Kind and friendly faces welcomes our group as we stepped out of the service van one by one. Like that of a greeting meant for a balikbayan, the welcoming committee acknowledge our presence with warmth and enthusiasm. After a whirlwind of handshakes, good afternoons and polite bows, Ms. Celine the marketing manager led us to a posh lobby.

It was 12 in the afternoon and we just arrived at Taal Vista Hotel, the largest Heritage hotel in Tagaytay.

The warmly lit lobby was crawling with elegantly clad guests when we entered. It turns out that two events, a wedding and a seminar, were scheduled to happen that afternoon explaining the crowd. From that first impression, it wasn’t hard to gather that Taal Vista is a crowd favorite. Well, I wouldn’t blame them for I became a fan myself. Continue reading “Spending the first weekend at Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay” »

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” Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” 
— Confucius  —

Of all the amazing things I’ve seen during our trip to Macau, the Fortune Diamond at the Galaxy Hotel holds the bill for the most glamorous icon. For what could spell glamour better than a 3-meter brilliantly cut diamond, magically rising from a fountain and elegantly floating in midair?

It was almost 6:30 PM when we trooped inside the castle-inspired  structure of the Galaxy Hotel. As it turned out, we were just in time for as soon as we marched into the grandiose lobby, the Fortune Diamond show started. Continue reading “MACAU | The Fortune Diamond show at The Galaxy Hotel” »

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Joanna Jane Liwag

Overcrowded Largo de Senado

A faint smell of spicy beef wafted through the air as we dodged our way through the tourist infested area of Largo de Senado. It was a chilly Friday afternoon but even through the cold weather tourists and locals alike still flocked to the streets like there was no tomorrow.

Tourist, tourist and more tourist at Senado Square, Macau

Largo de Senado, otherwise known as Senado Square, is considered as one of the most popular historical sites in Macau. Situated at the heart of  Macau Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the seat of power for the Portuguese as they ruled over the country for more than a hundred years.

Like most countries that had been under colonial rule, the Macanese graciously embraced Portuguese influences while retaining their own unique local customs. The result is a fusion of two beautiful cultures which are evident in the number of scattered iconic buildings and landmarks throughout the square. Continue reading “MACAU | The historic Largo de Senado and the iconic St. Paul Ruins” »

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Joanna Jane Liwag