Mambukal Mountain Resort + 21st Mudpack Festival

Mambukal Resort is one of the most popular and most visited resorts in Negros. It is a 35-minute drive from Bacolod City passing through Murcia town, the same highway going to Don Salvador Benedicto (more details about our DSB trip, here.) 

Mambukal has several recreational facilities available such the Ishiwata Bath House, Slide for Life, Wall Climbing, Canopy Walk and several swimming pools. Sulfur Spring, Butterfly Garden as well as try trekking to the 7th falls of Mambukal and some bat watching are some of the attractions you should not miss. For those who plan to stay overnight, rooms are also available. Rates can be found below. 

In a few weeks, they will be celebrating the Mudpack Festival at Mambukal Mountain Resort happening on the 3rd week of June. The Mudpack Festival celebrates the harmony of man and nature. The festivity features Clay Body Painting, Drumbeating Competition, Tribal Dance and Ms. Earth-Mambukal among a few. 

This year's theme is: Pray. Heal. Celebrate Life. Kindly refer to the poster below for the schedule of activities. 

Source: Mambukal's Resort FB Page

For more details about the Mudpack Festival this 2017, please visit Mambukal Resort's Facebook page. 

About the Resort
Mambukal Resort is owned and managed by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental under the Economic Enterprise Development Department. Mambukal's contact number is (034) 473-0610 for reservation and inquiries. 

Don't miss this GrabCar User Life Hack!

I am such a huge fan/ loyal user of GrabCar. With a lot of promotions, safe and reliable rides, one cannot deny the fact that it is more practical to just use the app than drive your own car (in most cases.) 

If you are not familiar or not sure what I am talking about Grab is Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing platform. It solves critical transportation challenges and makes transport freedom a reality for 620 million people in Southeast Asia. If you are interested, you can download the app for free from Google Play or IOS store. Click here to download the Grab app. 

Now, here's the fun part. As I mentioned, grab has a lot of promotions and you can check the notifications tab in the app these promo codes as well as your phone messages since Grab also sends SMS for updates. For new users, you may use this Grab promo code: GRABFREE (not sure if it's still valid but this code gives you a free ride up to Php 300 off) 

And that's not all, did you know that you can enjoy cashback on every GrabCar ride booked via the ShopBack Mobile App? Yes, you get a Php 5.00 rebate for every GrabCar booked aside from the promotion or discount code that is applied directly to your GrabCar fare. 

Source: www.shopback.ph

So, just like Grab, Shopback is an app that you can download Google Play or IOS store. and you may download it here.

Now, you must remember that in order to get the rebate, you have to open your Shopback app first, click the RIDE button then, you will be routed to the Grab app. Once the Grab app opens, use as usual. Keep in mind to never open the grab app directly since you won't be eligible for the rebate. You may also read the full terms and conditions here.

As a smarter shopper, let us fast track your rebate points and get a bonus of Php 100 if you sign-up to Shopback via this link. Shopback does not only provide rebates for Grab but also to other sites such as Lazada, Hotels.com, Zalora, Althea and a lot more. Your rebates can be paid via Paypal or Bank Deposit. 

Do you have any questions? Feel free to comment below. 

Road Trip: Bacolod to Don Salvador

Summer vacation is almost over! Since classes are starting on June 5, Val and I decided to have a quick getaway this weekend. (If you just met us or just discovered this blog, my husband, Val is a teacher in one of the public schools in Bacolod City.) 

Since we wanted to just have a quick getaway without breaking the bank, we opted to visit Don Salvador Benedicto. They call it the "Baguio" of Negros but we think it's more of the "Tagaytay" of Negros. It has a cooler climate and one can expect to see lots of greenery and pine trees. It is approximately a one-hour ride from Bacolod City. The roads are good and cemented. If you plan to commute, there are a lot Ceres buses that you can take from the terminal.

