How to Make All Your #TravelGoals Come True This Year

Discover how you can unlock exclusive travel promos with the GCash Card

Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore – these are just some of the top destinations of Pinoy travelers last year. Whether it's a quick getaway, an adventure abroad, or a return trip to your favorite country, making your #travelgoals a reality starts with good planning.

With 2025 well underway and everyone eager to tick off the countries on their bucket lists, here are a few tips and tricks for a fun, stress-free, and memorable trip abroad while ensuring you always get the most out of your money.

Create a travel budget and track all your expenses

It is so easy to get carried away by the sheer excitement of traveling abroad. This sometimes leads us to make expensive mistakes, like booking overpriced hotels, plotting too many expensive activities in your itinerary, or buying too many clothes and goodies that cause you to exceed your baggage allowance.

While it’s great to splurge once in a while for a trip abroad, setting a budget can help you financially stay on track, and can help you prevent unexpected expenses. Who knows? You might just save enough to be able to go on another trip later in the year!

An easy way to keep an eye on your budget is by tracking all your expenses down in a notebook, an online spreadsheet, or an app – what matters is finding what works best to help you stay on top of your expenses so you can see where you can ease off of spending.

Research, research, and research

With a set budget in mind, your next planning focus would be finding the most ideal flights, accommodations, and tours. Now it’s time to do some research to find some options and see if they match up to your expectations. Researching for your trip can be as simple (and fun!) as reading blog posts and watching travel videos about your dream destination. You can also check out reviews of certain hotels, restaurants, and activities, to see if they’re worth booking or not.

Before you finalize anything, make sure you also take a look at online promos and discounts, because it’s usually cheaper to book in advance online, rather than when you get to your destination. Also, make sure the travel apps and websites you’ll be booking on are safe and legit!

Get exclusive deals with your GCash VISA Card

One way you can unlock exclusive travel deals is by paying with the GCash VISA Card. Available in 200+ countries and territories and over 80 million merchants, the GCash Card opens up endless possibilities - from the planning stages of your trip until you're at your destination.

Using your GCash Card to pay for hotel bookings at Agoda gives you an exclusive 8% discount on hotel bookings. Lifestyle and travel content creator Kara Rodriguez knows all about this convenient deal.

During her recent stay with her mom in Cebu, she was able to take advantage of this discount on her hotel booking which offered all the things she was looking for to really connect with her! Check out her vlog here, and remember that with smart planning and your GCash Card always on hand, you can secure deals just like Kara did.

@karaysabella Treating your loved ones this holiday season? Get an additional 8% off of your @agoda bookings by paying with your @GCash Visa Card! 💙 #kayamo #igcashmo ♬ Christmas Lights - Vladislav Kurnikov

But that's not all! You can also book hotel stays with IHG and use your GCash Card for up to 20% off in participating hotels in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Maldives, Laos, Japan, Micronesia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific Islands!

Enjoy your travel adventure

With your bookings finalized, time to pack your bags, grab your passport, and get your OOTDs ready. Take lots of photos and videos, check out your destination’s hottest food and culture spots, and make unforgettable memories. Most of all, don’t forget to bring the all-new VISA-powered GCash Card, with you for more convenient travels!

Easily order one without the need for required documents through the GCash app, turn your #travelgoals into a reality! To learn more, visit GCash at www.new.gcash.com/services/cards.

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Butt-hurting tour to the North of the Philippines

Last Holy Week, I and a set of bloggers took ourselves unknowing of a very long travel to Cagayan Province. We were supposed to participate in the Ropali-Shell Partakan Festival -- "Partakan" meaning speed in the Ilocano dialect. Almost like an Amazing Race for motorcyclists to the endpoint in Sta. Ana municipality in Cagayan.

It was an estimated 13 hours from Manila but we arrived after 21 painful hours to our accommodation in Cagayan. Passing through different provinces north of Manila. Any wrong turn will take you to another province - might be a good thing as I was longing to go to Baguio which is just at the Western side of Nueva Vizcaya. We all felt that our butts nearly deflated in the long travel. It could have been easier and comfortable if plane tickets were booked for us. Below was an honest story and expect a few rants.

Good thing we managed ourselves along the way with road chats a enjoyed the view of the mountains and valleys of Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela and finally Cagayan. Let me share with you a few stops that you will pass by on the road to the North part of the Philippines.

You can drop by at Malolos, Bulacan where a religious and historical landmark called Barasoain Church sits. We didn't make it here because there were no instructions from the organizer that we have to check in different spots along the way.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel of Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan (c) Pamana.ph

A long 1.5 hours (almost from home to Makati on a regular basis) via MacArthur Highway, we arrived at Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija for the next Ropali Stop. There we learned about the real itinerary from start to finish. Apparently, many of the Ropali and Shell stops didn't comply for the requirements of the Partakan Festival promo. And since we were media outfits who were just invited to cover, we think that we should also do the challenges in the nearby stops. Instead, we just went on and had breakfast on the first okay stop along the way until we found Five Mamas.

Tawisilog and their special Yema Cake here at Five Mamas. #CabanatuanCity #NuevaEcija #perstaym #travel #food #foodie #foodporn #foodstagram

A post shared by Omar Itay (@ohmski) on Apr 12, 2017 at 5:06pm PDT

It's a battery-saving tour when I didn't open my mobile data along the way. Vivo Y55 is efficient for that not to mention that it takes the photos that I want, how the way I like it. The Professiona Camera feature works best for my still-life photos.

The zigzag and elevating road in Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya gave ear pops which I barely noticed because I was light sleeping along the way. We had a few stops for stretching, lunch and number 1 (for Php5) and number 2 (for Php10). And before we enter Isabela province, we stopped at Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park as it is also included in the tour. It's the spot for a new photoshoot while we are looking for tupig.

Our team for the #PartakanFestival2017 A road trip with pit stops and challenges. This is taken from Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park in Nueva Vizcaya. We've been on the road from 2:30 am this morning.

A post shared by Omar Itay (@ohmski) on Apr 13, 2017 at 1:20am PDT

I almost forgot that many establishments are closed since Thursday because it was Holy Week and normal operations resume Easter Sunday so we found it hard to locate dining areas.

We continued the drive, thanks to our very reliable driver, Lito, who remained as cheerfully and patient with us when we are getting grumpy due to the long travel time. Imagine nobody was able to freshen up or had taken a bath that time. We're still on the road at sundown and we're again driving where our headlights is just the source of light. Looking out the window and up is seeing the Milky Way on the ceiling. And your imagination will just invite some stories that you might not want to hear but tolerating it just to keep you awake and support those who have been awake for a while. It's been a past time activity until 10:30pm.

Around 5 arches or so and around 637 km traveled, we arrived at Sta Ana, Cagayan. We're about to meet the Partakan Festival people, but was also a hard time to know where they are. The GPS isn't much of a help but mobile signal is good. Finally we can stretch our bodies which are excruciating with pain. We had our dinner at Nassim Hotel & Restaurant where it also took hours before they served us food. I was told that they do it first come, first serve. So when there are a few people ahead of us, they will partake of it first. They just prepared the meals when we arrived when the order was made 3 hours in advance. The main person who invited us wasn't even too accommodating and she's been enjoying Cagayan more than a day already.

I understand that somehow they want to promote tourism in the area. The place is peaceful, no question, and you'll love the view of the mountains and sea. But in cases that Holy Week is a travel escape for many of us, the hotels in Cagayan (there's a few of them) should have anticipated the number of people coming in so that they have stocks to serve. Displaying good hospitality for tourists is a good business for countries like the Philippines.

Related links:
Earth's VLOG
Ruth's Road Trip to Cagayan
Rhea and Jeff's Summer Vid and Photo Shoot

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Women's Month at Crimson Hotel Filinvest City

What better way to spend International Women’s Month than with Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila? March is filled with events that will spoil and let the ladies enjoy a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Dine or check-in in all weekends of the month and enjoy activities like Wine Pairing Seminar (March 4), Tai Chi Class (March 11), Vietnamese Cooking Class (March 18), and Basic Make-up Tutorial (March 25).

The ongoing Fit and Fab packages makes each one rejuvenated and refreshed with health and fitness programs. An overnight stay at Crimson Hotel promotes wellness inclusive of one-on-one health and fitness consultation with the gym instructors, invigorating in-room massage for 2, healthy breakfast buffet and a Detox set menu for two at the Deck Bar. More so, they also have a chance to win an overnight stay at Nurture Wellness Village, Tagaytay with full board meals, 30-minute acupuncture and 1-hour massage for 2, with healthy juice demo and organic farm tour. Just use the promo code “FitandFab” when booking online.

On International Women’s Day, March 8, be impressed with culinary techniques by the men as they will be assisted by the chefs at Cafe 8. Avail the Lunch buffet at PHP 1,235++ or Dinner at PHP 1,410++ to enjoy this special treat. Ladies also get a 50% discount on buffet prices only on this day.

