FREE Trampoline Park PH Admission Tickets

If you're based in Manila, here's your chance to visit the Trampoline Park in Mandaluyong for FREE.

Trampoline Park Philippines is like a huge playground where you jump on the 60 interconnected trampolines on the floor and walls! You can fly high and dive into thousands of foam cubes waiting for your softest landing ever or you can play with or against your family and friends in an aerial game of dodgeball or volleyball. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, go slam dunking and get free parkour training from well-trained staff. 

Source: Trampoline Park FB Page

Now, here's the best part -- you can get FREE Admission tickets (1-hour Weekday Flying Adventure.)  

Go to: http://bit.ly/TrampolineParkTickets 

Use code: EXPLOREHOME

Here are some important reminders: 

• Valid for new accounts only. 
  
• Just choose Dragonpay/ OTC-Bank as the payment method. Since order total is zero. The order will be automatically be confirmed.

Love promos like this? Join our exclusive community, Filipino Moms Who Budget and Save

Don't forget to comment below once you have claimed your free vouchers. 

Skip the line. Transfer funds through GCASH’s Instapay to Bank

Being a work-at-home professional is the best thing that happened to me. It gave me an opportunity to work at the comforts of our home while avoiding the stress of the daily commute. Though freelancing has gained popularity over the years, still I am often asked, “How do you get paid?” There are actually a lot of payment options available for online workers but I prefer GCASH for many reasons including its latest feature, Instapay to Bank*. 

GCASH is like a "central unit" for all my payment/ financial transactions. It can be readily used for online and in-store purchases, I can make withdrawals through my GCASH Mastercard, and I can readily transfer funds to my bank account.

Instapay to Bank allows users to deposit/ transfer funds without any additional cost to over 30 partner banks nationwide. A transaction can be completed in just 2-3 minutes. I bet you heard stories about people lining up inside the bank for 4-5 hours just to make a deposit. So, this option is truly a life-saver especially for online workers like me who rarely go out to complete errands or to people who are really busy and do not have the luxury of time to queue.

Let me share a recent transaction I had from one of my clients who usually pays me through bank deposit but this time, we opted for GCASH instead. 

After I said yes and in just a few minutes, she sent me another message telling me to check my GCASH account. 

Since I want to add these funds to my savings account. I immediately transferred it to my bank account and it is possible in just four (4) easy steps: 

1. Open your GCASH account and login. 

2. Select "Bank Transfer" 

3. Select "Partner Bank." Currently, the service is available to 37 partner banks nationwide. In my case, I opted for BPI. 

4. Enter details such as account number and account name. Adding the email address is just optional then click "Send money."

If you notice, it says "Your convenience fee is waived for this transaction." This means that using the service is absolutely free.  

And you're done! You can expect to receive a confirmation message that looks like this. 

So, it's very easy and please check my last screenshot, I was able to make this banking transaction at 8:24 PM. How cool is that? 

Imagine the possibilities of you paying your online suppliers anytime or scenarios where you forgot to send your kid’s allowance or simply you had a busy day and had no time to go to the bank. 

So, what are you waiting for? Download the GCASH app, sign-up today and enjoy the convenience of GCASH’s Instapay to Bank. 

Don't forget to register via this link: https://gcsh.app/r/r7p8nsm and get Php 50 instantly.

------------------------

*This Service is powered by InstaPay, an initiative of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that allows you to electronically transfer funds to and from banks in real time as well as non-bank e-money issuers in the Philippines. Funds can be transferred through mobile wallets and internet banking facility.

Somerset Olympia Makati: A Pet-Friendly Serviced Residence Celebrates Its First Puppy Hour

One of the most common dilemmas of furparents like me is the idea of leaving our pets when traveling. To be honest, I am really not comfortable about leaving Crumpy thus, it's either I bring him along if we get to find a place where pets are allowed or just simply cancel the trip.  

So far, we were lucky to find pet-friendly accommodation in Cebu, Kalibo, and Tagaytay. Thus, I was very excited and happy to learn about Ascott Limited's Somerset Olympia Makati. 

Ms. Susan Salcedo, The Ascott Limited Philippines’ City Manager said, “Because there are only a few pet-friendly properties in the hospitality industry in our country, Somerset Olympia Makati offers a home for your pets”

Aside from offering a home to our dear furbabies, The Ascott Limited's Somerset Olympia Makati also celebrated its first Puppy Hour last April 30, 2019. 

