Journey

The Christmas holiday season may have died down, but true-blue leisure lovers will seize every opportunity to hie off to a hideaway, however simple it may be.

While Christmas has been introduced by Western colonizers, many seem to forget that it originated from the Orient—the Middle East to be exact where the story of the Nativity of Jesus Christ sprung.

One-Of Collection is excited to launch a new Palawan project under its much-loved brand, The Funny Lion.

Provinces across the country are rebooting their post-pandemic tourism industry one after the other, and the charming northern getaway of Zambales is not to be outdone.

While steakhouses serving local steaks are dime a dozen, All About Beef (main branch) restaurant in San Fernando, Pampanga is making a name for itself for serving authentic Australian beef.  Its menu features dishes with beef such as beef shawarma, burger patties, nachos, pasta, and more. Its main draw however remains to be its unlimited Australian steak offering. It is something that not every steakhouse can lay claim to.

Mention Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and immediately its famed 19th-century homes which evoke Old World charm come into mind. Situated at a coastal village in Bagac, Bataan, it is a recipient of the prestigious 2021 Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Hotel in Asia and the Pacific by Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence.

Happiness is among the top human pursuits, and journeying to stunning destinations is undoubtedly one of the means to attain this life goal.

Many decades after the painstaking filming of “Apocalypse Now” gave rise to the country’s perhaps first surfing destination when the film crew left their surf boards behind, the name Baler has become associated with surfing. While Colonel Kilgore in the film referred to the Viet Congs as “Charlie[s] [who] don’t surf,” in real-life Baler, everybody surfs.

Ask any jaded traveler on his favorite destinations, and chances are Cebu is one of them. Adjudged several times by prestigious global publications as among the best islands in Asia and the world, this province boasts of a rich diversity of nature, adventure and culture, and everything in between.

THE recent maiden Philippine Airlines flights to Tawi-Tawi from Cotabato City paved the way for myself to explore the country’s southernmost province once again. I remember when I first went here, I met a slew of curious queries about safety when traveling to Tawi-Tawi. As we all remember, this province once hogged the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Travelers en route to the Cagayan Valley will inevitably pass through this gateway province, which is a best-kept secret hiding under plain sight. Perhaps, in their haste to reach their destination further up north, people get to just breeze by the highway and miss the opportunity to savor the natural vibrance of Nueva Vizcaya.

The Cordillera highland region is arguably the most exotic in the archipelago with its majestic mountain ranges, rugged nature-based adventures, centuries-old indigenous cultures, and the iconic Rice Terraces, one of Unesco’s World Heritage Sites.

SariSuki is the largest social commerce start-up in the Philippines. It provides income opportunities for community leaders, gives consumers access to fresh groceries and everyday needs at rates lower than supermarket prices, and also supports local farmers and producers. Through SariSuki’s platform, Ka-Sari Community Leaders serve as grocery dealers, who consolidate and fulfill the orders of their customers, known as Ka-Suki.

The country’s idyllic string of islands is beckoning us to recapture the fun moments in the long, hot summer we lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic. One exciting island which has eluded beach bums for so long is Boracay, with its 8-month rehabilitation and almost two years of shutdown.

The lowering of Covid-19 Alert Levels in most parts of the Philippines is undoubtedly the green light  wanderlusts have been waiting for to resume their jetsetting lifestyles before the pandemic struck.

Despite graduating from colleges with a well-known sports rivalry (Letran and Ateneo, respectively), Robert Lim “Bobby” Joseph and Antonio “Tony” Meloto are just two great friends living parallel lives. Aside from being the same age, both have been spearheads for worthy endeavors (Bobby launched the Save Manila Bay project in January 2019 and Tony is the founder of Gawad Kalinga, a Philippine-based poverty alleviation movement). 

When pop icon Christopher Cross’s hit song “Sailing” hit the airwaves in 1980, every other baby boomer and Gen X-er was raring to hop on to the nearest boat and glide on the water. With a mesmerizing melody and enticing lyrics, who wouldn’t want to go sailing and rough it out in the sun and sea.

It’s hot and fiery at Kenny Rogers Roasters as it lets diners experience savory and deliciously healthy food with the Chipotle Spicy Roast and Ribs, all set to make a comeback this January 2022!

It has been 15 years since Amorita Resort first opened its doors to guests, and the resort has nothing but gratitude to those who have been part of its journey. Located on a limestone cliff with an unforgettable view of Alona Beach and the Bohol Sea, the resort has since blossomed into a multi-awarded luxury resort and the No. 1 resort in Panglao Island in Bohol. A favorite of local and foreign tourists alike for its personalized service, It now boasts 98 luxurious rooms which include its sought-after picturesque Pool Villas. 

