MFO Paris Series: The Airbnb Apartment

The first thing I did when I got to our Airbnb apartment after freshening up, was to head out to the pharmacy. 

On the way to one of the many I visited that afternoon, I happened to pass by the Arc de Triomphe, which was oh, just in the neighborhood. 

Crazy good right?!

Our Airbnb apartment was in the 8th arrondissement, a jewel box of a place (read as tiny but pretty, haha) that was clean, bright, airy and complete with all the comforts a traveler would need - washer/dryer, iron, ironing board, extra towels, hair dryer, etc. Our host even had a bottle of wine for us. I immediately felt right at home. Haha.

I loved that while the apartment was contemporary in look and feel, the floors were just as I would expect from Parisian apartments - with those classic chevron wood patterns.

Another plus? I had a full length mirror in my room, that was perfect for my outfit shots. Heehee.

This was the view from my first floor room. I lavettt!

Our apartment was right on Rue Washington, flanked by Avenue des Champs-Élysées on one end, and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré on the other end. Talk about Shopping Temptation Central.

Whenever we would head out towards Champs-Élysées, ito lang naman yung nasa dulo ng kanto. The Louis Vuitton flagship store.

We didn't have an espresso machine in the apartment, but we would get our coffee at the nearby Paul boulangerie, where we would sit outside and watch the early risers walk this scenic stretch of a sidewalk.

We had front row views of Champs-Élysées. Amazing how major this avenue is, but the traffic is nothing like ours here in Manila.

I think we only spent €200 a night for our apartment, which is extremely reasonable considering how well-equipped it is, and of course, the location can't be beat. Gotta love Airbnb. There's nothing like being in Paris and living like a local, in one of the best districts too.

Speaking of which, Airbnb has come up with a convenient mobile app that, through Smart, will now bring the world at the fingertips of Filipino travelers who are in search of a home away from home as well as an immersive travel experience. Read on to find out more:

The Smart x Airbnb Partnership

“A global pioneer in accommodations, Airbnb has revolutionized the way travelers search and book a suitable place to spend their getaways wherever they are headed around the world. It shows how a meaningful mobile innovation can shake things up and enrich the lives of people – and is very much aligned with our vision of a mobile-empowered lifestyle,” said Ariel Fermin, EVP and Head of Consumer Business at Smart.

To celebrate the groundbreaking partnership, all Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid and Smart Bro subscribers may enjoy a P2500 discount for a minimum of P8,000 booking at any Airbnb-listed accommodation here and abroad.

Smart subscribers simply have to text SMARTAIRBNB to 2855 for FREE to receive the unique promo code that they can use to activate the discount whenever they complete their Airbnb booking.

The discount is limited to one booking per registered Philippine Airbnb user, but is open to all past and first-time bookers. Booking period us until March 31, 2016 with travel period until December 2016. For more details visit the Smart Airbnb page, and visit www.airbnb.com/smart to book.

Oh, and while in Paris, I did Smart Surf Abroad, which guarantees no bill shock on data roaming. I was on Waze, Instagram, Whats App, Viber, checking my emails and all that, the entire day, for 10 days and I only paid Php5,500 on data roaming charges.

Yes, I lived a pretty Smart Life while in Paris, staying in an Airbnb apartment and staying connected via Smart Surf Abroad. Too bad we missed out on this Smart x Airbnb discount offer, but there's plenty of time to use this for the next trip. Woohoo!

Next up: Pumping breast milk while traveling. Yes, it can be done!

MFO Paris Series: Airport Line

Bonjour! I've been meaning to blog about my Paris trip with my friend Pat, but I realized, it would be better to cut it up into chunks, and make it a series because

1) There are just too many fantastic discoveries and tips I have to share, and
2) It would take me forever if I just write everything in one go.

