The Truly Enchanting El Nido (Watch the Video Below)

Did you know that the famous author Alex Garland wrote "The Beach" while living in this little paradise of enchanting lagoons with tranquil turquoise-green water and caves that can take you to hidden beaches?

Just how beautiful is El Nido? See for yourself as John Vincent Gastanes brings us to over a hundred feet above sea level to witness the legendary beauty of El Nido, Palawan:

Camarines Norte - The Magnificent Gateway to Bicolandia (Watch the Video Below)

We can't help but fall in love with Camarines Norte, the magnificent gateway to Bicolandia!  Janine Gomez takes us to this dreamy destination in the video below:

Captivating Capiz (Watch the Video Below)

Michelle Beluso gives us a charming tour to the center of the seafood trip and the eco-cultural tourism hub of central Philippines - CAPIZ. Sit back and enjoy the experience! 

Travaholic Wants to Join the Bloggers' Tour 2010 with SEAIR and Microtel Philippines

Ahh.. August is about to end and it's gonna be September again - the start of those cold "Ber" months which to sentimental people (and I meant me!) bring out the nostalgic feel of the Christmas Season.  And if that's not special enough, September also brings about the little annual tradition of the travaholic in me.  Every year this month, I make it a point to be in a dreamy tropical island (I'm so blessed to be living in the Philippines!).

Most would probably say that it's not best season for an island getaway, but I know otherwise.  For instance, the beautiful island of Boracay may be truly fun and exciting during summer, but on rainy season it manifests its  mystic appeal in full bloom.

1.  The wet and humid climate somehow turns the place into a serene, mysterious paradise.. I can only describe it as like being inside an old, magical movie.

Boracay, September 2009

2. The experience like running along the shores of Boracay under the rain, can easily deliver you to a state of euphoria.

Two kids savoring two of the best things that mother nature has to offer - the rain and the beach!

3. Because visitors are sparse, there's a lot of room to move.. even allow you to feel like you have the whole island to yourself!

My friend Helen, taking in all of Boracay bliss on September 2009. 

4. And because there's no crowd, you get extra personalized service in hotels and restaurants.

5. The the best part is, you get better deals from airlines and hotels during this season!  Checkout great deals from SEAIR and Microtel Inns & Suites for your next Boracay getaway.

Taking Pride in My Heritage (A 5-Minute Video Featuring Bohol)

Earlier this year, one of my favorite travel sites featured an exciting contest that was organized by IslandsPhilippines.net in partnership with Department of Tourism and SM Supermalls.   The WOW Tour Guide Campaign was to be is a nationwide competition with an aim to instill among the youth a strong sense of awareness and appreciation about the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.

The participants were required to attend the pre-screening process at the Department of Tourism Auditorium in Ermita, Manila.  Qualified participants were then to complete the free 4-Day Tour Guiding Seminar by the Department of Tourism at the SM Mall of Asia.  Upon completion of the seminar, the contestants were to upload a 5-minute travel video entry demonstrating brief tour guiding skills by featuring his/her local destination. 

I joined the contest for many reasons - I couldn't afford to let my hometown Bohol (which I believe to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines) go unrepresented, the training was a wonderful chance to learn new tour guiding skills, meet new people with the same passion, and most of all it was indeed an opportunity to be more aware and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines!

Unfortunately, the contest has been either postponed or canceled.  While we're still waiting for the organizers to give us an update about this, I don't want to put the video to waste.. (after all, the main goal was to show the world how beautiful Bohol really is). With the help of Exquisite Photography, a photo and video studio based in Tagbilaran City, we created this video below.  I know that there is just too many amazing places to feature but we did our best to include as much as possible this 5-minute video as required in the contest. 

Enjoy and I hope you can visit this breath-taking island very soon! 

Possible Tagbilaran City Fiesta and Bohol Tour Itinerary

Five of my ex-officemates and I are going to Bohol on May 1 to join the fiesta celebration of Tagbilaran City.  I booked my ticket online on the 16th and couldn't believe how expensive the flights have become.  The Boholano people are very religious and most of them do their best to go home during their town's fiesta.  

Hotel Review - The Weekend Wellness Promo Package of Herald Suites Solana

Reposted from Expanding Territories

There are three things that can give me an incredible high - great food, amazing places and luxurious hotels. Albeit a budget-concious traveler, I try to get luxurious hotel accommodations as often as I possibly can.  I'm a firm believer that one need not be a millionaire to be able to live the " millionaire lifestyle."

Affordable Hotel Deals

Dreaming of Beautiful Boracay

I try to be in Boracay at least once every year and I'm currently trying to find the best possible deal that I can get my hands on for the trip this May.  I've stayed in several resorts there and one of the most unforgettable stays I've had was in Nigi Nigi Too on September 2009.

Huge beds and spacious rooms in Nigi Nigi too!

Puerto Princesa, Palawan - Arrival and City Tour

I usually love preparing the itinerary for short getaways, but considering that it was one hell of a busy week in the office before Thanksgiving holiday, it was relief that my former colleague April arranged everything for our mini vacation to Puerto Princesa, the city capital of Palawan. The ticket cost us only P3,943.52 each, two-way from Cebu Pacific Go Fares.  The flight was slightly more than an hour from Manila, and we were welcomed by these musicians in military uniforms upon arrival. 

Our driver and tour guide Steve was already waiting when we got there and thankfully carried most of our luggage to the van.  Except for the plane ticket, the hired van was actually the most expensive part of the budget.   Most backpackers use the public transport (mostly jeepneys and tricycles) from the airport to ferry them around the city. Should you opt for this, it's best to discuss the fare in advance so there won't be any misunderstanding between you and the driver. Considering that we were there for 4 days and 3 nights though, the cost of the van was quiet reasonable.