It's been over a year since my husband and I shared our first holiday as a married couple. Despite our circumstances then (he went back to work abroad, while I recuperated from a major surgery), we finally made it to our honeymoon a few months later.
There's plenty to see in and out of Baguio that spending a few days in the Summer Capital of the Philippines wouldn’t be enough! Making the City of Pines your destination of choice will let you experience one of your best adventures yet. The cold weather in the mountains, the warm welcome from the locals, the sumptuous food choices, and the rich culture and heritage up north makes Baguio one of the top places worth seeing in the Philippines.
It's always been a challenge, especially for me, to look for accommodations when traveling with a big group. I've experienced this countless times, particularly when I have a certain budget and schedule to consider. Thankfully, I've found homey lodgings that cater to specific needs, just like in 1896 BNB in Baguio City.
When I was about to launch my shoe business (3 years ago), my family and I, and a few workmates traveled to Baguio to do a quick shoot for Lakhambini. Now, given my Kuya's request to have a comfy and safe space for his wife and baby, I booked 1 chamber for them, and two more - one for the boys and one for me. Good thing (and good timing), I discovered 1896 BNB. Their rates ranged from PHP1,500-1,800 per night (non-peak/regular), which was perfect for our budget for two nights. Our package also came with complimentary breakfast, which was the best deal that I could find given our many conditions. It was simply perfect!
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about France? Would it be the Eiffel Tower which dominates the Parisian skyline? The amazing wine? Or perhaps the fashionable beaches on the Mediterranean coast? A friend who's really into the arts told me he thinks about Monet. But, well, even if that's not your sort of thing, the country has something for everyone. Thinking about that, I want to share with you three regions you should visit on your next trip to France, whether it's you're a first-time visitor or a regular traveller to the land of François Macron.
A visit to Antique has been long overdue, and all it took was a little push from friends to finally come and explore the province. And I’m glad I went because spending six days all over Panay Island was quite memorable, as it blessed me a week filled with amazing travel experiences, loyal camaraderie, new discoveries, and deep reflection. Antique has put me under its charm, completely.
Savoy Hotel Boracay has three dining outlets: Savoy Café, Chambery Pool Bar, and Vienne, Lobby Lounge. Savoy Café, which offers a contemporary cuisine, is open from 6 AM to 11 PM. It can accommodate around 150 people inside, and 98 more by the pool area. Chambery Pool Bar, which is fixed by the main swimming pool, can seat up to 30 diners (open from 10 AM to 11 PM). Vienne, on the other hand, can seat up to 85 guests (open from 9 AM to 12 AM).
I miss the old Boracay where roads weren’t congested, and where passageways going to the beach weren’t jam-packed. I’m all for boosting the isle’s tourism and progression. But it was a bit of an eyesore to see so many construction sites sprouting up like mushrooms. I had a hard time recognizing certain areas that were so familiar before that I felt somewhat confined. It wasn’t the island vibe that I was longing to experience, as sceneries have definitely changed since I visited 3 years ago. So imagine how refreshing it was to stay on the same islet but on a more quieter and calmer side of it. Given all of the major changes in the bustling side of Stations 1-3, I’m glad I found Savoy Hotel in Newcoast Boracay. You’d be surprised that such a place existed just 30 minutes away from D’Mall in Station 2.
Aside from my love for travel and adventure, I also love watching movies and TV series that I can find travel inspirations from. Some of my favorite shows were actually filmed in Europe, specifically in Iceland, which has been on my travel bucket list. Now that I’ve relocated in the UAE, I know that my chances of exploring the island nation is much closer than it was before.
{LONDRANGAR BASALT CLIFFS} Photo courtesy of Iceland Tourism |
I've been to Baguio several times, and have passed by Te Quiero all the time (given its great location in the city). So when I stayed at Microtel Baguio for the second time, I finally got to try their Spanish offerings; and boy, was I blown away!
Cebu Island is full of adventures for those who are just willing to go out and explore. Some of the destinations below are suitable for a day trip, and some are perfect for a weekend. It just really depends on how much time you have. But rest assured, you will find the adventure that you're looking for in Cebu. In this post, I will provide you with a north to south guide of Cebu Island, for you to know which spots can be paired together, especially if you're planning a longer vacation.
I have to be honest. Nueva Ecija would have to be one of the last few provinces in the Philippines that I would give second thoughts about visiting. I’ve already been to the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines” when I was a kid. Yet all I could remember was the unbearable heat, and the refreshing pool that my siblings and I enjoyed swimming in. But when I recently got invited to explore it, I said yes, hoping that my trip would somehow change the way I see the region again. Thankfully, the team behind Microtel Cabanatuan was able to show us a different side of Central Luzon’s biggest rice producer, as they brought us around the admirable towns of Cabanatuan, Muñoz and Palayan.
I’ve been to a majority of Microtel’s hotels in the Philippines. But I’m always left surprised every time I stay in a property that I’ve never tried yet. At first glance, I thought that Microtel Cabanatuan looked simple, just basing on its subtle, orange façade. But as soon as I entered the inn, I found myself uttering the word, “Wow!”. Microtel Cabanatuan instantly became a favorite, as I compared it to all the other properties that I’ve stayed in (though Microtel Baguio still tops my list!). With its warm, tropical-inspired and spacious interiors, I instantly knew that I would have a memorable experience here.