NEWS - March 2012
Now, even the average Boracay tourist can get pampered
The Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Marge C. Enriquez
March 31, 2012
One of the country’s top stylists, Victor Ortega, has a vision: to make Boracay known as “Victor Ortega island.”
Favorite ‘secret’ summer destinations
The Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Alex Y. Vegara, Cheche V. Moral and Stef Cabal
March 31, 2012
Fave secret getaway would be our rest house in Pililia, Rizal. It is the only house on a hill, and is not publicly accessible. It can be a place for solitude or could be a party place with a group of friends or my family.—MICHELE SISON, fashion designer
Your best guide to a Manila ‘Visita Iglesia’
The Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Josephine Darang
March 31, 2012
Even the not-very-religious Catholic does Visita Iglesia during Holy Week. Visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday, after the Holy Eucharist is brought to the “altar of repose” by the priest during the procession inside the Church, is a tradition observed by most Catholics.
A hideaway where birds and bamboos bring blissThe Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Karen Boncocan
March 29, 2012
MANILA, Philippines – Have you ever eagerly packed your bags and headed out of the city for a vacation, expecting peace and quiet while lying on the sand in some far-off paradise only to find it swarming with other vacationers?
It's more than just fun in Caramoan
The Philippine Star
By Christine S. Dayrit
March 25, 2012
On a calm night devoid of stars, ride a motorboat on the waters of the Tugawe Bay in Caramoan and be delighted by the sight of what appears to be numerous stars or fireflies dancing in the waters. These effulgent escapes that streak through the vitamin-rich waters around the mangrove routes resemble bursts of fireworks. Under the outrigger of the motorboat, they flicker and dart by you like friendly phantoms below the surface, this time emanating more luminescence into the darkness. The only other time I experienced this was at Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico and I was ecstatic it could be, to a certain degree, witnessed in Caramoan as well.
Experience This Paradise In Sarangani
Manila Bulletin
By Armando A. Mortejo
March 25, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — "A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” When poet John Keats wrote that famous line, he might have been thinking of the Lemlunay Dive Resort in barangay Kamanga in Maasim, Sarangani.
A sanctuary for Filipino artists in Baler
The Philippine Star
By Joy Angelica Subido
March 25, 2012
One drives to the remote site along a winding one-lane road carved through the hillside. Another route, we were told, was via speedboat. But the weather was uncooperative and an approach by sea would be too risky. From a vantage point at the top of the hill, we saw firsthand how the foam-tipped waves hurled themselves against the massive rocks and coral, furiously spitting spray.
Summer fun in the summer capital
The Philippine Star
By Lester Gopela Hallig
March 25, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - If you need further proof that it really is more fun in the Philippines, then come up to Baguio City and experience another holiday that will be talked about way after the season is over.
Lancaster has special Holy Week package
The Philippine Star
March 25, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - For those spending their vacation in the city this coming long weekend, Lancaster Hotel Manila can be the perfect place to be.
Reward hard work at Alegre Beach Resort
The Philippine Star
March 25, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Celebrate success and reward hard work with Alegre Beach Resort & Spa’s latest offer this graduation season.
Soon, discover Palawan's beauty at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Huma Island
The Philippine Star
March 23, 2012
DUBAI — Movenpick Hotels & Resorts announced that it is to manage Huma Island resort — a private island in the heart of Palawan.
Sofitel presents The Imperial Residence
The Philippine Star
March 23, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Sofitel Philippine Plaza presents Manila’s most prestigious and luxurious collection of suites, The Imperial Residence, whose opulence makes for an ideal sanctuary within the city, fit for royalty, celebrities and heads of state.
Uncovering Quaint Stories From Baguio
Manila Bulletin
By Lucci C. Coral
March 18, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — Start daydreaming about summer and you immediately get visions of coconut trees, beaches and bikini-clad girls throwing frisbees to men in board shorts. However, our tropical country which looks like summer all year long chose the extreme opposite for our summer capital. And even if urban-dwellers come back over and over again to Baguio City, its distinct charm never fails to capture our fascination for cold and air-conditioned places.
Anglers, Burial, And A Crash
Manila Bulletin
By Ma. Glaiza Lee
March 18, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — "Boarding! Boarding! Boarding!” shouted the man in charge of our tour while we, the eager adventurers, animatedly scurried to hop on the Victory bus which would be our home for the next nine days of Lakbay Norte 3, a media tour of the Northern Philippines co-organized by North Philippines Visitors Bureau and Manila North Tollways Corporation.
Rediscovering Baguio
The Philippine Star
By Ricky Toledo & Chito Vijandre
March 18, 2012
Mountain or sea? During our teens, the sea usually won. After an all-night, all-morning bout of partying, the lure of the sun and the shores of Matabungkay was just too much to pass up, hangover be damned. Straight from the clubs we would hurriedly pack for the weekend. You really didn’t need much — swimwear and a sarong, perhaps. Skin salves and lotions, of course, since worshipping the sun would be a major thing, when not indoors overindulging again like the night before.
Make it an Acuaverde summer
The Philippine Star
By Lester Gopela Hallig
March 18, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Summer welcomed us early at Acuaverde Beach Resort. Despite the obvious summer heat, the weather was tempered by the trees that towered above us. From where we stood upon our arrival, we watched in awe at how the cobalt blue sky seamlessly melted into the azure waters. The invitation has been virtually extended.
Monday Jam Nights at The Exchange
The Philippine Star
March 18, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Jumpstart the workweek as The Exchange at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas turns the spotlight on you every Monday night for an all-out jamming session full of fun, excitement, and delightful entertainment.
