The Island Explorer

Top 10 of 2011

2012-01-14T21:09:00.000-08:00

Though I may not be too sold to to the new Philippine tourism slogan, I still believe it can work So, in the spirit of More Fun in the Philippines, I present to you my annual Top 10 of the year that was 2011.

Now, 2011 was my least travelled year. Looking back, I haven't been to someplace truly new. So you may not see a lot of new places in this list. It was more of a year of rediscovery for me. I went back to my favorite places in the country, like Sumilon Island. I've also been to Misibis Bay, Antulang and Pagbilao in Quezon this year, but those experiences didn't live up to my expectations to merit a entry in this list.

I was also more out of the country this year, hence, my domestic experiences were limited. Coincidentally, I have come up with this year's list based on one criteria, FUN. It is FUN in the Philippines!

10. Dumaguete City

Let's start off the list with probably one of the funnest cities in the Philippines, Dumaguete. Though laid back, Dumaguete has that youthful charm and vibrant character that will give you a certain high. Wander off the narrow streets and discover Siliman University, one of the country's oldest universities. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants that will tempt not only your taste buds, but also your desire for great interiors.

9. 8 Suites, Tagaytay City

I would never have put Tagaytay on this list, if it weren't for this quaint guest lodge on the edge of a cliff. The view from Suite 3 in 8 Suites in Tagaytay made me feel I wasn't in Tagaytay at all. It gave a fresh and breathtaking view of beautiful Taal Lake especially in the early morning. Though I may experience the same view in some other boutique hotel, 8 Suites magically made me feel that it was my first time in Tagaytay. And I go to Tagatyay 2x a month on the average.

8. Zamboanga City

Despite having bad press during the last part of the year because of a series of bombings, Zamboanga City still remains to be one of my favorite cities in the Philippines. This year, I was able to visit Asia's Latin City three times, and every visit has never been tiring or boring. Even though I never made it to Sta. Cruz Island, I managed to enjoy another visit in Pasonanca Hills, exploring further up the Stations of the Cross to get the best view of the city. From the Spanish era city hall to the vibrant bay walk, to the walled history of Fort Pilar, Zamboanga dishes out great sights for its virgin visitors. And with the Paseo area expanding, Zamboanga will definitely be more fun in the coming years. Now this is a city who knows how to build its tourism potential. Viva Zamboanga!

7. Siaton, Negros Oriental

My trip to Antulang was uneventful, up until I began exploring outside Antulang. I took a hike along the shore and ended up in a secluded cove, without a soul in sight. I laid on the sand, set up my Jambox and chilled out for the entire afternoon. I was even able to take a nap. I woke up, with the sun setting, with nothing changing around me but the rising tide.

6. Banana Island, Calamian, Palawan

Mention Coron and you think of the stunning limestone formations and lakes. But further out of Coron, in to the Calamianes, white sand fringed islands are the main attractions. I was frustrated at how some of the islands were "privately owned", hence off limits to the public, even though there are no establishments on those islands. For me, the closest and most accessible island gem is Banana Island. It is already a popular lunch picnic venue for island tours from Coron, and with its gleaming white sands and turquoise waters, it's just so tempting to stay the entire day.

5. Anilao, Batangas

My surprise destination for the year was Anilao. The last time I was in Anilao was 10 years ago, so I was pleasantly surprised when me and my friends took over a vacation house of a friend for a night and explored its surrounding islands. I never thought Anilao can give you that castaway feeling. Maricaban Island has a lot of potential for adventure, and I would definitely be back to explore more.

4. Baguio City

I don't know why I haven't written a lot about Baguio City. Probably because it's another regular destination for me (been here 8x this year). But this year, I came to love Baguio, and forget about how overcrowded and polluted it has become. It was also this year that I spent more nights in guesthouses and inns, since our tita's house has been rented out. I've discovered great accommodations such as PNKY, Casa Vallejo, the Forest House Inn and even Citylight Hotel (which has great value for money). The Bencab Museum is one of the country's best museums, while the Hill Station, the Forest House and Cafe by the Ruins offer great dining experiences.

3. Shangri-La Boracay

My top luxury destination of the year is no doubt, Shangri-La Boracay. Despite the obvious cliche, Shangri-La raised the bar of luxury standards in the Philippines. If Asya Premier wowed me for its exclusive seclusion in party island, Shangri-La made me feel I wasn't in Boracay at all. And this experience was made unforgettable with an overnight stay in a Loft Villa. Top notch service, a wide range of amenities and luxurious accommodations make Shangri-La Boracay a true 5-star experience.

2. Villa Angelina, Nasugbu, Batangas

Located in the Maya-Maya area of Nasugbu (after Terrazas but before Punta Fuego), Villa Angelina is an unassuming house from the outside. But as soon as we entered its gates, I was already jumping in excitement. A Tuscan inspired terrace provided sweeping views of the Nasugbu coastline. A 6-bedroom house with a garden that can accommodate up to 100 people. One night is never enough at Villa Angelina. You may not even want to go home at all. I began to envy the rich who can build stunning villas like these. Villa Angelina is the best venue for fun with all of your close friends.

1. Camotes Island, Cebu

It was definitely worth the wait. I had to admit, after so many failed attempts to get to Camotes, being there made me apprehensive. I had high expectations, and the trip was really unplanned. But this goes to show that the best experiences are really spontaneous, and well, a Visayan island will never let you down. Camotes was the most fun I had on a weekend escape. From swimming in caves, boating in lakes, basking on white sand beaches and biking on the countryside, Camotes is a relaxing haven for those in dire need for a true holiday escape.

Camotes Island tops this year's list, and I'm glad the crown finally went to Cebu. I had so much fun, that I wouldn't care if I go back next week and do everything all over again. To think I only explored a fraction of the island's area. So, in the spirit of FUN, let's see more of our beautiful country. Happy Island Exploring!

Is it More Fun in in the Philippines?

2012-01-09T08:42:00.001-08:00

Before anything else, HAPPY 2012 everyone! I have just arrived from a wonderful trip in South Africa for the holidays, so I haven't really written anything since Christmas. It was also just today that I knew about the new tourism slogan of the Philippines, after checking my Facebook.

I was actually in shock when I saw the campaign for the first time because I didn't expect it. I thought, what was this tagline going around with all the weird images attached to it. I was actually confused at first, so I searched further and discovered the REAL slogan.

Now, I have been anticipating this slogan, given all the hype about it. The thing is, I had strong mixed feelings about it. First, the positives. I love how it DOES sum up who we are as a nation. It captures who we are in one 3-letter word. We are the most fun loving people in the world. And sometimes, this fun is unsolicited. We are just happy people because we want and seek to be happy. That's why Coke's Happiness campaign works.

And this effect is obviously taken into social media. The campaign has indeed grown on a lot of people. A lot of my friends on Facebook has been doing their own versions as well. This way, the DOT and BBDO has utilized the fun loving Filipino people to promote their country. Some actually weird wild with their versions, and even became offensive. However, there were more versions that were brilliant.

The campaign is an inspiring kick off to HOPEFULLY the government's true support for tourism. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has started a wildfire, but it is up to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to actually prevent this wildfire into turning into another disaster. I mean, what the hell is a slogan for, if a solo backpacker arrives in the Philippines not knowing how to go to his guesthouse. That isn't fun for sure.

True, it is more FUN to get lost in a deserted beach in the Philippines, but will be more fun to actually find my way to that beach? Or even get to that beach?

I support the DOT 100%. They have given a slogan that everyone is talking about. I didn't care about the alleged Swiss copy, or the fact that people are using the slogan to bash our country as well. However, to me, it's not a LONG TERM slogan. The rest of the world uses simple, sometimes uncreative slogans. And most describe the wonders of their country. Ours describe an experience. It's like saying, we have those too, but here it's better (more fun). But how do we sell an experience if people don't know what to expect in the first place?

While I am NOT AGAINST the FUN concept, I just think it's too limiting. It needs a lot of explaining as well. It's not that this slogan will explain everything. We have to do the explaining.

Here, we are assuming that the images attached to the witty remarks will spark foreigners to want to go to the Philippines. The logo itself doesn't speak FUN. It's a san serif font, that doesn't highlight FUN. It ends with the map of the country in a colorful banig pattern. Where's the fun there? It is simple and catchy to the eye, but I am against that map.

And if you think we are great in using witty lines, check out these from Incredible India.

I have spoken with a lot of foreigners while on my backpack trips, and I was surprised that some of them don't even know where the Philippines is. They say, it's the country above Indonesia. Fact is, most DO NOT KNOW anything about our country. I never thought some people still don't know about the Philippines in this day of age. We say we have a lot to offer, even a New Wonder of the World, and our country is WOW. But the foreigners don't know this.

***

I am a traveller, and I chose South Africa for my recent holiday, because I wanted to experience a safari, nature, and so much more. I don't even remember South Africa's tourism logo. They don't need one. Tanzania's slogan is even straight forward: The Land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Serengeti. In this modern world, getting known in the tourism industry is really selling your best landmarks. Thailand, Italy, Japan and France have food as a landmark, so people go there to eat.

I go to South East Asia, and know about Thailand and Vietnam, which has almost the same geographic wonders as ours. In the end, these foreigners will choose over what they already know about and what one country promises them to experience.

When I travelled this year around Asia, I did an informal survey asking foreigners their most favorite South East Asian destination. Indonesia topped the poll. Thailand came next, then Malaysia. Not one mentioned the Philippines. Well, only 3 out of the roughly 20 respondents have actually been to the Philippines. All have been to Thailand. Most want to go to Indonesia and Vietnam this year. Probably because they all have already been to Thailand.

Ask yourself that question. Will you go to the Philippines because it is more fun? Or because it is more beautiful? Will you choose Italy over Germany because it is more fun in Germany, or because Italy is known to be more beautiful?

Of course, the experience of the Philippines has always been unforgettable for those who have taken that risk, and I say risk, quoting the exact responses of my fellow backpackers who I have asked the question, Will you go to the Philippines? The rest answered, if I have the time after visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

***

So, will our tourism slogan work? It will spark a lot of interest, considering we've invaded social media. But I do believe that the slogan will not appeal to foreigners, or actually compel them to go. We have the rice terraces that they can actually see in Thailand or Vietnam. We have the best beaches but they can settle for Thailand and Bali. We have the limestone cliffs, the gorgeous volcanos and rolling hills, that Indonesia also has. We may all agree it's FUN here because we do LOVE our country. It is our home. It is really more FUN in the Philippines.

But will this FUN concept make unknowing and ignorant foreigners go to the Philippines? We have a lot of OFWs already around the world, who religiously recite the Philippine tourism pitch to their employers and co-workers. Yet, still no change in arrival numbers. I still think the best method is word-of-mouth promotion, but the word must come from those foreigners who have loved our country - those sun drenched Russians who tell their friends back home how much FUN Boracay is.

***

Let me tell you this. I have MORE FUN in a country when I am able to access and ride public transport easily, find my way around, stay in value for money accommodations, savor delicious and cheap food and go on a tour without being ripped off by deceitful operators.

I experienced this in Southwest China. I was a foreigner. I spent a month backpacking. I have never been ripped off in a cab even if I didn't speak Chinese. I stayed in the cleanest and most interesting guesthouses for under P1,000 a night. The closest I have experienced this in the Philippines is in Siargao. Honest and sincere people were running the lovely island.

***

I honestly feel bad writing about this, but this is what I truly feel, after years of being passionate about our country's tourism potential. I think the DOT and BBDO became too excited and frantic even with the potential of the campaign for social media dominance, to trend worldwide. However, trends don't last.

Again, I do support the DOT whatever their slogan is. I do agree selling an EXPERIENCE is more applicable in this highly competitive market. However, the slogan entails a huge responsibility on US to promote the country. And when I refer to us, it's not US who are glued to their laptops all day chatting in Facebook, positing our versions of More Fun. They are the boat operators, taxi drivers, the police, the small souvenir shop owners, the delicacy makers, and even that brilliant little English speaking tour guide boy in Callao Caves. I bet they don't even know about the new slogan.

In the end, our tourism dream of 10M visitors by 2016 lie in their hands.

The Agoo Church

2011-12-20T00:46:00.000-08:00

I am not a big fan of churches, since in the Philippines, they pretty much look the same to me. There are some though that mesmerize, like the Miag-ao Church in Iloilo and this one, the Basilica of our Lady of Charity, more known as the Agoo Church.

To be honest, I felt the need to visit the Church when I passed by Agoo's charming town center. I hate how we lack old towns in our country. We really don't seem to care about preserving our heritage, and every old structure is torn down to make way for new ones. Or we just paint the entire thing, make it look modern, new, but ultimately lose its value.

The Agoo Church may have been preserved well, though I can notice all the enhancements made. I was particularly drawn to the ceiling where majestic wooden chandeliers reminded you of the medieval period. The Church itself looked grand, but it somehow lost its old world charm as well.

I was inspired by the front door, which had interesting markings. It was huge solid wood door, painted probably in the last year.

I came on a Sunday, and so there were a lot of visitors. People were praying the rosary when we arrived.

Outside was the courtyard and gardens, where candles where lit for prayers. The atmosphere was very serene, even though it was just next to a Jollibee.

The Agoo Church is worth a visit especially if you are on your way to the surfing beaches of La Union. The town center was charming, and taking a stroll around the city hall or inside the Church grounds is an experience that is worth stopping for.

Help CDO and Iligan

2011-12-20T00:33:00.000-08:00

On this day, December 20, I was expecting smiles and a lot of fun from our Mindanao Christmas party in a lovely resort in Jasaan. Today, we visit them with smiles to cheer them up. I have come to love Mindanao, and CDO has been special to me this year.

This is what Emily Homes looks like now, which is reminiscent of Ondoy's wrath in my former home in Provident Villages. It has happened again, and will happen again soon.

Help CDO and Iligan and all the other affected areas of Sendong, by donating in whatever way. We are here to help.

Guess Where Next

2011-12-11T10:03:00.001-08:00

Guess where my next destination is. More on one of the country's top tourist draws up next! Merry Christmas everyone!

Biking Around Camotes

2011-12-11T09:42:00.001-08:00

I I wanted to end my Camotes blog with Santiago Bay, but if there's one thing that made my trip memorable, it was the impromptu bicycle tour that we took on our last day.

Mangodlong Paradise Resort rented out bicycles for P100 (I think) for a day. I just remember the cost being negligible. We rode away to the countryside, and decided to find another nearby beach. It was quite tiring to pedal through the unpaved roads, but once we got on the highway, the ride became smoother.

We took time to explore our surroundings on the bicycle. I felt so alive when I went around on two wheels. Camotes had a very laid back atmosphere, very rural, very peaceful. We even stopped to have conversations with strangers! We even tried picking mangoes from a tree.

We didn't go too far, and ended up in the beach next to Mangodlong. There was an abandoned resort on the beach. The shoreline was rocky and the sand was rough. The water was also murky, but there was less trash compared to Santiago Bay. We were the only ones there, except for a a group of men drinking nearby at 9 in the morning!

