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Sustainability Adventures from a Tropical Island

The Aquos Foundation

‘To nurture and protect biodiversity, threatened species, fragile ecosystems and the community’

A pair of fat Mantanani Scops Owls consider their next meal as dusk settles over the lush green canopy of the garden forest on Banwa Private Island. Following a busy day burying their eggs, a line of Hawksbill Turtles amble lazily through the scorching, white sand on their way back to the cool, clear water. Tabon Birds poke their beaks into the dense underbrush in the hopes of finding appetizing meals of seeds, shoots, and helpless insects. The reef is alive all around the island. Above beds of enormous clams, trevally, grouper, and cuttlefish dance ravenously. Clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish all make an effort to avoid becoming prey. They are transformed into colorful diversions for a nursery of black-tipped reef sharks as they dart through the coral. Life is wonderful in northern Palawan as the sun dips its toes into the clear seas for its final hurrah of the day.

But it was not always this way…  

Banwa Private island is remote but not removed from the heavy hand humanity has had on nature. Banwa Private Island’s Aquos Foundation was established to turn this around. Aquos Foundation Guardian, Bernard Bonares says: “In 2016, when Palawan was supposed to have the best coral in the Philippines, I saw was rubble covered in algae, a few lonely fish looking hopeless, and a hungry Hawksbill Turtle picking at a sponge. I was heartbroken.” Something had to be done, so the Foundation was set up to restore and protect the environment. This has resulted in a growing list of now thriving (often endangered) wildlife, the lush habitat and also the island’s healthy surrounding reef. 

The Aquos Foundation is an NGO that works to ensure Palawan is preserved as “the last frontier of biodiversity” for future generations in addition to offering opulent lodging and first-rate service. The Foundation’s dedication to the environment is what distinguishes Banwa Private Island. The goal is to safeguard and enhance the diverse wildlife in and around the island’s marine reserve.

We hope to soon share with you more sustainability success stories.

January 12, 2023 by
Lifestyle, Travel, Uncategorized

NEPAL DEBUTS ABOUT MIRAAYA, ITS MOST BEAUTIFUL GOLF & WELLNESS DESTINATION

This month, Nepal’s first boutique golf retreat destination for holistic wellness and spiritual development, Miraaya Wellness & Golf Retreat, will open for business under CG Hospitality. The Farm by San Benito, a renowned, multi-awarded eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort in the Philippines, served as the inspiration for this high-end offering, which is the first of its kind in South Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. It promises to offer an ultra-luxury experience ranging from wellness treatments to wellness cuisine and mindfulness.

The best place to tee off is in the lap of nature at Miraaya, where the tranquil atmosphere and spiritual elegance rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. The Miraaya heralds the restoration of tourism and hospitality to pre-pandemic levels.

The Miraaya’s unmatched offerings include 24 opulent guest rooms – lagoon villas, club suites, and villas with views of the 9-hole golf course. The property offers a 4069 yards comprising 9 holes with 32 par Golf Course, a spa & wellness sanctuary for all indoor and outdoor spa treatments, a yoga and meditation pavilion as well as new Three restaurants – Alive!, Prana, and The 19th Hole.

This exclusive premium resort nestling in the lap of Devachuli Hills is situated less than an hour’s drive from Bharatpur Airport on the strategic Mahendra or East-West Highway that connects Nepal from East to West. Other attractions include Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha; the breathtaking Chitwan National Park also home to the legendary Meghauli Serai – a Taj Safari (a CG Hospitality property) another and overlooks the spiritually enriching Shashwat Dham. Visitors to the Miraaya can visit the melting point of modern, traditional & traditional cultures at Unnati Cultural Village, another stunning offering from CG Hospitality which blends nature, culture, and spirituality in a never-seen-before combination in the neighborhood.

