Quick Bytes..

a cruise for our honeymoon?

Getting married is exciting, but having our honeymoon in a far-off place got me excited even more!! Hehe! =) We plan to honeymoon in Coron, Busuanga Island, Palawan before the Boracay developers invade the area. Already, these "bad guys" are buying up white-sand islands left and right to develop it into unaffordable resorts. Sigh! Future hubby and I initially wanted a honeymoon cruise (Mediterranean cruises were our dream!) but we thought that if we forego Coron, the next time we'll be there, it's natural vibe will be ruined by the resortsy atmosphere. Guess we'll do cruises next time!

wazzup guys?? =)

I’m back!!! In case you’re wondering where I’ve been, let’s just say I toured Visayas down to Mindanao in 9 days. Air, sea and lots of land travel were involved. Thank god, Papa was the one driving, hehe! You can view my latest travel escapade HERE. And before I forget, gotta finish all my online tasks (more dollars, yey!) including in the one about tsa locks. That’s a type of luggage lock that I sorely need to secure my bags while traveling.

high-class drug rehab

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Looks beautiful and relaxing huh? That’s in Malibu baby! But that ain’t a resort or a luxury hotel. Would you believe that it’s a drug rehabilitation center?? Yes, boys and girls, that’s a rehab center named Sunset Malibu. The center consists of a residential drug and alcohol rehab hubs, and an extended care facility for adults suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, depression, and other co-occurring disorders. Along with these, patients are also given gourmet meals, laundry service, transportation, scheduling of appointments, Internet access and special requests (where appropriate). Wow! A rehab center that sounds more and more like a hotel, lol! Me thinks Lindsay Lohan and other celebrities with addiction stay in drug treatment centers like these. Admitting yourself in a place as beautiful as this is definitely conducive to the healing process. So, if ever you’re looking for a drug treatment center in Malibu, look no farther – Sunset Malibu has everything you need and more!

travel health insurance

My father travels frequently all over the Philippines as part of his job. Sometime he does out of the country trips. With his frequent traveling, I sometimes wonder if his company got him a travel health insurance policy. After all, the company’s the one sending him on trips. Traveling is not really that risky but what if you get ill abroad? How would you find a doctor? Where would you find appropriate healthcare facility? Where would you seek advice? Did you know that HMO's, PPO's and Medicare typically do not cover you abroad? These are just a few reasons why you need a travel health insurance. If you’re a frequent traveler, you better ask your favorite insurance agent about it!

lake for sale!

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Wanna own this gorgeous piece of Georgia land for sale? Yes, lake included! This property is named "Juliette Mill Lake" and is located in Jasper County, Georgia. There is over 1 mile of frontage on the beautiful Ocmulgee River and Juliette Mill Lake in this property. You want quiet and solitude? You'll have it here! You want meadows, fields and mature native forest? It's all here! If you're interested, check out LandFlip.com -- they are showing this property by appointment only.

Cancun!

Ever dreamt of taking All Inclusive Cancun Vacation? There’s only one word that should center your vacation planning – Karisma! In Greek, it means “divine favor”; in Mexican, I do not know. Lol! Anyway, Karisma Hotels is a collection of gorgeous resorts on secluded white-sand beaches on the Mexican Riviera Maya.
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Each Karisma resort has its own amazing specialty with the level of service that makes a vacation truly relaxing. There’s luxurious accommodations with nonstop entertainment and world-class limousine service that responds to each travelers’ requests. The resort chain has also this Gourmet-Inclusive concept, designed especially for food lovers. As for amenities, there are beach beds with retractable curtains for moments of intimate ocean viewing, and the dedicated Beach Butlers that will be at your beck and call while you relax on a private stretch of sand. Exquisite! So if you have money to spare and in need of luxurious pampering, go check out Karisma now. You won’t regret it! =)

Hotel Reservations!

The greatest thing in this website is that it offers more than hotel reservations despite their site’s name. They offer packages with airplane flights, car rentals, even tours! How cool is that?? Though you could also choose the combination you want while searching for deals, i.e. flights and tours only or car rental and resort only, etc. I tried the site and compared the prices they quoted for my searches against other travel sites, and boy, were they competitive! Most price quotes were cheaper, some were at par with the other sites. But Hotel Reservations doesn’t stop there, they also offer discounts on top of their cheap prices. And that applies to worldwide destinations. Yes my dears, this site is not limited to the US or Europe, but all over the world! I tell you, this site is really great. But why continue reading here when you can check out the site and see for yourself? Go and try their travel searches, you might be tempted to travel with their cheap prices! =) And the next time you want hotel discounts, or more than that, use their website first for better deals k?
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VEGAS!!!

I recently watched a documentary about Las Vegas in Discovery channel. It was an eye-opener for me! Did you know that the Vegas Strip (see below) has the most number of hotel rooms per square area anywhere in the world? And it's the only place in the world you'd see the Eiffel Tower with a pirate ship, a volcano and a beautiful fountain nearby. As the people in the desert state of Nevada say, it's only in Vegas baby! =) But despite the high number of expensive hotels in the Strip, there are affordable and cheap hotel Las Vegas. So if you're raring to visit Vegas, don't hesitate! It won't leave holes in your pocket, unless you're a heavy gambler. Hehe!
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camping thoughts..

