These days, the Philippines is no longer on the far end of innovations especially when it comes to real estate.


Lamudi’s The Outlook: Philippine Buyers’ Choice Property Awards celebrated the real estate names from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that took home the most-sought-after awards last November 14 at the Makati Shangri-La. Co-presented by Philippine Daily Inquirer Property and Holcim, The Outlook Awards used a two-step process to determine the winners for the House, Condominium, and Mixed-use categories: an esteemed panel of judges shortlisted the nominees for each category, and a 10,000-respondent survey involving active property seekers revealed the big winner for each award.

The awarding ceremony recognized the real estate developments that have given the Philippine market the well-designed home of their dreams--at different price points and fit different lifestyles.

Affordability Meets Comfort

Property seekers can make the dream of homeownership a reality even on a budget. With options such as the Best Affordable Condo in Luzon - Cheer Residences by SM Development Corporation, the Best Affordable House - Avida Southfield Settings NUVALI by Avida Land Corporation, and the Best Affordable Condo in Visayas and Mindanao - Casa Mira Towers Labangon by Cebu Landmasters, Inc., a convenient lifestyle is possible for starting families and single professionals who consider practicality above all else.

World-class Amenities for a Premium Lifestyle

When it comes to premium developments, the Best Premium Condo in Luzon, Avida Towers Makati Southpoint by Avida Land Corporation, leads with its modern amenities fit for the active and productive residents who also want to make the most of their nights in the city. The Best Premium Condo in Visayas and Mindanao, Sanremo Oasis at City di Mare by Filinvest Land, Inc., also provides amenities that complement nature, allowing for an Italian-inspired lifestyle that is sustainable. 


Even those who prefer houses have the Best Premium House, The Peak by Filinvest Land, Inc., to cater to their distinctive taste. The Peak’s prime lots are set amidst well-planned amenities and breathtaking vistas, making each day a sight to behold.
Living in the Lap of Luxury

Exceptional views of the Forbes Park global city skyline is not just what’s in store for residents of the Best Luxe Condo, The Albany by Megaworld Corporation. Residents also enjoy top-of-the-line amenities and home brand collaborations fit for a modern lifestyle.

Condominium residents also enjoy the best life has to offer with the Best Innovation Project, The Seasons Residences by Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation. The project, inspired by the four seasons of Japan, combines Filipino hospitality with Japanese design efficiency to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience.

Here is the complete list of winners for The Outlook Awards 2019 per category:

Luzon Winners

Best Affordable Condo - Cheer Residences (SM Development Corporation)
Best Premium Condo     - Avida Towers Makati Southpoint (Avida Land Corporation)
Best Luxe Condo - The Albany (Megaworld Corporation)
Best Affordable House - Avida Southfield Settings NUVALI (Avida Land Corporation)
Best Premium House - The Peak (Filinvest Land, Inc.)
Best Mixed-Use Development - Hamilo Coast (Costa del Hamilo, Inc.)

Visayas and Mindanao Winners   

Best Affordable Condo - Casa Mira Towers Labangon (Cebu Landmasters, Inc.)
Best Premium Condo    - Sanremo Oasis at City di Mare (Filinvest Land, Inc.)
Best House - Amoa (AboitizLand, Inc.)
Best Mixed-Use Development - The Mactan Newtown (Megaworld Corporation)
Special Awards

Best Green Project - Three E-Com Center (SM Prime Holdings, Inc.)
Best Innovation Project - The Seasons Residences (Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation)
Best Co-Living Space - MyTown Co-Living Hubs (Philippines Urban Living Solutions, Inc.)
Best Co-Working Space - Acceler8 (UnionSPACE)
Personality of the Year - Jose “Joe” Soberano III, Chairman, President and CEO of Cebu Landmasters, Inc.

Grand Awards   
   
Best Developer - Luzon - DMCI Homes
Best Developer - VisMin - Cebu Landmasters, Inc.
Best Boutique Developer - Luzon - PHINMA Property Holdings Corporation
Best Boutique Developer - VisMin - DATEM Homes, Inc.

Lamudi’s Global Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Kian Moini opened the gala with a look into the real estate trends that make the Philippines a force to be reckoned with in Southeast Asia, and Bhavna Suresh, CEO of Lamudi Philippines, ended the night remarking on the continued growth of the real estate sector in the country.


The gala also remembered the great contributions of the late real estate leaders John Gokongwei, Jr. of JG Summit, Lucio “Bong” Tan, Jr. of Eton Properties, Willie Uy of 8990 Holdings, Henry Sy of SM Investments, and Liberator “Levy” P. Laus of The LausGroup of Companies.

