This summer season, a trip to Bataan should be in the books. Pack your bags and head to Central Luzon to experience the beauty and culture that this province has to offer.
Miraculous Images
For the religious, Orani Church is a must-see. Also called the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church, this site is a pilgrim shrine which many Catholic devotees come to visit every year.
The Orani Church features majestic architecture comprised of old and new techniques. Pay close attention to the Batingaw ng Orani, the church’s heritage bell which shows the loyal faith of the people of Orani to the Lord.
Never Forget the Death March
Bataan was the site of some especially gruesome parts of history. The Death March of World War II would definitely top the list in terms of historical impact.
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war were forced to march on foot from Bataan to Tarlac.
This was a journey of 97 km to 112 km, for prisoners who were tired, starved, injured from severe physical abuse, and lacked sleep. Anywhere from 5,650 to 18,000 died as a result of this Death March, forever cementing the Japanese as one of the cruelest military colonizers in Asia.
To honor the lives of the fallen, the Bataan Death March Marker was constructed in Mariveles and Bagac, Bataan to mark ground zero of this event. You can visit this to pay your respects as well as view the site of this moment in history to remember how many people sacrificed their lives for democracy.
Historical Heritage Houses
A trip to Bataan isn’t complete without a visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the best beach resort in Bataan. The only Historic Hotels Worldwide property in the Philippines, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the Bagac, Bataan resort that will make you feel as if you traveled back in time.
Each casa or house is painstakingly restored to its former glory; however, if you book a stay in one of them, you will be treated to modern amenities such as Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, and in-room coffee and tea facilities.
If you’re short on time, you can enjoy a heritage walking day tour with family and friends, or else book a room for a night and have more time to marvel over the majestic Spanish-era architecture. Reservations are easy; head over to https://lascasasfilipinas.com and check availability and prices for your preferred dates.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
5 Ways to Enjoy a Quiet and Relaxing Holiday in the Bustling City of Makati
Although Makati City is one of the busiest places in Metro Manila, Philippines, anyone can still enjoy a laid-back retreat here. And this is possible by trying different activities, such as visiting spas, museums, and churches.
For many, a quick stay in a serviced apartment in Makati City amounts to being enveloped in the lively spirit of the bustling metropolis. Since it is among the most important financial and commercial areas in the country, this is highly expected. However, what others don't know is, any traveler can have the opportunity to savor some peace and quiet during their visit to the city. And they can experience this by trying these different activities and things to do in Makati.
1. Taking a walk in the park
Ayala Triangle Gardens – easily the most charming park and one of the best places to visit in Makati – is a sight to see if you desire to spend a laid-back day. Here, you'll find yourself cradled in an arboreal retreat, which, although seated in the heart of the Central Business District, is sure to let you savor some quiet time.
2. Visiting a church
If wanting a place where you can reflect for as long as you desire, then it is a good idea to visit a church. An ideal choice is Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church, a Baroque building that is located along Bernardino Street in Gudalupe Viejo – one of the oldest parishes in the city. Indeed, the peace and quiet that this Makati attraction lends to its visitors makes it a must-visit site.
3. Entering museums
If you fancy hopping from one gallery to another, then the city will be just right for you, since it has museums to fill your fancy. An example is Yuchengco Museum, which is found within RCBC Plaza at the intersection of Ayala and Gil Puyat Avenues. It features a collection of works from renowned local artists, such as Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Carlos “Botong” Francisco. You may also head over to the corner of Makati Avenue and Dela Rosa Street, and enter Ayala Museum, where you'll find more galleries that embody Philippine art and culture.
4. Shopping spree
Makati is home to some of the best shopping malls in the country, and most of them are in the CBD. Greenbelt is where you will find luxurious restaurants, cafés, and boutiques set in a lush green landscape. If you're searching for the best place to watch movies or knock some pins down in game of bowling, you should head over to Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center. And if it is affordable yet quality apparel that you want, then The Landmark should be your destination.