With all the free time I have in my hands now (though a bit busy coz of the Christmas season), I can’t help but think of the things I want to do. Foremost in my mind is to go camping! I miss my elementary and high school days when we go camping in school grounds, hehe! My best camping experience however was when we climbed Mt. Apo in 1998. We brought preserved food so we don’t have to cook in high altitude. And as part of the camping SOP, we brought lots of safety utility knife, first aid items, materials against cold, etc. Sigh.. If I could climb Mt. Apo again, it would be glorious!

USA baby!

Last week, my boyfriend emailed his aunt in the US of A to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving. She’s working as a head nurse in Manhattan, New York and is doing quite well. His aunt emailed him back and told him to apply for a tourist visa to USA so he could visit her and have a grand time in Big Apple. The problem now is to find cheap flights to USA. My suggestion? To check out the DialAFlight website. DialAFlight is a UK travel company where you can search for flights, hotels & travel ideas worldwide. What sets them apart from other travel agencies is that to book a flight, you need to call and speak with their travel consultants who will ensure that your planned holiday is exactly as you want it. Sounds great! Nothing like a holiday that is perfect from start to finish =) So New York, watch out, my boyfriend’s gonna paint you red! LOL!

want hotel discounts?

Or, as they say in Spanish, descuento en hoteles =) If you are a Spanish-speaking traveler suffering from wanderlust and feels the need to soar and travel around the world, but is afraid of facing the problems associated with booking tickets and hotels rooms in an English speaking website -- fret not coz Hotels.com has a Spanish version already! Isn't that great?? They even have dedicated customer service center (call 800-316-4145) to answer all your queries, in Spanish of course. The new Spanish site has been designed specifically to meet the needs and interests of Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States. Now, you don't have any reason to delay your dream vacation any longer =) Tener un viaje sin problemas!

Key West baby!

If you want to get close to Cuba as you can without leaving US soil, then visiting Key West in Florida is your best bet! This city is known as the Southernmost City in the Continental United States. Cuba, at its closest point is only 94 statute (82 nautical) miles 188°SE! Aside from this distinction, Key West is a seaport destination for many passenger cruise ships. Many visitors rent a bicycle and explore the history and architecture of its Old Town section. Walking tours, including a tour of the unusual Key West Cemetery (pictured below), are available. The Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is a daily spectacle for visitors and residents. Boat excursions and tours provide a great way to view Key West from the water.
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For nature lovers, you can go visit the Key West Botanical Forest and Garden which has excellent frost-free arboretum and botanical garden containing a number of "champion tree" specimens. Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden, on the other hand, is a one acre garden resembling a lush, predominantly green, rainforest. It is an exhibit of wild nature’s artistry in a woodland garden. There’s also the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory which features a 5,000 square foot (460 m²) glass-domed tropical butterfly habitat. If you want to go on tour in Key West, you can contact Trusted Tours and Attractions -- they offer discounted tickets to the best sightseeing tours in this wonderful Florida city! =)
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Holiday Hypermarket!

Are you suffering from wanderlust? Feeling the need to soar and travel around the world? But afraid of facing the booking problems associated with traveling? Well, we all know how hard it is to book a flight, reserve a hotel, rent a car, etc, etc in a tourist destination. Sure, travel agencies can do these jobs but they charge exorbitant fees for their services. That’s just ok if you’re mega-rich but what about the rest of us? We want decent flights and hotel rooms but at affordable rates. Enter the world wide web. Most backpackers (those who travel on shoestring budget) knew that ONLINE booking for direct holidays will get you the cheapest deals anywhere. But finding legitimate websites that offer these services prove to be daunting to travelers new to booking online. Well guys, fret no more coz Holiday Hypermarket is here! HH is one of the largest travel agencies in Europe, and they offer millions of package holiday bargains, last minute deals, cheap flights and all inclusive holidays to destinations all over the world. Check them out for your next travel! =)

family holiday pictures!

As promised, here are some of our family photos from our Boracay vacation. Kudos to my mother who was constantly on the phone to find the gem among the many vacation packages that Boracay resorts offer. Anyway, I really enjoyed our family holiday especially since we wanted to go to Boracay for the longest time but our schedules (work and school) didn’t match until now. Our next vacation? Hopefully outside the country! Hehe! We did Hongkong when it had no Disneyland yet, and my parents have been to Malaysia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries already. So, is it time we go for an American or European holiday?? Hehe! *cross fingers* I’m sure there are a lot of cheap vacation packages online (like the ones offered by Club Med) that we can afford. Scroll down for our pictures and more info about Club Med.
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Me, Mama and Papa in Crystal Cove Island (private island)
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The middle child (we are 3 in all and I'm the eldest) enjoying the buffet.
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The youngest sibling / wannabe photog at Tambisaan Island.
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Me in White Beach, just in front of our hotel, La Carmela de Boracay.
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SOLITUDE and grey skies morning...
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Club Med vacation resorts are found all over the world, in every type of climate and geography. Packages are available for singles, for couples and for families, so no matter what your 'relationship status' is, Club Med has a unique, once-in-a-lifetime vacation waiting for you. Their all-inclusive vacation packages really means "all-inclusive", you won't have to pay for anything else. You won't need your wallet (there's no tipping, hehe) in their resorts unless your gonna go shopping ;-P

