
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Pasay: Resorts World Manila
Pasig: SM City East Ortigas, Ayala Malls Feliz, Capitol Commons, Robinsons Galleria
Quezon City: Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Brittany Square
San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
Taguig: Uptown Parade BGC, Market! Market BGC, Venice Grand Mall

To enjoy this feast at home, order from Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s delivery website or call +63 2 73747374 for Metro Manila orders and +63 917 7747374 for provincial orders.

To know more about Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, browse through its website , or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken: