Jollibee to Open in the Heart of Times Square, New York on August 18

Another first in its international expansion plan, homegrown restaurant chain Jollibee will open in the heart of the iconic Times Square, New York on August 18, 2022. The newest store opening forms part of the Jollibee Group’s aggressive overseas expansion and sustained growth in one of its key pillar markets, North America.

Start spreading the news - Jollibee is coming to NYC!

Also known as the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a top global commercial and entertainment hub. Jollibee Times Square will be located right beside Good Morning America and in the Bowtie, where the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop takes place. The store is expected to attract new fans and introduce the brand to more mainstream American customers.

“We are excited to spread the joy of eating to everyone and contribute to the diverse and exciting food scene in Times Square,” shared Maribeth Dela Cruz, Jollibee Group’s President for Philippine Brands (Jollibee, Chowking, and Red Ribbon) in North America.

Jollibee makes it to the heart of Times Square,
right beside Good Morning America.

The Times Square branch will offer Jollibee menu favorites, including the world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken and Chicken Sandwich–each with its own spicy variant, and other favorites such as Peach Mango Pie and Jolly Spaghetti.

Now with 84 locations across North America and over 1,500 restaurants worldwide, Jollibee continues to grow its presence in the U.S. and Canada, with plans of reaching 500 stores in the next five to seven years. Jollibee is the flagship brand of the Jollibee Group, one of the world's largest and fastest growing restaurant companies. To learn more about Jollibee and other brands of the Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

A Quick Guide to Apartment Hunting in Los Angeles.

"All I wanna do is have some fun 

I got a feeling, I'm not the only one...

All I wanna do, is have some fun

Until the sun comes up 

Over Santa Monica Boulevard..."

Back in the 90's, when this Sheryl Crow song became a huge hit, this was how I imagined Los Angeles to be like - a fun and exciting place to live, a hustling and bustling city with bright lights, tall buildings, and warm and friendly people.

This pretty much holds true to this very day. In fact, Los Angeles is, was, and will always be one of the best places to live in the US - especially if you're a Filipino expat. Los Angeles is home to the second largest concentration of Filipinos in the world, the weather is nice and sunny for the most part of the year, and yes, they have a Jollibee store smack dab in the middle of Beverly Boulevard. All the more reason to move to the City of Angels, haha!

Photo credit: Daniel Semenov on Pexels.

Now, if you're set on relocating to Los Angeles, it's essential to consider a few key factors when searching for a place to call home, particularly if you're looking to rent an apartment. Keep in mind crucial aspects such as location, budget, and amenities, and consider exploring neighborhoods that are known to be safest places to live in LA, to ensure a comfortable and secure living environment.

It's all in the 'hood

Just as the City of Angels is teeming with life, it's also teeming with a variety of lifestyle options. There are over a dozen neighborhoods in LA, each with its own cultural identity. Choose a place that's close to where you work, and suits your lifestyle best.

Koreatown in Los Angeles.

For instance, there's Venice Beach, a coastal neighborhood known for its charming streets, amazing restaurants, and picturesque boardwalk. There's also Beverly Hills, an affluent neighborhood where you can find the world-famous Rodeo Drive. It's also one of Los Angeles' busiest tourist destinations. And then there's Wilshire, an ethnically diverse neighborhood known for its artsy buildings, trendy shops, and Korean barbecue restaurants. 

Set your budget

As of this writing, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is $2000. (That's actually a 5% decrease or about $100 compared to the previous year.) Aside from the monthly rent, you'll need to pay a security deposit that's usually equivalent to one month's rent, an application fee, perhaps a parking fee if there's a reserved parking spot, and pet fees if you have a dog or a cat.

Consider your commute

A glimpse of LA traffic.

As I have mentioned earlier, it's ideal to live close to where you work. Traffic has been a perennial problem in Los Angeles, and rush hours can get pretty crazy. Going out and about LA without your own set of wheels can be quite challenging, but if you're okay with public transport, you still need to consider the distance from your apartment to your workplace and the amount of time you're willing to endure for your commute.