In line with the international celebration of the pet month, Somerset Olympia Makati celebrated the value of pet ownership that brought together dog owners, bloggers and a non-profit organization in raising awareness for a good cause. 

The participants had a chance to tour around the facilities of the serviced-residence together with their dogs as Somerset Olympia Makati is the first pet-friendly property of The Ascott Limited in the Philippines.

The said event also discussed the current state of the lives of military working dogs (MWD) and contract working dogs (CWD) in the Philippines through the invited guest speakers and founders of Hound Haven Philippines, Maxin Arcebal, CEO and Chelsea Pecson, COO.

The success of Puppy Hour was made possible by its partners namely Fur Magic, Sleeky, St. Roche, Nutram, Bow House, Pet Express, Vitality, and Whole Pet Kitchen.

The Ascott Limited's Somerset Olympia Makati is definitely not just your mere serviced-residence. It is perfect for those travelers or families who would not want to leave their pets in the corners of their homes like me. 

So, I guess we're off to Metro Manila soon and now, I can bring Crumpy with me when I attend the Global Authors Summit in November. 

Who's up for a doggie play date in Makati? 

How to Organize a Block Screening at Citymall Cinema?

Last April 27, the Negros Online Workers, a local community of freelancers based in Bacolod organized a block screening for Avengers: Endgame. It was a random idea that we had since we were having a hard time getting advance tickets for the movie plus we want to enjoy lazy boy seats while watching the 3-hr movie. 

Fast forward, the block screening was a success. The tickets were sold out in an hour and we had local companies such as Dojo 8 Coliving Space, Ask Franco Ryu Karatedo, Verde Nua and Lunasterra who became our raffle sponsors. We also had free siomai.

And since I am getting a lot of inquiries on how to organize a block screening, here are 4 steps in organizing a block screening at the Citymall cinema. 

Step 1: Call or visit the cinema and ask for availability. Check with them your preferred date and time. If screening time/schedule is not yet available, give them an idea if you would like a morning, afternoon or evening screening. 

Step 2: Once you have confirmed that the schedule is available, submit a letter of intent via email signifying your interest to organize a block screening. This will be forwarded to Citymall's head office. Approval normally takes 1-3 business days and you will be notified via call or email.  

Step 3: Once approved, pay the downpayment. Downpayment should be at least 50% of the total cost and the balance can be paid on the screening date. 

Step 4: Pay the balance and claim your tickets. Citymall will be issuing their usual tickets and all your guests need to submit this upon entry. 

Please note that if you will have product samplings or activations and displays, you may be required to submit another letter of intent subject for approval. 

How to Create a Paypal Account?

Paypal is one of the most popular payment platforms used worldwide. It's secured, fast and convenient. It may not be the best in terms of fees and conversion rates but it gives us flexibility since most clients and business require this form of payment method. 

If you are just starting as a freelancer, business or affiliate marketer, then you may be required to have a Paypal account. Here's how you can create a Paypal account and withdraw money from it as a Philippine user. 

Step #1: Sign up at https://www.paypal.com for FREE. 

Step # 2:  Make sure to sign-up for a PERSONAL account. Select “Buy with Paypal” 
** Personal accounts are recommended since it's less complicated (no business documents required.) You may need to upgrade to a business account if you are receiving a large amount of money frequently. 

Step # 3:  Enter your information such as Name, Email address (This will be your Paypal email address) and Password. 

IMPORTANT REMINDER


Make sure that the name on your PayPal account matches your bank account name. 

Step # 4:  Verify your Paypal Account by entering your credit and debit card number. (Optional but required if you want to make withdrawals) 

Verification increases the security of our payment network for sellers and buyers. Verification gives PayPal additional evidence of a member's identity and lets others know that you have completed this process. You can use your credit card, debit card, or your bank account to verify your PayPal account. When your account is verified, the withdrawal limit on your PayPal account will be lifted. Account holders become Verified when they complete our verification process.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Please keep in mind that linking your credit card or bank account has two purposes. 

• To verify your Paypal account
• For withdrawals or receiving money

In the Philippines, here are our suggested options on what to link to your Paypal account

Option # 1: Your Existing Credit Card + Savings Account. 

• Please note that credit cards cannot be used for withdrawals. This means that you also have to link your existing bank account or savings account so, you can get your money. 
• We really do not suggest this option for security reasons. 

