The Village Coconut Island: A Peaceful Paradise in Phuket

If I will describe this resort in two words: Peaceful Paradise. All the modern comforts that one would expect on a five star hotel come together with it. The villas have complete amenities including your very own pool

U-Bike in Taipei: A Bicycle Tour of Your Own

The friendly Chinese territory has long been at the forefront in advocating for cycling as not just a cheap means of transport but also as an environment-friendly lifestyle choice.

Domicillo Tagaytay: An Artsy Design Hotel with a Picturesque View of Taal Volcano

Tagaytay is also fast-becoming one of the country's major tourist destinations. Its cityscape is changing rapidly with construction of new condominiums, shopping malls and boutique hotels. And if there's one accommodation that I would recommend in Tagaytay, it's the Domicillo Design Hotel located along General Emilio Aguinaldo Hi-way just 5-minutes drive from Sky Ranch.

Tune Hotels Danga Bay in Johor: A Value Hotel Near the Malaysia-Singapore Border

Last month when I went to Kyoto, Japan, I was fortunate to be accommodated by the beautiful Bijuu Residence, and it changed the way I think about hotels. It’s one of those rare moments that a hotel has been part of the destination experience because of its uniqueness.

The Classic and Elegant Nara Hotel in Nara, Japan

Classic and elegant--these are the two words that best describe Nara Hotel in Nara Japan. This 106-year-old hotel has been my home in Japan for 4 days and 3 nights.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Filipino Talents Star in Music Video for Hong Kong Disneyland Campaign

“Tayo’y managinip kasama ang mga bituin, at ang lihim mong ginto ay ating tuklasin…,” Hong Kong Disneyland Resort recently announced the release of a new song tailor-made for the Philippine market, titled “Find Your Light.”


It is a song produced by an all-Filipino cast - written by the park’s very own Music Director, Rony Fortich, with vocals performed by Raki Vega and choreography created by Park Choreographer Jaime Del Prado. The music video was proudly produced to highlight the park’s many talented Filipino cast members and aims to inspire Filipino guests to share both the joy and “Pinoy pride” at Hong Kong Disneyland. Guests are able to unleash their energy and passion to create a moment that is uniquely theirs at Hong Kong Disneyland. 

“World-class, state-of-the-art entertainment shows and performances are at the heart of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort experience. We treasure Filipino talent and their passion of music and have been recruiting cast members from the Philippines even before we opened the Park ten years ago,” said David Lightbody, Director, Entertainment & Costuming, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. “After the completion of the park’s expansion with the launch of the three latest themed lands and the newly launched nighttime spectacular ‘Disney Paint the Night,’ we have seen the number of our Filipino cast members increase every year. With a diverse range of cast members from over 30 different nationalities, Filipino cast members currently hold major roles in a range of shows, both behind the scenes and on stage. The quality and energy of their performances has played an instrumental role in touching people’s heart and providing guests with the fondest memories of their Disney experience.”


Pinoy Pride in Bringing Magic to Guests



As an all-Filipino cast production, the “Find Your Light” music video features Filipino and English lyrics and sees the very best talent at the park shine and showcase their love for Disney. “Many Filipinos grow up surrounded by music and Disney stories, so I am very proud to show my Disney side here and be part of that story together with many of our Filipino talent,” said Rony Fortich, Musical Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the composer of “Find Your Light.” “Since I joined the park when it opened in 2005, the unique story-telling and musical environment here has inspired me to find new, wonderful ways to tell stories through music. It is very fulfilling to see the smiles on our guests’ faces.”

Vocalist, Raki Vega, shared her passion for performing in the park in her leading role as the host of the Broadway-style musical, “The Golden Mickeys.” “It’s a dream come true for me to perform on a Disney stage, and I have been blessed with the opportunity to try a range of different roles since I joined the park. I am thrilled to be the lead vocal on “Find Your Light,” as I feel it represents everything that is magical about Disney. It enables me to invite my Filipino friends to ‘take my hand’ so that they can share my joy at Hong Kong Disneyland,” Raki said.


A Unique Musical Journey at Hong Kong Disneyland




All Filipino guests can embark on their own musical journey at Hong Kong Disneyland. The music begins right from the very moment they enter, with amazing tunes by the Hong Kong Disneyland Band, and the various atmospheric shows in the different themed lands. Guests can also experience the magic of the Broadway-style musicals, “The Golden Mickeys” and the “Festival of the Lion King”, and immerse themselves in the colorful Flights of Fantasy Parade.

