Tag: Philippines
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My 5 best first-time travel experiences
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Travel brings a world of joys and delights, igniting a sense of adventure and opening doors to new experiences. It is a catalyst for personal growth, broadening our perspectives and deepening our understanding of different cultures. The thrill of exploring unfamiliar landscapes, tasting unique cuisines, and connecting with diverse people…
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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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First-time in Legoland Malaysia: From Toy Blocks to Theme Park
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Lego is a global brand that is popular with children and adults alike. This popular toy blocks that are being put together trace its roots from Denmark and has made its way all over the world for over 80 years. Now, the Lego brick builds not just a small house…
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Le Bistro D’Agathe: French Dining Within the Neighborhood
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Almost everyday, I pass by this corner house with red door and artsy walls in my neighborhood in Makati, Philippines. A signage states “Le Bistro D’Agathe“. Though I lived within the area, I’ve never actually tried the place. I was more familiar with the old restaurant housed in that corner…
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Tagaytay: Taking a Pilgrimage at Nature’s Scenic Splendor
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As a Christian nation, the Philippines regard Holy Week as an important part of the calendar. On a Black Saturday, my friends and I embarked on a short pilgrimage to the city of Tagaytay. Because of its cool weather and relaxed setting, Tagaytay has become a location of choice of…
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Holi Festival in Manila: A Colorful Celebration of Joy and Unity
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The Holi Festival transformed Manila’s Seaside Boulevard into a dazzling celebration of color, music, friendship, and fun. Braving the scorching Manila sun, my friends and I headed to the Seaside Boulevard of SM Mall of Asia. We were ready to discover a festival I had mostly encountered through Indian movies and television…
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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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Suzu Kin: A Delicious Japanese Food Discovery in Makati
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Suzu Kin was not on my list of places to eat in Makati, yet a taxi driver unexpectedly led me there. I have always believed that some of the best places to eat come through local recommendations. Sometimes, the most memorable discoveries happen when someone simply says, “Try that place.” That…
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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…
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First Solo Trip to Vigan
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A Facebook post from a fellow traveler caught my eye and piqued my interest. There was an international conference on cultural tourism that will take place to the historic city of Vigan, an eight- to ten-hour ride from the capital of Manila. As I was in between jobs and had…
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The Nutcracker at the Manila Hotel
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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…
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First-time in Kamana Sanctuary
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The photo of their Casitas was enough for me to agree to a weekend getaway during the long holiday in observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa was what I expected the weekend would be – full of relaxation and reassuringly stress-free. Kamana…
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Free Freedom Island
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…from trash and other ecological threats. Freedom. Such a powerful word, and something that is close to a traveler’s heart. For instance, I relate traveling to freedom – going beyond boundaries and being able to explore places, things and cultures. And, yes, traveling is getting free from the constricting space of…