Ever wanted a special stay for that long-awaited work recharge or a weekend getaway to celebrate loved ones? If you’re not sure where to start searching, Airbnb’s new Categories search tool is set to change that with the launch of 56 new categories.
Travelers are now able to discover and explore the most unique spaces all over the world — including Campers, Treehouses, A-frames, and Domes. To get you started, Airbnb has rounded up some of Filipinos’ most wishlisted unique stays on the platform.
For those thinking about moving into a van and traveling the world, why not get a taste of #vanlife first with these beautiful trailers:
Jeepney Camper in Rizal: This cosy jeepney-turned-camper promises to provide a truly Pinoy #vanlife experience. Nestled in the lush rainforests of Sierra Madre, the stay comes with a campfire pit and a pool so guests can enjoy the outdoors.
Vintage Airstream Suite in Batangas: The very first Airstream accommodation in the country, this vintage 25-foot footer camper offers a living area with a couch, dining area, kitchenette, and a bedroom with a queen-sized bed. Even if you are not a fan of tiny houses, it is easy to fall in love with this trailer’s rustic charm.
Go off-grid with these glorious homes perched high on the treetops:
Treehouse by the Ocean in Batangas: In this vibrant and proudly local hut located in sunny Calatagan, guests can enjoy a private pool, coral reef beach and starry night skies perfect for stargazing. It’s also near Cape Santiago Lighthouse for a quick historical trip.
Treehouse de Valentine in Cebu: Unconventional for all the right reasons, this treehouse is the perfect nest away from the busy Queen City of the South. Guests will find it hard to pick their favorite feature of this treehouse villa – be it the wooden hot tub, patios overlooking the rainforest, or charming rustic decor.
Whether oceanside, lakeside, or mountainside, these vacation homes are as fun as they are cosy:
Mango Nest Hut in Zambales: Planning a glamping trip for two? Located just fifteen minutes from Subic’s waterfalls and beaches, Mango Nest is a 12sq m tiny hut located in a garden. Outside, you can enjoy a picnic and say hello to the Host’s friendly poodles wandering about the garden.
Alhibé Farm Exclusive Homestay in Cebu: Check out Alhibé Farm, a boutique mountainside homestay complete with its own nipa hut and swimming pool with water from the nearby springs. A bantawan (covered bamboo deck) for private events and movie night experiences inside the mini forest is a bonus point.
These homes are the perfect rejuvenating getaway, where you can listen to the waves crashing against the sand in the morning and lulling yourself to sleep with the sound of the sea every night:
Anilao Beach House in Batangas: This oceanfront glasshouse in Anilao comes with a reef at your doorstep, making it the perfect spot for avid divers. You can also rent diving gear, jet skis and windsurfing equipment for an ultimate adrenaline-packed weekend.
Floral Island in Palawan: With its great food, incredible snorkeling spots, and warm hospitality, Floral Island is undeniably one of the best private islands in Palawan. Each booking includes access to six villas, a private restaurant, beachside bonfire, and massage hut; plus exciting activities like kayaking, island hopping, and even coral reef planting.
Experience the wilderness in these geodesic domes, perfect for long nights of stargazing:
Domescape in Batangas: Located in Nasugbu, Domescape features six tastefully styled domes surrounded by lush greenery and natural pools, letting nature-lovers experience the great outdoors without compromising comfort. Each dome comes furnished with comfy beds, an air-conditioner, and mini-fridge.
Dome Mufli King in Laguna: Situated in a glamping site that looks straight out of a sci-fi film, Dome Mufli King is fully run on solar power. Bookings are inclusive of a home-cooked breakfast and free use of kayaks, floaters, and fishing poles, which you can enjoy in the waters of Lumot Lake.
About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and one-of-a-kind activities that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.
Details and images provided in a recent press release.
Weekends are for leisure and enjoyment, do you agree? That should certainly include your breakfast.
Weekend breakfasts provide you with the opportunity to take things slow – in contrast to the mad rush during workday mornings – and spend time with your loved ones.
At Ridge Cafe in Timberland Highlands Resort, you can do that and more!
Ridge Cafe is one of the resort’s dining venues which boasts of well-appointed interiors, definitely an elegant venue to enjoy a show-stopping meal.
