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Marinduque Province | Journey to Maniwaya Island - DIY Travel Guide + Personal Notes

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My home province Marinduque is most famous for Moriones during Holy Week. However, not many people know that here lies an island which holds treasures that can bring joy and exhilarating feelings to any traveler. Maniwaya Island, despite being a new travel destination, has some of the most breathtaking and stunning shores, water, and rock formations I’ve seen here in the country. It brings a certain serene and quiet atmosphere because of its isolation.

Maniwaya DIY

Maniwaya Island is slowly gaining popularity now. A lot of accommodation options are now available on and near the area. Maniwaya is so breathtakingly beautiful that you need to keep your phone or camera fully-charged because of the endless sights of well-grown corals, white sandbars, and clear waters everywhere! 

PERSONAL NOTES

Day 2 of our Marinduque getaway! We woke up later than our scheduled time to travel so very little time was spent on breakfast. My daughter enjoyed her tosilog and chocolate drink while I quickly finished my daingsilog.Wag kang magmadali Papa”, she insisted. “Okay, I will just relax… Even if I’m pretty sure that we’re cutting too close and we might miss the 7:00AM jeep to Santa Cruz”, I replied with smile. There was an hour interval before the next trip, and if we don’t catch this early trip, our schedule will be ruined.

The terminal is just a walking distance from Boac Hotel, but we decided to ride a tricycle to manage our time. By a stroke of luck, the scheduled jeepney also arrived late. It was almost boarding time when we arrived. The hour ride from Boac to Santa Cruz felt like minutes, as we were asleep in the entire trip. Yep, that’s one of our father-daughter things: we can sleep anywhere, even in at uncomfortable position.

We arrived at the Santa Cruz Terminal at around 8:00 AM. The jeepney driver was still waiting for four more passengers when we arrived so I just offered to pay the remaining seats so we could leave the terminal ASAP. At this time I was smiling again – we were pretty sure that our main itinerary for the day was still on track.

From Santa Cruz, our Barangay (in Torrijos) was just half an hour travel. I decided to swing by and made the usual kumustahan with relatives for an hour. Finally, at around 10:00 AM, our boat operators arrived - we're heading to Maniwaya Island, our main itinerary on day 2 and 3 of Marinduque getaway. To clarify, this is not the usual route going to the island. It’s an additional +45 minutes sea travel compared to coming from the usual jump-off points: Buyabod Pier in Santa Cruz (Marinduque) or in General Luna (Quezon Province). But since I also wanted to visit my relatives while in Marinduque, and my barangay is also a fishing community and has a local docking area of big fishing boats, I decided to arrange and start the Maniwaya trip from there. 

From our house, we walked through the now cemented pathway going to the fishing boat docking area called Lalao. Lalao, aside from being my childhood playground and having a special spot in my heart, is a rich habitat of different fauna and flora. It took us more than an hour from the boat docking station in our Barangay going to Maniwaya Island. We had a rough time traveling because of this year’s habagat.

Mangrove Area
Beautiful sight of thick mangrove forest - going to Maniwaya Island 

First things first - we book our accommodation at Wawie’s Beach Resort. I availed the air-conditioned room for Php2500. Their non-air-conditioned rooms/cottages are for Php1200.00 and tents are also available for Php500.00. Power outages or “brownouts” are one of the known problems in the island but the owner assured us that they have a generator set and operational. Upon reaching the resort, I felt relieved to find our room was clean and comfy. The water supply was also good and the hot shower was a plus. The resort also has a restaurant and function hall for videoke sessions. Our cottage was conveniently located near the beach area so the relaxing sea breeze was our best consolation.

Aside from the resort’s restaurant, there were also a few local food stalls near the resort where you could buy chips, toiletries, bottled water and soda drinks. There is also a branch of Rico’s Inn Restaurant just beside Wawie’s Resort. Rico’s Inn is a popular food place in the town proper of Santa Cruz that served affordable pinoy dishes and snacks like litson kawali, pansit and their famous halo-halo.

Maniwaya Beach Morning
Bird's-eye view of the northwestern side of Maniwaya Island


WHERE TO STAY 

There are a lot of accommodations in Maniwaya Island, which you can easily book online. We stayed at Wawie’s Beach Resort, in the northwestern side of the island, famous for the long stretch of coral beach. The location of the resort is also near everything – most especially within walking distance from restaurants and the warf area going IN and OUT the island. They have a wide selection of room accommodations – from tents and cottages, to non-airconditioned and airconditioned rooms. Lastly, the good thing about their location is the beautiful sunrise and sunset views! 

WAWIE'S BEACH RESORT
Maniwaya Island, Santa Cruz, Marinduque
Contact Numbers: Kuya Warlito +639213695359 / +639773314872 
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/WawiesResort/

Below are the other recommended accommodations when in Maniwaya Island. 

RESIDENCIA DE PALO MARIA 
Location: Maniwaya Island, Santa Cruz, Marinduque
Contact Numbers: +639192375633 / +639228670312 / +639179540495 / (046)5172189
Email: residenciadepalomaria@yahoo.com
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/ResidenciaDePaloMaria/

VILLA ATILANA
Location: Maniwaya Island, Santa Cruz, Marinduque
Contact Numbers: +639185594522 / +639954062027
Email: villaatilana@gmail.com
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/VillaAtilana/

PLAYA AMARA
Location: Maniwaya Island, Santa Cruz, Marinduque
Contact Numbers: +639285070362 / +639205556256 
FB Page : https://www.facebook.com/Playa-Amara-Beach-Resort

MARIKIT NA BEACH RESORT
Location: Maniwaya Island, Santa Cruz, Marinduque
Contact Numbers: +639278789782 / +639219785565

3 BROTHER'S BEACH
Location: Maniwaya Island, Santa Cruz, Marinduque
Contact Numbers: +639214583462 
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/www.3brothers/


Maniwaya Beach PM
The beautiful beach area on the northwestern side of Maniwaya Island.

Things to Do and Interesting Activities in Maniwaya Island
  • Enjoy the sunset and sunrise – perfect view from Wawie’s Beach Resort
  • Beach Bumming 
  • Island hopping – Palad Sandbar and Ungab Rock Formation
  • Snorkeling at coral garden area (included in island hopping package)
  • Enjoy the long streets of coral sands near the Wawie’s beach resort area

Maniwaya Beach
Long stretch of cream sand beach

We grabbed lunch in one of the huts near the beach and got ready for our itinerary for the day – island hopping to Palad Sandbar and Ungab Rock Formation in the neighboring Mongpong Island.

Palad Sandbar 2
Bird's-eye view of Palad Sandbar

Palad Sandbar is always a good place to go to because it’s not easily accessible; you can only visit it during low tide. The sand there had an off-white shade but it was surrounded by teal water, which made the sky and the sandbar itself look a lot brighter. Plus, it was fun to take photos here because there weren’t a lot of people. You and your friends, family or partner can take endless photos without having to be bothered by other people blocking the view.

Our next stop was supposedly Ungab Rock Formation. Unfortunately, the locals and our boat operators advised us not to proceed to it as the waves became quite big and dangerous. But to give you a bit of information about the place, the rock formation is more of a huge arch or a bridge-like formation. You can also climb it. So, if you have a brave heart, you can go rock climbing there. But for those who just want a chill visit, the breathtaking view will be enough to make all the expenses and time spent worth it. 

Palad Sandbar 1
Palad Sandbar

Palad Sandbar 3
View of the stunning Palad Sandbar from the sky


TRAVEL NOTES
  • There is a good mobile signal in the island (3G to LTE) 
  • Bring enough cash, there are no ATM’s in the island and credit/debit cards are not accepted as of this writing. 
  • Maniwaya Island has two long beach areas of coral sands - the one on the eastern side of the island (docking area of the fishermen) and the northwestern side (Wawie’s Beach area). 
  • Summer (March to May) is the best time to visit Maniwaya Island. Waves and currents are strong during Habagat and rainy seasons. 
  • The island has now 24 hours electric supply (connected to the mainland) but be prepared for rotational brownouts in the province. 
  • Take note that if you want to go island hopping (to visit the Palad Sandbar and Ungab Rock Formations), it will cost you around Php1500-Php2000. 
  • There are also fees for camping with your own tent and the cottage rental on Maniwaya Island, but the price varies. 
  • Polo, Mompong and Salamague are the other 3 other interesting islands of Santa Cruz close to Maniwaya – you may opt to include on your itinerary. 
  • Maniwaya Island is inhabited and there is a local community – fishing is the main livelihood. 
  • Talk and interact with the locals – that’s our best experience in the island. They’re warm to visitors and willing to help specially on giving tips on the best spots and where to buy food. 
  • You can buy fresh catch from the fisherman then have it cooked at the restaurants/ food stalls for you. Of course don’t forget to pay for the service. 
  • There are restaurants and sari-sari stores in the island. 
  • Bring your camera – the views here are amazing!
  • Flying drones is allowed in the island but check the wind – it tends to get stronger during Habagat season. 
  • Don’t litter! Please preserve the island for your next trip – and for the future generation. 

Palad Sandbar
Palad Sandbar


HOW TO GET TO MANIWAYA ISLAND

From Metro Manila 

By Air 
  • There is a regular flight from Terminal 4 of NAIA (Manila) to Gasan Airport in Marinduque. Flight time is more or less 1 hour. 

       From Gasan Airport and Boac 
  • You ride in a public utility jeepney from Buenavista going to Boac. Regular PUJs are passing Gasan airport bound to Boac. Ask the driver to drop you off at the jeepney terminal going to Santa Cruz. 

The usual jump-off point is the town proper of Santa Cruz
  • At Poblacion, Santa Cruz, ride in a tricycle bound to Buyabod Pier for Php120.00. For a cheaper fare option, look for the Santa Cruz jeepney terminal (also the location of the public market) then ride in a jeepney routing Torrijos then ask the driver to drop you off at Buyabod Pier Crossing – for less than Php20.00 fare. From Buyabod Crossing, ride a tricycle going to the port area. 
  • There are only two (2) boat trips going to Maniwaya Island: early in the morning (7:00AM) and before lunch (11:00AM). Fare for passenger boat is Php80.00 and travel time is more or less 30 minutes. 
  • There is only one trip boat trip schedule from Maniwaya Island back to Buyabod Port, and that is at 6:00 in the morning. 
  • If you miss the scheduled boat trip, the other option is to charter a boat, with rate ranging from Php1000.00 to Php1500.00. 

By Land
Option 1: Via Land + Sea Travel (Grand Terminal in Lucena) 
Manila to Grand Terminal to Talao Talao Port in Dalahican to Cawit Port or Balanacan Port 
  • From bus terminal in Metro Manila, ride in a Bus bound to Grand Terminal in Lucena. 
  • From Grand Terminal, ride in a jeepney or tricycle going to Talao-talao Port in Dalahican. 
  • In Talao talao Port, take a 2-3 hours RORO trip going to Balanacan Port or Cawit Port. There are two (2) ports in the province now: Cawit Port in Boac and Balanacan Port in Mogpog. Balanacan Port is the nearest port to Santa Cruz, the town covering Maniwaya Island. 
  • From Cawit or Balanacan Port, take a van or jeepney bound to Santa Cruz. Then follow the instructions above. 

Option 2: Via Land + Sea Travel (Direct Bus to Talao-talao Port in Dalahican) 
Manila to to Talao Talao Port in Dalahican to Cawit Port or Balanacan Port 
  • From bus terminal in Metro Manila, ride in a bus bound to Talao talao Port in Dalahican, Lucena 
  • In Talao talao port, take the RORO trip mentioned above and go take the Cawit Port destination. Cawit Port is the nearest to Gasan but the schedule of trips here is limited as of this writing. 
  • From Cawit Port (Boac) or Balanacan Port (Mogpog), take a van or jeepney bound to Santa Cruz. Then follow the instructions above. 

Option 3: Direct (RORO) Bus from Kamias Terminal in Quezon City to Marinduque Province
  • You can ride a direct bus trip bound to Marinduque. JAC Liner has regular direct RORO Bus trip to Marinduque departing at 4:00PM (3:00PM boarding time) in Cubao terminal. 

Option 4: General Luna Route to Maniwaya 
  • Ride in a bus or van going to General Luna in Quezon Province. From there, there is a regular boat trip going to and from Maniwaya Island. The fare is Php180 as of this writing. Maniwaya Island is approximately an hour travel from General Luna Port. The boat leaves General Luna Port at 10:00AM. And the schedule of boat going back to General Luna from the island is at 6:00 in the morning. If you miss the daily passenger boat, you can charter a boat for Php1500-Php3000 (price varies on the size of the boat). 

If you’re coming from different towns of Marinduque Province 
  • From Torrijos, take a van or jeepney bound to Santa Cruz. Ask the driver to drop you at Buyabod Crossing. From there, ride in a tricycle going to Buyabod Port. Then follow instructions above. 
  • From Poctoy White Beach in Torrijos, another famous tourist spot in the province, you can hire an outrigger boat going to Maniwaya Island – it’s possible but we have no idea on the rate but we’re pretty sure that you’ll save time but it’s a little bit expensive. 
  • From Poblacion Mogpog, wait for one regular scheduled jeepney from Balanacan going to Santa Cruz. There are also jeepneys and vans from Balanacan Port direct to Torrijos – just alight at Buyabod crossing then from there, ride in a tricycle going to Buyabod Port. Then follow instructions above. 
  • From Buenavista, ride in a jeepney bound to Torrijos. From there, ride in a jeepney bound to Santa Cruz then alight in Buyabod Crossing. From there, ride in a tricycle bound to Buyabod Port. Then follow the instructions above. 

Maniwaya Sunset
Sunset view at Maniwaya Island

The sun began to set, and I had to bid goodbye to my nieces and nephews. They had to go back home and so they left us at Wawie’s, where my daughter and I spent the night.

