Davao City: Mel's Davao Food Tour, a New Way of Tasting Davao City's Unique Flavors

Two weeks ago, during my latest trip to Davao City, I went on a gastronomic journey with Mel's Davao Food Tour. It is a 6-stop, 5 1/2 hour foodie adventure that aims to introduce tourists visiting the city to Davao's food and drinks that locals enjoy. Covering breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, it will give you an insider's peek into the daily lives of Davaeños, where they eat and where they shop for local specialties and delicacies. So if you're craving for something new to try in Davao City, join Mel's Davao Food Tour.

Skyscanner Reveals the Tricks Filipinos do to Avoid Jetlag (Press Release)

From limiting alcohol consumption to taking Viagra, what Filipinos are doing to combat jet lag? According to a recent survey by Skyscanner, a leading global travel search site, 54% of Filipinos have flown with long distance transmerdian flights. This often results to desynchronisis or what is commonly known as jet lag, which results to poor sleep upon arrival, poorer mental performance and increased fatigue.

2014 Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is Cancelled

It is confirmed that the biggest aviation sports festival in the Philippines and the longest running balloon event in Asia is cancelled for 2014. The cancellation of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta for 2014 was confirmed last Wednesday, November 27, 2013, by Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Tourism Office Manager Noemi Garcia, saying that it is "too soon already for PIHABF 2014."

WHERE TO STAY IN DAVAO: Bahay ni Tuding Inn and Resto, "An Affordable Budget Hotel in Davao City"

Bahay ni Tuding Inn and Resto is a budget accommodation in Davao City and an excellent place to stay on your visit to Mindanao. Stay in one of the most affordable accommodations in Davao located along the major street of San Pedro which offers great rates, nice and clean rooms, safe and quiet environment and awesome customer service. So, if you are looking for a budget hotel in Davao City to stay in for business or vacation, check out Bahay ni Tuding Inn and Resto.

TOP PICKS: Must-see Christmas Destinations, Attractions and Activities in (and near) Metro Manila

Updated: December 2017

The Philippines is known for having the world's longest Christmas season. It starts at the first day of September and ends on the feast of the Epiphany. Definitely, Filipinos go all out and love to celebrate the Yuletide season in fun and merriment. This is the time where families and friends unite and and enjoy the season in the most "Christmassy way". So if you're living in or visiting the Metro, here are some of my recommended must-see Christmas destinations, attractions and activities in (and near) Metro Manila.

WHERE TO EAT IN LEGAZPI CITY: Small Talk Cafe

There are only few destinations in the country that are well-known for its food, Bicol Region is one of them. Bicolano cuisine has its own distinct identity with their heavy use of coconut milk and chili peppers. In Legazpi City, it is not only the tourist spots and destinations that make the city famous but also its delicious food and delicacies. So if you're looking for a place where to eat in Legazpi City, check out Small Talk Cafe. It is one of the most-visited restaurants in the city known for its ingenuous fusion dishes.

AirAsia Zest Rolls Out Piso Fare Promo (Press Release)

AirAsia Zest's Piso fare is back! This time, the promo seats sale are available throughout AirAsia and AirAsia X’s extensive route network throughout the region and beyond. The Piso seat sale are available for booking at www.airasia.com from today, January 25, 2013 until December 1, 2013. Travel dates are from May 5, 2014 until January 31 2015. Hurry, book now and grab an all-in promo seats starting from as low as Php 353.92 for one way including applicable taxes and fees.

WHERE TO STAY IN CEBU: The Center Suites, "An Affordable Budget Hotel in Cebu City"

The Center Suites is an affordable budget hotel in Cebu that caters to budget travelers and families who are in search of a cozy yet well-designed place to stay in the center of the city. Conveniently located at N. Gonzales Compound, Brgy. Camputhaw, it is very close to one of Cebu's main thoroughfares (Escario St.). It is just a few minutes away from Ayala Center and other business and entertainment districts of Cebu City. Food chains, Internet shops and other commercial establishments are also just a few meters away.