The Outlook Awards’ official TV partner is Cignal TV and the official event partner is Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The event’s media partners are Business Mirror, Business World, Manila Standard, Malaya Business Insight, and The Philippine Star.

Lamudi also worked together with partner organizations Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), Land Registration Authority, Re/Max, Colliers International Philippines, Ikea Southeast Asia, A. P. de Jesus & Associates, Philippine Daily Inquirer Property, Housing and Urban  Development Coordinating Council, Buskowitz Group, Santos Knight Frank, Buensalido + Architects, German Chamber of Commerce, British Chamber of Commerce, Australian - New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, Italian Chamber of Commerce, European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), and Starbucks to make the event possible.

For more information, visit lamudi.com.ph/outlook2019.

These days, the Philippines is no longer on the far end of innovations especially when it comes to real estate. Lamudi ’s The Outlook: ...

Capitol Commons shines bright this holiday season as Ortigas Land (formerly Ortigas & Company) opens the “Lights at the Park”, a distinctive outdoor light installation located at the Capitol Commons Park in Pasig City.

Inspired by the “Urban Light”, the popular public art display by Chris Burden at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles, California, the “Lights at the Park” provides Filipinos with a bright, unique, and insta-worthy spectacle for the holidays where families and friends can take part of.


The “Lights at the Park” is composed of 42 lamp posts varying in height from 8ft to 10ft with a total of 50,400 lightbulbs and features a unique design that invites spectators to take the most stunning photos at different angles even as visitors flock the installation.

The Lights at the Park is open to the public until January 5, 2020 from 6PM to 11PM.

Aside from the lights, visitors can also enjoy other amenities inside Capitol Commons, such as the Estancia Mall which boasts of its wide array of food and fashion offerings and the newly opened Estancia Mall East Wing, which houses the SM Store and the first Ortigas Cinemas.

Capitol Commons shines bright this holiday season as Ortigas Land (formerly Ortigas & Company) opens the “Lights at the Park”, a distinc...

This Holiday season, there will be a lot of gifts that will be given out. Most of them will come in plastic and won't be used so to make sure that you give a gift that will be sustainable, here's a gift guide from our friends from BPI.

This year, gift-giving can be more meaningful not only to the receiver, but also to you as the giver. Aside from showing your appreciation for your loved ones, you can also take this opportunity to help local communities and the environment by supporting social enterprises.

For this year’s BPI Sinag ng Pasko Bazaar, BPI Foundation will be bringing together Filipino social enterprises to a one-day fair offering a wide range of sustainable gift options to choose from. Most of these brands are offering products are handcrafted or made from recycled materials and other organic ingredients.

Here are some of the homegrown brands you shouldn’t miss in this year’s bazaar.

Habi Footwear

 
Crazy about shoes? The Habi Footwear has a wide range of comfortable footwear like espadrilles and sandals that are 100% guaranteed environment-friendly. This stylish and affordable brand uses recycled materials such as upcycled fabrics and airplane tires for its espadrilles. Every pair you buy will benefit the mothers and rug weavers in Payatas, Quezon City. 

Habi Footwear is made from handcrafted upcycled fabrics.

Mori Notes  


Nothing beats the therapeutic benefits of journal writing. For your friend or loved one who finds solace in reflecting and writing, Mori Notes’ handy journal is a must-have. This social enterprise also sells travel organizers, wallets, bags, and purses which are all handcrafted by mothers from Apolonio Samson, Quezon City. 

Mori Notes offers journals handcrafted by mothers from Apolonio Samson, Quezon City.

Got Heart 
 

Looking for the perfect gift for your friend who loves natural products? Got Heart got you. They offer a wide range of soaps with goat’s milk, honey, lemongrass, and charcoal. Each soap is made with organic ingredients and comes “package-free” as part of Got Heart’s commitment to embrace eco-friendly practices.

Got Heart’s soap selection isn’t only good for the skin but also for the environment.

Down to Earth



Giving food as a gift is never a bad idea. Down to Earth is joining this year’s bazaar to offer its fresh produce such as organic vegetables, grass-fed cattle, heritage free-range pork and lamb, and native poultry. Fostered with biodynamic and sustainable agricultural practices, these products make for a hearty, clean, and guilt-free Christmas meal!  

Get your hearty and guilt-free holiday meal with Down to Earth’s organic food selection. 



