It's More Fun in Bohol - Department of Tourism's TV Commercial

After last year's devastating earthquake, the Department of Tourism would like the world to know that Bohol is back in business! The international TV commercial which lasts for 30 seconds gives 1,776+ reasons for everyone to visit the island-province paradise.

Bohol is home to 1,776 limestone Chocolate Hills, the adorable but endangered Tarsiers, the white-sand beaches of Panglao Island, the lush underwater world of the Balicasag islet, the languid and scenic Loboc River, the organic Bohol Bee Farm, the exciting Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, and more!

Although some of the island-province's heritage churches were destroyed by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on October 15, 2013, Bohol has now fully recovered and the churches are now under reconstruction and restoration by the government.

Furthermore, the natural wonders of Bohol were unaffected by the quake not to mention that it has been named Best Governed Province and its Panglao beach was cited as one of the Best Secret Beaches on Earth by Travel+Nature Magazine.

 Watch the glossy TVC below which I'm sure will convince you to visit this island paradise in the near future:

   

For updates about the province of Bohol, like their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PadayonBohol

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Palawan is No. 1 Island in the World, Boracay 12th

Palawan recently bagged the title "Best Island in the World for 2014" based on an international poll conducted by travel magazine “Conde Nast Traveler” through their annual Readers Choice Awards.

Photo: www.divezone.net

Conde Nast Traveler revealed the results of their 27th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards on October 20, 2014 and topping the Top 30 islands list is our very own Palawan. The island province, which is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha Reef Marine Park) had scored the highest rating of 88.75% and garnered a total 76,600 votes for the title “Top Island in the World.” Here’s what the magazine said about Palawan:

This small island—one of the Philippines’ 7,107—shot to the top of our list this year with a recent claim to fame: It’s now home to one of the new seven natural wonders of the world, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Pro tip: Palawan’s natural wonder is one of the longest underground rivers in the world, traveling five miles through a subterranean cave system. Guided boat tours take visitors down a portion of the waterway, where karsts, natural rock formations created by dissolving limestone, loom in every direction. Boracay, on the other hand, ranked 12th with a rating of 82.683 beating Indonesia’s Bali which ranked 17th in the Top 30. 

Photo: www.divezone.net

The Top 10 Islands in the World

1. Palawan, Philippines
2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina USA
3. Maui, Hawaii USA
4. Kauia, Hawaii USA
5. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
6. Great Barrier Reef and Whitesunday Islands, Australia
7. Santorini and Cyclades, Greece
8. St. John, US Virgin Islands
9. Kangaroo Island, Australia
10. Big Island, Hawaii USA

Cross-published in Starmometer

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Travel Tip: How to Apply for a Chinese VISA (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, etc) in the Philippines

I've been to Macau and Hong Kong several times because travel time to these two Chinese regions takes less than two hours and they don't require VISA for Filipino tourists. Last month, I decided to explore mainland China--Shanghai in particular--and this is the third destination that I've been to (after Korea and Taiwan) that required VISA. Let mo show you how simple it was to acquire a Chinese VISA!

So you've been to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau and this time you want to explore mainland China? The first step is to apply for VISA. Please take note that aside from Shanghai, this is also applicable to other Chinese destinations like Beijing, Guangzhou, Haikou, Lijiang, Ningbo, etc. Before going to the Chinese embassy, make sure you complete the following requirements first: 1. Passport – Make sure it’s not expiring within 6 months. 2. Photocopy of the information/photo page and the emergency contact information page (must be completely filled out) of the passport. 3. Invitation letter – Since I’m just a tourist and I’m not going to work or study in China, I submitted a photocopy of my round-trip ticket and hotel voucher in lieu of the invitation letter. 4. Photocopy of latest ITR Statement (BIR Form 2316). 5. Employment or Business Certificate. 6. Bank certificate – I suggest you have at least P50,000 in your bank account to give an assurance that you have the ability to fund your travels in China. 7. Completed VISA Application Form which can be downloaded here: VISA Application Form of the People’s Republic of China. Since I applied for single entry, I paid P1,400 processing fee and after 3 working days, I claimed my VISA! If you opt for multiple entry in case you plan to explore other cities like Beijing or Guangzhou, the charge is P2,800 and it’s valid for 6 months.

