"I want something just like this" as Chris Martin  ringing in my head while riding the van going to El Nido, Palawan. My excitement erupted as "I want something just like this"  to be up close and personally meet the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago. But before that, it was a tiring and exhausting travel going there. Our flight was  moved to later time in the afternoon not to mention the 6 hours van travel from Puerto to El Nido. 

I was compelled to agree with the van driver that we were going to eat our dinner around 9 pm even if I know my stomach cannot hold it. My mind traveled along the winding road, jumping, running and racing with the acids of my stomach. I wonder "some fairytale bliss" just to save me from erupting. I could feel the rush to devour a whole cow. Well, I guess the price to pay just to reach El Nido - "I want something just like this". 

"She said, where'd you wanna go? How much you wanna risk? I'm not looking for somebody with some superhuman gifts. Some superhero, some fairytale bliss. Just something I can turn to. Somebody I can kiss..." the song played on repeat - to infinity. 

I found myself looking into the beach at 12 midnight - euphoria as they say. 

Now let us start. I will not introduce Palawan anymore in this post. Because I believe the world knew the place after the Puerto Palawan Underground River listed as the New 7 Wonders of the World which further cemented Palawan's reputation as the Last Frontier in Asia. 

WHEN IN EL NIDO

JUST LAZE ALONG EL NIDO BEACH

Simply relax at El Nido's beach which gently curving along with several hotels, pension houses and beach bars facing straight the Bacuit Bay. Talk to locals. Have a walk in the center stage of El Nido's busiest place that usually cramped by pump boats offering island activity tours. Stay at Ogie's Beach Pension situated right in the middle of  the beach with a sitting area in the 2nd floor, which gives you views overlooking the ocean. 

ISLAND HOPPING, SNORKELING, DIVING of course  do not  miss it - the most popular activities in El Nido. The sea, sun and sun-kissed-skin  hashtags for your social media feeds. 

ENJOY THE NIGHT AT THE SAVA BEACH BAR

Considering that El Nido is one of the Philippines' primes tourist destinations, it's not surprisingly that bars are everywhere. Enjoy and dance to the beat as the DJ spins some groovy music at the first high end bar in El Nido - the Sava Beach Bar. After the whole day touring the Bacuit Archipelago,  treat yourself with their specialty crafted cocktails, wines and local beer. Don't worry  the ocean breeze do a great job of keeping you cool. 

EL  NIDO CANOPY WALK
Experience El Nido at the top through Canopy Walk. A  much safer way to enjoy the spectacular view of El Nido. But if you dying to climb the highest point of El Nido, go to Taraw Cliff and be ready to scramble over sharp limestone. 

DO NOT FORGET NIDO SOUP
Visit Skyline Restaurant for this bird's nest soup.

CATCH THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET AT SEVEN COMMANDOS BEACH
A perfect place to end your whole day of island hopping.

RENT A BIKE
Roam around El Nido via scooter or a bike which can be rented around town easily and go on a little adventure. 

In spite of moving with the times to offer all the amenities, Palawan has retained its own enduring identity, thus offering an appealing sense of peace.


Planning for your summer getaway? Go to El Nido, Palawan.

Cheers to your El Nido adventure. 

Travel Travel Tips and Guide

4:39:00 PM

The days when  mileage collectors were exclusively concentrated among those who either travelled business class or those who flew every so often are long gone. With the advent of credit cards that led to airlines miles, redeeming award flights and flight upgrades are made attainable for many. And this becomes more so as Citibank Philippines launched its new travel card, the Citi Prestige Visa Signature Card. 

Recently launched in December 2015, the Citi Prestige Card has been aimed by the American bank's premium clients. When my banker called to sell me the new card, I was initially dumbfounded upon hearing the card's annual fee, a staggering 12,000 Php, non-waivable, payable immediately upon the card's activation. Nonetheless, a few minutes through the call, I found myself agreeing to sign up for Citi's new card, and here are the reasons why I chose to spend such a hefty sum for a credit card.

