Eat Well. Travel Often

Aug 20, 2024

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo joins PLDT Home at Kadayawan 2024

Home for Kadayawan Festival Chelsea Manalo

The Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, known as the "King of Festivals," is a lively celebration highlighting the area's rich cultural tapestry. Running from August 7 to 18, this year's festival promises to be a sensory delight, drawing in both locals and tourists eager to dive into Davao's vibrant traditions.

Embracing Diversity

Central to the Kadayawan Festival is the tribute to the 11 indigenous tribes of Davao, including the Bagobo-Tagabawa, Sama, Ata, Tausug, Bagobo, Iranun, Kagan, Maranao, Matigsalug, Obu Manuvu, and Maguindanaon. This contemporary take on their traditional harvest festival showcases the beauty and strength of these communities.

PLDT Home proudly collaborated with the festival and hosted various exciting events, including the highly anticipated Hiyas ng Kadayawan pageant. On August 16, Jane Rose Miones, representing the Bagobo-Plata tribe, was crowned "Hiyas ng PLDT." This unique pageant aims to celebrate the modern Davaoeña who exemplifies the qualities of an ideal role model, highlighting the talents and cultural heritage of women from all 11 tribes.

Special Guests and Exclusive Offers

On August 17, Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea Manalo, attended a media luncheon to discuss PLDT Home's initiatives during the festival. She introduced the Kadayawan Festival Sale, featuring a P3,600 discount on Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 installations throughout August. After the luncheon, Manalo visited the PLDT Smart Ponciano Store and the NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza Booth, wrapping up her day at the PLDT Home main booth in Ramon Magsaysay Park.

PLDT Home set up booths in key locations throughout the festival. The Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 now offers double the speed, providing 100 Mbps for quicker streaming and video editing, along with an upgraded Unli Fam Call feature for unlimited calls and texts within the family.

Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo and Jexx Hinggo

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo

Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo with PLDT

Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo w PLDT Home

A Culinary Journey

The Kadayawan Festival is not just about lively dances and colorful outfits; it’s also a culinary adventure. Davao's food scene beautifully blends indigenous, Malay, and Spanish influences. From the distinctive durian to the popular pomelo, the region boasts an array of fresh produce. Seafood lovers can enjoy grilled delicacies like inihaw na panga, while the adventurous might want to sample crocodile sisig. Coffee aficionados can relish the unique flavors of beans grown in Mount Apo.

Experience the Celebration

With around 250,000 visitors expected this year, the Kadayawan Festival is a vibrant homage to Davao's rich cultural heritage. Street dancers, dressed in colorful, intricately woven costumes, fill the streets with their rhythmic movements during the Indak-Indak sa Kadalan, a street dancing competition that serves as a heartfelt tribute to a bountiful harvest.

Join us in celebrating the enduring beauty of Davao's heritage at this year's Kadayawan Festival! With PLDT Home's Fiber Unli All Plan 1399, capture every moment and share your unforgettable experiences with stunning photos and videos. Experience the magic of Kadayawan!

Aug 16, 2024

Red Planet Davao Hosts Davao Bloggers Society Lounge and Learn Slumber Party

Jexx Hinggo 5:16 AM events , hotel 0 Comments

As a proud member of the Davao Bloggers Society, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the "Lounge & Learn: Bloggers Slumber Party" hosted by Red Planet Davao. The atmosphere was perfectly curated for a night of relaxation and learning, making it an unforgettable experience.

Davao Bloggers Society Lounge and Learn with Red Planet Davao

Upon arrival, we immediately noticed the renovations of Red Planet Davao. The modernized rooms and upgraded facilities created a welcoming ambiance. Ms. Clarisse Lim, the Assistant Hotel Manager, warmly greeted us, sharing her excitement about the hotel’s transformation.

"In the last three months, we’ve focused on reimagining and enhancing our hotel’s ambiance to ensure a more comfortable and convenient experience for all our guests. We are excited to unveil the beautiful new look of our hotel and our refreshed room designs tonight. We believe these enhancements will elevate your comfort and convenience, from the welcoming ground floor to the venue for this evening and into your updated room designs."

Under the guidance of our dedicated President, Gem Tadefa, the night was packed with interactive workshops designed to elevate our blogging skills. It was inspiring to connect with fellow bloggers, exchanging ideas and insights while honing our craft.

