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The Peninsula Manila or famously known as The Manila Pen is one of the most elite and sophisticated hotel in the metro. located in the heart of the Philippines business district it is tag as "Jewel in the Capitals Crown". it is the first Peninsula hotel outside HongKong built in 1976 in time for the hosting of Ineternational Monetary Fund in Manila. the hotel has been the favorite of high ranking official and foriegn dignitaries visiting the country.for its complete and world class facilities. the hotels offers 497 rooms and suite equiped with modern technological convenience and a complimentary internet broadband accessfor all hotel guest.the hotel also feature some of Manila top restaurants and bar 6 of them to be exact offering a wide choice of fine dining experience from European to Asian cuisine, but the hotel dont want their guest going home fat so they also provided them with a fitness center,swimming poo,l sauna and spa for those who wants to ease some stress in their body. aside from its modern feature and world class quality service the hotel is just a stone throw away from the countries premier shopping and clubbin district. The Manila Pen is the most recognizable and awarded hotel amongst the countries 5 star hotel it is consistent to be on the top list of the Conde Nast Golds List and Travel + Leisure Worlds Best List just recently The Manila Pen rank no. 4 in Asia in the worlds best hotel category. The Peninsula Manila blends traditional Filipino hospitality with a modern elegance.
Getting There:
The Peninsula Manila is ideally located in the heart of Makati, Metro Manila's business and financial district, and is close to the heart of Manila's finest shopping malls. The Peninsula Manila is a short 9 km, 30 minutes' drive, from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and 7 km, 20 minutes, from Manila Domestic Airport.
The hotel's fleet of Mercedes-Benz limousines is available for airport transfers and hourly hire. The hotel has a helipad for guests' use and can arrange for helicopter service through the Concierge.
Rates:
Makati Tower Room
Superior Makati Room-$195
DeLuxe Makati Room-$225
Grand DeLuxe Makati Room-$250
Club DeLuxe Room-$265
Suites
Club Premier Suite-$375
Premier Suite-$295
Executive Suite-$370
Executive Suite 2 Bedroom-$585
DeLuxe Makati Suite-$500
The Peninsula Suite-$2,250
Ayala Tower Room
Superior Room-$145
DeLuxe Room-$175
Grand DeLuxe-$200
Suites
Premier Suite-$225
Executive Suite-$300
Executive Suite 2 Bedroom-$475
DeLuxe Suite-$350
Photo Gallery of Peninsula Manila
Hotel
Hotel Lobby
Hotel Entrance
Restaurants and Bar
Spa and Fitness
Rooms and Suites
The Peninsula Suite
Ayala Premier Suite
Makati Superior Room
Makati Deluxe Room
Makati Premier Suite
The Club Deluxe
Ayala Deluxe Room
Official Website:
http://manila.peninsula.com/tpm/index.shtml
Friday, August 24, 2007
Hotel: The Peninsula Manila
Monday, August 20, 2007
Destination: Glan Sarangani
Philippines is trully surprising i almost had a cardiac when i found out about this little island of Glan down south of the Philippines in Sarangani (SoCCSKSarGen) Province to be exact. i never expect that province is hiding a paradise, well now i know. anyways back to our destination Glan is a 1st class municipality it has a population of 83,051 people in 16,990 households. it is bordered on the west by Sarangani Bay, on the north by Davao del Sur, and on the south by the Celebes Sea. the towns economy is mainly based on agriculture,fishing and just recently Glan made known its tourism potential but still waiting to be discover by many. there are now few inns in the island.and there is a very controversial hotel resort in the island but i am not sure if it is operating already well it is not just an ordinary beach resort it is a very expensive resort hotel which according to report only have 30 rooms with a staggering price of 250 million pesos. the reason why im not sure if the resort was operating or not is because i have read an article regarding the hotel's investor being blacklisted by the immigration authority back in 2003 so the operation was put on hold the project is around 70% finish. so now its 2007 i hope everything went fine with that resort. anyways just when you think that the island is ll about white sand beaches well you are wrong as Glan is also rich in history and heritage and an ambiance of an old town. Glan distinctively remains an uncharted tourism hub and a paradise in waiting.
