Gel Jose

Visita Iglesia and Easter Activity at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel revives pre-pandemic traditions in observance of Lent and to celebrate Easter. With an array of activities for its staycation, dining, and walk-in guests, and even those staying at home, the iconic hotel gives city folk and those who prefer to stay in Metro Manila options for the coming week.

Visita Iglesia 2022

Lenten tradition of Visita Iglesia is a time to commemorate and solemnly celebrate Christ’s passion in prayer and sacrifice. With a stay at the hotel on April 13 and 14, 2022 for a minimum deluxe room rate of only P7,000 nett and suite room rate of only P10,000 nett, guests can register 2 adults and 2 children 12 years old and below to join the Visita Iglesia tour. Walk-in rate for adults is P1,500 nett and 50% off on walk-in rate for children 5 to 12 years old.

Stopping at seven churches, namely Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Pope Pius XII Church, St. Pancratius Church, Malate Catholic Church and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guidance, the tour includes round-trip shuttle service, in-vehicle guides, bottled water, and a scheduled snack stop at Marcelino Street Café at The Manila Prince Hotel.

Registration for the Visita Iglesia guided tour is coursed through the hotel’s Front Desk/Reception upon room booking or for walk-in guests. For inquiries and reservation please call 85270011 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com.

A Bear-y Happy Easter

The popular Easter Egg Hunt is back this year. The Manila Hotel’s in-house guests and those having Easter lunch at Café Ilang-Ilang can register their kids 12 years old and below for the hotel’s Easter activity at the Fiesta Pavilion on April 17, 2022.

Let your kids complete the activities listed in our “A Bear-y Happy Easter” Kiddie Passport on this super fun Easter quest. Let them experience the thrill of finding Easter Eggs at our play area, and even win exciting prizes from the eggs find! Let them join activities like Arts & Crafts, Groovebeats Kiddie Dance workshop, and kiddie ballet; and watch a magic show. The whole family can also get one photo for free at our Family Easter Photo Booth.

To join our Easter Kid Activities, every P5,000 worth of single receipt food bill in Café Ilang-Ilang on Easter Sunday lunch entitles a guest to one (1) complimentary pass (good for one kid with one adult). Additional kid walk-in rate is at P1,500 nett (for one kid with one adult). Discounts are not applicable to the walk-in rate.

For a room bundled with 2 complimentary passes (1 child and 1 adult each pass) to the Easter event, rates start at only P6,000 nett for a deluxe room, which accommodates 2 adults and 2 children ages 12 and below. Overnight package is inclusive of buffet breakfast (for two adults), use of swimming pool and gym facilities.

The Manila Hotel’s A Bear-y Happy Easter event is co-presented by Little Georgia Academy with Kinder City. Participating major sponsors are Make Believe Productions, Wonder Lab, Royal Artisans, Baby Fourth’s Couture, Star Baby Toy Store, Rhyme Lab Learning Center, S’mores Kit PH and Museo Pambata. Minor sponsors are Absolute Sales, DBE Fruits Trading (distributor of DOLE Fruits), ESV International Corporation, Globalinens Worldwide, Inc., RGL33 Fruits & Vegetable Dealer, SLC Agri Farm Ventures, Inc., Trisha’s Cakes and Pastries, and Werdenberg International.

For more information and reservation, please call 85270011 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com for room bookings, and restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com for dining reservations.

Healthy Lent and Iftar Meals

Stick to your fast with our special Lent and Iftar (feast after Ramadan) from The Manila Hotel’s M Takeout.

New to our rice and pasta bowl menu: the Vegan-friendly Halal Buddha Rice Bowl [Roasted Cauliflower, Potato with Indian Spices, Vegetable Pakora, Yellow Dhal]; the Svaadist Rice Bowl [Chicken Tikka Masala, and Vegetable Pakora]; the Fish Katsu Curry Rice Bowl [Breaded tilapia fillet, curry sauce, and sesame sauteed beans]; and Vincolo Pasta Bowl [Spaghetti Tuna Bolognese, Zucchini Parmesan Garlic Bread], all at P190 nett. There’s also the Healthy Tofu Rice Bowl [Tofu-mushroom-carrot salpicao, and ginataang kalabasa at sitaw] at only P175 nett.

