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Harvest Hotel: Your hotel of choice in Cabanatuan City

For travel to be delightful, one must have a good place to stay time and again. Whenever I feel like going out of town, my favorite staycation would always be at the Harvest Hotel, the only modern 4-star hotel located in the center of Cabanatuan City.

Whether you’re going away on a family vacation, a short getaway, or a business trip, you can definitely have a pleasant stay here for many good reasons. Recent reviews from guests and visitors support this encouraging feedback. Harvest has now become the hotel of choice in Cabanatuan City for business and leisure travelers, as well as, for the local residents who prefer to hold their social events and business functions here.

Photo from Gorospe FB page
Harvest GM Lou Bermejo Gorospe (Photo from the FB Page of Ms. Gorospe)

Harvest Hotel General Manager, Lou Bermejo Gorospe feels thankful and inspired to hear positive reviews from hotel guests. “The reviews range from being satisfied on how the hotel staff attended to them, having comfortable rooms, beds, pillows, room interior; bathroom fixtures, and personal care sets; to good food and value for money. Guests remarked that Harvest is stunning for the price,” Gorospe happily shares. “Guests are immediately impressed with just about everything!”

GM Gorospe (center) with her entire team.

Part of the entire delightful experience is the people who make up the Harvest Hotel team.  “We make sure we carry out our Corporate Core Values in our daily work,” says the lady General Manager.

They uphold such values on Innovation, Integrity, Service, Passion, and Teamwork that make them a cut above the rest of the hotels in Cabanatuan City.  “Our hotel standard is no less than to provide our valued guests with exceptional care and top-notch products and facilities.”

Superb accommodation

One thing that you will definitely appreciate while on a staycation at Harvest Hotel is its cozy, clean and comfortable air-conditioned rooms – totaling 81 well-appointed rooms. Each room feature beds that are composed of good quality mattresses and beddings for a restful sleep, an LCD cable television, a bathroom with a hot and cold shower, a medium-sized working desk with a telephone, a minibar, an electronic safe, a coffee and tea making facility, iron and ironing board and fast broadband internet connection – everything that will make your stay truly delightful.

Guests can choose from room categories such as Standard Twins, Standard Queens, Executive Suites, Loft 1 and 2. The Standard Twin Room is the basic room category and it comprises the majority of the total room inventory of the Hotel. This 29-square meter room comes with two (2) single beds, a bathroom with shower, a working table, LCD cable TV, a coffee/tea making facility, an in-room safe, and a mini-bar.

The Standard Queen room is also a 29-sqm room with one queen bed, a bathroom with a shower, a working table, an LCD cable TV, a coffee/tea making facility, an in-room safe, and a mini-bar.

Next to the Standard Room is the Suite Room which boasts of a 38-square meter space that comes with one queen bed, a bathroom with a shower, a working table, an LCD cable TV, a coffee/tea making facility, an in-room safe, and a mini-bar.

The best room of Harvest Hotel is the Loft located on the topmost floor. This 67-square meter consists of two floors with a separate living area, dining space, and a king-sized bed, and a bathroom. These are best for honeymooners, couples, and family guests.

For an uninterrupted workout, you can still sweat it out at the fitness gym located on the third floor. It offers the latest and complete gym equipment.

For guests looking for a venue for their events and meetings can consider the hotel Ballroom that is convertible into two function rooms. Ballroom A can occupy 130 persons, while Ballroom B, 70 persons. The whole Ballroom can accommodate 200 person sit-down, 300 cocktail, and 350 theatre types.

Satisfying Dining Experience

Aside from the comfortable rooms, one can always look forward to the delicious food being served at Café Ecija Restaurant and Bar, located in the lobby. It is ready to serve a sumptuous buffet for breakfast and an all-day a la carte menu every day featuring Filipino and international dishes. It has a 76-seating capacity and is open to in-house guests and walk-in diners daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. An outdoor swimming pool is just right outside Café Ecija.

Chef Lester Bergado

During our visit, Chef  Lester Bergado, the affable in-house chef of Harvest Hotel happily served to us the dishes he prepared for our photoshoot. He shared that they have added more Pinoy comfort food to the menu. Aside from the regular Salmon Head Sa Miso and Hipon sa Kamatis, additional dishes are the all-time favorites, such as Kare-Kare, Caldereta, Pininyahang Manok, Pork Lechon and Harvest Sinigang Beef Buko.

The Experience team was also lucky to have tasted the Friday Feast of the World Buffet with choices ranging from salad, cold and hot appetizer, soup, grilled, hot dishes, and dessert. For the salad, they served Mixed Green Salad with Croutons, Parmesan, corn kernels, tomato, Onion, Cucumber, Capsicum, and Bacon. For the dressing, choices were Caesar, Thousand Island, and Italian Dressing.

Cold and hot appetizers were Assorted Maki Rolls and Mixed Cold Cuts; Crispy Pork Belly infused in Chili jam and Eggplant Parmigiana with Cheese Sauce. For the soup, it felt calming to have tried Seafood Shabu-Shabu and Tuscan Tomato Soup. From the carving station, we surely tried the Slow Roasted Beef Short Plate with Wild Mushroom Sauce; and the grilled Beef, Pork, Chicken, Fish, and Sausage. Happy tummy, indeed!

