Indulge in the Festive Season with The Manila Hotel’s Christmas Hampers

The Manila Hotel is set to elevate the holiday spirit with an exquisite selection of Christmas Hampers, embodying the essence of thoughtfulness and indulgence. Each hamper, filled with signature treats and delights, promises to be the perfect gesture for your loved ones.

Earlybird Offer: Secure Your Festive Treasures

For eager gift givers, an earlybird offer is available from October 25 to November 30, 2023. Three distinct hamper selections await, tailored to cater to different tastes and preferences.

STANDARD HAMPER

Standard Hamper – Php 2,000 Nett (Earlybird Offer)

  • ‘Harana’ Pralines in Sinamay Box (9 pieces)
  • ‘Wangis’ (The Manila Hotel façade chocolate bar)
  • Santa Claus Chocolate (small)
  • Christmas Cookies
  • Fruit Cake (small)
  • Gingerbread Man (big)
DELUXE HAMPER

Deluxe Hamper – Php 3,200 Nett (Earlybird Offer)

  • Santa Ana Cabernet Sauvignon or Santa Ana Chardonnay (375 ml)
  • ‘Wangis’ (The Manila Hotel façade chocolate bar)
  • Christmas Cookies
  • Gingerbread Man (big)
  • Matte Gold Pralines (10 pieces)
  • Assorted Nut Cluster
  • Santa Claus Chocolate (big)
  • Fruit Cake (big)
  • Food for the Gods
PREMIUM HAMPER

Premium Hamper – Php 4,000 Nett (Earlybird Offer)

  • The Manila Hotel Regular Prestige Card
  • The Manila Hotel Willy the Bear
  • Pico Andino Cabernet (750ml)
  • Pralines (6 pieces)
  • Santa Claus Chocolate (medium)
  • The Manila Hotel Coffee Drip
  • The Manila Hotel Chocolate Bar with Almonds
  • Banana Thins

Act Now for Earlybird Savings

Be sure to place your orders now as after November 30, 2023, these Christmas Hampers will be available at their regular rates of Php2,500 Nett, Php4,000 Nett, and Php5,000 Nett, respectively, from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

How to Order

To secure these delightful offerings or for inquiries, reach out to The Manila Hotel via phone at (+632) 8527-0011 or (+632) 5301-5500, or through email at restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com. Terms and conditions apply.

About The Manila Hotel

Situated in the heart of the City of Manila, The Manila Hotel is renowned for its history, elegance, and world-class service. With over 500 well-appointed rooms and various function spaces, the hotel offers a five-star experience. From its Heritage Museum to dining outlets like Café Ilang-Ilang and the Old European-style Champagne Room, the hotel embodies luxury and cultural richness.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-178795 Series of 2023

Details provided in a recent press release.

Simplify Your Holiday Shopping: 5 Expert Tips from Home Credit

The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but let’s face it, it can also be pretty stressful, especially when it comes to holiday shopping. The pressure of finding the perfect gifts, dealing with crowded stores, and managing your budget can turn this wonderful time of year into a headache. But fear not, because Home Credit, the leading consumer finance company in the country, has your back with five smart tips to make your holiday shopping a breeze.

Make a List

Santa isn’t the only one who benefits from a well-organized list. Start by creating a detailed shopping list that includes the names of the people you want to buy gifts for, your gift ideas for each person, and the shops where you can find those items. Having a list will keep you organized, help you stay on track, and reduce the chances of forgetting anyone or anything on your gift-giving list.

Set a Budget

Before you hit the stores, set a clear and realistic budget for your holiday spending. Review your list and allocate a specific amount for each person. Sticking to your budget will help you avoid overspending and prevent financial stress during the holiday season.

Start Early

The early bird truly gets the stress-free shopping experience. Don’t wait until the last minute to start your holiday gift shopping. Purchase your gifts well in advance of the holidays. Starting early allows you to take advantage of sales and discounts, avoid the holiday rush, and ensures you have ample time to find the perfect gifts without feeling rushed or pressured.

