3 Exciting Shopping Spots in Metro Manila, Philippines

From the air-conditioned tiangges near hotels in San Juan, Manila to the crowded streets of Divisoria — your quest for the ultimate bargain will take you to a lot of places in Metro Manila. Take a pick from these popular shopping and bargaining grounds or try to visit them all for an outstanding, if a bit exhausting, shopping experience.

1. Divisoria
Heaven for bargain-hunters and shoppers on a tight budget, hell for demophobes — that's Divisoria. This colorful and crowded market district somewhere between Binondo, Tondo, and San Nicolas offers a wide assortments of low-priced goods spread across various shopping malls and side streets. Cooking ingredients, dry goods, pirated DVDs, everything under the sun can be found in this area, and most of them come with a cheap price tag. The site was founded back in the Spanish period when non-Christianized Chinese, who were forbidden from operating in Intramuros, settled in a new commercial community which was eventually called Divisoria.

2. Greenbelt
Internationally renowned brands certainly have a home at Greenbelt but that's just a fraction of the shops you'll see when you go to this shopping mall in Makati City. Aside from well-known names, the 5-section complex also has family restaurants, fast food chain outlets, clothing stalls, boutiques, and a lush garden with an aviary and chapel in its midst. Most shops selling electronic products and gadget accessories are in Greenbelt 1, Greenbelt 2 has fine dining restaurants, Greenbelt 3 and 4 house coffee shops and high-end retails stores, and finally, Greenbelt 5 proudly displays the works of Filipino designers. Aside from shopping, eating, and simply hanging out in the garden, you can also witness the different shows that take place in the mall's free spaces.

3. Greenhills
Greenhills is a bit like an indoor, air-conditioned, and well-organized flea market. It's far from the chaos of Divisoria, yet the goods are priced much, much cheaper than those found in Greenbelt. The shopping center has over 2,000 stalls devoted to clothes, electronics, toys, jewelries, among many others. Arcades and activity centers, trendy restaurants and bars, antique merchandise, boutiques and salons, as wells as a Catholic church and a Muslim prayer room can also be found in the mall premises.

Should you fail to finish scouring these areas before the setting of the sun or before you run out of energy, you can choose to stay at the posh hotel accommodations in San Juan, Manila. There, you can take a nice break to prepare for the second day of your shopping adventure.

Redefining the Standard in Business and Resort Luxury: The Northam All Suite Penang

Being in Penang feels like being in a time loop: traces of its history and the culture that once dominated this city can be seen in every exciting destination, in every delectable dish, and in the attitudes of every person living in the city. But it does not have the primordial vibe, in fact, Penang is as advanced as the other cities in Malaysia. Tall structures also don the city, contemporary interpretations of their traditions, and so on. Penang is a city that has successfully managed to preserve the old while continuing to modernise the city.

At the heart of this enchanting city is The Northam All Suite Penang. Travellers of every kind flock to this hotel because just like city, they have provided a unique Penang accommodation where the intricacies of leisure is balanced with exceptional features, and an ideal address to get access to notable sites around Penang.

New World of Comfort

Two words can describe the room accommodation in Penang: timeless elegance. The rooms are awash with soft natural colours and earthy tones which gives it a relaxing and comforting vibe. Each room is equipped with a private jacuzzi, high-speed Internet connection, an LCD TV, coffee and tea facilities, and other top-notch amenities. This will definitely be the only place you’ll want to be in after a day out in the city.

Functional Features

Create unforgettable memories on your trip with The Northam All Suite Penang’s top facilities and services. Whether you’re staying for business or leisure, your every whim will definitely be satisfied. You can make use of a sauna, steam room, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, business centre, concierge, travel and tour desk,and more. There are also massage services, car rental assistance, and limousine services available for you.

The Address of Convenience

The Northam All Suite Penang is at the heart of the historic city of George Town — a popular destinations whose inner city has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage. From the hotel, you can access key places of interest like Gurney Drive Seafront Promenade, Gurney Paragon Shopping Malls, Batu Ferringhi Night Market, and Kek Lok Si Temple. It is also only a short distance away from Penang Hill, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Bird Park, and Firefly Haven.

The Northam All Suite Penang also offers hotel promotions to help you plan your Penang trip without breaking bank. This is truly the place where your Penang trip will be made extra special, not just in the rooms and facilities provided for you, but also in their genuine service and the holiday opportunities they give their guests. So pack those bags, get those plane tickets, and check out The Northam All Suite Penang. Experience unique elegance and comfort that can only be found here.

4 Things You Can Do at Pico Sands Hotel

If you're looking for a cool Batangas beach resort, then you might want to explore the picturesque coasts of Pico De Loro Cove. Located in Nasugbu, Batangas, the Pico De Loro Cove has a charming beachfront perfect for any event. One of the hotels along this stunning coastline is Pico Sands Hotel, an ideal place for a fun bonding time with friends and family. Just to give you an idea of what's in store for you in this hotel, here are four things you and your loved ones can indulge on:

1. Gliding through the waves with a paddle board or a kayak

A day or two (or more!) at the beach will not be complete without a typical kayaking or paddle-boarding around. It's a cool and fun alternative instead of just plainly swimming around the waters of the sea.

2. Exploring the beauty below

We're all used to idly swimming along the shallow parts of the sea. Maybe it's a good idea to start exploring what's in store for us in the deeper parts! Pico Sands Hotel offers SCUBA diving lessons and refresher courses for kids and adults aged 12 years old and above. The younger ones can get to know more about the use of SCUBA gears which might spark up their interest on the beauty of the underwater world.

3. Wandering around the stunning islands

When you check in at this Nasugbu beach resort, you are given the option to avail yet another special offer for Pico Sands Hotel's wonderful guests. Get to explore all 13 neighboring coves in an hour-long fun tour. In this tour, you'd also be able to snorkel and explore the coves' coastlines.

4. Having a fun afternoon with the ponies

Children will surely love this! At Pico Sands Hotel, you can also enjoy a 30-minute or an hour-long pony ride for a very convenient price. Spend a lovely afternoon with these great furry friends and don't forget to take pictures with them, too!

Whether you're out on a weekend getaway or having a longer stay to simply relax and unwind, Pico Sands Hotel in Nasugbu, Batangas is the place to be as it is also near Mega Manila's cities. For more information about this hotel, visit the website at http://picosandshotel.com

Escape to Beachside Tranquility at Amara Residences in Batangas

When the bustle of Metro Manila and the stress of city life eat you up, it’s time to break away and find that spot where you can enjoy calm, laid-back moments. And what better way to do it than to drive south and head to a place called Batangas. A two-and-a-half hour drive from the Philippine capital, the province provides a quick getaway from the metro yet is far away from its noise and fast pace.

And when in Batangas, one of the idyllic places to escape to is Amara Residences in Nasugbu. An accommodation situated within the exclusive Terrazas de Punta Fuego and with access to the town’s beach, Amara offers you a luxurious and private seaside retreat where you can simply slow down and enjoy a soothing holiday.

Amara Residences, a lovely seaside escape in Nasugbu, Batangas

The condominium-style serviced residences is located 2.5 hours from Metro Manila

Amara Residences is like your home away from home. The condominium-style serviced residence in Nasugbu has rooms with a spacious floor area ranging from 132 to 172 sqm. All lodgings have the practical features you need for a comfortable stay. These include living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchenette, TV, king and queen beds, and a private bath with hot/cold shower and complete bath amenities.

There are three room types in the property: Forest View Room, Loft Room, and Sea View Room. They all boast a balcony: the Forest View Room offers a view of Nasugbu’s verdant surrounds, while the Loft and Sea View Rooms overlook the West Philippine Sea and the stunning sunset.

All the rooms have blinds that provide shade during afternoon naps or the much-needed privacy at night.

