As a pet parent, there are milestones that hold a special place in our hearts, and Aeon's 10th birthday is definitely one of them. Aeon, my beloved Shih Tzu, has been a source of joy, companionship, and endless love for the past decade.

We always make sure to celebrate her special day, usually with a trip out of town to the beach. However, this time, we opted for a celebration closer to home, yet still close to the ocean.

We chose to have a staycation at Seda Hotel Manila Bay in Paranaque City. Yes, the newest addition to Seda's roster of hotels is not just human-approved but also pet-friendly.

Our check-in was fast as we had submitted all forms via email a day before, including Aeon’s vaccine record.

SEDA charges a minimal daily rate of 1,000 pesos and, of course, pet owners will be charged for any damage that might be caused by the pet. 

They only accept pets in the suite or above room type. Dogs should be less than 20 lbs, and cats should not weigh more than 15 lbs. Also, only one pet is permitted per room.

Pet owners are advised to bring a leash or carrier, which must be used outside the guest room and when the room is being serviced. Also, pets must not be left alone in the room.

We spent two days and one night in our spacious suite, which had a king-sized bed, a bathtub, and a separate living room.

The highlight was a view of the Manila Bay sunset. We made sure to be in our room to watch the sunset together.

It was such a simple yet amazing moment. We were actually celebrating life in all its forms—joyful milestones, challenges overcome, and the resilience that binds us together. It has also been a year since my hysterectomy.

After sunset, we walked to the Ayala Malls to have dinner together. While Seda Hotel Manila Bay accepts pets in their rooms, they are not allowed in all food and beverage outlets, and in the game room, pool area, playroom, mini-golf, or any area designated by the hotel.

That is really not a worry because Ayala Malls is nearby and has a good number of dining options.

After dinner, we went around the mall, looked at the shops, and enjoyed the evening. By the time we got back to our hotel room, we were ready to sleep, of course after saying our evening prayers.

The following day, my mom and I took turns had breakfast at the free buffet that came with our room. We both loved the selection. Although we did not have breakfast at the same time, we chose almost the same dishes, except I had taho, which my mom didn’t see.

I napped again after breakfast. That is what vacation is all about, right? While my mom watched some television. Our room had two big screens.

We checked out by 11:00 AM, and by lunchtime, we were already back home, with plenty of time to prepare for a bigger celebration with the rest of the family.

Throughout our stay, the staff at Seda Hotel Manila Bay were all kind and warm, adding to the pleasant experience of our celebration. I'm sure Aeon enjoyed our staycation too. She ran around our room, slept a lot, and ate a lot, clearly relishing the change of scenery and the pampering she received during our memorable staycation.

I recently had a work gig at Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa, and let me tell you, it was mind-blowing! 

I was part of the team that launched a 1,100-Key Pullman Mactan Cebu Hotel & Residences. This partnership between Accor, the world’s leading hospitality group, and Tytans Properties Development, which owns Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa, is groundbreaking. It is set to become the world’s largest Pullman property.

Photo from Tytans Properties Development

But what truly impressed me was Tambuli's vibe. It's the kind of place that makes you forget you're working and feel like you're on vacation, with beachy blues, lush greens, and white walls.

The Resort

Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa is located on Buyong Road, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, just 30 minutes away from the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

The 4-hectare property is part of the 11-hectare Tambuli Seaside Living, a premium residential-resort development by Tytans Properties Development Inc., which will eventually also be the home of Pullman Mactan Cebu Hotel and Residences.

It used to be Tambuli Beach Club, an institution in Mactan. I have faint memories of coming here before, and I no longer remember much, especially now that it has upgraded to a luxurious resort.

I learned that they took great care during construction to save the trees, and this led to a design that follows the curvature of the trees, creating a seamless integration with the verdant surroundings.

Upon our arrival, I was immediately captivated by the vastness of the space and the uninterrupted vista from the lobby all the way to the beachfront.

Since we arrived early in the afternoon, we wasted no time in heading to Cafe Hojas for a late lunch, which also served as our breakfast spot the next morning. The restaurant serve local food and offers buffet options and à la carte selections, with a view of the pool and garden.

We were accommodated in an incredibly spacious studio that not only met all our needs but exceeded them. The room even had a washing machine, although we didn't have the chance to use it since our stay was only for one night. We also had a small balcony that offered a lovely view of the property.