The Lenten Specials also include new Solo Meals: Nabati (Vegan)[Okra Masala, Vegetable Pakora, Roasted Cauliflower and Potato with Indian Spices, Vegetable Biryani and Dhal at P330 nett]; Jamila [Aloo Tikki/Potato Cutlet, Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Mustard Fish Fillet at P430 nett]; Primavera [Tuna-Cannellini Bean Potato Salad, Parmesan-Garlic Baked Tilapia Fillet, Roasted Cherry Tomato-Basil Fusilli Pasta, Mini Calzone, Italian Orange Cake at P430 nett]; Tagsibol [Ensaladang Talong, Baked Pampano Steak, Adlai, Mushroom Salpicao, Pancit Bihon with Tofu and Vegetables, and Empanada with Heart of Palm and Shrimp at P430]; and Haru [Maki Sushi, Tamagoyaki, Green Bean Gomaae, Saba-O Teppanyaki and Furikake Rice at P340 nett].

Our Lenten and Iftar Specials are available until May 31, 2022. Check out our Lenten Specials and place your order by visiting our website at https://www.themanila-hotel.com.ph/takeout/. You may also call our hotline at 85270011 or 0998-9501912.

Photo credit: Header image by Mara Rivera on Unsplash

Pasalubong from the “Home of the Original Cheesebread” – LA Bakeshop in Pampanga

One of the highlights of the Pampanga Food Crawl that I joined with my fellow foodies is our stop at LA Bakeshop for my first taste of its cheesebread.

This bakery-slash-cafe has been baking this singular artisanal pastry since 1985, further solidifying the Kapampangan’s reputation for culinary ingenuity.

After several lambings, my boss took advantage of one of her trips home to Pampanga to bring me a welcome pasalubong: a box of cheesebread and Spanish bread from LA Bakeshop.

One bite of LA Bakeshop’s famous cheesebread will surely have you craving for more. When served while still warm from the oven, its sweet milky scent will get you salivating. Its cheesy crust gives way to soft and milky bread underneath. It’s best enjoyed when paired with hot coffee or chocolate for breakfast or merienda.

LA Bakeshop’s Spanish bread, on the other hand, is soft with a buttery sugar filling. It has been a merienda favorite since childhood.

The fam and I enjoyed this box of goodies for our afternoon snack or post-dinner dessert!

LA Bakeshop’s cheesebreads sell for Php7 apiece or Php210 for a box of thirty pieces, while its Spanish bread sells of Php9 apiece or Php270 for a box of thirty pieces. The best deal is to get a box of fifteen cheesebread pieces and fifteen Spanish bread pieces for Php240.

LA Bakeshop also sells classic breads such as pan de sal, pandesitos, pesto sticks, ensaymadas and ensaymadas.

Its branches are located at:

Main Branch/San Fernando: 318 Abad Santos Street, Sto. Rosario, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Dolores Branch: McArthur Highway, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Saguin Branch: Unit 7 AP Building, McArthur Highway, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Sto. Rosario Angeles Branch: 792 Sto. Rosario Street, Angeles City, Pampanga
Balibago Branch: 1 Sandico Building, McArthur Highway, Angeles City, Pampanga

For more news and updates on LA Bakeshop, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Profile: Manila Ocean Park’s Francis Low

At 8.30 am on Saturday, April 9, while many top executives would be enjoying a leisurely start to their holiday weekend, Francis Low, Manila Ocean Park’s EVP and COO, was already with his team of animal trainers and park staff, getting ready for the day’s activities. After all, weekends are the busiest days for the country’s first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational entertainment destination.

Animal lover

It’s hardly surprising that Low would be hands-on when it comes to park operations, especially animal training and handling, being a certified professional animal trainer himself.

In fact, before eventually taking on the leadership role in Manila Ocean Park, he was first hired as a consultant by the holding company, China Oceanis Philippines, Inc., to conceptualize and set up its Birds of Prey Exhibit and All-Star Bird Show in a bid to expand the park’s attractions.

