turista trails

E A S T W O O D

D I N I N G

Food is always a fascinating introduction to one's discovery of a place. Even if you're yet to visit a city in another country, it's already possible for you to have a whiff of its cuisine from a simple dish that represents it. Such is the case with my preconceived notions of Vietnam. As a Filipino who hasn't stepped foot in any of its cities and towns, I only have a glimpse of what its native dishes taste like with previous visits to Vietnamese-oriented restaurants in the Philippines. And, one dining spot in Quezon City that just opened this July fortunately offered me the chance to sample authentic street food from the S-shaped country without leaving Manila. Called Annam Noodle Bar, it's easily the best place to have orders of rice flour noodles (Pho), toasted baguettes (Banh Mi), oriental rolls and more.

Annam Noodle Bar is a delicious spawn of Singapore and Jakarta's Namnam Noodle Bar which its owner and Director, Chef Nam, founded in 2012. Friends who have dined at the latter already mused to me about the modern twist rendered in its old Vietnam dining interiors via the mix of industrial elements and communal tables. As part of the core concept, the same aesthetic can be had at Annam Noodle Bar in Eastwood, Libis, where a pulsating market scene is redone with a splash of gloss. There, everything's vibrant and truly iconic of the country.

Hanoi Pho Australian Wagyu Beef Slices

Vietnamese Coffee

Hoisin Sauce exclusively available at Annam Noodle Bar

No MSG Advocacy

What foodies can find comfort in knowing about this newly-opened restaurant is its advocacy for healthy ingredients. More than 90% -- 95% to be exact -- of its menu does not contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) which is something that's commonly used in other establishments to enhance the flavor in food. This means that dishes served at Annam are likely to be enriching rather than damaging to one's system. This is because MSG is known to cause muscle numbness, tightness, fatigue and flushing in sensitive tummies. Constant exposure to it even puts those who seem to have no problem with food in a threshold of sensitivity.

Hanoi Pho Silky!

My order of one of its Hanoi Pho options, a hefty bowl of Australian wagyu beef slices and silky rice noodles, proved to be just the right fix for a rainy night during my visit. Served medium rare, the beef was tender and tasted terrific with a dab of the restaurant's very own hoisin sauce, making it go down sweet and salty. For those who love anything spiced up, every table at the restaurant also has a chilli sauce which is exclusively produced for the brand.

Banh Mi Caramelised 5-Spice Pork Belly

Hanoi Pho Australian Wagyu Beef Slices

Banh Mi Fix

In stark contrast to the intense and filling broth of the noodle bowl, the restaurant's Banh Mi or toasted baguette was crisp and light. The savoury option I had was the Caramelised 5-Spice Pork Belly which was also stuffed with mayonnaise, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber and fresh cilantro. Since I have a minor aversion to spicy food, I had the hot chilli peppers removed upon ordering. Having the whole shebang sliced in half allowed me to see how the holes in the crumb appeared uneven, an indication of a good baguette!

Fresh Southern Rolls

Crispy Imperial Rolls

Mekong Fresh Young Coconut

Oriental Roll Indulgence and More

I also enjoyed Small Plates of the Crispy Imperial Rolls and the Fresh Southern Rolls which is a soft bundle of prawn, pork and fresh herbs that tasted divine with the creamy peanut sauce.

For a tropical complement to all my orders, I had a refreshing order of the fancy Mekong Fresh Young Coconut to drink all throughout the meal. I capped my dinner with a cup of the restaurant's strong Vietnamese Coffee which made use of blended coffee beans (medium dark roast) that underwent a wet processing method to bring out their clarity in nutty taste.

My overall dining experience at Annam Noodle Bar promised me of what it's like to be in Vietnam, authentic dishes and all. That is, if I'll ever get the chance to visit the country soon!

Annam Noodle Bar

Official Website of Namnam Noodle Bar
Official Website of Annam Noodle Bar

Address: Unit 1880-4 Ground Floor, 1880 Building, Eastwood Avenue, Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City, Philippines 1110
Hours of Operation: (Monday-Sunday) 10:00am - 11:00pm
Email: eat@annamnoodlebar.com.ph

More Photos Below:

F L A V O R F U L

F U S I O N

What's one to expect when dining in a Mexican-Italian restaurant in Baguio City? It's probably the last thing you'll look for in the city of pines because there isn't any of its kind -- at least in the most authentic way -- until the recent opening of Masa Mexitalian Grub. Located at the busy village of Trancoville, the restaurant doesn't really stand out in the cascading layers of homes and commercial buildings because it's where most migrants are known to have settled in the city. Anything new is never exotic here. It's simply interesting.

For my revisit of Baguio, I tagged along a friend to this tourist-thronged part of Benguet for a chance at a memorable meal of Mexitalian treats. At a refurbished residence that used to house transients in the area, Chef Geo stepped out of his kitchen to welcome me and my travel companion one weekday afternoon for late lunch. It was just a couple of hours after our six-hour bus trip and check-in at the relatively new lodging called Baguio GM Apartel. The 30-year old guy didn't strike me as the typical chef who seems to be literally stuck in his area of expertise. He's lean and looks to be physically active in his free time. He also owns the place which he shares with his sister who operates the popular Singaporean-Malaysian rice meal restaurant called Hawker in the same nook.

Prawn Feta

Beef Ribs

Artichoke Pizza (6-inch Solo)

7-Month Old Baby

After a stint abroad and with a chance to start his own restaurant in the Philippines, he realised that Mexican and Italian dishes have become a part of the Filipino diet so much so that some even have them both in a day. Since he grew up in Baguio City, he decided to come home and open Masa Mexitalian Grub which he envisions to have outlets elsewhere soon.

Affordable Beef Ribs

We started our meal the hefty way with an order of the Beef Ribs. It's got a zesty salad for siding anyway which I forked as appetizer. Customers can order it with rice but we had ours with fries because I needed the garlicky taste of its aioli dip to contrast the smokiness of the fall-off-the-bone beef. For only P250, it's basically a steal because it's great for sharing.

3-Meat Pizza (6-inch Solo)

Prawn Feta Surprise

I decided to segue my palate to something light but equally flavorful -- Masa's version of Prawn Feta. This pasta started off as nondescript basically because my palate was previously overwhelmed with the flavors of the rib sauce, the vinaigrette, and the dip. It was when I tasted the shrimp along with the mild and creamy feta cheese that I got some balance back in my tongue.

Pizza Feast

To cap our visit, we proceeded to have a slice of each of the four pizza flavors we ordered -- Pistachio, Proteinata, 3-Meat and Artichoke. Since we can only handle enough servings for the meal, we decided to order the first two flavors in 12-inch format and the other two in half the size (6-Inch Solo) which is popular with students in the area.

Pistachio Pizza (12-inch)

Before he returned to the kitchen to prepare our meal, Chef Geo mentioned that he's particular with how his pizza dough should taste like. Since he managed to work for a short time in Italy, he wants to capture that essence of the country's cuisine in his roster of pizza flavors. Having tasted at least four of them that afternoon, I suddenly recalled my first restaurant review in college which I did at an Italian restaurant in Makati City for a weekly women's magazine. The typical Fiorentina, Veneziana, and Napoletana pizza dough is known to be light and chewy all over and crispy on the underside which is exactly how Masa's own pizza crust tasted like.

Beef Ribs

Must-Orders: Pistachio and Artichoke

As for the flavors, the Pistachio and Artichoke pizzas were clearly memorable to me for being versatile in taste. The remarkable pesto in the Pistachio Pizza stood out for me as the grated pistachio, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella made the resulting taste creamy. As for the Artichoke Pizza, its main vegetable ingredient -- the artichoke -- looked intimidating at the onset, but it definitely didn't impose any annoying exotic taste that you won't have lingering in your palate because it basically enhances the taste of the other ingredients it's prepared with. In this case, it complemented the spinach, which can taste bitter on its own, and the other stuff that the flavor's made up of -- capsicum, onions, and mozzarella.

More Pizza Flavors To Order

For pizza lovers who are after a power-topped crust that's rich in protein, I highly recommend Masa's Proteinata which is loaded with sausage, smoked bacon, potatoes, egg, and mozzarella.

As for meat lovers, the restaurant's 3-Meat Pizza is always an attractive choice because of its mix of sausage, pepperoni, bacon and mozzarella which just tastes meaty all over.

Proteinata Pizza (12-inch)

Private Parties

If you have a celebration coming up in Baguio City, Masa accepts catering services and reservations for private functions and parties. The restaurant customizes menu packages for those who want more of what's being offered, so just let them know if you'd like to go off the menu.

Masa Mexitalian Grub is a charming fusion restaurant that offers something new and interesting in a laid-back setting in Baguio. Come and visit soon!

Masa Mexitalian Grub

Address: DC Lane, 65 Alfonso Tabora, Trancoville, Baguio City, Philippines
Mobile: 0917-473-9169

Hot Chocolate

Cheese Burger

T A S T Y

N O R T H

My recent revisit of Baguio City allowed me to absorb its quiddity on a laid-back schedule. Unlike previous vacations, I didn't rush. I didn't dash through souvenir shops like I normally do. Rain might have interrupted my chances at a stroll of Camp John Hay but it was alright. I was blissfully on reset mode. Having a whiff of the pine tree-filled scenery in my scruffy clothes at my booked guestroom at Baguio GM Apartel was a throwback to my childhood summers in the city. Most of all, I had the chance to linger the whole afternoon at my new favorite coffee shop in the area -- The Coffee Library (TCL)! It's where everything on the menu seems to be thoughtfully prepared and has the adventurous taste buds of caffeine aficionados always delicately considered.

Operated by Baguio-native and professor Stephen Zarate, The Coffee Library is less than a year old only and yet it has captured the attention, time, and money of many residents and tourists in the city when it comes to interesting brew options and reliable snacks that complement them. His brother, Ken, also happens to be the store's chef, making the whole operation an endearing family thing.

Check out my first visit of The Coffee Libraryhere.

Kapangan Coffee

Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Tasting Kapangan Coffee

Since I had more time to spend at the cafe on this revisit, I got to sample more treats. I started my afternoon snack with a cup of TCL's Kapangan Coffee, Benguet's version of the Barako Coffee. Because I missed out on having one the last time I visited the city due to shortage in supply, I made sure I sampled it first. It's a must to try it in two ways -- with milk and without milk -- just so you can tell how similar it tastes to the Batangas brew. Served in a press pot that lets you wait for it to brew after four minutes, the Kapangan Coffee is basically the same type of coffee that's distributed in other parts of Benguet and Mountain Province. What's so special about it is that the beans that are brewed as Kapangan are grown in the rugged slopes of the town with the same name. It's something worth ordering that's harvested just less than a couple of hours away from the city.

Read books while you have a cuppa

Appetizing Buffalo Wings and Mozzarella Sticks

For my next session, I proceed to tickle my palate with appetizers of Buffalo Wings and Mozzarella Sticks. I'm not a big fan of the latter because anything breaded instantly makes me stuffed and this version by TCL is real hefty on the tummy if not shared with a friend. For anyone ordering this Italian favorite at the cafe, make sure to taste it with marinara sauce so you won't easily grow tired of it. As for the Buffalo Wings, it's an appetizer that I highly recommend for being tasty to the bones even without the delicious blue cheese dip. It may not be the type that's served swimming in sauce, but it's glossy all over. Its meat tastes tender and it's crispy on the outside. This 8-piece appetizer has that appealing blend of mesquite flavor and sweetness, plus it's good for sharing with friends.

Mozzarella Sticks

Full house every weekend

Buffalo Wings

Chef Ken Zarate

Traditional Hot Chocolate and Unique Egg Coffee

I also had a couple of memorable drinks other than the Kapangan Coffee. TCL's Hot Chocolate tasted like home, reminding me of the tablea drink that my mom used to prepare every Christmas when I was a kid. It's something that any tourist in Baguio City needs to have especially on a late night visit and a great alternative to Choco-late De Batirol's own version. The cafe's take on the Vietnamese Egg Coffee was also remarkable for simply being different because it's not something that anybody can order in the city except at TCL. It's unique for being neither hot nor cold when served which is a good complement to the chewy Mozzarella Sticks. It's full-on creamy for tasting like liquid tiramisu. To properly appreciate it, slowly stir the froth of whipped egg until the coffee below is fully mixed into it along with the aromatic cinnamon, blending sweet and bitter flavors in one cup.