But the joy does not end there, guests can go on an adventure exploring the three newly launched themed lands including the Asia-exclusive Toy Story Land, one-of-a-kind Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point and try out the Filipino guests’ top three favorite attractions of last year including the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Space Mountain and Mystic Manor. Don’t forget to look out for Mickey and friends as well as the Disney Princesses, including the latest additions to the park, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from Frozen. 


The All-New “Disney Paint the Night” Spectacular


Guests visiting Hong Kong Disneyland at night will see the park in a whole new light. The brand-new “Disney Paint the Night” is a never-before-seen light show which transports guests into an unimagined world of luminous and interactive fun. Combining the latest LED lighting technology, colorful costumes, magical storytelling, delightful music and dynamic dances, it features seven original floats, including Tinker Bell, Monsters, Inc., Cars, The Little Mermaid, Belle, Toy Story, and Mickey & Friends. With more than 740,000 LED lights, the floats bring classic Disney and Disney•Pixar stories to life with an interactive touch while illuminating the entire parade route every night. During the parade’s two show stop moments, guests can become a part of the parade by using the specially designed merchandises such as the Made with Magic Paint Brush, Mickey Glow Mitt and Minnie Glow Bow to interact with the floats.


“Show Your Disney Side” Exclusive Offer for Filipino Guests



With the newly launched “Disney Paint the Night” parade and more than 100 rides and attractions spread across seven themed lands, it is easy to pack two days’ worth of fun in for our Filipino guests. From now until June 30, 2015, the park has an exclusive “Show Your Disney Side” offer for Filipino guests which includes a one-day or two-day ticket, one complimentary personalized name tag, and a main course with soft drink at designated restaurants etc., all at the special price of HKD 499 (approx. PHP 2,850) / HKD 680 (approx. PHP 3,880). 

[Hong Kong Disneyland Press Release]

Monday, March 2, 2015

Drew Arellano Travels Siargao, Bukidnon, Palawan and Hokkaido in Month-Long Anniversary Special of 'Biyahe ni Drew'

This March, Biyahe ni Drew dares all biyaheros to leave their comfort zone, review their travel bucket lists and TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT! Professional traveller and most recent DOT’s Tourism Star awardee Drew Arellano goes to four scenic and memorable locations to celebrate Biyahe ni Drew’s 2nd anniversary.




March 6: Siargao

To kick off this month-long anniversary celebration, Drew goes surfs up on the famous Cloud 9 of Siargao. Here, he discovers that the famous surfing destination has a lot more to offer than barrelling waves. It also features unique rock formations where daredevils can cliff dive. In Magpupungko Beach, there are natural pools where one can leisurely swim. There are also dune buggy and crocodile hunting tours for those looking for an extra rush of adrenaline.

March 13: Bukidnon

Drew tries cowboy livin’ among the cattle herders of Bukidnon as he heads to Northern Mindanao for a taste of something different. Here, Drew finds out that there’s a lot more to raising cattle than meets the eye. Aside from visiting famous landmarks in Bukidnon, the self-confessed caffeine lover also discovers the secrets to creating the full-bodied flavour of the famous Monk’s Blend coffee.

March 20: Livin’ Large in Palawan

As dream destinations go, the private islands in Palawan probably top many travellers’ bucket lists. This year, Drew gets to experience the “good life” as he lives it up in secluded, exclusive hideaways in Palawan for Biyahe ni Drew’s special feature. This is the kind of trip that one would do in a heartbeat if money was no object. Travelling via private sea plane, island hopping via private yacht, having a staff of 30 at your beck and call and “owning” an island for a few days... certainly a trip of a lifetime.

March 27: Hokkaido, Japan

Drew escapes the Philippines’ summer heat by cooling off in Hokkaido, Japan for a “winter wonderland” special. For the first time in Biyahe ni Drew, Drew goes to Niseko, the most famous ski resort in Japan, known for its light powder snow where he tests his skiing/snowboarding skills.

Biyahe ni Drew’s 2nd anniversary specials will air from March 6 to 28, 8pm on GMA News TV!