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.

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.