The Nutcracker at the Manila Hotel

Giant Nutcracker soldiers filing at the sides, wreaths hanging on the wall, candy canes set on table centerpieces – all these now fill the grandoise lobby of the Manila Hotel, bringing the Christmas spirit to every guest that enters its doors. At the end of the august hall is a Christmas tree with the Sugar Plum Fairy sitting on top of …

Dinner Cruise at Manila Bay

Fascinating. This is how I describe our dinner cruise adventure at the Manila Bay. Onboard Prestige Cruises, my friends and I (we were about 20) decided to celebrate the July, August and September birthdays with pizzazz. Our party’s theme was fascinators, and we were dressed in the 20’s. The exciting vibe has caught on board …

First-time in the PyroMusical Competition

I have watched several fireworks display before — be it during the New Year celebrations, festivals, or the weekend mall attractions. Yet, the 2012 Philippine International PyroMusical Competition seemed to have gotten the best of me. It’s the 3rd time that the Philippines is doing this competition, bringing in the fireworks makers from countries around …

Villa on Top of the (Resorts) World

Resorts World Manila is that beautiful complex across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 that has a mall, a theater, hotels, condominiums, and a casino. I must say that it is the emerging entertainment center of the capital that offers world-class performances and standard of service. I’ve watched a movie in their theater, shopped …

The MRT Itinerary in Metro Manila

A first-time tourist in Manila may enjoy going around the city by the traditional jeepney. But smog and traffic can probably make you think twice before loading the jeep. Getting around Manila with all its traffic jams, especially on rush hours, can sometimes become a bane. So why not try taking the route of its …

Unique, varied observance of Holy Week in the Philippines

Below is a News Release of the Philippine Department of Tourism. Lent in the Philippines is usually observed through weekly fastings and abstinence, penitence as well as the traditional passion plays or senakulo, panata, via crucis, visita iglesia and the pabasa in most barangays or villages in every town and city.  At its culmination, there are …

Corregidor

First-time to walk in darkness

Nothing can compare to my walk in pitch black darkness. Going back to Corregidor Island five months after visiting the island may not hold any novelty to it. But I guess this historical landmark never failed to amaze me. Our trip was something different. I was with several travel bloggers hosted by Sun Cruises, represented by …

Travel Mart 2010

The Philippine Travel Mart 2010

I always visit the Philippine Travel Expo which is held every February. But when March kicks in, I feel like it’s a long wait for February to come so when I learned of the Philippine Travel Mart, which occurred in September, I immediately grabbed the opportunity to visit the event. Organized by the Philippine Tour …

World Cup 2010

World Cup 2010 Fever: Is the Philippines Ready to Catch It?

I was living in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2002, when the Japan/Korea World Cup fever swept Asia. It was the buzz wherever I went. Streets were usually deserted when a game was going on. Everywhere I went, I was seeing products and pictures with the FIFA World Cup logo or paraphernalia.  When I was in Bangkok …

Sunset at Manila Bay

First-time I captured the sun setting

I spent an afternoon with a visiting cousin and got us a chance to witness the natural beauty of the sunset at Manila Bay. She and her parents were scheduled to go home to Bacolod the day after so I decided to take her to the biggest mall in the Philippines, the SM Mall of …

paella

First-time in You Jie Xiao Chao Restaurant

…and Manila’s other hole-in-the-wall eateries It was another holiday in the Philippines as we commemorated the Day of Valor, celebrating the bravery of Filipino soldiers who fought during World War II. Supposedly, my friends and I were scheduled to go to Corregidor Island, the fortress of Japanese soldiers. Unfortunately, the cruise liner called the day …

Quiapo Church

First-time Holy Week in Quiapo Church

For a predominantly Catholic nation, the Philippines, time and again, has observed holy week religiously. Work often stops as early as midday of Holy Wednesday and everyone shifts to holiday mode. Even regular TV programming halts replaced with religious rites or spiritually-inspired shows. The workforce takes advantage of the long lull without using up their …

Metro Manila: The Urban Symphony of Endless Adventure

Metro Manila is the beating heart of the tropical paradise, called the Philippines. It blends concrete jungles with endless opportunities. Picture this: a symphony of neon lights, mouthwatering street food, and a cultural fusion that’ll make your head spin. The Metro Manila skyline stretches to the heavens, while jeepneys weave through the urban frenzy. Brace …