The best way to save money when shopping for footwear is to invest in a good, stylish pair that you know would last you a long time and could take you to several destinations, activities, and outdoor conditions. That way, you don’t need to buy too many or too often. This tip can even apply when you’re buying flip-flops—the most ubiquitous of all summer footwear.

A trip to the beach was a shoo-in for our summer plans, but my friends and I also wanted to try other outdoorsy activities. I needed footwear that can take me from the city to the beach, then to destinations such as Sagada or Mt. Pinatubo, for which ordinary rubber flip-flops might be inadequate.

That’s why when I went flip-flops shopping this summer, I decided to get a pair from Merrell—an international brand known for its durable and versatile footwear. There are several reasons I decided to invest in this pair—aside from the fact that it comes in a lovable shade of purple! Find out after the jump.

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See details of this exciting summer promo after the jump.

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Have you and your man decided on a V-day date yet? Answer this little questionnaire before we give you our ultimate date idea:

• Do you want to celebrate the day of hearts but would rather avoid the expected congestion of couples and vehicles around the metro?
• Do you like doing relaxing activities like getting pampered together?
• Does your idea of an ideal Valentine date involve a candle-lit dinner, flowers, wine, and cuddle time in a beautiful setting?

If you answered yes to at least one of the items above, then a date at Nurture Spa Village Tagaytay is perfect for you and your significant other. On Valentine’s Day, Nurture Spa gives couples extra special treatment with irresistible packages. Learn more after the cut.

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Check out details of this event and travel tips for backpackers after the jump.

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With its fleet of dazzling Armani stores and breathtaking shrines of art, commerce, and contemporary urban living, Shanghai, the largest city in China, is certainly a hotspot of modernity and one of Asia’s top shopping destinations.

And you can get a chance to go to Shanghai through Q Channel 11’s Shop Around Asia on Q promo, which takes one winner per week to one of the four destinations (that also includes Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore) for the shopping spree of a lifetime—plane fare, accommodations, and shopping money to be given for free to the winner and her best girlfriend.

Q VJs Hilary, Ysa, and Steph also shared some tips on making the most of your Shanghai trip on the next page.

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