Panoramas of the sparkling waters can be enjoyed at the balcony of the Sea View Room

The Loft Room offers a heightened sense of comfort

The Forest View Room lets you enjoy the greenery outside while indulging in your private jacuzzi

But this resort in Nasugbu, Batangas is not just all about lounging and putting your feet up. When you feel the need to explore and have some fun, you can also do so here. As a guest of Amara Residences, you are given free access to the topnotch facilities of Club Punta Fuego and Terrazas de Punta Fuego. That means you can satiate your appetite at San Diego Restaurant, Il Jardineto, or Sol Cafe; have a rejuvenating session at the Ylang-Ylang Spa; swim at the infinity pool or Turtle Pool; practice your swing at the Punta Fuego Golf Club; or take a stroll along the 800-m stretch of sand by the beach.

Guests of Amara Residences can use the swimming pool at Terrazas de Punta Fuego free of charge

Walk, play, or swim — enjoy the beach at Terrazas de Punta Fuego

A lush sanctuary, a place to sit back and revel in nature, a haven to enjoy time for yourself or with the family. This is what Amara Residences is all about. So if you’re feeling the itch to get away from it all, it only takes you a quick drive down south of Metro Manila to reach this Batangas accommodation, your exclusive enclave in Nasugbu.

Amara Residences is located at Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. To get here, follow the directions to Club Punta Fuego from the South Luzon Expressway or the R1/Manila-Cavite Expressway. For more information and to book rooms direct, log on to http://www.amararesidences.com.

Maxims Hotel: The Pinnacle of Luxury, Now In the Philippines

Travelers who have visited Manila may say that they have experienced luxury in one of the hotels here in the metro. But the truth is, nothing comes close to the opulence and sumptuousness one can have at Maxims Hotel in Pasay City.

An upscale property by the Genting Group Malaysia and situated in the vibrant Resorts World Manila in the city of Pasay, this hotel is the first all-suite accommodation in the Philippines. Within its 172 commodious suites — with floor areas ranging from 42 to over 500 sqm — are modern palatial comforts designed for the most discerning traveler.

Have a taste of superb leisure, with spaces furnished with plush beds, a 42-inch LCD TV with wireless keyboard and video on-demand, iHome speaker and alarm clock, a mini-bar and refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and LAN internet access. The private bathrooms come with a separate shower and tub, as well as exclusive bathroom amenities and bathrobes.

Maxims Suite Room is an epitome of splendor and upscale comfort.

It’s not just the rooms that are impressive at Maxims Hotel. Upon your stay, you’ll discover the facilities are top-notch and the service impeccable.

First-class delights and high stakes can be had at the casino. Laid-back times can be enjoyed by the infinity pool. And soothing pleasures can be experienced at the spa.

When not out and about at Resorts World Manila, take a leisurely dip at the hotel’s infinity swimming pool.

Besides leisurely pursuits, corporate requisites are also addressed by this Pasay City hotel. Within the property are a business center and meeting facilities that let you attend to your business with ease.

Meanwhile, the five in-house restaurants whet your appetite for great food. Ginzadon at the 2nd floor offers Japanese and Korean cuisines. Passion, also at the 2nd floor, is the place to savor Cantonese dishes. Impressions is the restaurant at the 3rd floor that satisfies your yearning for French cuisine, prepared by celebrity chef Cyrille Soenen. The Terrace at the 5th floor is a Mediterranean-themed dining place, while Cafe Maxims is the hotel’s coffee bar and lounge.

Satiate your cravings for Korean and Japanese fare at Ginzadon.

A mouth-watering French menu by celebrity chef Cyrille Soenen is served at Impressions Restaurant.

To make your stay more than satisfactory, Maxims Hotel offers 24-hour room service. A personal butler also attends to your every need, round the clock. Other services provided by the hotel’s capable and warm staff include airport transfer, and laundry and dry cleaning.

Indeed, at this Pasay City accommodation that’s just a stone’s throw away from Newport Mall and the Performing Arts Theater, you experience the pinnacle of luxury that’s unlike any other. All you need to do here is sit back, relax, and enjoy the finer things in life.

Maxims Hotel is located at Newport Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines 1309. It is just 200 meters from Resorts World Manila and 2.5 km from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Online reservations can be made at http://www.maximshotelpasay.com/. For more information, log on to its website.