It also has an al fresco dining area where diners can enjoy the crisp and clean mountain air as well as the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the Metro Manila cityscape.
Aside from its usual menu of Filipino and international dishes available ala carte, Ridge Cafe also serves a sumptuous buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings, dubbed as the Top of the Morning buffet.
Curious as to what you can look forward to at this weekend buffet spread? Check these out:
Imagine waking up to your true-blue almusal faves: the silogs! Pair your choice from viands such as Corned Beef with Potatoes, Tocino, Longganisa and Tocino, with Garlic Fried Rice and your choice or fried eggs from the Egg Station.
Corned Beef with Potatoes
Tocino
Longganisa
Chicken Adobo
Crispy Daing na Bangus
Garlic Fried Rice
Want to break your fast with something wholesome and healthy? You can opt for locally-grown fresh produce for salads or fruit desserts.
Vegetables for Salads
Fresh Fruits
If you prefer baked goods for your first meal of the day, then you can have your fill from a woundrous variety of freshly baked breads and pastries. These include four types of pan de sal (regular, ube, cacao and malunggay), cinnamon and fruit Danish, as well as various jams, cheeses and butter to spread on them.
Ube and Malunggay Loaves
Peach and Cinnamon Danish
Cherry Danish and Bread Pudding
Banana Loaf
Pan de sal and Brownies
There’s something for the kiddos as well, thanks to continental breakfast choices such as cereals, chicken nuggets and breakfast sausages. You might as well let them indulge in sweet treats that include mini pancakes (with syrup!) and cookies.
Chicken Nuggets
Mini Pancakes
Chocolate Cookies
Of course, the best part about having so many choices available in the buffet spreas is that you can pick and choose your favorites or explore a totally new cuisine for a weekend breakfast experience that you assembled for yourself.
Whether you’re on your first breakfast buffet at Ridge Cafe, or on your umpteenth visit, you can count on a delicious meal that you can savor with your nears-and-dears.
Top of the Morning breakfast spread is priced at Php650 per person, and is served at Ridge Cafe from 7am to 10am on weekends.
To reserve a table, email timberlandfbm@timberlandresort.com or message 0999-889-2659 | 0995-840-3206 | 8891-8288 local 1030 and 1032.
Ridge Cafe is located at Timberland Highlands Resort, inside Timberland Heights, Barangay Guitnang Bayan II, San Mateo, Rizal 1850 Philippines.
Book your room via Klook today to enjoy great savings!
CREATEPhilippines once again gathers local and international creatives to discuss the future of the Philippine creative economy via the digital conference Creative Futures 2022. On its second run, the conference, to be staged using digital platform Hopin from July 28 to 29, 2022, includes an expo, knowledge sharing sessions, and business development and networking opportunities among creative professionals, policymakers, business leaders, and potential clients.
CREATEPhilippines, run by DTI’s export promotions agency Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is the country’s flagship trade promotions program that champions the Philippines’ creative industries as a high-potential export sector and driver of economic growth.
In 2021, the program first staged Creative Futures and launched CREATEPhilippines.com, the country’s first government-led digital content and community platform for Filipino creatives. The site features a directory where local talents can upload their portfolios for a global audience.
This year, Creative Futures will highlight the immediate future of local creative industries. “Our lineup of speakers, resource persons, and partners will present what tomorrow could look like for the Filipino creative. The event is all about possibilities, not in the distant future, but now, like in the next 5 minutes,” said Erwin Romulo, CREATEPhilippines creative director, and Creative Futures Program Director.
The theme of this year’s Creative Futures is “Tomorrow” and will include discussions on current developments and industry trends as well as projections for the creative sectors.
The two-day conference will include presentations on Creative Governance, Gastronomy, Advertising, Design, Film, Tourism, Dance, Game Development, Fashion, and Communication Design.
“Creative Futures 2022 is particularly designed to take advantage of the latest opportunities brought about by recent developments in the local creative landscape, particularly the Congress approval of the consolidated version of Senate Bill 2455 and House Bill 10107, or the Creative Industries Development Act. To support the country’s thrust toward a robust creative economy, we’re putting forward practices, strategies, and programs that creatives can immediately capitalize on and incorporate into their respective fields in order to become more globally competitive,” said CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.