In between meetings in preparation for our event and checking the setup of our press launch, I had the chance to go around the resort. Unfortunately, there was no time to swim.

The beachfront is spacious and can hold social events and parties. There are trees all around to make it more comfortable to hang out during the day. I also got to see the exteriors of the spa, which is still under construction. I think this will be a future highlight of the property, as greens extend from the garden to the inclined roof, making it seamless.

I'm not sure how many pools there were, but what I can say is that there's ample space for many guests.

The whole resort is designed to maximize natural elements without sacrificing functionality, thus minimizing the resort's impact on its surroundings.

Our dinner reception was at Caverna Restaurant, right by the beach. We had delicious barbecued meat and seafood, along with lechon cooked in a Peking duck style and other tasty dishes prepared by the resort's talented chefs.

The other food and beverage outlet of the resort is Pugon, the resort’s pizza parlor.

Our press launch

More than half of our guests were from Manila, so we prepared an event that would give them a flavor of Cebu.

They were welcomed by the drum beats of Marian Brothers. We also had an exhibit set up in the hallway, featuring small businesses and social enterprises that are already partners with Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa and would most likely be a part of the future Pullman Mactan Cebu Hotel and Residences.

We had Budeli delicacies, Sadagat Maize Cold Brew, The Chocolate Chamber, Farmer Bing Cebu’s Real Fruit Ice Cream, Guitar Master, San Remigio Native Basket Industry, Zai Design Hive, Hinablon Sa Cebu, Sacks & Stuff, and Queseo de Compostela.

We opened the press launch with Sinulog dances performed by Sundayag Entertainment. Sinulog is Cebu’s very popular street fest. We also had a Sinulog Queen, Lapu-Lapu City’s Tourism Ambassadress and a member of the Tambuli family, Ms. Ma. Jannel Aton.

After that, we had speeches from C9 Hotelworks' Managing Director Bill Barnett, who briefed our guests about Branded Residences. Pullman Mactan Cebu Hotel and Residences are also set to be the largest branded residences project in the Philippines.

Accor Chief Development Officer Asia Andrew Langdon and Tytans Properties Development Chairman Gerard Tan also explained the project to our guests.

Pullman Mactan Cebu Hotel and Residences will feature 200 stylish guest rooms and suites alongside 900 branded residences. It will consist of three towers, each topped with a penthouse. Guests and residents will enjoy state-of-the-art amenities and full-service facilities, including world-class restaurants, contemporary lounges, collaborative leisure zones, and forward-thinking corporate spaces.

Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025, and they will welcome their first guests in 2028.

After the introductions, we toasted to mark the beginning of this landmark partnership and project launch. We ended with a question and answer session, as all press conferences do.

We led them next to the adjacent room for lunch, which of course had lechon, a must-have when in Cebu.

After the event, some of our guests had one-on-one interviews. Then, by afternoon, we proceeded to the airport to catch our flight back to Manila.

And that sums up my experience at Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa, and I'm eagerly anticipating a future stay focused solely on relaxation."

My mom is quite the character. Like many others, she had reservations about our Siquijor trip, and until we reached the port, she was thinking of skipping this leg of our journey. You know, a lot of people, including her, grew up hearing spooky stories about witchcraft in Siquijor. But now, she proudly tells everyone she shares our vacation stories with that Siquijor is one of her favorite destinations.

Siquijor Island is famous for its mysterious healers and 'white magic' practitioners, shrouding the island with a veil of mysticism. This reputation has endured through generations, with mananambals inheriting ancient healing traditions that emphasize the use of natural elements in their practices.

We spent four days on the island, with two days devoted solely to relaxation and travel, and the two days in between exploring both coastal and mountain destinations of the island.

St. Francis de Asisi Church welcomes everyone to Siquijor

Our Coastal Tour

Mystical healers aren't the only attraction on the island. Siquijor is also renowned for its stunning beaches and waterfalls. 

Our tour began at Pitogo Cliff, situated on the southwestern side of the island facing the breathtaking Sulu Sea. Named after the Pitogo trees in the area, this spot offers a 40-foot cliff, best enjoyed during high tide for safety. It also features ten and 20-foot jumping-off points usable even during low tide, although we visited mainly for picturesque backgrounds.

