The Beach House is the newest café/ hangout spot in Kapitolyo
23 October 2024 Kapitolyo, Metro Manila, Philippines
One of the coolest things in life is seeing your friend's dream come to life. I am honored and stoked to be there during the very early days of The Beach House and be privy to how my friend Sarah saw her vision through.
From planning to scouting the perfect spot in Kapitolyo,
to online window-shopping furniture and decor to early taste-tests,
to focus group discussions turned chika sessions --- what a beautiful process to witness!
Congratulations, Sarah and team! My husband and I can't wait to visit again soon! ♡
Friends, if you are looking for a new café or a cool new spot to hang-out in, or if you are a WFH corporate slave like me who likes to work outside their home from time to time, come check out The Beach House. They are located in 11C East Capitol Drive, Pasig City, Philippines, or you may just look for The Beach House Kapitolyo in Waze. They are open every day from 9AM to 9PM. Aside from coffee and snacks, you may also get your favorite Beach Born products there or have your bottles refilled. There is also Monkey on 3rd at the third floor if you like your drinks a bit on the stronger side ;)
Hope to bump into you at The Beach House one of these days!
Experience a burst of color and a bunch of delightfulness as two brands with rich heritage come together to introduce a one of a kind sweet treat experience. Krispy Kreme Philippines brings Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Doughnuts, a great celebration to cap off the doughnut brand’s 87th birthday since it was founded in 1937. ♡
Here's a sneak peek into the delectable lineup:
Hello Kitty Doughnut: The all-time favorite Sanrio character comes in the most lovable present made with a ring doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with apple-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Hello Kitty candy topper. This is my favorite!
Kuromi Doughnut: It isn’t always a dark day with Kuromi when you bite into a ring doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with cotton candy-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Kuromi candy topper.
Cinnamoroll Doughnut: Voted #1 in the recent Sanrio Character Ranking Contest, this charming character is paired with an adorable doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with bubble gum-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Cinnamoroll candy topper.
Pochacco Doughnut: This cute and lovable pup is represented in an equally cute treat in a ring doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with honey dew-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Pochacco candy topper. A sweet treat for Pochacco, our sweetheart.
My Melody Doughnut: All hail to our favorite pink princess that matches the energy of a pink party doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with strawberry chocolate, topped with sprinkles and My Melody candy topper.
Pompompurin Doughnut: This little ball of sunshine brings in a gift that will make you feel the sweetness of a warm day in a ring doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with banana-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Pompompurin candy topper.
It was a purrfect launch event as Sanrio fans got together and enjoyed the Krispy Kreme x Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Photo Zone in Krispy Kreme's SM Mall of Asia Fresh Shop to celebrate this collab!
Time to get your hands on this cutie collection for Php70 per piece. Complete the whole Sanrio experience with a limited edition Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary doughnut box of 6 for only Php420.
Enjoy this #SpotHappy surprise via dine-in, take-out, Curbside® and in-store pick-up, drive-thru, or through their delivery channels:
● 🖱 Order Online
● ☎️ Metro Manila Hotline at 888-79000
● 🛵 GrabFood, FoodPanda, Pick.A.Roo, OrderMo, and Groover.
Terms and conditions apply and these limited edition cuties will not be available forever, so make sure to grab your favorite Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary doughnuts while they last!
Interrupting wedding-related posts to share news from our blog's friends. :)
Check the Vehicle
First step is to check the vehicle’s current condition. This includes engine, transmission, brakes, tires and overall body condition. Knowing the major issues upfront will help you estimate the cost and time needed for the remodel. A vehicle with a good engine and transmission is better as these are expensive to repair or replace.
Budget and Timeline
Once you’ve checked the vehicle, set a realistic budget for the remodel. This budget should include cost of repairs, upgrades and cosmetic enhancements. Also set a timeline for the project, so you can complete the remodel as soon as possible to minimize holding costs and capitalise on market demand.
Fixing Mechanical Issues
Start by fixing any mechanical issues. A good running car is key to attracting buyers. Basic but important tasks like oil change, filter replacement and fluid check are a must. If the vehicle has major mechanical problems, consider if it’s worth fixing. Sometimes it’s better to sell the car as-is if the repair cost is too high.
Interior
The interior of the car is key to making a good impression to potential buyers. Start with a deep clean, remove all dirt, stains and odors. Shampoo the carpets and seats and use specialized cleaning products for the dashboard, doors and other surfaces. Replace worn out floor mats and add seat covers to make the interior look better. If the car has outdated or broken components like radio or aircon, consider upgrading to modern standards.
Exterior
The exterior is the first thing buyers see so make it look as good as possible. Start by washing and waxing the car to make it look fresh and shiny. Fix any dents, scratches or rust spots. Depending on the condition, you might need to get professional paint touch-ups or a full repaint. Add custom vinyl stickers to make the car look more appealing and stand out in the market. These stickers are a cost effective way to give the vehicle a personalized touch without breaking the bank on paint jobs or custom bodywork.
New Tires and Rims
New tires and rims can make a big difference to a car. Buyers perceive vehicles with new tires as well maintained and more reliable. Choose tires suitable for the car’s make and model and stylish rims that match the overall look of the vehicle. This upgrade not only looks good but also improves the car’s safety and performance.