Manila Ocean Park's Francis Low — Mr Low is a Certified Professional Animal Trainer in birds, birds of prey, mammals, marine mammals, etc

When he started to helm the MOP team, he set about designing the park experience in a way that encourages the same love for animals that he and his team have.

“We designed our attractions in line with three key pillars,” he reveals. “They have to be educational, interactive and experiential.”

With today’s more well-traveled and knowledgeable market for entertainment facilities such as theme parks, Low feels that these pillars help to differentiate Manila Ocean Park from similar establishments. “We try to give park visitors experiences that they can only have here, so they have something to bring home and tell others about.”

One such attraction is the Sea Lion Encounter. While there are similar sea lion shows in other countries, Manila Ocean Park enables guests to interact with its highly trained sea lions as they perform stunts or exhibit their skills. “When guests get up close and personal with the sea lions, they realize they aren’t scary and can be quite fun. These are moments… memories that they will remember for a long time.”

MOP Summer — Yeni, one of MOP’s smartest sea lions

Advocates conservation awareness

Manila Ocean Park’s attractions are also geared to promote animal conservation.

“In the Philippines, conservation awareness is very high,” Low observes. “People’s efforts in saving certain species, protecting marine life and saving the trees, some with the help of LGUs and international organizations, are very noticeable.”

He also notes that since conservation is not a one-off thing but requires continuous effort and resources over many years before results can be seen, a lot of people may not choose to commit to it. “What is important is to make people understand that conservation has long-term benefits for many generations down the line.”

MOP Bamboo Sharks — Photo credit: manilaoceanpark.com

MOP Bamboo Sharks 2 — Photo credit: manilaoceanpark.com

One of the park’s conservation activities is its “Back to the Wild” program wherein juvenile white-spotted bamboo sharks are bred and raised safely in the park’s facilities, and then released back to the coasts in cooperation with government agencies such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, and local government units.

“With the help of NGOs, we scope out areas and ensure that these are ideal for the bambo sharks to thrive, then we release them. We also tagged them to see how they are faring. We hope to hold another releasing this year.” shares Low.

Leads with heart

Low’s first few months after he took over the management of Manila Ocean Park in 2011 was all about getting a feel for the local culture. He shares, “I did not do a lot major changes. I blended in: I tried to understand Filipinos, Filipino culture and the way things are done here. By understanding these, it’s easier to put in certain ideas to my team and get them to support the strategies.”

He is proud of the park’s employees and the concern they demonstrated for the park and its animal charges during the height of the pandemic when the park was closed down and he was away in his home country of Singapore. “There was a time when two of the sea lions got sick but we couldn’t get medicine because all the pharmacies are closed. It was a very scary moment for us. I’m so glad that staff proved to be very caring: they went to the canals, sat beside the sea lions to coax them to eat. Because of their care, the two sea lions recovered.”

This care extended throughout the time when the park was closed down due to the community quarantine, but the trainers and staff simulated shows, despite the absence of audiences, so as not to stress the animals from the break from their routine.

He even boasts of how Manila Ocean Park’s security guards expanded their role beyond ensuring safety within the park by familiarizing themselves with the park’s various packages and pricing so that they can recommend attractions to the park visitors.

“I consider myself blessed that I have key leaders and key staff who go all out to make very good experiences for the guests, care for the park and the animals. These are things that money can not buy.”

By 6pm, activities within the park wind down but Mr. Low and his team are still seen up and about, assisting guests or overseeing operations. This routine plays out for six days every week as the park slowly but surely reopens attractions and dining establishments to cater to the public who are ready for new experiences after a long time spent indoors during quarantine.

Manila Ocean Park is located within Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesdays to Sundays (even during Public Holidays). For more details about the park or to book your tickets, visit its website. You may also book your tickets via Klook.

Check out my previous posts about Manila Ocean Park:

Manila Ocean Park Reopening — 6 reasons to bring the fam to Manila Ocean Park

Garden Dining by White Moon Bar — Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar

#YouDoYou with Yellow Cab’s new Truffle Honey & Cheese Pizza

Want to treat your taste buds to something new and exotic? Well, Yellow Cab’s got something exciting for you this April!