Option # 2: BPI Prepaid Debit Card + Savings Account

• If you don't have an existing credit then you might want to consider getting a prepaid card through BPI. Click this link for more details. 
• Just like the first option, prepaid debit cards cannot be used for withdrawals thus, you still need to link your existing bank account or savings account. 
• This may entail additional expense to get a BPI Prepaid Card (approx Php 450) 

Option # 3: GCASH Mastercard

• The GCash Mastercard is a reloadable prepaid card linked to a GCash wallet that can be used to shop at stores that accept Mastercard payment. You can also use this card to withdraw money from GCash.
• We're currently using this option since you can use this card both for verification and withdrawals. 
• They also have a feature that allows you to link your Paypal account to your GCASH account and get your money real-time. 
• If you still do not have a GCASH account, you may create one here and get a Php 50 bonus as a new user. Sign up here: https://gcsh.app/r/r7p8nsm

Option # 4: Unionbank EON

• The EON VISA Debit Card is UnionBank's Internet-based deposit account that you can also use for verification and withdrawals. 
• You can get one from any Unionbank branches, Lazada and 7/11 stores. 
• For more details about the EON card, you may visit their website.

And once you have verified your Paypal account, you're good to go! 

Disclaimer: Terms and Conditions of use may be subject to change without notice. We are no way liable or responsible for any transactions that will be made using this platform. 

Road Trip: Manila to Bacolod

When Val and I relocated to Bacolod to say goodbye to the crazy pollution, endless traffic, and fast-paced Metro Manila life, I admit it was not easy. Moving away meant we are letting go of our current jobs and the many opportunities that we have in  Manila. Not to mention that we'll be missing our friends and loved ones too. 

But hey, we are so ready to take our married life to the next level and get ready for a new adventure! 

Our whole new adventure starts with our "epic" journey. It is the longest land trip I have ever taken. Normally, it should take you 18-20 hours only however, Val and I made a lot of stops thus, our trip was a bit longer than usual. 

We left around 12:30am bound for Batangas via SLEX and Star Tollways. We wanted to leave a bit late to avoid the traffic in EDSA since we're from way up North. We arrived at the Batangas port around 4:00am but we were late for the RORO trip and waited for the next one at 5am. While waiting, we just decided to have some breakfast. 

We left Batangas port around 5:30am bound for Calapan, Mindoro. It was actually the best time to travel since we are in the middle of the sea during sunrise, Watching the sunrise was a liberating experience as it marked the beginning of our new adventure. 

Even Crumpy enjoyed the trip since you can feel the wind brushing against your skin.

We arrived at Calapan Port around 8:30am and we are up for another 3-hour drive going to Roxas City port. This is our first time in this place and honestly, do not have any idea where to go. Our game plan was just to follow the signs (which was sufficient and very helpful) plus our handy google maps. The road condition is good. Kudos to the nautical highway project! 

We passed several small towns and stopped for drinks and gas along the way. 

We reached Roxas City port around 11:30am but unfortunately, the next RORO bound for Caticlan will leave by 3:30pm. I guess that means we have ample time to rest and eat before the next trip. Since we barely know the place, we opted to have lunch at Andok's (quite a popular food establishment in Metro Manila and Visayas) and we had a simple rice and bbq meal. Andok's is just very near the port. 

During our trip, the sun was scorching hot and we felt really uneasy. So, Val and I decided to use the port's shower room for Php 20.00/head and that was really helpful. 

Our trip from Roxas to Caticlan was quite long (approximately 5 hours) via Montenegro Shipping Lines. We were already tired and sleepy but had no place to really rest. It was actually very crowded, especially in the canteen area. Anyway,  Val and I decided to stay on the uppermost part of the ship.

We are were also very lucky to see the beautiful sunset in the later part of the trip.

We arrived in Caticlan around 8:30pm and we decided to stay overnight there. Unfortunately, all hotels and inns are fully booked because of the APEC Summit and we did not have any reservations. We tried to ask a few locals for suggestions and they recommended that we travel all the way to Kalibo proper to get a room.

It took us approximately 2 hours to get to Kalibo. The roads are too dark and no light posts are available. There wasn't any signage on the road (unlike the ones in Mindoro.) On the brighter side, there were checkpoints and PNP outposts every 1 km because of the APEC Summit. So, at least we were able to ask for directions every now and then.

You would know that you have reached Kalibo once you pass by the famous Kalibo bridge. Unfortunately, I was so tired and it was dark that we weren't able to take pictures. We were lucky enough to find a pet-friendly inn immediately during the night. I made a separate review of the inn, here.

