4 Historical Places to Visit in Manila

Despite booming businesses like restaurants and hotels in Metro Manila, the country’s capital remains classic with its timeless charm. Revisit the past with these 4 historical sites in Manila that you and your family will definitely enjoy.

1. Intramuros

A fortress of Filipino history, the walled city of Intramuros was initially the center of Spanish Colonial Government during the 16th century. It has also been populated by tourists due to its strategic location that is close to several accommodations like Citystate Hotel in Manila. Taking a stroll within its compound will surely take your breath away as it shows you a glimpse of Manila’s glory days.

2. Paco Park

Now known to many as one of the capital’s most charming places, this historic park in Manila used to be a cemetery for the elites and aristocrats during the Spanish regime. Spanning almost 4000 sqm, this area now hosts on-stage performances and other cultural displays.

3. Fort Santiago

This remains to be one of the rather famous spots within Intramuros because it housed many prisoners during the second World War, including the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal. It even contains a shrine that that contains some memorabilia of the said hero.

4. Rizal Park

More popular as Luneta Park, this historic landmark was where Jose Rizal was executed in the year 1896. It cradles a huge shrine of the hero as its main centerpiece. It also holds ground to the country’s tallest flag pole where a huge Philippine flag is hoisted.


These are just some of the culturally charged spots in the city. Make sure you check them out when you choose to stay at any hotel in Metro Manila.

Haplos ni Daragang Magayon and 4 More Things to Enjoy in Legazpi

You won’t run out of things to do in The City of Fun and Adventure. It’s just a matter of where to stay in Legazpi that would make the difference.


There are several tourist spots scattered all over the city, and choosing where to stay would be determinant of what sorts of activities are easily accessible. Whether you’re an adventure junkie looking for some energy packed activity, or just wanting to relax and escape the worries of the busy metropolis, Legazpi has a wide variety of things to do.


But whatever you decide to do, make sure you never miss any of these 5 activities below for a complete Bicol experience.

1. Sumlang Lake

You can’t say you’ve been to Legazpi if you haven’t had a good amount of time marveling at Mayon’s perfect cone shape. As the most popular tourist attraction in the city, you would want to have a good view of this stunning creation, and Sumlang Lake is the perfect spot for that.


Cradled near the foot of Mt. Mayon, this manmade lake gives you an unobstructed view of Legazpi’s major attractions. Take a bamboo raft ride towards the center of the lake and soak in all the beauty that Mayon has to offer. They also have paddleboards and kayaks for rent for those who want a more hands-on experience.

2. Mayon ATV

Can’t get enough of Mt. Mayon? We get the feeling. If staring at the scenic beauty of the volcano doesn’t do enough, get closer encounters with its perfection by going on an ATV adventure.



Considered as one of the must-do’s in every Legazpi city tour, this ATV tour gives you the adventure of your life. Learn the history of its nearby community by exploring Cagsawa Ruins and drive your way to the Mayon Lava Rocks which gives you a deeper glimpse of the aftermath of Mayon’s first eruption. Of course, don’t forget to breathe in the beautiful sights and scenery along the way.

3. Pasta Bicolandia

Let’s face it. We Filipinos love to eat. Food has been engraved as an integral part of our culture as evident to the numerous regional dishes that our provinces take pride in. Sure enough, Bicol has one of theirs, too.



Make sure to try Pasta Bicolandia which is a perfect explosion of goodness in your mouth. This dish is the result of the ingenious fusion of Italian flavors and Bicol’s well-loved spices that are surely a treat for one’s palate. Just imagine the perfect balance of creamy white pasta and a kick of chili. Drool-worthy, we know.

4. Embarcadero de Legazpi

A few meters away from the famous Legazpi Boulevard is Embarcadero de Legazpi. Ever since its establishment in the year 2009, it has been one of the go-to places of both tourists and locals alike.



One of the city’s most energetic and vibrant spots, Embarcadero de Legazpi gives you an opportunity to explore local shops and markets, or a variety of dining options. Plus, if you visit late in the afternoon, you also get to have a peek at the play of colors in the sky during the sunset at the boulevard.

5. Haplos ni Daragang Magayon

Daragang Magayon, which literally translates to “beautiful lady” has been believed to be the persona behind the majestic landscape. With the grandeur of Mayon dominating Albay’s landscape, it is expected for the locals of Bicol to believe in mystic things—and that includes otherworldly forms of healing.



