An Encounter with a Cannes Film Best Director

Every October, some friends and I would troop to Greenbelt 3 Mall to watch as many movies as we could in Pelikula, the Spanish Film Festival that happens each year in Manila. And, of course, I also watch local independent films during the Cinemalaya Film Festival. Movies are a reflection of society and the culture …

Negros Army Wellness

Organic produce at the Negros First-Army Wellness Farm

It was a trip to Camp Nelson Gerona in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, a few meters from Mambukal Resort, to help organize a medical mission. After our activity, I heard from my companions that papaya and other vegetables are available for sale inside the camp. I immediately headed to the officer whom they said was in-charge …

The City of Smiles and the #JoyInABox

Its name has resounded in many countries all over the world and has been around since 1937. And whenever you utter its name, you’ll always end up with a smile. Krispy Kreme. The name leaves a sweet taste on my mouth, simply because I have a great deal of experience with the brand. My encounter …

Nails, Face & Art at Beauty and Butter

Have you experienced this before in one of your travels? On the last day of your trip, your flight back home is scheduled at night or late in the afternoon. You have the whole day to do more exploring and sightseeing. Usually, this is devoted to shopping and buying of souvenir items. For Filipinos, it …

Have you been to an Organic Farmers Festival?

I must admit, having been away from my hometown for two decades  made me miss on so many events and happenings. I was curious about a post I read in one of my Facebook groups. It was about the Organic Farmers Festival that will be taking place on November 19 to 23 this year at …

SMX Convention Center arrives in Bacolod

When I was working with Hands On Manila, I had the opportunity to hold our annual Servathon culmination with thousands of volunteers at the SMX Convention Center, a modern, state-of-the-art events venue in Pasay City. Since then, I had been receiving regular updates from them via email. While in Manila, I would visit SMX for …

The taste of Quan Delicacies: A Bacolod icon

To the unacquainted, the signage “Quan” may seem like a Chinese name at first glance or even sound as a Spanish word. Asked for the meaning, Chole Cuenca-Chua, the one-half of the mother-daughter tandem that formed this famous native food delicacy brand, said that it simply stood as how it’s used in Filipino parlance. The …

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 press event which featured a …

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 gateway that makes Novotel Suvarnabhumi …

Martyr's Shrine

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 on reviews, with 80% saying …

Bacolod food

Eat’s More Fun in Bacolod

Home sweet home. It truly is. That’s because home is Bacolod, the capital of the sugar bowl of the Philippines. It is known for its delectable food, especially desserts. I’ve already written some fine eating places in the City of Smiles in my previous blog post Eat is Bacolod. Ever since I came home last …

Chiang Mai

Wats in Chiang Mai: Exploring these Mystical Marvels

Chiang Mai is home to one of the old Thai cultures, as seen in the many heritage sites in the city. In fact, the old square alone has several ancient temples that reflect the Lanna culture. Visiting Chiang Mai is like stepping into a realm where spirituality intertwines with architectural splendor. Moreover, it’s a place …

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 walk down history lane at …

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, giving us a preview of …

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 we even got to the …