My trip last October 2009 was my second time in Cebu. A few years ago, I was only able to catch glimpses of the island’s landmarks, as my travel group was only there en route to Bohol. But last October, we held in Cebu the Visayas leg of the Philippine Blog Awards for the first time — and I finally got the chance to fully appreciate touring the island without hurry.

Cebu is a long, narrow island west of Bohol. One of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, it can probably be considered the center of commerce in the Visayas. It’s quite easy to find ATM machines in Cebu, and most of the city’s establishments have credit card facilities so you wouldn’t have to worry about carrying a lot of cash unlike in other provinces. From this, it’s easy to assume that Cebu is very similar to Metro Manila. Well, it is in terms of development, but Cebu has an island charm that you can’t find in Manila (the beaches are just a stone throw away) and a monumental role in the history of Christianity in the Philippines. More…

Before going back to regular programming, here are some SEAIR news and promos that you might find interesting :)

The Batanes Winter Promo has been extended!
Yep, you read right. SEAIR is extending its promo to February 28. Travel period is from December 1, 2009 – February 28, 2010. Get 10% discount on airfare to Batanes by typing in ilovebataneswinter09 on the promo code field when you book online.

More news? Take a look at the SEAIR press releases after the jump! More…

Whew. After how many months of blog hiatus, I’m finally able to sit down and blog about my travels once again. I have quite a number of travelogues in store for you (seven months’ worth!), but for now allow me to start off by telling you great news: SEAIR is once again having a winter promo for my favorite Philippine province, Batanes!

Book anytime from December 1 to 25, 2009 and get a 10% discount on flights to Batanes! Travel period is from December 1, 2009 to January 31, 2009. To avail of this promo, simply type in “ilovebataneswinter09” in the promo code field upon booking. More…

It’s an unusual partnership. MTV is known for its hip culture, a youth “institution,” and has a target audience you really wouldn’t expect the Department of Tourism (DOT) would bother with. But, as DOT Secretary Ace Durano explained, this hip, new tourism campaign has a long-term goal—”catch them young,” as he put it.

Last week, Marc and I were lucky enough to be part of Awesome Philippines‘ unveiling. Apart from finally meeting travel bloggers I only see online, DOT and MTV Revelations showed us a preview of their campaigns both online and offline. More…

Right along the commercialized main road of Sucat in Parañaque is an oasis not many know it’s there. Its facade is typical of Bio Research pet shops—you’d think the place is just one huge pet warehouse—but inside is a four-hectare garden of plants and animals.

I first heard of Lost Eden from my friend Jayvee, a fellow animal-lover. I honestly had a few reservations about going all the way to Parañaque to check out the place. Unlike him, I’m not an avid fish hobbyist (I prefer animals with fur, specifically dogs). But my husband Marc is. So together with our friend Juned (who also happens to be a huge fish fan like the two), we set forth on a day of nature tripping and pet shopping in the South’s hidden oasis. More…