Here Are Some Cool Things You Can Do in Boracay

Boracay, Philippines is well-loved both by locals and foreign tourists. Aside from the obvious reason of having a coastline of fine white sand and a beach with clear waters, Boracay is also an ideal destination for a variety of cool things to do especially during the summer. Any Boracay adventure is best spent with the people you love! For starters, you can check out some of these things:

Food trip

There are lots of food places to discover when you find yourself wandering around the shores of Boracay. From eccentrically themed ones like having to eat from bowls shaped like a toilet to fresh market food, your tummies will surely be filled. Food is definitely one the things tourists, both locals and foreigners, love about Boracay.

Night life

Aside from having a peaceful rest and relaxation while gazing upon the beautiful Boracay sunset, the night is also made for people who want to get wild and loud. Boracay is also known for the night parties held at the island. Speaking of parties, Laboracay is coming real fast! Be on the lookout for exciting Laboracay events and spend a day (or more!) not worrying about work for a little while.

Beach adventures

Not fond of simple beach swimming activities? Then engage in something more exciting! Boracay offers a wide array of adventures including jetski, banana boat rides (a must!), island to island ziplines, having a meet and greet sessions with our friendly sea creatures, and so on. Don't leave Boracay island without experiencing at least one of the beach adventures the island has to offer!

Knowing all these – and surely there are a lot more waiting for you – it's best to look for an equally great beach resort in Boracay, one which guarantees a memorable stay while assuring you that it is not excessively pricey. One Boracay resort that meets these qualities is Astoria Current. Located at Station 3, Astoria Current is not that far from the dock of the island. It also has an amazing poolside, too! Please visit the website for more information about this quality beach resort in Boracay.

You Should Definitely Check Out These Melaka Destinations

Once you step in Melaka, you’ll immediately see the traces of history etched in every street and building. No, the city doesn’t look old nor do the buildings look decrepit. Buildings like The Shore Hotel Melaka or the modern establishments that pepper the city shows its unique blend of the old and the new.

From being one of the most important trading ports in Malaysia, it has become one of the most interesting tourist hubs in the country. Boasting delicious local cuisine and amazing natural attractions, Melaka is a place you definitely do not want to miss.

So while you’re browsing through different Melaka hotels you can stay in on your visit, check out this list of destinations you must visit on your Melaka trip.

Botanical Garden

Formerly known as the Hutan Rekreasi Ayer Keroh, the Botanical Gardens is surrounded by a forest that houses about 300 different kinds of flora and fauna. You can enjoy a scenic walk in lush greenery or a bike ride in its pathways. Around the park you will see stone carvings of prehistoric animals that were native in the area.

Once you’re done with your stroll, visit the Book Village located right at the heart of the park. The Book Village has over 15,000 titles available for reading.

Melaka River Cruise

The Melaka river cuts across town through the historic Straits of Melaka. If you want a quick tour of the city, you should try going on a Melaka River Cruise. On this cruise, you will get a unique view of the historical city, get a glimpse Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village located in the middle of the city.

To be in the cruise, you can go to one of two jetties: the Muara jetty located near the Quayside Heritage Centre, and the Taman Rempah jetty next to Hang Jebat bridge.

Menara Taming Sara

The Menara Taming Sari is a gyro tower that is located in Bandar Hilir. At a height of 8 metres, the ride takes 7 minutes, but in that short time, you will be able to get a 360-view of Melaka city. You will see popular spots like St. Paul’s Hill, Flor De La Mar ship, and the Pulau Selat Mosque.

The ride costs RM 20 for adults and RM 10 for children below 12 years old. Don’t worry about missing out on certain spots because binoculars will be provided for you.

Jonker Walk

A Melaka holiday is not complete without going to the famous Jonker Walk, located at the Chinatown street of Melaka. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Melaka and to experience the exciting nightlife and unique dining options the city offers.

The best part about Jonker Walk is the night market that happens on Fridays and Saturdays. Outlets and stalls come out to sell different products from local cuisine to novelty objects and keepsakes.

There are still lots of things Melaka can surprise you with. So as you’re browsing through Melaka hotel promotions for your getaway, take the time to create a list of places you find might interest you.