Rammmpa!

Eurotel Baguio: Your Home for Panagbenga 2012

2012-02-16T21:07:00.002+08:00

This February, the country's most lovely and most colorful festival is happening. And up there in Baguio City, where temperature can drop to as low as 10 degrees Celsius, people are now busy preparing for the 2012 Panagbenga Festival!

Now, do you already have a place to stay in for this year's exciting and romantic Panagbenga Festival?

Eurotel Baguio, our home during the Baguio Bliss 2012, is probably the best place for you to stay-in during this time of the year. With its awesome location at Abanao Extension, Baranggay Rizal Park, it'll surely give you comfort and easy access to the rest of tourist destinations here in the Mountain Province.

I personally enjoyed the location of this hotel in Abanao Extension. Since it is located a little far from the uber busy Session Road, I got to enjoy the fresh, cool breeze of Baguio City. The surrounding was quite and peaceful too, so it was a total relaxation during our vacation here in Baguio City.

Living up to its name, Eurotel Baguio was able to give us a European vacation with a unique local touch from its staff, service, food and amenities.

I'm an online person, so one important thing for me is to stay connected 24/7, and here in Eurotel, a free access to their WiFi will be given to its guests.

When I arrived here, the first thing that I actually did is to check-in on Four Square, a mobile-social site that will tell to your followers where you are. And as I checked in, one tip that caught my attention was the message that says that this place's WiFi connection sucks. On the contrary, base from my experience on my 3-day/2-night stay, everything was smooth. The WiFi was superbly fast actually, maybe they already managed to fix it, so for you who are planning to stay here, no need to worry about the WiFi anymore. :-)

For some tummy-filling section, Eurotel Baguio offers delectable dishes that will set give you power and energy to the very tiring Panagbenga Festival. Though mostly were Filipino dishes, you can ask their chef to fix you up some European cuisine to complete your European stay here. But if you'll ask me, I'm happy with their Filipino dishes, everything tasted really well and complementing.

As for the rooms, I got to checked out three of their rooms. From Euto Suites 1, which is perfect for two, to Euro Suites 2, which is good for family or a group of 3 and the Standard Room, for those who are on a tight budget or doesn't need a too fancy room.

Euro Suites 1 - Php2,900.00/day

Euro Suites 2 - Php3,300.00/day

Standard Room - Php2,500.00/day

On the said Baguio Bliss 2012, the room that was given to us was the Euro Suites 1. It is large enough for two persons and it has an LCD cable TV, nice, cozy, warm bed, hot and cold shower with tub and even an air conditioning system, if in case Baguio's cool breeze ain't enough for. ^_^

I know some travelers would say that there's no need for any fancy room since you'll be going out all the time, but for business people, who are the main target market of Eurotel, it is important to have a nice, warm room after a busy day. And with everything that I saw there, I know Eurotel Baguio just hit the right spot.

Eurotel Baguio also offers function rooms for business and organizations who wanna treat their employees to a relaxing and comfortable seminars or team buildings.

Their function rooms are also open for life celebrations such as baptismal, weddings, debut or birthday parties. And I bet that lovely packages awaits to those guests who wanna avail these rooms.

Aside from that, other promos such as an eat-all you-can buffet and 12-hour stay are available here in Eurotel Baguio, which is a perfect idea for this upcoming Panagbengga.

An once get tired from Panagbengga, there's a spa beside the hotel named Spa du Soleil ready to ease the stress away. Sounds a very cool Baguio destination, right?

If you think that Eurotel is the place for you this Panagbenga 2012, you can make reservation by calling their Central Reservation (02) 355-0000 or at 0999-888EURO (8883876). Or you can visit their website http://www.eurotel-hotel.com/baguio.html

See you in Baguio! See you in Panagbenga! (I hope! *fingers crossed*)
Happy rammmpa!

A Splendid Vacation with Eurotel's Baguio Bliss

2012-02-15T17:30:00.003+08:00

Baguio City - City of Pines. Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Lion's Head in Kennon Road, Baguio City

Baguio has been a favorite place of the many here in our country. With its cool breeze and wonderful sights to see, no wonder people keeps coming back to this lovely place over and over again.

I personally LOVE Baguio City. It is actually on my top most favorite places here in the Philippines. And as I went back here last week to be a part of Eurotel's annual Baguio Bliss, I can't help but to get excited, since this will be my first time to go up here with a group of bloggers, and curious as to what has changed in this cool yet very accommodating city.

Eurotel Baguio

(read my blog about Eurotel Baguio here)

This is the second time Eurotel hosted such vacation to a group of bloggers. Lucky me, I was qualified to join them this time to experience a world-class treatment here in Baguio.

The Bloggers

The treatment, the amenities, the company - SUPERB. Everything was so unexpected but really enjoyable, something that a usual visitor like me wants to have or should I say longing to experience. ^_^

We arrived at Baguio City an hour and a half before noon. We had a quick stopover at the Lion's Head, which is a must-visit spot here in Baguio because it serves as "the symbol" of the whole province. Then, after some picture takings and cups of Strawberry Taho, a strawberry-flavored soya drink that you can only buy here, we reached the 2-year-old Eurotel Baguio.

Baguio City Hall and Burnham Park

Eurotel Baguio is standing in front of Baguio City Hall, just behind Cafe by the Ruins, which is a popular cafe here in Baguio City. With its red and green colors, Eurotel can be seen even when you are in Burnham Park, SM Baguio and Baguio Cathedral.

Baguio Cathedral

Upon our arrival at the hotel, Eurotel staff guided us to our rooms where we are about to spend a 3-day/2-night vacation. Yes, 3 days and 2 nights! Exciting right? They let us have some minute of rest, then by around 12:30 p.m., they called us back to the dining area where we had our very first hotel lunch. We had soup, some noodle dish, fried dishes, a meat dish with a sauce and some vegetable dish that time.

Baguio is also known for its fresh fruits and vegetables, so having some vegetables while you are in this lovely city is really a must-do.

Okay, after our lunch, by around 2 in the afternoon, the Eurotel Team, headed by Mr. Ivan Aoki asked us if we are all ready for the first series of Baguio Bliss. With all excitement, we said YES!

For our first destination, we were challenged to hang ourselves and zip through this Paintball Republic Zipline, which can be found inside Camp John Hay.

Paint Ball Republic Zipline

To be honest, THAT WAS SO EASY! Hahaha! *mayabang lang* It wasn't that really scary, though it was really cold up there. Hehe.

After that, the Eurotel Team took us to other attractions inside the camp, that includes the Historical Core where you can see this creepy but turned out to be so cool Cemetery of Negativism, Liberty Loop and The Bell House.

Cemetery of Negativism

Liberty Loop

The Bell House

Since, the whole place is all about hiking and breathing and hiking and breathing, we all took a break and enjoyed some "meryenda" inside the camp too. One thing we learned while eating there, we must eat our food quick, because it'll get cold fast.

After that, we went back to Eurotel Baguio to refresh and rest again. I don't have any plans of resting, really. But when they said that we'll have some videoke session later after dinner, I went back to my room and let my voice rest for a bit. Haha! Vocalization galore ang drama. Haha!

Taken during our dinner

That was a very long first day, but everything was worthy! I had a chance to bond with my fellow bloggers while singing our hearts out. This is really one treat that I will never forget.

Our second day in this blissful vacation, after having a power buffet breakfast at the hotel, our group hopped in our van and headed to Baguio City's Orchidarium.

Orchidarium

Believe it or not, it was my first time to go here. I didn't know that there's a place like this that exist just beside Burnham Park. And the thing that adds up to my surprise, the prices of the plants here are very, very affordable. They have Marigolds here that costs only Php10.00 per pot! Ain't that amazing? I mean, wow! The colors were so Baguio too, it feels so Panagbengga right then and there!