We went back after 3 hours of exploring, even if we only covered less than 8 kilometers. We were smitten by the effortless charm of Camotes. I was convinced that this was the perfect place to escape in Cebu, and even the safest place as well (crime rate is almost zero). Camotes was worth the wait, but the short lived experience left me craving for more. Take me back to Camotes!

Around Camotes: Santiago Bay

2011-12-11T09:20:00.001-08:00

When one mentions a beach in Camotes, one would probably say Santiago Bay. After visiting Timubo and Lake Danao, we decided to grab a snack at Santiago Bay Garden Resort, perched on the cliffside of Santiago Bay.

Santiago Bay Resort is also owned by Mangodlong Rock Resort, so these two resorts are essentially the most popular ones on Camotes. The resort was almost fully booked when we had a snack here.

The resort was well maintained, considering it's been one of the oldest resorts in Camotes. The deck (picture above) looks perfect for small events, like wedding receptions. There is also a pool below the deck, that overlooks the beautiful sea.

The views from the resort were excellent. And it is from this vantage point that you could witness the most famous image of Camotes, a panoramic view of Santiago Bay.

After devouring a satisfying pan of pizza, we headed down to the beach itself. It was located at the center of the baranggay (the baranggay hall was facing the beach even).

There are huts and lounges for rent, but these look uncomfortable and dirty. In fact, the beach was littered with garbage and other debris. Our tour guide said that the trash came from Leyte. The sand was not that white as well, but the quality is close to that of Bantayan's. It is definitely not powder (Boracay quality) in all areas.

What was amazing was how the bay receded its water as far as 200 meters from the shore during low tide. This phenomenon reveals wave lines on the sand. The water may be clear, but again, you can pick up trash even as you go further out into the sea.

Santiago Bay is a public beach, and unless the government imposes measures to keep the surroundings clean, the beach will soon lose its natural beauty. The shoreline is beginning to look crowded, so I hope regulations come into place. Santiago Bay is a testimony of the potential of other beaches in Camotes, which I hope to visit in the near future.

Around Camotes: Timubo Cave and Lake Danao

2011-12-07T07:03:00.001-08:00

Just like most islands in the Visayas, Camotes has primed up its popular tourists spots. The island has its share of destinations, making a day trip around the countryside worth your while. We hired at multicab to take us around for P2,000 a day. We were also picked up from the wharf with this fee. We also had a bubbly and informative tour guide, who took us to the right spots. Our first stop was the Timubo Cave.

We were surprised that the cave was in the middle of nowhere. We were expecting it to be somewhere near the coastline, but after passing through green fields, we stumbled upon a staircase that led downwards to the cave.

There was a P15 entrance fee to the cave. We didn't know what to expect when we went down. It was dark, but after a few steps, there were light bulbs hanging throughout the staircase. The jagged walls were damp, so there must be a water source from above.

We went further down, and waded through ponds that were only feet deep. It was getting cooler and you start to get that eerie feeling when you're inside a cave.

At the end of the pathway was a pool of crystal clear water. It was the destination, and what a cool one it was. The pool was neck deep, with some areas being shallower. It wasn't as huge, but it was definitely bigger than the one in Bantayan's Ogtong cave.

We took a refreshing swim and stayed in for around an hour. There was another chamber beyond the pool, with a higher ceiling. There was also water in the chamber but the surface was more uneven. A single light bulb illuminated that chamber.

After the visit to Timubo Cave, we made our way to the star attraction of the Camotes countryside - Lanao Danao. At first, I thought the lake would be boring. But the clean and airy environment lured me to discover the lake's offerings.

It as a good thing that there were small paddle boats for rent (P100 per hour). It was quite difficult though to paddle your way around the lake. I wished kayaks were available.

Lake Danao is probably one of the biggest lakes of Cebu. There were islands on the lake, all uninhabited. The boatman told us that there were only coconut trees in these islands. We passed by some fishermen, and observed the mangroves that surrounded the lake.

After another hour of exploring the lake, we headed back to land. The park had picnic tables and walkways that were perfect for a breezy afternoon stroll.

We left Lake Danao at around 3PM and told our driver to take us to the beach. Of course, that beach would be the most popular beach in Camotes located in the town of San Francisco. The beach post up next!

Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort

2011-12-05T06:11:00.001-08:00

I find great satisfaction in discovering new places. The Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort was an accidental find, since we were really supposed to stay in Mangodlong Rock Resort beside it. When I saw the new resort, I was already lured towards it.

At first, I was cautious about the resort. I asked for the rates from the receptionist, whose name was Winner. After seeing the room, it was he who convinced me to stay. True, he said that they had the best rooms in the island.

We got two deluxe rooms that opened up to the garden. At P2,800, I thought the room was worth the price. It was tastefully designed with tropical and native inspirations. The room was also quite spacious and there was an LCD TV. The only flaw was the bathroom, which had flimsy shower curtains.

I stepped outside through the sliding door and began to explore the resort. Coconut trees provided ample shade in the garden. Hammocks were set up between the trees, making them perfect nooks for reading or for a nap.

The resort wasn't that huge, and it had the basics. It had one open air restaurant that served mid-priced food. The menu was mostly Filipino, and I would recommend to order these instead of their pastas, pizzas and other international dishes.

There were detached cabanas that provided more luxurious accommodations. They also had private verandas.

Our room was located in a two floor building fronting the beach and directly beside the walls of Mangodlong Rock Resort. The second floor housed the 2-bedroom suites.

I moved my way to the beach, which seemed very fake. The water as unclear probably because of the residue from the white coral that primed up the shore.

I actually felt that I was in Mactan for a moment, and not in Camotes. This shot below reminded me of Crimson's own enhanced beach. The water became clearer as you go further out, but if you're near the shore, it will be milky white, and not crystal clear.

But I loved the deck overlooking the sea in the middle of the resort. Their only bar was also located in this spot, making it a perfect venue for sunset cocktails.

We asked the staff to arrange our dinner on the deck. They gladly accepted our request and even took orders in advance.

But what made my jaw drop is this expansive infinity pool that was at the center of the resort. It was one of the biggest resort pools I have seen in the Philippines, and I was surprised to find it in Camotes.

There were sun lounges surrounding the pool, and even wicker chars and tables for you to have a snack.

I kept on wondering why the resort's owners had a pool this big made, given that the entire resort can probably only accommodate 60 people maximum. There aren't a lot of rooms, so it's still a boutique resort.

The view from the pool was spectacular. There was just an annoying fountain on one side of the pool that sprayed water all over. On the other side was a dysfunctional jacuzzi that blended with the main pool.

Mangodlong Paradise Resort is definitely my choice in Camotes. I was very pleased that tourism is still on an upswing in these islands, but I do hope future resort builders respect the environment and leave the natural beauty of Camotes as it is. Camotes does hold a lot of tourism potential, and in my last article, I will show you around some of Camotes's most famous destinations.

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Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort
(032) 583-9450 / (032) 328-0500

Rates:

	Weekday	Weekends
Standard	2,200	2,500
Deluxe	2,500	2,800
Beachfront	2,700	3,000
2-BR Suite	5,500	6,000
Cabanas A	3,200	3,500
Cabanas B	2,900	3,200
2-BR Cabanas	5,200	5,500

All rates inclusive of breakfast for 2 and transfers to and from Consuelo Wharf for Jomalig passengers.
Mangodlong Rock Resort may be cheaper by P500, but you don't get free breakfast and all the luxurious amenities offered in Paradise. Just weigh the value you get. Again, please do contact the resort for availability. I am not connected with the resort.

En Route to Camotes

2011-12-04T01:22:00.001-08:00

Finally, after 5 years of wanting, I found myself boarding the ferry to the island of Camotes in Cebu. If you have been reading my blogs on Cebu, you will be familiar with Camotes, as the destination I've wanted to go to, but never got the chance. So now, boarding this ferry is indeed surreal.

The journey to Camotes began with a jeepney ride (P30 per person) from Mandaue to the port of Danao City, just an hour north of Metro Cebu. The jeepneys usually pick up passengers bound for Camotes at MC Briones Street across Jollibee AS Fortuna. There are also buses that you can take, but taking a jeepney or v-hire is faster. You get down in front of the pier, so it's very convenient.

We took the Jomalig ferry, at 8AM in the morning. There are rides every 2 hours, but it's best to call before you go. The ferry was packed with tourists, especially Koreans. I wondered if this was a regular season since the isolation of Camotes doesn't seem to be a problem. After a seemingly long 2 hour ferry ride, the islands of Camotes appeared at a distance.

We disembarked at the Consuelo Wharf. There were several motorcycle rides calling out to tourists. We called in a multicab in Mangodlong Rock Resort, where we were supposed to stay in. We were met by a cheerful tour guide (sorry but forgot her name).

We decided to have lunch first in Bayview, which was in the town center of San Francisco. At this point, I was pleased with how Camotes positions itself as a tourist destination.

Bayview was a breezy waterfront venue. It doesn't have your standard restaurants, but it has a clean market that served BBQ dishes. I was getting excited about Camotes, because the atmosphere was very relaxing. There wasn't a lot of people around and those who were there were very accommodating.

After a satisfying lunch, we headed to our resort, the Mangodlong Rock Resort. The Mangodlong Rock Resort is one of the pioneer resorts in Camotes. It was highly recommended by friends who already visited Camotes. But there was another resort beside it that looked it just recently opened. And after taking a peek, I didn't hesitate to check in here.

It is the newest resort in Camotes Island, and I do hope after this post, it will still remain affordable and well maintained. Welcome to the Mangodlong Paradise Resort. More on this paradise in my next post!

***

Jomalig Shipping Corporation

Ferry Schedules

Danao to Consuelo

5:30 AM (except Thursday)

8:30 AM

12:00 PM

5:30 PM

Consuelo to Danao

5:30 AM

9:00 AM

2:00 PM

4:00 PM (except Wednesday)

Call for updates:

Danao - 0906-3640873

Consuelo - 0948-6699345

The Apple Store Hong Kong

2011-12-02T07:16:00.001-08:00

I was walking in IFC headed for Pret-a-Porter, when BOOM! It was there. I was planning to check out the Apple Store afterwards, but as I went up the escalator, it was there.

This Apple Store was the first in Hong Kong. It received over 100,000 guests in its first weekend, when some Apple stores in other parts of the world did that in a month. I am a proud Apple user for 6 years now, and entering this store was like paying homage to a religion.

The Apple Store HK had the iconic glass staircase, which overlook the Victoria Harbor and Kowloon. This is in central IFC, so you don't get any better location. The huge Apple logo says it all. Apple has conquered Hong Kong.

And the crowd confirms this. The Apple Store was very busy at lunch time, and it seems that all their staff were pre occupied. The second floor was dedicated to the Genius Bar, where first time Apple buyers got their first lessons on using their Macs, iPods and iPads.

It seemed that everyone, young and old alike have fallen under the spell of Apple. I myself was trying so hard not to purchase anything. And yes, I was successful. Thanks to the crowds that made me lose patience in making a purchase.

So after checking out what Apple has in store (like I didn't know), I took these pictures and felt like a tourist indeed. Apple draws tourism to the IFC as well, given the different types (races) of people who were int he store.

So that's my visit to the Apple Store in Hong Kong. The store was huge, and very crowded still. It's a must visit of course, almost an obligation if you're an Apple fan.

Cubic: COD Macau

2011-12-02T06:58:00.001-08:00

I must admit, I am back to my younger days, when clubbing was a addiction. But it's probably not because of the drinking and wild nights that I crave for, it's the music. And for the past years, I have been hooked so much on house and electronic music. In fact, I even wanted to become a DJ because of this.

Nowadays, whenever I travel, I make way to find the city's hottest club. If you've been to Republiq in Resort World Manila, you haven't seen what a club really is. I actually like Embassy before, because it had that club nature. Republiq is just one massive party for people who want to loose themselves in a reckless state of drunkeness. Doesn't feel exclusive at all.

The last club I have been to was in Macau's City of Dreams, and was the largest club in the city of lights. This was Cubic, located at the 2nd floor of the City of Dreams.

The club was actually smaller than I expected it to be. It had two main rooms, one playing R&B music and the other, house. I was psyched up since Laidback Luke was playing. He is Filipino-Dutch, and has landed in the top 20 list of DJ Mag.

We arrived at 12 midnight, and still few people were partying. I remember going to Zouk at 11PM, and most of the Singaporeans were already drunk. This place was still calm, and had more of a local crowd. When we visited Vicks in Beijing, the crowd was mostly foreigners. Cubic had mostly patrons from Hong Kong I assume.

Anyway, I was bedazzled with the design of the club, since there were a lot of shining shimmering splendid, from dozens of disco balls hug on the ceiling, to countless mirror walls and silver spoon like lamps. The crowd got wilder as more people filled up the dance floor.

Cubic didn't impress me that much, though the quality of music was excellent. And that made up for the otherwise bland experience. With Laidback Luke on deck, everything gets hysterical soon after.

The Grand Resort Deck at Galaxy Macau

2011-11-30T06:05:00.001-08:00

And so I come to the reason why we are staying in Galaxy Macau. Just like roof deck and sky high bars, beach clubs are a growing trend in Asia. So when I chanced upon the beach club at the Galaxy, I definitely said to myself that I needed to experience it for myself.

It's called the Grand Resort Deck, shared by the Galaxy Hotel, Okura and the Banyan Tree, although the Banyan Tree has its own exclusive resort deck and pool. The Grand Resort Deck makes the Galaxy unique in Macau.

In fact, you would feel you are in Macau. The resort deck is expansive indeed. Only guests to the hotels can get access to the deck, as receptionists ask for your room number when you take the entrance.

The resort deck has a beautiful heated infinity pool, with several lounges surrounding it.

Dedon Orbit loveseats lined up the swimming pool as well. It was very relaxing to just escape into these pods.

The Grand Resort Deck has surprisingly one restaurant, Oasis. It serves Asian and continental cuisine, both indoor and al fresco.

We had a lunch buffet in Oasis, which had few guests. There was a magician roaming around, who pulled off fantastic tricks on us while eating. A clown also provided some annoying entertainment.

I was a little disappointed at the restaurant though. The food was uninspired, even though they had a meat and seafood grill. They should have put more options in the deck, and not just one restaurant.

Moving on, there was a bar int he center of the deck, overlooking the center of attraction in the resort deck - the wave pool.

The wave pool is one of the biggest I have seen. And it washes upon a 2,500 square meter beach with real white sand.

This type of opulence can probably be found in Dubai, but I was in Macau. There wasn't a lot of people on the "beach", which was also lined with sun lounges. It was unfortunate that the hotel buildings blocked off the sun in a bright afternoon.

The wave pool produced a maximum of 1.5 meter waves, and it was so fun to take a splash on it.

In the end, the experience of a fake beach in the middle of casino land was awesome. The Grand Resort Deck felt exclusive, but I would assume it can get busy during the high season.