So let's cut to the chase, and start off with tip #1: airport pick-up.

the blue skies of France, just gorgeous, as seen from my Airport Line van

If you don't have friends or family picking you up at Charles de Gaulle airport, there's always that option of getting to the city by rail, cab, bus or Uber.

Then of course, there are car services like Airport Line which offers private transfers from the airport to your destination.

I discovered Airport Line, via our Airbnb host, Parisian Home, who made prior arrangements to hand over the apartment key to the Airport Line driver. While the driver did not have the key when I arrived, he drove me to the Parisian Home office in Montmartre to pick up the keys to the apartment. Fair enough.

Making arrangements for pick up by Airport Line was easy. I just booked online via their website, (take note however that reservations need to be made 48 hours in advance), they sent me an email confirmation and that's it.

While they asked for my credit card information, payment was settled in cash and paid directly to the driver. I paid €68 for a standard minivan that took me from CDG to Paris. For the full list of fare rates, visit http://www.airport-line.com/en/tarifs.asp

I made note of their hotline 0800 77 61 63, just in case I had problems finding the driver, which also happened, as the arrivals section was unusually packed that day. I tried calling the hotline, but it was in French! I decided to just email the person who sent me the confirmation and asked him to tell the driver that I was waiting for him. In a couple of minutes, I got a call from the driver on my mobile and we made arrangements to meet by one of the exits.

Over all, if not for the part where I couldn't find the driver, the process was easy enough.

To recap. To get Airport Line service:

1. Reserve at least 48 hours before your arrival via their website. Wait for the email confirmation via email.

2. Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you as you get out of the customs hall and will be holding a sign bearing your name.
3. Tell the driver where to drop you off. Prepare payment in cash. They do not expect tips, but I gave the driver a tip anyway. Speaking of tips, here's a tipping guide by David Lebovitz. The information is quite useful!

Next up: The Airbnb Apartment

Travel in Style with the SMART Infinity S6 & S6 edge

These days, I find it impossible to travel without a mobile phone. Whether it's halfway across the world, or a few steps out of our front door.

I use it to research on restaurants or tourist attractions, to get to our destination via Waze, and to keep tabs on where my travel companions are, in case we get split up. It's a trusted tool in sending photos of shopping bilins real time to family and friends. That way, we can all decide on a purchase, real time too. Heehee.

But here's where it gets better. If you sign up for the Smart Infinity Prestige Plan 5000 or Premium Plan 8000, you get a Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge. 

Either device will come compliments of your chosen plan, and will also include complimentary Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles* that may be used for International or Domestic flights, along with other perks. 

For those who simply wish to avail of the Samsung Galaxy S6, the device will come compliments of Smart Infinity Plan 3500 for a limited time, or until May 31, 2015.

Should you choose to avail of the pure PAL Mabuhay Miles package (no phone), you'd get enough points to fly to Cebu, Singapore, Melbourne, even London or New York.

This is the first time that Smart Infinity grants its members an exceptional experience of receiving a new, premium device such as the Samsung S6 or S6 edge and being able to take it along to a dream destination.

Release of the phones will be on April 18, 2015 but interested subscribers may now register their interest at smart.com.ph/Infinity/S6.

Plus, if you avail of the S6 or S6 edge plan from March 27 to April 13, you will get a chance to win an exclusive 3 day/2 night stay in Shangri-la Boracay plus flights c/o PAL for two (2), to Boracay.

"We are very excited to unveil the Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge with a package perfectly designed to suit the impeccable taste of the discerning set, and cater to the demands of their active, multifaceted lifestyles,” said Julie Carceller, Head of the Smart Infinity Business Group at Smart. 

“This is an offer that will allow our members to enjoy the best of both worlds – that is, the advantage of using a high-style, highly functional smartphone running on the country’s largest and most advanced mobile network, and the pleasures of exclusive perks on top of the renowned personalized service they can only expect from Smart Infinity,” added Carceller. 

