5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Intramuros (Manila, Philippines)

The historical Walled City of Intramuros is considered as one of the most favored tourist spots in Manila, Philippines. Visit this iconic place and explore a slew of interesting landmarks that define the city's culture and heritage.

Planning for a unique city adventure where you can enjoy a historical tour? Book an accommodation at The Bayleaf Intramuros and get ready for a fun and educational tour in one of the Philippine capital's top destination – the Walled City of Intramuros. Both local and foreign visitors regarded this as one of the most favorable places to visit in the metro. It is not surprising because it is home to an array of heritage sites that present an enriching experience. Among the top 5 tourist attractions in Intramuros are:

1. Fort Santiago
Considered as Intramuros' most popular tourist spot, Fort Santiago is a historic citadel built by the Spanish conquistadors. It was the former military headquarters of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi's troupe where Jose Rizal (Philippine national hero) was imprisoned before his execution. Fort Santiago features an iconic gate with a wooden relief of Santiago Matamoros, the patron saint of Spain. The fortress also houses the Rizal Shrine, a museum in one of the fort's barracks that presents his life and works.

2. Plaza de Roma
Plaza de Roma is known as the plaza mayor (main public square) in Intramuros. Situated at the heart of the Walled City, it is surrounded by 3 significant landmarks: the Palacio del Gobernador to the west, Casas Consistorales (Ayuntamiento de Manila) to the east, and Manila Cathedral to the south. The primary attraction in this place is the monument of King Carlos IV of Spain, which stands at the center of the plaza. Erected in 1824, this bust serves as a tribute for his noble act of sending the first set of smallpox vaccine to the Philippines.

3. Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral is an outstanding Roman Catholic basilica that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Built in 1581, this majestic edifice has been reconstructed several times. The eighth and most current Neo-Romanesque iteration of the cathedral was completed in 1958. For those who are interested with the church's history, a small exhibit is placed in one of the side chapels near the cathedral's entrance. This picturesque sanctuary, which serves as the highest seat of the country's archbishop, lies near Bayleaf Manila hotel.

4. San Agustin Church
Regarded as one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the country, San Agustin Church is famed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from its impressive interiors that reflect the traditional Spanish-Latin American architecture, this church also boasts its rich political influence. During the colonial times, it served as a fortress that has been subjected to attacks by local revolts. Today, it shelters a depository that exhibits sacred vessels, ecclesiastical robes, religious art and manuscripts, and other valuable cultural artifacts. In 1976, San Agustin Church was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government.

5. Casa Manila
Set across the historic San Agustin Church, Casa Manila is one of the grand houses built in Intramuros during the Spanish occupation. It epitomizes the house of an ilustrado (a rich Filipino) in the late 19th century. This 3-story abode is a replica of the house of a Binondo merchant named Don Severino Mendoza. Presenting an affluent blend of European and Chinese furniture and decor, this building stands today as a museum of the bygone era’s architecture and lifestyle. To complete your Walled City holiday tour, make sure to drop by at Casa Manila during your vacation at The Bayleaf Intramuros.

Travel tip: Check out The Bayleaf Hotel promos for more affordable stay.

Goodbye Bed Weather Blues

Staying indoors can be such a bummer during the days when the sun is no longer out. In order to avoid the whole cabin fever, we should know how to keep ourselves occupied by making use of our daily hobbies and other interests. These days, staying in hotels has become the current trend of having a vacation in the city. When you’re in Makati,accommodation of hotels is not that difficult to search. Here are lists of reasons why city hotels can make bonding more fun with your loved ones.

Don’t let the weather blues get to you when you can stay in places that can be seen as your second home. It could be for the weekend or a weekly stay in a hotel that is as cozy and modern as Asian Mansion II Hotel. One of the hotels with living rooms and bedrooms that resemble your very own haven in the city.

Make use of the room kitchen facilities of the hotel where you can make your own meal instead of walking out and spending a lot on fine dining. Most hotels are mostly located near convenient stores and supermarkets so if ever you need the proper ingredients, you can always step out and take a few steps away to go to one. So go on and show off those cooking skills!

City hotels are normally located near commercial and business districts. If your hotel is close to a mall, take the opportunity to bring loved ones for a blockbuster movie or a shopping spree in some of the trendiest stores. It will be fun and it will definitely get you out! Wouldn’t it be nice to feel like you’re living near all the fun events?

