#cebu expats

[rebusel]

Discover Your Dream Home: Top Real Estate Listings in the Philippines

 Introduction:

Are you trying to find your ideal house in the Philippines' idyllic tropical setting? There's nowhere else to look! There is a wide variety of real estate possibilities in the Philippines to fit every lifestyle and inclination, from quiet beachside homes to busy metropolitan condos. Let's take a look at some of the best properties available throughout the archipelago.

Metro Manila Condos:

Invest in a posh condo in Metro Manila to take in the lively spirit of the nation's capital. There is a condo waiting for you, whether you prefer the vibrant streets of Makati, the cultural center of Quezon City, or the views of the sea in Pasay. Situated in the center of the city, these hotels provide luxury and convenience with features like gyms, swimming pools, and round-the-clock security.

Tagaytay Highlands:

Take a break from the bustle of the city and head to Tagaytay's calm, cool mountains. Exclusive residential lots, log huts, and opulent mansions with stunning views of Taal Lake and lush vegetation can be found in Tagaytay Highlands. Experience first-rate facilities in this elite mountain resort community, including golf courses, spas, and fine eating establishments.

Cebu Beachfront Properties: 

Investing in a beachfront property in Cebu is a great way to embrace island living. Cebu is a beach lover's and water enthusiast's heaven with its immaculate beaches, glistening waters, and abundant marine life. Cebu provides a wide range of choices for your ideal waterfront home, whether you're searching for a posh seaside villa or a little beach house.

BGC, Taguig City:

 Experience contemporary, multicultural life at Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. Young professionals and expats alike are drawn to BGC, a vibrant neighborhood noted for its tall skyscrapers, posh shopping malls, and exciting nightlife. With all the conveniences you want close by, BGC provides a modern living in stylish urban lofts and roomy penthouses.

Palawan Eco-Resorts: 

This destination offers eco-resort properties that combine luxury and sustainability for those who appreciate the natural world and the environment. Experience the unspoiled splendor of Palawan's beaches, forests, and marine sanctuaries while taking advantage of eco-friendly lodging options and outdoor pursuits like birdwatching, kayaking, and snorkeling. Invest in a slice of paradise that helps with environmental protection while also offering a peaceful haven.

Baguio City: 

Take a break and enjoy the refreshing mountain air at Baguio City, which is referred to as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." Baguio, well-known for its parks full of flowers, pine-covered hills, and cultural heritage places, has a wonderful selection of residential real estate, from tasteful mountain homes to quaint cottages. Here in this picturesque mountain retreat, discover the ideal fusion of leisure and exploration.

Conclusion: 

The Philippines has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a serene beachside getaway, a sophisticated urban lifestyle, or an eco-resort experience inspired by nature. It is understandable why the Philippines is a popular destination for real estate investment with its varied landscapes, lively culture, and kind demeanor. Find your ideal house in the Philippines right now!

[benefits1986]

Answering Boracay Q’s

Side kwento about this Boracay photo: Wala pong edit and burst po ito with directions sa mga millennial magulang. Paling ng naman po ang horizon pero wala akong paki. Raw po tayo e. ‘Yung mom La Salle. ‘Yung dad, Ateneo. Tapos mash up ‘yung unico nila ng blue and green. LOL. Cheerdancer vibe ‘yung mom, tapos sabi ko sa dad, stomach in pa siya then taasan niya pa ng slight yung bato sa anak niya sa air. ‘Yun lang po, opo. :D Maraming magulang din po ang nag-express ng concern kung paano namin ito natawid. Nasambot po niya at sabi ni unico, isa pa raw. :D Napagod na ‘yung dad kasi Gen X na siya e. So, balik na tayo sa daily lives natin. Thank you! Warmest regards.  Since babalik na po tayo sa tamang landas with AI x human-centric micromoments, punta tayo sa mga usual Boracay questions because ang init na. Hindi na kaya ng blazers x turtleneck forda corporate life ang lagay ng panahon sa kalakhang Maynila. Syempre, hindi naman tayo andito for the bots but in the name of answering questions, and questioning answers because todo bigay ang pasavogues everywhere and anywhere. So, let’s use lunchbreak for thought farts break bilang I solemnly thing my Holy Week break will be with my lola ulit even when Siargao, Palawan, Cebu, Zamboanga, Camiguin atbp are waving. :D Adulting muna tayo opo kahit gusto ko na lang talagang mag booze out habang ina-achieve ang caramel skin tone na pangarap ko since forever. :D In between kasi ako ng light and caramel skin which is ughhhhhhhh but sige lang. Okay. Fine.  Segue ulit: Sarap talaga magtype sa Macbook even when I’m a S-Series girl pero ‘pag may red wine na iPhone na hindi sobrang over-processed yung dusk and dawn, sige na. Natawid niyo na yung 1TB wish ko e; but sa tamang panahon kasi ang tinde ng Apple mag-gaslight e sila mismo ang tinde mang-track ang mag-monoplize ng content. CHE. 

Balik na tayo sa mga tanong about Boracay.  But, onting bwelo pa. Ayoko talaga ng Boracay kahit fan ako ng Project 81 or 84 na ba ngayon because:  -Para siyang BGC or BF Par or Maginhawa na may dagat  -’Yung tours are soooo fucking basic -Ang hirap ng culture-based tours -Hassle magbike kasi pota yung ahon and shit yung lusong lalo sa New Coast  -Andami mong likely na kilala so deliks ‘pag gusto mong kumawala sa ganaps or hanash mo  -Syempre, zoning is but on paper pero mhie, ‘wag ako kasi ang laki ng kita ng tourism dito. ‘Wag ako.  -Boracay even when it is rehabilitated is dying slowly.  -Seafood is uhm lang. Uni is sooo basic lang. Food is oks lang.  -Also, Boracay ang pinaka maraming aya sa akin pero it’s not my vibe talaga kahit noon pa Pero, dahil sa pilit na consistent of my people, okayyyyy. Sige. I gave Boracay a good number of tries. I really did. Verdict: OK siya for inom and bum basta sa steady side. Sunsets are hit and miss. Mas marami pang magandang lugar sa kanya BUT the sand in Station 1 is dreamy and buttery. Oks na?  So, eto na tayo sa exciting part. :D Q1: When is the best time to go to Boracay?  For me, a few days AFTER any holiday. You may also consider at least 3 days before any holiday. Why? Boracay is too little to move around with freedom ‘pag nakisabay ka sa crowd. Too tiny kasi literal na pinilit ipasok sa one side ‘yung mga ganaps. ‘Di mo rin naman masisi kasi iba rin talaga ang sand sa White Beach.  Q2: What’s the best mode of transport from Caticlan to the island? Private, DIY or semi-private?  Funny kasi, solo travel ako tapos budget mode ako sa transpo bilang sobrang antukin ko. Quota ako sa tulog OR ‘pag okay kwentuhan, kahit hanggang 2 days, g tayo diyan. Ekis ‘yung una kong punta sa Boracay which is right after pandemic because sobrang bagsak presyo and iwas-COVID tayo and all and also with a good friend na may kid + a good friend na takot sa virus.... so eto na po. Nag-private transfer kami. Nasundan din ‘yun nga isang expat friend biglaang invite before Christmas kasi wala daw siya kasama, so okay.... mas private transfer po tayo. OPO. Syempre, hindi ko kinaya ang cost pero tinawid natin kasi tayo ang naga-adjust tapos, category is: social experiment. Sayang din kasi Miles pero transfers are cash naman lagi. Third visit na I think, lasted 3 weeks na dapat 1 to 2 months because another travel buddy egged me, budol mhie kasi sabi is samahan ko siya tuparin ang pangarap niyang work from Boracay dream. Sabi ko is, okay fine. Basta 3K ang 2-way ticket or kahit close to 4K. And pooooof. Nabook ang really good deal. Nag-semi private kami meaning may tour officer kaming naka-transact. :D  Soooo, ano nga ba ang best? Dun sa top search na may magandang reviews on FB na semi-private almost same lang siya sa private tour to be honest. Basta hindi masyadong maraming kasabay. :D One-way ng private was 1.5K minimum, wala pang tips ‘yan. So in theory, ubos-pera ka talaga. Sa semi-private, mga 400 to 500 pesos depende sa season. Ang difference lang is lakad plus naka-aircon ka sa lahat ng private tours + speed boat. Kung hayok ka sa gram at status eme, private ka. Pero, in terms of sulit points and efficient buy, semi-private is PAK. DIY naman, to be honest, comparable ang rates sa semi-private but be prepared to face the hassle ‘pag sobrang aga or sobrang late ng flight in or out mo. Tapos, DIY means lakad agad papuntang trike terminal na hassle pag ulan or sobrang init. Not sure nga why ang layo ng trike terminal to think na dapat first thing na welcome is ease of transfer. 

