Paradise + Zoo = Paradizoo

Seeing my most favorite zoo in the country will always be a pleasure to me. With its whole lot more picturesque and attractive to explore now, I'm simply speechless to be at this place again. Indeed, Paradizoo is a paradise and zoo in one that I will never get tired of visiting.

On my visit here again, I'm in a luck to see all of those flowers in bloom and all those plants bearing fruits and vegetables - something that is so amazing for a boy from Manila don't usually see. The breath of fresh air is what will welcome you once you stepped inside the wide receiving area of this place.

The well-maintained lawn and the wonderful division of the the animals to the plants in this paradise-zoo themed park is really what made me love this place. I admit it, I'm not a huge animal lover, mainly because of their smell, but every time that I'm here, the place made me like these domestic animals that I find well-taken cared off.

Tagaytay City: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church

To some, Tagaytay City is just a one-stop shop for coffee drinking while overlooking the beautiful Taal Volcano, while to some, it is one market heaven where you could buy the freshest meat, fruits and vegetables. But for me, if there's one more reason why going to Tagaytay City is such a pleasure, well, that is because of their very humble yet so lovely church that I love to see over and over again - the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church. 

Located at the very heart of this cool city in the south, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church can be seen at your right after passing the Rotonda, that is if you are coming from Metro Manila. With its humble facade depicting a modern architecture, which is actually basically covered by tall trees, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church is also a place of healing and pilgrimage to some who are seeking some peace of mind out of the busy life of the metropolis.

Livin' a Marriott Hotel Manila Dream

They say once is not enough to know the true color of a person or a place, but in this one-night stay of mine here at Marriott Hotel Manila, the moment that I checked-in, I already knew that I'm gonna have a blasting stay and that I'm gonna be back soon, to experience that world-class accommodation again.

Marriott Hotel Manila is one of the luxury hotels that you could find in the vicinity of Resorts World Manila. With a brand and name that's been hailed all over the world for it prestigious and truly comfortable accommodation, there's no doubt that a lot are dreaming of a stay here.

As for those who haven't been in Resorts World Manila yet, well, just think of the ever famous Las Vegas in Nevada, U.S. of A. With the bright lights dancing along the ever jubilant and wonderful casino songs, I'm sure that you'll enjoy every minute of your stay here. Well, you'll actually forget about time once your inside the complex because everything here just keeps on moving and staying alive. From the amazing state-of-the-art facilities to the very accommodating and beautiful staff, Resorts World Manila, is indeed the gaming center in now in the metropolis just like the Las Vegas of America. Wee! And now that it offers complete entertainment and luxurious amenities that individuals and families could enjoy, the only thing that I can say is just make sure that your pockets are ready because once you are inside, you'll have a hard time leaving this fun place. A dream anyone would love to have in real life....

Luckily, I had my dream come true recently as I experienced, first-hand, all of those Resorts World Manila-Marriott Hotel hospitality.

Checking in at Marriott Hotel Manila is so easy. You can even avail of their Marriott Rewards for free, which will entitle you to gain some points that you could use on your future stay here and even free access to other amenities, such as the super reliable and fast Wi-Fi. 

The Freshest Beef from Tagaytay's Mahogany Market

Any Tagaytay trip wouldn't be complete without a sip of their hottest and most delicious Bulalo soup, and I know you would agree with me on this one. But do you know where you can buy the best meat in town for you to take home and cook your own Bulalo soup? Let me take you to Tagaytay's Mahogany Market - the place to hunt for your meat hunting!

It was after our stay in Nurture Spa that my mom asked me to take her to Mahogany Market. Our family is a huge beef lover, so making a stopover here before heading home and buying some tender and fresh meat is really a must-do.

Mahogany Market is located along Mahogany Avenue, Tagaytay City. Most buses from Manila passes here, so it is really to spot.

Ilog Maria and the Wonders it Offers

This is not some hidden spring that you could find here in Silang, Cavite, but instead it is one stop-shop for alternative medicine and more that I'm sure you'll be astonished. Boys and girls, take a peek at Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm.

This may not be your ordinary travel destination since there's really nothing much to see here, but once you get to know the owner, Mr. Joel Magsaysay, who's been so knowledgeable about the things that surrounds him and on the things that surrounds his "dream house" - Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm, you'll be delighted that you've spent some time in this place.

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm is nestled along Km.47 of Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, Cavite. Though, it may be visited via public transport, it is advisable that you ready your self for some walking since the main gate of this place is quite far from the national road, and I'm not really sure if tricycles would love to take you there. :-)

Owner Joel Magsaysay

Green, Green Leaves of Fun at Gourmet, Cavite!