For hot dishes, they served Asian Beef Kofta in Sour Cream Sauce, Hainanese Chicken, my favorite Phad Thai, and Shanghai Fried Rice. For the Western offering, they prepared Pork Escalope with Peppercorn Sauce, Seafood Gnocchi, Vegetable Polonaise, and Mushroom Risotto Rice.

Choices for dessert vary from Crème Brule Shots, Panacotta Shots, Chocolate Bar. There were also Marshmallows, Breadsticks and Wafer stick at the Chocolate Fountain Station.

Our gastronomic experience didn’t end at the buffet station. There were also additional plated dishes served for our feature and consumption. We tried BBQ Baby Back Ribs, a Texas-style smoked BBQ baby back ribs served with buttered corn, coleslaw, and French fries. Followed by Beef Kare-Kare, slow-cooked ox tripe, beef chunks, and tropical vegetables simmered in Filipino-style peanut sauce served with famous bagoong. For the beverage, they offered us to try the Harvest Potion and Winty Citrus Dew.

Harvest Potion and Winty Citrus Dew

I had a fill of Adobong Pusit, a Classic Filipino Adobo dish where sliced squid is cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, onion, and tomatoes. I must say this was my favorite from among the dishes served to us. I always crave Adobong Pusit since this is seldom prepared at home.

The writer in one of the cozy rooms at Harvest

The Seafood and Aubergine Salad in Turmeric and Cider Reduction, was by far, what Chef Lester has recommended. Seeing the assorted fresh lettuce, grilled seafood, and aubergine with reduction of turmeric and cider vinegar in an ensemble made it an irresistible dish to try. 

As a finale, one not to miss the appetizing desserts – a choice of Choco Cream Cake, a Black Forest cake filled with chocolate ganache; and Sans rival, a layered meringue cake with buttercream and chopped cashew nuts.

All in all, it was a satisfying hotel experience made truly special by meeting the hotel owners themselves while enjoying the night away with friends. The team even had a jamming session with Leo Pisces Duo’s band playing that night.

(For more information about Harvest Hotel, please contact: T:(044) 9508888 M: (+63) 917-539-6125  or E: info@theharvesthotel.com. Please visit its website at:  www.theharvesthotel.com  and Like them on Facebook)

Reposted from Experience Travel and Living magazine. Photos By Renjie Tolentino

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Your tropical island getaway

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay will continue to work tirelessly to create a sustainable future for Boracay, ensuring that visitors are able to enjoy this idyllic island for many generations to come.

There were so many places in the past that I wished I could go back to. One of those was Boracay Island where I have experienced its pristine beauty in its heyday.

The white and powdery sand, which with the almost azure color of the ocean and palm trees provided a beautiful combination and a sense of being in paradise. I was saddened when its natural allure got damaged, characterized by filthy water and environmental issues. Following the recent six-month closure of the island, I was delighted to be back to this idyllic nirvana.

Welcome to Boracay!

Upon arrival at the Caticlan-Boracay Airport, we were escorted to Caticlan port where a boat whisked us to Boracay island. In less than 30 minutes, we reached the last port where a shuttle service took us directly to Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, our gracious, upscale resort host for this trip.

The tropical beachfront paradise nestled at Punta Bunga Cove has reopened to guests to experience this exquisite destination’s newly-restored magnificence.

Escape Into Indulgence

 

The planned itinerary was light and easy. On day one, we had our sumptuous lunch at Ssäm, which combines innovative Asian cuisine, plus a fresh sushi and sashimi bar. A relaxing break at The Café, a cozy retreat for irresistible cakes, signature sandwiches, teas, coffees, and Chocolate Hour, was enjoyable, too!

Nighttime was made special with a welcome dinner and cocktails at Sol Marina Beach Club hosted by Movenpick’s affable general manager Andre Brulhart and his team, Grace Agatep and Pia De Villa. The seafood dinner was superbly complemented with a happy conversation on sundry topics.
Hearty dinner with Movenpick team and media guests.
“It is wonderful to be able to welcome guests back to Boracay,” commented Andre Brulhart. “With our private beach on the island’s northern tip, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay did not have the same issues as the rest of the island, but we are happy with the overall impact of the island’s closure. Our amazing team is ready and waiting to provide guests with unsurpassed experiences here in Boracay.”

After dinner, we stayed a bit longer at Sol Marina Beach Club to chill out and soak up the natural beauty of Boracay. It has a nice collection of sun loungers and cabanas – great for sipping cool cocktails and gazing out over the calming seas during the night. A heart-warming catch-up with a former colleague who happened to be on the same trip added fun to our stay.

Beautiful Boracay sunset.
The next day, we had our breakfast at The Market, a bright and vibrant international restaurant that serves delectable daily buffet breakfasts and global à la carte dishes for lunch and dinner. We then went to the main beach to see how it looks like post-rehabilitation.

We were like kids excited to walk on the beach with its powdery white sand shore and crystal-clear waters. Then, it was lunch at Brezza, which offers authentic Italian cuisine, including the fastest hand-made pizzas on the island, baked in a wood-fired oven imported directly from Napoli (Naples), Italy. It has been nicknamed “The Beast,” accompanied by a wide selection of Italian “aperitivo” and fine wines.