Chào mừng bạn! Take your palate to a trip to Vietnam as we will partake on delicacies of the Dragon People from March 10-18 at Cafe 8. Learn and enjoy rich culture with a wide array of authentic Vietnamese specialties like Fried Tofu, Fresh Spring Roll, Vietnamese Pho, Crab Noodle Soup and more, created by three Guest Chefs Nguyen Thi Khanh Ngan, Tran Kim Hoang Trong and Vo Van Chien. It’s like living in Vietnam without leaving Manila!

Don’t forget to reward yourself with complimentary upgrade to a sparkling wine for ladies every afternoon as you enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge, added with live and soothing entertainment from the pianist from Mondays - Saturdays, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes #pianist #CrimsonFilinvestCity #CrimsonHotel #CrimsonMoments

A post shared by Omar Itay (@ohmski) on Mar 2, 2017 at 4:09am PST

For booking or more information, please visit the official website at http://www.crimsonhotel.com/manila/ or call (02) 863-2222.

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Scary stories in Boracay

It was a chilling night in Boracay and it was way memorable as I had the first cinema experience in Boracay. Everybody is in Halloween mood and what better way to spend it is to have scary stuff playing on the big screen. I definitely did not miss this experience as my friend MJ who works for Megaworld invited me to watch horror movies inside Boracay Newcoast.

The first outdoor cinema experience in Boracay was held at Oceanway at Boracay Newcoast just for 2 nights on Halloween weekend. It was held outdoors so you get to feel the chills and deep quietness that side of Boracay. But to tone the goosebumps down, we were served with refreshments and hotdog bites and popcorn. We watched Paranormal Activity 4 which I haven't watched yet so it really raised the creeps out of me. Dubbed as "Movie Tricks, Our Treat" by the Boracay Newcoast, it also featured scariest horror flicks like Train to Busan, The Conjuring, The Conjuring 2 and The Ring. Movie passes are available at Boracay Sandcastles and screening starts as early as 4pm.

Boracay Newcoast is the biggest tourism estate development by Megaworld's Global Estate Resorts, Inc. inspired by the best beach neighborhoods. Titled lots and world-inspired hotels make it good for the investing community. One of its components is the Shophouse District that have residential and commercial components. Transporting us from the usual island-living to a whole different way of life where people can get to shop on the lower floors and relax at the comfort of their homes at the higher levels -- just like living in Key West in Florida or Old Town in Ibiza.

Its Newcoast Village offers lots ranging from 250 sqm to 375 sqm in an exclusive vacation-inspired subdivision setting. It will also have amenities like parks, pockets gardens and grill areas. Condominium clusters like Oceanway Residences offers ready-for-occupancy units with views encompassing the Fairways and Bluewater Golf Club and the Sibuyan Sea. It has been awarded as "Best Luxury Development for Resort" in the 2015 Philippine Property Awards.

For more information about Boracay Newcoast, call +63 917 887 8696, email customerrelations@megaworldcorp.com or visit www.boracaynewcoast.com.ph.

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Be "pabebe" and stay overnight in Luxent Hotel

Pabebe couples now have the chance to spend an overnight at the beautiful Luxent Hotel just by posting their photo doing the "pabebe wave" popularized by ALDUB (Alden Richards and Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza).

Here's how to join:

1. Send only one of your pabebe couple selfie at experiencetravelandlivingmag@gmail.com with your names until October 23, Friday.
2. ExperienceTravel.Ph Facebook page will post a photo album on October 25, Sunday.
3. Contestants must share the album to their Facebook timeline
4. The most number of "shared photos" will win the game.
5. Announcement of winner is on November 5, 2015.

Lucky winner will get an overnight stay at the Luxent Hotel with free breakfast. Remember the important dates: October 23 - deadline of submission, October 25 - uploading of entries, and November 5, announcement of winners. Good luck to everyone!

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Celebrate Quezon City's 75th anniversary in different spots

There's so much to go to without going too far from Metro Manila. And in the region's largest city, Quezon City has a lot more to offer than getting with the stars and good food. For the city's 75th anniversary, take time to visit some of its good spots.

Did you know that inside University of the Philippines alone, you can learn a big chunk of history and be amazed with heritage wonders? Founded in 1908, the University of the Philippines was the result of the Secretary of Public Instruction, W. Morgan Schuster’s recommendation to the Philippine Commission, the upper house of the Philippine Assembly. Act 1870 authorized the Governor General to establish the University of the Philippines in the “city of Manila, or at any point he may deem most convenient.” The UP was to give “advanced instruction in literature, philosophy, the sciences and arts, and to give professional and technical training” to every qualified student regardless of “age, sex, nationality, religious belief and political affiliation.” MORE HERE

We've toured around UP and went to the Vargas Museum which was named after former politician Jorge Vargas. It contains authentic Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo paintings which are part of Mr. Vargas' collection. It is delightful to know more about history not taught in school and get close encounters with works of great artists like Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo.

