Travel Spot

Bohol Resorts

2010-03-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

I'm not decided yet where in Bohol are we going to stay in our Summer Vacation (hey! dreaming is free!) please help me decide where in these resorts is the best one (READ: Affordable).

Alona Kew

Balicasag Island Dive Resort
Panglao Island Nature Resort
Bohol Beach Club
Alona Palm Beach Resort

Bohol Tropics Resort
la estrella beach resort
Flushing Meadows
amorita resort

I wish I have the millions of Pacquiao so I can visit all these beautiful resorts in Bohol and I can also witness the beauty of the Chocolate Hills.

La Luz Resort

2010-03-03T00:49:00.000-08:00

After a very stressful day, we all deserve to have a very relaxing atmosphere. How? Where? Relaxing at La Luz Beach Resort in Batangas will definitely make a better experience! They offer very affordable rates, you may choose what suits your needs.

Overnight stay check-in time is at 1:00 pm and checkout time is at 11:00 a.m. The following are the updated rates for each room per night:

Standard 1,800 max 6 people (Fan, 2 Semi-double beds)

Junior Premier 2,550 max 4 people (Aircon, 1 Queen Size bed)

Premier 3,500 max 6 people (Aircon, 2 Semi and 1 Double bed)

Premier Loft 4,300 max 10 people (Aircon, 5 Semi and 1 Double bed)

Annex 2,550 max 4 people (Aircon, 2 Semi Double Beds)

All guests are required to avail of the 1,050 pesos (formerly 950) food package per person for an overnight stay, which includes a lunch upon arrival, afternoon snack, dinner and breakfast the following day before checkout. All the meals are served buffet style with a minimum of four dishes per meal. Lunch and Dinner come with Rice, Chicken, Pork or beef or Fish, Vegetables, Soup, and Dessert. Juice and purified drinking water are provided with all the meals and breakfast is served with our famous Batangas Coffee. Additional meal prices are as follows: Breakfast - 200, Lunch – 300, Afternoon Snack – 150, Dinner - 400. We do not allow food to be taken into the resort.
Day-trips are also accepted at 750 (formerly 700) pesos per head, which includes a Lunch, Afternoon Snack, entrance fee, and use of the resort facilities (beach chairs, cabanas, restrooms and dining pavilion). Guests can avail of rooms for an extra charge based on the rates listed above. Day trips are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The resort prides itself in having a very relaxed and natural atmosphere. The founders have made sure that the natural habitat is maintained, and have chosen native materials that are usually available in the area. Furthermore, the marine sanctuary is located directly in front of the resort, where guests can enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving.
The resort gladly accepts corporate reservations and offers to facilitate games like volleyball, Kayak race, swimming, tug-of-war, sack race and other events that are perfect for team building. A nightly bonfire is also provided on the beach for resort guests.
The resort is just about three hours from Makati via South Super Highway - Calamba – Star Toll Way – Lipa – Rosario or Padre Garcia – then San Juan, Batangas.

Contact numbers are: (02) 726-4977, (02) 726-6687, (02) 727-7032, Fax (02) 744-4819, 0927 993-8417, 0916 394-4367. or e-mail at info@laluzresort.com or visit www.laluzresort.com.

BC Bloggers

2010-03-01T06:05:00.000-08:00

Try visiting these wonderful sites!

Mommy Diary
Happy Thoughts
Celebrity Diary
Paula's Place
WAHM sa Pinas
Dadedidodu
Chromatic Note
Handy Reviews
Pop Ups of my Mind
My Few Simple Thoughts
Red is Marose
Red Contest Craze
Earn Money Online with Red
Sweet and Spicy
In His Steps
Just About Anything
Samantha’s Own
Blowing Peach Kisses
Travel Spot
Beng's Entertainment Spree
Life's Lessons
Kerslyn's Comfort Zone
Life In a Snapshot
Thoughts from Home
Mom Writes for a Cause
Sexy Pinay Body
At Home Here
Bee Mommy
Camera Sexy
Dishes by Pehpot
Make or Break
Novice on Blogging
Reviews, Inc.
Kapamilyang May Puso
My Mind, Thoughts and Feelings
Cooking and Cleaning
A Mom's Life and Loves
The Blogger Hub
Dogs Deserve Freedom
Embrace Life
More than just a SAHM
WAHMaholic
Random WAHM Thoughts
Anything and Everything's Free
Written by Mys
All About Hollywood Gossip
Starbucks City Mug
All About Baby and Motherhood
My Family Daily Adventure
Bacolod and Beyond
Online Trends Now
Yena's World
Drowning in Cats
Stay-at-Home Blessings
Top Pick Topics
My Baby RJ
My Blog Book
The Peach Kitchen
Seth
Tarurung
Pinay Mommy Online
Mommy Emotes
Blessings and Beyond
Pink Thoughts

Who owns this house?