When going to Don Salvador Benedicto, you will take the Bacolod-Murcia highway (The same one that you would take when you are traveling to Cebu by land which I will share in a separate post.) Your first stop is the lion's statue that welcomes you to the municipality. 

Also, take time to visit the viewing deck as you can see mini rice terraces below.  

Restaurant choices in Don Salvador Benedicto are quite limited. Since we wanted one that has a good view, we had our lunch at the Mountain View Resort Bar and Restaurant. 

Estimated budget is Php 300-500 per head. Though there is nothing really fancy or special about the food at the Mountain View Resort Bar and Restaurant,  it's definitely clean and reasonable. 

Another stop is the Malatan-og falls viewing deck. It is where you can enjoy the cool breeze and wonderful view. If you are lucky, there's also fog that you can enjoy. Malatan-og falls viewing deck is also where we buy locally made banana chips for pasalubong. It is only Php 10 per pack and it is really good. 

There are other resorts in Don Salvador Benedicto such as Balokon Spring Resort which was a bit crowded when we checked as well as Jomax Peak where we never had luck securing a booking. Well, you don't really need a reservation or resort accommodation to enjoy Don Salvador Benedicto. The place on its own is already a treat. We even saw others just parking their car along the road, brought food and enjoyed the surroundings. 

Also, let us share with you one last tip: When heading home, don't forget to drop by the pine trees lining the road with the not so visible I LOVE DSB sign. It is a great place to have your souvenir picture taken. 

How about you? Do you have other quick getaway recommendations in Negros? 

Konnichi-WOW: Win a Free Trip to Japan with TravelBook.ph!

In celebration of their 4^th year anniversary, TravelBook.ph, the leading local hotel booking website in the Philippines, is sending three (3) lucky winners to Japan for free!

To join the promo, simply make a hotel or resort booking through TravelBook.ph from March 11 to May 31, 2017. Both check-in and check-out dates should be within the said period to qualify. In addition, only customers who complete their stays (must check in and check out) are eligible to join. Please note that all rooms are subject to availability.

Each of the three winners will win roundtrip plane tickets to Japan for two, free hotel accommodation, and pocket money. One (1) winner will be drawn at random each month for April, May, and June 2017, which will be announced on TravelBook.ph's website and its official Facebook and Instagram accounts. The winners will be notified via phone call and e-mail from TravelBook.ph's customer service representatives and will be given instructions on how to get their claim certificates. Claiming of prizes will be from April 1 to August 30, 2017, while the winners can avail of their prizes starting April 1 until September 30, 2017.

This promo is open to all Filipino citizens aged 18 and above and should be residing in the Philippines.  The winners can choose to travel solo or bring one companion on their trip to Japan. Should the winners be unavailable for the trip, the prize cannot be converted to cash, but can be transferred.

So what are you waiting for? Book that summer trip now and TravelBook.ph might just make your dream vacation in Japan come true! For more information, visit https://www.travelbook.ph/blog/free-trip-to-japan/.  

Enjoyable Summer Deals and Budget Activities for the Whole Family

Summer is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you must embark on a lavish vacation to have fun with your family. There are plenty of budget-friendly activities you can enjoy right here in the Philippines. Whether you decide to take a staycation to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or take a simple day trip with the family, your possibilities for budget-friendly family fun are endless.

Summer Getaway and Staycation Ideas

Book a Room at the New World Manila Bay Hotel

If you want to provide your family with a vacation without leaving the city, consider booking a room at the New World Manila Bay Hotel. Its central location will make it easy for your family to explore the many sights of Manila such as Rizal Park and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, while also being close to the tenth largest mall in the world. Plus, have an opportunity to dine at three award-winning restaurants without even leaving the hotel.

There is a current BDOcredit card promo that will help you save 40% on a Residence Club Room by simply using your BDO Elite Credit Card. You will need to hurry because this amazing promotion ends March 31, 2017.