Creative governance at the forefront
Creative Futures puts the spotlight on creative governance after the pandemic hastened the need to institutionalize protection in the creative sectors.
“CITEM consistently advocates for institutional support which we believe is crucial to the growth of our local talents and the creative economy at large. Through efforts like Creative Futures, under our signature program CREATEPhilippines, we aim to foster an environment where creatives can thrive, taking us closer to our vision of the Philippines as the leading creative hub in the ASEAN region,” added Suaco-Juan.
Returning as a guest speaker is Hon. Christopher “Toff” De Venecia, principal author of the House version of the Creative Industries Act, who will discuss the immediate impact of the law in a presentation.
Creative Industries Act proponents and policymakers are also expected to attend. DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual and DTI-Trade Promotions Group Officer-in-Charge Glenn Peñaranda will discuss the role of the public sector in the advancement of the Philippine creative economy.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and US-based design firm Alao Design will present a vision of how design can renew public spaces. Arch. Aya Maceda and designers Kristian Henson and Monica Ramos will discuss their design process, doing historical research, on-ground mapping, and immersion, and how they collaborated with the Pasig City LGU.
No creative left behind
A new documentary by Martika Ramirez Escobar will premiere at the event. A live Q & A with the director of Sundance-winning feature film Leonor Will Never Die will follow the screening.
A new P-pop web series featuring Mon Abrea, Chairman and Chief Tax Advisor of Asian Consulting Group, is also set to premiere at Creative Futures 2022. Written and directed by Joel Ferrer, it stars Kat Galang and Jal Galang as local creatives dealing with life, love, and their taxes. In a related session, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) will tackle copyright and other intellectual property rights-related issues in a presentation.
The conference also has on-demand sessions streamed throughout the two days, including the Department of Tourism’s ASMR series featuring spots from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and the 360-degree interactive video series Across the Archipelago along the Pan-Philippine Highway. There will also be replays of the different presentations and sessions following the event.
To learn more about Creative Future’s growing list of presentations, including advertising and communication design, visit our registration page.
Digital expo of Philippine creatives and FAME+ e-tailers
Another key event component is the expo, which will showcase creatives from the CREATEPhilippines directory. Participants can also discover and shop Filipino home, fashion, and lifestyle products by e-tailers from digital sourcing and storytelling platform FAME+.
Creative Futures 2022 is organized by DTI-CITEM in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) export promotions arm committed to nurturing the global competitiveness of Philippine micro, small, and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), exporters, designers, and manufacturers. The agency aspires toward the highest standards of creativity and innovation, spanning industries including home, fashion, lifestyle, food, and creative sectors.
About CREATE Philippines
CREATEPhilippines is the country’s flagship trade promotions program that showcases the Philippines’ creative industries as a high-potential export sector and driver of economic growth.
It brings together the creative industries and champions local talent by organizing events that provide opportunities to learn, network, and seize opportunities in the Philippines and beyond.
As a content and community platform, it houses stories that promote Filipino creatives and offers a directory to help them expand their online presence and share their portfolio to a global audience.
CREATEPhilippines is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).
If you get admonished for needlessly taking and posting photos of yourself in your social media, just respond with “Au contraire, boomer!” (These people can be boomers, or not… but they would still be killjoys, wouldn’t they?)
Selfies, after all, may have psychological benefits for you. By being able to preserve a snapshot of how you look and feel in a certain scenario, you are helping to preserve your sense of self amidst the various uncertainties that life throws at you.
So, for you, fellow selfie taker, let me share my picks of Metro Manila destinations which provide the perfect backdrop for your photo opps!
Lakbay Museo
Lakbay Museo offers visitors the opportunity a Cliff’s Notes version of touring the entire country, all done in a matter of two hours or a thousand steps. This is done through fourteen unique experiences representing eleven exciting destinations providing you an immersive experience into local color and culture.
Lakbay Museo recently reopened at 2nd Floor Filipino Village, Ayala Malls Manila Bay Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, cor Aseana Ave, Paranaque, Parañaque. Book your tickets via Klook.
Art-in-Island is one of the biggest 3D art galleries in the Philippines, providing visitors a way to interact with the displays and “be part of the art.” The fun lies in you being creative with your poses.
