A Peek into Manila Hotel’s Suite Life

One hundred years seem to be a pretty long time. When you enter the grand lobby of the Manila Hotel, it gives you a feeling of nostalgia as you remember your childhood memories here or imagine Filipinos a century past donning their ternos and barongs, dancing under the same beautiful chandeliers. But when you view …

Your Story: First-Time Travel to Morocco

By: Thomas Hollowell Located on the northern tip of the Sahara, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is an easy ferry ride from Spain, and frequent flights connect it to other European countries. Bustling markets, golden sand dunes and colorful rugs fulfill visitors’ expectations of a romantic and old land, while the country’s developed infrastructure makes …

First Solo Trip to Vigan

A Facebook post from a fellow traveler caught my eye and piqued my interest. There was an international conference on cultural tourism that will take place to the historic city of Vigan, an eight- to ten-hour ride from the capital of Manila. As I was in between jobs and had a week to spare while …

Your Story: My first time in Argentina

Everything in one place by Jerrard Doran The 8th biggest country in the world. A country spanning seven different climactic zones. From the lowest point on the South American continent (that’s Laguna del Carbón) to the highest peak in all of the Americas (and that is Aconcagua). Home to the largest ice cap in the …

The Nutcracker at the Manila Hotel

Giant Nutcracker soldiers filing at the sides, wreaths hanging on the wall, candy canes set on table centerpieces – all these now fill the grandoise lobby of the Manila Hotel, bringing the Christmas spirit to every guest that enters its doors. At the end of the august hall is a Christmas tree with the Sugar Plum Fairy sitting on top of …

Kamana Sanctuary

First-time in Kamana Sanctuary

The photo of their Casitas was enough for me to agree to a weekend getaway during the long holiday in observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa was what I expected the weekend would be – full of relaxation and reassuringly stress-free. Kamana is tucked away in Subic, …

Free Freedom Island

…from trash and other ecological threats. Freedom.  Such a powerful word, and something that is close to a traveler’s heart. For instance, I relate traveling to freedom – going beyond boundaries and being able to explore places, things and cultures. And, yes, traveling is getting free from the constricting space of my cubicle. For two Saturdays …

Dinner Cruise at Manila Bay

Fascinating. This is how I describe our dinner cruise adventure at the Manila Bay. Onboard Prestige Cruises, my friends and I (we were about 20) decided to celebrate the July, August and September birthdays with pizzazz. Our party’s theme was fascinators, and we were dressed in the 20’s. The exciting vibe has caught on board …

First-time in Sarangani

What’s good about business trips is that you get the chance to visit places at short notice. The downside is that you spend most of your time doing work that you get no chance to fully enjoy the place. It was a day trip to Sarangani, home to the magnificent Sarangani Bay. The early morning …

First-time in Star City

Colorful shapes, fun games, and guiltless pleasures – this is the magic of childhood. And so I found my feet leading me to Star City, to revisit my childhood, along with cousin and aunt who was in town for medical purposes. Amidst the slight drizzle and heavy traffic, we headed to the CCP Complex where …

Tagaytay: the City I Love

Tagaytay is a city like no other. No neon lights but only the stars in the sky. No towering skyscrapers but only houses on the hills. No subways but only horseback riding. Nature and serenity abound in this city. Situated at the elevated part of the province of Cavite and overlooking Taal Lake, Tagaytay City …

Slow & Easy in Anilao

Fishes of various colors and sizes swarmed around us as my friends threw in bits of bread into the sea. It was delightful to be in their midst, some of which kissed my fingers, hoping to get some food from there. This is Anilao, Batangas, home to many underwater species in the Philippines. Yet, my …

Ostrich and Roasted Pig in CDO

So, I had been travelling to and from Cagayan de Oro five times in 2012. And it was not yet even half of the year then. All these trips were business-related and not one was for leisure. The most leisurely thing I’ve done in this southern city in the Philippines was a haircut in one of the beauty …

First-time in Mabuhay Palace

“We’re on the road We move from place to place” It was labor day. One must have minded working on a holiday. I would have. But since it was field work and I would be working with a Filipino music icon, I jumped out of my bed and proceeded to Manila Hotel, one of the …

First-time in Forest House

“Can you take us to that restaurant with a good overlooking view?” one of my colleagues asked my officemate who grew up in Baguio City. And with a snap of a finger, Forest House came to mind. After some take-home shopping at Mines View Park and the Good Shepherd and road trip around Baguio’s winding …