Feel the healing touch of Mt. Mayon’s goddess through The Oriental Legazpi’s Haplos ni Daragang Magayon. Inspired by the traditional form of de-stressing we commonly know as hilot, this authentic massage is perfect to cap off the day of exploring the beauty of Legazpi.



These are but some of the many things you can choose to do and the options are near endless. Whatever you decide to explore, make sure you take them into consideration when you decide where to stay in Legazpi.

Dolphin Discovery in Isla Mujeres Gets AZA Accreditation

Dolphin Discovery in Isla Mujeres cemented its reputation as the top dolphin company in the world by snagging the accreditation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) of the United States. According to the AZA’s Independent Commission of Accreditation, Dolphin Discovery meets the “gold standards” of the organization.

“Only the best zoos and aquariums can meet the ‘gold standards’ imposed for AZA accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, the association’s director. He added that Dolphin Discovery is committed to “exemplary care and the welfare of animals” not only in their Isla Mujeres facility, but also in their twenty dolphinarium facilities in Mexico, the Caribbean and the U.S.

Dolphin Discovery went through meticulous standards to get this important accreditation. The facility had to pass the highest standards in several categories, which include animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety.

The AZA required zoos and aquariums to pass the strict accreditation process every five years in order to stay as members of the association.

Now there are more reasons to come to Isla Mujeres and experience swimming with dolphins, among many other activities. To make your stay in Isla Mujeres more enjoyable, you should stay at hotels and resorts that will ensure your comfort and convenience. For a truly chill and relaxing experience, stay at Rocamar Hotel Panoramico, located just 13 kilometers from the bustling town of Cancun.

At this Isla Mujeres hotel, you will feel the warmth of the glorious rays on your skin than while lounging in the comforts of their casually chic accommodations, with a refreshing cocktail in your hand and the gorgeous view of the ocean spread out before you.

It’s conveniently located in the downtown area of the island, a few minutes from all the restaurants, shops, bars, and the world famous North Beach.

A peaceful slumber amidst the cool breeze and the gentle crashing of the waves is what you’re going to get when you stay at one of Rocamar Hotel Panoramico’s casually chic rooms. They have rooms that have balconies that give you generous views of the majestic Caribbean waters. The minimalist design is easy on the eyes which will totally help in your relaxation.

Each room is equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini bar, safe, writing desk, and private toilet and bath.

Staying at the hotel means communing with nature without foregoing the creature comforts that can make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Enjoy the use of their strong internet connection, swimming pool, and parking. You can shake the stress away by getting a massage at the spa or chilling out at the swimming pool.

You can check out Rocamar Hotel Panoramico’s website for direct reservations. You can also visit their Facebook page for more details.

5 Alabang Restaurants for the Foodie Millennial

While most people from “the North” (Manila, Makati, Quezon City) hate commuting to “the South,” several cool places like The Bellevue Manila, Molito, and Alabang Town Center are sometimes reason enough for them to spend that extra toll fee.


Millennials are all about experience, and with the rise of themed restaurants and specialty food hubs around the metro, the South is not backing down without putting up a fight. Here’s a list of 5 restaurants that would definitely win the foodie millennial’s heart.


 1. Mr. Roboto


 “Let’s Volt in!” is probably what you’d be screaming once you get to this restaurant. Remember the good ol’ days and relive your childhood fantasies as one of the crews of Voltes V, Daimos, and even Mazinger Z.

Established by millennials who grew up with their parent’s 80’s music, you will surely have a trip down memory lane with their Japanese robot themed restaurant and awesome Japanese food.


2. Ramen Yushoken


We’re sure you’ve seen how decadent food is prepared in animes—steaming noodles with beef toppings, glowing as it is served and always presented in contrast to a shining background. Yes, I’m talking about the food our favorite anime characters love to devour—ramen.

If the Voltes V dream isn’t enough to quench your millennial trip, go down on some real goodness at Ramen Yushoken and see the realization of that anime food fantasy.



3. Exchange Alley Coffee House


Apart from restaurants, shopping centers, and hotels in Alabang, the South is also known for specialty coffee houses. And if there’s one thing we millennials are known for, it’s our love for adventure, photos, and caffeine (I might be stereotyping a bit here. LOL).

Expect nothing but a good dose of caffeine with their freshly roasted, ground, and brewed beans everyday. And not just that, they also serve meticulously cooked food that is sure to win your hearts and stomachs.