Next, we visited the Century-Old Balete Tree in Lazi, a 400-year-old giant known as the oldest and largest in Siquijor. What adds to its mystique is a natural spring flowing beneath it, where we enjoyed a quick foot spa by dipping our feet into the water and letting fish nibble dead skin.

Our next stop was Hapitanan for a broom shoot. This charming café has staff skilled in capturing the iconic witch-flying-on-a-broomstick shot from an elevated pedestal, embracing the island's folklore.

Following Hapitanan, we explored Lazi Church and Convent, two popular sites attracting even non-Catholics. 

The San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, or Lazi Church, located in Lazi municipality, is a Roman Catholic treasure recognized by the National Museum of the Philippines.

The church as viewed from the Lazi Convent

Lazi Convent

After this spiritual visit, we headed to Cambugahay Falls, a must-see for its three tiers of blue waters and local guides known as "human drones." These guides are adept at capturing captivating videos for tourists, including vine swinging.

Our tour also included visits to two renowned beaches - Salagdoong and Paliton Beach. 

Salagdoong Beach in Maria town boasts two beautiful coves with coconut palms and white sand. Tourists also come here to cliff jump. 

Paliton Beach in San Juan town also has human drones and cozy food huts serving fresh seafood and cold beverages.

Paliton Beach was our last stop, and by late afternoon, we returned to our resort, allowing us time to refresh before enjoying a stunning sunset at Shaka Café in San Juan.

Our Mountain Tour

We skipped breakfast at our resort and kicked off our third day on the island with breakfast at one of its highest viewpoints.

Larena Triad Coffee Shop is a place I often visit in Siquijor, which is why I suggested starting our Mountain Tour there. There's nothing quite like starting the day with a cup of coffee while enjoying an amazing view.

Our next stop was the Butterfly Sanctuary. Since we had limited stops in our itinerary due to skipping a few attractions for my 76-year-old mom, we briefly passed by this sanctuary. This is a conservation project aimed at saving the remaining butterfly species on the island.

Following this, we reached the highlight of our second tour - Siquijor’s highest peak, Mt. Bandilaan. It's just a fifteen-minute walk up, possibly even less. This mountain holds cultural significance as a sacred place where healers gather herbs and perform rituals during Holy Week, akin to Mt. Banahaw.

Mt. Bandilaan spans a stunning 212 hectares, rising 557 meters above sea level as the highest peak in the province. At its apex stands a 15-meter tall viewing tower, offering nature enthusiasts a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island.

Next on our agenda was lunch at Lambojon Terraces, La Canopée. It's one of the best spots in Siquijor for relaxation and dining, with an amazing view of the island. Their hammocks are popular lounge areas, especially during sunset.

We had planned to visit another popular coffee shop, Bucafe, but unfortunately, it was closed.

Since it was early, and we had already visited all the spots on our itinerary for the day, I suggested a visit to U Story. I had heard positive reviews about this resort and was eager to experience it firsthand. However, I initially thought they might still be closed, as I had heard they only open during summer.

My Mom and I at U Story

True to its reputation, the resort was beautiful. Perched on a cliffside, it features villas and a restaurant serving a wide variety of food. We opted to indulge in dessert here while soaking in the beach view, giving us yet another reason to plan a return trip to Siquijor.

Where We Stayed

It took us a while to decide if we were going, and by the time we started booking, all the resorts I had in mind were fully booked. Luckily, I found Seaview Resort online. Our room was reasonably priced at only P 1,500.00 per night. It had a balcony and a comfortable bed. The best part about this resort is its proximity to Tawhay, one of Siquijor’s most popular restaurants.

How to Get to Siquijor:

There are several routes to reach Siquijor, with the island accessible only by ferry from neighboring islands. For us, coming from Negros Island, the most convenient route was via Dumaguete.

Getting around the island is easy, especially for budget travelers. Tricycles for rent are available at the port. We rented one for P 1,500.00 per day, and the rates were standardized. Our driver, Regin (09161273873), not only knew the island well but also had a knack for capturing great photographs.

Here is another off-the-radar destination, often overlooked by mainstream tourists but cherished by locals and adventurers seeking unique experiences. This destination features top-tier beaches, picturesque islets, and an abundance of marine biodiversity. 

If you are looking for your next summer destination, Masbate is where you should go.

As part of the Tourism Promotions Board's Domestic Tourism Invitational Program, we embarked on a five-day whirlwind tour of Burias, Masbate, and Ticao—the province's three island groups. However, those days proved insufficient to explore all of the region's beautiful spots.