Getting There:
Glan is accessible by plane or boat from Manila and Cebu via General Santos City and by any means of Land Transportation. it is approximately 40 minute travel time from the capital town and a 1 hour drive from General Santos City in a 55 km world class highway passing through a breathtaking mountain and seaside view.
Where To Stay:
Rosal Beach Resort
Gumasa, Glan
Mr. Roque Adarna
+639209212203
White Haven Beach
Gumasa, Glan
Dr. Ernesto Adarna
+639189400421
Delos Reyes Beach Resort
Gumasa, Glan
Mr. Vicente Delos Reyes
(083)554-5336/+639209103024
Antonio’s Mangrove Forest
Tango, Glan
Ms.Marina Restauro
+639177563587
Photo Gallery of Glan:
Sorrry No Caption As I am Speechless Right Now.
Pictures are Exclusively owned by:
Mark Wendell
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Menu: Pinakbet
Pinakbet or pakbet is a popular Ilocano dish, from the northern region of the Philippines, although it has become popular throughout the archipelago. The word is the contracted form of the Ilocano word "pinakebbet", meaning shrunk or shrivelled. The original Ilocano pinakbet uses Bugguong, of fermented monamon or other fish, while further south, bagoong alamang is used. Usually its most basic vegetables used in this dish include native bitter melon, eggplant,tomato, ginger,okra, string beans, lima beans, chili peppers and various Filipino vegetables like parda, winged beans, and such. A Tagalog version usually includes calabaza. it is one of my favorite filipino food especially if it was cook properly. cause there are Pinakbet thats just sooooo bitter because of the bitter melon. i love pakbet with lotsa lotsa shrimp and porks. aside from adobo this is one of the Filipino Food you should try.
How To Cook
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 pound pork/shrimp
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 cup bagoong
4 eggplants
1/3 cup tomatoes
2 pieces ampalaya or amargoso
1/2 teaspoon MSG Salt.
Slice the pork into strips. Mince the garlic, chop the ginger, and tomatoes. Quarter the eggplant and ampalaya or amargoso.
Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pork, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and bagoong. Simmer until the pork is tender.
Add the ampalaya or amargoso and eggplant and simmer until done. Add MSG and salt to taste.
Makes 4 servings.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinakbet
Friday, August 10, 2007
Destination: Chico River-Kalinga
Are you tired of the usual beach escape? do you need some adrenaline rush on your next travel agenda? then hie off to Kalinga a landlocked province north of the Philippines. Kalinga is an action thrill destination with a magnificent landscape. ok enough with the introduction lets go straight into the action. Chico River is where the action is. it is one of the longest river in the Philippines with remarkable scenery that is cradled with mountainsides of centuries old rice terraces, rustic villages and lush green foliage. The Whitewater Rafting in the River is definitely exhilarating.
The 3 Different Runs To Choose From
The Ulalim Run- this run is usually for the overnighter it begins at the point where the Pasil and Chico river meet. the Chico-Pasil river is your start off point. the route is full of big waves and breathtaking scenery without the hard rapids.
The Matagpuan Run- this run is more popular with newbies and veteran. it covers the whole lenght of the chico river with a start off poin at Tinglayan and and fininging near Tabuk. ready those triceps as this run is 4 to 5 hours of rafting at high water level and an additional 6 to 7 hours paddling at low water. still up for it?
The Mcliing Dulag-stretching from Bugnay to the Tinglayan proper,this two-hour run passes through high waters with some technical rapids.