Explore Installment Deals

One of the best-kept secrets for a hassle-free holiday shopping experience is taking advantage of installment deals. Home Credit is your go-to destination for this. It offers a wide range of 0% interest rate installment deals on a variety of products. Home Credit makes it easier for you to check out amazing holiday sales through its official website or My Home Credit App. You can also check out Shoppingmall.ph, an online shopping platform for authentic smartphones, laptops, gadgets, and home appliances. This platform helps you find the best deals in stores near you, making it much easier to apply for zero-percent interest rate installment plans and get pre-approved in minutes. Plus, you can chat with a live Sales Agent for more information. By choosing installment plans, you can spread the cost of your purchases over manageable periods, keeping your finances in check during the holiday season.

Stay Tuned for More Deals and Discounts

This holiday season, make a commitment to stress-free shopping by following these expert tips. Keep an eye out for Home Credit’s biggest and grandest holiday offerings yet. It has more 0% interest rate installment deals and flexible loan offerings for a wide range of products, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, home appliances, furniture, and more. So, watch out for the exciting deals that will make your holiday shopping even easier on your budget.

And, if unexpected bills or the need for extra holiday funds arise, Home Credit has your back with Qwarta and Cash Loan options. These alternative payment options allow you to enjoy the holiday season while having the financial freedom to purchase what you need and experience what you want at your own pace.

So, there you have it, five expert tips from Home Credit to simplify your holiday shopping. With a well-planned list, a set budget, early shopping, installment deals, and access to extra funds when needed, you can make this holiday season truly joyful. For more information and to stay updated on Home Credit’s latest offerings, visit their official website, www.homecredit.ph. You can also follow their official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, or download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

Make your holiday shopping a breeze with Home Credit and enjoy the season to the fullest!

Image By freepik

Thoughtful Holiday Gifts for the Return-to-Office Worker

After nearly three years of working from the cozy corners of our homes, many of us have now made the leap back to our physical office spaces. While the return-to-office transition may be exciting for some (not me, though, TBH) and certainly encourage by the powers that be, it also comes with its fair share of challenges.

As we approach the holiday season, what better time to show support and appreciation for our fellow return-to-office coworkers than by gifting them with thoughtful presents? These nifty presents can make the journey back to the office more bearable and enjoyable.

The Return-To-Office Transition

Returning to the office after such a long period of remote work might evoke mixed emotions—excitement to reconnect with coworkers, but also anxiety about readjusting to the hustle and bustle of office life. This transition can be physically and mentally taxing, which is why some thoughtful gifts can play a significant role in supporting and easing the process.

Fortunately, we can easily shop for these gifts on Amazon.com, so even if you’re stuck in the office or spending hours on the commute to and from your workplace, you can easily select and check out the perfect presents for your office pals.

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Return-To-Office Worker

Ergonomic Comfort and Support

Sitting at a desk for extended hours can be demanding on the body. Consider gifting an ergonomic office chair cushion to enhance comfort and promote better posture. To keep someone’s workspace organized, a stylish desktop organizer set will be an appreciated addition to their desk.

Enhancing the Work Environment

Create a soothing and pleasant work atmosphere with a portable coffee mug warmer, ensuring their coffee stays warm throughout the day. To help them focus and eliminate distractions, noise-canceling headphones will be a game-changer. Add a touch of nature to their office setup with a desk plant or succulent to brighten up their space.

Boosting Productivity and Organization

Help them stay on top of their tasks with a personalized planner, customized to suit their needs and preferences. A wireless Bluetooth keyboard and mouse set will not only declutter their desk but also offer greater flexibility. For quick mental breaks during intense work sessions, stress-relief desk toys can work wonders.

Personal Touch and Comfort

Don’t forget the little comforts that can make a big difference. A compact desk fan will keep them cool during warm office days, boosting their overall comfort. Consider gifting a personalized nameplate to add a touch of identity and personality to their workspace.

Why These Gifts Matter

Each of these tokens serves a unique purpose in supporting the return-to-office workers. Ergonomic comforts and organization aids alleviate physical strain and improve productivity. Items to enhance the work environment create a pleasant space for better focus and well-being. Stress-relief toys offer quick mental escapes to help cope with stress, while personalized gifts add a sense of identity and belonging to their workspace.