It’s newest pizza variant is sure to win your hearts, from the intoxicating earthy aroma that wafts to your nostrils as you open its box to the bursts of decadent decadent flavors in your mouth with every bite.

Curious yet?

Available only for a limited time, Yellow Cab’s Truffle Honey & Cheese Pizza (Php349 for 9″ | Php580 for 12″ | Php790 for 15″) is a wondrous edge-to-edge combination of savory shiitake mushrooms and olive slices on a bed of gooey mozzarella and tangy cheddar cheese. Adding new dimensions of flavor to this pizza are the drizzles of golden honey and infusion of aromatic black truffle oil.

Just when you thought that pizza just couldn’t get any better, Yellow Cab brings you this delicious creation!

The Truffle Honey & Cheese Pizza is available only from April 4 to July 3, 2022 in all Yellow Cab stores nationwide for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, delivery or curbside pick-up. Whether you prefer your Yellow Cab pizzas in Original or NY-style thin crust variant, you’ve got no worries as it is available in both.

You can also choose to complement your pizza with your other Yellow Cab favorites, such as:

Spaghetti & Meatballs (Php210 regular| Php390 large). The classic spaghetti dish made with al dente noodles topped with giant meatballs which were baked and simmered in a rich and chunky red wine and tomato sauce.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Poppers (Php220 regular | Php450 large). Boneless chicken bites fried to that GBD (Golden Brown Delicious) state then flavored with buttery Garlic Parmesan.

With this winning combination of new offerings and classic go-to dishes at Yellow Cab, the days ahead are sure looking up!

So what are you waiting for? #YouDoYou and order now from Yellow Cab!

Yellow Cab is a quick casual dining restaurant that offers New York-style pizzas made the best and finest ingredients.

It’s delivery hotlines include:

Metro Manila: (02) 8-789-9999
Baguio: (074) 442-9999
Batangas: (043) 723-2222
Cavite: (046) 416-9999
Cebu: (032) 254-1111
Laguna: (049) 502-9999

It also delivers through its website, GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To stay updated on its products and offers, follow Yellow Cab on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Check out my previous posts on Yellow Cab’s exciting offerings:

Yellow Cab NY Baked Dogs — Baked NY Dogs

Disclosure: A product sample was provided to facilitate this feature.

Snack food giant Mondelez partners with BEST in championing proper waste management

The journey of waste from your home can sometimes be a treacherous one. Ideally, waste from your home is brought to a Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) where they are segregated according to type and diverted accordingly. However, according to Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in the Philippines only 35% of barangays have established and operational MRFs. This scenario can lead to waste being dumped illegally or even ending up in the oceans. Thankfully there is something we can all do to provide the best case scenario for waste.

Starting April 2022, Mondelēz International and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) are partnering to provide you more ways to properly manage your waste. Here’s how you can join:

Just go to any of the 11 BEST waste drop off sites in Metro Manila from April to June 2022. You can view the list here.
Bring the dry waste from your home like plastic, paper, metal and others. Make sure they are dry, clean, and free from food or other materials.
For any type of waste brought in, you can earn environmental points. These points can be used to redeem select Mondelēz International snack products as well as other items and prizes from BEST.

This program will run for three months so you have plenty of time to collect waste at home and bring them to the sites. And you can do it regularly too as BEST runs their waste collection activities all year long! For a list of all accepted materials at BEST sites, click here. You can also redeem different prizes for your points, check out this list.

Mondelēz International is the maker of beloved snack products like Tang, Eden Cheese, Cheez Whiz, Oreo, Toblerone and Cadbury. The Company aims to empower people to snack right, with the right snack, for the right moment, and with snacks made the right way. “We believe in sustainable snacking, where we are able to produce our delicious products while lessening our environmental footprint, including the impact of waste,” shares Atty. Joseph Fabul, Country Manager for Corporate and Government Affairs of Mondelēz International in the Philippines. “We know that any waste, when not properly collected and diverted can end up in nature, particularly the oceans. That’s why we’re working with organizations like BEST to help support and strengthen waste collection efforts in the country.”