Manila Bay Sunset

Finally I'm able to witness the world-famous Manila Bay sunset! The SM Mall of Asia offers a great view of the spectacular sunset that had many admirers even from foreign countries. In fact, when I took this photo, there were several foreigners also taking pictures. Sweet! One thing I can say, I'm proud to be Pinoy!

need to transport your car?

Then the National Car Shipping company might be able to help you! The company has over 20 years of experience in the auto transport business so you can be sure your car will be in safe hands, even if you’re shipping it to cold Alaska or far-away Hawaii. This is their guarantee: “we deliver your car to its shipping destination in perfect condition”, sounds great to me! Also the National Car Shipping company doesn’t only transport personal cars. They are big time baby! They do dealerships, military transfers, corporate relocation, and online car auction purchases.
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And that’s not all, the National Car Shipping company also does international car shipping! Yup, they can ship your vehicle to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and to any destination overseas! And if you’re worried about your classic baby, their specialized auto movers specialists will definitely take care of your classic car, salvaged vehicle, limousine, boat, or motorcycle. If price is your problem (its international car shipping after all), no worries: their quoted car shipping rates are among the lowest in the auto transport industry. To get a free quote, visit their website here or call them at 830-625-1095. Good luck!

Ocean Adventure 1 - Stingrays!

If wanna to experience HongKong's Ocean Park here in the Philippines, go and visit Ocean Adventure in Subic! For only P400, you can watch a sealion show, a dolphin show, and visit their oceanarium (aquarium) from where this video of 3 stingrays (with a cleaner wrasse and cleaner shrimp) is taken from. Me, Ariz & his gf, and Earvin (my 2 pesky brothers) went to Ocean Adventure last November 3, and I tell you, we truly enjoyed every moment of it! Sulit kaayo ang biyahe gikan Makati, hehe! =) Anyway, enjoy and watch out for the next videos!

KARISMA!

Ever dreamt of taking Mexico Vacations? There’s only one word that should center your vacation planning – Karisma! In Greek, it means “divine favor”; in Mexican, I do not know. Lol! Anyway, Karisma Hotels is a collection of gorgeous resorts on secluded white-sand beaches on the Mexican Riviera Maya.
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Each Karisma resort has its own amazing specialty with the level of service that makes a vacation truly relaxing. There’s luxurious accommodations with nonstop entertainment and world-class service that responds to each travelers’ requests. The resort chain has also this Gourmet-Inclusive concept, designed especially for food lovers. As for amenities, there are beach beds with retractable curtains for moments of intimate ocean viewing, and the dedicated Beach Butlers that will be at your beck and call while you relax on a private stretch of sand. Exquisite! So if you have money to spare and in need of luxurious pampering, go check out Karisma now. You won’t regret it! =)

Visitare l'Italia!

I’m very fond of watching travel documentaries and one show that truly stuck me was the one about Italy. Yeah, my title above is in Italian and means “Visit Italy!” Neat huh? Thanks to Google Language tools, lol =) Anyway, in the memorable show, the host traveled to Florence, Italy -– home of the magnificent Duomo Cathedral pictured below (left). Aside from this, Florence is also popular for having Michaelangelo’s David and the Uffizi museum which has one of the largest collections of Renaissance art in the world. Restaurants and Hotel Florence are dime a dozen, and can be seen in every street corner so food and accommodation isn’t a problem =)
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If Florence is known for its rich Renaissance art and structures, Naples is famous coz of its gastronomic delights and Mt. Vesuvius. You know, the mountain that erupted and destroyed Pompeii. As for food, who haven’t heard of Neapolitan pizza?? Hehe! I just bet that pizza is sold in every eatery and Hotel Naples! =) And last, but not the least place to visit in Italy, we have Rome. It is the capital city of Italy and contains the smallest nation of the world, Vatican City (see St. Peter’s Square below). As with all places in Italy, Rome has several wondrous structures built from the past. Its architecture includes styles from Ancient Rome, from Baroque and Renaissance periods, Neoclassicism and Fascist era. Government buildings and even Hotel Rome are architectural marvels!

Bluewaters Resort!

My beach escapade continues! Last week I was in Boracay, then just this Monday I was in our beachside Samal property. And earlier this afternoon, I'm in Bluewaters Resort with Labsie's family and relatives to celebrate multiple birthdays :-) The beach was amazing and as usual, "I swam, dove; kissed and loved the sea.." In this photo, I'm standing by the resort's SEAWATER infinity pool. Gorgeous! The pool, not me. I'm just cute! Hehe!Ü

NY City Pass!!!

