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The Metropolitan Theater of Manila

Manila, once the address for three Davaoeño friends decades ago. A foodie-medical board reviewer in Harrison, Pasay, an art lover-flight attendant in Vito Cruz, Makati, and a wanderer-architecture student in Project 7, Quezon City. Since leaving, the city has become a transient stop for connecting flights. If lucky, visits longer than a couple of nights were rare. They all had their share of Manila. It’s too busy to handle for this bunch.

After being cooped up for the duration of the pandemic, traveling out of the hometown is always a good idea. Manila, however, was last on the local destinations list. How did they end up there?

The revisit was a split-second decision. It was prompted by chit-chat over an art exhibit in the National Museum. It didn’t take a lot of convincing for the ex-flight attendant to convince the other two, who were hungry to travel.

Art and, most especially, cuisine are always good reasons to hop on a plane and dare the challenges of Manila. However, all should be in place, from the ideal accommodation to transportation. Age dictates that comfort is a must. You, dear reader, will be able to relate someday.

Day 1 was out of Manila to Tagaytay. First time for one, do an ocular visit to a new bed and breakfast place, and of course, dine at the popular restos.

Tagaytay on Day 1

Of all days to hold a company outing it had to be on the day they visited. All of three Antonio’s outlets were closed, add to that, first-timer’s picture of tree-lined country roads Tagaytay was crushed.

But everything happens for a reason. The Girasol B&B menu was a discovery. The Angus Beef Tapa, Gourmet Girasol Sardines and the Imus Longganisa can rival the best breakfast offerings of the popular restos. The trio can attest to this claim. The rooms are gorgeous and spacious, too!

Must stay, must eat. Girasol B&B

Girasol B&B Tagaytay discovery- Imus Longgania

Th wine cellar & private dining space at Girasol

Back in Manila after lunch with buko pie and other delicacies on hand, they killed time in IKEA while waiting for dinner time. Okada’s Medley Buffet over Sofitel’s Spiral was the appointed spot because of location. The offering wasn’t able to rival with the flavors of the catch-up stories, which was cut by closing time.

Finding inspiration in IKEA's salon room design

Gathering of long-time friends in Okada

Day 2 was at the National Museum to view the exhibit of Magellan’s journey, the main purpose of the trip. But first, a visit to Juan Luna and Ang Kiukok’s murals at the entry hall. They wished they had more time to spare to visit the other galleries.

National Museum, what inspired the trip to Manila

After feasting on visual arts it was time to feast at Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ylang-ylang. The foodie did his research and the reviews on the outlet’s buffet lunch were impressive.

The lobby of the Grand Dame of Manila, Manila Hotel

Cafe Ylang-Ylang discovery- Pistachio Ice Cream

Before that happened, the wrong turn gave the trio a chance to reminisce about old times in Manila—Liwasang Bonifacio, the Metropolitan Theater, Jones Bridge, Quiapo, the Quinta Market, Recto and schools in the University Belt, and Luneta. Those were the jeepney-riding days in 80’s Manila. Nostalgic.

When was the last time you've seen these?

Liwasang Bonifacio

Quiapo Church

Luneta

CCP

The day ended with a so-so Japanese dinner in Makati.

On the last day, Chinese for lunch at the neighborhood Jade Garden was in order. It was a hearty one. Then a visit to the Mary Grace Cafe for a bite of grilled ensaymada to end the trip.

Cruising at 37,000 feet in an air-condition-challenged PAL aircraft filled to capacity with revenge travelers, sleep was evasive. Home, rest and sleep was not too far away though. It was the most comforting thought.

When will the next visit to Manila be? That will remain a mystery (aka not in a long time). Grin.

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Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

Sunsets make Boracay very memorable.
View it from "a higher ground" at Discovery Shores Boracay

Boracay! Reminiscing is over. Time to travel and relive the good times. Ride the clouds, tread on powdery sand, swim in glimmering blue waters, bask in the summer sun, sip on a cocktail, and raise the glass to the good life at your home on the island.

Where is home in Boracay? For the frequent urban escapees, there is a preferred address in the island. Is it Discovery Shores? That’s not a surprise.

