RSS Feed

‘Travel’ Category

  1. P.F. Chang’s now in the Philippines! our first taste

    January 20, 2012 by ajay

    P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, a popular US-based full-service chain, has opened its first branch in the Philippines & also its first in Asia. The resto is a sprawling two-storey affair at a new complex in Alabang Town Center called The Street. We daresay everything is impressive: from the structure to the modern interiors to the food. The restaurant layout speaks of the fact that this isn’t just a place for eating but of drinking and hanging out as well.

    PF Chang's

    PF Chang's

    In a nutshell, here are a few good things about P.F. Chang’s at ATC: unlimited rice (and brown rice!), a menu for vegetarians and those who want it gluten-free. The food isn’t strictly Chinese but is Chinese-inspired and really good. I was glad to know that they don’t use MSG.

    PF Chang's

    One of my favorites was Chang’s Spicy Chicken (P320 an order). I liked the fact that it was breaded so lightly and not drowning in sauce. An exquisite version of sweet and sour.

    (more…)


  2. Thumbs up! Manila Revisited room package @ Manila Hotel

    January 17, 2012 by ajay

    Here’s something I happily recommend to tourists, balikbayans and countrymen wanting to know a piece of the country’s history or simply rediscover their roots. Manila Hotel, the grand old dame of this city’s hotels, is offering a Manila Revisited special room package inclusive of transport and a tour of the following landmarks: Fort Santiago, Jose Rizal’s Execution Site, Casa Manila, Palacio del Gobernador, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church and the former headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur.

    The room package is inclusive of buffet breakfast, welcome fruits and drinks. (Okay, special mention must also be made of the hotel’s 24-hour free wifi!) Superior deluxe is priced at P7,500 net for single occupancy and P8,500 for double. If you’d like to avail of the luxurious Sunset/Sunrise suites, it’s P15,500 net for single occupancy and P16,500 net for double.

    The Manila Hotel

    Above: Manila Hotel’s grand lobby. Other establishments may be newer, but I’ve always liked this hotel for its character and sense of history. The 100-year old building has played host to countless international statesmen, celebrities and events.

    (more…)


  3. Oh yes, it’s more fun in the Philippines!

    January 7, 2012 by ajay

    My social networks were agog yesterday with the new slogan unveiled by the Department of Tourism to attract foreign visitors: It’s more fun in the Philippines (official website here). What can I say :time to bring our national pride out of hiding! Am proud to say am a living embodiment of this slogan. In my twenties, I lived and worked in Western Europe…. I could have chosen to marry an English chap and stay there. Destiny brought me to marry an American and people are always egging me to grab that green card at the first opportunity. Still, we choose to stay in MY homeland (not his) for one reason other people don’t realize: it’s more fun in the Philippines! :)

    If you’re a foreigner reading this entry, it’s hard to love the Philippines just by seeing Manila (for you will really love it less!) In this country of 7,107 islands, I’ve seen beautiful places like Cebu, Leyte, Davao, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Zambales,Pampanga, Boracay and I still feel it’s not enough. That’s because the Philippines is one big natural vault with many hidden gems.

    Take for example the vibrant Batanes Islands in the North which we had the good fortune of visiting in 2007. My husband said it reminded him of Hawaii. I thought it was more like the hills in The Sound of Music :)

    Batanes Islands, Philippines

    Or the Banaue Rice Terraces. Truly a majestic wonder but how many Filipinos make the effort to see it in their lifetime?

    Banaue rice terraces

    (more…)


  4. No visa? No problem, no cry!

    January 5, 2012 by ajay

    As a follow-up to my post on countries where Filipinos can travel freely, it just occurred to me that countries in the list are worth exploring. True that most of them are not as accessible to Filipinos since they’re not open to budget fares but they do host some of the most beautiful sights around.

    For example, if you’re a lover of the great wildlife, Kenya can be a good alternative to South Africa. For a minimal amount, Filipinos can have a visa issued upon arrival and just be in time to view the Masai Mara (the Great Animal Migration) from July to September. This is the season when hundreds of thousands (!!) of animals like zebra, gazelle and Big cats mass together in search of greener pastures. Masai Mara certainly beats Miss Universe in being the “most spectacular wildlife pageant on earth” :)

    Other things to explore in Kenya are the Private Wildlife Preserves in the Central Highlands, the Little Governor’s Camp, Mount Kenya Safari Club and the Pemba Channel Fishing Club.

    For more of the wilderness, the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania is a must-see since it is the world’s biggest. Tanzania is also where Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa is located as well as the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the natural wonders of the world. Tanzania visa issued upon arrival to Pinoys for $50.

    In Morocco, where Pinoys can have a 90 day stay, one can join an expedition to The Great Sahara Desert or the High Atlas Mountains, dine at the Yacout Restaurant located in a 200-year old house in Marrakech’s old quarter, or feel the vibe (including the snake charmers, cartwheeling dancers and exotic food!) at Djemaa El-Fna Square, also in Marrakech.

    (more…)


  5. Discovery Shores Boracay : a review

    October 24, 2011 by ajay

    Discovery Shores Boracay

    It has been my dream to go to Boracay and stay at the Discovery Shores.Mostly because am curious about this resort which has been garnering all these acclaim from independent travellers, the latest of which is being on the Top 100 Hotels in the World from Travel+Leisure.

    We were able to get a discounted rate of $220 a night from a travel agent, still not cheap but cheaper when compared to Amanpulo or Shang-ri La Boracay.After staying in Discovery Shores for a couple of days, I now know the reason. Being in a paradise like Boracay makes it already dream-like as it is, and staying in Discovery caps the whole euphoric experience. You’d want to go back to Boracay. You’d want to stay here again.