Kayumanggi Organic

 
Is it possible to eat healthy without sacrificing taste? For Kayumanggi Organic, the answer is yes. Their coconut-based products such as homeland coffee made of Arabica, cacao, wild ginger tea, and their best-selling golden nectar, a raw coconut nectar mixed with fresh ginger and turmeric are perfect gifts for titas and titas-at-heart. Buying Kayumanggi Organic’s products also enables you to help their partner communities in Surigao del Sur and Misamis Oriental.

From tea to hot chocolate, Kayumanggi Organic offers healthy and organic coconut-based products.

The BPI Sinag ng Pasko Bazaar is happening on December 11 at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2.

This Holiday season, there will be a lot of gifts that will be given out. Most of them will come in plastic and won't be used so to m...

It's December already which means that it's time for the 13th-month pay for everyone employed! Instead of blowing through your 13th-month pay, here are a few tips to help you spend it more wisely.



    Buy stocks
Getting into investments can seem intimidating at first. But with the vast information that can be easily accessed online, it’s easier to be financially literate in the Philippines. Check out some books and YouTube videos on how to properly strategize and choose the right stocks and investments based on your financial goal. This can pay off in the long run as long as you make smart decisions on where your money goes.

    Start an emergency fund

Having a separate emergency fund is a necessity in order to be prepared when the time comes for unexpected expenses such as medical bills, house, and auto repairs. At a minimum, one should have three months' worth of living expenses in your emergency fund. There are also online emergency fund calculators to help you decide on how to do this. Make sure to create a separate bank account for this to properly manage your accounts. Saving up for an emergency fund and knowing that one is all set can give a person a sense of security that can allow an individual to live a more peaceful life.

    Pay off debt

Adulting also entails being responsible for liabilities. In order to start the year completely fresh, pay off the debt you’ve accumulated throughout the year! This makes way for a clean slate and a restart on how you purchase and prioritize expenses for 2020.

    Upgrade your home appliance

Keeping the household intact is always a priority. Home appliances play a big role in the household and should serve their purpose in both function and design. If it seems like home appliances are showing signs that they are about to break down such as discoloration, making weird noises and not doing its job efficiently, then replace them before they bring inconvenience to the household. With the different innovations out in the market, it’s important to choose the appliance that will serve one’s family’s needs. Also, watch out for sales and promos during the season that can save you money to spend on other necessities.


    Classes and courses
If taking a short course has been on the list for so long, then this can definitely be a good time to take it. Adding skills and knowledge can definitely pay off in the long run. If you worry about not being able to attend classes regularly, consider checking out online courses such as skillshare.com, coursera.org, and Udemy.com. These websites offer thousands of courses from crafts, science, and business, and can be taken on one’s own time. Don’t be afraid to spend on things that can benefit you as self-investment.

Splurging on items that can be smart investments is something that people shouldn’t feel bad about. With Samsung Digital Appliance’s Merrier Christmas Gifts, one can enjoy discounts up to 25% off and Bayad Center eCoupons to use to pay for household bills.

To know more about the Merrier Christmas Gifts Promo of Samsung Digital Appliances, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/merrierchristmasgifts/appliances/. This promo runs from October 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020.

It's December already which means that it's time for the 13th-month pay for everyone employed! Instead of blowing through your 13th-...

During Christmas, it's so easy to overspend. This is the time when people are just happy and sometimes when you're happy, you tend to lose control of things and just splurge.

Thankfully, our friends from EastWest bank came up with a list of ways to avoid overspending this Christmas season. If you're like me and tend to indulge during Christmas, this one's for you.


Here are a few tips you can use:

    Set a spending limit

If you are really on a budget, then it’s important to set a spending limit. It’s better to acknowledge that you have got a hard limit to be mindful of, instead of having to deal with overspending when Christmas is over. Plus, it will force you to be more creative when it’s time to shop.

    Make a list

Take the cue from Santa – he makes a list and checks it twice! Keeping a list will help you remember what you need to buy and the budget that you need to stick to.

    Use the right credit card

Mastering the art of Christmas shopping will depend on your tool of choice. Have you considered getting the right credit card that lets you spend exactly the way that you need to?

For example, using an EastWest credit card to shop for the latest in gadgets, fashion, appliances, and more can get you 0% interest on installment for up to 24 months at Abenson, The SM Store, Power Mac Center, Rustan’s, and in over 2,000 participating outlets nationwide. That means you can get everything you need to get in your Christmas shopping without worry!

    Find sales and discounts

Everyone is going to buy a lot this Christmas, so you can expect a lot of sales, everywhere! Take time to find the right holiday sales to get the things (and experiences) you want and need, at the best prices.

