I had the privilege of participating in the Grand Marikina Tour last October 24, which was organized in time for the Sapatos Festival. Along with notable media people and Marikina bloggers, we were taken around the city by the wonderful Public Information Office team (special mention to Charlie and Ela), and the very bubbly Mr. Brian Tenorio.
After our short briefing, we proceeded to our first Shoe Factory in Marikina: Bristol Shoes. I've been to the city several times since 2014, as I've been managing a small shoe venture as well. Not that I'm looking to transfer suppliers, but I never really had the chance to explore its neighboring businesses. So it was a nice opportunity to get acquainted with other shoemakers who were also into manufacturing and distribution.
I just wanted to share my love of collecting Starbucks City Mugs! ♥
Yes! These babies makes me smile each and every time I see them. I've actually been to each one of these destinations except for NYC, Florida, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (gift from family and friends) -- all of which are also listed on my must-see-places!
I'm actually missing a few more city mugs (mugs from Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, Naga, Pampanga, Tagaytay, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Pattaya, Thailand). So whoever wants to surprise me on my birthday this November, those missing destination mugs will surely make me the happiest girl! :)
Thank you in advance? =P
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
My last day in SIN was dragging my feet. I wasn't ready to go back home yet. But then I was running out of money, and of course, I missed my family in MNL too. So I woke up real early to fix my stuff, then headed out to the bus station at Compassvale. Carlo, my cousin Kate's husband, gave me instructions on the commute that I was about to take. I no longer had to take the MTR, since I was told that it would eat more of my time. I was actually nervous about taking the bus alone, given the heavy luggage that I had in tow. But then I had no choice but to stay focused for the whole hour's drive. But God was good, as he directed me safely to the right terminal! =D Yahoo for that!
As you all know, I recently joined a Twitter contest that was hosted by Philippine Airlines. If you've heard about the Rally to Bali promo, then you've surely heard about the amazing prizes that came with this exciting game.
For starters, PAL required each participant to follow @flyPAL and @PALMabuhayMiles to qualify for the contest. They've also asked each follower to tweet the reason for wanting to visit and fly to Bali, to mention @flyPAL, along with the hashtag #FREEBaliSwingAround. This was what I tweeted then:
I decided to check-in at Red Planet Aseana so that I can get to my Passport renewal appointment on time. Although it was a bit pricey compared to its other branches, staying at this hotel definitely saved me a few hours worth of commute time from QC to Aseana, and a lot more snooze time.
Before there were hi-tech gadgets where 'notes' can easily be typed and saved, I first jotted down many details of my travels on just a simple notepad. I would write down the street names that I passed-by, the directions going to certain locations and attractions, and the expenses incurred from the many establishments that I've visited along the way (costs on transportation, food, shopping, etc.). So writing down my entries on several blank pages was my way of documenting the places that I've already been to. Of course, I recorded everything that was going to be of use to me, to help me write my travel stories in full detail later on. So you can just imagine how nostalgic it felt when I started documenting my travels again (after several years) using this spiffy looking journal --- a special edition, 'The Travel Club Moleskine'. This notebook was all the more special because the company behind TTC just celebrated 20 fruitful years of being in the retail business. That's a milestone right there!
Every now and then, Rubel and I would treat each other to a nice food sesh, a spa date or to a hotel staycation (if time and budget permits) whenever we would feel stressed from work, which he has been experiencing more intensely these days. So we decided to make time to reenergize, and booked a weekend stay at the Exchange Regency Residences Hotel in Ortigas.
It's rare for me to write about restaurants here in the Metro, as I often blog about the ones that I dine at when I'm traveling out of the city. But when I was invited and introduced to this restaurant in Mandaluyong, something in me had to say, "YES! GO RSVP!" And so I did, and I sincerely loved the experience thereafter.
For a Budget Biyahera like me, it pays to know where money is going, especially if I'm saving up for a trip. So affordable yet quality-made meals in the city will definitely help me with not spending too much. And let me just say that St. Nicholas was certainly a great find!
