Paddle boarding is a watersport that used to be unheard of to me, ergo I’ve never tried it before that one awesome lifestyle weekend at Swell Bar and Café in Subic. And just my luck, I was not only able to try it, I actually learned how to do it! Read more…

I haven’t flown a full service carrier internationally for obvious reasons. As with other budget travelers, whoever could get me to my destination for the cheapest cost gets my business. But getting to fly Singapore Airlines is a different experience altogether that gave me another perspective of flying. Let me describe what it’s like to fly with them. Read more…

I have a confession to make: I haven’t tried Tokyo Café. I have always been under the impression that it is just another expensive coffee shop serving, well, coffee and the crepes they have on display. It was only when we were invited to dine at their first store at the SM Mall of Asia, however, did I prove myself wrong. Read more…

I grew up in the 90’s. Yes, I am still young. I grew up when TV shows were king, and cable TV, torrents, and internet weren’t as ubiquitous as they are now. I do remember this TV commercial played repeatedly every time I watch noontime’s Eat Bulaga. That TV commercial stuck through my entire childhood, but I didn’t think I’d reach it one day. Read more…

Manila just welcomed Jamba Juice Philippines, a smoothie joint that has committed itself to support the country’s growing active market. The first store in Southeast Asia, Jamba Juice in Bonifacio High Street Central has continuously been blending since 11-11-11, and in a recent VIP launch, I was delighted to have tried two of their classic smoothies! Read more…

Recently at Bonifacio High Street’s 7th High Club, we witnessed what BPI has to offer to its current and prospect tech-savvy customers. On their 160th year, they are rolling out new products for easier online transactions: BPI eCredit and My ePrepaid Cards. Both are clearly useful for those online booking (read: Piso Fare) needs! Read more...

To me, the best souvenir is not some pricey handicraft but rather a passport stamp. Last March, I was really remorseful when I found out that a special visa to Shenzhen from Hong Kong would have only cost 120HKD. I would have gotten a China passport stamp. Bummer.

 

Passport stamps are documentary evidence that one has at least stepped foot into a country. But they’re also mystically fascinating to me that I find myself staring at my passport and its small number of stamps. In such occasions I tell myself that I must add more, so when my recent trip to Singapore came up, I was already determined I must cross that Woodlands border to Johor Bahru in West Malaysia. Read more...

 

Photo credit: Patrick Ng

When a friend asks me where to go, I automatically say Cebu or Bohol, since those places have all the attractions someone on vacation could ask for. But when a friend is into adventure, extreme sports, or something like those, I usually say Naga or CamSur for wakeboarding at CamSur Watersports Complex, which is fondly called CWC. Read more…

“Today, I will practice my freedom and travel around the Philippines. I want to show the world that the Philippines is such a beautiful, beautiful place and I want them to tell their friends that the Philippines is the “Pearl of the Orient,” we have so many hidden gems and we are in the map. Today, I will help contribute in the efforts for the Philippines to regain its lost glory, especially in Manila and Mindanao.”

That’s what I said when asked what I will do today. Allow me come through with my promise that I will “contribute in the efforts for the Philippines to regain its lost glory.” Read more…

Photo credit: Puerto Princesa Underground River Facebook page

I remember one Sunday in Cagayan de Oro around the same time last year when I got to my hotel not knowing that I left my cash at home. I just had my wallet that thankfully contained my credit card and a couple of ATM cards, one of which is from BPI. There wasn’t any bank open, but as luck may have it, a friend accessed BPI Express Online, and he had my ATM card reloaded. BPI Express Online saved me in an emergency travel situation! Read more…

We were fortunate to be invited to Resorts World Manila’s impressive and state-of-the-art Newport Performing Arts Theater to witness the adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless Broadway musical, The Sound of Music. Read more…

When our family eats out, we tend to steer clear of Filipino restaurants because we eat the same Pinoy food at home. I bet you guys are also guilty of that. And besides, our Ate Del cooks great, time-tested Filipino dishes. But I've found that eating at C2 Classic Cuisine is different—they give traditional Pinoy food a gourmet twist. Read more…