Manami Resort: Sipalay's First and Only Luxury Resort

Discovery Hospitality is one of the top brands when it comes to hotel and resort management. I remember having a wonderful time at Discovery Shores back in 2019. So I was thrilled when I learned about Manami Resort in Sipalay and Discovery Samal in Samal Island, Davao. Without hesitation, we booked a room for a few nights in both resorts to get the signature "Welcome Home" experience. The first resort we visited was Manami Resort. 

Hello, Manami Resort.

Tagged as a luxury resort in Sipalay, this eco-friendly accommodation makes you feel at home right after stepping out of your car.

When in Bohol: Take a Trip to Anda

I fell in love with going to the not so touristy areas of different provinces. These hidden gems are what make me fall in love with my country. It has so much to offer. You just have to sometimes to head towards the unbeaten path. And last December, R and I went to Anda, Bohol for a quick vacation after a grueling journey in South Asia. 

Hello, Anda!

Anda is on the southeast side of Bohol. It is not a very popular tourist spot due to its far proximity from Panglao where most luxurious resorts are situated. In fact, from Panglao International Airport, you have to take a 30-minute ride to get to Tagbilaran and about three hours to get to Anda.

When in Bacolod: Mambukal Hot Springs

A trip to Bacolod is never complete without a stick or two of inasal from Chicken House and Kansi from Sharyn's. Throw in some Napoleones, Piaya and Half Moon and I'll be one happy kid. But one thing I was not aware of that would make one's trip to Bacolod more memorable is Mambukal Hot Spring.

Hello, Mambukal Hot Spring. 

Located 45 minutes away from Bacolod's city center, Mambukal Hot Spring has been a destination for locals and tourists alike. 

When in Cebu: Shangri-La Mactan

The Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has been synonymous with stellar service. Having it as one's accommodation during a vacation almost equates to a wonderful and memorable trip. However, with boutique resorts offering more personalized service and more attention to detail, can big hotels like Shangri-La compete? 

Hello, Shangri-La Mactan.

Shangri-La Mactan is one of the popular resorts in Mactan. With its massive lot housing two wings, Garden and Ocean, plus numerous restaurants and amenities, it is not surprising for this resort to be packed with guests, local and foreign alike.

When in Guam: A Guide on Airport Transfer, Outlet Shopping and More (Part 3)

We were so happy that Mother Nature was on our side the whole time we were in Guam. With clear skies and short light showers, we got to enjoy frolicking on the sand for days. And to end our trip, we decided to go with one of the best resorts in town.

Hello, Guam!

Guam Reef Hotel is one of the highly rated resorts along Tumon Bay and we opted to save it as our last resort during our Guam trip. Located at the center of Tamuning, it is just a few steps away from several plazas, Duty Free Shops and UnderWater World. But more than its prime location, we were excited to lounge around its beach front and enjoy the view from its infinity pool. And we were surprised that this 45 year old resort has a lot more to offer. 

When in Palawan: Apulit Island Resort

Palawan has always been a favorite destination of mine. Basking in the beauty of its wonderful limestone formations and pristine beaches is my idea of vacation. And our stay in Pangulasian Island Resort last February made it an easy decision for us to check out other El Nido Resorts' properties. Our first stop, Apulit Island Resort. 

Hello, Apulit Island Resort. 

Apulit is located at the opposite side of other El Nido Resorts properties and is about two and a half hours away from Lio Airport. We had to take an hour and half van ride to Taytay Pier and take a 50 minute boat ride to the resort. 

When in Puerto Princesa: Costa Palawan

Puerto Princesa is one beautiful city filled with natural wonders. From the famous underground river to striking limestone, this city is a lovely break from the hustle and bustle of Manila. However, we ended up in a rather unpleasant hotel on my first visit which left a negative impression on Puerto Princesa's accommodations. Fast forward to 2019, the island experienced a boom in the hotel and resort industry giving visitors more value for money options. One of which is Costa Palawan. 

Hello, Costa Palawan. 

Costa Palawan is just 10 minutes away from Puerto Princesa International Airport but is on a quieter side of the city. It offers complimentary airport transfer which made us decide to book our last two nights here. 

