Travel Archives

Route Asia 2023 best Airport goes to…. CEBU!

24/03/2023

The Philippines’ second busiest and premier airport getaway in Visayas lived up to the standards of Asia Pacific after Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) named Asia’s Best Airport under the “five million passenger category” in this year’s Routes Asia Awards in Chiang Mai, Thailand. MCIA was chosen among 200 airports in the Asia Pacific in the five million category, due to their vital effort to increase passenger traffic amid the global health crisis brought about by the COVID-19, and other calamities that struck the country, and how they carried out recovery strategies for 2023. In a statement in their website, Routes Asia said that Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), which is managed by GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), has always taken a two-pronged approach to route development: airline marketing to create supply and destination marketing to ensure the sustainability of its airline partners’ presence and address the demand for air services. Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) general manager and chief executive officer Julius Neri Jr., cited the public-private partnership between the governing board and the airport’s private management in running the main gateway in Central Visayas and the support from the national and local governments. Neri, in an interview with Philippine News Agency, extended his thanks to Department of Tourism Secretary (DOT) Christina Garcia Frasco and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista and their astounding support that helped them move forward from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette. He also cited the support they received from the provincial government and Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s policy initiatives on tourism, peace, and development that helped pump prime visitor traffic in Cebu. He pledged to do more as he “eyed to vie for higher recognition in a different category in next year’s award.” The way they marketed the effort in Mactan-Cebu Airport as a destination dramatically increased the number of arrivals from zero after Typhoon Odette to 2 million in the later part of 2022. Neri stressed that it is indeed a very perfect example of the public-private partnership between the MCIAA and GMCAC. The awarding night was held last February 15, 2023, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. MCIAA Lawyer Tani-Angub Gaviola, Naomi Arcayan, Elmar Tagaloguin, and Jemar Nietes received the award with GMCAC’s Aines Liboro, Ivan Romano, and Inaki Ponio. GMCAC Director Rafael Aboitiz, said in a statement that the recognition denotes their strong commitment to resume the pre-pandemic connectivity while carrying out strategies in both airline and destination marketing. Singapore’s Changi Airport is the overall winner while Perth Airport was named winner in the five to 10 million passenger category. Routes Asia is an international aviation and airline events company based in the United Kingdom. DOT was also named the winner in the “Destination Category”, citing its “persistence in its efforts to partner with airports and airlines to reinstate discontinued routes and secure new air services.” Congratulations to all the winners! https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195375 Mactan-Cebu Airport is located in a 797-hectare site in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island that serves the Central Visayas region. It’s the main international airport serving Cebu, Philippines. It is also known as a hub for Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, Pan Pacific Airlines, PAL Express, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Philippines and a focus city for Air Juan and Philippines AirAsia. Mactan-Cebu Airport handled 12,662,055 passengers in 2019, being the second busiest airport in the Philippines, and was ranked the 9th most on-time airport in Southeast Asia by OAG, an air travel intelligence company, in 2018. Also known as “Queen City of the South”, Cebu is considered the 2nd biggest city of the country with a huge and busy port which is an important commercial point and connection. Cebu is also known for its respective tourist destinations, products and delicacies like lechon, danggit, chicharon, hopia, and dried mangoes, among others. There’s also a place where you can get your hair done, eat some samgyeopsal, and grab some coffee all at the same place—the Bonifacio District and Faustina Center. Whether you’re in for a quick errand or simply having a nice day out with friends and family, this strip mall has all that you need to complete the day. The Bonifacio District is the one-stop place for all your needs, located in F. Cabahug St., Cebu City. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1951866/cebu/lifestyle/sunstars-best-of-cebu-2022-winners-part-5-of-7 Tourists and travelers when visiting Cebu, for sure always do a quick (or long) visit and trip to Basilica of Santo Nino, Kalanggaman Islet (Malapascua Island), Tumalog Falls (Oslob) or Kawasan Falls (Moalboal) and see the Taoist Temple. Have you been to Mactan-International Airport? Are you amazed with its international-airport feels and vibe? Share your thoughts with us! #