This experience made the relatively high cost of staying in the Galaxy worth it. And compared to the rest of the hotels in Macau, this has got to be one of the best value. The rooms of the Galaxy were flawless, and you even get a free mini bar. But with the Grand Resort Deck and its white sand beach and huge wave pool, I don't think I have to say that this is the best choice to stay in Macau.

The Galaxy Macau

2011-11-24T19:14:00.001-08:00

I have been moving in and out of Macau to go to HK recently because of Tiger Airways fantastic prices to Macau from Clark. For example, for this flight to Macau, I only paid P1,500. It was even more expensive to travel to Baguio because of the gas. So, Macau has been my entry point for my past visits to HK. However, when in Macau, who could resist the lure of their ever growing luxury hotels.

This time it was one of the newest complexes on the Cotai Strip - the Galaxy. When we were here for House of Dancing Water, I wanted to stay in the City of Dreams. But when I left, I promised myself to see the Galaxy.

And it was because from a first glance, it seemed grander and offered more than the City of Dreams. I think the Venetian is still the ultimate resort hotel with everything in it, but the Venetian is getting old already with all these new kids arriving.

A night in the Galaxy will set you back at least P15,000 nett on weekends, but it can go down to P7,000 on weekdays. So, as a tip, avoid weekends when going to Macau. All the hotels double their prices on weekends, and even get fully booked.

As I entered the Galaxy, tall and beautiful ambassadors welcomed me. Of course, they were mostly Filipino. A huge circular fountain then transforms into a massive rising pillar to reveal one of the biggest diamond sculptures I have seen. Now that is what I call a grand entrance.

I checked in, with some difficulty because I used my debit card (HSBC failed to issue me my replacement credit card before I left). After a while, I was given my key and proceeded to the 18th floor. The hotel was spanking new, and the furnishings were still shimmering.

The room was huge as expected, but looked very comfortable. This was part of the Star World group, so one of their most likable traits is the scent of the room.

The bath was very well appointed, and opens up again to the room. It seems that this has been the standard in luxury rooms already. It's getting kind of boring if you ask me.

My favorite part of the room was the sitting nook by the bay window. The view was not as clear, since the glass was reflective, so when the light is strong, you don't get to see much of the outside.

I checked for the rest of the amenities and opened the refrigerator. I was surprised to see only a few drinks and snack items. So I called the front desk to ask if they were for free. And yes they were! There were 6 cans of drinks (soft drinks, juices and beer), a cup of instant noodles and a pack of peanuts. Perfect!

After settling down, I went down to find a place to eat. I was to meet some friends soon, so I decided to explore the Galaxy's arcade as well. There was another lobby where a crystalline sculptures rose from the floor. They changed their color with the beat of the music, and dazzled with glittering effects and smoke.

The Galaxy has 2 arcades, the West and East Promenade. These housed the retail stores in the complex. There were around 20 restaurants in total, including the ones from the hotels.

The Galaxy also had within its walls the Bayan Tree Macau and Okura Hotel. So there are definitely more to experience here.

But I wasn't in the Galaxy for the rooms. I was here for something I saw in a brochure in a shuttle bus. Discover what it is on my next post!

The Theodore Hotel

2011-11-17T05:21:00.001-08:00

We stumbled upon the newest boutique hotel in Tagaytay after giving up our search for a new restaurant. We got intrigued by Agui's fresh Tagaytay cuisine concept, because it was very vague. What was Tagaytay cuisine anyway?

So there was the chance to enter Theodore. I am not sure if the Boutique Bed and Breakfast and Theodore are related, since the two are beside each other. In any case, I think those who have tried the Boutique will definitely be interested with Theodore, and vice versa.

As soon as you enter their doors, this metal zebra sculpture will welcome you. As I take a quick 360 look at the lobby, I was actually not as impressed with the design. Yes, it was bold and more masculine than the Boutique, but I kind of found some design elements disconnected.

Take for example their dining area. It suddenly became too bright and cheery. This picture below is taken from their website, since my picture was so dark. There was no one eating, and there was probably just one guest in the hotel. We were there on a Tuesday.

I moved down the hall towards another dining area, which was more wooden in design. I actually skipped the room and rushed outside the garden area. There was a nice sexy looking cabana before the main garden. I just wondered if the cabana is as comfortable as it looked.

I particularly liked the garden, with a refreshing view of the lake and hillside. There was another cabana at one corner of the garden. I immediately told our waiter that we wanted to eat there.

Now, I feel ashamed that I wasn't able to take a picture of the food that we had, because, ever since this visit, I have been to Theodore three times, just to eat. And I had our meals all in that charming cabana in the corner of the garden. The breeze was cool, the surrounding was peaceful and the food was excellent. Yes, excellent. I loved their thick and juicy Crispy Pork Belly and even their Bulalo. My friends also loved the Osso Bucco but I thought it was too salty. They also serve pasta (try their pesto and creamy tomato basil) and pizzas (janitor's choice). The menu is actually short and simple. Agui's wasn't really a popular restaurant, but they still served up some memorable dishes.

After lunch, we decided to take a tour of the rooms. In Theodore's, just like in Boutique, each room had a unique concept. The one above was an actual picture I took of their Geometric Room.

The Modern Filipino Room above is a picture from their website. I like the relaxed and bright atmosphere of this room. I just don't know why it's called modern Filipino.

The room that I liked best was the Theodore Suite, a room that overlooks Taal Lake. The room has a whimsical design however, the mood was still classy and comfortable.

And with a bath like this, well, I would surely book one night in this room. I just wondered if I could fit comfortably in this tub.

The rooms in Theodore have two categories only, the superior and the vista deluxe. The vista deluxe all have views of the lake. The price changes during weekdays and weekends just like most hotels in Tagaytay. I am quite pleased with Theodore, especially with its fresh and simple food that kept me craving for more. It is indeed a formidable addition to the boutique hotels mushrooming all over Tagaytay.

Theodore Hotel

(046) 483-0350 and (02) 542-6042

The Enchanting Loboc River Night Cruise

2011-11-12T05:13:00.001-08:00

Most cruises to the Loboc River in Bohol take place during lunch time as part of the standard countryside tours in the island. However, I discovered that taking the night cruise is a better experience.

I remember taking the daytime cruise when I first visited Bohol. That was probably 5 years ago. Now, the government invested a lot on making the Loboc River a spectacular destination during the evening as well.

Of course, it starts out with dinner. We hopped on one of the floating buffet restaurants that was docked along the clean and organized pier of the tourist attraction center.

After dinner, we were told to move to another boat, where we would glide through the serene waters of Loboc River. The lights illuminating the surroundings were amazing. I really commend the local government for taking the effort to make Loboc more attractive at night.

The cruise was so peaceful, it was kind of boring already. Good thing, there was a folk singer with his guitar happily serenading us with both old time American and Filipino folk songs. As we approached the last of the illuminated trees, a floating hut seemed to glow brightly from a distance.

To our surprise, it was the local performance of the Loboc children and women. They danced, played their green guitars and made everyone smile as we ourselves danced along.

It was similar to the choral performance I witnessed way back 5 years ago, but this was more upbeat. The children were charming and great in dance as well, as they did some stunts in tinkling (a dance using bamboo rods).

After the performance, we headed back to the pier. The breeze was quite chilly, so I would advise to bring a jacket or sweater. We were back on solid ground, when we got curious over some rousing music from a building. It was a performance by a local orchestra made up of young teenage boys. They were amazing. The concert hall was also brilliantly designed. I was really impressed with these kids, that I would hire them eventually for an event here in Bohol.

The night cruise of the Loboc River is thus a must for tourists. It is an enchanting experience, which will leave you with the best memories of Bohol.

* The last call for the cruise is around 8PM, so it's best to be here between 6:30 to 7:00PM.

Exploring Anilao

2011-11-12T00:28:00.001-08:00

It was a bright and breezy morning as the sun rose from behind the house, revealing the beauty of the sea and the surrounding islands. I got so excited, so I planned our short island exploring trip. We hired the boat that was parked beside the house for P2,500. The rate was quite steep, considering we only used the boat for 3 hours.

Nevertheless, we were too excited. So as soon as the boat was ready, we boarded it towards the open sea, or more popularly known as the Verde Passage. This area is one of the most concentrated areas for marine biodiversity in the world. Thus, Anilao and nearby Puerto Galera in Mindoro have become top dive spots in the Philippines.

We passed through Sombrero Island, but because it looked like they had a lot of visitors, we decided to find a more secluded beach. Sombrero Island also has an entrance fee of P100 per head, since it is privately owned. I remember going here when I was still a teenager, and I remember a huge mound of white sand.

We passed by Caban Island, which was still part of Batangas. There were yachts and speedboats parked in the middle of the sea. I was amazed at the topography of these bigger islands surrounding Sombrero. I actually felt I was in Anguib in North Cagayan. That was the ambience of the place - raw and serene.

So, after nearly 30 minutes of boat travel, we decided to dock in this beach. The water was clear, and we could see the corals. I was disappointed though, that the corals near the shore were all dead already, probably because of the tide.

I've been telling everyone that my mark for a good beach is not the quality of sand anymore. It's just one part. This beach was amazing because, it really didn't make me feel I was in Batangas.

As I explored the rest of the beach, I kept wondering why people want to go to San Juan (Laiya) and Nasugbu, where the beach is crowded and starting to be unnatural. This one, in the island of Maricaban was pure and beautiful.

Of course, we were the only ones around, except for a small group at one end of the beach. There were three coves from my viewpoint, and we were just on one end. I figured the other visitors were divers. There were small nip a huts on that cove, and it looked like the divers were about to have lunch there.

This sandy part of Maricaban was quite long, as I would discover afterwards using Google maps. And I was wondering why there weren't any resorts in this island. I am not hoping there would be developments, but I wished there was one eco-friendly resort that would allow guests to stay overnight in this beach, just to escape.

We brought a kayak along, so we took turns paddling further out into the sea. We then saw more corals and fishes from our kayak. I wasn't able to bring my snorkeling mask, so I wasn't able to go down.

After kayaking, taking a nap on the sand and exploring the rest of the beach and the amazing rock formations, we began to head back to mainland. We weren't really up for more adventure, since we just want dot relax. And we had to go back to Manila by evening. But before that, we decided to go snorkeling.

I was pleased that even non-divers can experience the beauty of Anilao. I just broke down the stereotype that is Anilao. It is not just for divers. In fact, Anilao and its surrounding islands has got to be the best near Manila island escapes. Now, if I only had a boat or a yacht.

Anilao Getaway

2011-11-11T21:33:00.001-08:00

For the Halloween long weekend, we decided to go to a beach town that I haven't visited in years, probably because I'm not a diver. Our trip to Anilao was one of the long drives that put a smile on my face. From Alabang, it only took us a total of 1.5 hours, all because of the Sto. Tomas expressway being connected to the Star Tollway. The next thing you'll know, you're in Batangas City, and just 30 minutes away from Mabini, where Anilao is.

We passed through winding roads, and pink and magenta houses along the coastal road. The scenery was pleasant, and as you head up towards the resorts like Solana and Vivire Azure, it gets more peaceful. I actually didn't feel I was in Batangas. I think the modernization of San Juan's beaches have made it somewhat like Nasugbu already. Anilao still has that laid back charm.

We stayed in a house owned by the friend of our companions. At first, we were worried about the look of the house, since we had to park near the road and traverse downwards towards a small fishing village. Good thing this view greeted us when we set foot in the house.

The mood was perfect. Anilao coastline is rocky, thus, you only get patches of sand. In our case, our part of the coast was pure rocks. But the view from here was amazing. And we weren't even perched high on a cliff. It was an oasis in the middle of a quaint fishing village, and this made it more charming indeed.

The beach house was small, but well kept and just appropriate for all 8 of us. It had that beach vibe going on, with sliding doors opening the house to the outdoors. There was a small dipping pool in front and a patio where the everyone got together.

The second floor was where the beds were located. There was no separate bedrooms, just one huge space for all beds. There were two beds up in the attic as well. But the best part was the balcony, where one can just watch the sunset on a swinging pod. I really loved how the place can be so relaxing and inviting given the small space.

It was already getting dark when we arrived, so we hadn't had the chance to visit Sombrero Island (the small island to the right of the picture below) where there was a nice white sand beach. We decided to hire a boat instead the next day to explore more of the islands we saw from a distance.

Anilao did surprise me. The last time I was here I think was in College, at Eagle Point. The same resorts were still alive, like old timer Vistamar, the diver's spot Outrigger, the popular Solana and the newest luxury resort to open, Vivire Azure (owned also by Vivire Suites in Alabang).

That night, we cooked our dinner and played card games the whole night. The sea wind was cool and the company as great. We even waded into the sea at night. It was a satisfying finish to a long day.

The house featured here is privately owned, but it can be rented out through this blog. Please contact me via email or post a comment if you wish to do so.

Surprising Dumaguete

2011-11-05T04:05:00.000-07:00

Before going back to Manila, I decided to explore Dumaguete city by foot. I had myself dropped off at the boulevard, and looked for lunch. The last time I visited, I wasn't really able to digest that I was in Dumaguete, so it was just like any quaint city to me. This time however, I was pleasantly surprised to see how it reminds me of a laid back Southeast Asian coastal town.

Since Dumaguete is the home of Visayas' prestigious Siliman University, the city has a young vibe. The surroundings were clean and organized. I was walking with my backpack, and I felt I blended right in. I was surprised to see a lot of restaurants and other retail establishments lining up the streets.

I was still looking for an interesting place to eat in, when I stumbled upon a sign that says Cafe Antonio. I was intrigued by the old building facade, so I went in. Again, I was surprised to see this:

It was an ancestral home, empty, so I wondered if the restaurant was open. I moved up the stairs, and even wondered where the restaurant was. There was a door that led to a function room. I felt like I was in Intramuros. I moved further into a hallway and discovered an open space.

I finally found Cafe Antonio, and I was ecstatic. The place definitely was old Filipino, but it had a modern feel. I quickly remembered the cafes in Ho Chi Minh.

The place was packed so I opted to stay in outdoors. It was quite breezy and sunny so staying outside was perfect. I ordered their popular ribs. The meat was tender and the sauce was thick and rich in flavor. I was satisfied with my lunch, and wanted to stay longer, but I was to leave for Manila in an hour.

But before heading off to the airport, I decided to make a quick stop for dessert. So while I walked briskly to Siliman University, where I saw Poppy Coffee & Cupcakes.

The cupcakes were displayed in such a way that you just want to try everything. I also ordered iced latte to go with my white chocolate cupcake. Well, I ate it on my way to the airport in a tricycle, and I was quite disappointed with the cake. It was dry and lackluster in flavor.

I arrived in the airport after 15 minutes, and checked in smoothly. My trip to Dumaguete and Antulang were both a whirlwind, but it made me want to go back soon. I discovered how much Dumaguete can be the backpack center of the Visayas islands. With a laid back island vibe, Dumaguete City can reinvent itself as such and win more tourists. I hear that a lot of foreigners own the resorts and restaurants here, to the point that they seem to run the city already. I do hope Filipinos learn from these foreigner entrepreneurs so that they themselves can set up their businesses on their own.