We then headed for a spa treatment at the resort later that afternoon. I opted for the 90-minute Sagay Regenerating Ritual, inspired from sagay (shell) true essence of a protective layer role. Sagay Spa’s Signature Massage incorporates sagay’s richness in calcium that can be absorbed by the body through heat and essential oils, leaving your skin moisturized and smoother.

Best-tasting grilled food was served for dinner at a very exclusive presidential villa of the resort. The night was full of great stories — ranging from alma mater reunion, politics, food, entertainment, and of course, feedback and insights from various people on Boracay re-opening. Brulhart believes that hoteliers have a duty to preserve their destination and create benefits for the entire local community.

The writer at the pool area – enjoying her “me” time.
Our last day was a “me-time” moment to experience the hotel amenities before flying back to Manila. I felt the comfort of home inside my bright, contemporary-designed room, one of the resort’s 312 rooms and suites, and where I saw the views of the tropical gardens and shimmering sea.

After a morning swim at the spectacular pool, I cooled off at the tropical Pool Bar, with its choice of shady private cabanas and a sunken swim-up bar.

Needless to say, Movenpick Boracay has a diverse collection of F&B outlets to provide outstanding dining experiences, from romantic couples’ meals to fun-filled family feasts and bountiful banquets. Little Birds Club and playground are available also for younger guests.

Event organizers can host unforgettable occasions among several venues, including indoor meeting rooms and outdoor wedding spaces. This and more made my paradise escape an unforgettable experience.

For more information about Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, please visit www.movenpick.com/en/asia/philippines/boracay/resort-spa-boracay.

Re-posted from http://www.experiencetravelph.com

#throwbacktravel #MovenpickResortandSpa #Boracay #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Experience the beauty and wonders of Bohol under the new normal

From festivals, picturesque and ecotourism sites, and enjoyable activities, there’s definitely a Bohol destination for everyone. It also offers other attractions that families, groups, and even solo travelers can enjoy.

 With the revival of local tourism, more people have a chance to see the magnificent places and experience fun-filled activities in Bohol. But before planning a trip to Bohol, visitors are requested to comply with safety protocols in the interest of everyone’s health and well-being. It is recommended that travelers check with the LGU of their planned destination for updates on the destination’s rules and protocols.

 “We look forward to more people traveling to Bohol to see and experience the beauty and wonders of the province,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said during the launch of Balik sa Bohol online sale recently.

“We, at the DOT, along with provincial and local leaders in Bohol, are committed to protecting the health and safety of locals and tourists alike. Regaining the trust and confidence of Filipinos to travel again is essential to the revival of the tourism industry,” she further explained.

 Home to many Ubi farmers

One of the attractions in Bohol is the yearly “Ubi Festival,” which has been celebrated since the year 2000, is proof of the Boholanos’ love for Ubi or purple yam.

The root crop was revered as a “savior crop” as its discovery led to the alleviation of hunger in the province during pre-Hispanic times. Now, it has become a staple food for Boholanos because of its taste, long shelf-life, and the many food varieties that can be made from it.

Ubi festival. Photo from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Bohol.

As the largest producer of ubi in the country, Bohol is home to many ubi farmers who turn to the root crop for their livelihood. The recent festival theme revolved on “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom Na Dala Sa Covid19 Nabatukan,” which aimed to celebrate the root crop that has become an agro-historical-geographical-religious symbol for the province and highlight the impact and contributions of ubi farmers.

A variety of Ubi products like ube jams and ube-based bibingka, ice cream, and bread were showcased at the festival.

Scenic views and ecotourism sites

 From festivals, picturesque and ecotourism sites, and enjoyable activities, there’s definitely a Bohol destination for everyone. While it is famous for the Chocolate Hills, Bohol also offers other attractions that families, groups, and even solo travelers can enjoy.

  • Chocolate Hills

When one speaks of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills cannot be left out. These 1,776 individual hills spread across six towns have attracted tourists from many generations for their uniqueness and vastness.

Who wouldn’t be awestruck to see this amazing natural wonder before your very eyes? Never miss a good chance to visit the Chocolate Hills Complex located in the town of Carmen Bohol.

Chocolate Hills. Photo courtesy of Paul Gotiong.

There is only a viewing deck from where you can enjoy the extraordinary landscape. Bear in mind that the viewing deck is accessible only by stairs and temperatures can be very warm from time to time. Generally, visits to the hills are brief ones as there is no other activity besides viewing them.

Interestingly, they are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, for this reason, that it was called for that name. The Chocolate Hills are the Philippines ’ third National Geological Monument. It was also submitted to be a UNESCO World Heritage.

  • Tarsier Sanctuary

 The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a place dedicated to saving the lives of endangered tarsiers, is also open for those who want to learn more about these small nocturnal primates.

Courtesy: Cecille Gaillard FB
  • Loboc River

Experience nature-filled relaxation and tranquillity at Loboc River, one of the popular destinations in Bohol. Tourists can embark on board a floating restaurant and enjoy the Loboc River cruise with a delectable buffet meal.

