Author: Claire Algarme
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First-time in a Holi Festival
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Braving the scorching Manila sun, my friends and I went to the Seaside Boulevard of the SM Mall of Asia to join in the fun of the Holi Festival. Men and women, young and old, in white shirts gathered to celebrate this event. The Holi Festival, also known as the…
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First-time in MNL Boutique Hostel: A backpacker’s haven
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Backpacking in your own city — it’s not a new concept but it’s neither something that most people do. Recently, I tried being a backpacker in Makati, where I am a resident for almost a decade, as I stayed overnight in this new chic place that has been creating a…
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First-time in Solaire Resort: A Luxurious Oasis of Entertainment and Tranquility
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They are out to change the game. And I want to believe that they are a step into it. Solaire Resort opened its doors to the public today. Due to the hype, it was expected that a lot of people will troop to this casino resort. Solaire Resort and Casino…
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First-time in Suzu Kin
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I agree. The best places to visit are those recommended by locals. I haven’t heard or read about this particular Japanese restaurant. The taxi I was riding zoomed past it and I wouldn’t even have taken a look at the signage. But the cab driver, eager to make pleasantries with his…
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It’s More Fun in the Philippines videos
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Smiles. Laughter. Fun. Whatever the circumstance is, Filipinos always find a reason to inject humor or joy into it. And with the catchy campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, I’d like to share several videos why it’s truly fun to come to my country. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADNgEHFDYzo&feature=player_embedded] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YgQJBajMdg&feature=player_embedded] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8nYOf2gcNE&feature=player_embedded]
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A Fan-filled Chinese New Year
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First came the firecrackers. That’s to drive out evil spirits. Then colorful Chinese dragons and lions dance to a certain beat that would definitely draw attention. These dragons go around and “eat” the ang pao or the red envelopes, as well as the offerings placed along its path. Yes, the…
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Planning my Seoul Trip
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The Gangnam Style, Korean soap operas and the K-Pop have invaded my TV screens, bringing my curiosity on South Korea to a higher level. Excitement is rushing through me as I plan my trip to Seoul this coming April. It will be in the spring time, thus, the picture of cherry blossoms gives…
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Farewell LP from a Blogsherpa
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For almost three years I have become part of Lonely Planet’s Blogsherpa Program, until recently when Lonely Planet has decided that the program has finally come to the end of the road. An e-mail that arrived in our inbox brought questions, more than answers, to us. Although we were saddened…
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A Peek into Manila Hotel’s Suite Life
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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…
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Your Story: First-Time Travel to Morocco
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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…
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First Solo Trip to Vigan
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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…
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Your Story: My first time in Argentina
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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…
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The Nutcracker at the Manila Hotel
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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…
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First-time in Kamana Sanctuary
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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…
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Free Freedom Island
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…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…