If you are looking to take a much-deserved holiday getaway, EastWest credit cards are ideal for booking and paying (partner hotels, resorts, restaurants, and more!), as they come with exclusive perks, discounts, and savings

    Give more

Christmas is all about giving, so you might want to spend less on the things you want for yourself and instead focus on giving gifts to people around you. If you can give something that doesn’t need to be purchased, that’s even better.

Give a loved one the freedom to spend with an EastWest supplementary credit card, to get free cash credits on your own principal card. Not only have you given them more financial freedom, but you get rewards along the way too!

Don’t miss out on everything you can enjoy this Christmas with your EastWest credit card. To learn more about all the promos and perks available this holiday season, visit https://www.ewbanker.com/Cards/CreditCardPromotions. Happy holidays!

During Christmas, it's so easy to overspend. This is the time when people are just happy and sometimes when you're happy, you tend t...

These days, traveling has become the norm. People spend money on experience and people pay for comfort when they travel which is why the latest news about the Delta A330-900neo matters.


First launched via DL589 flight from Seattle to Shanghai, the A330-900neo is the latest in a series of investments Delta has made as it marks the five-year anniversary of its Seattle (Sea-Tac) hub. The airline will also be offering its advanced widebody aircraft through the new Manila to Seoul, Incheon route in March 2020.

"Delta is continuously investing in improving our customer experience as we also expand our partnership with Korean Air. With the four-seat products in the aircraft, we provide more options that can cater to different preferences and needs,” says Patricia Celis, Country Manager for the Philippines at Delta Air Lines.  “This state-of-the-art aircraft along with the enhanced network to the U.S through the Seoul-Incheon hub is a testament to our commitment to the Philippine market."

The A330-900neo is equipped with all four Delta seat experiences, including:


    Delta One Suites (29): The award-winning Delta One Suites offer a private, personal experience, with a full-height door at every suite for enhanced privacy and comfort. Each suite features a full flat-bed seat with direct aisle access, as well as more space for personal items, larger in-flight entertainment screens, and memory foam enhanced comfort cushions. Using customer feedback, the Delta One suites on the A330-900neo have been redesigned to allow for a larger workspace and more storage.

    Delta Premium Select (28): Designed with relaxation in mind, Delta Premium Select offers more personal space with up to 38 inches of pitch, seat width of 18.5 inches, up to seven inches of recline, adjustable leg and head rests, and water bottle storage. Customers will arrive well-rested with dedicated service and amenity kits containing all the travel essentials needed to settle in.

    Delta Comfort+ (56): An enhanced seating option that features 34 inches of pitch, up to five inches of recline, dedicated overhead bin space and placement just in front of the Main Cabin.

    Main Cabin (168): Featuring up to 33 inches of pitch and up to four inches of recline seating, the Main Cabin also includes thoughtful attributes like foam memory cushions, complimentary seatback screen entertainment, in addition to world-class service from Delta flight attendants, unmatched operational reliability, and the first-of-its-kind bistro-style main cabin experience launched this month.

The aircraft offers among the best connectivity experiences available in the skies today. It’s the first Delta widebody to feature the new wireless IFE system developed by Delta Flight Products, the airline's wholly-owned cabin interior start-up. The aircraft is also equipped with high-speed 2Ku internet connectivity and customers will have access to free mobile messaging while on board through iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

In July, Delta was the first U.S. airline to operate the next-generation A330-900neo on Seattle service to Shanghai. In September, the aircraft debuted on Seattle service to Seoul-Incheon and on October 27 began Seattle flying to Tokyo-Narita.

Delta will add a total of 37 A330-900neos to its fleet, featuring the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines that produce a 25 percent lower fuel burn than previous generation aircraft. Delta expects to take delivery of 80 new aircraft this year, driving a two percent improvement in fuel efficiency. The airline will continue to improve fuel efficiency with orders that replace about 35 percent of its mainline fleet by 2023 with new, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

These days, traveling has become the norm. People spend money on experience and people pay for comfort when they travel which is why the lat...

If you missed out on Lazada's 11.11 Sale, worry no more because they still have one surprise left for 2019. It's the Lazada 12.12 sale where you can still save a lot of money and avail of huge discounts!

Enjoy discounts of up to 90% off on more than 12 million deals from your favorite local and international brands and sellers. At Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Year End Sale, make yours and other people’s wishlists come true by adding your Heart-to-Cart.