Experience Puerto Princesa, Palawan

If you want to take your family somewhere extremely special, Puerto Princesa is the destination for you. Puerto Princesa is a tropical Paradise just an hour and a half away from Manila by plane. It is home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, which is known as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

While visiting Puerto Princesa stop at Honda Bay, where you and your family can view beautiful shallow reefs, and swim, snorkel, or dive at the beach. Another sight that is sure to amaze is the Underground River, which is rumored to be the largest underground river in the world. Here you can explore the river by embarking on a paddle boat tour to gaze at the beautiful rock formations and wildlife. You will also want to go island hopping and check out Snake Island, Cowrie and Bat Islands, and Senorita Island.

Right now, you can save big with a special BPI promo with Asiatravel.com that offers 12% savings on hotel accommodation, tours, and package deals right here in the Philippines by simply using your BPI credit card to book your travel online. This BPI credit card promo could help you save on your trip to Puerto Princesa with quality hotel rates ranging from ₱1,500 to ₱2,500 per night, some inclusive of daily breakfast and even roundtrip transfers. Don’t let this BPI credit card promo pass you by as it expires March 14, 2017. Hurry and book your trip to Puerto Princesa today!

Book a Stay at Two Seasons Boracay

Embark with your family on a journey to the most beautiful island in the Philippines where you can kick back, relax, and take a moment to enjoy the important things in life. There are plenty of sights to see right on the island including: Boracay Rock, many majestic caves, Diniwid Beach, the Gateway Arch, Manoc-Manoc, and Puka Beach. There are also plenty of family-friendly activates you can take part in such as: diving, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, and jet skiing.

Now through May 31, you can take advantage of an amazing Metrobank credit card promo, which will allow you to save 50% on your stay at Two Seasons Boracay. All you have to do is use your Metrobank Femme Signature Visa or Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa.

City Activities to Enjoy This Summer

• Enjoy a day with the family at Rizal Park, or an open-air concert on a Sunday night.
• Explore Old Manila, and visit nearby Fort Santiago.
• Visit Kidzania in BGC, where your children can play different professional roles such as firefighters, nurses, models, pilots, and more.
• Take a day trip to Manila Ocean Park in Luneta to view the world beneath the waves.
• Visit the Mind Museum in BGC for a one-of-a-kind educational experience.
• Take the family to Art in Island Museum in Cubao, Quezon City and get ready to be amazed by the 3D art.
• Go nature tripping at La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City and enjoy the green scenery, refresh yourself in the pool or take a boat ride while enjoying the fresh air.

Whether you plan to embark on a staycation in the city center or enjoy a day on the town with your family, there are endless fun summer activities that won’t’ break the bank. If you decide to plan a trip whether in or out of town, make sure to take advantage of the different credit card promotions available to increase your potential savings. 

Really Cheap Hotel Accommodation - Less than Php 100 per night!

No one could ever imagine that you can get a hotel room for less than one hundred pesos. The big secret - just book in advance. When I say in advance, that's like 12 months ahead. 

I know a lot may happen and we won't be able to finalize everything but getting a hotel room deal for Php 88 per night + VAT which sums up to Php 93+ is something you can't just let go. We also believe that if our trip won't push through -- it is not much of a heartbreak because it is just so cheap. :) 

So, if you are wondering which hotel am I talking about. It's no other than Go Hotels which known to provide affordable and quality service and accommodation. They have branches all over the Philippines particularly Metro Manila (Otis, Ortigas, Cybergate-Mandaluyong), Bacolod, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Butuan, Tacloban and Puerto Princesa. 

Starting today, July 26-28, Go Hotels is having room sale for Bacolod, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Butuan, Tacloban for as low as Php 88 per night. Stay period is from October - December 2017. 