With that, I leave you with a shot of a hotel and restaurant complex I passed by on my way to the boulevard. We dropped off some other guests in Antulang in this place. I forgot the name of this complex, but it had an interesting diner and a hotel that looked promising.

If you know this place, please leave me a message. I would definitely stay in this place when I go back to Dumaguete.

On To Antulang

2011-10-31T00:45:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I have been dying to see this resort in Siaton, Negros Oriental for the longest time. Even before villas were the trend in accommodations, Antulang Beach Resort boasted of its villas with private pools overlooking the Sulu sea. So when I finally got to go back to Dumaguete, I immediately booked a room in Antulang, which is located an hour away from the city.

As soon as I arrived in Dumaguete sleepless, I hopped on Antulang's coaster and dozed off. The next thing I knew, we were on a bumpy road in the middle of a coconut plantation. The rough road continued on for around 15 minutes, until we reached the imposing walls of the resort.

My expectations quickly fell to the ground when I glanced upon these walls. The resort was old already, and looked nothing like a luxury escape. Antulang has a wide range of accommodation types from pool villas to cabanas. What I got was the cheapest one, the deluxe cabana room which is more of a standard room.

At P2,400 a night, this was what I got. It was your basic room, with semi-hard mattresses. There was a double bed and a single bed in the room, and that was it. There was a small LCD TV and a tired bathroom as well.

I wasn't complaining, but I expected something better. I knew the room would be basic, but there were red ants in some parts, especially in my tiny veranda. Although I was still feeling like a zombie, I decided to explore the resort.

Old and out dated. this was your typical family resort of the 80's. All structures were made of concrete. Although the resort had a relaxing atmosphere, it was still stiff. Surprisingly, there were a lot of guests, as their small dining area overlooking the glistening sea was packed. The food here is Filipino and a little expensive. It was a good thing that there dishes were tasty, since you have no other choice but to order from the resort.

The resort was relatively big and it was perched on top of a cliff, hence the dramatic views of the sea. I moved downwards, and found interesting unshaded resting nooks.

There was also another deck just below the pool area, with just two plastic sun lounges. It was not shaded as well, and again, concrete was everywhere. The view was amazing though, and if only they had a beach umbrella on those lounges, I would grab a drink and doze off here.

The side of the cliff had a pathways for you to descend to the beach and water. There were more pockets of concrete resting areas along the pathways, which are already weathered by the sea.

There was even this room (probably called a suite) jutting out of a rock above the shoreline. The house looked very old already as the ceiling was already dilapidated. I soon found out, that the room was still open, and actually had guests that time.

Because of the rocky terrain, you get intermittent pockets of sand that form their "beach". More sand shows up though during the low tide. The shoreline is also rocky and there are also coral reefs nearby, so be careful when you swim.

Being the explorer that I am, I moved away from the resort, and discovered a long stretch of sand further out. Now this was a beach, not fine and white, but at least, the sand was smooth to the feet.

There were also rocks lining the shore, similar to those I saw in Calaguas. Dried up moss and coral fragments also reveal themselves, giving the beach a unique topography.

In fact, there were also rocks jutting out of the sea, and as I moved further out, I felt more and more like a castaway. I was beginning to feel better, and this scene of green, azure and cream made me smile. I eventually ended my walk at the end of this beach, where jagged rocks prohibited me from moving further.

I spent the rest of the day on this isolated end, with no soul in sight, and slept for more than an hour on the beach. It was quite a risk being out there alone, but I felt so relaxed with the place. I woke up with the sundown already, and so I decided to head back to the resort. It was pitch dark already, so I walked carefully along the rocky coastline.

I call this trip to Antulang more of an ocular than a vacation. I was disappointed with the look and amenities of the resort. It came to the point that I wanted to move resorts in the afternoon, and not sleep in Antulang at all. My unexpected castaway experience saved the trip. I wasn't able to see the famous pool villas and suites, but I expected them to look old as well. And besides, I was already disappointed with the state of their amenities as well. Not luxurious at all. So, Antulang may provide that relaxing getaway, but its resort experiences already outdated. I am definitely sure that there are better resorts around Dumaguete.

Antulang Resort
(+6335) 422-2600
(+6335) 225-8899

Amorita Resort: Luxury on Alona

2011-10-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

Bohol's accommodations are a bit tricky for me. For one, I still haven't found the perfect resort even after being here for more than 8 times already. I get to check out most hotels as part of my work in events, and the last event that we had in Bohol was set in probably the best looking resort in Bohol. This is the Amorita Resort.

Just a disclaimer before I begin. I have never been to Eskaya and the Peacock Garden, both branded as the most luxurious resorts in Bohol. Peacock Garden has a European design and is not a beachfront property. Eskaya, on the other hand, faces the sea directly and is very Filipino in design. After looking at the pictures of both resorts, I just wasn't compelled spend a lot for these resorts. The only other luxury resort with a notable design is Amorita.

Amorita is located on a cliff at one end of Alona Beach in Panglao Island. This location gives the resort a high plus for being accessible to Bohol's chill out action in Alona Beach. All other resorts like the Bohol Beach Club are located in other areas.

Amorita also has the best view of Alona Beach. This is Bohol's answer to Asya Premier Suites. The resort provides its guests with a great view of the famed white sand beach. The wooden deck near the beach entrance is perhaps the best place for relishing this view with a cocktail on hand.

The infinity pool is definitely the center of attraction of this resort, as it looks very elegant. It's not just inviting to swim in though for some reason. I guess, it just looks too pretty to swim in.

We got to try the dishes in their open air restaurant, Saffron. I particularly loved their grilled seafood dishes and pizzas. I also found the banana turon quite flavorful and delectable at the same time.

The resort has both villas and deluxe rooms in 3 story buildings. The villas all have private gardens and pools, but they are not as impressive. The room amenities are sufficient, and the modern furnishings are tasteful.

However, I didn't end anything special with the villas. I would easily say that the villas are your deluxe rooms with private verandas and small plunge pools. The villas had outdoor baths though, which gave it an edge. And they weren't as private as I expected them to be, since the back portion of the villas open up a common garden. They are also not close to the edge of the cliff.

All in all, Amorita Resort meets my expectations, and given their relatively affordable prices (compared to Eskaya and Peacock Garden). The service is also quite notable, as the staff make you feel that you are really welcome in their resort. They talk to you and address your needs without even asking. Now that's a mark of a true luxury resort. I also noticed that they were quite proud to be working for this place.

Amorita offers tours around Bohol and island hopping activities, so just ask their front desk for details. The resort also doesn't have a beachfront, but it shares with Alona Tropical's stretch below. Sometimes, they set up sun lounges on the beach for their guests.

Amorita is definitely the luxury accommodation of choice in Alona Beach, but I still think the best value is Alona Tropical. I guess, Amorita wins because of their location, and this fabulous view of Alona Beach. Amorita gives you that exclusive feel in already crowded Alona Beach.

Amorita Resort
1 Ester A. Lim Drive, Barangay Tawala, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
+63 38 502 9001
+63 38 502 9003

Wow! W Hong Kong

2011-10-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

W Hong Kong has got to be one of the best hotels I've stayed in. The moment you arrive, you get that feeling that this stay would be special. And it was a warm and special welcome indeed.

The W Hotel group prides itself for its out of the box hotel experience. It's probably one of the best designed hotel groups in the world. And the W Hong Kong is definitely one of the best W has to offer.

When we stepped in the elevator, we were mesmerized by the LED screen at its floor. It said, Good Evening. I was waiting for the elevator to speak, but it feels so futuristic being in this cabin.

We arrived in the evening, so the hotel has already transformed into sort of a chill out lounge. As soon as I stepped in to the lobby, the music was pulsating yet subdued. The lights were dim, and it smelled good. Of course, the decor and furniture were quirky and interesting.

The reception desk had an LED screen as backdrop, with a floral pattern animation. My check in was hassle free. There was even a buffet table with some snacks and drinks for check in guests to take while waiting. The receptionist took note that I was a Starwood Preferred Guest, so I was given a special rate (still high though at P14,000 net).

I was all smiles when we made our way to our room. The elevator lobby was brilliantly designed like a library, with shelves seemingly hiding the elevator doors. The buttons were squeezed in between plaster books. It was ingenious.

Even our hotel room sign was playful. The signs were the inside pages of a book on a shelf. By this time, I was just so excited to open the door and see my room.

And this was what we saw. The first thing that got my attention was the bathroom door, two sliding doors with full mirrors, that acted as both walls and doors for the bathroom. There was an LCD TV by the tub. The LCD TV in the room was hidden by another sliding tinted mirror. And the bed was amazing. We had a great view of Hong Kong Island from our window, which had motorized curtains.

The next day, we had an early lunch since the rate didn't include breakfast. That Mona Lisa painting had eyes that followed you. The restaurant was also playful in design, with several glass cabinets filled with stacked white plates that seem to defy balance.

This golden egg wall had one white egg in the middle. Can you spot it in the picture? The buffet selection was not as extensive, but they were sufficient and more importantly, delicious. There was even a confectionary station, where they had cotton candy and dozens of chocolate and licorice.

But what really makes W Hong Kong special is their rooftop pool, aptly called Wet. The view of both Hong Kong and Kowloon was stunning was here, although he ICC (where Ritz Carlton is located) was kind of blocking a complete panoramic view of Hong Kong Island.

The ICC is the tallest building in Hong Kong to date (110 floors), and even at the 57th floor, the building still looked tall. I looked down and saw how high the tower was. It is certainly not for those with vertigo.

I loved the pool deck at night. The place literally transformed, and its gigantic art mural became more alive with the splash of color from LED lights. High profile poolside events happen regularly here, and I wouldn't wonder why.

The W Hong Kong is definitely one of the best designed hotels I have been to, and it is also leading in best in service. With their Whatever Whenever mantra, the W sets itself a notch higher than its competition. The hotel is for the young at heart, for the creative set, and those who really know the meaning of being jet set. The W must mean WOW. I just can't wait to go back!

The Renaissance at Phuket

2011-10-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

From Singapore, we were thirsty for more beach. I still wanted luxury, but didn't want to spend so much, given that Shangri-La already set me back a lot. So, the most obvious choice is Phuket, since it is relatively nearer than Bali (thus cheaper airfares). I searched extensively for a great resort, but with an affordable price. Low and behold, I never thought I would end up in a Marriot property in the quieter and more luxurious northern part of Phuket. Welcome to the Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa.

It was actually a no-brainer. As soon as I saw the images, I wanted to experience the resort. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised to know that a night in this resort only cost me P4,000 baht nett (around P5,200). This rate came with free breakfast and this spectacular room.

I didn't want to keep my expectations high when I saw the pictures online, but as soon as I stepped into that door, I shook my head with a knowing smile. The room was huge, nicely designed, had an addicting new room smell and a bathroom that is worth every penny spent.

It was night when we arrived, so I wasn't able to see the resort in its full glory. We just had a light dinner in the Sandbox, as pictured below in the daytime. Sandbox was their bar and restaurant near the beach and the pool area.

The next day, we woke up excited and refreshed. We stepped out of our room and made our way to breakfast.

I loved the design of this resort. It satisfied my taste for aesthetics. It wasn't the conventional grand resort. An to think it was a Marriot property. The Renaissance Phuket may not be the most popular resort in Phuket, but it certainly has one of the best designs. Its neighbor, Sala Phuket is a more popular resort because of its design, and though I contemplated staying there, it was just twice more expensive than Renaissance.

And I made the right choice. Imagine, we had breakfast beside a lagoon that had a cascading waterfall. Then I realized the resort is quite big after all. There were three more buildings facing the lagoon. There were also villas near the beach.

I really loved the landscaping of this resort. Sand was used to replace green grass, making it unique. There were even cacti mixing with bamboo and other tropical plants.

Their main restaurant, Loca Vore offers casual fine dining. Its breakfast buffet selection was extensive. They even served smoked salmon eggs benedict. They even served homemade ice cream and a whole lot of other interesting dishes for breakfast.

They have free wifi throughout the entire resort. And their gym is even 24 hours open! I wasn't able to get on a treadmill though, because there were so much more to do for the day.

There were computer desktops that guests can use to surf the internet and even print out stuff they need like tickets and other hotel bookings. They had a coffeehouse named Doppio that served wonderful pastries.

I even booked a massage at Quan Spa, which had a central water feature surrounded by the therapy rooms. There was even a lounge that had another waterfall fountain.

There are two pools open to all guests. One is this children's pool complete with a pool slide and even a treehouse.

And this was the main pool, an infinity one that is also elegantly designed. I particularly loved the jacuzzi in the middle of the pool.

There were sun lounges facing the sea in front of the pool. I positioned myself here while reading Flipboard in my iPad. It was THE life indeed, especially after the waiter served up free fruit kebabs and sorbet to the guests.

And since this was Thailand, the beach was of course, gorgeous. It was called Mai Khao. At first, I was disappointed that it wasn't white sand but that was quickly wiped off when I laid my feet on its sand.

It was like brown sugar, tiny granules of light brown that felt so good on the feet. And the beach was empty and seemingly extended for miles on both ends. The waves were strong, so it wasn't advisable to swim that day. We got the chance to go deeper into sea the next day.

We spent 2 nights in this wonderful resort. We even explored Patong Beach that afternoon of Day 2. It was an hour long drive to town, so we rented a car for 24 hours as it would be more economical in the end (we drove ourselves to the airport the next day as well). We kind of shopped in Jungceylon. Lizzy had her nails done while I had a facial. We ended our day with a roadside dinner in 3 Spices.

At the end of the trip, I learned that booking through the official websites may turn out to be cheaper than booking in sites such as Agoda. In this case, I became a Marriot Rewards member to avail of the unbelievably low rate. Agoda's rate was more expensive.

And so, in 3 days, I got to experience the sweet life in Phuket without breaking the bank. I was so happy with this discovery in Phuket. I couldn't wait to go back.

Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa
555, Moo 3, Mai Khao, Talang
Phuket, 83110 Thailand

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort

2011-10-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, Shangri-La. I may have fallen for the hotel chain as it has satisfied my needs for truly relaxing vacations. My latest experience is in its Sentosa Singapore property. This is the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort.

As you all well know, accommodations in Singapore are expensive. Even those of 3-star quality equal the rates of 5-star hotels in Malaysia and Thailand. Thus, I find it difficult to spend for hotels in Singapore. As a result, luxury hotels in Singapore turn out to be of more value. Hence, we have splurged in Marina Bay Sands, in Mandarin, the Marriot and now, Shangri-La.

For almost P15,000 a night, it is indeed a big spend, but I will show you how one night in Shangri-La can be worth the trip. I guess the resorts bigger draw is that it is the only resort in Singapore that has a beachfront.