Attention New Yorkers and for those who are visiting the Big Apple this coming December 15 to March 15! The New York CityPass Winter Special is already out! What’s a CityPass? It’s a 26-page booklet that contains a ticket to each of the following famous New York attractions: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Empire State Building Observatory and a ticket for a tour of the Manhattan skyline aboard a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. Yes, I know you can get to these places without a CityPass, BUT with it, you get 50% off the combined admission price of those places! Yup, 50% off people! The New York CityPass is just $65 for adults and if you purchase the tickets to the famous places I mentioned, you’d spend $130! But wait, there’s more -- with the CityPass, you can jump lines and avoid queues. The booklet also comes with a map, public transportation information and insider tips for each attraction. Cool huh?

And since it’s the Christmas season already, I think the New York CityPass would make a great gift for a traveler or an NY lover or a history buff. Also, it’s light on your pocket, lol! Quality gift at an affordable price =) The Winter Special runs from December 15 to March 15, and the CityPass owner can use the 6 attraction tickets for the entire 3 months before it expires. Again, it’s $65 for adults and for youths 12-17 years old, it’s just $49. You can view a sample booklet here. Hope you’ll grab one!

Makati

A week ago, I was in Makati with my family. This city is known as our country’s financial capital, and is filled with towering skyscrapers of global companies. Our condo was located in central business district (our neighbors were Citibank and Shell!), and everyday I get to see executives in suits and expensive cars. Every corner I see banks, restaurants, and more business offices. Makati is reeking money and its upper crust citizens definitely have spending power, and that reflects on the items for sale in stores and shopping malls. Can you imagine yourself buying a $24,000 watch? Or maybe an $8,000 bag?? The former is a limited edition Ulysse Nardin watch and the latter is a Louis Vuitton handbag. I can’t comprehend why people buy these expensive items just for collection purposes when they can use their money to help the poor and charities. But then, maybe it’s just me. After all, bragging rights are hot among the elite.

The Strip

I recently watched a documentary about Las Vegas in Discovery channel. It was an eye-opener for me! Did you know that the Vegas Strip (see below) has the most number of hotel rooms per square area anywhere in the world? And it's the only place in the world you'd see the Eiffel Tower with a pirate ship, a volcano and a beautiful fountain nearby. As the people in the desert state of Nevada say, it's only in Vegas baby! =)
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Hola España!

Spain once ruled our country for 400 years and more so we're very familiar with the beautiful Spanish culture. In fact, most of our age-old practices are based on their traditions. Even our old buildings here are inspired by Spanish architecture. There's so much history in this sunny country of Europe, with old churches (pictured below) and old buildings everywhere. Even old hotels in Spain are historic marvels that will leave you speechless with their beauty.
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Madrid is the beautiful capital city of Spain. The photos below are of the Royal Palace (left) and the Puerta Alcala (right). Merchants used the latter as a gateway when they enter Madrid to trade goods a long time ago. I truly love the Spanish architecture, magnifico! Even the hotels in Madrid are tourist attractions by themselves because of their magnificent old-world architecture. There are also plenty of cafés and countless other things to do and see in the capital city of Spain.
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If tropical beaches are more of your type, you can go visit Barcelona. It is the second largest city of Spain and is located on the Mediterranean coast. Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta beaches are the largest, oldest and the most frequented beaches in Barcelona. This city is also a major tourist destination so expect many choices for accommodation. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxurious traveler, there are many hotels in Barcelona that will fit your needs.

   

If tropical beaches are more of your type, you can go visit Barcelona. It is the second largest city of Spain and is located on the Mediterranean coast. Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta beaches are the largest, oldest and the most frequented beaches in Barcelona. This city is also a major tourist destination so expect many choices for accommodation. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxurious traveler, there are many hotels in Barcelona that will fit your needs.

BORA baby!

Do I have a tan already? Lol! This photo was taken in Puca Beach, home of the pretty and round puca shells!Ü The beach is very beautiful here, the waters breathtakingly clear, and the best thing? The sun is shining! Perfect for taking beach photos :-) My mom was out looking for puca shells, my bros were snorkeling and I'm cam whoring. My dad? He's watching all over us, hehe!Ü For more of my unedited Bora photos, go here. Once I get back to Davao, I'll post all our photos. Watch out for it!
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View from Tambisaan Island

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sand, sea and sky in Boracay

ahhh, France..

