Manami Resort: Sipalay's First and Only Luxury Resort

Discovery Hospitality is one of the top brands when it comes to hotel and resort management. I remember having a wonderful time at Discovery Shores back in 2019. So I was thrilled when I learned about Manami Resort in Sipalay and Discovery Samal in Samal Island, Davao. Without hesitation, we booked a room for a few nights in both resorts to get the signature "Welcome Home" experience. The first resort we visited was Manami Resort. 

Hello, Manami Resort.

Tagged as a luxury resort in Sipalay, this eco-friendly accommodation makes you feel at home right after stepping out of your car.

PSAHelpline.ph: A Real Life FASTPASS for PSA Certificates

No one enjoys lining up for anything. Even a trip to Disneyland can be a downer and miserable if you have to queue for everything. This is why Mickey and Friends came up with FASTPASS. And thank goodness that there's something similar to FASTPASS for those who want to get their PSA certificates.

Hello, PSAHelpline.ph.

I have used PSAHelpline numerous times since I started working on my own passport renewals and visa applications. 

Its user-friendly web interface made ordering PSA certificates a breeze. All you need to do is to put in all the necessary information and delivery details. After submitting the completed form, you get a reference number for your order. Then, you can settle the payment online (through Visa or Mastercard credit cards, PayMaya, GCash, Bayad Online) or over the counter (through 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, Palawan Pawnshop). 

Movie Nights Just Got an Upgrade with LUMOS Smart Ray Projector

Having a home theater is a dream. But a decent set up can cost an arm and a leg. Or so I thought. 

Hello, LUMOS SMART RAY PROJECTOR.

LUMOS originated in Singapore and has recently made its well-loved projectors available in the Philippines. Available solely online, it manages to offer its spectacular projectors at pocket-friendly prices. 

A Meaty Heaven: Tender Bites

Food plays an important role whenever we travel. We often reminisce about the meals we enjoyed on those vacations and escapades. Though I'm more open to going out and exploring, I still have my reservations about dining in, especially when traveling with Sam. This is why we'd usually bring food to cook on road trips instead of going to restaurants. And I'm so glad to have come across Tender Bites.

Hello, Tender Bites.

Tender Bites is an online premium meats shop that sells your favorite beef, pork, and lamb cuts. It also has breakfast classics longganisa and tapa as well as ready-to-cook meats like BBQ chops and Korean Beef BBQ.

I was gifted three types of meats -- Rib Eye (PHP1,089/kg), Porterhouse (PHP959/kg), and Korean Beef BBQ (PHP829/kg).

Love is in the Air at Resorts World Manila

Things are starting to look rosy with Coronavirus cases finally going down. And for the longest time, it seems like we're on our way to the old normal. I get all giddy thinking of all the stuff we can do with Sam. From traveling to a simple dine-out, these can all be possible soon without heightened fear and paranoia. But you don't even have to wait as there are several trusted establishments that you can visit with the whole family to celebrate milestones and this day of Love. One place you can count on to make Valentine's Day special is Resorts World Manila. 

Hello, Resorts World Manila!

Resorts World Manila lined up several amazing deals for everyone this Valentine's. From its signature restaurant, Casa Buenas, to La Cupula (which offers private dinners), you, your loved ones, and your taste buds are sure to have a wonderful time.

A Healthier 2022: Vitabears Gummies

I never took health seriously before. I used to go out and about without thinking twice about vitamins or eating well. I do what is convenient for me, and that includes skipping supplements. I thought that the measure of being healthy is as simple as not getting sick. But this mindset changed when I had a baby. Being not sickly does not mean you're healthy. I experience hair fall, joint pains, and other discomforts that one would not categorize as being sick. This is why I took multivitamins every day while I was pregnant. I even take more supplements now postpartum! And a new addition to my daily routine is Vitabears.

Hello, Vitabears!

Vitabears is the Philippines' first vitamin gummies. It has a wide range of supplements addressing skin, hair, immune, and appetite concerns. 

I was recently gifted with its Fat Buster and Skin Vitamins to try. And I was excited to open both! 

Rediscovering Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream

Christmas is just a few weeks away, but there does not seem to be a sign of the Manila getting cooler anytime soon. I survive the crazy weather by staying indoors, putting the A/C on full blast, and spoiling myself with cold treats! And I'm so happy to rediscover Magnolia's Gold Label ice cream. 

