Shanghai, being a metropolitan city, is not always a cheap place to visit. If you know how to strike a bargain, then you’d probably hit a gold mine. That’s what happened to our accommodations. We stayed in a hotel with services that made us extra comfortable, yet got a discounted rate. Meilong Holiday Inn Express …
My trip this year to Cebu, particularly to Mactan, brought back memories of a luxurious stay I did three years back in another resort within the same island. It was a press event my former office organized for a client. We gathered media people from various countries in Southeast Asia and booked them in Shangri-la’s …
It was dark when we arrived in Nasugbu, Batangas. There were no traffic at the expressway or at the tourist destination Tagaytay, where we passed by. Famished after the long drive, we went directly to look for a place to eat. Good thing one of our companions remembered Kainan sa Dalampasigan, which literally means “eatery by …
This was the third weekend that I was getting out of the capital, Manila. This time we were to hold a workshop in the province of Batangas. We traveled before sundown of Friday to get to our venue, the Central Azucarera Don Pedro (CADP) in Nasugbu, Batangas. The guest house was readied for us, including …
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There I was again traveling alone. It usually happens whenever I travel for business wherein I would be left to my own devices. Having been used to working with non-profits, I often visited new and unfamiliar places without any welcoming party at the airport or a transport service. Sometimes it sounded scary but I always …
All of my trips to this southern Philippine city had always been for business. My first visit to Cagayan de Oro City, or CDO, as most Filipinos refer to it, was a decade ago when I was there to hold a training workshop with the local affiliates of the organization where I used to work …
When I thought of Kuala Lumpur, what instantly entered my mind was the Petronas Tower, Malaysia’s poster image. Because of its prestige, I envisioned KL as an urbanized metropolis. But its distance from its international airport totally took me by surprise. Good thing we found Tune Hotels located right in the airport complex. It was …
When it comes to hotel chains, the name Hilton is not unfamiliar to tourists. Not only because it’s a nice family name but also due to the brand image it has carved in the hotel industry. My first nights in the US, specifically in San Francisco, were spent in a cozy bed in Hilton San …
Forty-five hundred people. Thirty-something new friends. A grand opening session. This has been the biggest conference I have attended so far. This was the National Conference on Volunteering and Service (NCVS) 2009. It was a gathering of various non-profits, government agencies, and corporations all over the United States. So, why was Hands On Manila part of …
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It was my first time in San Francisco, California. In fact, it was my first time in the US. On a bigger scale, it was my first time across the Pacific. I went to the US to attend the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service as a representative of Hands On Manila Foundation, an …
As dawn breaks over the sprawling cityscape, Bangkok emerges from the shadows, unveiling a mesmerizing blend of modernity and tradition. Nestled along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this pulsating metropolis captivates the senses with its vibrant street markets, aromatic street food, and ornate temples that stand as testaments to its rich cultural heritage. …
“Selamat datang.” Welcome to Jakarta, the vibrant and bustling capital city of Indonesia! Situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java, Jakarta is not only the largest city in Indonesia but also one of the most populous cities in the world. Known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and thriving economy, Jakarta …
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Nestled in the heart of Indonesia, amidst the lush landscapes of Central Java, stands a magnificent testament to ancient craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a remarkable Buddhist temple complex that captivates visitors with its grandeur and cultural significance. As you approach this architectural masterpiece, you are transported back in …
Read more “First-time in Borobudur, Yogyakarta: Scaling its Mystical Beauty”