Bugana Beach and Dive Resort: A Paradise in Negros Occidental

Negros Island is one of our favorite destinations. Just thinking about enjoying its great food and fresher air makes me want to plan my next visit. I realized though that there aren't a lot of great resort options here as Negros isn't one of the prime tourist spots in the country. But I was glad to have found Bugana Beach and Dive Resort.

Hello, Bugana Beach and Dive Resort.

Bugana is known as one of the best resorts in Negros. With its marvelous view and spacious rooms, it was not surprising for guests to stay here for days or even weeks.

When in Negros Occidental: Nabulao Beach Resort

Negros island is the fourth largest island in the Philippines and home to great cities, delicacies and travel destinations. Sipalay, a city south of Bacolod is known for its numerous beach resorts. A half an hour drive further down would lead you to a municipality called Hinoba-an where you can find Nabulao Beach Resort.

Hello, Nabulao Beach Resort.

This homey and native resort wasn't our first choice for our quick trip down south of Negros but its high TripAdvisor and Agoda ratings got us curious. Too curious that we ended up staying here for 2 nights.

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 Guam: A Guide on Airport Transfer, Outlet Shopping and More (Part 2)

I used to think that vacations should be packed with things to do and sights to see. But as I get older, my type of vacation is doing the art of nothing. Just lying on a lounge chair and enjoying the sea breeze. And that was what we planned to do in Guam.

Hello, Guam!

We usually do resort or hotel hopping whenever we travel so that we get to see other parts of the place we visit. And for our second resort, we went with Holiday Resort and Spa. 

When in Guam: A Guide on Airport Transfer, Outlet Shopping and More (Part 1)

With Guam, being just 4 hours away from Manila, the westernmost point of US territory grew as a popular destination for Filipinos itching to travel to America. And with Cebu Pacific's enticing promos, R and I spontaneously booked for a week long vacation in this small island.  

Hello, Guam. 

Guam is a small island that can be easily toured in less than half a day. But before any sightseeing or shopping, one must know how to get to your hotel from the airport. 

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 China: Dinosaur Park

China is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. With more and more cities being developed, infrastructures being built and citizens rising from poverty, it's hard to be not impressed by what China has accomplished in just a short period. I am always at awe whenever I go to Canton Fair, one of China's biggest trade shows held twice a year for it has everything in at least twos. And just when I thought China has everything, I had no idea that it also includes having its own version of Jurassic Park!

Hello, Dinosaur Land.

Located at Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, this compound which covers theme park, hotel and even spa, is a gem worth checking out!

Long Weekend at One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites

Tagaytay has been one of the top picks of Manila dwellers for quick getaway. With it being just an hour or two away from the city, this place has been favored by many for weekend road trips and staycations. Though most prefer to go on day trips, staying for the night is also a great idea. And last weekend, R and I visited One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites. 

Hello, One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites. 

One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites has been operating for over a decade now and it continues to be packed with tourists. In fact, it was almost fully booked last Sunday. 

Staycation Chronicles: Bayleaf Cavite

I hardly consider Cavite as a location for a quick getaway. In fact, I couldn't think of a single thing to do in the area. But who would have thought that there's a gem waiting to be found along the long Governor's Drive? 

Hello, Bayleaf Cavite.

Bayleaf may not be exactly a new name in the hospitality industry as its Intramuros branch has been around for over five years. Built as an extension to Lyceum of the Philippines, Bayleaf served as the culinary arm of the university. And it was not long after the success of Bayleaf Intramuros when the Laurel family decided to open another one, this time in Cavite.

When in Boracay: Discovery Shores Boracay

I've been so excited to go back to Boracay after hearing that the island is back in shape. As a place I associate with relaxation and good food, R and I decided to celebrate our anniversary there. And to make things a bit more special, we stayed at Discovery Shores Boracay. 

Hello, Discovery Shores Boracay.

Hailed as one of the best luxury resorts in the island, Discovery Shores Boracay is usually fully booked with local and foreign tourists alike. I can't blame travelers though as this place offers top notch service and its pandan water is something else!

Staycation Chronicles: Crowne Plaza Galleria

Living in Manila could be very toxic. The insane city traffic, never ending heat and busy lifestyle could easily drive one nuts! I myself have been on the edge these past days due to tight deadlines, shoots and upcoming trip that needs a detailed itinerary. And a staycation at Crowne Plaza Galleria was just what I needed to de-stress. 

Hello, Crowne Plaza Galleria. 

Managed by the prestigious Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Crowne Plaza Galleria is the hotel of choice of several business travelers. Its premiere location of being at the heart of Ortigas and right beside Robinsons Galleria gives it a strong advantage against its competitors in the area. 

Staycation Chronicles: Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

Rainy days never fail to make me lazy. I tend to hibernate on gloomy days and find it challenging to get up. And the only activity I would be interested in would be to take a staycation. And a few weeks back, I got to spend the night at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. 

Hello, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.

