Boracay Makes It to TripAdvisor's Top 10 Islands in Asia 2017

Perhaps it's the combination of natural beauty and quality Boracay accommodations that the Philippines' premier holiday destination once again cracked TripAdvisor's list of the best islands in Asia. Boracay Island placed 7th behind other popular islands like Bali (1st), Phuket (2nd), Ko Samui (3rd), Koh Tao (4th), and Lombok (5th).  

Many describe Boracay as an “itty-bitty island (just under 4 square miles) in the Western Philippines” that is as close to a tropical idyll as one will find in Southeast Asia. The island’s gentle coastlines, transporting sunsets, and thriving nightlife scene make Boracay, as they say, “one of the top tourist spots in the region”. 

The aptly named White Beach is Boracay’s main draw, with powdery white sand and shallow azure water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. 

Writer's tip: Fall in love with Boracay Island like its the first time when you stay at the Willy’s Beach Hotel. This 3-star property guarantees safety, convenience, and luxury as well as all the natural beauty found in the Philippines’ most famous island at very reasonable rates. 

Let us woo you with our cozy and well-appointed accommodations that face the fine sands and clear waters. Each room features the essentials like a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi Internet. Other facilities in the hotel includes both Western and Asian cuisine at the Becca’s Cafe and Restaurant, plus a garden for weddings and leisure walks. 

The Boracay hotel in Staion 1 is located in front of the iconic Willy’s Rock –- an excellent venue for morning devotion, exercise, and sunset watching. It is just a 15-minute drive from Boracay Jetty Port and a short walk to various clubs, establishments, and souvenir stores at D’Mall. Lastly, Willy’s Beach Hotel is 900 m from Boracay White Beach and 1 km from Bulabog Beach. 

For more information on our Boracay beach hotel and its latest offerings, contact them through the following information: 

Willy’s Beach Hotel 
Balabag, Malay, Aklan 
5708, Boracay Island 
Philippines 
Phone Number/s: (036) 288 3794 
Email: reservations@willysbeachhotel.com

Let’s Talk About the Street Art in Georgetown, Penang

Georgetown in Penang island is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Malaysia. In 2008, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of how it has preserved its old-world architecture. While many tourists flock the city for the unique Penang accommodation it promises and the archaic charm it offers, there is one other reason why Georgetown is getting traction again: the street art.

It all started in 2009 when Sculpture At Work won the rights to a commissioned project Penang Island Municipal Council. It was an art challenge titled, “Marking Georgetown: An Idea Competition” for UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tang Mun Kian, creative director of Sculpture At Work, used steel rods to create wire caricatures that depict the life and the trade of the people of Georgetown. More than 50 caricatures can now be found mounted on building walls around the city.

Then in 2012, Georgetown Festival introduced the city to Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic. He was commissioned to paint six murals as part of the project “Mirrors of Georgetown.” These paintings show the playful side of the island, a unique glimpse of the energy of local life.

Many more artists have contributed to this project, enhancing the culture and lifestyle of Georgetown, Penang. Here we will enumerate some of the street art you will find during your visit.

‘Old Motorcycle’

‘Escape’

‘Brother and Sister on a Swing’

‘Little Children on a Bicycle’

‘Cheating Husband’

‘The Awaiting Trishaw Pedaler’

On your next trip, don’t just look for an accommodation in Penang or the best places to eat, be on the lookout for all of the art work around the city

What to Bring When You’re at the Pool

Under the basking sun, take the chance to find relaxation and aquatic serenity near the shores of Boracay island resorts. Don’t be too surprised with the line hotels and resorts you see along the popular beach. When you’re already tired of the waves and standing under the sun for too long, you can always come back to the comforts and contentment of Astoria Boracay Beach Resort.

One of the best things that most guests get all excited about when checking into a resort are the pool facilities. Here are the things you need when you feel like taking a dip or splash in the resort’s pool.

Sun block – You will never know much how the sun will shine but having burnt skin isn’t always comfortable. Make sure you apply enough sun block to protect your skin and if necessary, you may apply more.

Music – If you have a set of speakers, earphones or an app on your Smartphone that plays your favorite playlist, you can have some background music while you’re taking a swim. Just make sure it’s not loud enough to bother other guests staying at the resort or importantly having it too close to the waters that might damage your gadget. 

Flip flops – Besides trying to make a fashion statement, bring suitable footwear so that in case it gets too hot, there will be something that can make your feet comfortable.

