The Grand Palace in Thailand

Elegant signature Thai architecture protruding from the long block of white walls greeted us as we approached the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, Thailand. Memories of my first visit in 2001 flooded my mind, yet I can only vaguely recall the details of every corner of the palace compound. Constructed in 1782 during the reign …

GrabFood in Bacolod: your fave food at your doorstep

Bacolod City is always known for its sumptuous food offerings that one should try the various food products available locally. Restaurants and eateries dot different parts of the City of Smiles, which locals and tourists alike have come to enjoy. Now, you can feast on your favorite food in the comforts of your home, office, …

Going bananas over Merzci Special Banana Chips

It’s a must for every visitor of Negros Occidental to bring back home the sweet goodies of the sugarbowl of the Philippines. Take your pick from napoleones to piaya, butterscotch, barquillos, pinasugbo, caramel tarts, pastries, and so much more. The best place to get these delicious pasalubongs is Merzci Bread and Pastries, the producer of …

Digital living: a fiber of the future

Leaving Metro Manila and going back to the province was something I’ve never expected I’d do, yet it was the best decision I’ve ever made. The quality of my life has greatly improved and I realized it was the kind of life I had been wanting all along. Nothing can really beat home, and the …

Living La Dolce Vita in Negros Occidental

A trip to Negros Occidental can be summed up in one word: Manamit! It means yummy, flavorful, appetizing, good taste, delicious and so much more. But it does not only refer to its food. It is how life in this part of the country is all about. La Dolce Vita or the sweet life is …

Negros Food Juanders

Breathtaking beaches, beautiful mountains, colorful festivals and smiling people draw travelers to the sock-shaped island of Negros. Negros is divided into two provinces: Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. But let’s take a closer look at Negros Occidental, the land of sweet surprises, and unravel the food discoveries they have there. What makes wanderers come back …

AirAsia’s new route: Manila-Bacolod

There are more reasons to fly and visit Bacolod City and the various towns and cities in the province of Negros Occidental as AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, launched its daily flights between Manila and Bacolod. The maiden flight was held during the highlight of the 40th MassKara Festival of the City of Smiles. …

9 Things to do in Rapha Valley

If you want to have a staycation near Bacolod City but where you can be close to nature, then Rapha Valley at Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), Negros Occidental is the perfect destination for you. You can spend the weekend by yourself, with your partner, or with family or friends. Stay the whole time inside Rapha …

Tips on choosing the right wear for travel

Travelling is not just about going places and taking selfies in various landmarks. There are more things that need to be thought over when one takes a trip to another place, especially in a different country or continent. Time zones, weather, foreign exchange, visa requirements and all other important information have to be taken into …

El Nido travel guide

El Nido is indeed one of the most wonderful locations on the planet! The tropical paradise is one of the 7000 islands in the Philippines, and the island is sure to keep you entranced for life. It is indeed one of the most beautiful places ever seen what with those soft white beaches and blue …

Dining in Hanoi for first-timers

People young old seated on low stools outside eateries and cafes along the sides of the streets are a common sight when you roam around Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Despite the sweltering heat, locals and tourists enjoy a warm cup of coffee, a bowl of pho and Vietnamese cuisine in a non-airconditioned setting. There’s something attractive …

Upper East Mall envisioned as Bacolod’s first “green” mall

Megaworld, the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, is building a three-level lifestyle mall inside its 34-hectare The Upper East township in Bacolod City. Covering a gross floor area of 24,200-square meters, the P1.2-B lifestyle place Upper East Mall is set to become Bacolod’s new architectural landmark as it showcases a blend of neo-classical …

First-time in Halong Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is one of the postcard pictures of Vietnam. Thousands of isles and limestone karsts are cast around this famous bay in Quang Ninh Province in the northern part of the country. Now, millions of visitors flock to Ha Long, which means “descending dragon”, to see this beauty up …

First-time in Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a sprawling city in the northern part of the country that has much old architecture and cultural and historical attractions that give off a charm that delights visitors and locals alike. Although it’s not my first time in Vietnam, since I have visited Ho Chi Minh City in the …

The gift of a CityMall Movie Card

There are great movies coming up year after year. If you are a movie buff yourself or if you have friends or colleagues who enjoy the comforts of the cinema, there’s a great way to make them feel you think about them. CityMall recently launched its movie card. It can be purchased at Php200 each …