Q3: How much is your Boracay budget, all in?  Depends ulit sa gusto mong ma-experience because sabi ko nga, ang Boracay ay parang BGC with the gedli after you cross Market! Market!. Flights can go as low as P3K, two-way or ‘pag impulse ka or gusto mo lang talagang itawid, P14K the last time I checked which is quite recent pero ekis na ‘tong invite na ‘to kahit too good to say pass kasi free accoms basta may kapalit na decent and honest review sa Hotel XYZ. ‘Wag na nating i-name, for now. LOL.  Food starts at P80 sa carinderia style sa Station 2 and 3. Then it can go up to 1K++ if nasa Moven/Shang side ka na at iba pang pa-eme spots. :D LELS. Again, even Shang food is oks lang though syempre ‘di naman tayo alta ever kaya baka iba yung quality ng dine in guests (birthday celeb invite ito) sa totoong guests doon. LOL. Fruitshake and coffee are also oks lang start at P120-ish. Then, the calamansi cupcake with the million-dollar view is P25/piece. Syempre sa carrot cupcake po tayo, pero wala rin. So basic. :D Two Season Boracay Starter Pack na oyster sisig and cheese pizza mga 1K-ish pero dahil okay ang staff, sulit na sulit ang mojito na paapawin mo tapos mapaparami ka.  Accoms, depends din ‘yan. Starts at P500/day ‘pag backpacker ka, swerte mo kung near the beach na decent and can go up to 20K++ depende sa mission mo at kung sino ang kasama mo.  So, budget all in for Boracay, estimated at around 12K per person for 3D/2N for a super basic experience pero oks na rin kung gusto mo lang din mag-Starbucks tapos mag-sunset na hindi maayos ang exposure. :D Tapos, Ceb Pass ka dapat then DIY para makapag-tour ka and at least 1 meal na oks. ‘Pag naman mas pak, around P40K to P50K for 3D/2N... note na, discounted deals pa ‘to sa Moven and Crimson, New Coast side. :D Then, may decent booze ka na rin diyan saka water activities. Ems.  ‘Pag naman pangmalakasan, P150K++, puwede ka ng mag-helicopter tour + exclusive yacht pero wala e. Ang onti lang din naman makikita mo. LOL. Bitbitin mo pa bike mo pero sure mo dapat na pak na pak ang kondisyon mo or else... bahala ka sa dear life mo.  Syempre, wala tayong ganitong experience kasi I would rather max out sa Palawan or Cebu. But, since may pinsan akong matic-Shang kasi ayaw daw niya sa side na maraming tao, nag-estimate lang ako ng galawan niya. :D Introvert siya masyado rin so perfect talaga sa kanya ‘yan and nepotism baby rin siya. EMS.  Tuloy ko na lang ‘to kasi tapos na ang lunchbreak. Dami ko na namang gustong sabihin about the pros and cons of Boracay. Dapat series-content ito pero guluhin natin ang algo bilang wala pa namang AI na contextual ang ganapan. Malayo-layo pa ‘yun. Pre-dystopian era pa lang tayo saka baka naman maging mutant pa ako before I hit old age. Peg is: Jean Grey x Wolverine. :D Abangan.  And we continue...  Q4: What is special about Boracay?  Kahit major bash ako sa Boracay, ang honest opinion ko, Boracay is convenient. Comfort zone kasi madali lang siyang puntahan kahit seniors, pets, babies/kids at iba pa. Kung baga, universal naman siya. Hindi tulad ng Palawan na sobrang layo unless mag-direct flight ka. Legit na lakad ka lang onti, sakay trike or magpa-private car sundo at hatid ka around the island, maco-cover mo lahat. Kung kids naman, super happy sila sa sand kasi very sensory experience siya talaga. Hands down. Si Alonso, yung super energetic kid na kasama namin doon, solid na happy siya. Kita mo talaga. Kung baga, starter pack ng masalimuot na Pinas travel because crappy infra talaga tayo noon hanggang ngayon na least hassle. Also, ‘pag natiempohan mo, maganda ang sunset saka maraming photo and reels spot ang Boracay for a diverse set of biases. Plus, syempre, solid talaga uminom doon. Paraw pa rin optimal for people watching kahit shabby na siya kasi sulit ‘yung happy hour. Puwede mo pang palakasan ang bawat mix tapos andami mo talagang makikita. Pwede ring magbasa ng book doon ‘pag ‘di pa todo ang PL sa background. ‘Pag gusto mo naman medyo tago pero may view pa rin, The District. Ganda ng view kasi medyo mataas, hindi masyadong matao noong ilang punta ko lalo nung nag-three weeks ako then decent ‘yung food plus mura siya for the place. Akala lang ng mga tao, intimidating. Sa Shang/Moven/Crimson side naman, sobrang onti lalo ng tao tapos may chances of picking up seaglass ka pa sa super early morning. Puwede ka rin mag-jog or walk or yoga by the beach dito pero mas optimal ‘pag sa New Coast side ka. For me, memories sa Boracay is what makes it special. EMS. Hala. Hahahaha. So, eto na naman ‘yung counter current. Ganun talaga.  Q5: Legit ba ang Two Seasons pizza at oyster sisig, buffet at mga sugbo/boodle fights?  Sakto lang. Parehas lang halos ng lasa sa Manila. Mas gusto ko pa Marco Polo or basta nakalimutan ko na yung isa pang hotel sa Cebu na ansarap ng breakfast buffet. LOL. Two Seasons pizza parang normal lang din and oyster sisig, comparable sa Locavore or Manam. Pero syempre, kahit ilang beses kong sinabing ayoko na nito, siguro mga 10x combined kain namin nito sa 3 stays ko. Hahahaha. Wala e. Ganun talaga.  Q6: Station 1, 2, 3, New Coast or yung kabilang side?  Depends sa vibe and budget mo. Ideal for me na kung sa Station 1 ka, legit na least lakad if not beach front ka. New Coast sobrang onti pa lang ng tao kaya push ‘pag gusto mo ng “different” vibe. ‘Pag gusto mo ng maraming gagawin, food, happy hour, gym, massage, meditation with gingko biloba, sa Shang/Moven/Crimson side ka. Worth it siya lalo ‘pag worth the wait ‘yung kasama mo. EMSSSS. Station 2 ‘pag gusto mong todo partyyyyyy or gusto mo ng access sa food spots. Station 3 ‘pag gusto mo more interactions sa community/locals tapos tahimik din talaga on a budget. So again, align mo muna anong gusto mong theme ng trip mo sa Boracay. Hirap pumili pero ikaw na bahala. For me... ang best is... Station 1 beach front or access to beach na baba ka lang tapos beach na. Or Station 3 kasi iba talaga vibe pero pili ka lang talaga ng accoms na may okay na 4G and/or wifi. So, assess mo muna talaga. Siguro for first timers on a budget at gustong mag-explore, ‘yung Station 3 na malapit sa Station 2 na side. ‘Pag landian pero taguan muna kasi lowkey kayo o may tinatago kayo, ewan ko lang kung ma-enjoy n’yo to be honest. Sa ibang Lobo, Batangas na lang kayo tapos dulo. In theory lang ‘yun a.  Q7: Is Boracay worth it?  Sa tingin ko, yes and no. Yes, kung pupunta ka doon ng may sense o gusto mong mag-enjoy ng mga chill lang, tamad gumalaw o ‘yung adventurous kuno which is totally fine. Kanya-kanyang trip ‘yan. No kung for the gram ka lang at hashtag kasi sabi ko nga, mas marami pang okay na spots na puwedeng mag-trend sa TikTok kahit wala naman akong TikTok.  Q8: What is something different you can do in Boracay?  Punta ka lang sa Bulabog and Diniwid. Bulabog houses locals and expats na may pa-kitesurfing and events. Tapos okay din ang sunrise dito saka ‘yung buko na bent. Gising ka lang ng 5 AM then lakarin mo na lang para steps din. Para sure din onti ang tao. Diniwid naman, eto ang masasabi kong quality crowd na pang older millennials and Gen X. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Sarap ng cocktails and food and oks din PL. LELS. Sarap din mag-frisbee dito with the locals.  Q9: New Coast Boracay? Ano na?  I was supposed to stay here with a friend kasi kilala namin manager pero sabi ko pass muna. Oks na ako sa apartment na malapit sa kabihasnan. LOL. Pero sarap mag-swim dito. Maalon nga lang ng slighter kasi kayo lang talaga. ‘Di rin siya intimidating kasi puwede ka magpa-wait sa trikes tapos swim-swim lang kayo ng friends mo kung wala kang accoms sa Belmont. ‘Yung keyhole oks lang siya. May harang so edit mo pa photos mo or pumunta ka ng maaga tapos smile ka sa bantay para makapasok ka sa loob. LOL.  Q10: What’s one thing you MUST do in Boracay?  Take friggin’ proper photos not for the gram but to max out the light and shadows sa lahat ng time of day please. If you can, hire a photo team. Tamang white/khakis OOTD lang, game na ‘yan para classic lang. No need na crazy ootds unless gusto mo ng neon colors which is panalo din. PAKI USAP. Kaya rin maraming aya sa Boracay sa akin is because... I take decent photos daw. Hahaha. Medyo nagtampo nga yung last aya na nag-no ako kasi sayang for the Hotel XYZ ‘yun. Kaso, it’s a no for me kahit I know another side of Boracay ‘yung madidiscover ko. LOL. So, pleaseeeee. Take photos and stop wearing Boracay merchs. Paki usap lang po.  Q11: Biking in Boracay?  Beware lang talaga. Oks naman siya pero if you’re renting a bike, check mo muna mainam ‘yung bike for rent. Saka better na kung first time mo, mag-tour guide ka. ‘Yun lang naman. Hassle ang roads ‘pag maraming tao kasi ang kipot nila. Ugh. So ayun lang naman. Views oks lang din. Nothing super magical. :D Pero okay din siya. Support sa locals na passionate about rides. Marami-rami ring riders ‘pag weekends and holiday. 

Q12: Boracay side trip and other trips?  Puwede kaso ‘di ko na naabutan ito kasi bawal pang mag-cross ng island unless Caticlan ka punta noong last trip ko. BOO. So, paguusapan natin ito just in case matopakan kong bumalik. FOMO 1000000 ako kasi travel buddies update me sa mga off the grid side trips nila. :(((( Mag-IT security na lang ba ako talaga? Pero no din kasi wala akong skillset though sabi naman nila, kaya ko para makagala na kami like there’s no tomorrow ulit. LOL.  ‘Di na rin ako naka-dive kasi Manila is waving madly na talaga. Dapat mag-scuba din kami kaso ayun nga. Wala. Uwian na. ‘Di na rin natupad kitesurf kahit alam kong mabigat ako, literally and figuratively. Tapos nakaka-anxiety yung paano mo hindi magbubuhol ang mga tali. ‘Yun lang talaga kina-worry ko e. 

Few more notes:  -Hennan Prime pa rin talaga ang best stay ko. As in. Ganda ng service. Then gusto ko ‘yung blue brand color nila. Kaso tawang-tawa ako sa staff, kasi tinanong ako kung talaga bang ang goal ko and nung mga kasama ko is legit na nakasalampak lang sa sun beds from 9 am until sunset after mag-school by the beach ni Alonso with a background na WOW na WOW sa classmates niya. LOLOLLOLL. Also, oks buffet and food ng Hennan. Bacon, pancakes, overeasy eggs, cereals and soymilk. Meron sila lahat niyan. Sulit din massage nila. As in. Ganda ng rooms. Pang malakasan din ang WiFi.  -Pinaka mura at masarap na carinderia is Triple J, recently open lang sila tapos since sinuyod ko na muna ‘yung Station 1 to 3 ng breakfast na quality at pasok na pasok sa budget, solid na solid ito. Malapit siya sa Cafe Maruja tapos ‘di mo aakalain na okay ‘yung food. Bait pa nung owners. As in kasi talagang hands on sila. At laging superlative service. Sila pa nga nagpapasensya na medyo ‘di pa okay ‘yung place nila. ‘Wag mo i-judge ‘yung look ng store front nila, paki usap. Sana talaga derecho ‘yung business nila kasi ang mahal nung rent ng space. -Speaking of owners and rent sa Boracay... dahil alagad ako ng milktea, super loooove Taipei Milktea. Again, ang chixx ng owner tapos ang adorable ng kid niya. ‘Yung sobrang liit nilang puwesto, off the roof ‘yung rent pero with a smile she shared na tiyagaan lang talaga. Meron din silang delivery kaso Boracay time so maghihintay ka ng 1.5 hours max para sa milktea mo. Apart from beach goers and tourists, bulk ng clients niya ay mga establishments like government offices, hospitals atbp. 

