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.

Aliwan Fiesta 2013

Seventeen colorful contingents and 14 amazing floats, I guess, that's how most of us will summarize the recently concluded battle of the champions, Aliwan Fiesta 2013. But did you know that there's one thing left, it was a gazillion of fun, surprises and spectacles too!

Seventeen colorful contingents from Luzon, Visayas and Mindandao battle it out yesterday at Manila and Pasay Cities for the annual celebration of Aliwan Fiesta. Organized by Manila Broadcasting Company for 17 years now, this celebration aims not only to promote our festivities to other countries, but also to invite the local tourist to see their own country.

I've seen to a lot of festivals since I started traveling, but I guess nothing beats this one because not only it takes place here in my own city, Manila, but also it never fails to gather the best of the best to bring fun and surprises to everyone who attend this gathering.

Via Crucis: 14 Churches in Metro Manila East (part 2)

from part 1....

Going around the Metro Manila East side is quite easy even with or without a car, and finding one nice church to continue your Visita Iglesia comes a little easy to. So, to continue sharing the Visita Iglesia that I did with my aunt last year, here are the rest of the churches that we visited on the eastern part of the metropolis....

The Eighth Church - San Felipe Neri Church

Located along Boni Avenue on the bustling City of Mandaluyong, San Felipe Neri Church is the only church in the whole country erected under the name of San Felipe de Neri, the old name of Mandaluyong City after it gained its independence from the Municipality of San Juan del Monte back in March 27, 1907.

San Felipe Neric Church is considered the oldest church in this city, showing stoned walls that has been there since the Spanich colonization.

Ssan Felipe Neri is the patron of Joy.

Via Crucis: 14 Churches in Metro Manila East (part1)

Did you know that aside from the historic and truly majestic churches that one can find in Manila City, there are also some numerous and architecturally appealing churches and chapels that you can find in the eastern part of the metropolis - primarily in Pasig City, Mandaluyong City and Quezon City. And on these cities I had my Holy Week devotion last year - the Visita Iglesia.

Visita Iglesia has been my devotion since I was in fourth grade. And together with my two aunts, we are always out on the street visiting 14 churches every Maundy Thursday or the day when Visita Iglesia is usually  done.