In its Phase 1 opening, slated for September 2022, Miraaya will open in a reinvented avatar the flagship Miraaya Wellness Spa. The brand new restaurants will offer their diners the finest culinary experience in the region. While Alive!, a vegan restaurant will advocate locally sourced, organically grown plant-based farm-to-table cuisine;, and the 19th Hole, a poolside sports bar and restaurant serving international cuisine.

Included in the complimentary activities for all guests are the resort’s yoga, meditation, and sound healing programs. In a pioneering move unmatched in all of Nepalese hospitality, the Miraaya Spa will offer traditional Nepali massage and beauty rituals using the healing properties of local medicinal plants and herbs.

In the second phase, expected to go live in the December 2022 as a grand launch, the property will open with 10 clubrooms, 8 lagoon villas and 6 golf villas with private pools, taking the room count to 24.

In the launch’s third and final phase in 2023, Miraaya will begin its medically-supervised programs such as Holistic Detox, Beauty and Longevity, Pain Management, Weight Management, Yoga and Raw Food Retreat.Miraaya promises to be a trailblazer in Nepalese hospitality as the region’s first luxury wellness, spiritual, and golf retreat that is close to Buddhist and Hindu religion centres and reverberates with tranquil healing energy.

“Miraaya embodies CG’s goal of holistic wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and cultural consciousness with its carefully curated fare”, says Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director and CEO, CG Hospitality. 

Miraaya is the place to be for everyone from the serious golfer to the wellness fanatic traveling abroad to take in the most extraordinary experiences. And the world is getting closer to this gorgeous new holistic refuge from CG Hospitality internationally with the construction of a new, top-notch international airport at Lumbini.

Visit www.miraayawellness.com to learn more about Miraaya online.

 

 

 

 

October 10, 2022 by
Travel

Prepare for your trips and exploits during the ‘Ber months

Fa la la la la, it’s once again that time of year! Christmas carols are playing on the radio, the cool holiday breeze starts to caress your skin, and houses and streets are decked out in a vibrant assortment of festive trinkets and decorations. Travel bells are ringing now that travel restrictions have been relaxed! Make sure you have all the necessary travel necessities and equipment for a smoother and more enjoyable holiday trip, whether all you want is a quiet weekend away with family or friends.

Make the most of your vacations by reading up on travel suggestions if you’re looking for your next vacation spot.

Take wonderful selfies in Baguio Christmas Village

Want to head up north? Experience the yuletide spirit of the colorful Christmas village in the City of Pines. Get your camera phones ready for some selfies or strike a pose with the vivid attractions and mesmerizing holiday lights while playing in the snow for that ultimate winter wonderland vibe.

You can also bring out the child in you and take a stroll in the gingerbread houses and candy cane displays and take photos with miniature snowmen while enjoying Baguio’s cool breeze — plus, you can visit the nearby night market and restaurants to complete the experience.

Go hiking in Sagada

Hike your way to the clouds and embrace the ‘ber-month breeze in Sagada, Mountain Province. Get your high-definition cameras ready and some drone action as you explore destinations within the mountain range.

Never miss a moment and get your powerful lenses ready to capture the famous hanging coffins, the picturesque view of Marlboro Hills, and the scenic Mt. Kiltepan viewpoint.

If you are craving more adventure, an additional hour-and-a-half away ride won’t hurt! Get your power banks ready to recharge your gears as you quest the ancient Buscalan Village, where the oldest and last mambabatok or Ifugao tattoo artist, Apo Whang Od, resides.

Hit the road to La Union

Grab your friends and have an awesome ‘ber-month road trip to La Union. Don’t forget to pack a good portable speaker to play your friendship playlists while you exchange amazing stories and share some laughs.

After indulging in San Juan’s famous beaches along with good music and sumptuous food, you can also explore La Union’s other famous destinations like the ancient Ma-Cho Temple, the historical Baluarte Watch Tower, or do some grape picking at Gapuz Grape Farm.

Catch some waves in Siargao

For those who are looking for some action, Siargao is the right travel destination for you. Have the ultimate island experience with your family and friends while immersing in the island with the locals.

