Taman Mini Indonesia

First-time in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Would you believe that in my seven months of living in Jakarta (READ: First-time in Jakarta and 10 Things to See in Jakarta) I haven’t set foot in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah? I’ve spent most of my time in the central and northern part of the city and missed out a lot on the southern, …

10 things you must know about Dubai before your first trip

With its skyline of modern skyscrapers, large shopping malls, luxury hotels, and entertainment options, Dubai has become one of the preferred international destinations for tourists, particularly Indians. The number of Indians visiting Dubai has only grown in the last few years. And even for Filipinos because there are a lot of our kababayans or fellow Filipinos who …

Tangkil Island

First-time in Tangkil Island, Lampung

After our interesting first day in Lampung (READ: First-time in Lampung, Indonesia) where we had a morning of heritage surprises and an afternoon with nature, it was high time to hit the seas and ride ourselves to excitement and adventure. We first had breakfast at Emersia Hotel (READ: First-time in Emersia Hotel and Resort) before …

First-time in Nature's Eye Resort

First-time in Nature’s Eye Resort

Going offline and on-nature is something we often need every now and then. Taking a breather, not just from the daily grind and traffic but also from the social media noise, and going back to basics can be — well, a breath of fresh air — at this day and age. Thus, it was a …

Macau

Macau for First-time Travelers

My post about my first time in Macau (READ: First-time in Macau) is short and sweet, just like that trip back in 2005 as we only spent two full days in this region. Now, 12 years after, I was able to spend four full days and brought along my sister who has not been to …

First-time in Brunei

It was a spur of a moment decision and about a month to prepare. It all started with a simple inquiry of a friend about Brunei, and which I thought was an invitation to travel there. And it led to one wonderful adventure to “The Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures“, which lives up to its name. …

Siquijor Island

First-time in Siquijor Island

Siquijor is said to be a mystical island in the Philippines because of the presence of healers in this 338-square kilometer area. Even when I was kid I have heard a lot of these stories from our elders. And while my sister and I were recently in Siquijor Island for the Holy Week, which was in …

National Palace Museum

Taiwan’s National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum in Taipei is located near the hilly portion of the metropolis. It was an easy commute taking the MRT Wenhu Line. We got off at the Dazhi station, walked a few steps towards the tofu store and caught the B13 (Brown 13)bus. It was about a ten to fifteen-minute ride before …

Ximending

Shopping at Ximending Taipei

Let us say that we got to Ximending Commercial Area by accident. Or something to that effect. I knew that Ximending is near our area, but I never imagined it to be right in our backyard, or behind our hotel. And I didn’t expect it to be so alive, just like Seoul’s Myeondong area. It …

15 Reasons to Have More Fun in the Philippines

This is the Department of Tourism video of the Visit the Philippines Year 2015. Although the campaign was in 2015, every year is a reason to have more fun in my wonderful country, the Philippines. As a student of life where the world is my classroom, I always thirst for new things to unravel. That …

The colors of Masskara Festival 2014

“I’ll take you back to the old days and I’ll sing the songs once you’ll all remember so come and sing along (come on everybody)” This was the Latin beat of medley songs of Trini Lopez that has always embedded in my memory of the Masskara Festival I knew. I was a small child and …

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 …

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 …