-Grandeur Traveler -

The Midas Touch in Midas Hotel

2012-01-16T15:59:00.012+08:00

When the Hyatt Regency closed, some people said it was an end of an era. One by one, the city's landmarks have succumbed to the pressures of modern Manila. Hyatt Regency hotel was part of this city's history and character but like most old buildings, change was a necessary course. As a result, the hotel had an inevitable renaissance. The people behind the Misibis Bay Resort had bigger plans for this iconic hotel. The standing structure simply yearned for the Midas touch to make it fresh. Hence, Hyatt Regency was later aptly named Midas Hotel.

Since it's an old structure, the exterior does not give you the impression that the hotel has a WOW factor. You probably won't even notice it while driving along Roxas Boulevard. The building brings to mind a cruise ship, ready to sail in the open waters.

The impressive interiors, on the other hand, tell a different story. The striking choice of furniture and details become apparent. Instead of the regular modern chandeliers, they used fiber optic lighting in the the lobby. "Tres chic and sexy"!

Your eyes will be instantly drawn to these floor to ceiling shelves that contain these "Hermes" looking boxes. The Almario sisters certainly did a wonderful job with the renovation.

Birkin, anyone?

They also have real designer furniture from Poltrona Frau and Philippe Starck. I have always wanted chairs like these! Aren't the green ones lovely?

Behind the couch is an adobe wall (from the old hotel) encased in glass.

The reception area is simple, clean, and minimalist.

To add height to this space going to the elevators, they put mirrored ceilings to create an illusion.

The elevators seem to have that Midas touch effect. It is not exactly gold but close to it.

The hallway of each floor has an Indochine atmosphere that immediately relaxes you. I specifically liked the black doors and paintings on the walls.

Now, Moving on to the rooms. It has all the modern comforts for anyone who loves luxury hotels (LCD TV, internet). It can still use a few more paintings to add character but overall, it was done in good taste. My only concern: The balcony floor needs to be updated.

The Deluxe Rooms/Executive Rooms all have a generous living area. Feels like home.

The Bathoom has a classic feel to it. The management has retained most of the structures from the previous hotel.

Acca Kappa Toiletries.

The Midas Cafe reminded me of this hotel in Milan where my sister and I stayed recently.

It has an eco-friendly vibe.

The food here was surprisingly excellent!

My balikbayan Tita said she could eat this marinated bangus (milkfish) every day.

This one too. Squid.

The lobby at night.

I see a lot of potential for this hotel. The management might need to do a more polishing since this is already an old building but I am sure the Genesis group will take note of the things that can be improved further. They are now in the process of adding a pool plus a Japanese and Chinese Restaurant. Im definitely looking forward to staying here again after all the renovations are done.

Finally, Manila has a new and sexy accommodation.

For more information, click http://www.midashotelandcasino.com/

GT's Travel Health Tips/Reminders for 2012

2012-01-11T13:33:00.034+08:00

Have you ever been sick while on vacation?

Health should always be a primary concern when traveling but we have to admit it is not always a priority for most travelers. Holidays seem to be perfect most of the time, right? Think again. Our ordeal in Paris last year was quite the wake up call. I thought it would be a delightful trip in the City of L'amour but it turned out to be another nightmare. This city never fails to challenge me every time I come back. My sister and I got an unexpected bad case of food poisoning that changed the course of our vacation. My series of unfortunate events list just got longer. Merci, Paris.

You would think that food would be safe in this lovely city. We should have known better but we did not. We ate this reheated pasta while we were on a regular cruise along the Seine River. Everything was normal until the following day when my sister started to complain of stomach ache. That night, my sister was throwing up while I had to make multiple trips to the bathroom. Mine lasted for almost three days. It was terrible, I tell you. That carbonara was the shining culprit and I ate two boxes. Great.

Not having control of my bowel movement was not a pleasant thing. This was not the kind of grand travel I was expecting. Ha. I could say that was easily one of the worst cases of food poisoning in my life. I felt I needed to be hooked to IV fluids but fortunately, a few sachets of oral rehydrations salts and presence of mind were enough to keep me up and running. Without delay, I had to cancel our trip to Venice. I could not imagine myself looking for a bathroom every minute while navigating the city's narrow streets. The only good thing that came about this was our spontaneous and much needed trip to Zurich, Switzerland. That city was the practical destination after Paris and it saved us. (Big Thanks to our wonderful friends/hosts in Switzerland).

Let me now get to my point. We all want a healthy, disease-free holiday but sometimes, luck is not on our side. No one looks forward to an unforgettably miserable vacation. As much as possible, we need to take the necessary precautions to keep any health problem away. We tend to be too engrossed about out trips that we forget the importance of health. Believe me, nothing spoils a trip more than being sick. Actually, this applies to life in general.

Here are some 5 practical tips/reminders you can take to have that perfect holiday. You all know these things but someone has to remind you.

1) Know the health concerns of your destination. It is important to stay updated regarding the health situation in the country you are visiting. Are there any endemic diseases there like Malaria, Hepatits A, Cholera, etc? Recent disease outbreaks? I had already cancelled two previous trips to HK before, thanks to the avian flu. On another occasion, there was a swine flu outbreak but that did not deter us from going to Beijing, China. It was still a big risk though. If possible, make sure you update your vaccinations before leaving the country. It's good to be cautious but make sure you aren't bordering on paranoia.

2) Hand Washing with soap. It's Simple. Do it. We always touch possibly contaminated surfaces wherever we go. People should realize that hand-washing with soap is probably the most effective way for us to prevent the contraction and spread of diseases. In the hospital, basic hand washing has considerably reduced disease spread. You can also bring those hand sanitizers if you want to be extra sure. Hand Washing still works best though.

3) Always bring a medicine kit. If you plan to have long journeys, especially in rural or remote areas, you need to bring a basic medicine kit. It should have: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), Decongestants, ORS (Oral Rehydrations Salts) sachets, Loperamide (for diarrhea), painkillers, insect repellents, and ant-allergy medications (anti-histamines). Also have basic first aid kit that contains betadine, gauze, and band-aids.

If you are taking regular medications, make sure you bring more than enough of your meds for that trip.You also need to check if those medicines are available in that country. Bring your prescription with you.

For those people wearing contact lenses like me, I suggest you bring extra lenses and eyeglasses. Buying lenses is usually more expensive in other countries since a doctor still has to do an eye check up.

4) Get Travel Insurance. Nothing can pay for peace of mind. For long trips, this might be your best investment yet. It won't even cost you a lot. And (God forbid), if you actually get sick, you wont't have to worry about paying the excessively high hospital bills.

5) Use your common sense. We all have this. Use it. If you think the water in that country isn't safe to drink, then stick to bottled water. You also don't want to eat something too fresh in isolated places. It is always better to eat something that's cooked.

Stay Healthy, Everyone! Let's all start the year right.

If you have any health scares during your trips, please do share your experiences.

Dr. GT

Let's support DOT's recent campaign, btw #It's more fun in the Philippines #

Casa Batlló: Getting Lost in Gaudi's Mind (Barcelona Series I)

2011-12-27T15:14:00.009+08:00

"Those who look for the laws of nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator" - Antoni Gaudi

Last time an artist's work spoke to me was during Alexander's Mcqueen's Savage Beauty Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Since then, it has occurred to me that in this world, there are a few gifted people with the kind of passion that can throw their lives into massive success and spiraling chaos (Think: Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Van Gogh). The passion I'm talking about finds a unique path and when you surrender to it, you may find yourself in a world that can border either on euphoria or depression. It's like a bipolar disorder with an on and off switch button.

During our trip in Barcelona, I found that Gaudi truly belonged to this group of individuals whose passionate works continued and will continue to resonate and inspire everyone around the world. Antoni Gaudi's love for nature, religion, design and Catalonia led to the creation of unparalleled architectural marvels in Barcelona. The most popular of his creations and the main draw of Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia, a Cathedral that never ceases to astound and shock the senses. Since Sagrada Familia usually steals the spotlight, I'd like to write more about Gaudi's other works that equally deserve attention.

Let me start with the iconic Casa Batllo, one of Gaudi's exceptional masterpieces along Passeig de Gracia. It is part of Manzana de la Discordia (Block/Apple of Discord), a series of renowned buildings in this part of town. Casa Batllo is surreal architecture at its best, displaying elements of modernist Barcelona that will be impossible to find anywhere else in the world.

The structure itself was built in 1877 but it was remodelled in 1904-1906 by Gaudi and Josep Maria Jujol. Josef Batllo, a wealthy textile industrialist and aristocrat, bought the place and asked Gaudi to tear it down and redesign it. Gaudi, with his singular talent, opted to keep the original building's structure. It was a challenge to imprint his vision on the project.

