Stay | The Oriental Leyte: Grandeur Beyond the Waves

Morning by the infinity pool at the Oriental Leyte

I think the world already knows what happened to Tacloban, Leyte more than three years ago (November 2013). Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated Tacloban and the surrounding areas putting the region on a global spotlight. Pre-Haiyan, one of the fanciest seaside resorts stood in Palo, The Oriental Leyte. It received the brunt of devastation being located by the beach. But three years would be more than enough to pick up the pieces. Along with the province and the city getting back at their feet, the Oriental Leyte was rebuilt. Last November 2016, the hotel opened its doors again, softly to the public.

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Stay | Villa Jhoana Resort: A Home in the Heart of Angono

The pool and the mansion at Villa Jhoana Resort in Angono

November is a very festive month for the municipality of Angono, the art capital of the country. Aside from the main Higantes Festival which usually happens on the 3rd week of November, there are pockets of activities leading to and after the event. If one plans to experience the Angono Higantes Festival, it’ll be a good idea to stay in town. One place I would recommend is Villa Jhoana Resort, a seven-room elegant pool villa strategically in the heart of Angono.

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Stay | La Roca Villa La Union: Little Santorini by the Rock

The arc and the calm shores of San Juan Beach

It was a calm morning. Subtle purple hues dominated the sky. I made my way to the segmented stairs leading to the topmost viewing deck atop the rock where this private resort was named from, La Roca Villa. It was only in this morning light when I can truly appreciate the place. From this higher vantage point, I could see the Greek-inspired structures of the resort. White washed walls, blue domes, a pool and the low-tide shores filled my view. Immediately, Santorini came into mind.

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Stay | Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa: La Union Luxury

The Kahuna resort pool illuminated

There is so much action happening at San Juan Beach, La Union. The surfing, the chill night life and interesting eats in the area. Right smack at the center of it all is our lodging, Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa. A luxury Filipino-Balinese inspired resort facing the famed shores of San Juan Beach. This was our home for a night during our Lakbay Norte leg in La Union.

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Stay | Jupiter Suites: Spacious Rooms at Affordable Prices in the Heart of Makati

Makati is a prime location in Metro Manila. If you’re travelling and looking for a place to stay within this city, initial impression would be that it would be expensive. A bed alone at one of the hostels can cost Php 500–700 alone. But if you have a little more budget and yearning for more space than the four corners of a bed, it is worth checking out Jupiter Suites in Bel-air Makati. More than a decade of experience is its charm and ridiculously huge rooms as one of its key appeal.

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Romblon | Aglicay Beach Resort Tablas: Where Nature Abound

My motorbike ride roared through the narrow ascending road hugging the side of the hills. It’s always exciting to step on a new island. In this case, my feet, are finally grounded on Tablas Island, the largest of the three major islands in Romblon province. I flew into the island via PAL and landed at Tugdon airport. My motorbike is taking me to Aglicay Beach Resort in the neighboring town of Alcantara. My eyes were constantly peeled as I absorbed the idyllic landscape of this island countryside. We got off the main road and saw a sign “4km to Aglicay …

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Stay | F1 Hotel Manila: The City Suite Room Luxurious Comfort

F1 hotel in between two buildings at BGC

The name F1 may seem to be a brand speeding off the race tracks, but F1 Hotel Manila have nothing to do with formula one racing. Though, the hotel has the reputation of having preceded everyone in the hotel industry being the first that stood in the heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Offering upscale accommodations suited for both business and leisure travelers in the midst of a sophisticated BGC community.

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