If you want to learn the basics of surfing or diving, better grab your waterproof action cameras to capture fun moments beneath the splashes and waves. Ready your selfie sticks and hop on boats as you discover Siargao’s beautiful islands like the famous Naked Island and Sohoton Cove, ride motorcycles and stroll along the iconic palm tree-lined road and finally, join a party at Cloud 9 coast where great food and entertainment awaits. 

Get the full Christmas experience in Pampanga

Witness an awesome showdown of lights this December in the Christmas capital of the Philippines, San Fernando — home to the mesmerizing giant lanterns. Take clear, crisp photos of the giant attractions by bringing your night-powered camera phones with you. Capture every detail and make the vibrant colors of the lanterns pop in every shot.

If you are looking for another exciting Christmas-themed place in the city, worry not because Pampanga’s first Christmas-themed park in Mexico is open for you. After visiting the holiday destinations, satisfy your tastebuds with Kapampangan delicacies like tsokolate de batirol and bibingka at puto bumbong.

Be holiday ready with Home Credit

Take advantage of Home Credit Philippines’ accommodating payment arrangements and inexpensive rates to get ready for your vacation! Home Credit, the lifestyle companion of every Filipino, offers phones, gadgets, and other necessary travel necessities at the most competitive prices with flexible installment plans that suit every traveler’s budget.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).    have properly licensed and overseen the financing firm Home Credit Philippines. Visit the Home Credit Philippines website at www.homecredit.ph to find out more about the most recent news. You may also follow the company’s official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Customers are urged to download the Home Credit App from Google Play in order to learn more about the newest promotions and discover what has recently appeared in the market.

 

 

 

September 28, 2022 by
Lifestyle, Travel

WWF and Hamilo Coast are partners in sustainable tourism

Hamilo Coast and WWF further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity such as the Coastal Clean Up.

The country’s most popular beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, Hamilo Coast, may be the weekend retreat of the wealthy, but it is on course to become a successful example of eco-tourism techniques that are sustainable.

Hamilo Coast, a project of SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), has 5,800 hectares of prime beachside development and thoughtfully mixes residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses throughout the vast estate. But beyond its expansive scope and breathtaking views, Hamilo Coast places sustainable tourism at the center of its philosophy and demonstrates how lovely beachfront homes can coexist with the natural world.

2022 marks Hamilo Coast’s 15th year of productive partnership with the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF). Hamilo Coast and WWF have been working together on key areas for sustainability—coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness.

Hamilo Coast embraces sustainable tourism at the core of its philosophy and shows how beautiful beachfront homes can harmonize with nature and the environment.

This long-standing collaboration with WWF signifies Hamilo Coast’s determination to pursue eco-tourism and sustainability while upholding international standards for leisure property development.

Ms. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations, takes pride in the partnership’s objectives. “More than building and maintaining a beautiful community, we seek to create and sustain a world that future generations can enjoy. To help serve this end, CDHI continues to develop Hamilo Coast without compromising the quality of wildlife living around it.” 

This year, Hamilo Coast and WWF will focus on addressing the major components on waste management, which include assessment of solid waste, water and wastewater management practices, formulation of environmental management plan, and the promotion of food shed farming systems. Apart from these, Hamilo Coast and WWF will continuously work on programs that will help conserve, protect, and nurture the environment.

Santelmo Cove was among those declared as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) regarded as a coastal zone where human activities are strictly regulated to ensure their long-term conservation.

For one, Hamilo Coast and WWF’s Ridge to Reef program declared three of Hamilo Coast’s 13 coves–Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo–as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These are coastal zones where human activities are strictly regulated to ensure their long-term conservation. Declaring more MPAs would also mean expanding Hamilo Coast’s scope in safeguarding more marine ecosystem and resources.

