Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed Donuts is always best paired with Brewed Coffee or Iced Coffe, right? But how about you enjoy both in just one? There goes the creation Glazed Kaffe Mocha Doughnut which is already available starting June 8 to Agust 31, 2020 in just PHP 55 only.



Inspired by Krispy Kreme's best selling dark chocolate donut filled with a light Kreme & Glazed with decadent Cappucino Choc with white Choc swirls, Glazed Kaffe Mocha Doughnut is available for a limited time only. How to order?

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Glazed Kaffee Mocha 🍩 🍩 🍩 IS BACK!!! Inspired by @krispykremeph best selling dark chocolate donut filled w/ a light Kreme & Glazed w/ decadent Cappucino Choc w/ white Choc swirls. These sweet treats are available for take-out, drive-thru & delivery from June 8 until August 31,2020 only. BEST gifts for the upcoming #FathersDay!!! Order now at https://now.krispykreme.com.ph, 888-79000 or through GrabFood, FoodPanda, and LalaFood. #EveryoneIsAnOriginal #donuts #FoodPorn

A post shared by Mark Monta (@themarkmonta) on Jun 14, 2020 at 3:13am PDT

These sweet treats are available for take-out, drive-thru & delivery from June 8 until August 31,2020 only. BEST gifts for the upcoming #FathersDay!!! Order now at https://now.krispykreme.com.ph, 888-79000 or through GrabFood, FoodPanda, and LalaFood.

General Community Quarantine has been deployed to almost all provinces here in the Philippines which includes the biggest cities such as Metro Manila, Cebu City, to name a few. Some quarantine rules have been relaxed to these areas which frighten us for a second wave since people are going out for their errands or whatever reason. I personally, thank PayMaya that I won't be queuing to a long waiting line just to pay government bills such as SSS, Pagibig or BIR because they have set cashless options for this by just using our mobile phone or desktop.




Government agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Social Security System (SSS) have announced a final extension for tax filing and membership dues, respectively, until June 15, 2020.

Citizens can easily pay for their BIR and SSS dues using their PayMaya accounts from the safety and comfort of their homes. For BIR, convenience fees are waived when they pay using the Pay Bills section of the app, while they can get a chance to earn up to 100% cashback when they pay their fees using their PayMaya accounts via the SSS mobile app.

Empowering gov’t to go digital  

Aside from BIR and SSS, PayMaya has also enabled more government agencies and units with the ability to accept card and e-wallet payments as the whole country accelerates its digital efforts in light of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.



These agencies and units include the PAG-IBIG Fund, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), and the City of Valenzuela, among others.

PayMaya has also partnered with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transport Regulatory and Franchising Board (LTFRB) to equip public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as taxis, buses, and TNVS cars with cashless payments acceptance for commuters.

“We support the government's efforts to fasttrack digitalization efforts for better delivery of public service. This is in line with increasing efficiencies in government services as the country moves towards the New Normal post-pandemic. We at PayMaya are excited to work with more national government agencies and local government units towards those same goals” said Orlando B. Vea, Founder and CEO of PayMaya.



As Filipinos’ day-to-day lives and the economy have been reshaped by the pandemic, Vea said digital payments will become commonplace across all areas of life, making it imperative for more government agencies and local government units to offer cashless means as the primary option.

In addition to convenience and safety, shifting government transactions online also helps facilitate the delivery of more efficient and transparent service to the public, as the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) had recently pointed out.

To register for a PayMaya account for quick and safe government payments, visit http://paymaya.com/quick-guide or download the PayMaya app for free today. Aside from government transactions, users can also pay other bills, buy airtime load, send money to their loved ones, or shop for groceries and other essentials online using their PayMaya account.


As always, "Safety First!" netifriends!

[OCTOBER 17, 2019] Since we booked our Osaka Hostel for 3 days only, we headed to Tokyo on our 4th day. Basically, we spent almost half a day traveling from Osaka to Tokyo prefecture using JR Pass on a bullet train, Shinkansen. Of course, thanks to Klook PH for the affordable purchase. Now, let me give you a view of what we did on our first day in Tokyo.



After arrival, we headed directly to our Hostel, Sophiearth Apartment which is situated in the KPOP District of  Tokyo, Shin Okubo. Of course, aside from the excitement of touring Tokyo, an Army (BTS Fandom name) in me wanted to check the stores within the neighborhood. There is no problem with drinking water, food, or any essentials because a number of convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart are available in almost every corner.

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It took us less than an hour to go to Shibuya station from Shin-Okubo station. The normal travel time supposedly was 15-30 mins only but you know, first-timer! But it was fun! It was raining when we arrived at the busiest Crossing of the world, the Shibuya Crossing. And then, photoshoot!!!



