Sunday, August 19, 2012

Tagaytay, Palace in the Sky

Palace in the Sky


The Palace in the Sky was to be a presidential mansion and guest house of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos and former first lady Imelda Marcos. It was not completed because the Marcoses were overthrown in 1986 as a result of the people's power revolution.

It was since then converted into a park and as a testament to the Marcos regime extravagant ways. It has been opened to the public and is now also known as People's Park in the Sky. It would be nice however if the government will enhance this place as opposed to leaving it to rot as it is because the park has so much potential than just being a vista point.









Plenty of tourists visit the Palace in the Sky and most come out of curiosity and others just to take a view of the surroundings and cool themselves down as well.
palace in the sky, tagaytay city

The park is an excellent vista point at over 2100 feet above sea level with a 360 degrees view of it's surroundings. To it's north is the Manila Bay, to the east is Laguna de Bay, to the west is the South China Sea, and to it's south is the picturesque Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. On a clear day, all of these can be viewed from the park and it has an excellent vantage for photographers.




The air seems to be cool even during the hot summer months so the Palace in the Sky is also a good place to relax and cool down. It would be best to be there during a clear sunny day to have the best views of it's surroundings. It is the second most visited place in Tagaytay City in the Philippine Islands behind Picnic Grove and it also has a vantage view of the Tagaytay Highlands, Taal Lake, and Taal Volcano.




Sunday, July 1, 2012

Laurel, Batangas, Amancinaya Mountain Resort

Amancinaya Mountain Resort 


 Amansinaya Infinity Pool





 Amidst the beauty of natural elements lies the place where you can relax with your family, have fun with your 'barkada' or build teamwork with your colleagues. Amansinaya Mountain Resort is situated at Laurel in Batangas. It is just a 3hours drive away from the City of Manila. If you are an adventurous person who wants to challenge yourself with different kinds of activities, this is the perfect place not only for you but for the whole family. Experience the unforgettable vacation in Amansinaya Mountain Resort. This resort is not only for adults but for kids also. They offer different kinds of facilities that would suit your needs. This resort is ideal for team building, group outing, business gatherings, celebrations, reunions and retreats. They also have a restaurant that serves a different kinds of cuisines. They also have a wide variety of affordable price packages. -wayph

  Trekking to Ambon-Ambon Falls:


They also offer tours to the Ambon-Ambon Falls. It took quite a while to trek to go to that place. Trekking to go to this falls will need you to cross five rivers. Well, they were only narrow rivers but the trek is quite tough
  










Pugad Lawin Adventure Camp

The Pugad Lawin Adventure Camp is a perfect venue for outdoor activities. It has a very challenging obstacle course that you will certainly enjoy with your friends or office buddies. Now you can escape the routine of city living and experience nature in your own terms.

Giant Mudslide experience excitement of sliding down the 100 meter mudslide







 Wall Climbing and ZipLine for your life reach the pinnacle of the 40 feet climbing wall.




-spreadsomeawesomeness

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Pasay City, SM Arena, Icons of OPM

Mall of Asia Arena



 is an indoor arena located in Pasay, Philippines within the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The arena will officially open on June 16, 2012 and is expected to have a seating capacity of 16,000 for sporting events. It is also expected to have a full-house capacity of 20,000, which is 5,000 more than the Smart Araneta Coliseum.



It is expected to be the new home of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

The Mall of Asia Arena, which boasts of retractable seats and a 2,000-capacity car park building, is expected to rival the fabled Smart Araneta Coliseum.

OPM Icons make history in concert



The biggest names in the Philippine music industry come together in a once-in-a-lifetime one-night grand concert titled Icons at the Arena: Masters of OPM to celebrate the greatness and ingenuity of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). World-class concert artists from various generations take part in the show including Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Jose Mari Chan, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Basil Valdez, Freddie Aguilar, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Juris, Jed Madela, Piolo Pascual, Bamboo, Arnel Pineda and The CompanY.



Hosted by Jim Paredes and Pops Fernandez, Icons at the Arena: Masters of OPM will also be graced by Pokwang, Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola. It is also the launch of the new ABS-CBN orchestra (with Gerald Salonga as resident musical director).

  
















The affair was held June 16, 8 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with Johnny Manahan as director, and Ryan Cayabyab as musical director and conductor.





Saturday, June 2, 2012

Alaminos, Laguna, Hidden Valley Springs

Hidden Valley Springs




Discover a paradise... neatly hidden between two mystical mountains of Banahaw and Makiling.



A 110-acre crater more than 300 feet deep formed during some fiery volcanic upheaval hundreds of centuries ago. From the cracks, more than hundred springs of varying water temperature came to life forming natural pools with the purest mineral waters reputed to be medicinal and rejuvenating.

Known as "ilalim" meaning "under", trees and plants emerged within the shadowy heart of the crater, undisturbed for centuries, surviving to become giants reaching for sunlight.

On the far side of the crater, the earth opened into a gorge creating hidden waterfalls. Here, you'll see rocks hanging perilously to the lodge.


Listen to the rhythm and sounds of swaying palms and ferns as it accompanies the gently cascading waters gushing forth from the mountainside.

Capture the sights of abundant greens, blooms and foliage, crowned by the majestic existence of 300 year old Amlang tress, the roots of which are even bigger than an average seven years old kid.








Hidden Valleys Springs contains at least 153 species of plant life, most of which are endemic and or endangered and at least indigenous species of wildlife thriving in the virgin forest area.

The first to set foot on this place are Chinese traders from Manila some five centuries ago. Their trails exist by the waterfall where they left betel nut diggings an a deep, mysterious hole on top of the hill where at one time, were inhabited by strange white bats.


Hiking-

 Or just stroll your way around and explore the inner recesses of the rainforest.
Bask in the glory of nature's beauty as you traverse the trail leading to the mysterious yet captivating Hidden Falls.









Swimming-
Have three kinds of natural spring water pools to choose from...   soda pools,   warm pools 










 and the lover's pools...
all designed to soothe and refresh those tired nerves and aching souls. 

Food tripping;
The Hidden Valley Springs has an alfresco restaurant that serves buffet lunch, merienda (snacks) and dinner.




 An in-house band of folk singers serenade guests on their tables during lunch and afternoon merienda.   

-travelmart