5. Spending a few hours at the spa
What better way there is to end a fun-filled day than by entering an establishment that promises nothing but relief? Whether it is a full-body massage, your much-desired pedicure session, or a soothing aromatherapy bath, you can have it in Makati. And among the most well-known places that deliver these services is Aegle Wellness Center, the on-site integrative health and wellness center of The Alpha Suites. To get an exclusive access to this facility, book a room in this serviced apartment in Makati.
For many, a quick stay in a serviced apartment in Makati City amounts to being enveloped in the lively spirit of the bustling metropolis. Since it is among the most important financial and commercial areas in the country, this is highly expected. However, what others don't know is, any traveler can have the opportunity to savor some peace and quiet during their visit to the city. And they can experience this by trying these different activities and things to do in Makati.
1. Taking a walk in the park
Ayala Triangle Gardens – easily the most charming park and one of the best places to visit in Makati – is a sight to see if you desire to spend a laid-back day. Here, you'll find yourself cradled in an arboreal retreat, which, although seated in the heart of the Central Business District, is sure to let you savor some quiet time.
2. Visiting a church
If wanting a place where you can reflect for as long as you desire, then it is a good idea to visit a church. An ideal choice is Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church, a Baroque building that is located along Bernardino Street in Gudalupe Viejo – one of the oldest parishes in the city. Indeed, the peace and quiet that this Makati attraction lends to its visitors makes it a must-visit site.
3. Entering museums
If you fancy hopping from one gallery to another, then the city will be just right for you, since it has museums to fill your fancy. An example is Yuchengco Museum, which is found within RCBC Plaza at the intersection of Ayala and Gil Puyat Avenues. It features a collection of works from renowned local artists, such as Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Carlos “Botong” Francisco. You may also head over to the corner of Makati Avenue and Dela Rosa Street, and enter Ayala Museum, where you'll find more galleries that embody Philippine art and culture.
4. Shopping spree
Makati is home to some of the best shopping malls in the country, and most of them are in the CBD. Greenbelt is where you will find luxurious restaurants, cafés, and boutiques set in a lush green landscape. If you're searching for the best place to watch movies or knock some pins down in game of bowling, you should head over to Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center. And if it is affordable yet quality apparel that you want, then The Landmark should be your destination.
5. Spending a few hours at the spa
What better way there is to end a fun-filled day than by entering an establishment that promises nothing but relief? Whether it is a full-body massage, your much-desired pedicure session, or a soothing aromatherapy bath, you can have it in Makati. And among the most well-known places that deliver these services is Aegle Wellness Center, the on-site integrative health and wellness center of The Alpha Suites. To get an exclusive access to this facility, book a room in this serviced apartment in Makati.
Monday, May 7, 2018
5 Useful Mobile Apps for All the Travellers Out There That Might Come in Handy
There’s nothing like being able to travel to a new city. Getting lost while commuting and seeing how locals go about their business is truly a unique experience. Given, of course, that we can go back to our Kuala Lumpur hotel. However, there is a fine line between navigating a foreign city for the thrill and being unprepared.
So, what’s the best way to prepare other than doing actual research of the city? Well, downloading apps! We never go out without our phones, so we might as well use it as our travel companion.
If there’s a map app you should download, it obviously has to be Google Maps. It records even the smallest alleys you can pass through and tells you how long it will take you to get to your destination. Whether you’re walking, driving, or biking there, this is the navigation app to have.
You’ll need to be connected to the Internet, though, to get accurate, real-time updates. But you can download maps for offline use. You can also the GPS function even if you don’t have a cell signal, and the transit directions even if you’re offline.
Tripit is the ultimate itinerary buddy. Once you’ve made your Kuala Lumpur accommodation booking, for instance, or have arranges a car rental, you can just forward the confirmation email to the app. The app will automatically update your itinerary so you won’t have to type your details manually.
Once you’ve forwarded everything, just let it download all the necessary updates. After that, you can use the app offline. There’s a paid version for extra features, but the free version is more than enough.