Art-in-Island is located at 175 15th Avenue, Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City. Book your tickets via Klook.
The Dessert Museum takes visitors on a sweet and whimsical tour of various sweets and pastries. It has eight themed rooms with eye-catching visual elements such as giant-sized simulations of well-known products, background info on desserts’ history printed on the walls, games that you can play and other bric-a-bracs that complement the themes, all making for perfect photographs.
The Dessert Museum is located at Units 124, 126, 127a, S Maison, Coral Way, Conrad Hotel Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Book your tickets via Klook.
As the first marine-themed park in the country, Manila Ocean Park has been enabling city-bound urbanites a way to get a lot of #VitaminSea without having to leave the metro. With fascinating marine life exhibits, entertaining dining and lifestyle hotspots, you can find your perfect shot for the ‘gram.
Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Book your tickets via Klook.
As unique homes increasingly become destinations in themselves, travelers are searching for extraordinary spaces that make for a truly special getaway. And with Airbnb’s newly launched browsing experience via Airbnb Categories, it’s now easier to discover these homes than ever before.
Specifically, Airbnb’s new OMG! Category leads travelers into a world of incredible getaways that are equal parts wacky and wonderful. The OMG Category – which currently has one of the highest rates of engagement amongst guests browsing Airbnb1 – showcases the craziest homes around the world from the fairytale-inspired to the downright unimaginable.
If you’re craving an extraordinary getaway or aspiring to become an OMG! Host yourself, hear firsthand from these Filipino Airbnb Hosts who own some of the most OMG!-worthy Airbnb listings in the country.
“We wanted guests to experience the outdoors in style”
Host Dennis is a frequent traveler who loves discovering and staying at unique accommodations. When the thought of owning a vacation house popped into his mind, he took on the challenge of creating a new, exciting vacation rental never seen before in the Philippines — and thus came about the very first Airstream accommodation in the country.
Dennis’s initiative to bring the iconic vintage trailer to the Philippines was fueled by his fascination with the Airstream. Personally designed and built by him with guests in mind, the 25-footer 1970s caravanner allows guests to camp in the wilderness with all the comfortable touches of home including a queen-sized bed, kitchenette, dining area and an outdoor grill. He’s seen overwhelming guest interest after listing the Airstream in March 2021, and is now building two more unique properties which he will soon list on Airbnb.
Dennis says, “For me, one of the most memorable conversations I’ve had with my guests is when they said that we inspired them to build their own vacation rentals. This is why I don’t hesitate to share my own experiences and advice on design and construction – these have eventually turned into conversations and friendships that go beyond hosting. To date, we’ve had a number of guests who went on to build their own Airbnb stays!”
“Sharing our home gives a different level of satisfaction”
The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Hazel and Jose Romualdez, The Lahluna was inspired by the famous hobbit-inspired attraction in New Zealand. With a keen interest in ecology and sustainability, the couple made it a point to integrate both concepts into their property. The result is a calm, lush, and environmentally friendly retreat away from the city.
The Lahluna taps on solar panels and wind turbines for energy, and grasses and vines creeping on top of the domes help act as insulators to keep the rooms comfortable and breezy. Guests are also encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle during their stay.
“It always excites us when guests keep coming back to our place to relax and enjoy quiet moments away from the city. Especially during the pandemic lockdown, parents would book our space for their kids to play under the sun with our bunnies, and for everyone to breathe some fresh air,” shares Hazel.
“It’s our attempt at a Filipino version of van life!”
Interior designer Michael has been an Airbnb Host since 2015. He hosts several unique homes on Airbnb but his Jeepney Camper is the most eccentric – and the most popular.
With recreational vehicles (RVs) gaining popularity in recent years, Michael thought of building his local version of an RV using the country’s “king of the road” — the Philippine jeepney. To get around the jeepney’s low ceiling height, he decided to add a second floor and an extendable roof. The result is a comfortable lodging space complete with a queen-sized bed, air conditioning and mini kitchen. Located right in Sierra Madre’s rainforests, this special home includes a pool and bonfire area for the ultimate camping experience.