This year will bring even bigger Brand Mega Offers from partners such as Xiaomi, Olay, FitFlop, Pampers, Hydro Flask, Wyeth, LEGO, Apple, Jansport, Coocaa, Tefal, and Reebok.

Don’t forget to set your alarms at 12 midnight as the biggest discounts will come your way from 12mn-2am and 12pm-2pm. Most importantly, don’t forget to donate to a good cause!

To know more about Lazada 12.12, visit Lazada.com.ph, facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines and Instagram.com/lazadaPH.

If you missed out on Lazada's 11.11 Sale, worry no more because they still have one surprise left for 2019. It's the Lazada 12.12...

Today, Lazada launched a platform that is not about acquiring but instead, is all about giving.

This Christmas, and in the lead up to Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Year End Sale, Lazada formally introduces the first-ever Digital Giving platform by an eCommerce player in the Philippines. This is part of a wider LazadaForGood program. With this, Filipinos can add heart-to-cart as they shop online and support local communities and causes in need through direct donations on the Lazada platform.

With more than 12 million deals, customers can look forward to shopping this season. But more importantly, they can look forward to offerings that reflect the meaningful relationships that we have built to benefit 11 local and international advocacy partners: Habitat for Humanity, Young Focus, Caritas Manila, MovEd, UNHCR, Hero Foundation Inc., UNICEF, WWF, Tahanan ng Pagmamahal, HOPE, and CCEF. Shoppers can support causes close to their hearts, from alleviating poverty to saving the environment to putting a roof over someone’s head.


Empowering our customers and partner organizations with the first-ever eCommerce Digital Giving platform

This initiative means three main things for our customers and our partner organizations:
- Easy onboarding process: We make it easier for all our partners to onboard on the platform and provide them access to Lazada tools and services that will aid in improving their online store.

- More awareness and traffic: We have created one collective landing page for our partners that will drive more awareness and traffic to their respective shops. Lazada will also help inform our customers and users on how they can now easily donate to local and international advocacies via Lazada.

- Secure Online Payments: We provide peace of mind to customers, who can be assured that they are making secure online payments when making their donations.


Launching the Digital Giving platform: Lazada’s Lunch of Hope

To celebrate the spirit of Digital Giving and launch the platform, Lazada held a local event, The Lunch of Hope. The event introduced the 11 advocacy partners, provided information on some of the exclusive donatable items available online and how customers can purchase them to help support individuals and communities in need.

The event also quizzed guests on the advocacies’ causes to help them learn more about Lazada’s partner organizations, what they advocate and champion, and how anyone can help make a positive social impact in our communities. The Lunch of Hope was hosted by Katz Salao, 99.5 Radio Host and self-love, and empowerment advocate. The lunch concluded with a surprisingly delightful performance by the Caritas Manila YSLEP Scholar choir.

Today, Lazada launched a platform that is not about acquiring but instead, is all about giving. This Christmas, and in the lead up to ...

November started off with a crazy note. My regular gig was stopped without warning and I found myself with no regular job all of a sudden. My head started spinning and paranoia set in. However, I knew that there was no room for worry and I set forth to make things happen.

I went back to blogging full time and was so happy that I was welcomed back with open arms. I even ended up winning a smartwatch from Garmin and an aircon from LG. I was definitely off to a good start. I also ended up winning an overnight stay at Savoy which I'm really excited to avail soon.

November was also the end of my 2nd Trimester. I am currently on my 31st week now and the baby is dancing all the time. I feel it's presence and it's been pretty crazy to just have your insides move all of a sudden without any warning.

I've started receiving blogger mail as well which is always a feel-good thing on my end. I love receiving blogger mail and I truly feel thankful when I get awesome ones such as the Jolly Mushroom package.

I've also started my planner review last month which started in October. For November, I did Bo's Coffee, Coffee Project, and Mercury Drug. I never knew that a lot of people actually love watching and reading reviews.

I've also partnered with someone to start a small PR and Digital Marketing Agency. I'm really excited about this because it's a path that I never thought I would walk on but here we are.

We don't have a client yet but soon, I know that we will be able to acquire the right ones. With God's grace, I know that we will succeed.

I've also started uploading on my YT channel and it's been doing really well. I hope you can also like and subscribe.

November started with a door closing on me but ended with a lot of windows opening. I'm hoping that for December, the windows that opened will welcome new clients and more opportunities.

How has the rest of your year been?

November started off with a crazy note. My regular gig was stopped without warning and I found myself with no regular job all of a sudden...

If you're like me and still have not finished your Christmas shopping, you'd want to know about this SM Christmas Warehouse Sale.