Our journey began with Burias.

Our first destination was Animasola, distinguished by its rugged cliffs sculpted by the ocean's relentless waves. The island's evocative name, "Anima Sola" (Lonely Soul), from Roman Catholic tradition, symbolizes a soul in purgatory, mirroring the isolated ambiance of this captivating locale.

At the back of the island is the Mermaid’s Lair, a rock pool located at the back of the island, is a must-visit. It is a good place to swim and to get occasionally get splashed by seawater. 

Next was Tinalisayan Island, where we had the grandest welcome ever. Cultural performances welcomed us to the island. And we were led to a buffet lunch, highlighted by lechon, the first of our many roasted pig feasts in Masbate. 

Tinalisayan Island is known for its powdery white sand sandbar, a small mainland adorned with trees, and stone stacks. This is my favorite among the group.

Sombrero Island was the last island on our island-hopping adventure. The island got its name from the unique shape of its islet tip, which resembles a sombrero or hat. The island is known also for its beautiful sandbar. It is privately-owned and there are accommodations for overnight stay.

After, we went to the main island, also called Burias Island. We stayed overnight at Atlaza Resort, where I got my first experience of Kugi night. Kugi is something best experienced than told. 

The following day, we traversed the island, from the municipality of San Pascual to Claveria.  We had lunch there then we rode habal-habals or motorcycles to Pahowaiian Beach. 

The first-time I visited this beach, it was freshly devastated by a typhoon. This was after TRails to Empower Kids or TREK’s outreach in Malacbalac Elementary School. It was nice to see the resort all beautiful and ready to accept tourists. 

We just rested there then rode again to take our boat ride to Aroroy Port in Masbate Island. 

Masbate Island is the largest of three major islands of the province. This is where the capital of the province is, also known as Masbate. 

From the port, we drove for approximately four-hours to get to one of its newest resorts – Beatriz Rafaela Resort located in Balud. It got modern amenities, beach-side dining options, and white-sand beach. We spent the night there. 

The next day, our 3rd day in the province, we drove back to Aroroy. Masbate is also known as the cattle capital of the Philippines and is the site of the annual rodeo festival. 

On our way, we had a bit of that countryside experience.  We dropped by Sese Ranch, where we had a little horse-back riding, and stopped on a view-deck, to admire Masbate’s mountains. 

The day’s hightlight was Tinigban Beach. The drive itself to the beach was already a treat, as we passed by the unique karst formations of Calanay Limestone Hills, a geological wonder, magnificent as it is historic. It was once inhabited by early settlers of Masbate, the Kalanay people, who practiced jar burials. 

Tinigban beach is pristine, with only a few coastal resorts, and tranquil ambiance. We were hosted for lunch by Tinigban Beach Resort, and we had a memorable seafood feast. 

After Tinigban, we went to Masbate City, to spend the night. Our hotel, Treasure Island Hotel, is a true customer-service gem and I had a good stay.

The following, we embarked on our next adventure. We went to Cataingan to see the  Matayum Lagoon, a manmade attraction that become a rising tourist destination. We then dropped our bags at Bahia Vista Resort, where we would also stay overnight.

Our agenda that afternoon was to to attend the annual Himag-ulaw Festival in Placer. Our afternoon was filled with sunshine and the vibrant performances of all the festival's contingents, celebrating the bountiful harvest.

On our last day, we embarked on another island-hopping adventure, beginning with Buntod Reef, just a 15-minute boat ride away from the main island. This reef is known for its rich marine life, beautiful white sandbar, crystal-clear aquamarine waters, and lush mangroves.

Next, we sailed to Catandayagan Falls, nestled on Ticao Island.

Catandayagan Falls is truly a sight to behold as it cascades into the sea, a rarity shared by only about 40 waterfalls worldwide. 

While we had a few other stops planned, the strong waves altered our itinerary, leading us straight to Ticao Island Resort, our final stop in the beautiful province of Masbate.

Ticao Island Resort offers a serene escape without compromising on comfort. Its cottages open up to breathtaking views of the sea, complete with hammocks for leisurely relaxation, and a restaurant serving delectable cuisine and refreshing cold beverages.

From Ticao, we continued our journey to Donsol, marking our third province in this 9-day Domestic Tourism Invitational Program in Bicol Region and our ultimate destination.