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.

The 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition - Italy and Brazil

On the third leg of the 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, the amazing and breathtaking presentation from Mexico and The Netherlands filled the night sky of SM Mall of Asia last February 21.

With spectacle as extravagant as the the other countries, Mexico and the The Netherlands wowed thousands of their viewers with their amazing combination of fireworks and music that couldn't help everyone but to feel the love of Valentine's Day all over again.

Top Suzara performing at Prism Plaza, TwoE-ComCenter

Mexico's combination of current and US Pop music and their own Mexican vibe, the air was filled with festive colorful bright lights and music. From beginning til the end, everyone was caught amazed as they watch every firework fly up in the air and burst colorful bright lights.

Guam: Your Unique yet Familiar Vacation Destination

If you'd ask one Filipino where he would want to go if he'll be given a chance to go abroad, there's no doubt that he will likely say United States of America. Being still the top destination among Filipino travelers, an island not far away from the mainland US offers that unique experience with a touch of familiarity among Filipinos, GUAM.

Located West of the Pacific, in the Mariana Islands, Guam is the closest United States destination from the Philippines - three and a half hour away from Manila in fact. This paradise offers every Filipino traveler a unique yet familiar vacation destination with its exquisite showcase of culture coupled with exotic beaches, breath-taking sceneries and world-class duty-free shopping. 

The 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition - Italy and Brazil

The second leg of the 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition was just as breathtaking as the first one. With the contingents from Italy and Brazil painting the night sky of SM Mall of Asia, everyone who went there to spend their Valentine's Day got nothing but one lovely show.

I was very lucky that I was at the 4th Level of TwoE-ComCenter called Prism Plaza, a spot where it gave me this very awesome, ring-side view of last Saturday’s show. If you think that watching the 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at the ledge of SM by the Bay was awesome, the experience that I had at the Prism Plaza was way better. The fireworks explode right in front of your eyes! That kind of whoa!

For the last five years, I had the privilege to catch this exciting of spectacle from the bay area, so now, I’m trying to change my experience by seeing it from a different perspective, and I’m glad that there’s the Prism Plaza. And double glad that it was Italy’s and Brazil’s turn, which showcased such a stunning show.

The 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

On its 6th year, the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition once again painted the SM Mall of Asia skies with bright colorful fireworks forming nothing but the most amazing looks that goes well with the music being played with it.

Started last Saturday, where Philippines' Platinum Fireworks welcomes its guests and spectators with such a lovely exhibition entitled "Love in in the Air 2," the 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will be showcasing the wonderful works of 10 more countries.

10 Funny Things About Philippine Airports

With Summer Season just around the corner, I’m pretty sure that a lot of you are getting ready to be fit, physically and financially. And with 7,107 islands to explore in this beautiful Philippines, I bet that you are targeting not just one but two or more beautiful sites around the nation.

But before you head out and enjoy the sun, sea and sand, make sure that you are also ready to face the challenges brought by our “world-renowned” airports. I listed down 10 of the funny things about our airports – about Philippine airports.

In Photos: Art Fair Philippines 2015

For four straight days, February 5 to 8, on its effort to continuously promote the thriving modern and contemporary art in the country, Art Fair Philippines showcases this year a higher level of Filipino ingenuity, intricacy and creativity that you would want to check out at The Link, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

On this year's Art Fair Philippines, our imagination will be tickled by the amazing works of Roberto Feleo, Poklong Anading, Annie Cabigting, Buen Calubayan, Mariano Ching and Yasmin Sison, who made special exhibits for this fair only.

Welcoming Installation by Mike Adrao

Displayed on the 6th and 7th Floors of The Link, are also the works from Kawayan de Guia, Tad Ermitanio, Alfredo Esquillo, Jr., Geraldine Javier and Maria Taniguchi. Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue and his team led the design and layout of the exhibition, while Kai Restaurant, The Straits Wine Company and Coca-Cola took care of the cocktail.