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Love at First Flight - A Thai Short Film that Will Make You Fall In Love

Samsung Galaxy Tab in Thailand has produced a charming short film about a man and a woman who both missed their respective flights at Suvarnabhumi airport and got the chance to meet and know each other while killing time. This is a traveler's dream!

Someone said, the chance to be hit by thunder is 1 to 17,000.
Someone said, the chance to be bitten by shark is 1 to 100,000.
And the chance for one man and one woman to miss the flight together, to meet each other, to know each other and to love each other is almost impossible...

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Iya Villania Lists Her 5 Travel Essentials (Video)

Host/actress Iya Villania talks about how she enjoys traveling and shares the items that absolutely must go into her suitcase.

Watch her talk about her 5 travel essentials in a quick interview here:

 

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Review: Tune Hotel Asoke in Bangkok Thailand

Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in the world because of its rich culture and colorful atmosphere. Last September 2, 2014, I went to this “Land of Freedom” for the fourth time! Tune Hotels is sponsoring my 5-days accommodation and its located in 7 Sukhumvit Soi 14, Sukhumvit Road, Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

I took an early morning flight on Tuesday and arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) around 9:30am. Since I’ve been to Bangkok 3 times in the past, I know it’s best to take the train from the airport to the hotel because it’s way cheaper and faster than taxi. It only took me less than an hour to reach my destination. Trains are faster in Bangkok compared to taxis and buses and without several stops that I did to take pictures, I think it would only take me half an hour for the travel.

I alighted from the Sukhumvit MRT station and just 100 meters away, I easily spotted Tune Hotels Asoke with its distinct red and white colors.

When I entered the hotel, the friendly staff greeted me by saying “sawasdee” with a slight bow, and with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. It’s like “mabuhay” in the Philippines, it’s a welcome greeting and it’s also used in saying goodbye which kinda mean “good luck.”

-- CONTINUE READING HERE --

Tune Hotels Asoke at night:

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Bangkok Travel Guide: From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Tune Hotels Asoke by Train

One thing I love when travelling to Thailand is the convenience of transferring from the airport to your hotel destination. If you're visiting the country on your own and you did not hire a coach/service that will transfer you from the airport to the hotel, or if you're hotel doesn't offer transfers, don't fret! In Thailand it's easy even if you opt for the train instead of taking a taxi or bus.  

Last Tuesday, September 2, 2014, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport (one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand) at around 10am in the morning after a 3 1/2 hr flight from Manila. Since we're on a budget and we feel more adventurous that day, we opted to ride the SA City Line train so we head to basement 1 of the airport.

We asked the teller what station should we alight and she said Makkasan. 

We bought the token for 35 baht, rode the train and arrived 5 stations after.

From Makkasan station, we transferred to the connecting Phetchaburi station of the MRT line. It's around 2 minutes walk from the two connecting stations. 

Phetchaburi is just one station away from Sukhumvit station, our destination.

We bought the ticket from the vending machine for 16 baht. These machines are quite similar to the ones they have in Hong Kong and it's user friendly. Simply tap the English button if the default instructions are in Thai. It accepts paper bills and coins and it gives change.

We then alighted from Sukhumvit station and walked to the connecting Asoke station of BTS line.

Just 100 meters away from the station, we arrived at Tune Hotel Asoke Bangkok, our home in Thailand for 5 days!

Here's a video montage showing our short trip from the airport to Tune Hotels Asoke and the city proper:

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7 Smartphone Photography Tips & Tricks (Video)

We always want to 'go lite' when travelling. Carrying a heavy luggage is not only hassle in moving around but it also adds cost to your check-in baggage!

One significant item that adds weight to our luggage is a DSLR camera. The camera itself plus the lens, flash, tripod and other accessories can add up to 2 to 3 kilos of inconvenience. But of course, I will not recommend to you to leave your DSLR camera specially if you're a photographer or photo blogger and you want to capture amazing pictures from your journey.

However, for everyone else, there is an option in capturing great photos by using only your pocket friendly smartphone.

Photographer Lorenz Holder made a cool audio-video presentation that demonstrate some creative smartphone photography tips & tricks using an iPhone 5S!