Casa Batllo has been called House of Bones because of the obvious visceral and skeletal elements found on the facade and interior. The skulls are the balconies while the bones are the supporting pillars.

The unique facade is made of broken ceramics that dot the whole exterior.

Entering Casa Batllo feels like a fantasy world where Gaudi's imagination runs free and wild. Uninhibited.

The fundamental inspiration here: Avoid straight lines as much as possible. Gaudi wanted to stay away from the mundane. Despite the whimsical take on the design, however, Gaudi still carefully considered ergonomics. A fine example would be the handles of the stairs that were seamlessly made for the human grip.

One of my favorite pieces is the chandelier found in the Sala Principal or the Main Room. It looked like the whorling sun drawing the energy towards its center.

Another room contains this controversial circle of perfectly rounded bumps that remind you of a woman's bosom.

In this exact room, you'll find these two unusually placed pillars that block the door that leads to an open space . Was this built for aesthetics? Did Gaudi have random design urges or was this part of a plan?

As you head out into this wide space behind the building, you'll see all the mosaic tiles that explode in full color.

This area was designed as a light shaft. Gaudi's style always included ways to invite natural lighting into a room. From the top going down, the tiles fade from dark to light blue, giving you the feel that the shaft becomes brighter as you go down. The main staircase leads to the apartments which are for still for rent until today.

The landings are lined by opaque and distorted glasses. Looking through them, it would seem like you are actually looking through water.

Parabolic Arches. The basic structural design is inspired by the ribs of sperm whales.

The roof is a everyone's favorite as opens it up to the city of Barcelona.

The sweeping views of Passeig de Gracia tell you why Barcelona is one of the greatest cities in the world.

The chimney stacks, at least for me, reminds me of carnival and clowns.

This remarkable structure is the center of attention. It looks like a back of a dragon or dinosaur.

Here's a closer look.

The cross right beside it is believed to be the Lance of St George plunged into the back of the dragon.

Going to the attic, these clean but wider parabolic arches emerge again.

Virtual Antoni Gaudi, the main man, is waiting for you.

Gaudi outdid himself with Casa Batllo. His imagination became concrete and tangible. It was unfortunate that during the latter years of his life, Gaudi seemed to have let himself go. Like most people with limitless passion and creativity, Gaudi might have reached an all time low. With his remarkable works and contribution to Barcelona and the world, Gaudi's sudden and manner of death did not suit him (He was ran over by a tram). Dressed like a homeless person, no one recognized this genius. For those who witnessed the tragic incident, little did they know that this man changed the course and history of Barcelona.

Included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List, Casa Batllo is a fantastic way to escape and get wonderfully lost in Gaudi's creative mind. Whether you understand Gaudi's intentions or not, you cannot help but be in awe and say: "What a privilege it is to have seen his works!"

Paraphrasing Paolo Coelho, I'll now ask you: "Would it be better to keep passion at bay or surrender blindly to it? I say, go and surrender! The next Gaudi might be you.

Entrance Fee: 18, 15 Euros.

_______________________________________________________________________________

More of Gaudi's Famous Designs. (I'll have a separate post for both)

Park Guell. A park that is perfectly located on top of the mountain. There's no better place to say Barcelona than from up here.

Casa Mila (La Pedrera). Considered to be another innovative designs of Gaudi, this buliding can be found a few meters away from Casa Batllo.

Cheers!

The Truth About Stonehenge: Eurotrip Series I

2011-12-08T15:38:00.129+08:00

Everyone loves a good mystery. Mystery arouses curiosity and that draws us to the truth, or maybe a bit closer to it. There are some mysteries, however, that effortlessly manage to become a mystery forever. Stonehenge remains as such. Somewhere in the Salisbury plain, huge monolithic stones have silently stood for ages, taunting the mind of any person who has seen them. Stonehenge has succeeded in becoming a worldwide enigma and precisely therein lies its magic.

I had seen images of Stonehenge as early as grade school. I believed that aliens built this monument, considering my mind was filled with bizarre images of crop circles and extraterrestrial forms. My ten-year old mind couldn't have known better. Or maybe I did.

The truth is, no one is exactly certain about the real purpose of these prehistoric stones. It is beyond the grasp of human knowledge. Stonehenge has generated many speculations/theories but suffice it to say that not one of them can be right or wrong. Stonehenge has been said to be:

1) Place of Sacrifice/Religious Site. Many researchers arguably believe Stonehenge was a site of religious and worship that time. They were able to find big bones here and they could have been offerings to the gods. No human skulls were in sight. Thank God.

2) Astronomical Observatory/Calculator. Constructed between 3,000 BC to 1,800 BC, these stones could have been some sort of observatory. Neolithic people regarded the sky as their gods and this stoens provided a way of connecting with these gods. They have observed that these stones aligned with the rising and setting of the sun during solstice.

This was the original plan for Stonehenge. The government has now put a perimeter around to Stonehenge to salvage this UNESCO Heritage Site. Tourists used to get pieces from the stones in Stonehenge and that led to its deterioration.

3) Alien Theory- I am still sticking to my aliens theory for the sake of geeky argument. This theory has proven to be far more interesting than the aforementioned.

4) Conspiracy Theory - The British government built this to draw more tourists. Nah. That seems to ridiculous.

Even our modern can't fathom the evolution of these stones. How could primitive Neolithic people have brought these stones, some weighing at least 26 tons, to the Wiltshire countryside? There have been wild theories and speculations but suffice to say none of them can be right or wrong.

We left for Salisbury early morning as that would be the jump-off point for most people traveling to Stonehenge (unless you have your own car, of course). The best present we got that day was the sun. We comfortably rode the double-decker tour bus, passed the open and vast plains along highway A303 and without a warning, these unusual yet familiar stone structures came into view.

Alas! There we were in the English countryside, marveling at the stones (and camwhoring) I had longed imagined since I was young. These stones may not seem as big as they're supposed to be because of the considerable distance between the tourists and the stones (If you see the picture below, the man is actually dwarfed by the stone's size). A few people may find it unimpressive or anticlimactic but to each his own. The best way to go about it is not to expect too much from these sites when you visit them. Tourist attractions tend to be overrrated or underrated. Stonehenge, at least for me, delivers though. It's not about the monument per se but the idea behind it.

The Heel stone was the first stone erected here.

If a conclusion is to be made about Stonehenge, we'll still find ourselves right back where we started. No one knows. Whether this monument was built by humans or aliens, Stonehenge has served its purpose. It reminds us again that we are only humans with limited capacity to comprehend the engineering genius behind Stonehenge. There are some things we can never completely explain and sometimes, they are better left that way.

For sidetrips, Visit Old Sarum, an Iron Hill Fort, and the medieval town of Salisbury. Get a taste of the English countryside here. You can take the hop on/off bus after your Stonehenge tour. For comfort food with reasonable price, try Old Harvester near Old Sarum.

The Salisbury Cathedral dominates the town.

I Keep Coming Back To Manila. Words from GT.

2011-11-24T20:13:00.031+08:00

Eurotrip 2011. Rome. Paris. Zurich. Luzern. Stam Am Rhein. Lichtenstein. Lindau, Germany. Milan. Lake Como. Barcelona. Brussels. Ghent. Brugge. Liege. London. Cardiff. Cambridge. Bath. Stonehenge. Caerphilly.

In a few hours -- Manila. Not so long ago, I sang "Manila" by Hotdog for a huge crowd during my internship. How appropriate. Maybe I can post my version here next time.

After almost two months of traveling around Europe and the UK, I am finally going back to the best city on earth, Manila (For me, of course)! It's bittersweet, really. A part of me wants to go home and another part still wants to stay.

I was able to visit beautiful places but the best part of this vacation would always be the the people. When I say people, this means someone special, family, relatives and friends (old and new). Traveling becomes more unforgettable when you meet people. Essentially, it is all about relationships that will last a lifetime.

Thank you all for traveling with me these past few weeks. I am cramming this post because I have to leave in a bit.

Home. Sounds good to me. Manila, your number fan will be back in a few hours. Love you all!

See you again soon, B.

P.S

I have more posts to publish but Ill start writing them when I get home. I also miss hearing from you all so you comments/insights are most welcome.

Lake Como's La Dolce Vita

2011-11-22T00:05:00.026+08:00

October, 2011. The dilemma in deciding where the next destination will be is a critical point for any traveler. Each destination essentially sets the mood and pace for the succeeding trips. Places have their pros and cons but more often than not, it all boils down to a) Time and b) Money. In our case, the former was considerably pressing.

It was a toss-up between Venice and Lake Como. I had been to Venice once but I wanted to take my dear sister there to give her a taste of the real Venetian experience. The Venetian hotels in Macau, Las Vegas, and Mckinley most certainly don't count.