The trip to Chico River from the town proper Tabuk will be approximately 1 to 3 hours depending on what river route your group decides to try. while the trip from Manila to Kalinga will take about an hour by air and a "Butt" burning "10" hours yes "10" yes "10" you heard it right "10" hours trip by land. if travelling by land its better to take the night trip say like 10 pm so all you have to do in the bus is snooze and when you wake up you are in Kalinga already. this trip is definitely amazing not only by the River Wild but by the wonders of "Kalinga".
Getting There:
From Manila. The journey to Kalinga can be done by land and by air. Philippine Airlines 9PAL) flies from Manila to Tuguegarao thrice weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. From Tuguegarao, it is an hour ride by jeep or bus to Tabuk. The Chico River Quest can pick you up at the airport if you inform them in advance. PAL’s reservation hotline is (632) 855-8888.
By Land. Autobus lines telephone (632) 743-6870, and Victory Bus Lines (Kamias terminal) (632) 920-7396 offers daily air conditions bus service to Tabuk that is usually a ten hour-trip form Manila.
From Bontoc. Jeepneys and buses ply the Kalinga highway to Tinglayan (2.5 hrs) and Tabuk (6 hrs). Service is hourly from 7 to 11 am.
Cost:Chico River Quest Packages Includes Everything From Gear To Guides. Cost Ranging From 2,500($54) to 8,000php($174) depending on how many days you want to stay. There are hostels in Tabuk that will be arrange also by the team.
Photo Gallery Of Chico River:
Sources of Information and Photos
Zo Aguila of CosmopolitanMagazine Philippines
WOW Philippines
LakbayPilipinas
Scubaschnauze
Harley501
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Travel News: Foreign tourists may stay in Philippines up to 24 months
MANILA, Philippines -- Citing the arrival of more foreign tourists, the Bureau of Immigration has increased to up to two years or 24 months the length of time visitors may stay in the country.
In a memorandum made public on Monday, Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said tourists may extend their stay in the country every two months up to 16 months. After 16 months, a tourist must submit an application to the bureau’s immigration regulation division (IRD) if he wants to stay up to 24 months.
Beyond 24 months, a tourist would need the approval of the commissioner, the memorandum said.
According to Libanan, he decided to ease the bureau’s policy on visa extensions after learning that the number of tourists who extended their stay during the first semester of the year rose by 21 percent compared to 2006.
He said the BI visa extension office approved from January to June 2007 a total of 196,172 applications for extension of stay, compared to 161,984 in the same period in 2006.
“These statistics indicate that our country is fast emerging as one of Asia’s most favored tourist destinations,” Libanan said in a statement. He said a total of 468,281 foreigners arrived from January to June, compared to 439,526 in the same period in 2006.
Lawyer Gary Mendoza, IRD chief, said the new policy would apply to all foreign tourists regardless of nationality.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Feature: Eastwood City Libis
Located at the center of a progressive metropolis, Eastwood City is a 16-hectare state-of-the-art residential, business, commercial and entertainment city. it is one one of the coolest spot in the metro to hangout with family and friends. its a city within a city. a place to live,work and enjoy. residential condominiums are perfectly surrounded by modern everyday conveniences such as specialty stores, cinemas, a supermarket, a health and fitness gym, and corporate offices.
While For entertainment and leisure, the city also includes a vibrant City Walk that boasts of a wide display of restaurants, disco, bars and cafes and a Shopping Mall. the City also features the Philippines very own version of Walk Of Fame. Eastwood City is an area full of somewhat upscale restaurants and bars. the environment is highly Westernized upscale and upbeat.
Getting There:
Eastwood City is easily accessible to and from any key location around the metropolis. Within easy reach is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Nearby are the bustling commercial and business districts of Makati and Ortigas.
