A travel & adventure blog by Kara Santos
Pasig is a city in the Philippines located along the eastern border of Metro Manila. While most business and luxury tourists usually stay in the Manila / Pasay area to be near the airport and backpackers will want to stay in the Makati / Poblacion area for the nightlife, I would recommend staying in Pasig if you’re traveling with the family or if you want to enjoy a mix of active pursuits and city comforts.
If you’ve ever planned or been to New York City, then you are probably aware of the fact that the city is one of the most amazing cities in the world. The city has so much to offer and it seems you can never run out of things to do or explore there. When you arrive in NYC for the first time, you will feel the city’s energy and vibe which will motivate you to explore the Big Apple to tiniest details.
Because Metro Manila and many surrounding towns are highly urbanized and congested, a lot of us are always looking for easy escapes for day trips and weekend getaways. Just a couple of hours from the metro, the nearby provinces of Laguna and Quezon are good choices for those who want to experience the “simple country life.” You can spend the day in a farm or natural resorts, stay in cozy bed & breakfasts, dine in artistic and homey restaurants, and visit artist’s studios.
For those who like nature-tripping, art, culture and food, here are just some of the places you can drive to for an easy countryside getaway relatively near Manila (excluding Nuvali and Tagaytay).
Continue reading “Road Trip Guide: Laguna & Quezon”Iloilo is one of the best destination for foodies in Visayas. For most people, a trip here isn’t complete without having Ilonggo favorites like La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo and Lechon Manok. But if you’re a craft beer lover, Brewery Gastropub should definitely be at the top of your list of places to visit. Brewery Gastropub is the first bar and gastropub in Iloilo City that offers a wide selection of both imported and local craft beers from all over the world. They feature over 100 different varieties of bottled beer that you can choose from including 15 fresh beers in draft form.
Tagaytay in Cavite is probably the most popular choice for a quick weekend or day trip for those coming from Metro Manila. People come here for the cooler climate, refreshing sights and the various restaurants that offer an easy escape for locals. Other towns in Cavite also offer historic spots and resorts ideal for sports and recreational activities. Here’s a look at some family-friendly activities you can do in and near Tagaytay City.
Samar (formerly named Western Samar), is one of the three provinces of Samar Island in Eastern Visayas in the Philippines. Home to a network of amazing caves hidden beneath the region’s lush jungles, including the biggest cave system in the country, Samar is a rugged destination where adventure seekers can experience something out of the ordinary. Though most of Samar Island remains off-the-radar for local tourists, many international spelunkers have been drawn here since it’s been dubbed the “Caving Capital of the Philippines.”
Tagaytay is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. For those coming from the metro, this is a favorite weekend getaway because of the refreshing scenery, cooler climate and the variety of restaurants for food tripping. While you can visit Tagaytay on day trips, it’s better to spend a night or two to really enjoy the place and have more excuses to eat. Last weekend, I found myself with a bunch of travel bloggers on a major food-trip staycation courtesy of Taal Vista Hotel.
For business and leisure travelers looking for first-class amenities, modern luxuries and quality service, Taal Vista Hotel is highly regarded as one of the best hotels in the area. This historic establishment has been around since the 1930s and is best known for its classic architecture and offering a stunning view of Taal Lake in Batangas and Taal Volcano Island in the middle of the lake.
Continue reading “Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay: Tranquil retreat with majestic views of Taal Volcano and lake”When it comes to quick weekend or day trip getaways, Tagaytay City is always a top choice for those coming from the metro. The refreshing view of Taal Lake and the variety of restaurants always makes Tagaytay a favorite foodie destination. One of the best places for dining with a view is the historic Taal Vista Hotel. After enjoying several buffet meals at Cafe Veranda and dinners by the fireplace at the Lobby Lounge, our hosts saved the best for last with a heavy breakfast/brunch at Taza Fresh Table.
Continue reading “Taza Fresh Table: Farm-to-table feasts in Tagaytay”
I always feel like I’m in a different country whenever I go around the neighborhood of Poblacion in Makati. Barangay Poblacion in the old downtown area feels like a backpacker red light district, similar to Bangkok’s Khaosan Road or Cambodia’s Pub Street. The food choices in the neighborhood have wide international appeal, from small Korean joints to biker bars serving Indian cuisine.
Being by the beach sure works up an appetite. There’s really something about the fresh sea breeze, the laid-back vibe, and all those energy-sapping water activities that get you craving for comfort food like burgers and pizza, fresh and grilled seafood, hearty servings of Filipino favorites, and extra rice. If you’re going on a trip to La Union anytime soon, here are a few restaurants (mostly in the surfing capital of San Juan) where you can have your fill of great food.
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