Quiapo's Feast of the Black Nazarene 2014 Schedule of Activities, Procession Route, Safety Tips and Reminders

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is an annual event held every January 9th. It is a fiesta that commemorates the Traslacion or the transfer of the image of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno to its shrine in Quiapo Church, Manila. Considered as one of the most awaited events of the Catholic devotees, an estimated of 6-8 million devotees join the procession every year. Certainly, the "Pista ng Itim na Nazareno" is one of the most well-attended fiesta in Metro Manila.

HOTELS IN LEGAZPI CITY: The Oriental Hotel Legazpi, "The Best Hotel in Legazpi City"

The Oriental Hotel is one of the finest hotels in Legazpi City, Albay. It is a first class hotel and is the only of its kind in the entire Bicol Region. Perched on the hills of Taysan, it offers its guests with breathtaking picturesque view of the world's renowned Mayon volcano and an overlooking view of the Legazpi cityscape and the blue waters of the Gulf of Albay. The hotel boasts of excellent service, superb hospitality and top-notch accommodation experience to its guests.

Waterfront Pavilion Hotel Manila Lights up Christmas Tree and gives support to Typhoon Yolanda Survivors

It's only 32 days before Christmas! We could already feel that the Yuletide season is fast approaching. In line with this, Waterfront Pavilion Hotel officially welcomed the Christmas holiday season featuring a few new treats this year. Last Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 5:30 PM, the first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was held. It also include the "wishing well" specifically dedicated to the victims and survivors of the recent super Typhoon (Yolanda) that hit the Philippines.

Win a Roundtrip Ticket to any Local Destinations from AirAsia Zest: The Right Way to Fly!

AirAsia Zest is a Filipino Low Cost Carrier in the Philippines bringing ZestAir in partnership with AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia and voted as the World's Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for five consecutive years from 2009 - 2013. It operates a fleet of 13 aircraft and currently servicing nine (9) domestic and four (4) international routes from Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Remembering Palo, Leyte's Christmas Festival

This quiet coastal town of Palo, Leyte celebrates every year a one of a kind Christmas Festival. I was able to attend its opening night last year which was full of spectacle with dance and song numbers to the tune of Christmas Carols by the kids of Palo. It was then followed by the ceremonial switching of the Christmas lights and fireworks display. It's definitely a night full of joy as Palo Leyte and its people officially welcome the Yuletide season.

AirAsia Zest leads "To Philippines With Love" campaign to help typhoon Yolanda victims (Press Release)

Here's some piece of good news! AirAsia Zest, in partnership with Tune Hotels, officially started on November 12, 2013, a donation and relief drive called "To Philippines With Love" which aimed at helping typhoon devastated communities in central Philippines.

Visa Requirements Affecting Two-thirds of Filipino’s Travel Choices (Press Release)

When I accomplished my challenge of visiting all the provinces in the Philippines, a lot of my friends were asking me "what's next for Pinoy Adventurista?". Is is time to travel abroad? Hmmmm... I really don't know yet... Yes, I have the interest on visiting a few countries outside the Philippine but most of them requires a visa and that is one of my considerations in choosing which country to visit. Well, let's see!

Pinoy Festivals: Maytinis Festival 2013 on December 24, 2013 in the Historic Town of Kawit

Maytinis Festival is an old Caviteño tradition, held annually during Christmas Eve in the historic town of Kawit, province of Cavite. The festival showcases a dramatic recapping of St. Joseph and Virgin Mary's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. It also features unique Filipino translation of the ancient biblical scenes of the history of mankind's salvation from the Old to the New Testaments depicted in dazzling floats with characters portrayed by Kawiteños.

WHERE TO EAT IN BAGUIO CITY: Turf Lounge and Bar in Laubach Road

"Your space, my space, our space", that's the concept of Turf Lounge and Bar in Baguio City. Located along Laubach Road, it is one of the newest "chill places" in the city. Upon entering the bar, I instantly noticed the long bar area with bottles of drinks placed high up on the wall. This is a great place to chill and have some drinks and maybe meet new friends.

ILOILO Dinagyang Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities, Street Dancing Route, How To Get There, Things To Do and Where To Stay

Dinagyang Festival 2014 is a religious and cultural celebration showcasing the rich heritage, colorful history and passionate devotion of the Ilonggos to the Senyor Sto. Niño. Held annually on the fourth weekend of January, Dinagyang Festival is as grand as Iloilo's old churches and mansions. Dinagyang is an Ilonggo term for "merrymaking"; thus, thousands of tourists and devotees flock to the streets of Iloilo City to join the celebrations and to witness the grand performances of different tribes as they dance to the beat of the drums in excellent folk choreography.