 4. Neil’s Kitchen


Millennials love collaboration—especially if it’s a collaboration of good flavors worked into an ingenious dish. Neil’s Kitchen is probably one of the most visited restaurants in Alabang with its genius take on Filipino food. Imagine a marriage of traditional Pinoy food and modern cuisine techniques, neatly served in a platter.

Sinigang Paella with Grilled Pork Belly and Bagoong Paella with Kare-kare are two of their most ordered dishes. Talk about putting a twist to your typical Pinoy fiesta staple food.


5. Vue Bar


Everybody loves a good party, especially if it comes with a 360 view of urban skyline. Vue Bar provides serves as a much needed breather from the heaving scenes of the city. Not only that, they also serve kikiam, fish balls, and chicken balls—all the street food we loved munching on during our high school recess.

The Vue Bar is located at the 22nd Floor of The Bellevue Manila’s Tower Wing. Check out their newly revamped website and you might even score deals with their latest promos.

How to Make the Most of a 24-hour Layover in Makati City

Let’s say you’re on a layover in Manila and you’ve booked a stay at The Mini Suites Eton Tower in Makati, what do you do with your extra time?

While layovers provide you an opportunity to squeeze in a short side-trip in big cities, you sometimes end up being swamped with a ton of options for activities. Here’s a short list to help you make sure you spend more of your time actually enjoying Makati, and not wasting it all on deciding where to go.

1. IMMERSE IN CULTURE

Hit two birds with one stone by paying a visit to Ayala Museum. Connected to shopping complexes, this well-curated museum not only brings you closer to the center of the city, but also to the heart of Filipino culture. It features an extensive display of Philippine contemporary art and pre-colonial archaeological artifacts that are sure to give you a substantial knowledge about the country and its history.

2. QUAINT COFFEE HUBS

There are a lot of themed restaurants and coffee shops around Metro Manila, but being in Makati, you don’t really have to go far. Shops such as Mudpie Haven, Habitual Coffe, and Caffe Bene offer quaint places to just relax in the middle of the bustling city. Their contemporary interiors and premium coffees are definitely a breath of fresh air from the typical Starbucks-type coffee shop.

3. POCKETS OF GREEN

While Makati looks highly urbanized with its towering skyscrapers and busy streets, it doesn’t forget your need for a dose of nature and greenery. Scattered around the Central Business District are parks that allow you to be in the heart of the city while doing away with the unwanted heat and pollution. One of the most famous parks, the Ayala Triangle, also doubles as an events place in Makati where free performances are sometimes available. It also provides food options with a variety of restaurants within the park’s vicinity.

4. AN ENERGETIC NIGHTLIFE

One of the things Makati is most known of is its vibrant scenes once the daylight retires. This city is peppered with a variety of options for a night out. Dine a-la Great Gatsby in the classy halls of The Penthouse 8747, or have a taste of Asian cuisine while partying at Buddha Bar. Really, the options are almost limitless. From clubs to pubs, laid-back jamming sessions to exhilarating parties, you will never run out of things to do in Makati at night.

5. RETIRE IN FULL COMFORT

There’s no better way to cap off the day than a restful sleep. Get fully energized before you take on another long flight to your final destination and book a room in one of Makati’s favorite accommodations. While many options are available around the area, among the top choices for travelers is The Mini Suites Eton Tower Makati. Returning guests rave about its rooms’ neatness and affordability. Check their newly launched website for promos and packages.

Get 35% Off For Rooms This Spring Break at Hotel Casa Maya

Spring break is upon us once again and what better way to spend it than enjoying the amazing beaches in Cancun?

Hotel Casa Maya makes it more enticing for you with their 35% Spring Value Discount. Book for their Studio and Ambassador rooms and get 35% off regular rates.

Aside from spacious and comfortable accommodations, you also get the following during your stay:

-Sumptuous buffet breakfast
-A bottle of wine
-Access to the tennis court
-Free Wi-Fi access and parking

To make your spring break vacation even better, the hotel also gives you 15% discount on spa services. You will definitely want a soothing massage after having some fun under the sun!

Travel period for this promo is from 10 March to 15 June 2018. Promo details may change without prior notice.

Looking for the perfect place to chill this Spring Break? Look no further than Hotel Casa Maya. Located at Boulevard Kukulcan, Hotel Casa Maya boasts of elegant and homey rooms with magnificent views of the Caribbean, making it one of the best places to stay when in Cancun.

Space and comfort are very much evident in our accommodations in Cancun, which are equipped with amenities such as cable TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, private toilet and bath, safe, dressing room, and hair dryer. Some of the rooms have kitchens and dining area.