Talk about the gift that keeps on giving—SM Men, SM Woman, SM Youth and SM Kids present promos you can avail of at the upcoming Christmas Warehouse Sale on December 6 to 8.

The sale will be held at the SMX Convention Center Hall 2 beside SM Mall of Asia, where Christmas shoppers can purchase from select SM Men, SM Woman, SM Youth and SM Kids brands with the best discounts. Get 50% off or Buy 1 Get 1 Free when shopping for items from the same brand. This awesome holiday deal is perfect to beat the Christmas shopping rush, as you can get all your gifts and personal needs from this one-stop-shop where everything is on sale.

Participating brands include: Levi’s, Lee, JAG, Dickies, Petrol, RRJ, Freego, Bobson, US Polo Assn., Beverly Hills Polo Club, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, Playboy, Coach, Paddocks, Ed Hardy, Daniel Hechter, Wharton, Fila, Dansen, Par Excellence, Chancellor 9000, Onesimus, GQ, Sahara, Ultimo, Wallstreet, Criterion, Arrow, Van Heusen, Hanes, Dickies, No Fear, YC Yacht Club, Tribal, Jagthug, No Fear, Macbeth, BUM, Wranco, Black Velvet, Unica Hija, Sakaya, SOEN, Krizia, Xara, Xara woman, Underskin, Lady Grace, Flaunt, Allure,  Just G, Pois, Pennylane, Gingersnaps, Moosegear, Moosegirl, BHPC, Garfield, SOEN Bebe, SM Kids, SM Babies.

Follow @SMMen @SMWoman @SMYouth @SMKids on Instagram and Facebook for more amazing deals and promos.

If you're like me and still have not finished your Christmas shopping, you'd want to know about this SM Christmas Warehouse Sale. ...

When you hear the phrase "house of lasagna," the first thing that will come to mind is tons and tons of lasagna but the House of Lasagna has more than lasagna to offer.


Of course, the lasagna at House of Lasagna is simply divine. After all, that's what they are named for. I loved the beefy lasagna while my friends fawned over the Carbonara Lasagna. I guess I'm more of a traditionalist.


The bacon and potato wedges covered in cheese is also a definite favorite for those who love bacon. I personally don't like bacon myself but was happy to indulge in the potato and cheese parts of it.


However, the real winner for me was this fried chicken. I don't know about you but fried chicken when cooked right is just the ultimate comfort food for me.  This one, the skin was crispy, the meat was tasty, and it was perfectly paired with rice. Ugh. HEAVEN!


House of Lasagna is located at Megamall Building B, lower ground floor near National Book Store. If you are yearning for comfort food, this is a good place to go to and indulge. I know I did.

When you hear the phrase "house of lasagna," the first thing that will come to mind is tons and tons of lasagna but the House of L...

A little kiosk in the middle of Megamall Building A is making waves. The Nitro 7 Coffe and Bar offers a different kind of coffee. This one is low acid and is brewed for 18 hours before it's actually served.


They currently offer 3 kinds of Christmas Drink and all three were really tasty and good. My sister loved the Magical Cherry Mocha and my friend liked the Chocolate Berry Snow which tasted like strawberry shake on steroids.


The Orange Joy Milk Tea though is my personal favorite. It's zesty and really refreshing. The milk tea flavor isn't too present so for those who are not fans of milk tea, this shouldn't be a problem.

The thing I liked most about Nitro 7 is that they really are low acid. I'm very acidic and I tried 5 of their coffee but didn't suffer from it. Now that's a strong recommendation from me.


They also offer pizza and sandwiches to go with their coffee.



Nitro 7 Coffee and Bar is located on the 4th floor of Megamall Building A.

A little kiosk in the middle of Megamall Building A is making waves. The Nitro 7 Coffe and Bar offers a different kind of coffee. This on...

The Seattles Best Planner stays true to it's form of having a really nice leather cover. It has been designed this way for many years now and 2019 is no exception.


These two are the colors that stood out for me.
 

I love the engraved city buildings and the little detail of the coffee cup being the snap-on button to close the journal.


This is how the inside of the journal looks like.


Inside, you will see that this is not your typical planner. It's really more of a bullet journal perfect for those who doodle and the like.


This is one of the Christmas drinks that they are offering. It's the Cookie Peppermint Lush and I loved it. Don't worry though. You don't need to order the Christmas drinks to get the planner. You just need 15 drinks (any kind of drink) and you get your journal/planner.

The Seattles Best Planner stays true to it's form of having a really nice leather cover. It has been designed this way for many years...

