How I spent ₱350 at Maginhawa Street?

Oh dear, I savored the long weekend last week through a pleasurable food adventure. I and my best friend went to Maginhawa Street in Quezon City where restaurants are rumored to offer some exquisite and astonishing dishes. With only a budget of ₱350 each, we had a chock-full of gastronomic experience.

Japan | Shibuya Crossing (Tokyo)

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo

I can finally say “Oh my gosh, I’m in Tokyo!” - The place known for being the safest major city in the world and rumored as the most expensive metropolitan. I’ve heard this place since my childhood years and I’ve seen it featured in some great movies like Lost in Transition and Resident Evil. So I’m really ecstatic and overwhelmed to actually set my foot in a city so stunning like Tokyo. 

Is it really easy to apply for a Japan Visa?

I got my Japan Visa approved in 7 days but I have to say the preparation was not that easy. Apart from the basic requirements I submitted, the Embassy of Japan still asked for more documents. I thought I had no more chance but luckily, they granted me a temporary pass for 15 days valid for 3 months. Read more to know how I did it.

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Singapore.

Philippines | Coral Blue Oriental Beach Villas, Bantayan Island

We found a beach resort in Northern Cebu where exclusivity, comfort and style are put together to give us a completely beautiful summer experience. Just located at Talisay, Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu is a beautiful resort made of classic bamboos and local rustic materials. Yes, I'm talking about the Coral Blue Oriental Beach Villas & Suites.

Philippines | La Union

The month of May is definitely special not only because it’s my birthday but also I got to spend summer at the beach with people who are so dear to me. Here are few of my favorite GoPro shots taken at La Union few days ago. We had so much F-U-N. :-) 

Turning 26 at La Union

Birthday for me is the best time to relax and look back at the memories before moving to a new chapter of one’s life. Thus, I prefer to travel during my birthday than celebrate it over a party at some fancy restaurants. So this year I decided to celebrate my special day at San Juan, La Union because it has one of the most beautiful sunset views by the beach in Northern Luzon. And since it’s not surfing season, the place was not that crowded making it more a relaxing and peaceful place to enjoy. Yes, I had a quiet but still happy birthday. :-)

On The Bright Side

Last Friday was definitely one the brightest days this summer in Cebu. Hence, my friends and I went for an uphill adventure at the Temple of Leah not only to witness this European inspired temple but also to take advantage of the location for a portrait photo shoot. I brought with me my EF 50 MM lens hoping we can achieve a decent focus range pictures. Take a look. :-)

Philippines | The Temple of Leah (Cebu)

Located within the uphill landscape in Busay, Cebu City is a Roman-inspired temple that people lately are schmoozing about. A story about the undying love of a man for his wife is certainly worth the attention of anyone who believes in love. And as someone who trusts that love still lives beyond death, I find the Temple of Leah as a perfect illustration of true love that never ends.

A short but sweet vacation with friends in Bantayan Island, Cebu

The saying “distance means so little when someone means so much to you” is true.  And I believe that as long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends will never part.

Last weekend, my closest college friends and I gathered in Bantayan Island, Cebu for a reunion we have planned since months ago. Our friends who work from different cities here and abroad came together for this one weekend getaway. Though there were a lot of discussions and indecisions (in short for drama) happened beforehand, everything still turned out beyond great - Thank God! hehehe I guess drama will always be part of our friendship and maybe that’s also something we love about each other. Thus, our contrasting opinions and misunderstandings truly keep our relationship open and real – that made us not just friends but also a family at heart.

Singapore Skyline

The skyline of Singapore is definitely one of the most beautiful panoramic views around the world. There are over 4,300 completed high-rises buildings in the city-state of Singapore and most of its structural designs are astoundingly constructed. At night in Marina Bay area, these buildings are glowing with colorful lights and the sea glistens beautifully. I had the chance to photograph these fantastic views from the sky deck of Marina Bay Sands and I have to say the experience was very surreal. 