Why is Discovery Shores a favorite address in the island? Read on...(Photo: Discovery Shores)

The serenity of the resort at night

Maybe this is why the first greeting one gets at the resort is “welcome home.” Home is a state of mind and it’s not easy to mark an X to a spot and claim it as home. It takes a collective effort by a village to recreate the warmth of a comfort zone. So far, the resort has been pretty successful in turning guests to “residents.”

How did it happen? It’s integrating look and location with Pinoy-rich hospitality and service, and good food. The formula is sure to win anyone's heart.

The warm "Welcome home!" greeting. The resort is rich in Pinoy hospitality.

Discovery Shores wowed everyone when it opened in 2007 with its contemporary architecture at the remote end of the 5-kilometer stretch of the White Beach. Along Station 1 rose an organized stack of white blocks along a sloping terrain that presents a view of the famous shore, sea and sunset from almost any point. Each cube holds a world of comfort, roomy living spaces brightened with natural light and appointed with amenities that can impress. The white resort blends with the beach landscape highlighting the green of the tropical flora. Over all, it’s a look that will never grow old.

Built along a sloping terrain, Discovery Shores frames the view of the sand, surf & sunset from almost any point of the resort

How "suite" is it to wake up to this view.

Your "home's" Junior Suite (Photo: Discovery Shotes Boracay)

Now, glaze it with a generous amount of warm Pinoy hospitality, pretty much how typical Filipinos would welcome visitors to their homes. Butlers appear from nowhere to cater to guests’ needs, like a readied beach blanket, cool thirst quenchers, even orange and cucumber slices to refresh the sun-drenched face; and brilliant toque-d heads of locally diverse tongues who work as one to create flavorful dishes that’ll transport anyone to grandma’s kitchen, if not somewhere where the cuisine originated. The Italian fare and steaks are molto delizioso at Forno Osteria and the melange of local flavors prepared with the finest ingredients from land and sea at Sand and Indigo restaurants can elicit the word delicious in different dialects.

Butlers appear from nowhere to cater to residents’ needs. Twice a day, this team offers nourishment for the body.

Your island home knows that way to your heart is through your tummy. Thus, they curated an excellent list of good food to suit your every craving.

The resort is in an area with a generous expanse of beach area in the island. “Residents” savor this sight at any time of day, from breakfast to dinner and cocktail hour as the sun kisses the horizon at day’s end. While it’s in a section that offers privacy, there’s a big space to frolic—and party! Thus, it became a most-sought after party venue in Boracay. It was a step-over-the-resort-property-line-for-a-great-time for the resort guests. Eventually, Discovery Shores became the IT address for the urban revelers.

From the end of the first decade of 2000 to the next, Discovery Shores was an island hotspot. It gained loyalty and won prestigious awards both locally and abroad. It created memories, developed family ties with and among its residents, and most likely, was instrumental in sparking romantic relationships.

Space to frolic & party. Discovery Shores' "front yard" is one of the widest beach area in the island, a most sought-after venue for events.

Falling in love WITH Boracay is easy. Falling in love IN Boracay can be as well. All it takes is one gorgeous sunset as the backdrop to a private beachside dinner for two to woo a lover — which can eventually lead to the altar. An altar set up at the Discovery Shores beachfront with an aisle of powder white sand and sea breeze whispering sweet notes through the gentle lapping of waves. Where else should the love affair be consecrated?

Romance. All it takes is one gorgeous sunset as the backdrop to a private beachside dinner for two to woo a lover

And so the Discovery Shores story goes on. Couples return to celebrate anniversaries, then children are brought in for holidays and parents take them down the memory lane with stories of parties and how-I-met-your-mother/father. The kids grow up as the new generation of island merrymakers filling their memory banks with beach episodes, making new friends, falling in love with the island more with each visit, and perhaps falling in love, too. Through all these, the resort will remain in the center—the preferred residence in the island, the “home in Boracay.” It’s the Discovery Shores circle of life.

The scene in Boracay is ever-changing but the beauty and allure of the island remains the same. As a new batch of sun, sea and sand lovers are born, Boracay welcomes them to discover each unique sunset, discover a unique experience with every visit, and discover a new home in Discovery Shores. These are constant. Through the times, Discovery Boracay will always embody true Filipino hospitality — the warmth, the attention and the good food that wins hearts.

