Eat Well. Travel Often

Apr 23, 2025

Empowering Communities, One Innovation at a Time: My Takeaways from the BDO Fiesta Kapihan Forum

On April 22, I attended the BDO Fiesta Kapihan Forum at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Davao. I anticipated the usual corporate updates, but I left feeling genuinely impressed. The event provided a clearer view of how BDO is reaching out to more Filipinos—especially those in rural areas—through thoughtful and practical services.

BDO Pay: All About Convenience

Let's start with BDO Pay. This app allows you to pay directly from your BDO account or credit card, eliminating the need to load up or transfer funds. As someone who frequently engages in online transactions, this felt like a win. The app offers a wide range of features: Scan to Pay, Send Money, Pay Bills, Split Bills, Request Funds, QR Withdrawals and Deposits, Buy Load, and access to BDO Rewards & Deals. What really caught my attention was the ability to pay bills to over 1,800 billers with no extra fee and transfer to other banks or e-wallets for just P10. Plus, it's secure and backed by BDO, making digital banking more seamless without complicating things.

Cash Agad: Banking That Reaches Further

Then there's Cash Agad—something that truly stood out for me. It's designed for areas where banks or ATMs aren't easily accessible. With Cash Agad, people in remote areas can withdraw money and perform basic banking through local shops like mini groceries, pharmacies, or water refilling stations, as long as there's signal. Even better, these small businesses become partner agents, earning extra income while offering a vital service to their community.

I love how it's not just about access, but also about uplifting local businesses and keeping the economy moving in small towns and barangays. As someone who believes in supporting locals, this really resonated with me.

I left the event with a fresh perspective. BDO isn't just offering services—they're solving real-world problems. Whether it's through the ease of BDO Pay or the reach of Cash Agad, they're helping people do more without needing to travel far or worry about technology gaps.

If you're looking for more convenient banking or have family in areas where access is limited, give these services a try. They just might make life a bit easier.

You can also join the BDO Fiesta at SM Lanang on April 26, 2025 from 10AM onwards. There will be games, prizes, and surprises for new and current BDO customers. See you there!

Apr 16, 2025

EastWest Dream Run 2025: Stories from Davao Runners

The EastWest Dream Run 2025 was held last Sunday, April 6, at Azuela Cove, R. Castillo Street, Davao City. As part of EastWest’s 30th Anniversary celebration, the event brought together runners, dreamers, and fitness communities from all over the country—uniting them in a morning of movement and motivation.

With race categories ranging from a fun 1K dog run to the intense 30K endurance challenge, the Dream Run offered something for everyone. Legendary race organizer Coach Rio de la Cruz helped bring this event to life, promising runners a world-class experience.

Several of my online friends in Davao joined the event and shared their experiences after the run. Here are some of their personal reflections:

Michael Anthony Martho

"I joined the EastWest Dream Run to push myself. I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t have proper training, but I always reminded myself to finish the race safe and strong.”

Rhea Mae Ortiz

“I joined the EastWest Run to challenge myself and see how far my endurance can take me.”

Jona Rollan

“Started my running era last year… going 40s na bya ta puhon. At least makatabang sa mga unhealthy eating habits. Samot nag mag crave-crave naaaaah… bawion sa dagan oi!”

Bryan Sarte

“As always, I went here with the only intention of enjoying and celebrating my ability to run with the growing running community. EastWest Run tested my limits—30km is not easy—but I thank God, who made it possible, for His strength and guidance. Proving to myself that discipline beats excuses.”

Their stories are a great reminder of the passion and dedication that fuels events like this one. Congratulations to everyone who ran at EastWest Dream Run Davao!

(Photos forwarded by the runners. Credit to the owner.)

Win P1M Cash, a Brand-New Car, and Free Broadband for Life with PLDT Home OMG Promo

Jexx Hinggo 2:30 AM lifestyle , pldt 0 Comments

Get ready for the most exciting promo of the year - PLDT Home’s OMG (One Mega Giveaway) is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

This year, PLDT Home is making your digital moments even more rewarding with an incredible prize pool that includes a brand-new 2025 Toyota Fortuner, P1 million in cash, free fiber broadband for life, and much more.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the ‘One Mega Giveaway’ for its second year. This time, we’re taking it to the next level,” said Patrick Tang, PLDT First Vice President and Head of Home Acquisition Marketing. “It’s our way of showing gratitude to our subscribers by giving them life-changing rewards that make everyday living even better with PLDT Home.”

Fuel Your Life Upgrade
From April 10 to July 31, 2025, new PLDT Home subscribers of Fiber plan 1399 and up are automatically eligible for raffle entries.