Loboc River cruise / personal photo

Loboc town is located approximately 24 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. With this unique encounter, it will keep you coming back for more to remind us of how wonderful it is to see and discover the amazing places of Bohol.

  •  Dragon Fruit Farm

 While in Bohol, never miss a chance to visit and harvest dragon fruits at the Fascination Farm located at Sitio Palayan, Tipolo Ubay, Bohol.

Delicious Dragon fruits. Photo courtesy of the Fascination Farm.

This vast dragon fruit plantation welcomes visitors and tourists to take part in the experience of harvesting on their own, ripe, sweet, juicy, and delicious dragon fruits. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/yummydragons.

Action-packed activities

Bohol also has something for adrenaline junkies. If you prefer seeing the Chocolate Hills up close, ATV rentals are available in the Carmen area.

ATV-Bohol. Photo courtesy of Nataniel Luperte.

Those who want more action-packed activities can head to the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park for the zip line and cable car rides. If you prefer water activities, you can also opt for stand-up paddleboarding tours or experience a water bike adventure.

 White-sand beaches

 Bohol is also known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters. The Alona Beach is a stunning 1.5km stretch of white-sand beach famous for being a must-visit spot for those who love snorkeling, scuba diving, or even those who just like to relax and watch the sunset.

Travelers can also island-hop to Balicasag and Virgin islands to explore Bohol’s marine life. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of dolphins in the area.

  • Momo Beach

Momo Beach House is an “eco-chic boutique resort” nestled on the shores of Panglao Island, Bohol. It is situated nearby the famous Alona Beach and is blessed with white sand and cool crystal blue waters.

Momo Beach is an “eco-chic boutique resort” / personal photo.

For more information, visit https://www.momobeachhouse.com/

  • Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa

 Named after the indigenous people of Bohol, Eskaya is an exclusive boutique hotel that prides itself on thoughtful service and personalized experiences for guests. Recently, it was featured in destinationdeluxe.com as one of the amazing wellness resorts in the country.

Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa: Modern luxury and exclusivity. Photo courtesy of Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa

The resort offers 5-star world-class modern luxury accommodation coupled with warm Filipino hospitality. Guests can marvel at the sprawling greenery and scenic vistas spread out across the 15 hectares property, making it a great escape. It now comprises 24 thatched-roof villas, individually designed in contemporary, Filipino style.

For more information, visit https://www.eskayaresort.com/

Variety of accommodations

 Tourism comprises 70% of the livelihood in Bohol, so there is no wonder that several hotels and resorts are available in the area. Whether you choose accommodations in the municipality of Panglao or Dauis, these hotels are committed to providing top-notch service and hospitality, especially during these times.

Temperature checks, QR code scanning, plated meals and rearranged eating areas are just some of the adjustments made by accommodations to ensure that travelers are assured of a safe environment during their stay.

Hassle-free travel

Do-it-yourself travels are currently not allowed in Bohol. This means that everything you plan to do while on the island should be pre-booked–from accommodations and transportation to tour arrangements.

This makes sightseeing around the island hassle-free. This also makes it easier for the provincial government to implement systems to curb the virus’s spread while ensuring that tourists get to fully enjoy the island’s beauty.

Before planning a visit to Bohol, travelers must have a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours before their arrival, pre-booked accommodations at a DOT/LGU-accredited establishment, travel itinerary, and registration in the Province of Bohol website at tourism.bohol.gov.ph for the issuance of personal QR codes that will serve as electronic IDs.

Tourists coming from Metro Manila are encouraged to apply for the subsidized RT-PCR test at the UP-Philippine General or Philippine Children’s Medical Center for as low as PHP900 and PHP750, respectively. To avail of the 50% discount from either of the two medical institutions, visit the Tourism Promotions Board website at www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel.

As of February 2, 2021, Bohol allows the use of saliva RT-PCR tests in place of nasal and throat swabs.

For up-to-date information on open destinations and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

 For more information on traveling to Bohol, contact the Department of Tourism or visit philippines.travel/safetrip/bohol.

Have a safe trip, Pinas!

#bohol #sapinasmuna #itsmorefuninthephilippines #destination #tourism #revival #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

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Virtual Visita Iglesia

Featuring seven churches in Laguna, Tagaytay, and Batangas as part of sacred vows that Filipino Catholics make during Holy Week.

Every year, during Holy Thursday and Good Friday, it has been part of our panata (sacred vows) to make a Visita Iglesia or visiting at least seven different churches as a reference to the Seven Last Words of Jesus. As Catholics, we firmly believe that our prayers will be granted after the stations are completed.

However, since we are still in the midst of the pandemic and for safety, we may not fulfill physically the tradition, but still keeping it alive through virtual and online masses by various churches.

At home, we can still say our prayers or say the Rosary, watch, and listen to the Holy masses through live streaming.

  • John Bosco Parish & Center for Young Workers, Sta Rosa City, Laguna

St. John Bosco Parish & Center for Young Workers is a Roman Catholic Parish run by the Salesians of Don Bosco to minister to the communities and workers in the Laguna Technopark.