-Nakapanayam din po natin ang ilang sales assistants and sabi nila, medyo bumabalik-balik na ‘yung sigla ng isla kahit badly hit sila talaga nung pandemic. LOL. Tapos, syempre tinanong nila kung kamusta ba ang lagay ng kumpanya, sabi ko, push lang tayo. Laban. :D HAHAHAHA. ‘Di ko lang sure bakit sila nasa beach front nung time na ‘yun. ‘Di ko na rin tinanong kasi ‘di ko naman KPI ‘yun. Hahahahaha. Saka, walang basagan ng trip! Iba talaga ang dominance ng org namin. :D Hahahahaha. Omnipresent. Ems.  -Best tattoo artist: Inkzomia yasssss. Eto pa ‘yung sobrang weird. Since I collect tats from places I visit, 2x ako nagpatat sa Boracay of all places pero ‘di natin papayagan... Ihahabol natin ang Ink #2 ng Siargao this year. Then habol tayo ng tat sa Palawan sana this year. Manage lang ang leaves ng mainam kasi balik San Vic tayo. Oks na ako pa-tat sa PPS or Coron. Galing-galing ng team ng Inkzomia. Sarap pang kayosi/vape + inow. ‘Yung first tat ko, kakaopen lang nila ulit tapos sabi ni Sir, g daw siya sa 4K pero damn, 5+ hours niyang ginawa for a 4x5 ink. Sobrang kakatuwa din kasi family of tattoo artists sila. Then nakwento niya na wala siyang tats kasi ayaw niya lang. May piercings siya though. :D Saka ‘yung mga artists na ‘to, panlaban sa Manila overrated artists. Sobrang professional, down to earth pero alam nila what they are worth. Naglolokohan nga kami kasi parang naka-refer ako ng 4x sa kanila dahil maganda talaga quality, tapos may dreadlocks pa na referral ko rin. :D Mag-sale na ba talaga ako ulit? NOOOO. Tapos na tayo sa client management. Madadarang na namang tayo sa high and lows ng instant gratification and invalidation. :D  -Moven is like Fuego/The Farm na luma pero okay ang service. Kung baga sulit. Tinanong ko nga staff nila bakit wala sila masyadong hits sa Google. Sabi nila is they choose that route kasi market talaga nila is word of mouth and before pandemic, always puno sila. Not sure pero bakit kasabay namin ‘yung isang childstar turned vlogger nung pumunta kami? :D Mabait naman siya from afar tapos tuwang-tuwa ako kasi akala ko batang naka eyelash extensions, naka-Balmain shirt siya na pantulog. Tapos sabi sa akin nung kasama ko, loko raw ako kasi si childstar-vlogger pala siya. Naglolokohan pa kami ng friend ko kasi feeling namin mas pak ‘yung service sa amin ng staff compared sa group nila kasi nakahiwalay kami sa lahat tapos prime seats kami sa lahat ng transfers be it kami lang or may kasama. Thank you, Moven! Nasulit ang danak ng funds sa’yo at naka-ambag ka sa Miles ko. LOLOL.  -Isa lang ang main source ng flowers sa Boracay. HAHAHAHAHAHA. May ilang pasurprise na akong natawid dito kasi requested po, opo. Syempre, I hate flowers pero ‘di tayo papa-stop bilang nairequest nga po with impit. Sakay ka lang trike, alam na nila ‘yun. Sobrang bagal lang pero maganda silang gumawa. Promise. Decent prices din saka puwede mo silang bigyan ng budget tapos sila na magaadjust. ‘Di sila masyadong sumasagot sa messenger kasi super lean team sila. Cute din na isa sa florists nila is straight guy na sobrang wala sa look niya na makakapag-arrange siya ng flowers. Hihintayin mo lang talaga kaya mag-run errands ka muna.  -Andoks in Boracay is like a unicorn. Laging puno kahit ‘yung sa side ng Station 3. LOLLOLLOLL. Parang may magnet sila ng crowd. Pero I guess, decent ang pasok at labas ng food compared sa ibang restaurants with similar price points.  -Mahal ang tubig at kuryente sa Boracay. As in. pati laundry. Pati seafood. As in lahat. Pero ganun talaga, poor ecotourism tapos isla talaga so lahat angkat. So kung digital nomad ka, please, please factor in these gastos kasi mhie, ‘di siya biro. Buti na lang ‘yung apartment namin, sobrang bait ng landlord. OG taga Boracay ‘yung clan nila kaya maayos kausap.  -Sa mainland, check out Agimat Ube Creme. Paki usap. Sobrang sana may presence sila sa airport kasi sayang. Ansaraappppp. As in. Very, very good. Nanalo pa sila ng several awards ang syempre, proudly local. Paki check please. Pero walang sisihan ‘pag nahalukay ube tummy mo kasi addictive siya. Dapat ito na lang staple Boracay pasalubong kesa calamansi cupcakes or Two Seasons cheese pizza e. 

-Sayang at hindi ko na kinagat ang emails and parinig on social ng Crimson na super discounted. LOL. Daming resistance din ‘yun kasi sobrang good deal siya tapos syempre, food and experience involving arts, wine and cheese, medyo hirap hindian, pero strong na tayo. :D May enough insights na tayo about Boracay.  -Lastly, kahit nasa Boracay pa ako... damnnngurlll, ‘pag natapat ako sa work laptop, wala. Para akong nasa bubble. Sabi nga ng mga kasama ko, para daw akong ‘di puwedeng kausapin which is totoo naman. Kahit nasa Cafe Maruja ako nakasalampak, todo effort po tayo sa ganaps in life para matawid natin ang mga fund-sucking place on earth na ‘to. LOLOLLOLL. Salamat sa noise-cancelling headset na Google friend approved. I really thrive outside the office unless syempre may need na face to face meetings din naman since collabs are the keys to pak projects. Pero, sana half of the month, nasa dagat ako as a view lang kasi mas marami akong naiisip dahil people-watcher po tayo, opo. Iba ‘yung baon mo ‘pag may truths and micromoments ka e. Ako lang naman ‘yun. Sa work ko na super laptop time ang puhunan, the stories beyond the screens are worth chasing. Awaw. From Boracay to deadlines na naman po tayo. LOL. Ganun talaga ako e. Tempering lang talaga ng tendency to hyperfocus na naman sa work kasi ang tinde ng balik sa mental health ‘pag overboard. Actually, kahit ano man na OD, masama. Tama na ‘to... for now.  So, ElYu or La Union na ba next nating isabak dito? :D Clue: Parang Boracay din, however... Abangan. 

[affordablepropertiesinvestment]

"Take a Look at This Incredible Affordable Installment Farm Lot for Sale with an Overlooking Sea View!"

“Take a Look at This Incredible Affordable Installment Farm Lot for Sale with an Overlooking Sea View!”

LOT FOR SALE in BANBAN, BOGO CEBU🌳Ideal place for retirement👍peaceful ambiance with nature🏠Perfect for your vacation farm house❇️This is your farm away from the City-With Overlooking View❇️ 1000 sqm = 2,500/ sqm250 SQM = 3,500/ sqm100 sqm = 3,500 /sqm 2.5 Million for 1,000sqm (With Individual Title)875K for 250sqm350k for 100sqm Payment Scheme:Cash50% DP, balance 1 year to pay 👉 CLEAN TITLE👉…

[philippinesexpat]

living in Spain as a transient expat. by Road Less Traveled

[necyyy]

If tropical islands, mind-blowing landscapes, and unending adventure are in your bucket list for a holiday trip, then you have found a gem of a destination with the Philippines.

It could be that you are searching for destinations in the Philippines in which to travel? You might be looking for day trips close to Manila?

You might be wanting to understand more about the people and the culture? Maybe it’s your first time travelling to the Philippines and you’re looking for some guidance?

You might be an expat living here who wants to break out of the expat bubble and try something different? Whatever your interest in the Philippines is, I’m certain I can help you out and provide the answers for you.

Here's the list of must visit tourist spots in the Philippines:

1. White Beach, Boracay

Long hailed as one of the best beaches in the entire world, Boracay’s claim to fame is its 4-kilometer stretch of pure white, powdery sand called White Beach.

Cliche as it sounds, but White Beach is truly postcard-perfect, with tall coconut trees lined up and crystal-clear calm waters rounding up its unmatched beauty making it a top attraction in Boracay trips.

Its prominence in global publications has drawn in an influx of tourists over the last decades and there is no shortage of hotels, restaurants, and bars in the entire island

2. Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Included in the UNESCO World Heritage Natural Monuments list, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol are a geomorphic wonder and truly a sight to behold. It is one of the best places in the Philippines to offer a unique landscape, with its 1,268 cone-shaped hills that turn chocolatey brown during the dry season, hence its name.

The limestone hills vary in size but almost look similar in shape and range from 30 to 120 meters in height. It’s a must-add in any itinerary for Bohol trips.

Make your way to the town of Carmen, where the Chocolate Hills Main Viewpoint can be found. Aside from the Chocolate Hills, there is also a treasure chest of natural wonders and other fun things to do and places to see in Bohol.

3. Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan

The gateway to Philippine’s Last Frontier, Palawan, is its capital Puerto Princesa. It is here that you can find the world’s longest navigable underground river and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Underground River or the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Paddleboats of the Puerto Princesa underground river tour cruise through scenic limestone cliffs as it makes its way through the 1.5-kilometer underground river cave.

The park is also teeming with wildlife like crab-eating monkeys, monitor lizards, and bats. Island hopping escapades in Honda Bay and a visit to the Crocodile Farm are also highly recommended among the many things to do in Puerto Princesa.

4. Cloud 9, Siargao

Siargao’s inclusion to the top tourist spots in the Philippines is nothing short of meteoric. Once a sleepy island in Surigao del Norte, it has become one of the most favorite destinations and playgrounds for travelers, and it is primarily because of one activity: surfing.