Use an apartment search tool

In this day and age of modern technology, the internet makes apartment hunting easier, more convenient, and less time-consuming. With the click of a mouse or a tap on your smartphone, you can easily find apartments for rent in Los Angeles, thanks to reliable listing sites such as Zumper.

Jin, busy with his smartphone.

Gone are the days when apartment hunting would be physically and mentally exhausting. With Zumper, you can easily see apartment listings online, and find a place that suits your budget, location preference, and lifestyle needs. 

See it for yourself

Single bedroom apartment in Los Angeles.

Once you find a place you like, set up an appointment for the apartment viewing. See the apartment for yourself before signing the lease and meet with the landlord or property manager so you can talk about important details personally. Doing this will give you a better feel of the situation and an assurance that the online listing is not a scam.

Sealed the deal and ready to move in? Congratulations and welcome to Los Angeles!

Alfred Coffee.

Explore the neighborhood, find your way around, and discover important places such as supermarkets, convenience stores, banks, hospitals, and clinics. Oh, and coffee shops, too! Meet new people, eat good food, and bask in the bright lights of Los Angeles!

Fun Things To Do in Los Angeles.

The perpetually congested highways of the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, combined with the most extremely diverse of all neighbourhoods and to be found anywhere in the US are filled to the brim with an array of fun things to do. Here is your definitive guide and a key to the best of the local hot spots and vacation rentals in Los Angeles. Since Los Angeles is large and spread out, these places have been carefully chosen keeping the size of the massive area in mind.

To the City of Angels we go!

Runyon Canyon Park
This park is on the must visit list of almost every person visiting LA, simply because there is no entry fee and it provides breathtaking views of the city. A complimentary yoga session, run by the park is extremely popular with visitors. Keep one thing in mind that parking is impossible to get at most times so take an Uber. You can save on travel fees with this Uber promo code. Or you can ride in style in a limo which you can rent at https://www.limofind.com/ca/bakersfield-party-bus-rental/. 

Hollywood Bowl
This is undoubtedly the best outdoor concert venue in the world, and being a part of a show there is well worth the effort and the cost.The Bowl is located in Hollywood CA, and is set against the background of the famous Hollywood Hills. Apart from being home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra, the Bowl stages a large number of musical extravaganzas, all through the year.

Gjelina
This premier restaurant is the best spot for enjoying the New American cuisine in a rustic atmosphere. This extremely popular bistro serves exceptional salads and pizzas, apart from other variety of dishes and a wine list to die for. The prices are a little on the higher side, but worth every penny. Be prepared to wait for a long time in case you have not made advance reservations.

Hollywood, baby!

Hollywood Signs
Though no one is permitted to access the actual site of these famous signs, one can easily look around for a vantage point.The miles and miles of hiking trails in the hills surrounding the area offer many photography options, especially from the Griffith Observatory. For those interested, there are guided tours available which take you to spots very close to the sign.

Fresh veggies, anyone?

The Original Farmers Market
This wonderful outdoor market has been around since the 30’s, where a large number of vendors display their goods, ranging from restaurants, bars, butchery and gift shops. The whole area has a lively atmosphere, with an unimaginable variety of food on offer in a charming setting. A perfect place to visit to experience the quintessential side of the history of Los Angeles. The market is closed by 7 pm, so it is advisable to check before planning a visit.

Staples Center
The Staples Center is a multipurpose arena set aside for sports in downtown Los Angeles. This massive stadium is home to the pro basketball and hockey teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Kings, apart from a number of concerts and other events.The Center is situated near the heart of the city and the surrounding area is full of restaurants, bars and popular night spots.

LA at night.

Perch
This is the one and only spot in the city from where can relish drinks and cocktails from a rooftop providing unbeatable views of downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant is accessed through a series of elevators which end at the 15th floor, where options for both indoor and outdoor seating are available.

