All The Small Things: 5 Cool Spots in Makati That Show Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Go big or go home? The Mini Suites, a couple of lifestyle stores, and two specialty shops in Makati City will show you that show good things can also come in small packages:

1. PURVEYR POST

Post is the lifestyle store of Purveyr—a multi-dimensional media brand that aims to positively influence perspective of life through digital, print, events, service, and retail mediums. The regular pedestrian may not be wowed by its unassuming space in Bangkal, Makati, but fans of outsider art and street culture will be impressed by what it offers. In addition to local street wear, there’s also exhibitions, occasional live performances, and barbering sessions. Post has also recently opened a second location in Poblacion to further promote their cause.



Address: 5650 Don Pedro St., Brgy. Poblacion / 1403 Apolinario St., Brgy. Bangkal.

Website: http://purveyr.com

2. PLAKA PLANET

Vinyl records and vintage turntables are back. Plaka Planet, the best and most budget-friendly place to get your audio fix is hidden inside an archery range. Bobby, the owner, is very cool and will even let you test any pressing even if you’re not planning to buy anything.



Address: Kodanda Archery Range, Makati Central Square

Website: www.facebook.com/pg/PlakaPlanetMakati

3. GUITAR PUSHER

It just might be a single condo unit in a quiet high-rise in the city, but for musicians and guitar geeks, Guitar Pusher might as well be called ‘Guitar Heaven’.



Address: 124 H. V. Dela Costa, Bel-Air

Website: http://www.guitarpusher.com

4. SLICK BARBERS CO.

From its humble beginnings of just a couple of monobloc chairs and mirrors on the first level of co-founder Christian “Indio” Bendañas house, SBCo is now a full pledged barber shop and lifestyle brand with a cult following. Their specialty? Clean fades and buzzes a.k.a ‘gentleman’s cut,” which not many barbers in the country can pull off.



Address: 3919 Yague St. cor South Avenue

Website: www.facebook.com/slickbarbersco

5. THE MINI SUITES ETON TOWER MAKATI

The Mini Suites puts you in the center of all the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy first-class accommodations all with full amenities and indulgent beds & pillows, you are sure to find that perfect mix of modern practicality, convenience, and touches of luxury to suit your needs. One of the best hotels in Makati, these suites will end your search for where to stay in Makati City.



Address: 128 Dela Rosa Street, Ayala South

Website: www.theminisuites.com

Your Weekend Guide: 4 Places To Go in Davao City

Only have a day or two to explore the Durian Capital? Here’s your weekend guide on where to go and where to stay in Davao if you are in the city for a short stay:

1. Magsaysay Park

Visit one of the oldest parks in Davao if you want to have fun and learn about some of Davao’s culture at the same time. There are a lot of activities to choose from: bike with your loved ones, have a picnic with your family, skate with friends, or go to Kadayawan Tribal Village.
You can also try famous fruits of Davao—Durian and Pomelo—as the Magsaysay Fruit Stand is located in front of this park.

2. Roxas Night Market

If you’re looking for good food, great ambiance plus all the awesome things in between, this might just be the perfect destination for you. This popular place in Roxas Avenue is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. They have all sorts of food, clothes, accessories, and even whole-body massages. All of these without hurting your pockets!
For starters, try their famous charcoal ice cream for a unique experience on your sweet trips.

3. Suazo

Missing the gigs in Route 196 or SaGuijo Cafe + Bar because you’re not in the metro? Fret not. Davao has its own indie hangout place. Suazo Bar in Poblacion is the right place for you if you want to know more about the local art scene, enjoy a chill night with friends, or even meet new people.
Expect to have a chill night and do what they say on their FB page: “Beer. Booze. Music. Chill. Sit back and relax the Davaoeño way.”

4. Acacia Hotel Davao

After a day of strolling in Magsaysay Park, eating out at the Night Market, and chilling out at Suazo, you can sigh in relief and relax. If you’re looking for a place that can make you feel right at home, Acacia Hotel Davao is the accommodation for you. Spacious and classy rooms are what you can expect in this hotel in Davao. They also have a fitness gym, swimming pool with bar, café, Chinese restaurant, and other facilities that guests can enjoy.

Hope this quick weekend guide helps you with the questions you have in mind, on where to go or where to stay in Davao city!

Swiss-Belhotel Blulane: New Name, Same Wonderful Experience in The World’s Oldest Chinatown

Binondo, Manila – The name might sound new, but Swiss-Belhotel Blulane is no stranger to the frequent traveller and businessman in the world’s oldest Chinatown.