After getting so amazed to all of those plants and flowers, Eurotel Team took us up north to La Trinidad, Baguio's neighboring town, to check our The Bell Church.

La Trinidad Welcome Arch

The Bell Church

I was able to lit up an incense inside their temple and made a wish. It was my first time to visit that place too, so I made sure that I'll check out every corner of the whole lot - I mean mountain, because you have to climb to see the other parts of the temple.

And again, since that activity was very tiring, our next destination led us to one healthy and very artistic haven called Oh My Gulay!

Oh My Gulay!

We went back to Baguio City, down to Session Road, just to have a taste of the Baguio's freshest and most delicious vegetable dishes! This is another activity that I would love to do over and over again because everything was unbelievably delicious! Hihihi!

I had an inside scoop about the place. According to a friend, the chef of this very unique restaurant is a member of the band Session Road. I just can't remember if it is the lead guitarist or the drummer. :-)

At Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet

Next to that unforgettable lunch, our group continued our exploration, and this time, we went back up to La Trinidad to check out the star fruit of the city - strawberry!

During my last visit here in Baguio, I wasn't able to enjoy the place because it wasn't strawberry picking season. But this time, since its just February, strawberries were propping up like the one in the online game Smurfs! It was, really, really, really beautiful!

There was a large crowd of visitor enjoying the fresh strawberries when we arrived, but that didn't stopped us from seeing the farm. It's been ages since I saw this place like this, and it was a delight to see all these red fruits all over the place again! Indeed, strawberry is the life of Baguio City and I love them!

The moment we were done with our strawberry excitement and more pasalubong-buying, Eurotel Team asked us to hop back inside the van because the fun and thrill of this Baguio Bliss is not stopping there.

We drove further north of the province to check out one of the most visited and well-protected ancient villages of Benguet Province. With a little clue as to where we are going next, I'm worried that my outfit that day wouldn't fit to this activity, but then, again, there's the excitement there so Rammmpa lang! :-)

Tam-Awan Village

Tam-Awan Village is nestling to some Ifugao houses of the province. With its lush green view and steep staircase that will lead you to, I believe, highest peak of La Trinidad, traversing such challenging trail was nothing compared to the view that it offers. It was literally and figuratively breathtaking - something that a visitor would love to witness by him/herself.

And since the whole lot of pine trees was really captivating, we didn't let the moment passed. Together with my fellow bloggers, as well as the Eurotel Team, we posed for some souvenir photos that I would love to share to all of you. :-)

Pang pre-nup na ba? Hahaha!

We spent some minutes up there enjoying the serenity of the whole place and the cooler breeze, it was a refreshing place, believe me.

When we noticed that fog were starting to cover the whole mountain, we decided to go down and hit the village's cafeteria.

There were some men enjoying some beers when we arrived, thank God, the cafeteria was huge enough to seat more people. We had some "meryenda" there first before deciding to bid farewell to Tam-Awan Village.

I remember telling the group that we were fooled by the idea of this place being a village, because for me, it was more of a mountain. With its steep staircases going up, it was really tiring, good thing there's a wonderful view up there as a reward. Hehe.

The group decided to return to Eurotel Baguio afterwards, to rest and to do the mini game that they prepared to us.

The game was actually like an Amazing Race only we have to find the locations and take an exactly the same pictures of the postcard that they gave us. It was a fun and interesting game, in my opinion, because we were able to explore Baguio on foot, and made us love the whole city more.

O' Mai Khan

The announcement of the winners happened over dinner at O Mai Khan, which offers an eat-all-you-can Mongolian dinner. And guess what again, I won! Hahaha! But I only placed third. Still a winner, right! Wee! :-)

Spa Du Soleil

Eurotel Baguio really gave the best to us on this Baguio Bliss - we were spoiled right from the very beginning til the very end of this vacation. And the sweetest thing of all, on our last night, an amazing and truly relaxing spa treatment from their spa neighbor, Spa Du Soleil, was waiting for all of us.

On the following day, though it was a sad day because it was our last day in Baguio, I must say that I am truly blessed to be a part of this Baguio Bliss. It is the break that I'm longing for and it made more amazing because of the cool company that I'm with.

Thank you Eurotel, for this super awesome treat! I will never forget this! Thanks too to my fellow bloggers who made this trip super fun and exciting. And lastly, thank you to Baguio City, for the inspiration and the push to keep me going in life!

Eurotel, you are the best! :-) Thaaaaaaank youuuuuu!!! Muah!

P.S. I'll posting a separate blog for the destinations that we've been on this Baguio Bliss, so please stay tune or subscribe here. Thanks! *wink*

Love is in the Air with Zoocobia Fun Zoo's Wish Lantern Festival

2012-02-03T16:51:00.001+08:00

This Love Month, aside from the different Valentine's Day promos and activities that you are seeing all over the metropolis and aside from the country's most attended fiestas and festivals such as the Panagbengga Festival of Baguio City and the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta of Angeles City, Clark, specifically Zoocobia Fun Zoo, has come up with another captivating and lovely festival that couples and even singles can enjoy! This year, let's also join the Wish Lantern Festival!

Who doesn't enjoy that scene in "Tangled" where Rapunzel and Flynn Rider singing on the boat with thousands of lanterns flying over them? It is one of the many scenes in many movies that I will never forget because it was really, really great. The effects, the animation, the colors, the acting, and the scoring, everything is perfect!

And this time, I think I can have the chance to experience something lovely like that with this Wish Lantern Festival. This is like a post-Chinese New Year celebration and pre-Valentine's Day celebration rolled into one.

According to our friends from Zoomanity Group, the event will start at 6:00 p.m., with some bands serenading their guests. There will also be a Fire Dance performance from their pool of really talented and wowing artists. And of course, to also enjoy the zoo part, an animal parade will add to the entertainment.

Zoocobia Fun Zoo is just some 5-10 minutes away from Clark Airfield, so I think, once your done attending the 17th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, you can drop by here and continue the fun and flying with these wish lanterns.

This will be my first time to witness such activity, and though, I'm not sure if the weather will coordinate, I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hopefully that this one will be a successful one, so that we will have another Wish Lantern Festival again next year! :-)

For more informations, you can visit www.zoomanity.com.ph.

See you all there! Happy rammmpa!

The 17th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, It's Flying Time Again!

2012-02-03T13:53:00.000+08:00

I had a chance to witness the amazing 16th Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clark Airfield, Angeles City last year. It was so amazing that I wanna do repeat this year. But this time, I wanna make sure that I'll be there even before the sun rises up because I wanna see them all fly!

Last year was my first-ever Hot Air Ballon Fiesta, and though some of my expectations weren't met, I must say that I had a great time looking up in the sky watching our brave pilots fly in the air like some superheroes.

There were really a lot of activities to watch out for, so if I were you, you should also be there earlier so not to miss anything. And for your reference here's the schedule of this 4-day long flying extravaganza.