“At Smart Infinity, it’s all about the experience. Beyond just providing superior network services and the latest, sought-after devices, we understand that Smart Infinity members are achievers who seek new experiences in life and leisure. Thus, we are providing plans that give our members the latest Samsung Galaxy devices which are tools for success, plus PAL Mabuhay Miles to serve our members unforgettable moments to celebrate their achievements.” said James Chi, Marketing Manager from Smart Infinity. 

For more about this offer, and the perks and privileges of being a Smart Infinity subscriber, visit http://smart.com.ph/infinity/S6.

Find Your Light at Hong Kong Disneyland

Ask my 5 year old daughter Berry where she wants to go for vacation and she'd say, "Hong Kong Disneyland!" with such enthusiasm, it's hard to say, "Not again!".

Watching this Find Your Light music video pretty much reminds us why she loves it there though.

The magic of Hong Kong Disneyland, home to many of our homegrown and world-class talents who performed in Disney’s Find Your Light Music Video.

So yes, even if she's been there twice, as we have been going every year for the last two years, Disneyland will always be part of the agenda when traveling with them.

Our first time was with our family friends, where we had such a wonderful time...

Mommies and our Mini Mes, in Fantasyland, as the Dads take our photos, teehee

That she decided she wanted to celebrate her 5th birthday, back at Hong Kong Disneyland.

I totally get it though. There really is something magical about Disneyland in a child's eyes.

In fact, the magic begins right at the Disneyland train, where the subtle hints of Mickey Mouse on the windows and the dangling overhead handles are enough to get the little ones giddy with anticipation.

Actually, make that at the Disneyland Ticket Express booth at the MTR Hong Kong Station. Clutching onto those tickets are enough to set the mood. Kind of like the golden ticket to happiness.

Just as I was when I was little, a huge part of the allure of Disneyland are the Disney Princesses. 

When I was 7, and  all I wanted was to see Cinderella. Who doesn't love the fairy tale ending of a good, hardworking girl getting her Prince, then being whisked off to a palace, to the annoyance of her wicked stepsisters?

That's me, not looking at the camera, probably too busy watching out for Cinderella to appear

For Berry however, it was Snow White in 2013. I think its because she can relate to Snow White's short hair, fair skin, and her sweet and caring disposition.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? Snow White, of course!

A year later, she was into Elsa, along with 50 million little girls across the world it seems, drawn to Elsa's regal presence, her powerful magic, and her resolve to protect the ones she loves, even if it means being misunderstood.  

Doesn't hurt that she has long, braided platinum blond hair and wears a gorgeous, sparkly gown while exercising her powers.

Elsa and Anna dolls, selling out fast!

The memories of the fun rides are a huge come on, of course! We all loved the "Jungle River Cruise" in Adventureland. Even our little Xavi, who was only 8 months old at the time, enjoyed it!

But "It's a Small World" will always be a favorite. Even if you've seen it a dozen times, it's always a thrill seeing dolls dressed in Filipiniana costumes, looking out a stylized nipa hut, singing "Ang liit lang ng mundo".

And for this, Disneyland never gets old.

We actually can’t wait to go back, when the two younger boys are big enough to appreciate the fun and magic that is undeniably Disney!

What's your Disney story? Plan your trip at www.hongkongdisneyland.com so you can Show your Disney Side too!

10 Fuel Saving Tips from Shell

Who wants to spend more on gas? I bet you no one does. Except the owners of gas stations maybe. Heehee.

With the holidays approaching, we're expecting traffic, out of town trips to visit (or escape) family and friends, and last minute shopping expeditions to be part and parcel of our agendas.

But because I want you, yes you, to to be a more fuel-efficient driver on the road, I am sharing with you these tips from Shell, to help us make smart decisions on how we use and maintain our vehicles, how we drive, and which products we can use to keep our vehicles running.

Here are ten good choices that can make our fuel last longer:

1. Drive smoothly and avoid high speeds. 

Maintain a steady speed and keep your steering as even as possible. Avoid braking or accelerating too quickly as this burns more fuel. The faster you go, the more wind resistance you encounter, forcing your car to consume more fuel.

