Microtel By Wyndham UP Technohub: The Face of "Next Generation" Microtel Hotels

This hotel exudes freshness anywhere you look that it felt as if it was just build last year. Its location greatly helped since it is literally within the confines of  U.P. North Science and Technology Park. That means the area is surrounded by old Acacia trees which makes you feel that you are not in the Metro. This area is actually leased to Ayala Land a few years ago which it developed into an Information Technology hub. Ayala did a pretty good job at preserving the acacia trees and keeping the buildings not taller than 8 storeys high so you feel more in nature than in the city.

I focused too much on this aspect because the surrounding area definitely set the tone on the overall feel of any hotel. Its triangular orientation with an open lawn in the middle gives the hotel another fresh dimension. The green grass on the lawn I immediately noticed upon entering the hotel door thanks to a minimalist two-storey lobby with floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

Add a warm smile at the reception, the quick check-in, hallways  dotted with modern paintings, access to room corridors secured by a key-operated door, a nice restaurant, two convention halls, rooms as newly designed as one can get, a rooftop pool, what more can you ask for from a 3-star hotel. A modern hotel that is still true to the Microtel experience. I call it the face of "next generation" Microtel Hotels.

About Microtel by Wyndham - UP Technohub

Microtel by Wyndham – UP Technohub has 120 guestrooms housed in a 6-storey block in the UP-Ayala Land Technohub’s commercial development along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, Philippines

TRAVEL ADVISORY: Stay Away from Apo Reef or Travel at Your Own Risk

I am sharing the experience ee had in Apo Reef last May so that reader will know. Yes, I was finally able to set foot on Apo Reef on 2nd attempt but it was also ruined thanks partly to the unaccommodating and unsympathetic local tourism office of Sablayan Occidental Mindoro to which Apo Reef is part of.

KNOW THIS: 

Due to recent DENR resolution, only 100 pax per day are allowed to camp in Apo Reef.

That's where the problem could start since the reef system is a popular tourist attraction. So if you don't secure your permit prior to arrival, you can only day tour here regardless if you traveled halfway around the world just to get here. We were a group of around 30 pax mostly from Manila and it took us something like 16 hours to get here so you can just imagine our frustration.

I am not passing all the blame on the local tourism office of Sablayan. Surely, outlr our group tour organizer and our local ( Sablayan resident) partner were mostly at fault but I feel that the tourism office should have been there to facilitate our tour but they made it harder for us instead. For that, I expressed my wrath during the call when they convened for an emergency meeting as a result of my incident report letter slash complaint.

TO THE LOCAL TOURISM OFFICE OF SABLAYAN
Thank you for almost ruining our vacation. Pero sablay kayo. You cannot stop happy peeps from having fun. But still you caused us inconvenience. This one is for you.

2 Awesome Places to Visit in 2017

People travel around the world for various reasons. Factors such as food, drink, beautiful beaches, weather, scenery, historical monuments among others contribute to one’s decision to travel. We have looked for some great places in the world for you to explore. Discover something new when you visit following places.

Devon, England

Devon is a small lovely country in the southwest of England. It has two beautiful coastlines with sandy beaches, two national parks and other beautiful areas with stunning views. There is so much to do when you visit Devon. It is popularly known for its amazing surf beaches.

Some of its eating places are award-winning and there are many outdoor activities to choose from. Get thrilled with seeing historical buildings which been around for centuries. Although they may not be as thrilling real online casino gaming. Enjoy a bubbly nightlife, foodie pubs, great restaurants, traditional tea rooms, there’s everything to suit everyone. Devon is also well known for its cream tea and Devon crab sandwich.

The Royal Citadel in Plymouth, Devon, England

Photo by: Adrian Pink

The skyline of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA / The Queen City

Photo by: jorge molina

MICROTEL By Wyndham Baguio: Unbeatable in the Mid-Range Hotel Category @MicrotelPh

This hotel doesn't need any introduction. Who doesn't know Microtel Baguio anyways? It is the 1st and last thing you see when you go to Baguio City, or maybe the 2nd to the last because it is next to Victory Liner main terminal which means you will never miss it. Yes, it doesn't need any introduction but it is worth the commendation for its important contribution to the mid-range category accommodation in Baguio City.

I have been dying to try Microtel Baguio for the longest time but it was always fully booked on my dates. My last attempt was December 31 last year as I spent New Year's eve in Baguio but failed again. I was forced to stay in another mid-range hotel which almost spoiled my vacation. Got lucky a few weeks ago. I decided to go to Baguio for a quick weekend fix and I finally got to stay in Microtel.