1. Complimentary Prestige Membership to Priority Pass + 4 Guest Visits

Priority Pass:  Every economy class passenger's best friend. There was a time when airport lounges were exclusive to business class passengers or those belonging to high tier airline memberships. However, some companies, like Priority Pass, grant their  members access to more than 900+ lounges all over the world, but not without price. For 250.00 USD, members can sign up for the Standard Plus Package, with 10 annual visits to partner lounges. For 450.oo USD, members can enjoy unlimited visits for one membership year, while their guest pay 27.00 USD per visit. With Citi's Prestige Card, you can enjoy unlimited visits AND four guest visits every year. That's 450.00 USD, roughly 20,700 Php, compliments from Citi. 

To date, I've already paid 12 lounges a visit.

Monetary Value: 20, 700 Php 

2. Citi's Concierge dedicated for Prestige cardholders to cater your lifestyle and travel needs

Imagine reserving a full-packed restaurant, grabbing limited concert tickets, arranging airport transportation hassle-free with one simple phone call, any time of the day, any day of the week. And as added bonus, they give you periodical updates about your booking, from sending me emails to recap my whole trip until calling me a day before my flight to Chiang Mai to remind me of my stay. Exceptional service. 

Monetary Value: let's give it 2, 000 Php. 

3. Unlimited Complimentary 4th Night Free at any hotel on hotels.com. 

When you book a hotel listed on hotels.com for at least four straight nights with Citi's Concierge, the bank automatically pays for your 4th night. How cool is that? I booked a four-night stay at the Sofitel Singapor Sentosa Resort and Spa, with a nightly rate of 12,000 Php, last March, and all i paid was 36,000 Php. And the saving of 12,000 Php is just for one night's stay.

Monetary Value: 10,000 Php depending on how you often you travel, and which type of hotels you frequent. 

4. Generous spend-to-mile ratio.

This is little tricky, I have to admit. The Citi Prestige Card awards you 1 Thank You Point for every 30.00 Php spend, and to earn 1 airline mile ( Asia Miles, KrisFlyer, Qmiles, etc ), you need 3 Thank You Points, or 90.00 Php. This can be very expensive in comparison to HSBC's Platinum Card, BDO's Cathay Pacific Credit Card and even Citi's own PremierMiles. However, it gets interesting when you use your card on shopping, dining and all transactions on foreign currencies, as Citi multiplies you Thank You Points by 5 for every eligible transaction. That translates to 1 mile for every 18 pesos spent! No card gives you that much miles.

Tip: Use your Prestige Cards on all shopping, dining and transactions in foreign currencies, while keeping your PremierMiles for local airline tickets, groceries and others. 

5. Complimentary Airport and Complimentary Meet and Assist.

The Prestige Card also offers members 2 one-way transfer for four people with luggage each, to and from select airports in Asia-Pacific per calendar year. I haven't availed of this yet, but I'm considering getting this in Singapore as taxi rates are exorbitant there. One-way Uber ride from Changi to Sentosa cost me around 1,200 Php, so this can be helpful.

The card also offers Meet and Assist twice per year at airports in Asia-Pacific, meaning assistance from the moment you step off the plane, until you claim your baggage and you waltz through the airport. Talk about 5-Star landing. 

Monetary Value: 3,000 Php.

6. 3 Complimentary rounds of golf  for select golf clubs per calendar year. 

I'm not a golfer, and I don't think I'll try my luck at it soon, but I guess this can be a bonus to golf aficionados. If not, I'm thinking of giving it as a gift to a friend!

So there it is. The 6 Reasons why I was talked into subscribing for a card that charges a little premium than most (if not all ) cards in the Philippines. 