Hamilo Coast also continues to implement a mangrove reforestation program in its 24-hectare mangrove belt—one of the largest in Nasugbu. Here, Hamilo has planted 50,000 propagules hand-in-hand with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

Mangroves are the first line of defense for coastal communities, stabilizing shorelines by averting erosion and providing natural barriers to storm surges, flooding, and hurricanes. As an effective carbon storage, mangroves absorb six times more carbon than mature tropical forests, making it all the more vital in slowing down the effects of climate change.

Finally, Hamilo Coast and WWF will further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity. One is the annually held Earth Hour, during which time people are urged to shut down electricity to make a substantial difference in energy consumption. Individuals, organizations, and establishments also come together on Coral Triangle Day to shed light on ocean conservation and the ways we can protect and preserve the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity.

Likewise, the development boasts the largest volunteer effort for the ocean’s health, made possible with the International Coastal Cleanup, where people gather on the Pico and Santelmo beaches to collect trash and record information on the collected debris.

For all of these persistent efforts, WWF has given Hamilo Coast the Longest Sustainability Partner Award, honoring the development’s dedication to environmentally friendly travel and its beneficial effects on the Philippine travel and tourism sector. “CDHI is proud of how far we have come at Hamilo Coast with the aid of WWF,” says Francisco. This motivates us to put forth even greater effort in the hopes that our efforts will allow future generations to appreciate nature’s beauty in the same way that we do.

For inquiries, call (632) 7-945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

 

September 1, 2022 by
Travel

A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE 6TH WORLD TRAVEL EXPO MANILA 2022 WAS SIGNED BY AD ASIA EVENTS AND OKADA MANILA

    L-R: Mr. Carlo Baldonido, Senior Manager for Destination Marketing & Partnership- Okada Manila; Ms. Miles Caballero, Managing Director – Ad Asia Events; Ms. Wendy Ni- VP of Strategic Marketing – Okada Manila ; Mr. Alvaro Ramos – AVP of Retail Okada Manila

The TIGER RESORT, LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (OKADA MANILA) and AD ASIA CONVENTIONS & EXHIBITIONS INTERNATIONAL CORP. (AD ASIA EVENTS) collaborated for the sixth installment of the eagerly anticipated travel event, THE WORLD TRAVEL EXPO. The aforementioned expo’s organizer, AD ASIA EVENTS, has selected the CRYSTAL CORRIDOR of OKADA MANILA as the event’s official location this year, taking up 5,758 square meters with 200 exhibit booths.

In order to serve as the one-stop shop for all the needs of travelers, the WORLD TRAVEL EXPO, an annual event for the nation’s domestic and foreign tourism industries, brings together major tourism organizations and hospitality industry participants. And since making a physical reappearance, it has grown to be BIGGER and more INFLUENTIAL, beginning with its new home, OKADA MANILA, which is hailed as Manila’s regal emblem and the nation’s largest integrated resort to date. It is a premier location for gaming and entertainment.

Okada Manila has been recognized as a Forbes five-star integrated resort by Forbes Travel Guide for three straight years (2019 to 2022), known for its top-tier facilities and exemplary service that personifies the unique blend of Japanese hospitality and Filipino warmth. From the luxurious hotel rooms to an exciting array of dining options, a premium Retail Boulevard, the largest and most exciting gaming floors, Okada Manila is one of the key drivers in Philippine tourism industry. Okada Manila is also home to the world’s largest multi-color musical and dancing fountain and the one-of-a-kind indoor night club and beach club, the magnificent Cove Manila.

Moreover, OKADA MANILA will offer wide range of amenities to the WTE2022 Sponsors, exhibitors and guests such as free parking, excellent Wi-Fi connection, and shuttle service to main pick-up points, providing a more convenient transportation as they visit the expo.

Likewise, the WORLD TRAVEL EXPO will prepare a better line up of amazing travel promos, deals, and packages that will help the visitors of the event achieve their best vacation without all the hassle!

The expo will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on October 21–23, 2022. The hourly shows at the Fountain, which start every day at 6 pm, will be another draw for evening visitors to the event.

