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.
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:
Airbnb is on the hunt for the world’s craziest spaces — and will help foot the bill to build them. Whether it’s the next boot, UFO house, or giant potato, the first-of-its-size US$10,000,000 OMG! Fund is seeking ideas from existing and aspiring designers, architects, DIYers, and makers from around the globe. The fund’s $10 million will help finance 100 of the craziest ideas, giving 100 people an opportunity to turn them into actual Airbnb OMG! Category listings, which are Airbnb’s collection of the most unique homes.
Starting today, anyone with an out-of-this-world idea can submit an application at airbnb.com/omgfund. One hundred people with the 100 craziest ideas will receive US$100,0001 each to make their creations possible and, ultimately, bookable. Ideas will be judged by an expert panel for their originality, feasibility, the experience the space will provide guests, and sustainability.
The fund is shaped in part by the growing trend of flexible living that has emerged in the past two years. As part of this shift, Airbnb guests are craving more unexpected spaces that become the destinations themselves, and Airbnb Categories, which launched last month, provide a new way to search for these spaces. More than 30,000 unique listings across the world were added to Airbnb in 2021 and the OMG! Category – which has one of the highest rates of engagement among guests browsing Airbnb – showcases the craziest amongst them, making it easy for guests to discover these listings in places they wouldn’t have otherwise looked.
Hosting on Airbnb provides powerful economic benefits to Hosts. In 2021, all Hosts total earnings in the Philippines reached US$37.7 million, providing locals with important income during the pandemic2. Additionally, nights booked at unique properties increased globally by over 49 percent from 2019 to 20213.
“When the Idaho Potato Commission retired a six-ton prop potato, I took it off their hands and spent $32,000 transforming it into an Airbnb,” Airbnb Superhost OMG! Fund judging panelist Kristie Wolfe said. “I went from making $13/hr to seeing $208,0005 in earnings in less than three years, and leveraged that income to bootstrap my way through additional listings that allow me to express my creativity and connect with hundreds of people in the process.”
Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel of boundary-pushing design authorities, an architectural expert, and an Airbnb OMG! Category Superhost:
Iris Apfel, incomparable and irreverent centenarian style icon
Koichi Takada, founder of Sydney-based international studio Koichi Takada Architects, known for emotive design inspired by the natural world
Bruce Vaughn, Disney alum, and Airbnb’s VP of Experiential Creative Product
The $10,000,000 OMG! Fund opens today for a period of 30 days, through July 22 at 11:59 am 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.
Note:
1For more information, including a list of eligible countries, see the Official Rules.
2According to Airbnb data of Hosts earnings in 2021
3Kristie Wolfe’s income represents Airbnb earnings from January 2019 to May 31, 2022. Like Kristie, every Host’s experience hosting is unique. Host earnings vary widely depending on many factors, including availability, price, acceptance and cancellation rates, occupancy rate and the demand in the listing location. Globally, the median earnings for an OMG! Category Host active between Jan 2018 and May 2022 was over $48,000.
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 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 in a recent press release.
Like me, you might have been keeping your wanderlust contained for the past two years because of the pandemic.
It would be so good to be able to wander freely through many places, see the sights and get a much-needed change of scenery, wouldn’t it?
Well, given the still present threat of COVID-19, and the rising costs of travel due to soaring gas prices, we have no choice but to stay right where we are.
Or do we?
A visit to Lakbay Museo should soothe your need to wander.
Choose how you want to travel…
by land…
by sea…
or by air.
The first PH interactive millennial museum
Lakbay Museo offers you a way to travel through our beautiful country in just a thousand steps. Over a two-hour time-frame, you can visit the majestic sights, delve into the rich culture, participate in the colorful festivals and get a slice of life from various parts of the country. This is done through fourteen unique experiences representing eleven exciting destinations around the country.
The museum also espouses the conservation of the environment, with nearly all of its exhibits built using 4,560 old and used tsinelas and scrap materials, 328 old rubber tires, 453 car mats, and other recyclable materials.
Plus, you get to take all the pictures you want for the ‘gram, with the museum’s IG-worthy displays as your backdrop!