This event wasn’t just about learning; it was also a testament to the strong partnership between Red Planet Hotels and the Davao Bloggers Society. Together, we’re fostering connections within Davao City's vibrant tourism community, showcasing the beauty and culture of our beloved city.

Experience Davao with an exclusive offer of up to 35% off your hotel stay. Red Planet Davao is running a special promotion: use promo code REDPLANETDAVAO; rates may vary without notice. Travelers can book directly at https://redplanet.link/RPDavaoPromo to take advantage of this fantastic deal.

Davao Bloggers Society with Red Planet Davao Team

It was a night filled with learning, laughter, and connection, and I left feeling inspired. I genuinely hope we can do this again soon, as it was a beautiful reminder of the strength of our blogging community and the potential we have to make a positive impact on Davao’s tourism landscape. Here’s to many more memorable events with Red Planet Davao and my fellow bloggers!

Red Planet Davao Introduces New Upgrades and Modernized Rooms

Jexx Hinggo 4:10 AM hotel , lifestyle 0 Comments

Red Planet Davao is thrilled to announce the grand reveal of its newly renovated building, featuring modernized room designs and upgraded facilities, all aimed at enhancing the experience for travelers visiting Davao City.

This renovation highlights Red Planet's commitment to offering guests a blend of contemporary comfort and exceptional value. The revamped building boasts a sleek, modern façade that beautifully reflects the vibrant spirit of Davao City. Inside, visitors will discover a range of new room designs, each meticulously crafted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Here are the upgrades:

Modernized Rooms:

Every room has been thoughtfully redesigned with a minimalist, modern aesthetic, providing spacious accommodations equipped with high-pressure rain showers, custom-designed beds, and essential amenities for a perfect staycation, including mini-fridges, water kettles, safes, and hairdryers. Complimentary parking is also available for added convenience.

Enhanced & Engaging Facilities:

The upgraded amenities feature Instagram-worthy photo walls that celebrate Davao City’s culture, Info Walls with LED TV screens showcasing hotel offerings, iMacs in the co-working space, and improved common areas designed to provide an excellent experience for both business and leisure travelers.

Exclusive Red Member Perks:

Guests who download the Red Planet Hotels app and register as Red Members will enjoy special discounts, including up to 15% off accommodations and up to 10% off at partner establishments like David’s Salon in SM Lanang and Camp Burgrill.

Ms. Clarisse Lim, Assistant Hotel Manager of Red Planet Davao, expressed, “Over the past three months, we have dedicated ourselves to reimagining and enhancing our hotel’s ambiance, striving to create a more comfortable and convenient experience for every guest. Tonight, we are excited to unveil our hotel’s stunning new look and our innovative room designs. We believe these enhancements will elevate comfort and convenience for everyone, from the moment you enter to your stay in our new rooms.”

The unveiling event on August 13, attended by members of the Davao Bloggers Society, marked a significant milestone for Red Planet Davao. The hotel invites you to be among the first to experience its modern transformation. Become a Red Member today and unlock a lifetime discount of up to 15% whenever you book directly here at Red Planet Davao City.

Vista Land Unveils Modern Living Spaces in Tagum City with Celesta by Vista Manors

Jexx Hinggo 3:14 AM lifestyle , 0 Comments

Nestled in the heart of Davao del Norte, Tagum City—often hailed as the City of Golden Opportunities—stands out for its exemplary government efficiency, disaster resilience, and vibrant economic landscape. Located just 55 kilometers north of Davao City, Tagum serves as a pivotal junction for three major road networks, including the Phil-Japan Friendship Highway and the Davao-Mati-Agusan Road. The ongoing construction of the Davao-Bukidnon Road further enhances its connectivity, making it a prime location for growth.

Renowned for being one of the Philippines' most livable and family-friendly cities, Tagum attracts both local and international tourists with its lively festivals and breathtaking natural attractions. This rapid urban growth has opened doors for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improved public transport, catering to the increasing number of residents and visitors alike.

In response to the rising demand for quality residential spaces, Vista Land—one of the Philippines’ foremost integrated property developers—has set its sights on Tagum. The city’s role as an economic hub, linking Davao Del Norte and Davao de Oro while remaining close to Davao City, makes it an attractive site for real estate development. This not only offers convenience and essential amenities but also creates ample job opportunities. By entering the condominium market through Vista Manors, Vista Land aims to meet the diverse needs of residents, recognizing Tagum's potential for long-term growth and property value appreciation.

