The long, hot summer may be giving way to the rainy season but we’re not there yet, folks!
So whenever the heat and humidity of the metro threaten to befoul your mood, know that you can always counter them with something delightfully delicious: cereal soft-serve and swirls from Dripp!
Located inside The Grid Food Market in Powerplant Mall, Dripp is all set to be your go-to stall for yummy post-meal desserts or your icy snack to help you stay cool on a hot day.
What goes into your Dripp? A whole lotta goodness, that’s what!
It all starts with Dripp’s creamy 100% fresh milk soft-serve base, then comes added flavors and textures from:
Cereals such as Coco Pops, Froot Loops, Frosties, Koko Krunch, Milo Cereal, Trix, Gold Corn Flakes, Honey Stars and Honey Gold Corn. For an additional Php25, you can add premium cereals such as Dunkin Caramel Macchiato, Dunkin Mocha Latte, Fruity Pebbles, Lucky Charms, Oreo O’s, Reese’s Puffs, Chips Ahoy Cereal, Cinnamon Toast Cruch, Chocolate Churros and Wendy’s Frosty
Mixins such as Polvoron, Milo Powder, Crushed Oreos, Matcha Powder, Barquillos Crisps, Dark Chocolate Sticks, Almonds, Black Sesame, Candy Sprinkles, Cashew Nuts, Rice Crispies, Choc Nut, Mini Kitkats, Crushed Grahams and more
Drizzles such as Caramel, Chocolate, Honey and Strawberry
Cereals
Mixins.
Drizzles.
Milk Soft Serve
For Php180, you can Make Your Own Soft Serve Flavors by picking one each from the Cereals, Mixins and Drizzles selections to add to your premium milk-based soft-serve or choose from the top combinations recommended by Dripp’s very own Chef Patrick Go which include:
The Grrrid Blend: Gold Corn Flakes, Graham, Caramel
Choco Crunch: Koko Krunch, Rice Crispies, Chocolate
Pop That Matcha: Coco Pops, Matcha Powder, Chocolate
Funfetti: Froot Loops, Candy Sprinkle, Strawberry
Milo Loco: Milo Cereal, Crushed Oreos, Caramel
Fruity Stars: Trix, Honey Star, Strawberry
But the fun doesn’t end there: Dripp recently made a move towards creating more out-of-this-world ice cream concoctions with its new secret menu which includes:
Hot Cheetos: inspired by the fan-favorite snack, this sundae is covered in crushed Hot Cheetos for a sweet-salty dessert with a kick
Dripp Scramble: Dripp’s own version of the classic Pinoy dessert overloaded with sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, and more
my personal pick, Horlicks Crunch: this has that distinctive, malty flavor that reminds you of ‘50’s American-diner milkshakes, to which I added more crunch in the form of almond slices
So, really, whether the summer season is on the rise or ebbing away, there’s always a reason and an opportunity to treat yourself to a cool and creamy delicious delight at Dripp!
Dripp is located Stall 19, The Grid Food Market, R2 Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City.
For more details on its promos and offers, follow Dripp on Facebook or Instagram.
The Grid Food Market is the resident food hall of Powerplant Mall which offers a wide range of flavors to cater to various cravings.
Check out my previous posts on other cuisines available at The Grid Food Market:
When you think of Australia (the continent and the country!), what comes to mind?
Is it the unusual fauna such as koalas, kangaroos and wallabies that make Austrialia their home? Is it Australia’s iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge? Is it the natural wonders that abound in the continent such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Outback?
Being the sixth largest country in the world, Australia is filled with awe-inspiring wildlife and sceneries, which also makes it one of the top tourist destinations of the world.
And while visiting Australia is not something you can do everyday, you can definitely enjoy some of the flavors that make The Land Down Under a delicious place to be.
SM Markets exclusively brings home hundreds of Coles products and makes them available in select SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore branches.
Coles is one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains with over 800 outlets. It made its way tot he Philippines for the very first time through its sole distributor, SM Markets, giving Pinoys the chance to experience Aussie flavors at home. With high-quality, yet practical and budget-friendly products ranging from cookies, chocolate bars, milk, Australian honey, coffee, tea and cereals to baking needs, condiments, hearty soups, tasty liquid stocks and more, Coles is all set to expand Pinoys’ gastronomic horizons.