2. Plan your trips. 

Always know which routes to take and plan trips accordingly. Try to combine small trips so you spend less time on the road and consume less fuel. For instance, schedule a trip to the mall and a friend’s house if they happen to be in the same vicinity.

3. Avoid carrying excess weight.

Your fuel efficiency can drop for every 100 lbs (45kg) you carry in your car. Consider removing your roof rack if it is not in use.

4. Maintain the right tire pressure. 

Fuel efficiency can be reduced even if tires are under inflated by just one psi. Maintain the ideal tire pressure of 30 psi. Check tires at least once a week or whenever you visit your favorite retail station.

5. Do preventive maintenance and check-ups on your vehicle. 

Fuel efficiency is affected by how well a car is maintained. A dirty engine increases fuel consumption. Start by using a high quality lubricant, changing worn out spark plugs and replacing clogged air filters.

6. Check your fuel cap. 

Make sure the fuel cap is properly screwed on after every fill up to prevent fuel from evaporating.

7. Avoid excess idling.

Idling is a surefire way to burn more fuel. Turn off your engine if you have to stay for more than 10 seconds.

8. Keep your windows closed. 

Driving with windows open slows the car down. Close the windows when there is no need to open them.

9. Avoid rush hour. 

Getting up a bit earlier can be a chore, but avoiding rush hour means spending less time stuck in traffic.

10. Make a good choice and fill up with Shell FuelSave.

Shell FuelSave, a regular priced fuel, contains active efficiency ingredients that can help improve your fuel efficiency from the very first tank. When combined with fuel-efficient driving habits, Shell FuelSave can help make your fuel last longer.

For more tips on how to improve your fuel economy, check out www.shell.com.ph/targetonemillion.

Hong Kong with Dada + MUJI to Go

Late last month, my favorite travel companion – Dada, and I flew to Hong Kong. 

We stayed at our favorite hotel in Central, JW Marriott, because it’s just so accessible to our favorite neighborhoods. 

Not that we needed to be anywhere fast. It was the kind of journey where we had no set agenda. 

Call it a babymoon/inspiration seeking/food trip kind of thing where we just let our feet take us where they wanted to go, where we kept our eyes open for new business ideas, and armed with a list of must try restaurants from HK-based friends, let our hungry tummies lead us to the nearest must-try spot. 

Yup, what was certain about this short vacation was that Dada & I wanted to eat well. Not necessarily the fancy “eat well” sort of thing, but we wanted to check out those hole-in-the wall kind of places that locals frequent and love. 

They’re so good, I really ought to share them with you, so here goes: 

Mak’s Noodles 

77 Wellington Street, Central 

 

We already had dinner, but Mak’s Noodles was in the area, and we just had to try their dry noodles sprinkled with prawn roe, and soup of wontons stuffed with saltwater prawns. Small on serving size, but big on taste! Definitely a great place for a late night snack. 

Yardbird 
33-35 Bridges Street, +852 2547 9273

Don’t let their bite size servings of chicken yakitori fool you. Give everything that’s highly rated on their menu a try, and you might just have to roll yourself down the steep climb to Bridges Street to get back to your hotel. You must order their heavenly sweet corn tempura, chicken oysters, Korean fried cauliflower aka KFC, chicken meatball yakitori with egg yolk and finish this off with their chicken and egg rice. If these don’t hit the spot, I don’t know what else will. Warning: we came by on a Monday night and the place was packed. They don’t accept reservations so just go early!

Yardbird's chicken meatball yakitori

Yat Lok 
G/F, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central

If you’re a huge fan of goose, duck or BBQ pork meals, then your goose is cooked at Yat Lok. Dada had roasted goose with noodles for afternoon merienda and he says the goose was perfectly cooked. He’d want to go back and try it with rice next time. The couple in front of us (yes we were seated across complete strangers) had BBQ pork with rice and that looked good too. This is a place that’s definitely worth coming back to.