Kapangan Coffee

Smoldering Cheese Burger

To end my afternoon snack, I sampled TCL's Cheese Burger which is a favorite among returning guests according to Stephen. Seeing this American treat served in hefty layers of caramelized onion, beef patty, cheese and more, I couldn't help but be intimidated at its gourmet appearance especially since I slightly abhor having my burger consumed per layer instead of the traditional way of holding the whole thing in one hand and tearing into it all in one bite. With much hesitation, I did just the opposite of how I would eat it and worked my way through it quite slowly. Fortunately, the patty tasted just right enough to make it a smoldering treat and a savory contrast to the egg coffee that I just had before it.

Should you be in Baguio City soon and you're in Session Road or at the cathedral, walk a little further to where Rex Bookstore is and you'll find The Coffee Library for an essential stopover of world drinks and snacks. You'll be surprised to see new flavors from different parts of the globe as Stephen is inventive when it comes to keeping the cafe's menu updated.

The Coffee Library

Official Facebook fan page of The Coffee Library

Address: Rex Hall, Upper Bonifacio St., Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines 2600
Phone: 0917-503-7962

Check out this other restaurant that I visited for my Baguio Unwind Series:
Masa Mexitalian Grub

More Photos Below:

Cheese Burger

Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Kapangan Coffee

Studio Unit

H I G H L A N D

V A C A T I O N

Anybody's who's enjoyed a Baguio City vacation returned to this side of Benguet and stayed not just for overnight but for more than that. The case is true with me who have long considered the city of pines my getaway since I first spent my summer vacation there as a child. It became a tradition for me and my little brother to stay with my cousins in the urbanized highlands of the province until early high school. And for my most recent revisit as an adult, a long stay at a residential district in the city demanded a lodging that responded well to my need for a home away from home. My choice of accommodation was the relatively new Baguio GM Apartel that's located in the laid-back community of Lower Scout Barrio. I've stayed there once late last year anyway, so a revisit was basically a homecoming.

Check out my previous stay at Baguio GM Apartel here.

Baguio GM Apartel was an easy choice for being just 5 minutes away from the nearest bus terminal (Victory Liner). It's also about the same distance from the tourist-thronged Session Road. What's more, it's just next to Camp John Hay where most pine trees still stand. As a result, the area is still chilly in the middle of the day and you can still have a whiff of that pine tree scent anywhere in the area unlike in the congested side of the city where it's starting to smell like toxic Metro Manila. At the common veranda, guests can also appreciate a mountain view of Baguio (Mount Santo Tomas) which is unlikely to happen at a modern hotel at the city proper. There's less road noise any time of the day and taxi cabs are easy to hail from the corner of the main road and Dahlia Street where the apartel is accessible.

Baguio GM Apartel

The Studio Unit's kitchenette

Viewing Camp John Hay from my booked Studio Unit's private veranda

The charming pathway to the apartel

Home Away From Home

Designed by a retired US navy officer, the lodging is modern yet homey in aesthetic. Since he frequented remote places worldwide during his service in the navy, he was always conscious when it came to making his dwelling a place that he could call home. Now that he's spending much of his time in Baguio, he has transformed the structure next to his family's house into a lodging that's seamless design-wise with the adjacent home.

Great For Long Stays In Baguio

Decked with no-frills fixtures, each guestroom is complete in itself with several cabinets for personal stuff, comfortable bed, TV with cable access, refrigerator for supplies, WiFi access, a kitchenette with stove and spacious bathroom for hot and cold showers. Each room also has wall paint that doesn't distract from one's pleasant vacation mode. The interiors may be devoid of the typical cabin-in-the-woods appeal, but it's for a purpose because it's meant to remind a guest that staying indoors need not be dreadful.

The view of Baguio City from the apartel's common veranda

The apartel's common veranda

Our booked Studio Unit

Each room is a cross between a typical home and a well-appointed hotel room which means that any guest can find it easy to settle into and yet attractive for extended sleep and relaxation.

Testing The Studio Unit

I stayed with a friend for a couple of nights at one of the lodging's Studio Units. Fortunately, it has a private veranda that has a view of the city's remaining lush greenery that is Camp John Hay. I found the unit to be spacious and perfect for a family with kids. Since each room has a kitchenette, I had the chance to visit the nearby Baguio City Public Market for supplies as I decided to prepare meals indoors at a specific time of our stay. Kitchenware and utensils can be borrowed from the owner's home that's adjacent to the lodging. For roughly P1,600 per night (promo rate), the Studio Unit is great for long stays which is considered affordable in this part of the city since there are a lot of new attractions to visit per day.

The Coffee Library

Burnham Park

Masa Mexitalian Grub

Nearby Dining Attractions

For breakfast, we hied off to Camp John Hay where it's just a couple of minutes away by private car or taxi. When we got the chance to scope the city, we dined at two relatively new dining destinations, namely The Coffee Library that's along Upper Bonifacio St. and Masa Mexitalian Grub that's located in Trancoville.
Staying at Baguio GM Apartel did not just remind me of my childhood summers in the city when the entire Baguio was still less congested and still looked attractive with age-old trees. It's a prevailing reality in this side of the city which is thankfully being preserved by locals themselves.

Strawberries at the Baguio City Public Market

Baguio City Public Market

Camp John Hay

Lean Season Promo Rate (20% Discount)

Guests who plan to stay at Baguio GM Apartel can take advantage of its lean season promo rate of 20% discount on standard rates.

Baguio GM Apartel

Official Facebook fan page of Baguio GM Apartel

Address: 76 Dahlia Street, Scout Barrio (lower), Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines
Baguio City Phone: (74) 424-9098
Mobile: 0999-471-0377
US Phone: 907-717-8272

Check out these recommended restaurants for dining in Baguio City:

• The Coffee Library
• Masa Mexitalian Grub

More Photos Below:

The view from my booked Studio Unit's private veranda

Baguio GM Apartel's Studio Unit

American breakfast at Camp John Hay

Baguio Longganisa breakfast at Camp John Hay

Baguio City Public Market

Stacks of tinapa at the Baguio City Public Market

Other guestroom type

Common veranda of the apartel

Sunset-viewing at the apartel

HOTEL PERKS

Good news, travel aficionados! Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila launched its loyalty membership program called “Club Phoenix” last July 29, 2016 in Pasay City.

Membership Program Launch

Two days after, the hotel successfully held a fitting launch for its newest loyalty membership program which aims to give enticing rewards and privileges to those who wish to sign up as members. The membership program has two tiers – Club Phoenix and Club Phoenix Affinity.

The paperless membership utilizes a virtual card which can be viewed through the cardholder’s smartphones for their convenience according to Juan Miguel Barrera, Club Phoenix’s Program Manager.

Earn Loyalty Points

Aside from the basic package of the membership and the yearly benefits, they can earn Phoenix Points by dining and staying at the hotel and use them to get exclusive freebies. Reward yourself. Check it out at the official website of Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila.

Chinese-Preferred Deluxe Hotel

It was also during this time that CTrip’s Market Manager, Jerome dela Cruz awarded the hotel as a Chinese-preferred deluxe hotel, one of the first hotels to be awarded this category. The hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Christine Urbanozo-Ibarreta, received the certification along with Madz Rono (Senior Sales Manager) and Rays Taganas (Reservations and Revenue Supervisor).

CTRIP is the leading provider of travel services including accommodation reservations and transportation ticketing which caters to the wide China market.

The event was made possible in partnership with Media Kitchen and its media partners -- Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, The Manila Standard, The Business World, Business Mirror, Summit Media, Travellife Magazine (Mabuhay Miles), Magic FM, Wave FM, RX Radio, Retro 105.9 FM, CNN Philippines, and Solar Entertainment.

Want to know more about Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila? Check out my review of the hotel here.

(L-R) 7 of 10 extraordinary resorts: Siama Hotel, Peredo's Lodging House, Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort, Melba's Farm, Luneta Hotel, San Rafael River Adventure and Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort

Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort

U N I Q U E

S T A Y S

You love the eccentric and are often repulsed by the conventional. Anything humdrum bores you to death and so you actively seek out the exciting. You have an intrepid taste for travel so much so that exotic destinations are almost a random part of your itinerary. Your penchant for the extraordinary is so strong that you want it splashed all over your booked lodging's walls and laid bare as vista from the veranda. Being a tropical country, the Philippines has a lot of such resorts and hotels that can appeal to your quirky sensibilities. Fortunately, I have tested some of them in my frequent travels enough to recommend them to you for your next getaway.

From mainland Luzon to my recent escapade to the Visayas region, my travels were not all spent in typical guestrooms and hotel-resort grounds. Some were peculiar. Some were quite interesting to book for revisits. Check out the following resorts that have beguiled me at check-in and lured me to linger for late check-outs:

Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort

1. Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort
Location: Sipalay City, Negros Occidental

Operated by foreigners who have long stayed in the country after falling in love with Sipalay City's relaxing beach vibe, Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort is the most memorable of all the resorts that I've visited in the Philippines. Each guestroom is thematic and makes use of recycled materials that have been salvaged to be reinvented for tickling one's fancy. From unused vintage phones to wires and cables that have been previously been disposed of by other people, the eclectic fixtures serve as wall accents in bathrooms and at random spaces. Some even serve a renewed purpose like an old suitcase that has been turned into a sink. To give the new materials a new lease in life, different hues of paint were rendered turning the whole resort into a colorful break in the shoreline of the laid-back Sugar Beach.

For more photos, read more about Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort.

Peredo's Lodging House

2. Peredo's Lodging House
Location: Baguio City, Benguet

An iconic stay in Baguio is one that evokes the old highland charm of the city. After all, the place is historic and an American-style home like the Peredo's Lodging House is what fits this rumination. Having recently been declared as a national heritage site by the National Museum, it's considered to be both an important cultural property and treasure. Built in 1915 by Japanese craftsmen under the supervision of owner Roque Peredo with Mr. Hashiguchi as contractor, the century-old house has endured a lot of challenges. From a global depression to a couple of world wars, it came out unscathed. It also survived the destructive 1990 earthquake that damaged more than 30 establishments in the city, making it an expedient sanctuary for the owners' friends and relatives whose homes were destroyed.

For more photos, read more about Peredo's Lodging House.

San Rafael River Adventure

3. San Rafael River Adventure
Location: San Rafael, Bulacan

The closer you get to Metro Manila, the less likely you'll get to stay in a non-traditional lodging for a getaway. Thankfully, there's San Rafael River Adventure which is owned by a hospitality visionary who's also an engineer. Having a lot of construction suppliers and contractors in his network, he managed to pull off the ultimate modern look for his sexy glass houses at his resort. And he did it by minimizing cost without sacrificing the pursuit for exceptional design. Also, he built around the existing plantation of mango trees in his ancestral property, rendering the lodging with his intention of bringing nature inside the bedroom via ceiling-to-floor glass windows for surrounding walls.

For more photos, read more about San Rafael River Adventure.

Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort

4. Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort
Location: Lucban, Quezon Province

Where in Lucban can you wake up from a rustic bedroom for a morning view of the next-door rice field? Only at Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort! Set against verdant hills and lush rice fields that weave through the fringes of Laguna’s Majayjay and Lucban, the resort is a countryside swath of pahiyas inspiration. Conceptualized to cater to the discriminating traveler who has a penchant for communing with nature, the attraction is neither for the homespun nor the sybaritic. It’s simply designed to be an oasis of a getaway in an unhurried environment where one can wake up to the bedside view of the town’s farmland, sample sumptuous cuisines at its restaurant for memorable meals, and have a fresh spring water soak at the rice field-view batis-inspired pool any time of the day... even in the wee hours!