Cocktails & sunset. The scene in Boracay is ever-changing but the magic, beauty & allure of the island remains the same

As another island visit is concluded for one guest, who was zoomed to the Caticlan Jetty Port on the resort’s speed boat, he smiled as he reminisced on a couple of feel good moments: the butler halting him from using a towel to clean his eyeglasses and pulls out a lens cleaner from his pocket; and discovering a new jewel on the menu—the delicious Beef Adobo savored over breakfast before check out.

You know how moms would pack a meal before heading out of the house because “baka magutom ka sa byahe”? The chef stepped out of the kitchen to say thank you for complimenting the dish then handed over a box of “pabaon” — sandwiches filled with the new favorite Beef Adobo. Doesn’t that make for a memorable farewell?

I believe it does. I am grinning ear to ear as I take a bite on one of the delicious sandwiches while waiting for the airport’s boarding announcement. The rest will be enjoyed at home in Davao. Yes Discovery Shores Boracay, I will be back in your loving arms again soon.

"Baka magutom ka sa byahe." Memorable stay, memorable farewell.
It's the people in Discovery Shores that makes the resort a home.

With the health restrictions relaxing, isn’t it time to breathe the sea air and relive the good times? Or make new ones at Discovery Shores, your home in the island paradise? The resort is eager to have you back and say, “Welcome home.”

Dream team, always ready to welcome you to your home in Boracay. Julius Alegre, F&B Associate Director; Erwin Lopez, Hotel Manager; & Sofia Ibarra, Guest Relations Supervisor

Everybody gets to hop on this sea limo when coming & leaving home - Discovery Shores

Also published in SunStar Davao newspaper.

Take a journey to wellness at Crimson Boracay's Aum Spa

Boracay. If the plan is to cocoon in the cool comforts of a well-appointed suite in the island paradise, no, it won’t happen. Although Crimson Resort’s suite is a world of comfort where everything is within arms reach: a private plunge pool, a bathtub, coffee, call in the entire menu, and a firm bed to lie in all day and watch movies or view the sea and sunset, that’s just one R in R&R.

A Boracay vacation doesn’t happen that way. The allure of the island is too hard to resist. Everyday is a frolic-at-the-beach day: bask in the warm tropical sun, get a tan, dip in the cool, crystal clear sea water, walk on fine white sand, feast on the island’s flavorsome bites, grab a cocktail and catch the glorious sunset from the shoreline.

From fiery orange the skies turn deep blue and the suite beckons. But don’t call it a day just yet.

What is the benchmark of a remarkable vacation? A good massage. This is how to appropriately end a day.

Crimson Boracay has Aum Spa for a much-deserved therapeutic indulgence. Any one of the spa’s unique therapies is healing. It can quiet the mind, relax and energize the tired body, and rejuvenate the sun-drenched skin.

By design, Aum Spa is located in a quiet section of the resort, where the serene surroundings give an assurance of undisturbed tranquility. This, and the modern interior in slate and wood with curated chic accents in tropical hues, set the mood of a relaxing journey to wellness.

Enter Aum Spa. The receiving area.

The first level of Aum Spa holds the receiving area, where guests go through the customary evaluation, and the “Foot Lounge” discreetly hidden along the hallway where the elevator and flight of stairs that lead to the upper level are as well.

Modern tropical chic.

First level. Foot Lounge on the left, elevator & stairs on the right

Stair(well) to heaven

On the second level is a Tea Lounge and seven therapy rooms— four Single Rooms, two Couples Room and one Vichy Room.

The Tea Lounge

Within the walls of each chamber, the noise of the outside world is hushed. Only the soft tones of calming music fill the room. The volume of which can be set upon request. So are the room temperature and the lighting. All aspects of a restorative journey are fashioned according to the guest’s wishes.

Each therapy begins with the foot bath, a cleansing ritual.

The prelude to each therapy is a cleansing ritual, a foot bath where a gentle massage is applied.

Comfortably lounged on the massage bed, the therapist begins the body treatment, asking if the pressure is suitable. Perhaps these are the last words one can remember before drifting to slumberland.

It’s amazing how time flies when getting a good massage.

Now, put yourself in this story. Change all words referencing the third person to “I” and immerse yourself into the Aum Spa experience.

Always remember that to deprive oneself of this much-deserved pampering is a disservice to one’s soul.

What's a fabulous vacation without a good massage?