Formerly known as The Blulane Hotel, this landmark property is under new management and more than ever eager to provide guests with a new and improved brand of hospitality and modern luxury.



Relax



Binondo is one of the busiest commercial districts in the city. Finding a place to rest seems like a daunting task. Here at The Swiss-Belhotel Blulane, you can look forward to an elevated level of comfort every time. Each of our rooms assures you a good night’s sleep after exploring the exciting sights of the area. Featuring plush bedding with 300 thread count and ample space, the rooms promises nothing but modern comfort. All rooms have 42-inch LCD TV with cable channels, NDD phone, mini-bar, hot and cold shower, high-speed Internet connection, in-room safety box, and mini refrigerator.



Indulge



Binondo has an amazing food scene that is worth braving the dreaded Metro Manila traffic for. At Swiss-Belhotel Blulane in Binondo, Manila, guests have an array of dining opportunities. With 2 specialty restaurants that offer a wide variety of Cantonese cuisine and Western menu, this spot is the right one to feed your cravings. Choose between the Blu Cafe & Lounge and the Coffee Club to satisfy your culinary and refreshment cravings.



Experience



Planning a business meeting or a party in Binondo? Swiss-Belhotel Blulane provides you with 19 separate events spaces and a dedicated events team to make your event, no matter how big or small, our hotel ensures that every event runs as smooth and seamless as possible. We have function rooms and a grand ballroom that can seat up to 800 persons.



Explore



The Blulane Hotel in Chinatown resides in an ideal location where business meets leisure. This hotel is near Binondo’s tourist attractions, neighboring recreational hubs and Philippine historical landmarks with both Chinese and Filipino cultures. These include National Museum, Manila Cathedral, Port Area Manila, Manila Ocean Park, Rizal Park, Intramuros, US Embassy, and Entertainment City. Plus, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is one car ride away.



For more information, visit Swiss-Belhotel Blulane’s (formerly The Blulane Hotel) website at www.swiss-belhotelblulane.com.

First time to Attend MassKara Festival? 4 Things to Know to Have a Great Time

It’s October again, which means it’s that time of the year for the biggest and grandest festival in Bacolod! With the theme “Bacolod, City of Smiles,” MassKara Festival is now in its 40th year. A wide array of activities await tourists and visitors—concerts, competitions, marathons, food trips, street dances, and a lot more!



Exciting, right?

1. Stock up on some knowledge about Bacolod and the festival itself

To save you the hassle of getting lost and not knowing what to do or where to eat, research first. This way, you can plan your itinerary which can save you lots of time and money. Also, search for weather conditions so you can prepare yourself well.



Another thing is to expose yourself to the background of MassKara Festival so that you don’t just enjoy the festivities, you also learn a thing or two about the history of Bacolod.

2. Pack the right stuff

Thousands of tourists visit Bacolod for the festival, so expect crowds at every turn. Make sure to bring comfortable clothes and shoes. You don’t need to flex your diamond necklace or gold earrings to have a good time.



Bring extra money for those unexpected merch you might want to buy. And don’t forget your sunscreen in case you go on a day stroll or food trip!

3. Go with a friend

The best way to enjoy the festival is to celebrate it with someone else. Going to Bacolod with a friend is ideal especially if you’re not familiar with the place. It will also save you some cash if you share food, transportation, and accommodation with someone.

Besides, who’s going to take those Instagram-worthy shots of yours who knows your flattering angles if not your friend, right?

4. Stay in a convenient accommodation

After all the joy and cheers of the festival, you would want to have a good night sleep so you’d have more fun the next day. Staying in an accommodation with sea and mountain views is a good consideration if you want a comforting feel.



With this, Acacia Hotel Bacolod is an excellent choice for accommodation. This newly opened hotel which boasts of its warm hospitality may be what you need for a complete MassKara experience. The hotel is also close to the port and popular attractions, making it accessible and convenient if you want to explore more of Bacolod.



Get more from Acacia Hotel Bacolod by booking directly from their website. For more information, check out their website here: www.acaciahotelsbacolod.com.

A Unique Experience at the Henry Hotel Cebu

These days, modern hotel accommodations offer highly similar facades that are all too familiar. Contemporary designs are a dime a dozen, and while these tried and tested architectural leanings offers a safe and familiar selling point, The Henry Hotel in Cebu City offers something more to its guests.