Located in Siloso Beach, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa boasts of a wide stretch of sand. It may not be private, but being located at the end of Siloso Beach gives it that exclusive feel. Singaporeans even check in since the resort really feels you are not in Singapore, but in some South East Asian beach.

The rooms match any five star experience. It was spacious and very well appointed. Our room had a forest view, but it was near the end of the building so we could see the sea as well. The resort is not that vast, and the common grounds were limited. Aside from the pocket gardens, the central area was made up of just one huge pool. There was also a kiddie pool area, where the pool slides and pool sculptures were located.

And just like any other Shangri-La, I loved their activities. Being an all-inclusive resort, you really don't have to leave the place to be entertained. The free activities make up for the relatively unexplorable size of the resort. They had a wonderful kids club which my daughter loved. She practically spent the entire afternoon treasure hunting and playing games. It was just like having a daycare center which is perfect for parents.

While my daughter was treasure hunting, I attended a cooking demonstration. The featured cuisine was Indian, so I was vey much interested. The chef explained several spices and even allowed us to asset him in cooking.

All in all, we had a great time in Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa. One night was truly enough for a pleasant experience. We practically spent two full days here, since we were still allowed to use the facilities even after we checked out (there was a changing room if you want to freshen up again).

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort may be expensive, and comparable to Marina Bay Sands. But at least it will give you a nice beach experience in Singapore. So, spend a night out here, and experience a different Singapore.

Calea Opens Bigger Doors!

2011-10-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

Anybody who has been to Bacolod must have heard about Calea. When I first stepped into its doors four years ago, I immediately fell in love with the White Chocolate Macadamia Cheesecake. I even branded it as one of the best cheesecakes in the country. It's now 2011 and because of its inevitable popularity, Calea has grown immensely.

For those who haven't been to Bacolod recently, Calea is not anymore located at the corner shop of L'Fisher Hotel. It moved to a much bigger and brighter location just in front. There is still a bakeshop in the space that Calea left behind, inappropriately named with the letter C as well.

So what's new with Calea? Well, definitely the ambience. Though Calea has rebranded itself to this homey look when it renovated 2 years ago, this shop has doubled in size.

Calea's interiors looked yummy and very playful, just like its sinful cakes and pastries. It was my first time to also see them pack their cakes in hard boxes as "pasalubong". You can also order 12 assorted slices of cakes which they form as one full cake.

When in Bacolod, I guess I always find myself in Calea. As a result, I get disappointed with the growing commercialized taste of their creations. Their cakes are not that to die for anymore. They also have a wider selection, which includes ice cream cakes. I still love my white chocolate cheesecake, but not as much as I did before. I did order coffee which paired perfectly of course with the cake.

The transformation of Calea may be killing their quality, but one thing is for sure. With a brand new location, Calea marks itself as an institution in Bacolod. Their cakes and pastries have become local delicacies that we want to bring home as pasalubong.

Harolds Hotel Cebu: The Way It Should Be

2011-10-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

I discovered the latest hotel I am raving about after a last minute reservation with Agoda. Harolds (I mistook it for Harrods) is centrally located in Gorordo Avenue. I knew it was a business hotel and initially, I thought it was just any other new business hotel.

Before Harolds, I usually hotel hopped in Cebu depending on my budget. We rent an apartment in Cebu, but sometimes, I get to spend for a hotel for work. What took me in was the low cost of Harolds in Agoda. The rate: P2,800 all in with breakfast for a standard room.

As soon as I stepped in the lobby, I was impressed. But I wasn't keeping my hopes up. The tagline of Harolds is simply this: The Way It Should Be. I really liked their tagline, and this excited me as the staff welcomed us with attentive service.

We actually booked two rooms last minute. We checked in at 8PM, and thus, the hotel was already fully booked. So they offered us an upgrade to a Junior Suite. We were led to the Deluxe Room first, where two of my colleagues checked in.

At P2,800, this was probably the best hotel deal I have made in the country. The room rivaled those of five star hotels. The bathroom even had those glass walls. If this was the standard room, I wondered what the suite looked like.

We rushed to the top floor and entered the suite. Of course, we were all smiles. The upgrade turned out to be a one bedroom suite probably around 60 sq. meters in size. It reminded me of my condominium in Manila.

The living area was comfortable, and the decor was not tacky. It was simple, modern and cozy. The bedroom is separated by a sliding door. It revealed an inviting queen sized bed.

And I want to skip the timeline, and tell all of you that their beds are indeed very comfortable. In fact, I have never slept well in a bed like this for a long time. And I practically live in hotels as I travel every week! We were raving about the beds, that we even asked for the brand of the mattress and linen.

I read from Agoda that the rooftop restaurant and bar presented fabulous views of Cebu City, so after getting over our rooms (again, for only P2,800), we rushed up to the top. And this was what we saw.

The name of the roof deck was Highlights. It was a bad name, but the place was amazing especially at night. During the day, it can be very relaxing, to the point that I prefer to work on the roof deck more than in my room. We spent the rest of the evening with rounds of drinks.

Harolds Cebu is indeed my favorite hotel in Cebu. I highly recommend that you book your stay via Agoda, since their published rate is P4,400 for a standard room. With Agoda, you save almost 40%, which makes it a real deal. Harolds does live up to its promise. It is the way a business hotel should be.

Harolds Hotel Cebu
146 Gorordo Avenue corner Rosal St., LahugCebu City, Philippines 6000Tel.: 63.32.505.7777

The Misibis Bay Escape: Part 2

2011-10-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Despite all my criticisms on the resort's design and food, we still managed to have a good time in Misibis Bay. And as they say, you really go to Misibis Bay to enjoy their activities. "Activities" are all the things you can do in the resort, most of which are for free!

The non-motorized water sports are the attractions here. Just like Shangri-la Mactan, Misibis Bay offers a wide array of water activities on their beach. Our favorite are those that are unique to this resort, wind surfing and hobbie cat sailing.

We also took the ATV ride up to the Cagraray Island Adventure Park. We rode a dual seat ATV since my daughter wasn't allowed to drive one on her own yet. So, I drove this piece of heavy machinery across the winding roads of Misibis Bay, towards the other side of the island which revealed a beautiful backdrop of Mt. Mayon.

We arrived at the Adventure Park which was on top of a hill. There was an obstacle course that is probably popular with companies. We climbed to the top of the course and prepared to do the zip line. And yes, this was also free.

The zip line was quite long, though slow. It was probably 250 meters long, and the ride down took at least 15 seconds. We were actually asked if we wanted to go down the line again, but we were already exhausted. We rode our ATV and passed by the imposing chapel nearby.

The glass walled chapel was meant for weddings. It was closed when we visited, so we weren't able to get a clear look inside. But from what I saw, the interior was modern and minimalist, but still with a nice design. As I've said, it was really meant for weddings.

On the way out of the park, we took the standard photo in the amphitheater. Our guide told us that this was the pitstop for the Amazing Race Asia 3 Philippine leg. With Mount Mayon peeking in a distance and the glistening sea showing off its tranquility, the amphitheater was indeed a unique site.

We weren't done though, and our guide took us to the area where guests can snorkel. The waves were quite rough that time, and we didn't bring any gear, so we weren't able to see what was down below.

We went back to the resort just in time to catch the sunset on the beach. We tried to windsurf again, since we kind of got bitten by the sport. The wind was still uncooperative, so our ride was uneventful. We asked the staff to set up our dinner outside since it was our last night. Though the food was still not pleasant, at least, the dinner was a perfect way to end our stay.

Misibis Bay definitely gave me mixed reactions, and I was quite frustrated that the resort had some flaws. And these flaws are a result of bad management. I do hope Misibis Bay fixes their menu, change their chefs, and start checking the quality of their facilities. I admire Misibis Bay's courage to build tourism in an unknown island in the Bicol region and this is why I was frustrated. In the end, I still enjoyed my stay mostly because of the free activities. But the money I paid wasn't worth the luxury they were selling. They should just call themselves, Your Island Playground.

Misibis Bay
Cagraray Island, Bacacay
Albay Province Bicol
Phone: (63 52) 821.3800
Fax: (63 52) 487.1540

Manila Sales and Reservations
Phone: (63 2) 661.8888 (63 2) 666.4790
Fax: (63 2) 470.3607

The Misibis Bay Escape: Part 1

2011-09-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

In my quest to find the best luxury resort in the Philippines, I stumble upon that elusive destination in Cagraray Island in Albay. This is Misibis Bay.

Located around an hour away from Legazpi City, Misibis Bay is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, meaning, this resort has been deemed world class. I've also been hearing about it in countless press releases and features in magazine shows. So, when Deal Grocer offered a weekend escape to the renewed resort, I gave in the temptation to buy.

We were picked up at the airport in a comfortable van. We were even served yummy biscuits and water while in transit. Our escort was pointing to us landmarks along the road. After 20 minutes, we dozed off and suddenly woke up arriving at the resort already.

I wasn't able to take a picture of our arrival but it was interesting. Dancers welcomed us with a native performance. We were the only guests to arrive, so they took an effort to welcome us that way. We were served some drinks and a snack. It was a good beginning, and the service was indeed of high standards.

We were led to our room, a junior suite supposedly. Our previous luxury accommodation was Shangri-la Boracay, so I guess we weren't jumping when we saw this room. It was neat and bright because of the light coming from the glass terrace door and huge bay windows.

The bathroom was also very spacious, just as anyone would expect from a luxury resort. I instantly compared it to Asya Premier's bath, which I still think is the best I have seen.

Though we arrived at 8AM in the resort, we didn't hesitate to explore what was in store for us for the weekend. Misibis Bay had a pleasant beach, inviting as the waters were calm. The sand seemed imported, and the water was not clear.

I liked their cabanas and beach lounges, although it seemed that no one tends to them. Some were wet with rain water, and the white drapes were disorganized. There was also no towels by the lounges. Well, there was no one around as well.

We walked on the sandy beach towards the central part of the resort where the infinity pool was situated. I wondered if there were other guests, because we haven't seen anyone yet. I had this feeling that this luxury resort is deserted, and it wasn't a good thing.

There were beachfront suites which I assumed are already their best rooms. As soon as we reached the swimming pool, we finally spotted a guest, and some resort staff setting up the sun lounges around the pool. So I guess it was early.

I wasn't as impressed with the pool, and this meant a lot to me. It looked really old already, considering that the resort is only 2 to 3 years old. Could it be that Misibis Bay is already decaying?

I felt more and more weary, and wandered into the restaurant. We saw more guests having their breakfast. This part of the resort looked good, however, just like the pool, signs of aging were evident. The walls were starting to look dirty.

To make things worse, as we discover during our stay, the food was extremely unsatisfying. We availed of a buffet lunch for our first meal, and it was one of the worst I had for a luxury resort. There is no other choice in this resort as well. They only had one restaurant. Hence, we tried to plan our menu as best and diverse as possible. However, we only succeeded with one dish, and it was even the chicken tinola (chicken ginger soup).

So, unsatisfied with the food and the pool, we tried to look for good points. However, I wasn't really convinced anymore. The staff were attentive and polite, but there was still something missing.

There was the lagoon pool that wound along clusters of rooms. Some rooms here had jacuzzis and large balconies. The rest looked the same, since we could see the rooms from outside (glass walls).

Misibis Bay was a huge resort, and I really felt disappointed with the way it looked. I really felt it was slowly being neglected, and the resort's upkeep was slowing down. There was another pool near the game room, which I thought was even the best among the three. The lagoon part looked like a mid rise condominium development, and not a luxury resort. Probably I was expecting too much. But hey, this is a recognized luxury world class hotel. I think they should start revisiting that claim.

On a more positive side, Part 2 will feature why we still managed to enjoy Misibis Bay. Stay tuned!

L'Atelier du Joel Robuchon

2011-09-22T23:36:00.000-07:00

There has been a sudden surge of celebrity and Michelin star restaurants in Asia recently and the top venues are of curse, Singapore and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, we have Bo Innovation leading the list for its molecular gastronomic take on Chinese cuisine. With the opening of Marina Bay Sands, several celebrity chefs put up restaurants, such as Wolfgang Puck's Cut, Mario Batali's Osteria Mozza and Pizerria Mozza, Daniel Boulud's Bistro Moderne and Guy Savoy among others. The list goes on, in Singapore, having new Michelin starred spots such as . Perhaps one of the most celebrated chefs is Joel Robuchon, who finally opened not one, but two restaurants in Singapore's Resorts World Sentosa.

The two restaurants are actually side by side, the Joel Robuchon Restaurant and the L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. For those who are in the dark, Joel Robuchon is the most decorated chef in the world, with a total of 26 Michelin stars for his fine dining restaurants, of which there are 22 spread in Paris, Las Vegas, New York, Tokyo, Nagoya, Hong Kong, Taipei, Macau and a number of other European cities. I have been to his Atelier in Paris and Macau, but have never been given the chance to dine.

This attempt in Singapore was actually the second one already. In this visit to Singapore, I made sure I made reservations in advance. So, I finally made it and entered the doors of the Atelier.

The Atelier had a more casual atmosphere compare to the other one, which was clearly a traditional fine dining restaurant. It was National Day, so for some reason, the restaurant was not full. I guess all the Singaporeans were in Marina Bay. We were seated on the counter facing the red and black kitchen that resembled a bento box. The way we were seated was unique, and shot up excitement levels to the maximum.

The menu was a little confusing, since it was all culinary jargon, and in French even. We just ordered 4 small plates each, totaling out count to 8 dishes. We were quickly served with a flavorful amuse bouche of a satin smooth foie gras custard in sweet red wine reduction topped with parmesan foam.

My 10-year old daughter actually ordered better than me. While I took the safe ones, she ordered more interesting dishes, like the one above - Le Crab. The appetizer is one of the most tasteful dishes on the menu, and prized as well. The creation has a sweet and sour sauce laced king crab sandwiched between 2 lucid slivers of thinly sliced turnips.

The grilled salmon on skewers was perhaps the most ordinary dish. Nothing special here, but my daughter liked it. I was then served the juicy and succulent Le Burger, two pieces of mini burgers stacked with beef, foie gras and caramelized bell peppers. The french fries on the side were also irresistible.

Lizzy was having the time of her life, so she ordered one more dish. It turned out to be one of the highly recommended on the menu as well - the La Caille, which was a beautifully caramelized foie gras stuffed quail served with Robuchon's famous buttery mashed potatoes.

Our other dishes included a Dicon Soup, a Lobster Dumpling and more foie gras.

Of course, the experience wouldn't be complete without dessert, so we each ordered one. Again, I went for the safe chocolate mousse. The chocolate was dark and very rich, but not sweet, which was perfect for me.

My daughter ordered something different La Sphere, a white chocolate concoction that contained raspberry sorbet and fresh raspberries and coulis.

We ended up ordering a total of 10 small plates including dessert. It was a right move not to order main courses, since we got to try more with the right portions. In the end, our waiter offered us to have a photo opp with the chefs inside the kitchen itself. They were so endeared with my daughter I think for being so appreciative of their food. Chef de Cusine Lorenz Hoja, who leads the team, even took a solo shot with Lizzy. Unfortunately, Monsieur Robuchon was not present.

