PHILIPPINES : Experience Albay

Our country, Philippines has so many beautiful provinces we could visit too.  Albay is one province with many hidden and known beauties, it bears beauty that is pure, basic and grand.  Albay has a certain charm that will sweep you off your feet and bring you to the time that was or give you a majestic feeling that is simply indescribable.  With fifteen  15 municipalities and three 3 cities, Albay bears so many things to see and experience. 

Governor Al Francis Bichara was a gracious host as he welcomed us to his place. Hospitality reflected on the people, from the people  and this was reflected by the people of the various local government units (Dept of Tourism and Dept of Agriculture) and that of Human Explore Travel and Tours.  The tour given to us was both informative and time worthy.  Tiring as it may be BUT truly worth every moment. Our gratitude to Ms. Dorothy Colle and her people from the Department of Tourism Provincial Division Region V – Albay, Ms. Che Rebeta of the Provincial Agriculture Department and Ms. Farah Sobremisana – owner partner of Pepperland Hotel.  They truly made our visit such a wonder thru their efforts and time generosity.

Albay is filled with old churches, old craft making, worthy places to go to, old houses, natural beauties and beautiful festivities.  With magnificent places around the majestic Mayon Volcano, if you do a whole 360 tour like the one we did ours, one would get to see this natural wonder in all its beauty.  Try to learn also the story behind this famous volcano and and unconver the Daragang Magayon mystery.

From the ruins of Cagsawa (with a average guest of 150pax per day) to the churches in Camalig, Ligao, Sto. Domingo and Daraga, to the calm Sumlang Lake and the historic Japanese caves in Quituinan Hills, to the traditional way of metal smiting in Tabaco, farms and various beautiful parks and landmarks all over Albay, you will never have a dull moment when you decide to do a full exploration of the province.  It is also filled of noteworthy food places that you could and should try out (story and review in another write-up).  Albay also has spring resorts with water source coming from near the volcano or underneath the ground making it cool or even cold depending on the time of the year – such resort is D’ Hacienda Spring and Nature Resort in Guinobatan, Albay.

For active people, I would highly recommend for you to try out the Japanese tunnels/caves in Quituinan Hills.  The trek is not that stressful but the crawling (should you be adventurous enough) is like having an archeological dig.  For historical buffs, try seeing the various churches of the different municipalities and compare notes in terms of its style and story behind it.  Should you wish to see various craftsmanship of the place, go to Sumlang Lake to see the woven beauties of Albay, the metal smiting of Tabaco, pottery shops in Tiwi and pili delicacy making in Legazpi.  Don’t forget to visit the various farms in the province that show the resiliency of the people as reflected in their farms – some of them are IG worthy too.

 

Experience Albay and, you get to see this natural beauty in all its grandeur.  With clouds or without, Mayon will surely captivate you may it be morning, noon, mid afternoon or sunset.  With its romantic yet tragic story behind this beauty, you will definitely want to be welcomed by it every time you are in the said province.

Albay is truly beautiful! The people reflect their place and the place live through its people.

 

 

Kickstart Your Summer with Asiatravel.com's Travel Expo 2017 at Century City Mall

 

 

 

It’s summer once again and celebrities have brought the heat to different social mediums by posting photos, videos and blogs of their travel adventures.  You have even liked or shared these posts.  Your buddies may have even tagged you on some with a hashtag #hanggangdrawinglang (pertaining to planned trips that never happen)

 Maybe it’s high time you and your buddies stop tagging each other and start planning your own “barkada” adventure.  How about taking the kids to a vacation for some family bonding?  Some soul searching perhaps?  How’s your bucket list going so far?

 On March 31 to April 2, 2017 Asiatravel.com in partnership with Citibank will hold its Travel Expo 2017 at the 4th Level Activity Area of Century City Mall from 10am to 8pm.
“Asiatravel.com is Asia’s leading online travel company that understands travellers’ needs, from hotel bookings, affordable flights, attractions to BLeisure (Business+Leisure) packages.”
 

Don’t waste the summer sun inside the four corners of your room scrolling and searching for airline tickets, booking hotel accommodations, tour packages ending up paying more. Asiatravel.com’s Travel Expo 2017 has got your back, bringing over sale packages of up to 75% off on bookings for international and domestic travel packages.  All you need to do is pack up your suitcase and file that vacation leave!       

Oh and by the way, for every Php 2,000 single and/or accumulated spend in any Century City Mall establishments on March 27-April 2, shoppers will get to receive Php 1,000 worth of AsiaTravel vouchers that can be used during the AsiaTravel Travel Fair on March 31-April 2.