After UK, Australia, New Zealand and Spain, it's time for FRANCE baby! I'm sure, like everybody else, France is your ultimate romantic dream destination. Who could resist kissing under the magnificent Eiffel Tower? Or spending lovey-dovey time in romantic France hotels? Certainly not I! =) And when in France, do as the French do -- stroll in their pretty parks, drink wonderful wine in their numerous wineries and chalets, or you could go river cruising during sunset. Romantico!
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If you plan staying in Paris, the capital of France, there's no need to worry about your accommodation. There are plenty of affordable yet beautiful Paris hotels. There are plenty of cheap rooms for rent  located near famous landmarks like the Louvre Museum (pictured below at right) and the Moulin Rouge theater (at left). Aside from cultural immersion (via museums and wineries), you can also let out your physical energy via swimming or snorkeling in Nice, France. It's wonderful area blessed with gorgeous coastline and great Mediterranean beach. As with Paris, there are many Nice hotels to choose from so you need not worry about accommodation. Anyway, there are so many things to do in France -- whether you're a lover, a fighter, a foodie, a wine enthusiast, an engineer, a scholar, etc -- there is something for you to enjoy in the world's most romantic country!
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do a place like a local!

Hiya guys! After arriving in Makati, my family proceeded to Boracay and I’m having the time of my life here! Yes, there is internet here (and other fab amenities) but its P50/hr. Imagine that! Lol! Still, gotta update my blog and submit articles to my employers =) My only problem here is my lack of a “local’s knowledge” of where to find the best finds and great places in Boracay. Unlike other magnificent cities like London, Paris, Berlin, etc – Boracay doesn’t have a comprehensive website that tells tourists where to go.
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Earlier, I browsed VisitLondon.com and what do you know! They have a part there that comprises of London locals out to help the tourists visiting their fab city. They share tips on the best London accomodation and pubs with great grubs, tips on where to go about London for some couple time and family time, etc, etc. It was really fun reading the locals’ articles on how to “Do London like a Local” =) I hope Boracay residents will also come up with this. It would really be helpful to n00b tourists like me, lol! By the way, that's Kensington Palace Gardens above. So pretty!

UK adventure continues!

I'm not a fan of Paris Hilton but I'd love to see their family's line of Hilton hotels in London. Wouldn't it be great that your accommodation in London is connected to the notorious hotel heiress?? Just for fun, lol! Who knows, you might even get a glimpse of Paris Hilton herself! But if that’s not your style, there are lots of London accomodation that will suit your discriminating taste. After relaxing, you go tour amazing London sights -- the London Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, etc. And if you had your fill of London already, move to other UK cities like Manchester.
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Manchester is the former home of the uber-hot David Beckham! And in case you don’t know, this is the home base of Oasis, the fantastic British band with sizzling members and cool songs. So, what’s in Manchester aside from hot guys? Great architecture like the Manchester Town Hall below. It is an example of Victorian era Gothic revival architecture. Several Manchester hotels are also made in this architectural style. If you're a historical and architectural buff, you'd surely enjoy touring Manchester. Lots of culture dude!
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Birmingham and Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales, and is located on the south coast of UK. Cardiff was made a city in 1905, and proclaimed capital of Wales in 1955. Cardiff has many landmark buildings including the Millennium Stadium and the Senedd. The city is also famous for Cardiff Castle (photo below), St. David's Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, the Wales Millennium Center, Cathays Park, and numerous quaint Cardiff hotels. Cardiff Castle is a major tourist attraction in the city and is situated in the heart of the city centre. Other sites of interest include the Cardiff Bay Barrage and the famous Coal Exchange. Old hotels in Cardiff are also noted for their Victorian designs.
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Birmingham, on the other hand, is known as the powerhouse of UK during the Industrial Revolution. It was called the “city of a thousand trades” and “the workshop of the world”. But the most surprising fact of Birmingham is that it has canal transportation system! Yup, much like the romantic canals of Venice. Ain’t that great?? You can choose from several Birmingham hotels and stay for awhile in the city as you explore its canals in daytime and its entertainment offerings by night. Or have a romantic night gliding through its Venetian-like canals.. Nice!

Hof Gorei pics!

As promised, here are the pictures from our wonderful mini-holiday in Hof Gorei Resort. Made it into a slideshow so I won’t have any problems uploading the photos. Friendster Blogs is very limiting kasi. Anyway, if you’d like to view one photo at a time, click here. Enjoy! =)

Uptown Saturday Night!

Are you the type who loves to go to old and historic places but wants a dash of modernity? Or maybe you love to soak in Hispanic and African-American culture.. Then Uptown Saturday Night in St. Augustine, Florida is for you! The place has plenty of art galleries, antique stores, and unique shops. And on Uptown Saturday Night, a favorite end-of-the-month event in that area, these shops are open till 9pm! The event takes place from 5pm to 9pm every last Saturday of every month in the Uptown San Marco Shopping District, St. Augustine, Florida.

Events in St. Augustine include book signings, live music and outdoor concerts, refreshments, and you’ll even get the chance to meet the local artists. The best things? FREE parking and FREE admission! And who can resist freebies?? Not I! And I’m sure, not you too, lol! =) For October, the Uptown Saturday Night will celebrate Colonial Folk Arts Festival on the 27th. And on November 24th, it’s the Fall Arts and Crafts Festival. If you’re interested, see the details for the Uptown Saturday Night below. And for more information, you can call 904-824-9357.

