City of Dreams. Three hotels, over 20 restaurants, a casino, spas, entertainment clubs, and meeting and events venues. I was fortunate to have been invited to Manila by Vivo, maker of smart phones, and billeted me at Nobu Hotel in City of Dreams, the first Nobu Hotel in Asia. (READ: 5 Things to Look For …
Around this month six years ago, everything was abuzz in Shanghai, China as it welcomed visitors for the World Expo 2010. My friends and I were among those who trooped to this 528-hectare compound to see the pavilions of countries from across the globe (Read: First-time in the Shanghai World Expo 2010). Of course, while …
The first month of the year 2015 is a great kick-off for the Visit the Philippines Year. January is full of festivities, and religious celebrations, at that. Throngs of people were expected to gather in Manila for the Black Nazarene, in Cebu and Kabankalan for the Sinulog, in Iloilo for the Dinagyang, and in Aklan …
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 …
Heritage sites are aplenty in Metro Manila. The various towns and cities within the National Capital Region trace their roots since the 16th century so it’s no wonder that one can find many old buildings and structures around the metropolis. While there are very popular heritage sites in Metro Manila among locals and tourists alike, …
Read more “Visiting some Heritage Sites around Metro Manila”
It was an epic road trip that I have taken ever — a road trip from Manila to Bacolod via RORO, bringing my car with me in this whole adventure. This one took me to four major islands in the Philippines and six ports. More importantly, it was a road trip that led me back …
Read more “Taking the RORO: An Exciting Road Trip from Manila to Bacolod”
Having worked in the city of Manila, I have passed by the Rizal Memorial Stadium several times without even glancing at the old structures of the complex. I have watched several sports events in this same complex, but I was more engrossed on the game than on my surroundings. Not until I was on a …
Read more “The story of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium”
This year, I will be taking one of the greatest travel challenges I’ll ever have in my lifetime. It is what I call my #RoadTrip2Home. After so much prayers, spiritual discernment, consultation, and self-reflection, I have come to accept that for me to embark on a life abroad I need to go back to my …
Four ladies decided to brave Manila’s Chinatown in Binondo, said to be the oldest Chinatown in the world that was established in 1594, for the Chinese New Year festivities. Some friends forewarned us that Binondo would be crowded and we have to stay away from firecrackers. But it was really our day. The first day …
While scrolling through Facebook one evening, I came across a notification from a friend with a link from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila website, where Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle designated five churches in the city as Pilgrim Churches for the Year of Faith. Pilgrim churches are sacred places of worship and spiritual significance …
Read more “Visiting 5 Pilgrim Churches in Metro Manila for the Year of Faith”
It was a rainy Saturday afternoon. I didn’t know it was the beginning of a typhoon to hit our country. Good thing that I opted to spend it to a filling Festival de la Paella Gigante before we would be cooped inside the house for days. Anyway, we entered the historic Casino Español de Manila …
Backpacking in your own city — it’s not a new concept but it’s neither something that most people do. Recently, I tried being a backpacker in Makati, where I am a resident for almost a decade, as I stayed overnight in this new chic place that has been creating a buzz online. MNL Boutique Hostel …
Read more “First-time in MNL Boutique Hostel: A backpacker’s haven”
They are out to change the game. And I want to believe that they are a step into it. Solaire Resort opened its doors to the public today. Due to the hype, it was expected that a lot of people will troop to this casino resort. Solaire Resort and Casino is Manila’s newest attraction as …
Read more “First-time in Solaire Resort: A Luxurious Oasis of Entertainment and Tranquility”
First came the firecrackers. That’s to drive out evil spirits. Then colorful Chinese dragons and lions dance to a certain beat that would definitely draw attention. These dragons go around and “eat” the ang pao or the red envelopes, as well as the offerings placed along its path. Yes, the Year of the Water Snake …
One hundred years seem to be a pretty long time. When you enter the grand lobby of the Manila Hotel, it gives you a feeling of nostalgia as you remember your childhood memories here or imagine Filipinos a century past donning their ternos and barongs, dancing under the same beautiful chandeliers. But when you view …