May 22, 2026

First Look Inside the Newly Renovated Grand Regal Hotel Davao Rooms and Suites

There’s something refreshing about seeing a familiar Davao landmark evolve with time. During my recent visit to Grand Regal Hotel Davao, I had the chance to personally tour their newly renovated rooms that now embrace a more refined and contemporary hospitality experience.

Long recognized as one of Davao City’s iconic hotels for weddings, business functions, and large-scale events, Grand Regal is entering a new era through thoughtfully upgraded interiors that balance modern elegance with everyday comfort. From the stylish Premier Rooms to the expansive Presidential Suite, each space feels brighter, more elevated, and intentionally designed for today’s travelers.

Located along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Lanang, the hotel remains highly accessible to major business hubs, shopping centers, and the airport, making it ideal for both business stays and weekend staycations.

Premier Room — Modern Comfort with an Elevated City View

The newly redesigned Premier Room immediately introduces a polished modern-classic aesthetic, moving away from the hotel’s previous traditional style.

One of the room’s standout features is the dramatic dark teal and charcoal textured accent wall framed with clean white crown molding. At the center sits a tall arched leather headboard in a warm brown tone that instantly becomes the focal point of the space.

The plush white bedding is layered with terracotta colored pillows and an elegant patterned bed runner, adding warmth against the darker tones of the room. Soft ambient lighting from the sleek rectangular bedside lamps creates a calm and upscale atmosphere, especially during nighttime.

The room also includes light wood side tables, a vanity console with mirror, and comfortable accent seating that make the space functional for both leisure and work.

Positioned on the higher floors of the tower, the Premier Rooms offer relaxing panoramic views of the Davao skyline and portions of the Davao Gulf. Something guests will especially appreciate during sunrise and evening city lights.

Executive Room — Refined and Spacious for Business or Leisure

Located on the hotel’s 14th floor, the Executive Room is designed for guests looking for additional space and upgraded comfort.

The layout provides generous legroom along with a dedicated sitting area, making it suitable for longer stays or business travelers who need a more relaxed environment.

This room features twin beds accented with deep olive-green and black runners paired with custom pillows that complement the room’s elegant palette. Behind the bed is a rich teal-blue feature wall softly illuminated by warm bedside lighting.

Following the hotel’s recent room refresh, both the Premier and Executive Rooms now include upgraded essentials such as high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions with digital cable, individually controlled air conditioning, minibars, in-room safes, complimentary bottled water, and complete bathroom amenities including dental kits and hot-and-cold shower facilities.

Premier Suite / Bridal Suite — Designed for Wedding Preparations and Luxury Stays

One of the most impressive spaces I toured was the Premier Suite, also known as the Bridal Suite, located on the hotel’s 12th floor suite level.

The suite feels intentionally curated for wedding mornings and intimate luxury stays. The separate lounge area features deep charcoal velvet Chesterfield sofas, marble tile flooring, premium accent lighting, and a textured dark wall complemented by metallic floral wall décor.

At the center of the lounge sits a stunning mirrored dual-tier coffee table that adds glamour without overpowering the space.

The bedroom area is separated from the lounge and includes a king-sized bed framed by an oversized padded headboard, along with a workspace and vanity setup beside expansive panoramic windows overlooking the city.

Floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains paired with blackout drapes provide excellent lighting control, making the suite ideal for bridal preparation photoshoots and relaxed mornings before major celebrations.

The suite also serves as one of the hotel’s premier preparation venues for weddings hosted at the newly renovated Grand Pilipinas Ballroom and The Glass House.

Executive Suite — Classic Luxury with Modern Updates

The Executive Suite continues the hotel’s transition toward a more contemporary luxury experience while still maintaining the warmth of classic hotel living.

Positioned on the 12th-floor executive level, the suite features a fully separated living and bedroom layout that instantly gives a more residential and premium feel.

The living room showcases Chesterfield sofas and matching armchairs upholstered in a soft neutral fabric palette. The newly upgraded glossy marble-pattern tile flooring helps brighten the entire suite while complementing the warm lighting elements throughout the space.

For guests planning extended stays, business meetings, or intimate hosting setups, the Executive Suite offers both functionality and elegance in one space.

Presidential Suite — Grand Regal’s New Flagship Luxury Experience

The newly redesigned Presidential Suite is arguably the hotel’s most expansive and most luxurious accommodation.

Located on the 14th floor, the suite embraces a practical luxury concept with spacious layouts, modern finishes, and carefully curated furniture selections.

The main living area is anchored by a large cream-colored sectional sofa placed over a statement abstract-pattern rug atop pristine marble flooring. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed with layered charcoal gray drapes and sheer curtains provide beautiful skyline views over the Lanang and Buhangin districts.

