Ayala Triangle Gardens' Enchanting Lights and Sound Show 2013

Running from November 20 to January 5, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the most awaited Ayala Triangle Gardens' Enchanting Lights and Sound Show has finally come to life again giving delight and amazement to all visitors of the country's leading city, Makati City. But if you think that this one is just all about glitz and glam, witness as the shows opens up a noble cause for the survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda, local name).

Making this year's show more meaningful and in respect for those who have lost almost everything in life, Makati City, primarily Ayala Triangle Gardens, made this year's show comes with a spark hope for those affected by the calamity in the Visayas region.

Launching "Bulig Bisaya" campaign, Ayala’s response in the aftermath of the typhoon, along with this year's Enchanting Light and Sound Show, donation boxes have been positioned around the Ayala Triangle Gardens and Tower One & Exchange Plaza fountain area where people can drop cash donations of any amount. 

It's Christmas in Makati City!

Yes, its that time of the year again where Christmas lights are all over the major thoroughfares of Makati Central Business District visible and adding delight to every passerby of this modern and evolving city. With this year's theme "Season of Sharing", get ready to be welcomed by amber-colored Christmas light, white ribbons, colorful rings and arches that depicts Filipino tradition of festivity.

After years of displaying a wonderful and futuristic spectacle on the avenues of Ayala, Paseo de Roxas and Makati, Makati City has brought the dim lights back through a display of amber-colored Christmas lights this year mounted on the trees around the three avenues.

Though amber in color, Mel Ignacio, Assistant Vice President of Ayala Land, said that these lights are still LED lights, which are still safe for the trees they hanging on to. She also added that this year, Makati's Christmas celebration will be going beyond the spectacle and pleasure derived from streets all aglow. The city that makes it all happen is also a city with a heart.

Ilocos Sur: Vigan Cathedral and the Center of Vigan

Just like in any other towns in the country, and probably in most of the world, here in Vigan, the life of people revolve around their religion. Thus, most of the residential streets, like Calle Crisologo, lead to the town's main church, the Vigan Cathedral. A historic site that provides every visitor a quick background of the story behind Vigan, Vigan Cathedral has been my mouth-less storyteller that time.

Built in 1641, this church has been a part of the intriguing and colorful history of Vigan City since then. And one of the most intriguing story that involves Vigan Cathedral is the assassination of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo,  which took place right in front of the church's altar.

My fascination to this church started from the antique replicas of saint that were scattered all over the church. The interior of the church may look modern, but the Romanesque style was kept intact, which can give the town's visitors a unique experience.

Ilocos Sur: The St. Augustine Parish Church and Bantay Belfry

Travelling a little north from the famous city of Vigan lays another historic site one should see when visiting Ilocos Sur. A spot that will give its visitors a bird's eye view of the colorful Vigan City and its own town Bantay, St. Augustine Parish Church and its stunning belfry knows as Bantay Belfry was one of our first destinations upon reaching Ilocos Sur.

Housing the image of Our Lady of Charity, the Patroness of Ilocandia, St. Augustine Parish Church posses a maroon-like brick facade with the design elements of Neo-Grothic. The interior, on the other hand, has a mix of Pseudo-Romansque elements forming this series of arches leading everyone to the altar. The interior looks quite simple, which I personally think was done o purpose to give emphasis on the church structure.

Story behind this church comes with the image of Our Lady of Charity found floating in the Bantay River before it was found and brought to land by the local fisherman. Some other towns claim that the image was theirs but it was only the people from Bantay who was able to carry it leaving the other towns no choice but to let Bantay have it.

Ilocos Sur: The Street We All Love - Calle Crisologo

The last time I was here, I was with a group of friends who have a clear idea why they love Calle Crisologo. A street surrounded by ancestral houses that are still standing through the test of time, the cobblestone pavement that makes it more old and classy and the fixtures that speak nothing but culture and heritage - who wouldn't fall in love with Vigan, Ilocos Sur's Calle Crisologo, right? Well, on my second visit here, I didn't just rekindled my love to this world renowned site, I also made sure that I will have a lasting image of it in my mind that would make me wanna go back here ASAP.

