Two Alternative Accommodations in Makati City

The vibrant city of Makati in the Philippines boasts plenty of accommodation options for different kinds of guests. A number of hotel in Makati City fall in the mid to high range in terms of nightly rates. But there are those that come at affordable prices while still offering a comfortable temporary abode. Two of them are located just off the Central Business District, providing quiet comforts without being too far away from it all.

First is CEO Suites, a boutique hotel along Jupiter Street in Bel-Air Village. Located 500 meters from the CBD and 15 km from Ninoy International Aquino Airport, this accommodation is a traveler’s home away from home. Its 27 rooms are furnished with air-conditioning, cable TV, phone, internet connectivity, kitchen area, and refrigerator. They also have a private bathroom with hot and cold shower, bathtub, and complete bath amenities.

Adding convenience to every stay are practical services that address the guests’ necessities. These include room service, massage service, airport transfers, and wake-up call. There’s an outdoor swimming pool where guests can take a refreshing dip in the morning or after work. And when hunger sets in, there are numerous dining options within the vicinity, including the Hobing Korean Dessert Café at the front of the hotel.

The second is HQ Burgos in Poblacion, set at the corner of P. Burgos and San Agustin Streets. A 20-minute drive is all it takes to reach the Makati CBD from here. NAIA, meanwhile, is some 30 minutes away.

This Makati accommodation is more minimalist in style compared to CEO Suites. Its rooms have a simple design, but include the essentials to keep you comfortable whether staying a night or even longer. Readily available amenities include a single bed, air-conditioning, dining area with tableware and glassware, kitchen with refrigerator, and private bath with hot and cold shower.

Wi-Fi access is also provided so you can stay connected whenever you need to. HQ Burgos’ rooms are also telephone-ready, allowing you to create a makeshift workspace in your accommodation.

HQ Burgos has an elevator and a deck that guests can use, as well as a laundry area and parking spaces. For further convenience, the accommodation provides 24/7 security, a fire alarm/sprinkler system, and genset ensuring 100% unlimited power supply.

The good thing about both CEO Suites and HQ Burgos is the fact that it offers travelers a comfortable abode at very practical rates. Here, you get the same hotel-style luxuries and conveniences without the hefty price tag. So if you’re looking for an alternative for a high-priced hotel that’s very near the Makati CBD, CEO Suites (https://ceosuites.com.ph/) and HQ Burgos (https://hqburgos.com.ph/) are ideal choices.

Check out these hotels in Makati and book direct on their website to get the best deals in accommodations.

5 Exciting Activities You Definitely Must Try in Boracay This Summer

The number of activities you can enjoy while billeted in a Boracay accommodation are endless. Once you go outside, the opportunities for exciting activities centered on the beautiful blue sea should not be missed. Here is a short list of what's in store for you:

1. Cliff diving – Ariel's Point has numerous cliff diving platforms. Pay a visit if you dare and take the jump! The highest is at 13 meters, but there are also lower ones, from 7 m down to 3 m. The experience will probably make you wobble in the knees a bit, but it will sure make wonderful travel stories once you return home. If you are still falling short on the courage, just remember, this vacation should be one for the books so you better make it count.

2. Paraw sailing – A picture you have probably seen in iconic postcards, a “paraw” is an outrigger boat with two sails. You can go for a ride and let the wind take you on a tour of some of the best sights the place offers. Schedule it close to the sunset to get spectacular views. No doubt, the picturesque scenes will usher you into total relaxation and whatever unease you keep will fly away with the wind.

3. Island hopping – While it is very tempting to bask in the serenity and comfort of your beachfront resort in Boracay Island, Philippines, there is much to see outside! Discover the beauty of the many beaches around the island, such as Puka Beach, Crocodile Beach, and Tambisaan Beach. Get the complete island experience by picking an island hopping tour package that includes lunch and have a feast with the sun, sea, and sand surrounding you.