“My advice for aspiring Airbnb Hosts is to always be hands-on, because that’s the secret to keeping your guests satisfied. When you see all the positive feedback, it will surely make hosting worthwhile,” says Michael.
Be an Airbnb OMG! Host through the $10M OMG! Fund
If you have a similar out-of-this-world idea, you might just be the one Airbnb is looking for! Airbnb’s US$10,000,000 OMG! Fund is seeking ideas from existing and aspiring designers, architects, DIYers, and makers from around the globe. The US$10 million fund will help finance 100 of the craziest home ideas, giving 100 people an opportunity to turn them into actual Airbnb OMG! Category listings.
The USD $10,000,000 OMG! Fund will be open until 22 July 2022 at 11:59 pm PHT. The 100 fund recipients will be selected by the panel over the next several months, with the intent of having their newly-constructed spaces complete next year. To apply, visit airbnb.com/omgfund.
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer one-of-a-kind stays and unique Experiences that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.
Details and images provided by Airbnb in a recent press release.
Guess what’s making its way back to Kenny Rogers Roasters’ menu…
Chimichurri!
This flavorful condiment made from finely chopped parsley and cilantro, minced garlic and spices, kmixed together with a healthy dose of citrus for that blend of spicy and citrusy flavors that adds elevates many South American dishes.
Now, Kenny Rogers Roasters is bringing you seven delicious ways to savor this unique flavor with various proteins so you can choose how you want to enjoy your chimichurri, any day of the week.
Plus, to complete your chimichurri experience, Kenny Rogers Roasters is launching two new side dishes available for a limited time only: baconized corn and chips & salsa. These are perfect foils to the savory dishes enhanced with the spice and zest of chimichurri.
Day 1: Chimichurri Roast
Get the week off to a tasty start with Kenny Rogers Roasters signature juicy chicken infused with garlic and lime flavors and served with zesty chimichurri sauce.
Day 2: Chimichurri Half Slab Ribs
Sate your appetite with fall-off-the-bone tender ribs smothered with spicy and garlicky chimichurri sauce.
Day 3: Chimichurri Burger Bun
On this day, you can indulge yourself with a perfectly grilled 1/3-pound Angus beef patty, tomatoes, lettuce and mayonnaise sandwiched between two wheat buns.
Day 4: Chimichurri Fish
How about opting for something healthy today with this soft and flaky grilled white fish served a chimichurri sauce.
Day 5: Chimichurri Sausage
Treat yourself to a flavor bomb with this juicy and salty Schublig sausage topped with chimichurri sauce.
Day 6: Chimichurri Burger Steak
Savor this 1/3-pound Angus beef burger patty topped with zesty chimichurri sauce.
Day 7: Chimichurri Premium Steak
Cap the week with this special indulgence: a perfectly grilled striploin steak paired with spicy chimichurri sauce!
Excited for to bite into your chimichurri feast? Visit your nearest Kenny Rogers Roasters outlet to dine-in or have it for takeout.
It is also available for delivery at kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph and through Kenny Rogers Roasters delivery hotline +63 2 85559000, as well as in GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick*A*Roo.
Are the heat and the humidity of the metro getting to you? Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Or do you feel bored to bits while stuck in your room as you work from home?
It may be high time for you and the fam to take a break from the daily grind and hie off to a quick getaway for a much needed change of scenery.
That’s what Hubby and I did this last weekend. Together with the kiddos -#ExhibitA and #ExhibitB – we went off to a mountain adventure to Timberlands Highlands Resort for some family bonding time and well-deserved R ‘n R.
Here are 8 reasons why you should, too!
1. You won’t have to travel far to get there.
Timberland Highlands Resort is a sprawling property located within Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal.
Thanks to the ever-reliable Waze app, we were able to reach the resort in less than an hour from our home in Pasig (not counting our lunch stopover in Marikina).
If traveling by car, it’s also around 40 minutes away from the Batasan area in Quezon City, and a little over an hour away from the cities of Manila and Makati.
Imagine being that close to your staycation destination!
2. It’s your escape back to nature.
Surrounding the Timberland Highlands Resort property are lush greenery with the Sierra Madre mountains as a backdrop.
With this high altitude and its situation away from the busy cities, the area boasts of fresh air and a cooler climate. As is typical with other green spaces, the area is conducive to outdoor activities and socializing while promoting both physical and mental well-being.