“We’re very proud to exclusively carry great selections of Coles products as part of our already wide range of offerings,” shares Jojo Tagbo, SM Supermarket president. “Coles is a very practical brand that offers value for money and we definitely recommend it for everyday use, especially because of its affordability. It has always been SM Markets’ endeavor to bring the world’s best products to the grocery carts and, ultimately, the tables of our customers. We feel very privileged to be the only store where people can find and satisfy their Coles cravings.
Coles products are available in thirty branches all over the country:
SM Supermarket: Baguio, Aura Premier, Davao, Megamall B, Mandurriao, San Lazaro, Bacolod, Fairview, Makati, Naga, Lucena, Cebu Reclamation, Southmall, Dasmarinas, Roxas, and soon in Lanang Davao, Olongapo Central, North EDSA, Puerto Princesa, Seaside Cebu, Sta. Rosa, Marikina, Bacoor, Cagayan de Oro and Pampanga
SM Hypermarket: Mall of Asia, Clark, Pasig, Fairview, Marilao, North EDSA, Taytay, Bicutan, Sucat, Cherry Congressional, Las Pinas, Jazz, Molino, and soon in Baliwag, Rosales, FTI, Marketmall Dasma, Jmall, and Dagupan
Savemore Market: Acacia, La Trinidad, and soon in Light Residences, Parkmall, Dumaguete, Tacloban, Bangkal, Angono and Boracay
Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature. Details provided in a recent press release.
A VACCINE EXPERT reinforced high vaccine coverage and the suitability of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) as crucial strategies to reducing overall pneumococcal disease burden in the Philippines.
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death of children below five years old in the Philippines. Globally, around 672,000 children die from pneumonia every year. This is equivalent to a child dying every 47 seconds.
Dr. Olakunle Oladehin, a vaccine expert and current Regional Vaccines Medical Lead for GSK, stressed the importance of high vaccine coverage to ensure success of a vaccination program especially in the current context of the pandemic.
“Even if we have the best vaccines, we will not be able to see its full impact if vaccination coverage is low. It is critical that every country strives to revive its vaccination uptake against diseases like pneumonia,” said Dr. Oladehin in a scientific lecture with local healthcare experts last July 7.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), childhood immunization fell to 48.5% in 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary focus on COVID-19 vaccination as a response. The DOH has continuously ramped up its routine immunization activities including implementing the Chikiting Bakunation Days from April to June.
“I commend the determination of the Philippine government to bring back its immunization rates coming from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr Oladehin.
Meanwhile, Dr. Oladehin also reiterated the importance of ensuring that a given PCV should protect against relevant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Philippines, a type of bacteria that causes pneumonia and other invasive diseases.
“To achieve overall protection, the choice of PCV should address the most prevalent strains in the local landscape,” said the vaccine expert.
In 2020, the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) of DOH reviewed the use of PCVs in the country, coming from a position statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019. The mandate of HTAC is to undertake technology appraisals by determining their clinical and economic values in the Philippine healthcare system.
In its report, HTAC recommended the use of PCVs protecting against 11 important strains which accounted for 48% of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) cases found in the Philippines namely 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F. The recommendation was based on local surveillance data from the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) from 2012-2019.
Majority of these strains are highly invasive, and it is imperative that a given PCV should have evidence of being able to protect against them, Dr Oladehin said.
“Invasive pneumococcal strains like 18C and 4 can destroy living tissues or spread to many organs of the body through the blood, increasing likelihood of death,” Dr Oladehin zeroed in during his presentation.
Currently, there are three PCVs pre-qualified by the WHO—PCV13 and 2 kinds of PCV10: PHID-CV and SIIL- PCV. The two PCVs that were reviewed by HTAC—PHID-CV and PCV13—are suitable to address the 11 strains in the country.
Backed by real-world evidence and experience of being used in National Immunization Programs (NIP) across the world, both PHID-CV and PCV13 are included in the Philippine National Formulary (PNF) and can be procured for use under the Philippine’s own NIP.
Details and photo of Dr. Oladehin provided in a recent press release.
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
To know more about Timberland Highland Resorts’ latest updates and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.
Check out my other posts about Timberland Highlands Resort:
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