2010-02-23T00:54:00.000-08:00

Imagine who would have such taste and live in such opulence?

An American Billionaire?
A Saudi Prince?
Louis XIV OF FRANCE?
Savour the pictures then scroll to the bottom of the page to see who owns this Work of Art.

This was circulating in the web now stating that:

This Mansion is in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA and belongs to:
Senator Manny Villar of the PHILIPPINES
While Filipinos starve, and die because of abject poverty ....and while Sen. Villar brags that he had poor beginnings and he had helped his poor countrymen over and over again... but look now.. he and his family live like this.......his GREED kills his poverty stricken fellow Filipinos .
PLEASE send this to everyone you know.
They can send it to everyone they know.
Soon Filipinos around the world will know what this man is doing to the people he wishes to serve if elected President.

BUT! I received another email saying that:
The mansion is actually Shahruk Khan's Residence. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe was a target of the same style of black propaganda.
http://homeinspire. blogspot. com/2007/ 09/shahrukh- khans-residence. html

Amanpulo Palawan

2010-02-22T00:29:00.000-08:00

Amanpulo is located on the private island of Pamalican, set among the Quiniluban group of Cuyo Islands, 360km south-west of Manila. Lying along the trading routes from Southern China to Borneo, the Sulu archipelago and the Spice Islands, the Cuyo Islands have been known to sailors and traders since pre-Spanish days. The Cuyo archipelago has been largely forgotten since then. The people of these 40 islands live mostly by fishing and seaweed cultivation. Tourism has scarcely touched the islands. Seven square kilometres of reef surround the island. Beyond are sandbanks and a channel where whales, dolphins and sea cows have been glimpsed. At its widest point, the 5.5km island is only 500m across.

Accomodation
Amanpulo’s native style of dwellings enhances its exclusive island allure. There are 40 casitas fashioned after a Philippine bahay kubo: a centuries old South-East Asian rural archetype where family life was played out beneath steep pitched roofs on timber frames. Amanpulo's 29 Beach Casitas each have private paths that lead through a tangle of bush directly onto the soft white beach. The beach is an uninterrupted wide stretch of fine sand with views over the neighbouring islands. The four Treetop Casitas are above the tree-line on higher ground. The five Hillside Casitas have unimpeded sea views and the resort's two Deluxe Hillside Casitas feature spectacular prospects of the Sulu Sea and neighbouring islands with both sunrise and sunset views.

Private holiday villas located just a few metres from the sea are available for rent at Amanpulo. There are eight 4-bedroom Villas, two 2-bedroom Villas and one 1-bedroom Villa. Each features a private swimming pool, separate bedrooms, living and dining pavilions, outdoor lounge and a kitchen. All villas include a cook, maid, and a buggy for each bedroom. Villa guests enjoy full use of all Amanpulo facilities and services.
Location
Amanpulo (peaceful island) is surrounded by white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and seven kilometres of coral reef commencing just 300m offshore. The coral island’s attraction lies in the pristine beauty of its environment and its complete exclusivity. Guests are greeted in Manila and flown by a 19-seat twin-engine plane, landing on the island’s private airstrip. With views of the ocean and surrounding islands, there is nothing on Pamalican but the resort of Amanpulo, its 40 casitas and two villas.

tel (63) 2 759 4040 or (63) 2 9765200 fax (63) 2 976 5204 email amanpulo@amanresorts.com mailing address PO Box 456, Pasay Tramo Post Office Pasay City 1300, Metro Manila, Philippines
Corporate Office Amanresorts International Pte Ltd 1 Orchard Spring Lane #05-01 Tourism Court Singapore 247729 tel (65) 6883 2555 fax (65) 6883 0555 email info@amanresorts.com

ASEAN Green Hotel Award

2010-02-21T06:16:00.000-08:00

GOOD NEWS! El Nido Resorts once again won the Association of South East Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) Green Hotel Award during the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Brunei Darussalam.

El Nido Resorts selection was based on the random inspection of the resorts’ compliance to the ASEAN Green Hotel Standards, which focus on principles that promote sustainable tourism. In 2008, Lagen and Miniloc Island Resorts were also recipients of this eco-award.

Lagen Island Resort and Miniloc Island Resort, which was recently named by National Geographic “as the greenest lodge in Coral Triangle”, joined World Wide Fund’s (WWF) Coral Triangle Initiative Business Summit.

The Summit aims to secure the health of the Coral Triangle Region’s natural resources and the livelihoods that depend on it. Environment Officer Macy Anonuevo represented El Nido Resorts.

Last year, the El Nido Resorts were among those visited by WWF’s Coral Triangle Expedition headed by Jürgen and Stella Freund.

Other features of the El Nido Resorts is the newly-developed Dibuluan Beach Club located on a 38-hectare island near Lagen Island Resort.

Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort

2010-02-19T06:07:00.000-08:00

Summer is already fast approaching! I bet you are already scouting a wonderful getaway for a company outing. Batangas is famous on its beaches so let us check if Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort (formerly known as Rosegold Beach Resort) caters our needs and offers the best deal.