Out of all the currency conversion apps, XE Currency is the most popular. This is mostly because of ease of use. You can choose all the currencies you’ll need for your travels like the Malaysian Ringgit, Philippine Peso, US Dollar, and so on. Enter the amount you want converted and the app will show you its value in all the currencies you’ve loaded on one screen.
When VSCO and the Instagram editing isn’t enough, you can rely on Snapseed to edit all your travel photos. Just like the aforementioned apps, Snapseed comes with pre-set filters. But the best way to maximise the use of the app is through its customisation options.
Whether you want to colours to be more vibrant or you want an image to look a little washed out, this is a useful mobile editing software to have.
Here’s an app that may sound a bit weird to have at first. Sit or Squat tells you where the nearest public restroom is on our location.
It scans about 100, 000 restrooms that were reviewed and rated good (sit) or bad (squat) by its users. Granted, it’s not an app that you might use every time you go out of your hotel, but you’ll never when it might come in handy.
And while we’re on the subject of awesome mobile phone benefits, why not check out if you can get discounts for your Kuala Lumpur accommodation?
If you’re planning a trip now, count yourselves lucky because one of Malaysia’s premier hotels is offering a huge mobile discount.
For a limited time only, get 25% off your accommodation when you book on Royale Chulan The Curve’s website through your mobile.
You may choose between the Mobile Deal – Breakfast and Dinner Inclusive or just the Mobile Deal – Breakfast Included.
Go on and load up all these apps, book your hotel stay, and get ready to conquer Kuala Lumpur!
Mobile Travel Apps
So, what’s the best way to prepare other than doing actual research of the city? Well, downloading apps! We never go out without our phones, so we might as well use it as our travel companion.
Google Maps
If there’s a map app you should download, it obviously has to be Google Maps. It records even the smallest alleys you can pass through and tells you how long it will take you to get to your destination. Whether you’re walking, driving, or biking there, this is the navigation app to have.
You’ll need to be connected to the Internet, though, to get accurate, real-time updates. But you can download maps for offline use. You can also the GPS function even if you don’t have a cell signal, and the transit directions even if you’re offline.
Tripit
Tripit is the ultimate itinerary buddy. Once you’ve made your Kuala Lumpur accommodation booking, for instance, or have arranges a car rental, you can just forward the confirmation email to the app. The app will automatically update your itinerary so you won’t have to type your details manually.
Once you’ve forwarded everything, just let it download all the necessary updates. After that, you can use the app offline. There’s a paid version for extra features, but the free version is more than enough.
XE Currency
Out of all the currency conversion apps, XE Currency is the most popular. This is mostly because of ease of use. You can choose all the currencies you’ll need for your travels like the Malaysian Ringgit, Philippine Peso, US Dollar, and so on. Enter the amount you want converted and the app will show you its value in all the currencies you’ve loaded on one screen.
Snapseed
When VSCO and the Instagram editing isn’t enough, you can rely on Snapseed to edit all your travel photos. Just like the aforementioned apps, Snapseed comes with pre-set filters. But the best way to maximise the use of the app is through its customisation options.
Whether you want to colours to be more vibrant or you want an image to look a little washed out, this is a useful mobile editing software to have.
Sit or Squat
Here’s an app that may sound a bit weird to have at first. Sit or Squat tells you where the nearest public restroom is on our location.
It scans about 100, 000 restrooms that were reviewed and rated good (sit) or bad (squat) by its users. Granted, it’s not an app that you might use every time you go out of your hotel, but you’ll never when it might come in handy.
And while we’re on the subject of awesome mobile phone benefits, why not check out if you can get discounts for your Kuala Lumpur accommodation?
If you’re planning a trip now, count yourselves lucky because one of Malaysia’s premier hotels is offering a huge mobile discount.For a limited time only, get 25% off your accommodation when you book on Royale Chulan The Curve’s website through your mobile.
