7 Things To Do In Alabang That Make The South Equally Fun as The North

With sprawling food hub choices, booming industries for business, and first-rate hotels in Alabang, there’s no denying that it’s one of the country’s best alternatives for go-to hangout places. Being a short distance from Manila also helps making it a good choice for barkada night outs and jamming sesh. But for some weird reason, we think of it as farther south than it actually is.

A melting pot of various things to enjoy, Alabang offers several activities from the mundane to the exciting. Here are 7 things you can do in Alabang that would make you agree to pay that extra toll money.

1. Food Trip

From uppity up restaurants to holes-in-the-wall, Alabang has a very wide selection for food options. We might’ve just been dismissing it because we think it’s too far out, but this urban piece of Muntinlupa offers gastronomic gems that are sure to satiate your foodie souls. Among the best to try are The Black Pig, Neil’s Kitchen, and Burger Geek.

2. Physical Wellness
 

Apart from food hubs, Alabang also features a lot of different gyms that cater to a variety of market. Go for traditional workouts at places like Slimmers World, Golds Gym, and Fitness First, or opt for customized workout places like the Hit Arena and L3F Kettlebell Gym. They even have badminton places and martial arts camps for those who like to sweat it out differently.

3. Music & Entertainment

Treat your auditory nerves to some good music at Alabang. Attend live gigs and enjoy free band performances as you take a sip of that cocktail. The city is also home to the Filinvest Open grounds, the official venue of the annual music fest Wanderland. Apart from this, several malls like Alabang Town Center, Molito, and Festival Mall holds regular shows you can enjoy.

4. Party Venues

Whether it’s a wholesome kiddie party, or one of those rather wild ones that we millennials enjoy, Alabang has something to offer that would definitely fit your liking. Several hotels around the area offer banquet halls that could fit a large party, while pubs and restobars like Vue Bar at the Bellevue also host some of the coolest parties in the area.

5. Hotels for Staycations

One of the highly urbanized cities in the south, Alabang is home to the best hotels and luxury accommodations near Manila. With many Alabang hotel promos on the internet, you’ll surely find something affordable, yet will give you the highs and convenience of city living. Treat yourself to a nice staycation and relax in a developed yet less congested metropolis.

6. Bazaars and Retail Shops

Good finds don’t only exist in Baclaran or Divisoria. Go around Alabang and score some pretty affordable yet awesome stuff from accessories to clothes. Nestled on the outskirts of its commercial areas, village bazaars and warehouse sales can be found. Try venturing to these places and score pretty good deals with trendy clothes and other awesome finds.

7. Pamper Sessions

There’s no better way to relieve yourself of the stresses of life than to go on an all out pamper session. Whether you need a skin expert or just looking for a place to have your hair or nails done, there’s surely something for you in Alabang. Book a reservation at any of the spas they have at Molito or ATC and leave the establishment as your confidently beautiful self.


These are but some of the things you can enjoy in the south. Try giving it a shot and you’ll find out there’s a lot more to do here that’s equally fun as the North. Explore its awesome attractions and have a dose of a city life that offers the familiar comforts of rural living. Finally, retreat at one of the available hotels in Alabang and cap off the day with an indulgent rest.

The Ultimate Guide to Malaysia’s Best Destinations

Malaysia is known around the world as the ultimate cultural melting pot. The country has invited people from all cultures and traditions to live within its peninsula, from the neighbouring countries in Asia to the far reaches of the West. This is why while Malaysia is a Muslim community, you will still see different practices being shared in various temples, restaurants, shops, and cultural shows.


But more than just than the various history and heritage that can be found in Malaysia, it is also home to such a diverse landscape. A traveller can go from the urban jungles of its city centres, to beautiful and pristine beaches, and on to actual lush green jungles filled with gorgeous flora and fauna. For this reason, people get overwhelmed with the things they can do in Malaysia, they end up having no clue about how to maximise their stay there.


Luckily, you won’t have that same problem because here we’ll explore Malaysia’s must-not-miss destinations and the activities you can enjoy doing in each one. So before you book a Kuala Lumpur accommodation and pack those bags, let’s work on your itinerary!

Kuala Lumpur

You will most likely go to the capital first, Kuala Lumpur. This is Malaysia’s biggest economic hub, boasting the busiest business district in the country. At each turn, you will see shops and restaurants filled with the most eager customers and employees all rushing about to get to their workplace.


A popular site to see here are the Petronas Twin Towers, towering over the Kuala Lumpur city centre at an amazing 1,500 feet height. If this is not an issue for you, consider walking the bridge that connects both towers and get an impressive view of the city.


But apart from the towers, Kuala Lumpur offers other worthwhile destinations. Visit the Batu Caves if you want to know what it feels to be like Indiana Jones, minus the death-defying stunts. You can also drop by the Perdana Lake Gardens where a bird park is located, so you can check out which species take sanctuary in the city. For those looking to have a good night out, you may go to Bukit Bintang, one of the liveliest entertainment and shopping districts in KL.