We were lucky to book 5 days at Go Hotel Davao for only Php 394+ and also one day in Go Hotels Dumaguete for only Php 93+. Our booking includes the following: 

• 22-inch LCD TV with cable
• In-room intercom system
• Option of two (2) single beds or one (1) double bed
• Full vanity mirror
• Two (2) pillows and duvet,
• In-room safe
• Bath towel
• Hot and cold shower
• Single-use soap and shampoo, and tissue paper.

We completed the booking online and used my BPI e-prepaid card. If you don't have a credit or debit card, you also have the option to book and pay through bank deposit. 

So, book now and let's all have more trips this 2017. 

Commuting from Mactan International Airport (Cebu) to Cebu City

With the recent improvements made at the Mactan International Airport, I believe this is the best airport we have in the country. I love the new stores, cafes, and food outlets near the check-in counters and the boarding area. Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Jollibee, and Bench are just a few of them. 

Mactan International Airport should also take pride in the excellent service, security, and ease of travel to and from the airport that they offer. Aside from the regular taxi (white) and the airport taxi (yellow) readily available at the taxi bay, passengers can also commute to and from Cebu's airport through the Mybus service.  

Passengers can pay cash or they can use a reloadable MyBus card which is also accepted in all ePlus partner merchants. The fare from the Airport to SM Cebu is only Php 25. This is way cheaper than a normal taxi ride which averages Php 150 going to Cebu City. Aside from this route, MyBus also has other routes as far as SM Seaside, Lawaan - Talisay, and J-Mall. 

Since I was traveling all the way to Talisay City, I took three bus rides: Airport- SM Cebu, SM-Cebu to SM Seaside, and SM Seaside to Talisay. Actually, there is also a bus that goes straight from SM-Cebu to Talisay which costs Php 40 but the interval of departure is not that frequent. 

One thing that I really love about the SM MyBus is that they leave on time regardless if the bus is full or not. This makes managing travel time easier. You also don't have to walk very far as their pick-up and arrival points at the airport are just near arrival (in front of Jollibee) and domestic departure area. 

This mode of transportation is starting to really get popular since the buses are clean and safe. Please note that they strictly follow bus stops so, you can't simply tell the driver that you're going down anywhere. 

MyBus has a flat rate fee regardless of your chosen stop. They also give student and senior citizen discounts provided that IDs are presented. They also issue receipts which are favorable to those who need to liquidate their expenses. 

This latest addition to Cebu's transportation service is definitely something that we need and perhaps apply in the other parts of the country. I opted not to be picked up from the airport because we now have the MyBus which is very cost-effective and convenient. I believe that an efficient mass transit system would definitely help us in solving traffic problems. 

I Want Seats: Online Bus Booking

If you have been reading my blog before, you would know I am the person who loves to plan her day ahead. That includes checking schedules, best time to visit, completing transactions online and setting up appointments in banks, cinema and restaurants. 

I value time that I want to make sure everything is coordinated well and prepared. This is one of the many reasons why I really liked BPI Online Appointment (Read more about it here.) I even have deposit slips at home so that when I go to banks, I just line up immediately. 

I have this motto, "Why wait in line when you can book online?" 

Well, I happy to discover that another company believes in this motto too. 

iWantSeats is an online bus booking platform in the Philippines. They are currently offering deluxe trips to Baguio and Baler to and from Manila via JoyBus. This saves us the hassle of lining up just to buy ticket and the possibility unavailability due to fully booked trips. 

We can expect more routes will be added in the next few months. Booking bus tickets has never been as easy as booking your hotels and airline tickets! With just a few clicks, one can reserve and confirm seats and just go to the terminal on the day of your trip. 

Explore new places, or travel to and from your city without having to wait hours at the terminal as a chance passenger. Leave the booking to iWantSeats and enjoy more of your trip. 

You may check their website, iwantseats.com.ph for more details. 

A Refreshing New Way of Making "Gala"

A group of young individuals had redefined the norms of a typical barkada outing. 