High-rollers and gaming aficionados have a new “millionaire’s playground” with the recent opening of the Hann Casino Resort, the country’s first integrated leisure complex, at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Make a Christmas wish come true for you and your loved one with the special Buy-1-Get-1 holiday promo of Better Bike, the local bike brand that combines quality riding and affordable pricing.

There is a lingering joke that the Lapu-Lapu, the Cebuano chieftain who first defied foreign incursion in the archipelago, is also the killer of the first recorded tourist—Ferdinand Magellan. With the yearlong national observance of the quincentennial of the epic Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation of the world, public spotlight has been focused on the historic Battle of Mactan.

October 2021….Seda Hotels won as “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” for the eighth consecutive year in the World Travel Awards Asia, in addition to Seda Residences Makati bagging an independent trophy for “Philippines’ Leading Serviced Apartments.” Seda Hotels was also honored with two awards from HRD Awards Asia—“Employer of Choice” and “Best Health and Wellness Program.”

Great news for all the foodies in the Metro East and its neighboring cities! You can safely and conveniently order awesome and deliciously healthy meals from Kenny Rogers Roasters (www.kennyrogersroasters.com.ph), as it opens its first drive-thru restaurant at L. Sumulong Memorial Circle in Antipolo City.

Big surprises come in small packages. Much like this adage, the unassuming town of Dauin in Negros Oriental is a small bundle of surprise even to jaded travelers.

WITH a land area of just above 33 sq  km, Dumaguete City is surprisingly packed with a bevy of activities for a consummate journey in one of the country’s safe havens in this time of pandemic.

THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is undergoing a major transformation of its health-care system as part of the government’s Vision 2030 program. The restructure is envisioned to be a comprehensive, effective and integrated health-care system that focuses on the wellbeing of the individual and society, including its citizens, residents and visitors.

AS Metro Manila undergoes another two-week quarantine, its fringes beckon lockdown-weary urbanites for even for a fleeting family getaway. The mountain resort city of Tagaytay and its neighboring towns are a logical choice because of its proximity and the new dining choices that open up every so often.

IN an effort to rebuild public’s trust and attract hotel guests who are worried about hygiene, social distancing, and safety at the top of their concerns, Hotel Sogo pioneered anti-Covid technologies based on research, and benchmarking from best practices around the world.

AS people drool over the return to normalcy that will make them finally free from any travel restriction, a new ecotourism destination—the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Center (MBCC)—is now on the rise in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

Mention Pampanga and mouth-watering food instantly comes into mind. It is dubbed the country’s “culinary capital” with its plethora of delectable dishes cooked with the old-fashioned flair handed down across generations. As a proof of its rich culinary heritage, each town has a unique specialty to showcase.

THE Rotary Club of Manila was recently awarded by the Rotary International for its projects. Governor Oddie Tarriela of Rotary International presented the awards to Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) Transformational President Robert “Bobby” Lim Joseph.

A tourism music video featuring Sarangani province’s top tourist attractions was recently awarded a special recognition at a prestigious international film festival in New York City.

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck last year, the WFH acronym or “work from home” became a byword for many office workers. But long before that, The Farm at San Benito has been advocating a different kind of WFH among workers stressed by the urban jungle’s daily grind—Wellness, Fitness and Healing.

To beach bums, this body of water is the “Boracay of Mindanao” no less with its sun, sea and sand almost whole year round. Host to the country’s biggest beach party held every summer, it was among Asia’s Top 50 Beaches in 2018 in the prestigious Australia-based Flight Network.

A road trip to the Southern Tagalog Region has been a favorite pastime since time immemorial not just due to its proximity to the metropolis, but more so because of its exciting and diverse attractions.

In anticipation of a robust economic recovery in the next few years, leading VisMin developer Cebu Landmasters unveils an iconic tower planned by the designers of the world’s most acclaimed skyscrapers, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) in tandem with one of the country’s top architects GF Partners and Architects.

WITH the mercury dropping in the metropolis in the next few weeks, there might be no need yet to escape to the traditional mountain resorts for a lazy bed weather. Down in Alabang, which boasts of lush greeneries and open spaces, you can bask in the cool breeze and get a feel of countryside living within the big city.

OUT of a crippling pandemic rose the Filipinos‘ realization that biking is better—for health, for the community, and for the environment. From the same crisis came a passion to help, and a bicycle brand dedicated to the democratization of mobility for Filipinos during these challenging times: Better Bike.