The best part is it is so easy to get a KL accommodation here since most hotels offer promos and deals in a very convenient way. Just like two of Malaysia’s premier hotels, Royale Chulan Damansara and Royale Chulan The Curve. Both are offering an exclusive mobile deal that allows you to get discounts on your stay just by booking on their websites through your phone.

ROYALE CHULAN DAMANSARA

ROYALE CHULAN THE CURVE

Go on and take your pick and book your stay now while it’s still available!

Penang and Georgetown

There’s something enchanting about a place where time travel is possible. Well, not exactly the science fiction time travel we know from films. But a place where history and old-world glamour has been preserved perfectly so that travellers can feel like they were traversing the streets during the colonial times. That is what Penang can do for you.


Immerse yourself in Malaysia’s history and visit exciting destinations that mix culture and heritage with the modern and urban. Make your way to Georgetown, an UNESCO World Heritage Site where its road can lead you to places like the Kek Lok Si Temple, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Khoo Kongsi, and more. On your stroll around the country, you may also find their famous wall arts made by some of the local artists, mostly painted on or installed with recycled materials.


If you want to relax, though, you can cycle around Balik Pulau. It takes you away from frenetic city vibe and into the rural outskirts of Penang. The best way to appreciate this is if you cycle around the area either at sunrise or as soon as the day is about the end and all you can see is an endless sky of lilac and tangerine.

Melaka

Another city that offers rich heritage is Melaka, also declared a UNESCO Heritage Site back in 2008. It used to be a Portugal-trading spot since its location, between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, is strategic. There are temples you can visit around the city, but the appeal of Melaka is its laid-back, casual vibe. Most visitors come here to enjoy gorging on food in holes-in-the-wall restaurants and different hawker centres.


A good way to end the day would be to stroll by the port and watch the sunset. That is the ultimate indulgent stay you can treat yourself to.

Perhentian Islands

Now that you’ve had your fill of buildings and colonial architecture, it’s time to get yourself to a whole new setting: underwater. Nothing can be more exciting than taking a dive in the Perhentian Islands, a popular destination for amateur and professional divers. Enjoy its crystal clear waters and swim with a diverse marine life like sea turtles, reef fish, and friendly sharks. Or you can just lounge about by the shore and enjoy a few cocktails.


Be wary though, the month of July is usually its peak month so the Perhentian Islands might be packed full of tourists.

Cameron Highlands

Retreat to nature at Cameron Highlands. This is probably one of the few places in Southeast Asia where you can wear thick sweaters, scarves, and jackets. Once you make your way up the Cameron Highlands, consider camping because it’s going to make you enjoy the lush greenery even more. On your hike there make sure you take a snapshot of the flora and fauna you can find especially in the Taman Negara National Park.

Langkawi

A lot of tourists go to Langkawi because of the fine-sand beaches that can be found here. That’s cool, and you can definitely do that too! But Langkawi has other gems that offer an exciting experience to travellers. For instance, you can drop by the Langkawi Cable Car which will take you to a breathtaking ride up the Mat Cincang, the second highest peak in Langkawi.


Before you reach the summit, though, there are two stops you on your trip up. The first one is a viewing deck that will give you the perfect 360 view of the island. The second stop will take you to a much higher vista where hills and rainforests waits.


You can also visit Gunung Raya, the highest mountain in the island. The diverse wildlife you can find here includes macaque monkeys, mountain hawk eagles, great hornbills, flying foxes, and more.


If it’s museums you want, you can also drop by the Langkawi Art in Paradise 3D Museum. It is a three-storey building with nine interactive zones which features 200 art pieces. The zones you can visit are aquatic, fantasy, safari, and more.


So see? You can go from cities filled with skyscrapers to rainforests and beaches. Enjoy the diverse landscape offered by Malaysia and visit these awesome destinations! Next up in our series, the Ultimate Guide to Malaysia’s Delectable Dishes!

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Bohol, Philippines

Hotels and beach resorts in Bohol are a constant favorite among travelers wanting to see the best of the Philippines’ Central Visayas Region. And the usual number 1 tour destination after check-in: the Chocolate Hills, a group of about 1,700 grass-covered hills that turn brown during summer. But with all of Bohol’s history and natural beauty, this attraction isn’t all that you can look forward to for your vacation.

Here’s a pocket guide for first-timers who want to explore the province’s tourist spots.

1. Blood Compact Shrine

Located along Carlos P. Garcia Circumferential Road, the Blood Compact Shrine is a memorial to the historic friendship pact between Filipinos and Spaniards. On March 16, 1565, Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and then Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna slit their wrists and dropped blood in wine. This ritual is locally known as “Sandugo”, which means “one blood”.

2. Baclayon Church

With religious relics dating back to the 16th century, Baclayon Church is also a destination not to miss. Located in the municipality of Baclayon, just 6 km from Tagbilaran, it the second oldest stone church in the Philippines.