While we looked for a place to eat dinner at, I recognized a familiar face. We happened to see Bokal Norma Ricohermoso of Rico’s Inn Restaurant. I approached her and made a good conversation for an hour – from politics to health. After dinner, we headed back to the resort and called it a day, though it was just 9:00 in the evening. Yep, that’s my bedtime whenever I travel with my strict daughter. Oh btw, this happened on Father’s Day!

Maniwaya Beach Sunrise
Early Morning at Maniwaya Island


We woke up early the next day (day 3) to catch the early trip back to Buyabod Port. There was a regular passenger boat scheduled at 6:30 in the morning from Maniwaya to Buyabod for Php80. The travel time was more or less 45 minutes. From Buyabod, it was a 15-minute travel to Poblacion, Sta Cruz, with a fare of Php120. From Sta Cruz, we hopped on a van stationed in front of the town’s parish church going to Balanacan Port. Travel time was more or less an hour for Php80. We arrived in Balanacan just in time for the 11:00AM scheduled trip of the Montenegro Shipping Lines. We paid Php195.00 (half promo fare) for more than 3 hours of Marinduque - Lucena sea travel. Before the RORO ship left the port, I managed to take a photo of the iconic Our Lady of Biglang Awa beautifully standing on the eastern side of the port, as if waving us goodbye and blessing our trip home.



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Masskara Festival 2019 Schedule of Events and Activities

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The Masskara Festival is the celebration that defines Bacolod City as the City of Smiles. This month-long celebration of the happiest and most colorful festival in the country is filled with parties, concerts, food, and merry-making. Every year in October, when the fourth Sunday falls, the streets are filled with dancers that are enamored with bedazzling costumes, colorful masks, and bizarre headdresses.

Masskara Festival 2019

History of Masskara Festival

Despite the cheerful atmosphere that is fostered by this event, the Masskara Festival started during a time of tragedy for the people of Bacolod. It began in 1980 when the city's economy was facing its challenges due to the dropping prices of sugar, which was their primary agricultural crop and source of livelihood. During this time, other tragedies struck the city, such as the colliding of the tanker Tacloban City and an inter-island vessel MV Don Juan. Those vessels that sank carried families from Bacolod, resulting in numerous deaths and missing victims.

In this dark period, the mayor at that time, Jose Montalvo, decided to appropriate funds for a festival to help the people recover from all the depressing events. And so, the first Masskara Festival was held on October 19 in the year 1980, which was the same day as the city's charter day. The event served as a symbol of the strength of the spirit that the people of Bacolod had and still have up to this day.

Masskara Festival 2017

2019 Schedule of Activities and Highlights

There are a lot of thrilling activities in store for you this 40th celebration of the Masskara Festival. The main event will be held on October 26-27, 2019. Expect street dancing competitions such as the Electric Masskara where dancers compete not only with their moves, but also their colorful lighted masks. Besides that, there will be the Masskara Queen beauty pageant and mask exhibits, which are also looked forward to by many tourists and locals.

  • October 26 - School Category
  • October 27 - Barangay Category

Other events would be musical concerts, drum and bugle corps competitions, and other sports-related games. There will also be organized fairs relating to agricultural trade, food, and garden shows. More than that, concerts will also be held to fuel your party spirits.


TRAVEL NOTES

If you are a first-timer, here are some travel tips you may want to consider:
  • Wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather
  • Arrive at the venue an hour before the street dancing event starts, which is around 2 pm
  • Find the best view to watch the events and competitions especially if you want to take good photos
  • Do a little research on the food, culture, and top places you need to visit
  • Don't be afraid to explore! Be a part of the parties and concerts. Try out new restaurants and the city's delicacies.


HOW TO GET THERE

There are several ways to get to Bacolod. You can take a plane from Metro Manila, Cebu, Pampanga, Cagayan De Oro City, or Davao. If you are flying from Manila, you will most likely take 50 minutes before reaching Bacolod. Once you get to Bacolod - Silay Airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to your hotel. There is also the option of sea travel through RORO vessels.


INTERESTING SPOTS NEAR BACOLOD CITY

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Sinulog Festival 2020 Schedule of Events and Activities

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The dazzling costumes, the thrilling performance, and the upbeat music in the air - all of these are bound to leave you awestruck in the Sinulog Festival. Dubbed as the “mother of all festivals,” this cultural and religious event is annually held on the third Sunday of January. Up to these days, millions of people all over the world flock to Cebu just to witness the grandness and beauty of this festival.

Sinulog Festival 2020 Schedule of Events and Activities

History of Sinulog Festival

Sinulog festival started as a dance ritual in the 1980s. In the four centuries of its existence, it serves as a representation of the current of Cebu's Pahina River, or referred to as "sulog." The dancers' movements resemble the wave of the waters, which is done through a step backward and two steps forward rhythm.

Before the coming of the Spaniards, the Sinulog dance was already done by Filipino natives as a way to praise their idols. Later, when Magellan introduced Christianity, the dance was done to honor Santo Nino, the figure of the child Jesus. Sinulog has become a performance that exhibits the story of how the Filipinos transitioned from paganism to Christianity.

Sinulog Festival 2017


2020 Schedule of Activities and Highlights 

The festival does not only show a series of dances and costumes, but they also have other contests that are free for people to join. Some of these are photo contests, talent shows, and beauty pageants. There are also activities such as fun runs, art exhibits, concerts, street fairs, and fireworks display.

Most awaited is the Sinulog Grand Parade which will happen on the third Sunday of January. The grand parade usually starts early in the morning at Cebu City Sports Complex, but may be subject to change depending on the other activities, which will be announced soon. For updates regarding the schedule of events, you may refer to the official website of Sinulog Festival.


TRAVEL NOTES
  • Since your goal is to have fun and to take part in most of the activities, it's best to wear comfortable and light clothes.
  • Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and enough money wherever you go.
  • Don't be afraid to try the exotic food and specialties of Cebu. There are loads of surprises for your taste buds!
  • Wake up early so you can get a good view of the performance.
  • The more the merrier! The activities and performances are best enjoyed with the company of your friends and family.
  • Be wary of pickpockets especially in crowded events like concerts, parades, and fairs.


HOW TO GET THERE

As of this writing, Mactan-Cebu International Airport serves 25 domestic destinations and 22 international routes.

From Manila/Luzon
  • All major airlines in the Philippines offer direct flights from Manila to Cebu. The flight typically lasts around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Tourists also have the option to go to Cebu by ferry. 2Go travel offers this route, however the travel time lasts about 10 hours. 

From Mindanao, other parts of Luzon and Visayas
  • There are direct flights to Cebu from the following airports: Clark in Pampanga and Puerto Princesa in Palawan (Luzon); Dumaguete, Bacolod, Iloilo, Roxas City in Capiz, Caticlan in Aklan (Visayas) ; and Davao City, General Santos, Cagayan De Oro City, Butuan City, Surigao City and Siargao Island (Mindanao). 

From the airport in Mactan, you can take a MyBus, metered taxi or Grabcar going to Cebu City. 



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Dinagyang Festival 2020 Schedule of Events and Activities

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Dinagyang Festival stands out as one of the largest religious and cultural celebration in the Philippines. The festivity is held in Iloilo City and is guaranteed to feed your senses with the striking performances and visually stunning props that it has to offer. The celebration includes a showcase of the city's exotic beauty, rich heritage of the people, unique cultural experience, and high spirits of all those who join.

Dinagyang Festival 2020 Schedule of Events and Activities

The Dinagyang Festival celebrates two main significances. First, its religious importance makes the event a devotion to Santo Nino, or the Holy Child Jesus. And second, it is a historical marker of the time that Malay settlers arrived in Panay islands

History of Dinagyang Festival

The history of the Dinagyang Festival dates back to 1968, the year that the replica of the image of Santo Nino arrived in Iloilo City. Later in 1969, the Ati-Atihan Festival became a huge event with four tribes joining in the performances. It would soon grow into a more celebrated and elaborate celebration of numerous groups and tribes.

Then in 1974, the Dinagyang Festival was one to grab a spotlight on the "operation balikbayan" program that was sphere headed by the Ministry of Tourism. This project was done to provide a new tourist attraction in the city. 

"Dinagyang" was only given as a name to the festival in 1977 by an Ilonggo writer and broadcaster, Pacifico Sudario. The term meant "merrymaking", which is a great way to describe the whole festival and the city of Iloilo.

Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo 2017

2020 Schedule of Activities and Highlights

The Dinagyang Festival happens on the fourth weekend of January. This year, it will be held on January 24-26, 2020.

The festival is composed of three main events. First is the Ati Tribe Competition where tribes are competing with one another through a warrior dance. Second is the Kasadyahan Cultural competition, which is a showcase of the colorful cultural heritage of Iloilo Province and the Western Visayas region. And third is the search for Miss Iloilo Dinagyang.

You should also witness the street dancing wherein locals show a rhythmic stomping and chanting to drum beats. There is also the fluvial procession and the grand fireworks display to look forward to.

For more updates about the schedule of activities for the Dinagyang Festival 2020, you may follow their official Facebook Page.


TRAVEL NOTES
  • Make sure to finalize your travel plans and hotel arrangements to Iloilo in advance – hotels and flights get fully booked easily a month before the schedule of Dinagyang Festival.
  • Bring tropical clothes that are light at comfortable as you will be immersed in crowds most of the time.
  • Don't forget to try Iloilo's food specialties.
  • Remember to use comfortable footwear that's fit for walking during long periods. Most streets will be closed to accommodate the stalls and places you want to explore.
  • Be ready to witness the beauty and charms of Iloilo people; get your festive mood on!


HOW TO GET THERE

Whether you come from Luzon or other provinces of Visayas or Mindanao, the easiest way to get to Iloilo City is by plane.

From Metro Manila/Luzon
  • Take an airplane ride going to Iloilo City. All local airlines has direct flight from Manila to Iloilo City. Iloilo is part of Panay Island. Aside from Iloilo City International Airport, Panay Island has 2 other airports namely – Caticlan and Roxas airports.
  • Other option: You can also go by land (and sea) via RORO buses from Metro Manila to Iloilo City through Laguna-Batangas-Mindoro Oriental-Panay Island nautical highway.

From Visayas provinces/islands
  • If there are no planes directly going to Iloilo City from where you are, you can travel to Cebu. From Cebu, you can choose to travel by air or sea going to Iloilo City. 
  • Bacolod City (Negros Occidental) is very close to Iloilo City. Just ride in a fastcraft or RORO ship from Bacolod Port going to Iloilo City - more or less 1 hour sea travel.

From Mindanao
  • There are direct flights from Davao City, General Santos City and Cagayan de Oro City going to and from Iloilo City.



A Day Trip in El Nido

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So, you just have a day in El Nido? Well, to be honest, it is almost impossible to cover those divine beaches and stunning nature of the surrounding archipelago in just one day. After all, El Nido trip is all about visiting those remote islands and lunar all about the Filipino culture. Visitors book flights to el Nido online and go for island hopping tours and to enjoy kayaking, diving, and snorkeling.

El Nido, Palawan
Photo: Chalo S-Klee, Let's Palawan

For those wondering how to spend a day in El Nido, well, they are just on the right page. All they need to do is create a precisely designed itinerary as the day will pass very quickly here. 

El Nido is situated on Palawan island, and the easiest way to reach this amazing destination is by air. Take advantage of Jetstar online booking offers to reach the island with mind-blowing beauty! The best time to visit  El Nido is from late November to March. 

A day in El Nido 
  • You can book an island tour in advance, and start your day very early in the morning. There are four tours to pick from, and you can pick one based on what you want to see and explore. 
  • If you want to explore El Nido on your own, you can also rent a kayak. A great thing about kayaking is that you can look for remote islands at your own pace and can have the whole beach to yourself. 
  • Take a motorbike trip to Nacpan beach and enjoy the vast and varied landscape. You would pass by farms and small villages and can reach the two famous beaches, Duli Beach and Nacpan Beach. 
  • Another good idea to spend the day is to swim in the Secret Lagoon. The Lagoon may be small, but it seems like a paradise on Earth. Enjoy the serenity and the beauty of nature from here. 
  • Secret Beach is immensely popular among locals and the tourist. You can visit the beach and relax or swim in those crystal-clear waters. Find yourself surrounded by large limestone cliffs and the beach is indeed one of the best spots to explore while in El Nido. 
  • If you are fond of diving, you can pick from one of those popular dive sites and explore the marine life. Bacuit Bay boasts of several diving sites and is home to a wide range of beautiful marine life. However, be wary of the tides and conditions. 
  • If you want to enjoy the best views of Bacuit Bay, just hike up to Taraw Peak to get a bird’s eye view of the bay. Get in touch with a local tour operator to plan the trek and spend a memorable day on El Nido. 
  • Another good idea to include in your itinerary is to dive the underwater tunnel of Dilumacad. Commonly referred to as ‘The Tunnel,’ the 40-meter tunnel is teeming with fish and other sea life. 
  • Before you end your day, it is a must to go to the El Nido night market, which is very different from the other Asian night markets. The markets are packed every night and sell local merchandise and are best known for their fresh food. 
  • Enjoy dinner at Mezzanine Restaurant, where you can get super tasty food and traditional Filipino dishes. Dig into appetizing foods that taste very good and offer you the best value you can get.

If you have time and energy, you can fit in some more exciting activities like a visit to the shrine to the Virgin Mary or a quick hike up the rocks to enjoy some amazing views. Eat pizza at Altrove, which is another fantastic thing to do in El Nido. 
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Indonesia | Interesting Spots and Things to Do in Jakarta in One Day - DIY Travel Guide

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Are you looking for your next big destination? Well, look no further because Jakarta has a great adventure in store for you. Jakarta is the largest city in Indonesia with a population of around 10 million. For a long time, most people haven't witnessed the hidden gems in this country because it's not a popular destination. However, one thing you should know about this place is despite the continuous development of the urban city, Jakarta is still deeply connected to its traditional roots. With its rich culture, colorful history, friendly natives, and diverse ethnicities, Jakarta has truly become a spot worth exploration.

