Hotel 101 Manila: My Home to the Exciting MTV Evolution 2016

The Mall of Asia has been a destination for international events in the metropolis for years now. From the sought-after concerts, parties, sporting events to even social, cultural and, religious ones, this place is definitely taking the attention of the world and happily sharing the beauty of the Philippines to everyone.

And just recently, the world’s top music channel, MTV, held its biggest Asia-wide event here where a great number of local and international performers gathered together to give their fans one evolution-tastic night – the MTV Evolution 2016.

One Republic - Secret

In partnership with Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines of the Department of Tourism (DOT), MTV Evolution 2016 rocked the world of music fans from all over Asia as they brought together Philippine pop superstar father and son-tandem Gary and Gab Valenciano, Filipino pop darlings James Reid and Nadine Lustre, Billboard Hot 100 artist, American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha, Korea’s favorite K-pop idol female group, Apink,  L.A.-grown electric dance trio Far East Movement and the iconic international pop band and prolific hit-maker OneRepublic.

Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort: Where the Sun Shines Brighter

For a busy international tourist destination such as Boracay Island, many would assume that it is already saturated with all the bests that it could offer to its guests. But I think, what makes this island worth-visiting OVER AND OVER AGAIN is its unique, loving people and their hospitality regardless where you came from and whatever activity you have in mind.

I celebrated my 33rd birthday in this beautiful island a month ago. It was an out-of-the-blue decision, filled with excitement to drown the broken-hearted feeling that I had that time. But just like most of the travelers, I have to watch out for my budget as I don’t wanna go broken and broke at the same time. Haha! Special thanks to my three Superfriends for tagging along, the expenses were cut down to almost half and to this this new-found place here in Boracay that offers a outstanding escape from the typical Boracay experience.

Instead of going the usual Boracay trip of enjoying the White Beach and partying at night, our group decided to book two rooms at Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort. A tranquil and very accommodating beach resort fronting Bulabog Beach, which is located on the opposite side of the world-famous White Beach of Boracay. Rieseling Boracay offers a sun-shinier spot equally filled with beautiful view, amazing amenities, exciting activities and loving Aklanons. The only difference, which I personally appreciate is its peacefulness and superb service that you don’t normally get in an off-site accommodation.

The Eight Bs of B Hotel in Quezon City

Quezon City is definitely one of the many destinations in the metropolis where you could get as much inspiration as you want to feed your heart, mind and soul. With all of its colorful spots encapsulating this full-of-life and developing city, a new and vibrant boutique hotel is adding comfort, arts and style to the heart of the city, the B Hotel by Bellevue.

Situated along the quiet and peaceful street of Scout Rallos in Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, B Hotel is the latest piece of work from the Bellevue Group of Hotels, which portfolio spans in Manila, Alabang, and Bohol. But unlike its other properties, B Hotel takes pride of its elegantly industrialized artistic features, all under the scope of a budget-friendly price.

To give you a quick glimpse of what’s in store for you and for your loved ones in this enlivening spot at the heart of Quezon City, here are the top 8 ideas I gathered as I enjoyed my stay here in B Hotel:

Coco Beach Island Resort: The Best of Puerto Galera

The end of summer is just around the corner. Rain showers and dark clouds start hovering the country, signaling another wet season for everyone. But just in case you are thinking of one-last-summer hurrah which won’t break the bank and just a few hours away from the metro, I’m highly suggesting that you go and visit the serene and lovely place of Coco Beach Island Resort at the other side of Puerto Galera.

Located at the north-western tip of Mindoro Island, Coco Beach offers a breathtaking view of Batangas Bay with a serenity of a real private island and an accommodation fit for a king. With its wide selection of rooms and amenities that families, group of friends, couples or even solo travelers could enjoy, Coco Beach also offers some astonishing activities that one or all could enjoy while staying at this heavenly side of the island.

Ayala Triangle Gardens: A Colorful Tradition at the Heart of the Metro

For someone who have no choice but to bear the stress that "Christmas in metro" is bringing in to my head and everything around me, I’m still glad that there’s a colorful break from all these stress – AND IT’S FREE!

On its sixth consecutive year, Ayala Triangle Gardens lighted up the bustling pocket of green at the heart of Makati City with unbelievable Christmas lights that dance so well to the Christmas tunes being played around the park. Yep, its that time of the year again for the Ayala Triangle Gardens' Festival of Lights!

Serving as a breather to the hard-working employees of the Central Business District, Ayala Triangle Gardens is now filled with thousands of multi-colored LED lights and blazing full-color laser lights to mark the start of Yuletide cheers in the district.