(read my entry on the 16th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta)

February 09, 2012 - THURSDAY

FIRST FIESTA DAY

Hot Air Balloon Flights - 5:30-7:00AM
Paragliding Exhibition - 6:30-7:30AM
Ultralight Aircraft Formation Flying - 7:40-8:15AM
Ultralight Bomb Dropping Audience Participation - 8:15-9:00AM
Aerobatic Flight Display - 9:00-9:40AM
Kite Flying Exhibition - 9:40-10:00AM
AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition - 10:00-10:45AM
Sky Diving Exhibition - 10:45-11:30AM
R/C Demonstration Flying - 11:30-12:00PM
Open - 12:00-1:00PM
Sky Diving Exhibition - 1:00-2:00PM
AOPA Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting - 2:00-2:45PM
Aerobatic Flight Display - 3:45-4:30PM
Rocketry Demonstration - 4:30-5:00PM
Ultralight Formation Flying - 5:00-5:20PM
Hot Air Balloon Fly-In - 5:20-6:00PM

February 10, 2012 - FRIDAY

SECOND FIESTA DAY

Hot Air Balloon Flights - 5:30-7:00AM
Paragliding Exhibition - 6:30-7:30AM
Ultralight Aircraft Flyby & Flour Bombing - 7:40-8:30AM
Aerobatic Air Show - 8:30-9:15AM
R/C Helicopter Show - 9:30-9:50AM
AOPA Aircraft Flyby - 9:50-10:30AM
AOPA Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition - 10:30-11:15AM
Skydiving Exhibition - 11:15-12:00PM
Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition - 12:30-1:30PM
Fire Fighting Exhibition - 1:30-2:15PM
Skydiving Exhibition - 2:15-3:00PM
Wings Over Asia Aviators Gathering Seminar - 3:00-6:00PM
Rocketry Demonstration - 3:00-3:45PM
Aerobatic Flight Display - 4:00-4:30PM
Paragliding Exhibition - 4:30-5:15PM
Hot Air Balloon Flights - 5:30-6:00PM

February 11, 2012 - SATURDAY

THIRD FIESTA DAY

Hot Air Balloon Flight - 5:30-7:00AM
Paragliding Exhibition - 6:30-7:30AM
Ultralight Aircraft Flyby - 7:40-8:30AM
Krukspec Airsoft Speedball Competition - 8:30-5:00PM
Aerobatic Flight Display - 8:30-9:15AM
Search and Rescue Flying Exhibition - 9:15-10:00AM
AOPA-P, Wings Over Asia, Thai Flying Club Flyby - 10:00-10:45AM
Skydiving Exhibition - 10:45-11:15AM
AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition - 11:15-12:00PM
Kite Flying Exhibition - 12:00-12:45PM
Open - 12:45-1:15PM
Piper Turboprop bly by of Ed/Citation Mustang fly-by - 1:15-1:45PM
Skydiving Exhibition - 1:45-2:15PM
AOPA Light Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition - 2:15-3:00PM
Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition - 3:00-3:45PM
Aerobatic Flight Display - 3:45-4:30PM
Rocketry Demonstration - 4:30-5:00PM
Ultralight Flyby - 5:00-5:30PM
RC Airplane Flying Demonstration - 5:30-5:45PM
Hot Air Balloon Flight - 5:45-6:15PM
Hot Air Balloon Night Glow - 6:45-7:30PM
Aviators Ball - 7:00PM-onwards

February 12, 2012 - SUNDAY

FOURTH FIESTA DAY

Hot Air Balloon Flights - 5:30-7:00AM
Paragliding Exhibition - 6:30-7:30AM
Ultralight Aircraft Flyby & Flour Bombing - 7:30-8:30AM
Krukspec Airsoft Speedball Competition - 8:00-5:00PM
AOPA-P, Wings Over Asia, Thai Flying club Fly-by - 8:30-9:30AM
R/C Helicopter Show - 9:30-10:00AM
Helicopter Flying Exhibition - 10:00-10:30AM
Skydiving Exhibition - 10:30-11:00AM
AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition - 11:00-12:00PM
Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition - 12:30-1:15PM
Ultralight Flying Display - 1:15-2:00PM
RC Airplane Flying Demonstration - 2:00-2:30PM
AOPA Light Airplane Ballon Bursting Finals - 2:30-3:30PM
Aerobatic Exhibition - 3:30-4:15PM
Rocketry Demonstration - 4:15-4:45PM
Microlight & Ultralight Flyby - 4:45-5:30PM
Hot Air Balloon Night Glow - 5:30-6:45PM
Crew and Awards Night Party - 7:30PM

Every day of this 4-day flying fiesta is a whole day event, so I suggest that you bring money, food, drinks and event tent for you to enjoy the day. Though, there are some decent food stall inside, the prices are kinda high. The entrance ticket for this fiesta, as I've heard, is Php200.00 per head.

Our friends from R.O.X. shared to me that there'll be more exciting and breathtaking aerial shows to watch out for this year. R.O.X. will also be there at the event venue giving guests a glimpse of their exciting apparels as well as on-the-ground activities that they prepared for all the spectators of this fiesta. hey'll be also selling there some premium items to make your viewing pleasure more fun and memorable. There'll be the Alite monarch chair, Coghlans Foldable Chair, Coghlans Mini Fan to make sure that you get the best seats in the house and Zing Toys will also be available for your kids to enjoy.

I'll try to make a post regarding some do's and don't's in attending this event, but for now, mark those dates because this is one fiesta that you, your family and friends will truly enjoy!

See you at the 17th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!

Happy rammmpa!

Paradizoo Opens 2012 with the Power of Three

2012-01-30T23:03:00.000+08:00

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.

Welcomed by some local marching bands, we were led to Paradizoo's latest attraction as well as to their now more developed livestock, vegetable and floral farms.

I, for one, love their vegetation and floral farm, since I barely see something like that in the metro. I truly enjoyed looking, taking pictures and having pictures with them.

Let me remind you that I've been to this place many times before, but I still contain my excitement every time I see a budding flower beside me or some flying bees and butterflies, or some fruits and vegetables hanging on their trees and shrubs branches.

According to the guide that assisted us on our visit here, the Agri Festival just started that day, January 21 and it will last til February 25, 2012. Among the highlights of this festivity are Greyhound racing demo, animal parade, floral arrangement demos, exhibits, fresh vegetables picking and even animal auctions.

And since, spring is coming, I got to see some amazing flowers and vegetable plants too growing around the area. And I am happy that I was able to take nice photos of them so sharing them to all of you.

Aside from those, I also got to visit their Butterfly and Bee Gardens alongside the only Pet Cemetery in the country. It was such a splendid activity that I would love to do over and over again.

By the time we felt our tummies grumbling, affordable and organic dishes are ready to rescue and readily available while enjoying the serenity of the whole place.

I love their fresh green salad and spring roll! Yummy! :-)

Some more demos can be arranged with the staff there if you'd like to know more, but if you are with kids, I'm sure they'll prefer spending time feeding birds in the newly opened Bird Trail or probably dipping their feet on this Fish Spa.

And by the time you feel tired, there's the Spa Sanctuary ready to beat those stress away with Paradizoo's back and head massage, all done by Paradizoo Therapists.

Paradizoo has also Farm Frenzy, where kids can interact with Paradizoo's friendly farm animals, there's also a Camping Site, in case you wanna spend the night here, a Picnic Area for those day trips, a Sheep Sheering Area for some unique farm experience, a Goat and Cow Milking Demonstration, which will be great for those who are planning to have some dairy and milk business and a Souvenir Shop for some remembrance for this fun-filled day.

Paradizoo is open from 8:00 in the morning til 4:00 in the afternoon, Monday to Sunday and even Holidays.

Oh, leaving this place is one of the hardest thing to do for me. Looking back at those vegetation and flower garden is really sad. But, hey, there's still summer, and I can't wait for their summer spectacle!

I'll bring my nieces back here because I know that they'll be glad to see that there's a real Farm Frenzy. Hehe.

For more information, you can visit www.zoomanity.com.ph. You can also follow them on their Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/zoomanitygroup. Zoomanity Group is also the company behind Animal Wonderland in Star City, Pets-tival at Tiendesitas, Zoobic Safari at Subic, Zoocobia Fun Zoo at Clark, Pampanga and Zoocolate Thrills at Bohol.

Thank you, Paradizoo! Happy rammmpa!

A Chinese New Year Holiday at Ongpin

2012-01-25T00:33:00.000+08:00

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.

Last Monday, I got to Ongpin around 4 in the afternoon, just in time for the Manila's Chinese New Year Grand Parade. You see, having a Filipino-Chinese mayor has some used. Hehe.