For more photos, read more about Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort.

Luneta Hotel

5. Luneta Hotel
Location: Manila

Staying in Metro Manila for a layover or staycation has become less appealing for the intrepid-at-heart that they tend to scope remote places in distant provinces to satiate their cravings for the extraordinary. What they don't know is that Luneta Hotel's storied past is enough reason for them to book an overnight stay or more. The almost century old hotel was envisioned by its Spanish architect and engineer Salvador Farre to be a model of the Belle Epoque influences that thrived in Europe toward the end of World War I in 1918, the same year the structure was erected. It was finally completed the year after. Its present restored state of elegance makes every guest relive the grandeur of old Manila when the city's elite, foreign dignitaries, and respectable merchant marine officers used to grace its opulent lobby. What's more, an overnight stay there costs less compared to booking a stay in Manila Hotel.

For rates and more photos, read more about Luneta Hotel.

Siama Hotel

6. Siama Hotel
Location: Sorsogon City, Sorsogon

Not all modern hotels respond well to their respective terrain. Most actually hurt the environment's image in the long run. In the middle of Sorsogon City's vast coconut plantation, Siama Hotel defies that rumination. It actually rests seamless amidst lush greenery with its rough cement finish, sleek lines of luktob fortification, and rustic sunscreen mats. There's no TV inside the rooms and the dining area is communal to turn strangers into friends. The fern-accentuated lap pool makes for exotic mid-day soaks that justifies any guest's retreat in Bicol. The full set of 40 rooms – Family, Superior, and Deluxe – was designed to imbibe the unique elegance of the estate. Family and friends can book two rooms next to each other and experience the resort in different ways as far as interiors are concerned. Room views were also expertly crafted to be a distinct perspective per guestroom.

For rates and more photos, read more about Siama Hotel.

Roxas President's Inn

7. Roxas President's Inn
Location: Roxas City, Capiz

There's nothing extraordinary about the guestrooms at Roxas President's Inn. They're all simply decent and pleasant to stay in. However, each room is something that's worth using as a conversation starter for a small talk. Not everyone can tell a friend that he or she managed to sleep at a Duterte Suite which the hotel has. As a matter of fact, each room at the hotel is named after a Philippine president. Feel free to choose which one you'll book for you upcoming seafood-oriented vacation in Roxas City!

For more photos, read more about Roxas President's Inn.

Marikit-Na Beach Resort

8. Marikit-Na Beach Resort
Location: Maniwaya Island, Marinduque

Most beach resorts look the same with their typical whitewashed walls, ocean-inspired fixtures, and tropical vibe. Make Marikit-Na Beach Resort in Marinduque an exception because it's a stark contrast to the usual beachfront lodging that Filipinos are accustomed to seeing. For starters, its guestrooms are an extension of the whole main villa's hardwood-decked living room. It's nothing that's currently existing on Maniwaya Island where the resort is and that alone is enough reason to make the intrepid ones gravitate towards it.

For more photos, read more about Marikit-Na Beach Resort.

Melba's Farm

9. Melba's Farm
Location: Talisay City, Negros Occidental

I've always fantasized sipping a hot cup of coffee in my skivvies at a veranda where no one can see me. And the only way it can happen is if the lodging is in the middle of the woods. I can attest to this fantasy coming true in Negros Occidental where the highly vegetated terrain of Talisay City's Cabatangan allowed me to experience it. In the middle of the mahogany tree-filled woodland is Melba's Farm. It's where the Visayan province is exceptionally breezy at daytime and quite chilly in the wee hours. Surrounded by lots where the sturdy grass of bamboo abound and the sweet fruit of lanzones is cultivated, the 6-year old lodging is a secluded retreat waiting to happen for any visitor.

For more photos, read more about Melba's Farm.

El Puerto Marina

10. El Puerto Marina
Location: Lingayen, Pangasinan

Eager to stay at a rustic lodging that's in the middle of a fish pond? Pangasinan's Lingayen has one via El Puerto Marina. It's where I enjoyed lingering barefoot at my booked guestroom's private veranda for most of my stay.

For rates and more photos, read more about El Puerto Marina.

Got other interests when it comes to traveling? Check out my other travel recommendations.

Outdoors, flea markets are popular for bringing shoppers the bang to their buck. These days, however, shopping for supplies, tickets, and whatnot is mostly done online and it’s a shame if the experience can’t be the same. Thanks to ShopBack Philippines though, that reality is as real as it can get. Online shopping with ShopBack is not just about finding the perfect item, scoring the biggest discount or finding the best deal. It’s all of those and more! With the e-commerce website, Filipino shoppers can finally also experience the Western invention called cashback.

Cashback Defined

Cashback is a form of incentive offered to shoppers of certain products whereby they receive a cash refund after making their purchase.

ShopBack has a lot of partner stores to choose from!

Simply shop on your chosen partner store through ShopBack to receive cahsback

What ShopBack Can Give You Back

With ShopBack Philippines, earning cash back is possible when you shop online. What the website does is it gives you cashback offers from your reliable stores, those that are probably in your favorite list already from Lazada (voucher codes and 4% cashback) to Zalora with up to 12% cashback. More online stores have partnered with the venture to make online shopping a well-rounded experience since you just don’t buy clothes or shoes online these days. In this advanced age of information, you can already book hotel rooms and airline tickets online as well. This is why a host of other online stores are featured on Shopback like Expedia, Agoda, Hotels and more.

How It Works

ShopBack Philippines is the ultimate online space where you can find an item, get a discount, have the best deal and even receive cashback in the process. Whenever you shop through the website, its partner stores (merchants) reward it with commission. What ShopBack does is it shares that commission with shoppers like you.

Simply sign up on ShopBack Philippines to have an account and start your unique shopping experience. When you’re ready to shop through the website using your account, the cashback amount will be shown as you are redirected to the online store of your choice. Once done, shop as you normally do and make your payment directly there. Back on ShopBack, your cashback will appear on your account within 48 hours. It’s that simple!

How it works: STEPS 1 and 2

How it works: STEPS 3 and 4

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As someone working in the corporate world four years ago, I was on a five-digit salary. I threw caution to the wind when it came to spending on gadgets and accessories, but I had a hard time appreciating what I bought because I hardly got to use them. Like any stressed out yuppie, I was a prisoner of the office table. My only view of the outdoors was the city grid from my workplace window.

Fast-forward to 2012, I quit my high-paying job and plunged into freelance work. Most of my shopping finds soon became outdated, worn out, and almost obsolete. For awhile I settled on low quality versions to save on shopping costs. This allowed me to travel more and experience a rare sense of balance that a single guy with a lot of responsibilities was not expected to achieve. I learned how to be content with what I have.

Now I'm ready to upgrade myself with new accessories, tools, and anything else I can obtain for future travels in more exotic destinations. For 2016, I have a solid wishlist of five items that I've managed to find through ShopBack, the leading online cashback site in Philippines that has more than 300 partner stores.

More than having new possessions, my wishlist is about being open to finally letting go of old stuff that have sustained me in my early years as a freelancer. I'm excited to embrace new ideas and test them in the field. I may have been to remote beaches, secluded rivers, and idyllic mountain tops in the Philippines without the false happiness of having material stuff. However, seeing more of the country's various attractions with the right tools, attire, and equipment can render the experience all the more priceless when they're shared in new ways.

What I can guarantee anyone who wants anything fresh is that it pays to take it to heart. Want it. Yearn it. And maybe with just enough persistence, you will finally experience what you're focused on. I know it to be true because I start anything I do with a simple wish.

Check out five items that I found to be available on ShopBack Philippines' extensive set of partner stores. All of them have made an impression on me that they're just one granted wish away via ShopBack's Win A Wish Blogging Contest which I joined:

Top: Tablet PC, Swimwear, and Smartwatch; Bottom: Hiking Bag and Waterproof Digital Camera

1. Tablet PC

On Lazada, I spotted the Nextbook 10.1" 2-in-1 Tablet PC which can be a great replacement to my vintage laptop. It's lightweight at less than 3 pounds and is a sleek tablet, making it an ideal tool for projects with clients regardless if I'm off-grid.

2. Hiking Bag

Still on Lazada, the Deuter Futura 28 Hiking Bag (Forest-Emerald) was a terrific find for someone like me who normally does long stays in different provinces because of its separate bottom compartment for secret stuff like spare money and a wet laundry compartment for used clothing. What's more, it looks attractive.

3. Waterproof Digital Camera

Lazada also got me thinking about wanting a Nikon Coolpix S33 13.2MP 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Blue) because I don't have one and I happen to be at the beach, the waterfalls or a hotel pool almost every month. It would be neat to finally not worry about damaging my only digital camera if I had a spare for underwater shots.

4. Swimwear

What goes with a nifty waterproof camera? A new pair of swimwear, that's what! And Zalora happens to have the design that I eagerly want for my next getaway -- the F900 Everywhere Quickdry Shorts (Size: Small)!

5. Smartwatch

Lastly, friends who know me well are not likely to see me with a wristwatch because I often misplace one. However, I'm ready to be a good boy this time and have this innovative smartwatch that I found on Zalora called the Connectedevice COOKOO Connected Watch (Khaki) something for keeps. For someone like me who finds checking my smartphone once in a while a perplexing thing to do, this smartwatch works as an effective extension of such a gadget with essential notifications delivered at a glance, right on the wrist.

Now that you know my wishlist for ShopBack's Win A Wish Blogging Contest, you're probably interested to know more about ShopBack itself.

Introducing ShopBack

ShopBack Philippines is the ultimate online space where you can find an item, get a discount, have the best deal and even receive cashback in the process. Whenever you shop through the website, its partner stores (merchants) reward it with commission. What ShopBack does is it shares that commission with shoppers like you. Cash out easily to your bank, PayPal or GCash account. It's been featured on The Manila Times, Philstar, Inquirer.net, GMA Network, Tech In Asia, Channel NewsAsia and more.

For more info on how it works, check out my previous blog post.

For a quick overview of what ShopBack is, check out this video:

H I K I N G

S T O R Y

Like me, you don’t see what others see. Sometimes you probably read a magazine from the last page. Or you find it normal to read through movie credits at the cinema, especially spotting how many technical roles one guy managed to do for one whole production. More than the passing fancy of killing time, you get giddy at being idle in a random space where most people are normally just in transit. Perhaps you even get amused at being caught outside in a drizzle. What others consider the stuff of muck, you see it as gold.

You’re weird and you don’t want anyone else to know that’s why, like me, you sometimes appear listless in a sea of cheerful faces. You have an awkward awareness of what they feel, but you’re just so lost in your own fortress at the same time.

It was the same silly burden that I carried with me when I left the comforts of my booked Baguio City lodging one early January this year to have a day hike of Itogon’s Mount Ulap. The weather was pleasant but I felt every hair strand on my head every time each reacted to the ubiquitous breeze.

More than the breathtaking views of the town’s highlands, I found its grasslands to be attractive. The scenery made me feel small and it was alright. I didn’t find it threatening at all. To be actually in the presence of a vast expanse of nothing but a sloping terrain, wafting breeze, and blue sky meant so real to me like a kid in a candy store.

What my co-hikers did not know was that I perceived the ground to be moving, the air around me on a wicked dance move of tango, and the sky to be mesmerizing shades of gray instead. There was revelry in my mind of the scenery in black in white and I was infatuated by it.

When everyone trudged on to be at the famous Gungal Rock Formation after four hours, I was secretly hoping the ground would rip open to create a gap between me and them. I was right behind everyone but I was a galaxy away.

It was not exhaustion nor my lethargic sense of idleness that caused such rumination. I was just fascinated by the views and how they left my struggles and having everyone else around me pointless. The cascade of lush pine trees actually glistened against the warm mid-day sunshine as if they were oracles on a procession. With shadows of trees cast in varying shapes, the highland cliffs appeared to have been carved on their side like they were portals to the netherworld. I knew that nature was playing tricks on my eyes and I stared back with complete abandon. If I was given a wink, I knew that I received it more than once. When everyone seemed ecstatic over layers and layers of colors, I was oblivious of the prevailing astonishment.

