The first half of 2019 was a difficult one. A lot of things kept piling up (physically, emotionally, mentally), that it was already too much to handle. My husband and I needed a breather from all the stress and challenges that OFW life and work threw at us, that we decided on a whim to travel somewhere in Asia. We initially wanted to explore other Asian countries that we haven’t been to yet then realized that we still had to apply for a visa, which might take some time. We had to leave in a few days, so that wasn’t ideal for us. But that’s when the idea of going back to Hong Kong came to us. Asia’s World City has always been a favorite destination of mine (been here twice already). So it just felt right to revisit it after nine long years.
Amélie Hotel Manila, which is named after the owner's granddaughter, is an Art Deco inspired 70-room boutique hotel. Located in the old-world neighbourhood of Malate (a short walk away from Robinson's Place Manila, a major shopping mall in Manila), the attractive establishment is surrounded by landmarks that are both rich in history and culture (i.e. Intramuros, Luneta, Rizal Park).
[January 23, 2012]
Bohol Bee Farm never fails. Not only did they serve a mean buffet breakfast (there's ham, fish sticks, vegetable and fruit salad, squash/kamote bread, etc.). They also offered the best seats in the house. Other than that, I was also able to greet my boyfriend a 'happy birthday', while dining by the seaside. And not only were we seated with a really beautiful view in sight, the sun was also rising to greet my beloved a happy 30th. It was priceless!
[January 27, 2012]
It was my first time to ride AirPhil Express. And it was also our first time to visit Coron. At the onset of our journey, Airphil departed on time (unlike our Bohol flight via Cebu Pacific). We also got to land 15 minutes earlier than expected. Apart from that, it was also my first time to ride a prop plane (propeller), so it was a scary experience for me having to feel all the bumps up in the air. There was also another setback to that specific flight, and that was the plane's airconditioning. Believe it or not, we were sweating throughout the entire trip; and I felt claustrophobic just feeling the heat inside the airplane. It was definitely something that we had to charge to experience.
I’ve always enjoyed my hotel stays in Microtel Inn & Suites. But I must admit, this specific property in Baguio exuded a more charming setting compared to the other properties that I've been to. Despite the cold breeze up north, I loved how warm and kind the staff were towards their guests. I also couldn't rave enough on how superb our room was, and how near the hotel was to a lot of restaurants and sites. There’s just so much to love about this hotel, that I can't help but give it 5 stars!
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.
It was only last year when we found comfort and enjoyment in what others referred to as 'staycations'. So after enjoying our stay at Great Eastern Hotel and Orion Hotel, Rubel and I went on another quick getaway. But this time, we opted to stay somewhere close by. And since we were both stressed out from our respective jobs, we decided to spend one night at iSuites just to unwind.
I had the privilege of experiencing Carlos Celdran's (Manila's Tourism Consultant) FREE #VivaManila Walking Tour with several Pinoy Travel Bloggers last September. It happened right after our stopover at the Silahis Art & Artifacts in Intramuros.
THE BEST THING'S IN LIFE ARE FREE!
Carlos Celdran's Free #VivaManila Walking Tour definitely made this statement stand out. Why? Because other than giving out a free, no-frills tour around the City of Manila, he also graced us with his very boisterous yet down-to-earth character. Of course, the project itself is one to commend since Carlos' team (Mayor Joseph Estrada the guys at the Manila City Hall) aims to restore what the Filipinos once loved about the Philippine capital. Moreover, the tour was created to inform everyone that the bustling city is very much a walkable destination. You can certainly go from one interesting place to another just by using your feet and your wandering soul.
Most of the buses in Pagudpud usually leave town in 15-minute intervals. So you won't have a hard time getting a ride to Laoag, if ever you're heading there. Anyway, Kuya Raphie picked us up at Cathy's Homestay and dropped us off at the terminal. He waited until our bus left, which was at 9:50 in the morning.
[Trip from October 2009] Even before our Cam Sur trip was planned, the bf and I already had plans to go to Palawan. And since Philippine Airlines (PAL) had a promo last July 2009, he was able to buy tickets that only cost us PHP 1,800 each. The catch was that we had to wait 3 more months to be able to travel. Anyway, we really didn’t mind since it also gave us time to save up.