About Microtel Baguio
A 92-room inn that accentuates the irresistible charms of contemporary hotel living at the country’s cloud-kissed Summer Capital. Presenting a home-like enclave, this property lives up to its commitment of providing affordable accommodations that adhere to international standards of quality. Choose from rooms that come in Single, Double, and Suite-perfect for solo travelers to families on vacation. Microtel by Wyndham Baguio is part of the Microtel brand available in 13 locations in the Philippines.

Acropolis, QC | Baguio | Batangas | Boracay | Cabanatuan | Eagle Ridge, Cavite | Davao | General Santos |Mall of Asia | Palawan | South Forbes | Tarlac | UP Technohub, QC

Phone Number: +63 (74) 619 3333 to 34
+63 (74) 619 3342
Fax Number: +63 (74) 619 3344
Email: baguio@microtel.ph

Wow! Asian Street Food Festival at The Food Exchange Manila is just Wow!

For Novotel Manila Araneta Center to be able to gather eight (8) chefs from different countries in Asia-Pacific (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Japan, Korea, India and the Philippines) for a single food event is something. Not to mention, including Celebrity Chef Sau Del Rosario! I say "wow bongga!". That's how serious The Food Exchange at Novotel Manila is on its latest food event " Asian Street Food Festival" which runs from Aug 17 until Sept 3. For those of you who missed it this weekend, you still have more than a week to feast on the different flavors of Asia with lunch buffet as low as 1,299 php!

I frequent The Food Exchange Manila and it remains my favorite when it comes to buffet (great food, wide selection, chill interior, easily accessible and reasonably priced) but I thought nothing much will surprise me anymore. But, another but, I was really thrilled with the Asian Street Food selection. Just wow! Normally, I take time to take photos, and I did so last Wednesday when the event opened, but at the back of my mind I was like " I am doing this real quick! ". I couldn't wait to sample the dishes!

AMARI WATERGATE BANGKOK: Been Around for 2 Decades but Still on Top of the Game! #LuxuryInLongevity @AmariHotels

" If you have a 23- year old hotel with 569 guest rooms in a city flushed with new 5-star accommodations and have no problem getting it fully booked then you have things managed the right way. " - quoted from my review of the property on www.Tripadvisor.com


We only stayed in hostels the first time we traveled to Bangkok so this time I thought why not try a fancy accommodation for a change, after all, other than its amazing temples, gastronomic diversity, unique culture and vibrant night life, Bangkok is known for luxury travel and relaxation. Surely, there is something for everyone regardless the budget and I thought why not splurge for a day. It was day 1 of our 8-days trip and it started so good thanks to Amari Watergate Hotel.

ABOUT AMARI WATERGATE BANGKOK

http://www.amari.com/watergate/

Amari Watergate Bangkok is a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Bangkok just opposite Platinum shopping mall with the BTS Skytrain, MRT and Airport link close by. The hotel offers easy access to Pratunam Market, Central World, Siam Paragon, and MBK.

Location: Pratunam, Petchburi
Highlights: Breeze Spa, Executive Lounge
Transport: Makkasan Airport Link, Rajthevi BTS Station
Nearby: Central World, Siam Paragon, Erawan Shrine
Awards:TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2012), Lonely Planet Best Value Hotel (2012)

Hong Kong Disneylad: It's About Magic and Memories

Everyone I talked to in Hong Kong said Ocean Park is better than Disneyland if you are an adult because the former got more serious and thrilling rides while the latter they say is for kids. So I was like, " I wanna go to Ocean Park" but I was with a friend who's a Disney baby and who's dream is to go to a Disney Theme Park so I was like "ok Disneyland it is then".

I think that's normal. I had lots of trips where I never felt excited about until I was in the process. We got to Disneyland around 11:00 am. My friend suggested to go earlier but I thought I wouldn't have the energy to walk around from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm so I suggested to go a little later. And guess what, muntik nang bitin. And that was still 10 hrs wandering around the park but we hardly noticed the time.

I was not jumpy at first but what happened was a successive buildup of momentum. One show after another, one attraction after the next and I was slowly engulfed in the marvel that is Disney. Sure I grew up with Disney shows and animations but I thought I am not a die hard fan but I figured out that Disney has deeply touched me in many ways I never realized. One by one good memories resurfaced and I was completely immersed into it. Disneyland sure is not about crazy rides but it is about " magic and memories". To be a kid again, to rekindle to childhood dreams and fantasies. Disneyland is more about exciting your senses, it's about touching your heart and soul.

And after that fireworks finale when I was holding back the tears -- the music, the pyrotechnic, the laser show projected on Sleeping Beauty's Castle -- all the beautiful things unfolding in front of my eyes, I realized that I am a Disney baby after all. We all are.