On my first visit here, I can say that I somehow lived the Ilocano's lifestyle. Staying here for almost a week and living in one of the UNSECO World Heritage site, eating nothing but the famous and delicious Ilocano dishes like the Bagnet and the Vigan Longganisa, Vigan, specifically Calle Crisologo has never fail to tell me to know the importance of past to our lives.

Finding a nice and decent place to stay-in here is quite easy - thanks to their local tourism office who are really there helping guests always. Aside from the accommodation, the street is also filled with food nooks that are readily offering the city's best of the best dishes. Like the Cafe Leona, which became our favorite dining spot day in and day out during our recent trip here.

Ilocos Sur: An Overnight at The Cordillera Inn

Going to Vigan without any reservation during the months of July, August and September is actually the last thing any tourist should worry about. A top tourist spot with a diverse kind of accommodations - from the transient types to classy hotels - Vigan City, which serves as the heart of Ilocos Sur houses more of those accommodation that you could think of that comes with the distinct Ilocano flavor that you'll adore even more.

A top choice among tourists whose main concerns are budget and ambiance, The Cordillera Inn was our home during our visit to the historic, captivating and lovely City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. A convenient place located right along the cobble-stone street of Crisologo, The Cordillera Inn is a must-go-to place if you really wanna experience how it feels like to be living in an upper-class Ilocano-Vigan life.

With rooms fit for couples, family or even large group of friends, The Cordillera Inn shared to me and to four of my friends an astonishing and memorable Ilocandia experience that I would definitely love to feel again. And despite of being just a walk-in, we were welcomed by a remarkable Ilocano hospitality that added color and even flavor to our Northern Luzon escapade.

Ilocos Norte: Revisiting Paoay Church

More than of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, more than of being one of the best Baroque churches in the Philippines, and more than of being an Augustinian Church, one gravitational pull that attracts me to see this place every time I'm here in the Ilocos Norte, is its homey peacefulness vibes that it shed to me every time I see it. That and some more are the reasons why I love visiting Paoay Church.

Settled right at the smack of the lovely town of Paoay, the Church of Saint Augustine or more commonly known as Paoay Church is one of the most visited sites in this part of the country. Still standing strong and grand since it was built in the 1700s, Paoay Church also carries this captivating Javanese architectural design aside from its celebrated Earthquake Baroque architecture.

This is my second time to be here, the last one was way back in 2008. And though I wasn't able to stay in town for a day again, I actually spent longer time now than before since we had our lunch in a cafe restaurant right across the church, the Herencia Cafe.

Ilocos Norte: The Imeldific Malacanang Ti Amianan

Imeldific may be often used when describing shoes, since the word came from the names of a woman who's lavishness for her shoes is so remarkable -  Mrs. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, but when I paid a visit to the Malacanang of the North, or locally known as Malacanang Ti Amianan once again, I can't help but to fell in love with everything that spells nothing but Imeldific!

In visiting the top most part of our country, one most not miss to see the elegantly looking Presidential Palace of the North located at the very heart of Ilocos Norte the Malacanang Ti Amianan. Currently under the management of the local government of Ilocos Norte, this palace that served as home to President Ferdinand Marcos and his family during their reign is now considered one of the prized tourist destinations in the region offering bits of glam and power of once a powerful family in the land, the Marcoses.

Upon entering this elegant piece of property, you will be welcome by this beautiful red circular staircase that I find really, really attractive. Though the main door to the palace isn't that grand, it is made of very fine wood material that weighs so heavy. A five-peso entrance fee will be asked from every visitor of this Spanish-inspired mansion. 

Ilocos Norte: The Heartof Batac at the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

Even though I didn't really experience the tyranny of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos during the Martial Law era in our country, seeing all of these things that are quiet contrary on what the history books have told me kinda made me think is it really that scary during that time?

Located at the quiet and peaceful City of Batac, before seeing the natural wonders of Ilocos Norte, I suggest that one must take a step back in time and visit one of the many places that praises President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum.

I've been hearing a lot of things about this place on the television and despite of that creepy feel that it gives on me thinking that the real dead body of the late president is STILL lying there, I still braved it to see this place and see what it has to offer to the tourist of this beautiful region.