Check out the OMG-worthy prizes that are up for grabs:

Grand Prize: One lucky winner will drive home a brand-new 2025 Toyota Fortuner — a tough, stylish SUV that’s perfect for families and adventures.

Cash Winners: One subscriber will win P1 million in cash, and ten others will take home P100,000 each.

Free Fiber Broadband for Life: One winner will enjoy a Home Fiber subscription – Free for Life, and ten others will receive a year of free broadband.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your ride, enjoy free internet, or stream endlessly - the OMG Promo is your ticket to a major lifestyle upgrade. PLDT Home designed this year’s One Mega Giveaway to help families live their best digital experiences.

Don’t miss out on your chance to win these mega prizes! Visit www.pldthome.com/internet for full promo mechanics and details.

Apr 12, 2025

Cebu Pacific Air Power Bank Usage and Guidelines

Jexx Hinggo 6:47 PM cebu pacific , travel 0 Comments

These days, a power bank is just as essential as your boarding pass. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series, editing travel content, or simply staying in touch with loved ones while in transit, a portable charger is a must-have. But before you pack one for your next flight, here’s a quick reminder from Cebu Pacific (CEB) on how to carry and use power banks safely—based on the guidelines from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

What kind of power banks are allowed on Cebu Pacific flights?

Passengers are welcome to bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh—no need for extra clearance. This is the standard for most compact and travel-friendly chargers.

If yours is between 100Wh and 160Wh, it’s still allowed on board, but you’ll need to declare it at the check-in counter for approval. Anything above 160Wh won’t be allowed, so it’s best to check the label before heading to the airport.

Can I use or charge my power bank during the flight?

Short answer: no. For safety reasons, using or charging power banks while on the plane is not allowed. Even if your phone’s battery is running low, you’ll need to wait until you land. This is to prevent any possible overheating or electrical issues mid-flight.

Where should I pack my power bank?

Power banks should always be hand-carried, never checked in. You can store them in your pocket or in the seat pocket in front of you, but avoid placing them in the overhead bin or under your seat. These areas are harder to access quickly in case of an emergency.

Also, if you’re carrying spare lithium batteries, the same rule applies—they should be with you at all times and not in checked baggage.

Pack it properly

Make sure your power bank is packed securely to avoid any accidental activation or damage:

If possible, tape the terminals.
Use the original packaging, or place them in plastic pouches or small cases.
Keep them away from coins, keys, or anything metallic.

Cebu Pacific puts passenger safety above all. These rules aren’t just formalities—they’re here to protect everyone on board. So next time you’re packing for a flight, give your gadgets a quick check and follow these guidelines.

Need more details? Visit this link for the full FAQ: bit.ly/CEB-PowerbankFAQs

Apr 5, 2025

Hop Inn Opens in Davao: Experience Comfort, Convenience, and Clean Stays

Jexx Hinggo 10:00 AM davao hotel , hop inn 0 Comments

Travelers—be it jetsetters, balikbayans, or busy professionals—are always on the lookout for reliable, affordable, and stress-free accommodations. Great news: Hop Inn Hotel has just opened its doors in Davao, perfectly meeting all these needs and more.

With over 70 branches across Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines, Hop Inn has established a reputation for excellence by focusing on the essentials. Now, they bring their signature blend of cleanliness, efficiency, and comfort to Davao City.

Prime Location

Location is key, and Hop Inn Davao is ideally situated along J.P. Laurel Avenue, placing you at the heart of the city:

- Just steps from Southern Philippines Medical Center, McDonald’s SPMC, and SSS Davao Main
- A quick 3-minute ride to Abreeza Mall
- Only 5 minutes to SM Lanang and SMX Convention Center
- A mere 15 minutes from the airport

Whether you're on a brief business trip or seeking a hassle-free staycation, Hop Inn Davao is the perfect choice.

Essential Amenities

Hop Inn Davao focuses on the essentials without unnecessary frills. Each room—be it a Standard Double, Twin, or spacious Triple with a mini fridge—is thoughtfully designed for travelers. Here’s what you can expect:

- Effective air-conditioning
- Hot and cold showers
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Cable TV
- A work desk for productivity
- In-room safe for your valuables

It’s everything you need, exactly as you need it. Book your stay here.

Join HOP REWARD

Looking for more from your booking? Join HOP REWARD, Hop Inn’s loyalty program that offers:

- Up to 10% off your booking
- Exclusive promotions and perks
- Points for each night stayed
- Early check-in and late check-out (available in PH & TH branches)

Signing up is free! Join here and start earning rewards today.