Spearheaded by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and some big names from the Chinese community of Manila who I really dunno, the parade was also attended by students from different Manila-base Chinese schools ushered with dragon and lion dancers to bring luck to all the spectators.

From little kids to adult, from Filipino to Chinese to Europeans and Americans, Ongpin Street was full of different kinds of people from different walks of life bearing smile and bags of items that they just bought from the lines of lucky charms stalls that you can find in here.

I personally enjoyed buying some stuff there since the prices were really affordable. Not that I'm an avid fan of luck and Feng Shui, but most of the items there were kinda fashionista, which I really like. And also I got to enjoy taking photographs of most of the items that they sell because they are so colorful and fun to look at.

From dragon figurines, charmed bracelets, lucky coins, trinkets and many more, tourists got to indulge to some Chinese charms, rituals and even got some free star reading from the store owners.

Aside from those, tikoy and other Chinese New Year delicacies were to find. I saw these uniquely decorated tikoys, which according to the store owners symbolizes luck, since it was a tikoy made to look like pineapple and the other one as two fishes in yin and yang position.

My favorite, Eng Bee Tin hopias and siopaos were also swamped by Chinese food lovers that day. Thank God I still able to buy something for my mother. Hehe.

On my way to the other side of Ongpin Street, I saw these scenes where a lot of people, Filipino and Filipino-Chinese were eagerly pushing themselves to take an incense and to pray to the crucifix in front of them. A note on the side says to take an incense, say your wish and place the incense in front of the crucifix. Huh.

While on the other side of the street, I saw a wall with these zodiac signs readings. I was born on the year of pig says the paper there, and as I read through it, it reminded me to take good care of my stuff because I'll be close to robbery or theft. Scary!

On my back to Plaza Sta. Cruz, where I'll be taking my ride back home, I saw the newscaster Mike Enriquez who was busy interviewing some locals and tourists, probably preparing his report for his night news show. Hehe. In fairness, he was nice spending time for photo ops with his fans. Hehe.

Before I finally leave Ongpin Street, I visited one more stall where I saw this nice looking bracelet.

Unlike the other charmed bracelets that I saw earlier, this one was kept inside the shelf. I asked the saleslady who was tending the store that time and she said that this one is quite expensive because the stone or beads of this bracelets are kinda belong to the higher class. When I asked for the price, I was quite shocked to know that it cost Php1,000. Haha! It's pretty though, plus the saleslady told me that it's a complete luck-gatherer. I think I'll just go back here if I'm already lucky to have that php1,000 to spend on a bracelet. Hehe.

Before hailing a jeep, I dropped by to Sta. Cruz Church and I was really amazed to see the church adorned with these Chinese lanterns and lucky charms. I guess the church is really embarrassing openness now, eh?

Happy Chinese New Year to my Filipino, Chinese and Filipino-Chinese readers and friends!

Kiong Hee Huat Tsai!
May this year of the water dragon be prosperous and peaceful!
Happy rammmpa!

Ati-atihan Festival 2012

2012-01-19T17:00:00.000+08:00

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.

Ati-atihan was said to be the Akeanon's version of Mardi gras which has both historical and religious origins. Held every third Sunday of January, Ati-atihan is celebrated in five municipalities of Aklan such as Kalibo, Ibajay, Batan, Altavas and Makato.

According to the brief history that I read at Museo It Akean (Aklan Museum), Ati-atihan started when ten Borneo datus headed by Datu Puti arrived on Panay Island during the year 1212.

The Datus had a successful negotiation with the then ati-chieftain Marikudo that led to a celebration.This celebration took place with Malays arriving smeared with soot looking like Aetas as a symbol of their sincerity to the friendship brought by the newcomers.

On how the Ati-atihan became a religious feast, it was said that on 1750 when a Fray Andres de Aguirre, companion priest of Andres Uradaneta and explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived at Madyanos, a thriving community west of Aklan River, and baptized some 1000 inhabitants of the town and surrounding settlements. To celebrate this wonderful and beneficial event, drums were sounded and coincided with the existing Ati-atihan feast.

I wasn't able to know the winners of the contests, but for me, I'd like to commend each and everyone of them for this really unforgettable and very fun festival. I'd like to experience it again next year!

Viva Kay Señor Sto. Niño!

Kalibo, all set for Ati-atihan Festival 2012!

2012-01-15T02:37:00.001+08:00

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!

And to give some insights as to what is happening here, here are some of my shots earlier - Saturday, January 14, 2012.

Viva kay Sto. Nino! Ati-atihan na!

It's MORE FUN here in the Philippines!

Fersal Hotel: Your Home for the 2012 Caracol Festival

2012-01-11T17:53:00.001+08:00

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.

I got a chance to check out this place last holiday season, and I must that with their very affordable rates, backpackers and other travellers will surely love this place’s amenities and closeness to everything that you’ll want to see for your stay here in the metropolis.

With three room types, standard, deluxe and premium, travellers, families, businesspeople and even balikbayans will find value for their hard-earned money.

The decent, homey and family-oriented image that originated from their Annapolis, Cubao branch caused them an expansion to other places such as in P. Tuazon Boulevard, Cubao, Malakas, Diliman, Andalucia, Manila and now here in Neptune, Makati.

Actually, this hotel group just had a major facelift so as not be left behind, giving their guests a more value for their money – a facelift that I just saw and made me so excited to stay in one of their rooms soon!

Along with the upgrading of their facilities and adding new features like complimentary breakfast and complimentary WiFi, they also upgraded their air conditioning units, LCD TVs, coffee and tea facilities in every room, and of course, their hotel-quality mattresses.

Fersal Hotel is a sister to Hotel Elizabeth, which facilities can be found in Cebu and Baguio City. So, if ever you are also planning to see Sinulog and Panagbengga, feel free to inquire to these hotels, and expect the same service and comfort that you’ll get from Fersal Hotel.

If you wanna inquire about these places, you can contact them through their Facebook fanpage, which are at www.facebook.com/fersalhotel for Fersal Hotel and www.facebook.com/hotelelizabeth for Hotel Elizabeth. They also have Twitter accounts which you can follow, http://www.twitter.com/fersalhotel for Fersal Hotel and http://twitter.com/hotelelizabeth for Hotel Elizabeth.

If you wanna contact Fersal Hotel Neptune directly, you can do so by dialling (632) 897-9123 or email them at reservations@fersalhotelgroup.com.

And before I end this blog, let me share to you too that I had a chance to dine in their Inn Café, and boy, you should try their homemade Rellenong Bangus, Sisig, Chicken Galantina and Creamy Cheesy Lasagna! I’m assuring you, 100% that you’ll love them as I loved them!

See you at Fersal Hotel! See you at Hotel Elizabeth! And see you at those festivals!
It’s more fun in the Philippines! Happy rammmpa!

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

2012-01-09T16:58:00.002+08:00

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.

The mass lasted for an hour and half. I don't have much knowledge to the whereabouts of the procession, and instead of asking someone, I went out of the church clueless, took some photos and headed as to where the procession I think it is.

When I left home, my ermats told me that the procession has already left Quirino Grandstand, and by time that I am standing at Quezon Boulevard, two hours had passed, so I'm predicting that maybe it's already somewhere near Manila City Hall...

I took the Ayala Bridge, and the procession wasn't still there.

I've reached Manila City Hall, and yeah, it ain't still there too.

I've noticed that my complexion is getting darker already, so I stopped by at the corner of Finance Road and guess what, I still can't see the procession.

That moment, I wonder, what the hell happened? Did they took a break? Home come that hours had passed and the replica of the Black Nazarene is still in Manila Hotel area?

So, I walked again until I reach this bunch of people looking at the "man-covered" replica. There it was! Finally! I am planning to throw my father's shirt to the guards there to wipe it to the face of Jesus Christ but the replica ain't visible anymore. It's guard "guarded" the whole replica as if they don't want us to see it. Duh!