At the end of 2021, Mondelēz International and BEST partnered for a similar initiative where people received boxes of Cadbury Shots chocolate for the wastes they brought to collection sites. This resulted in the collection of 12,893 kilos of plastic waste alone, and the distribution of 10,800 boxes of Cadbury Shots chocolates.

BEST is engaged in contracting and consulting for waste management related businesses. Its primary mission is to provide avenues for comprehensive waste disposal systems, public cleansing, general hygiene and materials recovery that promote sustainable development through proper solid waste disposal and resource conservation.

“We thank Mondelēz International for their continued support to our waste collection initiatives,” ends Jan Vincent Mercado, Senior Vice President for Business Development of BEST. “The challenge of collecting waste is a big one, and we encourage everyone to do their part in ensuring we do not harm the environment. At home we encourage everyone to segregate their dry and wet waste. For your dry waste, bring them to our drop off sites and we can help you to properly divert them so they do not end up in landfills or the oceans. You not only help the environment, but you also receive rewards for the enormous good you are doing the earth.”

About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2021 net revenues of approximately $28.7 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

About Mondelez Philippines
Mondelez Philippines Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 59 years – since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home.

Lumina Homes recognized as Best Affordable Housing Developer in the first Carousell Property Awards

Lumina Homes has grown from a low-cost housing brand to one that provides a Filipino family’s ultimate dream home, but it always looks back to its roots of offering affordable and decent homes to everyone. Several award-giving bodies validate this commitment of Lumina Homes, and recently, the first-ever Carousell Property Awards recognized Lumina as Best Developer for Affordable Housing.

The 1st Carousell Property Awards celebrates the country’s most recognizable real estate developers and their finest developments. The Best Developer for Affordable Housing award is one of the nine categories, some of which were bestowed to Lumina’s sister companies under Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., one of the country’s leading integrated property developers.

Vista Land has guided Lumina in its 10 years of building more than 100,000 homes for Filipino families.

These Lumina projects are available in over 50 key cities and municipalities in the Philippines such as in Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, Isabela, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Albay, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, South Cotabato and Davao del Norte.

Each is strategically located close to major thoroughfares, transport hubs, schools, hospitals, and business and leisure centers.

Lumina also listens well to current market needs, and it has started converting its developments to cater to the demand for bigger living spaces. Due to the pandemic, most property seekers are looking into two-storey house and lots with bigger room provisions, bigger lots, and better ventilation.

“We in Lumina Homes are committed to go beyond what is expected of an affordable housing community. We will continue to maximize and level up our developments’ potential in providing residents the quality home and life they deserve,” shares Engr. Joemi Tan, Division Head of Lumina Homes.

Recently, Lumina “unboxed” eSpacio, its very own amenity center composed of well-thought and functional amenities. Aside from standard amenities such as a multi-purpose hall, mini gardens, playground, jogging path, and a shuttle terminal, eSpacio also boasts of a holistic community center and “Tambayan ni Juan.”

The community center has office provisions for Health Center, Day Care Center, Senior Citizen Center, and Barangay Center while the “Tambayan ni Juan” features an al fresco dining hub with live performers on stage, so that homeowners can have a safer place to enjoy new-normal leisure and entertainment.

But Lumina’s advantage over most affordable housing brands is its push for real-estate solutions early on, even before the pandemic started.

For safer, smoother and faster transactions, Lumina offers efficient virtual home tours and subdivision walkthroughs. It has also perfected online reservation, online appointment booking, and online payment options through digital wallets and digital banking in partnership with national bank players.

For more information and announcements, follow Lumina Homes on Facebook or visit its official website.

Quick and sweet escape at Cinnabon, Estancia Mall

Whenever the stresses of work get me down, I know I can count on some sweet indulgence to pick me right up.

And what better #indulgingcomfort is out there other than minibons from my all-time favorite: Cinnabon!

Cinnabon has been around since the mid-80s when Seattle’s father-and-son team Rich and Greg Komen partnered with master baker Jerilyn Brusseau to come up with the most delectable cinnamon bun possible.