ArcLight Hollywood
The ArcLight Hollywood is the home of the Cinerama Dome and is definitely worth to go and watch a movie there for a cool experience. The Dome is actually located inside a restaurant that serves reasonably priced beer, wine and coffee and other seasonal drinks, based at times on the movie which is running.

On the bucket list!

Universal Studios
A tour to this world famous movie studio and theme park offers an unending number of attractions ranging from rides, tours, restaurants and many more which include a behind the scene tour to get a first hand experience of the movie making and special effects techniques. The Universal Studio City Walk area is located between the theme park and the parking lot and offers visitors sufficient opportunities to relax, shop and enjoy a movie or two. The studio is one of the oldest running studios in the country, and has Woody Woodpecker, the famous cartoon character, as its mascot.

Rose Bowl Stadium
Located in Arroyo Seco, which itself sits on a dry river bed, the Rose Bowl Stadium and its environs are in a different league all together. It houses more than 3000 vendors, a massive flea market, an aquatic center and a children's museum. Football games, musical concerts and a plethora of events are conducted here regularly. It is advisable to get to the stadium on event days very very early because of the crowds and the tight security.

The Queen Mary.

The Queen Mary
At one time the most luxurious and advanced sea liner ever commissioned, a tour of the Queen Mary is complete with action and adventure. A look from close quarters will reveal the groundbreaking construction and the labor involved into making this ocean going ship. The many restaurants and bars surrounding the ship makes it fun and enjoyable to spend some time here.The entry is a bit costly, but the architecture buffs will marvel at the sleek design as they enjoy the superb views of Long Beach from the deck of the ship.

Is It Better to Rent or Own in Florida?

Florida is a great place to purchase real estate. It's a desirable place to live for families as it offers the perfect climate, great scenery, and plenty of job opportunities. However, the housing collapse has made many buyers question whether it's the right time to purchase a home and most cannot qualify for a mortgage. Perhaps renting is a better alternative considering the instability of real estate. Below, you will find positive and negatives to both renting and buying, so that you can make a decision for yourself.

Photo credit: Team Maps

Renting provides financial security in case the housing market collapses
Real estate will never be considered a stable investment again. The economic conditions throughout the world are creating instability and buying a home is considered to be risky. Renting has no dangers or commitments. At any time, you could end your lease and move out. You're not tied down to a mortgage like you are with a home, so there is very little worry associated with renting.

Buying a home in Florida is a strong investment
Florida homes sell for very high dollar amounts and by purchasing a home your monthly payments will be applied to your mortgage. This builds equity and when it comes time to sell the property, you are likely to make profit. However, if the economy were to experience another downfall, the value of your home would surely depreciate. If you believe that housing prices are only going to rise and another recession is unlikely, then owning your own home should be something you are considering. Renting is not an investment, since you are not build equity, nor can you sell the property. It's not yours like a home that you own would be, so therefore, your monthly payments are simply contributing to nothing.

Florida homes sell quickly and are highly desirable
One benefit that you have working in your favor when you decide to purchase a home in Florida is that these homes are highly desirable. Florida is the perfect place to live when it comes to raising a family and living comfortably. There are families that move to Florida regularly and if you own a home here, it's likely to sell very quickly after you put it on the market. Some would say this provides a guarantee that your investment is safe, but there are always risks involved.

Buying a home is generally considered the smartest choice economically. However, the instability of the economy has created a lot of concerns for potential buyers. One thing is certain; fewer people are buying homes today than they were just a decade ago. Renting allows you to live comfortably without straining yourself to pay a mortgage and it also provides an opportunity to save money and prepare for a potential purchase.

When you are looking to relocate, you want to ensure that you find the best places to live.

There are huge arrays of reasons why you may want to relocate, and once you have made the decision it can be daunting. You will want to ensure that you choose the perfect location that fits all of your requirements. Not only must you like the house, but also the surrounding areas, and people that live in the neighbourhood.