Coming from Milan, however, Venice did not present itself as a practical choice. I was hankering for a new place to visit in Italy that did not require too much travel time. The allure of visiting a new place had a heavier weight. Having one day to spare for this trip, Lake Como's appeal became apparent.

(Originally, the plan was to visit Venice after Paris but we got a bad case of poisoning in the City of Love. It was not the most pleasant thing in the world to experience. Venice was immediately out of the question. We found ourselves in Switzerland after that. Full Story Later).

I was pleased that our eco-friendly hotel, Starhotels ECHO, was right across from Stazione Centrale. Our hotel's location made it convenient for us to book our train tickets from Milan to Como S.G. I've made a mental note since then that accommodations should always be near the bus or train station whenever I travel.

Lake Como, which is included in the most beautiful lakes in the world list, is a mere 30-minute train ride from Italy's fashion capital. It does not get better than that. As soon as you leave the train station, you can reach Lake Como in less than 15 minutes, depending on how fast you walk. Follow the signs.

You'll see a good number of luxurious villas along the way. The way the vines covers the walls of these houses adds a bit of charm and sophistication. I'll have a house like this someday. I say, dream big.

Here's a panoramic shot of Lake Como. This beautiful lake is nestled between hills and mountains in the Northern Italy known as Lake District.

There are actually five Principal towns here: Bellagio, Como, Varenna, Lecco, and Menaggio. It was unfortunate that we were only able to see Como since we missed the "earlier" train. We had a few hours left to go around. That meant we did not have time to take a boat and see the other towns. Nonetheless, I felt quite relieved. Sometimes, not doing anything when traveling is luxury in itself. It is nice to sit on a bench and enjoy the beautiful scenery like this.

The Duomo di Como dominates the landscape of this town.

Famous for its luxurious villas with sweeping views of the lake, Lake Como has been popular place as the backdrop of some Hollywood movies. (Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, James Bond, etc). Who wouldn't want to shoot their films here, anyway?

Luxury accommodations in Lake Como. Not bad.

I am sure most of you have heard that George Cloooney has a villa called Oleandra (since 2002) in Bellagio where he brings most of his famous friends.

Needless to say, most affluent people retire here in Lake Como and live the ultimate "La Dolce Vita". The Italians effortlessly live and breathe it.

We first headed to Piazza San Fedele before going to the Lake. It was not surprising too see luxury brands and goods sold in the small town. After all, most people who shop here regularly here must live in one of those beautiful villas.

This Gothic-Renaissance cathedral is a best example of transitional architecture style.

Piazza San Fedele may not be as grand as the plazas in Rome or Venice but the lake completely makes up for it.

There was something beyond the tourist attractions and lake though. I noticed that most locals had this vibe that made me want to relax too.

Reading a paper had never seemed this blissful.

The atmosphere of Como compelled me stop for a moment and think about how fortunate I was to be traveling this much. What a privilege!

How cute is this?

Living the Italian way means having the best wine and food on a normal day.

Or soaking up the sun with your loved one.

La Dolce Vita means having time for your grand kids.

Even dogs live the sweet life.

and it also means you get to be the best parent that you can be.

Lake Como gave me a glimpse of myself when I retire. At the end of the day, "La Dolce Vita" simply speaks of having a balanced life without all the unnecessary distractions. You don't need millions of dollars to get a hold of it. It does not mean you need to have a luxurious villa overlooking Lake Como. La Dolce Vita demands some sort of contentment from us. As long as you have a clear mind and healthy body, the sweet life is not hard to attain. The ingredients are right around the corner. No need for too much sugar.

This is how I am living my life now. I am always grateful for that.

Other Things to See and Do in Lake Como.

1) Check out the Volta Temple, a monument built in honor of Alessandro Volta (Ah, that's why it's called voltage), an Italian physicist who invented THE Battery.

2) Take the Funicolare for more majestic views of Lake Como.

3) Visit the other towns. Bellagio is known to be one of the most beautiful towns in the world.

4) We saw some familiar objects: LOVE padlocks.

I included that in my love locks post (Go read this post. Click here). If you go with someone special, you can come here and seal your love.

Cheers!

There's Something About Bath

2011-11-15T06:02:00.020+08:00

Like an elusive dream, I have been frantically chasing the sun throughout our trip in the United Kingdom. It has the effortless power to ease my occasional melancholic mood. One fine day, we planned a trip to Bath in Somerset and the sun paid us a surprise visit. It turned out to be glorious.

The one-hour train ride from Cardiff, Wales to Bath made this trip comfortable for all us. Bath seemed ideal since its size was not daunting for any traveler. My advice for any day trip: If there are at least three of you traveling on a train, you can go directly to the train station to get the group ticket. You'll save some quid if you do that.

The first thing I noticed as soon as we got out of the train station was Bath's well preserved 18th century architecture. You expect that anything the Romans built would be impressive and ambitious. Back in 1987, Bath was declared as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

The color of the limestones illuminates the city. Bath's stunning Georgian Architecture is feminine and even romantic. There's a hint of Parisian flair to it (Or maybe that's just me).

It won't be difficult to navigate this small city because there are dozens of signs pointing you to the main attractions. If you get lost oft, that old means you have a bad sense of direction!

Bath's ancient name was Aquae Sulis (waters of Sulis). The bath complex was founded as early as 75 AD by the Romans. This would be England's only naturally occurring hot spring that was enjoyed mostly by the upper class during the old days. You can't leave Bath withoutt seeing this structure.

A view of the Bath Abbey from the Roman Baths.

Here's a closer picture of the Abbey. The building on the right side is the entrance to the Roman Bsths.

The Sacred Spring.

An actor who is always "in character". Do you think they do this for free?

The Great Bath's water comes from the hot spring. Too bad you can't take a bath here anymore.

Before reaching the Great Bath, there's a museum that contains artifacts from the Roman Period. Gordon head in the center.

A famous one would be a gilt bronze head of the goddess Sulis Minerva.

At the end of the museum, you'll see the remains of the hypocaust heating system, which was basically a steam room or sauna before. It shows the engineering genius of the Romans.

Spring Overflow.

After the Roman Baths, we had lunch at a Thai restaurant called Panasia. They served delicious food with reasonable rates.

On our way to the Royal Crescent and Circus, I saw this cute dog peering through the window. Can you see him (middle window)? He/She looks like a character from a novel too.

The Circus. From an areal view, this would be be circular.

What I was most excited about was seeing the Royal Crescent. This place shows how fashionable living could be done during the Regency Era.

This was "THE" spot for us to sunbathe for a few minutes. I could imagine myself on a barouche as I come here to attend someone's dinner party.

Another popular attraction here would be the Jane Austen Center. If you ever wondered how Jane Austen lived parts of her life during the English Regency Era, you can visit this center along Gay Street (yes, gay) to learn more about her life. My sister asks "Where's Mr. Darcy?"

This was a sketch of Jane Austen. She looks a tad bit scary, doesnt she?

Bath was a special place for Jane since two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, were set here.

The center was quite disappointing since it was mostly about costumes during that era and excerpts from Jane Austen's novel. However, the Regency Tea Room saved us.

It received the Tea Guild Award of Excellence this year. This means that this tea room has the highest standards in the service of tea and complementary food. We couldn't agree more.

Reading Pride and Prejudice while drinking afternoon tea. Life couldn't get more cultured than this.

Fresh Chamomile Tea to keep me relaxed.

Some Lemon Cake to complement the tea.

A visit to the Assembly Room is a must here but it was unfortunately closed when we got there. This was the venue for social dances and flirtations before as reflected in Austen's novels.

The Fashion Museum was also closed. My sister was not too happy about that.

Note some of the interesting names of the streets. Could this be the happiest place on earth?

Banana Republic on Cheap Street. How Ironic.

Shhh..Quiet street is ahead.

I was pleased as a punch about Bath exceeding my expectations. Next time I come back here, I'll already know what to do. I'll sit in the park near the Royal crescent and read my favorite Austen novel. A well-deserved massage at the new thermal baths might also be a good idea. That's the way you do it in modern Bath. Dream, Read, Romanticize and let the world pass by.

Cheers!

Cambridge by Punt

2011-11-09T15:31:00.019+08:00

Before coming to the United Kingdom, I threw all my expectations and plans up in the air. If there was one thing I was certain about, it was the predictably unpredictable British weather. Its daftness has the power to make me unusually lazy. Photography can also be a bit of a challenge.

For those of you who don't know, I've been going around the United Kingdom for almost 2 weeks now (More than a month in Europe though). It's not exactly the cheapest place for a vacation for any Filipino. Paying in pounds can be a pain. So far, I've seen most of London and Cardiff but Ill be writing about them separately. Bath was also a lovely place to visit. This post, however, will solely be about Cambridge, a famous university town in United Kingdom. Im fairly sure most of you have heard about the prestigious University of Cambridge. If not, OUR question for you would naturally be: Where have you been hiding all this time?