Your favorite smoothie – We all want to have that feeling where we look and feel as if we are on vacation, so a nice drink by the pool would do just fine. Just don’t have it when you’re at the pool due to rules and regulations.

A Book – Give yourself a break from all that technology stuff and go all school with some reading materials. Before taking a swim, read a page or two on the comfortable chairs that are located by the swimming area.

So these are pretty much the simple things you need for an ideal vacation break by making use of the hotel’s facilities. When the shores can be a little too much for you and you just want to swim around calm waters, and then hang out by the pool bringing the things you really need to get the relaxation you deserve.

For inquiries and reservations, visit our website at www.astoriaboracay.com

Stories Behind Great Landmarks

When certain events happen in our lives, it leaves a mark in our timeline that lasts forever. When we visit these fascinating landmarks, it gives us a better understanding of the event, the people and especially ourselves. So it’s no surprise that visiting these places leads us directly to what and why it happened. If you’re into sightseeing, you might want to discover the significant areas near The Oriental Leyte Hotel where you can make convenient room reservations. Here are some of the places you might to pay a visit that will add stories to your diaries and conversations to share with your loved ones.

Leyte Provincial Capital – Take the opportunity to witness the neo-classical feature of the building that is found in one of the Eastern Visayas famed capitol. You don’t have to know much about architecture but take a few minutes of your time to understand some of the historical context behind it.

San Juanico Bridge – A monumental project that was build under Ferdinand Marcos’ administration is the longest bridge in the Philippines. Tourists pass by the bridge to capture the expansive picturesque sea view scenery. Facts say that the former president had this bridge built for his wife as a birthday gift. Now isn’t that sweet?

Mahagnao National Park – If you want to explore in a more natural setting, this is the park to visit with your other adventurous companions. Among the fresh air and away from the city life, this is the place to experience the outdoor activities and the festivals held by the locals.

So when you’re staying at The Oriental Leyte Hotel, don’t forget to consider visiting these landmarks on your travel list. You might learn something new or amazing along the way. You can ask the concierge of your hotel on how to get to the places and other inquiries that you need to know. Be ready to expand your horizon with the places nearby during your stay. The best thing about visiting new places is receiving that remarkable feeling of learning a part of you and where you have been.      

For inquiries and room reservations, visit our website at http://leyte.theorientalhotels.com/

5 Makati City Festivals You Won't Want To Miss

Just like any Filipino community, Makati City is home to various annual festivities that depict the its colorful culture and tradition. Read on to know 5 of these exciting celebrations.

More often than not, travelers book a hotel accommodation in Makati only when they need to attend a corporate event. For most of us, the city is just a place of towering skyscrapers. But what we don't know is that Makati has a lot more to offer. Just like any Filipino community, Makati is home to various annual festivities that depict the city's colorful culture and tradition. Among these festivals are:

1. Caracol Festival

Through the passage of Resolution 351, this has been an official festival in Makati that pays tribute to Filipino resilience. The name of the festival was derived from the Spanish word for “snail”, a shelled creature that symbolizes the people’s efforts to combat difficulties. Caracol Festival invites the spectators in merrymaking as the participants parade with their masks and nature-inspired costumes. This takes place during the last Sunday of January and is considered as Makati City’s version of Rio de Janeiro’s Mardi Gras.

2. Xong Di Festival

The city Makati holds the Xong Di Festival to celebrate the brotherhood between the Chinese and Filipino communities. It aims to strengthen the bond of the two Asian countries by highlighting their cultural similarities. The main attraction of this event is the parade of ethnic costumes and accessories, showcasing an impressive blend of Philippine and Chinese designs. Watch out for this spectacular festival a few days after the Chinese New Year.

3. Bailes delos Arcos

Bailes Delos Arcos is one of the most exciting festivals that entices many tourists who book for Makati hotels. Barangay Poblacion holds this annual feast every 29th of June in honor of Virgen Dela Rosa, St. Peter, and St. Paul. This is a much-awaited event because the festival involves the participation of young ladies who train for a year for the so called “Dance of Virgins”. They offer this amazing performance in a kind of pledged devotion to the patron saints.

4. Likhang Kamay Festival

If you love buying Filipino products, you should visit the exhibits of Likhang Kamay in Makati City. This is a yearly trade show that has been instrumental in the discovery and development of various native handicrafts producers. It usually features regional goods that champion local culture, which include pottery, woven materials, and wood carvings. Every year, the organizers and tourism department promote this event for broader participation and exposure.

