Got to Travel

De Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:33:00 +0000

De Luxe Hotel is one of the oldest and first hotels in Cagayan de Oro City. It has a total of 101 guest rooms and variety of function rooms. The hotel offers very affordable rooms with first class service. De Luxe Hotel Front De Luxe Hotel is located near CDO's Divisoria and considered one of the busiest streets in CDO. Note that it's just "near" Divisoria not exactly at the center. So there are no street vendors outside the hotel. The street is wide and taxi's can easily go their. Transportation is very easy in this area. There are lots of jeepneys, pedicabs, and motorellas if you prefer local transportation modes. Center Lobby Lobby and Front Desk Hotel Restaurant Hallway Our Room We got their standard room which was their cheapest room at Php800 per night inclusive of breakfast for one. On their website they say this was for single occupancy,...

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Overnight Stay at Camiguin Island

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:45:00 +0000

Camiguin Island is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. A peaceful getaway of virgin forests, waterfalls and natural springs. Located in northern Mindanao under Misamis Oriental, it is just two hours away from Cagayan de Oro City. View of Camiguin Island About Camiguin Camiguin is known for being a Spanish settlement in 1679. Then came the 1871 eruption of Mount Vulcan and left the island in ruins. What remains has become a tourist attraction for locals and foreigners. Aside from these ruins, Camiguin also has its famous hot and cold natural springs and waterfall. Going to Camiguin Island From CDO Airport we went straight to Balingoan Port. Travel time from CDO airport to Balingoan Port is around 3 hours. It's a long ride so we chose to rent a private van costing Php3,800. It was a Hyundai Starex and can fit 8 to 10 depending on your...

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Saint Rosario Church of Camiguin

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:24:00 +0000

Santo Rosario Church is a simple but unique century old church. It is also called Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church. Compared to other old churches, it does not have grand interiors or carvings. It also does not look old which is usually how old churches appear. Saint Rosario Church of Camiguin This is Sto. Rosario Church is located at the town of Sagay, Camiguin Island. It is one of the oldest church in Camiguin yet it is one the youngest looking church in the island. Why? Cross outside the Church The original church was built in 1882 using coral stones, but sadly the old infrastructures are too weak. So it was retrofitted with steel bars using modern building techniques. One of the downsides of the retrofitting is the modern ceiling, which is not that appealing. Inside the church One of the unique things you can find on the church is their driftwood...

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Santo Niño Cold Spring of Camiguin

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:59:00 +0000

Santo Niño Cold Spring is a water park for the whole family. It has pools with a refreshing 20 °C cold water. Nice place to hangout and has lots of local food to offer. Santo Niño Cold Spring of Camiguin Sto. Niño Cold Spring is located in Catarman. It is very well maintained with two pools. One is the big one with depths of 2 meters with sandy bottom. The other one is a kiddie pool. During summer and weekends the park usually gets crowded not only by tourists but locals as well. Also try Ardent Hot Spring Resort. Signage and compound We didn't have the time to swim and quite frankly we thought it would be a waste of time and money if we went inside and didn't swim. So I just asked the lady their if I could use the restroom. She charged me Php20 just for entering and using the restroom. So I went inside and took some quick snapshots. Wasn't able to take a lot of...

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Old Church Ruins of Camiguin Island

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:18:00 +0000

The Old Church Ruins of Camiguin is one of the oldest and unique structures in the island. Old because it was built sometime in the 16th century. Unique because it is made from coral stones. It was later turned to ruins by the 1871 Vulcan eruption. Old Church Ruins of Camiguin Island The old church ruins is located at Barangay Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin. It was formerly called the 16th century Guiob Church Ruins and maintained by the local government. The church ruins is near the town center of Mambajao, Camiguin. It is just 20 minutes away from Paras Beach Resort, where we stayed. 16th Century Guiob Church Ruins The Guiob Church was destroyed or turned to ruins because of the 1871 Mount Vulcan eruption. Which is now called the Old Volcano. 1871 Mount Vulcan eruption Inside the old church ruins compound is a small chapel. There are masses...