I figured Cambridge might be an interesting place to blog about. Aside from the University of Cambridge, what can you actually see and do in this town? The best way to see and learn about Cambridge's history is by leisurely punting along the river Cam to see this town's unique waterscape. Yes, punting.

A punt is basically Cambridge's own version of a gondola. It is a flat bottomed wooden boat with no keel and it is propelled by the chauffeur by means of a long pole. During the Edwardian times, these punts served as pleasure crafts.

Booking this tour will be easy as you can find most of the "punting" agents near the river or in King's college.

Cambridge has a couple of beautiful bridges with popular myths about them.

I love these vines that change colors every season. They add life to the buildings.

Behind us is the Bridge of Sighs, which is said to be based on the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. This is the only covered bridge on the River Cam. People also claim that its name originates from sounds of sighs from students crossing the bridge as soon as they have finished their exams. 'Sigh'. I remember those days.

Our 21 year old chauffeur who seemed to be doing an excellent job maneuvering the punt. We were the only ones paying attention to the history lesson. The other tourists were too trigger happy.

I have forgotten which college this is. Ill have to research again. FYI, Prince Charles got into Trinity College because the Queen gave a generous donation. It was said that the bodyguard would study with Prince Charles. They took the same exam and the bodyguard even got a higher mark.

The famous King's College. It was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI. The Chapel is the most popular landmark in Cambridge. It has the world's largest fan vault and the painting "The Adoration of Magi" by Rubens.

GT on the King's College Bridge. This was built during the 15th century.

Mathematical bridge, the only wooden bridge on the river Cam. The first design was built in 1749. Myth says that Sir Isaac Newton designed the bridge but Newton's student, William Etheridge was the actual designer.

Don't you just love silent rivers?

After 40 minutes of punting, you can discover more of Cambridge on foot.

Most students here in UK ride bicycles and you will find them everywhere in most university towns!

Students can get more creative. They stack them on top of each other!

Christ College, another constituent college of the University of Cambridge.

All these courtyards are divine. I can imagine myself waking up to this when I retire.

A 3D map of the City. You'll find a couple of these scattered in the city.

King's College Chapel (Again. Front side) shows the best of English Gothic architecture.

Who doesn't like markets? The Cambridge Market is open 6 days a week.

If you are looking for some art, drop by the Fitzwilliam Museum to see some works from Renoir, Matisse, Monet, Cezannae and Degas. Best thing about this place (like most museums here in UK), admission is free!

For some tasty vegetarian food, try the Rainbow Cafe. It is a winner of Vegetarian society's "Best Vegetarian Cafe Award". It has a small sign across King's college. You enter it through a narrow street.

Cambridge is absolutely splendid for a day trip here in the United Kingdom. Its charm, history and youthful atmosphere will make you wish that you can go back to college so you can actually study here. Can we still turn back time, please?

And if you are lucky enough, you might see this guy singing while he is inside a trash bin. People do crazy things to earn these days. Genius though.

Til my next post! (About Bath, England).

Interesting EATS around Europe (Part I)

2011-11-01T19:08:00.029+08:00

This is my first time posting something about a good number of restaurants/ice cream parlors. I've consistently told people that I am technically a food blogger, although food is a vital part of the travel experience. I enjoy eating food and not writing about it. However, good food can either make or break your trip. A few weeks ago in Paris, we got good poisoned and that almost ruined our plans. (Fortunately, that incident changed the course of our vacation..for the better. Ill have one post on that).

So far, these are my favorites during this trip but not necessarily the best. What may be good to me may not be good to you. I have more to add soon.

Cardiff, United Kingdom.

Jamie's Italian. I've always been a fan of this guy's cooking. He makes the art of cooking fun and unpretentious. Ralph did not have a hard time convincing me to go to this restaurant in Wales. Jamie Oliver's restaurant almost has 2 dozen branches all over United Kingdom. The Flagship restaurant is in Covent Garden in London.

With its relaxed "market" atmosphere, you know that you are "IN" for a gastronomic treat here.

Appetizer - Wicked Aubergine Dumplings with a roast tomato salsa and sprinkle of World Best parmesan finished with Olive Oil. Take note: World Best.

If eggplants were this good, I'd eat them everyday.

Some of Jamie's Books.

Those faces seem to be excited to eat the food.

Truffled Turkey Milanese - Bronze turkey stuffed with fontina and prosciutto. Topped with a fried egg and truffles. I must say the truffle oil and olive oil had a perfect blend.

Fish Fillet Baked in a Bag - With clams, mussels, fennel, chili, anchovies and sicilian cracked wheat. This had a refreshing minty kick to it.

JI Warm Brownie - Chocolate, raspberry, amaretto brownie with vanilla Ice cream. Need I say more?

This tri-level restaurant is usually packed during lunch and dinner hours.

Rome

Cafe Portofino- On Via Cola di Rienzo. It's only a good 15-20 minute walk from the walls of the Vatican City.

Pick your guilty pleasure.

.
They say Cafe Portofino has one of the best gelatos in town. I tried the Portofino flavor and the taste exploded in my mouth. We had to reward ourselves after our endless walking,

This was recommended by one of the waitresses in one of the cafes near St Peter's Square.

Zurich, Switzerland

Natchtigall. We were ready to try something bolder and more exotic. Drum Roll Please.

My friend Nivat highly recommended the Truthan Streak (a.k.a horsemeat). I was hesitant to try it at first since eating horses was not my idea of dinner but I eventually gave in. The meat is served raw and you have to cook it on a hot plate. That was part of the whole experience. The Verdict: It tastes better than your regular steak. Big Thanks to Nivat for taking us here.

Bison Meat. We wanted to try Zebra but it was not available that night.

London

Chin Chan Laboratorists - Europe's first Liquid Nitrogen Ice cream Parlor located in Camden Lock Place, London. The late and talented Amy Winehouse lived near this area.

When you see a queue, go line up too. It must really be good.

It's cool that every ice cream is made before your eyes. Tiring for the one making it but it will be a delight to watch for you. Your nerdy childhood suddenly comes flashing back.

Voila.

And the magic begins. This is the owner, Ahrash Akbari-Kalhur.

He first pours the ice cream mixture into these mixers before adding the liquid nitrogen.

The Liquid Nitrogen is below freezing point. He needs to wear protective gear.

I picked the Madagascan Vanilla..

Topped with Hazelnuts.

The ice cream has a smoother and denser texture because there are no ice crystals. It was a pleasure eating ice cream made on the spot for you.

Outside Chin Chan Laboratorists. With its perfect location and catchy concept, no wonder this place is a hit. I am thinking of bringing this back home in Manila.

Mussels from Brussels

A must try in Belgium. We ate at a restaurant near the Grand Place. Imagine having a bucket of fresh and delicious mussels all to yourself.

Barcelona

Aside from the paellas, I wanted to try the pinxtos or pinchos in Barcelona. They are related to tapas but the main difference is that these pinchos have a toothpick or skewer (for easy eating).

We tried the pinchos in Mussol, a popular chain serving traditional Catalan dishes. Pretty and Tasty.

If you ever wonder why Catalans are so thin, this might be the reason. Filipinos have rice for snacks. Catalans only eat these.

These bite-size snacks are usually found in bars in Northern Espana.

There you have it. After a long day of traveling, good food can heal the tired mind and body. When you visit Europe, you might want to go and try any of the aforementioned places. I have extended my trip here so I am hoping to have more culinary adventures here in the United Kingdom.

Cheers!

_______________________________________________________________________________

Jamie's Italian, Cardiff.

Uniy LG 69/70

St David's 2 Shopping Centre

Cardiff

CF101GA

Chin Chan Laboratorists

49-50 Camden Lock Place, London

Nachtigall, Zurich

Baeckerstrasse 30, Zurich 8004, Switzerland

Cafe Portofino

Via Cola di Rienzo, Roma

Last Stop: United Kingdom. (Living A Student's Life)

2011-10-26T15:27:00.017+08:00

We bloody made it! Whew. My sister and I said Au Revoir to all the Shengen States a few days ago. I thought we would never reach United Kingdom. It feels like I've been in Europe for more than a year now. My back has been miserable and it badly needs a good massage. I swear that I will overdose on massages when I am back in Manila.

We went around London yesterday but I had to cut it short because I needed to go to Cardiff in Wales. We will explore more of wonderful London town this weekend and next week. We still have plans to go to Cambridge, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Bath and other areas as long as we have the time. I'd also love to see the all the markets in London since it's highly recommended by most travellers here.

The Popular Red Phone Booths. I wonder if people use them?

Buckingham Palace. It's not that impressive from the outside but it is the "most famous" Royal Palace. It's unfortunate that Queen Elizabeth is currently in Australia (As if we'd be able to see her here..but then again, with all my crazy travels, you'll never know.)