Founding Sanggala in June 2014, the name of the group which means isang gala, saan ang gala or the expression pusang gala led them to plan mountain climbing trips while conducting outreach missions in Batangas and Laguna. 

On September 27, they will have their 3rd Outreach Program for the Year 2015. The chosen beneficiaries are the 144 households who mostly rely on farming in Brgy. Camachile, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. 

Sanggala would like to invite kind individuals and groups to take of part of the event by signing up as a member or by donating in either cash or in-kind. According to he Municipal Coordinator, Mr. Chito dela Cruz, grocery packages such as rice, canned goods, noodles, soap, medicine are the primary needs of the community. If you are interested to donate, you may liaise with the respective groups and coordinators (fb link included) 

1. Team BUTIL (rice donations)

- coordinate with Rai Sean (group founder)

2. Team PAKANTON (noodles and canton)

- coordinate with Darz Amata

3. Team FISHY (sardines)
- coordinate with Mikko Argonza

4. Team CORNY (corned beef and corned tuna)
- coordinate with Sir Josh Sison

5. Team MABANGO (hygiene kits)

- coordinate with Jannah Tepace & Team Layas

6. Team PASAYA (gifts and game prizes)

- coordinate with Paula Fucoy & Lady Allyson Dulnuan

7. Team OSPITAL (medicines)

8. Team PAKAIN (sponsor refreshments in the event)

- coordinate with Alec Palomo & Catherine Dominguez

9. Team Tsinelas (collect slippers as donations)

For more information, you may also check their facebook event's page. So, go ahead and SHARE A LIFE! It is about time we find a cause to support and give back to the community. 

Awesome Travel Deals from Shroff Travel

I believe that "Travel is the only thing that you buy that will make you richer." -- not financially speaking but experience wise, you'll be definitely richer with all the new adventures and misadventures. I started travelling when I was 20 years old and I can stay that it is life-changing and totally worth it. 

So, for everyone whose planning a trip but is hesitating because of money, then, I have very good news for you. 

Shroff Travel Offers Exclusive Travel Deals Up to 50% Discount on September 4-6, 2015 during the 26th Philippine Travel Mart. 

Some of the packages they offer are: 

INTERNATIONAL PACKAGES

3D 2N - SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA with Tours - USD 173

3D 2N - BEIJING, CHINA with compulsory Tours - USD 64

3D 2N - HO CHI MINH Free & Easy Only - USD 72

3D 2N - HANOI Free & Easy - USD 75

3D 2N - BALI INDONESIA Free & Easy Only - USD 62

3D 2N - KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA with Half Day City Tour - USD 76

3D 2N - BANGKOK, THAILAND with Tour - USD 92

3D 2N - SINGAPORE - USD 145

3D 2N - KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA Free & Easy - USD 124

3D 2N - SEOUL, KOREA with Complimentary City Tour - USD 170

3D 2N - MYANMAR with Tours - USD 196

4D 3N - OSAKA, JAPAN Free & Easy Only - USD 720

4D 3N - TOKYO, JAPAN Free & Easy Only - USD 812

DOMESTIC PACKAGES  3D 2N FREE & EASY for as low as:

Puerto Princesa - Php 1,948

Cebu - Php 1,959

Coron - Php 1,969

Boracay - Php 1,990

Batanes - Php 2,736

Davao - Php 2,754

Bohol - Php 2,756

Ilocos - Php 3,782

El Nido - Php 3,932

Isn't it a good deal? For more details about these travel deals and other tour packages, you may check their facebook page and website or you may visit their booth during the 26th Philippine Travel Mart at SMX  Convention Center (SM MoA) on September 4-6, 2015. 

Don't forget to like them on Facebook for a chance to win a 3-days and 3-nights stay in Boracay! Follow their Instagram / Twitter @ShroffTravel. 

Upload your travel photos, tag @ShroffTravel and use the hashtags #ExperienceLife #ShroffTravel #WeCar for a chance to win surprise gift from them. 