Seeing these huge volume of people gave me goosebumps just like before, but the goosebumps gone so quick. Sadly, I find that some people are just doing this - joining the procession, kissing the cross and all - for the sake of having a story about it, something to brag about. It's a sad thought that I don't wanna entertain but I can help it especially after seeing and hearing some of the youth there who's mouth talks trash and acts trashy.

I feel so proud for young girls who are tough enough to join this sacred and death-defying procession, but when I see that they are wearing "pek-pek" shorts, short pants that almost show their "heaven", I just don't get it. Why they don't dress a little proper? A pedal pants or long pants maybe, and not short shorts? It is as if they are teasing the men there. I hope that they do have even a small idea what are they doing and why they are doing that. It's just sad.

I left the procession feeling contented with the souvenir photos that I had, feeling happy that I still managed to bring my father's Nazareno shirt to this feast that he valued the most, but I also left the gathering feeling sad because of those little circumstances that I believe we can do something about.

I just hope that the people behind this gathering will do something about it. Feast of the Black Nazarene is one event that the whole world is watching, is excited about. I just hope that what we are showing them are the "real" faith that we have for the Black Nazarene and not just some "reel" faith that we wanna show them for the sake of entertainment.

Happy Fiesta!

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

2012-01-09T01:45:00.001+08:00

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 Phoenix Fire Dancers - Boracay

Jaro Cathedral - Jaro, Iloilo

Kapurpurawan Rock Fromation - Ilocos Norte

Gourmet's Lettuce Farm - Cavite

Bangui Windmills - Ilocos Norte

Sampaguita Gardens - New Washington, Aklan

Butterfly at Nurture Spa - Tagaytay City

Bahkawan Eco-Park - Kalibo, Aklan

Malacanang Ti-Amianan - Ilocos Norte

Water Lily at Ma-Cho Temple - La Union

Roasted Coffee - Cavite

Three Ants at Manila Zoo - Manila

Puka Shells at Puka Beach - Boracay

Fried Frogs at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant - Angono, Rizal

Grasshopper at Nurture Spa - Tagaytay City

White Party - Malate, Manila

La Paz Batchoy - La Paz, Iloilo

And if you think that Philippines can't give that "world-class" experience, try these!

Ma-Cho Temple, La Union

Thunderbird Resort - Poro Point, La Union

If these pictures are not enough, I dunno what's wrong with you. But for me, I'm sure that IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!

What's your share to this new campaign? Feel free to share! :-)

Go, Department of Tourism, Go, Philippines! :-)
Happy rammmpa!

Boracay: Holy Rosary Parish Boracay

2012-01-09T00:35:00.000+08:00

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.

I honesty thought that I'll be expecting an old church on this island since its close to Iloilo, but what I saw was this really humble house of God, and though, it wasn't the view that I'm expecting, I humbled myself and thank Him for the chance of visiting this island.

Thank you, God!

But still, no wonder a lot of people prefer wedding at the beach because the church is too bare. I just hope that the locals will do something about their church.

Again, Boracay is a world-class destination!

Happy rammmpa!

Boracay: A Fiery Night with Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancers

2012-01-08T23:34:00.000+08:00

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.

I was fascinated. I think I had a thousand shots of them because, honestly, their moves were really great and the swirls of their poi were worth to capture. From only a dozen of viewers, the group managed to gather a lot of audience making the night more fun, more fiery.

Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancers shows happen at Station 1, I just dunno if they move from one station to another, but that night I caught them on Station 1. Actually, just outside of my hotel. The show started around 6 in the evening and lasted for more than 3 hours.

The show is free, they're just handling out baskets where viewers can drop some coins or bills as a compliment to their performance. But I believe that sometimes, they are hired by establishments there, restaurants and hotels, to perform in front of their place to gather more customers too.

In return of dropping some coins or bills, you can also have your picture taken with the dance crew, and here's what I've got as a souvenir.

Fantastic, right?

So if ever you are planning to visit Boracay, don't forget to catch this amazing group that will complete you Boracay experience!

Happy rammmpa!

Boracay: Puka Beach, Boracay’s True Beauty

2012-01-06T17:02:00.003+08:00

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.

Reaching Puka Beach can be done by hiring a boat at the White Beach or just simply taking a tricycle from any part of the main island. The tricycle ride will cost you Php150.00 per ride.

Luckily, when I decided to go there, I’m with my two friends, so the Php150.00 fare was divided into three, which means more savings for me and more pasalubongs to my family and friends. Wee!

Upon reaching the entrance to Puka Beach, you’ll be welcomed by a line of small stalls selling different handmade crafts, mostly made of Puka Shells, and the beach’s restaurant, Puka Grande.

Puka Beach is actually a fisherman’s village, so you’ll see fishermen and their families there living and enjoying the water once in a while. It is also located at the back of some famous hotel of Boracay, so you’ll also notice the backdoors of these hotels.

During my visit there, since a typhoon just passed by our country, the beach was kinda deserted. You can actually count the number of the people there, both local and international tourist.

And since the beach was too spacious that time, I and two of my friends had a great time picking up some Puka Shells that can easily be found on the shoreline, as well as we enjoyed the lovely blue water of the beach.

As for the sand, comparing it to the White Beach’s sand, well, White Sand has this powdery sand that I guess no beach can ever beat, but here in Puka Beach, the yellowish sand will give you a nice contrast to everything, a thing that I love more.

But more than anything, one thing that made me love this beach is its peaceful and harmonious surrounding. As I've said, I’ve been to a lot of beaches before, but it was only here that I had this close-to-nature encounter. The foaming of the water to the sand, the jumping hermit crabs and the nice touch of wind, oh, this place literally and figuratively stole my heart, and I promise to be back here very soon!

There’s no entrance fee here, so if ever you are in Boracay, I insist that you visit this place and fall in love with it. This also has been the location for some local movies, which you can recognize once you’re here, so for sure you'll love its view and its love that you can take back home.

Happy beaching and happy rammmpa!

Boracay: Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway, My Say

2012-01-05T16:04:00.000+08:00

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.

The prize that I won included a 3-day, 2 night stay at their regular room for two. And albeit, I can tag along someone with me, I braved myself in experiencing Boracay for the first time, all alone.

The hotel arranged my flight and all my transfers from Manila to Boracay, so I had a hassle-less trips. I arrived at the simple receiving area of Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway feeling kinda nervous and tired actually, but thanks to the welcoming smile of their staff all turned out to be pleasant.

Upon checking in, I was handed with this paper where I need to fill in the information needed. This is part of their SOPs, so without any hesitations, I filled it up with a smile. Then I was assisted to my room, Room 305, third floor.

The room that I had in their Manila branch was okay, but this one, though may it seem cosy and all seems too small for two persons. I may love its ambiance and harmony but again, a little space with huge bed is still a crowd.

The moment I opened my door, I was welcomed by these two swans – a view I’d appreciate if I’m with someone special, but since, prior to travelling from Manila to here, I believe that they were informed that I’ll be all alone. I guess it’s good to suggest to them to know their guests a little more. I’m not here for a honeymoon for sure, which I believe these two swans symbolize, so I honestly don’t need that.

Anyways, during my 3-day stay here, I managed to be at-home with my room. The air conditioning system was good, the bathroom with hot shower was okay too and their staff were all approachable. But some of their services seemed need some more improvement.

One of the things that disappointed me was the local phone. You see, each room has their own local phone which they can use in case they need to ask or to get from the reception area. Unfortunately, the one that I had was broken. I went down to the reception area a few times asking them to fix it, but only on the third day – the day that I’m about to leave – they tended to it. And guess what, they couldn’t fix it.

Another issue that I wanna raise was the wet staircase. The week that I went to Boracay wasn’t its finest sunny day. You see, from time to time rain poured in, making all the places wet, or worst, submerged into rain water, and that includes the main stairway to our rooms here in Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway. I guess the hotel is just under man and nobody really noticed the flooded staircase. This is not ideal for guests with kids because it may cause an accident.