An Exquisite Weekend at the Highlands

When life in the metro is too busy and it feels like the remaining fresh air that you could breathe was immediately turned into black cause by the gigantic buses that are blocking all the metro’s avenues and streets, where do you find relief?

A sanctuary two hours away from Manila via South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Tagaytay City has been a hideaway to millions of metropolitan citizens who are in dire need of fresh air, beautiful scenery, a relaxation spot and comforting dishes. It is no wonder that this small town up in the mountainous region of Cavite Province is flocked by millions of visitors every year. And while millions are enjoying this cold place for a day or over a weekend, there are those who are living a pollution-free life and happily nestled in one of those comforting and secure subdivision like Tagaytay Highlands.

A few weeks ago, together with three of my favorite blogger-friends, we spent a relaxing yet enjoyable weekend in one of Tagaytay’s prime subdivision, the Tagaytay Highlands. Approximately 360 hectares of well-thought and well-developed property highlighting the lush and serene ambiance of this renowned tourist destination, Tagaytay Highlands served as our sanctuary then.

#QC75: The Stone that Built the City

Quezon City is known for many names – City of Stars, City with Most Handsome Guys, City that Never Sleeps, Selfie Capital of the Philippines, Entertainment City of the Philippines and many, many more. But despite of all the glitz and glam of this city, which is named after the late President Manuel Luis Quezon, at the heart of this progressive city lays the stone that built the city.

They say home is where the heart is, and here in Quezon City, lying right in the heart of the city – the Quezon Memorial Circle – is the Quezon Heritage House, a replica of the Quezon Family house, which served as the refuge after they come back to Manila after World War II.

Opened to the public in 2013, it was just recent that I discovered about it after a friend invited me to do a “staycation” around town. It was an eye-opening weekend, because aside from knowing that the said Heritage House is situated right here inside the Quezon Memorial Circle, I also discovered some interesting thing about this whole place. 

Affordable Christmas Finds at Dapitan Arcade

We’re now three months away from the most wonderful time of the year. Though, most of us are still waiting for our Christmas bonuses and special gifts from our bosses, to those who are looking for some affordable places where they can do an early Christmas shopping, look no more, because its 365 days of Christmas at Dapitan Arcade.

Technically, Dapitan Arcade is part of Quezon City, but since Dapitan is a famous landmark of Manila City, being one of the entrances of University of Sto Tomas is located here, people still refer to it as part of Manila City. But anyway, going here is so easy. If you know University of Sto. Tomas or Dangwa Flower Market in Manila, locating this colorful spot of Christmas decorations and gift ideas is definitely no fuss. Just make sure that you know how to bargain and spot the nicest piece, and you’re off to a great deal!

When I went there a few days ago, I was surprised that almost all stalls have their Christmas pieces up on display area. There were hundreds or even thousands of great and wonderful pieces that I really love to take home with me, but budget constraint, I was left with what I need the most and what I can carry back home.

The Linden Suites and Ortigas on a Weekend

Before the unimaginable and towering skyscrapers start occupying the once peaceful skyline of the business district of Pasig City – The Linden Suites has been a nestling place for the hardworking business class of Ortigas District and its neighboring cities. Sharing a much-needed space and comfort, The Linden Suite was the “escape” destination in this side of town back in the days.

But now, as towering architectural masterpieces fill on what’s left in this bustling district, and the demand and competition of relaxation and accommodation get tougher, The Linden Suites is proud to share its modernized service and facilities that will continuously delight its loyalists and new patrons.

Located at the very heart of Ortigas, #37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City to exact, The Linden Suites offers combined elegance and functionality fit to those who need a break from their strenuous work or just a place to gather all those ideas to come up with a great work piece that will impress the bosses. I’m glad to say that I went here for some total relaxation.

And even though my stay here at The Linden Suites is just some random “staycation” on a fine, sunny weekend, I did enjoy my cozy, bright room as well as exploring the less-crowded Ortigas District.

A Weekend Staycation at Alabang’s Primmest Hotel

Just when I thought that I’d be having a super-duper boring weekend, where I would be bummed out at home with nothing to do but to stare at our walls - two of my sweetest friends, Maan and Hati, invited me to join them on a weekend getaway at southern Manila's prime hotel, Crimson Hotel.

An invitation that is so hard to say no, in a jiffy, I packed my bags and readied myself to travel and explore one of cities in the metro that’s so close to my heart, Muntinlupa.