SOMETHING COLORFUL, SOMETHING DIFFERENT



If you’re looking for your next Cebu City accommodation, The Henry Hotel Cebu offers a unique hotel experience which promises to be as comfortable and memorable, as much as it is exciting. Boasting modern art-deco designs and multiple themed rooms, the hip stylings this hotel offers a pop of vibrant colors that are rarely available with other hotels in the city.



The Henry Hotel’s 62 rooms promise larger than life accommodations, literally both in space and in its aesthetics. With 2 contemporary artists lending their masterful designs, Mark Luzon and Mark “Kidlat” Copino, no two rooms are rendered exactly the same. The uniqueness in the styles of the rooms makes its guests and visitors feel as if they are living in an art gallery. With sleeping comfort and modern amenities as a minimum requirement for its accommodations, The Henry Hotel Cebu aims for a different experience every time you stay, even for returning guests.



A FAMILIAR, BUT PREMIUM COMFORT



The Henry Hotel Cebu sees to it that the conveniences which a modern hotel offers are not lost for the sake of aesthetics. Comfortable sleep is mainly the priority. Each room is equipped with soft and sturdy mattresses for a good night’s rest, and modern-day conveniences are available for that complete hotel experience. Free Wi-Fi access, contemporary bathroom fixtures, in-room safe and tea-making facilities, are only some of the features available in all rooms of the hotel.



Of course, the Henry Hotel Cebu takes it one step further. All rooms are spacious and well ventilated, with well-thought-of colors and designs. The hip and funky vibe of each room are accentuated by premium hotel offerings such as all-natural Bath Origins for its bath amenities, and French press with fresh coffee grounds by Henry and Sons.



EXTRAORDINARY FACILITIES



It is not just the rooms which offer its guests something different to be had, The Henry Hotel Cebu features amenities which are all unique on its own. Where else can you find a hotel with a reading nook and a café with fun and quirky designs?



Even Space 40, the hotel’s function hall and meeting room, has aesthetics which guarantees anything but a boring assembly. And of course, a hotel is not a Henry Hotel if it doesn’t have the signature store, The Honest Henry.



For those of you who are not familiar, The Honest Henry is a store which relies on honesty when it comes to paying for its merchandises. You read it right, the hotel banks on the virtue of one’s honesty when it comes to actually paying for the items in the store. For the Henry Hotel Cebu, it teamed up with Anthill Fabric Gallery to showcase the store offerings, featuring intricately made local merchandise which guests may want to bring home as souvenir or pasalubong.



LIKE NO OTHER



The Henry Hotel Cebu may not be your usual hotel, it’s a whole lot more. The colorful designs promise to energize discerning guests with it’s vibrant and funky vibes which really makes for a unique, inspired, experience. Offering modern convenience with an elevated hotel stay, this artistically-designed boutique hotel is truly a must-try accommodation in Cebu City.



For more information and bookings for the Henry Hotel Cebu City, click HERE: https://cebu.thehenryhotel.com/

An Elevated Experience at the Swiss Belhotel Blulane in Manila

Located in one of Manila’s oldest historic neighborhoods, Swiss Belhotel Blulane in the Binondo district of Manila is set to provide its guests with an engaging and pleasant stay in the heart of the city.

Being under the international management of Swiss Belhotel International, the Swiss Belhotel Blulane adheres to international standards of hospitality mixed with the warm and superior service the Philippines is known for.

MODERN COMFORT AND ASIAN STYLE

The 17-story building which houses this vibrant hotel offers guests with 171 rooms all designed with modern comfort and the local cultural style in mind. Its Asian-inspired aesthetics and world-class accommodations present an opportunity for travelers to enjoy their stay in the city in utmost comfort and relaxation.

Swiss Belhotel Bluelane offers 5 different room types. Namely, the Superior room, Deluxe Room, Premiere Room, the Executive Suites, and the VIP suites. Each room guarantees a comfortable night’s sleep with 300 thread count beddings and relaxing bathroom amenities. The rooms are also equipped with internet connectivity, a mini refrigerator, an in-room safety deposit box, 42-inch LCD TV with cable channels, and a mini-bar. Some room options have sufficient working space for those traveling on business, while still having the chance to relax while working.