4. G-Max reverse bungy - Take a little stroll along White Beach down to Station 3 and you’ll see two huge metal arms on a bare patch of land. You may initially think this is just another construction site, but take a closer look and you’ll see a small pod that seats three people, suspended by two long elastics attached to the top of the towering arms. Steps lead up to the pod and suddenly you hear earthshattering screams. The Reverse Bungy at Paradise Garden Resort and Hotel skyrockets you 60 meters above sea level at an adrenaline-charged speed of 200kph.

5. Scuba diving – The beauty of Boracay does not end above the surface. When you are done swimming and going around the clubs and restaurants, go underwater and explore the wonders of over 15 dive sites surrounding the area. Each is teeming with corals, underwater tunnels, caves, and more. It offers tourists a different view of the island and it certainly is a sight to behold. All the colors will make you swoon and the underwater ambience is truly enchanting. If you have never tried scuba diving before, this is the perfect place to begin. For sure, you will be hooked. Check with your Boracay accommodation for packages that may come inclusive of these activities.

5 Best Things to Add to Your Davao City Itinerary

Spending your summer in a hotel in Davao City promises a lot of exciting adventures. You can explore in its fast-growing urban spaces, as well as in its well-maintained nature spots. In between these two faces of the city are thrilling treats, which you can enjoy. Read on to discover the 5 best things to add to your itinerary when visiting the second largest city in the Philippines.

1. Walk Through Japanese Tunnels
If you fancy traveling back in time by feasting your senses on historical artifacts, then this stop is for you. This tunnel was built by Filipino prisoners during World War II under the command of the Japanese Imperial Army. When entering the tunnel, be sure to wear closed shoes, because some parts have wet floors. Tourists are only allowed to walk on a small portion of the tunnel, approximately 300 m, but it already gives us a glimpse at the colorful part of history that it represents.

2. Get Rolling in a Zorb Ball
Hamsters have always been subjects of human curiosity. This might be the reason why human-sized hamster balls were invented in the first place. In this city, the Davao Zorb Park is a hit among tourists and locals alike. People can do Zorbing on a 100-meter downhill as long as they are at least 5 years old, without a heart disease or high-blood pressure, not pregnant, not smaller than 5 feet, and willing to sign a waiver.

3. Dive in the Davao Gulf
Are you a diving enthusiast who had already been to hundreds of meters below sea level? Or, are you merely a novice diver who wants to experience at least once in your life how it is like to see fish swim around you? Davao City welcomes both types of divers, as well as those in between. The Davao Gulf has various dive spots with varying levels of difficulty and beauty. The deeper you go, the greater beauty you will see. Check out several Davao accommodations that offer diving tours for a more convenient experience.

4. Raft in the Davao River
If you're the type who doesn't mind getting extremely soaked and shaken for quite a long time, then you should try rafting on the 160-km Davao River. The Davao Wild River Rafting getaway takes approximately 3 ½ hours, and rafters go through 30 rapids of different levels of difficulty. If that gives you the thrill rather than the chills, then head over to the city's main river and let it give you the rush you want.

5. Hang on a Zip-line
Davao City has some of the longest zip-lines in the country. You can go all-out and swing through the Outland Adventure zip-line in Talomo if you want to experience hanging for a distance of 720 meters. Or, you can simply choose to ride the 310-meter Zip City line in Langub if you want to get a 360-degree view of Davao City.

These adventures, which certainly answer the question “what to do in Davao?”, make the place more and more attractive to tourists and businesses alike. Because of this, high-quality Davao accommodations have risen in every part of the city, like in the city's commercial center where accommodation-providers such as The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites stands. Now, tourists can enjoy their time in Davao destinations with the luxury of staying at a comfortable hotel room.