The stunning view of the ocean and fine beach sand serve as perfect backdrop to enjoy the stellar service from our bilingual staff.

Enjoy the use of first class amenities including the swimming pool and jacuzzi, Beach Club for beach activities and water sports, and Lobby Bar for refreshing drinks and cocktails.

Hotel Casa Maya has several restaurants: Restaurante La Veranda for breakfast and international buffet; Las Brisas Restaurant for Mexican, international, and seafood dishes; Super Maya for delicatessen and coffee; and Coco Loco for appetizing drinks and snacks.

Hotel Casa Maya has several restaurants: Restaurante La Veranda for breakfast and international buffet; Las Brisas Restaurant for Mexican, international, and seafood dishes; Super Maya for delicatessen and coffee; and Coco Loco for appetizing drinks and snacks.

Restaurante La Veranda

Coco Loco

This hotel in Cancun is known for being a tropical haven for leisure and business travelers, thanks to its wonderful location.

Situated right by the beach in Cancun, Hotel Casa Maya is the perfect spot for those who want to be just a few steps away from the beach and also close to other places of interest in the area. This includes a shopping mall, gaming facility, golf course, and dining and night life options.

First time in Cancun? Check out these 5 travel tips so you can enjoy your getaway without worries.

Get the spring break experience you deserve. You can visit the hotel website for direct reservations and inquiries.

5 Things to Look For in a Family Resort

Mexico has lots of great resorts, especially in Cancun. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to choose where to stay. Now it depends on what you need – the needs of couple travelers are different from those who are looking for family fun.

If you’re looking for Cancun accommodations that can accommodate the space and activities for the whole family, here are the things that you should look for before booking.

Space

This is the primary requirement for family vacations, especially if there are kids in tow. A large group of adults is definitely more easier to manage in terms of space compared to families with kids. Children may not be as flexible to reason compared to adults. So you will need a hotel or resort that offers lots of leg room even with their most basic accommodations.

Security

It’s not just security for the kids but also for your belongings as well. You should choose a resort that has a security guard on duty at all times and has rooms that can be locked from the inside. Better yet, look for rooms that has safety deposit boxes.

Amenities and activities for everyone

Most adults are contented with lazing around the beach, but kids are a different story. A family resort should have play areas where parents can safely leave their kids. A kiddie pool is a must, unless it’s okay for you to hold your kid at all times while you take a dip in the adult pool.

Convenient features

Ramps or elevators will come in handy when you’re traveling with a baby stroller or elderly person.

Transportation options

A shuttle service that can pick you up from the airport or bus terminal is a blessing for those traveling with children and loads of luggage.

Affordability

A family vacation doesn’t come cheap so you need to look for accommodations that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. It’s important that everything you need is housed within the resort so you don’t need to go outside for additional amenities or activities. Also, look for hotels that are constantly releasing promos so you can enjoy big discounts.

When it comes to spacious and complete accommodations in Cancun for the whole family, Hotel Casa Maya is your best option. Located at Boulevard Kukulcan, Hotel Casa Maya boasts of elegant and homey rooms with magnificent views of the Caribbean, making it one of the best places to stay when in Cancun.

Space and comfort are very much evident in our accommodations in Cancun, which are equipped with amenities such as cable TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, private toilet and bath, safe, dressing room, and hair dryer. Some of the rooms have kitchens and dining area.

The stunning view of the ocean and fine beach sand serve as perfect backdrop to enjoy the stellar service from our bilingual staff. Enjoy the use of first class amenities including the swimming pool and jacuzzi, Beach Club for beach activities and water sports, and Lobby Bar for refreshing drinks and cocktails.

Hotel Casa Maya has several restaurants: Restaurante La Veranda for breakfast and international buffet; Las Brisas Restaurant for Mexican, international, and seafood dishes; Super Maya for delicatessen and coffee; and Coco Loco for appetizing drinks and snacks.

This hotel in Cancun is known for being a tropical haven for leisure and business travelers, thanks to its wonderful location. Situated right by the beach in Cancun, Hotel Casa Maya is the perfect spot for those who want to be just a few steps away from the beach and also close to other places of interest in the area like a shopping mall, gaming facility, golf course, and dining and night life options.

First time in Cancun? Check out these 5 travel tips so you can enjoy your getaway without worries.

Pay less for an extraordinary experience in Cancun. You can visit the hotel website for direct reservations and inquiries.