ROTARY Club of Manila (RCM) received from Rotary District 3810, the Over-all Platinum Champion for Club, while RCM Immediate Past President Jackie Rodriquez (center) was named the Over-all Platinum Champion for Club President for the year 2019 to 2020.

DREAMING of your next adventure? Agoda.com’s search data shows that people are hungry for travel whether they’re flying solo, as a couple, as a group, or with family. And Filipinos in particular, are keen to explore more domestic destinations once able to safely take trips again.

WHILE the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt the economy, wise businesses and investors are expectedly hedging their bets. The more agile companies have taken steps to adapt to the new normal, but the objective has been the same: of outlasting the pandemic.

2020 has been a landmark year for Filipinos for many sad reasons: In January, there was the Taal Volcano eruption. In March, the start of the community quarantine due to Covid-19. In November, the rampage of three typhoons (Quinta, Rolly, Ulysses) that left many homeless and without loved ones—and in the Christmas season, no less.

Much like the Oscar Award-winning 1962 classic on the American Wild West frontier, there’s a stirring story on how our own version of the West—Western Visayas that is—won its fight over the Covid-19 pandemic.

Guests can rediscover where the city comes alive with Shangri-La at the Fort’s Welcome Home, Shangri-La Staycation offer, which runs until 30th of December 2020.

With the easing of the quarantine classification in most parts of the country and the partial restart of the tourism industry, lockdown-weary Filipinos are looking to the most sought-after refuge—the beach. Months after summer slipped through our fingers, travel bugs aren’t giving up yet in the prospect of basking in an authentic beach escapade for our mental health.

“Forward! Remember that from these monuments yonder 40 centuries look down upon you,” Napoleon Bonaparte declared to his troops as they geared for the Battle of the Pyramids in July 1798.

Story & photos by Marky Ramone Go

Story & photos by Bernard L. Supetran

Story & photos by Marky Ramone Go

Story & photos by Marky Ramone Go

Story & photos by Bernard L. Supetran

WHEN Dae Sik Han forayed into property development at Clark Freeport Zone a few years back, he must have been inspired by World War II motto—“Who Dares Wins” of the British commando force Special Air Service which took on daring missions behind enemy lines.

Think of Samar. Little did you know that this province actually has a rich gastronomical heritage. Thanks to the provincial government in cooperation with the Samar Provincial Tourism Office, their initiative called the ”Secret Kitchens of Samar” will soon unveil this hidden culinary treasure to the delight of every Juan—literally and figuratively.

THE Queen City of the South remains a favorite among local and foreign tourists seeking for a complete vacation experience.

WHO is Angelo Comsti?  “The late, great Doreen Fernandez urged me to celebrate food and my proud Malolos, my city of birth. But when you’re 16, the wisdom of the food gods is wasted on the young since the only thing I wanted to do at that time was date. I missed out on empanada de kaliskis and the proud ensaymada culture of Malolos.”

THE Day of the Hearts might be over, but love is still in the air in the mountain resorts because of the cool climate that lingers the whole year round.

Regarded as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu City is one of the most prosperous cities in the Philippines with its thriving commerce and tourism industries. As the second-largest city in the country, Metro Cebu undeniably has a lot to offer any local or foreign tourist, from Instagrammable destinations and historic sites, shopping malls, gastronomic delights to hotels.

EMERALD Bay Resort and Casino is gearing up to open on time and on budget. Its developer LapuLapu Leisure Inc. is ensuring it keeps to this goal by maximizing the efficiency of its procurement function.

It’s that time of the year—February. While it’s historically been associated with love, this year, 2020 gave us the trifecta of “special situations” from the explosion of Taal Volcano to the novel coronavirus and, also, a slew of earthquakes and the “usual political turmoil.”

Story & photos by Bernard L. Supetran

SARANGANI has the unique distinction of being one of the country’s youngest provinces and, at the same time, one of the oldest. This Old World charm took center stage once more as it recently celebrated the 17th MunaTo Festival to mark the province’s 27th founding day.

ROMANTIC, sophisticated and rich with history—this is how most people would describe Europe, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

THE natural beauty of Seda Lio hotel’s location along Bacuit Bay in Northern Palawan along with the innate warmth of its staff, allow the 153-room resort to sell itself to honeymooners, families, celebrities, as well as the corporate groups that frequent the place, according to General Manager Brett Hickey.

MANILA’S iconic ultra-luxury integrated resort, Okada Manila, is gearing up for its most explosive entertainment lineup to date. Okada will hold its annual New Year’s Eve Countdown on December 31, titled “NYE Countdown 2020: New Year’s Eve Gold Rush.”