As we embark on the journey back to our physical workspaces, let’s remember the significance of thoughtful gifts. These presents go beyond just material items; they represent our care and support for our fellow colleagues during this phase, as well as contribute in making their return to the office smoother and more enjoyable.

Wishing you all a joyful and successful return to the office! Happy holidays!

Shop for these and top gift ideas at my Amazon Storefront!

Want to make the most out of your Amazon.com purchases? Sign up for an Amazon Prime membership and enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Exclusive member deals. Enjoy savings when you shop through exclusive discounts on thousands of items.
  • Amazon Photos. Enjoy unlimited photo storage and 5GB video storage.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

Header Photo by Image by DCStudio on Freepik

This post contains affiliate links.

Cracking the Code: How to celebrate our busy dads this Father’s Day

Let’s face it: finding the perfect gift for our busy dads can be quite a challenge. They work tirelessly day in and day out, juggling their professional commitments with their role as a father. They’re always on the go, leaving little time for themselves, let alone for us to plan a memorable Father’s Day surprise.

Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake

Here are a few reasons why it’s particularly hard to choose a gift for these extraordinary men.

  • Limited Free Time. Our busy dads rarely have a moment to spare. With their hectic schedules, they barely have the chance to relax and unwind. It’s crucial to find a gift that respects their time constraints while still conveying our appreciation.
  • Unique Interests. Every dad is different, with his own set of passions and hobbies. Some dads may be sports fanatics, while others may prefer indulging in gourmet cuisine or exploring the great outdoors. Finding a gift that aligns with their interests can be a puzzle we need to solve.
  • Balancing Act. Being a father and managing a career is a true balancing act. Busy dads often prioritize their family’s needs, making it even more challenging to pinpoint something that will truly make them feel special and recognized.
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
5 ways to celebrate Father’s Day with your busy dad

Now that we understand the predicament, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get creative! Here are five foolproof ways to celebrate Father’s Day with your busy dad and make him feel cherished:

Plan a Surprise Family Outing.

Dedicate a day to creating unforgettable memories. Arrange a surprise family outing to his favorite park, restaurant, or even a sports event. Quality time with loved ones is priceless, and it’s an opportunity for your dad to relax and enjoy the company of his family.

Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake

Bring the Spa to Him.

Help your dad unwind and recharge by creating a mini spa experience at home. Draw a warm bubble bath, prepare a soothing face mask, and give him a rejuvenating massage. Show him that he deserves a moment of pampering and self-care.

Cook His Favorite Meal. Treat your dad to a scrumptious home-cooked feast. Whip up his favorite dishes or surprise him with a culinary adventure, trying out new recipes together. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, after all!

Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake

Outdoor Adventure. If your dad enjoys the great outdoors, plan an adventure-filled day. Go hiking, fishing, or cycling together. Being in nature can be therapeutic and provide a much-needed escape from the daily grind.

Gift Dad with a Mocha Dedication Cake from Red Ribbon. Finally, the grand finale of our Father’s Day celebration is none other than a delectable Mocha Dedication Cake from Red Ribbon Bakeshop. This rich and moist mocha cake, which is the perfect balance of creamy coffee and rich chocolate and studded with crisp chocolate pearls, is the perfect way to show your dad how much he means to you. Pair it with a heartfelt message on the cake, and it’s guaranteed to make him feel truly special.

Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake
Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake

Father’s Day is not just an occasion to exchange gifts; it’s a day to honor and appreciate the incredible men who have shaped our lives. While finding the perfect gift for busy dads can be a challenge, it’s worth the effort to create lasting memories that they will cherish. Whether you choose to surprise your dad with a family outing, a spa day, a home-cooked meal, an outdoor adventure, or the delectable Mocha Dedication Cake from Red Ribbon Bakeshop, what truly matters is the love and gratitude you express. Celebrate your superhero dad in a way that resonates with him, and make this Father’s Day an unforgettable one.