So why not have a staycation in the city? You don’t have to go far for an out of town trip or spend much on a fancy place. If you’re looking for a hotel near Ayala Avenue, Asian Mansion II Hotel would be an ideal place to stay in for a quick city escape. All you have to do is visit their website at http://www.asianmansion-makati.com for guaranteed room reservations with affordable rates. 

The Hidden Gems of Legaspi Village in Makati City, Philippines

When someone mentions the word Makati, several images come to mind: towering skyscrapers and office buildings, busy men and women in corporate attire rushing past, hopeful job applicants clutching several copies of their resume. Everyone is in a hurry to get to the next meeting or close the next business deal, and the city is all abuzz with frenetic capitalist activity.

However, just a couple of turns from Paseo de Roxas will land you in a place so different you’ll think you’ve left Makati. This area is called Legaspi Village, the chill, homey cousin of the Ayala CBD. The buildings are shorter, the people not as harried, and the overall vibe more relaxed. You’re more likely to find employees in casual clothes, walking leisurely in groups as they decide where to have their next meal or which café to meet in.

here are several hidden gems in Legaspi Village that you must visit if you happen to be in the area.

The Curator. Coffee shops are by-and-large a staple of the Makati working class zombie, but we have yet to see a fresher variation than the Curator. It’s easy to pass this one by but play close attention to the white walls and you’ll know you’re in the right place. The Curator serves excellent coffee staples and frequently displays other coffee brands, such as % Arabica. Further inside, guests will find a speakeasy hidden behind an unassuming door. Have a chill night drinking with friends and enjoy the various cocktails for sale.

Little Tokyo. You don’t have to book a plane ticket to Japan just to savor authentic oriental food. Venture out to Little Tokyo, a hub of small restaurants and stalls serving Japanese cuisine. Taste everything from delicious yakisoba noodles to crunchy takoyaki pieces, all at affordable prices.

Legaspi Sunday Market. Open only on Sundays (obviously), the Legaspi Sunday Market is composed of numerous stalls catering to different taste buds. Keep it healthy and shop for organic vegetables or go loco over artisanal vegan ice cream, mushroom fries, and delicious Hainanese chicken rice.

Accommodation Makati. If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider BSA Mansion Hotel. This Makati hotel is also in the Legaspi area, located near the spots mentioned above. A city hotel catering to both business and leisure travelers, BSA is a solid and affordable option whether you’re staying for the long- or short-term. Enjoy various facilities such as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and airport transfers when you book a stay with BSA Mansion Hotel on their website: http://www.bsamansion-makati.com.

What To Be Mindful For When Taking The MRT Station

Taking the subway in the city is one of the most convenient transportations in our daily commute. It’s not only fast, but affordable and friendly to our travel budget. It leads us to opportunities to build our social network, especially when you want to go to places like Seda Vertis North Hotel Quezon City, Manila. Philippines hold plenty of surprises and new landmarks to see when you get around the city for the first time. Just be cautious of the time and know that even taking a faster transportation, getting to where you want to go also might take a little longer.

When taking the subway, there are definitely some pros and cons to it but what’s more important is how we act to our surroundings when riding it. Here are three things on what to look out for when riding the train without being stressed.

1. Before stepping into the train, let the people inside out first! Sometimes people tend to forget this and it’s probably because they’re in a hurry or they just want to get inside without missing the train. Let’s be sensible here, let them out first so that you can easily get in. 
2. Prioritize the elders and the ones carrying with child. It’s not always easy or comfortable for them when riding in a fast-paced type of transportation. It shows common courtesy of the community plus an extra little work out for you while standing up and giving you a sense of balance when riding the moving train.

3. When you’re having a conversation with another person on the train, let’s be mindful in our voice volume and the topics you discuss. No one wants to hear a bunch of rowdy people or hearing anything that others might misunderstand.

The good thing about the subway here is that when you get off the last station, prestigious buildings like Seda Vertis North Hotel will only be a few steps away. So if ever you’re located in the North area of Manila, plan a city staycation and check-in the nearest hotel in Quezon City near Trinoma Mall. Not only you will get the complete hotel amenities and room accommodation, you’ll be near some of the significant places where you can dine-in and shop with your loved ones.

For easy online reservations and guaranteed room rates, book directly through their main website at http://www.sedahotels.com/vertis/

Dining Promos Are More Fun At This Hotel

With the weather we’ve been having lately, there’s no reason to do nothing indoors and sleep all day.