And lastly, since my breakfast was part of the freebie that I got from my prize, I have no choice but to have it, IT’S FREE FOOD! Hahaha! But to be honest, their breakfast wasn’t that appealing, comparing it again to the one that I had in their Manila branch, this is a lot less from them. So if I were you, if you are paying, I’d have breakfast some other place.

But other than those stuff, I’d say that I really enjoyed my stay at Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway. The rates of their rooms may be a little competitive, but I can assure you that you’ll be able to enjoy the place and Boracay.

Happy rammmpa!

Ayala Triangle lights up for the 2011 Symphony of Lights

2011-12-28T15:50:00.000+08:00

If still haven't been to this side of town, well, I'm gonna tell you that you've been missing a lot! Because this Yuletide cheers that Ayala and Makati City have prepared for us is the one that I considered the best treat that you'll get this Christmas, and everything is for free!

I'm a Makati corporate slave, and believe it or not, it was just last December 23rd that I finally had time to catch this show. As beautiful as the one we saw on the flick "Avatar" by James Cameron, Ayala Triangle Garden just made our Christmas colorfully brighter with this year's Symphony of Light, a music and lights show.

Dancing to the heart-warming Christmas songs are these thousands of twinkling Christmas lights making the world of Pandora real, something that young and old can enjoy for free.

Happening this Christmas season, you can catch this amazing and lovely show from 7 til 9 in the evening all days of the week.

And to share to all of you a clip of that night's happening, here's a video that you can view. :-) Enjoy!

There's also this giant Nativity where you and your family can say a little wish and have your picture taken.

So, again, if you haven't been to this side of town, Ayala Triangle Garden, better get your butts here and enjoy this astonishing, splendid Christmas show!

Happy Christmas, everyone! And happy rammmpa!

Aklan: The 365 Christmas Days at Sampaguita Gardens Resort

2011-12-25T02:19:00.000+08:00

Anyone (and I mean everyone) who loves the spirit and joy that Christmas brings to us can enjoy its everlasting magic as the Province of Aklan shares and invites everybody to this magical, lovely place called Sampaguita Gardens Resort!

After my wonderful solo trip to Boracay, I had quite an ample time to explore Kalibo, Aklan. I never knew that the main island of Boracay offers an astonishing rural life that anyone would love. And though this place is located at the next town named New Washington, I spent an awesome time feeling the love and joyful spirit of Christmas through this place's lovely designs.

Sampaguita Gardens Resort offers a great space for every visitor of the province to experience a unique and lovely time while enjoying the peaceful surrounding of the whole place. With three building which are the Sampaguita Garden Resort main building, souvenir shop and chapel, visitor can relax and enjoy the whole lot and just fall in love with it. I fell in love the place, that's why I'm highly recommending it to you guys.

The accommodation rate are really affordable, so I'm sure that any backpacker or high-class travel will have a great time here. But if you are planning to just enter the vicinity and just wanted to see what it offers, a Php50.00 entrance fee will be collected from you. But don't worry, that Php50.00 is actually consumable, meaning you can use it when you buy something from their souvenir shop.

Their souvenir shop is actually the main attraction of the whole place. With three stories offering nothing but the best of the best of Precious Moments merchandise, boys and girls will go gaga having pictures at every corner of this place.

The whole place was like a mini Disneyland, only with Precious Moments stuff. Hehe. According to my blogger-friends who told me about this place, this is the gayest place in the Philippines, and indeed, I think I'd agree with them on that! Haha! Every corner is filled with different dolls wearing different costumes, portraying different culture and life - AWESOME!

The first two levels are dedicated to the Precious Moments figurines and other merchandise. There were some stuff that are meant for weddings too, so I'm sure that couples will enjoy this place. And probably might consider this place for their wedding, watchatink? Hihi.

And as for the third level, well, it is dedicated to their version of Museum of Christmas.

With thousands of unique Christmas decors that will wow you, this place will definitely fill your spirit with delightful, wonderful thoughts about the blessed day. And I'm sure that you'll love to have one room in your house a place like this after seeing this. Hehe.

In the event that you got tired, they have a coffee shop right up in front or you can catch the nice sunset sky at their lounge that has this giant Christmas tree. According to the resort's staff, this giant Christmas stays on this place the whole year, as well, as the Nativity they have at their front garden.

So if you wanna cheer yourself up and just want to feel Christmas, anytime of the year, just drop by here and let your heart pour out some happiness and love!

Happy Christmas everyone! Muah!

Happy rammmpa!

Boracay: White-sand Beach and Many More

2011-12-22T17:35:00.000+08:00

More than its pure white sand and sizzling night scene, Boracay is also a nest for bustling small tourism business. And during my visit there, one that really emptied my pockets are these small trinkets that I bought as "pasalubong" for my family and friends.

It was my first time to visit the island, so I am not really aware as how expensive everything will be. But surprisingly, aside from the affordable food finds, I also got to take home some colorful, cute and lovely souvenirs from this piece of heaven at very affordable prices.

From key chains, ref magnets, cell phone holder, shirts and many more, I'm sure that you'll enjoy shopping here in Boracay too!

Puka Shells Bracelets

When I visited Puka Beach, I saw those cute bracelets that I bought for my officemates. They are not that expensive, but I think that there's nothing more meaningful gift to give that those of things that really tell the story of the place that you've been to. And with these Puka Shells, I know that my two favorite officemates will just love it.

Ref Magnets and Cell Phone Holder

As for my other officemates, whom I love too, I bought them these ref magnets that are so affordable too. Imagine, 7 for Php100.00? I love it! They are so cute and colorful, and just so Boracay !

Starfish Ref Magnets

For my superfriends, I bought these starfish ref magnets. I thought I won't be able to bring these back home because the airport guards said that they were still fresh, thankfully, when I showed it to them, they were convinced that these were already painted and ready to export. :-)

As for my mom and aunts, other than the Boracay shirts that I bought for them, I also bought them these locally made house decors. I love native products just like them, so they really love what I bought for them when I got home.

These products were kinda expensive as compare to those on the top, but since it was my first time, I didn't mind the price that much. My goal was to take home a piece of Boracay that my family and friends can truly enjoy. :-) And I'm glad that there are a lot of these stuff here.

As for my cute little nieces, of course, there are also some things for them here in this wonderful island. I bought them these cute keychains with their names on it. It was hand-painted right in front of me and I actually picked the design I want to have on each key chains. Thankfully, the kids loved it!

I also bought them these wonderfully made hairpieces. According to the saleslady of this stall, these products can only be found here. And I must say that they are really beautiful, little price-y but really lovely!

Finally, of course, I also bought something for myself. And since Boracay really made our country on the top list of the best places on Earth, and because I love our country so much, I bought this Philippines ref magnet! :-)

Philippines Ref Magnet - Php100.00

If you are good at haggling discounts, you can even asked them to give you these items at a lower price!

Oh, this Boracay trip is really an experience I will never forget. Despite of the typhoon and all, I managed to enjoy it and even share some of its good stuff to my family, friends and to you my dear readers. It just show how God can easily turn something bad to great but just keeping the faith to him and having a good vibes!

Boracay, you are the best! Happy rammmpa!

Boracay: You Are All Mine on Day 3

2011-12-22T02:21:00.000+08:00

I woke more energized on my last day here in Boracay, without having no clue as to what's happening outside. I packed all my stuff back to my bags before wearing a new swim wear. Yes, I'm planning to swim on the White Beach that morning! It's my last day here, so just to know what's the difference of White Beach to Puka Beach, there I was, wearing a new set of swim wear ready to conquer the island!