Dada's roasted goose with noodles

Tai Cheong Bakery 
35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, +852 2544 3475

Two words: egg tarts. Theirs are said to be the best in Hong Kong.

Tim Ho Wan
Shop 12A, Hong Kong Station, IFC Mall, Level 1, +852 2332 3078

Yes, we have Tim Ho Wan in Manila, but still, HK is the birth place and nothing is more convenient than checking in your suitcase early at the Airport Express in IFC and then killing time waiting in line at Tim Ho Wan. Of course, the food does not disappoint, so what’s not to like?

JW Marriott Room Service 
One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong

Even room service at our hotel did not disappoint. It was 2 am and our tummies were grumbling (granted that we were eating practically non-stop the entire day) so Dada and I split JW Marriot’s bacon cheeseburger and fries, and it was divine!

Kau Kee
G/F, 21 Gough Street, Mid-Level, Central

Honestly, we didn’t really get to try this place, but we hear their curry noodles and beef brisket noodles are legendary. The line outside tells me there is truth to the legend, so we are definitely coming back to get a taste of their noodles on our next trip.

While disappointing to miss out on Kau Kee, and ten more different restaurants on our list, the upside is, this gives us all the more reason for Dada & I to plan our next adventure! But after I give birth na, heehee. 

Speaking of traveling and planning adventures, I might as well let you in on MUJI's latest campaign, MUJI to Go! 

 

Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI launches MUJI to Go, a campaign that puts the spotlight on MUJI's unique, functional travel items - from hard and soft carry-on cases, to portable bags, compact garment, toiletry and passport cases, neck pillows, notebooks, pens even mobile speakers and a portable washboard!

There’s no need to worry about baggage weight restrictions with these portable and compact travel tools and organizers from MUJI. They’re the perfect travel companions, next to your favorite travel partner of course!

As if these chic and practical items are not enough reason to shop MUJI now, customers get 15% OFF on their total purchase when you buy any Muji luggage and 2 or more selected travel items this month of August!

Perfect to have them ready now, for when you’re feeling spontaneous. With these on hand, you can just always pack up and leave!  

For more on MUJI and MUJI to Go, Like the MUJI Philippines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/muji.ph

Sweet REUNIONS with Western Union

I know what it’s like to live abroad and miss life back home with family and friends.

Now that we’ve moved back, I also can’t help but miss our closest friends who I haven’t seen for years now. Like my friend, Xsa. 

We used to both live on the East Coast. We’d visit her in PA, and she’d drive over for Thanksgiving, or just to hang out with us over the weekend, so we can shop in SoHo and walk around Manhattan, while catching up on life.

Last time we visited Xsa, I was still pregnant with Berry! That’s over 5 years ago!

So I get it. Reunions are practically like life events. It holds so much meaning, even in this age of Skype, Viber, and Facebook where we can chat with loved ones and friends real time. Because there’s nothing like catching up on life face to face, especially over a spread of sorely missed Filipino dishes.

That is why I am so excited to share with you dear readers, Western Union’s new promotion - Western Union Reunions. Because if there’s one thing we all have in common, regardless of means and family backgrounds, is that we Filipinos value relationships and get sentimental when it comes to nurturing the ties that bind us to family and friends.

Western Union, in partnership with Philippine Airlines, is giving away a total of 30 roundtrip tickets to Filipinos residing in EACH participating country abroad such as Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Norway, and more, so they can bring them home to be reunited with their loved ones. 

Because really, the best kind of treat for a homesick Pinoy, is a free roundtrip ticket back home. She’ll surely find time in her busy, busy schedule to fly back in a flash to see loved ones, even just for a short while.

To be eligible, all they need to do is send money to the Philippines for a chance to win roundtrip tickets back home. That simple! 

