My friend was looking to buy succulents for her condo a few weeks ago and she told me they had a…read morelot in Farmer's Garden in Cubao! She thought I was the right person to go accompany her because I live near by, I was more than excited to go with her because I've been meaning to check out what they have! We went early in the morning and we were so overwhelmed with what we found! The first aisle of stores had so many cut flower options, roses, orchids, mums, even sunflowers! While I wanted to grab some because I was there already, I figured cut flowers didn't last too long so I didn't bother to bring any home. Right behind the cut flower aisle were the plants, so many of them! We found hydrangeas, herbs, trees, orchids and succulents! They were pretty affordable too and they came in so many different shapes and sizes! We each grabbed 3 plants for only 100 pesos (a little haggling might be required!). I also bought myself a peppermint plant while I was at it (for my mojitos!). Looks like growing plants will be a new hobby for me now! Drop by if you have a green thumb (or feel like you do!).

One of my friends insisted we rent some quads to get to the volcano! We left Manila at 4am to make…read moresure we would get there by 7am as we were told the departure was strictly at that time (it wasn't, so do take your time if you are planning on going because you can go anytime)! The quads were quite expensive to rent and you have to ride them for about 2 hours before you get to the trekking part of the volcano. The boys were loving it but I got a little tired after the first hour of bumping up and down the rocky roads! Great sceneries tho and I was curious to see all the little kids living in little huts on the way! Unfortunately swimming in the volcano is not permitted as apparently you get rashes from the sulphur but it was a nice active day! If you get on the quads: wear sneakers and prepare yourself do be completely covered in dust from the roads!!! My face was completely grey when I got off and I won't even bother explaining the state of my hair! :D Really fun trip!

My family and friends have been ordering from your Designer Blooms for a long time, and we have…read morealways appreciated the quality and freshness of your arrangements. Last Valentine's Day I received 2 Designer Blooms bouquets. Unfortunately, the bouquet I received did not seem to be at par with your usual standards, as the flowers appeared old and wilted upon arrival. Sadly it did not even last on Valentine's Day. The flowers were delivered on the 13th. We were given old, wilted flowers. Such a shame because they pride themselves as luxury and quality. Packaging might be good but that quality of the flowers is very poor. It is very expensive considering you are only paying for the brand name and packaging. Regardless of the amount of the order, each order should be given importance. I have emailed them. airing my sentiments (with photos) but they have not replied to this date. I truly value this brand and would be saddened to see the quality of your products decline.

If you need flowers in the fort, this is the place to go…read more They don't have as many flowers on display as in Market Market, but this is more a place where you order arrangements that are fit to your needs. I trust this brand because their family who runs this company has been in business since 1993 and they have various branches. They started out focusing on artificial and dried flowers, which they still do very well, but now they are more into fresh imported flowers. The roses they have on display are of very high quality, aligned to the price you pay. The succulents don't last as well in the basement I guess they didn't look that great. Designer Blooms is worth the price you pay.

My wife is not really into flowers so I don't have the number of a florist on my speed dial. But if…read moreever I would buy flowers for my wife, I will surely buy from Rustan's Flower Shop located beside the Marketplace by Rustan's and Eric Kayser Patisserie and Boulangerie in Power Plant Mall. Every time I pass by their kiosk, I can't help but gaze at the beautifully arranged orchids, the fresh sunflower, and the colorful mums and daisies. I once asked if they do other flower arrangements and they said they do. In fact, they have beautiful vases on display, too. Aside from flowers, this shop also sells indoor plants and potted orchids. They have different types of cacti that can be used as attractive table centerpieces or decoration. Honestly, the reason why I frequent Rustan's Flower Shop is not at all related to plants and flowers. Rather, my motivations are more related to my conscious effort to do my part -- no matter how small -- in taking care of the environment. This flower shop is where I usually buy Messy Bessy products, locally made home cleaning and personal hygiene stuff that are environment friendly.

My first time to use this website to send a gift to my sister in Manila...the gift box of little…read moreflowers and fruits looked the same as in the picture! The delivery was spot on and my sister loved it!

I was in dire need of sending my fiance a get well soon flower and this company saved my time for…read morelooking around. Not to mention they accept paypal or any other major credit cards for I live abroad. They are quick to respond to my email for any questions I have. I will really love to use them again for future especially holidays are coming up. Thank you, my fiance loves the flowers. Kudos!

Hit up Dapitan Arcade on a random Saturday morning last month looking for some cute plates to…read morespruce up my dinner parties, and holy crap, I walked out like a kid in a candy store. The place is this chaotic maze of stalls bursting with everything--gorgeous ceramic plates in patterns you won't find in malls, stacks of mason jars for peanuts (grabbed a bunch at like ₱40 each), quirky little gnomes, funky lighting, and even those trendy gold-rimmed teacups that make instant coffee feel fancy. Prices are stupidly low, so my ₱800 budget turned into three full bags of treasures I didn't even know I needed. Haggling was half the fun--smiled, asked nicely, and knocked off a good chunk every time. Yeah, it's hot, a bit crowded, and smells like the wet market next door, but that's part of the charm. Left feeling like I scored big and already planning my next trip for Christmas lights. Absolute treasure hunt heaven. 5 stars, no contest.

If you're a person who loves cheap finds, gets kilig when you see unusual stuff, and doesn't mind…read moresweating when you're bargain-hunting, the Dapitan Arcade is a place that you should visit. Situated along Dapitan St. and Kanlaon St., the arcade is a collection of small stalls and kiosks that sells glassware, murals, ceramic plates, lighting fixtures, decorations, and a multitude of home furnishings at very affordable prices. There are some stuff here that will make you say, "hmm.. I don't really need this thing but it's cute and inexpensive, might as well get it." By the time you leave, you'll have two hands worth of shopping bags. I frequent Dapitan Arcade whenever I need ceramic and wood plates, mason jars and other glasses, and other things that I might need for my cooking and plating. They have a lot of plate designs that are not available elsewhere. When I use them for plating my dishes, it makesmy food feel more sosyal, meaning I can charge more haha. The very trendy mason jars are available here. The normal size ones go for around P50.00. They sell per piece and by bulk. The latter will always get you an ever better price. As early as September, the arcade takes on a more festive look because they start selling Christmas decorations and lights. You want to have a miniature Santa Clause swinging from a light post? Or a robotic St. Nick jiggling his merry booty to some Christmas tunes? Well, they got 'em. And a whole lot of other fun stuff too! When you visit, make sure to bring your "kapal" face so you can ask for discounts. Take away: unusual finds and good deals. Your P1000 pesos will go a long way here!