The Beach Area 1 is a long beach area stretching from the right of the Beach House all the way to the old Pump House located around 300 meters away. Here is the main area for any sportsfest set-up you may require for your group activity. By experience, it can accomodate a maximum seating capacity of 4,000 for a daytour group inclusive of all the tents for additional shade, chairs, tables and all the buffet tables/food distribution area it requires.
The swimming area is a large area which is about 300 meters wide and 200 meters long(length being the distance from the shoreline to the deep part of the bay). Safety for kids is not a problem since the swimming area is only waist-deep at high tide(2ft - 3.5 ft.) and is closely monitored by a lifeguard.

Over-water floating cottages

Each cottage has its own sofa bed in the living area where one can open the sliding doors and capture the relaxing breeze from the sea.
The kitchenette is equipped with its own personal refrigerator with mini-bar supplies. Dining table and room service is also provided if you fancy eating inside without having to go to the restaurant.

Pre-Summer Promo - Schedule your Company Summer Event between January to March 15 or ANY summer day between Mon. & Thurs and get 10% Discount on Rates!!!

Early Booking Promo - Confirm your Company Summer Events cheduled between March 16 to June 15 on the month of January and get 5% Additional Discount on Rates!!!

Ready, Jet-set, GO!

2010-02-18T01:31:00.000-08:00

Ready, Jet-set,Go!! at the Travel Tour Expo 2010

Catch us at 17th TRAVEL TOUR EXPO 2010 on February 19 - 21, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

Avail of our Great Value Deals!! Visit the Philippine Airlines booth, and get to know more about the following exclusive promos:

from10% - 66% OFF on all PAL International Flights!!

Exciting PAL Domestic Promos!! PHP777 from Luzon and Visayas, including Cebu - Davao v.v.,PHP1777 from Manila and Mindanao*
*One-way, all-in Fiesta (Economy) Class, Exclusive of ASF/ticketing service fee. Limited seats only. Travel conditions apply. For Travel 01 July - 31 August 2010

BONUS MILES!! Buy a roundtrip Mabuhay (Business) Class ticket to any PAL Domestic destination or any of these routes: Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Saigon, Guam, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and earn Miles equivalent to a standard Fiesta (Economy) Class Award Ticket for the same route. For Sales and Ticketing from 19 February - 18 March 2010.

PLUS!! Earn additional BONUS MILES upon purchase of any PAL Tickets: 1,000 Bonus Miles for roundtrip Domestic, 2,000 Bonus Miles for roundtrip Regional or 3,000 Bonus Miles for roundtrip International

FANTASTIC HK DISNEYLAND EXPERIENCE!! Roundtrip Hong Kong ticket and HK Disneyland park tickets valid for 2 days. For sale and travel until 28 February 2010

CATS Now and Forever!! First 50 passengers to purchase roundtrip tickets TO USA, Vancouver, or Australia FROM Manila get free CATS Now and Forever theater passes!!
0% DEFERRED PAYMENT FOR 3 MONTHS!! Allied Bank and Philippine National Bank Credit Card holders can now enjoy zero interest for up to three months on deferred payment when they buy tickets at the PAL booth using their credit card

Not Juan but TWO!

2010-02-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

Not Juan but two! 2 million seats at 50% OFF on sale now!

cebupacificair.com retains no. 1 travel website in the Philippines

We're offering close to 2 million seats at 50% off in a system-wide seat sale starting now until February 21, 2010, for travel this June 1 to December 31, 2010. This is in appreciation of our many guests who helped uphold the lead of www.cebupacificair.com as the top travel website in the Philippines.

Our 50% off seat sale is applicable to all 32 domestic destinations which includes the Airbus and ATR flights to Boracay (Caticlan), Kalibo, Coron (Busuanga), Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Laoag, and Ozamiz.

Grab a seat to any of our 14 international destinations, namely Taipei, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok (from Manila and Clark), Incheon, Pusan, Shanghai, Taipei, Macau, Guangzhou, Osaka, Jakarta, Singapore and Hong Kong (from Manila, Cebu and Clark).

Thank you for making our website the only airline in Alexa’s top 100 Philippine sites. Our lead is based on a February 15, 2010 Alexa Top Sites report, which provides web information services as well as website traffic statistics (www.alexa.com). www.cebupacificair.com has been holding the top domestic travel website post since May 2007.

For booking and flight details on the 2 million seats - 50% off promo, check out www.cebupacificair.com now!

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.

Why we receive the ashes
Following the example of the Nine vites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told

"Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."

Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.