Detailing for Maximum Impact
Professional detailing can make a car look like new. Detailers will clean every inch of the vehicle including hard to reach areas. They will polish the exterior, clean the engine bay and condition the interior surfaces. While this service costs money, it’s often worth it as it increases the car’s value big time.
Marketing and Selling
Now that the car is remodeled, it’s time to market it. Take good quality photos of the car from different angles, highlighting its best features. Write a detailed and honest description including the upgrades and maintenance done. List the car on online platforms like AutoTrader, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Also consider traditional methods like putting a “For Sale” sign on the car and park it in a busy area.
Price it Right
Price it competitively based on the car’s make, model, condition and market demand. Research similar cars in your area to get a fair price range. Be prepared to negotiate but have a bottom line in mind so you still make a profit.
Close the Deal
When a buyer shows interest, be transparent about the car’s history and the work done. Offer a test drive and answer all questions honestly. Once a deal is agreed, make sure all papers are in order including the bill of sale and title transfer. Accept secure payment methods to avoid scams.
One of the things my husband (I'm still not used to calling J my husband, yet whenever I do I can't wipe this stupid grin off my face heh) and I are considering is investing on solar panels, but first we need to figure out where we will live long-term. We are currently based in the South, but it might be cheaper to live in the North. We''ll figure it out soon, but in the meantime it is good to know that more and more Filipinos are becoming more aware and switching to sustainable energy.
Filipinos can say goodbye to skyrocketing electricity bills and unreliable power thanks to a brighter, more affordable future powered by solar energy, according to renewable energy expert Ping Mendoza. Mendoza's endorsement of solar energy follows YouTuber Oliver Austria's video, "Is Solar Worth It in 2024?", which explores the numerous benefits of harnessing the sun's energy.
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| Oliver Austria uncovers the potential of solar energy in his “Is Solar Worth It in 2024?” YouTube video |
Solar Energy: Illuminating the Philippines’ Brighter Future
Austria’s video, “Is Solar Worth It in 2024?”, breaks down the process of solar energy, highlighting its simplicity and effectiveness. He emphasizes that solar is the most cost-effective and reliable electricity source in the Philippines, perfectly suited for the country’s geographical location with abundant sunshine year-round.
Mendoza concurs, stating that solar energy is a clean and abundant renewable resource. Sunlight activates silicon within solar panels, generating electricity for household use. He assures Filipinos that solar installations are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for homes nationwide.
“Thanks to our country’s proximity to the equator, we have consistent sunlight throughout the year and across most areas in the country”, the expert added.
Beyond Coal: A Cleaner, Greener Future
Despite its suitability for solar, the Philippines still heavily relies on coal, a source of concern for Mendoza and Austria due to its environmental and health drawbacks.
“Coal and other fossil fuels are very unstable sources of energy because we could run out of coal [any time],” shared Austria. “Kasi kung nakita niyo naman, nagkagera lang sa ibang lugar na malayo sa atin, tumataas na agad ang presyo ng langis at coal. At dahil dyan, pati na rin ang kuryente natin. So that’s why I love renewable energy, specifically yung solar kasi walang may control sa presyo niyan.”
Embracing solar energy means harnessing a resource that is always present and beyond the control of market forces or geopolitical tensions. As Austria aptly put it, “The sun is always here for you," highlighting the dependable nature of solar power and its potential to transform the country’s energy landscape.
Coal-fired power generation also releases harmful carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change. Additionally, coal storage and combustion produce fine ash that pollutes the air, posing health risks.
Embracing the Sun: Affordability and Getting Started
The negative impact of coal makes switching to solar an attractive option. But is it affordable, and how can Filipinos get started?
Austria's video delivers positive news: solar energy is more accessible than ever. He showcases practical solar-powered products like power banks and lights for those starting small. For those considering installing solar panels, a return on investment can be achieved within just five to six years.
Mendoza reinforces this point, explaining that solar solutions can be tailored to fit different budgets and energy needs. Selecting the right system size for your home is crucial, with the potential to slash electricity bills by 30-50%. While the initial cost can range from 150,000 to 250,000 pesos (depending on the battery), the investment often pays for itself within three to six years in many parts of the Philippines.
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| Photo Credit from Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities |
Expert Tips for Going Solar
Mendoza advises homeowners and communities to assess their daytime energy consumption before making the switch. Solar power is most efficient when tailored to daytime usage, eliminating the need for batteries in areas with a stable power grid. This approach also ensures the quickest return on investment. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a reputable installer with a proven track record, as solar systems are designed to last 25-30 years. Strong after-sales support is crucial for long-term satisfaction and system performance.
For finding the right supplier, Mendoza suggests checking out Yuda.com.ph, a valuable resource for comparing installers and their offerings. The website provides detailed information on pricing, products, and services, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your requirements and budget.
Mendoza encourages those considering solar to explore grid-tied systems with net metering, a program under the Department of Energy's Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Net metering allows homeowners to sell excess solar power back to the grid, offsetting the cost of electricity purchased from the local utility when solar energy falls short. This setup offers the most cost- effective solution for solar adoption, providing the quickest return on investment and significant savings on electricity bills.
Take the next step towards a brighter future – watch Oliver Austria's YouTube video on transitioning to renewable energy. #LetsGoRenewablePH, one solar-powered product at a time.
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| Photo by Ganap |
One year of planning and daydreaming will almost come to a close. We're getting married this month! ♡
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