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon gave me my most memorable dining experience so far. The restaurant does lives up to its name. There was a Filipina chef in the team so we were quite proud of her. Though the bill was also memorable, I think the experience was well worth every penny spent. This proves that passionate service, exquisite food and great ambience truly are the ingredients for a great restaurant experience.

***

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
8 Sentosa Gateway
Hotel Michael Level 1
Resorts World, Sentosa, Singapore
+6577 7888

iFly Singapore

2011-09-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

When I heard an indoor skydiving tunnel was being built in Sentosa, I was so eager to try out the new adventure. So when it finally opened, I didn't pass on the chance to fly.

iFly is the world's largest wind tunnel that enables sky diving simulation. So think of a very very strong electric fan blowing under you for you to fly upwards, or at least levitate.

iFly is located in Sentosa in Singapore, just beside the Beach station. Flying came at a price though, and it was quite high as well. It will cost you around 3,500 pesos per person to get a chance to be suspended in mid air.

I was disappointed with the price, but we were already there, and not everyone can say they actually flew like a bird already. So despite that setback, we shelled out the dollars and got our passports to fly

The experience begins with a video that shows you some history and facts about flying It will also show you what to expect with the experience. Afterwards, you are taken to another room where you get to practice the correct position in flying. Believe me, the lesson looked simple, but as soon as we geared up and entered the wind tunnel, it was a totally different story.

The wind tunnel was not that bog and your companions can watch you fly. We all flew so we had our pictures taken from the shop (another expensive souvenir). The entire flying experience was not enough. You only get 2 chances to fly for around 3 minutes each, even if you don't get to really "fly" well in the right position. Amongst all of us, only my 10 year old daughter was able to fly without support.

Nevertheless, it was still a hair raising experience, and an exhilarating one as well. Our instructor showed off his skills at the end, flying to the top of the wind tunnel and somersaulting down. He told us that with enough practice, we could do the same. Flying was addictive indeed. Will I do it again? Of course! I just hope they lower the prices.

Cirque de Soleil's Zaia at the Venetian Macau

2011-09-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

We were on a roll. After being blown away by House of Dancing Water, I realized it will take a long time for another show of that proportion to come along my way. Hence, everything was downhill. Nevertheless, we were getting bored already, and since we were staying in the Venetian, we decided to catch Zaia's matinee performance.

We booked 15 minutes before the show began, and thus, had a 20% discount. That was quite a steal, as we paid only around 600 MOP per ticket, that's around 3,200 Php. Not bad, especially after watching the rip off Manila staging of Varekai.

I will not compare the show to House of Dancing Water, but more to Varekai. And the moment I entered the theater, I figured, well, throw out that comparison as well. The tunnel leading to the main theater was amazing.

We were pleased to be seated in the center of the center aisle. Probably the best seats in the house, and all for a bargain. The theater was half filled. It seems that the show of the moment is really in the City of Dreams. Zaia has been running for 2 years now, so I guess, it's time it dropped the curtain.

The theater was grand, even grander than Singapore's Lion King. The stage was wider and had more depth. There was giant sphere in the middle as we entered, and it soon flew off the stage to reveal a new set.

The "cube" act was dazzling. It took juggling to the next level. A man balanced and spun a steel cube forming shapes and angles that were illuminating with the light.

Zaia was about a girl's exploration to different worlds, as she travelled with this hot air balloon. The balloon was rigged to a truss though, which means it wasn't really full of hot air, and just moved in one direction the whole time.

The other act that I liked was the ice performance. Two contortionists were doing several poses on a moonlike stage. The scene was spectacular and eerie as well. The floating blocks of ice had models frozen inside them. It was truly mesmerizing.

Then there was the fire performance, and the trapeze stunts. There was also a trampoline performance where acrobats shot themselves in the air like rockets.

Zaia is Cirque de Soleil more than a circus act (like Varekai). This show had a stunning visual appeal and the music was inspiring. The show seems to be short, having only around 8 acts.

I don't know when Zaia in the Venetian will end its run, but with the dwindling crowds, that moment may come sooner. I still think one should watch the show, given the better value ticket prices (book late).

Zaia at the Venetian
Show performances are 8pm daily with matinee shows of 5PM during the weekends.

TICKET PRICE AND SEATING

	Category	Adult	Child*
	VIP Seating	MOP$1288	MOP$1288
	Reserve A	MOP$788	MOP$394
	Reserve B	MOP$588	MOP$294
	Reserve C	MOP$388	MOP$194
*Child prices apply to children ages 2 to 11

Ice World at the Venetian

2011-09-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

This year, the Venetian in Macau brought in an interesting attraction: Ice World. Located in one of the convention halls of the resort, the ice sculpture exhibition brings the experience of the northern Chinese city of Harbin to the shores of balmy Macau.

Ice World's sculptures are handcrafted by Harbin ice carving experts. The exhibition showcases popular landmarks in the world. The one below is the first room which features Macau.

It then proceeds to the wonders of China. There were detailed sculptures of horses, the terra-cotta warriors and of temples. Though not as grand, they were still impressive.

You wind through the exhibition going through different rooms and passing by ice bridges and tunnels like the one below.

This one is a miniature version of the Colleseum of Rome...

and of the Eiffel Tower...

We also have the Big Ben of London and the Taj Mahal of India.

One of the best sculptures was actually not a landmark. It was this carousel, which was carved in great detail and illuminated with changing colorful lights.

You can even ride one of the coaches or horses for an exciting photo opp.

For kids, this will probably be the highlight: the ice slide. Though it wasn't that high, it was fun sliding down a block of ice.

Finally, as you reach the end, you will be greeted by an ice bar. Inspired from the ice bars in Norway and Finland, this Ice Bar in Macau has chairs and tables made of huge blocks of ice. Nobody was ordering though, because it was really cold.

So if you are staying in the Venetian, better make your way to Halls H and I for the Ice World. It may not be as impressive as the sculptures in Harbin, but it is a great way to spend an hour in the freezing cold.

The House of Dancing Water

2011-09-05T01:41:00.000-07:00

It was spontaneous and very exciting indeed. Our trip to Macau was booked two days before I scored some tickets in one of the most anticipated shows staged in Asia, Franco Dragone's House of Dancing Water.

The House of Dancing Water is the main attraction of the City of Dreams and is the brainchild of veteran Vegas show maker, Franco Dragone, a well-known director for previous Cirque de Soleil shows. If the Venetian had Cirque de Soleil's Zaia, well, the investors of City of Dreams (COD) had to be more ambitious. Hence, they embarked on staging the most expensive show in Macau.

Our tickets was in the B Reserve Section and cost us MOP680 each. That translates to roughly P3,500 which is still cheaper than the disappointing Manila staging of Varekai. And believe me, once you enter the theater, you know that this is ticket will be worth every penny.

The show opens with the rise of a ship from underneath the stage. That's a 30 ft contraption submerged and raised up to open the show. Divers perform and jump off from the ship's spires. Photography is prohibited, but I just couldn't help a spectacle like this not captured. So most of my pictures are not clear or blurred.

This is not your ordinary show. I have watched the Impressions shows in China and the feel is similar. Really count on the Chinese to produce these spectacles. There is still a story to be told, so once the opening sequence commenced, the water disappeared as a new stage was raised. Yes, that's instant draining.

The main characters were introduced at this point. The cave like backdrop is a projected wall, 3D mapped and in high definition. Water started to flow back in, like it was alive. Water was indeed part of the cast.

They used water for rain, fountains and even snow. I wasn't able to get a shot when snow fell. It was the most dramatic staged snowfall I have seen. The show was clearly Asian inspired as well, created mostly from Chinese inspiration.

The show was still inspired by Cirque, so just imagine the circus but with water. One impressive performance was the human chandelier. Acrobats defied gravity and artistically swung and swayed to mimic a glittering chandelier. There were several other stunt acts, some of which are not unique, except that they were done on water. There was still the trapeze, the Russian swing, and a lot of diving. But this segment probably took me off my seat.

Out of nowhere, the stage was set for a motorcycle stunt performance. 5 motorcycle bikes whirred and whirled on air. The thought of just having a motorcycle act is just wild, but the audience got a shock when the lead character was the one driving the bike. Bravo indeed.

The show lasted 2 hours, and it was ALL WORTH it. I was expecting great but this was out of this world. Being in the events business, I was so inspired to create events of this scale and ambition. The energy created by the music, illusions, performances and dazzling display of lights is very unique and amazing. The House of Dancing Water is a definite MUST WATCH. I suggest you to book your flight to Macau asap, or stop by when you are in HK. It's so good, I still want to watch it a second time, and a third time, and a fourth time. It is definitely the greatest show on earth.

TICKET PRICES
Book online through the their website.

Cat1 - VIP
Adult - HKD1380

Cat2 - A Reserve
Adult - HKD880
Child - HKD620*
Student, Senior, Macau Resident - HKD790*

Cat3 - B Reserve
Adult - HKD680
Child - HKD480*
Student, Senior, Macau Resident - HKD610*

Cat4 - C Reserve
Adult - HKD480
Child - HKD340*
Student, Senior, Macau Resident - HKD430*

The City of Dreams: Macau

2011-08-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

When I last visited Macau, the City of Dreams were on its final stages of completion. Now, it is fully operational, brightly lit and beaming with promise. It may not look like a city, but the newest kid on the Cotai strip is definitely making some noise.

The City of Dreams doesn't have the fun and awesome feel of the Venetian. It is geared towards a more sophisticated crowd, with more high end shops and a tasteful design.

The entrance to its casino a huge projection wall with water flowing. There were LED lights illuminating the water to give it an enchanting look.

And then, the mermaids come out. They seem to come alive as they follow you while some even stare at you. It was a hit among the kids, and a brilliant use of technology.

We were in the City of Dreams for the single reason of us being in Macau. The main attraction of the hotel complex was a show called House of Dancing Water. More on that in my next post though. After claiming out tickets in the box office, we searched for a restaurant to pass by the time before the show.

We ended up n the restaurant in front of the box office - Beijing Kitchen. I didn't know if it was a well known restaurant, and if it carried any stars. Nevertheless, the place looked very classy, and since we were dining early, we were given the last non-reserved slot.

The food was our first Chinese meal in Macau, so we hoped it would be memorable. Fortunately, we made the right choice. The fried dumpling below (forgot the name of this specialty dish) was absolutely delicious. Its crisp brown shell and tender pork and chive filling was something I have never experienced. Me and my daughter were scrambling to get servings of the dish. She ended up with more in the end.

The City of Dreams had 3 hotels, the Crowne which was the most high-end, the Grand Hyatt, supposedly the mid range, and Hard Rock Hotel, the cheapest among the three. All were full booked, so we opted to stay in the Venetian just across.

The City of Dreams is also the venue of Macau's biggest and most extravagant night club, Cubic. I wasn't able to get in, since I was with my 10-year old daughter, but I will be seeing this place once I get back.

Aside from the House of Dancing Water, there was another show making buzz in the City of Dreams. It was called a multimedia spectacle that is a first for Macau - the Dragon's Treasure. At first, I thought the show would be like some sort of theme park production, but when we stepped into the "egg", we were transported to a totally different world.

I was in the events industry, so I knew what technology was to be used. Projectors were spread all across the planetarium type room, beaming images that made you feel you were underwater. Then, suddenly, the top was hoisted downwards, and water fell out in a spiral manner.

It was amazing. The lights enhanced the effect, and then suddenly, the walls of the room came alive.

The show lasted for 15 minutes more or less. The "egg" took us to several worlds, in search of the Dragon's Treasure.

You do feel you're inside a spaceship (the egg) and traveling to alien landscapes with dragon creatures at your tow. Some of the scene were jaw dropping, like these stalactite structures.

The show was indeed a multimedia spectacle that shouts of Macau's move to make waves in the entertainment industry. This was a new immersive experience, and I would suggest any visitor to step inside the "egg".

The City of Dreams knows how to compete with the Venetian and other resorts, and using technology to entertain was ambitious. But they succeeded in doing so. They even put up perhaps the most expensive show on Earth, the House of Dancing Water - which is coming up next.

More information of the City of Dreams in their website.

Again, book for rooms through their booking portal.

The Venetian Macau

2011-08-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

I'm quite familiar with Macau already, having set up events there for my corporate clients. This will be the first time that I will be blogging about the place though, since it's my first official time on vacation here.

Perhaps the most famous hotel in Macau, the Venetian is also the pioneer in the Cotai strip. When the Venetian was opened way back in 2006, it pinned Macau as the next Las Vegas. True enough, after 6 more years, more and more entertainment resorts are rising in the Cotai area.

To most Filipinos, a visit to Macau is not complete without a visit to the Venetian. Going here is easy as well, since there are a lot of shuttles from the city area to the resort. We just took the shuttle from the airport, which is conveniently located at the far right exit of the building (when you're coming out from arrivals).

We checked in at a Deluxe Suite, and this was the most basic room accommodation. At more than $300 a night, you do expect the room to be grand and spacious, just like the resort itself. It actually reminded us of our suite in Venice, as it had the same color scheme and bed canopy.

The bathroom was of course spacious, but it looked a little old already. With marbled walls and floors, you still get luxurious feel. There was also a nice vanity desk where my daughter spent time fixing herself up.

The room had a lower level, where the living area was set. It was a suite indeed, and the amenities were spot on, except perhaps for a printer, that we hoped we would get.

The window of the room was wide, giving us a nice view of the resort and the surrounding buildings. I was surprised that there was a mini golf course, and that no one was swimming in their decadent pools. I only saw one woman dressed in a robe reading book by the poolside. People don't go to Macau anyway to swim.

The Venetian was actually my last choice of accommodation in Cotai that time, since I have already stayed here before. My rule was to try as many, so staying here for the second time was not an option for me. However, it was my only choice, since all other resorts were fully booked. Only the most lavish suites were available. We wanted to stay in the City of Dreams (Hyatt, Hard Rock Hotel or Crowne) but there wasn't any vacancy.

So, we opted the Venetian, and since it as my daughter's first time in Macau, it turned out to be a good choice still. The Venetian is a mega resort, with so many shops and things to see. The resort in itself is a destination. You could spend 3 days here, and not get bored. This visit made me realize I can never get tired of the Venetian.

Book a room at the Venetian through their website.
It's cheaper and you are guaranteed of rewards and points if you sign up for their Sands membership.

The Philippine Customs Process

2011-08-20T03:48:00.000-07:00

If you read the title, how many of you would think this post is a rant? I guess, a majority. But I'm not going to write about how useless our government is. I am here to share a recent experience.

I was on flight 5J 143 bound for Manila from a recent 5-day 3 country tour. I was with my 10 year old daughter who would be leaving for the US the next day. We arrived at midnight, and we breezed through immigration and baggage collection.