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Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin Island

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:02:00 +0000

Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin is one of the most unique dive sites in the Philippines and one of the main attractions of Camiguin. It was formed by the 1871 eruption that submerged most of Camiguin, including the town's cemetery. It left the island with these breathtaking ruins and tombstones underwater, now marked with it's famous white cross. Camiguin Sunken Cemetery The Sunken Cemetery is located 20 feet underwater in Barrio Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin. It's 10 to 15 from Paras Beach Resort which where we stayed. This is actually the only tourist attraction here that does not require any fees. Sunken Cemetery Entrance The Sunken Cemetery is the result of 1871 eruption of Mount Vulcan which is now known as the Old Volcano. Before, the Sunken Cemetery was visible during low tide, but was buried deeper by 20 feet when there was another eruption on 1948. The white...

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Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross, Camiguin Island

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:56:00 +0000

The Walkway to the Old Volcano is a series of steps on Mount Vulcan which the locals call the "Old Volcano." On the way up the walkway, there are life size statues depicting the stations of the cross. Camiguin Walkway to the Old Volcano The walkway is located in barangay Bonbon, town of Catarman, Camiguin. It is about 8 kilometers away from Paras Beach Resort, roughly just around 10 minutes ride. During holy week or the "Panaad festival" many devotees visit the stations of the cross. The stations of the cross or Via Crucis in latin, consists of the fourteen prayers depicted by fourteen sets of statues. Jesus seen on the first steps of the walkway We didn't actually reach the top since we were short on time. Plus it was during noon so it was really hot. There were lots of steps to be taken from one station to the next, maybe around a hundred steps. But if we had...

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Paras Beach Resort at Camiguin Island

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 01:49:00 +0000

Paras Beach Resort is one of the most popular resorts in Camiguin. They have lots of accommodation options and exciting water activities. Great retreat for family and friends. Paras Beach Resor Paras started operating on March of 1995 and was originally built as a private beach house for the Paras Family. Since then it has continuously expanded and improved. Front of Paras Beach Resort Paras Beach Resort is located at the edge of the island of Camiguin. It's a short ride from the capital town of Mambajao. It is also the nearest resort to the White Island of Camiguin. Map of Camiguin Island View of Paras Beach Resort from the ocean Checking in at Paras Beach Resort We arrived around 12:30pm. Checking in was fast and the employees their are friendly and accommodating. Front desk You'll able to see immediately the ocean and most of their facilities...

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White Island Beach, Camiguin

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:36:00 +0000

White Island is a sand bar in the sea few kilometers away from the shores of Camiguin. Here you can see one of the best views of Mounts Mambajao, Hibok-hibok and Old Volcano. If the weather is clear, you can even see the islands of Bohol and Leyte. White Island, Camiguin Getting to White Island Paras Beach Resort has its own boat to White Island so it was very convenient since we were staying there. It took around 10 minutes to reach White Island from the resort. Their outrigger boat (bangka) carries a maximum of 6 persons and costs 400 pesos per two way trip. Outrigger boats for rent are also available at other resorts and beaches which roughly costs the same depending on the agreement. Boat Transfer to White Island Few minutes after leaving the shore, you'll see White Island's long stretch of white sand beach. It has no trees, landscapes or any...

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Ardent Hibok-Hibok Hot Spring Resort, Camiguin Island

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:11:00 +0000

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Hot Spring is one of the most popular natural hot springs in Camiguin island. It is surrounded with beautiful landscapes and tall trees. Ardent Hibok Hibok Hot Spring Although the entrance is not appealing, I assure you that inside will not disappoint. The admission fee of 30 pesos for adults and 15 pesos for kids is a bargain compared to what you will get in return. Entrance Ardent Hot Spring is located at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok, Mambajao, Camiguin. The water is hot because of Mount Hibok-Hibok, also called as Catarman Volcano, an active volcano and is part of the pacific ring of fire. The natural hot springs here can reach upto 40 °C. There are six pools in Ardent Hot Spring, each has different temperatures and separated by tiers or layers. Upper Three pools The biggest is the third and can reach 6 feet in depth. Third...

