5 Proudly Filipino Local Products and Where to Find Them in the City

With the proliferation of hotels in Muntinlupa, casinos in Pasay, and businesses in Makati, it is quite difficult to find something cultural in the metro—a common dilemma among people with foreign friends visiting the Philippines. While museums and parks allow for some historical learning, most people wouldn’t really go out on a limb and endure Manila traffic. Luckily, we’ve come to offer a solution. What better way is there to introduce our culture than through locally made proudly Filipino products? After all, Filipinos are branded to be generous and hospitable. Here’s a list of 5 native Filipino products and where you can find them in the city.

1. Native Décor

From wooden salad sets to home décor made of capiz, there’s a wide array of handcrafted Pinoy products to choose from. These products, like the ones showcased by Saffy Handicrafts, puts a spotlight on Filipinos’ skill in intricacies and attention to detail. Apart from promoting our heritage, they also help empower local artisans from all over the Philippines by giving them a platform to sell their products.

2. Wooden Bags and Accessories

If there’s one thing Filipinos are proud of, it’s the ability to make the most of the resources around us. Locally manufactured handbags made of acacia wood, pineapple and abaca fiber, pearls, and semi-precious gems are a validation to this ingenuity. Wooden slippers or what we call bakya have also evolved into modern forms, and can also be a good reflection of our history.

3. Hand-woven Grass and Buri Bags

A testament to Filipino resilience, Abre Linea bags came about from the destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). It was initially launched as a project that aimed to assist people in various towns in Samar and Leyte, where the typhoon had the biggest impact. Woven with such sophistication and class, who would have thought that ticog grass and buri can be turned into such artful products?

4. Water Hyacinth Bags

What was once responsible for severe flooding is now the source of a community livelihood. These water lily bags are carefully crafted to bring forth export-quality products that are infused with our country’s beautiful and traditional weaves; a rather genius revival of a Filipino art for that has gone in remission with the modernization of the country.

5. Chocolate Coated Dried Mangoes

When we say world-class, we don’t only refer to talent; we also mean cuisine. Parallel to our rich culture is the richness of our palettes that is evident in the different dishes and delicacies each of our provinces take pride in. A product of innovation and creativity, these widely exported chocolate-coated dried mangoes have since been the top choice for airline snacks, diplomatic gifts, and even presidential flight treats.

Itching to get your hands on these products? You need not go far. These and a lot more are available at the Acacia Hotel Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa, where they have a Souk, dedicated to promote innovative Filipino products while supporting the country’s marginalized communities.

Things to Do When You’ve Only Got 24 Hours to Explore Penang

I don’t know why you’ll give yourself only 24 hours to tour a whole island. Maybe you’re doing multiple city visits in a limited time or this is just a spontaneous trip. Whatever it is, it’s done. So how can you fully experience the perfect mix of the cosmopolitan and heritage in a place such as Penang?

Well, we’ve got a few ideas.

Choose the most ideal Penang accommodation

One of the first things you need to do is find a hotel with access to all the most important destinations in Penang. For instance, Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort is minutes away from restaurants, shopping centres, and heritage sites. You can’t afford to lose time commuting long distances.

Temple run

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Start your tour early in the morning, and do it with temples. The reason being that it can get completely overcrowded and might not get to appreciate the architecture and the spiritual significance of the differing temples.

Make sure to visit Kapitan Keling Mosque, Penang Khoo Kongsi, and Kuan Yin Temple.

Memorials and ancestral mansions

From morning to mid-day, make your way to the memorial sites and the preserved mansions. Places like the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Peranakan Museum,  Fort Cornwallis, and the Queen Victoria Memorial.

Restaurants and the Clan Jetties

At mid-day, around 11:00 AM at least so it’s not exactly lunchtime, treat yourself to some local delights. The reason you want to grab lunch early is so you can get seats before the rush.  Visit Penang’s best hawker centres like New Lane Hawker Centre, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, or the Long Beach Food Court.

Then just as the food centres are thick with people, you can jettison out of there and visit the Clan Jetties. Take a relaxing stroll and see rustic houses standing on stilts over water. There are at least 6 jetties you can visit here, named after the surnames of Chinese families who owned them before.

Shopping centres

By this time, it’s already evening, and you’re probably tired of touring. You can start draining your remaining adrenaline by shopping!

Make your way to Gurney Plaza Shopping Mall or Paragon Mall for your unique bargains.

Explore the Penang nightlife

Now that the day is drawing to an end, you can just chill at the local bars and pubs to get a dose of Penang’s nightlife. Head over to the Penang Upper Road and check out all the places lined along the street.

Drop by Slippery Senoritas, Three Sixty Rooftop Bar, or Soho Free House.

That’s your 24-hour itinerary! Make your Penang trip extra special when you take advantage of Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort's website exclusive offers!

Enjoy taking that odd trip!

3 Places To Visit In Bataan To Cap Off Summer 2018

This summer season, a trip to Bataan should be in the books. Pack your bags and head to Central Luzon to experience the beauty and culture that this province has to offer.

Miraculous Images

For the religious, Orani Church is a must-see. Also called the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church, this site is a pilgrim shrine which many Catholic devotees come to visit every year.