Aside from the many photo opps that you can take inside Lakbay Museo, a visit here would definitely be perfect when you want to:
Dive into iconic locations and experiences such as the Tondo alleys, the cobbled streets of Calle Crisologo, the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, religious and historic destinations such as the Barasoain Church in Bulacan and Magellan’s Cross in Cebu, the Mindanao Royal House and the country’s marine biodiversity, all without leaving the metro
Take a break from your usual haunts and go somewhere for a unique experience
Supplement your kids’ learnings from Sibika at Kultura outside of books and videos, using tangible objects and interactive materials
Introduce our varied, extraordinary and historic culture to returning balikbayans or friends from abroad
Immersive Pinoy experience
While strolling through the museum, you get to engage with various aspects of Pinoy life, a way of stepping out of your usual experiences and see the world from your fellow Pinoy’s eyes. These include:
… selling wares at the marketplace…
…reveling at the sheer variety of our local produce…
…and other aspects of life of many enterprising Pinoys through the ages.
Of course, the Pinoy life is not all work, work, work. Our lives have room for a touch of whimsy and the fantastical. From underwater creatures to floral bounties and floating horses, there are many things here to spark your imagination and fancy.
A sneak peek into the Pinoy’s rich and eclectic culture
What would a trip around the Philippines be without savoring its many cuisines? Regional delicacies are on full display, showcasing their particular culinary influences and practices.
From a room of floating lechon, a hanging flatlay of food to a long boodle table and a wide-set diorama explaining the nuances of local cuisines from thirteen different regions, the Pinoy’s love of food is quite evident.
Boodle Table
Flatlay
Lechon all around
Ilokano cuisine
Each region’s displays also showcase local color, products and crafts, from weaving to growing coffee, all highlighting the Pinoy’s penchant for creativity and craftsmanship.
Neon Lights
Banig Weavvers
Mayon Volcano
Moriones Festival
Of course, all of these come into play during Pinoy-style celebrations where food, costumes, dances and songs abound.
Christmas Lanterns
Magellan’s Cross
Mindanao Royal House
Panagbenga Festival
So don’t fret about being stuck in the metro. There’s so much to see, do and experience at Lakbay Museo!
Lakbay Museo recently reopened at 2nd Floor Filipino Village, Ayala Malls Manila Bay Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, cor Aseana Ave, Paranaque City.
Book your tickets via TicketWavePH and use my code BEINGJELLYBEANS for additional discounts.
Whether you’re a foreigner backpacking in the Philippines and looking for a place to serve as your “base of operations” while you’re touring the capital, a domestic traveler who wants to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the metro’s busiest district or an urbanite who’s seeking for a change of scenery, Lub d Makati is the place for you.
The biggest hostel in the Philippines, Lub d Makati is part of the Lub d hotel chain which also has presence in other buzz-worthy Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand, and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Its concept reimagines the experience of traveling, whether you’re on a solo trip or wandering with your buddies. Lub d prides itself on giving its guests a memorable and comfortable stay as they dive into the local scene.
Center of the action
Located along Makati Avenue in Makati City, the hostel is conveniently located near the high rises of the central business district as well as shopping malls that house dining and entertainment establishments such as movie theaters, restaurants, designer shops and supermarkets.
It’s within walking distance from Poblacion, Makati’s cultural and heritage district, as well as a short ride away from Bonifacio Global City (where you can find some of the hottest night spots) to the east and Old Manila (where you can immerse in the old capital’s colonial history) to the west.
Comfy stay
After a busy day of touring the metro, you can take your rest at your choice from Lub d Makati’s 153 private rooms and ten shared rooms.
Indulge yourself in an air-conditioned private sanctuary in a Deluxe Room which comes with either a king-size bed or a two single beds, as well as an en-suite bathroom with toiletries and hair-dryer. Other amenities include: keycard system, TV, power outlet, safety box and complimentary coffee and tea.
Until July 31, 2022, you and a companion can enjoy a stay at a Deluxe King Room with complimentary breakfast and internet for just Php1,999.
Digital nomads can also use a Deluxe Room during the day (9am to 5pm) for remote work or for day trips in the city for just Php1,999.
Traveling with family or a small group of friends? A Barkada Room provides your group with an air-conditioned private retreat with a king-size bed or two single beds plus two single bunk beds, along with an en-suite bathroom. Other amenities include: safety box, TV, a mini-fridge and complimentary kettle and coffee.