We had to pass the customs desk, so I gave the declarations form to the officer. I checked the electronics part, since I bought a Mac Book Pro in Hong Kong. I've always bought my macs in HK, and I have probably brought in 4 pieces already in the past 5 years. I was supposed to buy an iMac, but settled for a Mac Book Pro since it was just really such a hassle to bring home.

Because of my intention to buy an iMac, I asked a friend who knew someone from the Customs if it was indeed legal to bring in an iMac. I mean, a laptop could be easily be kept in a bag. The iMac must be inside the box, and thus, will be easily noticed by any Customs official. I just wanted to be sure and safe.

I was told that I could actually bring in 2 pieces of the desktop. I asked again, just to be sure. My friend told me to call her if ever something arises when I get home.

True enough, as I passed through Customs, something happened. For the first time, I was asked to pay for taxes. It was also the first time I declared. I was asked, and I didn't want to lie. In my previous travels, most officers don't ask. So I thought it was nothing, that it was okay.

So there I was, with my daughter, being charged for the MacBook Pro. I told the officer that I thought I could bring one in. I was referring to the information my friend gave me, who I was unable to contact that midnight. I asked for the Supervisor for an explanation.

The Supervisor handed me a brochure that briefly explained the law in bringing in goods from abroad. She explained that EVERYTHING bought abroad must be taxed. There were some exceptions though - if you're an OFW, or been out of the country for more than 6 months, or a former Philippine passport holder. I pointed out that my daughter was eligible for the last exception, but then she quickly told me that the exception was for duty free goods. She didn't expound any further.

I was really confused already that time, and I wanted an answer. What is the rule? In the declarations form, there was really nothing that lists what one can bring or not. It was just a declaration. So, what most Filipinos do, is that they don't declare. Everyone shops abroad, so therefore, the law states that anything bought abroad must be taxed. Thus, almost ALL travelers should be taxed.

I asked for the Head, and the supervisor told me that he was in Terminal 1. I had to argue a little bit. I told them that I am willing to leave the laptop behind until I get a clearer explanation on the rule. Yes, I was a bit stubborn and some may call me over-acting, especially if the supervisor was asking me to go already. She eventually told me that I could go.

But I wasn't over with the situation yet. 30 minutes have passed, and the line at the Customs desk was unimaginable. there were only 2 officers serving 300 passengers. It was the first time I saw a line like that. I wondered why suddenly they were checking all the baggages, asking everyone to open their bags. This caused a lot of frustration and anger to some foreigners as well. I'm thinking, yes, welcome to the Philippines.

Surprisingly also, after 30 minutes, it was only me who seemingly bought something. I was even more frustrated when the passenger beside me got through, when she bought an SLR (I overheard that she bought it and loved the camera). And after more and more passengers slowly made their way through Customs, I was still the only one who shopped abroad.

Well, probably, I was the one who bought a Mac, probably an expensive piece of equipment. I stated my case to the officer checking, and he told me that the system is really imperfect, that most can pass through without declaring things they have bought.

That statement got me. Now, I was resolved not to pay anything, and contribute to this IMPERFECT system that everybody is aware of. Getting more frustrated, I told the Supervisor that I will be leaving the laptop behind. They couldn't answer me and sort of strayed away from my concerns. However, they told me again to wait for the leave form, since they were with their Head, who was apparently in Terminal 1.

This got me going. My daughter was sleeping on the luggage already and I was tired. Finally after 15 minutes, the supervisor opens the drawer in front of her, and surprisingly finds a form. I quickly filled it out, and it took them another 15 minutes to process.

I left the laptop in a sealed envelope and warned them that nothing should happen to it, until I get my answers and claim it. I got their names and signed the form. We left tired and dazed. What the hell happened?

I didn't get into detail on how I was treated by the supervisor and officer, since they just looked lost. I couldn't conclude if they wanted a bribe, since I stressed that I will not pay anything, even the taxes required. So, the next day, I called my friend and told her what happened.

I asked my friend if the situation could be sorted but she didn't want to compromise her credibility as well. She just mentioned that there was really no rule, and that the law states indeed that ALL goods bought abroad should be taxed, even if it costs 10 pesos.

Fast forward 5 days after, when I decided to claim the laptop in the customs office in Terminal 1. I left office after lunch to make it there at 1PM. I asked for the Head, but I was told she was at lunch. After 20 minutes, she shows up.

I was called in and was surprised that they were already expecting me. Apparently, the supervisor who handled my case wrote a report, and even indicated that we had a bad argument, that I raised my voice. I told the Head that I was calm that night, and that I purposely tried to do so even if I was agitated.

In any case, I asked the Head the questions on the process of taxing goods from abroad. She told me the same thing, that EVERYTHING under the law must be taxed. But since the system is IMPERFECT, the Customs department can get lenient and let passengers pass. I was particularly stopped because I was a tourist who has been out of the country for 5 days only and that I bought a $1,000 laptop.

The Head was actually very accommodating, and I wasn't planning to raise my voice and concerns anymore. There and there, I saw how hopeless the situation is, that I can never get the answers I want. The Philippines gives no allowance limit to the items bought from abroad by its citizens, unlike almost ALL of the countries in the world. The Head told me that the law has to be rewritten.

So until the law is updated, we will be experiencing the same vagueness in process, that you can be taxed or not, depending on the officer, on depending how good you lie in declaring the things you bought. And this opens up another frustrating situation.

With this process, most Filipino travelers are forced to lie, to not declare, since they will be taxed. I mean, who buys nothing abroad?? Thus, we are all breaking the law technically when we travel and come back with all our shopping - from the shirts bought in the the Night Market of Hong Kong and Bangkok to the electronics bought in Singapore.

The law is absolute, and we bend things now, because it is obsolete. And this promotes a culture of dishonesty for both government officials and citizens.

I paid around P1,800 for the laptop, since the Head declared the price of the Mac at only $300. Still wrong, but she told me it was compensation for what happened. I thanked the Head (Roxanne Antonio) for accommodating my concerns. I was happy I paid my dues, and followed the law as much as I could.

But imagine, I had to undergo all the hassle to be satisfied. I walked out of the airport with my laptop wanting to share this experience to everyone. What you make it this is up to you.

Arano: Tucked Away Spanish in Cebu

2011-08-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

I was getting bored of the food in Cebu, so I asked for something different. I was looking for a place that was not fancy and non-Filipino. After some researching, we decided to head off to Guadalupe in Cebu City, near the capitol building for a hole-in-the-wall Spanish restaurant called Arano.

We passed through winding narrow streets. I was told to park already but didn't see a restaurant. It turned out that Arano is a house in a residential village. The signboard was small and concealed, that if you miss it, you couldn't tell that it was restaurant. It was owned by a Spanish national who of course, settled in Cebu and raised a family here.

I wasn't able to take a picture of the first thing that greeted me when I opened that conspicuous door, but it was a small room with around 5 tables. It reminded me of Da Mario in Venice. The place was intimate and very European looking. We were a group of 7 people so we were brought outside to the garden area.

The food was Spanish, with some Filipino touches of course. I was expecting the prices to be affordable but I didn't expect the menu to be this interesting. Their specialties included the baked chicken and baked goat thigh with mushrooms. We weren't able to order both though, since they were out-of-stock already. I was quite disappointed so we stuck to the more traditional Spanish dishes.

There were also the regular Filipino fare like pork chops and chicken steaks. I was told that these were excellent was well, but since we wanted Spanish, we ordered the lengua, callos, gambas and of course, paella.

The lengua was very good. The meat melt in my mouth. The sauce was not too salty, yet full of flavor, probably because it was thick.

The callos was quite ordinary, but at least still delicious. The tomato sauce was off the can though, but they managed to make it taste better.

Their gambas was also good, though I thought the shrimps were not fresh already. But the garlic and oil mixture was excellent. I could just sip that oil off the pan!

Finally, the paella valenciana. It was the last dish that was served, and I personally was already full when it arrived. I thought the seafood dish was a little dry and did not use high quality rice. I wouldn't say it was bad, but just acceptable.

We ordered some other smaller dishes, like the calamares and the rebusado. Both were enjoyed well. We also had cheap wine to go with our food. So, over-all, Arano's provided us with an affordable escape from the usual Cebu fare. Although one should not expect top notch Spanish cuisine, it is quite an experience to dine in some hidden secret spot in the heart of Cebu City.

Arano

31 Fairlane Village, Guadalupe, Cebu City
+63 32 2561934

Call for directions going there.

Grand Quartier Suites at the Crosswinds

2011-08-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Grand Quartier Suites is located in the upscale residential hillside community of Crosswinds. The hotel takes its design inspiration from the Swiss Alps, hence, makes it try unique from the other hotels in Tagaytay.

I actually knew about the Grand Quartier Suites through the sprawling Crosswinds ad upon entering Aguinaldo highway from Sta. Rosa. I was intrigued since it was an alternative to the Highlands.

With a very attractive rate of P6,000 a night for a two-bedroom suite, it was a no brainer to try out spending a night there. We actually booked the hotel for our company's planning session.

Now, the lobby wasn't that promising nor inviting at all. It was small, cramped and the hallways looked haunted. However, once our room door opened, we were in big smiles.

The room was spacious, very bright and airy. The decor was refined though not Swiss inspired. We got two rooms, one 1-bedroom and one 2-bedroom suite. The one here was our room, the more spacious 1-bedroom suite. The 2-bedroom suite was actually slight bigger in size, only with two rooms. So the 1-bedroom suite had a more spacious living and dining area.

I loved the ambience of the place, and it really felt comfortable. I was just disappointed at the bathroom which looked worn already. But overall, the facilities of the room were excellent, from the bedroom's comfortable poster bed and the full sized kitchen. And of course, there was a balcony that looked out to an enchanting view.

The Crosswinds may not have the view of Taal Lake, but it was surely relaxing. The lush greenery complemented the design to mimic a village on the Swiss Alps.

Overall, I was satisfied with the Grand Quartier Suites. It is perfect for a family getaway or a barkada escape. But don't expect a swimming pool and other hotel amenities. The best way to enjoy this place is to cook your own dinner and just lounge all throughout the night amidst the cool breeze of this tucked away area of Tagaytay.

The Grand Quartier Suites

+6328569601 (Manila office)

The Shangri-la Boracay Experience: Part 4

2011-07-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

When we were walking back to our room, we took a wrong turn and ended up in the garden villas near the poolside. We were able to catch a glimpse of these villas, so we curiously approached the front desk and asked how much the villas were.

The receptionist told us that the villas cost P30,000 a night at the lowest. I was kind of taken aback, and expected the price mentioned. But afterwards, she told me that local residents can also avail of the 50% off the rack rate for these villas. Yes, the lowest price for a villa is P15,000++. I actually didn't think twice. I had such a great time in Shangri-la Boracay that I called Asya and cancelled my last night in Boracay there. I booked our last night in Boracay in a loft villa by the hillside for P16,000++.

Now, for those who have stayed in villas especially abroad, this rate would be a steal. This was Shangri-la after all. We left for Asya Premier and spent two nights there for my friend's wedding, and then on the last day, went back to Shangri-la for a much anticipated villa experience.

The loft villa was not really a loft but more of a two-story house with one bedroom. Upon entering, a door leads you to the spacious bedroom that has a balcony overlooking the sea.

The view was not perfect since the hotel building below was blocking the beach. But it was still all blue sea from there. There was also a cozy nook where I could see myself reading a book for an entire afternoon.

There was also a walk in closet at the back of the bed. The bedroom slippers were one of the most comfortable I have ever tried on. There was even a satin robe inside the closet for personal use.

Well, I could say I have one disappointment, and that was the bathroom. It wasn't as huge as I'd expected it to be. But who cares about a perfect bathroom when you're in a place like this.

I forgot to mention that you also get your private butler. He gave us a cellphone focus to call if we needed him. He toured us in the villa before leaving us in private.

So this was the living area at the bottom level of the villa.

This was the kitchen area. The highlight for me here was the the Nespresso coffee machine and these fabulous tea tin cans selected by Monarch Butterfly. There was also an endless supply of Viva mineral water.

And of course, the main attraction of this villa - the outdoor terrace and the plunge pool.

We've been to Bellaroca and this one competes well. What I like most about this pool is the built in lounge where you can watch the sunset while still immersed in warm water.

In front of the terrace were two sun lounges which had more inspiring views of the sea. It was all peaceful and relaxing.

We only spent one night in this wonderful place, so we made good use of our time here. After having a late lunch in White Beach (we rode a free shuttle serve from the resort), we took a plunge in the pool and watched a magnificent sun set before us.

Hundreds of bats even took flight during that time, making the scenery more surreal and extraordinary. It was heaven on earth literally. That evening, we had our dinner in Rima (in Part 2 of this series), and just spent the rest of the evening watching DVDs in the living room of our villa.

The next morning, we had our breakfast delivered to our villa instead of having our buffet in Vinta. And guess what, we could order anything from the breakfast menu, which included even desserts. It was the best breakfast experience I had. Great food, perfect ambience. Top notch, no doubt.

I can't think of any other way to end this series by inviting everyone to experience Shangri-la Boracay for themselves. Whether you are newly weds or a family, Shangri-la Boracay has everything to make your vacation worry free and unforgettable. My amazing stay in Shangri-la Boracay is indeed a testament that you don't have to go out of the country to experience luxury that is worth your money. At least, this was the first resort in the Philippines that was indeed worth every peso I spent.

And to think it wasn't that expensive. For comparison, my room in Asya Premier (P13,000 nett) was even more expensive that the one I had on my first night in Shangri-la (P10,000 nett). Discovery Shores even costs more. Asya Premier is still the best resort along White Beach, but we now have the best resort in the Philippines here in Boracay - the best in value, activity, quality and location. And the distinction goes to Shangri-la Boracay. I will definitely be back.

Shangri-la Boracay Resort and Spa
Tel: (63 36) 288 4988
TIP: Don't book via local travel websites (ex. Agoda). Call the resort and ask for the local resident's rate.

The Shangri-la Boracay Experience: Part 3

2011-07-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

It is often said that the "flaw" of Shangri-la Boracay is the beach. Well, if one compares the sand quality of the resort's private beach to White Beach, then it is really inferior.

But after traveling to a lot of beaches, I began to appreciate more than just the sand quality. There are a lot of factors that make a good beach. And one of the factors that Shangri-la Boracay has is exclusivity. Aside from a tranquil scenery, the cove of Shangri-la's private beach fits well.

Again, it is not White Beach, so don't expect perfect Boracay sand. It was still nice beach to sunbathe on. Unlike Shang Mactan's manicured beach, this feels all natural and more expansive as well.

Shangri-la Boracay actually has another beach that they call semi-private, meaning it shares the beach with other resorts. I forgot the the name of the beach, but it is the one with the former Club Panoly is located. Now that Panoly is closed, the beach feels more private than ever.

And more gorgeous. Now this was what I call a beach - and the picture above shows how pristine it is. You wouldn't think it is still in Boracay. The sand is finer, and closer to White Beach's. The water is also clearer and the softness of sand stretches further down the shore.