The distribution of ashes comes from a ceremony of ages past. Christians who had committed grave faults performed public penance. On Ash Wednesday, the Bishop blessed the hair shirts which they were to wear during the forty days of penance, and sprinkled over them ashes made from the palms from the previous year. Then, while the faithful recited the Seven Penitential Psalms, the penitents were turned out of the church because of their sins -- just as Adam, the first man, was turned out of Paradise because of his disobedience. The penitents did not enter the church again until Maundy Thursday after having won reconciliation by the toil of forty days' penance and sacramental absolution. Later, all Christians, whether public or secret penitents, came to receive ashes out of devotion. In earlier times, the distribution of ashes was followed by a penitential procession.

The Ashes
The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance.

Big and Small

2010-02-16T02:25:00.000-08:00

Another set of interesting facts that we are not aware of:

• The smallest state in the United States is Rhode Island. Alaska is the biggest state -- you could fit Rhode Island in it 540 times.

• The largest flower in the world (Rafflesia arnoldii) grows in Indonesia and can be as big as a garbage can (3 feet wide) and weigh as much as a TV (15 pounds).

• The smallest bone in your body is in your ear. It's called the stirrup or staples bone, and it's about as big as a grain of rice.

• If you took all the blood vessels in your body and stretched them into one line, it would be 60,000 miles long. That's enough to go more than twice around Earth.

• One of the biggest living things is an underground mushroom in Oregon that's 3 1/2 miles across. It would take you about half a day to hike all the way across it.

What's New with Air Philippines?

2010-02-15T22:55:00.000-08:00

Air Philippines will fly to Puerto Princesa from Busuanga and back starting February 16, 2010 utilizing its 76-seater Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

The new flight is scheduled to operate twice weekly-on Tuesday and Sundays. Air Philippines flight 2P 027 will depart Busuanga at 8:40 am and will arrive in Puerto Princesa at 9:40 am. Return flight will depart Puerto Princesa at 10:05 am and will land in Busuanga at 11:05 am.

The route is designed primarily for tourists who are planning to hop between the two famous islands of Palawan, a province known as the Philippines’ last frontier. The addition of this new flight also enhances the domestic route network of Air Philippines which will now enable passengers from Manila to fly to Puerto Princesa and back, via Busuanga.

For more information, visit Air Philippines or call Air Philippines Reservation in Manila at (02) 8569000, Puerto Princesa Ticket Office at (048) 434-4191/433-8045 or MTR ticketing, Air Philippines’ sales agent in Coron, Busuanga at mobile no. 0918-5586478.

Top 10 Beaches in the Philippines

2010-02-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

Summer is fast approaching, did you already prepared your itinerary? To help you decide where is the best place to spend it, here's the list of the Top 10 beaches in the Philippines.

1. BORACAY ISLAND

Characterized by its fine sand and crystal clear waters, Boracay comes as a no-brainer in this list. Currently it is still the most famous and the most visited beach in the country; the destination of foreigners and Filipinos alike during summer. Boracay locals work hard to maintain the island's prestige as the number one summer getaway in the Philippines. Now highly commercialized, the island not only boasts of its beaches, but is also packed with bars, hotels, shopping areas, and other establishments. Boracay satisfies those urbanites who do not want to get away from the conveniences offered by the city, yet are longing for a relaxing summer by the beach.

2. BACUIT ARCHIPELAGO, PALAWAN

Palawan has always been a favorite getaway to the adventure-hungry traveler, for the province offers not only heavenly beaches, but also possesses breathtaking vistas and exciting biodiversity. One of these places is the Bacuit Archipelago in El Nido, inarguably one of the best beach landscapes in the world. Also awaiting the audacious traveler are features such as Miniloc Island's Big Lagoon, the most photographed sight in Palawan; and Matinloc Island's Secret Beach, only accessible by swimming through a keyhole slot.

Trivia: The American reality game show Amazing Race shot one of their episodes in Bacuit.

3. PANGLAO ISLAND, BOHOL

Panglao Island is a recent favorite among bakasyonistas, for who will not be enticed with some of the Philippines' clearest waters, paired with rich marine biodiversity and sands as fine and white as Boracay's? More importantly, Panglao Island is rarely visited by the volume of people that troop to Boracay, so your dream of a quiet summer by the beach can become a reality.

4. PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE

Pagudpud is hailed as the “Boracay of the North,” sans the gazillion tourists. The secluded Maira-ira Beach brings the vacationer a most sought-after relaxation, as there are hardly any visitors on these fantastic shores. One can also see a view of the Bangui Windmills, the magnificent power generators situated in Bangui Bay.

5. SIARGAO ISLAND

Siargao, a rare gem found in the province of Surigao del Norte, is steadily gaining popularity as one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Cloud 9, the venue for the yearly surfing competition called Siargao Cup, boasts of waves that can rival those of Hawaii's. Less adventurous tourists can enjoy the sand strip in General Luna, while spelunkers can explore the island's tunnels and caves.