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Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin Island

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 03:35:00 +0000

Katibawasan Falls is a 250 feet waterfall at Mount Timpoong in the island of Camiguin. It is surrounded with rocks, wild ferns and trees. Aside from the amazing view, there is an ice cold pool at the bottom of the falls, an ideal place for cooling down during hot days. Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin Sneak Peek Be sure to have your swim wear on when you go to Katibawasan Falls. The ice cold pool is so refreshing to swim. The water is so clean and cold. Swimming at Katibawasan Falls' Clear Water You'll see lots of boulders and rocks around the area. Rocks There are few picnic tables and benches available. There is also a grilling area for those who want to cook there. Tables and Benches At the top they have toilets so don't do it at the pool! Just kidding. Toilet / Comfort Room Here are more photos of Katibawasan...

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Clawdaddy Crabhouse & American Grill, Bonifacio High Street

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:18:00 +0000

Clawdaddy Crabhouse & American Grill is a great hangout with family and friends. Aside from being a well known seafood restaurant, they are also known for their baby back ribs and other grill dishes. Clawdaddy Restaurant, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City We spent the whole day eating so when came dinner time everyone was still full. We just ordered a few dishes and hangout for a while. I apologize if you can't find any useful information about their trademark dishes. But one great thing about clawdaddy is that they specializes in both seafood and grills, which you don't find very often. Great for me since I'm allergic to most seafood. Pasta I remember a few years back we ate at Clawdaddy Shangri-la Mall. We ordered crab and other specialty dishes. I remembered that if you order crab they would give you an orange napkin / apron which you put on your neck. Too...

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Casa Armas Tapas Bar y Restaurante, The Podium

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Casa Armas is an authentic Spanish Restaurant that is well known for their roast baby pig and seafood paella. The restaurant was founded by Jesus Armas in the 90's. Now Casa Armas has 5 branches in Metro Manila. Casa Armas Restaurant, The Podium Casa Armas has a warm, classy, rustic feel of Spanish style interior. Interior Casa Armas also has a mezzanine or second floor good for small events or celebrations. Stairs Casa Armas is great for family dining because they have very comfortable long tables that can be moved around. Family Tables The restaurant is also a great venue for couples and dates. Square Tables Menu Introduction House Specialties One of their trademark dishes is the Cochinillo al Horno ala Castellana which is also their most expensive dish. It's a roast baby pig cooked to perfection. Some call it Pritchon for short,...

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Bistro Ravioli, SM Mall of Asia

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:57:00 +0000

Ravioli is a new look for fresh pasta and brick oven-baked pizza. They offer affordable Italian dishes and casual dining. Bistro Ravioli SM Mall of Asia Ravioli or raviolo for singular, is a traditional Italian dish where a tasty filling is sealed between two layers of pasta and then served with pasta sauce. It's a dish that you won't find often in Italian restaurants in Metro Manila. Table and Logo Simple interior with white tables and chairs. Interior They have a see through kitchen where you can watch their chefs as they make your food. See Through Kitchen Service is good with extra friendly and accommodating staff. Servers and Counter Other than Ravioli, they also serve pizza and rice dishes. Menu Ravioli's single order pastas is more affordable compared to their other dishes with a Php200 or less price tag. Most of not all of the...

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SM Mall of Asia Christmas Winter Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:19:00 +0000

SM Mall of Asia has one of the best Christmas celebrations. They had the SM Christmas Winter Wonderland in their grand atrium where tourists and mall goers had a real snowy winter experience. SM MOA Christmas Winter Wonderland SM Mall of Asia placed a giant life size Snow Globe in the grand atrium. Filipinos really loves snow, that's why lots of people were lining up just to get a little snow experience. Life Size Snow Globe You can also have your picture taken beside or inside the snow globe. Giant Now Globe Photo Op The snow machine was not really that big, it produces just the right snow that would make any child happy. Snow Machine The winder wonderland also had a giant Christmas tree and kids were also able to meet Santa Clause. House Although SM Mall of Asia's winter wonderland is awesome, can't say much with their other Christmas...