The All New Red Ribbon Mocha Dedication Cake is now available in participating stores for Php460 (8″x8″ size) and Php690 (8″x12″ size). Order now via the Red Ribbon app, the Red Ribbon delivery website, Red Ribbon on Facebook Messenger, or by calling the #87777 hotline. You may also place your order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Disclosure: Product sample was provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous posts about Red Ribbon Bakeshop:

The best gift ideas for heat-addicted chili heads

We all know one person who absolutely adores spicy foods, constantly pushing themselves to see how they can challenge their spice tolerance. For these people, you likely can get them a gift related to food or spiciness and they will be overjoyed. So what can you give a chili-head that is both unique and useful at the same time? Here are some of the best gift ideas for heat-addicted chili-heads. 

Hot Sauce

The most obvious gift to give to a chili-head is a bottle of high-quality hot sauce. Hot sauce is a mainstay in the diets of chili-heads, as they use it to add spice to just about every dish. Obviously, since they’re chili-heads they’re going to have a high spice tolerance, so you’ll likely want to get them something extremely spicy. Thankfully, there are plenty of high-quality spicy hot sauces to choose from. Be sure to blow them away with something they’ve never tried before and challenge their spice tolerance. If they like it a lot, they can incorporate your gift into just about any dish.

Pepper Jelly

Another great condiment to get a chili-head is pepper jelly. Pepper jelly is similar to everyday jelly you would use, but it has a little bit of spice to it. With pepper jelly, spice lovers can add some heat to a variety of dishes you usually can’t. For example, pepper jelly gives your morning toast a little bit of a kick as well as spices up the peanut butter and jelly sandwich you have for lunch. If you want a really unique and creative gift to a spice-lover, buy pepper jelly online and gift your friend an amazing gift.

Aerogarden

A very unique gift idea for a chili-head is an aerogarden. An aerogarden is used to grow plants indoors, allowing the recipient to easily grow fruits and vegetables. Additionally, an aerogarden allows for year-round plant growth. With the aerogarden you give them, your favorite chili-head should be able to plant their own peppers, meaning they can use fresh ingredients in their recipes. Fresh ingredients are spicier than the packaged and frozen variety, meaning spice lovers will surely love and appreciate the fresh food. 

Cookbook

A cookbook is a perfect gift for a spice-lover. Many cookbooks are themed around spicy food, catering to those that are fond of spicy foods. These cookbooks cover an array of different spicy dishes, allowing your chili-head to expand their horizons and try new spicy foods. Additionally, learning how to cook the dishes and successfully following the recipe is a satisfying experience that only enhances the enjoyment of the amazing cooked food. If you want a safe yet versatile gift option, this is a great choice. 

Image Credit: Pixabay

Ten Shopee Valentine’s Day Sale gift ideas you need to add-to-cart now!

Surprise your loved ones with gifts from Shopee’s Valentine’s Day Sale

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love. It’s also a time to recognize other equally important relationships—those we share with our family and friends.

Whether you’re celebrating the occasion with a significant other or not, remember to show your appreciation to other loved ones as well. Let them know that they’re on your mind this special day. The world could always do with a little more love to go around!

On February 14, surprise them with the thoughtful gifts below. You can get up to 90% off on these gifts and more at Shopee’s Valentine’s Day Sale.

Cowin Wireless Sweatproof Earphones

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

Has your brother ruined several earphones while working out? Get him the Cowin Wireless Sweatproof Earphones. It touts water-resistant earbuds, superior sound quality, and up to six hours of playtime.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

Encourage your dad to get started on his fitness journey with the Xiaomi Mi Band 5. This smartwatch tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. It also monitors the heart rate and sleep cycle. The battery can last up to 20 days on standby.

Pineng Powerbank

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

Is your sibling’s phone constantly running out of juice? Get them the Pineng Powerbank, which has built-in battery protection to prevent overcharging and short-circuiting. It runs on a capacity of 3.7V/20 000mAh 74Wh and can charge two devices at a time.

Sesame Street Sleepwear

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

Treat your pamangkin to cute new jammies. Each pajama set is made of cotton spandex, so it’s breathable and comfortable to wear. This also comes in adult sizes perfect for kids at heart.