Bars and Restaurant To Check Out in The Citywalk
Blue Onion Bar and Restaurant A hip bar and restaurant rolled into one. Choose from a treasure trove of specialties like Crispy Pork Knuckles, Korean Barbeque, Japanese Tempura and Sisig, specially created from a homegrown Pampango recipe. In the evening, the lights go dim, drinks begin to flow and music starts to play. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-1862
Cheesecake Etc. A treat for those with a sweet tooth, Cheesecake Etc. serves dessert with a specialty on a wide variety of cheesecake and coffee concoctions. They also offer sisig and schueblig sandwiches for those who prefer a heartier meal. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)913-9194
Ebisu Serving authentic Japanese cuisine, Ebisu features yakiniku tables where guests can cook their own rib eye steak, lamb chops and scallops. Best selling dishes include Ebisu Chicken in garlic soy marinade, salmon-based Shake no Miso Mayo and salpicao-style Saikoro Steak. A bar at the first level features a variety of aperitifs and cocktails such as green tea martini and sake. Second Floor, City Walk 2
Tel. (632)687-7806
Gweilos The popular tryst for music lovers, Gweilos treats everyone with the most affordable food and drinks. Listen to live alternative, acoustic bands on selected nights or watch your favorite sports game on their huge screen while drinking the night away. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-2283
Haagen-Dazs True, real ice cream is a classic indulgence. Natural ingredients, simply combined and yet, when that first spoonful melts in your mouth the moment is pure pleasure. Haagen-Dazs ice cream is made from the finest ingredients with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colorings. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)687-1839
Ipanema Bar and Restaurant Ipanema evokes the same lyrical ambiance that probably fired up the artist to write the song "The Girl from Ipanema." Experience knockout Ipanema's specialties such as Paella ala Erna, Lengua con Champignon, Linguicas, Salpicao, Prawns Thermidore and Mandioca Frita. Second Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-7764 to 65
Jack's Loft Jack's Loft is the perfect place to chill out, with its sumptuous specialty desserts such as mile-high cakes, cheesecakes, pies, tarts and mousse. They also serve salads, sandwiches and pasta. Must try is their "fishbowl" iced tea. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-2048
Melange Melange means mixture or combination in French, which is why this restaurant offers an excellent fusion of French, Mediterranean, Spanish, Filipino, Italian and American specialties to satisfy all palates. Must try are their savoury and dessert crepes. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)913-4277
Recipes by Cafe Metro Experience great Asian-type meals with a delectable twist in Recipes by Cafe Metro. Dishes like General's Chicken, Crispy Tilapia and Korean BBQ Short Ribs are flavored with fresh ingredients and served in a different way. And what's amazing is how affordable all their dishes are. Second Floor, City Walk 2
Tel. (632)687-4525
Seattle's Best Coffee Its warm and casual ambiance, typical of a modern American coffee shop, immediately puts you at ease to fully enjoy its brews. Try their enticing array of cold drinks such as SBC's Javanilla Shake, Iced White Chocolate Mocha, as well as iced varieties of lattes, mochas and sodas. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-2042 to 43
Somethin' Fishy Get lured and hooked at Somethin' Fishy, a seafood grill and bar that offers the most mouth-watering and freshest food you can find in the ocean. Choose from Crispy Tuna Tail, Inihaw na Pusit, Sizzling Swordfish Steak, Ginataang Pla-pla, Inihaw na Tuna Belly and Alimasag in Chili among others. Ground Floor, City Walk 1 Tel. (632)421-4757
The Basement Reminiscent of the New York-inspired clubs, The Basement offers nocturnal souls a place to party away with its dark red drapes, towering antique chandeliers and sunken stage - a seeming resemblance to the set of The Phantom of the Opera - turned DJ/acoustic club. Ground Floor, City Walk 1 Tel. (632)421-3930
West Lake West Lake offers Hong Kong style dimsum like shu mai, siopai and hakaw. Its also offers a delectable line of Cantonese fried rice and rice toppings. Also visit their deli counter for items to go like machang, hopia, Chinese chorizo, sesame oil and more. Ground Floor, City Walk 1 Tel. (632)421-9981 to 82
Starbucks,Coffe Bean and Many More.
Photo Gallerry of Eastwood:
Sources:
http://www.eastwood-properties.com