I am currently staying in one of the flats near Cardiff University. I feel like a college kid again! Perhaps I can give some insights about how students live here in UK since I'll be here for a while.

To all my readers who have been traveling with me the whole time, Big Thanks to all of you! You all make blogging way more fun.

If you have any comments or suggestions, I always say, feel free to tell me.

Cheers!

Steven Spielberg in Brussels!

2011-10-23T14:52:00.014+08:00

Out of all the days here in Belgium, we chose to go to Brussels yesterday. We hit a stroke of luck because it was the world Premiere of The Adventures of Tintin (Les Adventures of Tintin), the newest film of Steven Spielberg, who would certainly be the most celebrated director in the world! We got a glimpse of the the movie's Tapis Rouge.

Adventures of Tintin is based on a comic book series created by Belgium Artist George Remi. I did not even know that the artist was Belgian.

Tintin was coming home to Belgium. Finally.

While waiting for "Kumpareng" Steven.

There he is! It was difficult to get a clear shot. (Fourth from the left)

Jamie Bell (from the movie Jumper), the voice of Tintin, was also there.

Here's a clearer profile shot of Steven Spielberg (Between the bodyguards). We thought Daniel Craig was going to show up but he did not. Or did he?

My trips never fail to elevate the excitement level. Who would have thought that we would see Steven Spielberg in Brussels? Coolness factor x 100.

We were tired of going around and our hunger pang led us to this Restaurant that served oysters and mussels! (Thanks Naomi and Gsai for taking us here). Happy stomach = Happy everything.

And of course, we did what most belgians do best = Drink and Party! (with our Belgian Brother, Thibaud)

I should already call this blog the Grandeur Adventures of Deo. What do you think? More to come in the next few days, I hope. We'll most likely watch Adventures of Tintin in UK to get more inspiration.

Ciao!

No Shame in Barcelona (Sin Verguenza).

2011-10-21T20:00:00.023+08:00

Warning: For mature readers only.

Whether it's a crazy or funny one, a travel story actually comes when you least expect it. It's always nice to go home with a unique story to share with your family or friends. Regular travel means boring trip.

During our trip in Barcelona, the weather was better than we expected. Coming from a tropical country with exceptionally beautiful beaches, we missed the sun's rays hitting our skin. We were longing for it's warmth and familiarity. What we were craving for though was the beach more than anything else. I wanted to see a sea of people wanting to get that perfect tan. Fortunately, Barcelona is one of those few major cities that has a beach. Not bad, I say.

This is the story of the couple with No Shame.

While we were strolling down the boardwalk, our eyes gravitated towards this man who was walking on the beach in his birthday suit. It was not entirely surprising in Barcelona since there's a nude beach not far away from the city. This is Europe anyway, right? Suddenly, all the locals and tourists thought this was an immediate form of entertainment. Snap snap.

As we were observing closely, something weird came into view. This nude man was looking at something that also caught everyone's attention. A couple was getting jiggy with it on the beach! Talk about afternoon delight. We could hear the snickers and laughter from all the passers-by.

Mr. nude man could not join in the fun. It was probably frustrating for him so he figured it would be better to find it somewhere else. He walked away unsatisfied.

After an hour, the men in uniform came to stop this spectacle. They probably noticed that the crowd was getting bigger.

We thought the couple would be sent to prison for a night but the policemen just let them go (with a warning, i hope). After that tense moment with the officers, these two instant Barcelona celebs were walking towards our direction. As those faces became much clearer, it all made sense. These two were homeless. We felt bad for them, really.

Hay, Barcelona. You never cease to surprise or shock me.

What's the craziest thing you've ever seen while traveling?

Te Amo, Barcelona!

2011-10-19T13:04:00.012+08:00

We are currently in Barcelona am loving it! It's one of the cities I've immediately fallen in love with. The weather, the language, the food and the warm people make this place a city worth visiting again. Did I mention that Barcelona is also an amazing place for party people? The night life here will blow your mind. and Gaudi! I don't even know where to begin.

Here's a pictures of the "MAN who can't be moved" at Las Ramblas, one of the most famous strees in the world. He might have been the inspiration for The Script''s song.

Saw another headless one near Park Guell.

The Famous Casa Batllo.

Belgium and London in a few days! Keep you all posted.

Sealing your love with Love Locks around Europe.

2011-10-15T15:42:00.019+08:00

Have you ever been in love? Being in love or loving someone would perhaps be one of the greatest things that a person can experience in the world. It can bring out the best in you. On the other hand, it can also be pure madness. However, I believe that real love (and not being in love) should help you grow. It shouldn't be the kind that will drive you off the edge. Love should be beautiful and sometimes, it needs to be expressed in more ways than one.

Everyone has his/her own unique way of expressing (or not expressing) this crazy little thing called love for someone. People have built monuments and edifices. Some have written books and poems. Some have made beautiful songs that continue to inspire people to find their own love.

Apparently, during the course of my trip, I saw another expression of people's love for each other -- Love Padlocks (or "love locks"). It will be quite common to see them these days but it was interesting to see them all in the cities that I had visited so far. People want to symbolize the strength of their love by affixing these padlocks to these bridges in different parts of the globe. Romantic for those who are in love and maybe a bit cheesy for those who are not. You be the judge.

1) Vialetto Degli Innamorati, Rome. Aside from the gorgeous view from this point, this is where lovers go to seal their love. Nothing can be grander than a love locked in Rome

2) Paris, France. Ponts de Arts Bridge (Passerelle de Arts). Probably the most popular love padlock bridge in Paris, the "City of Love".

Locks of different shape and sizes.

This was near Musee D'orsay.

3. Another one starting this trend in Rheinfall in Switzerland. Near this raging and beautiful waterfall is another bridge with love locks.

It's fairly new so there aren't that many yet. We only saw less than a dozen.

4.) On our last day in Milan, we ended up going the beautiful and Hollywood Famous Lake Como. It was a great day for us to slow down the pace of our trip.

While walking on one of the bridges, familiar objects came into our sight. Serendipitous, I reckoned. Wherever I go, I suddenly see them.

I'm fairly certain Ill be seeing more love padlocks in the coming weeks. Im wondering where though.

Have you already seen these love locks back in your hometown? What's the craziest thing you've ever done for love? Please do share.

P.S

I might be on a quest for love during this trip. We'll see what happens.

The Funny Thing About Rome: Can you get any Closer?

2011-10-07T12:22:00.056+08:00

We arrived in grand old Rome. My body was not fully adjusted to the time difference yet but I was trying my best to keep my energy up. This would be my second trip here but there would constantly be a million things to see and do. Four years ago, my friend and I practically breezed through Rome before going to Venice. If you have read my previous blogs, you would know that I lost most of my pictures in Europe when my things were stolen in Paris. Hence, this trip oddly feels like my first time. I needed to go back to all the tourists attractions where you'll find an overwhelming number of people. This is, after all, ROME. I will make sure I won't lose anything this time though. *Fingers Crossed*.

My first post about Rome (and for this second Eurotrip), however, won't be about its tourist attractions. You have the power to look for those already with the help of reliable Mr. Google.

The most striking thing you'll notice when you reach Rome (and most parts of Europe) would be the size of their cars. In the Philippines, bigger is better but in Rome, he smaller they are, the more practical they will be. Piccolo is IN. First of all, it will be easier to navigate Rome using a small car because of its narrow roads. Parking will relatively be less challenging too.

What's the funny thing about that then? I now believe that Romans are one of the craziest drivers in thw world. There are no rules in parking. It would be trivial to see cars having dents and scratches. Back home, people go furious even when your car is slightly hit by another. It's almost criminal. In Rome, it's quite commonplace and people don't bother worrying about it.

I'll now let the pictures do the talking. The Title would be aptly called Can you get any closer?

Impressive Parking Skills, eh? Owner says "I am the King of the Road!"

If you visit Rome, you would no longer be surprised when you see cars that would almost kiss each other. This was one side of this historic place I wanted to share with all of you.

On a serious note, while roaming around Rome, I thought to myself: "What if there were no tourists in this city even for a day? Let it breathe a little. No tourists. No line. Only me and these historic walls, buildings, statues and streets. I know that's virtually impossible. It's like asking a dog to fly but in Rome, you are free to dream. I mean, this city is a product of people's grand dreams and visions. I ask you one thing though, when you dream, dream big, okay?

Piccolo is SOLELY for cars. Ciao!

Tiber River.

See you, London (and the rest of Europe)!

2011-09-24T23:06:00.043+08:00

I was a victim of my fickle-mindedness recently. Perhaps that happens when you have way too much time in your hands. The days seem to blur and the future becomes distant. The original plan was to go to Tokyo in October but pivotal circumstances led me to a different course. The idea of going back to Europe then presented itself. It was timely. I thought: "This would be the best time to rekindle my love affair with Europe". (FYI, this blog came to be because of my crazy stories in Europe. Click this LINK to read more). A couple of months ago, while studying for my board exams in Starbucks, a random and unassuming fortune teller did tell me that I would be in Europe again this year. Yes, I believe in such "gifts". You see, she was right.

