Destinations

Still trying to find the appeal of Quezon City’s ‘Snacks & Ladders’

If board games interest you, then this resto in Quezon City, aptly named Snacks & Ladders (a play at Snakes and Ladders), should also interest you.

Published

4 years ago

January 24, 2019

M.D. dela Cruz Tan

If you are an 80s or 90s child, you’d be (quite) familiar with board games – those “toys” that people used to play with prior to the ubiquity of tech.

But come to think of it, even if you’re not from those eras, you should still be familiar with board games, considering the retro approach of new(er) flicks and shows, e.g. The Big Bang Theory and Stranger Things.

Now… if this interests you, then this resto in Quezon City, aptly named Snacks & Ladders (a play at Snakes and Ladders), should interest you.

WHAT’S THERE

The place along Maginhawa Street has two floors – the lower floor has resto-like setting (i.e. tables and chairs), while the upper floor has shorter tables so that the guests have to sit on the floor. These settings are flanked by board games everywhere.

At the ground floor, there’s also a “bar”, where the order is placed/payment is made; though this is sorta unnecessary, since a waitress will approach you after you are seated.

There are over 500 different board games here; and there’s also a black board where guests can write other board games that aren’t there (a wishlist, basically).

WHY GO THERE

It helps, of course, that the place is: cool (literally, with the airconditioning properly working), and is frequented by young and young-at-heart. But if there’s a reason to come here, it’d be the board games.

As one of the very, very few places that has a lot of these board games, this is a must-visit for those looking to play any or all of these board games.

WHY AVOID THE PLACE

The food isn’t all that good (sorry, sorry…)… and are quite costly.

Taste-wise, there’s nothing to boast here – at least as far as I’m concerned.

For instance, the Hotdog Poppers (bacon-wrapped hotdog slices, basically) tastes like those freebies given by hotdog companies in grocery stores. Meanwhile, the Chicken Poppers (basically breaded small strips of chicken, which are then fried) is: a) too sweet, and b) too tiny so you’d have a hard time picking them with the provided toothpicks (meaning, be sure to ask for spoon and fork when this is ordered). And since these sell from P140, you’d question these…

Price-wise, this place is… costly.

For instance, a cup of rice sells for P30, too costly considering that good rice brands sell from P50+ per kilo. Shakes here sell from P120 – on a par with big café chains. Beers sell for P60 – on a par with regular bars.

BTW, you need to pay P50 per pax to be able to use a board game.

Also while there, expect to be surrounded by conyos. If your ears itch when you hear lazy Taglish talking, then this isn’t the place for you…

IN THE END…

The idea behind Snacks & Ladders I okay; I sure don’t mind hanging out there if only to hark back on my college days.

Kudos, of course, for the board games; and since some of them are hard to find, being able to play them in any place at all is always welcome.

But beyond this, this place’s appeal is… limited. So check if you want a café alternative; but share info on whether the place was able to keep to coming back or not…

Snacks & Ladders is located at 188 Maginhawa, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City. For more information, you may call (02) 710 3128.

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M.D. dela Cruz Tan

M.D. dela Cruz Tan is the founder of Zest Magazine. And no, the initials (i.e. M.D.) do not make him a "medical doctor" (as many have erroneously thought in the past); he is actually a graduate of Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) of the University of Newcastle in New South Wales Australia (just don't ask when, he says). He can: photograph, do artworks with mixed media, write (of course), shoot flicks, community-organize, facilitate, lecture, research (with pioneering studies under his belt)... this one's a multi-tasker, who is even conversant in Filipino Sign Language. Cross his path is the dare (read: It won't be boring).

Travel

Filipinos are traveling for longer, enjoying immersive travel

Two long years of being confined at home during the pandemic left Liezl and her family longing for a chance to unwind and explore new horizons. Winning The Fly and Live Anywhere campaign felt like destiny — and offered them the perfect opportunity to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations they had always dreamed of visiting, and to create new memories together.

Published

12 hours ago

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ZestMag.com Staff

Gone are the days of rushed vacations and packed itineraries, as Filipinos seek slower, more meaningful travel experiences. With bookings for long-term stays on Airbnb growing more than 2.5x year-on-year in 2022, it’s clear that Filipino travelers are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and staying in one place for longer periods.

Take it from Liezl Sophia Jose, winner of Airbnb’s Fly and Live Anywhere contest, as she chronicles her travel experience, tips, and lessons learned from her family’s month-long adventure around the country.

Finding a home away from home

“An adventure doesn’t always have to be in far-flung regions or the most popular destinations, because there are so many choices in our beautiful islands. Some natural wonders are practically in our backyards,” Liezl shared.

During the course of their month-long adventure, the family explored Dumaguete, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro. They rediscovered the rural charm and local food scene of different cities, stunning beaches and sunsets, and enjoyed a spot of adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting. They also took road trips to Rizal and Batangas, where they enjoyed the picturesque natural scenery and countryside.

For Liezl and her family, the contest was not only a chance to travel again, but a chance to embrace a new way of life. As they explored the country’s hidden gems, the family discovered the joys of living like a digital nomad as they worked and took remote school from anywhere.