Estancia in Capitol Commons recently opened a new wing and this one is just in time to ring in more holiday cheers.


With the holidays fast approaching, bringing with it a flurry of activity, it becomes doubly necessary to find a place where one can escape to – like the new wing of Estancia Mall.
With the latest branch of the SM Store, the first Ortigas Cinemas, and a well-curated selection of dining and retail shops, the new wing of Estancia is a destination in itself, promising an invigorating experience for everyone. The new wing opens its doors to the public on November 29, 2019, in a celebration graced by celebrity guest Heart Evangelista-Escudero. Also in attendance are President & CEO of Ortigas Land Mr. Jaime E. Ysmael and Atty. Jeron Manzanero, City Administrator, Pasig City.

For sure, the shops at the new wing will delight mall-goers. The SM Store, covering over 13,000 square meters, offers the widest selection of merchandise that one can ever dream of, serving as a one-stop destination for the shopper who wants access to the most popular brands for fashion, personal accessories, gift items, houseware, toys, and everything else.

Movie buffs, on the other hand, will enjoy watching blockbusters from the first ever Ortigas Cinemas, with ultra-comfortable seats, and world-class facilities. With bold golden accents and a hint of class and modernity, it houses a total of 4 regular cinemas and 2 premier cinemas called The Screening Room. Even the snackbar aptly called Reel Bites veers off the traditional quirky look and instead employs a sparkly look that’s just as modern, blending seamlessly into the overall glam of the interiors.


All cinemas are equipped with world-class seats to offer comfort that elevates the movie experience. For The Screening Room, seats are extra luxe with plush recliners with adjustable foot and backrests. Truly, these were designed to go beyond style and cater to movie patrons and provide maximum comfort for the ultimate movie experience that’s truly distinct to Estancia.
Set to open their doors at the new wing are Chinabank, Johnson Fitness, Pet Express, Sewterrific, The Horologist, Great Image, The Medical City, Miniso, Rock N’ Sole, Motostyle, Philip Stein, Wristshot, Chronos, Luna by Drake Dustin, Devaluchi Joaillerie, Vision Express, Retail Lab, Watsons, Elite Skin Perfection, Ultra Athletics, Young Artist Studio, Customistation, Empire Golf, Fitness Army, Stylash, Sanbry Men’s Grooming, Affinity Dental, Brow Studio, Barenaked Sugaring Salon, Nailandia, VCF, Luxe Glow, The Color Bar, Noah Wellness Center, Skin Station, World Balance, Mimosa Spa, One Life Studio, Step by Step Performing Arts Studio, Audiophile, Long Live Play, Urban Gadgets, Gameone, Digital Walker, Latt Liv, Gotcha, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo and Gizmo Central.

Dining outlets at the new wing include Sigekiya Ramen, Hot Pot Session, Pho Hoa, My Thai Kitchen, Chatime, Dekada, Buca Di Beppo, Café Dulcinea, Happy Lemon, Boteyju Bar, Paper Moon Café, Annabel Lee Café, Tuan Tuan, James and Daughters, Starbucks Reserve, Scout’s Honor, Tokyo Milk Cheese Café, Versus Barcade, OneZo Tapioca, 101 Sandwich, Roti Shop, Crisostomo, Red House Shabu Shabu, Super Café, Macao Imperial Tea, Sbarro, Earl of Sandwich, Naughty Nachos, Wu’s Kitchen, Blue Wonder Coffee, Agave Mexican Grill, J&G Fried Chicken, Gongcha, Hanako, Papa Diddi’s, Torch and Twenty Four Bakeshop.


“We are confident that the Estancia expansion will elevate the retail shopping experience of Filipinos, especially nearby residents. We have lined up activities as well to ensure that they could enjoy Christmas festivities in the conveniences of Estancia,” said Mr. Ysmael.

Coinciding with the opening of these outlets is the roll-out of exciting activities throughout December. Running until February is the Holiday Feast with Treats, a partnership with  Mastercard and Zomato, which entitles diners to special perks and privileges for every P2,000 spend using their Mastercard debit, credit, and prepaid card in participating restaurants.

Other holiday highlights are the special performance by the Philippine Ballet Theatre of The Nutcracker on December 1; a Toy Festival from December 2 to 6; the MIIS Kids Can Bazaar on December 7; and the MissDi x Jeffrey Rogador Fashion Show on December 8. There will also be Santa Meet and Greet and fireworks every Saturday of December.