It was only at the descent of the traverse when I flipped back to reality. I sort of used up 90% of my energy already and I was almost on low batt mode. I was feeling parched and my knees seemed brittle. Suddenly, I was aware of our hiking group and how everyone was trying be dauntless getting off the mountain.

My infatuation lasted up to the summit and fizzled right towards the end which reminded me of my life relations. Past the climax, the end of the journey always looked so terrifying. It always imposed itself on the whole experience, rendering any remnant of the divine and the unforgettable forgettable.

In one instance, we all get vulnerable about ending what could have been before we even get to fully grasp what it was in the first place. It meant saying goodbye before one’s hello even settled in. What started in black in white for me ended in a multi-colored reality of exhaustion.

Interested to visit Itogon for a dayhike? Check out my Mount Ulappost for directions and more.

Where to stay in Baguio City for a visit of Itogon? Check out the following posts:

• Baguio GM Apartel

• Peredo's Lodging House

• Mountain Lodge

• Microtel By Wyndham-Baguio

More Photos Below:

T A S T Y

L U X U R Y

Pampanga is famous worldwide for being the site of Angeles City, the known culinary capital of the Philippines. This has not only put the province in the gastronomical map of the country. It has also given birth to other dining destinations surrounding the area, including the emerging redevelopment called Clark Freeport Zone. As a result, luxury hotels have also chosen the location for operation and to lure guests for long stays. With the recent opening of the Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, Toscana Dining is starting to shine as a preferred rendezvous for lunch and dinner by discerning tourists. As for its buffet breakfast, the F&B facility's guests only have great things to say about it.

Toscana Dining is basically an extension of the hotel and casino's forward-thinking aesthetic. It holds its own grandeur next to the massive trees standing in the property where special events are also touted to be held in the next few months. For being an essential dining spot in the province, it has led me to realise why I fell in love with it during my stay at the hotel and casino.

Here are three reasons why the F&B facility makes for exquisite meals:

1. High-End Ambiance

Walking past the establishment's opulent and spacious lobby as an overnight guest at its modern Superior Room, I got the sense that I was in for a treat. The narrow wood-decked hallway that leads to the restaurant set the tone for the a-ha moment. If ambiance alone was worth the price of dining in this side of Clark, then it was worth every cent! It was easy to fall in love with the garden view outside that naturally lit up the entire dining area in the morning. At night, it sizzled with romance that made every table inside relatively feel the same.

2. Impeccable Service

More than the ambiance, service was impeccable. Servers were attentive and courteous during my stay at the hotel where I had a memorable lunch of Beef Brisket which was served with appetizing seaweed, anchovies, and kimchi. During buffet breakfast, the same hospitable quality was palpable even with a new batch of dining attendants who were always ready with a smile and a thoughtful greeting. The pleasant experience definitely made my meals memorable.

3. Wide Array of Featured Cuisines and More

For someone who has dined at a few restaurants in Angeles City in the last two years, I have determined Toscana Dining to be at par with the city's culinary reputation. Dining there basically makes it convenient to taste different cuisines under one roof. With a panoply of international cuisines featured from Western, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, to Filipino dishes, the choices can prove to be endless for just one meal.

It's also a great weekend dining getaway for families and those on dates as it has lunch and dinner buffet every weekend. For large groups, it has two private dining rooms which can accommodate eight to ten people.

To know more about my overnight stay at Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, check out my blog post.

Check out my other hotel and resort recommendations:

• 10 Extraordinary Resorts and Hotels To Book In The Philippines
• Essential Metro Manila Hotels For Staycation Part 1
• Essential Metro Manila Hotels For Staycation Part 2
• Your Quick Guide To Metro Manila Hotels For A Romantic Getaway
• 20 Kid-Friendly Resorts and Hotels In The Philippines For Family Getaways
• Where To Stay In Quezon Province For Overnight Getaways and Stopovers
• 6 Luxury Boracay Resorts To Spend Your Tropical Bliss

More Photos Below:

(L-R) Three of eight recommended attractions: Duba Cave, Tutulakan River and Pasukulan Falls

L E S S

E X P L O R E D

Off the beaten path. It's not your mantra, but some friends of yours who love to go intrepid have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What you are is someone who has a fantasy of being one. Unfortunately, you only end up salivating over their stories because you think that you're not fit for the wild outdoors. You might be surprised to know that the resort suite rate that you recently booked for yourself is also wild for your friends' taste, so no one's innocent after all. What's wild and unknown is just a matter of mindset.

If you still shudder at the sound of the popular travel phrase when it's mentioned in conversations, then there's only one thing that's stopping you from an adventure -- yourself. You really don't have to suffer the inconveniences of meeting strangers who are not hotel-trained or not having the assurance of a public bathroom in a destination. No one's stopping you from booking that sensational guestroom with a kick ass vista of the tourist-thronged town. What you can do, however, is simply allot a day in your itinerary to spend a few hours leaving the comforts of your booked hotel or resort to check out the reality of nature and the locals who thrive in it which your friends can't stop musing about.

To set you off in your first real adventure of the less explored tourist sites in the Philippines, here are eight destinations that I've managed to test for myself in my four years of travel blogging. They are all remote but accessible, so you can be nonchalant about them for now and set aside the exhilaration on site later:

Tutulakan River

Tutulakan River
Location: General Nakar, Quezon Province
Recommended Resort or Hotel To Book:Momarco Resort
Paradise so idyllic that only a few tourists know about it. That's what Tutulakan River is. Roughly three hours of commute from Metro Manila, General Nakar's attractive secret is neither frequented by those in Quezon Province or by neighbors from Laguna and Rizal. Veiled by a swath of the Sierra Madre in the village of Pagsangahan, it's so secluded that even the daily throng of camped out tourists in Tinipak River don't know that it's just a 30-minute hike away. It's an emerging attraction in the sleepy hamlet of Cablao where the locals are friendly and peaceful.
How to reach it? Read moreabout Tutulakan River.

Laglagto River

Laglagto River
Location: Peñablanca, Cagayan
Recommended Resort or Hotel To Book: Country Inn Hotel and Restaurant
Even if Laglagto River is politically part of Peñablanca, it's more accessible via Baggao where it flows at its border. As a matter of fact, the locals that I saw bathing and doing laundry in this side of Cagayan were Baggao residents. What Laglagto River offers city tourists is the sight of a pristine river that can't be viewed back home anymore. Plus, it has an old hanging bridge made of yakal that some locals still use for river-crossing although you can easily wade through the knee-deep water down below to have an up close view of the idyllic rock formations set against a massive rock wall that serves as a natural citadel.
How to reach it? Read more about Laglagto River

The entrance to Duba Cave

Duba Cave
Location: Baggao, Cagayan
Recommended Resort or Hotel To Book: Country Inn Hotel and Restaurant
Past Tuguegarao, the coastal town of Sta. Ana is always the next destination of most tourists. Locals will even discourage travelers from venturing into Baggao lest they know someone who lives there or there's an official business to be done in the area. This is because decades of insurrections have discouraged tourism in the town which has bucolic views of vast cornfields. With the locals opening themselves to tourism because of the area's less explored natural attractions, rebel-related activities have dramatically gone down. As a result, Duba Cave has started to attract attention from intrepid travelers who love tackling underground rivers and seeing circadian flights of bats. The entrance to it alone is exotic paradise on earth.
How to reach it? Read more about Duba Cave.

Pasukulan Falls

Pasukulan Falls
Location: Abucay, Bataan
Recommended Resort or Hotel To Book: Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park
Bataan is historic even in its remote spaces. It's the site of one natural attraction that bears the name of a defender's grit and an invader's foolish resolve known as Pasukulan Falls in the hamlet of the same name. The new generation of Filipinos may not consider it to be significant beyond the beauty that it holds in West Abucay, but it is a fitting remnant of a paradise that was once a witness to the surrender of the Japanese army. All it takes is a six-hour day hike to reach it from Orani where Vista Tala Resort is. Going back takes the same time provided that you're agile.
How to reach it? Read more about Pasukulan Falls.

Cansibit Pit of the Maricalum Mines

Cansibit Pit View of the Maricalum Mines
Location: Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
Recommended Resort or Hotel To Book: Jamont Hotel
A visit of Negros Occidental doesn't always have to be just about Bacolod City. Three hours away, Sipalay City can be a great side trip for laid-back beaches and more, including a visit of an abandoned mining site called the Maricalum Mines where a massive pit has been given a viewing deck for tourists to use. Should you be able to get a permit to enter the site, the vantage point below the Cansibit Pit can offer you a more expansive view of the well-defined mass that's now filled with rainwater, making it look like a placid lake. It's amazing how it was originally man-made but is now looking like a primordial spawn of the elements for being abandoned and left to fend for itself at nature's mercy.
How to reach it? Read moreabout the Maricalum Mines.

Ungab Rock Formation

Ungab Rock Formation

Location: Mongpong Island, Marinduque

Recommended Resort or Hotel To Book: Marikit-Na Beach Resort
From your resort on Maniwaya Island, hop on a boat and dock at the rock-studded beach of Mongpong Island's village called Ungab which shares the same name of its natural attraction -- a massive rock formation that stands more than a hundred feet above the water. Ungab Rock Formation is a natural bridge that's massive to behold at one side of the island's beachfront where smooth pebbles of rock fill the shallow waters. Under the cathedral-like rock formation, young locals are known to bathe during the day. Some of them even effortlessly scale the rock walls to eventually dive down below.
How to reach it? Read moreabout Ungab Rock Formation.

Guinanayan Island

Guinanayan Island
Location: Rapu-rapu, Albay
Recommended Resort or Hotel To Book: The Apple Peach House
With Boracay leading the Philippines as a sought-after beach destination, mass tourism has flocked to the island to a fault. Fortunately for those in Luzon, particularly in the Bicol peninsula, seeking a pristine and remote location is still possible via Guinanayan Island. This remote island paradise off the coast of the Lagonoy Gulf offers tourists the chance to unplug sans the glossy attractions of beachfront cafes and bars.
How to reach it? Read more about Guinanayan Island.

San Miguel Island

San Miguel Island
Location: Tabaco City, Albay
Recommended Resort or Hotel To Book: Hotel Fina
Just off mainland Albay, San Miguel Island awaits tourists who want to see a bucolic panorama of rolling hills and cliff-side views of the island, plus have rock-studded beachfront soaks in one location. It can be explored on foot or aboard a rented motorcycle. It's roughly an hour from Legazpi City where most travelers stay for views of the Mayon Volcano, but the natural attraction can still be seen from this spot on a good day. On the island, Hotel Fina has an affiliate cottage that guests can rent for overnight stays. Check it out here.
How to reach it? Read more about San Miguel Island.

Olotayan Island

Olotayan Island
Location: Roxas City, Capiz
Recommended Resort or Hotel To Book: Urban Manor Hotel
When you're visiting Roxas City, don't just stay at the city proper for the seafood. Venture into the waters off the shoreline where Olotayan Island is for a whiff of tropical hauls. It's where most of the fresh catch are sourced anyway and delivered to the rest of the city and other locations like Boracay. The island village has friendly locals and the beach is great for sunbathing.
How to reach it? Read more about Olotayan Island.