3. You can engage in revitalizing physical activity.
One of the physical activities that the fam can do together is taking a leisurely stroll through the path surrounding the property. Doing so brings you to various vantage points to appreciate the surrounding mountainside.
After your invigorating walk, you can all take a dip in the swimming pools to cool down. One is an infinity pool that lets you enjoy the view while taking a swim. The kiddie pool, on the other hand, features a slide and cascading water, guaranteeing lots of fun time in the sun for the little ones.
Adult Pool
Kids Pool
Chillin’ at the Pool with #ExhibitB
Diving in.
If the weather does not permit outdoor activities, you can always engage in physical exertions indoors, thanks to the resort’s well-equipped gym (which got a thumb’s-up from fitness buffs Hubby and #ExhibitA).
Gym
Gym
Did you know that the resort used to be known as Timberland Sports and Nature Club? The indoor sports facilities it was famous for – such as the basketball court, badminton court, table tennis and indoor rock climbing areas are still here for guests to enjoy.
Basketball Court
Badminton Court
Table Tennis
Indoor Rock Climbing
4. The kids are sure to have a great time.
While all the grown ups are exercising and getting into sports, the kids can play and entertain themselves near the pool area, thanks a wide space they can run around in, and kiddie-sized chairs and plush seats. Here, they can learn a game of chess, challenge themselves with Jenga or even spot a mascot or cartoon character handing out treats.
Recreation Area near the Pool Bar
Entertaining games like Jenga
Kiddie-sized chairs and comfy plushy seats
Blippi handing out cookie treats
5. You can settle down to a relaxing retreat.
After your very active day, you can wind down and relax in your well-appointed accommodations. The hotel has 70 fully air-conditioned rooms which can all accommodate two adults and two children sharing the bed with their parents, making the hotel perfect for a family retreat.
The Deluxe Twin is a 35-sqm room situated in the main building, furnished with comfy twin beds.
The Deluxe King, a similar-sized room furnished with a king bed and features a fitted bath tub, is also an option.
At the newly renovated building annexed to the main hotel, you can find the 32-sqm Premiere Deluxe accommodations.
Premier Deluxe Twin
Premier Deluxe Twin
Premier Deluxe King
Premier Deluxe King
All hotel rooms are equipped with a safety deposit box, flat-screen TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi connection and a work desk. (The latter two, in particular, were very helpful during our first day there as I was doing remote work. I was able to log in to three consecutive Zoom meetings, and was presenting in two of them with nary a dropped call or frozen screen.)
Note: Mobile phone signal may be spotty in the room and at some other locations within the hotel so I would suggest logging your devices into the hotel WiFi. That way, you can be reachable via online messaging to your work colleagues and family members (if you want to be reachable, that is, hehehe!)
Other room features include toilet and bath (with hot and cold shower), dental kits, bath items such as soap, bath gel and shampoo from Aum Spa, a minibar, a coffee/tea set and bottled water.
Hot and cold shower
Dental Kits
Toilet with bidet
Minibar and Coffee Set
The fam loved the crisp linens and the blackout curtains that helped us get a restful slumber after our activity-filled day.
6. Dine with a majestic view at Ridge Cafe.
Of course, any weekend getaway wouldn’t be complete without a gastronomic adventure, wouldn’t it?
Fortunately, the hotel two in-house restaurants, one of which is Ridge Cafe. It has an elegantly appointed interior dining room, as well as an al fresco area which boasts of grand view of the surrounding mountains and overlooking Metro Manila.
Every weekend, foodies can look forward to a sumptous breakfast buffet which includes:
The makings of classic Pinoy silogs such as Corned Beef with Potatoes, Tocino, Longganisa and Tocino (just add the Garlic Fried Rice and a sunny-side up egg from the Omelet Station)
Locally-grown fresh produce for salads or fruit desserts
A variety of freshly baked breads, including four types of pan de sal (regular, ube, cacao and malunggay).
Continental breakfast choices such as cereals, chicken nuggets and breakfast sausages
Kiddie treats such as mini pancakes and cookies
On weekdays and for other parts of the day, guests can order ala carte from a menu that includes Appetizers, Sandwiches and Burgers, Pastas and Noodles, Salads, Sushi, along with main courses and desserts.