6. MALAPASCUA ISLAND, CEBU

Until recently, this stunning island north of Cebu was not even on the municipal map. Now, Malapascua Island is hailed as one of the country's best beach destinations. It offers the curious tourist white-sand coasts, great food, and a no-fuss, low-key approach to tourism. Divers will surely be spoiled with the fascinating wreckage beneath the marine sanctuary of nearby Gato Island, as well as a rare treat of the appearance of the thresher shark off Monad Shoal.

7. NORTH PANDAN ISLAND, MINDORO OCCIDENTAL

Although Mindoro usually brings to mind the famous Puerto Galera, it is North Pandan Island that takes centerstage in our list. This tropical island gives the relaxing tourist complete escape from the busy city life. The island's laidback lifestyle together with the white sand beaches, prime diving spots, and sumptuous buffets are real treats for any vacationer. The costs are not too pricey, so even the traveler with the strictest budget can enjoy a good vacation.

8. CORON ISLAND, PALAWAN

Hailed as the most beautiful island of the Calamian group in Palawan, Coron Island gives tourists the best of inland and coastal swimming and diving experiences. Its main attractions are Lake Kayangan and Lake Barracuda, which are crystal-clear lakes filled with interesting features. The island also boasts of white sand beaches already typical of the coastlines of Palawan.

9. CAMIGUIN

Camiguin is a volcanic island located north of the main island of Mindanao. Because of its location, Camiguin is often overlooked as a tourist destination. But little do people know that this volcanic paradise offers some of the Philippines' best sceneries. Aside from its powder-like white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, one can enjoy the island's beautiful geography, which include the active Mount Hibok-Hibok and the scenic Katibawasan Falls.

10. ROMBLON ISLAND

Romblon is the must-see destination for one who has a taste for remote yet beautiful places. North of Boracay Island, Romblon boasts its own set of idyllic beaches, but with a more relaxed and simplified atmosphere. It is also a historic province, with its capital, also called Romblon, the site of 17th century fortifications, churches, and lighthouses.

EZ Maps

2010-02-14T21:18:00.001-08:00

“To take the road less traveled and make a difference.”

United Tourist Promotions (UTP), the leading mapmaker in the Philippines, derives its inspiration from by this immortal line from 1916 inspirational poem by Robert Frost.

For more than a decade, UTP has been taking the roads less and frequently traveled, mapping them to help make a difference in the lives of travelers. The rag tag team was formed by Filipino graphic designer and civic leader, Ariel D. Jersey with the aid of foreigners when they saw the dearth of quality maps and travel brochures in areas with large concentrations of tourists and expatriates.

The young firm received its baptism of fire when it was commissioned by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to produce a series of 60 promotional brochures titled “Best of the Islands” in 1994 in time for the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Manila. This was followed in 1996 by another project from the Philippine Convention and Visitors' Corporation (PCVC) to produce tourist and street maps of the country's key destinations for delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Boosted by this vote of confidence from government's tourism bodies, UTP began developing its own series of publications in 1997 under the brand name EZ Maps®, a handy pocket map which initially covered the major business districts in the metropolis—Manila, Makati and Quezon City-Ortigas.

Largest Volcano

2010-02-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the largest volcano on Earth is Hawaii's Mauna Loa? Mauna Loa is about 6 miles (10 kilometer) tall from the sea floor to its summit (it rises about 4 kilometer above sea level). It also has the greatest volume of any volcano, 10,200 cubic miles (42,500 cubic kilometers).

While the largest volcano in our Solar System is perhaps Olympus Mons on the planet Mars. This enormous volcano is 17 miles (27 km) tall and over 320 miles (520 km) across.

Additional general information courtesy of my son's school report.

Love is in the Fare!

2010-02-09T17:50:00.000-08:00

Love is in the Fare as we celebrate a high on-time performance with an international Seat Sale for as low as P999!

Come celebrate with us this Valentine's season as we hit an all-time high of 91.6% on-time performance last January 2010 in approximately 1,700 weekly flights to our 32 domestic and 14 international destinations! We're slashing fares off selected international routes for as low as P999 starting now until February 11, 2010 to celebrate this achievement.
Up for grabs are seats from Manila to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, for the ‘Go Lite’ seat sale fare of P999 and P1,999 only. These are valid for travel from April 1 to June 30, 2010.

Manila-Jakarta, Manila-Taipei and Clark-Macau flights can be yours for the ‘Go Lite ’ seat sale fare of P999. Flights from Manila to Saigon and Macau are also available at P1,499 for travel beginning May 1 to July 31, 2010.
We have more reasons to celebrate at www.cebupacificair.com! Hurry, book your seats now!

Vivere Azure Resort

2010-02-08T05:54:00.000-08:00

Niko was already doing the itinerary for their summer vacation together with her kumare, and guess what!? On top of her list is Vivere Azure resort in Batangas. Nested on the diving capital of the Philippines in Anilao Batangas, only two hours south of Metro Manila lies Vivere Azure.

Set in idyllic surroundings, each suite at Azure provides you with a breathtaking view of the sea that is an ever changing backdrop of the tranquil sunrise.