Thank God we were able to rest from that super long trip! We've been awake for more than 24 hours already. :) 

Around 10pm the next day, we decided to continue the drive going to Dumangas port. It is best to travel during the day because the roads are quite confusing with all the turns and no signages. You'll be able to pass by Capiz before you reach Iloilo. We actually had lunch in Capiz since there's a Mang Inasal and Deco's in Mambusao proper.

We reached Dumangas port around 3PM and did not expect the problem getting into the RORO. Apparently, one of the ships of Montenegro broke down and Tristar would need a reservation a day before. Our only chance is cancellations of reserved slots or no-shows.

We spent the afternoon chatting with other travelers and I can say we had made friends along the way. We learned that some of them have been there for a week but can't get their trucks on board because it's fully booked. Just like us, they are on the waitlist. Being on the waitlist, not only means "first come first served" but they are also considering the size of your vehicle. We got lucky and got on board around 8:00pm and then finally, arrived in Bacolod around 11:30pm.

About the fees and expenses, here's what we actually paid (prices as of May 2015)

Toll Fee ( SLEX)  - Php 164.00 + 96.00
Toll Fee ( Star Tollways) - Php 67.00

Batangas Roro Terminal Fee - Php 129.00
Additional Passenger (Terminal) - Php 30.00
RORO Fee via Asian Marine (Batangas - Calapan) - Php 1,440.00

Roxas Roro Terminal Fee - Php 129.00
Toll Fee (Roxas City) - Php 50.00
Coast Guard Fee - Php 20.00
Entrance Fee - Php 30.00
RORO Fee via Montenegro (Roxas - Caticlan) - Php 3,840.00
Additional Passenger (RORO) - Php 408.00

Dumangas Port Roro Terminal Fee - Php 129.00
RORO Fee via Tristar - Php 800.00

Bacolod/BREDCO Terminal Fee - Php 375.50

Well, it was costly and tiring but the experience is all worth it. Indeed, it was "our adventure of a lifetime." 

If you would like to get a copy of the screenshots of the map we used, then send us a message. Planning your next road trip or have any questions, just leave a comment below.  

UPDATE: I lost my hard drive and no longer have access to the screenshots of the maps. However, if you have questions, just send me a message. Have a great and safe trip! :) 

Preparing a Challenging Curriculum for 21st Century Learners

When we work together to build for a better future, there are needs and problems that we have to address, especially when it comes to securing a better future for our children. Today, more than ever, there is a need to prepare young learners to participate and become engaged in a rapidly changing world. 

At REX, we work to bring quality learning solutions to the young Filipino learner and help make sure that they are prepared for success in school and beyond, every step of the way. We do this by challenging them with dynamic and engaging content that help them gain a more comprehensive grasp of their curriculum.

By providing frameworks and indicators that serve as guides for proper assessment and decision making based on results, we encourage young learners and stakeholders of education to achieve a set of strategic and evidence-based goals and outcomes. From both the public and private spheres, every activity that a young learner engages in, whether it is extracurricular, co-curricular, or community-based, should be designed as experiences that would later on influence and shape their success in higher education, for their careers, and for their role as citizens of our nation.

Based on the Whole Child approach, we involve everyone in the community and foster an open and free environment for learning. This way, a challenging curriculum can be promoted, where every instruction provides equal opportunity for learners to hone their critical thinking and reasoning skills, problem-solving competency, and proficiency with technology. This holistic approach also means that schools are encouraged to collect and make sound use of both qualitative and quantitative data crucial to supporting the academic excellence and personal growth of every young learner. 

While a challenging learning environment would mean that the curriculum, instruction, and assessment have a higher degree of expectation for every learner, it must also be balanced with an insight into how the education they receive today will reflect and shape their lifelong success. The result is a young learner whose achievements as an individual and as a responsible citizen are blended with global awareness and competencies, and a deep appreciation of language, history, and culture.

Through our efforts with the Whole Child Approach, we hope to shift the focus of education from strictly academic achievement and extend our understanding of holistic learning into one that sets sight on each young learner's long-term development and success. We do this by involving everyone: teachers, schools, parents, communities, and the young learners themselves, all working together to make the process of learning an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

Learn more about how we work together to prepare and challenge today’s young learners here: http://www.rexpublishing.com.ph/whole-child-initiative/challenged/

John Lloyd's New Endorsement - Is He Back in the Limelight?