Every visit at Marco Polo Ortigas is guaranteed to be memorable. This popular destination in Ortigas sure knows how to make every single interaction pleasant. From parking down to riding the elevator, we received nothing short of top notch service. Living to its 5 star rating from the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide, R and I looked forward to our staycation. 

Staycation Chronicles: Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle

With Manila being enveloped by grey clouds and drowned by the bustling sound of impatient cars stuck in traffic, one cannot deny the fact that summer's over. Just the mere difficulty of getting out of bed is enough proof. But there is one way to get me off my bed... that is to indulge in a staycation. 

Hello, Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle.

If you frequent Malate or study at College of St. Benilde, De La Salle University, St. Scholastica's College or Arellano University School of Law, you must have noticed this tall white building at the corner of Arellano and Estrada streets. Formerly known as a convention center, this building has been renovated, redesigned and renamed as Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle in 2014. 

Birthday Getaway: Amarela Resort in Panglao, Bohol

I knew that this year's birthday celebration would be a lot different as I will be tagging along R on his business trip. Though I was expecting that we'd find time to at least have a mini celebration together, it didn't exactly turned out as such given that we had a packed schedule to follow. But just when I was frowning and at the verge of crying, R surprised me with a lovely stay at Amarela Resort in Panglao, Bohol the day after my birthday. 

Hello, Amarela Resort.

Southern Chronicles: B Hotel Alabang

I've been curious about B Hotel ever since I've dined in its Quezon City branch a few months ago. The quite under the radar hotel chain by Bellevue delighted me with its delectable dishes and I got excited when I got an invitation to attend the menu reveal of its Alabang counterpart (which I will blog separately). It may have been a crazy long travel given the Manila traffic, but I decided that it must be worth the trip.

Hello, B Hotel Alabang.

I got to the hotel a bit past 5, quite late from my target of 4 p.m., an hour past check in time.

City Life: H Hotels

One of the perks of being a freelancer is that you can be very mobile and dodge traffic from time to time. But when you live in a city that has insane traffic, you cannot avoid being stuck on the road. So R and I thought of something... why not stay where we have to go to the following day? And with that idea in mind, we spontaneously booked a room at one of the numerous hotels in Quezon City. 

Hello, H Hotels.

H Hotels is one of the small hotels in the busy Quezon City. I was attracted to book this hotel when I found out that it is situated just behind SM North. I figured that I could walk to the mall after checking in to grab dinner. However, the road you have to take to get to the mall is too dark and scary. I ended up buying a meal near R's office instead. 

Davao's First: Apo View Hotel

Just when I thought August was crazy, I was greeted by an even crazier September. With three trips lined up, two for Davao and one for Shanghai, I could count with one hand how many days I stayed at home. I'm not complaining though as it's also nice to have a change of scenery from time to time. And speaking of change, R and I decided to try out another accommodation during our third visit in Davao. 

Hello, Apo View Hotel.

Apo View Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in the city of durian. It opened its doors to the public in 1948 with only fifteen rooms and one restaurant, making it the very first hotel in Davao. 

Throughout the years, Apo View Hotel expanded to 100 guest rooms and is now recognized as one of Davao City's landmarks. It has also won several prestigious awards and recognition such as the Datu Bago Award (highest award given by the City of Davao to its outstanding constituents) and being recognized as a Pioneer Hotel by the Department of Tourism. Just reading those made me feel so excited towards my three nights stay in Apo View Hotel.

When in Davao: Paradise Island Park & Resort

Mindanao used to be a place I was afraid to visit. With media and elders saying that this part of the Philippines as an unsafe place, I didn't even consider to travel and spend my vacation down south. Sure, there are cities that are considered safe like Davao. But it being a few miles away from NPA surrounded areas and even a war zone made me feel even more afraid. But all that changed this year when I visited President Duterte's hometown not just once but thrice. And for this trip, I got to enjoy Paradise Island. 

Hello, Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort. 

Chasing Summer: iCove Beach Hotel

Days sure pass by fast and with a blink of an eye and summer was already over when we finally decided to go to the beach. It was already the end of July when R and I finally  pushed through with our plans to head North and chase summer.  We chose our accommodation a week before heading out and after browsing through Agoda for half an hour, we settled with iCove Beach Hotel. 

Hello, iCove Beach Hotel. 

This hotel is one of the newest beach front hotels in Zambales. Quite small compared to the ones you’d find in bigger and busier cities but this is considered as one of the nicest accommodations within the area. It was drizzling when we visited and we were so glad that we got to the hotel early and were able to score parking in front of the hotel. 

We arrived half an hour earlier than our check-in time and unfortunately, our room wasn’t ready then so we had to wait till the original check-in time which is 2 p.m.. We were also bummed to see the published room rates of the hotel. It was cheaper compared to the one we got through Agoda! The place though was fully booked when we went so it was also a gamble if we tried book on the same day. At exactly 2 p.m., we were assisted to our room. 

We got a deluxe 19 square meter room with a queen sized bed, cable television, small fridge and private bathroom.  We do not have a view as our balcony was facing the pathway to the pool. Wi-fi connection was decent and fast enough for us to browse the internet or play games.