Kara Santos

Food Trip: Where to eat in Antipolo (updated 2023)

Al fresco dining has really made a comeback in the Philippines because of the pandemic. Since restrictions eased earlier this year and COVID cases are down, families and barkadas are dining out all together again during weekends, but many still prefer to meet up in al fresco spaces for safety. While mall-based restos with open air dining are an option, scenic places near Manila like Tagaytay and Tanay have just boomed with al fresco cafes and pop-up coffee stalls.

But because gas is so expensive these days, nearer destinations are becoming more appealing. For those based in the metro, Antipolo is always a popular destination that has an out-of-town feel and great views, but is still relatively near the metro and easy to drive to if you just wan to to enjoy a quick brunch or coffee with friends. For bikers, Antipolo is also one of the most popular spots near Manila to bike to for coffee or weekend rides.

Boost your flight rewards points on Cebu Pacific with GoTyme bank

Ready for revenge travel this year? Get a chance to fly to your dream destination for FREE by boosting rewards points from daily transactions to pay for flights and add-ons on Cebu Pacific flights.

GoTyme Bank, a Gokongwei Group Bank, has partnered with Cebu Pacific and Go Rewards to enable more Juans to reach their dream destinations by boosting rewards points earned from flights from regular expenses like groceries, retail, fuel, medicine, e-commerce transactions, and more.

Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo 2023 Guide

NOTE: The article below and most photos were taken during various pre-pandemic visits, but I’ve updated the latest guidelines and rates with information available as of January 2023.

Latest Guidelines (updated January 2023)

The museum is open from Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
Walk-in only (no reservation required)
No pets allowed
For photoshoot and event inquiries: Email them at pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com

Where to eat in Maginhawa: Top restaurants to try in 2023

After almost three years of socially distanced dining and making do with home delivery, this is the year to reconnect with family and friends for weekend food trips. While some well-loved establishments along Maginhawa, the “eat street” permanently closed, other restaurants adapted by providing more al fresco dining options or shifting to delivery. Others, which shut their doors, have reopened or branched out.

Here are a few new restaurants and old favorites around the Maginhawa and Malingap neighborhood of Teacher’s Village and nearby UP Diliman in Quezon City where you can go food tripping this 2023.

Unique Airbnb stays around the Philippines

When it comes to leisure staycations, accommodations are the most important factor to consider. Camping and glamping have become more popular among families looking to spend time outdoors after months of being cooped up during the pandemic era.

In fact, there’s been an increase in demand for unique sleeping quarters like treehouses, camper vans, farm stays, and more catering to leisure travelers who want to experience something new. Data from Airbnb shows that searches for unique homes has exploded in the past three years, creating potential earning opportunities for hosts.

Pasig River Ferry Route Map & Schedule for 2024

As a way to combat the traffic in the metro, the Pasig River Ferry System continues to offer FREE rides for the whole year starting January 2023. This is currently the only water-based transportation in Metro Manila that cruises along the Pasig River from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig to Escolta in Manila. The route passes through several cities including Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Manila.

One of the best things about this route is that bicycles, both folding and full-size versions, are permitted on the Pasig River Ferry, making it easier for bike commuters as well as leisure bikers who want to combine their trips with a river ferry ride to get to the Escolta or Intramuros area from other parts of the metro.

EVENT: Royal Enfield PH Rider’s night and Biker build-off to be held on Dec. 10-11, 2022

Royal Enfield Quezon City, the flagship showroom of Royal Enfield in the Philippines will be holding its first ever custom motorcycle building competition and incorporating a tambike session. The event will be participated by 10 veteran and upcoming custom motorcycle builders.

Video games to keep you busy during the holidays

With work and life normalizing the past six months, I haven’t had a lot of time to play video games. However, I am looking forward to getting back into gaming and escape to virtual worlds again this holiday season.

I recently bought Horizon Forbidden West (months late after its Feb. 2022 release) and am planning to get God of War: Ragnarök (released in Nov. 2022), which has been nominated for the Game of the Year Awards 2022 next.

Review: BESV JF1 Hybrid E-Bike

In progressive countries around the world, it’s normal for citizens to bike to work. Netherlands, Sweden and Germany are just a few of the countries where cycle usage is high. In Asia, Japan and Taiwan are also ideal for urban cycling, with extensive bike networks and trails along coastal roads, cities and proper bike paths.

The Philippines still has a long way to go, but the pandemic has brought about some good changes in terms of bike mobility, as more people are turning to two-wheeled transport to deal with the high cost of fuel and terrible public transportation.

Travel Guide: Biking from Laiya to Malabrigo Lighthouse, Batangas

Laiya Beach, located in Laiya-Aplaya in San Juan, Batangas, is one of the most popular beaches within driving distance of Manila. The whole stretch here is a favorite weekend destination for families. You can enjoy water-based activities here like banana boats, kayaking, and island-hopping, or just chill out by the beach at one of the many resorts.

Since we’ve traveled to Laiya several times before, last May 2022 we decided to take our bicycles and spend a day just biking to experience a different side of the area.

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Latest Guidelines (updated January 2023)

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