But before Shibuya Crossing, my friends lined up at Hachiko Park for a quick shot with the famous Hachiko, famous loyal Akita dog, Memorial Statue.

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These are the only good shots I have when I visited the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, Shibuya Crossing. I will surely go back, #Japan And don't forget to purchase JR Pass from @klooktravel_ph #shibuya pero as of now, stay home muna tayo kids!!!

A post shared by Mark Monta (@themarkmonta) on May 20, 2020 at 5:00am PDT

I've been to New York last 2018 but the aura and feels of Shibuya are different. I just love how the Japanese go to all directions in Shibuya Crossing but remain calm and respectful to other people. I am stunned!

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Finally, visited one of the biggest @starbucks reserve branches in the world, TOKYO ROASTERY. You can swipe left for quick tour or visit my vlog for a inside tour from 1st floor to 4th floor . Link on bio! #Japan #Starbucks #Tokyo

A post shared by Mark Monta (@themarkmonta) on Jan 3, 2020 at 1:00am PST

After a lot of tries in crossing Shibuya just to get a perfect shot, we decided to head to the biggest Starbucks Reserve in Japan by just walking. It took us at least an hour to arrive at Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo and definitely, worth the effort. We had our coffee and snacks and the interiors and the hospitality are definitely world-class. You can check below youtube video for my quick documentation.

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After those tiring moments in Shibuya, we then headed back to our hostel for a quick refresh and getting ready for a dinner and nightlife visit at Shinjuku District. A number of Ramen Houses and Restaurants are available in Shinjuku. The famous one is Ichiran Ramen and just be prepared that the waiting line would be longer.




Why is Shinjuku famous in Japan? Shinjuku is the entertainment district of Japan where you can see all walks of life. Not to mention a lavish and colorful nightlife at the Red district, Kabuchiko. You will also notice a number of Locals who are cosplaying not just in a special day or Halloween but almost every night while wearing their fave anime or cartoon characters. Aside from the mentione sceneries, Shinjuku has shopping centers, parks, restaurants, bars, and unique buildings which can definitely attract Locals and Tourists.




UP NEXT:

[OCTOBER 16, 2019] My last article was in January 2020 about "A Day In Hiroshima and Itsukushima Shrine Japan!" and sorry to my netifriends if I missed adding my itinerary in regard to our Japan Travels. In this article, I am giving you some points on what to do on a busy third day of our Japan Travel from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto then spending sunset at Osaka Castle then dinner and a quick tour at the heart of Osaka prefecture, Dōtonbori!



ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE/FOREST

As usual, we did not make it to our early target of arriving at our first destination in Kyoto. I can still remember my friends and I missed the train going to Saga-Arashiyama Station which is a train station near the famous Bamboo Forest. But it was okay - lesson learned! LOL

Don't forget to purchase your JR Pass from Klook in an affordable price

Anyways, I strongly recommend visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest on an early morning - not late morning or early afternoon. Why? A lot of people are visiting this tourist destination and expect a crowded area on an early 8-9 AM. We arrived at exactly 9:45 AM and we already felt that it would be filled with Tourists since the numbers of people on the street walking from the Train station to the Forest are huge.

A cemetery near the entrance of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

What do you expect in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest? This is a garden or park filled with Bamboo - well taken cared of Bamboo Trees and a number of small temples and we saw a small cemetery too. Ok, a picture is worth a thousand words, so here are some shots we got in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto!





Address: Japan, 〒605-0028 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Bunkicho, ６１
Hours: Opens 5:30 AM Closes 11:30PM
Phone: +81 75-771-5559
Reservations: gnavi.co.jp


FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE

After lunch, we headed to our second destination in Kyoto, the famous Shinto Shrine called Fushimi Inari  Shrine. It's famous for Tourists because it is tagged as the ultimate torii gate experience in Japan. Honestly, I was already tired this time but but hello, it's Japan! So, Fighting!!!!

There was a photoshoot with these beautiful ladies wearing traditional Japanese Costumes

What do we have here? Fushimi Inari Shrine is very famous to Instagram due to its number of torii gates well-aligned and straddled to a network of trails going uphill. Again, it is very crowded but of course, it is part of the experience!



We just took a round trip uphill then back to the main gate. And then we went back to Osaka to spend the rest of the afternoon and to maximize our day.



Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Opened: 711 AD
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 75-641-7331

OSAKA CASTLE

We spent the whole afternoon in Kyoto to enjoy the place and of course, get a bowl of Ramen! I promise myself to get more bowls of Ramen when I get back to Japan! So, we headed back to Osaka where we stayed in our first half-week of our Japan Travel and went directly to another castle, the Osaka Castle!