This guest post is written by Sygrex Nino Deiparine

Guest Post Travel Tips and Guide

11:38:00 AM

Now that you've likely planned out some adventures, here are some  of the best songs for your Summer Soundtrack:

1. Click click click click - Bishop Allen ( for the ultimate summer shutterbug )

     "Take another picture with your click, click, click, click camera"

2. March Into the Sun - Echosmith ( for the endless summer wanderer )

     "It's how we start a fire, with a natural high"

@aloralorame

3. Mountain Sound - Of Monster and Men ( for the mountain vagabonds )
     "Alone we travelled armed with nothing but a shadow... We fled, far away"

4. You belong Here - Leagues ( for the tourist at heart ) 
    "Open up all the windows. Don't be afraid to let sunlight in"

@aloralorame

5. "Lush Life" - Zara Larson ( for the travelers with great sensory pleasure )
    " I live my day as if it was the last...Live my day as if  there was no past"

6. Walking in the Wind - One Direction ( for the laid-back adventures seeker )
    "If you're lost, just look for me....You'll find me in the region of the summer stars"

@aloralorame

7. "Fun" - Coldplay ( for the fun-loving summer people )
    "I know it falls at the water face...I know it's over, an ocean awaits"

8. Life in Colors - One Republic ( for the kaleidoscopic summer view )
    "The sun bursts, clouds break...This is life in color"

9. Something You Need - Against the Current ( for the unforgettable summer memories )
     "Uh, oh, we got lost in the summer heat...Now you just can't get over me"

@aloralorame

Plug in your headphones, turn up the music, close your eyes and let your summer music-capade begin..



This guest post is written by Rhej Kleyr.




                     

Guest Post Side Bit Travel Tips and Guide

2:19:00 PM

photo by: Madayawwowdagway

Mindanao notoriously subject to different travel warnings from different countries because of the current conflicts and inhuman acts that instill fear to every tourists and travelers which deeply concealed the beauty of Mindanao. As a way of promoting the island, I compiled some of the best travel destinations from different travel bloggers who visited the "Land of Promise"- Mindanao. 

1. Lake Sebu 

photo by: Windowseat Ph

Settled at 1000-meters above sea level and is sandwiched between Roxas-Matulas and Daguma Mountain Ranges, the municipality of Lake Sebu is unsurprisingly temperate and abundantly vegetated. Springs and rivers from these rolling hills provide continuous water supply to the three important watersheds of the town, namely; Lake Sebu, Lake Lahit, and Lake Seloton. Read more. Blog post by Freedom Wall 

2. Asik - Asik Falls

Alamada‘s bizarre Asik-Asik Falls has intrigued travelers across the country which led to a drastic increase in tourism influx since its discovery in 2010. Getting to Asik-Asik Falls requires a challenging habal-habal ride on Brgy. Dado’s uphill roads composed of rock, dirt, and clay. From the jump-off, a trek on a steep concrete staircase, lies between you and the reward of charming curtain falls that will make the uncomfortable journey worth the effort. Amid the difficulty, the waterfalls receives an average of 500 visitors daily which doubles during weekends. Read more. Blog post by Biyaherong Barat 

3. White Island, Camiguin

photo by:  Adrenaline Romance

Have you ever marveled at the breathtaking beauty of an elegant ring, earring, or pendant? You would probably realize that it’s not the shiny setting or the intricate design that mainly draws your attention to it. It’s the gem, the heart of the ring—be it a ruby, diamond, emerald, or pearl—that makes the jewelry come to life. In the beautiful island of Camiguin, that gem is the idyllic White Island. Read more. Blog post by Adrenaline Romance. 

4. Maria Cristina Falls 

Also known as the “twin falls” because of a large rock at its brink that seems to split the falls into two, Maria Cristina Falls is truly a marvel of nature. Its water comes from Agus River, the only outlet of an ancient lake (the Great Lake Lanao). The waterfall continues down through the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant operated by the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR). This power plant was commissioned on May 31, 1953 and has provided power to Mindanao to this day. Read more. Blog post by Traveling Morion.

5. Dahilayan Forest Park

photo by: Kim Roel

Dahilayan Forest Park Resort has a refreshing take on adventure, leisure, and nature. Situated in the cool mountains of Bukidnon, surrounded by epic scenery, Dahilayan Forest Park Resort is definitely a go-to place for an all-day casual weekend adventure, a quick getaway from the city, or an exciting family day. Read more. Blog post by Fueled by Caffeine.

6. Enchanted River, Surigao

photo by Angelo the Explorer

Hiding in the rocky mountains of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, lies a river that is something you've never seen before. A river so enchanted, very little is known about this mysterious river and it's unexplored cave. Yet, it's beauty and crystal clear waters make people from all over the world visit this place. Read more. Blog post by Angelo the Explorer.

7. Golden Mosque in Cotabato

photo by Out of Town Blog

Traveling to and from the Golden Mosque is a bit exciting. To reach the Mosque, we rode an Awang bound jeepney from the City center to Sinsuat Avenue in Barangay Kalangan (near the Husky Terminal) then had a habal-habal ride to the Grand Mosque. Im still not used to riding habal-habal but thanks to the paved road and scenic villages along the way, it helped me forget how scary the habal-habal ride was. Read more. Blog post by Out of Town Blog.

8. White Water Rafting, CDO

The ONLY thing that keeps people from moving forward and achieving their dreams is FEAR. It enslaves us and prevent us from becoming who we really want to be or do whatever we want to do. We fear FAILURE. REJECTION. FALLING DOWN. Being HURT. BROKEN. Being ALONE. We fear DEATH. The list is never-ending that even Science has listed phobias one by one from A to Z. Read more. Blog  post by Awanderful Sole.

9. Samal Island 

photo by Philippine Get Away

The airfare to Davao is always expensive and it's very rare that you get to catch it in a really low rate, so when I did it's a no-brainer. Another impromptu lucky seat sale booking led us to the paradise of Davao. Read more. Blog post by Monique de Jesus. 

10. Asia's Latin City

Located at the tip of Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City is one of the most progressive cities in Mindanao. It is labelled as “Asia’s Latin City” because of its Spanish-influenced Chavacano dialect – dating back to the Spanish era in the 1600's. Today, Zamboanga City continues to attract travelers who want to experience the city's interesting dialect, Spanish inspired dishes offered in may restaurants, beautiful beaches, and many other historical and natural attractions. Read more. Blog post by Escape Manila. 


Undoubtedly, Mindanao is beautiful. It might be off the beaten path, but the high, rugged, faulted mountains; almost isolated volcanic peaks; high rolling plateaus; and broad, level, swampy plains; marvelous seascapes and colorful festivals make it worth the trip. 

Visit Mindanao - adventures are waiting to happen. 

Featured Travel Travel Tips and Guide

8:43:00 PM

Malapascua Island is part of the municipality of Daanbantayan situated northeastern cost of Cebu and lies 8 kilometers from Maya port. Malapascua island described by many foreign visitors as the way "boracay looked like before" because of its pristine surroundings and the long stretches of unspoiled coastline. 

Getting there: 

**From the city take a bus from Nort Bust Terminal bound for Maya-Bagay or Kawit-Maya; a small port in the northern part of Cebu. Bus fare for AC is now 200 pesos while non-AC is 163 pesos

**Bus will leave as early as early as 12:30 am but I recommend you to take the 3:00 am bus. It will take 4-5 hours trip before reaching Maya port.

**Avoid riding a van with no "GT Express" written in the body. These are colorum vans with no proper authority to operate.

**Upon arriving in Maya port, ride a boat for 100 pesos going to Malapascua island. The boat ride usually takes 40 mins. There will be available boat as early as 6:30 am and the last trip will be at 3:00 pm. The boat usually leaves when there are enough people on board.

**When it is low tide, the boat cannot drop tourist on the Logon beach village, tourist needs to transfer to a smaller flat boats for 20 pesos each. 

The locals: 

**Locals are dependent on fishing and tourism as a source of livelihood. One I love about the locals is that they do not take advantage on you, they are hospitable and friendly and a very good English speaker.

What to do:

**Diving is popular in the island. Most of the resort in the island offers diving packages and diving shops are lined up in the long stretch of Bounty Beach. Monad Shoal is the number one dive site of Malapascua. I asked one of the fisherman in the island why divers flock in the island because in Monad Shoal, Thresher sharks can be seen regularly although its not guaranteed. And if you're lucky enough you can spot Manta rays and hammerheads too. 