A guide for modern travelers

Here are Liezl’s top tips for anyone planning a multi-city adventure:

For those booking longer stays, search for Airbnb Stays with reliable WiFi connection and essentials like drinking water, bathroom essentials, and kitchen amenities like a microwave oven and coffee maker. These small things really help make you feel like you’re living in a home away from home!
If you intend to experience local culture in your destination city, markets are always a good starting point – by walking around you get to explore the neighborhood and learn more about the local food, people, language, and lifestyle.
Travel light and triple-check airlines and airport transfers in case a schedule change happens at the last minute.
Finally, put the phone down every so often. Take your time. Immerse in your surroundings. Respect the locals. Breathe the fresh air. Soak in the view. Hug a tree. Bathe in the sun’s rays. Be grateful!

For Liezl, the month-long getaway with her loved ones allowed her to pause, reset and enjoy life as it comes, “No two sunsets are the same. Each one is different. Yet, it comes from the same sun. It doesn’t matter where we are; we belong anywhere we choose to make our home for the day.”

Travel

Get paid to travel with ShopBack Travel Club

ShopBack Travel Club is an influencer showdown and user content contest that would reward winners with a free trip abroad and exclusive travel perks as part of the “club.” The launch took place last May 23 in Makati.

Published

5 days ago

May 26, 2023

ZestMag.com Staff

ShopBack – Asia Pacific’s leading shopping, rewards, and payments platform is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest project – ShopBack Travel Club.

The project is in line with the continued growth that ShopBack is seeing amongst its travel merchants this 2023. During the first quarter of 2023, ShopBack saw an increase of more than 20% in average transaction value and observed a 3x growth in GMV vs. 2022 for the travel category.

“Revenge Travel” is indeed projected to continue and ShopBack Travel Club is the brand’s response to this growth as it continues to revolutionize the way users embark on their dream getaways by offering exclusive promotions, irresistible discounts, and huge cashback rewards.

For the contest, users and content creators will get a chance to win exclusive perks and prizes.

Free hotels stays in Bali from partner hotels of Agoda and Booking.com
Other discounts and perks from Klook and other partners

The campaign would kick off with a showdown between two groups of influencers who are being sent to Boracay this May 26 to outdo each other with travel content. The official hotel partner for the trip is Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay. Aside from a free trip and perks, the winning influencers would also be the face of ShopBack’s travel campaign for the year.

Users can join the contest by simply uploading travel videos on Tiktok and Instagram Reel. Users just need to mention the event tagline: “Get paid to travel with ShopBack.” Their videos would have to tag @shopbackph and have the hashtag #ShopBackTravelClub.

The contest would be judged by pioneer travel influencer Patrice Averilla (known as an Avelovinit on social media) and official media partner Tripzilla.ph. Winners would be determined based on the following criteria: 40% judges scores, 30% reach on Tiktok and Instagram reel views, and 30% likes, comments, and shares.

To learn more about the mechanics, users may visit this link: https://app.shopback.com/JoinSBTravelClub

“Users are already enjoying great savings by earning cashback from our travel partners. One user even earned P99K in cashback from booking their travels through ShopBack last year! ShopBack Travel Club is our way of making things even more exciting and a showcase of our commitment to enabling users to have the best travel deals.” says Raenald de Jesus, Head of Marketing for ShopBack Philippines.

Winners would be announced in time for ShopBack’s 8th birthday celebration which happens from June 15 to June 22 with an event in Glorietta from June 17-18 2023.

Travel

Emirates announces new offer for travelers planning to visit Dubai this summer

Published

1 week ago

May 22, 2023

ZestMag.com Staff

Emirates announced an exciting new offer for travelers planning to visit Dubai this summer. Starting from May 22,2023 to June 11, 2023, people who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class to or stopping over in Dubai, will be able to enjoy a complimentary two night stay at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. While for those traveling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class, can enjoy a complimentary one night stay at Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai.

This special offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours, for travel dates between May 26, 2023 and August 31, 2023. The offer is available on bookings made on emirates.com or Emirates call centre or ticket offices and via participating travel agents, made at least 96 hours in advance of passengers’ arrival.

Based right next to Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future, the 5* 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin culture and design, but with a modernised twist. Lose yourself in a culinary experience from North Indian Cuisines to Bavarian beer across the five amazing in-house restaurant and bars all over the hotel. If you’re looking to relax, travelers can unwind in the Extra Hour Spa, a unique, rooftop sauna that overlooks the stunning city of Dubai.

Located within the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DWTC), Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai, gives off a luxurious yet homely vibe right in the heart of Dubai. Relax by the pool and enjoy signature cocktails and light meals from Chills Pool Bar, and cap your adventure off with listening to a live music performance at the soul soothing Blue Bar. Whether traveling alone or as a family, make Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai your place to stay.

Explore more of Dubai with Emirates

Whether it’s cooling down in private pools or enjoying family fun at indoor theme parks and water parks, there is something for every traveler when visiting Dubai this summer. From sun-soaked beaches and cultural activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences for every visitor:

My Emirates Pass: Customers flying to or through Dubai can simply show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to hundreds of retail, leisure, and dining outlets, as well as famous attractions and luxury spas, to enjoy fantastic discounts throughout Dubai and the UAE. To see all My Emirates Pass offers, please visit https://www.emirates.com/ph/english/experience/my-emirates-pass/.
Skywards Partners: Members of Emirates’ award-winning loyalty program, Skywards, can earn Miles with our worldwide partners like hotels, airlines, car rentals, retail and banking. Members can spend these Miles on reward tickets, upgrades, or even tickets for concerts and sports events. Learn more about Emirates Skywards here: https://www.emirates.com/english/skywards/.

Emirates has safely restarted operations to more than 130 destinations, across six continents and currently operates 25 flights per week from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Dubai.