Inside the separate master bedroom is an oversized super-king bed paired with tufted accent headboards and custom bedside lighting that gives the room a luxurious hotel-suite atmosphere. It also features a spacious dressing room that extends into the bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.

One of my favorite details inside the suite is the dining area. Olive-green leather dining chairs with brass stud detailing surround a dark glass-top dining table supported by a ribbed wooden pedestal base in a warm honey-oak finish.

Above the space hangs a crystal-fringe chandelier softly illuminates the space and adds an elegant focal point that ties the entire suite together beautifully.

Hotel Facilities & Location Advantage

Beyond the room upgrades, guests staying at Grand Regal also have access to the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, fitness gym, sauna facilities, restaurants, and function spaces. The property continues to be one of Davao City’s most established venues for conferences, weddings, and corporate events.

Its Lanang location also places guests close to:

SM Lanang Premier
Damosa Gateway
Davao International Airport
Major corporate offices and business districts

For travelers looking for accessibility without sacrificing comfort, the location remains one of the hotel’s strongest advantages.

This was my first time personally touring the hotel’s rooms, so I may not fully compare them to their previous designs, but I was genuinely pleasantly surprised by the quality and direction Grand Regal Hotel Davao is now offering through these renovated spaces.

After experiencing the walkthrough firsthand, I’m definitely looking forward to booking a proper stay soon and experiencing the upgraded accommodations beyond the tour itself.

Grang Regal Hotel Location

📍 Km. 7 J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City

How to Book

Official Hotel Facebook Page

Call: 082-235 0888

09687880888 / 09661740888

Email: reservations@thegrandregalhotel.com

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

May 20, 2026

Krispy Kreme Launches SpongeBob-Themed Doughnuts Inspired by Bikini Bottom

Jexx Hinggo 10:13 PM food , krispy kreme 0 Comments

Are you ready, kids? (Aye, aye, Captain!)

Krispy Kreme Philippines is bringing the ultimate undersea nostalgia straight to our taste buds with the limited-edition Krispy Kreme × SpongeBob SquarePants collection. Whether you are a lifelong fan of the show or just have a major sweet tooth, these Bikini Bottom-themed treats are a must-try.

May 2, 2026

6‑Day Taiwan Itinerary: Taipei, Jiufen, Cat Village & Meteor Garden

Jexx Hinggo 1:43 AM itinerary , Taiwan 0 Comments

Last April 4–9, I finally stepped foot in Taiwan—a trip I had been planning for months. From Ximending street nights and comforting bowls of noodles to rainy afternoons in Jiufen and a childhood dream fulfilled at Meteor Garden filming locations, this 6 days / 5 nights trip turned into a journey filled with nostalgia, curiosity, and quiet moments of joy.

5‑Day Taiwan Itinerary: Taipei, Jiufen, Cat Village & Meteor Garden

I flew from Davao to Manila the night before, then caught an early Cebu Pacific flight to Taipei, departing at 6:30 AM and landing around 9:00 AM—a smooth three-hour flight. We booked this trip way back in August 2025 when it was on CEB Seat Sale, planned it for months, and after all that waiting, we finally landed at Taoyuan International Airport.

Arrival in Taipei

After clearing immigration and claiming our luggage, we withdrew cash from a Bank of Taiwan ATM and claimed our one-way Airport Express train tickets to Taipei Main Station, which we had booked via Klook (super convenient).

I would also recommend purchasing an eSIM for this trip. I preferred using an eSIM over a pocket WiFi. I also purchased it through Klook.

Tip: You can buy an EasyCard at 7‑Eleven or FamilyMart inside the airport. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find one right away—and I wanted a cute design—so I bought mine later in Ximending instead.

From Taipei Main Station, we could have taken the MRT to Ximending, but we decided to walk instead. (We just couldn’t find the way to the other station going to Ximending 😅) Twenty minutes later, slightly sweaty but excited, we arrived at our hotel. It was actually a fun way to get our first taste of Taipei’s streets and everyday life. 😅

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Star Ximen Hotel. At first, we thought we were lost—there was signage outside but no obvious entrance. Turns out, the hotel is located on the 9th floor of a building. Since check-in was still at 3:00 PM, we left our luggage with them for free. The staff were kind and helpful, which immediately made us feel welcome. I’ll share my full hotel review in a separate blog soon.

First on the itinerary? Ximending! It’s just a two‑minute walk from the hotel. Isn’t that perfect?

DAY 1: Ximending, Street Food, and First Impressions

Our first day was all about taking it slow and soaking everything in.

Exploring Ximending

We started wandering around Ximending, Taipei’s lively shopping and food district—colorful, busy, and full of energy.

Our first stop was Xin Fu Tang, the famous brown sugar milk tea shop. You really can’t miss it: a long line in the middle of the Ximending crossing, just across Pop Mart. Staff in white uniforms, caps, and black aprons move nonstop, making pearls and drinks right in front of you. Watching them work was already part of the experience.