3. Punta Watch Tower

Punta Watch Tower is a triangular edifice in the municipality of Maribojoc, some 14 km west of Tagbilaran, overseeing the seas of South Bohol. It was originally created as a lookout against pirates. From its topmost window, you will enjoy a view of Siquijor, Cebu, and Mindanao.

4. Balicasag Island

Because of the province’s natural underwater beauty, snorkeling and diving are also among the top activities here. And one of the default destinations for this is Balicasag Island. The easiest way to plan a trip is asking assistance from your beachfront resort in Bohol.

5. Bilar Manmade Forest

Another favorite stop among tourists is the Bilar Manmade Forest in Carmen Town. It spans 2 km and boasts a lush spread of red and white mahogany trees.

6. Hinagdanan Cave

Located on Panglao Island, Hinagdanan Cave is a naturally lighted limestone cavern that features a deep lagoon and many large stalactites and stalagmites. “Hinagdanan” literally translates to “laddered” — to get inside the cave, one has to go down using a ladder.

Choosing an accommodation that offers tour packages is never a bad idea. Easily explore these destinations on our list with beach resorts in Bohol like Bohol Beach Club. Discounted room rates and special promos are available on its website.

3 Reasons Why Bohol is the Perfect Destination to Have Your Wedding

A significant increase of Google searches about “Bohol beach wedding packages” proves that tropical weddings are becoming a thing. We can speculate that maybe the picturesque nature in the backdrop during the ceremony just adds to the romance of exchanging vows. But a curious question remains: why Bohol in particular?

24Seven investigates and here’s what we’ve found. Bohol is the perfect destination to have your wedding because of these three reasons:

1. If you want a traditional wedding, Bohol has some spectacular churches, many of which are declared national historical landmarks.

This is according to an article released by Lamudi Philippines. They’ve mentioned the La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish which is a Neoclassical structure that was completed in 1727. Another beautiful historical church on their list is the St. Augustine Church, or Panglao Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Panglao.

2. Bohol is famous not only for its Chocolate Hills or its tarsiers, but also for its powdery stretches of white sand, mountainous terrains and rocky hills.

Positively Filipino had a run-down of some of the best tourist spots and attractions in Bohol that make the province ideal for weddings. Among the many attractions include the Loboc River Cruise — imagine going for a ride immediately after the ceremony — the hanging bamboo bridge, an array of museums, and of course, the tarsiers.

3. South Palms Resort in Bohol is no stranger to hosting beautiful picturesque weddings.

This holiday destination in Panglao, which offers affordable wedding packages in Bohol, is specifically mentioned by Gawin Blog as an ideal place for tying the knot. Imagine the salty ocean air, the ocean as your backdrop, and sand between your toes. What else could you want while exchanging vows?

Check out South Palms Bohol beach wedding packages here.

Naga City’s Peñafrancia: A Must-See Festival Honoring the Virgin Mary

As a predominantly Roman Catholic country, the Philippines is replete with religious festivities. One of these is the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia that is celebrated in the Bicol Region every September. During this time, Bicolanos and devotees from all over flock to Naga City in Camarines Sur to pay homage to the Virgin of Peñafrancia or “Ina”.

The feast day begins with a novena, or nine-day prayer, and bringing the image of the Virgin Mary to the Naga Shrine. Then on the last day, the Our Lady of Peñafrancia will be brought back to the Peñafrancia Basilica via a fluvial parade through the Naga River. Candles light the way and, as the image is carried in a procession, devotees exclaim “Viva La Virgen!”

While there are a number of feasts celebrating the Blessed Mother, the Peñafrancia is one of the biggest religious events. It is said that this image of the Madonna has miraculous powers, and that pilgrims who pay their respects on the feast day will have their wishes granted. It is for this reason why the celebration is among the most-attended occasions in reverence to the Blessed Virgin.

And because many people come over to Naga City at this time, a lot of hotels and accommodations open its doors to both devotees and curious tourists. One of these hotels in Naga is Villa Caceres Hotel in Magsaysay Avenue. The property is just about a 5-minute drive from the main pilgrim stops: the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine, Peñafrancia Basilica Minore, and Naga Cathedral. And it’s also a few minutes away from the Naga River where the fluvial parade happens. Staying at Villa Caceres indeed gives you easy access to the goings-on of the festival.

Other attractions that may enrich your trip during the Peñafrancia like Porta Mariae and Seminario del Santissimo Rosario are also nearby. Malls like SM City Naga and LCC Center Mall are only a few minutes from Villa Caceres Hotel as well.

Another advantage that the hotel provides with regards to its location is that it offers travelers a comfortable space for rest after a long day. Villa Caceres Hotel has 186 rooms and suites, all fitted with choice conveniences. These include air-conditioning, LCD cable TV, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Room types can cater to couples, families, and even groups of up to 8 persons, making the hotel an ideal choice to stay for those here for the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

Villa Caceres Hotel is located at Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City, Philippines. For more information on the hotel and available rooms for the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, visit https://www.villacacereshotel-naga.com.