Tag: Manila
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First-time in Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila
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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:…
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Fly Direct to Shanghai on AirAsia
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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…
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My Papal Visit Experience: Seeing Pope Francis in 2015
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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…
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My Magnificent Stay at the Sofitel Manila
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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…
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Visiting some Heritage Sites around Metro Manila
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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…
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Taking the RORO: A Road Trip from Manila to Bacolod
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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…
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The story of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium
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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…
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Preparing for a grand #RoadTrip2Home
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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…
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Binondo Walk: A Lucky Chinese New Year Adventure
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Some trips happen because of careful planning. Others unfold because everything seems to fall perfectly into place. Our Chinese New Year adventure in Binondo felt exactly like the latter. Many friends warned us about the crowds. They reminded us to expect traffic, packed streets, and endless lines. Some even advised us to…
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Visiting 5 Pilgrim Churches in Metro Manila
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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…
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Festival de la Paella Gigante: A Spanish Feast
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Paella Gigante was the star of a rainy Saturday afternoon that turned into an unforgettable Spanish feast in Manila. I did not know a typhoon was beginning to make its way toward the country. Fortunately, I chose to spend the afternoon at the Festival de la Paella Gigante. It was the perfect…
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MNL Boutique Hostel: A Backpacker’s Haven in Makati
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MNL Boutique Hostel is a backpacker’s haven in the Philippines that brings together fun and friendship into your travel equation. 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…
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Solaire Resort: A Luxurious Oasis of Entertainment
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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…
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Chinese New Year in Manila Hotel: A Fan-filled Celebration
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Chinese New Year arrived with a bang, beginning with firecrackers that shattered the quiet and chased away evil spirits. Then came the dragons and lions, weaving through the crowd to a lively, unmistakable beat. Their colorful bodies moved with energy as they followed a trail of red envelopes and offerings. I…
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A Peek into Manila Hotel’s Suite Life
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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…