Ivan's Recos & More

Using credit cards to help manage your travel expenses as well as your household budget is an advantageous move, especially if your card offers rewards and cashback for specific purchases or payments. Beyond streamlining your expenses, it can also provide valuable insights into your spending habits. In some cases, it can even save you money. If you’re planning on using your credit card to help you get a better hold on your finances, here are some practical tips so you can maximize the benefits your credit card offers.

North and Central Luzon are undergoing a significant transformation due to the emergence of urban hubs, which are becoming key regions for the Philippines due to the synergy of cultural preservation, economic advancement, and infrastructure enhancement. This evolution is driven by collaboration between the public and private sectors, positioning these regions as major contributors not only within the country but also in the broader Southeast Asian landscape and beyond.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled the Galaxy S24 FE , the latest addition to the Galaxy AI ecosystem that delivers premium mobile experiences to more users. Powered by the AI-based ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist features, Galaxy S24 FE showcases an enhanced camera setup that empowers users to be more creative. It’s the perfect device for gaming on the go with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a long-lasting 4,700mAh battery, and a powerful Exynos 2400 series chipset. The Galaxy S24 FE offers premium Galaxy AI tools and ecosystem connectivity to enhance communication, productivity and creativity — all housed in an iconic design and protected by robust Samsung Knox security.

When you are traveling as a family, there are inevitable situations in which you cannot take your children with you, such as when you are going on a daring adventure or when you have to go to a familiarization trip in which children may not be allowed to go. As such, a childcare facility will be of invaluable help during such circumstances.

We like to take our dogs with us when we are traveling out of town. We like to travel as a family and that includes taking with us our dogs. We have two dogs and we love them just like our own kids. As beloved members of our family, our dogs’ happiness and health are paramount, and we feel that taking them to our trips is also a good way to bond with them. A well-cared-for dog not only thrives physically but also contributes to a joyful household environment. To ensure our canine companions enjoy a long and fulfilling life, it's crucial to focus on a few key areas: proper nutrition, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. By addressing these essential needs, we can foster happier and healthier dogs that form an even deeper bond with us.

The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G & Galaxy A15 5G are both beautiful devices that provide a smooth experience to casual, everyday users. If you are looking for affordable devices for your daily use, whether at work or at home, then these Galaxy devices are definitely worth checking.

Billboards along C5 and EDSA Guadalupe have sparked widespread speculation among commuters, passersby and the general public. Featuring the playful message, "Swipe right to match with cuties," the ads have left many wondering whether the billboard is teasing a new dating app, a social experiment, or even a large-scale matchmaking event, with a reveal date set for September 30.

After becoming the first Philippine bank with an e-wallet that can be used for cross-border mobile payments, Asia United Bank (AUB) is training its sights on expanding its HelloMoney to more major global destinations.

Mylo Speech Buddy , an app designed to support individuals with speech delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has won two Gold awards at the 2024 Stevie Awards, a premier global business competition. The Speech Development System was recognized as the "Tech Startup of the Year - Software" at the 21st International Business Awards and as the "New Product of the Year - Educational Technology" at the Technology Excellence Awards.

Bossjob , a leading chat-first career platform for professional recruitment across Southeast Asia (SEA), is expanding its reach with a new bus advertising campaign that features nearly 100 buses traversing Metro Manila.

Tourist visa applications for travel to Japan are now more affordable for EastWest JCB cardholders. EastWest Bank recently partnered with Rajah Travel Corporation, one of the accredited travel agencies of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, to offer a free Japan visa application fee for EastWest JCB cardholders. Under the promotional offer that lasts until September 30, 2024, EastWest JCB cardholders can apply for up to two Japan visas at no cost when the application is processed through Rajah Travel. Visa applicants just need to present the required tickets purchased from Rajah Travel or Japan Airlines, and supporting documents to avail of the offer. The process would take up to one week, depending on the case.