This video was uploaded just 2 days ago (August 25) and it already amassed a whopping 492,332 views on YouTube!

Watch and learn:

Cross-published in www.starmometer.com

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Exquisite 9-Course Italian Dinner at Finestra's Chef's Table

If I get the chance to go to Europe, Italy would be the first country that I will visit. The arts and culture of this boot-shaped nation never cease to amaze me. And of course, the places that I want to see are the Canals of Venice, the Colosseum, the Pompeii and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, among others.

Italy, by the way, is famous around the world not only for their UNESCO Heritage sites, the visual arts of Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo, the music of Luciano Pavarotti, the fashion trends in Milan, but also for their food. And when I think about Italian food, the first four things that come to my mind are pizza, pasta, gelato and espresso, but of course, the assortment is wider and more diverse than what our stomach can imagine.

Last Wednesday, August 13, I was fortunate to have a taste of Italy. I may not be able to go to Italy for the distant future but at least I was able to taste the country via Finestra's Chef's Table.    

Finestra is one of Solaire's signature restaurants. It boasts of authentic Italian dishes under the strict supervision of its Executive Chef, Mr. Salvatore De Vincentis.

Chef Salvatore has more than 20 years of cooking experience with tenures at Grand Hyatt in Dubai and Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in Bahamas. He arrived to the Philippines four years ago and worked at Edsa Shangri-La Manila and now at Finestra in Solaire Resort and Casino. The feathers in his cap include Best Executive Chef for Italian Cuisine at the WOFEX Worldwide Competition Awards, Best Italian Restaurant for Edsa Shangri-La Manila’s Paparazzi at the 2009 Nescafé Gold Spot Awards, and Best Italian Restaurant for Mezzo Mezzo, JW Marriott Hotel, Mumbai at the 2012 Times Food & Nightlife Awards.

Chef Salvatore and his team prepared a 9-course meal for me and fellow bloggers (Jeng Bauto of www.showbiznest.com and Mhel & Ken Ignacio of www.certifiedfoodies.com) at the Chef's table located right at the open kitchen of Finestra. Chef's Table, by the way, it an exquisite dining experience in Finestra where a group of up to four people get to sit and dine as the food is being prepared in front of you. You can also chat with Chef Salvatore and ask him about the story behind the food being prepared and what not. And that's what we did.

The thing Chef Salvatore said that I will never forget is that most of the ingredients in the food they are serving in Finestra are imported from Italy. From cherry tomatoes, from all kinds of cheeses and even the wine came all the way from his country making Finestra an authentic Italian restaurant.

Course #1: Burrata Pugliese 

The meal started with two flavorful appetizers. First, the Aragosta and Shrimp Soup with Olive Crostini.

Second, the aged Parma ham and rughetta salad. Skewed on a breadstick is a melon wrapped with Parma ham, a popular dry-cured ham that is usually thinly sliced and served uncooked. According to Chef Salvatore, it got its name from the Italian city which main product aside from cheese is the all-natural ham made from only four ingredients, pork, salt, air and time.

My favorite, by the way, is the cheese on the left side of the plate called Buffalo Mozarella. It's made from  the milk of the domestic Italian water buffalo which gives it a unique taste. Inside is a combination of mozarella and cream giving it an unusual, soft texture.

Course #2: Pizzeta

What's an Italian meal without pizza and Chef Salvatore served us a traditional kind that brings him closer to home. This pizza has Porcini mushrooms and Trentino Speck or smoked ham for toppings and lots of Bocconcini or the small mozzarella cheeses the size of an egg like the Buffalo Mozarella. Chef asked us if we want the pizza sliced and we nodded. Apparently in their hometown, they don't use a pizza cutter in slicing the pizzeta. They use their bare hands instead.

Course #3: Calamarata

Top right of the photo grid - Red Sicilian Pesto, Clams, and Mussels.

Course #4: Raviolone

Top left of the photo grid  - Diver Scallops with Saffron Cream and Salmon Caviar on top.

Course #5 - Risotto

Bottom left - Homemade Sausage, Rice in Barolo Wine Reduction Sauce. 

Bottom right - Bisol Cartizze wine that gives the taste buds a different take on Calamarata, Raviolone and Risotto.