DIY Jakarta 1

Join me as I travel to Indonesia's capital. Together, we will discover the places you must see and the experiences you should have in a day!

Hello, Jakarta City!

It was a usual late morning Saturday of September, and the rush of adventure hits me as I wake up. This month is a perfect time to be visiting Jakarta because June until September is the dry season.

With a Google map on hand, we head to the first place on our itinerary- central Jakarta. From our house in Alam Sutera, Tangerang City the trip via Grab Car took us around 45 minutes. From there, we hopped around different destination spots nearby. Here are the places we saw and the activities we did:

Batavia Wall

Mosque Istiqlal 

Our driver dropped us at the entrance of Mosque Istiqlal, Jakarta and Southeast Asia’s largest mosque. The word istiqlal means "Independence" in Arabic. That is why this building is a symbol of Indonesia's independence from Dutch. The enormous mosque was indeed breathtaking! 

At 10 am on a Sunday, the whole place was packed with different nationalities coming in and out. Upon entering, we were asked to register as visitors before leaving our shoes and taking our robes. When we entered the prayer hall, the structure of the place was the first thing that mesmerized us. The prayer hall was a grand dome supported by twelve steel-covered columns. Every corner of the mosque is a beautiful sight of solemn prayer, that's why it made us feel very calm and at peace.

Mosque Istiqlal 2
Mosque Istiqlal

Unfortunately, the mosque was under renovation during our visit – some parts on the 3rd and 4th floors are closed. Luckily, we were still allowed by the kind mosque personnel to enter on the 3rd floor to take some photos. Of course, we made sure we did not disrupt the solemnity of the place- we did not use flash photography nor made any unnecessary noise.

Mosque Istiqlal
Sunday crowd at the Southeast Asia's largest mosque

Inside Mosque Istiqlal
Inside the Mosque Istiqlal

Street Foods Galore!

Going to any place wouldn’t be complete without talking about food – I mean street foods! In front of Mosque Istiqlal are different food stalls and souvenir shops, which I luckily took some shots of. Yep, the blend of sweet smells, attractive trinkets, and chaotic sound blends create a beautiful experience you can only have in the streets!

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One of the street food stalls outside Mosque Istiqlal

Jakarta Street  3
meatballs, street food in Jakarta

Jakarta Street  4
Street food vendor and his cart just outside Mosque Istiqlal

Jakarta Street  5
refreshing drinks, street food in Jakarta

Jakarta Street  6
fresh fruits, street food in Jakarta

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street food in Jakarta

St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral

Just in front of Southeast Asia's largest mosque is a beautiful neo-Gothic Roman Catholic Church named Saint Mary of the Assumption Cathedral. It's a surreal feeling to see these two beautiful structures neighboring each other. It displays an extraordinary symbol of unity, respect, and reality.

This cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Jakarta, Gereja Santa. It was consecrated in 1901 as a Roman Catholic cathedral. Upon entering, you will find a statue of Our Lady Mary. On top of it is a sentence that says, "Beatam Me Dicentes Omnes Generationes"which is Latin for "All generations shall call me blessed."

Jakarta Cathedral
The Jakarta Cathedral

West Irian Liberation Monument

After a short photo walk in front of the cathedral, we mean to be on our way to MONAS, the freedom monument. However, an interesting monument meters away caught our attention. Turns out, this was the West Irian Liberation Monument, which is located in the center of Lapangan Banteng (formerly the Waterloo Square). 

Jakarta Street  7

The monument itself stands 36 meters tall. What will surely catch your attention is the bronze statue on top of it. The figure shows a bare-chested man who is spreading his arms and legs free from the shackles. On his face, you can see him screaming and full of rage. This statue symbolizes the independence and rebellion of the country.

West Irian Monument in Jakarta
West Irian Liberation Monument

MONAS in Merdeka Square

We continue to walk from the west Irian Monument going to MONAS (National Monument of Indonesia). More or less a kilometer away from the Mosque Istiqlal and the Cathedral is this significant structure in the heart of Jakarta. Monas is truly one to catch your eye as it stands 433 feet in the middle of Merdeka Square.

One of the interesting things about this monument is the structure's cup and tower design. These objects are meant to represent two Hindi symbols called lingga and yoni. These elements are representative of male and female energies combined in harmony and balance. They also symbolize fertility and eternal life.

I eagerly took some landscape shots of this iconic structure but decided not to go up on the viewing deck. It was already past noon, and the scorching heat beat down on the long line of people waiting to get on the deck. I decided to carry on with the rest of the trip instead!

MONAS, National Monument of Indonesia
MONAS (Monumen Nasional)

Old Batavia

From Monas, we ride in a Grab Car going to Kota Tua or also called as Old Town Batavia. Due to the moderate traffic that we encountered, the ride took us around 15 minutes. It was fascinating to see preserved structures wherein the influence of Dutch is still strongly mirrored. The Old Town Batavia is truly a traveler highlight, especially with the historical landmarks that will surely take you to another world. But before exploring other hot spots in the town, we decided to grab some lunch in Café Batavia.

Café Batavia is a restaurant that carries so much history and culture within its walls. It was 1805 when the building broke ground. It was first an art gallery in 1990 before finally becoming a café in 1991. The ambiance of this place is comforting- it has colonial décor and smooth jazz to help you enjoy your dining. Its menu includes a wide range of both Asian and Western dishes that surely satisfied our hunger from walking around.

Cafe Batavia, Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng paired with Sate and fried shrimp, Cafe' Batavia

After having our fill, we went around Kota Tua, which seems to be the center for activities and travel spots. Here you can find the Fatahillah Square which features historical architecture, exotic street foods, and festivals full of art performances. There are also several museums around such as Jakarta History Museum, Wayang Museum, and the Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum. You can also find an eye-catching building that's all red- the Toko Merah. While this place is not open for the public without an appointment, it is still a landmark worthy of seeing.

Old Batavia
View from the windows of Cafe' Batavia

Museum Wayang
Museum Wayang located inside the Kota Tua (Old Town Batavia)

Kota Tua
The crowd and colorful bikes in Kota Tua

Thamrin City Shopping Center

We ended this DIY Jakarta Tour at Thamrin City Shopping Center to buy pasalubongs. Yep, this particular mall is the best place to hunt the famous "batik"products in Indonesia. Believe me, the price here is way cheaper! You can also find several handicraft stores, food courts, and other great bargains!

Thamrin City Shopping Center, Batik
Batik shop in Thamrin City Shopping Center

Last year, we had the chance to explore Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a huge park in the southeastern part of Jakarta. It is a more or less 30 minutes ride from Mosque Istiqlal, where you will find models of all the traditional homes across the Indonesian archipelago. I will create a separate article about this interesting park – apologies for the delay!

Taman Minih Indonesia
Taman Mini "Indonesia Indah"


These are the places and activities that I visited and experienced. But these are not that Jakarta has to offer! You can be sure that the information is accurate as of the published date.

I want to hear from you, too! Help me in updating this travel guide by commenting down below other interesting spots and things to do in Jakarta City.


TRAVEL NOTES
  • Bring along a camera - Jakarta is one of the best places for street photography! 
  • Bring cash around as some of the best stalls and services in Jakarta are cash-based and does not accept debit/credit card. 
  • You can exchange your country’s currency or US Dollar into Indonesian Rupiah at the money changers in the airport or shopping malls. The best exchange rate is usually at the shopping malls. 
  • Remember to wear appropriate clothes specially if you’re planning to visit religious places. 
  • The weather in Jakarta is generally hot and humid – consider wearing comfortable clothes and always bring a bottle of water. 
  • Eat where the locals eat! The best way to experience local culture is to eat with the locals. 
  • GrabCar, GoJek, Blubird taxi, TransJakarta/Busway, metro buses are safe and efficient way to get around the city. You can also rent a car for a more convenient way of exploring the city. 


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2019 BAGUIO CITY TRIP GUIDE : Interesting Spots and Things to Do plus Where to Eat and Where to Stay

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Baguio has a wide array of destinations and experiences to enjoy these days. There are parks and views to behold, sweets and treats to try, and a whole exciting adventure for you. And of course, every vacation is not complete without all of your family members to keep you company. After all, it's true what they say; the more the merrier!

Things to Do in Baguio City

See the StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork of Barangay Balili in La Trinidad, Benguet

A colorful experience awaits you in this giant artwork famously called as the Valley of Colors, a view made from houses that are situated on Benguet's hillside. The artwork of this place can be viewed from the hanging bridge, which connects to the bright houses. Or, it can also be marveled through the waiting shed, which is also a dropping point for most tourists. “StoBoSa” stands for “Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap”, the three sitios in Barangay Balili that make up this beautiful valley of colors. This sight to behold is, more or less, 20-minute ride from Baguio City center.

Valley of Colors Baguio
StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork, a sight to behold

Valley of Colors Baguio
StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork

Visit the vegetable and strawberry farms at La Trinidad, Benguet

La Trinidad's climate is perfect for producing the freshest fruits and vegetables of the season. The strawberry capital provides the juiciest strawberries that you can pick out yourself. The farmers also grow various vegetables such as pechay and broccoli. It is truly a memorable experience to pick the fresh crops on your own and have the pleasure of tasting them as you do. La Trinidad is more or less 40-minute ride from Baguio City.

La Trinidad Farm
Aerial shot of La Trinidad Farms

Explore the Tam-awan Village

Here, you can see how the Cordilleran influence has been preserved through the landscapes, paintings, and cultural performances. Grab the chance to stay in the Cordilleran Huts that are authentically crafted to show the beauty of nature and our indigenous tribes. There is also a café that serves food with local crops and homegrown ingredients. You can also get in touch with your artistic side by joining a workshop class that can teach you Oil Pastel, Wood Carving, Portrait making, and Dream Catcher Making.

Tam- Awan Village
Cultural performance at Tam-awan Village

Check the Art Collections at BenCab Museum

This museum is the home of the art collection of National Artist, Ben Cabrera. The very highlight of this museum is that the works are dedicated to creating a feeling of authentic Baguio. You can visit the place from 9 am to 6 pm, on any day of the week, except during Christmas day and New Year's day

Bencab Museum

Bencab Museum
Some of the works of the National Artist of the Philippines for Visual Arts, Ben Cabrera
Visit the Baguio Museum

There is no better place to witness Baguio’s rich history and cultural heritage other than Baguio Museum. With its architecture inspired by Ifugao homes, the eye-catching museums contain tribal artifacts, educational dioramas, and architectural models that make you appreciate the city even more. 

Baguio Museum
The Baguio Museum

Baguio Museum
Pieces of sculptures depicting Cordillera's rich culture. Baguio Museum

Visit the Diplomat Hotel

If you're a thrill-seeker, you may want to visit this sinister, unsettling hotel with a haunted past. Diplomat hotel was originally a retreat house for friars, but it later turned into a massacre house filled with raped and tortured priests and nuns. It was turned into a hotel in 1970 but was later abandoned into a deteriorating building, where unsettled spirits and headless ghosts roam.

Diplomat Hotel
Inside the haunted Diplomat Hotel of Baguio

Diplomat Hotel
Aerial shot of Baguio's Diplomat Hotel

Visit the biggest Ten Commandments Structure

This travel spot has secured a record in Guinness World Records for being the largest structure with the Bible's Ten Commandments carved into it. The A-shaped prayer building is placed close to the Diplomat Hotel to drive the bad spirits and ghosts away.

Ten Commandments in Baguio
The biggest Ten Commandments structure located in Baguio City

Visit the Baguio Cathedral

The breathtaking church also called Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, is one of Baguio's landmarks. It can be found in the heart of the city, right on top of a hill. It's majestic architecture with intricate designs and mesmerizing decorations make it stand out from other cathedrals in the Philippines.

Baguio Cathedral
The Baguio Cathedral

Shop at the night market

The city is still alive during the night! Be sure to swing by Harrison Road Night Market where the numerous stalls to bargain ukay-ukay products, local accessories and artifacts, and souvenir items.

Night Market in Baguio
Food stalls at Harrison Road during the night market

Night Market  in Baguio
Harrison Road of Baguio at night

Experience Thrilling Games at Locked In

Locked In is the city's first-ever escape room. Bring your friends and family as you solve puzzles and mysteries that will show you the way out of the room. This thrilling activity will make your hearts race and wake your brain up! Can you escape before time runs out?

Locked In Baguio

Buy fresh veggies, fruits, and pasalubongs at Baguio Market

No trip is complete without getting the best pasalubongs at Baguio City Public Market. This place offers a vast selection of rice, coffee, vegetables, sweet treats, and weaved items. The market is near Burnham Park, right in the middle of the city

Baguio Market
Baguio City Public Market

Buy Ube Jam and pasalubongs at Mountain Maid

The Good Sheperd Sisters is made up of men, women, and student workers who produce your favorite Mountain Maid pasalubongs. With every purchase of their famous jams, peanut products, and candies, you can help send their workers to school.

Mountain Maid Baguio


WHERE TO EAT

Secret Garden
#34 Paterno St., South Drive, Baguio City 

Nothing beats the taste of home. Luckily, Secret Garden is a place of hearty meals and a homey ambiance. If you're craving for comfort food, try their pasta, rice, and pizza dishes. Their location may be a little hard to find in South Drive, but their meals are truly a gem worth finding. 

Secret Garden in Baguio
Secret Garden's Avocado Salad

Secret Garden in Baguio
Secret Garden's Shrimp Broccoli Pasta and Pesto Pasta  

Lemon and Olives  Greek Taverna
#26 Outlook Dr S, Baguio City 

If you’re feeling romantic for the night, then this restaurant is a must-try. The country-house designed place offers authentic Greek cuisine that will take all your stress away. Along with its cozy interior are favorites like Baklava, Pita Hummus, Greek cheese, Greek salads, kebabs, and gyros. 

