Page 3 - Manila Up Vol3#7

INTERNATIONAL
MAGAZINE

had a wonderful vacation in the Philippines. Sonia Dionela Bermejo
The trip was quite an adventure. We went to different Publisher/Executive Editor
I cities within Metro Manila. We first stayed in a now
densely populated area in Taguig, Rizal and moved on to
the Mall of Asia (MOA). Everywhere we went, the influx of
Chinese ”millenials”, penetrated the scene in online gaming.
There are thousands of them billeted in condos. It was
fascinating.
From Manila, we travelled to Palawan, where the
enchanting, majestic islands are situated. Puerto Princesa
has the world famous underground river. Inside the cave
countless bats are housed. Their pungent odor welcomed
us as soon as we entered the cave. Funny enough the guide
said the entrance of the cave was their ‘bathroom’. We later
listened to a fascinating narrative folklore about the history
of the cave.
Fast forward: Island hopping was exhilarating with the We had the luxury to be billeted at the Crimson hotel
island of El Nido, whose blue green clear water was inviting. in Alabang City, just a few miles away from the hustle and
So beautiful! bustle of the financial district of Makati City. The hotel has
Moving from El Nido to Coron, another island found us amenities that made our stay most convenient and devoid
swimming and snorkeling, considered the best things to do of having to stress because of horrendous traffic jams. A
while in Coron. complimentary hotel shuttle bus runs every hour to the
Our last stop before going back to Manila was a luxury shopping center a two minute ride it takes 5 minutes to
stay in Bluewater Maribago Resorts in Cebu City. The laid get there on foot. The newest and biggest shopping center,
back atmosphere was much needed after our exhilarating trip Landmark, is a mall just across the hotel with hundreds of
to Palawan. (VIP access was extended to us by Pete Dacuycuy shops, food courts and restaurants to satisfy both shopping
and Rhyz Boac, General Manager). and the palate. The international airport is a few miles away
The Philippines has a multitude of wonderful islands. and with the new Skyway, it takes only 15 to 20 minutes to
It was an adventurous trip. With great, clear water and get there.
beautiful enchanting lagoons, island hopping, a must if you Carmela Bocanegra, and her team made sure that our stay
visit Palawan. in Crimson Hotel was an experience to remember. The smiles
Aside from the beauty of the islands, Manila City, the of the staff are welcoming, the servers are gracious at the VIP
major metropolitan hub is full of vivacious socialites and life lounge. It offers breakfast, cocktails at night, and snack bars
is filled with laughter of both fashionistas and trend setters are open the whole day. Additionally, the state-of-the-art
alike. The cosmopolitan lifestyle of the locale is enviable. I fitness center, and the massage
love to be around them, with nary a care nor worries but (literally takes away the pain) for me it was especially a
to look forward to attending another event the next day. It relief to the back, shoulders and neck. To sum it up, I gave the
reminded me of the lyrics of a song “I Love the Nightlife”. Crimson Hotel an A1 ++++rating.
Ahh... a pampered lifestyle in Manila. So much to share, but, I got to get into another exciting
The business environment is good in Manila. We had event that we are looking forward to, the 3rd anniversary of
the pleasure to share a private dinner with the COO and Manila Up! magazine. We will celebrate our
President of Philippine Airlines, Mr. Jaime J. Bautista, known Anniversary on the first week of December. Hope to see
as JJB to his close friends. Being quite a busy body, I was so you there!
delighted that he acceded to my invitation.
I send special thanks to Charisse Chuidian for arranging
that special dinner with cuisine specially prepared for us by
Chef Bong Jun Choi of Crystal Jade, City of Dreams Hotel www.manilaupmagazine.com manilaup@gmail.com
and Resort.
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