The Orani Church features majestic architecture comprised of old and new techniques. Pay close attention to the Batingaw ng Orani, the church’s heritage bell which shows the loyal faith of the people of Orani to the Lord.

Never Forget the Death March

Bataan was the site of some especially gruesome parts of history. The Death March of World War II would definitely top the list in terms of historical impact.

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war were forced to march on foot from Bataan to Tarlac.

This was a journey of 97 km to 112 km, for prisoners who were tired, starved, injured from severe physical abuse, and lacked sleep. Anywhere from 5,650 to 18,000 died as a result of this Death March, forever cementing the Japanese as one of the cruelest military colonizers in Asia.

To honor the lives of the fallen, the Bataan Death March Marker was constructed in Mariveles and Bagac, Bataan to mark ground zero of this event. You can visit this to pay your respects as well as view the site of this moment in history to remember how many people sacrificed their lives for democracy.

Historical Heritage Houses

A trip to Bataan isn’t complete without a visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the best beach resort in Bataan. The only Historic Hotels Worldwide property in the Philippines, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the Bagac, Bataan resort that will make you feel as if you traveled back in time.

Each casa or house is painstakingly restored to its former glory; however, if you book a stay in one of them, you will be treated to modern amenities such as Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, and in-room coffee and tea facilities.

If you’re short on time, you can enjoy a heritage walking day tour with family and friends, or else book a room for a night and have more time to marvel over the majestic Spanish-era architecture. Reservations are easy; head over to https://lascasasfilipinas.com and check availability and prices for your preferred dates.

Keep Your Nightlife Alive in Gurney Drive With These Must-Visit Destinations

Combing through the eateries, restaurants, and hawker centres in the seafront promenade of Gurney Drive is the ultimate gastronomic experience. And you know when’s the best time to do it? At night of course!






The night is always young in Gurney Drive, and you shouldn’t just take my word for it! Here are some of the most visited establishments around Gurney.

Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Sky Bar

A place that literally takes you high while enjoying a couple of drinks with friends. The Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Sky Bar is a two-level penthouse lounge with e revolving dining hall and an open-air lounge.

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The dining hall does a slow 360-degree turn so that guests can be treated to a different view of Georgetown. One moment you might have been looking at a view of the harbour, the next, it’s their notable colonial-era buildings. But if you prefer just to lounge comfortable with a single view, the outdoor hall is fitted with bucket armchairs for ultimate comfort.



The bar is also known for their varied tunes; playing jazz in the dining hall, while R&B and hip hop are blaring through the speakers outside.

Soho Free House Penang

Soho Free House Penang is considered to be a city institution. This pub offers all day Happy Hour beer promotions so that both locals and tourists can enjoy a good pint of beer any time of the day.



This two-storey pub dons a colonial heritage decor, making it look like an actual British pub. But the vibe remains casual and relaxing, never pretentious.

Slippery Senorita

A dance club that offers more than just an amazing clubbing experience, Slippery Senorita is the ultimate destination for party people.



It’s known to feature an eclectic repertoire of music, allowing people with various tastes moment to enjoy. Slippery Senorita is also the only nightclub which has flair bartenders — these are bartender entertainers who execute synchronised juggling and fire-breathing performances ever night.

Monkey Bar

If you just want a quiet night out with friends, you can go directly to Monkey Bar.

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Its heavy, dark wood interior will transport you to Europe itself, with their iconic pubs. And true to its vibe, Monkey Bar offers the best beers and stouts in Penang. You can also try out their cocktails and tuak, their extensive local and international menu, all at an affordable price.



Are your ready for that evening Penang pub crawl? Well, before you add these to your list of nightly destinations to visit, you must choose your Penang accommodation first.



Luckily for your, Evergreen Hotel Laurel Penang is offering a 17% discount when you book at least 7 days before your check-in date.



It comes with both the Advance Purchase Deal – with Breakfast and the Room Only option.



Just book your stay directly on their website, and their exclusive Penang promo discount is yours!



If you’re looking for the best night of your life, don’t miss out on this Penang, Malaysia experience.



*Promo details and policies may change without prior notice, but published information at the time of booking will still be honoured.

7 Life Lessons To Be Learned While Stand-Up Paddling in Loboc

Throughout history, many things have been said about the parallels of sports and real life. Athletes and the common folk push their bodies and spirits amid training and hardships to achieve triumph—or at the very least—wisdom and character building. 

This goes the same, when trying to learn the elegant and challenging art of stand-up paddle boarding in Loboc River in Bohol, Philippines.
 

1. GET THE RIGHT TOOLS 

Painters need the right brushes, canvas, and paint. Stand-up paddlers need the appropriate gear. First, pick the widest, thickest and longest board you can find. It will help keep you steady and balanced. Next up, the paddle needs to be around 25 cm longer than you for better grip and traction. Finally, the leash has to be either as long as or a bit shorter than your board. 

2. START IN CALM WATERS 

Just like training wheels when you were first learning how to ride a bike, you need to take it slow find your balance in calm waters at the beginning. 