Course #6 - Intermizzo

Chef Salvatorre said it's time to cleanse before the main course so he served us a Limoncello Sorbet. The lemon cocktail was served in a small glass separated from the ice ball so we can balance the strong lemon flavor according to our taste. This 'intermezzo' actually removed the 'umay' from our tongue so that we can continue to course #7 and #8 which are the main course. Yes, folks, finally the main course is up next! 

Course # 7 - Branzino

Branzino means "Seabass" and it's a seafood meal with Roasted Chilean Seabass in Datterini Cherry Tomato and Sorrente Olive Oil infusion.

Course # 8 - Agnello

Agnello means "Lamb" and I'm really delighted that the next entree is a Grilled Lamb Chop because I love lamb chops! Whenever we go to Go Greek, I always order grilled lamb chops because it's rich in protein and less in fat compared to pork and beef.

Anyway, Chef's Salvatore's Lamb Chop was cooked in medium rare which is perfect for the Schiopetto Collio, a wine that caresses the palate with expressive layers of sweet, perfumed fruit.

Course # 9 - Dessert

Finally, we're down to desserts! Chef Salvatore asked us what do we like and I said "surprise us" (chos). He served us three kinds of desserts actually.

On the left is the traditional Nutella Cake. On the middle is the Tiramisu, which I thought before was Japanese because of its sound and learned that it's actually Italian. On the right-most of the rectangular plate is the Wallnut Caramel Gelato which was the best-tasting gelato I've ever tasted (without exaggeration, really!). The taste of caramel ice cream embedded on powdered wallnuts was fantastic! It ended the 9-course meal with a bang.

You too, can embark on an exquisite dining experience with two to five of your friends and relatives at Finestra's "Chef's Table." It's fun, it's casual, educational, entertaining, and amusing. But most importantly, it offers a multisensory culinary adventure like no other. Experience Italy taste-wise at Finestra located in Solaire Resort and Casino at 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque City. Just make a reservation 72 hours in advance for the Chef's Table.

Photo op with Chef Salvatore De Vincentis

Menu Options:

Six-course meal - P4,888+ /person
Nine-course meal - P5,888+ /person

Optional Beverage Pairing:

Additional P1,299+ /person (for a six-course meal)
or P1,699+ /person (for a nine-course meal)

For more information, visit www.solaireresort.com and like their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SolaireResort and follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SolaireResort.

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3rd Time in Boracay's a Charm Because of Zuzuni Hotel

They say third time's a charm and it's true, well at least for me. I've been to Boracay 3 times already and it's the latest trip to the island paradise that charmed me the most because of the hotel. 

While some travelers don't give much importance to where they stay when they're on a trip and they see hotels as somewhat just a place to sleep, I have a different opinion. For me, accommodations are part of your journey and these hotels can give as much memories as the attractions you are going to. Well, if the hotel can give you a pleasant experience, that is.        

My trip to Boracay last month was made even more wonderful because of the hotel we stayed in for 3 days and 2 nights: Zuzuni Boutique Hotel. It was a pleasant surprise when we arrived because it's my first time to a beachfront hotel, ever. In my previous trips, we stayed in a large hotel that is far from the beach. So aside from sharing the space with lots of other 'bakasyonistas,' it takes us about 5 to 10 minutes walk before we reach the beach. In Zuzuni, it was a different story.  

My room is located at the 3rd floor. These squeaky clean wooden stairs directed me to my room. 

 And when I opened the door, everything's so clean and nice and the whole room was well-lit. According to some staff-members, everything was Mediterranean-inspired.

Here's my bed which is kinda similar to the ones in 5-star hotels. The sheets smell really nice and the comfort level is definitely 10/10! 

My favorite part, and what enthralled me the most, was the balcony! Zuzuni is a beachfront hotel so the view from my room's balcony is mesmerizing. A perfect place to relax, I can see the ocean from here, some trees, the people walking by, the sailboats, and the powdery sands of Station 1. 

Here's the view from my room:

And here's the sliding glass window of my room which I like to keep open because I love breathing fresh air coming from the ocean.

Located at the ground floor is the Spanish-inspired restaurant called "Cuzina." They serve Filipino, Spanish and American breakfast here. If you're a guest at the hotel, you are entitled to a free breakfast. My choice was always Filipino breakfast, tocilog and tapsilog on the next day.