For additional information, visit WORLD TRAVEL EXPO’s Facebook page at htt..m/worldtravelexpo.ph

July 21, 2022 by
Travel

Puerto Princesa: The Return of Paradise

The Royal Treatment at Puerto Princesa

With strict safety standards in place, Puerto Princesa is ready to welcome visitors once more. The Covid-19 pandemic has paralyzed the highly urbanized city and tourist haven in recent years, followed by Typhoon Odette. However, it is on the mend—-as gloriously as its beautiful, romantic, and gastronomic attractions.

“The tourism industry is the lifeblood of Puerto Princesa, along with agriculture. Almost 15,000 people directly or indirectly benefit from tourism. In varying degrees, most of the recent construction and development projects are related to tourism: hotel-building, parks, cruise-ship ports, street lights, roads and many more. Unfortunately, some of these have been on hold since the onset of the pandemic,” discloses Demetrio “Toto” Alvior Jr., the city tourism officer.

The Royal Connection

Puerto Princesa, the capital of picture-perfect Palawan, stretches for 106 kilometers along 253,982 hectares of stunning coasts. Because of its strategic geographic location, it has enough depth to accommodate ships of all sizes, earning it the title of “Princess of Ports,” or “Puerto Princesa” in Spanish.

Puerto Princesa is without a doubt one of the country’s most enjoyable destinations. A popular vacation spot for tourists, beachgoers, and hikers; a thriving business center with a rural allure; a provincial ambiance with modern conveniences; and a clean and green city known for its beautiful forests, pure air, and frontier character.

Rising Above Covid-19

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020, the city of Puerto Princesa has been fighting to get back on its feet. Hundreds of tourism-related firms have closed due to a shortage of tourists, leaving thousands of people unemployed.

“The public-health crisis forced them to find alternative sources of income, which was made more difficult because of the restrictions of movement due to several lockdowns,” Mr. Alvior reveals. “One factor of low tourist arrivals is the fluctuating number of Covid cases, which in turn affects the determination of quarantine requirements and national government intervention policies.”

Today, Puerto Princesa is experiencing record lows in terms of economic losses, losing around P5 billion a year for the past two years from potential tourist receipts.

“The City Tourism Department has been strengthening its social media campaigns to encourage local tourists to visit local attractions, in a bid to boost much-needed revenues to the ailing tourism sector,” a cautiously optimistic Mr. Alvior says. “We have one important wish in the City Tourism Department, and that is to prioritize the aids for the Typhoon Odette-affected tourism industry here.”

The goal is to regain the city’s glory as an eco-tourism capital. “Our 2022 goals are full restoration of all the tourist attractions affected by Typhoon Odette such as the completion of the construction of the cruise-ship port and other man-made tourist attractions. There will be wide, extensive and aggressive promotions of Puerto Princesa to the local and international market.”

The Last Frontier

There are numerous tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa. However, many visitors to the city prioritize the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The city attracts a considerable number of travelers as the starting point for visiting the world-famous Tubbataha Reef.

“Since the Covid-19 outbreak, we have never ceased to hope that the future will be better. This year 2022 is no different. And while what we want is a full recovery, we cannot afford to be careless when taking big steps. As we begin to truly understand the gravity of the situation, we also come to realize that our moves must be consistent with the bigger picture such as the national situation,” Mr. Alvior says.

Since February 10, the city has been happily welcoming more visitors once again, hoping that the arrival numbers will soon be back to pre-pandemic levels. In this initiative, the tourism department shares the privilege on with the private sector.

“While the government is the administrator of the State, the private sector is the bloodline. The government and the private sector are two inseparable factors for Puerto Princesa to prosper, and more importantly, to recover,” Mr. Alvior says. “The key to recovery is to enable and support the private sector to keep or resume their business operations. When it comes to the city’s biggest partners, apart from government agencies, it is the collective impact of small-business operations.”

Although Puerto Princesa is known as “The Last Frontier,” the city’s tourism department is certain that it will always be a top destination for visitors.

