Boogey-ing to the Raucous Beat of the Ati-Atihan Festival

Marky Ramone Go March 21, 2016

I awoke at the first instance of sunlight on a Saturday morning, keen to witness the colorful street parade of the contingents, whose snaring drums already started to reverberate across the town of Kalibo. Joining some friends from Air Asia and fellow media members, we marched to the rendezvous point of the participants and I was quickly greeted by a snowballing euphoria. All around us were men, women, and children adorned in colorful costumes and face paint, all eager to put on a show. Even a day away from the highlight, I already felt the Ati-Atihan reaching fever pitch. “This is going to be a rocking weekend,” I told myself.

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A Date with Daet (Camarines Norte)

Marky Ramone Go March 10, 2016

Camarines Norte is more than Calaguas and Bagasbas. Here, places off the beaten track to explore:

If the map of the Philippines were a banquet table filled with a variety of cuisines, the Bicol region would be where the cheese section is. Always overlooked, but as every foodie agrees, one should never miss this part of the table. The same philosophy applies to this region situated at the tail end of the island of Luzon. An often unnoticed province belonging to this region, Camarines Norte lies quietly, waiting to be discovered—either by transient itinerants on their way to Mayon Volcano in Legazpi or the whale shark watchers en route to Donsol, Sorsogon. To the few who stop by, Camarines Norte’s tourism trail only consists of the surfing spot in Bagasbas and the Calaguas and Mercedes group of islands, disregarding the fact that hidden among its rustic towns are the many jump-offs to more pristine islands and adventure sites.

Approaching Calalanay Island

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Creekside Makati | Hotel’s Gritty Character, Good Location and Other Happenstances Equated to a Good Stay

Marky Ramone Go March 08, 2016

If looks could fool I would have to say Creekside Makati Hotel definitely pulls a fast one on you. It did just that on my first impression of the place, as I stood downstairs while asking myself if I am at the right building. It reminded me of old apartments I’ve seen in movies where cops would always bust open the door to catch a suspect. After confirming with a cigarette vendor lingering outside, I learned that Creekside Hotel situates on the second floor of this 80’s-looking establishment in Amorsolo Street. A few steps away from the equally nostalgic-inducing Makati Cinema Square.

The Entrance of the hotel leads you to a cozy and spacious reception hall

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Lima Park Hotel Presents: 2016 Philippine Hobie National Championships | Batangas

Marky Ramone Go March 03, 2016

The clear blue sky calls for all sorts of outdoor activity. With the calm Taal Lake spread out in front of us, one would think a Zen fishing trip is in order. Nope, its even better. Because other than the scenic lake, dozens of colorful Hobie Cat—small sailing catarman made by the Hobie Cat Company—were neatly docked on the shore fronting Taal Lake Yacht Club. These sails and its respective sailing crews were gathered for the Lima Park Hotel 2016 Philippine Hobie National Championships.