Rooms

14 beach front suites individually designed with a distinct international flair with accessories proudly Filipino made. All rooms are fully air-conditioned with own toilet, bath and balcony.

Diving

Azure takes you to the middle of a spectacular and diverse treasure of marine life. A constellation of underwater pursuits still to be explored to be transported to a calm that will renew and energize your senses.

Water Sports

Snorkeling and kayaking available upon request

Island Hopping

Secluded isles of Sombrero, Verde and Maricaban awaiting to be discovered.

For rates and amenities you may contact them at (632) 771-7777 email at info@viveresuites.com

Burj Khalifa

2010-02-07T05:42:00.000-08:00

Let's take a peek and enjoy to see the World Tallest Tower ’s interior, Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa (Arabic: برج خليفة‎ "Khalifa Tower"), formerly known as Burj Dubai, is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the tallest man-made structure ever built, at 828 m (2,717 ft). Construction began on 21 September 2004, with the exterior of the structure completed on 1 October 2009. The building officially opened on 4 January 2010. The building is part of the 2 km2 (490-acre) flagship development called Downtown Burj Khalifa at the "First Interchange" along Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai's main business district.

The tower's architecture and engineering were performed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill of Chicago. Adrian Smith, who worked with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill until 2006, was the chief architect, and Bill Baker was the chief structural engineer for the project. The primary contractor was Samsung C&T of South Korea, who also built the Taipei 101 and Petronas Twin Towers. Major subcontractors included Belgian group Besix and Arabtec from the UAE. Turner Construction Company was chosen as the construction project manager. Under UAE law, the Contractor and the Engineer of Record, Hyder Consulting, is jointly and severally liable for the performance of Burj Khalifa.

The total cost for the Burj Khalifa project was about US$1.5 billion; and for the entire new "Downtown Dubai", US$20 billion.[14] Mohamed Ali Alabbar, the Chairman of Emaar Properties, speaking at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 8th World Congress, said in March 2009 that the price of office space at Burj Khalifa had reached US$4,000 per sq ft (over US$43,000 per m2) and that the Armani Residences, also in Burj Khalifa, were selling for US$3,500 per sq ft (over US$37,500 per m2). The completion of the tower coincided with a worldwide economic slump and overbuilding, causing it to be described as "the latest ... in string of monuments to architectural vacancy."

Boracay Garden Resort

2010-02-04T01:57:00.000-08:00

Boracay Garden Resort, a subsidiary of the Boracay Regency Group, kicks off 2010 by offering introductory pleasure and leisure packages sure to fit everyone’s budget.

For as low as P4,000 per person on triple occupancy, enjoy a 3 day-2 night stay in a Deluxe Room inclusive of daily breakfast and dinner and roundtrip land and sea transfers. You also get one night free or upgrade to the next room category. Guests may also opt to stay in the Premiere Room for only P4,471 per person on triple occupancy. Promo period is until March 31, 2010 .

Formerly Hotel Seraph, Boracay Garden Resort rests on a two-hectare property located at the center of Station 2. Boasting of a Triple A rating, the resort has 201 well-appointed rooms with charming and elegant interiors. It has a perfect mix of deluxe and premiere rooms, as well as premiere rooms with direct access to the pool and family rooms that can fit up to 6 persons.
Each spacious rooms has a private terrace, wi-fi access, bath tub with separate shower area, individually controlled air conditioning, cable television, direct dial phone, in-room safe, coffee and tea-making facilities and personal refrigerator.

Boracay Garden Resort’s modern and Mediterranean-styled accommodations are surrounded by two massive swimming pools, landscaped gardens and al fresco restaurant and bar. The resort also features private KTV rooms with modern equipment, gym and fitness center and 24-hour standby generators and security.

In addition to the on-going renovation, the resort now has a beachfront with 34 beach beds. This reserved area makes it perfect for guests to lounge and enjoy the scenery while getting the perfect tan.

For inquiries on room rates, packages and reservations, call Boracay Garden Resort’s Manila Booking Office at 353-1111 or email manilareservations@boracaygarden.com.ph.

Tacloban Crab

2010-02-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

Tacloban developed from a small fishing village, a barrio of Basey, Samar. The word Tacloban evolved from "Taklub", a basket-like contraption for catching fish. It became a major trading town in the late 18th century.

The city is well-known for its role in World War II, being a major base for the US forces and the first town liberated by Douglas MacArthurs's forces from the Japanese Imperial Forces.

For a time, it served as the capital of the Philippines while Manila was under Japanese control.
The city is also known for being the hometown of the flamboyant former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, whose Romualdez family still commands a large political following in the area.