In the USA, there are numerous different places that you can live, and many have entirely different climates and cultures. You need to think about why you want to live in an area, and if you are still unsure, research several different factors. For example, if you’re considering a relocation to Missouri, exploring local amenities such as the breweries kansas city has to offer, can give you a unique insight into the city’s culture and community vibe. This can help you decide if the atmosphere and lifestyle align with what you’re looking for in a new home. There are several different websites which outline the best places to live in America, and these can be fascinating to read.

Photo credit: Kielbaski

Whether you want to relocate to a big city or a small mountain hamlet, there are numerous choices available. Every different location will suit someone; you simply need to find your special place. The location should fit your lifestyle, goals, and preferences. For instance, if you're thinking about moving to West Philadelphia, you might search online for 'things to do around hershey pa' to determine whether the local attractions align with your interests and lifestyle. Once you find your special place you will feel relaxed and at home.

If you want to test whether a neighbourhood really fits your day-to-day life before committing long term, consider trying a fully furnished short-term rental for a month or two. Platforms that specialise in flexible stays make it easy to arrive with minimal hassle and see how local amenities, commute times and community feel match your expectations; for example, HousingAnywhere lists furnished, short-term options in vibrant cities like Valencia with essentials such as WiFi and kitchen appliances. That short trial can reveal practical details—noise levels, grocery access, transport links—that listings and reviews alone may miss. For many students, expats or temporary workers this approach reduces risk and helps inform a wiser, longer-term choice.

Many of the ranking systems which are available will take into a number of different factors including culture, crime rate, weather, economy and the overall happiness of the residents. You will be amazed at the different reasons why people choose an area; however, your decision should be personal to you. Some people thrive on the diversity of a city, and others love the tranquility of a small town.

Times Square, New York City.

Cities may seem appealing as they offer a huge number of different attractions, including a vibrant nightlife, stunning skyline, and everything on your doorstep. However, the cost to live in these places may be beyond your budget, which is why living further out, may be more appealing. The cost of living has a big influence on where you decide, and is often the top factor that people will consider.

Alongside the cost of living, you need to also consider the price of the property, both rental and purchase prices will increase in affluent areas. Your budget will defiantly have a huge part to play in where you can afford to live. However, there is nothing to stop you striving for a more expensive area in the future.

Taking the time to research the different areas, and consider all of the factors involved will help you to make the right decision. You need to look at your lifestyle, preferences, home life, and speak to other family members. Relocating should never be done quickly as this is often when bad decisions are made, and the wrong area chosen.

Staying Connected, and Family Ties across the Globe.

After a quick stay in the country, reuniting with relatives, catching up with old friends, and even meeting new members of the family, Granny is now on her way back to Florida. Her Philippine vacation came and went by so unbelievably fast. Two weeks is apparently not enough when you've been away from your mother land for almost 26 years!

She was in tears when my siblings and I said our goodbyes earlier this week. We all know how badly she wanted to extend her vacation, if not stay in the Philippines for good. The least we could do to comfort her was to remind her that we've all got mobile phones and the internet to help us stay connected. She even has a Sprint promo code which she can use whenever she wants to call.

Somewhere in Tampa, FL.

While it's true that we have lots of relatives in the US, it's also a sad fact that they're scattered all over the country and living in different cities and states. Some of my cousins are based in San Diego, while some are in Los Angeles. One aunt lives and works in Anaheim, while another has settled down in Colorado.

It's a good thing that even at eighty years old, Granny knows how to use a mobile phone. Not just for calls, but she also uses her phone for texting, and sometimes for browsing Facebook, too! (Yes, she has her own Facebook account!) What's even more awesome is that she keeps an eye on Sprint promo code, coupons and discounts. The frugal woman that she is, Granny makes sure that she gets the best deals when it comes to  landline and wireless services - longer talk time without having to worry about the charges later.

I know Granny will get even more homesick when she returns to her home in Florida; she will definitely miss our lively chatter and the kids' ruckus. Thank goodness for wireless services and the internet. It indeed bridges the distance between families, and makes homesickness a bit easier to bear.