Eager for more travel recommendations? Check out the following posts:

• 11 Quick Escapes Near Metro Manila Part 1

• 11 Quick Escapes Near Metro Manila Part 2

• Exciting Beach Getaways In The Philippines, Rain Or Shine

• Essential Adventure Rides To Try In The Philippines

• 8 Essential Wellness Hubs To Experience In The Philippines

• 3 Essential Events Place In Metro Manila For Weddings, Birthdays, and More

(L-R) Six of ten hotels and resorts: (top) Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, Discovery Shores and Vivere Azure
(bottom) Jamont Hotel, Coco Beach and Vivere Hotel

Ambassador In Paradise of Boracay

H I G H - E N D

V A C A T I O N S

Being pampered as an adult is likened to a baby that has no qualms about tomorrow. It's the state of bliss that's usually experienced at a swanky poolside with a kooky drink in hand. Off the brim of your tropical hat shines the sun-drenched skin of a model or a tourist who looks like one. You're surrounded in luxury. What's more, people trained to be at your beck-and-call are always lingering at the peripheral view of your eyes. You may not know what you need but they certainly do and offer it. Who you are doesn't matter in this case. Where you are is what counts. You're at a luxury hotel or resort and your pampered vacation is right on schedule regardless of the weather.

Backpackers may not see the need to book at such an establishment anytime soon, but every traveler deserves to be pampered at least once a year. It's like the cheat day of someone on a morsel diet. Or that once-a-year vacation of a faithful executive assistant who may have lounged one too many times at airports for epic meetings but never at a resort spa for some me-time. Truth be told, luxurious addresses exist and they can be yours for an overnight stay or more. It just really depends on your budget.

Here are 10 luxury hotels and resorts in the Philippines that pride themselves in distinction and reputation as tested by Turista Trails:

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino

1. Midori Clark Hotel and Casino
Location: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
If you're a traveler with an aversion for clutter, outdated design, and idle scenery, the high-end quality of Midori Clark Hotel and Casino is definitely going to appeal to you. Located in mainland Luzon's Clark Freeport Zone, the 111-room hotel is not just a modern facility for relaxing stays in Pampanga. Beyond its crisp interior and gargantuan space, attractive sections await every traveler who decides to book an overnight or long stay, whether for business or leisure. Its next-door space of greenery that's accentuated by age-old trees is enough to make a guest preoccupied in the odd hours of the day.
Luxury Factors: the hotel's modern architecture, topnotch buffet breakfast, and courteous attendants

Read more about Midori Clark Hotel and Casino

Discovery Shores

2. Discovery Shores
Location: Boracay, Aklan
A traveler’s conundrum can be as simple as retreating from a popular destination such as Boracay when he or she can run towards it with reckless abandon. Aklan’s island getaway can be rammed with tourists regardless of the season, but it is still the Philippines’ crowning jewel when it comes to the supreme beach scene. Also, there are still places of calm for respite if you know where to find them. At Station 1, the iconic Discovery Shores gleams in all its white glory. It’s where I found high-end pleasure that matched the surf and sand vibe of the island. The resort is a destination in itself for having a variety of luxurious guestrooms in its sprawling space of multi-level architecture that respects the beachfront. With a stunning pool at the center, it easily motivates beachgoers to lose their sense of time within the premises of the resort as well.
Luxury Factors: the resort's exclusive shuttle and boat transfer, topnotch buffet breakfast, courteous attendants, and well-assigned guestroom features

Read more about Discovery Shores

Discovery Suites

3. Discovery Suites
Location: Ortigas, Pasig City
Located across an upscale mall in Ortigas Center, Discovery Suites is an institution in Pasig City when it comes to a luxurious stay whether short or extended. It's a towering paragon of serviced apartments that travelers on leisure prefer over boutique hotels for its reputable distinction. Surrounded by more than 20 major corporate players in the city's financial district, it's a must-book by those who are on business as well. With 220 well-appointed suites, it's recognized by returning guests to be a premier address for long-stays.
Luxury Factors: topnotch buffet breakfast and courteous attendants

Read more about Discovery Suites

Vivere Azure

4. Vivere Azure
Location: Mabini, Batangas
Like the rest of the resorts South of Manila that dot the meandering hillside of Mabini’s pastoral village, Vivere Azure looks out into the sea and is accessible via the National Road from Bauan. It’s only one of a handful of resorts on the Calumpang Peninsula that offers guests a remarkable view of the nearby Maricaban Island. What’s more, it stands out in the area for having the prestige of a 5-star luxury getaway, a stunning reflection of its sister hotel in Alabang (Vivere Hotel). Its stellar reputation exudes bespoke luxury and impeccable service, two vacation gems that lure the patrician out of every suburbanite.
Luxury Factors: high-end guestrooms with romantic sea views, delicious restaurant menu, and a cliff-side infinity pool

Read more about Vivere Azure

Vivere Hotel

5. Vivere Hotel
Location: Alabang, Muntinlupa City
As the former farming district of Alabang pumps out a new urban elite with its business and commercial centers, Vivere Hotel has managed to find its pioneering spot in the landscape of Muntinlupa City. The sought-after 5-star deluxe hotel, with its towering posture of 31 storeys, seems to dwarf its neighbors. At its roof deck restaurant, The Nest, the view is a stellar confirmation. The movers and shakers of the area opine that you have not experienced the luxurious ascent in life if you haven't stepped into the elegant lobby of the 200-room establishment and scaled its height.
Luxury Factors: high-end guestrooms, courteous attendants, and a topnotch buffet breakfast

Read more about Vivere Hotel

Jamont Hotel

6. Jamont Hotel
Location: Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
The island of Negros is known for its crumbling mansions and vast sugarcane plantations. When it comes to pristine beaches, however, tourists on layover in Bacolod (Negros Occidental) and Dumaguete (Negros Oriental) hie off to Sipalay. The lure of an expansive beachfront and hidden cove beaches for beach-bumming is what captivates them. At the heart of it all is where Jamont Hotel is. Formerly called Sipalay Suites, Jamont Hotel blossomed into an attractive beachfront resort and hotel a year after it opened in 2006. What started with a few rooms as Jamont Hostel transformed into an elegant three-story getaway at the poblacion beach of Sipalay. It now boasts of more than 50 guestrooms that appeal to the different sensibilities of visitors.

Luxury Factors: beachfront guestrooms and amenities

Read more about Jamont Hotel

Ambassador In Paradise

7. Ambassador In Paradise
Location: Boracay, Aklan
Boracay is an island in the Philippines that's known by many local and foreign tourists to be bereft of travel listlessness. The moment you feel the warm sunshine set against the fine, powdery sand of the island's White Beach, bliss kicks in. You find a spot to read a good book and life becomes devoid of your past and future. You're only concerned about the delight in beach indulgence that's devoid of tomorrow's trappings. At the triple A-accredited Ambassador In Paradise, Station 1 is left with a lasting impression that paradise can be had in many ways that only a five-star quality hotel-resort of its caliber can offer. It's just one of the top 25 luxury hotels in the Philippines in 2013 according to TripAdvisor, making it a sought-after destination within a destination.

Read more about Ambassador In Paradise

Coco Beach

8. Coco Beach
Location: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
There is still a vacation hideaway in the Philippines that refuses to catch up with the times. Aptly named Coco Beach, the Puerto Galera-based island resort is beautifully stuck in the tropical protocol of coconut worship. Everywhere I went at the resort, I saw several uses of the coconut tree and the people working there couldn't be more proud.
Luxury Factor: the exclusivity of being in an island resort

Read more about Coco Beach

Playa Tropical

9. Playa Tropical
Location: Currimao, Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte has more than sand dunes and breathtaking beaches. It also has a luxury resort in Currimao called Playa Tropical which can be a great base for touring the nearby attractions of Paoay and Bagac. The Bali-inspired villas complement the well-manicured garden that's accentuated by a lagoon. Staying there any time of the year can feel timeless as it makes any guest feel like he or she went abroad for a vacation. It doesn't matter if the beachfront of the resort is not that ideal for beach-bumming because its sea-view swimming pool is enough for sensational mid-day soaks.
Luxury Factors: its well-manicured garden and Bali-inspired villas

Read more about Playa Tropical

Costa Pacifica

10. Costa Pacifica
Location: Baler, Aurora
Aurora is a gem to discover in the eastern part of Central Luzon. It's festive all year round when it comes to the tropical mood even during the rainy season as its capital, Baler, is famous for surfing. And the only upscale hotel-resort in town is Costa Pacifica. It stands out as both an adventure and relaxing destination for tourists who love the force of the mighty Pacific Ocean waves and the lure of the swank infinity pool.
Luxury Factors: its ocean-view guestrooms, swimming pools, and topnotch F&B facility

Read more about Costa Pacifica

Eager for more travel recommendations? Check out the following posts:

• 8 Less Explored Attractions In The Philippines
• 10 Extraordinary Resorts and Hotels To Book In The Philippines

• 11 Quick Escapes Near Metro Manila Part 1

• 11 Quick Escapes Near Metro Manila Part 2

• Exciting Beach Getaways In The Philippines, Rain Or Shine

• Essential Adventure Rides To Try In The Philippines

• 8 Essential Wellness Hubs To Experience In The Philippines

• 3 Essential Events Place In Metro Manila For Weddings, Birthdays, and More

My Payday Buffet plate of spare ribs and more

Terraz is at the 3rd floor of Zuellig Building in Makati City

R E W A R D

Y O U R S E L F

When I used to do the daily grind in Makati City, a restaurant was always the site of a post-work celebration. Money was always a casualty, but my tummy didn't mind. What mattered was the dining venue. Was it worth my hard-earned salary? Did the food taste delicious enough for me to make a revisit? I always considered a lot of factors for a restaurant to really be worth my attention because payday doesn't come everyday.

It's a good thing that Terraz Bistro & Meetings has been regularly running its much buzzed about Payday Buffet since January this year. It happens twice a month which lets food-loving professionals sit back and relax at the third level of the swank Zuellig Building either for lunch or dinner. Patrons who've been at the scene for the usual round of beer and pica-pica have also tried it. So have most of the power-wielding managers who have made the restaurant a venue for their team's mid-year evaluation meetings.

With the Payday Buffet promo, diners have a plenitude of delicious options to get around in. And it's a treat to try it more than once because the roster of dishes served are unique per schedule. For instance, this upcoming August 31 buffet has a different lineup of featured dishes from the one that was recently rolled out last August 15. With the pricing at P395++ per person for lunch and P450++ per person for dinner, it's way better than wasting precious moments in traffic just to reach the malls where other buffet restaurants are.

From Spanish to Chinese cuisine, expect the unexpected. Diners appreciate the element of surprise because it breaks the monotony of their corporate routine. If a dining guest has been slaving ungodly hours away in his office cubicle facing nothing but stacks of paper or multiple computer screens, then a buffet-style meal in the middle of Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas is suddenly a feast.

More than avoiding the lunch or dinner rush to crowded dining districts, an experience of this buffet promo actually rewards the diner with distinct flavors from around the world. The international fare can be considered limitless because of the many times the lineup is changed every single buffet schedule. This means a revisit is not only a chance to be surprised again but also an extension of one's recent dining experience. One ends up making it a monthly meetup with colleagues or friends who deserve such a feast.

Don't hesitate to reserve a table for an August 31, 2016 Payday Buffet experience. Or you may call the restaurant for the upcoming months' schedule. Go ahead and reward yourself with a well-earned buffet.

Terraz Bistro & Meetings

Official Facebook fan page of Terraz Bistro & Meetings

Address: 3/F Zuellig Building, Makati Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, Philippines

Phone: +632 625-4831 or +632 625-4832

Check out my other Terraz Bistro & Meetingsblog post.

More Photos Below:

Diners can still order a la carte on buffet schedule

The exclusive meeting room for booking

Get down and dirty in Manila at SM North EDSA's The Block for this delicious mess!

Davao City's bounty

S E A F O O D

C R A Z E

Given that the Philippines is surrounded by waters in its more than 36,000 kilometers of coastline, one of the perks of frequently scoping the country is being able to know where the affordable seafood hauls are. This means that any settlement can claim a bountiful catch almost anywhere in the archipelago depending on the weather, spoiling the myth that Roxas City is the lone source of delectable seafood. It has an abundance of it which makes it a capital of sorts, but Cagayan's Aparri can wave the flag for the northern region and Mindanao boasts of various coastal towns and cities that can represent its island down south, including Davao.