Standing grand and mighty at Entrata Urban Complex, Filinvest City, 2609 Civic Dr, Muntinlupa, Crimson Hotel is less than an hour away from Manila via South Luzon Expressway. This prime destination can welcome a great number of people who wish to escape that fast-paced and bustling northern part of Metro Manila, with its heartwarming accommodation, delicious dishes, friendly neighborhood and relaxing vibe.

Mall of Asia Complex Opens Esplanade Seaside Terminal

After almost 10 years since it was opened to the public, from having one of the biggest malls in the world (SM Mall of Asia), world class arena (SM Arena) and convention center (SMX), to unique and captivating office buildings (OneE-Com, TwoE-Com and FiveE-Com Centers), Mall of Asia Complex now takes pride in offering a fast and enjoyable sea voyage to its neighboring islands in Luzon through Esplanade Seaside Terminal.

Now, everyone can enjoy the comfort, style, and security as Esplanade Seaside Terminal host some of the private yacht operators in Manila Bay to share a fulfilling and memorable sea trip even just for a short period of time.

Marinduque: Surprises that Await on the Land of the Morions

Just when I thought that experiencing the world-renowned Moriones Festival would be enough to suffice my long-time dream of visiting Marinduque, I guess God has rewarded me for patiently waiting for this chance by showing more of this humble yet very beautiful province.

Since traveling by air was suspended for until who knows when, taking a 2-3 hour land trip via SLEX to Lucena Port and then another 2-3 hour ferry trip via RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off ferry) from Lucena Port to Balanacan Port, Mogpog, Marinduque, reaching the humble shores of Marinduque won’t be a problem – well at least in our case.

We went there last Holy Week, and though I must indicate that we were just lucky to have a host who planned this trip really, really good, as well as our accommodations too, going to Marinduque on such a peak season would need a great planning - and by planning I mean really, really a head of time.

Via Crucis: 10 Churches of Bicolandia (Part 2)

The abundance of distinct and captivating church structures in the Province of Albay continues to sprawl up to the neighboring provinces of Camarines Sur. And as I continue my journey of discovering the wonderful creations of Bicolanos, I discovered more historical and architecturally pleasing churches that stole my heart and soul.

For this second part, I'm sharing to you 5 of the most stunning churches that I visited as I take my journey back home from my cousin's place in Tiwi, Albay. It is so easy to navigate by land from Manila to Albay and back. Local buses transport all-day traversing the long stretch of highways connecting Manila to the southern provinces of Luzon.

Via Crucis: 10 Churches of Bicolandia (Part 1)

As a solo traveler, one of the most memorable places that I've visited is the Bicolandia region. With its majestic volcanoes painting the sky with such a striking images, Bicolandia also poses some soul-lifting churches that are perfect to see if you are planning to do a Via Crucis or Visita Iglesia this Holy Week in this side of the country.

Though there may be more beautiful churches to see than the 10 that I’ve recently visited, these 10 are just some of the spots that draw not just pilgrims but also tourist of this humble but very breathtaking province.

Exploring the southern part of Luzon has been my dream for a very long time. A region boasts with amazing array of natural resources, Bicolandia or Bicol  possesses the most captivating scenery and culture that you can enjoy by going around its provinces; by tasting every unique and spicy dish they've have created out of their creative minds; and by just being with its sincere and loving people, the Bicolanos.

The 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition - Sweden and Portugal

On the last weekend of February, the 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at the SM Mall of Asia illuminated the sky of the whole Mall of Asia Complex with bright, colorful light that gave the last day of the month a lovelier ending.

From the peaceful and cool Prism Plaza of the TwoE-ComCenter, I was able to catch last week's show of the 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition while enjoying the lovely music from Miss Arnee Hidalgo.

From Thursday to Friday, Prism Plaza holds a Prism Rhythm, a nightly concert where local performers - individuals and bands - perform live in front of Prism Plaza's guests. So basically, aside from just watching the wonderful pyromusical, they have additional music that really completes one's Saturday night.

Amélie Hotel Manila: Your New Boutique Hotel in Town

Manila has been in the shadow of the more advanced cities of Metro Manila for years now. And though it may take some more years, decades or even century to gain back the glory that this prime city once had, it is slowing moving as it continues an exemplary experience not only to its residents, but also to its guests.

A few days ago, I was invited to be a part of a hotel opening in the red-light district of Manila City, the Malate. Bustling with people from different walks of life, Malate was made popular by its rich history in the early 1900s and was followed by blinding truth inn the 80's and 90's. Though lately, Malate is loosing it limelight, it seems like it is taking anew direction, something that would entice more local and international tourists to see the place.

Highlighting the colorful past of Manila, Amélie Hotel Manila recently opened its doors to the public offering a well-rounded city experience painted with red, black and white.