Ilocos Norte: The Not So Blue Lagoon

Before I came here, I read about a dozen of blogs saying about how pristine and beautiful the place is. Some tagged it as the Boracay of the North because of its pure white sand that are made perfectly by the nature itself. But when we got, honestly, I thought I was in a wrong place, until our guide told us that we were not in the right time to see Blue Lagoon on its finest and bluest moment.

One of the many popular summer destinations in the country, Pagudpud's Blue Lagoon, which houses most of the well-known resorts in the northern part was our last destination in this Ilocos Norte trip. Ideal for Holy Week retreat and relaxation, Blue Lagoon offers a captivating view of the top most part of the country.

A perfect spot for surfing too, Blue Lagoon is said to be one of the favorite destinations for those who are starting to try out the sport. Though, the pure white sand is captivating, the water wasn't as blue as its name says when we were there. Along the shoreline were some fishermen's shacks that speak of the kind of town it has.

Ilocos Norte: Revisiting Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

There are really places in this world that seeing once is not enough , and I'm really thankful for the opportunities given to me - opportunities that do not just bring me to different places but also makes me do the thing that I love the most, appreciate the beauty of this world at its finest moment. All that including the howling wind and tarnish rust, I got to do all over again in Ilocos Norte's Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

We were just in the nick of time when we arrived at this towering beauty of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Though, it may seem that nothing has changed in it, the moment I passed by its newly painted gates, I know that there is something new - something different - about this place that only my sixth sense can tell.

Unlike my previous visit here in Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the place was so empty when we arrived. The guard was the only man left and he was about to leave then. Thankfully, he was so kind to let us in to see the whole lot.

Ilocos Norte: The Glistening Beauty of Kapurpurawan Rocks

If you want to know when is the best time to visit this glistening beauty of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, I'd say the rainy season. Because with its flowing silk-like beauty, it created a better illusion with water dripping all over it. And together with my friends, I was lucky to witness all of that when visited the Kapurpurawan Rocks.

It was a treacherous path towards to the what seemed to be a gem created by nature. With rocks, mosses and even small living creatures around, we braved the rain taking the chance to just even gaze at the white rock formation. But the moment we saw it, it felt like there's someone from it that's calling us, and in less than an hour, we found ourselves staring at this humongous white rock glistening while the rain water dripping from it. It was such a beautiful gem!

Kapurpurawan Rocks was a dream destination to me then. With its unusual look and real and pure color, who wouldn't wanna see that up close, right? It is a dream come true to me now. But honestly, when you get here, just "seeing it " is not enough. To purely feel the love from the nature, you must climbed up there to its peak and just be like a a free bird with arms spread wide open. It was a great feeling to be up there, standing in a pure white rock that in a few more years will be goner.

Ilocos Norte: Gazing at Pagudpud's Bantay Abot

When they say it's more fun in the Philippines, its is true! It is really more fun in the Philippines, because aside from our lovely people, pristine and truly heart-melting beaches and tourists spots, we also have some of the most unique nature-made destinations that are just a work of art. Yes, I am talking about the mountain with a hole in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte - the Bantay Abot.

"Bantay," which means mountain or hill, and "Abot," which means hole in Ilocano, is something that will make heads turn before reaching the beautiful Blue Lagoon Beach or Maira-Ira Beach of Pagudpud. Stories had it that the hole, which is visible as far as 3 kilometers, was caused by a huge impact of water that slammed against this hill giving it this unique doughnut-like appearance. And since then, it was considered one of the nicest spot to see here in Ilocos Norte.

I was lucky to finally see it on my recent visit on this beautiful province, and though, I didn't spend time to see it up close due to slippery rockies, I somehow appreciate its beauty as well as the things surrounding it. The green pasture on top of the hill is said to be a vegetation, while the the hole of it gives this bell-like shape up-close.

Makati Celebrates 115th Independence with Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum

Just like a bamboo, secure and flexible, on this year's celebration of Philippine Independence, the country's fast-moving city, Makati, commemorates the rise from all challenges and adversities of our country through a  three-tiered event that is all in the same breath experiential, educational, and entertaining. And all of these started through the of the country’s first ever Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum.

