A travel & adventure blog by Kara Santos
The first time I visited Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, it felt like I went back in time. The destination Bagac is known for salvaging heritage houses from ruins from different parts of the country and renovating them all in one place.
With traffic building up and gatherings being held left and right, sometimes all you’re looking for at the end of the day is some peace and quiet. Luckily, living in a versatile country like the Philippines allows for loads of options for a quick and easy getaway from urban living.
In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, the Philippines takes pride in its tranquil and picturesque provinces. Hidden among the bigger cities are sandy white beaches, fresh mountain trails, and crystalline bodies of water that are sure to ease your mind and settle your soul. With thousands of these gems tucked away all over the country, why not gift yourself and your loved ones a visit to one (or several) to relax and peacefully retreat to this holiday season.
Continue reading “3 stunning PH islands to visit this holiday season”You know how hard it is to plan trips with friends. With everyone’s busy schedules, work conflicts, and adult responsibilities, another year goes by and you haven’t had a chance to catch up over coffee or have drinks. Sometimes, planning a staycation in the city can be an easier and more relaxing alternative to out-of-town trips.
‘Tis the season for non-stop feasting, gatherings, travel, and Christmas gifts. We all love winning raffle prizes and what better way to celebrate the season than with a dreamy winter trip for five to the snowy wonderland of Sapporo, Japan. Also up for grabs are a brand new Chevrolet Trax, Vespa motorcycles, Apple gadgets, Sony gaming consoles, and trips to Palawan and Boracay, to name a few.
The Ortigas central business district is one of the busiest hubs in Metro Manila’s dynamic urban landscape. Located in the middle of Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City, this district at the heart of the metro has a vibrant mix of business establishments, premium lifestyle shopping malls, and residential areas. Whether you’re in town traveling for business, in transit on the way to other destinations, staycationing with the family, or looking for a restful luxury getaway to recharge, staying in the Ortigas CBD puts you in the middle of tall the action in the city.
Kyoto, one of the oldest municipalities in Japan, is located just 30 minutes away by rapid train from Osaka. Considered the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is a must-visit for first-timers traveling to Osaka. Kyoto is home to temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens, some of which have been designated collectively as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Hidden along a quiet residential street in Cubao is a stately Filipino mansion that has opened its doors to the public as a living museum and boutique events space. The MiraNila Heritage House and Library in Cubao is a heritage house originally built in 1929 in the California Revival Style, with lovely gardens and preserved interiors.
After three years of feeling trapped in separate households during the pandemic, my family and I finally got a chance to travel to Seoul, South Korea. Blame it on the popularity of K-dramas we binged on during the lockdown, and our frequent dining out in samgyupsal restaurants in the metro, but everyone was eager to experience Seoul for themselves and spend quality time together.
While we’ve biked around some bike trails and attended a few sporting events and fun runs over the years, it’s been a while since I’ve revisited Nuvali in Laguna. Nuvali is a popular destination for day trips and as a stopover on the way to Tagaytay for dining and shopping for those based in the south of the metro.
My family and I have made it a point to travel together more this year. Since we live in different households with my parents based in the province, we’ve had a lot of catching up to do. This is the first year since the pandemic that we’ve been able to celebrate milestone celebrations together like birthdays.
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