I started with the UK visa first since I was not able to include that during my last Euro trip. I found myself fixing all my requirements for this visa - a process I considered as unpleasant. You have to force yourself to do it. We hurriedly submitted the application and after a few days, we finally got our UK VISAs! Our passports were delivered to our condo in 3 days. Fast, eh? The British Embassy was also generous to give a multiple entry valid for 6 months.

The process was not as complicated as I expected (I'll write a more detailed description on How to Get a UK Visa later). All you have to do is fill up their application form online and you can book your appointment after (via call center or online). On your appointment date, go to their Visa Application Center where you would submit your printed application form, passport and supporting documents. The only problem is that you'll find out if your visa has been approved when you get your passport. A text message or email will say: A decision on your visa has been made by the British Embassy. The waiting game unfortunately commences. Patient is not my strong suit.

I'm grateful that all my travel plans are taking shape. I still have to get another VISA but I'm hoping we'll have no problems with that. For now, I'm ecstatic knowing that my UK Trip will push through. I have personal reasons for going there.

If you have been there, can you suggest something new to do or see? Ill probably be visiting places outside London too. Looking forward to hearing from you. One thing is certain though. I want to see Stonehenge!

Now, where can I find another fortune teller? Teehee!

Shengen visa, you're next.

For more information about UK VISA, click this link

A Misibis Bay Retreat

2011-09-03T20:32:00.041+08:00

The post board exam euphoria was almost over but my travel high was steadily overtaking my senses. The happiness was a fleeting feeling that only lasted for days before hitting another brick wall. I wasn't ready to face the pressures of reality yet. I was still barely recovering from the overwhelming stress that forced me to change the routine of my life. I needed a break from the break. I thought: "Residency Training can wait". An "Eat, Pray, Love" kind of travel was what the doctor ordered. I promised I would surrender myself last weekend (which was utterly difficult) in order for me get back to my groove. I had some problems back in Manila that deserved to stay there.

The Good Life

I wanted to have R and R in the Philippines and Legazpi was on top of the list. I believe the allure of visiting Legazpi lies in the fact that its history and landscape will always be changed and controlled by the mighty Mayon Volcano. Considering my blog's reputation, Misibis Bay was the obvious choice for our accommodation. The uneventful one-hour PAL flight from Manila to Legazpi makes visiting Misibis Bay an an ideal weekend getaway for urbanites. This vacation proved to be an appropriate first trip after the board exam.

Misibis Bay at Night

It was 730 AM. We arrived in Legazpi with high expectations. This was my first time in the Southern Luzon and that lent an air of mystery to it. Random visions of Mayon and whale sharks were running in my head before stepping out onto the tarmac. It was unfortunate that it was not whale shark season yet.

Upon arrival, we were picked up by the resort's staff with warm welcome. The heat and humidity were all too familiar but the seeing Mayon Volcano from a distance ignited my love affair with Bicol. Slightly famished, we headed to Hotel Venezia in the City for a quick breakfast. I barely savored the meal because of my eagerness to see the resort. Talk about impatience.

We had a stopover in one of the most prominent landmarks of Legazpi--The Sto Domingo Church. Built in 1820, this stone church has two belfries that give it a beautiful symmetry. After our photo op, we were ready to reach our main destination. From there, it was another 40-minute trip to Cagraray Island via a meandering route.

We immediately headed to Cagraray where the Ro-Ro (Roll on-Roll off) vessel was waiting for us. You'd have to cross the Sula channel to get to the island.

When we arrived, we were greeted by some locals with a native Bicolano Dance.

The customary welcome refreshments were also served. I must say that the the Buko Pandan drink was a winner. I think I drank three of these.

Reception Area

One of the staff gave a brief orientation to help us plan our activities for the next few days. We were then whisked off to our huge villa that had an easy access to the lagoon pool. It was simple and luxurious. We had an expansive terrace that came with an outdoor jacuzzi tub!

Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom products, anyone?

Our own Jacuzzi Tub

This was the view from our villa. Manny Pacquiao was here a week before us and we heard it through the grapevine that he was interested in buying real estate in the area.

Infinity Pool

Look at that happy face.

Like any blogger, my next mission was to leisurely explore the rest of the resort. I know this Misibis Bay does not have the best white beach in the Philippines but the activities they offer the guests make up for that. Nonetheless, a beach is a beach, right?

The resort has its own stretch of private white beach for lazing around.

My favorite spot.

Watersports activities like jet-skiing, Hobie cat sailing (always a treat for me), kayaking, parasailing, and wind surfing are at your disposal. They even have intro dive classes here with a certified PADI instructor. The resort also offers indoor activities or amenities such as table tennis, pool table, videoke rooms, and a gym.

My favorite among the activities though was the Lava tour of Mayon Volcano. My siblings were not too keen on doing it because it was a hot day but Jeff, our recreational guide, assured us that it would be worth it. He turned out to be right.

We parked our ATVS before going up a mountain of rocks that led to this incredible 360 degree view of Legazpi. It could be a bit daunting for people who do not fancy mountain climbing.

The rough terrain posed no problem for the ATVs.

At the foot of Mayon. The clouds enveloped almost half of the volcano but the view was still jaw dropping.

This big surprise here was the helipad. You can literally have a picnic here with the Majestic Mayon as the backdrop. We wanted to take a helicopter tour of Mayon but the wind conditions did not permit us to do so. We wouldn't want a fatal crash on a holiday.

On our way back to the the city, we passed through the small barangays as it was the shorter route . It was refreshing to see smiling faces and kids waving at us. We felt like the new celebrities in town.

To keep our excitement level soaring, we also tried the Segway tours in Misibis Bay. Since it was all new to us, going around the resort while riding these expensive machines (around P500,000 each) was a rewarding experience.

You can learn it less than 5 minutes, provided that you have good balance and sense of direction. The route started from the resort until we reached the Marina at sunset.

Since Misibis Bay is a luxury resort, the activities there could be relatively expensive but there are other things you can do on the island. Cagraray Island is being developed as an eco-adventure park that aims to provide travelers with alternatives to have fun.

First stop. You can visit the Amphitheater, reminiscent of the ones in Italy. It doesn't feel that old but the view from here is priceless. This was one of the pitstops in Amazing Race Asia (when our team Rich and Rich won last year). The five massive pillars in the middle have a commanding presence.

A staple now for most islands is the zipline. You can choose between the 200m and 400m line (Can someone correct me? Im certain the other one is longer).

A nice surprise here is the beautiful church on top of the mountain. It has a scenic view for weddings.

Inisde the Church. The chandeliers were divine.

Where to Eat in the Resort:

The Spice Market offers buffet for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Get it since it's value for your money. However, don't expect food to be great.

I could now say that I'm now in perpetual search for the best luxury resorts in the Philippines (Amanpulo calling soon). My blog is living up to its name. Misibis Bay gave us an adventure kind of travel that you don't get in most resorts. Their service was excellent! Hopefully, when we return to Bicol, we'd get to try the helicopter tour and fly above the city. However, what I would love to do soon would be swim with the whale sharks and explore the Caramoan Islands. I may be the Grandeur Traveler but I might have to forego luxury travel once in a while and go back to the roots of traveling. After all, traveling does not necessarily have to be expensive for it to be grand.

How to get to Misibis Bay:

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air fly to Legazpi City everyday.

If you feel more adventurous, you can take the bus or drive to Legapzi, City. Be ready because it will be a long 10-hour drive.

For more information: Click Misibis Bay

The Grandeur Traveler is Back!

2011-08-18T19:53:00.034+08:00

Hello my dear readers! I've missed you all. I am pleased and proud to announce that I have finally passed (Drumroll please) the recent Physician Licensure Exam. Im officially a licensed M.D. Yahoo! It wasn't easy but it was worth the wait! The psychological preparation for the board exam is crucial but if you come from a reputable Medical School, the chances of you passing would be considerably higher. There were times when my sanity was hanging by a thread but my rational faculties still took over. If you guys were wondering why I wasn't blogging as much as I used to, that exam would explain everything.

My life is now stress-free (Well, not completely) and I can start traveling again for a few months before I plan a more serious chapter of my life. Im not sure how long I can be free but I'll try to update my blog as often as I can.

Im thinking of staying here next week. It would be appropriate to go around our country before I go somewhere abroad again. Do you know which luxury resort this is? I'm excited to swim with the Butanding (Whale Sharks!)

It feels great to be back! I am most excited about writing travel stories again because that's what I really miss.

