All The Small Things: 5 Cool Spots in Makati That Show Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Go big or go home? The Mini Suites, a couple of lifestyle stores, and two specialty shops in Makati City will show you that show good things can also come in small packages:

1. PURVEYR POST

Post is the lifestyle store of Purveyr—a multi-dimensional media brand that aims to positively influence perspective of life through digital, print, events, service, and retail mediums. The regular pedestrian may not be wowed by its unassuming space in Bangkal, Makati, but fans of outsider art and street culture will be impressed by what it offers. In addition to local street wear, there’s also exhibitions, occasional live performances, and barbering sessions. Post has also recently opened a second location in Poblacion to further promote their cause.

Address: 5650 Don Pedro St., Brgy. Poblacion / 1403 Apolinario St., Brgy. Bangkal.
Website: http://purveyr.com

2. PLAKA PLANET

Vinyl records and vintage turntables are back. Plaka Planet, the best and most budget-friendly place to get your audio fix is hidden inside an archery range. Bobby, the owner, is very cool and will even let you test any pressing even if you’re not planning to buy anything.

Address: Kodanda Archery Range, Makati Central Square
Website: www.facebook.com/pg/PlakaPlanetMakati

3. GUITAR PUSHER

It just might be a single condo unit in a quiet high-rise in the city, but for musicians and guitar geeks, Guitar Pusher might as well be called ‘Guitar Heaven’.

Address: 124 H. V. Dela Costa, Bel-Air
Website: http://www.guitarpusher.com

4. SLICK BARBERS CO.

From its humble beginnings of just a couple of monobloc chairs and mirrors on the first level of co-founder Christian “Indio” Bendañas house, SBCo is now a full pledged barber shop and lifestyle brand with a cult following. Their specialty? Clean fades and buzzes a.k.a ‘gentleman’s cut,” which not many barbers in the country can pull off.

Address: 3919 Yague St. cor South Avenue
Website: www.facebook.com/slickbarbersco

5. THE MINI SUITES ETON TOWER MAKATI

The Mini Suites puts you in the center of all the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy first-class accommodations all with full amenities and indulgent beds & pillows, you are sure to find that perfect mix of modern practicality, convenience, and touches of luxury to suit your needs. One of the best hotels in Makati, these suites will end your search for where to stay in Makati City.

Address: 128 Dela Rosa Street, Ayala South
Website: www.theminisuites.com

Your Weekend Guide: 4 Places To Go in Davao City

Only have a day or two to explore the Durian Capital? Here’s your weekend guide on where to go and where to stay in Davao if you are in the city for a short stay:

1. Magsaysay Park

Visit one of the oldest parks in Davao if you want to have fun and learn about some of Davao’s culture at the same time. There are a lot of activities to choose from: bike with your loved ones, have a picnic with your family, skate with friends, or go to Kadayawan Tribal Village. You can also try famous fruits of Davao—Durian and Pomelo—as the Magsaysay Fruit Stand is located in front of this park.

2. Roxas Night Market

If you’re looking for good food, great ambiance plus all the awesome things in between, this might just be the perfect destination for you. This popular place in Roxas Avenue is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. They have all sorts of food, clothes, accessories, and even whole-body massages. All of these without hurting your pockets! For starters, try their famous charcoal ice cream for a unique experience on your sweet trips.

3. Suazo

Missing the gigs in Route 196 or SaGuijo Cafe + Bar because you’re not in the metro? Fret not. Davao has its own indie hangout place. Suazo Bar in Poblacion is the right place for you if you want to know more about the local art scene, enjoy a chill night with friends, or even meet new people. Expect to have a chill night and do what they say on their FB page: “Beer. Booze. Music. Chill. Sit back and relax the Davaoeño way.”

4. Acacia Hotel Davao

After a day of strolling in Magsaysay Park, eating out at the Night Market, and chilling out at Suazo, you can sigh in relief and relax. If you’re looking for a place that can make you feel right at home, Acacia Hotel Davao is the accommodation for you. Spacious and classy rooms are what you can expect in this hotel in Davao. They also have a fitness gym, swimming pool with bar, café, Chinese restaurant, and other facilities that guests can enjoy. Hope this quick weekend guide helps you with the questions you have in mind, on where to go or where to stay in Davao city!

Swiss-Belhotel Blulane: New Name, Same Wonderful Experience in The World’s Oldest Chinatown

Binondo, Manila – The name might sound new, but Swiss-Belhotel Blulane is no stranger to the frequent traveller and businessman in the world’s oldest Chinatown.

Formerly known as The Blulane Hotel, this landmark property is under new management and more than ever eager to provide guests with a new and improved brand of hospitality and modern luxury.

