Remember the thrill and excitement you feel when planning for a spontaneous weekend getaway or an adventure-filled grand vacation - the sights to see, places to go, unique eats to enjoy, and whatnot? You count down the days till your bags are packed and passports ready as you march to the airport, hold your precious boarding pass that will render your dream holiday a reality. 

The ease of restriction in Singapore was perfect for those who want to explore SG or go there as a jump-off point to their dream destination!

In partnership with the Department of Tourism, Huawei Philippines and Manila Bulletin are set to launch their photo contest with the theme, “It’s More Fun With You.” They are accepting any photos about traveling in the Philippines, highlighting subjects such as the best tourist spots and attractions, travelers enjoying the local delicacies and events, and any of the many natural wonders across the archipelago.

AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, is welcoming February with huge discounts on flights, hotels and ancillary products through its CNY Deals Never Stop Promo and 2.2 Save Now, Fly Later Sale.

AirAsia joins the rest of the tourism sector of the Philippines in championing safe domestic travels this year in a bid to jumpstart the recovery of travel businesses – from small to large enterprises. To achieve this, the travel and lifestyle company is rolling out multiple bang-for-buck deals for flights and other travel essentials like hotel bookings and in-flight add-on purchases. AirAsia Philippines maintains its optimism for growth in the traveling populace this year, a forecast backed by a survey that has shown more Filipinos are confident to travel in the next nine months.

Fujifilm Instax cameras were the much-requested gifts by debutants in 2012. I also wanted one for myself but I turned down the idea because I know I won't be able to afford it back then. Fast forward to 2015, I'm fortunate enough to own both the Instax Mini 8 and Mini 25. (Talk about the law of attraction!) Since then, my Instax cameras are my go-to camera whenever I want to capture a milestone – may it be a new travel destination or simple celebrations at home. Now that Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is out, I can't wait to share with you my thoughts on the brand's latest point-and-shoot instant camera. 

Perception on Mindanao

Sustainable Tourism

Patty Villegas in Taiwan, March 2019

Patty and Jonas in Batanes, September 2018

You can also get to travel Batanes and other local destinations with two of your friends or loved ones for FREE! Here's how:

Taken during the Great Singapore Airlines Getaway travel fair media launch

After my short but unexpectedly fun trip on Awaji Island, here I am now finally ticking the list of my dream Japan destinations one-by-one. For my second and third day stay, I've basically planned to immerse myself in the old Japan culture by visiting Kyoto and Osaka.

Just a back story, never in my wildest dreams have I thought of traveling abroad for leisure. I've always been the person to literally strive hard to achieve all my tangible wants in life. During this time, I'm still over the moon thinking what have I done in the past to deserve such blessings my way. 

Subic Bay holds a special place in my heart because it is the first place I’ve been to outside of Metro Manila. For about quite a number of years ago, my parents allowed me to join my first ever field trip at Olongapo back in grade school, without any guardian with me. One vivid memory that I have in this place is the time that I saw a sea lion kiss my schoolmate on the cheek during an entertainment show at Ocean Adventure.

Do you know that feeling when you're onboard a plane and you hear the voice in the background suddenly discussing the perks that come with your one-way ticket? Such an amazing feeling knowing that you're the money you spent on the flight is worth it. I kind of felt the same thing when I found out that Singapore Airlines partnered with Store Specialists, Inc. in Manila. 😍

Passengers of  Singapore Airlines or SilkAir can present their boarding pass (within one month of travel) to enjoy exclusive discounts on merchandise and other special offers at participating SSI brands. 

Just in case you don't know, SSI leads the specialty retailer category in the Philippines with an extensive portfolio of established international brands such as Samsonite, Kate Spade, Superdry,  Hugo Boss, Furla, and etc.

I can't say that my last year's visit to Hong Kong was a splendid one because (1) I'm attending a conference which means I never got the chance to be in tourist mode, and (2) I experienced hiccups on my flight back to Manila.

That's why on my second trip to asia's world city,  I made it a point to make my visit as breezy as possible. I owe the chunk of my lightheartedness in the entirety of my latest travel to my latest smartphone: the ASUS ZenFone 4 Max Lite. 

Mana Café, Hong Kong's first vegan coffee shop, in PoHo District

Just when I thought I researched thoroughly in preparation for the inevitable one-digit winter Japan weather, I still have to charge everything to experience and learn things along the way. Take the must-bring travel essentials for example, I know the things that I'll definitely be lugging with me. Yet, there are still stuff that I needed to get along the way to make the most out of my first ever trip to the land of the rising sun.

Daily Outfit

First of all, Accuweather said that the weather in Awaji Island during my stay is far more than the typical Baguio weather. I've never valued beanie, gloves, thick jackets, heattech, face mask, and boots this much in my life, tbh. 

A few weeks before my much-awaited trip to Japan, the Blogapalooza team hit me up and asked if I'm down for a staycation at Nobu Hotel (a Japanese-themed luxurious hotel in City of Dreams Manila).

I thought to myself, "this is a good pre-game before my trip". That's why I immediately replied yes, packed my bag, and headed to Pasay for a staycation (with the parentals for the first time!)

After braving Cebu canyoneering with the Cyan Adventures team, our legs were wrecked to death that we needed a strategic place to stay given our current state. I can say that we literally walked like old people because we can't lift our legs that much. (that's actually how bad it is!)

It was a wise decision for us to stay at Bayfront Hotel Cebu for our remaining days in Cebu. 💕

In reference to my other blog post here, last year was all about doing different firsts and I'm still over the moon just thinking about how everything transpired. Just like my trip to Cebu with Jonas, my expectations were kept to a minimum because I just wanted to enjoy my first visit to Cebu (and Visayas). And now, here I am sharing a thing or two on what to try in case you are also interested to visit the Queen City of the South.

How did I score the tickets to Cebu

Early 2017, I heard about the Philippine Airlines' Seat Sale where I snag two roundtrip tickets to Cebu for Php 3k each only. Some may think that this is expensive for a domestic flight but come to think of it, I'm already riding with PAL where I get to have snacks on board and a 20 kg baggage allowance on a roundtrip flight. I'd say that's a steal already. 😍

Where to go in Cebu