 

   

Hotel Jen Manila Launches Windows by the Bay

Hotel Jen Manila is delighted to announce the launch of Windows By The Bay, which brings yet another relaxing venue to the hotel. Located on the 19^th floor, this chill-out lounge offers breathtaking night views of Manila Bay and Roxas Boulevard, making it the best observation post in Bay area. Opens at 730 pm.

Guest experience starts when the concierge tam valet-parks the guest’s car and lounge representatives escort them to express lift.  They will be warmly welcomed by a welcome complimentary platter which may paired with some wines Carefully selected from around the world for pleasure.  Those who prefer cocktails are still covered.  They can just let the bartender know the drink that can complete their night.

There's a corner for two if you want some serious, intimate conversation and moments with someone..,provided with candle light.

Entertainment will also be available every Thursday. A guitarist playing classic acoustic songs will definitely soothe the guests’ soul with its music and they will eventually find themselves experiencing “That Jen Feeling.”

All they have to do is to sit back, have some wine, mingle over some signature platters and enjoy the view, a super simple formula that will give diners that showcase, the beauty of past and the thrill of the future.

The hotel prides itself in having just around the corner some of Philippines’ famous landmarks, where Filipino bravery and heroism were witnessed, such as Rizal Shrine, Intramuros, the only city of Fort Santiago and, at the heart of these places, Manila Cathedral, a basilica dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of the Philippines reflecting how Filipinos value their religion as Roman Catholics.

Hotel Jen Manila continues to cater the next ‘Jeneration’ travelerwith its easy fuss-free efficiency suppoted by a cutting-edge technology throughout the hotel, fast free WIFI available everywhere, always, mobile charging stations placed conveniently throughout the hotel to keep their devices on the go and the newly renovated Coffee.com operating 24 hours.

This place is also family friendly. There is a corner where kids or kids at heart can watch on the big screen staying on the comfy sofa around. You can use the binoculars found on the center table to give you a farther sight od the views by the window. This a a cool place hang out with family and friends if you happened to stay here at Jen Hotel. Also a walking distance to SM and Harizon Plaza Mall. 

OUR BAGUIO CITY 2015

More than a year now since the first time we traveled to City of Pines as Ang Family. And to be honest, this is just my second time to visit Baguio.  My first time there was for a YMCA Students Conference back in high school, to represent our school. That was a real long time ago. I noticed, a lot has changed here....

My daughter had a wonderful experience in this cold place...She got to try strawberry picking, and she can't forget about it. She wish to stay there for more days, but we only went there for my half day work to facilitate team building.

STRAWBERRY PICKING

ABI'S STROLLING TIME

The ANG Family

Now that our daughter's no longer a toddler, we can now travel more often than before. No more baby stuff to carry and less worries if our baby can adapt to places we go. Read more of our future family adventures as we travel around...more photoblogs in the future!

Biggest luxury travel deals up for grabs at Asia Premium Travel Mart

The Asia Premium Travel Mart (APTM), an exhibit of luxury travel suppliers, will be holding the year’s biggest discounts on airline tickets, hotels and resort accommodations, and tour packages on June 23 from 10AM to 9PM at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The APTM will bring together travel and tour business operators as well as hotel and airline companies for a one-day sale at the end of a three-day exhibit that will begin on June 21. “The first two days of the exhibit is open for business-to-business transactions only. We have invited travel operators abroad to meet with their local counterparts here. The third day, however, will be open to the public. There will be no entrance fees for those coming to find great deals,” said Fe Abling – Yu, president of the APTM.

APTM President Fe Abling – Yu explains reveals the public can expect discounts from exhibitors like the Philippine Airlines, Sofitel Luxury Hotels, The Peninsula and Makati Diamond Residences, among others.

APTM Spokesperson Edwin L. Villanueva presents a background of the group and the state of luxury market in the country.

Abling – Yu further cited Sofitel’s known packages for lunch / dinner buffet deals on Spiral and Philippine Airlines’ discounts on both domestic and international tickets.  Other participating travel companies include Turkish Airlines, The Peninsula Manila, Makati Diamond Residences, Hotel Nobu, City of Dreams, Manila Diamond Hotel, Henann Group, Shangri-la Hotel, Crimson Hotel, Bellevue Hotel, Lind Hotel, Boracay Tropics, and Hotel Celeste, among others.