Bacolod Blog Series: You've never been to Bacolod if you've never been here!

I have always believed that every place has one iconic spot that almost all tourists visit. One where you should take the "mandatory" shots. Places such as Merlion Monument in Singapore, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Magellan's Cross in Cebu and The Ruins for Bacolod.

The Ruins in Bacolod was a mansion built in the early 1900s by the Lacson family, one of the famous clans in the sugar industry here in Negros Occidental. The largest structure in the area that has a beautifully landscaped garden and a 4-tier fountain that added to its majestic view.

Photo by Jeric Tancontian

For more than 100 years, this structure in a 900+ sq meter property still stands firm and provides a picture perfect background to all visitors. They are also one of the favorite venues for a prenuptial shoots. Aside from taking pictures and enjoying its rich history, one can also relax and have coffee in their Mediterranean cafe. 

TIP: The best time to visit is actually around 5pm or early in the evening when the lights have been lit up. 

So, whenever you visit Bacolod, make sure to drop by at The Ruins. The roads are already cemented and it is very accessible even if you don't have private transportation. There are tricycles at Brgy. Bata that can bring you there. Entrance starts at Php 40 for students and senior citizens and it Php 95 for adults.

5 Things Why You Need to Experience Subic Bay Yacht Club

Subic is one of the easy escapes from the busy and crowded Metro Manila. It approximately takes a 3 hour drive via NLEX. Whenever we hear about Subic, we immediately think of Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari as our primary destinations. Definitely, those two should be part of your itinerary however, I would highly suggest that you also experience the Subic Bay Yacht Club. 

Subic Bay Yacht Club is all about experiencing the good life. A luxurious and elite experience that even if we don't get to do it everyday, it would definitely be a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

For years, this place was a membership only facility which means that it was exclusive to those who have the 6 digits for the fee. The luxury and exceptional experience were only limited to those with fortunes. However, today, the premiere marina is extending their membership to non members to feel, enjoy, eat and have the a great experience at the club. 

It is located North West of Manila and is set with Zambales Mountain range on the Eastern part and the tranquil Subic Bay that opens to the South China Sea on the west. A perfect paradise with safe harbors and pristine flat waters. A vacation destination with elegant design. An exquisite service and warm hospitality.

Now, let me give you 5 reasons why you should visit the Subic Bay Yacht Club:

1. It's a paradise

In the hustle and bustle of city life, whether you're from Manila or in any parts of the world, Subic Bay Yacht Club offers the million dollar view of the bay and surrounded by mountains. We love to escape stress and just to look at the pristine and relaxing view gave us that moment that we all need, the feeling of rejuvenation.

2. Accommodation

The different choices of rooms with the options based on your budget and need. They have rooms for as Php 6,000 per night. They also have a variety of accommodation at Subic Bay Yacht Club. All are spacious and elegantly designed to satisfy the discriminating taste of every member and guest. Each room and suite offers a balcony, with selected suites having a marina vista.

3. Food

Breakfast is always grand at Subic Bay Yacht Club. The variety of dishes in a buffet set up makes one likes to go back and to start the morning right. (This is my top reason to visit them) 

4. Pool and Jacuzzi

The elegantly designed swimming pools are just part of the complete package. Everyone who checked in can use this facility. You can just relax in this place while checking out the different yachts over the bay which is just 20 feet or less away from the pool.

All rooms are equipped with a jacuzzi in case you want complete privacy relaxing in our own room.

5. Hospitality

The Subic Bay Yacht Club take pride on superb customer service. You can feel how friendly, professionally trained and naturally accommodating all the personnel from the bell boy to the managers on duty.

For more information:

Subic Bay Yacht Club

Rizal Highway corner Burgos Street

Subic Bay Freeport Zone

047 252 5211- 047 252 6586

marketing@subicbayyachtclub.ph

www.subicbayyachtclub.ph