What can we expect in Osaka Castle? Surrounding the Osaka Castle is a big park on of which is the Honmaru Park situated in the Southern part in which Tourists or even locals spend an afternoon to chill and do some picnics. Also, don't wonder if the place near Osaka is crowded as it has a big gymnasium where concerts are held. And during our visit, it was Backstreet Boys concert so yeah, a lot of people surrounded us! But it was fun!



In addition, near the castle is the famous skyline of Osaka Business Park. You would see a beautiful Crystal Tower and other buildings. Osaka castle provides a great sunset view.

Osaka Castle at night

View of Osaka Business Park from Osaka Castle

Information Details:
Address: 1-1 Osaka-jo, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0002
Access: It takes a 15-20 walk from each of the following station;
-Morinomiya Station or Osaka-jo Koen Station on JR Kanjo Line.
-Exit 1-B of Tanimachi 4-Chome Station or Exit 3 Tenmanbashi Statoin on Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line
-Exit 9 of Tanimachi 4-Chome Station, Exit 1 or 3-B of Morinomiya Station on Osaka Metro Chuo Line
-Exit 3-B of Morinomiya Station or Exit 1 of Osaka Business Park Station on Osaka Metro Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line

Open: 9:00-17:00 (Last Entry at 16:30. Opening hours may be extended depending on the season.)
Closed from Dec 28 to Jan 1.
Admission Fee: Adult: 600 yen. Free to students under junior high school, senior Osaka residents over the age of 65 (requires an ID) and disability certificate holders.
Website:http://www.osakacastle.net/english/



DOTONBORI, OSAKA

After spending a good sunset view in Osaka Castle, we headed to our next destination, the famous  Dotonbori! Why does Dotonbori famous for Tourists? Dotonbori or Dotombori is famous for its night scenes of food haven everywhere. Not to mention those eye-catching giant Crab, Octopus as signages, and billboards of the buildings and restaurants. And of course, your visit to Dotonbori won't be complete without a picture with the famous Glico running man which is near the Ebisubashi Bridge of Dotonbori.

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FLEX ko lang si GLICO running man in Dotonbori with the Ferris wheel branch of Don Quijote. (swipe left) Speaking of Donki, i already uploaded my first Japan Vlog and it's all about pasalubong to be bought in discount store, Don Quijote!! Check out my profile loves!!! and oh, thanks to @klooktravel_ph for this opportunity!!! #Japan #Osaka #Klookph

A post shared by Mark Monta (@themarkmonta) on Dec 11, 2019 at 5:00am PST

DON QUIJOTE

Before we went to bed, we did a quick buy to Don Quijote Osaka near our hostel. Check out the video below.

Earlier today, PLDT Customer Service Account on twitter @PLDT_Cares was hacked by a hacking group named Anonymous Philippines. They changed the twitter name from PLDT Cares to PLDT Doesn't Cares, posted some callouts, and threatened another internet provider, Globe Telecom. Details to follow.

I think PM is the KEY! Everything can now be done via Facebook. A number of Online Sellers had been posting their merchandise on Facebook while consumers send a message for details and then purchase what they need. As easy as 1, 2, 3, we can now order our fave cravings from Jollibee Foods Corporation Restaurants such as Jollibee, Burger King, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, Greenwich, among others via Facebook Chat and using Cashless Payment option like PayMaya or Credit/Debit/Prepaid Cards.



“As we implement more stringent safety measures in this 'new normal', the availability of PayMaya’s cashless payments solutions helps ensure that both our customers and frontliner workers are protected, while at the same time giving them a more joyful experience when they order their favorite food from any of our brands," said Jollibee Global Brand CMO, JFC Philippines Country Business Group and concurrent Jollibee PH Marketing Head Francis Flores.

Offering cashless payment options via the Facebook chatbot is just the next step in the partnership between PayMaya and JFC.  In 2019, this partnership also helped pave the way for the launch of digital payments through self-ordering kiosks in Jollibee, Burger King, and Chowking stores via the One by PayMaya Point-Of-Sale Device, and now has expanded its cashless payment option in 300 Jollibee stores.

Please note, this new feature is on a BETA Level so expect a delay from your areas.

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1. Search for your preferred JFC Restaurants on Facebook. (Jollibee, Burger King, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, Greenwich)
2. Click SEND MESSAGE
3. Type #Order
4. Type all your orders.
5. Choose a cashless payment option (choose PAYMAYA or use your credit, debit, or prepaid cards)

• For Metro Manila, The minimum order for delivery is P200 and the maximum order is P3,300.
• For other areas, please keep updated with the rollout of this feature by following @PayMayaOfficial
• As an added treat, customers can get up to 100% cashback when they pay using their PayMaya registered mobile number upon ordering via chatbot with a minimum spend of P500.