Seldom does the fresh catch travel to distant locations, but when it does it's for a good reason. The seafood restaurant called Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps is a perfect example of bringing the goodness of Davao City's bounty to Manila via its new branch at SM North EDSA's The Block. Operating for three years now, it's a dining institution down south that prides itself in having its featured crabs and shrimps feasted on in the messiest possible way but for a delicious culmination, bib and all. For someone like me who's based in Metro Manila, I consider this great news!

Kinilaw + Inihaw Na Liempo = Sinuglaw

Fresh from Davao City and straight to our dining table at the SM North EDSA's The Block

The delicious dangle

Crispy Garlic Tuna Belly

Taste Options and Tools

Traditionally enjoyed on laid-out wax paper, orders of crabs, shrimps, and other specialties are at the center of the communal dining space at the restaurant. Past the fancy fishing nets that adorn parts of the establishment, the dining table where it's messiest is the most festive. Regardless if it's regular, mild or spicy hot, a basic order of the mains is usually great for three or four people which makes the shared experience endearing. With bare hands, pliers, and a mallet, it just becomes more memorable and fun.

Started With Sinuglaw and Segued With Cajun

I had the pleasure of dining at its new branch in Quezon City where I started my meal with a dish called Sinuglaw which can either be an appetizer or a main dish. I've had Kinilaw before but this was more than that because inihaw na liempo was part of the contrasting mix. It's basically like tasting two dishes at the same time.

My delicious DIY: Cajun sauce on rice

Mixing it up at the bar like a liquid DJ

As suggested by a co-diner, I paired my sampling of the grilled pork belly and fish ceviche combo with a cajun sauce-topped rice which was something that I had by scooping out dollops of the signature sauce from one of the boiling bags served and glazing them on top of the rice.

Cooking Styles To Choose From

The crabs were earlier served in boiling bags based on three cooking styles, namely Garlic Fried, Sambal (fiery Southeast Asian paste and spices), and Blue Post Boil (with cajun sauce, sausages, potatoes, and corn cobs). Once served, it's an option for diners to have the content of the bags unloaded on the table or consumed straight from them. I wasn't able to taste samplings of the last two cooking styles but if the Garlic Fried is any hint of how good the restaurant is then I'm definitely trying out the other ones in Davao City soon this September!

Ready, aim...

... attack!

Pomelo Cream with Corn to cleanse the palate after seafood degustation

Peak-crab-boo!

Crispy Garlic Tuna Belly

I also sampled the restaurant's version of Crispy Garlic Tuna Belly which was generously topped with bits of garlic. As its name suggests, the tuna was tender to the bite (as the belly usually is) and crispy all over. I'm not a big fan of this type of fish served in this format, but it was a reasonable break from feasting on the Garlic Fried crabs.

Mixing My Drinks

For drinks, I personally made myself a crazy mix of Blue Lemonade and Strawberry Iced Tea at the restaurant's own Nestea Mixology Bar, making the dining experience a tad more interesting than the usual. The two flavors might have looked suspiciously intoxicating when mixed, but it surprisingly tasted sweet. Other flavors are available at the bar for diners to mix and muse about after each surprising turnout. The idea is to get crazy by putting on one's contraband mode and bracing for the sip.

Fried Garlic Crabs (one of the cooking styles for you to choose from when ordering)

Pomelo Cream With Corn

Lastly, I had a Pomelo Cream with Corn for dessert as any seafood degustation requires cleansing the palate right after the experience. Unique to the taste, it's not the typical dessert cup of mixed fruits because there's cream, nata de coco, and pinipig which somehow reminded me a lot of halo-halo.

Messy but deliciously fun. It's the typical Filipino table which is why Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps has gained patrons in such a short period of time in Davao City, making it possible for it to make Metro Manila its latest home. You need to come and try it for yourself. Get down and dirty for what's delicious!

Watch A Short Video of The Feast:

On video: Reina of KonyoQueen.com and Didi of CanDIshhh.blogspot.com

Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps

Address: 4th Floor, The Block, SM City North Edsa, Quezon City, Philippines
Mobile: +63915-856-3383 (Globe) and +63908-863-5165 (Smart)

Special thanks to Reina of KonyoQueen and Didi of CanDIshhh for appearing on the video. Check out their blogs!

More Photos Below:

Settle down like grownups then pound and tear your way through your order

Sinuglaw

Coolers from the Nestea Mixology Bar

Pomelo Cream with Corn

USDA CAB Ribeye Steak

M E T R O

D I N I N G

Vittorio's Steakhouse is known for serving the most memorable steak-oriented dishes in Quezon City. This restaurant in the Tomas Morato dining district is not exactly along the long strip of other restaurants dotting both sides of the busy avenue. Because of its location along the less frenetic Scout Borromeo Street right beside the charming salon of celebrity Fanny Serrano, steak-lovin' patrons are also finding the establishment to be worth reserving for intimate meals and exclusive celebrations. With the presence of two major broadcasting networks and countless hotels in the area, business is lucrative so much so that even Mondays are packed.

To satiate my sporadic food trip of this side of Metro Manila, I spent a fulfilling lunch one weekend with friends at Vittorio's Steakhouse for steaks and more. It was a good thing that its co-owner, Chef Victor Daluz, Jr., was at the restaurant because I had the chance to find out his motivations behind his stellar dishes.

Osso Buco

Vittorio's dining area

Four Seasons Milkshake

Good Shepherd Ube-flavored Ice Cream (homemade from Benguet)

Lucena City Roots

A native of Lucena City, Chef Victor worked in various US-based resorts for three years before deciding to open the restaurant. After a short stint co-owning another restaurant in the metro, he finally decided to be at the helm of the dishes in a space he could call his own. Quezon Province is a known culinary destination after all, so his childhood and beginnings at the kitchen back home were probably brimming with memories of fiestas, exotic snacks, and comfort food that can only be truly Filipino. His culinary experience abroad has only enhanced who he is today and what he can offer in his latest venture.

Chop Noodles Salad with Miso Dressing

The massively big Tomahawk (1.4kg.) before it's cooked

Appetizing Noodle Salad, Tempura, and Seafood Starter

For appetizer, we had a highly recommended noodle salad that looked so hefty for combining a typical noodle dish and a conventional salad. Called the Chop Noodles Salad (Php199), miso paste was used for the dressing which would cleverly taste well with ribeye steak that was to be served later on, bringing out the latter's umami flavor. The noodle salad is a fantastic meal starter for those who can't wait for their order of the steak because the inclusion of pasta in the salad is a nifty way to add bulk to the appetizing dish, making it stretch further.

Another appetizer that we had was the Butter Garlic Shrimp (Php 270) which was velvety to the taste thanks to its rich butter-garlic flavor, plus the Tempura which revealed the fun side of dining at Vittorio's. Just when we thought that we couldn't enjoy world flavors at the restaurant, a stellar deep-fried Japanese favorite was available to perk up the meal.

My revisit of the restaurant

Ordered Hainanese Chicken for my revisit

Benguet Coffee-flavored Ice Cream (homemade from Benguet)

Tempura

Tasty Treats Crafted For Kids

Just for kicks, we sampled featured favorites especially made for kids since all of us at the table have young nieces and nephews whom we sometimes tag along on food trips. A co-diner even has kids of her own and she has always considered this part of the menu important. The treats called for easy-to-consume but filling orders. One such kiddie fave was the restaurant's version of the Angus beef patty burger called Burger In Paradise (Php210). The sinful patty is one wallop that can strike the hunger off of a youngster. Interestingly the pepper-y taste of the burger can also appeal to a teenager or an adult as opined by a co-diner. Another kiddie fave we had was the restaurant's version of the Mac and Cheese (Php 175) which definitely was more than grocery quality in taste. It had generous bacon bits which I loved and its creamy taste was a crowd-pleaser at the table.

Burger In Paradise (left) and Mac 'N' Cheese (right)

Clam Pasta

In-Demand Clam Pasta

From one pasta favorite to another, the Clam Pasta (Php 285) that we decided to order for sharing looked decadent when served. Although it initially seemed enough for sharing, it turned out that most of us at the table lapped up every briny and savory bite that it had to offer. Soon, we were ready for more of the mains!

A Tender Lot Was At Steak

The steak dish that we decided to order for sharing was one of the restaurant's best-sellers -- the USDA Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Ribeye Steak. Served medium rare and topped with toasted fat trimmings, it tasted fantastic with its accompanying steak rice (options: mashed potato or fries). I intentionally feasted on the toasted fat trimmings minutes later which, on its own, tasted remarkable with the steak rice. All in all, this was a standout for me. I'm no steak expert and because of that my rules are basic. If I could slice through one without hurting my grip, then I know that I'm in for a delicious treat.

Butter Garlic Shrimp

A romantic space at Vittorio's

Mac 'N' Cheese

Chocolate Milkshake

More In Store

For the first time, I sampled an Italian dish called Osso Bucco which sounded odd to me at first but became familiar in taste. Having no point of reference, I was reminded of Beef Caldereta. If you're a fan of the latter, you'll love this dish especially if served on a hot plate.

Another new flavor for me was the dessert called Alfajor-flavored ice cream (Php140) that I had along with two reliable ones -- Ube (from Good Shepherd) and Cookie Dough flavors. A Spanish and Latin American confection, alfajores are soft and delicate on their own. Mixed as a ribbon of dulce de leche in the homemade ice cream from Benguet that Vittorio's serves, it becomes the nutty texture of the dessert which is creamy all over.

Alfajor-flavored Ice Cream (homemade from Benguet)

Cookie Dough-flavored Ice Cream (homemade from Benguet)

Remarkable Revisit

A few days after my first visit of Vittorio's, I returned to the restaurant for an unscheduled late lunch which allowed me to order a favorite dish of mine -- the Hainanese Chicken (Php250). Usually satisfied by any version as I consider this a constant craving, I was honestly impressed with the way the chicken was cooked and how much meat was in the whole serving. It was definitely a departure from my usual dining experience in other restaurants that serve portions that have more bone that meat.

As a sweet bonus to my revisit, I had a Benguet Coffee-flavored Ice Cream that was subtle in taste and not at all overwhelming that you thought you sipped a cup of barako coffee.

There's no shortage of the distinct at Vittorio's. It has a plenitude of featured dishes, but each is done under the watchful eye and with the personal touch of Chef Victor which makes all the tasty difference.

Vittorio's Steakhouse

Official Facebook fan page of Vittorio's Steakhouse

Address: 32 Scout Borromeo Street, South Triangle, Tomas Morato, 1103 Quezon City, Philippines
Hours of Operation: Daily, 11:00am - 11:00pm
Phone: (02) 738-6564
Email: vittoriosph@gmail.com

Where To Stay In Quezon City For Food Trip Staycations?

• B Hotel-Quezon City
• Microtel By Wyndham-UP Technohub
• Cacao Hotel

• Madison 101 Hotel (Soon!)

More Photos Below:

Breakfast in bed via room service

M E T R O

L I V I N G

With the burden of heavy traffic happening in Metro Manila these days, there is now no certified way on how to move around from one place to another in a desired time frame. It's like every trip from one city to the next is a silly game of chance. Case in point: the usual thirty minute cab ride from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to nearby hospitality districts where most hotels are can sometimes take more time to traverse than a shortcut to cities like Pasig or Mandaluyong. Instead of getting upset, most travelers have learned to zero in on the quality of the hotel they're staying in instead of the location itself. This gives more leisure time for layovers which travelers are more satisfied with.

Nothing shines more as a result of this new urban phenomenon than Quezon City which has long suffered the prejudice of being a great distance from the airport. With the presence of the 35-room Madison 101 Hotel at its fringe, having an affordable stay at a value hotel is now possible for tourists. It shines in its corner of Aurora Boulevard and Madison Street after which the establishment is named. San Juan City is easily accessible right across it and Mount Carmel Shrine is just a few blocks away for weddings. Not far away is the cluster of bus terminals that unload hotel-seeking travelers from provinces on a daily basis. With the dining district of Tomas Morato being just a few minutes away, it's also potentially a good base for food trips.

