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.

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