Kara Santos

Where to stay in Ortigas for any budget

The Ortigas central business district is one of the busiest hubs in Metro Manila’s dynamic urban landscape. Located in the middle of Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City, this district at the heart of the metro has a vibrant mix of business establishments, premium lifestyle shopping malls, and residential areas. Whether you’re in town traveling for business, in transit on the way to other destinations, staycationing with the family, or looking for a restful luxury getaway to recharge, staying in the Ortigas CBD puts you in the middle of tall the action in the city.

JAPAN | Top cultural landmarks and experiences in Kyoto

Kyoto, one of the oldest municipalities in Japan, is located just 30 minutes away by rapid train from Osaka. Considered the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is a must-visit for first-timers traveling to Osaka. Kyoto is home to temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens, some of which have been designated collectively as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Art Deco Mansion: MiraNila Heritage House & Library in Quezon City

Hidden along a quiet residential street in Cubao is a stately Filipino mansion that has opened its doors to the public as a living museum and boutique events space. The MiraNila Heritage House and Library in Cubao is an Art Deco House originally built in 1929.

South Korea: Classic Seoul highlights for first-time visitors

After three years of feeling trapped in separate households during the pandemic, my family and I finally got a chance to travel to Seoul, South Korea. Blame it on the popularity of K-dramas we binged on during the lockdown, and our frequent dining out in samgyupsal restaurants in the metro, but everyone was eager to experience Seoul for themselves and spend quality time together.

7 new things to do in Nuvali, Laguna (2023)

While we’ve biked around some bike trails and attended a few sporting events and fun runs over the years, it’s been a while since I’ve revisited Nuvali in Laguna. Nuvali is a popular destination for day trips and as a stopover on the way to Tagaytay for dining and shopping for those based in the south of the metro.

Seda Nuvali: Family-friendly staycation resort near Manila

My family and I have made it a point to travel together more this year. Since we live in different households with my parents based in the province, we’ve had a lot of catching up to do. This is the first year since the pandemic that we’ve been able to celebrate milestone celebrations together like birthdays.

The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay: Family-friendly mountain resort in Baguio City

Baguio City never gets old. The view of pine trees, mountains, and cold weather is always a great experience for those coming from the lowland areas. You can feel the Christmas spirit here all-year around, which makes it a great place to visit with friends and family. With a super long weekend coming up at the end of the month and the upcoming holiday season, Baguio is an easy destination for travelers coming from Manila.

For families traveling with kids, seniors, and pets looking for a place to stay in Baguio, The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay is one of the top hotels to consider. This chill 5-story mountain resort with 178 rooms caters mostly to families, couples, group travelers, and leisure tourists.

5 cozy craft beer spots in Baguio City

The mere mention of the City of Pines immediately brings to mind images of hot chocolate, brewed coffee, ube jam, strawberry taho, and a lot of other iconic eats. Baguio City is an amazing destination for foodies, with a sheer variety of artistic homegrown restaurants to choose from serving all types of cuisine. In the past few years, Baguio has become a destination for beer lovers as well.

Charlie’s Hangar Surf Hostel: Budget-friendly beachfront bunks in La Union

Looking for a unique and affordable place to stay in La Union with direct access to the beach? Charlie’s Hangar Surf Hostel is an aviation-themed hostel in the surf town that offers bunk spaces for as little as P750 a night.

La Union, considered the surfing capital of the Northern Philippines, has always been a popular destination for weekend travelers coming from the metro. Aside from surfers, Elyu attracts digital nomads, backpackers, solo travelers, and families taveling with kids and pets who want to enjoy a hassle-free vacation place without having to book flights from Manila.

Where to rent bikes in La Union

Want to try biking in La Union on your next beach vacation? Most tourists go to Elyu to enjoy the beach and the waves. But if you’re looking for new things to do in La Union aside from learning to surf, food-tripping, going grape picking, or sightseeing, biking might be a good activity. Biking can let you discover a different side of La Union.

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