The view of New Manila from my booked Double Deluxe room

A view of San Juan City from my booked King Deluxe room

(left) The Premier Suite; (top right and bottom) The Presidential Suite

(top) The bathroom of the Double Deluxe room; (bottom) The Double Deluxe room

Hotel, Dorm, and Events Place In One

The 10-storey establishment stands out in the New Manila landscape for being relatively new and for towering against a grid of Quezon City's affluent residences. Redefining the hospitality scene where some brands have come out as serviced residences (hotel rooms and residential units), Madison 101 Hotel is unique for housing not just standard rooms for its hotel guests but also modern, housekeeping-appointed dormitory-style rooms for students. As a matter of fact, it currently has 85 of those rooms dedicated for college reviewers. Soon, though, more hotel rooms will be added to replace a whole floor of dormitory-style rooms as a result of the tourism boom happening in this side of Metro Manila.

What will greet you at the hotel lobby

The Double Deluxe room

With a bevy of attractions for revelry in the area, the hotel's function rooms are also starting to get noticed by consumers. From seminars to banquets, the hotel has packages that can cater to any special occasion whether as small as a group of 30 people or as many as a group of more than 200 people.
The time extent of use can range from as short as four hours to eight hours depending on the chosen package. For example, its Brooklyn 3 function room that caters to 30 people can be booked for as low as Php4,000 only for four hours. A majority of the hotel's wedding packages for 100 guests is also attractive for having inclusions like an overnight stay for two guests with breakfast, four-hour use of the Skydeck, and a lot more for reasonable rates.

The charming hotel lobby

A view of New Manila from my booked Double Deluxe room

The hotel cafeteria

The hotel hallway

Guest Rooms To Choose From

For now, travelers can choose from a varied set of guest room options when booking a stay. The hotel has a total of twenty Double Deluxe rooms to cater to guests who always come in a group of more than two people (families or friends on staycation or work colleagues on a business trip). Also great for such a number of guests are the hotel's six King Deluxe rooms and two Family Rooms. Couples can opt for the Premier Suite which is decked with a sensational ceiling-to-floor glass wall for an unobstructed view of the city. It's also where most requests are done for romantic setups like proposal announcements and celebrating anniversaries. For those checking in solo like transients or backpackers en route to and from provincial destinations, the hotel has four decent-sized Single Superior rooms. For those with a large number of attendees, the Skydeck (located at the penthouse) can work for Php25,000 (4 hours) or Php35,000 (8 hours). The view of the city up there isn't bad at all, so that's basically budget-friendly.

The kitchen of the Presidential Suite

The cozy Qups Quarters Cafe at the hotel's lower ground level

Presidential Suite On Introductory Room Rate Discount

Perhaps the space there that's getting so much attention from tourists these days is its newly-built Presidential Suite. Located at the penthouse, it's what large group of guests prefer to book for special occasions from intimate parties to simple reunions. Once the Jacuzzi is finally installed, it's one luxurious floor that guests can experience for long stays. It's currently on an introductory room rate promo of 50% discount until December of this year (Published Rate: Php15,000), so booking for the holidays as early as this month can be a wise decision to make given that rates tend to peak by the end of the year.

The Presidential Suite is on introductory room rate promo until December, 2016!

Room service

The expansive view from the romantic Premier Suite

A function room for seminars

No Bells and Whistles But Fine Standards

I recently had the pleasure of staying at two of the hotel's guest rooms for a couple of nights -- the Double Deluxe and the King Deluxe. Having spent a night in each room, I've come to recognize the hotel's consistent standards regarding room features with a few sterling add-ons like the inclusion of a mini-refrigerator for supplies and the presence of a bidet in the bathroom which some pricey boutique hotels I've stayed in didn't even have. I no longer expected the rooms to be designed in unconventional ways because of their affordable rates which somehow focused on less distraction and more comfort for travelers. And with unobstructed room views, a stay can be considered not only remarkable but also value for money.

My booked King Deluxe room with a view of San Juan City

Room Service Meals and More

For my meals during my stay, I opted to order from the hotel's cafeteria for room service as the latter allows for such arrangements. Breakfast and dinner in bed? No problem as they were delivered right on time for both meals!

More than the guest room, an interesting bonus in staying at Madison 101 Hotel was access to the cozy Qups Quarters Cafe for coffee and pasta. In retrospect, it was a convenient source of comfort food for the two days of stay that I had because a sporadic drizzle outside made going out of the hotel for snacks a bit difficult.

Mount Carmel Shrine as viewed from the Skydeck

The romantic Premier Suite, perfect for couples

Daytime view of New Manila

Should I happen to have another reason to stay in Quezon City, I don't have a problem shortlisting Madison 101 Hotel as one of my options. It will just depend on my mood. For a no-frill stay, it's definitely on top of my list. Sometimes straightforward comfort is the luxury that we're really looking for.

Other Important Points of Interest:
Across the hotel is a major grocery which is housed by Broadway Centrum, a landmark that you can consider in reaching the place. For monetary concerns, there's a bank, plus ATM in the same building of the hotel.

Watch A Quick Tour of The Presidential Suite:

Madison 101 Hotel

Official website of Madison 101 Hotel

Address: Corner of Aurora Blvd. and Madison St., New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines
Phone: 02 723-1111
Mobile: 63 936-9119-039
Email: inquiry@madison101.com.ph

Vittorio's Steakhouse

Where to eat out in Quezon City? Check out these restaurants:

• Vittorio's Steakhouse For Steaks and More
• Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps For Seafood
• Millie's All-Day Dining For Exquisite Meals
• 49-B Heirloom Kitchen and Leonardo's Lechon
• The Hardcore Burger Joint Called Pepe's Meat

S P E C I A L

M O M E N T S

Not everybody gets to say "I do" to someone special. The wedding ceremony where it takes place is usually preceded by a pre-nuptial photo and video shoot which makes the whole experience special. It deserves a scenery that complements the sensibilities of the bride and groom and not just any nondescript space. This is why romantic couples who have found forever in each other go through a tedious process that demands them to look for a desirable attraction, check them on site, and make a shortlist of options.

To make it easier for those based in mainland Luzon, here's a list of seven highly recommended resorts that can potentially reflect the dream wedding of any couple before and even after the ceremony:

Country Inn By The Sea

1. Country Inn By The Sea
Location: Sta. Ana, Cagayan

If you're getting married up north in Cagayan, there isn't a lot of fancy places to do a pre-nuptial photo and video shoot. There may be a plenitude of nature to go around, but the character that Sta. Ana's Country Inn By The Sea possesses is truly unique at its beachfront dining decks. The swath of rustic open cottages are connected by a wooden pathway and veiled by a garden on one side and exposed to the beach on the other. Being there is simply ideal with someone you love. All it takes is a photographer or videographer to capture that moment.

Read more about Country Inn By The Sea.

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino

2. Midori Clark Hotel and Casino
Location: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga

Married couples to-be in Pampanga don't have to leave the province for a picturesque scenery. Midori Clark Hotel and Casino has just opened at the Clark Freeport Zone and it has such a space in its sprawling property. The well-manicured garden next door is accentuated by massive age-old trees for that feel of nature. For convenience, the whole photography, video, hair and makeup team can also be booked at the hotel.

Read more about Midori Clark Hotel and Casino.

Dona Jovita Garden Resort

3. Dona Jovita Garden Resort
Location: Calamba, Laguna

Less than two hours away from Metro Manila is Calamba where hot springs are not the only craze. Dona Jovita Garden Resort has also become a favorite for romantic photo and video shoots that also include wedding ceremony and reception bookings. The property's swimming pools and villas are just one part of the resort because the other half is dedicated to special events like weddings, debuts, reunions and more.

Read more about Dona Jovita Garden Resort.

Graceland Estates and Country Club

4. Graceland Estates and Country Club
Location: Tayabas City, Quezon Province

Quezon Province is not all-rice fields and coconut trees. Where Mount Banahaw is a distant enigmatic view, Tayabas City quietly welcomes guests at the Graceland Estates and Country Club from one uninterrupted pre-nuptial shoot setup to another. The 22-hectare property can allow this type of activity to flow smoothly with its usual resort and hotel operations.

Read more about Graceland Estates and Country Club.

Sitio De Amor

5. Sitio De Amor
Location: San Pablo, Laguna

Less than a couple of hours away from Metro Manila is breezy San Pablo City which is famous for having its idyllic seven lakes. It also has a booming tourism thanks to its several bed and breakfasts that include the charming estate called Sitio De Amor. With its quaint villas and expansive garden, a romantic photo and video shoot for one's upcoming wedding is possible in this side of Laguna.

Read more about Sitio De Amor.

San Rafael River Adventure

6. San Rafael River Adventure
Location: San Rafael, Bulacan

Residents of Metro Manila can find comfort in knowing that Bulacan is just an hour away and it has San Rafael River Adventure which is not just sensational for quick family getaways, but it's also starting to be a favorite among photographers and videographers for being a quaint space to shoot clients without the latter being far from their workplace and residences. The property is filled with age-old mango trees that fortunately have not been felled to give way to a landscaped garden. What's more, the resort is next to the clean Angat River which sizzles in vibrant colors every morning in time for sunrise.

Read more about San Rafael River Adventure.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

7. Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar
Location: Bagac, Bataan

The heritage resort of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar has long been popular for attracting the young and old alike for the chance to appreciate the architecture and interior design of old Filipino houses. The same aesthetic has also been luring romantic couples for the past few years for pre-nuptial photo and video shoots that no other resort facility can provide. Since weddings are always opulent, the ornate details of the resort's facilities perfectly reflect the sensibility of the wedding planners and the couples themselves.

Read more about Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.

Pinto Art Museum

Bonus: Pinto Art Museum
Location: Antipolo, Rizal

Pinto Art Museum is not a resort but it's an idyllic attraction in Antipolo for romantic shoots because of its well-maintained garden and appealing gallery facades. It's an easy choice among married couples to-be in Metro Manila for being less than two hours away from Quezon City.

Read more about Pinto Art Museum.

Eager for more travel recommendations? Check out the following posts:

• 10 Luxury Hotels and Resorts To Book For Pampered Vacations
• 8 Less Explored Attractions In The Philippines
• 10 Extraordinary Resorts and Hotels To Book In The Philippines

• 11 Quick Escapes Near Metro Manila Part 1

• 11 Quick Escapes Near Metro Manila Part 2

• Exciting Beach Getaways In The Philippines, Rain Or Shine

• Essential Adventure Rides To Try In The Philippines

• 8 Essential Wellness Hubs To Experience In The Philippines

• 3 Essential Events Place In Metro Manila For Weddings, Birthdays, and More

The beachfront swimming pool view in Bolinao, Pangasinan

P O O L

V I E W S

A resort or hotel with a swimming pool access is a big bonus to one's vacation or staycation. Such an amenity becomes the sole reason why some travelers even book a guest room or suite when the view that it offers is unique. It's sometimes the only reason why vacationers return to a destination. This proves that no matter how elegant or modern a resort or hotel is, it will not be as memorable if it doesn't complement its surroundings. Everyone deserves something unconventional especially if the money spent was hard-earned and the leave credit approval from one's office was long overdue.

After four years of scoping mainland Luzon and a few destinations in the Visayas, I managed to test some of the most interesting hospitality brands. I, myself, experienced spending my hard-earned money for my travels. I also painstakingly scheduled my own vacation leaves at the office when I used to do the daily grind in Makati City. From someone who've considered so much for every getaway that I've enjoyed, I can honestly recommend the following resorts and hotels to be worth your investment:

Punta De Fabian

1. Punta De Fabian
Location: Baras, Rizal
Attractive View: Expansive view of Laguna De Bay

A hilltop resort such as Punta De Fabian can be challenging to scale from its entrance, but the touristic isolation that offers a guest at the top is priceless. This is more evident at its poolside where the expanse of Laguna Lake can be mesmerizing any time of the day. The whole view from the cliff-side swimming pool becomes dramatic during sunrise.