Curious about the foodie possibilities here? I’ll tell you more about our dining experiences at Ridge Cafe here, here and here.
And should you fancy a drink while hanging out at the pool or viewing deck, you can always get refreshing beverage from The Pool Bar.
Butterfly Pea Lemonade
Fresh Mango Juice
7. It supports local industries.
Timberland Highlands Resort recently partnered with local merchants in showcasing sustainable and home-grown products. These include brands such as Zarah Juan, TÙ by Modern Filipiniana, Gourmet Farms, Engkanto Brewery, Alab.Mnl, Lakan Lubi, Circa 1740 by Timplado, Better Snacks PH, Tu’ka Spiced Vinegar and more. Their wares are all prominently displayed and available for purchase in the Live Love Local corner in Ridge Cafe.
These are also great for souvenirs or pasalubong to your city-bound friends and relatives.
8. The management and staff are all geared up to provide you with a memorable stay.
All of these are just the tip of the iceberg, as they say, because more exciting developments are in store for guests and visitors, as envisioned by resort’s management.
These include additional restaurants and other exciting renovations (which will be revealed in due time!)
Zeon, Director of Operations. He’s also got great things planned for the hotel. Watch out for them!
Ranuka, Executive Chef. He’s gearing up to bring more exciting cuisines for hotel guests to enjoy.
Stephen, Sous Chef. He’s keeping the kitchen staff in tip-top shape.
Moira, Pastry Chef de Partie. She’s whipping up new kinds of breads for guests to enjoy.
The resort also helps local communities by sourcing its manpower from nearby areas, upskilling and retooling them to provide world-class service to guests.
Derek, F&B Manager. He oversees the dining room staff to bring you a great dining experience.
Rey, F&B. He also taught me how to add a background to your Tiktok video (thanks, Rey!)
Josh, F&B.
Jona, F&B
They’re always ready to give you a hand, so when you see them around, be sure to say hi!
Rom, Housekeeping. He gives quite an animated tour of the hotel room.
Analyn and Marlyn, Housekeeping. These friendly ladies will keep your room spic-‘n-span.
Edison, Kar and Genie, Front Office. Count of them for your queries about the hotel.
JR, Lifeguard. He also takes care of the gym and guided me on a tour of the indoor sports facilities.
Thanks to the above reasons, my family and I had a fun, restful and memorable stay at the Timberland Highlands Resort, so why don’t you treat your family to one, too?
Book your room via Klook today and use my code JELLYBEANS to enjoy great savings!
For more details, visit Timberland Highlands Resort’s website, call +632 8891 8288 or +63 918 9799863 (calls are entertained between 9am and 6pm) or email reservations@timberlandresort.com.
Check-in is at 3pm while check-out is at 11am.
Timberland Highlands Resort is located inside Timberland Heights, Barangay Guitnang Bayan II, San Mateo, Rizal 1850 Philippines.
In accordance to COVID-19 safety guidelines set by the Department of Tourism and the local government, the following safety practices are in place:
Observance of minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks, maintain physical distance and frequent handwashing
Requirement for guests 18 years old and older to present proof of full vaccination or a negative result of a swab or saliva-based RT PCR test, taken within 48 hours prior to check in
Guests below 18 years old should always be accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian
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Check out my other posts about Timberland Highlands Resort:
If you’ve got some serious craving for fresh seafood but the beach is quite some distance away, your best bet is to go to your nearby dampa.
Originally, the word “Dampa” is a Filipino term for “hut,” reminiscent of the small houses that line the seaside where fishermen live and make their living.
Today, it is associated with a wet market attached to a restaurant. In this kind of eatery, diners can select the fresh seafood they want to eat and then choose from a menu of ways on how they want these to be cooked for an additional charge, hence term paluto.
Al fresco seating
Air-conditioned room
As a Pasiguena, landlocked and situated far away from the seaside, I’m lucky that there’s a Dampa sa Libis located nearby.
As is typical with other dampa-style eateries, this one is geared towards catering to large groups in a very informal setting.