If you’re traveling with a larger group of people you can opt for a Mixed DormRoom which comes with eight bunk beds so you can enjoy time togather yet retreat into your private space, thanks to privacy curtains and reading lights. Other amenities include: shared bathroom with towels and toiletries, as well as a wardrobe with lockers.
Do more at The Space
Besides providing you with a space to rest your head for the night, Lub d also provides you with venues for other activities and to meet new friends. Its second floor houses The Space which has meeting rooms for conferences, a WiFi-equipped co-working space for remote work as well as common area where you can hang out and play games with fellow guests.
Taste global flavors with Pinoy flair
Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss the great eats that Lub d’s roodeck bar and restaurant, Essential goodness for Pilgrims, has in store for you.
You can have your meal at the deck where you can enjoy the amazing view of the Makati skyline…
…or you can enjoy your meal in the lush comfort of its posh interiors.
As Lub d’s Cluster General Manager Reycie Gutierrez puts it, the restaurant is guided by the philosophy of food being essential as the nourishment that fuels everyday lives and provides the feeling of satisfaction.
Lub d Cluster GM Reycie Gutierrez
EG’s Chef Jinggoy Fernando
EG’s F&B Team
Helming the kitchen is Chef Jinggoy Fernando who translates this philosophy through an updated menu for the restaurant that introduces Filipino food to foreigners. His team achieves this by adding a Filipino twist to typically western dishes or ingredients.
This is also a great way to introduce Pinoys to new ways to enjoy old favorites, such as in the restaurant’s latest offerings:
Mushroom Chicharon. Crispy oyster mushrooms served with a tangy ranch sauce.
Nachos. House-made nacho chips with a side of fresh gracamole, pica de gallo and calamansi crema.
Garlic Bread. A new experience of spreading roasted garlic on buttered toast and sprinkling a bit of flaky salt for an explosion of flavor.
Bicol Express Wings. Chicken wings covered in a spicy coconut milk sauce served with charred lemon for a bit of zest with each bite.
Bistek Tagalog Sliders. Grilled 100% beef patties with calamansi mayo and topped with caramelized onions and local cheese in fluffy toasted buns.
Soft Shell Crab Palabok. Thin rice noodles covered with palabok sauce and topped with a soft shell crab, served with a charred lemon for zest.
Sisig Fried Rice. A variation of the Pinoy staple sinangag (garlic fried rice) mixed with house-made sisig (chopped pork cheeks sauteed in chilis and onions), topped with scrambled egg.
Salted Egg Tostada. House-made crispy flat tortilla topped with bits of salted egg and cucumber salad with citrus dressing.
Corned Crispy Pata. Brined pork trotters which are deep-fried then served with soy vinegar dipping sauce.
Desserts include Pandan Cheesecake with mango coulis and Tres Leches Bread Pudding with vanilla sauce.
Pandan Cheesecake
Tres Leches Bread Pudding
Refreshing drinks include house-made Four Seasons and Iced Tea.
Four Seasons
Iced Tea
No matter what kind of traveler you are, make Lub d Makati one of your stops for a truly extraordinary and memorable adventure here in the metro. After all, you didn’t come for the normal, did you?
Lub D Makati is located at 7820 Makati Avenue, Brgy Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines.
For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85416358 or email contact.makati@lubd.com.
With many of the lockdown restrictions easing up, I was happy to realize that I now have greater mobility around the metro and even beyond. I now have more options on the places I can visit and even farther destinations that I can travel to. So now, I can start acting on my previous plans to wander around, see new sights and embrace new experiences.
A huge factor in these plans, of course, is transportation. Despite the waning number of cases, it is still a COVID-19 world and the risks posed by the pandemic is still very real. I have found that using my private vehicle, especially for out-of-town staycations, is still the safest, most convenient, most cost effective and most comfortable way to travel as opposed to doing so by public transportation or car rental.