It is now known as the surfing capital of the Philippines and some even regard it as the surfing mecca of Asia.

Surfers are drawn to Cloud 9, the most famous wave in the entire country. From November until April, all is well with Cloud 9’s thick tubes, making it a perfect place to get stoked (note: it is recommended for advanced surfers only).

But you do not need to be riding the waves to enjoy this island destination as there are also other fun Siargao activities and beautiful attractions like rock pools, waterfalls, and the nearby Sohoton Lagoon where you can swim with thousands of non-sting jellyfish.

5. Cebu’s Beaches and Diving Spots

Cebu has been recently awarded as part of UNESCO’s Network of Creative Cities but its main treasure lies deep down. The island draws over two million foreign travelers every year, greeted by rich waters teeming with abundant marine life.

Cebu boasts some of the best diving spots in the entire country and even the world, featuring underwater caves, shallow shipwrecks, and marine sanctuaries.

White sand beaches of Cebu await visitors of Mactan, Camotes, and Bantayan Island. Off the northernmost tip of Cebu, tiny Malapascua Island packs a lot of surprises, including diving with thresher sharks. Check out other Cebu tours that you can add to your itinerary. 

6. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

Hand-chiseled some 2000 years ago, the Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue of Ifugao, North Luzon is a remarkable destination and is truly one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.

Sit atop a colorful jeepney as it cruises along winding roads in Banaue and views of dramatic mud-walled rice terraces leave you in awe.

The Ifugao people were highly skilled in carving both wood and mountainsides. The Banaue Rice Terraces is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it offers spectacular views of emerald hues during the rice-growing seasons of April-May and October-November.

Banaue may pack a lot of tourists so you can make your way further to quieter Batad Rice Terraces and take a quick dip at its mighty Tappiya waterfalls. You can also explore nearby Baguio City or pick fresh strawberries in La Trinidad, Benguet. 

7. Rizal Park, Manila

Many travelers skip Manila and make their way to the Philippines' other islands but a day or two in the country’s capital to do Manila tours is still highly recommended.

Hustle and bustle aside, Manila features a lot of tourist spots of historical importance. One of which is the Rizal Park, or more commonly known as Luneta.

This 60-hectare urban park is where you will see the Rizal Monument, marking the execution site of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Manila Bay’s breeze keeps the Philippine flag waving from a 46-meter flagpole fronting his monument.

The park also features manicured gardens, ponds, and a wide water fountain that lights up and dances to Filipino tunes by sunset. The park area is also home to a network of National Museums that you can visit.

8. Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan

Undoubtedly one of the most photographed and iconic destinations in the Philippines is the Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan. Its lagoon is a dreamy mix of blues and greens glistening on a bright, sunny day. 

Kayangan Lake tours will take you to the jagged limestone cliffs and islets surrounding it add up to a more dramatic view, best seen from a 10-minute climb up a hill.

Funnily, this view is not of the actual Kayangan Lake but the area where the tour boats park but it is still breathtaking nonetheless).

As spectacular as the views from above ground are what is hiding underneath the actual lake’s glass-like waters. Rock formations and schools of fish abound, making the area a favorite snorkeling and free-diving spot for a lot of visitors.

The island destinations is also famous for island-hopping excursions and diving in its numerous shipwreck sites among many other must-try Coron adventures.  

9. Kawasan Falls, Cebu

If you like jumping into or swimming in cool cascading waters, Kawasan Falls in Cebu hits the sweet spot. It is a multi-layered waterfalls in the town of Badian and it is best known for its turquoise waters.

The first cascade, with a height of 40 meters, is where most visitors stay, swim, and enjoy a natural water massage on board a bamboo raft. A 10-minute trek takes you up to the quieter second cascade.

Kawasan Falls is also the endpoint of the popular adventure activity, the canyoneering adventure. It starts in Kanlaob River in the town of Alegria and you make your way to Kawasan swimming along streams, rappelling through natural rock walls, and jumping off mini-waterfalls.

Nearby is the town of Moalboal, famous for its sardine run experience, where you swim with millions of sardines just offshore.

10. Taal Volcano and Lake, Tagaytay, and Batangas

Locals and visitors of Manila take a quick escape from the megacity and make their way down south to Tagaytay, a retreat and relaxation town famous for its cool weather and fresh air.

This is also where you can take a full view of the Taal Volcano and Lake located in Batangas, the world’s smallest active volcano. The volcano sits on an island within a lake within an island, and if that is not interesting enough, you can actually visit the actual volcano crater with excursions to Taal Volcano.

An outrigger boat first takes you to a 15-minute ride to Volcano Island and from there, you can do a 35—minute hike or hop on a horse’s back going all the way to the main crater.

While in Tagaytay and Batangas, heat up your trip with a delectable bowl of Bulalo, a clear broth with beef shanks, bone marrow, and corn swimming in all its golden glory.

&&.

It is impossible to visit all these famous tourist spots in the Philippines in one go unless you have all the time in the world. But carefully planning out your Philippines itinerary will surely take you to some of the most unforgettable landscapes and fun-filled adventures you will ever see and experience.

Aside from its spectacular views, the Philippines is also home to one of the most hospitable, warm, and free-spirited people you will ever meet. Read more of our Philippines travel guides to help you plan the ultimate escape. 

[usecinema60-blog]

Know How To Plan Ahead And Send Money To Philippines On A Card

The price a maid is approximately $40 monthly and huge . a driver is about $60 per month. Not only does the maid take care of the residence, but she furthermore navigate regular airfare market shopping needs for the right and lowest purchase price for your company. Having this kind of value added to one's life for this small monthly amount of money is unheard of in the western universe. They met in the philippine idiot, got married, and came for the United States with their military dad. Consequently, you'll meet Asian girls in clubs are generally married. Yellow - The icon of democracy in the Philippines, morrison a pardon President Cory Aquino symbolized strength and hope for that Filipino we. Consequently, her advocacy has won the people's heart because she loves the color yellow, the continent has adapted the color yellow when your new color for nerve. She did linkedin profile inspire persons to battle against the evils of politics but against personal evils too, such regarding ailing colon cancer, which took her life in August of '2009'. Consider this; What do you get for $1000 inside the? It's hardly enough to experience a roof over your head, much less live a decent, enjoyable life. Why should you retirement years be spent turning every nickel and being relegated to dating divorced jaded women? Considerably more another way, trust me on this, you do not have to accept the American diet and lifestyle philippine politics . philippines politics The price of living globe Philippines could be very cheap in order to western nations. A small place might cost as few as $200 a month, but there will also high class condos accessible expats. Food can cost next to nothing or if perhaps you live somewhere like Makati City in Manila there some top class international restaurants with every cuisine imaginable available. Time is an important factor feel about in your plan. Let us say you want to go to Cebu, a province for the Philippine for island-hopping. Supposedly, upon your arrival from the USA, you remain at an accommodation in Manila, the capital city. It will take around 45 minutes to get from Manila to Cebu by airplane. All things considered, when you arrive in Cebu City, Cebu, it's your decision to rest a bit and begin your island-hopping journey the following day. In all probability, you require a day or even more to move from one island to a new. This means giving the nine super-secret-shouldn't-even-exist experiments the latest pill, the yellow pill, that kills them. Then it a scientist tries to consider out all the other super-secret-shouldn't-even-exit scientists and kills themselves.

[hexfelicis03]

Am I ready or not?

I’ve been in several dates and one night stands in the past 3 years. I know, it’s nothing to be proud of but I did enjoy my single life and got used to being alone. I loved myself more and learned how to be independent.

Now, don’t say that I haven’t tried to work on a relationship with someone. I did but I’ve pushed people away many times because I am afraid of being hurt. So instead of them doing it first, I’ll be three steps ahead of them.

But suddenly, it makes me look back 2016. I really was working it out with Saul. He was a Spanish expat who was the former CFO of Lazada. We met in Tipple n Slaw and that was were our story started. The Despacito song and Versace on the Floor was one of the highlights of our “relationship” We will have either breakfast, lunch or dinner or even out of town trip together. It was there. I met his friends, he met mine. He met and Jarrod. But there are times he wanted to hangout and I would choose my friends. I drink a lot. I party a lot. Then when I moved to Heineken, that’s where it just went off. No good byes. It was left hanging. Now he has a girlfriend. Was I ever over it? I was supposed to meet him last August 2018 but I blew it off too. If I met him, would we be back together? Or was it the supposed to be “Closure”? I missed those time with him but I have to accept that it was never meant to be. 

Then was Araam... who I met after Saul. It was in Libertine for Nico’s night. He was on a holiday in the Philippines. I wasn’t even feeling that I wanna go out but there, I went. I wasn’t in the mood the flirt or whatever. I was introduced to Chi and he introduced me to Araam. Then suddenly, conversation just flowed. We laughed and talked about anything. He went out to smoke and I can feel that I’m about to pass out because I’ve been drinking day and night. I was working in Heineken back then. I just stormed off without saying good bye. A few days after or maybe it was a day or two after, I saw notifications in both Facebook and Instagram. I saw Araam’s message. He asked me not to freak out because he stalked me and sent two messages in both social media platforms. He said if I wanted to stay in touch, he gave his WhatsApp number. I checked messenger first though and gave him my number there instead. We talked more. It was Heineken Circus in 2020 in Makati. Nico and I went while Raam, Chi and Theresa went too. I invited them over for more beers. Anyway, I didn’t see Chi and I saw Raam and Theresa. I didn’t know who Theresa was and was actually devastated when I saw them together. Then Chi came and Nico asked them to kiss... the typical Nico kiss and shot. That’s when I knew that they were husband and wife. Lol. Then Nico faced us and asked me and Raam to kiss. We were both hesitant and Raam whispered “I would definitely want to kiss you right now but I don’t want to be too forward cause we barely know each other.” That’when I knew that he liked me. I smiled and when the night was getting late and Nico asked us to kiss - we did. It was all sparks and chill. He went to Cebu with Chi but when he was back, he went to our event again in Tunnl. With Araam, he will be sweet and fun but he will ask if it is time to socialize. It’s all easy with him. I can trust him and he can trust me. We jive. I don’t get paranoid when there is a girl with them in the conversation. He would look at me and pull me and kiss me in the forehead. Even if we didn’t go out in the same place, he will leave his door open and ask me to go home to him. We both stopped talking for almost a year. I knew that maybe he had someone and I also had guys with me... LOL. December 2018 he sent me a Facebook messenger. I totally forgot that I didn’t send him my new mobile number. He thought I deleted him but no. I did not. We went to Vietnam after Valentine’s day and I was with him for almost 5 or 6 days. That’s where we talked and he said that if we were in the same place we would definitely be dating. I jokingly said “Are you sure?” He said “Definitely. I wouldn’t allow other blokes to have you.” He visited Manila in June 2019. All I know, if ever I want a boyfriend, I’d want the qualities of Araam... or can it be just us? 