Taking the lead in mounting a grand event to celebrate 115 remarkable years of Philippine Independence, Makati City proudly presented to the public yesterday a 5-foot tall and covering an almost 50-sqm area Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum, which is open to everyone and will be on display from June 11 until July 31, 2013.

Entitled “Grass: Routes of a Nation”, inside the well-crafted Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum, anyone can get a glimpse of an exhibit showcasing images and vignettes off our nation’s rich history. And through the amalgamation of new and old, this bamboo exhibit also carries QR codes that are ready to provide visitors an interactive way to know more about bamboos - its uses and  to mention the actual bamboo music instruments that are available inside, which kids and adults alike will surely enjoy.

That Sitio Boracay Dream

It was almost a year ago since I first stepped in the beautiful island of Boracay. It was first time on that world-class tourist spot and it was all courtesy of Granprix Boracay Hideaway. It was also my first time to travel alone, and to travel for free, so everything was so memorable. And though I enjoyed my 3 days-2 nights stay there, I was still longing to experience Boracay in a far more different way - a classier one. And then comes one great blessing this year, a classy gift that will take me back to this beautiful paradise - another free accommodation - and this time at the sister hotel of Granprix Boracay Hideaway, the Sitio Boracay.

If my first time in Boracay was spent on "me, myself and I," this time, I have no plans of going there alone. Thank goodness, I have a bunch of new friends that are going there, so without further ado, I booked a flight to the beautiful island of Boracay on the same dates as my friends are. And at exactly before noon on the said date - Friday before Palm Sunday, that is - I found myself inside this beautiful cabana that will serve as my sanctuary in the next few days....

Soul of a City: A Makati City Tour

When we hear the name Makati some of the words that we have in mind definitely include the Binays, high-rise buildings, the Ayalas and their Ayala Avenue, posh shopping malls and the likes. But a few days back I was impressed by how this highly-urbanized city is still keeping some of its prized historical gems through the local government's  initiative to share the historical side of the city, the "Soul of a City: A Makati City Tour."

I was lucky to be a part of its maiden tour a few days back, and together with some media personalities, we were treated to an afternoon of amazement and appreciation of a city we thought is all about high-ends and luxury.

This “Soul of a City" is Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc.'s (MTFI) project to showcase the city’s historical and modern landmarks, heritage sites and prime shopping venues. Launched last May 17, 2013, the project is inline with the foundation’s thrust to further promote the city as one great tourist destination, rich in both character and culture. 

Lechon Festival of the Lechon Capital of the Philippines

Where in the world could you find houses facing one another that sell the most delectable and crunchy roasted pork in the world, definitely only here in La Loma, Quezon City. And last weekend, as I drool over the amazing display of these crunchy creatures, I also had a wonderful watching the coolest parade of their kind in this annual Lechon Festival!

Its is known to many that La Loma, Quezon City is the Lechon Capital of the Philippines. With big names in the industry like Ping-Ping, Mila and Lydia all in one place, this is one heavenly place for those meat eaters who love their meals come with those crunchy pork skin, oil-sweating meat and hot rice!

And last weekend, together with my super friends, we were able to witness this cool and drooling festival again. With my camera on my hands and eyes on the prize - hundreds of lechons parading right in front of us, I captured each of them and make sure that anyone who will see this festival will be captivated and drool over this delicious beauties.

Loving Pahiyas Festival the Second Time Around...

Here in the Philippines, when you like and appreciate a place on your first visit, rest assured that you will love it the second time around. And that's what I felt as I revisit the humble yet colorful town of Lucban to experience and to drown again to the magical, creative and colorful world of Pahiyas Festival.

Usually, when a festival falls on a weekday, expect a low turnout of attendees. But here in Pahiyas, that was proven wrong, a proof that no matter what, Lucbanon, as well as devotees of San Pedro, pay their respect and give thanks to the patron saint who is behind all the bountiful harvest that the town or country had in the past year.

This is my second time here in this colorful festival, and though I'm honestly not expecting extravagance, I was overwhelmed by the unbelievable faith and devotion of Lucbanon to San Pedro. More than the colorful houses adorned by the "kipings" and vegetables that they just harvested, I had a wonderful time going around town and meeting the very accommodating people of Lucban - the most reason that made me love this place more.