When I finally tasted it—wow. (No joke!)

Not overly sweet, just milky, creamy, and rich, with deep brown sugar notes. I honestly don’t know what magic they use, but I knew then I’d be back for another cup during the trip.

Just a few steps away, we spotted another long line—Ay‑Chung Flour‑Rice Noodles. People were eating straight from paper bowls, standing around the shop. Since we hadn’t had lunch yet, we ordered a large bowl. You can add sauces like garlic, chili, and vinegar, and those condiments completely elevate the flavor. It was comforting, flavorful, and very hot—so eat carefully. Writing about it now makes me crave it again.

Cute Stores and Hidden Finds

We found themed 7‑Eleven stores around Ximending, including Hello Kitty and Open‑Chan themes. I finally bought my EasyCard here. The designs were limited, but the one I chose was still cute enough to keep as a souvenir.

We visited The Red House, which felt like a mini art bazaar. It was filled with unique handmade crafts, Taiwan‑inspired trinkets, toys, and accessories.

Back on the main shopping streets, we sampled Jiguang Fried Chicken, Curly Mama’s crispy milk donuts, and sausages—every bite worth it.

We also watched street performers and, of course, couldn’t resist trying our luck at a claw machine shop (there are tons in Taipei, especially in Ximending). And guess what—I won a Chiikawa plushie! I literally screamed when it dropped!

DAY 2: Local Breakfast, Gondolas, Zoo Adventures, and Taipei 101

Breakfast Like a Local

They say to eat like a local—and that’s exactly what we did. We found Yong He Soy Milk, and yes, even in the morning, there was a line—mostly locals. That’s when you know the food will be good.

And it was.

Warm, comforting soy milk paired with fried bread sticks you dip into it—it’s simple and hands‑down the best soy milk I’ve had in years.

Maokong Gondola & Taipei Zoo

We booked our Maokong Gondola + Taipei Zoo tickets via Klook. Entry was easy—just scan, print, and go.

The gondola ride up to Maokong was peaceful and scenic. It reminded me of Hong Kong’s Ngong Ping 360. We chose the standard cabin and were joined by a family of three. They got off at the Taipei Zoo stop (the third station), while we continued to the final stop—Maokong Station.

We explored the area, tried stinky tofu for the first time (and surprisingly, I liked it and finished a whole serving), had matcha ice cream, and sampled local snacks. After that, we rode the gondola back down toward Taipei Zoo.

The zoo was one of the highlights of the entire trip. It was exhausting but incredibly fun. Seeing animals like hyenas, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebras, capybaras, gorillas, and pandas up close felt magical. The inner child in me was so happy—some of these animals I haven’t even seen in places like Hong Kong Ocean Park.

Taipei 101 (Unexpectedly)

After the zoo, we attempted to go to Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall, but we got lost on the bus—and somehow ended up near Taipei 101 instead. A happy accident.

We decided to visit Simple Kaffa, a trending café inside Taipei 101. It’s popular because it’s a cheaper way to see the view compared to buying an observatory ticket. The line took about an hour (and we were already tired), but it was worth it. For the price of a coffee, we enjoyed stunning views from the 88th floor.

Dinner & Late‑Night Shopping

That night, we finally tried Mala Hot Pot, another major highlight. Unlimited meat, drinks, wines, and Haagen‑Dazs ice cream (around six flavors). We spent about NTD 1,500 in total. Heads‑up: at the time, they only accepted cash.

To end the day, we wandered around Don Don Donki Ximending. It was overwhelming in the best way—so many Japanese goodies. We didn’t buy much, just explored, then headed back to the hotel to rest.

DAY 3: Cat Village and Comfort Food

As animal lovers, this day was special and mystical!

Houtong Cat Village

We went to Houtong Cat Village, although we almost got lost trying to find Taipei Main Station—again. 😅 Eventually, we made it and took the train.

Houtong felt like stepping into a storybook: quiet, charming, and surrounded by mountains. And yes—cats everywhere. Chubby, relaxed, and clearly well taken care of. The town is a former mining village, and now it perfectly blends history with cuteness.

We relaxed at a café, enjoyed coffee and light snacks, soaked in the calm atmosphere, then headed back to Taipei.

Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall

After Houtong, we finally made it to Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall—one of the places we had missed earlier. The moment we arrived, we were amazed by how wide and massive the area was. The grand structure, the open grounds, and the symmetry of the place made it feel both peaceful and imposing at the same time.

Although we didn’t have time to enter the museum, we were able to watch the changing of the guards, which was surprisingly entertaining and impressive to see up close. Standing there made me appreciate Taiwan’s history even more and gave a deeper meaning to our trip beyond food and sightseeing.

Back to Ximending

I lined up for another crispy milk donut shop—this one more trending online—but honestly, Curly Mama’s version tasted better for me.