Bling Light 3D Night Light

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

Know someone who’s obsessed with all things hallyu? Buy her this adorable finger heart-shaped Bling Light 3D Night Light! This compact lamp comes with three light color options: yellow, white, and warm white.

Vice Cosmetics Kavouge Everyday Palette

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

For your makeup junkie pal, the Vice Cosmetics Kavogue Everyday Palette features 12 multi-purpose powders for filling in the brows, adding color to the cheeks, and creating flawless eye looks. This product also comes with a handy makeup mirror.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

If you’re tired of your sister constantly rummaging through your skincare stash, it’s time to help her build her own regimen. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and fragrance-free. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup while retaining moisture.

Eco Natural Bamboo Toothbrush

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

Help a friend through their sustainability journey with gifts that won’t end up in landfills. The Eco Natural Bamboo Toothbrush is made of a durable bamboo handle and petroleum-based plastic bristles that will biodegrade within months.

Gun Massager

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

Your super mom works hard to take care of the whole family, so treat her to a well-deserved massage. This Gun Massager alleviates muscle stiffness and enhances blood circulation. It also features four massage heads and six variable speeds.

Anti-Aging Eye Patches

Shopee Valentine's Day Sale

Everyone has that one busy tita. She’ll love using these Anti-Aging Eye Patches during her downtime. These soothing, moisturizing collagen patches are great at reducing puffy eyebags and dark circles.

Don’t miss out on the chance to score big discounts on these gifts and more at the Shopee Valentine’s Day Sale. Enjoy up to 90% off until February 14.

For more deals, don’t forget to top up your ShopeePay! Until February 28, enjoy 10% cashback on all cashback shops when you use ShopeePay.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Images and details provided in a recent press release.

Open a box of happiness with cinnamon rolls from Rolls.PH

Did you know that cinnamon rolls originated from Sweden where it is called kanelbulle (“cinnamon bun”)? This Swedish pastry is an offshoot of the British Chelsea bun (a currant bun), the German schnecken (rolls made with sugar and currants), and other butter-infused yeast dough pastries that became popular in Northern Europe in the mid-1700s.

The cinnamon roll is usually enjoyed by the Swedish during fika, the time when they take a break from their day to sit down with friends and family to share some baked goods and coffee.

Rolls.PH

And who wouldn’t want these rolls during coffee break, hmm? The smell of the cinnamon wafting from the warm bun would surely tease your nose into lingering over a few cups of coffee as you ruminate over your day.

The Chelsea bun and the schnecken made their way across the Atlantic in the 1800s through English and German immigrants and found themselves in the New World, particularly in the cultural melting pot of Philadelphia where the size and make-up of the Chelsea bun are combined with the fillings of the schnecken roll, resulting in a large, caramelized cinnamon roll.

Today, cinnamon rolls are practically staples in coffee shops, oftentimes topped with a cream cheese icing that adds even more richness to the pastry.

Rolls.PH

Rolls.PH

Rolls.PH

But, guess what: you can enjoy it at home, at your workplace or wherever you are thanks to Rolls.ph.

This online business is the brainchild of two Immaculate Concepcion Academy students who discovered a way to produce the perfect homemade cinnamon rolls – soft, moist and not too sweet.

These rolls are all made by hand using premium ingredients and are priced at:

  • Single: Php60
  • Box of 6: Php350
  • Box of 12: Php600

These buns are ideal as coffee break treats, holiday gifts for friends and family or as one’s potluck contribution to family gatherings.

Plus, your purchase of these buns also help build a learning center in Mindoro as well as fund environmental cleanup groups.

So wouldn’t you want to get yourself or someone special a box (or two… or more :-)) of these yummy cinnamon rolls for the holidays?

Rolls.PH

Rolls.PH

You can order from Rolls.ph through the following:

  • Call +63 917 5350923
  • Email officialrolls.ph@­gmail.com
  • Send a private message via Facebook or Instagram

Disclosure: A product sample was provided to me to facilitate an honest review.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business: