Maybe some of you are not familiar with Butuan City. Even me, I don't know what to see and what to do in the city. I know it is the home of the famous Balangay (formerly synonymous with Butuan boat), but other than that, I have no idea with Butuan City. So I decided to stay in the resort and to enjoy its amenities and facilities.

Have you seen a swimming pool inside a cave? There's a unique spot in the quite town of Carmen in Agusan del Norte that features a man-made pool inside a cave. Let me introduce the Vinapor Cave Pool.

The cave pool is inside the Blue Water Beach Resort or more known locally as Jurassic Beach Resort. It is nestled along the coastal cliffs of Barangay Vinapor, less than two hours drive from Butuan City and three hours and thirty minutes drive from Cagayan de Oro City. The landmark going to the resort is Tagcatong Elementary School where you can ride habal-habal or tricycle. No need for a reservation, walk-in and day tour are allowed.

Fun event filled with over flowing drinks, entertainment and music after the launch of RELX in the Philippines, happened on Friday, September 20 at XXX Bar in Makati City.

Everyone were treated with unlimited drinks and cool entertainment. The bar served array of delicious cocktails which were designed to match the flavor of the RELX pods. It's my first time to party in XXX bar and I'm surprised with its set up. It’s a great place to spend the night with good company, cool drinks and, of course, to listen with party mix music.

Located at the S Maison Mall, Conrad Hotel, the Desert Museum is a must visit in Manila specially for those looking for instagram-worthy destination. It's one of the most unique museums in the Philippines featuring 8 mouth-watering themed rooms.

The Dessert Museum is an interactive eat as you play and learn experience where the sights are just as delicious as the sweets. You will gobble your way instagrammable rooms of sugar-filled happiness. There are only two things on the menu - sugar and selfies.

Upon entering the museum, we're welcomed with cute ladies wearing a cosplayer costume. One of them assisted us and gave some information about The Dessert Museum. The tour started through the big Donut Hole and into the Donut Room. We slided down to enter the room. We're overwhelmed on the hanging donuts inside the room. They're super cute! These donuts are very inviting to eat but hey, these donuts are not real. For your eyes only! lol

Featuring elegant accommodations, a Filipino restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool, The Legend Villas is ideally situated in Mandaluyong City, a few steps from Robinson Mall, SM Light Mall and Boni MRt Station. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi in all property and free private parking.

Recently, we booked a Deluxe Room at the The Legend Villas. The air conditioned room comes with two (2) double beds, telephone, cable TV, hot and cold shower, refrigerator, hair blower chair and work table. Our room is spacious and beds are comfy. The interior combines elegance and style. Almost everywhere has cozy wooden accents, along with with warm-toned, vintage furnishings.

You can find a lot of capsule hotels all over Japan.  It's also known as a pod hotel in Western World that features capsule rooms of individual pods. Did you know there's already a capsule hotel in the Philippines? Yes, you read it right! Let me introduce Dormitos.

Located at the bustling Cubao area, you can find the Dormitos. It's less than kilometer away from Gateway Mall, Farmers Plaza and MRT stations. It offers yet functional rooms with clean bedding, lights, fan, usb ports, and a portable table. When you open the lights, it feels like you are living in a sci-fi movie or somehow you are in a time machine. LOL!

Aside from the Japanese Inspired Capsule Room, Dormitos also has locker area, a communal bathroom and and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property.  It also features 24-hour security system. At the reception area, you can find  tables and chairs where you can eat, chill and relax.

Food is not allowed inside the room but you can stay in the reception area and eat your own food. Forgot to bring food? No worries, they sell instant noddles, chips, biscuit and many more. Smoking is also prohibited in all area. Shoes is not allowed in the room as well. You can put it in the shoe track located near the locker area.

Each room can only accommodate one person. It's spacious enough to move freely. I recommend to put all your things inside the locker.  If you’re claustrophobic, you’re not going to enjoy this room.

Dormitos rate is the same as with a hostel. Their rooms are now on 50% off.  It's P800 and you can get a bed for the night and nice shower in the morning.  Another good thing about the capsule room, you can adjust the lights and fan. There's also a portable table if you want to work with your laptop.

Walk in is only allowed only during work hours. It's advisable to book online to make sure there's a available room.

Overall, I enjoyed sleeping inside the capsule room. It's truly a unique experience. I recommend you to try Dormitos. You will surely love their Japanese style capsule room.

Dormitos

Address: 115 Harvard St Cubao Quezon City, Philippines
Contact Number: (02) 729 4950. / Email address:  cubao@dormitos.com
Website : http://www.dormitos.com

The simple bario of Liw-liwa is one of the famous surfing spots in the province of Zambales. Its laid-back, off-beat vibes and amazing waves attract a lot of travelers from around the world. This small coastal community is truly a perfect sanctuary for backpackers, wanderlust, beach lovers and surfing enthusiasts.

In our recent trip to Liw-liwa, we found a newly-opened resort called Kwentong Dagat. It's the first Vegan Beach Resort in Zambales! Their food menu is 100% powered by plants. Yes, you read it right! They serve 100% plant based dishes. Shout out to all of my Vegan friends!

The province of Batangas has many beach destinations, and yet many still flock to the same beaches in Calatagan, Laiya, and Nasugbo. Did you know that there's a beautiful island called Isla Verde. It's a secluded paradise located between Luzon and Mindoro.

Described as center of center of the world's marine biodiversity, Isla Verde features crystal blue waters and powdery white sand dotted with some coconut trees. There’s something for everyone, be it diving, swimming, trekking, or camping. This secluded beach will surely bring you a good dose of vitamin sea.

There's no question that international travel can truly be a life-changing experience, and for people who add volunteering to that mix to make sure they're doing some good along the way, that impact can be even greater. What's better than seeing the world while also making a difference? 

Volunteering abroad has become an incredibly popular option for high school graduates wanting to take a gap year that looks good on the resume, college students wanting to make a difference while also having more world experience, or even individuals looking to make a difference and do something different for a while.

International travel can be an amazing and truly life-changing experience. Whether you are an experienced vagabond, a beginning nomad, or preparing for your first-ever trip, there's nothing quite like the excitement that comes before setting off on a brand new journey. International travel gives exposure to new cultures, new experiences, and the chance to make an array of memories that will truly last a lifetime.

However, there are plenty of issues that can crop up during a worldwide trip. While nothing will ever fully guarantee a smooth trip (and a few mini-adventures can make the trip), keeping the following travel hacks in mind will help increase your chances of having a great international trip whether a one-week vacation or the extended start of a life-changing experience.

Fiery Style recently opened its newest branch at Gateway Tower Mall in Araneta Center, Quezon City. This restaurant serves Mexican American cuisines (a fusion of Mexican and American cuisines ) like cheezy quesadilla, colorful nachos, juicy burgers, mouth-watering steaks,  flavored buffalo wings, and more.

In my recent visit to Fiery Style Gateway, I immediately noticed the restaurant's interior. From wall decorations, tables and chairs to its cozy bar, the whole place like an authentic Mexican restaurant. This place is perfect for anything from a family dinner to a casual dinner with a couple of friends who appreciate Southwestern food, and a venue to stop after corporate or business meeting.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the country’s only heritage resort by the sea which occupies the 400-hectare land in Bagac town of Bataan. This beautiful hotel features the best of Filipino heritage and culture through the colorful stories as retold by owner Jose “Jerry” Acuzar’s collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses.

In our recent visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, we're fortunate to be part of the launching of it's newest attraction called Historyland. It's an entertaining show that will bring life to iconic Filipino characters that played huge and nostalgic pieces of Philippine history. Here are some of the significant events that you will surely enjoy to watch in Historyland.

The Battle of Mactan

With the beautiful background of the sea, witness  the battle between the Flipinos headed by Lapu Lapu against the Spaniards. The fight was really intense. Some of them were fighting very close to the audience. No worries, it's only a reenactment and they're harmless. Expect to see the death of Ferdinand Magellan and feel the nationality through our blood and veins.

Execution of Jose Rizal

This is one my favorite scene in the Historyland. As we all know, Philippine national hero Jose Rizal lived his entire life to ignite change and inspire his countrymen.Though he lived his life quite short, his efforts to spark revolution and compassion towards the Filipino people and the country transpired to the freedom we enjoy today. Realize the contribution of our National Hero to the society and its impacts to the future by rediscovering the past.

The Cry of Pugad Lawin

During the show, I suddenly remembered my history subject when I was in grade school. The cry of Pugad Lawin is the event in the past I won't forget. Anyway, the tearing of cedulas is, more often than not, overlooked as far as our history is concerned. Know the significance of this action, from what encouraged Filipinos to finally fight for their country and the future battles that occurred.

Making of Philippine Flag

Before the start of the class in the morning, everyone should be in the school ground to sing the Philippine Anthem. Do you know who created our flag? Learning the depth of every symbolism in our flag requires thorough understanding. Each color represents a Filipino trait, creating a momentous design, which greatly speaks the collective stories of our ancestors. In fact, the Philippine flag we have today underwent a lot of revisions and HistoryLand will give us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the making of this authentic Filipino symbol.

Fight for Philippine Independence

Do you know when and where was Philippine flag first unfurled? The Filipino national flag was officially unfurled for the first time on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite which symbolized the Philippine independence. Experience this live and in flesh at the first ever history amusement park.

Ambiance Actors

One of the perks of joining on this activity is you can take pictures with El Katipuneros, Sisa, General Luna, Maria Clara and Friars. You will also learn a thing or two from these icons in our history.

Parade of History

This is the main highlight of this attraction. Get a once in a lifetime experience with HistoryLand’s historical figures in a 30-minute Meet and Greet! The characters that are part of HistoryLand will walk through the aisles of Las Casas to have a parade for everyone to witness.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is must-visit destination in the Philippines. From beautiful structures, natural landscapes to entertaining Historyland, Las Casas is perfect destination for those who want to experience a one-of-a-kind travel to the past.

WEEKDAY WALKING TOUR
Have a closer look at bits and pieces of our country’s rich history through an immersive interactive walking tour.
Monday to Friday – PHP1,500

WEEKDAY PREMIERE HERITAGE TOUR
Get the opportunity to experience history first hand as our tour guides let you in on the stories of each structure.
Monday to Friday – PHP1,850

WEEKEND WALKING HERITAGE TOUR
Marvel at the striking design each structure and see history from a different perspective and make your weekends more exciting.
Saturday & Sunday – PHP2,500

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is open Monday to Saturday, from 8:30AM to 6:00PM. For day tour and room rates, you may contact the hotel at  (02) 833.3333 loc 141-42 and 145 ; Mobile No.: 0917.872.9361

HOW TO GET THERE:

By public transport – From Cubao, take a bus bound for Balanga, Bataan. Travel time is 2-3 hours. Fare is P200-P250. Bus companies (Bataan Transit & Genesis Transport) serving this route have daily trips that leave hourly. From Bataan Transport Terminal, take a another bus bound for Bagac Travel time is around 45 minutes and fare is around  P50. From the town proper of Bagac, hire a tricycle that will bring you to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Travel time is around 10 minutes and fare is P10/pax.

By private car – (Via NLEX) From Manila, Bagac is a 3-hour drive via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Exit at San Fernando (P157 toll fee). Take the westbound side of Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Gapan-Olongapo Road), heading towards the towns of Bacolor, Guagua, and Lubao in Pamgpanga. Upon reaching Dinalupihan, turn left at Roman Superhighway. Once in Balanga City, turn right at Gov. J.J. Linao National Road. Drive along the scenic route at the foot of Mt. Samat (where you can see the Dambana ng Kagitingan) until you reach the town of Bagac. Follow the road markers that point to Las Casas.

For inquiries and reservations, call 0917.872.9361 or visit our website at www.lascasasfilipinas.com.