Location: Laguna Blvd. Laguna Technopark, City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The church provides Holy Week services through online live streaming. Visit their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjbosco.starosa

 

  • San Pedro Apostol Parish – San Pedro, Laguna

The church is under the patronage of Saint Peter. San Pedro is also the home of the miraculous Krus ng San Pedro Tunasan.

Location: Brgy. Poblacion 4023 San Pedro,Laguna

The church offers Holy Mass through live streaming. Visit their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanPedroApostolParish

Courtesy: San Pedro Apostol Parish FB
Courtesy: San Pedro Apostol Parish FB
  • Santo Niño De Cebu Parish, Binan, Laguna

Compared to other churches in the province it is relatively new but definitely a sight to be admired. Built by Augustinian friars in 1984, the present church underwent reconstruction in 2002.

Location: Southwoods Ave., Biñan, Laguna

For the church schedule of Lenten activities, visit their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stoninodecebuparish

Courtesy: Santo Nino de Cebu Parish FB
  • San Isidro Labrador Parish – Biñan, Laguna

San Isidro Labrador Parish (Filipino: Parokya ni San Isidro Labrador), commonly known as Biñan Church, is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Biñan, Laguna under the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo.

Location: Plaza Rizal, Barangay Poblacion, Binan City.

The church offers Holy Mass through live streaming. Visit their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/silpbinanchurch

San Isidro Labrador Parish Binan. Courtesy: silpbinanchurch FB
  • Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent, Tagaytay

The Pink Sisters Chapel in Tagaytay is one of the most well-known places of worship and pilgrimage in Tagaytay. The church situates tranquility within the verdant surroundings of trees and multi-hued plants. After offering your prayers, you can walk around the garden and immerse further in deep reflection.

Location: Holy Spirit Dr., Maitim 2nd East, Tagaytay City

Pink Sister Chapel. Courtesy: Melissa Tutor FB
  • Minor Basilica de San Martin de Tours, Taal

It is enormous in appearance and elevated by its hilltop position that it’s an almost permeating sight in the town center.

The church has a rich history that can be traced back to the late 16th century when it was still in San Nicolas. The 19th-century devastation of Taal Volcano led to it being rebuilt on its recent structure.

Location: Calle San Martin, Taal Batangas

For the church schedule of Lenten activities, visit their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parokyanisanmartin

  • Transfiguration Chapel of Caleruega, Nasugbu

The Chapel of Caleruega is a Retreat Center administered by Fathers and Brothers of the Dominican Province of the Philippines. It is home amidst the beauty of nature, and serenity for contemplation.

Location: Caleruega, Brgy. Kaylaway 4231 Nasugbu, Philippines

Courtesy: Caleruega Philippines FB
Courtesy: Caleruega Philippines FB

The chapel offers Holy Mass through live streaming on their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaleruegaPhilippines

#visitaiglesia #7churches #holyweek2021 #virtual #laguna #tagaytay #batangas #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Hue Hotels and Resorts: Bringing colors to leisure

Hue Puerto Princesa is a standout hotel and resort-like feel at the heart of Puerto Princesa City.

This summer, let’s explore Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan and the gateway to almost every island in the province.

The room design combines both local and global inspirations to its interiors.

Just adjacent from the newly-opened Puerto Princesa airport, this writer stayed at Hue Hotels and Resorts admirable for its wide-open space, and for excellently combining global and local design to its interiors. Truly, a standout hotel and resort-like feel at the heart of Puerto Princesa City.

The moment we arrived at the hotel, we easily felt the warm welcome from its staff and front desk manager at the time of our visit. He ushered me to my comfy room and immediately got awe-struck with the room design – the carpet was made of a colorful banig, the welcome kit consisted of local delicacies and drinks, and the imported glass bottle (no, they don’t use plastic bottle) seemed so attractive. I made sure to check on the hotel swimming pool and Aminah Spa located on the roof deck. It was a relaxing feeling to have tried the soothing massage on our second day.

The hotel swimming floor located on the roof deck. Photo by Renjie Tolentino

The hotel restaurant is called Matiz Tapas Bar & Restaurant just very near the hotel lobby. It offers Classic-Filipino-Spanish and some Vietnamese dishes that pay homage to the Vietnamese community in Puerto Princesa. Matiz is being managed by Chef Gabby Prats.

The modern look of Matiz Tapas Bar and Restaurant. Photo by Renjie Tolentino

Hue Puerto Princesa is envisioned to be chic and creative with a “design-forward and culturally-rooted architecture.”

The property is being managed by Hospitality Innovators Inc. (HII). “It (HII) creates distinct hotel concepts that are original and one of a kind – this is what Hue Hotels and Resorts is all about, ” shares Chris Guballa, the hotel’s general manager. Guballa is also proud of its advocacy of promoting the local community through a hotel that promotes local products and culture.

City tour

Hue Puerto Princesa has not only given us superb accommodation but an unforgettable tour around the city.

We went to the famous Underground River named as one of the seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other interesting tourist spots we visited were Baker’s Hill, Butterfly Eco Garden, and Tribal Village, Rancho Mitra, Elephant Cave, Baywalk Plaza Quartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and Buenavista View Deck (where you can see the beauty of Ulugan Bay and Tres Marias).