After eating breakfast, I work for an hour or two with my laptop and this amazing view:

Overall, my stay at Zuzuni Hotel was great. Everything was very clean from the comfort room to the balcony. They served delicious breakfast. The staff was friendly and eager to please. The location was very convenient, it's just a few hops away from the beach and near all the shops, bars, restaurants, water sports activities, that you need. Beside there was even a convenience store where you can buy the necessities that you forgot to bring. It's also 5-10 minutes away from D Mall.

If you're Boracay bound, I highly recommend Zuzuni Hotel simply because of my terrific 3 days 2 nights experience. Take note, it garnered a very high 8.4 score from Agoda.com with lots of positive feedbacks from 42 people who've been there so you can expect more good reviews about the this hotel.

For more details about their promos and corporate discounts, visit Zuzuni Hotel's Official Website at www.zuzuni.net. You can also like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/zuzuniboracay.

For reservations, call Zuzuni Hotel at (036) 288-4477, 09088620031 or 09088939841(8am-8pm) or email them at zuzuniboracay@gmail.com.

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2015 Philippine Holidays

Here are the official holidays in the Philippines for the year 2015:

Day	Date	Holiday	Comments
Thursday	January 01	New Years Day	Araw ng Bagong Taon
Friday	January 02	New Year Holiday	Additional special (non-working) day
Thursday	February 19	Chinese New Year	Special (non-working) day
Wednesday	February 25	EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary	A special holiday for all schools
Thursday	April 02	Maundy Thursday	Huwebes Santo
Friday	April 03	Good Friday	Biyernes Santo
Saturday	April 04	Black Saturday	Special Non-working day
Thursday	April 09	The Day of Valor	Araw ng Kagitingan. Marks the the fall of Bataan in World War II.
Friday	May 01	Labor Day	Araw ng mga Manggagawa
Friday	June 12	Independence Day	Araw ng Kalayaan. Celebrates the Philippine Declaration of Independence on 12 June 1898
Friday	August 21	Ninoy Aquino Day	Special Non-working day. Commemorates the assassination of Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr. in 1983
Monday	August 31	National Heroes Day	Last Monday of August
Sunday	November 01	All Saints Day	Special Non-working day
Monday	November 30	Bonifacio Day	Commemorates the birth of Andrés Bonifacio on 30 Nov 1863
Thursday	December 24	Christmas Eve	Special Non-working day
Friday	December 25	Christmas Day	Araw ng Pasko
Wednesday	December 30	Rizal Day	Commemorates the execution of José Rizal by the Spanish on 30 Dec 1896
Thursday	December 31	New Years Eve	Special Non-working day

Photo Credit: CebuFinest.com

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Win AirAsia Zest Tickets from MurangLipad

Get a chance to win 1 (One) Roundtrip Ticket to ANY AirAsia Zest Domestic destination, for tickets booked through MurangLipad Hotline, and Muranglipad Ticket Offices.

Filipino Low Cost Carrier ZestAir has been rebranded as AirAsia Zest to reflect its partnership with AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia and voted as the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for six consecutive years from 2009 - 2014.

We truly believe that every Filipino is now given the “Right Way to Fly”. AirAsia Zest will bring you to a destination of your choice!*

Here are the things you need to do to win round trip tickets to ANY AirAsia Zest Domestic Destination!

Contest Mechanics

The Contest is open to Filipinos based in the Philippines except for the following: Permanent and/or temporary staff or employees of the Organizer, Triplestar Travel and Tours, AirAsia Zest and participating outlets including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the promotion; Representatives and/or agents (including advertising and promotion) of the Organizer, Triplestar Travel and Tours, AirAsia Zest and other affiliates of the Organizer including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the promotion.

To qualify for the Contest, participants must book an AirAsia Zest Ticket thru MurangLipad via:

Ticket Offices located at the ff. areas:

Pasay City – Domestic Passenger Terminal 4, Domestic Road, Pasay City.

Makati City – Unit 202 La’O Center Bldg. 1000 Makati Ave cor Arnaiz St., San Lorenzo, Makati City

Quezon City- 2/F Cocoon Boutique Hotel, #61 Sct Rallos cor. Sct Tobias, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City.