Orange and Olives Baguio
Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna's Salad

Orange and Olives Baguio
Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna's Beef Kebab

Kuya J at Azalea Hotel and Residences 
Ground Floor Azalea Hotel and Residences #7 Leonard Wood Loop, Baguio City

Located on the ground floor of Azalea Baguio, this buffet breakfast brings satisfaction and convenient hotel dining. The restaurant proved a wide array of food choices that is fit for any type of craving

Kuya J in Azalea Baguio
Kuya J at the ground floor of Azalea Baguio

Craft 1945
#8 Outlook Drive South, Baguio City

Feeling thirsty? No problem. Craft 1945 offers a selection of delicious craft beers and Spanish dishes that go extremely well together. You have to try their Paella Marinara, Kalderetang Baka, and Gambas Aligue.

Craft 1945 Restaurant
Craft 1945's light beer

Craft 1945 Restaurant
Craft 1945's Kalderetang Baka

Craft 1945 Restaurant
Mini pandesal of Craft 1945

Foggy Mountain Cookhouse
San Carlos Heights, Baguio City

Get the best-tasting food along with the view of Baguio City at night as your dinner backdrop. The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes in a place away from urban noise. Take note that this place only serves through pre-order and reservation.

Foggy  Mountain Cookhouse
Salmon Pie of Foggy Mountain Cookhouse

Foggy  Mountain Cookhouse
Grilled Brazilian rib-eye steak of Foggy Mountain Cookhouse

Tsokolateria
Igorot Stairs, Upper Session Road, Baguio City

Quickly gaining popularity is Tsokolateria, which serves the perfect cup of coffee or choco to combat the cold weather. The place also serves the classic champorado, paired with chicharon and daing/crispy fish. Masarap mag-breakfast dito!

Tsokolateria
Tsokolateria's Waffle

Tsokolateria
Tsokolateria's Champorado

Balajadia Kitchenette at the Slaughter House 
Slaughter Compound, Baguio City

If you’re craving warm, savory broth, try the best bulalo in this restaurant! This place offers affordable meals for meat lovers and exotic dishes for those with adventurous taste buds! Try their famous liempo, fried bangus, and tortang talong.

Bulalo in Slaughter House Baguio
Balajadia Kitchenette's Bulalo

MUST TRY!

Strawberry Taho at La Trinidad Strawberry farms 

With just Php50.00, you can get the famous strawberry taho that contains fresh strawberries, honey, and tapioca balls. Other times, strawberry jam is used to give a more pronounced flavor. You will find several taho vendors around the area of the farm.

Strawberry Taho in La  Trinidad
Strawberry Taho

Strawberry Ice Cream at La Trinidad Strawberry farms

With the same price as taho, you can beat the heat with Strawberry Ice Cream. Each bite is creaminess and bursts of strawberry chunks that will surely make you satisfied. Ice cream vendors are also abundant around the area of the farm.

Strawberry Ice Cream
Strawberry Ice Cream

WHERE TO STAY IN BAGUIO CITY

The usual problem with having a big bunch is finding suitable hotel accommodation. Luckily, you don't have to worry anymore with Azalea Hotels and Residences Baguio. With its vacation program called Holiday Plan, each family can be sure their needs and wishes are met. This option is available when you book directly with Azalea Baguio and is guaranteed to make you want to stay longer. Here are some of the advantages of this vacation plan:

#1 Cheaper Rates for the Kids

The other hotels would normally follow the policy of the industry to charge a full adult rate for tweeners and teenagers. But, Azalea Baguio have an offer you can't resist. Tweeners (ages 12-14) can enjoy the luxurious stay in their parents' room free of charge. On the other hand, teenagers (ages 15-17) aren't left behind from all the fun because they will be charged half of the Extra Person Rate.

Azalea Hotel and Residences Baguio
Azalea Hotels and Residences Baguio

#2 Big Groups, Big Savings

Big groups with multiple occupants don't have to worry about getting a lot of hotel rooms with this perk. Now, families can avail of holiday apartments with sizeable one, two, and three bedrooms. These rooms are furnished with a dining area and a functional kitchen. Now, you can cook your meals, fresh and hearty, instead of spending a lot in restaurants. The best part is, you'll have all of your loved ones in a shared space!

Azalea Hotel and Residences Baguio

#3 Sweet Deals with Holiday Boosters

On top of everything Azalea Baguio offered, they got more sweet deals to make your stay worthwhile- Holiday Boosters! For guests availing the Holiday Plan, they can choose to enhance their experience by availing one of these Holiday Boosters:
  • Free one extra person
  • Free one extra bed
  • Free room upgrade to the next premium room
  • Use of Driver’s Dormitory
  • 10 am early check-in
  • 3 pm late check-out

#4 A Shopping Experience near Your Doors

Feeling a little bit lazy to go to the mall and shop for pasalubongs? Don’t sweat! Azalea Hotels and Residences have Goodies by Your Doorstep Service. With this feature, you are sure to get the best handicrafts, souvenirs, goodies, and treats served to your doorstep. You’ll have more time to sit back and relax while the hotel staff makes your shopping experience comfortable and convenient.

Azalea Hotel and Residences Baguio

#5 More Benefits with Holiday Boosters

Azalea Hotels and Residences want your stay to be enjoyable without hurting your pockets. That’s why, if you call or message them directly, they can make sure that you can get value from your bookings. Upon inquiry, you can be guided through the most budget-friendly pocket rates. You can also request to be placed in the best room of the hotel. 

Enjoying your vacation in Baguio means having a luxurious stay in the Azalea Hotel and Residences. The hotel is conveniently located near Baguio Cathedral and Teachers Camp. They offer rooms that are complete with kitchen, television, safes, desks, and internet for maximum comfort. There is also a restaurant and bar in the hotel proper to make your dining experience accessible. Upon inquiry, you can get special deals and affordable rates. You can also make a reservation here.

Azalea Hotel and Residences Baguio


TRAVEL NOTES
  • Remember to book your hotel days before your trip to ensure your slot – and cheaper rates!
  • Purchase your bus tickets online for easy and fast transactions
  • The trip to Baguio may take 4-6 hours depending on traffic. You may want to take some medicine that can help with your motion sickness.
  • If you are to buy a lot of products and pasalubongs, be sure to bring your reusable bag to save on plastic consumption
  • You will be navigating crowded streets most of the time, so keep your valuables safe!
  • It can get really cold in Baguio. Be sure to have the proper clothes for the weather.
  • Jeepney, Taxi and GRAB Taxi are the main modes of transportation in Baguio City.


HOW TO GET THERE

Via Bus

Bus companies like Victory Liner and Genesis bus have trips going to Baguio. You can find the Victory Liner Terminal in Cubao (Quezon City), Monumento (Caloocan), and Pasay (EDSA). Genesis bus terminal can be located in Avenida (Doroteo Jose) and Cubao (EDSA).

Private Car

You can reach Baguio via NLEX-SLEX. From Manila, take NLEX and drive to SCTEX until Tarlac City exit. Turn left on that road and keep following signs to MacArthur Highway. Upon reaching this highway, turn right and drive straight to Rosario, La Union. Make a right at Rosario Junction to Kennon Road or take a right at Marcos Highway. Drive straight then you’ll arrive in Baguio soon.




DISCLOSURE: Not all [interesting] spots and things to do in Baguio City are listed here, I just included all these places and activities I personally visited/experienced during the familiarization tour “A Journey of Culture and Flavors” hosted by Azalea Hotels and Residences Baguio. Help me in updating this travel guide, please comment down below other interesting spots and things to do in Baguio City. All the reviews and recommendations are fair and based on my personal experiences during this 3-day familiarization tour. 
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5 Things You Should Prepare But Often Forget Before Your Trip

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Traveling anywhere can be exciting. While it’s nice to be excited about going somewhere new, this enthusiasm can sometimes blind you to some of the things to prepare before you begin your adventure. Even after lots of planning, some things still slip our minds.

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Here are five things that people forget to prepare for when they are planning their trips.

Car parking

Because of their rush to reach the airport on time for their flights, people often forget that they need to find a safe place to leave their car during the duration of their trip. While someone may be driving them there, sometimes that is not the case. This is why looking for a safe parking lot for your vehicle is very important when preparing for a trip. Especially if you’re traveling from a well-known airport, like Newark, you’ll easily find the Newark Liberty Airport parking that is close by. If you are traveling from a lesser-known airport in a remote place, on the other hand, you may need to do some more research beforehand to find a safe spot for your car.

Chargers and cables

As you’ll be charging your cell phone and laptop until you head out, you might end up forgetting the chargers and cables even if you had planned otherwise. To ensure that you do not forget such items, make sure that they are right next to the door and try to have your phone’s background set as a screenshot for these last-minute items so that you are constantly reminded to take them. If you forget your chargers, you will either have to go back and get them or buy new ones, which could get pretty pricey depending on which charger you forgot.

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Rainy weather outfits

Nowadays, we can find out the weather forecast for any place in a moment. While it is usually correct, sometimes the weather gets out of control and you end up with rain in a place where the weather should have been nothing but sunny and warm. Remember that being caught in the rain without enough protection is worse than carrying a few extra pieces of clothing, just to be safe.

Dental care

Just like chargers, toothpaste and toothbrushes are often forgotten in the rush of last-minute preparations, because you will need to use them before you head to the airport. Unlike chargers, though, it is way less expensive to replace your toothpaste and toothbrush when you reach your destination.

Extra luggage

When traveling, you need to make sure that your luggage doesn’t go over the maximum weight limit. This can be hard if you don’t have room for all the souvenirs and gifts you will be getting from your friends and family on your trip. Having an extra bag will ensure that you have enough room for everything while also costing less than having a bag that’s too heavy and is over the weight limit.

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There is a reason why many people believe in creating different packing checklists before they go on any kind of trip. Now that you know about these commonly forgotten details, you can work toward bucking the trend, and actually remember them when preparing for your next journey. In any case, try to stay calm and organized, and careful planning will soon become second nature to you. 

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Moriones Festival 2020 Schedule of Events and Travel Guide

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In Marinduque, locals and tourists celebrate Holy Week with a little more life and color, through the Moriones festival. During this Easter week, the streets are filled with "Morions" or men and women dressed in Moriones costumes, complete with props of masks and shields. Throughout the festival, the Morions not only parade their bizarre outfits and eye-catching centurion masks, but they also engage with the crowd through a dance routine, sword fights, and even pranks and surprises.

Moriones Festival 2020

But apart from the fun, the Morions also observe this week to atone for their sins. They do this by reenacting the suffering of Christ as a way to show their gratitude and devotion to the Lord. Some men do this by carrying the wooden heavy cross, whipping their own backs, and allowing themselves to be crucified. 

History of Moriones Festival 

The festival traces back to 1807 when a Mogpog priest named Padre Dionisio Santiago organized a play that was inspired by Longinus’ proclamation of Christianity. Longinus was a Roman soldier who had struck Jesus at his side during his crucifixion. Upon doing so, Jesus' blood splattered on Longinus' blind eye, causing it to heal almost immediately. This miracle paved the way for the conversion of his faith; but his proclamation of belief also led to his death. To this day, the moriones continue to recall the event along with other towns of Marinduque who celebrate the festival through their tradition. 

2020 Schedule of Activities and Highlights 

The Moriones festival starts on the Palm Sunday of the Holy Week and ends on Easter Sunday. This 2020, it is expected to run from April 05 to 12 with Mass and other Religious activities filling the schedule. The Via Crucis or the Way of the Cross on the Streets happens on Good Friday. This is followed by the Senakulo which depicts the beheading of Saint Longinus on Black Saturday. And lastly, the Salubong on Easter Sunday. 

For 2020, here are the confirmed Holy Week dates in the Philippines – schedule of events for the Moriones Festival are actually tied on these dates: 
  • April 05, 2020 : Palm Sunday
  • April 06, 2020 : Holy Monday
  • April 07, 2019 : Holy Tuesday
  • April 08, 2020 : Holy Wednesday 
  • April 09, 2020 : Maundy Thursday (Regular Holiday in the Philippines)
  • April 10, 2020 : Good Friday (Regular Holiday in the Philippines)
  • April 11, 2020 : Black Saturday 
  • April 12, 2020 : Easter Sunday 

Official list of Moriones Festival 2020 Events and Activities (for each town) will be posted once released by the festival organizers. 


TRAVEL NOTES
  • Marinduque Province is composed of six (6) towns namely Mogpog, Sta. Cruz, Torrijos, Buenavista, Gasan, and Boac (the capital town). Take note that each town celebrates Moriones Festival; meaning festival can be watched in every town of the province. 
  • Given its schedule coinciding with the Holy Week, it is expected that there will be an influx of tourists traveling so it is advisable to book tickets and hotel accommodation earlier to avoid any unforeseen circumstances. 
  • Avoid traveling during Holy Monday and Easter Sunday because huge crowds are scheduled on this day as well. 
  • Bring enough cash- automated teller machines (ATM), located mostly in the town proper, are usually out of cash due to bulk cash transactions and long holiday. 
  • Keep your phone charged; you want to remember the wonderful stay! 
  • Don't forget to bring your camera. Moriones Festival is one of the most colorful religious festivals in the Philippines! 

Where to Stay 

There are a number of Hotels in the province but if you want to be near the center of the celebration during the Festival it is advisable to stay in Boac or Sta. Cruz and other neighboring towns. There are also a lot of island resorts and hotels in the province if you’re looking for the ultimate Holy Week vacation 

What to Wear 

The festival is held during the Holy Week and the Philippines being a tropical country, it is expected that the weather during those times will be scorching hot. It is advisable to wear loose or comfortable light colored clothes and bring water with you to avoid dehydration. 