**Island tour can be arranged through the resort you are staying. Among the activities during your island tour are: cliff diving, snorkeling, a visit to a Japanese ship wreck site and sunset viewing among others. 

**Walk around the island usually takes 3-4 hours. A good way to get along with locals and know some of their stories in life. 

**Kalanggaman Island day trip. Negotiate with your resort if you want this trip or you can ask friendly locals if they know someone that can take you there. It will cost you roughly about 800 pesos with one meal/snacks. 

**Or simply seat, unwind and relax away from the buzzing city life and feel the island vibes.

photo by Xyzsa of treasuredwanders.blogspot.com 

Money: 

**The currency is in Philippine peso. No ATM machine in the island. Better bring ample amount of money if you're staying longer. Major credit cards are accepted in some resorts and restaurants.

Where to Eat: 

**There are few dining options to choose from. Amihan and Angelina Restaurant located in the southern part of the island. In Bounty Beach, Mabuhay restaurant started the line of good dining options. 

photo by Atty. Kris Andales

Best time to go: 

**You will find lots of beach lovers flocking to Malapascua during summer season (March-May). If you want to relax, the best time to go is during the low season (June-November) - expect more rains during/between these months.  Remember that most of the resorts price will go high during peak season and expect everything will follow. 

Accommodation: 

**Book the best accommodation in Malapascua from the simple cottages to middle class and high end resort in the island. If your looking for a simple place to stay in, White Sand Bungalows (<-- click this) can accommodate you with the best deal of your money. 

Final Note: 

**Malapascua Island attracts tourists around the world entirely because of its lovely beaches and world class diving spots. The charm and warm-hospitable locals, white sand and turquoise waters, seafoods and a great view of sunset made this tiny island a paradise to stay. But like any other islands, dynamite and cyanide fishing still a serious treat to the marine ecosystem. Conserve water during your stay. Most of the underground wells are getting dry because of climate change. Be a responsible traveler and tourist.  And I would like to borrow the line from Oscar 2016 winner Leonardo de Caprio, "Climate change is real, it is happening right now. It's the most urgent treat facing our entire species.....Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take this planet for granted." 

Thank you for the time reading this Malapascua Island 101 post. Enjoy your stay. 

Beach Featured Travel Travel Tips and Guide

9:51:00 AM

Amidst with the development in the island, there is one resort that stands in Poblacion beach which offers great view and positive island vibe. White Sand Bungalows consist of 7 cozy nipa huts fronting the beach although non AC but its very comfy to stay in. Best-loved by travel guide giant Lonely Planet and awarded with "Author's Choice award".   

Each bungalow has its own bathroom and spacious attic. It is basically for 2 persons but can fit up to 10 persons. For 1,400 per night ( good for 2 persons + 150 pesos/head for the excess), one can enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the island. Meals not included; you may checked their menu for available orders. Although walk in guests are entertained depending on the availability but they are encouraged to call or email the resort first to make reservations.

Free WIFI connection is available at the reception. You can ask assistance if you want to cook you own food. Service time until 10:00 pm and 5:00 pm cut - off time if you want your food to be cooked. Aside from that the resort can arranged island tour and other activities for you. 

Quite and peaceful during night and a quality of sleep is assured which promotes total relaxation within your stay. 

the attic

 In White Sand Bungalows they keep things simple, reflecting simple living in the island.  Add to that cozy and warm ambiance plus the friendly, hospitable and accommodating staff.

Experience how dreamy this island is and make the best out of your stay in White Sand Bungalows - a beach front seems quite the bargain. 

For reservation and inquiries click below link to visit their website. 

Website: White Sand Bungalows  

Contact numbers:

**+63 927 318 7471; +63 919 481 5190; +63 918 415 2617

**+63 32 318 8666

Email address: whitesandbungalows@hotmail.com

Beach Travel Travel Tips and Guide

11:02:00 AM