Relax

Binondo is one of the busiest commercial districts in the city. Finding a place to rest seems like a daunting task. Here at The Swiss-Belhotel Blulane, you can look forward to an elevated level of comfort every time. Each of our rooms assures you a good night’s sleep after exploring the exciting sights of the area. Featuring plush bedding with 300 thread count and ample space, the rooms promises nothing but modern comfort. All rooms have 42-inch LCD TV with cable channels, NDD phone, mini-bar, hot and cold shower, high-speed Internet connection, in-room safety box, and mini refrigerator.

Indulge

Binondo has an amazing food scene that is worth braving the dreaded Metro Manila traffic for. At Swiss-Belhotel Blulane in Binondo, Manila, guests have an array of dining opportunities. With 2 specialty restaurants that offer a wide variety of Cantonese cuisine and Western menu, this spot is the right one to feed your cravings. Choose between the Blu Cafe & Lounge and the Coffee Club to satisfy your culinary and refreshment cravings.

Experience

Planning a business meeting or a party in Binondo? Swiss-Belhotel Blulane provides you with 19 separate events spaces and a dedicated events team to make your event, no matter how big or small, our hotel ensures that every event runs as smooth and seamless as possible. We have function rooms and a grand ballroom that can seat up to 800 persons.

Explore

The Blulane Hotel in Chinatown resides in an ideal location where business meets leisure. This hotel is near Binondo’s tourist attractions, neighboring recreational hubs and Philippine historical landmarks with both Chinese and Filipino cultures. These include National Museum, Manila Cathedral, Port Area Manila, Manila Ocean Park, Rizal Park, Intramuros, US Embassy, and Entertainment City. Plus, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is one car ride away.

For more information, visit Swiss-Belhotel Blulane’s (formerly The Blulane Hotel) website at www.swiss-belhotelblulane.com.

First time to Attend MassKara Festival? 4 Things to Know to Have a Great Time

It’s October again, which means it’s that time of the year for the biggest and grandest festival in Bacolod! With the theme “Bacolod, City of Smiles,” MassKara Festival is now in its 40th year. A wide array of activities await tourists and visitors—concerts, competitions, marathons, food trips, street dances, and a lot more!

Exciting, right?

1. Stock up on some knowledge about Bacolod and the festival itself

To save you the hassle of getting lost and not knowing what to do or where to eat, research first. This way, you can plan your itinerary which can save you lots of time and money. Also, search for weather conditions so you can prepare yourself well.

Another thing is to expose yourself to the background of MassKara Festival so that you don’t just enjoy the festivities, you also learn a thing or two about the history of Bacolod.

2. Pack the right stuff

Thousands of tourists visit Bacolod for the festival, so expect crowds at every turn. Make sure to bring comfortable clothes and shoes. You don’t need to flex your diamond necklace or gold earrings to have a good time.

Bring extra money for those unexpected merch you might want to buy. And don’t forget your sunscreen in case you go on a day stroll or food trip!

3. Go with a friend

The best way to enjoy the festival is to celebrate it with someone else. Going to Bacolod with a friend is ideal especially if you’re not familiar with the place. It will also save you some cash if you share food, transportation, and accommodation with someone.
Besides, who’s going to take those Instagram-worthy shots of yours who knows your flattering angles if not your friend, right?

4. Stay in a convenient accommodation

After all the joy and cheers of the festival, you would want to have a good night sleep so you’d have more fun the next day. Staying in an accommodation with sea and mountain views is a good consideration if you want a comforting feel.

With this, Acacia Hotel Bacolod is an excellent choice for accommodation. This newly opened hotel which boasts of its warm hospitality may be what you need for a complete MassKara experience. The hotel is also close to the port and popular attractions, making it accessible and convenient if you want to explore more of Bacolod.

Get more from Acacia Hotel Bacolod by booking directly from their website. For more information, check out their website here: www.acaciahotelsbacolod.com.

A Unique Experience at the Henry Hotel Cebu

These days, modern hotel accommodations offer highly similar facades that are all too familiar. Contemporary designs are a dime a dozen, and while these tried and tested architectural leanings offers a safe and familiar selling point, The Henry Hotel in Cebu City offers something more to its guests.

SOMETHING COLORFUL, SOMETHING DIFFERENT

If you’re looking for your next Cebu City accommodation, The Henry Hotel Cebu offers a unique hotel experience which promises to be as comfortable and memorable, as much as it is exciting. Boasting modern art-deco designs and multiple themed rooms, the hip stylings this hotel offers a pop of vibrant colors that are rarely available with other hotels in the city.