Other things to do in and Interesting Spots in Marinduque 
  • Poctoy White Beach in Torrijos - Its approximately one (1) kilometer stretch of white-sand beach offers visitors a unique beach experience. One of the "heart of the Philippines’" gems, this public beach is colloquial to perfect summer get-away! 
  • Ka-Amon Cave of Bonliw in Torrijos - If the beach or islands are not your thing, you can head over to Ka-Amon Cave and explore the natural wonders of the stalagmites and stalactite rock formations. 
  • Tres Reyes Islands in Gasan - Go island hopping and sunbathing in these beautiful islands off the shores of the town of Gasan. The islands are named after the Three Kings: Baltazar, Melchor, and Gaspar. You can snorkel, swim, or just relax off the beach of these islands. 
  • Beach Hopping (Poctoy, Cagpo, Kay Duke, Salamague - in Torrijos; Maniwaya and Mompong Islands– in Santa Cruz; Ulong Beach in Mogpog) - Being an island, Marinduque is literally surrounded by beaches. Walk around the sand under the sun in some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Moreover, most of their beaches are not yet oversaturated with tourists, so you can enjoy your vacation quietly. 

Pasalubong 

Aside form souvenir centurion masks, arrowroot cookies and pansit miki (from Sta Cruz); and hand loom-woven buntal products like place mats, table runners, bags, wallets, and curtains (from Bonliw, Torrijos) are the best pasalubongs from the province. 

Must Try 

Manakla is a local variety of crayfish abundant in Barangay Malinao, Bonliw, and Suha in Torrijos. Usually steamed, fried or cooked in soda/coconut milk, your visit to the "Heart of the Philippines" wouldn't be complete without tasting Manakla.

Bibingkang Pinahiran is oven-cooked sticky rice spread on top with thick sweet sauce made from caramelized brown sugar. You can buy/taste the original recipe in Barangay Bonliw (Torrijos). This kakanin is also available in the public markets of Torrijos and Santa Cruz. 


HOW TO GET THERE 

FROM METRO MANILA 

Via Plane
  • You can book any of the three scheduled flights- Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday- per week through Cebu Pacific Air. From Manila, you just have to go to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 (Domestic). From there, you will arrive in the town of Gasan at around 40 minutes. 

Via Bus and Ferry 

From Metro Manila, take a bus going to Talao-talao Port (Dalahican) in Lucena City. RORO vessels that you will find there are Starhorse Shipping Lines and Montenegro Shipping Lines. As of this writing, there are 2 ports of entry in the province (all are coming from Talao-talao Port) – the Balanacan Port in Mogpog (more or less 45 minutes from Boac, capital town) and the Buyabod Port in Santa Cruz (more or less one and half hours from Boac). 
  • Option 1: From Metro Manila, ride a bus bound to Grand Central Terminal of Lucena City (Quezon) where passenger jeepneys and tricycles bound to Talao-Talao Port (in Dalahican) are available. 
  • Option 2: To avoid the hassle of transferring from one transport to another, better to find buses with direct route to Talao-talao (Dalahican) Port. Travel time from Metro Manila to Talao-talao Port is approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic in Laguna and Quezon. 
  • Option 3: You can also ride a direct bus trip bound to Marinduque. JAC Liner has regular direct RORO Bus trip to Marinduque (via Balanacan Port in Mogpog) departing at 4:00PM (3:00PM boarding time) in Cubao, Quezon City terminal. 
*** Travel time from Talao-Talao Port to Balanacan Port ranges from 3-4 hours (RORO vessel). There are no fastcrafts servicing Talao-Talao Port to Balanacan Port as of this writing. 
*** Travel time from Talao-Talao Port to Buyabod Port is more or less 4 hours via RORO vessel and one and half hours via fastcraft. 

FROM ORIENTAL MINDORO

A large outrigger boat leaves daily at 8:00AM in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro going to Gasan, Marinduque. Fare is Php250 and travel time is 3-4 hours depending on the weather. 

FROM VISAYAS AND MINDANAO

Take an airplane ride going to Manila or Clark. Then follow instructions above. 





*** Schedule of Events and Activities posted above are unofficial and was based from the previous year's events and activities. This will be updated once the official Schedule of Activities and Events was released by the organizers. 
*** Rates and information in this article are correct as of the published date.
*** Photograph contributed by Richard R. Reynoso 
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5 Breathtaking Volcanoes to Visit in The Philippines

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Owing to its proximity to the iconic ‘’Ring of Fire’’, the Philippines remains a hotspot for tourism including volcano tourism. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes have shaken the locals for years, but that has not stopped the influx of both domestic and foreign visitors. Although volcanic explosions are terrifying, the Philippines' volcanoes are gorgeous, with incredible scenery and features. In fact, several inactive volcanoes have been transformed into tourist destinations with a wide range of activities. If you want to see these stunning volcanoes, keep reading because we will reveal to you five of the most breathtaking volcanoes in the Philippines!

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Mount Mayon

First on the list is the Mayon Volcano, named after a fabled fairy. The volcano is located 2,463 meters (8,081 feet) above sea level on the southern part of the main island of Luzon, in the province of Albay. It is one of the most attractive and photographed volcanoes thanks to its symmetrical and spectacular conical shape. This iconic stratovolcano, which has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the province's symbol and has inspired a plethora of artworks and stories. But do not be fooled by its peaceful appearance because it is also a highly active volcano.

If you think Mayon Volcano is only for viewing, you are wrong. The natural park offers a wide range of ecotourism opportunities, including an ecological trip to see the beauties of Albay. You can also go and trek along to get a closer look at the volcano. Additionally, the adrenaline-pumping ATV ride from Cagsawa Ruins to Mayon's shoulder is a great and thrilling way to see to discover the hillsides, ruins, rice fields, rivers, and mud roads strewn with hundreds of volcanic pebbles. 

Taal Volcano

The Taal Volcano is the country's second most active volcano. Located near Talisay, Batangas, this volcano is one of the world's smallest, standing at 311 meters (1,020 feet) tall and features 47 overlapping cones and craters in total. The volcanic island in the center of the broader Taal Lake was the site of several of its past eruptions with the most recent eruption occurred in January of last year. By then, many neighboring provinces and cities other than Batangas were affected by the ashfall including Rizal and Metro Manila. 

Nevertheless, there are plenty of exciting things to do nowadays. One of the activities available is crossing around the island by boat. Aside from that, you can go on a hike up to the crater, which takes at least 40 minutes. Before reaching the summit, you will pass by volcanic steam vents that generate a sulphurous odor, which may be unfamiliar to some. Finally, take a horseback ride up the crater, which will take around 20 minutes. As soon as you arrived, you could see the boulders erupting in steam.

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Mount Makiling

Mount Makiling, another magnificent volcano in the Philippines, is rich in legend and treasured by many. Located in Los Baños, one of the many municipalities in Laguna, Mount Makiling is famous for its shape, which resembles a woman lying on her back. The pre-colonial Filipinos also believed Maria Makiling, an "anito," guarded and protected the mountain. Despite all the tales surrounding it, the volcano has no known record of its previous eruption. As a result, it is considered a dormant volcano. Mount Makiling is only 1,090 meters (3,580 feet) above sea level, and it can be climbed in a single day. 

But do not overlook the volcano’s trails; they will make your hike tough. Expect to encounter untamed rainforests, uneven terrain, and incredible species you have never seen before along the journey. There is the Makiling Botanic Gardens as well that offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of native and exotic plants. The good thing is that the garden is accessible by any mode of transportation. If you ride a motorbike, remember to wear a proper helmet for your own safety. Luckily, finding a nice helmet in the Philippines are a breeze with numerous brands to choose from like Airoh, Shark, or AGV.

Mount Pinatubo

Mount Pinatubo, Zambales, is well-known among locals for its 1991 eruptions, which destroyed thousands of homes and caused billions of dollars in crop damage. Fortunately, it has since grown into a popular tourist site, drawing thousands of people each year. Mount Pinatubo is a remarkable sight, with its gray-brown crater and blue-green lake. Mount Pinatubo is a remarkable sight, with its gray-brown crater and blue-green lake. Standing at 1,486 meters (4,875 feet) above sea level, the mountain now rests calmly in the distance. Despite its past, it is one of the Philippines' most visited volcanoes and visitors can rest assured that everything is in order because all trips are closely monitored. 

The only way to get closer to the mountain is to take an hour-long ride in a 4x4 jeepney. It takes a long time, but it is very enjoyable. Due to the presence of harmful substances in the lake, all sorts of water activities are not recommended. But still, there is much more to explore around Mount Pinatubo. You may unwind with a volcanic ash massage at the Pinatubo Spa or ride your motorcycle, complete with a full-face helmet from Zebra or Bell to the Capas Shrine and Tarlac Museum for a taste of culture and history.

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Mount Apo

The final volcano you should visit in the Philippines is the beautiful Mount Apo in the island of Mindanao. Commonly known as the ‘’Grandfather of all Philippine Mountains’’, it is the highest mountain in the Philippine archipelago, standing at 2,954 meters (9,692 feet). Mount Apo has drawn innumerable outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world for years. It is a popular trekking destination, but the climb is not easy. You will need a good hiking guide to navigate all the challenging trails. 

The hike up Mount Apo and down takes three to four days, so planning is essential. You should also be aware of the limits and regulations in place because Mount Apo is a protected landmark in the country. If you do not want to hike, you can visit Mount Apo National Park, which is home to the endangered Philippine eagle and features Malasita Falls, Sibulao Lake, and the Kisinte Hot Springs. Never miss a chance to visit this peaceful yet active volcano because learning about its intriguing history will provide you with lifelong memories.


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Exploring Various Moscow Attractions

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Moscow is definitely an amazing city that has a lot to offer. There are great tourist attractions and extraordinary locations. Some of these are of precious importance for the historical, political, and cultural traditions of the entire country and world. Visit Visa Express for information about visa for Russia

Moscow is a large metropolis with almost 12 million citizens. The city is also always crowded with millions of foreign tourists, so it is a remarkable mix of different nations and cultures. 

You can find many amazing hotels, restaurants, clubs, pubs, and bars in Moscow. These usually provide an excellent and high-quality service to the clients, so the tourists can enjoy every moment in this beautiful city.  

Despite the large population, there is still a lot of free space in the city. If you want to walk and enjoy the experience, Moscow is definitely a great location for such needs. It is enough to mention Red Square, for example. 

The location is surrounded by many important attractions, but it does not affect the free space of the location. Red Square can, therefore, accept large masses, and they can comfortably walk next to each other. It has been the place of many historically important gatherings in the past, so it is a location of tremendous value. 

Moscow is an important city for world history, but it is also a modern metropolis with many new objects. You can, for example, easily notice there are many skyscrapers, and these are also very important for the tourist offer of the entire city. 

Some bars are, for example, placed on top floors, and they provide a great view of the entire city. You can visit some of these, drink your favorite beverage, and explore this amazing city from high heights. 

Great Moscow Parks

The metropolis is also home to many great parks. You should definitely visit some of these. They are great for families with kids because they often provide a lot of content for playing and fun. The parks are usually full of large trees and excellent plants, so you can enjoy fresh air even during hot, summer days. 

Museums and Galleries

Moscow is home to many galleries and museums. Some of these are homes of precious and exceptional cultural and historical showpieces and items. The list of these places is very long. Bakhrushin Museum, Central Armed Forces Museum, Kremlin Arsenal, Memorial Museum of Astronautics, and Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow are some of the well-known ones. You are, of course, free to explore more in order to find the most appropriate museums, according to your needs and interests. 

Art Quarters

Art Quarters are one more tourist attraction. Sculptors, painters, cartoonists, and other fine artists often create communities where they live and work together. There are many such places in Moscow, and some are of a temporary character. Still, there are a few notable and old art quarters, and these are often very interesting from a tourist point of view. If you like art, or you are just curious enough, the avenues of this type might provide an excellent tourist experience. 

Moscow River

The Moscow River is also an interesting tourist attraction that provides a lot to potential visitors. Cruising is, for example, one of the favorite activities at the location, and it gives you a chance to enjoy the city from a different aspect. It is usually performed during regular daily hours, and there are various boats that offer such an adventure in Moscow. Some exclusive ones might provide special types of services too, but you will typically have to pay extra for the purpose. The tourists are, however, always free to select the best offer, according to their needs. 

The Moscow River is also great when it comes to walking and enjoying at the bank. The areas around the water source look very nice at night too, so it is certainly a remarkable travel experience to spend some time there. Many sidewalks are very near the bank, so you can take even long tours in both directions. The city also looks great at night. You can see numerous lights for many buildings near and far from the city center, and that's also one of the tourist's preferred activities in Moscow. 


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What Is The Best Country To Visit For Live Tennis?

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There are arguments in favour of many countries as being the best to visit for live tennis. Britain has Wimbledon, France, the USA and Australia all have Opens while the Olympics and other competitions move around. Here are a few suggestions about the best countries to visit for live tennis and why.

France

France is a country long known for its fantastic live tennis. With matches played on clay courts the French Open is known the world over, and France will also play host to the Summer Games in Paris in 2024. Further, France boasts some of the greatest players of all time and has a wonderful culture that enjoys watching and playing tennis. You can also take a break from the sport to soak up the ambience of one of the most beautiful cities in the world making Paris well worth a visit.

Australia

Hosting the Australian Open each year in January, Australia is another country known for its love of tennis and live games that are certainly noteworthy. Played on a hard-court surface, the Australian Open is the largest annual sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere (and therefore a must visit) for any tennis fan if they have the opportunity.

Britain

Home to Wimbledon, what else really needs to be said about Britain? Widely considered the top tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon dates back to 1877 where it was played on grass courts as it still is today. Seeing a match at Centre Court surely tops the bucket list of any tennis fan worth their salt, and with strawberries and cream and a large glass of Pimms, Wimbledon is also known for its traditions on and off the court. 

The USA

Rounding out the four Grand Slam countries, the USA is definitely a contender for best country to visit for live tennis. Hosting not only the US Open in New York but the BNP Paribas Open in California, the US is again a country known for showing and playing incredible tennis. With a long list of tennis Champions and many fantastic courts to choose from, the USA is a key stop on any tennis tour of the best spots.

China

A bit of a newcomer to the sport, at least when it comes to being thought of globally in a list like this, China is fast becoming known for its excellent tennis. Hosting the WTA Finals until 2028 we will certainly be seeing more of this country’s tennis games and watching along with millions of others as they enjoy the sport.