 

Our Puerto Princesa trip was made possible by Hue Hotels and Resorts  Puerto Princesa – one that truly brings colors to leisure.

#HueHotel #nicetomeetHue #HuePuertoPrincesa #Palawan #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo by Renjie Tolentino

(Special thanks to Experience Travel and Living magazine)

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Stay longer in Nasugbu, Batangas

The town is blessed with abundant natural attractions, picturesque sceneries, cultural, historical, and religious sites, recreation and accommodation, gastronomic delights, and eco-tourism.

Nasugbu is about two hours drive from Manila. It is the town on the western coast of Batangas, and a favorite leisure and vacation getaway for tourists because of its proximity to Manila.

The town is blessed with abundant natural attractions, picturesque sceneries, cultural, historical, and religious sites, recreation and accommodation, gastronomic delights, and eco-tourism.

With the influx of tourists coming to Nasugbu, the Kaybiang tunnel was constructed to connect the Ternate-Nasugbu Road, making the trip to Nasugbu a less than an hour journey.

Kaybiang Tunnel – connecting the Ternate-Nasugbu Road, making the trip to Nasugbu a less than an hour journey. Courtesy: Facebook.com

Nasugbu has a population of 138,000, and it caters to the AB market. Frequent tourists to this area include Europeans, Americans, and some Asians.

Pico De Loro Cove: Offers an active vacation lifestyle

Pico De Loro Cove, which is set amidst the verdant green mountains and vibrant clear waters of Hamilo Coast is SM land’s premier leisure destination with 5,800 hectares of natural beauty. It only takes 90 minutes by car from Manila via the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) and the Kaybiang Tunnel. This writer had a relaxing stay at Pico Sands Hotel, the cove’s premier hotel during a previous media tour.

The writer at Pico Sands Hotel
Courtesy: Pico Sands Hotel FB page

Pico De Loro is renowned for being part of the “center of the world’s biodiversity,” where more than 65% of the world’s marine species can be found. Its location within the Verde Island passage makes it an ideal jump-off point for cruising to other renowned island destinations such as Apo Reef, Mindoro, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay.

The property is composed of eight mid-rise residential buildings set around a serene environment. It makes owning a beach home as easy and practical as condominium living. Each condo comes with playing rights at the Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club, which has the most extensive land and sea-based recreational facilities in the Nasugbu area.

Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club

Together they offer an active vacation lifestyle and a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation options. Homeowners and guests can enjoy eco-adventures such as biking, trekking, fish-feeding, cove tour, diving, kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, banana boat, Frisbee, jet skiing, paddle boarding, water taxi, and beach volleyball.

Nasugbu town: A major tourism destination

The tourist destinations inventory of the municipality has listed down 18 natural attractions, including the famous Hamilo Coves, the Karakawa Rivers and Falls, the Layong Bilog River, and the Tumalim Water Falls and River.

Mountains such as Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Batulao, Mt. Pico De Loro, famous for mountain climbing, surround the town. Rock formations are also scattered around Nasugbu Bay including the Elephant Rock, Pinnacle Rocks, and Payong-Payong.

Virgin island abounds the town with Fortune Island and Twin Island as the more popular ones. It is also surrounded by four marine protected areas: Fuego Point Marine Sanctuary, Taytayen/Etayo Marine Reserve, Pinagdakutan/Santelmo Marine Sanctuary, and Cutad/Pico De Loro Marine Reserve.

For a sumptuous local lunch, visit Kainan sa Dalampasigan in Martinez St. in Nasugbu. This 13-square- meter restaurant is owned by Normita “Tita Baby” Limjoco-Lucas and offers excellent home cooking and rustic ambiance.

Hearty lunch with DOT and Hamilo Coast marketing.

Nasugbu has a wide array of kakanin. It is said that there are at least 13 varieties of kakanin in town. Thus, an “abibingkahan” can be found in the public market where kakanin are being sold.

The tour was never complete without a visit to some religious sites like the main town church of Saint Francis Xavier Church and Lumang Simbahan where pilgrims and devotees from far and nearby towns come to visit every Friday to offer prayers to the Black Nazarene. Nevertheless, the influence of the Catholic Church in Nasugbu has been dominant in their culture and townspeople’s religious faith.

Saint Francis Xavier Church Nasugbu. Courtesy: Nasugbu Tourism Office

 The group ended the tour with a relaxing Barako foot bliss at Rain Spa of Pico Sands Hotel. This coffee-infused foot treatment relieves sore feet and frees up one’s thoughts. Coffee’s calming and anti-oxidant qualities are employed to relieve stress and tension as well as improve circulation, restoring the body’s natural balance.

In Nasugbu, you can definitely explore more tourist attractions, and deserving of another visit. This time, plan to stay longer in your next getaway with your loved ones.

By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo

(Based on the article published in Experience Travel and Living magazine by the same author. The media tour was organized by the Department of Tourism some years back.)

 #throwbacktravel #nasugbu #batangas #philippines #tour #attractions #tourism #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Staying Connected With Former High School Classmates

Encountering our former classmates and reminiscing about old memories can enhance our understanding, strengthen our connections, and foster mutual respect.

 

In a time when face-to-face interaction is limited, there’s an incredible chance to cultivate and strengthen our connections in new and creative ways. There’s no better opportunity than now to stay connected, even when we can’t be together in person.