APTM 2015

 Exhibit at the SMX in Pasay City

The APTM is a project of S8 Exhibition Inc. in coordination with the Tourism Promotions Board of the Department of Tourism. 

SINGAPORE AIRLINES CELEBRATES ITS 50TH YEAR IN THE PHILIPPINES WITH NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, GREAT FARES AND EXCLUSIVE PERKS

28 January 2016, Makati City, Philippines - Singapore Airlines (SIA) is kicking off a year-long celebration of its 50^th anniversary in the Philippines with a series of exciting announcements for 2016.

§  New services to Canberra, Wellington and Dusseldorf

§  Expanded connectivity to Europe and Southwest Pacific through joint ventures

§  New A350 aircraft fitted with the newest generation of cabin products

§  New Premium Economy Class product launched on more routes

§  Largest travel sale with great all-in fares, exclusive perks and the first ever Premium Economy Class product showcase in the Philippines

“Turning 50 in the Philippines is a huge milestone for us at Singapore Airlines, and what better way to kick-off the festivities than with new products and services as well as the largest travel sale for our Filipino customers,” said Carol Ong, General Manager, Singapore Airlines.

“Over the years, we continuously innovate our products and services, and also seek strategic tie-ups to deliver the best premium air travel experience to our passengers. This year, we want to say a big thank you to all our customers with great deals, even better products and a much expanded network,” Ong added.

EXPANDED NETWORK

New destinations unlocked: Düsseldorf, Canberra and Wellington

The German City, Düsseldorf will be the newest destinations in the SIA network starting 21 July 2016. Flights will be operated three times per week from Singapore with the all-new Airbus A350-900 fitted with Singapore Airlines’ latest cabin products.

SIA will also be commencing services to both Canberra, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand with the launch of a new ‘Capital Express’ route. With the new service, the Airline will be able to bring international flights to Canberra, and link Canberra with Wellington for the very first time.  The flights will be operated four times per week from 20 September 2016 on a Singapore-Canberra-Wellington routing, making SIA the first airline with flights between Canberra and Wellington. Now there are more convenient travel options for Filipinos with Canberra’s first regularly scheduled international flights and the first non-stop links between the capitals of Australia and New Zealand.

Expanded Connectivity to Europe and Southwest Pacific through Joint Ventures

SIA and Lufthansa have signed a wide-ranging partnership agreement that will see the two airline groups operating key routes between Singapore and Europe on a joint-venture basis, in addition to significantly expanding codeshare ties and deepening commercial co-operation. The two airline groups also intend to co-operate in key markets in Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia, co-ordinating schedules to provide customers more convenient connections between route networks.  The expanded codeshare ties will provide SIA customers with convenient access to and from points in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, via the transfer hubs of Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich, with more than 20 new codeshare routes.

In addition, SIA customers can enjoy increased capacity and additional frequencies to New Zealand through Singapore with the Airline’s alliance with Air New Zealand. Both carriers operate one return service each per day on the Singapore-Auckland route and Singapore Airlines operate a daily return service between Singapore and Christchurch. Customers now also have access to a further 40 destinations in the Air New Zealand network, making travel to and within New Zealand much easier.

New SIA A350-900 Aircraft

SIA is taking delivery of its new-generation Airbus A350 aircraft this year, with services expected to begin by April 2016. The Airline has 63 A350-900s on firm order and will be making Amsterdam its inaugural destination for this aircraft type. Come 2018, the Airline is also expected to take delivery of the A350 ultra long range aircraft and resume its non-stop service between Singapore and the United States.

REWARDING CUSTOMERS WITH THE LARGEST TRAVEL SALE: MORE THAN 50 GREAT FARES

SIA KrisFlyer members, BPI credit cardholders, Globe Platinum customers as well as Glorietta and Ayala Center Cebu shoppers are in for a treat as SIA offers all-inclusive round trip promotional fares starting from just USD 150, with an option of Real 0% interest for up to 6 months under BPI Special Installment Plan. Promotional sale is valid for purchase from 1 to 29 February 2016, and for travel until 31 December 2016. Travel is valid out of Manila on Singapore Airlines and out of Cebu, Davao and Kalibo on SilkAir.

Economy Class Fares

All-in Economy Class fares to Singapore are available from just USD 150 and to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong from USD 200. Other Asian countries within reach are Japan and Korea from USD 400. Economy Class Fares to Australia can be availed for as low as USD 600 and to Europe at USD 880. And from only USD 950, passengers can already travel to New Zealand and the United States.