What Mary Loves: Amorita's New Saffron Dishes

Bohol is one of my favorite islands in the Philippines. Aside from its chill vibe and beautiful beaches, I love that this place is a gold mine for sea urchin. But I found another reason to like Bohol. And that's Amorita and its scrumptious new dishes at Saffron.

Hello, Amorita. 

Amorita is one of the luxury resorts situated in the famous Alona Beach in Panglao. It sits on top of a cliff giving its guests a wonderful view of the beach and sea. 

When in Baler: Costa Pacifica

I was never a beach person. In fact, I was the typical Asian who avoids the sun as much as I could. And no, it's not because I fear getting dark. I was quite sensitive when I was younger and a short exposure to the sun leaves me with a bloody nose. Thank goodness though that I'm out of that phase as frolicking by the beach is fun! And when R's mom wanted to go to the beach, we decided to drive to Baler and stay in Costa Pacifica as we chase the last days of summer. 

Hello, Costa Pacifica. 

Costa Pacifica is regarded as one of the premier resorts in the surfing destination Baler. Located right in front of Sabang Beach, this resort is surrounded by several small resorts and inns. 

When in Thailand: Krabi Island (Day 2)

Don't you just love it when you don't have to rush in the morning? We had such start on our second day at Krabi Island. We headed out of our first hotel, Holiday Inn Express past noon and moved to another resort which is just a few steps away. 

Day 2 at Krabi Island

We decided to try Aonang Buri Resort which belongs to a group that also manages Buri Tara Resort and Blue Sotel. 

When in Negros Occidental: Punta Bulata

We've seen people crashing weddings and bachelor parties in movies but never in my wildest dreams would I consider doing it myself in real life. But I did. And before you start thinking of The Hangover or anything similar, it's far from that. After all, the dad of the bride was at the pre-wedding bash too. 

Hello, Punta Bulata White Beach & Spa.

Our very spontaneous trip to Punta Bulata all started when we were asked what our plans were the weekend we were in Bacolod. Since we had a loose schedule to follow during our first week in Visayas, we had time to relax and unwind in the City of Smiles. And when we were invited to hang out by some good friends in the city, we quickly said yes. But what was originally planned as a trip to Lakawon turned into us crashing a bachelor's and bachelorette's party at Punta Bulata. 

Love at First Bite: Kiwa Korean Grill Dining

It was a crazy week full of eating with R's family. We went to several fancy restaurants and one of which is this Korean restaurant in Solaire Resort & Casino. I have never been to Solaire but I recall making a pitch for the high end establishment when I was still with the publishing business so I know that this pale is pretty grand.

Hello, Kiwa Korean Grill Dining!

This posh Korean restaurant is located in what seems to be a new section of Solaire as R could not remember this area before.

It opened just a few months ago and it has gained quite a following for those who are very particular with food. The place is beautiful and those who sit near the windows could enjoy the wonderful sunset view. (We reserved a private room though so we just took snapshots of the sunset before placing our orders.)

The menu of Kiwa is very limited. There are only five courses to choose from which comes with sashimi and appetizer assortment, Korean pancakes, Stir-fried Glass Noodles (Chapchae), Spicy Tofu Soup and Dessert. You also have to order in pairs if you plan to get this.

We decided to go with Saenggalbi but Rib Eye version (PHP3,200), Bulgogi (PHP2,800), Grilled Samgyupsal (PHP2,000) and Yangnyumgalbi (PHP3,000).

While waiting for the meats, the side dishes were served.

The sashimi assortment looked amazing and mouthwatering.

I first had a taste of the salmon cut and it was not as soft as I wanted. R told me that the reason why the texture was like that was because it was not sashimi but smoked salmon. No wonder.

The other seafood cuts were great! Tuna was lovely and the squid cuts had a nice chewy texture. I loved it!

Chapchae was pretty good too as it was not overly oily yet flavorful.

The Korean pancakes are your typical pancakes. If you are trying to watch your weight or save tummy space, you might want to skip this one.