Location: Downtown St. Augustine * Directions: Along San Marco Avenue * Hours: 5 to 9 pm * Admission: Free!

Visite la bella Madrid!

That’s Spanish for “Visit beautiful Madrid!” Impressed? Don’t be, I just used Google’s language tools, lol =) I already blogged about Spain but I only featured Barcelona. So this time, I’ll share stuff about Madrid, the beautiful capital city of Spain. The photos below are of the Royal Palace (left) and the Puerta Alcala (right). Merchants used the latter as a gateway when they enter Madrid to trade goods a long time ago. I truly love the Spanish architecture! Magnifico!

   

Madrid is famous for its world-class museums (Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia, etc), amazing historic buildings (as seen above) and fantastic natural wonders. Even the hotels in Madrid are tourist attractions by themselves because of their magnificent old-world architecture. There are also plenty of cafés and countless other things to do and see in the capital city of Spain. For those wanting to visit Madrid, check for hotels updates first. You never know, there might be travel deals and promos. w00t! Below are more maravillosa photos from Madrid. The one at left is Gran Via, and the one at right is Reina Sofia Museum.

   

Malibu!

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Looks beautiful and relaxing huh? That’s in Malibu baby! But that ain’t a resort or a luxury hotel. Would you believe that it’s a drug rehabilitation center?? Yes, boys and girls, that’s a rehab center named Cliffside Malibu. The center consists of a residential drug and alcohol rehab hubs, and an extended care facility for adults suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, depression, and other co-occurring disorders. Cliffside Malibu offers an individualized clinical program for each patient, and the program includes individual therapy, cognitive-behavioral groups, process groups, and a family program. Along with these clinical activities, patients are also given gourmet meals, laundry service, transportation, scheduling of appointments, Internet access and special requests (where appropriate). Wow! A rehab center that sounds more and more like a hotel, lol! Me thinks Lindsay Lohan and other celebrities with addiction stay in rehab centers like these. Admitting yourself in a place as beautiful as this is definitely conducive to the healing process. So, if ever you’re looking for a drug or  alcohol rehab in Malibu, look no farther – Cliffside Malibu has everything you need and more. If you’re interested (or knows someone who might be), give them a call at this number: 1-800-501-1988. God bless and here’s to a future free of drugs and alcohol!

Finally, NZ!

Yup, NZ as in New Zealand! After featuring Australia, France, UK, Spain and countless other places in this blog, it’s high time I talk about New Zealand. You know, the country made famous by Peter Jackson’s uber-popular Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Would you believe that every place you see in the 3 films were shot in NZ? The verdant hills, snowcapped mountains, barren wastelands, lush forest – everything in NZ! w00t! Oh, by the way, this post is dedicated to my friend Sophia who is currently studying in Auckland, NZ. Hi Soph! I got it right this time, lol =) I mentioned Auckland already so let’s start with this beautiful city. Pictured below is Auckland’s famous Sky Tower.
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Auckland is the largest city of New Zealand, but it’s not the capital (Wellington). It is known as the City of Sails coz of the residents’ love for sailing and of all things nautical. In fact, right now there’s a Coastal Classic Yacht Race going on (Oct 19-21). Hundreds of yachts sail through the Waitemata Harbour as they leave Devonport to race towards Russell, Bay of Islands. Aside from sailing, the city also offers tranquil and spectacular nature oases as well as bustling inner city. Auckland accomodation is not a problem coz of the wide variety of rooms available, whether you’re a luxury addict or a backpacker, there’s something out there for you. Cheap hotels in Auckland (or cheap hotels in New Zealand for that matter) are not hard to find if you know where to look =) Currently, Auckland is running a campaign to spend spring break in their beautiful city. Get their SPRING PASS and you’d get loads of cheap deals to their famous attractions. Don’t let it pass!

need airport parking?

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One of the hassles of traveling from one city to another, if you don’t have your own parking space at home, is the need to park your vehicles at the airport. This ultimately saves you taxi fares since your car is just right there waiting for you to arrive. However, you will have to spend for airport parking space fees. If you’re from Oakland or traveling a lot to-and-fro Oakland, I suggest you head on to ExpressoParking.com for discounted prices on long-term airport parking. They offer a full-service, self-serve parking facility with parking rates unmatched anywhere in Oakland. Their customers include Kimpton Hotel Group, Kaiser Aerospace, Morton's of Chicago, Equity Office Properties, Travelers/Citigroup and Yale University. Now ain’t that grand? Remember, if you need Oakland airport discount parking, Expresso is the way to go! =)

Hof Gorei baby!

Guess where I am at right now guys! Give up? I'm relaxing at Samal baby! Sun, sand and sea -- my nirvana! :-) We're staying at Hof Gorei Resort, another new resort here in Kaputian, Samal. Its just right next to the famous Pearl Farm so expect to frolic in the same world-class beautiful beach. Can't wait!Ü Right now I'm enjoying the panoramic view here in Gorei restaurant while sipping ice-cold pineapple juice. Ahhh, this is life!

Ohlala France!