Clark - Exp 232 Wellness Zone #166 2^nd Floor SM City Clark, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Cebu City - Doors 2 & 3 YMCA Building Jones Avenue, Cebu City

Cebu Airport – Pre-departure Area Mactan, Cebu International Airport

Davao City – Door #16 Legaspi Suite, P. Pelayo, Davao City

Davao Airport – G/F Passenger Terminal Bldg, Davao International Airport, Davao City

Bacolod – New Bacolod Silay Intl Airport, Brgy. Bagtic, Silay City, Negros Occidental

Tacloban – DZR Tacloban Domestic Airport, Brgy. San Jose Tacloban City

Puerto Princesa – Airport Park, Rizal Avenue Extension Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa City

Phone call thru (02) 849-0100 from 8:00AM – 6:00PM (Monday – Saturday except Sunday and Holidays)

• A purchase of 1 (one) segment per person is entitled to 1 Raffle Entry. (e.g. 1 Person MNL-CEB = 1 Raffle Entry; 1 Person MNL-CEB-MNL = 2 Raffle Entries.)
• In case that the Purchaser is not the passenger, the Purchaser is the one entitled for the Promo.
• There is only 1(one) winner to be announced per Draw.
• A participant can win only once for the whole duration of the contest.
• The winners will be notified via Registered Mail and by email, telephone, post or any other mode of communication from MurangLipad.
• Prizes can be claimed at ANY MurangLipad Ticket Offices.
• Prize is transferable but not convertible to cash.
• Except as otherwise stated in these terms and conditions, the Prize does not include travel documents, travel insurances, meals, baggage allowance, taxes, administration fees, surcharges and other costs of personal nature incurred by the winner(s) and/or guest(s) in connection with the use of the Prize and the winner(s) and/or guest(s) shall be solely responsible for any payment of the same which are payable in connection with their use of Prize.
• Redemption period shall be within 60 days from notification; prizes will be forfeited if unclaimed within 60 Days from the receipt of notification with prior DTI approval.
• Travel period must be within 1 Year from the date of issuance/claiming of the voucher for Domestic Flight, except during weekends, eve of public holidays and public holidays at any time.
• In case that the desired Roundtrip Ticket Price will be Php10,000.00 pesos and above the respective Tax of 20% should be shoulder by the Winner/s
• Winners need to present the Notification Letter from MurangLipad and a valid ID in order to claim their prize.
• Non winning entries are still valid up to the last Draw of Winners.

Prize:

1(One) Roundtrip Ticket to ANY AirAsia Zest Domestic destination, for tickets booked through MurangLipad Hotline and Ticket Offices.

Booking Period: July 01- October 31, 2014

Deadline of Entries:

1^st Draw: 12:00MN of July 31, 2014

2^nd Draw: 12:00MN of August 31, 2014

3^rd Draw: 12:00MN of September 30, 2014

4^th Draw: 12:00MN of October 31, 2014

Determination of Winners will be at MurangLipad Ticket Office

Venue: Domestic Passenger Terminal 4, Domestic Road, Pasay City

Date:

1^st Draw: August 07, 2014

2^nd Draw: September 04, 2014

3^rd Draw: October 02, 2014

4^th Draw: Nov 06, 2014

Announcement of Winners:

1^st Draw: August 08, 2014

2^nd Draw: September 05, 2014

3^rd Draw: October 03, 2014

4^th Draw: November 07, 2014

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Tara Na Sa Norte: 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Northern Philippines

Summer is over but there are still 7 reasons why you should go North! Check out why exploring Northern Philippines is your best bet when wanderlust kicks in come rain or shine.

1. THE NLEX



The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is known as the “Gateway to the North”. It spans 84 kilometers of world-class expressway which connects Metro Manila to the Central and Northern Luzon regions. Built to ensure safety, convenience, and efficiency of motorists and passengers, the Manila North Tollways Corporation-operated (MNTC) expressway has 98 internationally recognized informational, directional, and warning signs along its entire stretch, as well as real-time en route travel advisories, and 24/7 CCTV cameras to monitor road conditions and ensure that you reach your Northern destination with ease.

