I stopped using my luggage for a while now. And in those years, I’ve managed to explore with only a 55L rucksack and a sling bag in tow. But as time passed, I started to experience these intense back pains (due to a bad sitting posture at work), which eventually restrained me from having to carry heavy things on my spine. So I had no other choice but to use my trolley again. But on the upside, it gave me a reason to start looking for better bag alternatives, and eventually found CabinZero, “the suitcase on your back”. My mini, 28-liter, Urban Camo CabinZero is hardwearing, well-designed, stylish and more! What more can I ask for?
Booking two rooms for our May wedding a year ago was a last minute decision, as we were already set to do our preps at our house in Quezon City. But since the weather back then was very hot and humid, my husband and I both agreed that checking into a better accommodation would be more favorable for us (no melting make-up and sweat-soaked clothing). The price and location were major factors to consider, both of which were easily accommodated by Casa Pura Inn & Suites.
You can choose the Oasis Paco Park Hotel as a lodging option in Manila if you're on a budget. It can actually be a good stopover if you're planning to explore the nearby popular sites like Rizal Park and Binondo (amongst other areas that are accessible by LRT). If you also fancy staying in a hotel that's just a short walk from Paco Park, then consider booking this place. But before you do, please read my review first.
I've been to Makati several times, either to attend meetings or to hang out with friends at the mall. And Ayala Museum is just one of the many established places in the area that I frequently pass-by, but never took the time to visit. To me, I saw the gallery as another boring repository with pricey entrance fees. But I was wrong, as it got me completely hooked with its well-curated materials. And I'm glad that I finally made the time to explore the institution during my staycation at Alcoves two months ago.
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.
Get to enjoy a panoramic view of the farm from the VIP room, the BALAY JOSEPHINA, while being served with some of the most delectable, organic dishes in Majayjay, Laguna. Even if you're not vegan, Apong Damian's Organic Resto in Costales Nature Farms offers a great variety of food and drinks that will surely satisfy your appetite. For our 3-day retreat in the farm, we were served with tummy-filling meals that were healthy, tasty and picture-worthy. It was like a feast in every meal.
If there's a specific hotel chain in the Philippines that I keep coming back to, it would be Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham. I've always enjoyed my time with them because whichever property I’m staying in, I’m sure to get the best from them. I just love their distinct taste when it comes to the design of their rooms and facilities, as the decor is very consistent in terms of style and arrangement. I also love Microtel's hotel staff (from the front desk to housekeeping), as they always provide a pleasant customer experience.
Photo courtesy of Kaiye
I was supposed to leave for a quick trip abroad. So I booked Microtel, Mall of Asia, as it was just a short drive to NAIA 3. I was able to get a nice deal for this specific hotel at Traveloka, as they offered room rates that were more affordable compared to my usual go-to booking sites. With Traveloka, I was assured that there would be no hidden charges (no more surprises upon checkout), which was a good thing. Anyhow, here's how my booking went:
One of the things that I gave priority to after getting married was my passport renewal. It was actually timely for a name change too, as my passport was about to expire in a few months (September 2016). I also decided to take on my husband's name, by choice of course, because (1) I've long wanted to carry his surname, and (2) having the same last name would help identify my husband and I as one family unit (i.e. easier endorsements when it comes to applying for visas, opening joint bank accounts, making loans).
Moving forward... if you happen to be newly married like me (married just last year!), or already married but haven't gotten the chance to change your last name on your passport yet, you can just refer to our infographic. Please note that the one I made is more applicable for Filipinas who are married to a local as well. The requirements and documents may still differ when it comes to your application type (i.e. for spouse of foreign national who would change their civil status from single to married, for married women who would like to revert to their maiden name).
TIPS WHEN SETTING AN APPOINTMENT
It was July of last year when I got my scheduled appointment online. I still didn't have a copy of our Marriage Contract at the time (the one printed on PSA Security Paper), but I still chose to book in advance despite the odds. Of course, I made a back up plan in
Tree Top Adventure is the only "Team Building" facility in the Philippines with motorized activities, plus different kinds of Zip line adventure, and other activities in the heart of nature such as Superman, Canopy, Tree Drop, Silver Surfer, Free Fall, Funicular, Trekking, Skywalk and many more to be added.
My husband flew in two weeks ago to celebrate his birthday in Manila. So I made sure that all of his requests were fulfilled during his short 3-day vacation. From satisfying his food cravings to getting his requested spa treatments, Rubel returned abroad with a full and gracious heart. He felt revitalized, and was ready to go back to work. But out of all of our plans, he enjoyed our staycation in KL Tower Serviced Residences the most (also known as the Kalaw-Ledesma Tower). He was beyond ecstatic when I told him that we were staying in a One Bedroom Loft.
While most of us know of June 12, 1898 as the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, it was on January 23, 1899 when the First Philippine Republic was formally established. It was also this revolutionary act that helped place our country on the map as the First Constitutional Republic in Asia.
Working on a specific budget is a non-negotiable when it comes to planning my travels. So when I finally set my dates for my Bacolod trip, I started looking for accommodations that would fit my allocated savings. After making lodging inquiries online, and getting recommendations from friends, I eventually found The Hostelry.
I wanted to extend my stay in Makati, so I decided to use my reward points from an online booking site to reserve a hotel. With the points that I saved, I was able to get one night at The Hotel at Green Sun, only adding a minimal cost that's worth P136. So right after checking out from Alcoves, I made my way to the lodging via MRT.
I wanted to welcome the new year right, so I started looking for places where I could possibly enjoy some 'me time' during the first week of 2017. And I'm glad that I found Alcoves -- a cozy vacation apartment in the heart of Makati.
Budget Biyahera is about finding fun and distinct food and destinations, accommodations, products/gears and activities that people can enjoy on a ‘regular’ person’s budget and schedule.