My shuttle service back to Aklan is scheduled at 12 noon, and so by 8 in the morning, I was already having breakfast at the hotel's lounge while enjoying the cool breeze of air. Yes again, no morning sunshine to welcome my last day here in Boracay. But despite of it, I'm still going to the beach. So after some attempts to make me enjoy the breakfast that was prepared for me, I stood up with my camera and tripod on my hands ready to see Boracay on a Sunday morning.

Gran Prix Boracay is situated on Station 1, the said Boracay's most "sosyal" place, but to be honest, it wasn't. The beach here is just like the one in Station 2 and 3, maybe it has the most expensive and popular hotels here, but the experience was actually the same.

Anyways, I'm not really planning to stay that long on the beach because I still have some last minute "pasalubong" shopping to do, and since it was already Sunday, I also promise to see Boracay's church and if I can make it, attend a mass.

It was high tide then, so the seawater was splashing all over the seashore. The sky wasn't clear too, a sign of rain coming, so instead of me having a lot of jump shots pretending to be enjoying the beach alone, I had these "feeling lost" photos. Hehehe.

Thankfully, that morning the beach wasn't too crowded. I guess the tourists that I'm with were taking time to enjoy their last day too - sleeping in their comfy hotels with their love ones - so I had a great chance to stroll from Station 1 to Station 2 taking a picture of me using my tripod and timed camera.

And after some hours of walking, I left my stuff in a secure place and finally submerged myself in the White Beach.

The wind became stronger that time, so instead of me having a relaxing time, I found myself swept back to the shore every time I try to fight those huge waves. Hehe.

I enjoyed my alone time, really, but when I realized that it was almost 10:30 in the morning, I hurriedly picked my stuff, went back straight to my room and washed my self up. I think I only spent some good 15 minutes taking a bath because I'm hurrying to catch the mass at Boracay's only church - Holy Rosary Parish.

But when I got there, unfortunately, the mass just ended. I saw some people left who were there waiting for the next priest to do the baptism of some babies, so I still had a chance to take some photos and pray.

I thank God for giving me this chance. I guess he knew how hard working I am so he treated me to a very relaxing vacation at this very lovely island.

I spent an hour there just mesmerizing everything. And even though the place looked all so simple, it was still a privilege to set foot on this world-class tourist destination.

On my back to Gran Prix Boracay, I bumped in to these two couples enjoying the un-sunny Sunday morning of Boracay. They are Cath's officemates, and I had dinner and lunch on those two past days, so they were only people who knew me and I knew back somehow. Hehe. Sweet couple, I must say. Nice meeting you guys!

Farrah and hubby

It was almost 11:30 that morning, so I rushed back to my hotel to make sure that I didn't leave any important stuff and just to make sure that I'll be able to catch my ride back to Kalibo.

As expected, my ride was on time and it was a tricycle. My guide told me that since I'm the only one going back to the main island that morning, they had a tricycle to transfer me quickly. And so, without further ado, I bid my goodbye to the lovely staff of Gran Prix Hotel and say farewell and see you soon to this very beautiful beach of this island.

To be honest, I never expected to be this teary-eyed remembering all these stuff from this vacation. Despite of the typhoon, the long-hour travel, the undesirable circumstances, I really enjoyed this trip. I guess, by far, this is the best trip I've ever had in my life. I may not be with my close friends and family, but I believe that I found myself by going this far alone and appreciating all the blessings of God.

I left Boracay with a promise to be back soon. Leaving Boracay was really hard, thankfully, I planned to see Kalibo, Aklan right after this trip, so I left Boracay with an excitement to see Kalibo.

Thank you so much, Boracay! I'll see you soon!
I promise!

Boracay: A Day 2 to Remember

2011-12-14T19:12:00.000+08:00

My second day on this island started a little differently. With a bright sun shining outside my window, I suddenly felt that this is the Boracay they've been talking about and not the one that I had yesterday, gloomy, slow and unpleasant.

I had my first breakfast on the island courtesy of the hotel that I'm staying in, Gran Prix Boracay. As expected I didn't enjoyed it. Hehe. Anyways, one thing that made me sweat as early as 8 in the morning was when I realized that there's this moist on my camera lens and I couldn't take a good shot! But magically, as I take a stroll down to Cath and Abe's hotel to pick them up for our Day 2 Boracay adventure, my Nikon D3100 went back to is normal shooting skill, hence I got these nice shots. :-)

Their hotel, even though it is located on Station 2 is far more beautiful than my Station 1 hotel. Hehe. I picked them up there and continued our post-summer Boracay escapade. Its the couple's last day on the island, and to make sure that this trip is worth remembering, we decided to see the said "most beautiful" place in this island - Puka Beach.

Riding a tricycle, which is the main transportation vehicle on the island, we spent a roughly 40 minutes on the road and Php150.00 to get here. When we got there, God, the Boracay that I've been looking for was here, and it honestly stole my heart away. Puka Beach is indeed the best beach I've seen in my whole life. With its pristine white sand, clear blue water foaming on the shore as its waves cascade, oh, I'm in love with this island!!!!

The whole place was so tranquil too when we got there with only 20 tourists enjoying the sun, sand and water. There were also some nice looking seashells that I got to enjoy picking. They said that the reason why this beach was called Puka Beach is because of the Puka shells that can be easily found on the shores, and indeed, there were a lot of them there.

My First Jump Shot in Boracay

Some locals even sell fresh Puka shells and some created nice bracelets out of them. :-) Which, I find so nice, BTW.

We spent about some good 3 hours on the island because the two angels I'm with has a flight to catch. And because of the fun that I enjoyed here and its undeniable beauty, I promised to be back here soon. Hehe. Puka Beach is worth-visiting and is indeed a world-class tourist destination. :-)

We went back to our hotels after that Puka Beach trip to freshen up. Cath and Abe packed their things because they are about to leave the island leaving me all alone in Boracay. (This is it!) But before they left me, we had one wonderful lunch at the I Heart Backyard BBQ. It was my first time to dine there and I honestly enjoyed it. Nothing can really beat good food with good friends.

As we bid goodbye to one another, I went back to my hotel to take a nap while letting the rain, which poured in while we were having lunch, to stop.

By around 5 in the afternoon, I went outside again. By then, the rain had stopped leaving the sky a little darker and the wind a little stronger. With my camera and tripod, the all-alone me took a stroll taking first the then wider seashore of the Station 1 of White Beach.

This is the first time I've done this in my whole life - to be in a foreign place all by myself. That's why I can't help but to sing "All By Myself" while walking on those white sand, really. Hehe.

Anyway, that afternoon, I witnessed the other side of Boracay with a scene that touched my heart more and made me realized that Boracay is one lovely place - for singles, for couples, for groups, for everybody.

I didn't notice that it took me about an hour or two strolling from the far end of Station 1 to the far end f Station 3. And boy, I think, I'm the first stupidest person to do that there. Hahaha!

After that walk, I felt that my legs were hurting so I went back to my room to put my feet up and rest for a little. But after some minutes, I suddenly felt that my tummy was grumbling. It was already past 7 in the evening then, so instead of heading to one of the buffet stalls or one of those busy restaurants, I went to this local coffee shop that offers the best muffin in town - Real Coffee.

I had a taste of their delicious calamansi muffin and a cup of hot chocolate for a hundred and fifty pesos, a simple treat after that very tiring walk.

I went back to D Mall after finishing that meal. I took the chance to buy some pasalubong for my love ones while everyone was still busy with their dinners. The prices of pasalubong there are reasonable enough, and a lot of them looked really nice and beautiful, that's why I bought quite a lot. ^_^

On my way to back to my hotel, I heard a very loud music on the seashore, and when I checked, a group of fire dancers were performing giving the pleasant night some fiery excitement.