3. DON’T BE AFRAID 

You will fall. And you will fall a lot! But don’t let that stop you! In the words of the Batman’s trusty friend and butler, Alfred Pennyworth: “Why do we fall sir? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.” 

4. LEARN TO TAKE A FALL 

While it doesn’t look pretty when they take a tumble, stuntmen and skateboarders are expert when it comes to take a fall. Ask your instructor or coach to teach you. Learning how to fall will help you avoid getting injured.
 

 
5. DON’T LOOK AT YOUR FEET 

Always look forward. It just like taking dance lessons. You look at your partner or instructor and not below so you don’t crash into others. 

6. TACKLE THE WAVES YOU KNOW YOU CAN TACKLE 

There are a handful of videos and stories online about high school kids and knucklehead fans challenging – and trash talking–professional basketball players. And every time, they end up getting beat and humiliated. Lesson here: Don’t bite more than you can chew.
 

 
7. WEAR A VEST 

It could be an actual life vest or a metaphorical one. You need a thick skin to succeed and survive in sports and in life. 

To know more about stand-up paddle boarding, check out Loboc River Resort in Bohol, Philippines at www.lobocriverresort.com.

Have A Blissful Summer When You Stay In These Rooms In Nasugbu

For memorable vacations by the beach, head over to Nasugbu where you can experience the tropical dream with fun-filled activities you can participate in.

For a fine and cozy accommodation, there is one Nasugbu hotel that you can reserve a room or two. Based on recommendations, this is the ideal getaway is where families can spend more quality time through various activities they offer.

If you’re in search for paradise, Pico Sands Hotel is the place to be. Besides their accessible facilities and natural landscapes, here are the accommodations you can choose from that is suitable to your stay.

LAGOON VIEW

After an overnight stay or more, you can wake up to this breathtaking view of the man-made lagoon that is right outside your veranda. Though it may be hard to walk away from such a beautiful view, your vacation vibes will run smooth and relaxing.

MOUNTAIN VIEW

For a little privacy and to be closer to the stunning natural features of Mount Pico de Loro, you can catch up your snooze in these comfortable rooms. For those who prefer to stay-in, this is your chance to embrace the wonderful greenery during your stay.

In this accommodation, you will never run out of things to do and it will certainly take you out of your boredom.   

For an ideal beach hotel in Batangas, Pico Sands Hotel is known for its natural haven. The moment you check-in, you can easily blend with their colors, environment, and the friendly staff that can assist you  anytime. If you don't have any plans for the summer, now is not too late.

All rooms are equipped with branded room amenities, hotel discounts, and other complimentary facility access.

For those who are travelling with family or a company of four, promo packages and advanced bookings are also available on their website. To find an accommodation that is suitable to your budget, you can visit their room offers page.

For easy online bookings, you can visit their official website where you will get a confirmed reservation instantly. Simply visit their website at https://www.picosandshotel.com.

Top 3 Reasons Why You Must Grab the Summer Fun In The Sun Promo of The Malayan Plaza

Summer’s already upon us. And in this hot season, one Pasig hotel promo answers one’s need to cool
down: The Malayan Plaza’s Summer Fun In The Sun.
There are a number of reasons for guests to take advantage of this limited-time offer. Here are three of
them:
1. Up to 72% off the published rates. Now that’s a really big deal. Imagine paying just a little over Php
2,000 (approximately USD 39) for an overnight stay during weekends. For weekday stays, the discount is
up to 68% off the published rates. And that’s not bad at all. Discounted rates apply to all room
categories, which are furnished with cozy beds, dining and kitchen facilities, LCD TV, private toilet and
shower, and Wi-Fi internet access.
2. Discounts on other guest perks. Aside from marked-down room rates, this promo entitles guests to
15% food and beverage discount at The Executive Lounge and on room service. A 15% discount on
laundry service is also included in the deal. Travelers truly get more value when booking the Summer
Fun In The Sun promo.
3. A summer vacation without having to go out of town. That’s because the Summer Fun In The Sun
promo gives guests complimentary access to the hotel swimming pool. That’s not all: guests can also use
the gym during their stay. Definitely a plus to those who can’t afford to miss their exercise regimen
while on vacation. All these while enjoying a city staycation — and without having to experience the
traffic congestion going to the nearby provinces.
The Summer Fun In The Sun is the latest deal offered by The Malayan Plaza Hotel in Ortigas. Promo is
available for booking exclusively on the website. To take advantage of this limited-time promo, guests
must reserve their rooms by entering their desired stay dates on the website’s calendar widget. They
will be redirected to a page where they can select the room they want to book. Guests should make sure
to choose the number of rooms to reserve under the Summer Fun In The Sun rate plan.
Once done, all they need to do is to supply the guest details and settle the Non-Refundable Guarantee
Deposit through credit or debit card. A confirmation email will be sent to them, containing the booking
summary and the amount payable in the hotel upon check-out.
Located in Pasig City in Metro Manila, The Malayan Plaza is a premier business and leisure hotel in
Ortigas Center where travelers can enjoy comfortable spaces in a convenient location. To book the

Summer Fun In The Sun deal and for more information about this Pasig hotel promo, visit
www.themalayanplazahotel.com.