ENTICING AMENITIES AND SERVICES

Swiss Belhotel Blulane comes with the latest amenities built for the traveler’s enjoyment and needs. There are 2 restaurants on-site; the Blu Dynasty restaurant which offers Chinese Fine Dining cuisine, and the Coffee Club. There’s also the Blu café which serves tasty desserts and pastries, as well as a variety of coffee options. The hotel also has a spa which offers blissful massages and a selection of spa services, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

wiss Belhotel Blulane presents guests with Wi-Fi in the rooms and public areas, transportation services, luggage storage, room service, laundry service, and parking spaces for guests. The hotel also has an events venue which is perfect for holding celebrations of any kind, and a business center, which is apt for those traveling for work and meetings.

IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Swiss Belhotel Blulane’s strategic location presents travelers with accessibility to some of Manila’s foremost historical attractions. Manila’s Chinatown, considered as the world’s oldest, is within easy reach. Guests can set out on Binondo’s streets and experience the nation’s unique Sino-Filipino culture and influences.


Manila’s oldest churches, monuments, and historic buildings can easily be explored if guests head on the to the Manila Bay area. The Walled City of Intramuros, one of the nation’s famous landmarks in the capital, is only a few minutes away. The helpful staff of the hotel will be more than willing to answer queries from guests seeking to explore these tourist hotspots.

A GREAT OPTION TO STAY IN MANILA

With its elegant ambiance, modern amenities, great location, and heart-warming service, Swiss Belhotel Blulane is a fantastic choice of hotel for travelers seeking to experience a remarkable stay amid historic Manila.

Instagrammable Spots in South Palms Resort Panglao

A picture-perfect tropical haven in Panglao Island, South Palms Resort Bohol offers unparalleled pleasure and relaxation for a beach holiday worth telling — especially through Insta-stories! This secluded paradise is considered by seasoned travelers as the Panglao’s jewel, primarily because of its half-a-mile stretch of white-sand beach, the longest in the island.

Wander around this gorgeous place and discover hundreds of Instagrammable spots, as well as opportunities to strike a pose and ‘do it for the gram’!

1. Spectacular seascape

The resort stands out with its unique blend of seascape for your glorious beach escape. A few steps from the beach, each of South Palms’ tropical-styled rooms frames a panoramic view of the sea. Spend a day in paradise as you frolic along the majestic beach lined with breezy palm trees.

Photo by @jakobmihailo

Photo by @jepprih

2. Cozy private villas

Home to seaside sanctuaries, here’s where you can immerse in serenity. Most of Panglao villas come with a separate living area, Jacuzzi, and dining facilities. Rooms are designed in a kind of architecture that highlights the Boholano craftsmanship and heritage. Also, get to feel the warm spirit of Boholano hospitality as you snap splendid shots of your accommodation for the ‘Insta’!
 

Photo by Lester Sotelo

Photo by @sunny930716

3. The beauty underneath

And just beyond the sandy shores, marine sanctuaries teeming with aquatic life await the travelers. Take a plunge with your underwater camera and capture what’s underneath that commands your attention.

Photo by @mariefeandjakesnow

4. Food porn

South Palms features a farm-to-table restaurant. Fresh produce and live catch from farms are delivered straight to the resort’s kitchens to usher in fabulous meals every single day.

Photo by @carlesalonsophoto

Photo by @vincethomaspardo

5. Facilities for leisure and recreations

For travelers seeking a unique getaway, the first-class facilities and amenities of South Palms cater to a wide range of activities including sports, business, and recreation. From the posh infinity pool to soothing spa services inside nifty al fresco cabanas, this Panglao beach resort is undoubtedly a dream destination made real.

6. Chill corners

Laze in hammocks while listening to the ravishing waves. Unwind in peace.

Photo by @greeneyed_girl90

Photo by @piacayetano

7. Celebrations

South Palms can be your dream location for any of your milestones in life, be it vacation or any momentous occasion that you have to celebrate. The resort’s aesthetically pleasing venues enthrall both photography vacationers and wedding videographers.

Photo by @paopaosanchezphoto

Photo by @paularoidx

8. Tours and other services

It’s always best to be camera-ready at all times when you stay here. The resort extends services that may captivate your Instagrammer spirit. For one, South Palms offers a one-day countryside tour package.

Photo by @bachir_photo_phactory

Photo by @bachir_photo_phactory

The next time you find yourself asking where to stay in Panglao, Bohol, remember that South Palms is a hotspot of grid-worthy locations. Discover an awesome Bohol beach holiday right here at South Palms Resort Panglao.

South Palms Resort Panglao, Bohol is in Brgy. Bolod, Panglao Island, 6340, Philippines. Book direct online at www.southpalmsresort.com.