For one thing, with only myself and my immediate family as passengers, we are able avoid contact with other people during the trip. Secondly, we don’t have to produce documents like antigen test results and vaccination cards just to board our car. Also, we don’t have to pay for luggage and other miscellaneous expenses usually encountered during commercial travel. Another plus point is that, since we are all relatively healthy and we are traveling inside our own vehicle, we don’t have to wear protective gear like facemasks, gloves or similar items that would hamper our comfort, and we have the freedom to make ourselves as comfortable as we see fit.
Clearly, owning a car opens up a world of fun possibilities when it comes to domestic travel.
If you are in the market for a new car, however, you should know that buying a car is one of the biggest purchase decisions you can make, and it is not one to take lightly. As shared by author Kathleen Elkins in this CNBC article, there are myriad pressing financial items to consider other than your vehicle’s purchase price. These include your car registration fees, automobile insurance, fuel consumption (especially with today’s soaring gas prices!), maintenance and parking fees. Really, all these could add up to quite a lot!
Even the car’s actual price can actually balloon up once you factor in sales taxes and loan interest rates, plus, of course, your dealer’s commissions.
What you don’t need is to have that nagging worry that your car purchase would eventually run your monthly budget to the ground.
What you do need is a tool that helps add up the costs of your car payments so you can plan your budget accordingly.
CarPaymentCalculator.net, for instance, is a site that helps you compute your car payments. It crunches the numbers for you, whether for your loan application or based on how much of your monthly budget you can allot to your car payments. It factors in items such as rebates or trade-in obligations, giving you a more complete picture of what your car purchase will actually cost you.
You can also compute for operating costs such as your gas budget or your car’s fuel efficiency, taking out a lot of the guess work when it comes to your car-related expenses.
This allows you to more accurately forecast your monthly expenses, enabling you to budget more effectively for your family’s basic needs, as well as for small luxuries, such as traveling to exciting destinations!
There should be more to your life than just worrying about your car payments. You should make room for the fun stuff, like enjoying the joys that owning a car brings you just like I did!
With a clearer picture of your car budget in mind, you can now take your initial steps towards your car purchase decision!
Let me know how it goes!
P.S. If your kiddos are like mine who get antsy during long trips, CarPaymentCalculator.net can also keep them entertained with its arcade of fun driving games like Cars Lightning Speed and Nick Racing Stars. Be sure to check these out!
Earlier this month, lucky few were able to experience the ultimate journey courtesy of OPPO, the global smart device brand – an all-expense paid trip to one of the most beautiful locations in the world, El Nido. Accompanied by the Reno7 Series ambassador Yassi Pressman, the raffle winners spent three days and two nights in the breathtaking island destination, capturing their adventures in portrait with The Portrait Expert, the OPPO Reno7.
Flown in via airline partner AirSWIFT Airlines Philippines, the guests were welcomed to the trip with a kit containing all the summer essentials needed to make the most of their unlimited journey, including a bucket hat, waterproof pouch and a beach mat.
Throughout their stay, Yassi and the winners explored the beauty of El Nido as they went island hopping, swimming, and snorkeling in Kingkong Island, Cadlao Lagoon and Hayag. Yassi even shared how she was able to swim beside turtles and thousands of fish under the sea, through an Instagram post. The group capped off each full day with a four-course meal and some R & R at the luxurious Lihim Resorts in El Nido.
The journey to the unlimited would not have been complete without the OPPO Reno7, the Portrait Expert that beautifully captures and records all your greatest moments from any unforgettable trip. Its 64MP HD triple rear camera setup and 16MP front camera with AI-powered camera features like Portrait Mode, Bokeh Flare Portrait and AI Highlight, allow you to snap professional-level photos and videos. The group did not need to worry about suddenly running out of battery in the middle of their island hopping, as the OPPO Reno7 comes with a 4500 mAh battery.
Go on your own journey to the unlimited with the OPPO Reno7 and express your #UnlimitedMeInPortrait.
To know more about OPPO’s latest Reno7 5G, visit the OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines. You can also check OPPO’s official stores on Shopee and Lazada.
About OPPO
OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 40 countries and regions, with 6 Research Institutes and 5 R&D Centers worldwide, as well as an International Design Center in London. More than 40,000 of OPPO’s employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.
Details and images provided in a recent press release.
Burlington is a city of about 42,000 people in Vermont that is known as the “City of Lakes” and “City of Parks.” It’s also known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
It is the perfect place for people to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.