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Chicago Popcorn Shops, SM Mall of Asia

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:52:00 +0000

Chicago Popcorn Shops is one of the few places that offers not just your ordinary popcorn. They have very tasty confectionery popcorn or popcorn candy. They have various homemade flavors like Caramel, Chocolate, Cheese, Nuts, and Butter Popcorn. Chicago Popcorn Shops - SM Mall of Asia Chicago Popcorn Shops started in 2008 and now has 3 branches in Metro Manila. Chicago Popcorn Shops Classic Logo Chicago Popcorn Shops has an affordable menu. They offer 4 different sizes, which the largest is the one that comes along with a tin container. The classic airpopped is their cheapest but why bother going there if you won't order one of their confectionery popcorn. Menu and Price Rates Here are the sizes available. Their popcorn is really sweet and heavy on the belly so I suggest ordering the single or double, it's good enough for two to three people. Packaging...

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Gong Cha Philippines, SM Mall of Asia

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:11:00 +0000

Gong Cha (贡茶) is a fast growing milktea brand in Asia. It was founded back in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. In 2011, someone finally brought the franchise in the Philippines. It has branches in other Asian countries like Taiwan,Singapore,Hong Kong, China,Malaysia, Indonesia and Dubai. Gong Cha SM Mall of Asia Branch Trivia: Very nice brand name. Gong Cha meaning "Imperial tea", where an Emperor of China chooses a certain tea as their "Gong Cha". Certainly a "tea fit for royalty". I first tasted Gong Cha when I visited Singapore. Lots of people were lining up so I too tried it. Honestly I can't tell the difference between Gong Cha and other milktea shops in Metro Manila. Since most milktea offers sugar level preferences, it falls down to the texture and size of the Sago or Pearl. You'll notice that if the sago is cooked right and fresh it would taste better....

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Autofocus Motorshow and Auto Expo 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:52:00 +0000

Buying a new car? Then go to an autoFocus Motorshow and you will find what you are looking for. The 2011 Autofocus Motorshow and Auto Expo had one of the biggest outdoor motorshow/carshow in the country. They have all car brands and models displayed there. Autofocus Motorshow and Auto Expo 2011 Korean car makers Hyundai and Kia are really establishing themselves in the past years. They were located just after the entrance with lots of car lineups displayed. I think they have the most number of car models displayed there. I remember that before, when they were just new in the Philippines, they have a reputation of having weak and faulty engines. Now they have really improved in all aspects, specially in their car designs. Kia Philippines Hyundai Philippines Lexus, the high-end cars from Toyota are also displaying their lineups there. Lexus Philippines Toyota...

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Short Trip to Shishi City, Xiamen

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Got to travel to Shishi, Xiamen! Shishi(石狮) is "Stone Lion" in English or Chio Sai in Hokkien Chinese. It is a young city located at the southeast coast of Fujian province between Xiamen Special Economic Zone and Quanzhou. Ancestral Home Known as a clothing or garment city in China, the city has thousands of garments factories. Since the 1980s Shishi developed its textile industry as well as its clothing industry. It has become one of the top textile and clothing producers in China. Modern Shishi Shishi City is going through a dramatic transformation. All of their main roads are being expanded, lots of plants are being planted, new signs and traffic lights. Their roads have wide bicycle and pedestrian lanes which I really like. If you drive around Shishi you'll see lots of construction and lots of open spaces which I'm sure lots of investors...

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Shishi Pedestrian Street Mall

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:28:00 +0000

Shishi Pedestrian Street Mall is a big residential and commercial project in Shishi City. It is a city on its own with 6 storey residential buildings each having its own commercial spaces. It has lots of shops offering both local and international brands. It also has a number of locally known restaurants. Shishi Pedestrian Street Mall Check out the aerial view of Shishi Street Mall. This was a nice project of Shishi officials. My dad heard that the government required the developers that the buildings should all look the same and have a commercial space below. Look how it turned out. Shishi Street Mall Aerial View Base on the plaque on one of the buildings there, this was constructed by a Filipino-Chinese businessman. Not surprised since many Filipino-Chinese businessman came from the Fujian province which Shishi is part of. Another Open Area Shishi Street Mall...

