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.

Appreciating China at Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple

With all the issues surrounding the sovereignty of our country, Philippines, against China, I can't blame if there are Filipinos out there who are starting to hate Chinese and their culture now. But if you'll ask a traveler like me, well, it's kinda sad to know that we all have to go through all this hate and fight, instead of just appreciating what we both have. And I personally think that with just a little understanding, we can both in one-stroke of peaceful world, something that I believe both countries would want to have.

Last week, I had a very unusual weekend. Despite of the unconditional weather that we have here in Manila, I managed to spent a peaceful and full-of-learning day with the volunteers and monks of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple in Malate, Manila.

Being born and raise here in Manila, I seldom have a chance to peek into those sky-scraping and truly magnificent temples. Actually, I cannot recall a moment where I've been in a Buddhist temple here in Manila, so this is kinda my first-ever Buddhist Temple visit here in my beloved city.

Anyway, on my visit here, I was welcomed by the serenity and peacefulness of the whole temple, which is a common thing about Buddhist Temple. It huge doors are a great symbolism of welcoming attitude that I truly love about these temples.