Before Araam and I talked back in December 2018, I met Jonathan. Well, I’ve been seeing him in John’s social media because of the French community but we never really talked. Until July 2018. He told me I was beautiful and that maybe I should know. Jonathan and I talked and talked online whether it’s in WhatsApp or in Instagram. He was sweet, compassionate and passionate. He is too emotional though and that it was one voice only... but hearing his voice made me feel calm sometimes. He can sing, act. He is an artist. We made it official August 16. He booked a ticket to Manila on September. I remember the first time I saw him. No butterflies or sparks and flowers. It made me think that the picture I painted in my head when we were apart wasn’t the same as reality. There were off days, there were okay days. I felt like the meanest person because I pushed him away. I hurt him real bad. For his last day, he wanted to talk more and to spend more time with me. But instead, I pushed him away and left... never looking back. We still kept talking and talking. There were times when I would call him in the middle of the night because I’m sad. His voice still calms me. He told me he might go back to Manila and we should meet. I thought it was another chance for us. Maybe I was ready. Maybe our timing was finally right. He came and we never met because of his schedules and mine. He was about to leave the next day and I met him. Apparently, he will just break my heart. Karma, right?

I think one of the factors why Jonathan and I never worked out was because of Hannes. The German Heineken guy. Ever since I gave my resignation in Heineken, he showed more interest in me. I do know he was interested while I was still part of the team but when I was about to resign, that’s when I confirmed it more. He has been the distraction of my life. Giving me mixed signals here and there. I know he have other side chicks but I chose to ignore it. Even when I was with Jonathan, I will still go to Hannes. He is like a drug that I cannot ignore. I wanted more. I knew he was having a thing with another Heineken girl but I can’t be the one to judge or to be angry because we were never exclusive. He was surprised when I showed no signs of anger and jealousy. He made the situation seem like it was nothing to me... like he was nothing to me. Hannes and I can chill at home. He cooks for me and takes good care of me. He is more of the guy who will likely make me stay in more than go out. But don’t be fooled, I know it’s just him hiding who he’s dating. Like I said, he gives mixed signals. One day he is sweet. One day he is not. One day he will be angry for being jealous. Then one day he will say he will date other girls. He is toxic but I seem to like the drama. I like the excitement and that he was jealous when I posted a photo of Fede, his fellow friend in Heineken. We tried to work it out with communication and trust. Trust. What a word. We met after his trip in Germany and my trip in Australia. We tried long distance when he went to Amsterdam. But I can’t. I was in Vietnam with Araam when I started to tell Hannes I can’t do it anymore. He became more lose and more chill. Letting me enjoy time with friends. Sending me sweet messages. He was asking my plans ahead and when can I go to Amsterdam. I felt the pressure because I don’t know if I can even process the visa to Europe. I don’t want to lead it on with false hope and I don’t see we can work it out given the long distance situation. I think it just dawned on me all the pain of betrayal and also the fact that I’ve been blinded with his affection. I ended it... it didn’t end well. He forever hated me.

I’m done dating here and there and going back to square one. Looking back at the guys I’ve met, it’s only a few I remained friends with. Others have left Manila too. I enjoyed my nights with friends. I go out now just to be with them. Go home alone and drunk.Work and play was my daily routine. Then I met Bonnar. Bon was his nickname. Scottish Chivas Brand Ambassador. I was working with Bryan and his meeting was in Nokal with Niccolo. Bryan left and I stayed. I was drinking until I saw Chino and his team together with Bon and Julian (Jameson Brand Ambassador). Chino introduced me like he always introduces me to everyone. I was the Jameson queen. Just in time, it was a Jameson event in Nokal. Chino said of course I would be there because - duh- it was Jameson. Like Araam’s story, I was just there having fun. I didn’t really talk to Bon. I was just having a great time. I left them too. I did my ninja move. I saw that we all followed each other in Instagram. He sent me a message in Instagram that it was nice to meet me and I disappeared all of a sudden (see? like Araam). Then the next day he asked if I was going out. I had to check if I wanted to cause I was tired. I decided to go out still cause my friends are going out. I invited him to join. We pretty hung out and slept together - like literally just sleep. A few days more of hanging out, he mentioned that he really likes me. I was easy to talk to and very chill. There was this one time in Versus where I kinda ignored him and he said that five dudes wanted to fuck me and that I was annoying. He kept dropping hints about exclusivity, mentioning girlfriend, etc. I don’t know if he’s fishing or if he just wants to tone down. What I am afraid of, he is young (25 and I’m 29) and new here in Manila. Also my job required me to relocate here in Iloilo. I am also scared to be the paranoid girlfriend. I don’t handle overthinking well. I have anxiety issues. I don’t want to get hurt. He have some qualities like Araam but the part of socializing with people - I can’t say I am calm like I am with Araam. He explains who he was talking to but I don’t know. I don’t want to lose what I built. I don’t want to be weak. But my friends told me that he also wants to know what I want. What do I want? Am I ready to take it the next step? How? What’s stopping me?

Lol... Stay With You of John Legend just played. 

[affordablepropertiesinvestment]

77 hectares of prime commercial land for sale in a growing city – just ₱600/square meter!!

77 hectares of prime commercial land for sale in a growing city – just ₱600/square meter!!

This commercial lot is perfect for a business or farm!Location: Medellin Cebu PhilippinesLot area: 77 HectaresFor only ₱600 per square meter✔️ Titled Lot, clean papers, updated ang yearly tax✔️ 100% Flat Terrain✔️ Commercial✔️ Very accessible✔️ Near Medellin Airport Coming soon✔️ Perfect for Big Establishment✔️ 15 mins to Bogo Proper where bank, publicmarket, school, church and mall located✔️…

[appledove]

2 RFO units left in Mandue!!! When you buy a car, you’d have already lost 20% of its value right after it gets out of the shop while a house increases its value day by day. . Villa Sebastiana, located in Tawason, Mandaue City, Cebu, only has 3 RFO units remaining. Gorgeous house, spacious interiors, high ceilings. Get this one today! . . . . . #RealEstate #Broker #ForSale #NewHome #HouseHunting #MillionDollarListing #HomeSale #Expat #Property #Retirement #Investment #Home #Housing #Listing #OFW #PassiveIncome #Asset #RichDad #JustListed #FilipinoHomes #WantToMove #BuyMyHouse #Philippines #IGerCebu @ Villa Sebastiana Tawason https://www.instagram.com/p/B_fW1Y_A-CJ/?igshid=w9ak7lxrhra6

[bigyack-com]

Hahn Air Simplifies Distribution of Corporate Shuttle Flights

Hahn Air has launched HR-Corporate, a new solution for companies that offer corporate shuttle flights. By providing a complete package that includes the management, handling and distribution of company flights, HR-Corporate allows corporations to completely outsource their corporate shuttle business.