My fourth day in Singapore was also the bf's last (since he had to go back to work the next day). So for his last day, his family and I went our for lunch at the Sembawang Mall where Aston's was. They served us steaks, sausages, and other appetizers that were really sumptuous. They weren't that cheap though. But you can definitely say that their food is well worth the costs.
Aston's food and ambiance were definitely impressive. But how about an outdoor mini-waterpark in the mall? How cool is that! I felt like a kid again, as I played with the little Campos' boys. I was actually told that most of the malls in Singapore had their own water playground. His sister-in-law and I were talking about it, and she told me how the playground benefits her as a mother of two. How? Well, while she's doing the groceries, her husband will simply looks after the boys. She goes off and does her errands without any distractions. And when she's finally done doing her chores, which goes for at least 2 hours, her kids would already be tired from playing. They would all be ready to pack up and go home. Everyone would be so tried, but happy and fulfilled.
Anyway, I had my fair share of the waterpark. But I didn't bathe all out (just my feet and hands) since I didn't bring any change of clothes. Moving along, we left with some Gong Cha Tea drinks on hand before heading back to the house. He actually did some last minute packing before all of us left for the airport.
There was also an ongoing sale at the time, so we decided to leave the house early. The sale was held at the Convention Center (by the airport), so we still had some time to spare before dropping Rubel off at the terminal. Fortunately, he got to avail this really great deal on an LG LED TV.
My Day 4 in SIN ended with some Carl's Jr. dinner, a tight hug and a smooch from the boyfriend. The rest of the night was spent commuting back home. We also took the bus from the airport, before alighting to a second bus that would take us back to the Woodlands area. Now, one more thing that's great about Singapore is that the country provides a very convenient and accessible transportation system (much like HKG's). Here's to hoping that our own country gets to experience the same facilities in the near future! Slowly but surely, we will get there!
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
Whether you’re off on a trip with your partner, a family vacation, or an upcoming business trip, getting from A to B stress-free should be your number one priority. Traveling anywhere can take its toll on your health, so to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling your best, being comfortable throughout your journey is key. With that in mind, here are 8 tips on how to travel comfortably.
I was recently invited to the VIP Media Launch of Lakbay Museo, an exclusive preview of a local museum that offered 14 unique experiences from 11 Philippine destinations. Excited as I was to attend, I couldn't since I'm based abroad. Fortunately, a blogger friend agreed to represent my blog for the event. Here's Franco's recount of his fun exploration in Lakbay Museo.
There are plenty of food establishments in Quezon City alone, so you definitely won't run out of options. But if there's a certain area in town that you shouldn't miss out on, then that would be the eateries along Mother Ignacia Avenue. I live just a few minutes from the locale, so I decided to check out the nearby food joints with my friend Sarah, and soon discovered 2 LAZCANO.
Three weeks ago, I was invited to this awesome travel website launch party (the country’s newest and most comprehensive travel portal wherein #ThoughtfulTourism is promoted) via Twitter. I honestly didn't know anything about Meet Manila nor the meaning of the word 'Tertulia' then. But I felt truly overwhelmed to be invited as a traveler blogger. Being recognized just that tiny bit made feel so honored! :) So I RSVP'd and got really excited thereafter.
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.
We’re almost two years into the pandemic, and everyone is still struggling at great lengths. It has been challenging that sometimes, feeling blessed makes you look boastful to others. Then again, I try not to think of what other people will say or think. I continue to look to God for forgiveness and guidance so that I can move forward.
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.
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.
{Feb-March 2009} My first trip for the year was spent in Tagaytay. It wasn’t my first-time there, as I’ve been in this part of Cavite a couple of times while growing-up. My frequent trips then were mostly spent with my family. Although on some occasions, I would get to spend a few days in Tagaytay when I would go out with friends from school.
Anyhow, this trip, which I went on with my boyfriend was made out of impulse. We both wanted to just get away for the weekend, and thought of Tagaytay as the nearest place to visit. After his Saturday duty, we left Manila for some fresh air and for some sumptuous bulalo! It took us about 2 hours to get there since we left at a rush hour. Traffic was horrendous, particularly in the Cavite boundary.