After UK, Australia and Spain, it's time for France travel baby! I'm sure, like everybody else, France is your ultimate romantic dream destination. Who could resist kissing under the magnificent Eiffel Tower? Or spending lovey-dovey time in romantic france accommodations? Certainly not I! =)
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Anyway, it has been said that traveling and staying in France is expensive. But you need not worry because their banks can offer you money (and even loans according to rumors). And if you want to get a car, it's also possible, lol! Check this page on credit voiture to get acquainted. Anyway, enjoy these few more pictures of Paris! Not the blonde celebrity okay?? But the capital of lovely France! =)
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UK!

England, UK, Great Britain, United Kingdom.. They are all one and the same! Right? I’m not so sure suddenly, lol! Anyway, crisscrossing the continent of Europe has been my greatest dream. I would to travel from Russia down to Spain, from Finland down to Cyprus and Turkey, and of course all the countries in between the ones I mentioned. Foremost of which is, you guessed it, UK! =) Of course, the first place I’d visit is London. It’s the hub of Great Britain and the sight I really, really want to see is the London Bridge! I’ve been hearing about this since I was a child, via the silly nursery rhyme, and I wanna see if it’s really falling down, falling down.. Lol!
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But of course, I have to see Buckingham Palace and the Big Ben too. And of course, the Hilton hotels, part owner of which is the notorious Paris Hilton. Who knows, I might even get a glimpse of the hotel heiress. But if that’s not your style, there are lots of Hotels in London that will suit your discriminating taste. After London, my next stop would be Manchester, former home of the uber-hot David Beckham! Hehe! And in case you don’t know, this is the home base of Oasis, the fantastic British band with sizzling members and cool songs. So, what’s in Manchester aside from hot guys? Great architecture like the Manchester Town Hall below. It is an example of Victorian era Gothic revival architecture. Several Hotels in Manchester are also made in this architectural style.
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Another city I would like to visit is Birmingham. Nope, not the one in Alabama. Even though it’s not that well-known, it is considered the second city of UK. It was known as the powerhouse of Britain during the Industrial Revolution and was called as the “city of a thousand trades” and “the workshop of the world”. But the most surprising fact of Birmingham is that it has canal transportation system! Yup, much like the romantic canals of Venice. Ain’t that great?? You can choose from several Hotels in Birmingham and stay for awhile in the city as you explore its canals in daytime and its entertainment offerings by night. Who knew UK can be as romantic as Venice?? This is definitely a pleasant surprise! =)
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Today’s the day!!!

In just a few hours, Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines will battle Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico in a 12-round boxing clash where Pacquiao defends his WBC International super featherweight title against Barrera at the 12,000-capacity Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pacquiao-Barrera showdown is the highly-anticipated rematch of their Nov. 15, 2003 battle won by Pacquiao in an 11th-round rout that had Barrera’s camp claiming distractions which contributed to their champion's loss. Anyway, I was curious about Barrera (I already know a lot about Pacquiao, being a fellow Filipino) so I made a quick search about him.
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There was almost nothing about his personal life on the internet, save for the info that he was born in Mexico City in January 17, 1974. I was bored so I just browsed through Mexican websites and I was struck by what Mexico can offer. Much like my country, they have a rich cultural heritage. Mexico also boasts of natural wonders. Their mountain ranges and beaches are gorgeous! Especially the ones in the Riviera Maya. Imagine getting married like this:
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Simply heaven! =) This photo, by the way, is from Karisma Hotels and Resorts. They have many resorts in Mexico that caters to different people. They even have a beach club for nudists! Lol! Karisma also offers all-inclusive Mexico Vacation, wedding and honeymoon packages. Visit their site and drool over their gorgeous photos! =)

still on Orlando baby!

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If you’re from the UK and is planning to visit Orlando and don’t want to stay in a hotel, then ThinkFlorida.co.uk might be for you! This website specializes in providing an online booking service for private pool homes, condos and town houses in the Disney area. They also have a rental car service and ticket service. And if you want an Orlando Villa, they also have it! All you have to do is search for the one that fits your tastes. And no, it is not more expensive if you rent homes like this, especially if you’re a large group. It can cost you less than $10 per person per night if you’ll rent a unit rather than stay in a hotel.

planning to vacation in Orlando?

Then search for orlando discount hotels before you plunk down your hard-earned money on expensive classy hotels when you can get their same great hotel service for cheaper rates! Everybody wants to go to Orlando that’s why prices there are rocket-sky high. Orlando is best known as the home of Walt Disney World, and also has high-end shopping areas, luxury resort hotels, cultural venues and other family-oriented activity centers. Orlando also boasts of six major theme parks. So you can just imagine all your money being drained away by all these fun-fun-fun theme parks! Lol! To counter that loss, do find affordable hotel and car rental services. You can try and search Orlando.com for the most affordable prices on the widest selection of hotels, car rentals and flights throughout the greater Orlando Florida area. By the way, the site also offers comprehensive travel and vacation arrangements in Orlando. So if you’re not so into planning, let Orlando.com do it for you! And make sure you tell them to make your package as affordable as it can get without sacrificing quality. They’re experts on that!  =)

Australia baby!