What to Bring When You’re at the Pool

Under the basking sun, take the chance to find relaxation and aquatic serenity near the shores of Boracay island resorts. Don’t be too surprised with the line hotels and resorts you see along the popular beach. When you’re already tired of the waves and standing under the sun for too long, you can always come back to the comforts and contentment of Astoria Boracay Beach Resort.

One of the best things that most guests get all excited about when checking into a resort are the pool facilities. Here are the things you need when you feel like taking a dip or splash in the resort’s pool.

Sun block – You will never know much how the sun will shine but having burnt skin isn’t always comfortable. Make sure you apply enough sun block to protect your skin and if necessary, you may apply more.

Music – If you have a set of speakers, earphones or an app on your Smartphone that plays your favorite playlist, you can have some background music while you’re taking a swim. Just make sure it’s not loud enough to bother other guests staying at the resort or importantly having it too close to the waters that might damage your gadget. 

Flip flops – Besides trying to make a fashion statement, bring suitable footwear so that in case it gets too hot, there will be something that can make your feet comfortable.

Your favorite smoothie – We all want to have that feeling where we look and feel as if we are on vacation, so a nice drink by the pool would do just fine. Just don’t have it when you’re at the pool due to rules and regulations.

A Book – Give yourself a break from all that technology stuff and go all school with some reading materials. Before taking a swim, read a page or two on the comfortable chairs that are located by the swimming area.

So these are pretty much the simple things you need for an ideal vacation break by making use of the hotel’s facilities. When the shores can be a little too much for you and you just want to swim around calm waters, and then hang out by the pool bringing the things you really need to get the relaxation you deserve.

For inquiries and reservations, visit our website at www.astoriaboracay.com

Stories Behind Great Landmarks

When certain events happen in our lives, it leaves a mark in our timeline that lasts forever. When we visit these fascinating landmarks, it gives us a better understanding of the event, the people and especially ourselves. So it’s no surprise that visiting these places leads us directly to what and why it happened. If you’re into sightseeing, you might want to discover the significant areas near The Oriental Leyte Hotel where you can make convenient room reservations. Here are some of the places you might to pay a visit that will add stories to your diaries and conversations to share with your loved ones.

Leyte Provincial Capital – Take the opportunity to witness the neo-classical feature of the building that is found in one of the Eastern Visayas famed capitol. You don’t have to know much about architecture but take a few minutes of your time to understand some of the historical context behind it.

San Juanico Bridge – A monumental project that was build under Ferdinand Marcos’ administration is the longest bridge in the Philippines. Tourists pass by the bridge to capture the expansive picturesque sea view scenery. Facts say that the former president had this bridge built for his wife as a birthday gift. Now isn’t that sweet?

Mahagnao National Park – If you want to explore in a more natural setting, this is the park to visit with your other adventurous companions. Among the fresh air and away from the city life, this is the place to experience the outdoor activities and the festivals held by the locals.

So when you’re staying at The Oriental Leyte Hotel, don’t forget to consider visiting these landmarks on your travel list. You might learn something new or amazing along the way. You can ask the concierge of your hotel on how to get to the places and other inquiries that you need to know. Be ready to expand your horizon with the places nearby during your stay. The best thing about visiting new places is receiving that remarkable feeling of learning a part of you and where you have been.      

For inquiries and room reservations, visit our website at http://leyte.theorientalhotels.com/

5 Makati City Festivals You Won't Want To Miss

Just like any Filipino community, Makati City is home to various annual festivities that depict the its colorful culture and tradition. Read on to know 5 of these exciting celebrations.

More often than not, travelers book a hotel accommodation in Makati only when they need to attend a corporate event. For most of us, the city is just a place of towering skyscrapers. But what we don't know is that Makati has a lot more to offer. Just like any Filipino community, Makati is home to various annual festivities that depict the city's colorful culture and tradition. Among these festivals are:

1. Caracol Festival
Through the passage of Resolution 351, this has been an official festival in Makati that pays tribute to Filipino resilience. The name of the festival was derived from the Spanish word for “snail”, a shelled creature that symbolizes the people’s efforts to combat difficulties. Caracol Festival invites the spectators in merrymaking as the participants parade with their masks and nature-inspired costumes. This takes place during the last Sunday of January and is considered as Makati City’s version of Rio de Janeiro’s Mardi Gras.

