With a rising hype for boutique and character-defined hotels, Azumi Boutique Hotel is definitely one who stood out as a charming spot for the hip and the trendy guests.
While luxurious five star hotels have since dominated a good share of the market, competition is starting to become steamy as these boutique hotels started to pull off something very current and chic - the very essence that keeps the vibrant mood of Azumi Hotel alive.
My second time in Cebu was flawless. The best thing about having been to a particular destination is that you know exactly what to do and your expectations have been set, though still allowing room for something new and bizarre.
It was a bit frustrating to have lost all my photos during my first step in Cebu and on my second time, I was planning to have just my phone with me as I wandered. This kind of traveling is something very familiar to most.
Cebu, the Queen City of the South has a charm that is greatly favored, specially to someone like me who have lived the calmness of the province and the bustles of the metropolis. It's an upscale, modern city but a more laid back version of Manila. And just like Manila, most of the travel spots aren't laid in the heart of the city but rather at it's nearby towns and coastal areas. This is why we devoured on a food adventure instead. Gearing up with just a phone, an Instagram account and a stomach which has a space for anything, we scavenged the city's best food smudges.
When international personalities land in Manila, they are housed to nowhere else but Makati Shangri La. The doors of this five star hotel have welcomed a variety of names from Hollywood actors and singers to business tycoons to influential politicians. I have always wondered why Shangri La remains a top choice even if it stands amidst an avenue of luxury hotels. What does it take to be best and how do you really set yourself apart? This is a question we all should be asking ourselves and who's answers are surprisingly found on this stay-cation.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
Lutong bahay. Mt Tapyas Hotel made me feel at home, not only because their warmth was way beyond expected, but because they surely know what a good pinoy dish means.
As part of the package I availed during my stay in Coron, Palawan, meals were served with your drink of choice with these sumptuous feast. And oh, did I happen to mention that rice was unlimited! Dining at Mt. Tapyas Hotel is surely on top of a very wonderful time in Coron.
Here are some of the food which tickled and satisfied my taste buds:
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.
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.
The new year's eve has just passed but the holiday feel was still everywhere. I wasn't ready to be back at work while the rest of the world shared my feelings. This was when we thought of brewing an extended holiday trip.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 gives a warm welcome to its guests with a traditional Filipino lantern installation better known as Parol hoisted on a giant Christmas Tree, just in front of the terminal.
From the busy life of the metro, Tagaytay is a paradise for those who seek some quiet time to unwind and relax, free from the stressful norms of the city. After work, my team mates headed down south to celebrate the holiday weekend in the breezy month of December.