Premium Economy Class Fares

Travelers can get a taste of SIA’s latest cabin product with special Premium Economy Class rates to Delhi and Mumbai from USD 1,200, Sydney from USD 1,350, Auckland from USD 1,800 and Europe and US from USD 1,850.

Business Class Fares

Enjoy Singapore Airlines Business Class service on your flight to Singapore starting from just USD 800. Other Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia are within your reach starting from just USD 850, and Myanmar from just USD 950.

Visit the world-class city of Dubai or the beautiful beaches of Maldives from only USD 1,800. Promo fares for Business Class passengers to Australia start at USD 2,000 while to India from USD 2,200 and South Africa from USD 3,000. If the New Zealand Alps and European cultures excite you, these are yours to marvel at for only USD 3,000. Customers can also pack their bags for a trip to the US with an all-in roundtrip ticket for low as USD 3,500.

DELIGHT IN THESE EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATORY PERKS

Real 0% Special Installment Plan and USD 50 Cash Back

On top of the great promotional fares, SIA customers can also enjoy special treats from the Airline’s partners. Customers can avail of Real 0% Up to 6 months Installment Plan on BPI Credit Card and also receive USD 50 cash back for every purchase of two tickets beyond Singapore of the same itinerary valid for travel from February to December 2016, or four tickets to Singapore of the same itinerary valid for travel from 01 April to 30 June and 1-31 December 2016.

Free 1-night Hotel Stay in Singapore or Free Admission to over 20 attractions

Customers who purchase the aforementioned promotional tickets will have the option of redeeming a complimentary SIA Singapore Explorer Pass or SIA Singapore Stopover Holiday package, subject to terms and conditions. The SIA Singapore Explorer Pass provides travelers access to over 20 different attractions, including Gardens by the Bay, Madame Tussauds, Singapore Cable Car, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer and free rides on the SIA Hop on Bus. The Singapore Stopover Holiday package, redeemable by passengers with beyond-Singapore itineraries, includes 1-night hotel accommodation, return airport transfers and admission to popular attractions.

Free SGD 20 Changi Dollar Voucher

Customers traveling beyond Singapore can redeem a complimentary SGD 20 Changi Dollar Voucher which can be used with no minimum purchase at participating shops, restaurants and lounge at the Singapore Changi Airport.

Generous baggage allowances

The all-in exceptional value fares come with 30kg baggage allowance for Economy, 35kg for Premium Economy and 40kg for Business Class. Passengers will also get to enjoy delectable inflight meals from Singapore Airlines’ renowned World Gourmet Cuisine and keep themselves entertained with the airline’s award-winning KrisWorld inflight entertainment system.  

BOOKING YOUR TICKETS

To book, visit Singapore Airlines Ticket Office, call SIA Manila Reservations at 756-8888, SilkAir Cebu at 6332-505-7871, SilkAir Davao at 6382-227-5301, SilkAir Kalibo at 6336-500-7226, or contact any participating travel agent from 1 to 29 February 2016. For details, visit singaporeair.com

Visit SIA Manila Ticket Office, SilkAir Cebu, Davao or Kalibo Ticket Offices to enjoy up to 6 months Real 0% interest Special Installment plan on your BPI Credit Card when you make your bookings.

SIA Showcase and Travel Fair, 19-21 February 2016

Happening for the third year in a row, this three-day event puts the spotlight on SIA’s key developments and offerings for the Filipino market. For the first time ever, the Airline is bringing in its all new Premium Economy Class seats into the Philippines for the public to personally experience the product for themselves. Members of the public can also enjoy a special heritage walkthrough of SIA’s 50 years in the Philippines and have their kids be a SIA girl or captain for photos. All the above promotional fares and celebratory perks will also be available at this travel fair. SIA’s sister carrier will also be celebrating SIA’s 50^th Anniversary through their own travel fair in Cebu at Ayala Center Cebu from 19 – 21 February 2016.

Become a KrisFlyer member now for free

Sign up today on krisflyer.com to start earning miles for your next holiday.

Members can earn KrisFlyer miles when they fly on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir or any of SIA or SilkAir’s airline partners, which include airlines in the Star Alliance network. Wherever the members go, they can enjoy special promotions and earn miles when they stay, charge, call, book, drive or shop with SIA’s extensive network of over 170 global non-airline partners.

KrisFlyer miles can be redeemed for award flights to more than 1,000 destinations in over 170 countries as well as upgrades on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and our world-class airline partners.