First-Time Travels

Pickleball Courts in Bacolod at Megaworld’s Northill Gateway

Claire Algarme — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:35:43 +0000

Pickleball is officially taking root in Bacolod City. Megaworld is expanding the global pickleball trend with four new tournament-standard courts at Northill Courtyard, the newest sports and recreational hub within its 53-hectare Northill Gateway township along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road. Set to open in July, this will be the first dedicated pickleball facility along this rapidly developing corridor. The timing […]

The post Pickleball Courts in Bacolod at Megaworld’s Northill Gateway first appeared on First-Time Travels.

Panaad sa Negros Festival 2026: Celebrating Local Culture

Claire Algarme — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:54:22 +0000

The Panaad sa Negros Festival celebration consistently draws curious travelers seeking authentic provincial culture each year. I rarely cover this massive event professionally, yet I faithfully visit these vibrant grounds whenever April arrives. This year, my mother and my aunt recently asked me to accompany them explore the bustling festival pavilions together. We deliberately selected a quiet weekday […]

The post Panaad sa Negros Festival 2026: Celebrating Local Culture first appeared on First-Time Travels.

Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and its Biodiesel Initiative

Claire Algarme — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:23:51 +0000

SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), the owning and managing company of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, continues to advance its sustainability agenda as the property strengthens its circular economy initiatives through expanded partnerships and community-driven programs. At a time when global fuel volatility continues to challenge local industries, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod stands […]

The post Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and its Biodiesel Initiative first appeared on First-Time Travels.

Paella Gigante 2026: A Night of Joy by the Sea

Claire Algarme — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:18:25 +0000

The clock neared four in the afternoon when I turned off the highway toward the shimmering sea waters. Villa Olivia in Talisay City ushered us to Paella Gigante with vibrant life and rhythmic drum beats echoing around us. Right after registration, Masskara dancers in sequined costumes swept us into colorful and joyful movement with great […]

The post Paella Gigante 2026: A Night of Joy by the Sea first appeared on First-Time Travels.

Kingdom Come: The Ancient Empires of Southeast Asia

Claire Algarme — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:25:44 +0000

Each step I took across the sun-warmed stones of Angkor Wat or along the sacred terraces of Borobudur pulled me deeper into the heartbeat of a forgotten kingdom. Those ancient sites did not merely rest beneath strangler figs and mossy carvings; they spoke. They resurrected entire kingdoms that once commanded vast territories, shaped spiritual life, […]

The post Kingdom Come: The Ancient Empires of Southeast Asia first appeared on First-Time Travels.

A Journey Through Chinatown Around Asia and Beyond

Claire Algarme — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:23:52 +0000

In the bustling metropolises of Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and Los Angeles, hidden gems await those who seek to explore the vibrant and culturally rich Chinatowns that have thrived for generations. Every Chinatown is a historic neighborhood. They are more than just places to find delectable cuisine; they are windows into the history, culture, […]

The post A Journey Through Chinatown Around Asia and Beyond first appeared on First-Time Travels.

All-American Diner Denny’s Open 24/7 in Bacolod City

Claire Algarme — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:26:53 +0000

Just before midnight, we turned into the parking lot of Megaworld’s Northill Parade, where Bacolod City meets the quiet stretch of Airport Road. The January air greeted us with a gentle coolness, crisp enough to sharpen the senses but soft enough to invite lingering. As we walked toward the glowing sign of Denny’s, the newly opened all-American diner […]

The post All-American Diner Denny’s Open 24/7 in Bacolod City first appeared on First-Time Travels.

Capitol Theatre of Singapore: An Icon of Culture

Claire Algarme — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 05:23:22 +0000

Standing tall amidst the bustling streets of Singapore’s civic and cultural district, the Capitol Theatre is a living testament to the city’s rich heritage and vibrant spirit. This iconic venue once played host to an unforgettable event I attended that drew thousands, transforming its historic grounds into a lively hub of music, food, and entertainment. […]

The post Capitol Theatre of Singapore: An Icon of Culture first appeared on First-Time Travels.

JT’s Manukan Grille: Serving Delicious Food The Ilonggo Way

Claire Algarme — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:09:46 +0000

The moment we stepped into the newest branch of JT’s Manukan Grille at Megaworld’s Northill Parade in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, the air wrapped around us like a warm embrace. It was rich with the unmistakable, mouthwatering scent of chicken sizzling over open flames. Perched along the Bacolod-Silay Access Road and framed by the quiet majesty of distant mountains, this […]

The post JT’s Manukan Grille: Serving Delicious Food The Ilonggo Way first appeared on First-Time Travels.

Getting Lost on Coloane, Macau That Turned Into a Discovery

Claire Algarme — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 02:43:04 +0000

When I set out to find the giant pandas in Macau, I had no idea that my journey would lead me deep into the heart of Coloane Hill, where winding roads, friendly strangers, and an unexpected detour introduced me to one of the island’s most enchanting areas. What started as a simple plan turned into a full-day […]

The post Getting Lost on Coloane, Macau That Turned Into a Discovery first appeared on First-Time Travels.