2. Xong Di Festival
The city Makati holds the Xong Di Festival to celebrate the brotherhood between the Chinese and Filipino communities. It aims to strengthen the bond of the two Asian countries by highlighting their cultural similarities. The main attraction of this event is the parade of ethnic costumes and accessories, showcasing an impressive blend of Philippine and Chinese designs. Watch out for this spectacular festival a few days after the Chinese New Year.

3. Bailes delos Arcos
Bailes Delos Arcos is one of the most exciting festivals that entices many tourists who book for Makati hotels. Barangay Poblacion holds this annual feast every 29th of June in honor of Virgen Dela Rosa, St. Peter, and St. Paul. This is a much-awaited event because the festival involves the participation of young ladies who train for a year for the so called “Dance of Virgins”. They offer this amazing performance in a kind of pledged devotion to the patron saints.

4. Likhang Kamay Festival
If you love buying Filipino products, you should visit the exhibits of Likhang Kamay in Makati City. This is a yearly trade show that has been instrumental in the discovery and development of various native handicrafts producers. It usually features regional goods that champion local culture, which include pottery, woven materials, and wood carvings. Every year, the organizers and tourism department promote this event for broader participation and exposure.

5. Belen sa Makati
As early as November, Makati radiates the vibrant Yuletide season as it commences the Belen sa Makati Festival. During this time, the city's business district is adorned with giant creches and colorful lanterns. The entire stretch of Ayala Avenue that comes very festive with effervescent Christmas lights is a sure delight to everyone. With the unparalleled grandeur of the event, these wonderful spectacles will never fail to get visitors in the holiday spirit.

Undeniably, Makati is more than just the business capital of this country. With a number of feasts that it celebrates, the city has its fair share to the Philippine customs and traditions. So the next time you reserve an accommodation in Makati, make sure to witness one these festivities.

The Bellevue Manila: A Luxurious Hotel at a Friendly Price

It's quite a challenge to draw the line between a luxurious hotel accommodation and a friendly price range for the guests simply because one must be considered over the other. Throw in the expectation of a quality service above all that and you have a recipe for a complete headache while to trying to please everyone by giving them the best of everything. Some businesses, whether in the hospitality or not, have attempted to please their market on those three major categories – quality of product, pocket-friendliness of the price, and exceptional service – all at the same time. One the hotel establishments in the Philippines had succeeded in this and that's no other than The Bellevue Manila.

One can find this hotel in Alabang, Muntilupa City where a lot of cool stuff happens. From the hippest hangout places in the South to a couple of corporate districts, Alabang is overflowing with locations of interest for both business and leisure. Other than its strategic spot, The Bellevue Manila can offer a lot for its guests, both seasoned and new.

As soon as one steps into this Muntinlupa hotel, one is welcomed by the vibrant interiors of the lobby. The satisfying mix of gold, white, and bronze is highly pleasing to the eyes and it gives off that classy and luxurious feel. The staff area also ready to assist the guest at any given moment. Got heavy bags? They're ready to help you out. Need extra assistance with the accommodation? They're most willing to go the extra mile just so the guest will have a satisfying guest experience that's truly Filipino and truly The Bellevue. To add more good stuff to The Bellevue Manila, the hotel's facilities are also at par with international standards despite being part of a local hotel chain. From the spa, fitness center, pool area, and the restaurants, The Bellevue Manila offers more than just relaxing rooms and beautiful surroundings. What's best about everything that was just said about The Belleuve Manila all comes at a very friendly price which makes one surprised. The experience go an extra mile beyond the value.

For more information, take a look at http://thebellevuemanila.com