Photos and videos of matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz have been surfacing after being on hiatus from the showbusiness since 2017. 

John Lloyd, one of the most bankable actors of the Philippine cinema and very effective endorser once again proved that his fans are still waiting for his return. In a teaser video, which lasted only for a few seconds and only shows the back shot of Cruz’s, and posted in the Facebook page of the number one selling shawarma Turks a few weeks ago had been viewed 3.2M times, shared almost 800 times and gained a huge number of comments. 

Without any clue in that teaser video, his fans already assumed that it was him in the video. Actress Bea Alonzo on her Instagram also posted a screenshot of that teaser video, which garnered almost a million likes. 

This Monday morning Turks finally revealed in the 1-minute and 17 seconds video of Cruz showing the actor walking through different destinations, which somehow depicts Cruz’s sojourn. The video is very simple, yet there’s drama the way it was created, and in a very subtle shot, he stopped and took a bite of a Turks pita doner. 

The rugged look of Cruz in the Turks video titled Ang Pagbabalik is way too far from his guy-next-door image and a lot of people in the industry are asking if this signals his return to the limelight. His fans are still wondering about the life he’s been living since his hiatus. 

According to Turks president, Gem L. Zenarosa during the course of his talks with Cruz, they never talked anything about his showbiz career or plans. He added that he got Mr. Cruz as the latest ambassador of Turks because of his great confidence working with Cruz. 

“I am really grateful that John Lloyd trusts our company, he is a brilliant and very creative young man. Aside from acting, we have discovered some of his remarkable talents,” Zenarosa stressed. 

The Ang Pagbabalik according to Zenarosa is actually about Turks Small Pita Doner, which will be available again in all its branches. 

“John Lloyd is the best endorser for this because like him, despite his absence in the show business for a couple of years, the warmth and love of his fans for him never dwindles. With our Small Pita Doner, we believe that our customers will be happy to know that it is back in our menu,” Zenarosa explained. 

Just like Cruz who is seen to have a different image since he last appeared in the big screen, a clear indication that the actor is recreating himself and exploring different grounds, Turks is also doing the same thing to keep its customers excited whenever they visit a branch. 

In time for the release of Cruz's endorsement video, Turks also released to the market its newest offering --- Turks Rice Bowl, which is a complete meal. You can choose beef or chicken for your rice topping, and it is priced at P50. The Small Pita Donner, on the other hand, is priced at P35. 

"To keep up with the demands of our customers, Turks continues to improve our menu and offerings to satisfy the discriminating taste of our loyal patrons," Zenarosa stressed. 

John Lloyd Cruz now joins the roster of endorsers of Turks such as Piolo and Inigo Pascual.  

Here's the video of Ang Pagbabalik: 

You can also watch the video on Turks' Facebook Page. 

Giveaway: Celebrate Mothers Day With Home Spa Items From Rengora (US only)

Celebrate this Mothers Day with at home spa items from Rengora. Their line of body brushes, bath bombs and rose quarters face rollers are just what a mother would love this holiday. She can relax in the comfort of her own home with high-end products to create her own at-home spa experience.

   

Enter for your chance to win a spa set from Rengora which includes (1) set of bath bombs, (1) dry skin brush and (1) rose quarts roller. Value of $55.

Rengora Bath Bombs

• 6 large aromatic bath bombs for your different moods and needs.
• The bath bombs will leave your skin moisturized, soft and glowing!
• Organic & Cruelty-Free: Made with essential oils and tested to ensure maximum quality.

Dry Brushing Body Brush

• daily use of this exfoliation tool can improve softness and glow
• Detoxify your body: stimulate the lymphatic system - brush from feet upwards - always towards heart
• Relaxing at-home spa experience - use dry brushing to improve circulation + optimal skin glow

 

Face Roller & Rose Quartz Gua Sha Scraping Massager Set

• Reduce puffiness under your eyes - apply your serum, use the small stone, and gently massage the area
• Brighten your complexion - increase circulation and remove harmful toxins which can dull your skin.
• Chase away fine lines - massaging your forehead and eyes releases tension stored in facial muscles.

So, what are you waiting for?  Giveaway runs from April 29 - May 13. Announcement on winners will be on May 14th. Open to US only

Giveaway Hosted By: MamatheFox

Co-Hosted by: Sonya's Happenings

Prize Sponsored by: Rengora

 

Entry-Form

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.