Hello, Magnolia Gold Label. 

With almost a century of ice cream-making expertise, Magnolia delighted the Filipino market with its lip-smacking desserts. It also plays a sweet part in some of our fondest memories with our loved ones. 

Love At First Bite: Samsam Chikin

Happyfoods Group of Restaurants recently introduced its newest food concept, Samsam Chikin, two weeks ago. And it was nothing short of GREAT. 

With its recipes developed by the award-winning restaurateur, Mr. Sung Rah of Sariwon Korean Barbecue, Soban K-Town Grill, and Sibyullee Unlimited Korean BBQ expect rich and bold flavors in every bite. 

New Normal: Online Grocery Shopping at All Day Supermarket

As much as I love being at home and spending 24/7 with Sam, I also miss doing my favorite errands. One monthly task I look forward to is grocery shopping. Just the thought of discovering new products excites me. It is also a great bonding activity for us. But with the pandemic far from ending, I have to be careful with how to get our daily supplies. The best and safest way is to shop online. And I am so happy with All Day Supermarket's user-friendly interface and superb service!

Hello, All Day Supermarket!

First Bite: Tenya Lokal Menu

It has been more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic hit the Philippines. With new variants coming in, it doesn't seem like the battle is ending anytime soon. Sadly, for many, this is not the only war they face each day. Thousands of Filipinos have lost their jobs and livelihood because of the pandemic. Countless faces struggled each day to make ends meet. But it was through dark times when the true essence of Bayanihan shines. And one stellar example is how restaurants uplift the local producers. Tenya did just that and more.

Hello, Tenya!

Tenya launched its farm-to-table initiative, where they complemented the Japan-sourced ingredients with those from our local farmers and fisherfolk. 

Daily's Diet: Eating Healthy Made Easy

I have a love and hate relationship with my postpartum body. I love how I can naturally nourish Sam with my breastmilk. But my intense dedication to providing as much milk led me to overindulge in lactation treats and drinks. Taking care of a very active baby and squeezing in 4 power pumps in one day made me eat for two (or even three). Daily's Diet meal plans made me realize that all I need is to choose smart and pick nutrition-packed food. And no, it doesn't have to taste bland for it to be healthy!

Hello, Daily's Diet.

Daily's Diet is one of the popular meal plan providers in the city. It has an extensive menu catering to those who prefer high protein, medical (low sodium), diabetic, and pescatarian. I chose a high protein, 2,000 calorie meal plan, as it could help me produce more milk. And with zero expectations, my first meal was delivered the following day.

The Newest Pizza Joint in Town: Corner Pizza by Kenny Rogers Roasters

Ever wonder why round pizzas are placed inside square boxes? I Googled it, and it says that a square box helps secure the pizza and its toppings. It may be true, but I always find the space in the corners to be a waste. That is until I discovered Corner Pizza by Kenny Rogers Roasters.

Hello, Corner Pizza.

Food Delivery Finds: Aedan's Burger

I have been eating a lot of galactagogues since I gave birth a few months ago. I stuff myself with everything that would make me produce more milk. Too much that I shut down ideas of giving in to what I want to eat. But now that my milk supply stabilized, I could finally take a bit of a break and indulge. And the first thing I did was grab a double patty burger.

Hello, Aedan’s Burger.

Aedan’s Burger is one of the newest burger joints in Manila. Established during a global pandemic, Aedan’s has put attention in making its products readily available via delivery.

Roast 2020 with Kenny Rogers Roasters

2020 is not the favorite year of many. With several crazy things that happened, the Australia wildfire and the Taal Volcano eruption seemed so small for some. The global pandemic takes the top spot but we also cannot ignore the damages typhoons Rolly and Ulysses did to several cities a couple of months back. And while all of us are still struggling to cope with the new normal, others are still trying to stand on both feet after months of lockdown. 2020 is one year hard to forget (and perhaps get over with) and this is why Kenny Rogers created a space for everyone to roast the year and put it behind us, with fire! Literally.

Hello, Kenny Rogers Roasters.

Kenny Rogers thought of a creative way to let steam off by literally roasting the year in a delectable way. With meat shaped as 2020, it was roasted last December 29, live on Facebook, as people commented below their best roasts for 2020. 