 

May 11, 2022 by
Travel

Alviera in Pampanga is the ideal summer getaway for those who want to enjoy the wonderful outdoors

Unique facilities and activated spaces are launching this month in Porac, Pampanga’s Alviera, to allow outdoor enthusiasts to experience the region’s natural riches.

The estate’s EXPLORAC campaign, which gives guests unique outdoor experiences for all ages in the 1,800-hectare Alviera estate, one of the country’s largest integrated mixed-use estates by Ayala Land and Leonio Land, is beginning out with its EXPLORAC promotion. The view and spots there are such a relief for your stress. You can greatly enjoy everything as you choose this place to have your vacation escapade. I for one was greatly impressed by the splendid view of the place. I was greatly delighted to look around and just enjoy what it has to offer. It caters a lot of exciting fun filled activities that are as if you’re one with nature.

Get your adrenaline racing by participating in this activity

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Sandbox, a 2-hectare, one-of-a-kind adventure park with a variety of activities. Experience the 10-meter Giant Swing, which launches guests on a thrilling flight into the sky, as well as the core-engaging Aerial Walk, where groups can set a fun race challenge with friends or family, or solo visitors can set a personal test in endurance.

The Adventure Tower has even more amazing features. The Sandbox complex also includes the country’s first roller coaster zipline, a Free Fall jump, and climbing and rappel walls, in addition to the Aerial Walk.

The Sandbox also houses the Splash Tub, which features 11 water-themed obstacle courses such the Ball Traverse, Over-and-Under, and Wreckers that will test anyone’s balancing abilities as they walk on the slick surfaces. A lounge pool with Instagram-worthy inflatables is located within the facility and is ideal for shooting selfies or taking breaks after a long marathon.

Seek adventure in the great outdoors

Alviera also includes activities for those who want to experience Pampanga’s natural beauty. The Alviera Bike Trails, which are available to the public and feature scenic routes intended for trail and gravel bikes, promise to provide enjoyment and adventure to cyclists of all ages and abilities. This 5-kilometer track features multi-terrain routes ranging from leisure to more difficult cycling challenges, making it ideal for weekend ride-outs.

In Alviera, motorists have something to look forward to as well. The KTM Off Road Track, a 3-hectare motocross circuit that hosts off-road competitions and offers training programs complete with obstacle courses and facilities, is now located on the estate.

Alviera is poised to build its first camp site, W camp, soon for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the refreshing Porac environment. Car campers, as well as regular campers and glampers, are welcome at the W Camp. The rich foliage, clear, wide skies, and surrounding streams provide a pleasant relief from the city’s hustle and bustle. On April 30, mark your calendars for the site’s first family camping event.

I also enjoy very much all the amazing outdoor activities Alviera has to offer. You can experience a one of a kind adventure here in their place, as you try to take the different outdoor fun like rope climbing, aerial walk, wall climbing and many more different activities and challenges. Be also thrilled with their giant swing, where you can shout with joy or release all your stress. These all you can enjoy and experience in Alviera’s sandbox.

Take a deep breath and relax

For those looking to simply relax and unwind for the weekend, Alviera boasts a number of attractions where they may simply enjoy nature. Greenscapes, which includes a blooming field, vetiver and tree farms, and a decorative plant nursery, allows visitors to enjoy the sight of greens. A large open lawn, a lounge area, and picnic areas provide plenty of space for family and friends to relax. Everything you are looking for is here, you can enjoy and have such a great time adoring the nature around you and at the same time be thrilled with so much outdoor fun and activities.

Are you planning a more formal get-together? The Alviera Country Club, a world-class facility with multi-purpose function and meeting spaces for meetings and special events, is also located on the estate. The Club is designed to make any gathering feel like an intimate visit with Mother Nature herself, with lush open spaces and spectacular mountain vistas.

EXPLORAC’s diverse programs bring you closer to the beauty and wonder of the local surroundings the Alviera way—through urban living in nature. EXPLORAC offers the thrill of reconnecting with nature, whether to slow down or amp up the energy, all while energizing the local community of Pampanga.