THE Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM) have done it again with their very successful 19th edition of the Grand Wine Experience (GWE), the country’s most prestigious annual wine event (ranked as one of Asia’s most important wine spectacles), held on November 15, at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel (its ninth consecutive year as host), Resorts World Manila. 

For many Filipinos, any mention of Palawan evokes a longing for an adventure to paradise. The promise of azure and emerald waters gently skirting beautiful limestone formations, pristine white-sand beaches, and the freedom to follow one’s feet, have beckoned travelers to the province’s shores for decades.

THE South is arguably among the most underrated getaways in the urban jungle called Metro Manila.

Since it opened in 2013, Chef Laudico Guevarra’s has been a preferred venue for events. The sprawling lawn and the 1920s heritage house have hosted various milestones—from birthdays, baptisms, and weddings to corporate parties and product launches. The 80-item buffet with classic and modern Filipino dishes by chefs Rolando “Lau” and Jac Laudico is worth a drive to San Juan City, some guests travel from as far as Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Batangas and Laguna for the dining experience.              

Story & Photos by Marky Ramone Go

IN addition to raising awareness for the global marine environment, this September’s International Coastal Cleanup Day at Lio Beach in El Nido, northern Palawan, has evolved into a full-scale celebration of its unique and biodiverse ecosystems.

WHEN the unpredictable weather this monsoon season gives you second thoughts on your travel plans, the tendency is to look inwards to the proverbial urban sanctuaries which can mimic an out of town weekend experience.

LAMLIFEW Village Museum, the country’s first community tribal museum and showcase of organic farming, recently won in the Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Project in Arts and Culture of the League of Corporate Foundations Guild Awards.

In my scant 43 years, I have had the privilege to travel to many foreign cities I only imagined as a kid growing up in Malolos (an equally beautiful and elegant city). I dreamed of astonishing architecture, exotic food and strange cultures.

AFTER President Duterte ordered its closure last year, Boracay has been reopened to the public.

PRIVACY in their own pocket of paradise and fresh guest experiences have put El Nido Resorts’ top-end property Pangulasian on the radar of luxury travelers worldwide.

Every time I see my good friend Rica Dakudao-Buenaflor, it’s always in the context of good food.

AUGUST, arguably, may not be an ideal time to go on travel because of the monsoon season and the proverbial “ghost month” superstition held by many.

Story & photos by Bernard L. Supetran

EL Nido, Palawan, is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, small and large lagoons, as well as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, which is a group of islands with steep cliffs, dive sites and fish-filled crystal-clear waters.

WITH the Philippines’s infinite coastline of powdery white sands, beach parties are common occurrence among fun-loving Filipinos.

Part Two

ONCE the capital of the First Philippine Republic, Angeles City teems with the unique blend of libertarian ideals, culinary tradition and a whole lot of fun. Just an hour north of the metropolis, this urban center at the heart of Pampanga hosted the pompous first anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence in 1899 presided by then-President Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

Story & photos by Marky Ramone Go

ACCOR’S luxury hotels in Asia Pacific have ended the perpetual quest for a perfect Father’s Day gift. Through its groundbreaking initiative called Man Caves, Accor presents a collection of distinctive sanctuaries designed with five paternal personalities in mind.

SINCE the opening of the country’s first-ever free port in 1992, Subic Bay has come full circle—being one of the top tourist spots. From an American naval base, it has evolved into a duty-free zone, weekend family hideaway, a business and tourism enclave, a convention place and a theme park, among its many reinventions.

AFTER years of balancing academics and extracurricular events, pulling all-nighters just to beat tight project deadlines and burning the midnight oil for exams, students are now counting the days to their graduation, the victorious end of school life and the beginning of yet another chapter and adventure.

Part One

ROOMS with intimate views of paradise that are also kind to the pocket are now offered by the recently launched 50-room Huni bed and breakfast hotel at Lio Tourism Estate. Globally acclaimed for its natural beauty, the Ayala Land community in El Nido has been master planned to remain ecologically sustainable for decades to come beginning with the design of its beachfront hotels.

Before you say “cheers!,” let me tell you at the outset that this feature isn’t advertising a well-loved American whiskey-flavored liquor. But just the same, you will surely offer a toast to this comforting southern getaway near the outskirts of the metropolis.

DUMAGUETE is known as “The City of Gentle People” due to the extraordinary warm hospitality and kind nature of its people, not to mention the genteel way of life despite being the capital and urban center of Negros Oriental.

HEALTHY coral reefs serve as home to a fascinating diversity of marine life. Having been declared a protected area since the ‘80s, Northern Palawan’s Bacuit Bay and its reefs teeming with coral, other marine habitats and over 800 fish species in addition to sea turtles and dugong offer among the most absorbing water experiences.