Learn and Travel: Tips for Those Who Want to Participate in Educational Programs Abroad

You can both learn and travel if you put your mind to it

Who doesn’t love traveling? Moreover, who doesn’t love giving their traveling some true meaning? Wouldn’t it be great to see your next trip as a reason to collect some material for your paper writing or a possibility to improve writing skills while blogging — or, more importantly, a chance to both travel and continue your study? Did you know there are lots of educational programs that will make this dream of yours come true?

Of course, you’ll need to do some research first. What kind of program should you choose? Where will you get money for traveling? Here are some tips that may help you while you are trying to make a decision.


1. Don’t be afraid to start.

It’s always extremely hard to make that first step, especially when you step into a strange environment, where they most likely speak a different language. It will take time for you to adjust and start enjoying the quiet walks along unknown city streets, short conversations with locals or hitchhiking. There are lots of challenges out there, from walking in circles trying to find the right place to misunderstanding some rules and cultural specifics that can get you in some awkward situations. But think what great adventure this all would make! This will definitely give your blog posts an edge that will beat any professional writing.

2. Learn languages.

It’s quite understandable that the better you are at speaking a language, the easier it is to get around and talk to the locals. As a result, you get much more pleasure from traveling and from the educational program of your choice. Besides, it’s kind of pointless to enter into an educational program if you have no knowledge of the local language whatsoever.

3. Choose educational programs that really catch your fancy.

It just wouldn’t do to decide to enter a program, come to another country and… spend your time being bored. Would you really like to do tons of descriptive essay writing on topics you are not interested?

4. If you are not sure about the educational program’s quality or the level of competency of organizers, it’s better to choose something else.

Apo Island vs Apo Reef for Turtle-Spotting: Apo Island Wins!

Other than Siquijor, there is another BIG reason why one should go to Dumaguete ---- Apo Island. This Dumaguete- Siquijor- Apo Island trilogy makes the place a powerhouse destination.

And I couldn't forget the frustration of not seeing turtles during our Apo Reef / Pandan Island trip a few months before flying here that I thought there is no way I am gonna miss it this time. And I Apo Island didn't fail. If you want to have that epic shot with sea turtles this is where you should go. Many turtles feed on shallow water of the island at ikaw na magsasawa. I remember being on the water for only 30 minutes and I already had so many encounters with these turtles.

Take note, Apo Reef is different from Apo Island. The first ( although categorically an island) is part of a reef system off the West coast of Occidental Mindoro while the latter is a volcanic island off Oriental Mindoro.

If you are coming from Manila, I find Apo Island more accessible. An hour flight to Dumaguete, an hour bus ride South to Zamboanguinita and a 30-minute boat ride is all it takes. With Apo Reef, it took us 16 hrs via bus,ferry, van and boat. The waiting in between transpo factored in of course.

Visa-Free Countries to Visit for Philippines

The Philippines passport is not the strongest and we all have to accept that fact. But that doesn’t mean we cannot go out to travel the world. When travelling to other countries there a lot of pieces of puzzles that we have to solve such as where to book cheap flight online, new clothes to shop to blend in with the locals, things to bring and so on (by the way I found this site where you can check out out to find interesting deals and promo!). On the other hand, visa issues are one of them too. In this blog post I have a list of 5 visa-free countries that you can actually visit for every Philippines passport holder.

Indonesia
(Free Visa – 30 days)

Dubbed as a tourist heaven, Indonesia offers spectacular destinations for many. Indonesia will charm you with unique travel pleasures because this country has almost everything from leisure to shopping, history, culture and many more. Simply google top places to visit in Indonesia and you will find popular destinations such as Bali, Lombok, Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo and lots more.

Tips – book your stay at Agoda where you can get the possible cheapest hotel rate. Save more on your accommodation to spend more on your trip!

Malaysia
(Free Visa – 30 days)

Malaysia’s Truly Asia tourism campaign has struck visitors around the globe and good news to us is that this neighbor of ours is available for us to visit without visa. A diverse and multiracial country, this is the perfect place for you to visit where you can enjoy its harmonic atmosphere and it offers fantastic shopping experience as it has been voted as one of the top shopping districts in the world.

On top of that, Malaysia has quite a number of popular tourist destinations and attractions such as Langkawi Island, Tioman Island, national parks, Legoland in Johor and many more. These places can be accessed via vast means of transportation promising you a great trip to be taken.

Thailand
(Free Visa – 30 days)

Thailand lets you create the kind of trip you have always wanted as the country is comprises with bustling modern cities, tuk-tuks, historic temples tended by monks, lush landscapes, colourful handicrafts, ancient ruins and stunning beaches.