Hahn Air used the inventory system of its sister company Hahn Air Systems to make the shuttle flights available in the GDS. The company’s dedicated business travel company can therefore easily book the flights under the Hahn Air code HR via the standard reservation and ticketing processes and issue them on a Hahn Air HR-169 ticket. As a result, the company has access to all booking related data and can track and review all bookings and benefits from detailed sales reports, technical support and a convenient online check-in for their corporate travelers. “With 20 years of experience supporting airlines in indirect distribution, we are the natural choice to manage the distribution of corporate shuttle flights,” said Alexander Proschka, Head of Hahn Air Systems. “Any company operating corporate flights can benefit from optimised and simplified processes, thereby saving time, money and resources.” The German airline Hahn Air is a leader in airline distribution and facilitates ticket sales between more than 350 partner airlines and over 100,000 travel agencies in more than 190 markets worldwide. See latest Travel News, Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: Hahn Air, Distribution. Headlines: Asia Pacific Airlines Carried 375.5m Int. Pax in 2019  Thai Airways Reduces Flights to Mainland China  Cebu Pacific Cancels All Flights to Hong Kong and Macau  Batik Air Takes Delivery of First Airbus A320neo  Fiji Beat South Africa to Win First HSBC Sydney Sevens  Maldives Rejoins Commonwealth  Korean Air Making a Difference to Orphans in Tondano, Sulawesi  Qatar Airways Becomes Official Airline of Paris Saint-Germain  Polish Air Ambulance Service Orders Two Learjet 75 Liberty Aircraft  Vietnam Airlines Makes Changes to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Flights  Football: Pictures from Ascot United FC vs Egham Town FC  Aerobility - The British Flying Charity, Interview with Mike Miller-Smith MBE  ANA and SIA Sign Joint Venture Framework Agreement  Dusit Signs First Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam  SkyWest Orders 20 Embraer E175 Jets  SAS Suspends All Shanghai and Beijing Flights  Kuala Lumpur Int. Airport Trials Single Token Journey Technology  Air Canada Suspends All Flights to Beijing and Shanghai  Korean Air Sets Up Emergency Response Team; Suspends Select China Flights  Mark Radford Joins Trenchard Aviation as VP Business Development  CWT Appoints R. Thompson as VP Global Internal Communications & Culture  Vietjet Launches Daily Flights Between Hanoi and Bali, Indonesia  WTTC Moves April's Global Summit from Puerto Rico to Mexico  Andy Flaig Joins Wyndham as Head of Development South East Asia / Pacific Rim  Air Astana Reports 2019 Net Profit Increase of 461%  NASA Orders Three Airbus H135 Helicopters  Hahn Air Simplifies Distribution of Corporate Shuttle Flights  Sydney 7s to Take Place at Bankwest Stadium on 1-2 February  Russia's Sirena Travel Signs Multi-Year Retailing Deal with ATPCO  Shell to Use Airbus H160 for Offshore Transportation  ANA to Operate International Flights Out of Haneda T2 and T3 from 29 March  CAL Group Makes Changes to Inflight Services on Taiwan-HK / Macau Routes  Philippines Suspends Visa Upon Arrival Service for Chinese Nationals  UK Visitor Arrivals Spending Up 19% in October 2019  Todd Probert Joins CAE as Group President, Defence & Security  Six Senses Appoints Mark Sands as Vice President of Wellness  Air France and Sata Azores Airlines Start Codesharing  Norwegian Implements New Hand Baggage Policy  AirAsia X Launches KL - Taipei - Okinawa Flights  First Boeing 777-9 Begins Flight Tests  Accor Commits to Global Elimination of Single-Use Plastics by 2022  Etihad Receives EASA Approval to Train Boeing 777, 787 Pilots  Jeane Lim Appointed GM of Grand Park City Hall Hotel in Singapore  Whitbread Opens First hub by Premier Inn Hotel Outside of London's Zone 1  Delta Enhances Travel Experience for Pets  All Blacks Sevens Make History in Hamilton  Air Canada Becomes Official Airline of Cirque du Soleil  Pictures from Ascot United vs Hanworth Villa  SHOW DC Hall to Give Bangkok's MICE Industry a Significant Boost  IHG Signs First voco Hotel in New Zealand  OYO Signs Global Distribution Agreement with Sabre  Hong Kong Cancels Chinese New Year Carnival  NAC Orders 20 Airbus A220 Aircraft  IHG to Launch Customer Insights Portal for Large Enterprises  Cathay Pacific Reports December 2019 Traffic  Duetto Appoints David Woolenberg as CEO  Phuket to Host Thailand Travel Mart (TTM+) 2020 in June  Sabre and Accor to Create Unified Technology Platform for Hospitality Industry  Groupe Couleur to Manage RWC 2023 Official Travel Agent Selection Process  Two Senior Global Marketing Appointments at IHG  ANA Begins Autonomous Electric Bus Trial at Haneda Airport  China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines Cancel Flights to Wuhan, China  Rosa Wong Joins Hotel Alexandra HK as Director of Event Management  Four Seasons Madrid Now Accepting Reservations  UK Military Flight Training System Orders 4 More H145 Helicopters  Sabre Forges 10-Year Partnership with Google  Accor Expands Pullman Brand to Rotorua, New Zealand  Korean Air Reveals More Details of New SkyPass FFP  Airbus to Produce A321 Aircraft in Toulouse, France  Cornelia Mitlmeier Joins Four Seasons Dubai as Resort Manager  Hotel Alexandra Appoints Daniel Chan as Executive Chef  SITAOnAir Acquires GTD Air Services  Boeing Hoping for 737 MAX Ungrounding in Mid-2020  1.5 Billion Int. Tourist Arrivals in 2019; UNWTO Forecasts 4% Increase in 2020  Hong Kong Airport Handled 71.5 Million Passengers in 2019  Ascott Opens First Citadines in Osaka, Japan  Thai Airways Appoints New Chairman  Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit to Take Place 9-10 Feb  PATA Forecasts Over 971 Million Int. Visitor Arrivals into Asia Pacific by 2024  Green Light for Garmin G5000 Avionics Upgrade on Learjet Aircraft  Four Seasons Silicon Valley Installs High-Tech AI Gym in Select Rooms  Assistance Requests for Airline Pax with Intellectual Disabilities up 762%  Accor Opens Mercure Resort in Vung Tau, Vietnam  Vietjet Launches Flights Between Dalat and Seoul  FlyArystan Reports First Year Load Factor of 94%  Amadeus Looks at How Technology Will Shape Airports of the Future  CALC Signs Purchase Agreement for 40 A321neo Aircraft  Daniele Polito Joins Four Seasons Seoul as Boccalino's Chef de Cuisine  Charlotte Svensson to Join SAS as EVP and CIO  Airbus Helicopters Appoints Head of External Communications  Ascot: Pictures from Matchbook Clarence House Chase and Raceday 2020  Mövenpick Resort Opens in Cam Ranh, Vietnam  Sky Bridge Delivered to Final Position at HKIA  Airbus Performs First Fully Automatic Vision-Based Take-Off  Manchester Signs Tourism Collaboration Agreement with New York City  CWT Appoints Scott Hace as Vice President - Enterprise Strategy  United to Launch CRJ550 Shuttle Service Between Washington and New York  Perth Airport to Upgrade T1's Aerobridges  Thomas Krooswijk Appointed GM of Four Seasons Marrakech  American Appoints Brian Znotins as VP of Network and Schedule Planning  Pools - World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Chile 15-16 February  British Airways to Refresh First and Club Lounges at Chicago O'Hare Airport  Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways Expand Codeshare  Onyx Signs Second Amari Hotel in China  Air Canada's First Airbus A220-300 Enters Commercial Service  Hyatt Signs Regency Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  Bangkok to Host 30th Global Summit of Women in April  One Championship Appoints Jonathan Anastas as CMO  IHG Signs Deal for 1,200+ Rooms in Thailand; First Hotel in Chiang Mai  HK's Airport Authority Appoints Ricky Leung as Executive Director  Trenchard Makes Donation to Aerobility - The British Flying Charity  Chu Yuet Hung Joins Four Seasons Hangzhou as Director of F&B  Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals Down 14.2% in 2019  Hotel Ritz Madrid to be Rebranded by Mandarin Oriental  Sabre Appoints Karl Peterson as Chairman  Muralilal Armugum Joins Aloft KL Sentral as Director of F&B  Traxof to Automate Talent Acquisition of Airbus' IM Organisations  Vie Hotel Bangkok Selects Organika Products for Renovated Spa  Europ Assistance Opens Office in Bangkok, Thailand  Gulf Air Partners Etihad Guest  Team GB Selects British Airways as Official Airline for Tokyo 2020  Emirates Targets Chinese Travellers with Trip.com MOU  Thailand: Did Strength of Thai Baht Affect Number of Arrivals from UK in 2019?  AirAsia to Launch Flights Between Penang and Chengdu, China  Marriott Appoints Bart Buiring as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer APAC  Airbus' BelugaXL Enters Service  Vietjet Launches Flights from Can Tho to Taipei and Seoul  Air New Zealand's Chief People Officer Resigns  Whitbread Installs Defibrillators in 800 Premier Inn Hotels  Air France Invites Customers to Vote for Preferred Carbon Offsetting Project  Calhoun Becomes President and CEO of Boeing  Accor to Take Over 581-Room Hotel in Rayong, Thailand  Travelport Appoints John Elieson as COO  Full Roll-Out of myCWT China to Commence in Q2 2020  Terry Kavieris Returns to Bali as RM of InterContinental Bali  Eaton Hotel in Hong Kong Earns EarthCheck Gold Status  Mandarin Oriental Launches Tea Roasting Experience in Taipei  Chubb Partners Grab to Launch In-App Travel Insurance in Singapore  Steady Growth Forecast for Mainland China Hotel Markets in 2020  Artyzen Hospitality Signs Habitat Hotel in Yubei, China  Pictures from Ascot United vs Colliers Wood United on 11 January  What Does TAT Have Planned for Thailand Travel Mart (TTM+) 2020? Exclusive Interview  Aviation: Stable Passenger Demand Growth in November  CWT Appoints Dale Eastlund as VP Supply Chain Partners  Dassault Falcon to Hold M&O Seminars in 8 Cities Around the World  Expat in Phuket Donates Two SV14 Dinghies to Disabled Sailing Thailand  Bangkok to Host Asia Destination Film Forum on 30 January  Wizz Air Becomes First in Europe to Deploy SITAOnAir's ACARS Over IP Service  Airbus to Increase Aircraft Production in USA  Sanlorenzo Appoints Simpson Marine as Distributor for Bluegame Yachts in Asia  Global Air Freight Demand Down 1.1% in November 2019; APAC Down 3.7%  IHG Expands Thailand Portfolio with Holiday Inn and Suites Siracha Laemchabang  Asia Pacific Airlines Flew 30.3 Million Int. Passengers in November 2019  SilkAir to Cease Flights to Kolkata, India  Biman Bangladesh Airlines Launches Flights to Manchester, England  EmbraerX and Elroy Air to Collaborate on Unmanned Air Cargo  FCM Strengthens Innovation Programme with Shep Investment  Artotel Appoints Yulia Maria as Group Director of Marketing Communications  Japan, Singapore, S. Korea and Germany Have World's Most Powerful Passports  Yangon Int. Airport Implements SITA's Airport Management Solution  Air France to Launch Twice-Daily Flights Between Paris-Orly and Munich, Germany  ANA to Enhance Service at Airports in Japan with Portable Translators  Yvette Thomas-Henry Appointed GM of Four Seasons Resort Nevis  Hahn Air Enters 2020 with 40 New Partner Airlines  CWTSatoTravel Partners US Military's Spouse Employment Programme  My Emirates Pass Gives Passengers Special Discounts in UAE  Visitors to Singapore Must Now Register Unmanned Aircraft  India's Vistara Airline Appoints APG as Online GSA in France  BOC Aviation Orders 20 Airbus A320neos  China Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand  Green Light for Vietnam Airlines to Expand Codeshare Agreement with Delta  All Hi Fly Flights Now Single-Use Plastic Free  Air India Renews Distribution Agreement with Amadeus  Mandy Goh Joins St. Regis Langkawi as Executive Chef  Spirit Airlines Signs Purchase Agreement for 100 Airbus A320neo Aircraft  Hamad Int. Airport Served Record 38,786,422 Pax in 2019  British Airways Starts Offsetting Carbon Emissions on All Flights Within UK  Marriott Opens Second JW on Hainan Island, China  Airbus Partners Aston Martin for Special Edition Helicopter  Dassault Aviation Appoints Charles Wemaëre as VP Worldwide Spares  Boeing Appoints Niel Golightly as SVP of Communications  Jayson Goldstein Joins Four Seasons Boston as F&B Director  Vietjet Takes Delivery of Two More Airbus Aircraft  Two Executive Appointments at Bombardier Aviation  Air India No Longer Available on Sabre GDS  Thailand Targets Tourism Revenue of 3.18 Trillion Baht in 2020  Seaplanes in Thailand? Interview with Dennis Keller, CBO of Siam Seaplane  Future of Airline Distribution and NDC - Interview with Yanik Hoyles, IATA  Cambodia Airways Interview with Lucian Hsing, Commercial Director  HD Videos and Interviews  Podcasts from HD Video Interviews  Travel Trade Shows in 2019, 2020 and 2021  High-Res Picture Galleries  Travel News Asia - Latest Travel Industry News  Read the full article

[miongplus]

Balut (Boiled developing duck embryo) We dared our expat guest to eat with us Balut #16 as it's his last day in visiting us but we failed. hahaha He just can't take the idea of eating it. #CebuCityfied #Balut #Streetfood #Exotic (at Gilligan's Restaurant Ayala Cebu) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxkKskEAPCo/?igshid=ss6xiivb0imx

[mbbsinphilippines11-blog]

University Instruction in Philippines

The present education system in Philippines require four decades of college degree grades following high school to get a bachelor's degree. On conclusion of 14 years they're admitted to MD route if he/she wants to pursue medication. An Indian student who has studied in India under 10+2 system therefore must perform the BS class before registering for MD..