The place is suitable for boisterous gatherings of people who love to dine together over their favorite seafood dishes, with little to no concern about the restaurant’s decor or aesthetic. (So if you’re feeling particularly tita-ish, this might not be the place for you.)
However, if you’re game for fresh seafood, cooked upon order and served fresh from the kitchen, this just might be your foodie haven.
During a recent get-together with my in-laws, the extended fam feasted on:
Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso.
Fresh salmon prepared in a variant of the famous dish sinigang which also includes miso (soybean paste) among its ingredients.
Prawn Tempura.
Large prawns battered and deep-fried until golden-brown and served with a sweet soy-based dipping sauce.
Inihaw na Pusit.
A beachside favorite, this dish is made from a large squid stuffed with tomatoes and onions, then grilled for that smokey taste.
Sweet and Spicy Crab.
Fresh crabs cooked in tomato sauce, chilis and other spices with a bit of brown sugar for that irresistible interplay of spice and sweetness with every bite of succulent crab meat.
BBQ Liempo.
For those who have a more carnivorous bent (or those with kids who have not yet discovered a love for seafood), barbecued pork belly is always a delicious possibility.
Leche Flan.
The best way to cap a great meal is to linger over dessert, right? This Pinoy take on the creme caramel will do quite nicely as a post-meal sweet.
When dining at a dampa, it’s best to let your adventurous side out and to savor the good food along with the good company you’re having.
Dampa sa Libis is located at 107 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Bgy Libis, Quezon City, open for dine-in and takeout on weekdays from 11am to 9pm and on weekends from 10am to 9pm.
For more information, follow Dampa sa Libis on Facebook or call +63 2 86373303 or +63 917 7071553.
GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-platinum selling artist and heavyweight producer Calvin Harris continues to soundtrack summer with the release of his new single “Stay With Me” featuring musical giants Justin Timberlake, Halsey and Pharrell out today via Columbia Records/Sony Music. The psychedelic official video directed by Emil Nava also premieres today and features all four artists. Listen to the song here.
The new single marks the first time Harris has collaborated with Timberlake and Halsey, and the second time with Pharrell, who was previously featured on ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1’ and has notably collaborated with Timberlake on countless hits over the years.
“Stay With Me,” a dancefloor ready tune perfect for any party is prime to become song of the summer.
“Stay With Me” follows the release of “Potion” with Dua Lipa & Young Thug and “New Money” featuring 21 Savage from Harris’ forthcoming and highly anticipated new album ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2’ out on August 5. ‘Vol. 2’ will feature a number of today’s most dynamic artists such as: Stefflon Don, Chlöe, Charlie Puth, Pusha T, Shenseea, Tinashe, Normani, Lil Durk, Offset, 6lack, Coi Leray, Busta Rhymes, Donae’O, Latto, Swae Lee, Jorja Smith, and Snoop Dogg. The album is available for pre-order/save here.
There’s a shop that can serve up what you’re craving for and you won’t have to leave home to enjoy them: O’Cakes Patisserie!
Pastries are baked foods made with a dough of flour, water and shortening (solid fats such as butter or lard). These baked creations are different from breads due to their higher fat content which give them a crumbly or flaky texture. You will find that good pastries are light, airy and fatty but their structure is firm enough to hold the weight of the filling.
Thanks to O’Cakes Patisserie, pastry lovers can simply order their craved-for baked goods online and feast on them with no hassle!
Check them out:
Classic Croissant (Php450/3pcs traditional | Php270/3pcs mini).
Buttery and flaky French pastry that got its name from its crescent shape. It is usually enjoyed as part of a continental breakfast.
Pain au Chocolat(Php630/3pcs traditional | Php280/3pcs mini).
Also known as chocolatine in the southwest part of France and in Canada, this cube-ish shaped pastry is made with the same layers of dough as a croissant with pieces of dark chocolate at the center.
Belgian Dark Chocolate (Php630/3pcs traditional | Php280/3pcs mini).
A version of the chocolatine that takes the shape of a classic croissant.
Enjoy these delicious pastries for breakfast or paired with your favorite brew during your coffee break. You can even indulge your sweet tooth by having them as your dessert!
To order, text +63 936 9494767, email ocakespatisserie@gmail.com or message O’Cakes Patisserie on Facebook or Instagram.
Jellybeans in the City 