Dinner was at Tian Tian Li. There was a line, but the braised pork rice was worth the wait.

A quick shopping stop at NET wrapped up Day 3.

DAY 4: North Coast Tour, Rain, and Jiufen

We booked a North Coast tour via Klook, but unfortunately, it rained all day.

Yehliu, Shifen & Jiufen

Our first stop was Yehliu Geopark. Rain and strong winds didn’t stop us from getting photos of the Queen’s Head, though it was definitely challenging.

After that wet and windy experience, I later realized I should have bought a raincoat at the entrance. Our next stop was the Tiaoshi bus stop. It offered a beautiful view of the coastal road, but due to limited time and heavy rain, we were only able to take a quick photo. I was really hoping for a wider and clearer view, but this will do for now.

Next was Shifen Old Street, where we released sky lanterns—even in the rain. Despite the weather, it was still meaningful, and hopefully, our wishes will come true.

We made quick stops at the Yin‑Yang Sea and Golden Waterfall, then ended the tour at Jiufen Old Street.

Jiufen was magical. A‑Mei Tea House looked straight out of Spirited Away. Even though we were soaked and cold, the charm was undeniable. We settled in a café facing A‑Mei Tea House, ordered hot tea, coffee, and snacks, and enjoyed one of the most atmospheric moments of the trip.

Our tour guide Tommy was informative and kind, even recommending the best shops for snacks and pasalubong.

Back in Ximending, we tried the giant fried chicken and fried squid—both delicious but way too big for two people. I also found Bugcat Capoo House and couldn’t resist buying a blind box.

DAY 5: Meteor Garden Dreams and Saying Goodbye

Our last day was reserved for an F4 / Meteor Garden tour, booked on Facebook. We were picked up at 6:00 AM at Ximen Exit 6 in a private van.

Tour Stops

Hinoki Village – Former Japanese houses turned into cafés and souvenir shops. A peaceful way to start the day.

Château de Jourdeness – A European‑style attraction with picturesque gardens.

Château de Jourdeness / Jourdeness Castle Biotech Park

National Chung Cheng University – The highlight. A famous filming location for Meteor Garden.

When our driver‑guide Alex played the Meteor Garden theme song as we entered, I got emotional. Seeing Shan Cai’s locker in real life felt surreal. It brought me straight back to high school—rushing home after class to watch the series, feeling all the kilig and heartbreak at once.

Final Stops

After the tour, we decided to look for the most trending spots to take great photos of Taipei 101:

Back in Ximending, we took one last stroll, did a bit of shopping, and had dinner at Guo Shai Noodles, eating by the street—simple, filling, and satisfying.

DAY 6: Back to Manila!

Our flight back to Manila was at 10 AM, so we decided to head to the airport at 6 AM. Based on Google Maps, the easiest way to get there was to take the same route we used when we arrived at our hotel on Day 1. And yes, we walked with our luggage all the way to Taipei Main Station. From there, we got the Airport Express Train purple tokens, and the first trip started at 6:30 AM.

When we arrived at the airport, we went to the tax refund booth for our shopping items, then printed our luggage tags and boarding passes.

Tip: The check-in process at the Cebu Pacific Air counter was smooth. The staff advised us that we were only allowed a 7-kilo hand-carry bag. Once we entered the boarding area and duty-free shops, any additional items purchased would be considered excess and would need to be checked in for an additional fee—so be mindful of this.

There were a few restaurants and many shops inside, where we had our breakfast. The flight was smooth, and we arrived safely in Manila.

Final Thoughts

Taiwan stirred a lot of emotions in me.

It reminded me of Hong Kong—the look, the streets, the energy—but Taiwan felt slower, softer, and more peaceful. People were genuinely kind and accommodating, always trying to communicate even when language was a challenge.

It brought me back to childhood, feeling that sense of wonder at the Taipei Zoo and seeing animals I rarely encountered before.

And it pulled me back to my teenage years, rushing home after school to watch Meteor Garden, feeling all the kilig and heartbreak that shaped us back then.

Leaving Taiwan didn’t break my heart—because I know I’ll be back. There’s still Wulai, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and so many places waiting!

Recommendations

This itinerary wasn’t perfect. You can always adjust depending on your energy. Some days you’ll feel like doing everything, and some days you just want to slow down—and that’s okay.

If we could improve it:

Group nearby places to avoid backtracking
Balance heavy and light days better
Plan food stops per area
Consider travel time for long trips like Chiayi (F4 Tour)

These small changes can help save time, effort, and money.

Book your flights

I’m glad we booked this trip. And I’m already looking forward to the day Cebu Pacific finally offers a direct Davao–Taipei flight. Until then, I’ll keep watching out for seat sales—and planning my return.

See you again soon, Taiwan. 🇹🇼

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