From the top, left: Maricar Schlossberger, Janeth Arce-de Guia, Jude Paul Reyes Uy, Michelle Lopez, and Cathy Robles-Buyayo.

On April 30, 2020, we were supposed to celebrate the 30th, or Pearl Anniversary, of our high school batch in Manila. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of dwelling on the difficulties of the situation, we decided to use this time to reconnect with our high school classmates, especially those from our section (MMMHS Batch 1990, IV-1), whom we hadn’t seen or communicated with in years.

Not all of us are fortunate enough to have our former classmates reside in one area. With distance from each other, responsibilities at home and work, and other factors separating us, it’s often difficult to gather together as a group.

So what should one do?

Firstly, a Facebook group was created by one of our classmates. It is where we can come to talk about our experiences (be it family matter, work, health, parenting, and high school memories) for other members to read, and comment on. By connecting virtually, members can still interact with one another and share stories from the convenience of their home or office.

Everyone is happy to know that the most active members in our FB group are doing well in their respective careers and family life. We have dedicated and hardworking front liners, Jude Paul Reyes Uy, a nurse in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Ireland; Janeth Arce-de Guia, California-based nurse; and Maricar  Schlossberger, Indiana-based nurse;

Meanwhile, Michelle Lopez works in a finance company in Hong Kong;  Rowena Acohon-Elias, works as an engineer in Colorado; Cathy Robles-Buyayo, works in Marriott Hotel in Vancouver Canada;  husband and wife, Glenn and Shirley Viduya and family are based in Kansas; Cris Celis-Dargani and family are based in California;  Mari-Karr Cruto-Policar and family are based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Julian Cabrera and family are based in Maryland;

Former classmates who are based in Manila have been lucky also with their chosen fields of expertise: Joy Sigua is connected in a pharmaceutical company; Mariebelle Palma works as an audit specialist in a government firm; Ronald “Tenten” Rodriguez engages in talent management and salon business; Jeffrey Badion works in a retail company; Edwin Escanillas is a licensed financial advisor; John Enconado is now a successful ophthalmologist; Aldwin Bonavente specializes in electrical and auxiliary works, and Regina Hernandez works for a BPO industry.

There are some full-fledged educators in our batch, like Dr. Eriberto Astorga; as well as Rodolfo Bombon, who is into teaching; Josie Carangan Martinez works in the government under education sector, and Ferdinand Ocampo is a public school teacher in Manila. They are just some of the former classmates this writer has able to touch-based on FB. I hope to hear from others next time.

Virtual reunions can be eye-opening, because, generally, we develop wisdom and maturity as we age. “Encountering our former classmates and recalling old memories, good and bad may help us gain better insight into who we are now and how we got here,” according to Psychology Today. It may not only reveal information about us and how we have changed, but also similar information about our friends. Discussing and knowing this can lead to greater intimacy and respect for one another.

Indeed, this virtual reunion has lessened the burden of being in a trying situation like the COVID-19 pandemic. As a motivational speaker and author Rober Glazer said, “Many of us are coping with this crisis by looking for silver linings that can help us endure this challenge and improve our lives when it has passed. Everyone we know is suddenly available, often for the first and perhaps the only time in our lives. This has led to an extraordinary amount of online reunions where groups of people haven’t connected in years can catch-up without a specific agenda.”

Revisiting old memories and reconnecting with classmates and friends can be a wonderful experience, a chance to reflect on shared moments together. Renewing these friendships and reliving the fun and emotions we experienced in high school are two of the most common reasons people choose to participate in a virtual reunion, especially in today’s digital age dominated by social media.

By: Ruby Asoy-Lebajo

 

#virtualreunion #highschool #classmates #friends #socialdistancing #covid19pandemic #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Legoland Malaysia Resort Theme Park

Every day is a family fun day at LEGOLAND Theme Park, designed to create an environment for families and children of all ages to enjoy and enhance their creativity.

It has plenty of awesome adventures, starting from The Beginning, LEGO City 4D Movie-Officer in Pursuit, LEGO Kingdoms, Imagination, LEGO Technic, Land of Adventure, LEGO City, The Great LEGO Race, LEGO Ninjago The Ride & Live Show, and the miniature world of MINILAND, the largest that has been built for a park. Asia’s most famous countries, cities, and landmarks have created a scale of 1:20, using more than 30 million LEGO bricks. Isn’t it amazing?

Plan your dream holidays to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort with your family soon!

Like and follow its FB Page Legoland Malaysia @ LEGOLAND.my. Check its website – http://www.LEGOLAND.my.

Video by Beatrice Lebajo and Precious Ruby using MAC mini iPad

#legolandmalaysiaresort #legolandthemepark #malaysia #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Distinctively bai

bai Hotel Cebu is the biggest hotel in Visayas and Mindanao to date and also a culinary destination. The hotel changed the business landscape of both the city and the province when it opened.