5. Belen sa Makati

As early as November, Makati radiates the vibrant Yuletide season as it commences the Belen sa Makati Festival. During this time, the city's business district is adorned with giant creches and colorful lanterns. The entire stretch of Ayala Avenue that comes very festive with effervescent Christmas lights is a sure delight to everyone. With the unparalleled grandeur of the event, these wonderful spectacles will never fail to get visitors in the holiday spirit.

Undeniably, Makati is more than just the business capital of this country. With a number of feasts that it celebrates, the city has its fair share to the Philippine customs and traditions. So the next time you reserve an accommodation in Makati, make sure to witness one these festivities. 

LIME Hotel Boracay Offers Special Summer Discounts Up to 35 Percent Any Day of The Week!

Summer is here once again and along with it comes blazing hot rate discounts from LIME Hotel Boracay. Regardless what day of the week you choose to check-in, you can get as much as 35% off the hotel’s regular room rates.

Here are the complete details:

Weekday & Weekend Sale

Book a stay any day of the week and enjoy up to 35% OFF on accommodation with:

-Complimentary breakfast
-Wi-Fi access in rooms and public areas
-Welcome drinks upon arrival
-Access to roof top swimming pool

Hurry! This promo is only until April 27, 2017

These promos can be reserved by logging on to http://boracay.lime.ph. Click the ‘Check Availability and Prices’ and follow the easy instructions on the booking engine, which is powered by DirectWithHotels. As soon as the payment has been processed and accepted, a confirmation email is sent reporting instant confirmation. All guest information is secured by DigiCert, Trustwave, and AsiaPay. Promo details may change without prior notice. All reservations made before such changes will still receive the initial benefits and inclusions.

About LIME Hotel Boracay

Tired of the same old boring water? Add lime to it! Taking into mind this ability of lime to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, LIME Hotel Boracay puts a new twist in the Boracay we all know and love. Be ready to be in the limelight here at LIME Hotel Boracay!

We are a 46-room commercial / hotel property, a welcome addition to the bustling Boracay vibe. Smartly situated at the heart of Station 2, you are right in the middle of the long stretch of white sand. This is the first of the chain of LIME Hotels & Resorts Inc., and we are committed to build hotels and resorts that offer excellent value for money, consistent service, comfortable rooms and facilities with a zest of Filipino hospitality.

We want you to have fun during your vacation by providing you comfort, accessibility and prices you can afford. We operate like no other because we keep things simple and fun all the time – this is the LIME twist. Very soon, you’ll find a accommodation in Boracay situated in other premier beach destinations such as El Nido, Puerto Princesa and more. For now, refresh and live the LIME life in Boracay!

The Bellevue Manila: A Luxurious Hotel at a Friendly Price

It's quite a challenge to draw the line between a luxurious hotel accommodation and a friendly price range for the guests simply because one must be considered over the other. Throw in the expectation of a quality service above all that and you have a recipe for a complete headache while to trying to please everyone by giving them the best of everything. Some businesses, whether in the hospitality or not, have attempted to please their market on those three major categories – quality of product, pocket-friendliness of the price, and exceptional service – all at the same time. One the hotel establishments in the Philippines had succeeded in this and that's no other than The Bellevue Manila.

One can find this hotel in Alabang, Muntilupa City where a lot of cool stuff happens. From the hippest hangout places in the South to a couple of corporate districts, Alabang is overflowing with locations of interest for both business and leisure. Other than its strategic spot, The Bellevue Manila can offer a lot for its guests, both seasoned and new.

As soon as one steps into this Muntinlupa hotel, one is welcomed by the vibrant interiors of the lobby. The satisfying mix of gold, white, and bronze is highly pleasing to the eyes and it gives off that classy and luxurious feel. The staff area also ready to assist the guest at any given moment. Got heavy bags? They're ready to help you out. Need extra assistance with the accommodation? They're most willing to go the extra mile just so the guest will have a satisfying guest experience that's truly Filipino and truly The Bellevue. To add more good stuff to The Bellevue Manila, the hotel's facilities are also at par with international standards despite being part of a local hotel chain. From the spa, fitness center, pool area, and the restaurants, The Bellevue Manila offers more than just relaxing rooms and beautiful surroundings. What's best about everything that was just said about The Belleuve Manila all comes at a very friendly price which makes one surprised. The experience go an extra mile beyond the value.

For more information, take a look at http://thebellevuemanila.com