2. COLORFUL FESTIVALS



Baguio may be known for its annual flower fest Panagbenga, or Dagupan for its Bangus Festival but there are more to Northern Philippines’ festival than meets the eye. Malolos, Bulacan has the Sto Niño de Malolos Festival, the biggest gathering of devotees to the Holy Child Jesus in the North, held every January. Kannawidan 'Ylocos' Festival in Ilocos Sur pays homage to Ilocano traditions, and include street parades, Ilocano poem writing contest, a talent night where performers sing Ilocano ballads, a dance drama, and marching band contest. Of course, Pampanga has its world-famous Lantern Festival held every December, and Sinukwan Festival, a festival immortalizing Aring Sinukwan, god of the ancient Kapampangans where groups outdo each other in dancing to the local anthem “Atin Cu Pung Singsing”.

3. AMAZING CHURCHES



Paoay Church, Photo by Edsel Ochoa[/caption] The country’s deep-rooted Christianity is mirrored in some of the country’s oldest churches located in Northern Luzon. Among them, Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of Atonement) located atop Mount Mary Hill; Paoay Church (St. Augustine Church), a UNESCO World Heritage Site; St. William Cathedral, Laoag’s city’s landmark built in 1580; Betis Church (St. John the Apostle Parish Church) in Guagua, named a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum for its painted ceiling of murals depicting scenes from the Bible; and the San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, which doubles as a place of worship and a tourist attraction to this day with its Baroque architecture, particularly its pulpit which is intricately carved and heavily gilded in gold leaf.

4. WONDERFUL BEACHES AND WATER SPORTS



In Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, not only do the wide beaches lure you to swim but the excellent wind can give you the ultimate rush via kiteboarding and windsurfing. Zambales’ Potipot Island inspires visitors to go kayaking. Pangasinan’s Hundred Islands also boast of isolated caves, and snorkeling reefs. The more daring ones can go near and far Luzon to enjoy spectacular adventures. Deca Wakepark in Clark is a wakeboarder’s haven. Baguio has various trails which newbies and seasoned adrenaline junkies alike enjoy. Benguet also has challenging bike trails to conquer.

5. GLORIOUS FOOD



Organic food, pampanga, photo by Edsel Ochoa[/caption] Itself a unique adventure, food in Northern Philippines is both for the banal and the adventurous. Pampanga, of course, is the food lover’s haven with Bale Datung, a popular private kitchen perfect for intimate lunch or dinner with family and friends featuring Chef Claude Tayag’s homemade creations; Susie’s pichi pichi, tibok tibok, suman, moche and sapin sapin; Aling Lucing’s Sisig; and Nathaniel’s buko pandan. The Ilocos region boasts of its Vigan longganiza and crispy ukoy and empanadas.

6. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES



Aetas of Zambales, photo by Edsel Ochoa[/caption] Ethnic groups are known to have preserved the real culture of Filipinos. It would be good to encounter and learn more about the Aetas of Pampanga, the Igorots of the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Ilongots in the southern Sierra Madre and Caraballo Mountains on the east side of Luzon particularly Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya

7. BEST ACCOMMODATIONS



Near or far, affordable or luxurious, North Luzon’s many hotels and accommodations await guests. From Baguio’s Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club, to Bataan’s Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar where heritage structures are a sight to behold; to Anvaya Cove, a luxurious residential resort and private enclave that presents a balance between sustainable development and environmental preservation. Know more about how you can enjoy the best of North Philippines, its numerous travel spots and no-miss attractions by dropping by at ‘NLEX Tara na sa Norte,” a travel fair which will run on July 25-27, 2014, at the Glorietta Activity Center Makati City. At least 100 exhibitors are expected to gather for this travel and tourism fair mounted by the Manila North Tollways Corp (MNTC) - from the corporate sector, local government units, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) regional offices, hotels, and restaurants, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and traders, among others. ‘NLEX Tara nasaNorte” will also provide a platform for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their craft, furniture, fashion accessories, food items and other regional products and make them accessible to Metro Manila residents.

Co-presenters are the Department of Tourism Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Glorietta and Ayala Malls, and supported by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB), this three-day event is also sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corporation, Maynilad and PhilHydro with Cebu Pacific as the official airline partner and Philippine Daily Inquirer, media partner.

Images courtesy of Edsel Ochoa

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