For several decades, Tacloban was a barrio of Basey, Samar. At the time, the place was known as Kankabatok - meaning belonging to Kabatok, because its most prominent inhabitant was named Kabatok. The change of name came about in this manner: Kankabatok was a favorite haunt for fishermen. They would use a bamboo tray called "taklub" to catch crabs or shrimps. When asked where they were going the fishermen would answer, "to tarakluban", which meant the place where they used "taklub" to catch crabs. Later, the name was shortened to Tacloban.
My brother brought some crabs last month...Compare the Crabs from Tacloban, the bigger ones and one from Obando Bulacan.

have you seen a big crab from the Philippines?

Most Expensive Foods in the World

2010-01-31T21:21:00.000-08:00

Saffrona spice grown worldwide,is derived from the saffron crocus flower. A pound of dry saffron (0.45 kg) requires 50000–75000 flowers to make,meaning an entire football field of these flowers. Requiring so much resources and labor prices for the spice go around US$500/pound to US$5000/pound (US$1100–US$11000 per kilogram).

The most expensive nut in the world is the Macadamia nut. The macadamia tree produces nuts only after it’s 7-10 years old requiring fertile soil and heavy rainfall. These nuts have a very hard seed but once it’s open it reveals a creamy white kernel containing up to 80% oil and 4% sugar. The cost of a kilogram of these nuts exceeds 30$.

The most expensive caviar in the world is not the black onebut the almas caviar! The word ‘almas’ is Iranian for diamond. Beluga caviar comes from a fish over 100 years oldthat is virtually unchanged for 120 million years. The luxurious caviar comes from the oldest survivor of the Dinosaur era. Beluga caviar ranges in price from more than $5000 per kilogram in the United States

The most expensive mushroom in the world is the white truffle. The mushroom has its origins in the Langhe area of the Piedmont region in northern Italyit can reach 12 cm diameter and 500g. These truffles are sold at a amazing price of €2000 and €4000 per kilogram ($1350 - $2700 per pound). The record price for this truffle was paid last year,in December,when Stanley Ho,the owner of the Macau casino paid $330000 for 1.5kg of truffles

The most expensive potato in the world is a French one“La Bonnotte”. Annually,only 100 tons of this top quality potato are cultivated and collected only on the island Noirmoutier. The potato fields require to be fertilized only with seaweed in a climate shaped by the nearby sea. The cost of one single kilogram can reach €500 since this type of potato is almost extinct.

The most expensive beef in the world is the type of beef coming from the Wagyu cows. These Japanese cows are fed the best grass and provided the best treatment. That is why the meat is especially tender and particularly expensive. 200 grams of a fillet cost in Europe more than 100 dollars.

The most expensive sandwich in the world is the club sandwich from Essen aka von Essen Platinum Club Sandwich. This triple-Decker delicacy contains the finest chicken,ham,hard-boiled quails’ eggs and white truffles and it’s currently sold at Cliveden Berkshire. The chicken (poulet de Bresse) is referred to as the ‘fourth gastronomic wonder of the world served with a topping of white truffles,sold at over a thousands ponds a month. At 1182 calories,with 1.8oz of fat,it’s not the healthiest dish but certainly one of the most expensive. Costing 100 pounds (almost 200 dollars)this is a must-try for the food fanatics.

most expensive pizza in the world,valued at 8300 Eur can be tasted in Italy.. With generous toppings of caviar and lobster,the pizza has a diameter of 20cm and Louis XIII Remy Martin cognac poured all over it.

The most expensive omelet in the world can be tasted at the Le Parker Meridien restaurant in New York. The $1000 omelet consists of 10 ounces of sevruga caviara whole lobster,and six eggs. To make it in the privacy of your own home,the cost will be only $700.

Off to something sweet now with one of the most expensive deserts in the world,served at Serendipity 3a popular restaurant in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The $1000 sundae was introduced in 2004 and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive dessert. It’s made up of 5 scoops of the richest Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream,Madagascar vanilla,23K edible gold leaf and one of the most expensive chocolates in the world,Amedei Porceleana.

Palawan in China’s top 10 destinations for elite travelers

2010-01-31T19:20:00.000-08:00

Palawan has been named as among the top 10 best destinations for elite travelers in China. Initiated by Ctrip.com, China’s leading and trusted online travel agency, and popular high-end travel glossy Elite Traveller, the polling for top overseas destinations of 2009 gathered a total of 4,340,122 valid votes through www.ctrip.com, emails, fax, and snail mail.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said, "Receiving this recognition for one of our carefully protected eco-tourism sites is indeed a great milestone ushering for more positive news in tourism at the onset of the year."

Reaffirming the distinction of being a most sought-after destination for the Chinese market, the country continues to pride itself with natural wonders and eco-tourism sites. The Palawan Underground River has also been continually in the top list of the New7Wonders of Nature online poll, and is now officially the country’s bet for the final stage which will be held in 2011.

"More than promoting our destinations to travelers, we aim to raise awareness on the preservation and protection of our natural wonders through responsible travel," said Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr.