The Mighty Mayon Volcano

Holy Trip in Pangasinan: Special Announcement about Our Lady of Manaoag

2011-07-26T07:02:00.051+08:00

Hello everyone! Yes, I'm alive! Sorry for the lack of updates for the past few weeks. I have been extremely busy but after August, I assure you that I'll have more grand travels for all you.

Last Friday, we randomly decided to go to Manaoag to offer our prayers. It was actually my mom who told me before leaving for Pangasinan that visiting Manaoag that day would be a special occasion for all of us.

It was a unique gathering because the Catholic Church had an important announcement for everyone. Despite the crowd and searing heat, people from all over the country flocked to Manaoag to celebrate this event. Can you believe there were 60 bishops during this time? If you are looking for a miracle, visiting our Lady of Manaoag might be your answer.

In short, Manaoag is officially a Holy Place for Pilgrims. It is now an affiliate of the St Mary Major, one of the four basilicas in Rome. It would be as if you visited the actual major basilica in Rome. I am so proud since this is my hometown.

If you want to read the rest of the letter: Click here: Our Lady of Manaoag.

After our holy visit to Manaoag, we went to Thunderbird Resorts in La Union. It is the only five start resort up north and I stay here every time I get a chance to indulge after a stressful day.

The famous dome of the resort.

Look at those Happy Faces.

We got one of the best suites, of course.

This was all we needed.

It was an important weekend for us to renew and refresh our mind, body and soul. Hopefully, it will all pay off soon enough. Please, if you have any suggestions for my next travels, feel free to tell me.

For more information, Click my old post: Thunderbird Poro Point

Staycation in Manila Hotel + The Magic of Varekai (Quick Review)

2011-06-25T12:54:00.059+08:00

In case you don't know, Manila hotel is the oldest luxury hotel in the Philippines. It was built in more than a century ago (1909) to rival Malacanang Palace. Its facade does not evoke grandeur unlike most colonial hotels in the world but the its history makes it an appealing and worthy choice for people who want something different.

I'm actually staying here to blog about the hotel after its massive renovation. But more importantly, the Grand Chapiteau for Cirque du Soleil's Varekai is only a few cartwheels away.

The renovation did wonders for this historic hotel. Modernizing the hotel is important to keep up with the demands of guests. People do expect more from a hotel that has been serving people for almost a century.

This was our Suite. Impressive, I must say. It was spacious, well-lit and it came with easy controls for the lights and airconditioning system.

It is probably one of the best ones I've seen in Manila ...so far. The Capiz shells on the walls, Filipino paintings, the history (King of Pop Michael Jackson, Ernest Hemingway, John F. Kennedy all stayed here)....I absolutely love everything about it.

They even installed built-in LCD TVs in their bathroom. Sweet.

My only wish is for them to remove the huge signage on the roof. Seriously.

A few meters away from the Hotel is the Grand Chapiteau for Varekai. I got too excited when I saw the tent! I felt like a kid again. The allure of circus shows carries mystery/magic that transcends all generations.

P.S

Here's my Quick review of Varekai. I'll probably try to make a more extensive review later but I don't have time to do it now.

Varekai: I give it 5/5. It's everything you expect a Cirque show to be: Breathtaking. Entertaining. Magical. Funny. It will also keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a showcase of the human body as an art form. Varekai transports you to a fantasy world that will leave you in awe.

My favorites -

First: The act when the forest creatures teach Icarus how to fly is hauntingly beautiful. There's fluidity and grace in the movements of Icarus.

Image Taken From Click here.

Another favorite is the climactic last act that is not for the faint-hearted. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it. Those performers do daunting acrobatics that require sheer perfection. Otherwise, it the end will end in horror for everyone.

Photo taken from Image

Too bad I couldn't take pictures inside. Honestly, I don't even need a review for this. If you simply want to have a great time in the metro with your family, friends, or special someone, VAREKAI can make that happen.

I know the tickets are pricey but Varekai is worth every cent. My whole family immensely enjoyed the show that we all wanted to watch it again. Undoubtedly, Varekai is one of the best shows on Earth!

To know more about Varekai, Click this post VAREKAI Manila. Hope you get to catch this show too! If you've seen it, tell me what you think. Thanks!'

I would also like to thank God for the beautiful weather that night.

For more information about Manila Hotel, Click here.

Celebrating Jose Rizal's 150th Birthday (Maligayang Kaarawan Jose Rizal)

2011-06-12T07:00:00.027+08:00

If you are a Filipino, I do not need to explain how important Rizal is in our country. As our national hero, he was the biggest catalyst for a revolution that awakened the Filipino people. Sometimes (in my own delusional way), I actually feel like I'm following in his footsteps. He went to Ateneo and then UST for Medicine. He was also a traveler, writer (in the modern world..a blogger might do) and many more things. However, I know I'm a far cry from this national hero of ours. To begin with, dying for your country isn't something that most people are willing to do. I know I'm not brave enough for that........yet.

In commemoration of Rizal's 150th birth anniversary, Manila has decided to take the center stage to celebrate this historic day. His 150th birthday is right around the corner (June 19).

These are some of the activities/events for this BIG Celebration that I've found to be interesting:

1) Party @ Fort Santiago. Forget about the malls or bars in Manila come June 19, 2011. A party will be held at Fort Santiago in Intramuros (yes, this was the place where he was imprisoned before being executed) called "Maligayang Bati, Jose Rizal" as a tribute to our hero. There will be live musical performances, food, wine and kalesas (horse-driven carriages) to make the evening more festive. The even was organized but Lisa Bayot, the granddaughter of Saturnina, Rizal's eldest sister. It would actually be nice to meet some of Rizal's descendants. Open to Public: P100 Adults. P50 Children. However, if you go there and wear your Rizal Costume, you can get in for free. Gates open at 6 PM.

2) Shows at CCP. On June 14-17, The 13 Episodes of telemovie Noli Me Tangere by National Artist Eddie Romero will be shown at the CCP Dream Theater. In addition, there will be discussions for teachers from prominent resource speakers.

On June 15, The Alitaptap Storytellers will also present "Mga Kwentong Rizal at the Multi-purpose room of CCP". They have even added a program called Ang gig ni Rizal on June 17, 4 pm at the CCP Main Theater. This will feature prominent artists and singers led by The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. For more information and events, visit the CCP website http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph

3) Go to the underpasses. From June 10-July 31, there will be an art gallery commemorating Rizals's 150th birthday at the Legazpi, Sedeno, and Salcedo Underpasses. It will be an interesting walk for most of the people living in Makati.

4) More Talks. On July 2, National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario will have a talk about Jose Rizal as a Poet at the Filipinas Heritage Library.

5) On June 19, 2011 @ 8 PM, Rizal Park Central Lagoon Musical Dancing Fountain will unveil its new "water effects". This new feature is the 88 feet pulsating high center jet, peacock spray water screen where people can view a movie using the water as the movie screen. Neat, huh?

6) Rock Concert c/o Rock Ed Philippines. Who will be playing? Ely Buendia, Ebe Dancel (of Sugarfree), Jett Pangan, Peryodiko, Sandwich, Aiza Seguerra, Radioactive Sago Project, and Gloc- 9. All these artists have been collaborating to produce an album that will feature the life and works of Rizal. Interesting, huh? This will still be in September at Quirino Grand Stand but the artists will come out with a single on June 19.

I know some of the activities may sound boring for some of you but if it's your cup of tea, then go! This is one way for you to learn and celebrate our rich history.

Thanks again Dr. Jose Rizal! You were the first "real" traveler/explorer this country had. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Now, show Dr. Rizal some love and send your birthday greetings.

For more details on events, go to http://myrizal150.com

Marcia Adams: Tuscan Countryside Dining in Tagaytay

2011-06-05T21:08:00.042+08:00

I had to break the monotony and routine of my life lately. If there's one thing I've learned throughout my blogging "career", one should never underestimate the power of taking breaks. I constantly have the urge to try something different. We need it to retain our sanity in times when we feel like we are about to lose ourselves. (I've been busy studying for something really important. I shouldn't even be blogging but here I am.)

Marcia Adams Restaurant in Tagaytay made that happen.

Marcia Adams is relatively a new restaurant in Tagaytay. It started to receive "buzz" last year through the best marketing strategy - "Word of Mouth". It has everything a restaurant needs to be a culinary destination - exquisite food, beautiful views and ambience, and most importantly, accommodating hosts. Marcia and her husband Neil know how to make their guests feel more welcome after a busy day.

This small restaurant captures the essence and feel of life in the Italian countryside.

The interior is distinctly Tuscan-inspired. The restaurant can only accommodate a few guests and that makes it an ideal place for a date.

I'm hoping I can build a retirement home like this for myself. Maybe I'll try gardening and just let the world pass by.