    Discovery Shores Boracay

    We got the Junior Suite which is their basic room category. It had a queen size bed and a spacious divan in a corner where your underage children can stay (otherwise get the one- to two-bedroom suites).

    (more…)


  6. Hotel H20 Manila : a review

    October 23, 2011 by ajay

    Life has returned to normal in Roxas Boulevard after Typhoon Pedring, and especially when you’re billeted in Manila Ocean Park’s Hotel H20!

    H20 prides itself for being the first aquarium-themed hotel in the Philippines. Service is still rather raw coming from the mostly neophyte staff but there’s no doubt in my mind that this is one of the best hotels to stay in town right now. The first reason being its sheer newness. Its other asset is its natural scenery and being closest to the bay. Having wall-to-wall aquarium in your room or a view of the serene waters? Take your pick.

    Hotel H2O

    Our sponsor Samsung booked us the Aqua Supreme Room (approximately $200 a night) which stands out because of its aquarium walls. I tell you this is really something for the kids to ogle at. Room size was rather modest at 42 square meters but it was laid out well.How else can you fit a queen-sized bed, a work station, an entertainment area, a bath tub, a shower and toilet if not for the magic of great design?

    (more…)


  7. Everything we wanted to know about Malaysia from Tourism Minister, Dr. Ng Yen Yen

    October 19, 2011 by ajay

    Tourism Malaysia logo

    The tourism success of Malaysia is something we can all learn from. According to the latest data from the UN World Tourism Organization, it is the second most visited country in Asia after China. Boasting of 24.6 million arrivals last year, it ranks No. 9 globally among countries with the most number of tourists, next only to the UK, Turkey & Germany.

    Hard to believe, but this is only because “in Malaysia, we treat tourism as a serious business.” These words were uttered by no less than Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, who met with the press at the Makati Shang-ri La to orient and give developments in her country’s tourism industry.

    Dr. Ng Yen Yen

    Meeting Dr. Ng Yen Yen in person, one can easily say that she fits the role of Malaysia’s chief tourism figure to a T. She appeared very elegant, articulate and knowledgeable. I was surprised to find that Malaysia’s tourism ministers are elected, not appointed, since they follow the British system of government.The fact that they’re answerable to the people and the taxpayers makes public officials like Dr. Yen Yen very driven and results-oriented.

    (more…)


  8. Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival until August 31, 2011

    July 3, 2011 by ajay

    Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival

    Shopaholics unite! In case you haven’t noticed, this quarter is the season of great shopping discounts among some of our neighboring countries… Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia!

    The latter, particularly, will be holding the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival. It will run for 11 weeks ending August 31, 2011. Participating are outlets and stores all over the country, including big shopping complexes in Kuala Lumpur like Fahrenheit 88, Low Yat Plaza, Pavilion KL, Lot 10, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square – all located in Bukit Bintang. Suria KLCC, One Utama, Mid Valley Megamall, The Curve, The Gardens and Sunway Pyramid provide exquisite shopping experiences as well. Visitors can get Tourist Privilege cards upon presenting their passport at the concierge or information counter of selected malls.

    Please see some of my related posts about Malaysia:

    Kuala Lumpur Street Scenes
    My first trip to KL in 2006 was a cheap one, in the style of Lonely Planet!
    Food tripping in KL…. no regrets!
    Our day trip to Sunway Lagoon Pyramid

    (more…)


  9. Kids fly for free with Qatar Airways while Malaysia Airlines bans babies

    July 1, 2011 by ajay

    Qatar Airways

    I’ve never ridden the award-winning Qatar Airways but I thought this is a great promotion and it would be a sin not to share with my readers: an adult booking a flight to the Middle East by August 27, 2011 pays zero fare up to two kids. Only travel taxes and surcharges shall apply.

    The promo, meant to encourage family holidays, is good to use in the following destinations: Abu Dhabi, Aleppo, Amman, Bahrain, Beirut, Damascus, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat and Riyadh – all in the Middle East.

    Here’s the complete fine print: (via Qatar Airways website)

    Ticket holders must fly between August 1 2011 to August 31 2011.
    – Book one adult ticket and pay taxes and surcharges for up to two kids (children or infants)

    - Book two adults tickets and pay taxes and surcharges for up to four kids (children or infants)

    - Child fare will have a base of zero. Only taxes and surcharges to be paid

    - A nominal fare may be applied in some countries, which may range between $10 and $40

    - Valid for Economy Class travel only

    - Tickets are not valid for purchase from the following countries: Australia, Bahrain, Greece, Iran, Japan, Jordon, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey & the UAE

    - Seats are limited so I guess this is first come, first served

    (more…)


  10. Henann Resort at Alona Beach, Bohol

    June 4, 2011 by ajay

    It’s a shame that I’ve travelled out of the country these past few months MORE than visiting the islands. Beach bumming is one thing I truly miss, and I don’t want to be in Phuket or Bali for that because the Philippines has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches!

    My envy meter has escalated because my media friend Jingjing sent me these photos of her recent vacation in Henann Resort, the latest luxury resort to open in the booming island of Bohol.

    Henann Resort - Bohol (Bird's Eye View)

    Henann is formerly the Alona Palm Beach Resort which has now been acquired by the Boracay Regency Group of Resorts. It is situated on a slightly elevated area along the powdery white stretch of Alona Beach.The resort has the widest beach front along Alona Beach and also features a 450- square meter fresh water swimming pool with bar.

    Henann Resort  Bohol

    The villas are separated by 70-meter wide coconut palm groves from the white beach.Each villa is equipped with a split-type air conditioner and ceiling fan, terrace with sun beds, LCD TV with cable, telephone with IDD and NDD, WIFI access, personal safety box, and mini bar.

    (more…)

    Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...