The Henry Hotel’s 62 rooms promise larger than life accommodations, literally both in space and in its aesthetics. With 2 contemporary artists lending their masterful designs, Mark Luzon and Mark “Kidlat” Copino, no two rooms are rendered exactly the same. The uniqueness in the styles of the rooms makes its guests and visitors feel as if they are living in an art gallery. With sleeping comfort and modern amenities as a minimum requirement for its accommodations, The Henry Hotel Cebu aims for a different experience every time you stay, even for returning guests.

A FAMILIAR, BUT PREMIUM COMFORT

The Henry Hotel Cebu sees to it that the conveniences which a modern hotel offers are not lost for the sake of aesthetics. Comfortable sleep is mainly the priority. Each room is equipped with soft and sturdy mattresses for a good night’s rest, and modern-day conveniences are available for that complete hotel experience. Free Wi-Fi access, contemporary bathroom fixtures, in-room safe and tea-making facilities, are only some of the features available in all rooms of the hotel.

Of course, the Henry Hotel Cebu takes it one step further. All rooms are spacious and well ventilated, with well-thought-of colors and designs. The hip and funky vibe of each room are accentuated by premium hotel offerings such as all-natural Bath Origins for its bath amenities, and French press with fresh coffee grounds by Henry and Sons.

EXTRAORDINARY FACILITIES

It is not just the rooms which offer its guests something different to be had, The Henry Hotel Cebu features amenities which are all unique on its own. Where else can you find a hotel with a reading nook and a café with fun and quirky designs?

Even Space 40, the hotel’s function hall and meeting room, has aesthetics which guarantees anything but a boring assembly. And of course, a hotel is not a Henry Hotel if it doesn’t have the signature store, The Honest Henry.

For those of you who are not familiar, The Honest Henry is a store which relies on honesty when it comes to paying for its merchandises. You read it right, the hotel banks on the virtue of one’s honesty when it comes to actually paying for the items in the store. For the Henry Hotel Cebu, it teamed up with Anthill Fabric Gallery to showcase the store offerings, featuring intricately made local merchandise which guests may want to bring home as souvenir or pasalubong.

LIKE NO OTHER

The Henry Hotel Cebu may not be your usual hotel, it’s a whole lot more. The colorful designs promise to energize discerning guests with it’s vibrant and funky vibes which really makes for a unique, inspired, experience. Offering modern convenience with an elevated hotel stay, this artistically-designed boutique hotel is truly a must-try accommodation in Cebu City.

For more information and bookings for the Henry Hotel Cebu City, click HERE: https://cebu.thehenryhotel.com/

Want To Know If He or She’s The One? Take Them On A Weekend Date In Manila

Manila, Philippines – Did you know that aside from shopping and sightseeing, Manila is a great place to know if your current partner is for keeps? So you’ve been dating for quite some time and you’re thinking about kicking things up to the next level, but you really want to make sure. There’s a sure-fire way to know if they are worth it.

Bill Murray once famously said: “If you have someone who you think is The One, take that person and travel around the world. Go to places that are hard to go to and hard to get out of. And if when you come back to JFK, when you land in JFK, and you’re still in love with that person, get married at the airport.”

Manila, even with all its historical significance and undeniable charm, is not a walk in the park. Fortunately, with these tips on the things to do in Manila you can enjoy a weekend date with your partner while evaluating if he or she could be The One:

1.Food adventures in Binondo

You and your partner should enjoy the same things like eating together. Do they have allergies? Do they chew with their mouth open? Would they share their food? Would they yell at you when they are starving? You need to know these things. You’ll never run out of restaurants and holes-in-the wall to explore here in Binondo. All you need is time, patience, and a large appetite.

2. Art appreciation at National Museum

Aside from talking about how their day went and the latest on that TV show you both like, do they appreciate art and other fine things? Do they think its boring? Can they take cool photos for your IG? These are important things! Check out the National Museum’s social media pages for the latest exhibitions and gallery hours.

3. History lesson in Luneta, Intramuros

The climate in Manila could only be just two things: hot and sticky or dripping wet. Watch them react to the smoke and traffic while strolling along the city’s most famous and historical landmarks. Do they pay attention? Are they easily annoyed? Do they complain much? These are just some things to ponder.

4. Party along Escolta

In the daytime, Escolta is a busy strip with interesting shops and old buildings. At night, it turns into a hip block party where you can buy stuff from local artisans, eat gourmet street food, and drink cheap booze while dancing in the street. Will your partner enjoy the environment?  Or would they be a party pooper and ask to just go back to your hotel? Will they check out other people when they think you’re not looking? There’s only one way to find out and this is the right place to do it.

5. Let Manila Bay do its magic

If after all of the things you went through on this trip, you still like them and they still like you then lucky for you both. Sit in silence along Manila Bay and enjoy the sunset and the breeze with your partner-in-crime. Good luck!