Now, let's talk about to the best part of this trip : The Food. I'm honestly not a food critic. I've never been one and I'm not sure if i'll ever be one. It's either I like the food or I don't. In this case, I loved the food! Marcia Adams serves a 3-course meal (includes appetizer and dessert) and the price depends on the main course (at least P700).

We started our culinary journey with some bread with balsamic vinegar + olive oil dressing.

Our Appetizer was the soup of the day. I forgot to ask what it actually was but I thought it was the perfect mix of herbs and spices.

For the Main Course, My sister and I both unknowingly got kebabs.

Hers was the Tanigue Kebab marinated in Olive Oil and herbs with rice or couscous (P700).

I got the juicy Beef Ternderloin and Bacon Kebab - Provencal Style beef tenderloin marinated in garlic and anchovies. (P845)

The Dessert. It was my first time to try Grilled Orange with Vanilla Ice cream. My choice had pleasant combination since the orange complemented the ice cream's sweetness.

Lime Panna Cotta. It doesn't only look good, it tastes heavenly too.

Some of the drinks you might want to try.

If you are looking for another getaway for the weekend, Marcia Adams might just be right for you. Nothing beats eating in a restaurant where you feel like you are home where you can dine and dream under the "Tuscan" sun.

Marcia Adams is located near the border of Tagaytay and Alfonso (Close to Residence Inn Zoo). If you see the Tagaytay arch with the Pineapples, you can turn right when you see the sign leading to Villa Simmet. The restaurant is approximately 150 m from the highway.

Contact Number: 0917-8011456 (Make sure you text them before you go, especially if you are going on a weekday). Be polite and courteous enough to notify the owners if you really cannot go.

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying - GT Review

2011-05-25T15:33:00.030+08:00

Out of all the Broadway shows in New York, this musical definitely caught our attention for obvious reasons (My sister Cielo could not contain her excitement). How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is not only visually entertaining but it also simple enough to digest for any Broadway Newbie. The plot revolves around the antihero J. Pierrpont Finch (Daniel Radcliffe), who starts as a window washer for a company and eventually rises to the highest position through his cunning and conniving ways. You'll see how hilarious and genius he can be. Interestingly, Anderson Cooper is the narrator here.

The main draw of this musical is undoubtedly Radcliffe. He is their greatest asset. Radcliffe is a product of the Harry Potter Generation that has made him one of the most recognizable faces in the world. Without his eagerness and enthusiasm, this musical would not have enough pull. It was a big leap and risk for Radcliffe to be doing a musical on Broadway. As a Hollywood actor, his role in Equus probably didn't require too much preparation (well, except the nude part) but How to Succeed demanded a different set of skills. You have to give him credit for his bold singing and dancing. There's still room for improvement but Radcliffe has a way of charming his audience. As long as the pitch and timing are perfect, he won't have any problems.

I also liked the song repertoire in the musical. It wasn't too hard to understand the lyrics (unlike CATS), which would always be an essential part of a show. I immensely enjoyed the song "Brotherhood of Men" because it summed up the energy of the whole musical.

Here's a clip.

After the musical, we unexpectedly got to see some of the actors. The first one that came out was John Larroquette (You may remember him from Richie Rich).

He was game to sign people's Playbills.

My Autographed Playbill.

As soon as we heard the deafening screams from the fan girls, we knew their big star was right around the corner.

One thing we noticed was how short he was (5'5 approximately). If he wasn't too short, he could have signed my playbill too and I would have sold it on Ebay for a considerable huge amount! Kidding.

Now, Who wants to succeed in Business without really trying? Everyone does!

When you are in NYC and you need a good laugh, Catch this at Al Hirschfeld Theater. West 45th street. Between 8th and 9th Avenue. It will be fantastic!

Bear with my if I'll be MIA for a while. It's a busy time for me. Please watch out for my Future Travels!

deo a.k.a GT

Why Fly First Class?? Is it really worth it?

2011-05-17T14:39:00.061+08:00

Once you've experienced flying first class, I assure that you would never want to go back to economy anymore. However, that's not the case for a good number of travelers. Flying First Class means you have to pay the the airfare X 4 the regular cost. Most people are practical these days, making the prospect of flying first class quite a remote possibility. Budget airlines have sprung forth in order to accommodate the massive demand for cheap travel. On a regular international flight (i.e Manila to LA), economy tickets start at $1000, Business Class would be around $2,000 and First Class (Gulp) would be around $3,500-4000. First class only has a serious and loyal clientele.

Ok, here's the lowdown. These are the obvious perks of Flying in Style. Don't worry though, I'll also give you a few tips on how you can experience first class travel without breaking the bank.

1) You don't have to line up - Goodbye Queues! Isn't it annoying when you see people board before you and you have been lining up like forever? That happens because they have paid a considerable amount of money for comfort and convenience. When you are at the check-in counter, first class and business class passengers are always the first ones to board. Even if you are already late, you will still be a priority. Upon deplaning/disembarkation, you will also be the first ones to do that. Some aircrafts even have a separate exits for their first class passengers.

2) Relax at the First class/Business class lounge - Waiting for the flight can be a bore but that won't be a problem if you fly first Class. Head out to the first class lounge. There's buffet, free flowing drinks, wifi access, and magazines to keep you occupied. If you need to take a shower, some lounges have their own shower room.

Mabuhay Lounge in NAIA Terminal 2

At the first class lounge in McCarran Airport, Las Vegas.

3) You have more Baggage Allowance - Do you tend to shop too much when you are on vacation? I think you are allowed to bring an extra 10 kilos if you are already an Elite member of the airline. If you decide to do major damage while on vacation, then you are in luck.

4) More legroom! - If you have varicose veins or you are at risk of having Deep Vein Thrombosis, all the extra space will be heaven. I get agitated on a flight easily so I need to move around a lot. Recline your seat and sleep like it's no one's business. You also need not worry about waking up the person beside you when you need to use the loo.

In other airlines like Singapore Airlines or Etihad, I think they already have the suites in their First Class Cabin. These suites even have doors for utmost privacy! Must try that one of these days.

Taken from Suites

Thai Airways First Class.

4) The FOOD alone will make you want to upgrade - Some flights have crappy food and you would hate to be have bad food on a 16 hour flight.

I ate all of these during our flight--all prepared by the Chef. I think I might have gained a few pounds. Believe me, my stomach wanted to give up but the food kept on coming.

Notice the presentation.

Arrozcaldo! You cant beat that.

This was heaven.

Good variety of dessert.

5) The flight attendants know your name - It's their job to know you. I'm not sure if this matters for some of you but it does in my world. The crew makes sure that all your needs are met. Be treated like a celebrity even for a few hours.

6) You can be seated beside someone important - I heard stories from people who were seated beside celebrities. On our flight to San Francisco, I was seated beside someone who happened to be a CEO of a Solar Company. Wicked, huh? He even offered to be my sponsor (Let's see if I still have his calling card). On our recent trip, there were politicans, big shot executives, and local celebrities on our flight too.

What happens though If you cannot afford to Fly First Class? I give you a few tips on how you can do it. Take note: It's easier said than done.

1) Be loyal to your airline so you can upgrade your frequent flyer status. For example, If you have been flying PAL/Thai Airways/ Cathay Pacific all your life, stick to them. If that carrier has no flights to that destination, take an airline which is affiliated with your favorite carrier. If you fly budget airlines all the time, well you will never get an upgrade.

2) Fly with a VIP/Be the VIP - If you are well connected, you can be upgraded for free! Airlines love having VIPs onboard. You can let your travel agent let the airline know that you are a VIP/celebrity so they can prioritize you. Even if you booked an economy seat, they might be able to pull some strings to make your flight way more comfortable.

3) Call a friend - Knowing someone from the airlines makes a big difference. If you do, make sure you give them a ring. I'm sure they can hook you up. If they can't upgrade your class, they can at least let you stay in the lounge.

4) Dress the part - If you want a free upgrade, make sure that you don't look like you are not even suited for economy. Look presentable and ACT like you deserve an upgrade.

5) Ask the counter if there are any seats left/Buy an upgrade. Whether it's business class or first class, the chances of the seats not being fully occupied are high. If this happens, ask them nicely if you can be bumped to a higher class at a cheaper cost. This means that you have to check-in early though. Even if you are flying economy, you can get the best seats if you are the earliest bird.

6) Get a credit card with point to mile conversion. The more you spend, the more miles you earn. You can use that to redeem free flights or service class upgrade.

7) If you can't do any of the things above, I suggest you SAVE. It will be worth it. Flying first class is pure indulgence. If you can try it, enjoy it!

I'm not sure when I'm going to fly first class again but I'm looking forward to the next one. MY goal: To be a Million Miler! If you are connected to any airline, you know where to contact me.

If you have any suggestions or comments (experiences), let me hear from you.

Happy Travels!