5 Rooftop Bars in Metro Manila to Elevate Your Weekend Hang

12/03/2023

Looking for a Rooftop Bar in Metro Manila? Everyone loves a great city view. The daily commute, traffic, and overall business on the streets can grow tiresome. Sometimes you just need to take a step back from it all and get a new perspective. Whether you want to enjoy drinks with a view, taking a date, or even just hanging out, these spots may be worth looking into. So we’ve compiled a list of classy of sky-high rooftop terraces, cocktail lounges and sky bars for you to elevate your nights: 1. The Penthouse 8747 Overlooking the Ayala Triangle Gardens, the Penthouse offers an amazing view of Makati Skyline. What the bar offers: “Started in 2016, The Penthouse 8747 wants to provide a special experience for customers to escape their everyday duties by providing a peace of mind through great ambiance, convenient location, exceptional customer service and products of consistently high quality. The Penthouse 8747 is a classic and chic lounge that is greatly inspired by the art deco period also recognized as The Great Gatsby era.” Our food/drink recommendations: Taiwanese Whisky, Fritzgerald’s Truffle 410, The Penthouse Burger 480 Location: Lepanto Building, 8747 Paseo de Roxas, Makati, 1227 Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM 2. Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge source: Marco Polo Ortigas Strategically located in Ortigas Business Center, Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge offers a panoramic view of the metro. What the bar offers: “Indulge in mouth-watering samplers of antipasti, signature cocktails, wines, spirits, and champagnes amidst awe-inspiring vistas. It also features an 2 al fresco areas perfect for engaging conversations, completing the vibe for the ideal dining experience.” Our food/drink recommendation: Sapphire Road & Singapore Sling cocktails, Tapas Platter Experience: Rock n’ Roll Fridays with LOCKDOWN Band (9:00 PM) Saturday Night Groove with M.U.B. Band | 9:00 PM Location: 45th Floor, Marco Polo Ortigas, Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Centre, Pasig City, 1600 Operating Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays (5:00 PM to 1:00 AM); Fridays and Saturdays (5:00 PM to 2:00 AM) Attire: Cocktail Chic 3. The Nest Dining in the Sky Source: The Nest dining in the Sky Highlighting the views of the Laguna de Bay, Filinvest City, Alabang and South Luzon Expressway, The Nest Dining in the Sky stylish indoor dining room that leads out to a very lush, green and cozy terrace, decorated with both dining tables and lounge sofas along with a rooftop pool. What the bar offers: “Steal away to The Nest Dining in the Sky, Vivere Hotel’s iconic rooftop bar and restaurant. Hovering 31-storeys above the Metro South, The Nest flaunts a most breathtaking view of the skyline-making it truly a magical place to make memories happen. A rich selection of international cuisine, continuously being innovated by our R&D Team-focuses on comfort food and the like. Pair that with hand-crafted cocktails (who doesn’t love a good sangria?), cozy corners in the midst of breathtaking views, entice those longing for more intimate contemplation.” Our food/drink recommendation: Lapu-Lapu and Prawns Harmony, Mussels Rockefeller, Location: 31st Floor, Vivere Hotel, 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1781 Operating Hours: Daily (4PM to 11PM) Attire: Cocktail Chic 4. Encaramada Rooftop Source: Encaramada Rooftop Bar FB One of the best views of Manila Bay can be located on top of the great Tryp by Wyndham Mall of Asia Manila in Pasay. Extra amazing in golden hour, the bar offers 360° views over the water, as well as over the city What the bar offers: “Like heights, cityscapes, and a pool bar? Head up to Encaramada! It’s like enjoying the same pleasures of Milagritos [Tryp’s restaurant] but next to a pool. The ideal place to be at night for a drink and a relaxing view of the bay” Our food/drink recommendations: Beef and foie gras, Boquerones and olives, Prosecco Zonin Sparkling Wine Operating Hours: Daily (11AM to 9PM) Location: Seaside Blvd. corner J.W. Diokno Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1300 5. The Nautilus Whiskey Bar Source: The Nautilus Bar FB The busy Quezon Avenue with the QC night stars are treated better with Nautilus specialty food, drinks and liquors. Their stylish roof deck bar and restaurant provides fresh breeze along with some good drinks. What the bar offers: “Rooftop steampunk-themed bar at the heart of Quezon City. The perfect place to de-stress and unwind overlooking the QC skyline.” Our food/drink recommendations: Grilled Pork Belly, Pasta Vongole, 3 Wise Men cocktail, Japanese/Taiwanese/Highlands Whiskeys Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday (5PM to 2AM) Location: 10th Floor, 70 Sgt. Esguerra St. South Triangle, Quezon City 1103 pop-culture:5-rooftop-bars-in-metro-manila-to-elevate-your-weekend-hang

