Archive for February 2023

My first solo traveling experience was unexpected. It was in Autumn of 2016, and I was all set for Korea when my friend had to back out because of health issues.

My first solo trip, I stayed in an Airbnb guesthouse while in Seoul

A seamless harmony of nature, architecture, and leading-edge technology is rising in the urban south, offering contemporary homes and modern hubs in serene, natural settings.

Future residents can expect their homes to be embraced by nature, with their indoors and outdoors cohesively integrated into a beautiful setting where calm and relaxation beckon.

For 45 years, Jollibee has been part of the everyday lives of Filipinos – whether it be celebrating a Jollibee Kids Party, going on a first date, or simply bonding with family and friends to celebrate small and big milestones. Along with its best-tasting food like the Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti and Yumburgers, customers have fond memories of how Jollibee has made a lasting impact on their lives.

Here are #MyKwentongJollibee:

One of my biggest birthday bash: a Jollibee party!

PH ARMYs! Let's celebrate Hobi's “j-hope IN THE BOX” documentary this March 3-5, 2023 at the Trinoma Mall!

Confidence meets comfort in an exciting new footwear and apparel collaboration between Skechers and fashion industry icon, Diane von Furstenberg. Launching globally, Skechers x DVF is a celebration of effortless style and fashion-forward design that blends the designer’s signature prints and bold colors with the unparalleled comfort of Skechers.

The Endless Kisses capsule form the Skechers x DVF collab features the timeless "Lips" prints.

Looking for good accommodations for your business trip or vacation can be tricky. With so many hotels to choose from and each offering a unique hotel experience, selecting the perfect lodging that suits your needs and budget can be overwhelming. To narrow down your search quickly and efficiently, it’s useful to have a list of non-negotiables that a hotel must meet to be worth your consideration. These standards help you take an objective measure of the hotel’s features and services, so you can determine if it’s one that you’ll enjoy staying at.

Even if hotels boast about having unique themes and amenities, your main priority is to have a comfortable stay. Of course, different people will have different expectations of what a hotel should offer, but some are generally agreed upon. If you don’t yet have your own list of requirements, consider checking your options for these five features that every good hotel should have.

After 10 years, the Philippine M.I.C.E.Conference (MICECON) returns to Davao City where it will showcase the region’s rich culture, stunning natural environments, vast culinary offerings and vibrant hospitality to a global audience. The convention will be held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier on 1-3 March 2023 with over 600 participants from the tourism and business events sector.

Lazada's beauty destination for quality and trendy products, and the actress and beauty advocate are on a mission to redefine Filipina beauty

Newest LazBeauty Ambassador Gabbi Garcia

"Pandora immediately felt her angst melt away, and her heart glow with warmth. It was HOPE that was kept in the innermost nook of the box..."

"When did you started planning all these?" "Even before I debuted"

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier, encourages every Juan to fly now to their dream vacations with CEB Fare Bundles, allowing them to save up to 28% on their baggage, seat, and CEB Flexi fees when booking their flights across the airline’s widest domestic and international network.

December 26-29, 2019

There is this one Korea trip I never got to blog about.

Back in 2019, I won an online contest for Binggrae, the Korean Ice Cream brand. And my prize for winning was an all-expense paid trip FOR TWO to Jeju Island in South Korea!

I can't believe it has been four years since my winter trip in Hokkaido (2019). It was one of my favorite media trips coz we were able to experience full-on Japan snow!

One of our pleasant stops during our BTS pilgrimage in Seoul is the boys' former dormitory. From a place where they once lived, the building was recently converted into a cafe in March 2022. I'm glad we found out about it when we visited Korea trip in Autumn of same year. It's another BTS location in Seoul that ARMYs can add to their itinerary.

A new BTS location to add to your pilgrimage

Overseas Filipino Workers have long been considered as modern-day heroes for good reason. They leave home to toil in far-flung countries, enduring loneliness in order to provide a better life for their loved ones. And for OFWs, a ‘better life’ ultimately means purchasing or building their own homes in which they may envision their families leading safe, secure, and comfortable lives through the years.

Lumina Homes has over 50 residential projects across the Philippines.

I used to buy dog food, shampoo, and pet accessories like collars in the grocery. It has limited options, and not so fun to shop around too.