A Celebration Must-Have: S.A.L.O. Lechon Belly Kitchen

Christmas is just around the corner, yet I could barely feel it. Sure, the breeze is a bit cooler than usual. But the lack of festive and colorful lights make it seem like galaxies away. The coronavirus coupled with damages caused by several typhoons has dampened our high spirits. But we should not let it stop us from celebrating this special occasion with our loved ones. And I'm so glad to discover the perfect Filipino spread that will surely tickle everyone's taste buds!

Hello, S.A.L.O. Lechon Belly Kitchen.

Its name says it all. S.A.L.O. is a food concept that specializes in Filipino dishes that are great for gatherings and potlucks. Its highlighted product, lechon belly, is a sure hit at any party with its perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat. 

Quarantine Favorite: Motorino

I have a great fondness for Italian cuisine. Its practice of using the freshest ingredients never fails to give the most memorable dining experiences. And the best thing is that you don't even have to spend thousands to get it. Traveling to Italy made me realize that whether it's a Michelin-starred restaurant or a ready-made dish at the supermarket, everything was downright superb! I'm so glad that such quality is brought to Manila by Motorino.

Hello, Motorino.

Motorino has been around for years. It was one of the restaurants R and I had our early dates. I recall loving its gelato! This time around, I enjoyed a delicious feast composed of pizza, pasta, salad, and dessert. 

My Birthing Story: I Gave Birth During A Global Pandemic

Expecting and giving birth during a global pandemic is one experience I'll never forget. I still remember the mixed feelings R and I had when we first found out that we're expecting. As much as we were thrilled to have a little one of our own, we couldn't help ourselves worry about the looming coronavirus. Everything became different now with the new normal. Medical checkups felt more like mission impossible or being at the setting of the movie Contagion. Baby shopping was all limited to online. And there was also a lack of social interactions with one's support group. The lack of trips outside also limited my physical activities that led to Sam's extended stay of 40 weeks and 4 days. And with no sign of her coming out, I had no choice but to be induced.

I was scheduled to be induced on Friday morning after my last prenatal checkup confirmed that I didn't dilate any further. Stuck at two to three centimeters, I had to head to the hospital (St. Luke's Medical City, Quezon City) that same afternoon.

Love at First Bite: Cara Mia's Crème Brûlée Cake

Calling 2020 a crazy year is an understatement. It has been more than a roller coaster ride for many. But this year has also been filled with rays of sunshine--I got pregnant and gave birth to an adorable baby girl. I was also fortunate to score some work-related opportunities. And Cara Mia launching yet another delightful cake was a yummy cherry on top!

Hello, Cara Mia.

Cara Mia is one of my favorite dessert shops in Manila. I always go for its delectable Ube Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, and Mango Cream Pie whenever there's an occasion or when I feel like treating myself to something sweet. This time, they perfected the recipe for Crème Brûlée cake.

Postpartum Care: Ge Lai Dishes from Ahma Shirley

I was so excited for the day I get to meet Sam. I was looking forward to our first hug, kiss, and snuggle. But one thing I wasn't looking forward to was the pain of giving birth and the postpartum care I had to undergo for a month. Yes, I am talking about the Chinese postpartum practice called ge lai. I simply do not like the idea of not taking a bath for a month. But after a few days of indulging in ge lai dishes, I realized that it wasn't bad at all. I even like it. And it was a treat when Ahma Shirley PH offered to send some of their bestselling dishes my way.

Hello, Ahma Shirley.

Ahma Shirley specializes in traditional Chinese postpartum recovery dishes and conveniently deliver it straight to your doorstep. Its menu has been well received, not just by moms who recently gave birth, but also by those who enjoy feasting on the health benefits ge lai dishes offer.

Food Delivery: Infinitea's Family Packs

The new normal has pushed several businesses to be innovative and bring the good ol' days' experience to their patrons' homes. We've seen bento boxes, DIY kits, and so much more. One of my favorites is how the milk tea industry delighted us with their take-home options. And Infinitea's ready to drink collapsible liter jugs sure made it to my top list.

Hello, Infinitea.

Infinitea has known in the market for its affordable milk teas and other beverages. I remember having it weekly back when I was still working for Summit Media. I'd often get its chocolate milk tea or classic milk tea.