Things I wish I knew in my 20s

22/01/2023

People who just turned 30 or 40 year-old started to reminisce and evaluate life in their 20s and got sentimental. Some made mistakes, learned new things and stuff in their bucket list, and some even changed their life differently. Traveling time backwards, do you have any thoughts and advice you want to tell your 20-year-old self? Anything you wish you knew when you were young? I do have! Travel I wish I knew how to be young and travel. When you’re in your 20s, you have the energy and time to experience the world on the cheap. If I have some advice for my 20s self, I will encourage myself to travel and explore life to the fullest! Just “Travel to…..” eat fine food at various restaurants Go to abroad explore to different provinces like Dora discover new places and hidden gems in the Philippines places you’ve never seen before meet new people see different crafts and arts build relationships Learn and enjoy life Value time I wish I knew how to value time and the people I’m with. I wish I knew how to appreciate those people beside me and the precious time I have with them. I didn’t know that time flies really fast–literally. So, don’t waste time on people who don’t treat you right. Spend time on people who appreciate and love you, even through your ups and downs. Value other people’s precious time and energy. Go to school/work on time Attend to meetings early Be on time whenever you go to dates and other affairs Spend quality time with families and friends Spend time with yourself Build things I wish I knew how critical building your desires is when you’re younger. Knowing what your passion is and pursuing it to achieve your dreams. Stop comparing your life to others and start figuring out your own view of the world. Take risks, build things, make mistakes, leave, and be responsible in making decisions. Start building what your heart desires. Accept failures I wish I knew how to accept defeat and failures. I thought failing is a sign of weakness. Instead, failing is not always failure. It’s not a bad thing after all. So, fail and learn a lesson. If you don’t learn something from those failures, then all you’ve done is failed. Learn and fail, fail and learn to grow. Accept failures wholeheartedly. Fail while playing games Fail at love Fail at school Fail at making friends Fail with family But it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to fail every time, you just get better when you fail. Be patient in waiting I wish I knew how to wait patiently rather than rush things out of control. I wish I knew how important it is to be patient and not to be impulsive. So, dear self, be patient in waiting. No one started successfully. You will experience ups and downs, pains and gains, tears and joys, but it’ll be worth it in time, in His own time. Those who wait will be rewarded genuinely. Appreciate people around you I wish I knew that I don’t need a lot of friends to be happy. Instead, I need amazing people who will be by my side through my ups and downs, people who genuinely love me for who I am and not for what I have. It’s better to have few true friends by your side. Celebrate success I wish I knew not to be too serious about being successful. I also have to celebrate it and the life I got. Success can be achieved even in your 20s, but you also have to cherish the process. Success cannot be achieved overnight, it takes time, it takes a lot of pains and heartbreaks but it’s all worth it in the end. I wish I knew how to appreciate life in my 20s and not waste my time and energy with non-essential things. But it’s okay, we all have our different paths and ways to move forward, what’s important is we never stop learning and growing. Never loose the desire and hope in you. Never stop believing that you can and you will.