A night view of the famous Art-Science Museum at Marina Bay Sands

Singapore | Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is one of the latest attractions in Singapore created year 2012. This nature park is located near Marina Bay spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land and consisted by three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. These distinctively designed gardens are surrounded by supertree groves of up to 16 storeys in height. When the night falls, these supertrees come alive as it dazzles with myriad of light displays dancing across the sky. Here are some of my photographs of the garden and a short clip of its lighting display at night. Enjoy! :-)
   

Singapore | Marina Bay Sands Sky Park

As you know, I always have a thing for sunset that’s why I love going to places where I can have a full-view of the sky. Apparently, the Marina Bay Sands Sky Park is the best spot to enjoy the beautiful skyline of Singapore. When I was at the roof deck, I really took time to cherish the panoramic view as the sun slowly fades behind those stunning high-rise buildings. Seeing a well-developed country like Singapore inspires me to dream big and hope more.

Singapore | Haji Lane

One thing that I came for in Singapore was to witness the arty paintings and decorations on houses, restaurants and shopping outlets along the streets of Haji Lane. And I absolutely enjoyed the sight as I walked through the intersections filled with mystified colors and inspired decorations. Every corner has a distinctive design and point of interest which are all colorful subjects for a great photography. Of course, I didn't miss to take snapshots of these art extravaganzas. Take a look!

Philippines | Mount Pinatubo Sky Tour

Mount Pinatubo Sky Tour via Omni Aviation Corporation, a premiere Fixed Based Operator in the Philippines located at Clark Freeport, Clarkfield, Angeles, Pampanga.

A complete travel experience at the heart of Puerto Princesa

Are you looking for a perfect vacation this summer? I suggest travel to Puerto Princesa and experience an exciting getaway with your friends or special someone! Stay in a very relaxing hotel surrounded by a beauty of nature; savor a wide selection of dining pleasures in a very distinct ambiance; and above all, explore the magnificence of Palawan’s main attractions like the wonders of Underground River, the breathtaking Islands in Honday Bay and the magical Iwahig Fireflies Sanctuary! Do you find it exciting? If yes, read more to know how much. :-)

Philippines | Puerto Princesa Underground River

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or locally known as the Underground River is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Travel c/o Maple Travel & Tours.

Marianne Hotel’s Restaurant redefines Palawan Dining

Marianne Hotel doesn’t only provide a delightful stay at the prime location of Puerto Princesa but they also serve delicious Filipino food unlike any other in Palawan.  With the enjoyment of the hotel’s natural surroundings, the restaurant offers popular local dishes like Adobo, Sinigang, Pancit, Kare-Kare, Pinakbet and other Filipino recipes you love!

Our all time favorite Chicken Adobo

Marianne Hotel (Puerto Princesa), where Leisure meets Nature

Designed to satisfy your exquisite tastes, Marianne Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy vacation while feeling closer to nature with friends and loved ones. Located at the heart of Puerto Princesa City, few minutes away from the airport and near the local retail shops, this amazing rustic style hotel ensures the most convenient location you are looking for!

Here's my hotel experience...

A Miracle from Deep Within (Pope's visit to the Philippines)

I’m not the most religious person you’d know and I don’t visit the church that often but after today, I feel like I'm still blessed knowing that despite of my negligence, someone is still praying for me.

Papal visit to the Philippines 2015

It was a mixture of tears and happiness when I saw Pope Francis earlier during the motorcade towards the Holy Mass at Quirino Grand Stand. Despite standing over a flooding pavement at the side of the street and enduring the uncontrollably pouring of rain, I undminfully bear it all just to see our beloved Pope. Some people may have misinterpreted the dedication we have shown for his visit but no one can fully understand our devotion not until you witness his glory.

Espresso Confections | The Taste of Starbucks' Love for 2015

Are you a Starbucks lover like me? If you are then I have some exciting news for you. Starbucks just launched some enjoyable food and beverages to make us fall in love even more.

Chicken and Mushroom Wellington

With the Espresso Confections 2015 new exciting features, Starbucks endeavours to give us a happy 2015 start off.  Yes darling, our favorite coffee shop is inviting us to open the year with the touch of their magic and the taste of their love.

The First Sunset of 2015

Manila Bay (1 January 2015, 5:45 PM)

Happy new year everyone! May the year 2015 shower us with more love, success and happiness in life. No matter what had happened last 2014, let’s strive harder to a better us this year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the visitors of my blog who took time to read my personal experiences last year. As your blogger, I promise to write more happy stories of my food & travel experiences plus I would be introducing some interesting and inspiring personal stories you can maybe learn from. Once again, happy new year to you and your family! #ILoveYouAll