Category: business travel

  • My magnifique stay in Sofitel Manila

    My magnifique stay in Sofitel Manila

    The red and yellow mood lights and the glittering crystal chandeliers created a perfect ambiance that enhanced the artful interiors of the newly unveiled iconic design of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila‘s Grand Plaza Ballroom. The last time I was in this hotel was earlier this year when I attended a…

  • First-time in Novotel Suvarnabhumi

    First-time in Novotel Suvarnabhumi

    Arriving in Bangkok on a dark night from Chiang Mai and an early morning flight to catch the next day can be a bit taxing. Good thing we were to stay the night at Novotel Suvarnabhumi, a stone’s throw away from the airport. But it’s not just the proximity to Bangkok’s…

  • Do you check a hotel review before booking?

    Do you check a hotel review before booking?

    A few weeks back, a friend shared with me some information on a survey about travelers and how they access hotel reviews before deciding for an accommodation to book. It revealed that when it comes to choosing a hotel to stay Filipino business travelers are the most likely to rely…

  • First-time at the Lanna Folklife Museum

    First-time at the Lanna Folklife Museum

    I have seen its façade four years ago for I have been to the building just across the street. This year, I finally had the chance to enter the Lanna Folklife Museum in Chiang Mai where it documents the way of living of ancient Northern Thai tribes. We began our…

  • Science & Tech Fair at CMICE

    Science & Tech Fair at CMICE

    On a dark afternoon, while the mist covered the mountain view of Chiang Mai and its vicinity, the large expanse of the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (CMICE) appeared before us as we approached the compound. A giant skeletal structure of a dinosaur stood at the open area,…

  • First-time to design an umbrella

    First-time to design an umbrella

    I always love to paint. Imagine my delight when we were given the opportunity to design our own very own hand-made umbrellas. It was a windy afternoon when we visited the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) in Chiang Mai where we did this quick but fun activity. But before…

  • First-time in 137 Pillars House

    First-time in 137 Pillars House

    Fresh Mango Carpaccio with fresh Tuna, beetroot compote and simmered Shiitake mushroom served with avocado and lime mousse, mustard seed and tamarind dressing. Chargrilled fish fillet with garlic butter chili lime emulsion and vegetable “Misticanze”. French Baked Cheesecake with fresh berries compote sauce and spiral Tuile. There goes my diet. But,…

  • First-time in Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa

    First-time in Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa

    Our home for our brief visit in Chiang Mai, Thailand is the lush and serene Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa. It exudes “the essence of charming Lanna aesthetics”, preserving the rich heritage of the northern Thailand people. I have been to Chiang Mai twice already and I was happy that…

  • First-time in Asiatique the Riverfront

    First-time in Asiatique the Riverfront

    The Asiatique in Bangkok’s Riverfront is one of the newest places to be in the Land of Smiles. It’s a dining, shopping, and entertainment venue in one. It opens at 5:00 pm until midnight, providing a new vibe to Bangkok’s nightlife. But did you know that Asiatique was once a…

  • First-time at The Siam Hotel

    First-time at The Siam Hotel

    It was a fast ride to The Siam Hotel. As we touched down on a Sunday afternoon, the Bangkok streets were free of the usual traffic scene. More so, the police escort that we had, as part of our MICE lane experience for this familiarization trip by the Thailand Convention…

  • Thailand gears to be a strong MICE destination

    Thailand gears to be a strong MICE destination

    Bound for Bangkok, Thailand for a MICE familiarization trip, I was engrossed playing a game onboard Thai Airways, one of our trip’s sponsor when the passenger seated beside me asked if he should also fill out the form, the immigration card, that I inserted in my passport. I answered in…

  • 5 Fave Travel Accessories

    5 Fave Travel Accessories

    Though I try as much as possible to be a light traveler, there are things I cannot do away with which I carry with me during my journeys. They’re packed in my bags along with other essentials and clothes. Here are five of my five favorite travel accessories that make…

  • First-time at the Sky Garden

    First-time at the Sky Garden

    Not everyone knows where it is. It’s not a public place but some events do happen here. For those holding office at the Enterprise building along Makati’s Ayala Avenue, the Sky Garden must be something they’ve heard of. It occupies the rooftop of the lower tower of Enterprise. I came…

  • Traveling to help Rebuild Cagayan de Oro

    Traveling to help Rebuild Cagayan de Oro

    In December 2011, amid the holiday frenzy, the Philippines was struck with a challenge when typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) suddenly took everyone by surprise as it caused severe flooding in the southern region of the country. The cities that were heavily hit were Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and…

  • My Comfy and Suite Stays in Bangkok

    My Comfy and Suite Stays in Bangkok

    I was recently back in Bangkok for the Asia-Pacific Leadership Conference of various Habitat for Humanity offices in the region. Yes, it’s back to business trips for me. Not that I abhor going abroad for work. There were certainly some perks, like fewer expenses. Yet, most of the time, days…