Inspired by the local community’s passion for music, Vista Manors proudly introduces Celesta, a condominium development designed to thrive within Tagum’s bustling economy. Whether for living, vacationing, or retirement, Celesta provides a modern haven that embraces the unique cultural essence of Tagum City. Residents will enjoy a harmonious blend of urban landscapes and serene natural views, all within a resort-inspired environment that promotes relaxation without sacrificing comfort.

Building Vertical Villages for Global Filipinos

Vista Manors is already making its mark across various cities, including Butuan, Cavite, Urdaneta, Davao, and Ozamiz, as well as provinces like Bohol, Capiz, Laguna, Leyte, and Palawan—ten locations and counting. Buyers and investors can select from a range of Vista Manors condominium developments tailored to their lifestyles.

These vertical villages seamlessly combine the convenience of condominium living with neighborhood-like amenities. Designed with a resort theme, they feature swimming pools, function halls, sports courts, gyms, and beautifully landscaped open spaces, transforming each residence into a personal retreat after a busy day.

With the establishment of these vertical villages, Vista Manors aims to provide solid investment opportunities marked by stability, predictability, and resilience against changing economic conditions.

To learn more about Vista Manors vertical villages nationwide, visit www.vistamanors.com.ph and follow @VistaManorsOfficial.

Aug 7, 2024

Brittany Hotel BGC: An Upscale Boutique Hotel Experience

Jexx Hinggo 4:05 AM brittany hotel , hotel 0 Comments

On July 11, 2024, I had the fantastic opportunity to stay at the Brittany Hotel BGC with our friends from Cebu Pacific Air, and I'm excited to share my journey!

A Warm Welcome

Upon arriving from the airport, I was immediately captivated by the hotel’s stunning lobby. The design is a perfect blend of modern elegance and a cozy vibe. To my left, the inviting “For The Road” ressto welcomed us, while the concierge stood ready to assist on my right. The high ceilings and warm, green tones made me feel like I had stepped into a serene morning garden.

Nestled in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, the Brittany Hotel takes a fresh and contemporary approach to hospitality. With 125 beautifully appointed rooms and a dedicated team known as “The Britts,” this boutique hotel truly stands out.

After dropping off our bags, we headed to the Wine Lab for a joint briefing and hotel tour. They treated us to delicious snacks and refreshing drinks—I may have indulged in three glasses!

Wellness and Events

For those looking to stay active, the hotel features a stunning penthouse pool and a well-equipped fitness center. Additionally, they offer versatile function rooms ideal for business meetings and social events.

Following the tour, I was treated to a quick pampering session at the Botanica Salon & Spa on Level 2. I enjoyed a soothing foot massage that nearly sent me to dreamland. It was exactly what I needed to unwind and recharge, with the tranquil atmosphere and a wide view of the streets of BGC and SM Aura.

Cozy Accommodations

Entering our Deluxe room was a delight. It was spacious, featuring plush bedding and a view of the vibrant Bonifacio Global City. I instantly felt at ease, ready to relax after our travels. They also served sweet treats in our room for a quick nibble while we set up our things. It was the perfect retreat after a busy day.

Other rooms:

Culinary Adventures

Dining at Origine, the hotel’s restaurant, was one of the highlights of my stay. The Spanish cuisine was simply exquisite! Each dish burst with flavor, and I found myself savoring every bite. Imagine enjoying two kinds of paella, steak, and steamed fish in one sitting! I can't believe how it all fit in my belly.

Of course, desserts were served from Tea for Two, the hotel's Coffee Project version located on the ground floor. These sweets literally oozed with flavor in every bite.

The breakfast buffet was also a sensory delight, offering a wonderful mix of local and international dishes. I loved starting my day with a hearty meal that energized me for the activities ahead.

Reflecting on the Experience

As my stay came to a close, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the entire experience. Brittany Hotel BGC surpassed my expectations in every way, from the outstanding service to the luxurious accommodations.

If you’re searching for a place that offers more than just a stay but a true experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Brittany Hotel BGC. I can’t wait for my next visit!

Book your stay at Brittany Hotel BGC here or email reservations@brittanyhotelbgc.com. Also, follow them on Facebook here.

Location: 6 Mckinley Parkway Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines
Contact Number: 0995 788 3797
Email: reservations@brittanyhotelbgc.com

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