When you go to the third floor, there is an exhibition by Mr. Mark Salvatus. One hall plays a video with music by the Philippine Army band.

Vargas Museum facade

Me in front of Amorsolo's artwork

The Vargas Museum also holds different exhibits every now and then. We were lucky to catch the last day of Hand Made Violence by Bembol dela Cruz. It emphasizes the idea of acquiring illegal guns, their description and how they are portrayed and perceived by people who own them.

We also went to the two churches found inside the campus, the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice and the Church of the Risen Lord. Two Christian churches, a Catholic and a Protestant one, that we are able to realize two contradicting beliefs perform adjacent to each other.

Church of the Risen Lord (Protestant)

Parish of the Holy Sacrifice (Catholic)

Before the sun sets, we reached the Carillon, the only bell tower inside UP Diliman, next to the Aldaba Hall. It used to play during Carlos P. Romulo's time and it is used for playing music and heard throughout UP Diliman. It originally consisted of 46 tuned bells in a 130-foot tower and was restored after World War II. MORE BITS HERE

UP Carillon

Probably the most prominent imagery of the University of the Philippines is the Quezon Hall where the famous UP Oblation stands tall. It also houses many of the administrative offices for the entire university. Behind it is where the annual Lantern Parade is assembled. MORE HERE

Lastly, we went to the PAGASA Astronomical Observatory where we can check latest astronomical phenomenon and for further studies. Sadly that the sun is still shining but if you have time or looking forward to see the heavenly bodies, visit the observatory at your convenience.

The day is not enough to tour around UP and explore. But if you're tired and want to relax a embrace cityhood again, you can stop at UP Town Center just along Katipunan and give in to your cravings.

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Azalea Residences is your after-summer address in Baguio City

#BaguioCity is still the Philippines' summer capital. But now that summer is over, you will never ran out of reasons to visit this great place filled with wonders and delightful things that you can keep coming back. A much shortened 4-hour bus ride from Cubao, all you have to think about is the place to stay. I was there for 3 days and lucky that I had the best retreat at Azalea Residences Baguio.

Spend not more than 30 minutes to every Baguio City must-see destinations like Baguio Botanical Garden, Teachers Camp, Good Shepherd, Session Road, Mines View, Burnham Park and more, Azalea Residences promises that you will enjoy your stay in Baguio City #aftersummer.

Azalea Residences Fountain

View of Baguio City from Azalea Residences, 3F

Perspective

This is the only 4-star hotel in Baguio City. And coming over welcomes you with cheerful staff and good view of Baguio City. The 5-storey building also provides you the authentic feel of the natural Baguio City ambiance whole year round. It has 99 rooms, including one Presidential Suite, Deluxe Rooms and 2-bedroom Suites [book now] [see MORE room photos HERE]. For motorists, they also have 3-level basement parking spaces.

Deluxe Room in Azalea Residences

Lounge and dining areas, called 8 Degrees and Tradisyon Restaurant, also provides good gastronomic fix when you come back touring around Baguio. Family tours are also kid-friendly for they also have a nice playground at the hotel patio.

8 Degrees Lounge at Azalea Residences [Source]

Tradisyon Restaurant at Azalea Residences [Source]

Playground

For big gatherings and corporate events, they also provide a tent where you can organize your conferences and meetings.

The Tent at Azalea Residences [Source]

While you are done unpacking and resting at Azalea Residences, you can roam around Baguio City and enjoy a lot of activities that you can do after summer. Let me share them all to you in my other blog. These are some things you can plan ahead for your next #groupgetaway.

Azalea Residences is located at 7 Leonard Wood Loop, Brgy. M. Roxas, Baguio City. You can contact them for bookings in these numbers: 09178611641 / (02) 4501511 | (02) 4501584 | (02) 4508753. You can also check their Facebook Page here. You can also follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

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Visita Iglesia: Holy Rosary Parish Boracay

i was looking for a place to hear anticipated mass in Boracay and i found the Holy Rosary Parish.

the facade is a welcoming arms of Christ surrounded by island elements, trees and sea waves in tile mosaic. it's like feeling that you are in caring arms in paradise like Boracay.

going inside feels so calm and peaceful. the altar is adorned with the risen Christ and beside him are images of the Lady of the Holy Rosary. i heard the choir practicing their songs in peaceful harmony.

you can visit this parish when you visit Boracay most especially during lent. you can take a tricycle or walk on the shoreline of Balabag beach. it is a few steps away from Obama Grill and near the plaza.