The list of 10 Top destinations include the Pyramids of Egypt; the Gold Coast of Australia; Masai Mara in Kenya; Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand, the cosmopolitan city of Paris, France; Jungfrau in Switzerland; beach destination Maldives; Disney World in Orlando World, USA, and Bali Island in Indonesia.

Representatives and travel agencies from more than 30 countries and regions were present at the grand awarding ceremonies held in the Radisson Plaza Xing Guo Hotel in Shanghai, China.

Accepting the award was Gerry Panga, Tourism Attaché for DOT Shanghai. "We are pressed to maintain the Philippines’ position as one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world, through our intensified marketing programs to promote our country’s treasures to the nature-loving Chinese travelers."

China remains as the country’s third largest source market for tourists. source: Malaya

Dallas Cowboys Stadium

2010-01-31T05:52:00.000-08:00

Let us take a look where "The Event" will take place, Pacquiao vs Clottey on March 13, 2010.

Cowboys Stadium is a domed stadium with a retractable roof in Arlington, Texas. It serves as the home of the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys. It replaced the partially-covered Texas Stadium, which opened in 1971, as the Cowboys' home. It was completed on May 27, 2009. The stadium seats 80,000, making it the 3rd largest seating capacity stadium in the NFL.

The stadium is the largest domed stadium in the world, has the world's largest column-free interior and the largest high definition video screen which hangs from 20 yard line to 20 yard line. The facility can also be used for a variety of other activities outside of its main purpose (professional football) such as concerts, religious ceremonies, basketball games, college football and high school football contests, soccer matches, Motorcross races and rodeos similar to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Major events

* June 20, 2009: The Jonas Brothers began their World Tour 2009 at the stadium.

* July 19, 2009: The first point is scored at Cowboys Stadium. A goal was scored by Costa Rica in the Gold Cup Quarterfinal game versus Guadeloupe at the 2nd minute by Celso Borges.

* August 19, 2009: Paul McCartney's concert was the first official stadium event after the city of Arlington declared the stadium open.

* September 5, 2009: The Brigham Young University Cougars and Oklahoma Sooners played the first college football game in the new stadium, with the Cougars upsetting the Sooners, 14-13, in front of 75,437 spectators.

* October 3, 2009: Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones watched his alma-mater the Arkansas Razorbacks defeat the Texas A&M Aggies 47-19 in the first of ten games to be played at the stadium called the Southwest Classic.

* October 12, 2009: U2 brought the 360° Tour to Cowboy's Stadium. To make room for the large claw shaped stage, the video board was raised 25 feet and was not used during the concert.

* November 12, 2009: The first Texas high school football playoff game played at Cowboys Stadium was between Arlington Bowie and Richland High School Arlington Bowie won 42-30.

* November 28, 2009: Texas Tech defeats Baylor 20-13 in Texas Farm Bureau Big 12 Shootout. 71,964 were in attendance.

* December 5, 2009: The Texas Longhorns defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-12 in the first Big 12 Championship Game to be held in the stadium. 76,211 were in attendance.

* December 19, 2009: In the first college basketball game at the stadium, the Texas Longhorns defeated the defending national champion North Carolina Tar Heels, 103-90.

* January 2, 2010: In the first bowl game played at the stadium, the Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys by a score of 21-7 in the 74th installment of the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic.

* March 13, 2010: This will be the venue of the bought between the world's no. 1 pound for pound king and current WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and former welterweight champion Joshua Clottey.

North Luzon and select Visayas destinations are on sale for as low P699!

2010-01-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a fantastic deal on our North Luzon flights with our ‘Go Lite’ seat sale for as low as P699 to nine (9) destinations! Seat Sale starts now until January 31, 2010, for travel beginning February 15 to March 31, 2010.

Guests traveling from Manila to Cauayan (Isabela), Tuguegarao (Cagayan Valley) and Laoag (Ilocos Norte) can avail of our ‘Go Lite’ seat sale fare of only P699.

P699 seats are also selling for flights from Manila to Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Roxas, and Tacloban.

Up for grabs are Manila to Ozamiz seats for the ‘Go Lite’ seat sale fare of only P999.

Hurry, be on your way to a great North Luzon and Visayas adventure at www.cebupacificair.com!

Palawan

2010-01-28T06:15:00.000-08:00

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. It lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The province is named after its largest island, Palawan Island, measuring 450 kilometers (280 mi) long, and 50 kilometers (31 mi) wide.

Palawan is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island. The Calamianes Group of Islands, to the northwest consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the westernmost part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometers to the west is considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands.

Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) of irregular coastline are dotted with roughly 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its chain of mountain ranges. The mountain heights average 3,500 feet (1,100 m) in altitude, with the highest peak rising to 6,843 feet (2,086 m)[4] at Mount Mantalingahan. The vast mountain areas are the source of valuable timber. The terrain is a mix of coastal plain, craggy foothills, valley deltas, and heavy forest interspersed with riverine arteries that serve as irrigation.