So happy when I found out that local pet care brand Doggo has finally opened a store in my go-to Festival Mall Alabang. From their first pop-up store in BGC, Doggo brings their products to all fur parents in the south.

Finally, a one-stop shop for dog owners in the south

Doggo Festival Mall is small but complete

Growing amidst the pandemic, Doggo became a go-to one-stop shop for dog owners by carrying a variety of their own brand of pet-care products. From wet food, dog treats, toys, grooming essentials such as shampoos, and accessories, there are so many options to choose from in fun packaging. Even the turquoise color of the store is so inviting.

Cute cube water dispensers for pets

Dog beds and carriers

Dog beds in different sizes and colors

Poopie case, anti-tick cologne, cat rolling treats

Dog grooming tools, collapsible travel bowls, and toys

Different types of shampoo and conditioner for dogs and cats

More dog toys, leashes, and harnesses

Doggo is also labeled as one of the Philippines' top 5 pet brands online, and a leading supplier in pet store chain Pet Express. Their store in Festival Mall is small but complete. You can even bring your dogs on your next day-out to shop with you as Festi is very pet-friendly.

All sorts of dog treats. Don't forget your ecobag when you shop!

Shopping with fellow fur parents JP, Trice, and Seph at Doggo Festival Mall Alabang

DOGGO Festival Mall Alabang

2nd Floor Expansion Wing, Alabang, Muntinlupa

Visit their website at https://doggo.com.ph

Follow them online: https://www.facebook.com/doggophilippines

Shop Online: Lazada, Shopee, GrabMart

Got excited when I saw Korean coffee chain Paik's Coffee opening their first store in Manila.

I haven't tried any Chef Paik restaurant or cafe whenever I go to Korea, but now I don't have to travel to try it!

There was a long line when I went last Friday

Coffee size is HUGE!

One of the reasons why a lot of Hallyu fans are extending their stay in Korea for more than a week is to explore more of the city aside from the city's top tourist spots.

Fan girls are now adding Kdrama or Kpop locations (or both!) in their itineraries that they feel that a week isn't enough.

Friends planning for a spring trip in Seoul this 2023 have been messaging me for tips on where to go in Korea as an ARMY or BTS fan, at least within Seoul area.

There are so many added locations and activities, especially now that they have individual Instagram accounts where they can post more restaurants or places they've visited (hoorah!) on the daily. But let me share a few that you can start off when you are figuring out your own BTS pilgrimage.

Max’s Restaurant, the iconic Filipino restaurant chain famous for its Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken is celebrating the month of love with a special set perfect for a lovely date any time of the day. Since Valentine’s Day is near, it’s best to plan ahead and make sure a loved one — may it be a partner, best friend, or relative enjoys the occasion with a hearty meal.

Max's Valentine's Bundle

With Nam Joo Hyuk's nearing his military service, and Kim Seon Ho's recent successful Manila fan meeting, I am reminded of one of the hit pandemic Kdramas that flooded my timeline when it was still on-going on Netflix: Start-Up. Starring above mentioned actors with my favorite Suzy Bae, this is a story on young dreamers dealing with their own struggles in life and career. Very, very relatable no wonder it became so popular!

Aside from cheering on every successes of SamSan Tech, there are valuable life lessons that I picked up from this series. Actually there are many more lessons, but to start off, here are just 3 that I can connect to at the moment:

*No major spoilers in this post*

Lead cast of Kdrama Start Up

I had the chance to attend the special Zoom press conference for Disney+, featuring Super Junior's Lee Teuk and Ryeo Wook. They talked about a lot of things regarding their new documentary Super Junior: The Last Man Standing, and their career as Kpop idols.

One of the most watched shows now on Disney+ all over the world, this documentary is not just a history of the Korean boy group from SM Entertainment, but also of Kpop. Even those who aren't fans will fall in love with Super Junior. As SuJu Leader Lee Teuk said, "At first, I am just happy to have this documentary that I can watch. But now that I've seen it, I hope more people will get to watch it."

Here are some tidbits from the Q&A which lasted around 45 minutes!

Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company™ and a global leader in lifestyle and performance footwear, has announced top K-pop idol Cha Eun-woo as its regional brand ambassador. This partnership covers seven key Asia-Pacific markets for Skechers: Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.