For those who want self-development opportunities, there will be a Holiday Craft Festival from December 9 to 13; the Belle de Jour 2020 Power Planner launch on December 14; a Konmari Talk on December 15; and a Coffee + Planner Festival from December 16 to 22.

In keeping with Filipino tradition, Estancia will hold the Simbang Gabi from December 15-23. This will be followed by a joyous Christmas Carol performance from December 23 to 25 that will bring everyone into the spirit of the season.

For sure, Christmas will be extra memorable at Estancia, with its expertly curated offering of fashion, dining, wellness, neighborhood services, and entertainment. For more information, please visit www.ortigasmalls.com or check out Estancia’s social media pages: www.facebook.com/EstanciaPH | https://www.instagram.com/estanciaph

Estancia in Capitol Commons recently opened a new wing and this one is just in time to ring in more holiday cheers. With the holidays f...

If you could get a cute bear and be given the chance to give another one to a less fortunate child, would you?

In celebration of “Happy Bear Day” this December 1, SM Supermalls brings a merrier holiday celebration as it introduces the all-new 2019 Joy Squad – elevating the fun, excitement, and spirit of joy this season of giving, especially among kiddie shoppers, in SM malls nationwide!


“For eight years, SM has continued to spread the joy during the holiday season with SM Bears of Joy and help kids in need," said SM Supermalls COO Steven Tan. "And #HappyBearDay on December 1 is SM's special one-day online and on-ground celebration dedicated to inviting families, especially children, across the nation to share the joy and teddy bears' warm hugs with the less fortunate children from participating SM malls' partner beneficiaries."

During the #HappyBearDay at select malls, SM Bears of Joy shoppers will be treated with extra kiddie treats while supplies last. Joy Squad lovers can also comment their photos on the official promo post on SM Supermalls' Facebook page for a chance to win SM GCs!


Representing some of the top dream jobs of kids worldwide, the Joy Squad is composed of AJ (Ariana Joy) The Star, FJ (Franco Joy) The Savior, PJ (Paul Joy) The Hero, and CJ (Carina Joy) The Achiever. SM shoppers can now collect and bring home the four bear characters for a joyous Christmas treat for their loved ones and children charities. Get a pair of these toy bears for P200  ̶  one to keep and the other for charity.


SM Bears of Joy is an annual Christmas initiative by SM Supermalls, SM Cares, and Toy Kingdom and is available in SM malls until December 25. For more information on the SM Bears of Joy campaign and SM’s other fun-filled holiday activities, visit www.smsupermalls.com. 

If you could get a cute bear and be given the chance to give another one to a less fortunate child, would you? In celebration of “Happy...

Now that we're done with our suggestions for Healthy Gifts to Give this Christmas, it's time to talk about beauty and skincare. After all, if we're taking care of our insides, we also need to take care of the outside.


We all know that it all starts with great skin so here are some skincare items that I highly recommend.

For whitening because again, to each his own. There are people who feel better about themselves if they have fairer skin and we need to respect that. This blog will always be about respecting even the differences in opinion.


Glutamax has been proven to be effective and is worthy of spending money on. Since Filipinos are not the best earners in the world, it's important that we spend our money on things that work for us.


For those who want to have that tuktuk skin because you envy the Koreans who seem to just glow, this facial wash and face cream from DnB is perfect. It's not sticky on the skin which is perfect for our weather and the facial wash really cleans your face of impurities. This pair is perfect for those who are ready to invest long term on their skin.


For those who may be on a budget but still want to have great looking skin, the 15-in-1 CC cream from ANEW and the Skin so Soft Body Lotion from AVON works wonders as well. True to it's promise, the CC cream helps in hiding small imperfections and the body lotion moisturizes the skin.


For those who have acne problems, The Blemish Rescue Series from Fresh Formula may be the answer to your problem.  Complete from facial wash, toner, and creams, the Blemish Rescue Series is definitely everything you need to defend your skin.


For those who just have maintenance needs, this Natural White cream from Olay should do the job. It comes in morning and night packets with easy to differentiate colors so it shouldn't be a problem even when you're still sleepy in the morning to use the right one.


When you already have great skin, all you'll need is a touch of color and you'll be ready to conquer the world. These lipsticks from AVON, Ever Bilena, and Careline are perfect to set you off for a party.


Finally, you can give these perfumes from AVON as a finishing touch. Light, floral scents are just perfect for date nights, dinner parties, and family gatherings.


Any woman would definitely be happy to receive any of these for Christmas. Which one will you give?

Now that we're done with our suggestions for Healthy Gifts to Give this Christmas , it's time to talk about beauty and skincare. Aft...