For more details, visit http://bit.ly/WReUnionCA.

Built NY: It's Neoprene!

I have always associated Built NY with neoprene laptop sleeves and such, so it was a pleasant surprise when Oliver of Quirks Marketing, the official distributor of Built NY here in the Philippines, invited us over to Chef Jessie in Rockwell Club to see for ourselves what Built NY is all about now.

First off, it has turned into a family friendly brand, with a lot of handy dandy products for babies and kids. From lightweight, durable, tear resistant bibs (Php1,195) and bottle holders (Php745 to Php995) to diaper caddies (Php1,895) and changing pads (Php2,495)...
 

Basic diaper bags (Php6,995)...

and convertible diaper bags (Php5,950) that are a veritable diaper changing station in itself. They've really thought of everything parents and their kids would need.

Pre-school kids will love their animal themed lunch boxes (Php995) made with food-safe materials. It also insulates their baon for up to 4 hours.

While us girls will have a field day with their cosmetic pouches (Php1,795),

and selection of totes (from Php1,645) and duffel bags (Php4,195) perfect for summer trips to the beach, or long drives out of the city.

Because they are made from neoprene, or wetsuit material, they are pretty much lightweight, folds neatly so they doesn't take up too much space, and are easy to clean. Just throw it into the washing machine, it's that easy.

I find this collapsible reusable tote (Php545) particularly handy. Or rather, easy on the shoulders.The whole bag can be folded right into the soft, neoprene-padded support strap and stuffed into your main purse to be pulled out when you've got your hands full from overzealous shopping.

Built NY is available here in the Philippines at the following stores and online retailers:

For more on Built NY Philippines, like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuiltPh

Yosi Samra Megamall + Spring 2014 + A Summer Giveaway!

Have you been to that new wing of Megamall called Megamall Fashion Hall aka Building D? That big building right on EDSA where the H&M Philippines flagship store is going to be?

Well, well, well it is worth a visit, also because there's a Yosi Samra store on the 2nd floor that just opened there recently. 

The new store has all the classic, year round styles of course, including the kids line, so you can totally dress up your mini me's feet in these...

As well as the latest colors from their Spring 2014 Collection:

sorbet colors with metallic cap toes

snakeskin with black cap, camel with black, or white with beige combinations

I noticed too that the new pairs have subtle branding now, with a tiny YS logo right at the back of the heel counter.

The snakeskin with black cap toe ballet flats are my fave from this current collection. I think it's a must have.

And speaking of snakeskin, how fantastic are these studded snake skin slippers? Also by Yosi Samra. It's just so gorgeous in real life. If you look closely, it has gold studs too. But it doesn't deter from the total look, as it actually adds more character to this particular pair. 

Medyo rockstud-ish, but hindi bastos.

There's a black version too, that's tone on tone.

As well as a striking red hot chili pepper pair that I can imagine will perk up any droll day.

So hard to decide no? The snakeskin is neutral but not quite, while the red is just so statement-y. Both I like!

And now, tan dan dan dan. A giveaway! A giveaway! A giveaway! I want to know where you would wear these new YOSI SAMRA FLIP FLOPS!

2 of you dear readers get a chance to *win a pair of your choice from Yosi Samra. All you have to do is join using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Basically,  

• Like Yosi Samra Philippines on Facebook 
• Like Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook 
• Follow @cd_mfo on Twitter
• Email a photo of where you are going in your Yosi Samra flip flops this summer to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com 
• Leave a comment on this post and tell us where you will wear your Yosi Samra flip flops this summer! Be as descriptive as you can.

And with that, join na! Winners will be announced by the first week of April, just in time to wear your new pair of Yosi Samras for summer!

*Entries must be about where you would want to wear the new Yosi Samra flip flops. Winners however can choose any pair from the store - it may be from the main collection, the new Spring/Summer collection, flip flops, flats, for you, or for your little one. If you win, you get to take home your pick!