Exploring Southern Cebu

Cebu will always be an instant choice every time I feel like going out of town to separate myself from the busy and hectic Manila scene. Like most of the highly urbanized cities, the charm is always hidden on the outskirts and Cebu is no exception.

The Queen City of the South was a place very familiar to me after constantly scavenging for great food spots during my previous visits. But other than great food, it also has a great variety of outdoor activities a true adventurer should not dare miss.

Albeit the fact the city has its own allure, there is more to discover about Cebu so I retreated to idea of spending less time in the city and explore the real beauty that Cebu is really proud of.

The Magic of Siquijor

Whenever I hear of Siquijor, the first thing I would think of in an instant are witchcraft, black magic and mystical traditions. I couldn't blame myself on this prejudice, this stereotype is the reason why even neighboring townsmen does not favor spending some time in this eerily silent island. 

We took the guts and went on to prove that Siquijor is worthy to be a destination not just for the brave souls but to anyone who takes pleasure in nature. 

Zuzuni Boutique Hotel Boracay

With rains pouring intermittently, it was basically a lazy vacation and I've mostly kept my attention in taking snapshots rather than feeling the rain, feeling the breeze coming from the shore, listening to the sound of the waves hitting earth and get along with the serenity and emotions brought by those moments. 

What redeemed this could-have-made-better experience was that Zuzuni Hotel was more than splendid as our home over the white sands of Station 1.

Azalea Residences and Rediscovering Baguio

I have developed a not so pleasant relationship with Baguio when i was a kid. I have been sent to this city for a couple of times, most of them to represent for competitions where triumph was never my ally.

During those naive moments in Baguio as a younger boy, I only have memories of frustration and disappointment - the kind of remembrance that we don't want to take home with. I have not come back since, probably because of the lack of chance to revisit or the lack of drive to make new memories. It wasn't until Azalea's invite that I saw myself excited about meeting the pine city again. 

As I grew, I learned how to move on from the memories that I do not wish to recall. I was looking forward for comfort and pure leisure upon entering Azalea Residences, little did I know that what was waiting for us was something deeper than the earthly pleasure that hotels are expected to give. It rekindled why I wanted to travel in the first place and it led me to make a new relationship with a city I once hated. I've had the chance to experience a number of hotels until I have reached that point of certainty in expectations. Azalea Residences caught me off guard because for the first time, I have actually met a hotel that knows their blood and soil beyond the standards of four stars.

Southern Warmth: The Bellevue Hotel Manila

I have been very excited about my summer this year and I have been wishful from the start that I can  have at least one escapade under the painful heat of the sun. I am fascinated about the outdoors and since the Philippines is a summer-friendly country, I have been patient in looking for a summer adventure.

If you have read through my posts this summer, you would have seen that a stay-cation in Makati was my way to have a summer kick off. Months have passed and the season has now grown old but I haven't had the chance yet to go on a vacation. So what better way to end the season but a relaxing stay-cation once again!

Luxury Beyond Compare: Mandarin Oriental Manila

Experience Luxury Beyond Compare. This is the tagline that forefronts what the global brand Mandarin Oriental is all about. 

It was because of an exam I was taking which will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Manila that made my mom and I book to a well-deserved night of comfort. My exam was scheduled early morning so it was a practical idea to just get a room the night before, instead of going through the morning rush, not to mention that I live up north. Not only was able to get rid of the morning stress, I was physically at ease as well, which was a major advantage.

Three Stops at Subic

Aside from the free port and the duty free shopper's paradise that Subic boasts to its tourists, it is not all steady and urban, it houses a number of adventure thrills so one doesn't just stay on a comfy bed, eat good food or shop 'til you drop. 

Let's me tell you three outdoor spots you sure can't miss when you are in Subic.  

Subic Restaurant Hopping

An invitation to visit Subic was something I couldn't say no to. After two hours on the road, Subic gave a sunny hello to us. Of course, with an adventure-packed day, one will always scavenge the internet to find the best food spots.

As Subic grew to be a metropolitan destination, albeit laid back, a number of restaurants came closer to their avid fans in this part of the country. And yes, since my itchy feet just can't stay in a single place, here we go again in a hopping chronicles, but this time, it is in the quest for a gustatory adventure!

First thing to get done to keep ourselves in pace for an exciting day was a lunch at my favorite Grilled Chicken restaurant.

Living the Subic Homes Way

More than half of my chronicles are usually short drives to nearby getaways. These trips have a special place in my heart, maybe because most of the time, all I want is a quick escape from the hustles of the metro scene. 

Subic has been in my bucket list for the year and I couldn't be more delighted to have boxed it out quite early. I was still a kid (although I am not saying that I am no longer) when I last came here and boy, was it so different this time around.

The Dawn of the Philippines

 

The Philippines Moves Forward  by Kit Reyes

One of the most beautiful countries on the planet, it wasn't after recently that I have learned to appreciate how amazing the country is. Not without glitches, the Philippines is far from being perfect, nor is it close to be listed among the tigers of Asia, although as the video above said, the Philippines used to be the second richest country in Asia, next only to Japan.