ABOUT SWISS-BELHOTEL BLULANE

Set in an impressive 17-storey building, the hotel offers 171 rooms and suites that provides modern Asian-inspired design and the latest amenities enabling travelers to unwind in comfort and style. There are two excellent restaurants, a casual coffee shop, a serene spa and extensive conference and banqueting space, including a grand ballroom, making Swiss-Belhotel Blulane ideally suited to every occasion. All guests will enjoy exceptional service that exudes the genuine warmth of Filipino hospitality.

For guests seeking an insight into the rich cultural heritage of Manila, whilst also being able to enjoy world-class accommodation, amenities, service and meeting space, Swiss-Belhotel Blulane is the best place to stay in Binondo.

609 Tomas Mapua St., Sta. Cruz Manila, Philippines
Website: www.swiss-belhotelblulane.com

5 Things I've Realized After Visiting Bicol For The First Time

Legazpi City, Philippines - 'I should probably get a hotel in Legazpi, Albay or perhaps an AirBnb next time' is just one of the many things I told myself last time I went there. You see traveling to Bicolandia is no walk in the park, but it truly is one of the most beautiful places and most rewarding trips I have ever had. Here are other things I have discovered that could possibly help make Bicol more fun or at least easier for you if you plan on going there:

1. If you could afford to fly there... DO IT!

Yes, road trips are fun. That's until you find yourself sitting on a bus, bored out of your mind, for 12, maybe 14 hours and counting... then they're not that fun anymore. If you could afford the plane tickets, take that route. You will save yourself from unnecessary stress and exhaustion. You'll even have more time and energy to enjoy the trip.

2. Do yourself a favor and drop by a Bigg's Diner

One of my greatest regrets is not getting the chance to stop by Bicol's most famous fast food place. Bigg's has been around since 1983 and has grown to 16 branches in the Bicol area alone. They have that distinct and nostalgic early Americana vibe and a home-style fried chicken and milkshake recipe that Bicolanos love. Luzon is slowly catching up with the announcement of a new branch opening soon in Fairview, QC.

3. Laing is the essential dish. Period.

In Manila, Bicol Express gets top billing. But you haven’t tasted laing (shredded taro leaves with meat or seafood cooked in thick coconut milk spiced with chili, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, ginger, and shrimp paste.) until you’ve had it in Bicol. In addition, foodies looking for the best local fare would probably not believe this, but they’re better off asking locals to cook for them instead. I’m sure there are great restaurants here, but ask any Bicolano and they’ll tell you this: the best local dishes are cooked at home.

4. The Mayon is truly stunning

Growing up in the 90’s, kids were bombarded with images of the country’s most iconic volcano. It’s in the history books, postcards, and posters in the walls in every classroom all over the archipelago. Most Filipinos probably haven’t seen it, but it is definitely ingrained in everyone’s consciousness. Needless to say, I was more than ready to face Mount Mayon… or was I? Nothing could have prepared me from the majestic sight of that perfect cone and that equally breathtaking Cagsawa Ruin on the foreground. Everything was surreal. I just wished the skies weren’t overcast that day. I also wish our group didn’t ask those hack photographers take souvenir photos. 5. Go on a side trip to the beach Most of Bicol is landlocked. So you have to drive all the way to Camarines Sur to get your dose of Vitamin Sea. It is, without a doubt, worth it.

BONUS TIP:

Where to stay in Legazpi, Albay? Check out The Oriental Legazpi. After exploring the Legazpi City tourist spots, you can look forward to having a rejuvenating massage at the outdoor spa or unwinding by the infinity pool overlooking Mayon Volcano. Fall in love with Mayon's beauty right in front of you as you take a break for the day.

Guests are sure to have a unique gastronomic experience at our hotel in Legazpi, Albay. Indulge in a variety of international dishes as well as local food favorites including Laing Bagnet, Pasta Bicolandia and the famous Bicol Express. At The Oriental Legazpi, you are greeted with a choreographed dance and a welcoming smile. Serving you with passion and dedication throughout your stay, the hotel staff will make you feel at home at The Oriental.

Beyond the majestic view of Mayon Volcano from the hotel, The Oriental Legazpi brings you closer to its beauty through the hotel's trusted ATV tour partners. Ride an all-terrain vehicle and experience coursing through volcanic rocks, creeks, and paths along the mountainside. An exhilarating 45-minute ATV ride will take you to the Mayon Lava Rocks where you can enjoy hiking and ziplining, perfect for capping off your ATV adventure.

For more information, visit The Oriental Legazpi Hotel in Albay, Philippines’ website at www.albay.theorientalhotels.com.