WHERE TO EAT IN BAGUIO CITY: Le Chef at The Manor, Camp John Hay

Le Chef is an all-day dining restaurant at The Manor inside Camp John Hay. The restaurant, hailed as one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Baguio is known to offer appetizing Filipino and international cuisines and cocktails. We went to Le Chef for an afternoon snacks as part of Baguio Food Tour 2013. It's my first time at The Manor Hotel and I was really amazed with its plush and cozy look.

WHERE TO EAT IN BAGUIO CITY: Hill Station at Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road

The gastronomic adventure in the "City of Pines" continues. This time, we're dining at Hill Station, one of Baguio City's most regarded restaurant. It is located at the ground floor of Casa Vallejo, a century-old building restored a few years back as a bed and breakfast hotel. It's easy to find the hotel as it is located very close to SM Baguio. Upon arrival at the hotel, we made our way towards the basement where a bar area greeted us.

The Oriental Legazpi's 2nd Anniversary Dinner Buffet at The Jasmine Restaurant

The Oriental Hotel Legazpi, one of the finest hotels in Albay, is celebrating its second anniversary with a three-night dinner buffet from November 9 to 11, 2013. Enjoy live acoustic performances as you savor the flavorful offerings at The Jasmine Restaurant. So if you happen to be in Legazpi City this weekend, visit The Oriental Legazpi for a night of good music and sumptuous food, prepared The Oriental way!

BAGUIO Panagbenga Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities, How To Get There, Things To Do and Where To Stay

The Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival is one of the most attended festival in the Philippines held annually in the City of Pines, Baguio City. It is a festival to celebrate not only the "season of blooming" of flowers but also the booming economy and prosperity of the City of Pines. Held every February, Panagbenga 2014 will showcase street dancing presentation by dancers in flower-inspired costumes as well as colorful floats decorated with flowers paraded along the major streets of Baguio City.

KALIBO Ati-atihan Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities, Route Map, How To Get There, Things To Do and Where To Stay

Dubbed as the "Mother of all Festivals", Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo Aklan is another must-see festival in honor of the Senyor Santo Niño. Held annually in January and concludes on the third Sunday, you'll get to see different tribe-participants dancing in revelry to the beat of the drums known as the "Sadsad Pasaeamat kay Senyor Sto. Niño" along the major streets of Kalibo. They painted their faces with black soots, wear indigenous costumes, carry tribal weapons, some would be in colorful and extravagant costumes and the others with paints all over their body as they show how "to become like Aetas".

WHERE TO EAT IN BAGUIO CITY: Zola Resto Cafe in Session Road

We're now on our 2nd day in Baguio City. For breakfast, we were invited by Zola Resto Cafe to sample on their new dishes that will be included on their menu this month. But since we woke up late from partying all-night at Purple Lounge, we we're not able to wake up as scheduled. Hahaha! The supposedly breakfast at Zola Restaurant Cafe became brunch.

WHERE TO EAT AND PARTY IN BAGUIO CITY: Purple Lounge at Upper Session Road

The moment we stepped inside Purple Lounge, I felt a certain vibe that somehow brings me back to the time when I used to party hard. The time when I work hard and party harder. But that was long time ago. Hahaha! Anyway, we were invited by Purple Lounge to experience the night life in the City of Pines. It is one of the hippest party places in Baguio City where you could have a drink and party all night. Located along Upper Session Road Extension, it is favorite hangout place among college students, young working professionals and even tourists visiting Baguio City.

CEBU Sinulog Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities, How To Get There, Things To Do and Where To Stay

Sinulog Festival 2014 is one of the country's biggest and most attended festivals in honor of the Senyor Santo Niño . It is an annual event held every third Sunday of January in Cebu City where a grand display of colorful and festive dancing with various contingents from all over Cebu and other provinces in extravagant costumes dancing to the beat of the Sinulog. As a religious celebration, it is the time of the year where millions of local and foreign tourists and devotees flock to the Queen City of the South to pay homage to the Santo Niño and to witness and join the Sinulog 2014 festivities.