Sophia, a good friend of mine, went to New Zealand early this year for further studies. I think I finally pissed her off coz I often say she’s in Australia instead of NZ in our emails, hehe! For some reason, the two countries are one and the same for me. Must be because I’m terribly fascinated with Australia, the Land Down Under. My fascination started when I was a kid enthralled with kangaroos and koalas. I thought back then that Australia is one big outback country with lots of unique animals. When I grew up, I found out about its modern cities like Sydney, home of the famous Opera House, which is as symbolic as the kangaroos for Australia.
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It has been one of my dreams to visit Sydney and have my picture taken in its Opera House. Very Pinoy ba? Lol! Sad to say, I have no relatives there so I might be forced to stay in Sydney Hotels. I just hope I can find inexpensive hotel rates in the internet when (and if) I finally decide to go to Sydney. And since I’m in Australia already, why not drop by Brisbane? Unlike Sydney, Brisbane is not much talked about but is equally beautiful. It is a spacious river-city (see its aerial below, left) with zoo, Botanic Gardens, and lots of entertainment establishments. Accommodations are great too; Brisbane Hotels are attractions by themselves with their gorgeous architectural designs. Brisbane’s foremost attraction however, is the splendid South Bank recreation area, which includes the free Streets Beach lagoon (right photo). Perfect for cooling down in during sunny days! =)
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And my last (but not the least) favorite city in Australia is Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria which is known as the Garden State. Melbourne is situated beside the gorgeous Yarra River, and has some very beautiful parks. It has many tourist attractions including zoos, marine aquarium, art galleries, and old churches. The city’s old buildings (along with some old Melbourne Hotels) also attract gawking tourists for their beauty. And despite being designed in an old era, the buildings blend very well with Melbourne's modern architecture like its airport below. Truly, a hallmark of a true classic =) So, are you ready to go kangaroo hopping with me? Or maybe koala hugging? Let’s invade Australia baby! Someday.. Lol!
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~ dream wedding ~

All girls have their fairytale dreams of finding their own Prince Charming and getting married in an exquisite one-of-a-kind wedding. As for me, it came as a surprise that I had (and found) my own Prince Charming coz I never thought I would need a guy in my life. But since the good Lord gave him to me (and me to him), we made the most out of our relationship. Thus, we eventually found ourselves talking about our dream wedding. I’m not so much into grand weddings. All I want is a private, solemn ceremony in a quiet, gorgeous place like Fernwood in Manila. Before, I wanted a wedding on a cliff overlooking the sea. I want to hear the sea waves crashing and air rushing in my ears. Obviously I’ve since mellowed down. Hehe! Here’s what I’m dreaming now…
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I want a quaint chapel with a beautiful garden in a quiet town with elegant interiors and a gorgeous altar where we will say our vows. After the solemn wedding, we will proceed with the reception. Inside or outside doesn’t matter. If my mood wants a formal reception, I would opt for an indoor reception (left). Otherwise, an outdoor reception would be the unique way to go!
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After the tiring reception, it’s time to rest in a soothing and romantic suite.
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The next morning, we wake up to a spectacular view…
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…and decide to have a refreshing dip in a dazzling pool. Mmm, the water feels so good. Wanna jump in with us? Lol!
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And here ends my dream wedding storytelling. Hehe! By the way, the photos are from Granada, Spain which is a gorgeous place for weddings. The area is also great for family or group holiday in Spain. Hope you enjoyed the pretty pictures above! =)

attention New Yorkers and NY visitors!

If you need transportation to and from Manhattan, Brooklyn, NJ and New York City, do try Dial 7 Car & Limousine Service, Inc. They have been in the NY car service business for over 30 years and they are one of the trusted companies that offer NY transportation. And don’t fret, their company may be old but they continually upgrade their taxi fleet in order to provide safe, reliable transportation to all riders. They have a fleet of over 450 late model sedans and town cars. Dial 7 now also offers online reservations and they accept cash, credit cards and corporate accounts. Here are their sample rates:
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•  Car Service to LaGuardia Airport $33
•  Car Service to JFK Airport $48
•  Car Service to Newark Airport $48
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So, if you ever need transportation in NY, don’t hesitate to call up Dial 7 Car & Limousine Service! Just dial (212)-777-7777, so easy to remember huh?? =)
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Life’s a beach! =)

My family is going on a mini-vacation this coming October and for sure we’re gonna hit the famous beaches of our country. Yes! You see, I’ve always loved the beach, and one of my dreams is to live in an oceanfront property and name it Casita del Mar, home by the sea =) But of course, owning an oceanfront property is very expensive so I just contented myself with visits to resorts with beautiful rooms and imagine it is my casita. Hehe! If you’re like me who loves the beachlife and has plenty of money to go abroad, try Oceano-Rentals’ Rocky Point vacation rental homes. The company has vacation homes, luxur