The result of their success propelled Cinnabon from its origins in the Pacific Northwest to the other parts of the US, then the world.

Cinnabon reached our shores back in 1999 with the opening of its first bakery at Robinsons Place Manila.

From that initial store, Cinnabon grew into a fixture in various malls nationwide, enticing mall-goers with the delicious scent of freshly baked cinnamon buns.

In one such store located at Estancia Mall in Ortigas, I met up with my fellow Maritesses to exchange some tea (ie, gossip) about the goings-on in our lives while treating ourselves to some sweet delight, courtesy of our orders of Cinnabon’s Minibons.

These included:

Classic Cinnabon (Php85). The recipe that started it all in a more compact size, perfect for snacking.

Chocobon (Php95). The classic cinnabon with an added chocolatey delight.

Caramel Pecanbon (Php100). My favorite among the Cinnabon variants which is made with caramel sauce and chopped pecans.

Our group enjoyed our indulgent comfort in the form of a Triple Combo 9 Cinna-Pack (Php580). This box of nine minibons contains three pieces each of the classic, chocobon and caramel pecanbon minibons.

We paired our minibons with cold drinks – Iced Americano (Php110) and Iced Mocha (Php130) – to cool us down on a very hot day.

Who says we can’t indulge ourselves with some sweetness?

This Cinnabon outlet is located at the Lower Ground, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue, Barangay Orambo, Pasig City.

Other Cinnabon stores are located at:

SM Aura Premiere, SM Baguio, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA and SM North EDSA North Towers, SM City Clark, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Fairview, SM Mindpro
Trinoma Mall
Festival Mall
Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Galleria
Alabang Town Center
SLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Main, SLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Deli2Go, SLEX Shell Mamplasan
Petron Travel Plaza
Caltex San Pedro Travel Plaza
NLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Deli2Go, NLEX Drive & Dine
NAIA Terminal 3, NAIA Terminal 4

Can’t go to a Cinnabon bakery? Order your Cinnabons for delivery right to your doorstep via GrabFood, FoodPanda and G-Life.

For the latest news on its products and offers, follow Cinnabon on Facebook and Instagram.

Dreaming of living in a greener home? Check out this master-planned development in QC

Now that working remotely is as accessible as ever, many of us are moving outside the city to leave behind the concrete jungle in exchange for fresh air and proximity to nature. A recent Santos Knight Frank survey corroborates this pandemic-driven shift, with 33% of respondents now preferring to live in the suburbs, in search of low-density environments and wellness-related features.

Yet before you pack your bags and turn your back on the city for good, you might want to check SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s Vine Residences. As the name suggests, this prime gated community lies at the heart of Novaliches in Quezon City, complete with all the amenities for those who wish to live among lush greeneries and quaint spaces. A testament to its world-class features are the awards it won at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards in 2021 — Best Upper Affordable Condo and Best Landscape Architectural Design.

Here, you can enjoy basking in the serenity only nature can bring — without having to look far and wide, or to break the bank.

Commit to a Purposeful Lifestyle at the Vine Nature Park

Named “Best Developer” in the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards both in 2020 and 2021, SMDC has been known in the industry for their commitment to sustainability. They exemplify this time and time with developments that provide safe and secure spaces, with vast, green spaces that encourage environmental stewardship and social connectedness.

At Vine Residences, this means various amenities strewn around what they call the “Vine Nature Park” that help you lead not just a healthy, active lifestyle but rather, a fulfilling one. There’s an eco and jogging trail where you can brisk walk or jog safely, day and night. There’s a private volleyball and basketball court too, where you can play friendly or competitive sports matches with your friends and family.

The best part, though, is the development’s very own Camp Hill Site, where you can spend intimate moments with your loved ones, surrounded by priceless gifts of nature. Imagine having long, tireless days of work or school – only for you to retreat in an enchanting campsite, literally a few steps away from your doorstep.

Nurture your family alongside nature

Did you know that living close to nature helps reduce stress levels, improves your mood, and has significant positive effects on children’s emotional, physical, and psychological well-being?