PALAWAN DREAMS
I’ve always wanted to go to Palawan. And for this trip, we booked a 4D/3N stay. So from July until September, I did nothing but research on nice and affordable places to stay in for our whole vacation in Puerto Princesa. Thank God for my knack at online researching, I was able to discover Puerto Pension.
I had the opportunity of dining in Napa Restaurant & Bar one January evening with blogger friends --- those who I had the honor of working with at last year's FBW 1st Grand Eyeball. The admins and I wanted to treat the volunteers from that event to a thanksgiving dinner of sorts. Thus our post-Christmas gathering at NAPA.
COZY AMBIANCE
NAPA is actually a casual dining restaurant in Quezon City (by Scout Borromeo). A nice place where warm greetings will immediately welcome you. The food establishment that serves both American and Italian dishes looked a lot like a cozy and stylish home. But other than that, the beautiful interiors of NAPA was also inspired by the rustic vineyards of Napa Valley in San Francisco, and was lovingly designed by Cynthia Gaerlan.
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.
I didn't have a hard time searching for a lodging in Biliran Island, especially one that's located by the beach. So when AGTA BEACH RESORT popped into the search engine, I knew it was what I was looking for.
It was the first week of November when my friend and I traveled in some areas of Eastern Visayas. I flew to Tacloban via PAL Express, and went straight to Biliran Island with Coreene. Her father drove us to the Van-Van Tours terminal (straight from the airport), where a shuttle van took us directly to the Municipality of Naval. It took us around 2 1/2 hours on the road before reaching Biliran's capital.
Located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia is a beautiful country called Georgia - a romantic destination that became an instant favorite. Here, we experienced the daintiest things in the most affordable of ways like wine-tasting in Kakheti, DIY church-hopping in Signaghi to sightseeing in Gudauri and Gergeti. This astonishing nation simply gave us some of the best memories.
I've heard about Cafe Leona from several blogs that I follow. And most of them have had great reviews of the restaurant. I, on the other hand, would have to be on the neutral side of things. The famed restaurant by Calle Crisologo was a tourist site on its own. But I wouldn't really rave so much about their food -- or at least, with the ones that we ordered that night.
With our good friend, and co-travel/food blogger friend Edmar. |
Our family in Florida gifted us with some moolah over the holiday's. So given our Christmas blessings, Kuya EJ and I decided to spend the money on an out-of-town trip. I initially suggested that we take the family out of town for his birthday instead of just checking-in at a hotel. After our talks, we finally decided to celebrate his 41st birthday at Loreland Farm Resort, Antipolo. The resort looked very family-friendly. Plus, it was just an hour's drive from Quezon City.
[TRIP from November 2010]
My boyfriend works for an airline company and filing a vacation leave for the month of December is an impossible thing to do (peak month for work). And since our anniversary lies on the 12th month of the year, we decided to book a domestic trip on November instead. We were set to celebrate my post-birthday and our pre-anniversary somewhere far --- thus our first Mindanao adventure.
Anyway, I booked our group a 5D/4N trip. I had the first 2 nights booked in Camiguin, and the last 2 nights in Cagayan De Oro. I also suggested that the first 2 nights be spent in Camiguin so that we wouldn't have to go back-and-forth with all the traveling. So as soon as we landed in Cagayan De Oro's Lumbia Airport, we went straight to Camiguin.
Balay Da Blas in Laoag city is a gem. It was truly comforting to have found a place where we could rest our weary bodies. Sure, going around the different towns of Ilocos for 4 straight days (1 night in Vigan, 2 nights in Pagudpud) was a lot of fun. But finding a place where we could really stay for some R&R can also give a different high when traveling non-stop.
My friend Clarice didn't want to eat anything heavy for our dinner date, which meant no rice to our meals. So I went ahead and looked for a Chinese or Japanese restaurant that would cater to her request. Good enough, Yaku Japanese Grill came into sight.
Yaku can be located on the 3rd floor of the Podium Mall, Ortigas. It's sort of hidden from sight. But you'll know you're in the right track when you see a Toy Store and a chinese restaurant on the left side of the floor area.
I was already planning on booking a hotel somewhere in Quezon City, so that I could give myself that much needed R&R. But I no longer had to, as I was recently invited to a weekend stay in two of Microtel's well-appointed hotels: Microtel-UP Technohub and Microtel Acropolis.