There are many other countries that love, play and host great live tennis, and even more that enjoy playing games at every level. The Czech Republic is supposedly tennis crazy, with courts in every park and accessible to all. Germany has a huge amount of registered tennis players and of course the Olympics changes hands every four years allowing new countries to play host to some of the best live tennis in the world. With so many great options out there, why choose? Whether you are partial to the occasional tennis bet or you’ve always dreamt of a world-tennis tour, hitting up as many of these countries as possible would be high on your list of things to do, with the Grand Slam four as the top priority for most.



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Best NCAA Tournament Travel Destinations

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When the March Madness bracket is unveiled on Selection Sunday, fans of participating teams finally get to find out where they will be headed. Games are scattered all throughout the country, and this adds to the excitement of the event. 

For those that simply love to travel, the NCAA Tournament provides some great opportunities as well. The NCAA chooses some of the top cities in the country each year to host games, and some top travel destinations are included. 

Of course the action on the basketball floor will be the biggest draw, but each city will also have plenty of other things to do as well. With that in mind, here are some of the best travel destinations for cities hosting games in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. 

Indy Has Experience

The NCAA tries to give many different locations the opportunity to host March Madness games, but there are some locations that always seem to get chosen. Indianapolis is one of those cities, and that’s because the city does a great job of hosting major events. 

Indianapolis might not have the ideal weather or many major attractions, but there is one advantage of hosting the NCAA Tournament in this city. Everything is close together in Indy, and that makes it a terrific location for hosting these events. 

The Indianapolis Zoo is a major attraction in this city, but you will love how easy it is to get around in this city. 

Sunny San Diego

If you are looking for an escape from the cold then San Diego should be on the top of your list for travel destinations. San Diego will be hosting games during the first two rounds, which means that the games will be taking place in mid-March. 

If you want something to do besides watching basketball then the San Diego Zoo needs to be something that you check out. This zoo is considered one of the best in the entire world, and would give you something to do on the off-day. 

You can also just choose to enjoy the warmth of San Diego and thaw out from a long winter. 

San Antonio Has it All

San Antonio, Texas is in the rotation to host a Final Four, but the city will have to settle for a Regional Final this year. When it comes to San Antonio, there really isn’t anything that this city doesn’t have. 

The weather in San Antonio is going to be just about perfect at the end of March, and that’s great because there are so many outdoor activities to explore. At the top of the list is the Riverwalk, and you could spend days just walking up and down and never run out of things to do.

Just steps from the Riverwalk is The Alamo, and that is a place that everyone should check out at least one time. If you are planning a trip to San Antonio then pack your walking shoes and you might want to stay for about a week. 

Fun in the Windy City

The city of Chicago will host one of the four regionals this year, and the Windy City is always a top travel destination. The weather in Chicago in early April can still be a bit chilly, but the long list of travel destinations make up for the cold. 

Without even mentioning some of the top travel destinations, Chicago has some of the best restaurants in the world. Come hungry if you plan on going to Chicago, especially if you are someone that enjoys deep dish pizza. 

Navy Pier, Michigan Ave, and “The Bean” are three of the top travel destinations that anyone visiting the city for the first time must check out. 

The “Big Easy”

The Final Four will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana once again in 2022. New Orleans is in the rotation for hosting the Final Four, and this is always a top destination for travelers and basketball fans alike.

There is no shortage of things to do in New Orleans, especially if you are someone that enjoys the nightlife. The weather in New Orleans during April can vary from year to year, but it’s usually a nice and comfortable temperature each year.



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Top Casino Destinations When Visiting the Philippines

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Several Asian countries are quickly becoming the new preferred gambling destinations for tourists, such as the Philippines. Some experts say it is on the verge of a booming casino industry with increasing numbers of casual foreign players and high-rollers alike. Now that it has gotten over the COVID-19 obstacle, business will pick up. 

The country also boasts about having one of the best Online Casino offerings in the region. Although most of the country's physical casinos are located in Manila, there are many great destinations throughout the islands that are worth visiting. 

The Philippines has a centuries-old gambling tradition, with many great land-based casinos available to carry on that tradition. It has more than 20 casinos for tourists that like to include some gaming into their itinerary while traveling throughout the country. There are several destinations for visitors to consider on their next trip to the popular tourist destination.

Manila


The area around Metro Manila has around 20 casinos, most of which are located in the Manila Bay area. The capital city has many famous tourist sites and is home to some of the most prestigious casinos in the country.


One of the most popular is the Solaire Resort and Casino. The facility has 1,200 slot machines and close to 300 table games, making it the largest casino within the capital. It is also a premier resort and is said to be one of the best destinations for poker players that visit the city.


Resorts World Manila is a massive resort with three hotels and over 1,500 guest rooms. It was the first resort and casino in the country and has the largest casino space of any in the country. Another reason it's popular for players is because of its proximity to the Okada Manila casino, which has hosted major poker tournaments recently. 


Angeles City


Angeles City is another destination in the country that is a favorite of casino enthusiasts. Not only does the area have popular tourist attractions such as the Museo Ning Angeles and the Pamintuan Mansion, but it's also famous for its nightlife and its great casinos. 


Casino Filipino is probably the most popular in the city, with 287 slot machines and close to 40 table games. It's smaller than most casinos in the area, but features live entertainment and reasonably priced beverages. It continues to be a favorite destination for tourists from all parts of the world. 


Wild Orchid is a luxury resort in Angeles City and a popular destination for poker players. The casino includes slots, roulette, baccarat, and keno to keep casual players busy but also offers poker rooms to suit every player's level, where people can interact while enjoying their favorite games. 


Cebu City


The province of Cebu is another popular tourist destination, with Cebu City, also known as the Queen City of the South, being preferred by some casino enthusiasts. Because the city is the oldest large settlement in the country, there are many historical places to visit as well as historical events such as the Sinulog Grand Parade. 


The Waterfront Cebu City Hotel highlights the city's skyline and is the location of the Waterfront Casino. It's the biggest casino in the city, with more than 400 slot machines and 60 table games. The casino is known to feature some slots with high RTP, so it's advised to do research on the different slots offered to find the ones with the best chance of paying out that big jackpot. 


The gambling industry in the country had been almost completely shut down during the pandemic, but casinos in the Philippines have been welcoming tourists back since the government eased COVID-19 restrictions. 


VIP customers have started to return as the country's casinos and resorts have scaled up their operations. Authorities have been putting in a lot of effort to boost the gambling sector in the country as much as possible. 



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Best Travel Destinations in New Orleans

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The March Madness betting odds will start to roll out after the NCAA Tournament field is announced, and this year’s tournament will end in New Orleans, Louisiana. The NCAA Tournament is always a huge deal for sports fans, and the Final Four location plays a big role.

Since this year’s tournament is set to take place in New Orleans, now would be a great time to take a closer look at the city. New Orleans is considered a top travel destination in the United States, but you might not know why.

This is a city that is loaded with terrific tourist attractions, but we have chosen some of the best travel destinations for you. If you are planning to escape to New Orleans at any point in time then here are some locations that you need to visit. 

French Quarter

Without a doubt, the biggest tourist attraction in the city of New Orleans is the French Quarter. Most people come to take a look at the architecture in the French Quarter, but this is also a portion of the city that is loaded with great entertainment and dining options.

Bourbon Street is the most famous street in the French Quarter, but it can become extremely crowded and hard to navigate during peak tourist times. You can spend a couple of days on the French Quarter and never run out of things to do, but you will have to be comfortable being around other people. 

Mardi Gras takes place in the French Quarter, and that is one of the biggest events in the United States. 

WWII Museum

If you are someone that enjoys history then you will have to make a stop at the WWII Museum on Magazine Street. This is the National WWII Museum and there are plenty of exhibits that touch on the battles that took place in both Europe and the Pacific. 

This is a very interactive museum and there is much more to do than simply look at the exhibits on your own. There are also entertainment and dinners held at the National WWII Museum and it’s worth the trip, even if you aren’t someone that enjoys learning about wars. 

St. Louis Cathedral

Jackson Square is another popular part of New Orleans, and there is plenty to do in that location. One of the highlights of a visit to Jackson Square includes a stop at the St. Louis Cathedral.

The St. Louis Cathedral was built all the way back in 1794 and it is still in use to this day. This is a massive structure and should be on your list of sights to see, even if you don’t plan on visiting the cathedral to worship. 

City Park

Depending on the weather, City Park is a popular travel destination in New Orleans, and there is no shortage of things to do at this location. City Park is home to both the New Orleans Botanical Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art. 

Golfing and tennis are also available at City Park, and this is a 1,300 acre plot of land that provides plenty of space to move around. 

Audubon Zoo

Audobon Park is another popular tourist attraction in New Orleans and the Audobon Zoo is the highlight of this part of town. The best way to get around the zoo is by taking the “Swamp Train,” and tickets are available everyday that the zoo is open.

After visiting the zoo, there are still plenty of other opportunities in the park, including several small lakes and a golf course. This is obviously a great destination for families, but anyone will enjoy the options at Audobon. 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

The final destination on this list is geared especially for families and it is the Louisiana Children’s Museum. New Orleans isn’t typically a good tourist destination for kids or families with young kids, but the Louisiana Children’s Museum is a great place to visit.

This museum is open seven days a week in the summer, and it’s a great place to go to escape the heat. The Warehouse District is where the Louisiana Children’s Museum is located and that’s a much slower part of town.



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Top Things to Do in Orlando, Florida

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Orlando is best known for Disney World and Universal Studios but aside from these renowned theme parks, there are more than a hundred things to do in the city including aquatic experiences, which explains the popularity of boat rides. Over 60 million tourists visit Orlando each year, given that the city is recognized for its delectable cuisine and superb restaurants. Due to its warm climate, shopping centers, and stunning nighttime scenery, Orlando should undoubtedly be at the top of your list of vacation destinations.

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Clear Kayaking through Silver Springs

Kayaking around Silver Springs is undoubtedly the place for you if you want to have a serene atmosphere and let the sound of the river comfort you. Experience the most spectacular view in central Florida while paddling through crystal-clear water. With your guide, you'll get to experience the full benefits of clear kayaking while on a tour of Spring State Park. The fact that this activity is solely reserved for small groups of individuals ensures that your guide will be able to provide hands-on training and assistance. Additionally, you can take repeated tours of the area to get the most out of this experience.
Silver Springs is a simple day trip, and your guide will be there to assist you while you kayak your way around. Your tour guide will also take you to the spots where Hollywood films like James Dean's Rebel Without a Cause and the James Bond blockbuster Moonraker were filmed. Additionally, by viewing diverse wildlife species in their native habitats, you get to experience a zoo-like trip.

Helicopter Tour over Orlando’s Theme Parks

Orlando is widely recognized for its theme parks, so if you don't go, your trip will be incomplete. With this tour, you can fly above one theme park after another and enjoy the scenery from above some of the world's most well-known amusement parks. This grand but unique approach allows you to view all four of Orlando's world-famous theme parks at once, making it ideal for last-minute vacations. Find out more about the areas where well-known theme parks like SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and Disney World are set. As you explore, you'll also get to take pictures of breathtaking scenes.

Since the helicopter can only accommodate three people, it's also perfect for small groups. Additionally, it's a private helicopter flight, so you and your loved ones can enjoy the breathtaking view.

Sightseeing Day Trip with Transportation

A vacation isn't really complete without visiting the places that Orlando is best known for. By reserving a cheap yet high-quality rental car, you can take your time and discover Florida's beauties without the burden of using the public transportation system. You can take your time to enjoy the clear skies and surrounding beauty by renting a car. Additionally, by exploring at your own leisure, you can discover countless options for family entertainment, attractions, aviation, arts & culture, fishing, boating & lake activities, and shopping all at once.

Btw, you may comfortably do sightseeing trip by booking the cheapest car rental in Orlando! Additionally, since you won't have to worry about maintenance fees and other costs, you'll have more freedom to explore these places, which also makes it more affordable.

Sunny Beach Day Trip at Clearwater Beach

Imagine that you feel warm, soft sand underneath your toes and the sound of the waves accompanied by a gentle ocean breeze. If you think this would make the perfect day trip, Clearwater Beach is ready and waiting. Florida's pleasant weather allows you to have a relaxed vacation where you can do as many activities as you want or just lounge on the beach. 

You could also go deep-sea fishing or take a speedboat trip if you're feeling adventurous. Additionally, you can utilize bodyboards on the beach and go snorkeling. If you want to relax and unwind, sit back and take in the lovely scenery from the café or relax by renting beach umbrellas. To really appreciate the stunning sunset, we advise staying as late as possible.

Swim and Play at Discovery Cove

At Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive day resort, you and your family can take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to snorkel with tens of thousands of tropical fish and rays, swim with dolphins, hand-feed exotic birds, and relax on pristine beaches. You may manage your experience at your own pace because there are no queues anywhere in the park.

Additionally, you'll have access to amenities like towels, snorkeling equipment, and more, which can enhance your experience and make it more enjoyable. There are also a number of activities available here, allowing you to conclude your time at Discovery Cove with unique aquatic experience.

There are a ton more activities available in Orlando. It would take more than a hundred days to experience the full wonders of Orlando. Therefore, don't miss out and book a plane ticket to take a vacation. You can never go wrong with car rental in Orlando airport if you have no idea where to begin. You'll have a car waiting for you when you arrive in Florida, so you may explore the state at your own speed. 
 

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MassKara Festival 2022 Schedule of Events and Activities, History and Travel Guide

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The annual Masskara Festival takes place in October in Bacolod, Philippines. It is a well-known festival that is exceptionally vibrant. The title is derived from the words "mass," which means crowd, and "cara," which means face, and implies "many faces." Bacolod City acquired the title "The City of Smiles" as a result of the performers' wearing colorful and cheery masks.