My Zest Air Flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! (Last Day)

What we thought would to be a sad and boring last day here in Kuala Lumpur turned out to be a super fun and truly memorable one - epic as what's the popular term now. How it won't be memorable, we were invited to cover and see for ourselves the billionaire Sir Richard Branson all dress in red skimpy AirAsia flight attendant outfit! Hahahaha! An international media fiasco for our last day here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Winner!!!

Since Zest Air and AirAsia are forming this strategic partnership in Manila, just before we took our Zest Air flight back to Manila, Philippines, we were asked to grace the press conference that is about to happen in one side of Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) of Kuala Lumpur. Despite of our kinda tourist looking outfit, which basically said nothing compare to the other media personalities who were there to cover the event, we didn't turned down the invitation for this might be the surprises awaiting for our last day. I mean, seriously, who are we to say no to this kind of frenzy? This is one surprise we would love to have!

After checking in our luggage, Team Kuala went around the airport first to spend our remaining ringgit to but some more "pasalubong", and just right after I'm done, the AirAsia team called out our attention to orient us on what will happen the moment AirAsia X Charity Flight touches the ground of LCCT. AirAsia Charity Flight X was the airplane that carries Billionaire Sir Richard, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes and a number of international media from Perth, Australia.

My Zest Air Flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! (Day 2)

As I've said on my previous blog, our day 2 here in Kuala Lumpur was packed with more adventures and fun all courtesy of our hosts Zest Air, AirAsia and Tourism Malaysia. So, by the time our clocks clicked to 8 in the morning, everyone from Team Kuala was having breakfast at the exquisite Big Apple Restaurant of Berjaya Times Square Hotel and savoring the delectable international cuisine fit for a king!

By 9 in the morning, the team, now with Tina Travels' Marie Tiu, our tour guide, was heading to one of Kuala Lumpur's most visited tourist site, and my dream tourist destination in this part of the world, the Batu Caves.

Located at the northern part of Kuala Lumpur, at approximately 20 minutes from our hotel, this limestone hill is housing one of the biggest statue of Lord Murugan, Hindu god of war and victory. Since I saw this place from my travel-blogger friends who have been to Kuala Lumpur before, I cannot take it off of my mind and from then I've been dreaming to see it. Lucky me!

My Zest Air Flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! (Day 1)

The surprising ones were the greatest, and that was proven to me again when I finally braved myself and to fly out of the country for the first time via the historical inaugural flight of Zest Air to the beautiful and really stunning city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia!

Last May 10, 2013, I unexpectedly had the chance to see the beauty of the world by flying to Malaysia together with a number of bloggers who were invited by Zest Air and Tourism Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur. A country and city that take pride of its people and history, I'd say that after that smooth and comfortable Zest Air flight Z2948 ride, my heart was beating so fast due to excitement and just can't wait to see the whole city who makes its visitors fall in love - like forever!

This trip was planned and prepared by Zest Air and AirAsia, who are strategically conniving to give Filipino customers that pocket-friendly and efficient travel opportunity around the world.

Alta Vista de Boracay: A Different Boracay Experience that I Love

When I plan to see Boracay, all I'm wishing to do is to enjoy the white sand and watch the hot bodies passing on it. But when I had the chance to check-in and stay in one of the most sophisticated and high-lander hotels in this paradise-like island, my idea of Boracay escapade changes and levels up - it's more fun to stay up in the mountain of Alta Vista de Boracay!

I've been hearing a lot about Alta Vista de Boracay since the first time I visited the beautiful island of Boracay, but I honestly didn't spend so much thought of it for I know that by the sound of its name, I will never have a chance to experience the place - primarily because I know that I cannot afford it. But heaven opens its doors and an angel granted me a chance to enjoy the amazing and truly breathtaking accommodation of Alta Vista de Boracay! Thank you, angel! ^_^

Just like what they say on their brochure "Find your worry-free escape", Alta Vista de Boracay of DMCI Homes made my summer escapade in this world-class island so memorable that I myself cannot believe until now that it happened. From the pick-up point to the last minute I bid goodbye to the beautiful island of Boracay, Alta Vista made sure that every money spend here were well-spent and enjoyed.