But some extra credits to the BS class are awarded for +2 that the Indian pupil has completed, along with the remaining credits of this BS class need to be obtained through the 3 semesters until he's awarded a BS level. Thereafter he's qualified for MD program. Simply speaking, an Indian student does a BS+MD span of two decades and 4 decades respectively. The machine is anticipated to facilitate in the forthcoming decades as Philippines can be shifting over to 10+2 system. For more details click mbbs in philippines

Universities: Philippines is now getting to be one of the best medical education hubs on the planet. Renowned institutes such as AMA School of Medicine, Cebu Doctors' University, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Manila Central University, Our Lady of Fatima, University of Northern Philippines and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA are rapidly growing to attract more international students year after year.

Universities have great student resource centres, expat and alumni communities, students' hostel with good meal plans including vegetarian and vegetarian choices and in area kitchenette facilities. Indian food can be made available in many universities.

Quality of Education: Most educational institutes in India follow British procedures and program while Philippines schooling is tremendously influenced by American procedures and program. Here the departure percentage is 75% higher unlike in India. But, private schools here are still cheaper and economical unlike in India. Additionally, there's absolutely no capitation fee for admissions that's an extra advantage. Pupils must know about tests like NMAT before arriving to Philippines, i.e. requirement for entry to center medicine (MD).

Future Prospects: On completing MBBS out of Philippines, medical students are entitled to practice in roughly 50 countries around the globe. All they want is to pass this nation specific screening evaluation. Graduates from important Philippines Universities are entitled to look for USMLE opening doorways to USA. Medical graduates from these universities have distinguished future prospects and there's a massive requirement for sincere, committed and dependable physicians to serve the humanity in the present growing world.

Reading and thinking is much different than actually experiencing it, so only secure your entrance and visit to adventure Philippines as a Student, it is going to be that choice of your lifetime you will never ever regret on your own life.

[bonniecompe]

👥KABAYAN! Did you know that next to Metro Manila areas, 📍Cavite is the location of choice of UAE-based Pinoys looking for a house and lot property back home? ✅Here's the complete list from the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE) 📢 Top 10 most preferred locations by Filipino expats in the UAE: 1. Manila 2. Cavite 3. Laguna 4. Batangas 5. Davao 6. Cebu 7. Iloilo 8. Bacolod 9. Pampanga 10. Bulacan Happy to share that LANCASTER NEW CITY is the leading township development in Cavite and is home to over 50,000 residents today. It has also been the top choice of OFWs and their families who want a home that is conveniently 30 minutes away from NAIA and has all the amenities they need inside the community. Interested? Get in touch with us now! 📱0915-756-1674 (GLOBE) ☎️ 📱0909-413-7468 (SMART) ☎️ (at Lancaster New City) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuaohshsM6/?igshid=apsqsuqzqlyq

[iamaldonlopez]

By: iamAldonLopez | January 26, 2019

Let me go to the place which located at the ‘Pacific Rim of Fire’. This country is literally on fire because of its amazing tourist attractions and action in Bali has to offer. A place that has the most active Volcanoes in the world and it offers gorgeous sunsets, has biggest Buddhist temple, a very popular Bananas in the world, largest coffee producers in the world, the largest Lizard in the world. A place to relax and get a good massage.

“Inside Cebu Pacific whilst I was on my trip to Bali, indonesia.”

This trip, I was lucky enough to experience some of the most beautiful locations and resorts the island has to offer, beginning in Tanah Lot Temple, then to Masakan, Pantai Pandawan, Abian, Subak, and Uluwatu. The thing I love most about Bali is that it offers something for everyone, the amazing wave breaks, some of the beautiful beaches, exotic weather, laidback atmosphere, rich heritage, and food and fantastic restaurants. As a matter of fact, I been here 4 times and looking forward to going back. One of the reasons why I want to keep coming back here because of the 21-famous beaches and of course, the ‘Luwak’ coffee. Aside from the famous beaches in Bali such as Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua. There are still 21- beaches in Bali, but I haven’t been to all of these. I will make sure that next time I would be able to visit these other beaches that I haven’t been into such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Amed Beach, Thomas Beach, Balian Beach, Bingin Beach, White Sand Beach, Suluban Beach, Medewi Beach, Blue Lagoon, Pandang-Pandang Beach, Sundays Beach Club, Keramas Beach, Balangan Beach, Jimbaran Bay, Echo Beach. Now, I will share the other beaches that I been into:  

Dreamland Beach

This is located at Bukit peninsula. I highly recommend this for beachgoers and surfers who enjoy some Bali’s best reef breaks near the shore. This is also a hidden beach in Bali with stretches of white sand sheltered by limestone cliffs.

“Amazing wave breaks at Dreamland beach.”

Gunung Payung

A secret beach was once a very steep road which takes up to 3-1 steps trek up and down. I’m glad now, it has a smooth road carved down the cliff for easy access. You’ll also find plenty of sunbeds, spots for refreshments and umbrellas to keep cool. This one is really worth to visit.

Bali shot

When in Bali. It’s Mandatory. LOL

going down to the beach

overlooking

Karma Beach (formerly known as Nammos Beach Club)

An exclusive beach. However, public guests are also welcome as it’s open for a beach picnic, as well as water sports and beach activities. This place is located at Karma Kandara Resort, Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan.

Seminyak Beach

This beach is situated in the heart of Bali’s oceanfront action. A very crowded beach as there are plenty of beach bars, hotels, and restaurants just footsteps from the seashore. This place is for you if you like to enjoy soaking up with the sunshine on a squishy sun bed, flamboyant beanbag at La Plancha.

“I love this very colourful umbrellas.”

Kuta and Legian Beach

This is Bali’s famous beach resort destination. It is just minutes away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban. There are various accomodation options, shopping malls and dining scenes nearby. Most wanderers look forward to visiting Kuta for an entertaining and inexpensive Bali escape.

“Morning shot at Kuta Beach.”

Sanur Beach (Best for cycling and sunrise) – it’s really no doubt that this coastal promenade that extends over 5km long is the best location for wondrous sunrise and cycling. It also has great old villas-built decades ago by the wealthy expats who fell under Bali’s spell. This is definitely good for couples as you can take a romantic stroll with your partner during the morning while watching the spectacular sunrise.

“From Tandjung Sari hotel at Sanur Beach, you can see the Mt. Agung.”

Pandawa Beach

This beach is located at Badung South Kuta. This is known to be one of the regions secret beaches because it is situated behind a mountainous and large carved limestone cliff that reveal wide views to the Indian Ocean. It was officially opened in 2012, fast-gaining popularity among local weekenders and international visitors.

“Splendid natural sea panorama view and white sand in secret beach (Pantai Pandawa).”

On the other hand, you can also learn something new here in Bali, Indonesia. If you are the type of person who likes to go places associated with the temple. This place is for you. Bali, Indonesia has iconic landmarks when it comes to temple. They feature magnificent centuries-old architecture. Each temple is unique and magical.

Uluwatu Temple

This temple is in Uluwatu, South Kuta Badung. This small temple was built at the edge (ulu) of a 70-meter high cliff or rock projecting into the sea was expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. This temple is inhabited by monkeys, who are notorious for snatching visitors’ belongings. Please make sure to keep an eye with your belongings. However, they can be persuaded into trading the items for fruit. When you visit here, don’t forget to bring fruits.

“At the edge of Uluwatu.”

Tanah Lot Temple

This temple features a unique offshore setting. It is on the coast of Beraban village, kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali. This temple is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home to the ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot, a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography.

“This temple is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. “

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Pura Ulun Danu Batur

It features around nine majestic temples within its complex. There’s also over 200 different shrines and pavilions inside. This is also one of the important temples in Kintamani, Central Bali.

“An important temple in Kintamani, Central Bali.”

Ground Zero Memorial

On October 2002, there was a bombing attacked wherein 202 people killed and 209 people were injured. They built this permanent memorial site the destroyed Paddy’s Pub on Legian Street. It is a great tribute to a terrible past event.

“Ground Zero Memorial.”

Tegalalang Terrace

This is located at 5km northern part of Ubud village and own the spectacular view of rice terraces. You will enjoy the beautiful panorama of the valley with rice terrace and coconut trees ornament. This is one of the tourist icons in Ubud Bali and expects a lot of tourists every day. You will see the Balinese farmer doing rice field in the oblique area.

Luwak Coffee

This coffee is from The Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxus Hermaphroditus). They feed them with cherries and process it with standard sanitation and hygiene, but they preserve its natural, exotic taste and aroma. Technically, it’s from the poop of Luwak. (LOL) You can include this in your itinerary when you visit Bali in order to see how it’s being done. They have many coffee and tea to choose from such as Mangosteen peel tea, Lemongrass tea, Ginger tea, Lemon tea, Rosella Tea, Red Ginger tea, Ginseng tea, Bali coffee, Cocoa Spices, Vanilla Coffee, Mocca Coffee, and Coconut Coffee.

  The Bali experience is something that can’t be explained, it’s a cultural and spiritual journey that needs to be experienced in order to be understood. Bali is called “The Island of The Gods”, and “The Pacific Rim of Fire”.

If you want to know more about the cheapest hotels and restaurants in Bali, Indonesia. You can visit my reviews in Tripadvisor. 

DONATION

Thank you so much that you took the time to read my blog! I am so honored for your donations. It is all I can do to keep up and share more articles with you.

$5.00

Please follow, like, share and subscribe.

Click the links INSTAGRAM I FACEBOOK PAGE I YOUTUBE I TWITTER

Bali is on FIRE!!! By: iamAldonLopez | January 26, 2019 Let me go to the place which located at the ‘Pacific Rim of Fire’.