Masskara Festival 2022

History

In the 1980s, Bacolod became well-known for its sugar production, even exporting it to other countries like the United States. However, due to the availability of less expensive alternatives like corn syrup, commonly known as fructose, worldwide merchants ceased importing. Due to the fact that growing and manufacturing sugar cane was the sole source of income for the locals at the time, this led to a financial crisis. Famine resulted from the financial crisis and economic distress.

During the same period as the financial crisis and the economic downturn, a second tragic incident happened. The MV Don Juan, popularly known as a floating island of luxury, collided with the MT Tacloban oil tanker on April 22, 1980, as it was returning to Bacolod City from Manila. The Don Juan was entirely engulfed by the sea in less than 20 minutes. 176 individuals died in this disaster, and a number of people are still missing.

The MassKara Festival was created by the Negrenses, a cultural group from Negros Occidental, to portray Bacolod as the City of Smiles in spite of hardship.

2022 Schedule of Activities and Highlights

The event resumes after a two-year hiatus imposed on by the pandemic. The festival lasts the entire month of October, with one of the biggest parades in town on October 23rd, 2022, serving as its climax. Be aware that some events may be altered at any time without notice.

MassKara Queen Pageant, Mr. Bacolod bodybuilding and fitness competition, hip-hop dance challenge, drag festival, BMX riding contest, DJ battle, auto convention, and chess and sports tournaments are a few of the preliminary events for the festival.

  • First Mayor Albee Benitez Football Cup - October 1 & 2, 2022.
  • BMX Contest for Riders and Enthusiasts at the Bacolod Bay Center - October 7, 2022.
  • MassKara Hip Hop Dance Challenge at Bacolod Government Center - October 7 to 8, 2022.
  • First Mayor Albee Benitez MassKara Cup Drag Fest - October 7 to 9, 2022.
  • Mr. Bacolod 2022 at the Central Halls 1 & 2 Ayala Malls Capitol Central - October 11, 2022.
  • MassKara Auto Convention” at SMX Bacolod - October 14, 2022.
  • Bacolod KPop Night - October 15, 2022.
  • First Mayor Albee Benitez MassKara Circuit Race and Motor Show at the Upper East Megaworld - October 15 to 16, 2022.

Reminders/Tips (+covid 19 protocols etc)

To make sure that your vacation runs smoothly, always remember to plan ahead, reserve your hotel, organize your itinerary, and pack your luggage. 

If you plan to use the public transportation system, be sure to bring "barya," or spare change, and keep in mind to wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes. The Philippines is known for its hot, sunny weather, so dress in light, breathable clothing. However, you should also pack an umbrella and keep an eye on the weather in Bacolod.

If an event is scheduled to start at a specific time, arrive early to ensure you have the best possible view and experience. Always keep in mind to pack an extra face mask, alcohol, and your vaccination card because certain shops and restaurants require you to show your vaccination card before you are allowed inside.

Where to Eat and Other Interesting Activities 

Without enjoying the local chicken inasal, your journey to Bacolod would be incomplete. This delectable delicacy was offered everywhere from small food stands to fine dining establishments all offered this delectable delicacy.

Bacolod is famous for its festival, but it also has other attractions, including the ruins of Mario Lacson's mansion, the Campuestohan Highland Resort, the heritage homes in Silay City, old churches, and more.

How to Get There

You can fly to Bacolod on the airline of your choice, such as Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific Air. It would be better to choose Philippine Airlines if you are currently staying in Manila, Clark, or Cebu. However, if you are currently staying in Manila or Davao, choose Cebu Pacific Airlines. 

You can take a van or a shuttle from the Bacolod-Silay Airport to the city center of Bacolod. From there, you may easily get to your hotel from the taxi station near the shuttle service's stop in SM City Bacolod. The fare typically costs 150 pesos.

The second option is a taxi service, which is more expensive but unquestionably more convenient because it allows you to get to your hotel straight away. However, the fee may reach 500 pesos. 

You can also take a tricycle or a jeepney, but this is only advised if you've already checked into your hotel and want to explore the city for the day. However, if you're traveling from the airport, this could be a nuisance because jeepneys and tricycles are frequently crowded, either because of limited room or a truckload of passengers.



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Is it Possible to Make Money on Crypto Trading in 2023?

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Cryptocurrency trading attracts many people, as this area is perhaps one of the most profitable on the market. Crypto trading has a considerable advantage over traditional investing: the fact is that a trader can make a profit regardless of the market trend, while an investor can count on income only if the market grows. For example, on the CHZ to USDT trading pair, you can either short or buy long and earn constantly.


Another indisputable advantage of trading is the virtual absence of a ceiling in earnings. There are real stories of people who have made millions of dollars in a very short period with the help of cryptocurrency trading. But like everything else in the world, this financial instrument has the other side of the coin, namely, complexity and increased risks. In this article, we will try to figure out whether it is possible to earn income from crypto trading in 2023 and what it takes.

How to Buy and Sell Cryptocurrency for Profit?

One of the first steps a trader must take is to choose the exchange for work. To plunge headlong into the trading of digital assets and not think about the reliability of the site, you must initially conduct research, namely:

  • the reputation of the exchange and its team;

  • read reviews on third-party resources;

  • study the working conditions (fees, number of trading pairs, etc.);

  • explore the financial instruments of the platform (futures, margin trading, P2P, etc.).

How to Buy Crypto Safely?

One of the most popular and worthy platforms is the largest European exchange WhiteBIT. It supports the most reliable and popular cryptocurrencies. The platform complies with all European Union regulations, has a high level of security, and has all the financial instruments necessary for successful trading.

PAL flies an all-female flight to Guam

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) flew an all-female flight crew for its March 22 PR110 Manila-Guam and March 24 PR111 Guam - Manila flights to participate in the celebration of International Women’s Month. In command of the flight to Guam was Capt. Emmie Inciong-Ragasa, assisted by First Officer Lilybeth Tan - Ng. 

A selfie before boarding the aircraft 

The all-women cabin crew team - led by Flight Purser Edrose Mae Tang - had FA Gladys Lim, FA Frances Anne  Alindogan, FA Verona Rae Salangsang, FA Ana Beatriz Alvarez, and FA Pamela Jaine Sta. Ana in its roster. Capt. Hidelina Patrimonio and FO Lilybeth Tan Ng will be in command of the flight to Manila via PR111 tomorrow March 24. 

A water salute – organized by PAL Guam and the Guam Airport Authority - greeted flight PR110 upon its arrival at Guam International Airport. 

To inspire more women around the globe, PAL’s all-female flight crew participated in the Global Women’s forum held at the Guam Airport, where FO Tan – Ng,  who is also PAL'S AVP on Pilot Affairs, said in her speech, "Philippine Airlines is an equal opportunity company. PAL's culture of inclusivity has empowered the female members of the workforce to lend their voices, talent and creativity for the good of the Organization."


Taking-off in a few


“What a great way to celebrate women empowerment. Our all-female flight is an inspiring and exhilarating experience,” she quipped when asked to describe the milestone flight journey. 

As part of her inspirational message, she quipped, “We – as women – do not exist in a box. We evolve amid the challenges of the times. We are strong and resilient. We support fellow women and we co-exist with all of humanity. We embrace inclusively.”



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The Top Fitness Exercises for Tennis Players: How to Improve Your Forehand and Power

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Tennis is a physically demanding sport that requires a variety of skills for optimal athletic performance on the court. To acquire these skills, you’ll need a purpose-driven training program that is specifically geared toward tennis players.


A good forehand and powerful movements are essential for a successful tennis match. Without these core techniques, your game will suffer and you are less likely to achieve your athletic goals.


Here are the top fitness exercises for tennis players that will improve your forehand and boost the power of your movements.

Grip Training

A good grip on your racket is the backbone of a powerful forehand shot. Improving your grip strength will help you absorb more force, and therefore give you more control over your swing and the ball. Having a strong grip also reduces your risk of tennis elbow, which is a common side effect of having a weak grip. To enhance your grip, you should incorporate simple exercises such as farmer’s walks, towel twists, and resisted wrist extensions into your workouts.

Cardiovascular Endurance

Tennis matches sometimes go on for hours, which requires players to maintain their energy and power levels through the duration of the game. This takes a substantial amount of cardiovascular endurance, which means you should be doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), running, swimming, or cycling to help build up your endurance and become more resistant to fatigue.

Upper Body Plyometric Exercises

Upper body plyometric exercises are essential for explosive power and movement during a tennis match. Focusing on pushing, pulling, and rotations will help you build strength and power to make you a more dominant force during your matches. 


Some great upper body plyometric exercises for tennis players include wall chest presses, overhead forward throws, and decline pushups. These exercises are vital for putting more power behind your forehand and improving your performance. It’s important to determine how many sets and reps you need to build muscle to achieve your personal goals, and to design a strength-building routine that will help you excel during your matches.

Mobility Training

Mobility is an often-overlooked facet of training for tennis players, but plays a vital role in how well you perform. Mobility training improves the range of motion of your joints, which allows you to move more freely and quickly switch positions with ease. A greater range of motion also generates more power behind your movements to improve your forehand and your overall performance. Better mobility also helps stabilize your body to improve your balance so you can transfer power from your core and lower body to your upper body more effectively. Additionally, mobility training can improve your coordination to help you time your shots better for enhanced accuracy.


Upper body fitness is crucial for tennis players to improve their athletic prowess and dominate their matches. By incorporating a few key exercises into your workout regimen, you’ll be able to improve your forehand by increasing your accuracy and generating more power for an impressive follow through.



Seda Residences Makati Shines Bright for the Holidays with Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Client Appreciation Night

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Seda Residences Makati, the city's premier destination for seamless stays and topnotch service, recently celebrated its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, an event that marks the beginning of the festive season and sets the stage for a month-long celebration of joy, giving, and community spirit. 


This year's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony holds a special significance as Seda Residences Makati once again collaborates with Seda Hotels’ charity partner Smile Train, an organization dedicated to providing cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children in need. The lighting of the Christmas tree not only symbolizes the start of the holiday season but also kickstarts the hotel's charity campaign for Smile Train. Guests and attendees are invited to contribute to this noble cause and make a difference in the lives of children around the world. 

Adding to the hotel’s festive decorations is the newly unveiled Gingerbread Tower, meticulously crafted in the likeness of Seda Residences Makati – complete with a whimsical fondant display of restaurants and shops at the mall below the hotel. This yuletide masterpiece features intricate sugar and chocolate creations showcasing the dedication to craftsmanship and detail that Seda Residences Makati is known for. 


Coinciding with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is the hotel’s Annual Client Appreciation Night to express gratitude to its valued partners who have played a pivotal role in its success throughout the year. The event honors top corporate accounts and online travel agency partners. Also in attenadance is a list of long-time clientele from embassies and multinational groups, representatives of other Ayala Corporation subsidiaries, media friends, and special guests from local government agencies and the Department of Tourism. 


The month-long celebration of the yuletide holidays at Seda Residences Makati include exciting offers for both rooms and dining outlets: Holiday Countdown Buffets; A gingerbread-making contest for kids; Christmas and New Year’s Eve room packages, and this year’s festive room offer: ‘12 Days of Christmas’ where guests availing of the overnight stay package are welcomed with a Christmas plushie, tsokolate batirol plus ensaymada at the Santa Café, a photo session at the Christmas corner, and vouchers to get gifts from Santa’s Gift Wagon. You may visit the hotel website at www.residencesmakati.sedahotels.com or call them at 0917 875 1871. 


About Seda Residences Makati 

Located within Makati Central Business District, with 293 serviced residences ranging from studio to larger, pet-friendly 1- to 3-bedroom apartments. A roofdeck bar, and an a la carte and buffet restaurant are available for hotel and walk-in guests. 

About Smile Train 

World’s largest cleft-focused organization, with a sustainable and local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care. Over the last 20+ years, they have supported safe, high-quality, and free cleft care for 1.5+ million children.



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The Role of Cabin Crew in Ensuring Passenger Safety

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Flying has revolutionized the way people travel, connecting them to places around the world in a matter of hours. Central to this experience are cabin crew members, who are often the friendly faces that passengers see as soon as they board the flight and when they exit the plane. However, their role is far more intricate than many realize.

Cabin crew members, also referred to as flight attendants, are trained professionals who work together with the flight crew to ensure the smooth operation of airline flights. Beyond the visible tasks of serving meals and attending to passenger needs, cabin crews play an indispensable role in both safety and comfort during air travel. Their training, professionalism, and attention to detail allow them to manage various situations effectively, from routine procedures to emergency scenarios. 

Let’s explore the responsibilities of cabin crew in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of passengers throughout their journey.

Pre-flight Safety Briefings

One of the vital roles of cabin crew is to provide pre-flight safety briefings. These are crucial moments when they educate passengers on essential safety procedures. These briefings are meticulously designed to cover a range of scenarios, from routine seat belt use to emergency evacuations. 

During these briefings, it’s common for cabin crew members to utilize visual aids, such as safety cards and live demonstrations. Using such tools ensures that passengers understand and can follow safety instructions, even under stressful conditions.

Emergency Preparedness

Similar to pilots, cabin crew members undergo rigorous training. The main difference is that aviators attend a pilot school in the Philippines or other countries, while flight attendants are trained at facilities run by airlines or independent institutions that are approved by aviation authorities.

In these cabin crew training programs, various emergency scenarios, such as fire, rapid decompression, or medical emergencies, are simulated. These simulations equip flight attendants with the skills and confidence to handle emergencies efficiently, which helps reassure passengers and ensure a swift and coordinated response from the crew.

Safety Equipment Maintenance

Integral to the role of cabin crew in ensuring passenger well-being is safety equipment maintenance. The cabin crew conducts regular inspections of life vests, oxygen masks, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment to ensure they are in working order and easily accessible. Moreover, they are trained to assist passengers in using this equipment should the need arise. This ensures everyone can respond effectively in an emergency.

Communication with the Flight Team

Effective communication between cabin crew and the flight deck is vital for a safe flight. The cabin crew relays essential information to pilots, such as passenger counts, any special needs, or medical conditions onboard. This information helps the flight team make informed decisions, such as altering flight paths for medical emergencies or preparing for potential delays.