Take care of your well-being by enjoying a decent meal, planning a city staycation with loved ones, or hitting the gym when it’s not suitable to exercise outside. You can do all that in the comforts of your own home or some other place near your residence. What if you can do that in a hotel that’s located in the heart of Old Manila and close to one of the most beautiful bays in the city? Now here’s a treat for you.

What’s even better is having a simple city getaway by checking-in to a classic accommodation like Citystate Tower Hotel Ermita, Manila for every special occasion. At least everything you need is all in one place and super friendly to your budget. You’ll not only enjoy the comforts of their pleasant room accommodation but you can also go out and about in some of their significant places nearby.

In this particular season in the Philippines, most hotels would have affordable room rates that will entitle you complete access to all facilities, hotel amenities and other enjoyable perks. Having sumptuous meals and other delicious dishes served to you, it brings everyone you love together and much closer than before. So instead of spending more in other dining areas outside of the hotel, you can simply stay-in and take advantage of their exquisite dishes or buffet in the hotel’s fine restaurant.

If you want to have a food trip with family and friends at Citystate Tower Hotel, you can avail one of their dining promo packages found in their main website. For an overnight stay in their Standard Rooms, check out the Unwind and Dine Promo that has a starting rate of PHP 2,500 a night inclusive of complimentary treats at the restaurant, discounts, and many more perks you can enjoy. You can always work out after in their available hotel facilities.

If you want to know more about the promo’s booking dates and other affordable room rates, visit the promos section of their website and book directly for guaranteed online rates at Citystate Tower Hotel Malate, Manila. For more information, click on http://www.citystatetowerhotel.com.ph/

Road Stops That Are Worth Stopping For

What’s more fun than going on a road trip with your best pals and loved ones? These days, we always have the urge to go somewhere new and exciting. As we live through the new digital age, we always look forward to post something and share an experience with others.

When you want a break away from the city life, you can always go to a place by the lake or mountains to clear your head and do fun outdoor activities. One of the best places to share memories and post Instagram-worthy photos would be one of the popular lakes in the Philippines. One of those places would be Forbes Suites by Caliraya Resort. Laguna is the area where they are mainly located at but to find the complete address details, you can always visit their main website. A road trip is also nothing without a few road stops along the way.

Old Landmark Buildings – Get to know some of the historical parts of Philippines’ provinces and spot some of the old houses that resembled Spanish houses. If you have the time, take a stretch from all that driving or sitting and get some fresh air by visiting some old parks and churches.

Local Food Trips – You’re a Filipino if you love to eat! Since we are known to have a sweet tooth, it’s always great to bring home some delicacies during your trip. There should be some souvenir stores along the way where you can find tasty Filipino snacks and treats.

Nature Scenery Appreciation – Wouldn’t it be nice to live in an area where there are not that many car noises, traffic, or pollution? Before hitting back to the city life, take the time to appreciate some of our country’s finest rice fields and spectacular mountain views. It’s not every day we get to see such a view.

Sometimes it’s not always the destination but the journey as well. So if ever you are driving by your favorite places, a room accommodation at this kind of resort will always be waiting for you to stay an overnight or more. For guaranteed online rates and quick room reservations at the Forbes Suites by Caliraya Resort in Laguna, book directly through our website at http://www.forbescaliraya.com. Rain or shine, this resort knows how to combine fun and leisure come together. 

5 Things to Do in Makati City, Philippines

Makati is widely known as one of the Philippines’ busiest business districts, being home to some of the country’s largest corporations, organizations, and government offices. However, not much is known about Makati aside from that. Deepen your knowledge and find out new things you can do in one of Manila’s main CBDs.

Appreciate art. If you’re craving for creativity and culture, visit the many museums dotting Makati’s landscape. For starters, there’s the Ayala Museum, which houses works of abstract painter Fernando Zobel as well as a collection of archaeological gold artifacts. The Yuchengco Museum also displays collections by renowned Filipino painters Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Botong Francisco.

Go on a food trip. A host of cool and interesting restaurants in the metro call Makati their home. Check out Rambla, a cozy restaurant serving authentic Spanish-Mediterranean food, or Your Local which serves Southeast Asian cuisine with a millennial twist. Or if you’re not sure where to go, head to Legaspi Village and pick from one of their many food establishments.