[chasingcorners]

Bantayan, Philippines Accommodation: Airbnb and Coucou Bar Hotel and Restaurant Duration: 6 days After a night in Cebu City we were ready to begin our journey north, up the west coast of Cebu Island and across the Tanon Strait to Bantayan Island. The Pittsburgh Penguins had an important game that morning which I was adamant about watching. My fandom left us with little time and a tight window to make the last bus that would allow us to catch the final ferry for the day. As we ran into the station we immediately spotted a bus with a sign for Hagnaya, the town where the ferry was to depart from. We hopped on with our backpacks only to find that it was absolutely packed with people. There was no room to sit let alone maneuver. We asked the guy working the bus if there would be another soon. He assured us there would be and told us to wait in the same spot. After 20 minutes or so doubt began to set in. We asked the station attendants who gave us ambiguous answers, leaving us with little confidence that we would be traveling that day. I started running around to other parts of the station when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a small bus with a sign for Hagnaya Port! It was a different company and a much smaller, older looking bus…but it was going to where we needed to go. We got on and asked some locals if this was, in fact, the correct bus. They assured us that it was and off we went. The ride took about four hours. The bus dropped us off at the ferry station which conveniently left within minutes of our arrival. After an hour and a half on the ferry we arrived to the remote island, hungry and tired from a stressful day of travel. Bantayan is a fairly large island. There are a few communities that inhabit different parts of the island, some in small villages and others in slightly larger towns. The island itself is off the international tourist radar, leaving it pure and undeveloped. It is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches, amazing people and uninterrupted local flavor. I hope it never changes, but the locals are not optimistic. It’s remoteness saved it’s serenity and kept the large hotel chains away. The “airport” (which consists of one gravel runway and a plane used for skydiving) is not capable of receiving commercial flights, which has been the key to keeping Bantayan a secret. But once that changes, the island will as well. Vanessa found us an Airbnb accommodation with a family who has a spare apartment on their property. Crissy, the Airbnb host, picked us up from the ferry and drove us to their house. It was quite far outside of Santa Fe, but its remoteness and location added to the experience. After maneuvering down a few dirt paths we arrived to a very small village. The village was very rural with only a few paths among the trees. We pulled up to a gated house and drove into the property. We were shocked. It was like a parallel universe to the outside world. There property sat right on the beach and had a perfectly manicured yard scattered with palm trees, a volleyball court and a gazebo overlooking the clear water. Their quaint white house was quite the contrast to the village homes outside. Our apartment was separate from the house. It had a full kitchen and a huge bedroom/living room. We were excited to say the least. Crissy is Filipina and her husband, Joe, is a middle aged Scottish fellow. They have two children. Mixed marriages are not uncommon on the island (or in the Philippines for that matter). On the island there was a surprisingly large expat community almost exclusively made up of men, most of whom were either married to or dating locals. It seems a little weird at first, particularly when there is a large age gap between the two, but we met others that were much closer in age too. Many Filipina women do actively seek out foreigners and are often encouraged by their families to do so. This is typically for monetary reasons. I am by no means saying that this is always the case and we met plenty of couples with whom it was clearly not the situation. Honestly, it is usually quite obvious as the couples in it for the wrong reasons are usually far apart in age and visibly unhappy. We’ve seen this elsewhere, but it was definitely the most prevalent in the Philippines. Crissy told us that the village’s annual “fiesta” was taking place on the night of our arrival and warned us that the music would be blaring for most of the evening and into the night. We took that as an invitation. These are the opportunities that we hope for while on the road. Around 9pm we wandered out the door and followed the music. We maneuvered our way down a dark path and within minutes found ourselves in the center of the village at a full blown Filipino fiesta! The two of us stood out like sore thumbs. This is a village of 500 people so everyone knows each other. All eyes were on us. It was fairly dark with a few lights coming from the five or six food stands. There were also one or two gambling stands where dozens of men gathered around to bet on which number an oversized dice would land on. But the real party was on the basketball court. A 20x10 foot wall of speakers towered over the courts. Plastic tables and chairs filled with people drinking stood around the evening’s dance floor. Kids flooded the dance floor. Teenagers and adults also jammed out to the eclectic and repetitive mix that the DJ put out. We stood there wide eyed taking in the scene. I couldn’t help but smile to myself and appreciate the beautifully obscure moment in the middle of the jungle on a remote Philippine island. Apparently we caught the attention of a few young guys sitting at a table. They smiled and kindly invited us to join them. We accepted and made our way over. After some high decibel conversation we learned that two of them were brothers and the rest were friends. Their family was sitting at the table next to us. They offered us some of their libations (grape tang powder poured directly into a bottle of rum) and we shot the shit. We talked sports, family, jobs etc. The older brother was 27 years old and has two children with his current wife and one from a girl he dated when he was 16 who now lives in Ohio. His younger brother was 21 and has one child. One is a Stephen Curry fan and the other a Lebron fan. They both idolize Manny Pacquiao. Apparently, the annual fiesta is also the annual award ceremony. Trophies are given out for an array of local sports champions. Little did we know, but we were sitting with the basketball champs. After quite a few shots of their concoction we were convinced to dance. The whole family joined us on the dance floor. We stood in a circle moving and grooving Filipino style. It was hilarious. Depending on the song the dance floor is either full or empty, we went back and forth quite a few times…it was like clockwork. Apparently the DJ only plays song when someone pays. He would then announce the name of the the sponsor for the next X number of songs. To be a part of the annual fiesta in a small village on a remote island in the Philippines is something special. It is not always easy to find something so local and festive. It the kind of experience that we hope for every day during our travels. Bantayan continued to deliver. The following day we took the motorbike for a cruise to explore the backroads of the island. The bumpy dirt roads were canopied with massive palms. Small rundown homes were nestled among the lush jungle vegetation with a few makeshift basketball courts, churches and shops in between. I pulled over to take a few pictures when a group of young children immediately spotted me and ran over to say hi. They were so excited. All of them jumped into my shots and started to pose, it was hilarious. This scene caught the attention of a guy nearby who told us to follow him on our motorbike to a spot nearby where him and his friends were swimming. He seemed trustworthy enough so we followed his lead. A few minutes later we arrived to the bay where five or six of his friends were hanging out. They were in their early 20s, both guys and girls. The crew invited us right in. They told us that on this part of the beach there was a freshwater deposit and that the hole is the shape of a heart. Neither of us really wanted to go in. I was happy just chatting on the beach. They weren’t going to drag me in, but Vanessa was a different story. A very strong (and apparently drunk…as I found out from her friend) girl took Vanessa by the arm and literally dragged her in with all of her clothes on. It was pretty aggressive, but funny watching from the sidelines. I stayed on the beach chatting with a very outspoken young man. He was back visiting his family as he recently moved to Manila to go to university. Vanessa enjoyed the water. After an hour or so we said our goodbyes and continued our motorbike tour. That night, sick of Filipino food, we decided to check out a spot called Bantayan Burrito Company. It is located on the main road in Santa Fe in a small cove of outdoor restaurants. We were warmly welcomed to sit with a group of four foreigners. The tipsy crowd was very inviting and we quickly dove into conversation. The crew all knew each other. They were all expats who were living on Bantayan. One of them was the British owner of the burrito shop, another two were American brothers who ran a non for profit company building houses and repairing coral on and around Bantayan. They all had local girlfriends who were chatting in the kitchen, but later came over to join the party. One thing lead to another and the owner of the burrito shop told us that they all planned to go to a party at the “airport”. Our new friends invited us to join which we obviously agreed to. We drove our motorcade about ten minutes up the island until we hit a dirt road that lead us through an opening in a feeble fence that surrounded the airport. We rolled up to the only building on the airport’s property, a small rundown one-story house with three white rooms. Hanging out on the stairs and porch were eight very drunk locals and one weathered and adventurous looking older Canadian fellow. We quickly learned that he was the skydiving instructor that runs a small business on the island. He seemed drunk to us, but we quickly learned that he was many years sober. The young and friendly man next to him was unmistakably drunk, he was the pilot. There was a spread of food inside the building and a bottle of liquor outside. We were greeted warmly and offered plenty of drinks. It was a warm Filipino night at the airport, the light from the small terminal was the only one for kilometers. The local electronic music blared as the flushed faced locals swung their hips and encouraged us to join in. We did. The pilot and skydiving instructor took us to see their bright red three seater airplane, the only one on the island. It was old and awesome. It was a successful night with new friends and another for the Bantayan memory bank. Top Things to do in Bantayan Paradise Beach It’s an adventure to get here, but that’s what makes it special. On our trusty motorbike we followed directions that we found online. It required some hairy maneuvering down the backroads of Bantayan, particular towards the end. Given its remoteness we were surprised to find a guy chilling in the shade collecting a fee to enter. It was a nominal amount. The beach has flawless white sand and clear water. It is hidden in a cove providing a sense of enchantment. We were the only people there, it was perfect. Kota Beach Another very unique beach, but easier to find. The beach is located just off the main street in Santa Fe. It sits in front of Kota Beach Resort, but anyone can just walk on. While the water is clear, there are jellyfish (as there were at every beach) and some of them are deadly. I scouted the area before taking a dive into the ocean but obviously missed something. As I threw my arms into the water I felt a shock through my entire system. I dove directly into a four foot jellyfish. Its tentacles wrapped around my arm. I pulled away taking the tentacles with me which cause an excruciating stinging sensation. Immediately red lines appeared on my arm and within seconds they began to puff up like blisters. Luckily we were near the hotel. I ran over and asked for vinegar which they had readily available for instances like this. The vinegar subdued the swelling leaving me with red and itchy arms. St. Peter and Paul Church Located in the town of Bantayan, this is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. We walked into a packed house. The town of Bantayan is worth visiting, it reminded us of some of the small towns we stumbled across in South America. On the square there was also an excellent bakery worth ducking into for some dessert. Ogtong Cave The cave is located within a run down resort on the island. It costs a couple bucks to get in. In the middle of the resort’s property there is a short flight of wooden stairs that takes you into the small opening. Inside the cave is a beautiful fresh water spring. It was small but stunning. We swam around and explored a little deeper. Afterwards we walked down to the hotel’s beachfront and enjoyed the shallow waters. Best Restaurants in Bantayan Bantayan Burrito Company This is where we met our expat friends. The burritos were as excellent as the company. The atmosphere is an inviting spot to sip on a San Miguel. Local Seafood Restaurant across from Coucou Hotel This place had made to order food, a rarity in a lot of the Philippines. The food was really good for a change and for the right price.