It was of course, wider and longer, probably 600 meters long from end to end. The sand quality gets better as you move further away from Shangri-la and Panoly.

There aren't any other resorts here, but there were some houses of locals who tired to offer me seafood in a makeshift restaurant. I politely declined and walked down further. I was already seeing Alta Vista de Boracay on top of a hill, when I saw this cove at the end.

I like it that there are still parts of Boracay that are still quiet. I can only wish that the government really plans the island's development and maintain beaches that are free from clutter and crowds. When I was heading back, I began to ponder on the beauty of Boracay. It was my first time to get into another beach out of White Beach and Bulabog. Boracay is indeed an island gem worthy of international recognition.

So that ends Part 3, and the finale follows. Here's a preview: I had a great experience for one night that we decided to go back on our last night in Boracay. But we didn't just book a room. Yes, the picture shows them all. The best is yet to come, next.

The Shangri-la Boracay Experience: Part 2

2011-07-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

We took too long in our lovely room so we pushed ourselves to explore the all-inclusive resort. We wore our swim suits and headed straight for the beach area. As soon as we left the room, we were greeted by their friendly personnel who was fixing the other room. I asked for the fastest way to get to the beach.

Shangri-la Boracay was indeed a great resort. The interiors were Asian inspired with Filipino touches, meaning Balinese or Thai with Filipino materials. There was water everywhere from fountains to ponds that line up the hallways.

Finally, we made our way outside. The landscaping was perfect. There were still a lot of coconut trees that provided shade.

Then, we got to the pool. I was more excited with the beach, but when I saw this pool, I just wanted to own one pool lounge and sleep there.

This is definitely one of the most beautiful pools I have seen. It was huge, expansive and yet, very intimate. Because of its odd shape, you get pockets of water that you can enjoy in private. Oh, and it was an infinity pool.

I couldn't stop taking pictures. It reminded me of an oversized Sofitel pool, with more coconut trees. Azul, one of the resort's restaurants also seems to float by the pool.

We made it to the beach, but I'll be talking about that in my next entry.

Scattered between the villas and the pool area was a coconut tree garden filled with irresistible hammocks. The lawn was so inviting as well, I wished there were mats to lie down on.

The P8,000++ room we got came with breakfast, so again, it's really a steal, especially after seeing the selection of food in Vinta. A must try is their homemade yogurt. Ask them to prepare for you a strawberry yogurt. They use plain flavored yogurt and mix it with fruits and luscious syrup. Yummy!

Shangri-la Boracay is truly a world-class resort. We toured the resort and discovered that one can do a lot of things other than lounging by the beach and pool. There was of course Adventure Zone which can also be found in Shang Mactan (the one in the latter was better though).

I also wanted to have dinner in their best restaurant, and I was pointed to Rima - their Italian restaurant.

The ambience was stunning. It was located on a hillside overlooking the resort. You don't see much of a view though since it was night time. And the weird thing is, they only open during the night.

The food was a title disappointing though, as some of the dishes were under seasoned. I like this tower of appetizers though.

Shangri-la Boracay also has an entertainment center, which houses their game room. There are two billiard tables that you can use for free.

Aside from having high speed internet consoles and a game room that features wii and xbox consoles, they also three basketball arcade games and a pingpong table. We spent more than an hour in this place. My arms felt sore after doing hoops for 10 consecutive times.

Of course, there is also the gym and as you can see, it's another spacious amenity. I was so tempted to run on their treadmills, but I didn't have any rubber shoes with me.

In the changing areas, you will find a sauna, a steam bath, and a jacuzzi.

There was also this small exhibit on Marine Conservation. It was a permanent room in the hotel that is located beside the gym.

Shangri-la Boracay is indeed a packed resort. It is world-class and probably the first of its kind in the Philippines. It really feels like those international resorts in Bali's Nusa Dua. Even Shangri-la Mactan doesn't come close to the look and feel.

So, I'm down with Part II that features the resort's amenities. My next post will be on the beaches so stay tuned!

The Shangri-la Boracay Experience: Part 1

2011-07-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Last June, a close friend of mine got married in Boracay. I actually recommended him to Asya Premier Suites, so that was where the wedding was held. I was with my daughter who lives in the US, so we decided to splurge for our first night in Shangri-la Boracay. This begins my journey back to Boracay, now older and not really after getting drunk every night (though this still did happen).

We took a Sea Air flight to Boracay, and were met immediately by a Shangri-la personnel upon stepping foot at the terminal. He asked for our luggage claim stubs, and told us to wait in a reception area shared with Fairways just outside the terminal exit. After waiting for our bags, we rode a shuttle to their reception lounge at the jetty.

After being served some welcome drinks and a refreshing towel, we boarded our speed boat. We were around 10 people in the boat. It took us around 15 minutes to circle the island passing the Bulabog Beach, since the waves in White Beach were quite strong that day.

As a result, we weren't able to dock in the Shangri-la pier, but in the jetty of Fairways and Bluewater. Afterwards, we boarded a shuttle van and drove off to the resort.

Finally, we arrived at the lobby of Shangri-la Boracay. It actually reminded me of Crimson's entrance, where we had to cross a "bridge" to get to the check in areas. A guest relations officer quickly approached us and offered us a seat in one of the lounges. From there, he facilitated our swift check in. He also briefed us on the amenities of the resort. At that time, I was already impressed with their service.

I actually asked my sister to help me book a room in Shangri-la, since she knew people from there. I thought I would be getting a discount. It turned out that local residents automatically can get 50% discounts on published room rates. Hence, this room for one night cost P8,000 (exclusive of taxes and SC).

This was the time my jaw fell. I was actually surprised that the cost of the room was only P8,000. That would be the net rate of a room in Edsa Shang. And I was in Boracay. My jaw dropped when I entered the room, which was the run of the house already.

Is this what you call a standard room? Or a superior room? Yes, it had a terrace, opening up to a garden, and not having views of the sea. This was after all a Garden View room.

In comparison, Cebu's Crimson costs P6,500 nett while Shangri-la in Mactan costs P8,000 nett at a promo rate. This was a little more expensive, but the room was newer, more spacious and more beautiful.

Even though I had no sweeping views, the room opened up to a garden, with 2 day beds and a small dining table.

I walked to the garden and looked back at the hotel building. I was still highly satisfied with what I got. I wasn't expecting this. I ran back inside and told my daughter to gear up in a swim suit. If this was the room, what would the pool look like? Or the even the beach? More to come next...

Review of Varekai

2011-07-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

So, after hearing all the hype and raves, I finally made some time to score tickets to the first Cirque du Soleil show in Manila - Varekai.

The blue and yellow striped tent was indeed a standout in the Quirino Grandstand. The location was perfect, in the heart of Manila, just in front of Luneta. Manila Hotel was a sponsor, so as I am a Prestige card holder, I booked my complimentary night the day before the show.

We arrived quite late, and the opening acts were already ongoing when we entered. I had to buy popcorn and drinks for my kid, so I had to miss that. It was just the clowns anyway. We were seated at Row N in the right side of Category 1.

The tent was indeed small as most people say, that people in Category 2 even had better views than some in Category 1. The best value are the row aisle seats of Category 3. Stay on the left side of the stage, as most of action happens there.

Cameras are not allowed, so I wasn't able to take any pictures. So here are the official pictures from their website. Since the Grand Chapiteau was small, the venue was very intimate. The VIP seats were located dead center, from Row A to the top. The best of the best were actually located on top center.

The show is my first Cirque, so I was very excited. But to my dismay, we witnessed a show that was less inspiring and captivating. Though the costumes and stage was fantastic, I lacked the sense of grandness of a Cirque show. I was expecting mega production. Varekai wasn't.

Furthermore, there were a lot of mistakes and falls in the performances. We counted a total of 8 falls in 4 acts. And I didn't even count the ones that were "almost". Of course, nobody's perfect, but having that many flops were kind of questionable. I even watched the Chinese circus in Manila on ABSCBN the night before I watched Varekai, and that show was awesome and flawless. Nevertheless, everyone was still applauding and had a great time. I particularly enjoyed the less daring acts - the magician and their comedic sequence.

The show lasted almost 2 hours, and at more than 5k for a ticket, I thought it wasn't worth it, especially when I found out that Zaia's tickets cost only 3 to 4k pesos. So that prompted me to go to Macau soon and witness another Cirque show, just for comparison's sake. And as of this writing, I have watched Zaia and the House of Dancing Water. More on these shows next!

Varekai is still running until July 24. Even though I wasn't as impressed, I still encourage everyone to watch it here in Manila. I'm so happy that shows like these are coming to town. I do hope more will follow suit.

Loreland: Our Savior

2011-07-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

So where did we go after that horrific experience at Casa Ibiza? We left Ibiza and headed straight to a nearby resort, Loreland which was one of the most popular resorts in Antipolo. I was really hesitant at first, but some of my colleagues told me it was nice there.

And so, without any other choice, we followed the signs leading to Loreland Farm Resort. After 10 minutes, we arrived at the resort's big parking lot. I was pleasantly surprised that it was big and quite promising.

We booked 2 big cottages (P6,000 each) and 2 family rooms (P5,000 each) for the price of P22,000, which was less than what we paid for in Casa Ibiza. And the rooms were big indeed. Even though it wasn't an apartment type, it COULD comfortably fit everyone. So, here we were, finally, settled and satisfied.

I was amazed at how big Loreland was - 8 hectares of land divided into 4 phases or areas. And it wasn't a farm resort. It was more of like Hidden Valley with less nature. But I was also surprised how much nature could be found in this resort. I was expecting more concrete and all, but Loreland has designed the resort in such as way that they blend.

Loreland is your typical Filipino family resort. It has more than 10 swimming pools, a conference hall, a chapel, an events venue, hundreds of cottages and huts, a spa and a hotel building. It doesn't have a lot of rooms, since most of the visitors are here for day tours. People flock here to cook, eat and swim in rented cabanas and nipa huts.

Again, there are more than 10 pools, each having their own character. Some are made for kids, like the one above, complete with a slide.

This one features a floating cabana. It also has a attached jacuzzi.

The Lagoon is one of the farthest pools in the resort. It's an infinity pool overlooking the fields and hillsides of Rizal. It was one of my most favorite spots, since there are a lot of trees surrounding the area.

There is also a cottage that's good for 12 people. It looked quite intimate and I thought was perfect for grill parties. It was also the most private of the cottages we saw, and you even have an infinity pool beside it.

One of the biggest pools, if not the biggest, is the Aplaya. Surrounding the Aplaya are bigger cottages, some with two levels even. The centerpiece is the yacht, where a bar is situated. I can imagine an MTV grind party in this pool.

But there was one place in Loreland that captured my attention - the spa.

The reception of the spa had an outdoor setting. Though simple, it reminded me so much of Sonya's in Tagaytay. You can have some spa services done outdoors with the view of the Antipolo hills.

There was even a jacuzzi and another infinity pool exclusive for spa guests. I just wished they served food in the spa, organic cuisine, since the ambience was that relaxing.

Overall, I was really surprised with Loreland Farm Resort. I knew expected to like a typical Filipino resort because of all my past bad experiences. Loreland was a cut above the rest, a true escape from the city. Who needs to go to Los Banos or to Tagaytay even when Loreland is just 30 minutes away from Ortigas? I must say, I will definitely come back. I just hope there are not a lot of people when I do.

Loreland Farm Resort
Sitio Loreland, Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City
(02) 696-0101 to 03

Casa Ibiza Antipolo: Very Bad

2011-07-07T03:04:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the title, this will be a rant blog. It's been a while since I've written something bad about a place, because I try to censor my articles already (don't write anything when there's nothing good to say about it).

I chanced upon Caza Ibiza Antipolo from Metrodeal, one of the discount coupon sites. The deal for Casa Ibiza was very attractive, P3,500 for 6 people overnight with breakfast. Not bad. And in a villa.

I didn't buy the deal, since I wasn't so enthralled with the place. It was just nice looking. Still, I remembered Casa Ibiza. The time came that my company had to get a venue for a training program. I gladly suggested Casa Ibiza, so that's where they booked. It was a spontaneous event, so we really didn't get the chance to do an ocular.

So, I drove all the way to Antipolo and arrived at Casa Ibiza, after getting lost (and it was my first time to get lost going anywhere). I was following signs of Casa Ibiza that were deceiving. I knew it was a sign. I finally reached the place and managed my way to the reception room. I gave my name and company, and the girl handed me two keys. I assumed these was for the 2 cabanas. There were 2 villas as well in our booking. We were a big group of 25, some of whom came from the Visayas and Mindanao areas.

I was able to locate the room, and discovered that it was the villa, and not the cabanas. I slowly went inside, and immediately felt something wrong. This was the living room, and I took the shot by the door.

The place looked more like an apartment that a villa. It reminded me of a townhouse even, a very cramped one. A narrow staircase led to the 2nd floor.

The villa had 3 bedrooms, and I was told that it could fit 12 people. So this is bedroom no. 1:

Bedroom no. 2:

and the Master's Bedroom.

One would ask, how would 12 people fit? We were 25, and we planned to fit 20 people in the 2 villas. So that's 10 people per villa. With those bedrooms, how would you fit 10 people? So that's when I went back tot he reception. I asked the same question. How can you fit 10 people. Oh, and where are the cabanas?

It turned out that the cabanas were not room accommodations, but real open air cabanas ( see picture above). Yes, we paid for those, and thought it was part of the accommodations. Hence, we were really just given 2 villas (apartments) for 25 people. I was getting frustrated already. I asked how 25 people can fit. They said they would lay out extra beds. With that space, I don't think extra beds can even fit inside a bedroom!

The receptionist was not pleasant, so I asked for their manager. My other colleagues arrived. We talked to the person to whom we made the booking on the phone, since the people in the reception didn't know anything. We were asking if we could get 2 more villas, since 12 people cannot possibly fit inside comfortably. They said no. What even made me more angry was their response: you can leave and we'll just charge 25% for cancellation.

Yes, it was that simple. Leave. They didn't offer any solution, even though they knew 25 of us were already there. I knew we got a cheap resort, but for the P27,000 we paid for 25 people, a little over P1,000 per person was NOT worth it.

I didn't care about the place anymore, so I shoved everything away and told everyone to leave. We would find another resort. Besides, their function room is not even functioning!

This was really a wake up call for me. I always go by gut feel, and I knew something was already wrong, as I was on my way. I usually end up in nice places, even though I don't do oculars. Casa Ibiza may look really nice in pictures, but in reality, it's just a motel with a nice outdoor garden and pool.

So we all left. I didn't want to say another word to the people there, since I was so angry. I'd rather loose 25% of what we paid for than spend a night there. So, to all those planning to go to Casa Ibiza, take this as a warning as well. It's not all pretty as it may seem, but worst of all, I don't think customer service exists in their vocabulary.

***

I will not post the contact numbers and address of Casa Ibiza.

They deserve to close down. Oh, and it's owned by Globe Asiatique.

Too bad.