Asia | First-Time Travels

Mansion de Bacolod: Dining in a House That Holds History

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, food, heritage, Philippines, Visayas July 18, 2025July 18, 2025One Comment

Have you ever dined in a place that seemed to whisper stories from the past? I’ve had the pleasure of doing just that and sharing meals in ancestral homes turned restaurants. But there’s something uniquely moving about dining in a space where history is not just remembered, but lived .This time, it was Mansion de Bacolod, a …

The Quarter Chaophraya and my riverside adventure in Bangkok

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Thailand July 8, 2025July 18, 2025No Comments

Under the moonlit night, I sat by the circular stone bench at the edge of The Quarter Chaophraya, watching the boats plying the Chao Phraya River. Their lights shimmered like scattered stars on the water’s surface, a quiet contrast to the hum of Bangkok’s skyline in the distance. My stay here was fleeting—a single night between …

Hacienda Santa Rosalia in Manapla, Negros Occidental

Hacienda Santa Rosalia: A Journey Through Time & Taste

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Philippines, Visayas June 26, 2025July 18, 2025No Comments

It was a crisp morning when we set off from Bacolod City to Hacienda Santa Rosalia on National Route 7 (N7). The highway was like a ribbon of asphalt that stitches together Negros Occidental’s rolling sugarcane fields and heritage towns. Fellow blogger Betsy Gazo, also an experienced tour guide who had long been eager to …

A Feast Like No Other: Experiencing the Boodle Fight in the Philippines

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, food, Philippines June 12, 2025June 12, 2025No Comments

Long tables of a colorful spread over banana leaves rolled into Namit and Fuego Bar & Lounge in Citadines Bacolod City, setting the stage for a culinary spectacle. We eagerly waited for this moment to sample their Boodle Fight Feast, something that brings flavor, culture and history on one stretch of banana leaves. Towering piles …

5 Days in Central Vietnam: Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Vietnam June 4, 2025June 4, 2025No Comments

Central Vietnam unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, weaving together history, culture, and natural beauty into three enchanting destinations: Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An. Each city tells its own story: Da Nang dazzles with modernity against a backdrop of pristine beaches; Hue whispers tales of imperial grandeur through ancient citadels and royal tombs; while Hoi …

Beachfront Bliss and Thrilling Nights at Carpe Diem Phuket

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Thailand May 28, 2025May 28, 2025No Comments

Uplifting beats greeted us as we stepped into Carpe Diem Beach Club in Phuket, Thailand, where masked ushers handed out vibrant cocktail drinks with flair. Drifting fabrics framed the entrance, swaying gently in the evening breeze and creating a fiery yet inviting welcome that set the tone for what lay ahead. For that evening, we …

Feast with the Namit Breakfast Buffet at Citadines Bacolod City

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, food, Philippines, Visayas May 20, 2025May 20, 2025No Comments

As the morning sun casts its golden glow over Bacolod City, guests of Citadines Bacolod City are greeted by an irresistible feast. Namit, the property’s signature restaurant, offers a breakfast buffet that celebrates abundance and variety. A rainbow of fresh fruits—pineapples, watermelons, mangoes, oranges, apples and avocadoes—beckons health-conscious diners. Baskets brim with warm croissants, baguettes, and local pandesal. …

ICONSIAM: A Gateway to the Life Vein of Bangkok

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Thailand May 8, 2025July 18, 2025No Comments

ICONSIAM rises like a glittering crown along the Chao Phraya River, where golden spires meet modern glass—a bridge between Thailand’s heritage and innovation. After wrapping up a business trip in Phuket, I treated myself to two days of unscripted adventure in Bangkok, a city that feels like a second home. Most of my past visits …

Megaworld’s Two Regis: A New Standard of Modern Living in Bacolod

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Philippines, Visayas May 4, 2025May 4, 2025No Comments

The Guimaras Strait sparkled to my left, while the majestic Negros Mountain Ranges stood tall on my right. I stood on the balcony of a two-bedroom unit at Two Regis, mesmerized by the breathtaking views. The gentle breeze carried a sense of calm, offering a glimpse into the serene lifestyle that awaits residents. Megaworld Corporation …

Discovering Da Nang: A Guide for First-time Travelers

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Vietnam May 1, 2025May 1, 2025No Comments

Da Nang, Vietnam, caught us completely by surprise. We arrived expecting a laidback Southeast Asian city, but what greeted us was something far more enchanting—a perfect blend of energy and tranquility. The moment we stepped off the plane at Da Nang International Airport, one of Vietnam’s most modern airports, we were struck by its proximity …

YONA in Phuket: Aboard the World’s First Floating Beach Club

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, food, Thailand April 25, 2025June 6, 2025One Comment

Have you ever partied in the middle of the sea, with a breathtaking view of the bay? Imagine lounging on an infinity pool that seems to merge seamlessly with the horizon, sipping your favorite drink as cool beats fill the air. That’s exactly what we experienced at YONA Beach Club during our organization’s chapter retreat …

The Singapore Fine Dining Scene: A Luxurious Culinary Experience

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, food, Singapore April 11, 2025June 6, 2025No Comments

There’s a reason Singapore is often hailed as one of the world’s premier destinations for fine dining. But does it live up to the hype? After indulging in some of the city’s most exclusive culinary experiences during a recent business trip, I can confidently say: absolutely. Singapore fine dining is an experience of a lifetime …

Mitisa Hotel Da Nang Review: Great Location in the City

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Vietnam April 7, 2025April 7, 2025No Comments

Our trip to Da Nang, Vietnam led us to discover Mitisa Hotel, an inviting urban retreat that combines modern comforts with local charm. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Da Nang, Mitisa offers a calm refuge in the city’s dynamic core, where relaxation and exploration meet. This hotel, only minutes from the airport and major attractions, became our oasis …

Why You Should Visit Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Phuket

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Thailand April 4, 2025April 5, 2025No Comments

I must admit, I arrived at the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Phuket, Thailand with a mix of excitement and apprehension. This wasn’t my first time seeing or interacting with elephants, but I had lingering doubts. You see, I had my misgivings in the past, which explains my reservations on taking part in this activity. But for someone who has …

Category: Asia

Mansion de Bacolod: Dining in a House That Holds History

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The Quarter Chaophraya and my riverside adventure in Bangkok

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Hacienda Santa Rosalia: A Journey Through Time & Taste

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A Feast Like No Other: Experiencing the Boodle Fight in the Philippines

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5 Days in Central Vietnam: Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An

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Beachfront Bliss and Thrilling Nights at Carpe Diem Phuket

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Feast with the Namit Breakfast Buffet at Citadines Bacolod City

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ICONSIAM: A Gateway to the Life Vein of Bangkok

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Megaworld’s Two Regis: A New Standard of Modern Living in Bacolod

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Discovering Da Nang: A Guide for First-time Travelers

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YONA in Phuket: Aboard the World’s First Floating Beach Club

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The Singapore Fine Dining Scene: A Luxurious Culinary Experience

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Mitisa Hotel Da Nang Review: Great Location in the City

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Why You Should Visit Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Phuket

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