The city offers an abundance of things to do that are both relaxing and exciting. There are lots of natural beauty spots, such as Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. The city also has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops that will make any visitor feel like they want to start looking at Burlington houses for sale.
In Burlington, you can find everything you need to enjoy your time off from work or school-and it’s all within walking distance!
Here are some enjoyable things to do in Burlington, Vermont, this summer.
Visit the Vermont State House
Lake Champlain is the largest lake in New England and a popular tourist destination.
The lakefront is one of the most beautiful places to walk in Burlington. It is a short walk from the waterfront to the State Street Bridge and back again.
Lake Champlain has clear water, a sandy beach, and a wide variety of wildlife. The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the lakeshore for fishing, boating, swimming, and other recreational activities, all of which you’ll love in summer.
This walk will take you along Lake Champlain with its clear water, sand beach, and wide variety of wildlife. You can enjoy fishing or swimming on the sandy beach or simply just walking along the waterfront as you see some beautiful views.
Get Some Good Food and Drinks
Burlington has many great places to eat, but these are some of the best restaurants worth checking out:
1) The Friendly Toast – Breakfast, lunch and dinner. This restaurant offers great food with friendly service. They have a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options like omelets, muffins, sandwiches and bagels.
3) Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop – Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop is a small coffee shop in Burlington. The success of Cosmic Grind is highly due to its welcoming atmosphere and great customer service. Cosmic Grind is a great place to stop by for an iced coffee or a warm drink on a cold day. They also have delicious pastries that are baked fresh in-house every morning.
The Burlington Greenway is an eight-mile-long bike and pedestrian path that runs through the heart of the city.
The Burlington Greenway stretches from the South End to Burlington’s waterfront, and it connects to other bike paths along the Lake Champlain shore.
The greenway has a few small bridges and footbridges over the tracks. It is also home to a large number of trees and plants, which provide shade for walkers and cyclists, as well as a natural habitat for all the wildlife.
The Manila Prince Hotel by The Manila Hotel is delighted to officially announce its highly anticipated reopening on June 1, 2022. This heralds an exciting new chapter in the property’s history as it establishes itself as a perfect staycation place in the heart of the city.
The newly reopened Manila Prince Hotel offers guest affordable luxury with a reopening rate of only P1,999 nett for an overnight stay in a Deluxe room. This royal treatment can be enjoyed by two (2) adults and two (2) kids 12 years old and below, along with set breakfast for two.
Staycation seekers, weary urban warriors, working folk, and even guests from outside Metro Manila can expect unrivalled comfort and inimitable service while enjoying the hotel’s facilities and spaces. The hotel boasts of a pool where you can take your kids to enjoy an afternoon of fun, while the rest of the day can be spent having a hearty meal at the hotel’s Marcelino Street Café, which serves a la carte dishes for now. Eventually, Manila Prince Hotel’s amazingly decorated Chinese restaurant, Dragon Court, will reopen at a later date.
Guests are also within walking distance to malls and commercial establishments—the closest being UN Square, which has an array of fast-food choices on the ground floor like Tim Horton’s, Café France, Karate Kid, and many others. The hotel is in the center of everything, and convenient enough to be near banks, hospitals, schools, and convenience stores, churches, and many others.
But Manila Prince Hotel is not just welcoming stay-in guests but also those who are looking for the perfect venue for events that have been postponed or re-scheduled because of the pandemic. With the return of social events and gatherings, Manila Prince Hotel gives guests an option of an affordable but grand venue for conferences, meetings, and even gatherings like wedding receptions, anniversaries, and more.
Manila Prince Hotel is a multi-use establishment that welcomes both staycation/leisure guests, and even guests who need mandatory stay bookings for a few days. Strict safety guidelines will be implemented.
With the reinforcement of cleaning and disinfection procedures implemented in rooms, common areas, function halls, dining outlets, and kitchen and employee areas, Manila Prince Hotel has adapted to current guidelines from the government to ensure guest safety and comfort.
Reservation for staycations as well as function rooms for meetings/conventions, launches and other occasions are now accepted. For enquiries and reservations, guests may call 0998-591-1912; visit https://www.manilaprince.com; or email info@themanilaprince.com.
Jellybeans in the City 