As the Christmas season approaches, TikTok is becoming an integral part of the festive experience for many Filipinos. The platform is increasingly where users turn for inspiration, entertainment, and, most notably, holiday shopping.

We’ve been using Penbose Diapers over the last several months and we could say that it’s one of our best diaper discoveries since switching away from Pampers Diapers. We’ve been looking for a good and affordable diaper brand that we can use as a replacement for Pampers Diapers because these won’t fit our eldest child anymore. Each time we put Pampers Diapers on him, we had to be always careful for fear that the sides would rip. In fact, a good number of Pampers Diapers went to waste because they would tear easily when we put them on our child. I have to admit though that Pampers Diapers are highly absorbent and are thus really good when it comes to keeping kids dry for long.

The Philippines is setting its sights on becoming a tourism powerhouse in Asia. This vision is fueled by the introduction of exciting travel promotions and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, Wellness Whispers has emerged as a standout example of how digital innovation can drive substantial growth. Founded by celebrity mom, podcast host, and entrepreneur Dani Barretto, this Filipino brand is revolutionizing the wellness sector with products designed to enhance daily well-being, from soothing winter melon milk tea to immunity-boosting pomelo juice. By tapping into TikTok Shop’s dynamic platform, Wellness Whispers has expanded its market reach and set new standards for consumer engagement and digital sales.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office officially staged the Korean Travel Fiesta 2024, a two-day celebration at the Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City that invites Filipinos to witness and experience a vibrant showcase of Korea’s tourism and culture.

Novotel, a leading global brand within the Accor portfolio, proudly announces the opening of Novotel Nara. Situated along the Saho River, known for its stunning cherry blossom trees, the hotel is strategically located an eight-minute walk from Shin-Omiya Station and a five-minute cab ride from Nara Station, offering a tranquil base for exploring Nara's rich cultural heritage.

Treat yourself to a galaxy of deals this September with amazing offers at Samsung’s 9.9 Mega Sale! Dive into a world of advanced Galaxy AI features that boost your productivity, spark your creativity, and make communication a breeze even on rainy days with fantastic deals on Galaxy devices. Indulge in some retail therapy at Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, Samsung’s Flagship store at Lazada and Shopee , and Authorized Stores nationwide from September 7 to 30, and join the Galaxy this September.

We've been to Flaming Wings, a secluded little place somewhere in White Plains only once around a year ago. While the restaurant is a bit small, space was not an issue because there were not too many diners when we ate there. The place was cozy and clean; it was perfect for Friday evenings when you just want to chat with your friends over a good dinner -- no loud music or no noisy crowd.

Samsung Philippines’ Solve for Tomorrow is back for another innovation-packed season and is calling for Filipino students to showcase their tech solutions to reimagine the future.

Globe's biggest customer loyalty event of the year, GDay, is back! This annual flagship campaign will run throughout the entire month and beyond, with September 17 highlighted as a special date in honor of Globe's iconic 0917 prefix. G Day 2024 is a big opportunity for Globe to connect deeply with its customers, understand their needs, and enrich their lives through meaningful experiences and exclusive rewards.

I best remember the Halo-Halo and Pancit Palabok offered by Ponciana’s restaurant. But aside from these delicious treats, there are also rice meals and classic Filipino favorites such as papaitan, dinuguan and putong puti that are available for those who prefer a filling meal. Just by looking at the menu of this restaurant, I think it's safe to infer that Ponciana's (and its dishes) originated from the northern part of Luzon.

On one lazy Sunday afternoon, my wife and I thought of going out on a date. And for a long time, we had our eye on IHOP, a restaurant we came to love because of our penchant for breakfast food, in the upscale Ayala Fairview Terraces. This is one of the last few restaurants to open in this mall but the wait was well worth it.

Aiming to address the increasing prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines, KonsultaMD has unveiled a new and affordable diabetes screening bundle to encourage more Filipinos to manage their health. The package makes early detection accessible. Priced at only P499, it includes a Fasting Blood Sugar test and a video consultation with a general practitioner.