Visit unique bars. Explore Makati’s vibrant nightlife by going bar-hopping. For a chill night out, Finders Keepers is a non-smoking bar for intimate catch-ups with your friends or a date with your significant other. For those who prefer more of a party vibe, Z Hostel Roofdeck in Poblacion is an up-and-coming rooftop bar where you can wear RFID bracelets to make your transactions cashless and hassle-free.

Visit the first urban skate park. The skating scene in the Philippines is most alive in the Bonifacio Global City further south, but Makati is home to the Philippines’ first and only city concrete skate park, Mountain Dew Skate Park. This park is split into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and expert. Take a stab at skating yourself or watching amazing talents show off their mad skills.

Have a luxurious stay in a hotel. After touring the city and discovering its hidden spots, what better way to end the day than having a place you can call home? For a great night’s stay, check out Makati hotels in Manila. The Prince Plaza II Hotel in Makati offers warm accommodation and a comfy atmosphere where you can relax. Fully-equipped with facilities such as a gym, a pool, and even a beauty parlor, Prince Plaza II Hotel is the perfect place to stay when you are in Makati.

This 15% Hotel Discount is Available Only Until End of September

If you’re still waiting for the right time to go to the beach, you might miss out on all the discounts and promos that are being offered by beach resorts. One such offer is Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort’s Limited 15% Discount promo!

Available only until September 30, 2017, Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort wants you to save big on your beach trip to Penang, Malaysia. It comes with:

Buffet breakfast
Free Wi-Fi Internet access
Free access to the Fitness centre
Complimentary bottled water and newspaper

Just book the Limited 15% Discount directly on the Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort website to take advantage of all that it offers. You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the beach from the balcony of your room, and wake up to the sound of the waves. Then, when the sun is completely up and you’re feeling the heat, you can take a dip either at the resort swimming pool or at the beach.

You can also choose to engage in sports with your travel buddies since there is a tennis court, volleyball court, a gym, and even a water sports centre. There is no shortage of activities you can enjoy when you stay at Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort. So don’t delay that beach trip you’re planning, book the Limited 15% Discount promo at the website now!

*Promo details and policies may change without prior notice, but published information at the time of booking will still be honored.

These 5 Reasons Will Make You Want to Visit Manila

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, and aptly so. Here is a city where the old seamlessly blends in with the new, where history and the present live side by side. Cars race down a busy highway, while horse-drawn kalesas amble slowly on the other side of the road. Intramuros, the Walled City, stands proud and tall while nearby, modern establishments like SM City Manila greet travelers with their stony facades.

With one visit to Manila, you might think you’ve seen everything there is to see in the city. However, there are some interesting reasons you might want to go back to the Pearl of the Orient.

1. Saturday X Future Market: Escolta was once known as the shopping haven of Manila. To revive this reputation, a collective called 98B set up a monthly artists’ assembly called Saturday X Future Market. Up and coming artists sell their artworks, zines, clothes, and stickers in the First United Building. Most market-goers are of the hip and artsy type but even if you’re not one of them, don’t worry – with the sheer number of items on sale, you won’t run out of things to check out and buy.
2. Admire the architecture of the Capitol Theatre: The Capitol Theatre is one of the biggest theatres in Metro Manila. Designed by National Artist Juan Nakpil, its exterior and interiors are something to behold. There are carvings of the Muses of Tragedy and Comedy made by Francesco Riccardo Monti, and the top of the building is modeled after a ziggurat in the art deco style.
3. Bambike around Manila: One of the old houses in Intramuros is called Casa Manila. On the ground floor is the small shop of Bambike Ecotours, a socio-ecological enterprise that creates bikes out of bamboo. For only PHP 200 an hour, you can rent one of their cool bikes and go zipping through Manila’s highways. Alternatively, you can go on one of their guided tours, starting at PHP 800 per package.
4. Organize a picnic at the Chinese Garden: Luneta Park is a sprawling field all in itself, but within it is a small piece of land called the Chinese Garden. Built to promote friendship between the Philippines and China, the Garden features red and white lanterns strung along overhead, small buildings with a temple-like structure, and a lagoon where you can rest and meditate.
5. Visit the National Museum: Of course, you cannot leave any city without visiting its main museum, especially when the entrance is free for everybody. The National Museum is home to some of our best local artists’ obra maestras such as Spoliarium by Juan Luna and Guillermo E. Tolentino’s towering sculptures. There are so many works of art on display that you simply cannot finish the whole museum in one day. Plot at least two days to fully explore everything.