If you are looking for some earthy, green getaway just a few minutes from Manila, there's this coffee shop-slash farm that you could hit just south of the metro. And with its lush greenery and breath-taking sights, I'm sure that you'll fall in love with Gourmet Farm too the way that I fell in love with it.

Nestling along Km52 of Aguinaldo Highway in Lalaan II, Silang, Cavite, this 11-hectare eco-tourism coffee shop-slash-farm is also an attraction open for groups of family and friends who are looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Landscaped to give a stunning feel of organic farm, Gourmet Farm, offers a countryside experience that are perfect for day trips and "dates" with love ones.

On my first-ever visit here, I was immediately swept off of my feet by their Santorini-looking "dining room." Who doesn't like that kind of structure? This dining room is perfect for some organic food bingeing, which are fresh-picked from their farm. 

We had fun in Balayan!

This may not be that typical festival where the streets are filled with beautifully dressed people dancing through the drum beats. This may not be that typical festival where roads are closed because gigantic floats are passing by the streets. And this may not be that typical festival where people are soaked in sweat to see their favorite artists joining the fun. But despite of all of that Balayan, Batangas Festival is one festival that I'm sure you'd love to experience because it'll not juts fill you tummies with delectable lechons, but it will also soaked you in watery fun through their annual "Parada ng Lechon."

Celebrated every 24th of June, Balayan, Batangas, another province in the Philippines that's famous when it comes to lechon or roasted pig, held their yearly "Parada ng Lechon" or Roasted Pig Parade in celebration of the town's fiesta. And alongside this delectable and truly mouthwatering parade was a pure squelchy fun splash of excitement as they give thanks to one of the town's patron saint St. John the Baptist.

This is my first time to witness this festival, and even though I have this little point of comparison, since I've been to La Laoma, Quezon City's Lechon Festival and San Juan City's San Juan Day, I know that this is gonna be special because I'm with my favorite officemates, Rio and Danica a.k.a Puka Girls. Hehe.

Maxims Hotel Manila: I'm still dreaming of you!

Have you heard of that line from a song that say "So near, yet so far"? Well, that's what was exactly in m mind when I was invited FOR THE SECOND TIME to check out and tour around the lavish and ultra elegant hotel of Resorts World Manila - the Maxims Hotel Manila.

Filled with grandeur feel and classic elegance, Maxims is Resorts World Manila's best of the best hotel that offers the highest standard of hotel accommodation in the country. A 172 all-suite luxury hotel, Maxims Hotel is made for travelers or guests that has the most discerning tastes - and I know that you can feel it just by looking at these pictures that I took during our tour there.

Maxims Hotel takes pride of their impeccable, personalized service, including a 24 hours a day butler to attend to the guests’ every need. From their itinerary to dining reservations, the butler are said to be at every guest's service for their entire stay.

Remington Hotel Manila: An Affordable Resorts World Manila Experience

Since the Resorts World Manila was built on the precious land of Pasay City, thousands of people have been flocking to this area to experience the world-class entertainment that only them could give. But on those thousands of people, only a few of them had really experience the "Resorts World accommodation" - I being one of them. But, thank goodness, there's Remington Hotel Manila now - the pocket-friendly side of Resorts World Manila! (Book Remington Hotel in Pasay City with Traveloka)

A few days ago, I was invited to check out and stay in this newly built structure in the vicinity of Resorts World Manila. Made to give Resorts World Manila patrons a greater options to choose from, Remington Hotel Manila is on soft opening since September last year.

With 10 floors ready for occupancy, Remington Hotel offers a more affordable and simpler room accommodations for those who have just been to Resorts World Manila or the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Celebrate Independence with Pinoy Ingenuity

Tomorrow, the country will be celebrating its 114th Independence Day. And in line with this celebration, series of festivities will be happening all over the country starting from the flag raising ceremony in different government and private companies to commemorate this important event in our lives, to all-day partying that will highlight the greatness of our national heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Here in Makati City, where I usually spent most of my time, the celebration already started last Friday with their Make It Happen, Make It Makati celebration. There had a been series of shows that showcased Pinoy ingenuity - from variety shows to arts and crafts that I find really fascinating.

One of the many arts and crafts exhibits that really mesmerized me was the "banig" exhibit that is on display in Ayala Triangle Gardens. "Banig" or hand women mat has been a symbol of Filipinos craftsmanship, and in the latest Department of Tourism's campaign "It's More Fun in The Philippines","banig" is used as a logo - a really clever one, I believe.