Welcome summer at Networld Hotel Manila
The Philippine Star
March 18, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - The school days are winding down and everyone in the family deserves that much-needed break and pampering.
Celebrate with Eastwood Café's Wine Buffet
The Philippine Star
March 18, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Oftentimes, all one needs is a celebration to perk up the day. And at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s Eastwood Café, every day is always a cause for merrymaking, especially with overflowing wine to help set the celebratory mood.
Caught in the whirl of the grandest festival of the North
Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Constantino C. Tejero
March 17, 2012
Welcome to the mountains!” said The Manor managing director Heinrich Maulbecker, by way of greeting the Manila trimedia who came over that weekend for the Panagbenga, upon the invitation of The Manor at Camp John Hay.
City Garden Hotel Makati offers party packages
The Philippine Star
March 16, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - March signals the month of graduations and more. From diplomas to milestone events and celebrations, March signals a breath of new life. Let City Garden Hotel play host to all your special events.
Gensan Celebrates Convergence Of Culture
Manila Bulletin
March 15, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — It was a colorful explosion of culture as Gen. Santos City recently showcased its artistic side with the celebration of the the multi-awarded Kalilangan Festival as part of its 73rd founding day.
Happiness all around at Hotel Veniz
The Philippine Star
By Lester Gopela Hallig
March 11, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - We recently discovered that Hotel Veniz provides the best view of the Panagbenga Flower Festival parade. From our perch a couple of floors up, we were able to appreciate more the parade formations, the uniqueness of the floral floats, and the massive crowd that came to watch this annual festivity. What we had, ultimately, was the best seat in the house.
Tiaong has its come-ons
By Annelle S. Tayao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 10, 2012
If there is one thing we can learn from the people of Tiaong, Quezon, it is having pride of place. Proof of that is the recent publication of “Tiaong: Coming Into Its Own,” a coffee-table book written by Abe Florendo, with archival research by Dulce Festin Baybay and Dr. Luis C. Dery.
Holy Week getaway at Microtel Sto. Tomas
The Philippine Star
By Lester Gopela Hallig
March 9, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - If you are thinking of a more meaningful Holy Week — that is, away from the parties and the ruckus — you might want to consider Batangas as a place to achieve this. Surely, if Visita Iglesia is in the agenda, Batangas will not disappoint. It is teeming with old and new churches, as well as venues for retreats and quiet reflections.
Eastwood Richmonde salutes Class of 2012
The Philippine Star
March 9, 2010
MANILA, Philippines - Honor the milestone of your loved one’s graduation and revel in the special treat Eastwood Richmonde Hotel has to salute the class of 2012 at its chic all-day dining restaurant, Eastwood Café.
Boracay Garden Resort offers summer packages
The Philippine Star
March 9, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - It’s time to hit the beach and enjoy Boracay’s glorious summer weather.
Join March madness at Richmonde Café
The Philippine Star
March 9, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - From March 19 to 30, get ready for a mad dash to Richmonde Café, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ all-day dining restaurant, as it presents a parade of delectable dishes at the buffet at lunchtime from Monday to Friday, and at dinner every Friday, at an exciting group discount.
Mouthwatering Mangoes In A Museum
Manila Bulletin
By Leo Ortega Laparan II
March 8, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — Mangoes in a museum, anyone? Using the current national tourism slogan, “It’s more fun to eat mangoes in the Philippines,”or, “It’s more fun in Cebu,” to be more apt. And why not, when the Queen City of the South now has the first ever museum that exalts our national fruit?
We Can Be Real Heroes
Manila Bulletin
By Raneil Antonio Ibay
March 4, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — In this fast-changing world, many old-world traditions are dying. One such tradition is the Ifugao’s Bachang, the cooperative farming for men and the Ug-ugbo for women. Under this practice, farmers voluntarily clear weeds, repair the terraces and their irrigation, as well as plant and harvest rice on a fellow farmer’s field. The field owner is expected to provide food during work and also help in another farmer’s field as well. This is the Ifugao’s “bayanihan” spirit.
Flowers Revolution
Manila Bulletin
By Jacky Lynne A. Oiga
March 4, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — On the eve of February 26, a number of hardworking locals silently began putting fresh flowers on lavishly decked floats as the cool wind lulled the city to sleep. Minutes before daybreak, spectators from all over the country slowly slinked into the side streets of Session Road in giddy anticipation of the flower parade. At exactly 8 a.m. the bands began to play. The crowd roared. Baguio was abloom once again.
Your gracious host in Baguio
The Philippine Star
By Lester Gopela Hallig
March 4, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - It was the perfect time to be in Baguio City. We thoroughly had fun at the annual Panagbenga Festival and its fabulous flower floats and events, all of which remain crowd-drawers. The occasion also officially welcomed the arrival of Le Monet Hotel into the city’s hospitality scene.
Baguio’s flower power
Manila Standard Today
By Dinna Chan Vasquez
March 2, 2012
Panagbenga is the only festival of its kind in the Philippines and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez says it is an inspiration for the country’s tourism program.
Shangri-La's Mactan offers helicopter tours
The Philippine Star
March 2, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu continues to delight its guests with memorable holiday experiences by offering exclusive helicopter tours of Mactan Island and surrounding areas.
Richmonde Café's Chef Exclusives this March
The Philippine Star
March 2, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - The Richmonde Café features another unique, refreshing and delectable collection of exquisite dishes this March, courtesy of Executive Chef Jason Cruz and his kitchen team, to usher in the summer season and satisfy your meal cravings any time of the day.
'Ultra Happy Hour' at The Gallery
The Philippine Star
March 2, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Known for its dynamic energy and bustling activities, Eastwood City is the place to be when you want to party hard or just kick back and relax after a hard day’s work.
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