Some expert advice on buying your first home

I’m not an expert so clearly these advice aren’t coming from me. Haha…  They’re from Filinvest as featured in PDI:

• Buy from a reputable developer. (Think about the 90’s real estate bubble when a lot of developer projects didn’t materialize.)
• Canvass mortgage loan terms.
• Take time to asses what you want versus what you can afford.
• Plan ahead with the size of your family in mind.
• Pay close attention to lighting and ventilation (these will help you reduce electricity costs in the long-term).
• Be sure to check for anti-termite treatment. (Termites can eat up your house in a year.)
• As much as possible, go for long-term fixed home lending rates (to protect yourself from market volatility).
• Shop around for mortgage redemption assurance.  (I didn’t know there’s such thing.)
• Take your time in choosing a property.

Happy house-hunting!:)

Hydroculture Plants

I like having plants – they are  low maintenance than having a pet!  Haha…
Anyway, my latest addition to my plant collection is  a hydroculture plant . Hydroculture or also known as hydroponic culture originated in Europe but was popularized in Japan.  The technology allows plants to grow on water absorbing pebbles called hydrocorns.  You just have to pour water into the pot every 2-3 days and clean the pot once a month – see, so low maintenance.  :)
If you want to get one, there’s a stall in Market Market selling hydroculture plants.  Price starts at P100+ depending on the plant’s kind and size.

Ikea Annual Clearance Sale

I got an SMS alert from the Ikea outlet in Makati and it's having its annual clearance sale - up to 60% off on home accessories.  It runs until December 20.  The store is located at 4977 Enrique St., Palanan, Makati City.  Haven't had the time to drop by yet but will definitely visit soon. :)

Proudly Pinoy Organic Products

I rarely go to Market Market but today, my friend and I had dinner there and we passed by this organic store called ECO MARKET. They sell locally-made organic products from detergent, cleaning agents to beauty products. Here are some of the products I decided to try:



Roach Wars, Php75 (left). The saleslady said you just have to put some of this powder into an open container and it will attract roaches and kill them. At least it doesn’t smell like your typical insecticide. Messy Bessy Disinfectant Aroma Spray, Php245 (right). I was really supposed to get a can of Lysol Disinfectant today so good thing, I found this organic alternative. Pricier than your commercially available disinfectant but at least it doesn’t have harmful chemicals. Plus, you can buy just the refill next time so it might be more practical in the long-run.


Human Nature Hand and Foot salve, Php99.75 (left). Burt’s Bees Hand Salve was also on my shopping list but I decided to try this local version when I saw it at the Eco Store. If this works, that’s a lot of savings - it only costs a fifth of a fraction of Burt’s Bees. Indigo Shoo Fly Insect Repellant, Php65 (right).


Human Nature Peppermint, Pearl Powder & Aloe Vera Shampoo and Body Wash, Php99.75 (left). Contains no SLS/SLES, parabens and pthalates – chemicals that are commonly used by commercially available shampoo which have been reportedly harmful. Plus it’s shampoo and body wash in one – nice to bring along when traveling. :) Thrifty Dishwashing Liquid, P75 (right).
The EcoMarket Store is located at the Ground Floor Main Entrance of Market-Market, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. You may also want to check out their products online at www.ecomarket.multiply.com or contact them at ecomarket.ph@gmail.com or (0915)5147534.

Custom-made Betis Furniture

Sharing with you some custom-made furniture pieces I recently ordered from Betis, Pampanga.  I intentionally didn't have ornate carvings done since I like them plain and simple (which is good because carvings cost extra!  Haha...).

 Shoe cabinet, made of mahogany. Php, 7,000

Consul table, made of mahogany. Php 6,000

If you want to order custom-made furniture, you can try Lampa Furniture in Betis, Pampanga.  Leadtime is approximately 1 month and you need to make a down payment of at least 50%.  The Lampa store is located between Km 75-80 along Olongapo-Gapan Road, Betis, Pampanga.  It's right after the Sta. Barbara Bridge if you’re coming from Manila (you won't miss it on your right going down from the bridge).  The store is open 8am-5pm, Mondays to Saturdays.

Cutting Board with AntiMicrobial Protection

Here's another interesting kitchen product -  a cutting board with Microban or antimicrobial protection.  

The label explains that under the right conditions, bacteria can grow double in 20 minutes on an unprotected cutting board surface.  With Microban protection, it inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew.   The cutting board is also non-porous, non-aborbent.  

The brand is Neoflam and is available in SM.  I couldn't remember the price though... I think it's about Php200 for the smallest size.

Eco-friendly cookware

I learned only recently that if your non-stick cookware has scratches, it emits toxic chemicals, even heavy metals (e.g. lead and cadmium), that go into the food you're cooking.  My non-stick pan has small scratches already so I finally decided to get a new pan in SM.  There are actually several eco-friendly pots and pans available in the market - a bit expensive though than regular pans (Php1,000 and up) but consider them an investment since they are a healthier choice. 

I got a 20" Neoflam pan.  It has Ecolon coating (ceramic-based coating), 100% PTEA and PFOA-free and no toxic fumes emitted while cooking.   The label also says it's non-reactive to acid and alkaline foods.   Ok, I'm not really familiar what are acid and alkaline foods but I quickly googled and it's almost everything that we cook like veggies and meat! Haha...

Ikea store now in Wilson

Great news to Ikea shoppers!  Rooms101 opened a new branch in Wilson.  Haven't had the time to visit its Wilson branch yet but you may check Rooms101's multiply site to see what Ikea stuff they have. Here are their branches and store hours just in case you're planning to visit.  And just in case they don't have the Ikea item that you want in their inventory, you can also ask them to order for you for some extra charge (including shipping).

San Juan
2nd Flr Wilson Square Bldg., 199 Wilson cor P. Guevarra Sts.,
Little Baguio, San Juan.
Tel: 216.1782 ; Mobile: 0917.8252407

Makati
3rd Flr, Eastman Bldg.,
4977 Enrique St. Palanan, Makati City
Tel: 833.5590 , Fax: 833.0388
Mobile: 0917.8131201 , 0922.8650695 
Email: rooms101@gmail.com

Store Hours
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 7pm
Sundays / Public Holidays: 2pm - 7pm