It was a rainy Saturday afternoon. I didn’t know it was the beginning of a typhoon to hit our country. Good thing that I opted to spend it to a filling Festival de la Paella Gigante before we would be cooped inside the house for days. Anyway, we entered the historic Casino Español de Manila …
My nights seem to be filled with so many friends and food. Both go together most of the time. I have three eating joints I spent with friends this week and they have their respective specialties. It was like traveling through three countries. [UPDATE 2023: Some of the restaurants listed here may have closed or …
Almost everyday, I pass by this corner house with red door and artsy walls. A signage states “Le Bistro D’Agathe“. Though I lived within the neighborhood, I’ve never actually tried the place. I was more familiar with the old restaurant housed in that corner lot, Fat Michael’s Place. But after it closed down and the …
It was a gastronomical journey that did not require me to be on the road all day. Yummy Eats, the annual eating and cooking fair of Summit Media’s Yummy Magazine, gave me the food adventure that allowed me to stay indoors. Held at Taguig City’s NBC Tent at the Fort, this year’s Yummy Eats gathered …
I get a lot of propositions in my First-time Travels e-mail every now and then. I read through them all and choose which best suits my interest and my blog’s theme. Recently, I received a message from a memoirist and traveler, Adam Shepard. He is one of those who are bold enough to leave the …
As a Christian nation, the Philippines regard Holy Week as an important part of the calendar. On a Black Saturday, my friends and I embarked on a short pilgrimage to the city of Tagaytay. Because of its cool weather and relaxed setting, Tagaytay has become a location of choice of many retreat houses and religious …
Read more “Pilgrimage to Tagaytay: Serenity in Nature’s Scenic Splendor”
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 Festival of Colors, is a …
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 buzz online. MNL Boutique Hostel …
Read more “First-time in MNL Boutique Hostel: A backpacker’s haven”
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 is Manila’s newest attraction as …
Read more “First-time in Solaire Resort: A Luxurious Oasis of Entertainment and Tranquility”
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 passenger (that was me!), suddenly …
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.
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 Year of the Water Snake …
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 …
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 …
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 …