But none of those matter anymore, what is more important is that the country is moving forward, it may take a while with those baby steps, but the motion that the country is taking is enough to consider that the Philippines indeed has a chance. 

A major factor to consider with this pace to sunrise is the country's realization to appreciate our biggest and most optimistic stronghold - tourism. After a few explorations over our neighboring countries, I can attest to  Sec. Jimenez's belief that the Philippines is indeed not like any other. This promising potential of the country to be a prime tourist destination in Asia could be easily attained as long as we know how to value this niche. 

With the world-famous Filipino hospitality, we sure do know how to work our ways and with enough efforts paired with A-list natural resources, the tourism industry shall boost the Philippine economy, but needless for motivations such as this one, the Philippines in itself, is truly and without a doubt, a pearl in the orient seas - worthy to be explored and worthy to be a relaxation haven, why else do we travel? 

As Del Rosario said, it is time to look at our country with fresh eyes, so let us do ourselves a favor and take into an adventure in our local seas, caves and terrains, together with the world, let us know why It is More Fun in the Philippines!

Details of the video and story here: http://vimeo.com/56190703

When inconvenience means more fun!

 Tune Hotel Cebu - Crown Regency Hotel - Marco Polo Plaza

Even though the comfort of staying on the same bed, same room, same hotel is very alluring, there is nothing more exciting than a chance to have a little bit of adventure. I wanted something new, one that's exciting  and inconsistent- in a good way. They say party animals go club-hopping, travel bugs on the other hand 'should'  go hotel-hopping! It may appear inconvenient for many, but I just can't stay in one place. :)

What I enjoy most about trying different hotels is the unique experience you get, albeit there are international standards, for each hotel brand, whether local or a foreign chain has a trademark hospitality they have designed for its guests. This experience is what we pay for. 

Cebu has given me that opportunity. Being an ironically sophisticated but a simple city, Cebu has a lot to offer for the itchy feet. There are numerous budget friendly hotels across almost every spot in the city, while 5 star hotels fill up the skyline.

I was able to hop on three iconic hotels in the Queen City of the South. This is one of the highlights of the trip.

Whatabout an Oriental Dining in Cebu? Choi City!

Random adventures exhilarates me like no other. A sudden invitation to check out Choi City's menu was on top of my checklist - who was I to say no to a budding gustatory adventure?!

ith Ken - The Young Pinoy Blogger and Kim - Choi's Marketing Executive

Grandeur. When Kim, the marketing officer of Choi asked me the first word that came in my mind, this was my first instinct. The façade and the interiors of Choi City could be a little intimidating though alluring at the same time, but they are the proof that authenticity does not always come with a price. That is what they are all about.

Bonjour Mabuhay! Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel

After all the hard work, who wouldn't want a day of life at its finest? I've always thought what Sofitel was about after this place gets hyped up by celebrities and well-known personalities. What makes The Accor brand - Sofitel Philippine Plaza  different? What makes them worthy to be called, a luxury haven?

Coron Down Under

The best of Coron, Palawan does not only sit above the shores where sparkling blue waters and lush greenery overwhelms your sight. It owes much of its enchantment from the grandeur life down under. The brilliance of colors and the glowing movement of the waters were spectacular. Must I say it is a paradise in a paradise?

From Kayangan Lake's chandelier stone formation to the glowing fishes of Siete Pecados, to the playful creatures in the shores of Banana Island to the majestic kingdom of the Bolog Reef; Coron, Palawan has so much to offer.

Let me bring you to Coron, down under. 

Finding Neverland: Coron, Palawan

Before my eyes met paradise, Manila was wrapped in dark nimbus clouds. We were under a blanket of rain while we followed the storm’s trail.  I was in a chase with luck; hopefully, my flight would not be one of those being announced as cancelled on the radio while my father was driving under heavy downpour to the airport.

A Place for Peter Pan- The Mt. Tapyas Hotel

Coron, Palawan will always be my definition of finding Neverland. And the journey in this beautiful town is incomplete without a cradle to carry out all the fun's worth. With a bird's eye view of the surrounding waters of mainland Coron, the view itself satisfies your craving for some of the best time of your life. And yes, I would definitely say, best.

Being there, it is as if Peter Pan is at his spot to take a glimpse of Neverland.

Laid Back Lucban

A cool breeze and a very laid back lifestyle, these invited me to sit three hours from manila and enter a town hidden in the south of Luzon.   

Famous for Pansit Habhab and the annually anticipated Pahiyas Festival. Lucban has truly made an icon for itself. The15th of May each year marks a grandiose celebration of the Feast of San Isidro Labrador, known as the Pahiyas Festival. This time of the year, the streets become overflowing with people in festive moods,  as the houses become huge canvasses of produces and kippings in thanksgiving for the bountiful harvests.