Now more than ever, health is of the essence. This goes hand-in-hand with the Santos Knight Frank study, which noted that open spaces, good air quality, and good views are now among the most important home considerations.

Luckily, SMDC has long been at the forefront of addressing Filipino homebuyers’ needs. Vine Residences boasts of a “Central Park,” where you will be greeted with sunken gardens, and easily, the most captivating landscapings you will ever see in a vertical residential development. Tranquil waters and spaces for meditation await you at the expansive swimming pools. There’s an outdoor children’s play zone too, to help mold and nourish your young ones.

Even more, Vine Residences is located inside the SM City Novaliches complex, giving you that extra exercise as you walk to a plethora of the area’s best restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment options. It’s also strategically located near reputable educational and health institutions, as well as major thoroughfares and transport hubs.

These, all together, make Vine Residences just the perfect place to raise your family.

Nowhere homier than the ‘Home of the Good Guys’

SMDC prides itself as the “Home of the Good Guys,” and it shows in every touchpoint the residents have everyday in the community. From the holistic features of each and every development, to the kind of security, safety, upkeep their property management team provides, to reliable internet connectivity, weekend markets, health and wellness caravans, and job caravans – SMDC encompasses true hallmarks of nation-building.

Choosing Vine Residences as your home, therefore, not only means making yourself privy to the good SMDC is doing for the country. You’re also given a chance to live in a community that empowers you to do more good, day by day.

Now is the best time to invest in real estate

According to Colliers Philippines, the Philippine property sector is set to see a positive year driven by the uptick in economic activity. “While we saw initial headwinds at the start of the year, especially [with] the spread of the Omicron variant, the gradual return of foreign professionals and turnaround in business and consumer confidence should help fuel the take-up of more residential units,” said Colliers Philippines Associate Director for Research Joey Roi Bondoc said.

Today’s economic landscape, therefore, makes up the ideal environment to invest in real estate. Santos Knight Frank backed this claim by encouraging investors to buy now while many government infrastructure projects are coming onstream. For Vine Residences, the completion of MRT-7 and the Mega Manila Subway not only means added convenience for residents, but rather, a generous increase in property values.

Colliers also reported to expect a rise in rent starting this year, which will be beneficial for those who might want to lease out their units. SMDC offers a worry-free leasing experience for interested investors with comprehensive leasing management services via SMDC Prime Key Leasing.

Vine Residences is a ready for occupancy (RFO) property, which means you can move right in, or start generating passive income in an instant.

With sprawling green spaces in a well-integrated, cosmopolitan community, Vine Residences offers a lifestyle you cannot find anywhere else in the metro.

For more information about SMDC’s Vine Residences, visit their official Facebook page at Vine Residences, Novaliches or their website at https://smdc.com/properties/vine-residences/.

About SM Development Corporation (SMDC)

SMDC is the largest and fastest growing real estate developer in the Philippines. Championing perfectly integrated commercial and residential environments, SMDC provides every Filipino and its investors access to a sustainable and attainable cosmopolitan lifestyle. Through masterfully planned and award-winning, complete developments, SMDC has been providing the dream homes of Filipinos in Metro Manila and other key cities in the Philippines.

Details and images provided by SMDC in a recent press release.

A taste of Southern Italy at Sicilian Roast

Hey, foodies! Want to take your taste buds on an exciting adventure?

How about a trip to sun-kissed Sicily?

Well, you won’t have to travel far to savor the rich culinary traditions of Southern Italian cuisine. Just drop by Sicilian Roast by Giuseppe Genco in Legazpi Village, Makati.

At this quiet spot in the busy commercial district, diners can sit back, relax and leisurely savor the fulsome flavors of Southern Italy as they sip on fine wines or their cocktails of choice.

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, which also serves as the crossroads between various cultures, landscapes and cuisines.

Sicilian food is heavily influenced by various cultures that have existed on the island for over two millennia. These culinary traditions include the use of dried fruit, nuts and spices from Arab countries, the fondness for meat dishes from the Normans and the introduction of ingredients from the New World by the Spanish.