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Sweet Milk Tea at Shishi Street Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:31:00 +0000

Sweet Milk Tea is a Milk Tea shop conveniently located at the middle of the Shishi Pedestrian Street walk. Shockingly very cheap compared to counterparts here in the Philippines. It has few tables in front of the stall with a nice view of the shops and the huge open space. Sweet Milk Tea Stall It was relaxing sitting outside with the cool breeze and drinking my cold milk tea. There was even an old guy teaching ballroom dancing to some young Chinese women. In front of the Stall, Ballroom Dancing Sweet Milk Tea's logo was really cute. Sweet Milk Tea Logo Two guys were serving and making the drinks. Two guys making the drinks Their featured drinks are posted on the wall. Sadly I didn't understand the Chinese characters so I just ordered milk tea. Surprisingly their prices was really cheap. Here in the Philippines the usual rate of Milk Teas are...

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Shi Wei Ji New Concept of Home Cooking

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:19:00 +0000

Had a quick dinner at Shi Wei Ji Chinese Restaurant at Shishi Street Mall. I haven't been to China for over 8 years so I was excited to eat at an authentic Chinese restaurant. Shi Wei Ji Chinese Restaurant If you've been to some of Manila Chinatown's Chinese restaurant, you'll find Shi Wei Ji very similar. Just your typical Chinese restaurant with mostly round tables and some square tables on the side. Round Tables Window Side Tables Usually Chinese restaurants in Manila has round plates. This kind of setup reminds me of the Japanese with the floral designs. Nice that their menu has lots of pictures in them. You can just point your finger to what you want to order. Menu Cover Menu The Food My uncle was the one who ordered so I wasn't really able to see the prices. The fried chicken was my favorite. When your dip the chicken into the brown...

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Mogu Japanese Shinsen Bar and Grill at Serendra

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:33:00 +0000

Mogu Japanese Shinsen Bar and Grill is Japanese restaurant at Serendra Piazza. They have a nice alfresco dining. Although the sign says Japanese, they also have Italian food. Mogu Japanese Shinsen Bar and Grill Interior and Ambiance They have a long sushi bar, although no one really sits and eat at sushi bars here in our country. As you can see they use it for plates and glasses. Sushi Bar Nice table arrangements and almost all tables can be merged into each other. Having said that, the tables are a bit tight for dates but great for large groups and families. Restaurant Tables Maybe you're wondering why a Japanese restaurant has a see through kitchen with colorful writings on the glass and walls? That's because this was formerly Mezzaluna, an Italian restaurant. So you still get an Italian feel to the ambiance. Specially with the wine collections....

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Midas Hotel and Casino, Pasay

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:55:00 +0000

Midas Hotel and Casino is the newest boutique hotel in Manila. Passing through Roxas Boulevard at night you'll definitely see the eye-catching exterior of Midas Hotel. Entering the hotel you'll be greeted with a luxurious interior. Definitely a unique hotel in Metro Manila. Midas Hotel and Casino History Midas Hotel is located at the former Hyatt Hotel along Roxas Boulevard, now transformed into the Midas Hotel and Casino which opened last April 2011. The hotel is now owned and operated by the Genesis Group. They started on April with a soft opening with only deluxe rooms to offer. They steadily added services like the Midas Cafe and the Hotel Pool until they are fully operational. Location and Proximity Midas Hotel stands at Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, which is an ideal location with a great view of Manila Bay. The hotel is few minutes away from Philippine...

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Midas Cafe Buffet, Pasay

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:50:00 +0000

Midas Cafe is one of the newest hotel buffet in Metro Manila. Months after its opening it has been getting good reviews, specially with its interior. Midas Cafe Buffet Table Midas Cafe is located at the former Hyatt Hotel along Roxas Boulevard, now transformed into the Midas Hotel and Casino which opened last April 2011. Midas Hotel and Casino Interior and Tables Midas Cafe has a lovely and unique interior. At night, half of the restaurant is bright and very well lighted, great for family gatherings and business meetings. While the other half is dark with dimmed lights, great for couples and group dates. Midas Cafe I love the mirrors on Midas' "dark side". It was like a maze since almost all the walls are covered with full panel mirrors creating an illusion, which was very misleading. I almost bumped into the mirrors twice, so be careful when walking around....

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