It was my first time to see some real Boracay dancers doing the fire dance, and they were really, really great! I think I had a thousand photos of them on my camera after their presentation. I dropped Php20.00 on their donation box after their performance and asked one of the dancers to take a photo of me with a ring of fire right in front of me. ^_^

And since my legs were still hurting, I took a breather right in front of the beach, sat on the sand and just enjoyed the sound of a peaceful Boracay. This will be my last night here on the island so might as well let it stay down to the very core of my memory. :-)

I went back to my hotel room to leave the pasalubong that I bought, and went out again. Hahaha! This time, I went out again to finally have my dinner, and luckily, there are food stores on the islands that were still open that night - and they seriously offers fresh dishes with an affordable prices.

Stuffed Squid with rice - Php99.00

I had this meal from Smoke, a local restaurant in D Mall that offers Pinoy dishes at a very affordable price. During meal times, this small place is filled with local and foreign tourists who want to have some local dishes, so to make sure that you'll not gonna pass out waiting for your turn to dine, I suggest that you come early or eat a little later, like me!

This second day in Boracay made me take back all the words that I said against this very beautiful island. And if before, I didn't have Boracay on my top tourist destinations in the country, now, I'm highly recommending it to everyone! This is one place that you'll never get tired of visiting, and I myself can't wait to my next visit here! I just hope that that next time will be with my trusted friends and my loving family.

Thank you, Boracay, and to everyone who made this wonderful day sooo memorable!

Happy rammmpa!

Boracay: From the Eye of a First-timer

2011-12-05T22:08:00.000+08:00

Believe it or not, this is my first-ever visit to this island. Now hailed as world's 4th top destination, Boracay Island isn't really an ideal island for me then. I've been to a lot of white-sand beaches before, so Boracay's white sand wasn't really attracting me that much then. My turn off to the island made even worst by the undesirable news I've been hearing about it. But since I won in a contest that entitles me for a 3-day, 2-night stay on the island, heck, let's kill this "Kill Joy" in me, and let me experience the so-called "Boracay life."

Flying in via Zest Air (which is a bad idea, believe me) on a typhoon infested weekend, I'm thankful that I arrived at Kalibo International Airport safe and sound. It was a pre-arranged trip, so I really do not have any control as to what airport I should land on and what airline I could take, but I'm still thankful though that I'm hitting two stones in one trip. (I'll let you know later.)

Before this vacation, I already have a planned itinerary - Day 1, 2 and 3 1/2 at Boracay and the remaining 1/2 at Kalibo. This is my first solo travel, so I braved myself in and prepared for it. But really, Kalibo seemed so friendly and peaceful when I got to see it, so that kinda excites me more than seeing Boracay.

Going to Boracay wasn't really a smooth travel. You must be brave at times too, and the first one that challenged me upon reaching the world-renowned island was taking this floating bridge (plus trying to understand my Korean seatmates at the bus provided by the hotel I'm staying in). Hahaha!

I'm honestly not comfortable walking on this kind of improvised stuff. I just wish that they'll make a concrete one SOONER. I think, our Php100.00 "environmental fee" can help them build one, right?

Boats from Caticlan Port to Boracay Port are quite funny, they all look like jeepnies! Hahaha! If all small boats are like these, I wouldn't be that scared to ride boats at all! ^_^

Station 1, 2 and 3 are gone anymore, Boracay has this one terminal now, and since that terminal was too crowded that time, our boat didn't manage to reach the shore perfectly. So, one of the boatmen carried me on his shoulders to the white sand of the port, almost romantic actually! Hahaha! Its just that he is not my type. Hehe.

Feeling the white sand of Boracay on my feet made me feel excited then, but when I saw how all these tricycles and multicabs were blocking the way - TRAFFIC - I felt that I wasn't wrong when I decided that Boracay is not an ideal place for me. Who loves traffic anyway?

I checked in first to my hotel who gave me this opportunity to experience Boracay - Gran Prix Boracay - and then, as expected, a knocked on my door gave a smile on my face. My angelic friends Cath and Abe were standing outside my room, waiting me to join them. Wee! This solo trip wasn't that solo, really. Thanks to my angel friends! :-)

Honeymoon? LOL

My first night in Boracay was spent in a very windy way. Since the typhoon just passed by our country and there's one coming right up, the windy night in Boracay was faced by these windbreakers which were made of bamboo ans plastic sheets. It wasn't my ideal view of Boracay, but heck, I can let it pass just to keep us dry.

My friends and I decided to pass by this coffee shop first before finding a place for my first meal on the island. And when we reached the place where were supposed to be dining, we found out that most of the dishes were already empty. It made me realized to look at my watch and tadah! Its' already 9 in the evening, no wonder my stomach was grumbling uncontrollably that night. Hehe.

From Cath and Abe's Hotel

We decided to find another place, and our feet and tummies led us to let's say one of the most advertised spot on Boracay, La Carmela de Boracay. I finally had a glimpse of the "La Carmela", and to for an honest opinion, I didn't find it fancy at all. It was all this simple yet homey and common hotel, nothing too extravagant about it.

Anyways, we had their buffet-all-you can at a price of Php250.00. The dishes looked fair enough, but if I'd be given a chance, and I'm not that too hungry, I'd prefer another better place.

Then, just right after I had my first plate of Korean noodles, a strong rain came and everything turned blurry. One of the servers told us to go inside the hotel and so we went. But when the servers inside told us that their not serving us again, we were one with the ugly weather.

So anyway, to cut the story short, I didn't enjoy my first dinner on the island, I didn't enjoy the dishes that I tasted from the buffet that they served and I didn't enjoy the service we received. Thankfully, I have good friends with me who always bring the bright side of things.

I went back to my hotel room, cuddle my two lovely pillows, tucked myself in and just hope for a better second day on the island tomorrow.

Sadly, I tried to sleep, but my tummy keeps asking for more, so I went outside and there, a Choriburger stand just outside of my hotel. I had one order and that one satisfied my hungry tummy. Good!

My cute anti-dengue force field ^_^

I finally bid goodnight to my first-ever day in Boracay after some prayer and watching. :-)

...TO BE CONTINUED.

Bacolod: Balay Negrense at Night

2011-09-29T16:31:00.000+08:00

I know not most of Bacolod's tourists get to see Balay Negrense at this state, so I believe, even to the very last minute of our stay here in Bacolod, we were still blessed - blessed to see this place in its most dramatic and panoramic condition.

Balay Negrense which literally means House of Negrense is considered one of the greatest treasures Bacolod has. With its outstanding classical Filipino architectural design and wonderful story to tell, Balay Negrense is currently a home to Negros Cultural Foundation - a group of artistic Negrenses who repaired and refurnished the then abandoned mansion.

Previously owned by a Victor Fernandez Gaston, who was said to be a pioneer in sugarcane cultivation in the region, Balay Negrense was transformed into a museum last October 6, 1990. The first museum on the island of Negros.

With mostly period furniture and fixtures, Balay Negrense was opened to public to showcase the artistry of our fellow Negrense, arts, crafts and even pottery.

We really wanted to see this place on a regular day, unfortunately time didn't permit us, so we didn't get a chance to see its elegant interior. But still, thanks to our nice cab driver, Kuya Art, who drove us up here before dropping us off to the airport.

I really felt sad for not seeing the whole place, but I'm still kinda thankful because I got to take pictures of its dramatic look at night. We had a chance to talk to one of the in-house artists then, who shared these info about the place.

It is said that back then Balay Nagrense was considered a "bahay na bato" or house of stone, but as time goes by, with the reconstruction and all, the lower part is now made of concrete, while the upper part is made of wood topped with galvanized iron.

I noticed how the Filipino, Spanish and American influences blended nicely on this structure, so no wonder a lot or tourists fall in love with it.

And with its elevated first story and nicely done garden, I cant help but to imagine how grand and how celebrated this place was back in the old days - Bacolod's beyond compare treasure indeed!

Happy rammmpa!