Read more about Punta De Fabian.

Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park

2. Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park
Location: Orani, Bataan

Attractive View: Highly vegetated woodland views of the Bataan National Park

Every month, hikers are lured to trek the Pinagbutasan Trail of Orani to reach the summit of Mt. Natib. Their goal is to experience nature where it is highly vegetated. The closest luxury resort from the jump-off point of the hike is Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park. From its cliff-side swimming pool, the spectacular view of the mountainside that veils the hiking trail is almost within one's reach. It's too close yet too far because the ridge where a stream is flowing creates the enigmatic distance. A guest half-submerged at the pool can take a gander at views of nature from the luxurious space that the resort provides which is something worth one's check-in.

Read more about Vista Tala Resort and Recreational Park.

G Beach Resort

3. G Beach Resort
Location: Bolinao, Pangasinan

Attractive View: Dramatic sunset-strewn surf of Patar Beach

The public beach of Patar in Bolinao attracts countless visitors every month, rain or shine, because of the quality of its sand and the stunning sunset that happens everyday. Along the same shoreline nearby is G Beach Resort which has an infinity pool that offers guests the same view. Beach-bumming at the beachfront and getting soaked at the swimming pool after is made convenient as both are a stroll away from each other.
Read more about G Beach Resort.

San Antonio Resort

4. San Antonio Resort
Location: Roxas City, Capiz

Attractive View: Placid fish pond opposite Baybay Beach

If it's fresh and delicious seafood, it must be from Roxas City. This is why San Antonio Resort has its own fish pond that's also a quaint boating area for resort guests. The placid space is also the alluring view from the property's swank infinity pool. This must be one of the most luxurious areas that I've visited in Roxas City.

Read more about San Antonio Resort.

San Rafael River Adventure

5. San Rafael River Adventure
Location: San Rafael, Bulacan

Attractive View: A quiet stretch of the clean Angat River

Swimming pools that look out to the beach or a nondescript metropolis. There are a lot of those in the country. One that looks out to a clean river that's an hour away from Metro Manila? That's a rarity. Case in point: San Rafael River Adventure in Bulacan. Its swimming pool has a charming view of the attractive Angat River which can be a breath of fresh air in the province where resorts seem to be stuck in the practice of amusing guests with nothing but wave pools and slides.

Read more on San Rafael River Adventure.

Vivere Azure

6. Vivere Azure
Location: Mabini, Batangas

Attractive View: Splendid view of the nearby Maricaban Island

The cliff-side pool of Vivere Azure in Anilao is luxurious for being romantic any time of the day. Nighttime soaks can be as sensational as midday ones because the water's lukewarm all throughout the day. On a good night, the moonlit sky can even serve as a romantic backdrop to one's turn at the pool. During the day, one can even spot fishing boats off the coast of the Calumpang Peninsula.

Read more about Vivere Azure.

Hotel Fina

7. Hotel Fina
Location: Tabaco City, Albay

Attractive View: Breathtaking silhouette of the Mayon Volcano on a good day

Get too close to Mayon Volcano and the surrounding can be painfully breezy. It's the problem I had having a chilly soak at the infinity pool of another luxury hotel in Legazpi City one time. However, the location of the boutique hotel called Hotel Fina in Tabaco City was just right for me for viewing the volcano in my swimshorts. It's where the silhouette of Albay's natural attraction can be mesmerizing without being daunting. What's more, the roof deck area of the hotel is not only equipped with a swimming pool. It also has a Jacuzzi that shares the same sensational view.

Read more about Hotel Fina.

Samkara Restaurant ang Garden Resort

8. Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort
Location: Lucban, Quezon Province

Attractive View: Charming farming fields of the province

Resorts in the provinces don't build swimming pools next to rice fields. Make Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort an exception. This resort in Lucban actually takes off from the rural farming views of the town to come up with a batis-inspired pool that has a charming view of the next-door rice field. The result is a truly Filipino vacation.

Read more about Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort.

Azumi Boutique Hotel

9. Azumi Boutique Hotel
Location: Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila

Attractive View: Unobstructed view of the busy metro

In Alabang, the hospitality boom has given rise to Azumi Boutique Hotel. The sensory guest experience starts at the chic lobby upon check-in and culminates at the penthouse where the boundless sky meets the edge of a roof deck pool. Seventeen floors up, one can see the area's residential cluster at one glance and the nearby Alabang Town Center at another. Also can be visible on a clear day is the distant Laguna De Bay.

Read more about Azumi Boutique Hotel.

Microtel By Wyndham-Mall of Asia

10. Microtel By Wyndham-Mall of Asia
Location: Pasay City, Metro Manila

Attractive View: Amazing Manila Bay sunset against a pulsating amusement space

A lot of hotels in the bay city of Manila boast of sunset views from their respective swimming pools. The most spectacular way to experience it is via Microtel By Wyndham where its poolside view is conveniently at the roof deck away from the harsh elements below.

Read more about Microtel By Wyndham.

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A table of healthy and irresistibly delicious treats at H.I.D. Burgers

Cheesebomb

F O O D

T R I P

Are you in pursuit of satiating your burger craving with something unique in Metro Manila? At the City Golf Plaza in Ortigas Center, H.I.D. Burgers may just fulfill your unusual taste for the great American favorite snack. The burger joint's name stands for "Healthy" and "Irresistibly Delicious" which is what it offers basically. What's more, the flame-grilled burger patties are not made of beef. Defying the typical way of serving burgers, the Pasig City-based restaurant has been known in its other branches in Cainta, Antipolo, Pasong Tamo, Highway Hills and Fairview to keep hungry guests satisfied over burgers made from 100% high quality chicken. Diners can always expect to tear into pure chicken in burger format that's done gourmet-style because the treats are prepared without any extenders.

H.I.D. Burgers also takes pride in serving its burger treats upon being ordered which means they are not pre-cooked so as to guarantee its irresistibly delicious taste. The several minutes of waiting time has been tested by many of its patrons to be worth the wait anyway.

Having dined at this burger joint for lunch one weekend with friends, I managed to sample some of its specials, plus a lot more. I've determined four reasons why H.I.D. Burgers is worth your next food trip if you have not heard of it before:

Beastmode BLT

Meditteranean, Big Dogg-style (arf!)

1. Burgers Flipped Between Pandesal Buns

If you're used to having your burger in the typical soft buns that pay homage to the snack's American roots, you'll flip out knowing that burgers in this joint are remarkably Filipino in taste. Having one is like waking up to a pleasant breakfast. It's because the bread used for buns here is the same one that Pinoys have been accustomed to eating in the morning -- the pan de sal or pandesal.

The slightly sweet taste of the bread adds character to the order and its crunchy texture seems to perk up one's craving even more with every bite. This tasty twist alone is enough reason to make you convinced why the restaurant is quite effective appealing to the local market. As for foreign taste buds, there's always room for curiosity.

Hungarian Sausage Slices (best with booze or soda)

2. No One's Too Chicken For Chicken Burgers and Sausages

The specials at H.I.D. can be ordered in four ways -- in Deluxe Burger (single patty; 1/4 pound), Premier Burger (double patty), Combo Burger (combination of burger and sausage) or in Big Dogg (Hungarian Sausage) format. The many ways to have your tasty fix at this joint is enough an adventure to rid you of your snack boredom.

For starters, I had the the Barbecue & Coleslaw that was made with special BBQ sauce on a layer of coleslaw. I also tried the Cheesebomb, the restaurant's burger special for cheese lovers who will go crazy over a layered treat of mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and cheese sauce.

Barbecue & Coleslaw

The restaurant is also starting to become popular for its other specials like sausages, wings, and nuggets which is why trying out a flavor from its list of specials like the Meditteranean can be exciting. I ordered such flavor in Big Dogg format wherein the Hungarian Sausage is delectably served with bell peppers, onions and garlic sauce.

Since the restaurant also serves booze because of its location in Ortigas as a snack destination for call center agents, Hungarian Sausage Slices can be a worthy treat to end one's long day. It's basically slices of flame-grilled Hungarian sausages that a guest can order to go with one's burger. We had one at the table sans the booze, but it still appealed to me as an appetizing treat that I could snack on in between bites of my ordered burger flavors.

For those who still crave beef in their burgers, the restaurant has the aptly called Beastmode BLT (short for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato) that's loaded with cheese sauce aside from having onions and mayo. I ordered one and initially it didn't look hefty at all, so it was not really intimidating to feast on. However, I was able to determine the whopping difference of its 200 gram all-beef patty with bacon and other good stuff once I tore into it. It was definitely filling!

Low Carb BLT

3. You Can Go Healthy Sans The Bun

Girls who are conscious about their weight normally stay away from burger joints because they think the food served there is the culprit. And they may be right. Fortunately, H.I.D. Burgers has the Low Carb option to make anyone enjoy a burger without the bun. I had a variant of the BLT served Low Carb-style and it's like ordering a salad but with the sinful stuff still tossed in the middle of the layers of the crispy lettuce.

4. It's Open In The Wee Hours

One of the best things about the restaurant is its operating hours. Knowing that a burger craving can stalk a person any time of the day, especially in the wee hours, H.I.D. Burgers has its doors open until 3:00am daily at the City Golf Plaza branch.

View of Dona Julia Vargas Avenue on a good day

City Golf Plaza

My dining experience at H.I.D. Burgers' newest branch at the City Golf Plaza was truly healthy and irresistibly delicious as the restaurant's name suggests. Most of what I ordered with friends were good for sharing that we ended up tasting a little bit of everything. Maybe next time, I can drop by at 2:00am before closing time.

H.I.D. Burgers

Official Facebook fan page of H.I.D. Burgers

Address: Dona Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City, Philippines

Our Branches:
Cainta, Congressional Avenue, Marcos Highway, Mandaluyong City, Fairview

More Photos Below:

In the first quarter of 2017, the first Tryp Hotel in Asia will open its doors in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Tryp By Wyndham is a select-service urban hotel with over 100 properties in some of the most exciting cities in the world such as Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Sao Paulo, New York and Brisbane. Each Tryp Hotel is designed to appeal to modern travelers who seek new experiences and spend time discovering the city, immersing in the culture, as well as meeting and socializing with the locals.

Tryp By Wyndham Philippines

The first Tryp Hotel is where it should be -- at the center of it all in the metro. Aside from being just 20 minutes away from the international and domestic airports, the new property is strategically located where old and new Manila meet. Because of its location, guests can shop for both international and local labels in SM Mall of Asia or Divisoria, visit the world's oldest Chinatown in Binondo, catch sporting events and concerts in the nearby Mall of Asia Arena, or experience the Manila nightlife in the different spots in Makati and Bonifacio Global City. Other sites to visit are the Rizal and Paco parks, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Museum, or the walled city of Intramuros.

Rizal Park in Manila

Guest Rooms

Tryp by Wyndham Mall of Asia-Manila will have 191 rooms and like the other Tryp hotels around the world, it will offer specialty guest room types such as a Family Room with bunk beds for families traveling with children, a Fitness Room complete with exercise equipment, a Media Room which features high-tech multimedia, and Loft Rooms.

Expect only the best amenities from a third floor restaurant with a stunning view of the Manila Bay to a rooftop swimming pool. What's more, the hotel is going to be adjacent to One Esplanade, a conference and event venue.

Tryp By Wyndham-Bogota, a guest room in Colombia

Tryp Around The World

What sets the Tryp brand apart is the presence of local and connected associates who have a shared passion for their city and giving guests memorable localized experiences. With the help of these associates, guests will be in the loop about the best places to score shopping bargains, the best hole in the wall restaurants to eat in, the best museums to visit, and the latest events happening in the city among others.

Another exciting aspect of the hotel is the Wyndham Rewards program. Each night's stay at Tryp earns points towards a discounted or free night at any of the participating Wyndham Rewards hotels around the world. Guests can also earn airline miles or partner points.

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