Cafe bai carving station

As a first-time guest in bai hotel Cebu, one can easily feel the ambiance of “modern luxury and spaciousness.” Indeed, the biggest hotel in Visayas and Mindanao to date but also a culinary destination having 8 dining options including a fine-dining restaurant. Some of these are Café bai, Marble + Grain Steakhouse, and Ume Japanese Cuisine which are all part of the top 10 restaurants in Mandaue City. The Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar on the 23rd floor gives you a 360-degree view of the cities of Mandaue, Cebu, and Lapu-Lapu.

Alfred M. Reyes, General Manager and Vice President of Operations at bai Hotel Cebu.

“We are also proud to say that we have an advanced security system to ensure the safety of our guests and associates,” shared Alfred M. Reyes, General Manager and Vice President of Operations at bai Hotel Cebu.  Upon entering the hotel, guests walk through metal detectors while their baggage goes through the X-ray inspection machine. “Our glass windows are also coated with anti-blast films for additional protection. We also have a seismic accelerograph that detects early signs of an earthquake and a fire detection alarm system that is very sensitive and accurate.”

The hotel is mostly composed of glass walls to showcase the city and the harbor. It is the first property in Cebu that is environmentally sustainable by using low-emission glass windows that shield the interiors from about 30 percent of UV heat, thus saving electricity by lessening the use of automatic air conditioning units. With this concept, the hotel supports sustainable nature-based tourism.

bai Hotel Cebu is meant for business travelers who look forward to doing business in Cebu and leisure travelers who intend to visit Cebu and its neighboring islands. It is near the Mactan Cebu International Airport which is 25 minutes away, and the Domestic Port of Cebu which is 10 minutes away.

The hotel also has plenty of recreational facilities: a fitness center with a sauna, an infinity outdoor lap pool, and kiddie pool, and an in-house spa – The Spa at Cebu by RSpa. Serviced offices are also located on the 5th floor of the hotel catering to businesses that are looking to lease office space in a prominent location in Cebu.

More choices for travelers

Executive one bedroom

Reyes said that bai Hotel Cebu changed the business landscape of both the city and the province when it opened. “Our 668 rooms, 12 event venues, and 8 dining outlets added more choices to travelers who come either for business, leisure, or both. Because of this additional inventory, Cebu is now able to accept larger demands of tourists—Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and others—as well as large-scale meetings, conferences, and events.

Being a culinary destination, it offers guests delectable choices. At Ume Japanese Cuisine, ala carte meals are specially prepared by its Japanese Chef. The Marble + Grain Steakhouse is its very own fine-dining restaurant, where they serve prime USDA steak. For those who would love to talk, meet with friends and pick up where they left off, they have a self-serving coffee outlet—Wallstreet Coffee + Bar. The all-day dining restaurant, Café bai serves eastern to western specialties and is the #1 restaurant in Mandaue today.

Infinity lap pool (night)

Aside from sponsorships, collaborations, social media, and tri-media advertising, they have a membership program, the bai Platinum Membership. Members get exclusive perks and privileges such as huge discounts on their food and beverage outlets as well as two (2) complimentary overnight stays at bai Hotel Cebu and a cash voucher on selected outlets. Members are also entitled to exclusive promos at bai Hotel Cebu and discounts on their partner establishments they could avail of year-round.

Customer First

 Reyes’ work motto is “customer first – I always remind my associates about that,” he related. “I am very hands-on. I walk around the hotel regularly, do ocular inspections. I dine in our outlets to check the quality of our food. I talk directly to guests to ask about their stay. I do not usually stay inside my office. I just go there when I need to sign documents.”

The hardworking GM has been in the industry for more than 30 years. He graduated from the University of San Jose – Recoletos and had two certificates for finishing General Management Programs from Cornell University. He worked in various properties locally and abroad. His most remarkable achievement so far in his career is being the first Filipino to open a 668-room hotel in the Philippines.

“We strive to improve every day by monitoring all online reviews published on the internet and taking necessary actions for those that need our attention,” explained Reyes on how they stay current in terms of hotel reputation management. “We keep good comments and reviews as compliments. We practice transparency within the team by having our general assembly every month. In these events, we update our associates about the hotel’s current standing and discuss different situations as well as strategies. We are very thankful that we are gaining popularity and getting positive reviews and recommendations even though we are just in the first year of our operations.”

View from Twilight Roofdeck Lounge and Bar
Twilight (interior)

Managing a huge property while understanding the millennial workforce plus the evolution of digital platforms and the rising demand of travelers make his day exciting and challenging. Cebu is becoming the next M.I.C.E. destination in Southeast Asia. Hotels and properties are taking advantage of this. “This is an opportunity and I am very excited and positive about it. This positioning of Cebu challenges me to be more creative in finding ways to entice clients and continuously learn and improve in my job. Working in the hospitality industry with passion gives you the drive to manage a property like bai Hotel Cebu,” Reyes quipped.

bai Hotel Cebu envisions itself to be the most preferred world-class Filipino hotel. To achieve this, Reyes and his associates continuously work together on making bai Hotel Cebu the number 1 hotel in Mandaue City. In the long run, it aims to expand within Visayas and Mindanao with even bigger properties in terms of space and rooms, and more amenities and facilities than the present.

bai Hotel Cebu is distinctively one which stands by its own magnificence.

#baiexperience #baihotelcebu #cebu #hospitality #philippines #worldhotels