At its heart, Sicilian cuisine is all about the fresh ingredients that celebrate the fruits of the land and sea, made evident in Sicilian Roast’s celebrated dishes such as:

Parmesan Truffle Chips (Php250). Hand-cut potatoes, deep-fried to a gorgeous golden brown, flavored with truffle oil and parmesan cheese and served with Gorgonzola and Cream Cheese Dip.

Burrata Alla Caprese (Php370). Fresh creamy burrata cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes.

Quattro Formaggio (Php430). Neapolitan-style pizza topped with a white sauce and four kinds of cheese: Gorgonzola, Smoked Scamorza, Mozzarella and Parmesan.

Tartufo Prosciutto (Php615). Neapolitan-style pizza topped with white sauce flavored with truffle cream, mushrooms, scamorza cheese, mozzarella and covered with thin slices of prosciutto.

Bellini (Php160). Cocktail made with peach schnapps and proseco.

So, foodies, if you want to expand your food horizons with the fresh flavors of Southern Italy, drop by Sicilian Roast!

Sicilian Roast by Giuseppe Genco is located at Second Floor OPL Building, Don Carlos Palanca Street corner Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati.

Other branches are located at:

Second Floor SM North Towers, SM City North EDSA corner North Avenue, Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City
226 Upper Ground Floor, Arton Strip, Katipunan Avenue, Barangay Blue Ridge, Quezon City

For more details about its offers, follow Sicilian Roast on Facebook and Instagram.

6 relaxing things to do during your stopover at Nuvali Park

If you’re on your way to Tagaytay, or on your way back to Manila while traversing the Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay Road, you will most likely pass by Nuvali Park.

This expansive area is designed to be an integrated self-sustaining eco-city, where various residential communities, commercial and hospitality establishments, as well as schools can be conveniently situated while also highlighting the beauty and importance of nature.

The highlight of Nuvali Park is a four-hectare multi-functional lake. This man-made water feature not only beautifies the park but it also serves as a catch basin for rainwater and a water reservoir. It also functions as a fire reserve and as a means for alternative transport within the park.

In this sprawling green space, motorists can take a break from their journey to rest and and find some fun activities to occupy their time while allowing nature’s healing touch to rejuvenate them.

Take a stroll. With all the lush greenery and tree-lined designated walking trails around the park, it would be a shame not to put on your comfy shoes and go for a leisurely ramble. It would be an enjoyable way to achieve your 10,000 steps, wouldn’t it?

Work up a sweat. If a more strenuous type of activity is more to your liking, you can always go for a a bike ride around the park (bring your own or rent one at the Lake Evozone for Php60/hour. More adventurous bikers can take a crack at the 50-kilometer mountain bike trails which may provide scenic views of Mount Makiling, Laguna de Bay and Tagaytay Ridge. The post-workout buzz will surely be worth the exertion. Be sure to bring your own safety gear (helmets and pads) as well wear closed shoes. Register at the Evo-living Center concierge with a valid ID.

Go bird-watching. Nestled within the park is a 17-kilometer buffer zone and open area where migratory birds and other creatures make their home. It’s best to time your bird-watching activity between 6am to 9am or 4pm to 6pm when these creatures are most active and the sun is not so hot. Bring your binoculars so you can watch the birds up close without disturbing them.

Take a boat ride. Take advantage of the awesome views afforded by a scenic boat ride on the lake for Php100 per person.

Dine al fresco. Here, you can savor a delightful meal while in the great outdoors to refuel you for the rest of your journey. You can have a lakeside meal at one of the restaurants at Nuvali’s Solenad 1, or nibble as you browse through the food stalls every weekend during the Nuvali Mercato Centrale weekend food market.

Feed the fish. The lake is also home to a pod of koi fish who will gamely rise to the water surface for your entertainment when you drop some fish food their way.

Clearly, a stopover at Nuvali will give you a respite from the stresses of your travel and provide you with happy memories that you can take with you when you move on to your next destination.

I wish you safe travels, dear reader!

Nuvali is located along the Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay Road, Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. For updates on its events and activities, visit its website or follow Nuvali on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.