Paradizoo Opens 2012 with the Power of Three

My most favorite zoo-slash-themed park in the country once again welcomed the year of 2012 with a bang as they recently opened to the public three more addition to their growing and developing greenery. And since I'm so at peace with this place, I visited it last weekend to personally witness the breathtaking beauty of Paradizoo!

Reaching Paradizoo from Metro Manila will only take you an hour to two. Driving down to SLEX, then to Calamaba-Tagaytay Road, it'll be a breeze locating this lovely piece of heaven. Though, Paradizoo is actually located in Mendez, Cavite, you'll still feel the cool breeze coming from Tagaytay City, one reason why I'm so in love with this place.

When I visited this place last weekend, they have an ongoing celebration, the Agri Festival.

A Chinese New Year Holiday at Ongpin

If I'm not mistaken it was the very first time that our country, or in this case, our government declared the day of the Chinese New Year a holiday. And since Ongpin or Manila's Chinatown is just a few minutes away from our home, I spent my work-less, holiday Monday here and join the fun and festivity of this year's Chinese New Year. 

When I was a kid, my family and I used to dine here and enjoy some delectable Chinese food. Those foods were can only be found in this crowded yet very homey place, so I didn't wonder why a lot of people that time really go here just to taste some authentic Chinese food.

If there's one place in Manila that visitors should see, I believe Ongpin should be on that list because in here you'll certainly see how the two cultures, Filipino and Chinese, blended so well.

Ati-atihan Festival 2012

The country's "social yet religious" festival once again was filled with performers and fans as Kalibo hosts the oldest festival in our country, the Ati-atihan Festival!

Now on its 800th year celebration, Ati-atihan Festival was attended by almost a million of spectators who love bands, beats and booze! Yes, booze!

It was my first time to attend this colorful celebration, I must say that I was wowed not only by the amazing and truly magical costumes of all participants but by also the heart-warming hospitality and coolness of Akeanons. 

This month-long celebration shed its highlight last weekend were I got to witness some 33 participants who competed on the prestigious Ati-tribe competion.

Kalibo, all set for Ati-atihan Festival 2012!

I'm here right now in Kalibo, and in a few hours, streets of this town will be again filled with colorful and cheerful people from different parts of the world as we all chant "Viva, viva, Sto. Nino! Woo!" to this year's!

It's my first time to attend Ati-atihan Festival, and though I'm alone, I'm really having so much fun!

Bands. Beautiful people. And Booze! They are all over the place!

Fersal Hotel: Your Home for the 2012 Caracol Festival

If you haven’t heard, aside from the bonggacious and really world-class festivals in Cebu, Iloilo and Aklan, January is also the month where Makati City, Philippines’ most developed city, will celebrate its Caracol Festival. This festival that happens on the last Sunday of January closes down the busiest avenues in the metro such as Makati Avenue and Ayala Avenue, something you should watch out for!

And this year, with high hopes that this festival will be grander and more exciting, it’s best to book you hotels now and feast with the amazing talents of Makati’s public school students as they dance on the streets. And with that, I suggest the Fersal Hotel at Neptune Street, Makati City.

Located at the heart of Makati, Fersal Hotel offers the comforts of home that Fersal Group of Hotels has known for.

Feast of Black Nazarene 2012 - Why, oh, why?

Once again, the avenues of Manila City was flooded the colors maroon and golden yellow as the country celebrates the 2012 Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Attending this year's celebration feel so different for a devotee like me, because the man who encouraged and thought me things about this tradition is already gone. It's kinda painful to see the church and the people, but we have to move on, I have to move on, just like the procession of the Black Nazarene, which is attended by millions of devotees every year.

Today, I attended the 10:30 a.m. mass. By this time, the Basilica of the Black Nazarene is already full of devotees from the different parts of the world. And as if I have any other choice, I pushed myself in just to get inside and see the altar. As expected, it was grand and looks so mystical.

It's More Fun in the Philippines, so Let's Rammmpa!

It's simple but straight to the point. It's easy to understand, even kids as young as 2 years old can understand it and it's catchy, kinda addicting actually. That's why I have this blog to share some of my greatest pictures that will showcase the undeniable beauty of Filipinos and the Philippines.

But first, catch me first flying! Hehe.

Here are some of my nicest photos that I captured before. Enjoy!

Boracay: Holy Rosary Parish Boracay

For a guy who loves churches so much, I didn't left Boracay missing its one and only church, the Holy Rosary Parish Boracay. And this is where I spent my last few minutes on this very, very beautiful island.

Located along the main road of Boracay, finding this church is so easy. Since its the only Catholic church on the island, Holy Rosary Parish Boracay can be easily asked to all the locals there.

Though, one thing that I must say to all of you, this facility is tooooo simple. Comparing it to Boracay's grand and truly breath-taking views and hotel, it seemed that the local government forgot this one. I'm not saying it isn't pleasing to see, it is still the house of God, but it's just that the place is too bare.

Boracay: A Fiery Night with Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancers

More than its pristine white sand and cool-blue water, Boracay is also made popular by its talented locals who keep on showcasing their exquisite talents. And on my last night here on this very beautiful island, I got to witness the best fire dancers I've ever seen in my life and they are called the Boracay Pheonix Fire Dancers.

Sharing their talents every weekend during off-peak season, a must see on this world-class island is this group of young people dancing and jumping to music while swirling their poi or balls of fire to the beat.

I guess it was just a lucky Saturday night then because the rain that's been pouring all day stopped that night as if giving way to these very talented individuals to showcase their talents and to fascinate the island's guests.

Boracay: Puka Beach, Boracay’s True Beauty

While many others are falling in love with the pristine beauty of Boracay’s White Beach, there are still few, including me, who still prefer the quiet and simple beach life. Thank goodness, I had adventurous friends who won't settle for the best because we’ve found out Boracay’s hidden gem, my love, Puka Beach.

Puka Beach is located at the far north of the island offering nothing but the simplest beach experience. There no sail boats there, banana boats, parasailing and other water adventures that the White Beach is offering, but if you want the best of Boracay’s splash, sun, sand and shells, you’ll have it here.

Boracay: Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway, My Say

Last August I had the time of my life when I visited the world-class island of Boracay in Aklan, Philippines. The trip is actually the prize that I got after joining the bloggers contest a few months back. Though, I wasn't obliged to write about their Boracay branch anymore, I wrote this one to share to my fellow travellers the splendid time I spent at Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway.

Gran Prix has a number of branches all over the country. Three of which can be found in Visayas, two among them are in the island of Boracay. I’ve been to their Gran Prix Manila, and I must say that I had a fulfilling stay there. And now that they gave me a chance to experience their Boracay hospitality, excitement just filled my heart as it is my first time to visit Boracay too!

Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway is located at the prestigious location of Station 1, Boracay. Joining the number of outstanding hotels, this place will give you a pleasing and memorable stay that you’ll love to do over and over again.