You may choose between the Mobile Deal – Breakfast and Dinner Inclusive or just the Mobile Deal – Breakfast Included.
Go on and load up all these apps, book your hotel stay, and get ready to conquer Kuala Lumpur!
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
7 Alternative Travel Destinations While Everyone Is Waiting For Boracay’s Comeback
You’ve probably heard by now that the Philippines’ most famous travel destination, Boracay Island, will be closed to the public for rehabilitation. The government announced that it could take up to 6 months or more for the entire rehabilitation process to finish.
During this period, all hotels, resorts, and other related properties and businesses will stop all operations. This is an unfortunate timing because aside from the fact that livelihoods are going to be affected, it’s the middle of the summer in this part of the globe and many will miss the island and its many attractions.
Luckily, there are lots of other places in the Philippines that tourists could visit while Boracay Island is in recovery mode:
1. PUERTO PRINCESA
Palawan is arguably Boracay’s closest rival when it comes to best travel destination in the country.
Puerto Princesa, its capital city, has a lot of stuff to offer. It is home to the Underground River (included in the New Wonders of the World list) and the crocodile farms and sanctuaries.
Complete the nature-themed trip by booking a stay at Aziza Paradise Hotel to get a taste of a lush and carefree haven through nature-inspired interiors, excellent service, and ultra-convenient facilities.
2. BOHOL
The province of Bohol is not that far from Boracay and Cebu. The main tourist draws are the famed Chocolate Hills and those cute little tarsiers, but many forget that there are also many great beaches in this part of Visayas especially in the towns of Panglao and Danao.
Tip: try the river cruise buffet and stand-up paddling (SUP) on the Loboc River. Stay at the Loboc River Resort and enjoy the modern nipa hut lodgings, captivating river and forest views.
3. BACOLOD
The City of Smiles is famous for its colorful MassKara Festival every October and the local food scene that will make chicken lovers rejoice.
The city and province is rich with natural wonders like beaches, islands, coral reefs, forests, waterfalls, and caves.
Need a place to crash? Check out L’Fisher Hotel—the only first-class accommodation in the locale and right in the heart of the city’s business and commercial center.
4. BATANGAS
Don’t like airports or flying in general? The province of Batangas is just a few hours south of Metro Manila. People go here for the food, switchblades (balisong), tree-top adventures, and of course the beach resorts in Calatagan, Nasugbu, and Laiya.
Palm Beach Resort in San Juan is a place not just for couples on a romantic holiday, but also big groups and long-staying guests, as well as people who are looking for picturesque venues for weddings, birthdays, reunions, and other special occasions.
5. DAPITAN CITY
What Dapitan lacks in adrenaline-pumping adventures, it makes up with centuries-old architecture, amazing mix of cultures, historical sites, and quaint beach resorts.
One great example would be Dakak Beach Resort in Dapitan City. It is a 30-minute drive from Dipolog City and Dipolog Airport. The resort also offers tours, cruises, and travel packages that highlight Dapitan’s rich culture, history, and lush surroundings.
6. ILOILO
The city is known for its annual Dinagyang Festival, but people also come here to taste the local flavors, check out the museums, and explore heritage sites, and experience the nightlife.
If you ever find yourself in Iloilo City, book a night at The Mansion. It’s one of the most prominent landmarks in the locale and features a unique blend of Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino heritage and architecture.
This iconic hotel offers easy access to sites like the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Molo Mansion, and Calle Real; Atria Park District, Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park, SM City Iloilo, and the Smallville Complex.
7. METRO MANILA
When all else fails, you could always just stay in the city. School’s out. Everybody is on a holiday. This is the best time to explore the historic city and see its real charm and wonder.
Walk the streets of Escolta. Shop at Greenhills. Watch the sunset at Manila Bay. Check out the nightlife at Poblacion.
There are many great and affordable hotels in the metro like Ace Hotel & Suites in Pasig City– a first-class hotel epitomizing an exceptional combination of excellent service, modern technology, and urban lifestyle.
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