 

April 23, 2022 by
Travel

Hamilo Coast is dedicated on its endeavor to safeguard our Nature

Hamilo Coast, through its developer, SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc., protects a 20-hectare mangrove forest in Nasugbu, Batangas, which is the largest of its kind in the Philippines. Hamilo Coast continues to work with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) to protect over 50,000 mangrove trees as part of its advocacy for environmental and social sustainability.

 

 

April 18, 2022 by
Travel

WE’RE READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD!

Guests seeking solitude, quiet, and calm in nature can finally embark on their long-awaited vacation plans to Banwa Private Island, the ultimate exclusive resort. There’s no better time than now to explore a magnificent hideaway gem situated in north-eastern Palawan, one of the world’s remaining natural biodiversity frontiers. Banwa Private Island, albeit remote, offers breathtaking views, abundant flora and animals, and powder-white sands in the blue Sulu Sea.

Take a plunge in the colorful marine life, go snorkeling or fun dive into the iridescent coral reefs.  Walk on the wild side in the lush, verdant nature trails.

Guests can choose to stay in any of the contemporary-designed villas or decide on an exclusive island charter and craft a dream holiday masterpiece.

Start making plans today to visit the world once more. At Banwa Private Island, you can renew your bucket list, travel across oceans, and enjoy an escape unlike any other.

Please contact the Reservations staff by mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, email [email protected], or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com for further information and inquiries.

March 3, 2022 by
Travel

Experience an early Yuletide spirit in SM Supermalls in Batangas

SM City Batangas

SM malls never fail to give us the warm spirit of Christmas with their gigantic displays and exquisite decorations all over their place. SM Supermalls in Batangas, celebrates Christmas early this year, with the three malls lighting up the season on October 28 and 29. It’s time to enjoy joyful events, holiday feasts, and fantastic holiday offers till January 6 to genuinely feel the #ChristmaSayaAtSM feelings!

A Blooming Christmas in SM City Lipa

Be transported to a whimsical holiday realm as enchanted reindeers greet you at the entrance of the mall’s Event Center located at the second level.  Fix your gaze on awe-inspiring Christmas trees over 20 feet high, decked with holiday blooms and angel wings.   It’s the perfect backdrop for your fun and youthful holiday social media content while enjoying the #DineInSM experience in our dining pods!

Dreamy Holiday Avenue in SM City Batangas

All roads lead to home every Christmas season.  Walking along the well-lit path at the mall’s Atrium 2 at the ground level evokes the warm feeling of togetherness.  Adorned with the classic colors of Christmas, the towering trees lining the avenue bring to mind unforgettable holiday memories.  Get together with the fam and #DineInSM under a canopy of lights, or round up the gang and smile for that picture perfect moments that’ll surely last a lifetime!

Holiday Melody in SM Center Lemery

SM Center Lemery

A fancy holiday is in store for those living in Western Batangas, as a golden nutcracker and ballerina stand tall at the mall’s Activity Area at the ground level.  Housed in an ornate music box, these classic characters lend a sense of calm to the hustle and bustle of Christmas.  Bring the entire family dressed-up in stylish holiday OOTDs.  It’s the perfect match to the timeless holiday tunes that fill the air!

#ChristmaSayaAtSM Activities

Aside from the spectacular Christmas Displays, the malls have prepared fun activities to provide a complete and merry holiday shopping experience.  Choose from a wide array of Christmas Feasts prepared by their restaurants, or go on a gastronomic journey through food products from various parts of the country available at their Christmas Markets.  Delight in Christmas Shows that are sure to bring fond memories and share the love by donating a bear to charity though the SM Bears of Joy program.

The most joyous Christmas season may alter with the passing of time, yet many wonderful things stay. At your favorite SM mall in Batangas, shop, dine, and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas: the love of friends and family in the face of adversity. Merry SM Christmas, everyone.

November 3, 2021 by