Our Paradise Philippines

The last time we were here, my daughter was still 2 years old. Who would have thought that we will be visiting Sonya’s Garden again after two years. Well, my daughter is turning four soon, and she has a little brother now.

Anyway, we’ve travelled m Continue reading ‘Going Back to Sonya’s Garden in Tagaytay’

Kusina ni Salud is located along Maharlika Highway in San Pablo Laguna. It’s a few kilometers away from the more famous Villa Escudero resort spot in Quezon. Kusina offers up a garden-type ambiance with the main restaurant designed like an old spanish house while the interior is a mixture of various chinese ornaments and accessories. Continue reading ‘Kusina Salud in San Pablo Laguna’

The beauty of  Tagaytay lies in the fact that you can practically go there anytime you want to. Tagaytay offers a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.  It’s proximity to Metro Manila makes it the favorite getaway of Manila urban dwellers. Best part is, you won’t get tired taking great photos of the Tagaytay scenery. Every photo opportunities offer different views and perspectives of the scenery with the Taal Lake as the backdraft. Continue reading ‘Revisiting Tagaytay (for the nth time)’

If you’re like me who hates brushing through traffic at the NLEX or SLEX just to get to some far-flung beach resorts like everybody else on a holiday. Yes, I’d rather take a day-off from the office to go on a road trip while everybody else are at work, than to beat the horrendous holiday traffic. The good news is there is a great alternative to this relaxing weekend. And you don’t have to travel far. Book an overnight stay on some great hotels in the city and just plunge into their swimming pools, partake of the sumptous buffet breakfast and chill in the comforts of their grand hotel rooms.

One such hotel of course is Edsa Shangri-La, located in the heart of the  Mandaluyong-Pasig area.  Edsa Shang’s location made it perhaps as one of the busiests hotels in Metro Manila. It’s encircled by several malls, so if you’re in for some shopping, it’s the best place to stay.

Edsa Shangri-La also has some great facility, especially it’s in-house spa complete with Sauna, Steam Room, and Jacuzzi room. It’s a haven for the urban road warriors wanting to relax.  Other amenities include a gym, various restaurants, and lounges.

Check out the Edsa Shangri-La site for their current room rates and special offers.

The Department of Tourism and MTV Asia has partnered to launch an awesome tourism campaign called Awesome Philippines.  To kick off the launch of this campaign are several events that includes: Continue reading ‘Department of Tourism’s Awesome Philippines Campaign Launched’

If you’re in for some stomach-filling Filipino breakfast, check out Taal Vista Lodge’s Buffet Breakfast. Fill up with some Filipino breakfast treat including champorado, dried fish, suman, and more. The Breakfast Buffet will set you back for less than Php500. Continue reading ‘Buffet Breakfast at Taal Vista Lodge’

Balay Laiya Batangas

Twilight in Balay Laiya, Batangas, January 2008

Continue reading ‘2008 Travel Recap in Photos’

Had the chance to take better photos since I wasn’t the one driving.

Several years ago, going to Subic from Manila takes at least 4-5 hours. There was even a time when the Gapan-Olongapo Road was on its worst state that it takes forever to get pass through it. In fact, I remember back then, when going to Subic on an official business, I would take a small boat in CCP Manila to get to Subic. But that was a long time ago. Today, with the opening of the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, driving to Subic now only takes 1.5 hours after exiting the Balintawak Toll Gate.

Best part is, on the way to Subic while driving through this new highway, you’ll be treated with a nice view and sceneries highlighted seveal hill formations dissected to the center by the SCTEX road. Words could not describe the exhilirating feeling of driving through this highway. I’ll leave the photos to speak for themselves.

To go to SCTEX, go straight ahead North Luzon Expressway passing by the Dau Exit, a few meters away you will see the SCTEX exit. Pay the toll fee (P108), and enjoy the ride. You’ll end up at Tipo Exit in Subic.