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Once Upon an Ocean in Manila Ocean Park's Musical Fountain Show

i got invited to one show of the latest attraction in Manila Ocean Park. they have been adding more and more attractions lately and it is a good reason to save money for leisure time. anyway, the new Musical Fountain Show is a combination of dancing water, laser lights music and even fire in one stage.

just in front of the Manila Ocean Park, a huge amphitheater seating of more than 500, you will enjoy a 30-minute stunning show featuring Once Upon an Ocean. meet 3 starfishes, Shooting Starfish, Rising Starfish and Shining Starfish as they sing and dance for your entertainment. Lobsterrific is hunted down for cooking by two chefs. a romantic song by 2 fish, an 8-tentacled pianist, Nemo and a sea horse!

be cautious of the mist from the fountains as the wind may blow it to your direction. but Manila Ocean Park is providing disposable coats. remember to dispose them properly.

you can also have your photos taken with the cast after the show.

Once Upon an Ocean is a special presentation of Manila Ocean Park's Musical Fountain from August 20 to November 20. tickets are priced at P399 and with shows from Wednesday to Sunday, at 630PM. bring your whole family and friends and enjoy the show.

for inquiries , call Bookings and Reservations: 567-7777 loc. 118 & 119
reservations@manilaoceanpark.com or School Reservations: joycetarroza@manilaoceanpark.com.

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Disneyland Tickets Discounts found online!

I've never gone to Disneyland because I thought that it is very expensive. First, it is not in the Philippines, second, I know that I will trash a lot of money going there. But I grew up with the lovable Disney characters, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy Duck and all the other characters under the Disney franchise. Not to mention the fairytale characters, Pinocchio, Peter Pan and the Disney Princesses, adding Rapunzel to the list which makes every kid and kids-at-heart childhood memorable.

Well enough for reminiscing my childhood. As much as I really wanted to go to Disneyland, I am not very motivated because of the expenses I might encounter. Good heavens that there is a reference that will guide you where to get discounted Disneyland tickets. I don't know who the author is but we should be thankful about it.

Now that I only have to worry about my flight and where to stay at the nearest Disneyland because of cheap Disneyland tickets can be found with the help of the Disneyland Secrets book. It is also a guide to find Disneyland coupons which can be used when you travel.

I would like to try these sites where I can get these discounts. If you have tried it yourself, let me know if it's okay. We're off to Disneyland!

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sneak peek: THE TOURIST

From Oscar-winning director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (“The Lives of Others”) comes Columbia Pictures’ highly anticipated romantic thriller “The Tourist” starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.

In the film, Johnny Depp stars as an American tourist whose playful dalliance with a stranger leads to a web of intrigue, romance and danger. During an impromptu trip to Europe to mend a broken heart, Frank (Depp) unexpectedly finds himself in a flirtatious encounter with Elise (Jolie), an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris and Venice, their whirlwind romance quickly evolves as they find themselves unwittingly thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

“The Tourist” is written by Academy Award® winning screenwriters Julian Fellowes (“Gosford Park,” “The Young Victoria”) and Christopher McQuarrie (“The Usual Suspects,” “Valkyrie”), and Jeffrey Nachmanoff (“The Day After Tomorrow”).

Asked of his strategy in directing two of the biggest stars in the world today, director von Donnersmarck said, “What I tried to do was tailor the parts so Angelina and Johnny could use more of their acting muscle. They’re great movie stars, but more than that, they are great actors, and I wanted to give them roles in which they could really show what they can do. Elise is charming and delicate and feminine and strong all at the same time; Frank is winning, and charming and funny, just like Johnny is in real life.”


Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Tourist” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

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sneak peek at the 15th Philippine Hotair Balloon Fiesta!

i was at Clark Freeport Zone this morning to do my ingress at the venue of the 15th Philippine International Hotair Balloon Fiesta. there are already booths set up and everything seems to be exciting. there are tiangges, food stores, real estate and telecommunications booths among others. we installed our banners of BusinessWorld coming as a media sponsor of the event. "ehem, thank you very much"

and before we got off, we roamed around and there are also awesome displays which an ALL ACCESS GUEST can see. transforming the hangar to a big event venue such as the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.


the planes from the Clark Airforce at the hangar

the tiangges:


the food area:


and guess who came to visit?


the 15th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta starts tomorrow, Feb 11 to February 14 2010, at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. bring you friends and/or families and enjoy the weekend of everything that flies! entrance costs Php 150.

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