Review the Flight Manifest

Before take-off, the cabin crew meticulously reviews the flight manifest to account for every passenger and their assigned seats. This step ensures that they are prepared to assist passengers with special needs or medical conditions and can quickly locate anyone during an emergency.

Taking Care of Passenger Comfort and Well-Being

In-flight Service

Beyond safety, cabin crew also focus on enhancing the flying experience through exceptional service. They serve meals, beverages, and other amenities, often accommodating special dietary or medical requests from passengers. Their attentive service adds a personal touch to the flight, which makes passengers feel valued and cared for.

Cabin Atmosphere

Creating a comfortable cabin atmosphere is another essential aspect of cabin crew responsibilities. They monitor cabin temperature and air quality, adjusting settings as needed to ensure a pleasant environment. Moreover, their friendly and approachable demeanor contributes to a calm and positive atmosphere. This helps ease any anxieties that passengers may have about flying.

Assistance and Support

Cabin crew members are always ready to assist passengers in various ways. Whether it's helping with luggage, providing mobility assistance, or offering emotional support during turbulent flights, their attentiveness and care make a significant difference in passengers' overall experience.

Post-flight Responsibilities

Post-flight Checklists

The responsibilities of cabin crew members don’t end when the plane lands. After passengers have disembarked the plane, flight attendants conduct thorough post-flight checks to ensure the cabin is in order. They inspect for any items left behind, potential hazards, or damage to the cabin. This meticulous process ensures the cabin is clean, safe, and ready for the next flight.

Debriefing Sessions

Aside from preparing the cabin for the next passengers and crew, flight attendants participate in debriefing sessions. These are valuable opportunities for cabin crew to reflect on the flight and share feedback with the flight team. They discuss any challenges encountered, lessons learned, and areas for improvement. These discussions are instrumental in refining safety protocols and enhancing the overall flying experience for passengers.

The role of cabin crew is multifaceted, encompassing both safety and service aspects to ensure a safe and enjoyable flying experience for passengers. From pre-flight safety briefings to post-flight responsibilities, cabin crew members demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and commitment at every step. Indeed, their tireless efforts behind the scenes contribute significantly to the overall success and experience of each flight.


How to Avoid Common Billing Errors: Tips for Traveling Entrepreneurs

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Managing your finances as a traveling entrepreneur comes with a number of unique challenges. For instance, changing addresses, converting currencies, and the difficulty of maintaining constant communication with clients in different time zones lead to billing and invoicing errors. These errors can give rise to delayed payments, invoice discrepancies, and financial inefficiencies, all of which can ultimately impact your business's bottom line. 

That being said, there are many steps you can take to avoid these common mishaps and ensure that your billing process is as streamlined and accurate as possible. Here are some of the ways to steer clear of these billing mistakes as you run your enterprise while on the road. 

Maintain Updated Billing Information

One reason behind billing errors is outdated or inaccurate information, so make it a priority to regularly review and update your billing details. Provide your clients with clear instructions regarding preferred billing methods and payment terms; also, ensure that invoices are sent to the correct email or mailing addresses. Keeping your billing information up-to-date can minimize the risk of invoices being lost or misdirected. This can in turn result in faster payments and improved cash flow management.

Use Cloud-Based Accounting Software

It’s well worth it to invest in cloud-based accounting software so that you can manage your finances and invoicing tasks remotely from any location with internet access. With features such as automated invoicing, expense tracking, and real-time reporting, these solutions can streamline your billing processes and enhance overall efficiency. What’s great about cloud-based accounting software is that it provides you access to comprehensive financial data and enables you to generate invoices on the go. This eliminates the need for manual paperwork and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual billing.

Implement Digital Payment Solutions

Traveling entrepreneurs like you stand to benefit the most from using online payment solutions and digital invoicing platforms to simplify billing and payment processes. Integrating a payment gateway Philippines consumers and businesses trust, such as Maya Checkout, to your website will enable you to send invoices, accept payments, and track transactions from almost any  device for a hassle-free experience. This level of flexibility and convenience afforded by such a solution will expedite payment processing, reduce administrative overhead, and improve the overall purchasing experience of your customer.

Set Clear Billing Policies

To avoid misunderstandings and minimize disputes with clients, establish transparent billing policies and communicate them effectively. Create a clear outline of payment terms, deadlines, and expectations in your contracts and invoices to ensure that both parties are on the same page. At the same time, provide detailed invoices that itemize charges, project milestones, and any applicable taxes or fees for transparency and accountability. Doing all of these can help build trust with clients and minimize the risk of billing errors or payment delays.

Stay Organized with Digital Documentation

Because you’re on the move most of the time, it’s practical to digitize your financial documents and store them securely in the cloud or on digital devices. This prevents loss or damage while traveling while still having secure access to all your files. Use cloud storage solutions or document management software to organize and categorize invoices, receipts, and other important records. With organized digital documentation, you can streamline your billing processes without compromising compliance with regulatory requirements.

Automate Billing and Reminders

Most accounting software offer automated billing and reminder features. Take advantage of these to streamline repetitive billing tasks and ensure timely payments from clients. In particular, set up automated reminders for overdue invoices or upcoming payment deadlines to prompt clients to make payments on time. This simple task is an effective means of reducing the risk of late payments and improving cash flow management. As a bonus, automation allows you to focus on growing your business without being bogged down by administrative tasks.

Maintain Regular Communication with Clients

It’s important to have open and consistent communication with clients to promptly address any billing-related concerns or questions. You can do this by keeping clients informed of your travel schedule, availability, and any changes to billing processes or payment methods. Make it a habit to communicate billing updates, such as revised invoices or payment reminders, well in advance to maintain transparency and avoid misunderstandings. Doing these will help you build stronger relationships and ensure mutual understanding of payment expectations.

Seek Professional Advice When Needed

Last but not least, consult with accounting professionals or financial advisors to seek guidance on complex billing matters, tax implications, or regulatory compliance requirements. These experts can offer valuable insights and support to help you navigate billing challenges effectively and mitigate potential risks. Whether you're dealing with cross-border transactions, complex invoicing structures, or unfamiliar tax laws, seeking professional advice can provide peace of mind and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Understanding and avoiding common billing errors is essential for traveling entrepreneurs to maintain financial stability and success while on the move. By following these steps and taking control of your billing processes through the use of modern technology, you can navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship while embracing the freedom of travel.

How to Save Up for Your Very First International Trip

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International travel offers a wealth of benefits that can enrich your life in numerous ways. From immersing yourself in diverse cultures and tasting new cuisines to meeting people from different walks of life, the experiences you can gain from traveling abroad are impossible to replicate. Exploring new places can also broaden your perspective on the world and push you to expand your comfort zones, as well as give you plenty of opportunities to practice life skills that will serve you well in any context. For reasons like these, you may be very excited about your first opportunity to travel abroad. 

However, to fully enjoy these experiences, you’ll need to be prepared for the significant costs involved. Flights, accommodations, meals, activities, and transportation can all add up quickly, making it crucial for you to keep a well-planned budget. You’ll want to prepare well in advance for this milestone trip and save up a substantial amount of money, as well as implement some good financial management practices for traveling out of the country.

This article will provide you with practical saving advice tailored for your first international trip. Try the following tips to save money effectively and ensure that your adventure is both enjoyable and financially manageable:

1. Open a Dedicated Account for Your Travel Savings

There’s a reason many financial experts advise opening separate accounts for your savings goals, travel included. Separating these funds out from your regular expenses makes it easier to track your progress and avoid the temptation to dip into these savings for other purposes. 

Look for a high-interest, fee-free account to maximize your savings potential. From there, regularly deposit a set amount into this account until you’ve reached your goal and can turn your dream trip into a reality.

If you find yourself unsure about where to store your travel savings, a digital bank may offer you certain significant advantages over a traditional one. These institutions typically shoulder much lower overhead costs than traditional banks, as they don’t operate physical branches. The savings often translate into higher interest rates, fewer fees, and more innovative savings solutions for customers. 

For instance, the digital bank Maya gives savers in the Philippines easy ways to work toward their financial goals with solutions like Maya Personal Goals, a savings product that earns a guaranteed 4% interest p.a. monthly. Travelers who want to save well in advance of their first international trip can also exploreMaya Time Deposit Plus, where they can leave a sum to accrue high interest over an extended period and reap the rewards when the time deposit matures. With help from tools like these, you’ll find that even your more ambitious travel goals will be well within reach.

2. Set a Generous and Well-Defined Budget

A well-defined travel budget is like a roadmap that will prevent you from losing your way when it comes to managing your travel expenses. You can start putting one together by estimating the costs of your trip’s major components, such as flights, accommodations, food, activities, and local transportation. Research your destination to get an accurate idea of these expenses, and ask locals or frequent visitors for advice if possible. 

Once you have a budget, make sure you also have a way to track your spending and make adjustments as needed. Try allocating specific amounts for each category to prevent overspending and, if possible, err on the side of overestimating to play it safe. You may not be able to control just how expensive certain aspects of your trip are, and it’s better to have money in excess than to have too little of it when you’re far away from home. 

3. Book Flights and Accommodation Early

Airlines and hotels often offer lower prices for early bookings, and chances are you’ll also have more options to choose from if you book ahead. Take advantage of fare alerts on travel websites to get notified of price drops, and consider being flexible with your travel dates so that you can find the best deals. 

For accommodation, explore various options such as hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb, which can offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional hotels. Early planning not only saves money but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your major travel arrangements are secured.

4. Shop Around for Travel Insurance

Unexpected events can disrupt even the best-laid travel plans, so it’s always good to invest in travel insurance as part of your preparation. Medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage are just a few scenarios where insurance can save you significant expenses. Compare policies from different providers to find the best deal that offers comprehensive coverage. 

It’s also worth it to consider multi-trip insurance if you plan to travel more frequently within the year, as it can be more cost-effective than single-trip policies. 

5. Plan to Eat Like a Local

The chance to experience local cuisine is one of the joys of traveling abroad, and it can also be a great way to save money. Eating where the locals eat will often lead you to more affordable and authentic meals compared to your reliance on tourist-heavy restaurants. 

Visit street food stalls, local markets, and small family-owned eateries for delicious and budget-friendly options. If your accommodation includes kitchen facilities, consider buying fresh ingredients from local stores and preparing some meals yourself. This approach will both save you money and provide a deeper cultural experience of the country you’re visiting.

6. Research Public Transport

It can be both more exciting and cost-effective to find your way around a new city if you make use of public transportation. Buses, trains, and trams are typically cheaper than taxis or car rentals and offer a more immersive way to explore your destination. 

Before your trip, research the public transport options available, and purchase travel passes or city cards that offer unlimited travel and discounts on attractions whenever these are available. In addition to saving you money, familiarity with local transit systems will also enhance your overall travel experience by allowing you to move around just like a local does.

7. Consider Traveling Off-Season

Traveling outside peak season can yield substantial savings on flights, accommodations, and attractions. Off-season periods, which vary by destination, typically see fewer tourists, which in turn leads to lower prices and less crowded sights. 

Find information on the best times to visit your chosen destination so that you know when the off-season is, and be mindful of the weather and availability of attractions during this time. You may find that you can enjoy a more relaxed and affordable experience traveling off-season while still making the most of what your destination has to offer.

Your first trip abroad can be an extremely rewarding experience that gives rise to countless memories and opportunities for personal growth. If you commit to planning ahead and implementing smart saving strategies, it won’t be hard to fully immerse yourself in the joys of your travels from start to finish. Aim to save enough so that the value of the experiences and lessons you gain from travel far outweigh the costs involved.

Best Practices for Listing Cryptocurrency on Exchange

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As cryptocurrency continues to permeate the traditional financial landscape, it has become increasingly attractive for businesses to integrate digital assets into their operations. From blockchain-based payment solutions to digital wallets, the entry of crypto into the mainstream has created new opportunities for companies beyond the finance sector. Many businesses, including those in retail, technology, and other industries, are exploring ways to leverage digital currencies. This growing interest has been facilitated by Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) solutions, which provide the necessary infrastructure for businesses to engage in the crypto market without deep technical expertise.

For projects considering issuing their own tokens, one of the key steps to success is listing them on an exchange — a process that can significantly influence a token’s market visibility, liquidity, and overall adoption.

The Importance of Coin Listing on Exchange

Listing token on exchange is a crucial milestone for any crypto project. It is more than just a technical requirement; it serves as a gateway to market accessibility, enabling tokens to be bought, sold, and traded by a broad audience. A successful listing increases a project’s credibility, enhances its market visibility, and often leads to higher liquidity, which is essential for price stability and investor confidence. Without an exchange listing, a token remains largely illiquid and confined to private sales, significantly limiting its growth potential.

Best Practices for Listing Crypto on Exchange

Below are key strategies that projects should follow to ensure a smooth and effective listing process:

  • Select the right exchange. Not all exchanges are created equal, and choosing the right platform to list your token is a critical decision. Factors to consider include the exchange’s reputation, user base, liquidity, and listing requirements.
  • Meet technical and regulatory requirements. Exchanges have specific technical and regulatory requirements to be met before a token can be listed. This includes smart contract audits, legal compliance checks, and meeting security standards. Ensuring your project meets these requirements beforehand can speed up the listing process. 
  • Build a strong community. A solid community is essential before listing token on exchange platforms. Engage with potential investors through social media, forums, and other digital channels to create anticipation around your token’s listing. 
  • Prepare for post-listing support and liquidity management. Maintaining liquidity and supporting your token post-listing is crucial for its ongoing success. Partnering with market makers can help manage liquidity and minimize price volatility, ensuring a more stable market for your token.

When you list your coin on exchange, you gain increased visibility and improve liquidity. A well-executed listing strategy can unlock significant benefits for a crypto token. However, achieving a successful listing requires careful planning, adherence to best practices, and often, the support of expert service providers.



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