After touring Manila’s hidden gems, you must rest in a quiet place and find yourself a hotel in Ermita, Manila. Cherry Blossoms Hotel is one such option, being a good choice due to its proximity to most of Manila’s major tourist destinations. This hotel Manila serves comfort and convenience at affordable rates, so check them out any time you’re in town for a visit.

For a Rainy Day Stay, Turn to These Beneficial Facilities For Your Well-Being

Just in time to prepare for a stressful weather with umbrellas and rain coats, there’s always something to do that involves taking care of your well-being. For the health conscious and the health buffs, don’t fret when a gloomy weather starts to interfere your daily plans. All you have to do is check-in to a hip and trendy Makati accommodation like The A. Venue Hotel. You’ll definitely find things to do that won’t affect your daily workout or pamper routine during a rainy season. Here’s a list of the hotel facilities you can take advantage of while you’re there.

Massage Spa – Take away the tension by giving yourself a treatment that will relax your muscles and the mind. Without stepping out of the hotel, you can avail one of their special services that will take away all your stress. Located inside the building, your pamper haven is only a few steps away.

Fitness Gym – With two different gym areas in this hotel, you can burn off those calories and tone your body with their available equipment. It’s got a great view and provides all the things you need to keep yourself fit. Don’t forget to do some stretching before hitting the treadmill or lifting some weights.

Swimming Pool – All located on one floor, one of the best features of the hotel are the four different pools. So take the opportunity to unwind or do some laps while you’re there. Rain or shine, you can even swim in the pools where it’s covered or not.

Nearby Supermarket – No need to spend much on fancy restaurants or going far from the hotel. With only a few steps away, you can buy ingredients and other snacks that you can create in your very own room kitchenette. It’s affordable and healthier!

So don’t let the rain get to you if you’re about to do your usual routine. If ever you’re looking for a quick escape within the city, stay in this hotel. Makati City has so much to offer when you’re in a place like The A.Venue Hotel. For easy bookings and guaranteed affordable room rates, book directly through their website at http://www.avenuehotel.com.ph.

Top 3 reasons to choose HQ BURGOS as your home in Makati City

Besides hotels, a good choice for accommodation when visiting Metro Manila is what you call serviced residences. Makati City has a number of such options, being a prime business district where many offices and corporations are based. These serviced residences make for an ideal place to stay for employees who live in far-off places or transients who need to do business in the city.

One of the serviced residences in Makati is HQ Burgos, located at the corner of P. Burgos and San Agustin Streets in Poblacion. This accommodation makes for a great option when in Makati, mainly for 3 reasons:

1. Practicality

Compared to hotels in the area, the rooms at HQ Burgos Makati seem spartan. But that doesn’t mean they lack the necessities that one needs for a comfortable stay. All rooms are air-conditioned, and have the practical features of a home. These include a private toilet with hot and cold shower, dining area with tableware and glassware, kitchen with mini-refrigerator, a microwave oven, coffee and tea maker, and Iron and ironing board. HQ Burgos provides all these — truly something beneficial especially for long-staying guests.

Moreover, rooms are also telephone-ready and have Wi-Fi access, enabling work and connectivity while staying in this condotel.

2. Location

Another plus point is the location of this condotel. Makati is the central business district of Metro Manila and many offices, multinational companies, embassies, and call centers make the city their base of operations. HQ Burgos is situated less than 20 minutes of the CBD, which means those making this accommodation their home can access their workplaces or corporate destinations with much ease. It’s also 30 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, so those stopping by to do business in the city can stay here.

Moreover, HQ Burgos’ location in Poblacion puts guests near the many restaurants, bars, and leisure spots this side of Makati. Rockwell Center and Circuit Makati are around 10 minutes from the condotel, while Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Landmark are just 20 minutes away.

3. Price

For a condotel in the Makati area, you’d think that HQ Burgos would have a mid to high price tag. But the fact is that this accommodation is one of the most affordable in the city. In fact, you only spend around Php 2,500 per night, much less than a rent at a Makati City apartment. It’s truly a great accommodation alternative for long stays. What’s more, if you book through its website, you get a better deal for your stay! You save up on lodging expenses so you can do and enjoy more of Makati.

These are the 3 main reasons why you should opt for HQ Burgos Serviced Residences, Makati City’s affordable and comfortable choice of lodging. Log on to https://www.hqburgos.com.ph to reserve your room.