Patio Pacific Resort Boracay Island

Boracay Island is one of the world's and South East Asia's most beautiful and famous islands. White Beach in Boracay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and its stunning 4 kms of whiteness is absolutely gorgeous. This beach is also one of the most happening places on the island with most of the colorful Boracay night life, entertainment, boat tours, sports activities and shopping opportunities are here.

Patio Pacific Resort is located on Station 1, the most vibrant and popular area of ​​White Beach. Opened in 1990, the Patio Pacific started with only 8 rooms and was called the Pink Patio then. Although it does not have a sea view, it now has 65 rooms, but it has a very good location only a 1-2 minute walk to White Beach.

Resort has the Ecology and Economy Specialist Award from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Tourism. The hotel has three floors, deluxe, premiere deluxe, family rooms and suites.

Spacious and all-inclusive, Patio Pacific Resort rooms feature wifi, cable television, mini bar, complimentary tea and coffee, water, table, coffee table and comfortable bed. The Deluxe rooms overlook the Garden Cafe, which is open all day and overlooks the Garden Cafe, which is located in the hotel's own garden, while the other rooms overlook the pool where hotel guests are free to use. Deluxe rooms have a double bed and a sofa that can turn into a bed. Premier Deluxe rooms have the same bed option plus bathtub.

Patio Pacific Resort offers guests a buffet breakfast. There is plenty of choice in the buffet breakfast, where you can also enjoy the Philippine breakfast. Refreshed breakfast in the Garden Cafe or in the hotel garden is included in room rates starting from 4000 pesos with taxes.

There is a small bar next to the hotel's pool and a climbing wall where guests can use again free of charge. There are a lot of tropical plants and flowers in the garden, and the ambiance that I created reminds me of Bali. A carefully crafted camellia in this garden is intended for romantic couples.

The pool is huge enough, but there may be a problem with the number of sunbeds. Lovely pool with scrumptious sea and fine sandy beach whatever you do! But maybe some people like it from the pool.

For more information on Boracay accomodation, you can check our where to stay in Boracay page.

Where to stay in Boracay?

Boracay is one of the most popular holiday destination in Philippines. Regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Boracay offers white sandy beaches, clear waters, good accommodation, water sports,  great diving locations, good food and a decent night life.

Before going into where to stay in Boracay question, let’s sound a warning here. Boracay is famous with a hotel scam. There are agents (mostly in Manila) which behave like a representative of a specific resort or a hotel in Boracay (can even have a hotel web site). If you book through these agents, you usually pay double or triple the price. When you arrive and realize that you have overpaid, the hotel or resort cannot do anything. Because they have no connection with the so-called representative of the hotel. If you would book in advance, try to book online or call the hotel directly.

It is also advisable to book a hotel in advance during holiday seasons like Holy Week , Christmas and New Year. Boracay is a very popular tourist destination for Philippians and can be very crowded during holidays.

Boracay Map

White Beach

This 4 kilometer long white sandy beach on the west coast of Boracay Island is the most developed and popular destination on the island. White Beach is also where the Boracay night life is so if you are looking for a calm atmosphere, try to avoid the middle section of White Beach.

White Beach offers all types of accommodations from rooms you can rent from residents to luxury hotels. Since the major dinning, night life and shopping options of the island are here, most visitors to Boracay stays in a hotel in White Beach.

If you are looking for a nice luxury Boracay hotel, most are to the north of boat station 1. To the south of boat station 3, you will find more budget accommodation alternatives.

For hotels in White Beach as well as details like room prices, room types, facilities and guest reviews, visit Boracay White Beach hotels pages.

White Beach is the most popular and crowded area in Boracay Island.

Bulabog Beach

Another popular place to stay in Boracay is Bulabog Beach on the east coast. Although the beach is on the other side of the island, because Boracay is long and narrow (see the map below) it is only a 20 minutes walk away from the more popular White Beach.

Bulabog Beach is famous with its winds and a popular destination for sports like wind surfing or kite surfing. From November to April, the wind is good for these sports (it is best between December and February) and Bulabog is full with people of these sports.

For hotels in Bulabog Beach as well as details like room prices, room types, facilities and guest reviews, visit Boracay Bulabog Beach hotels pages.

Other Beaches in Boracay

Diniwid Beach just to the north of White Beach is a nice and calmer place mostly with budget accommodation. Balinghai Beach to the further north is more secluded but there is almost nothing here except a bar belonging to a resort on the beach. For a really peaceful, quiet and quite secluded place to stay in Boracay, you can try Puka Beach on the northern tip of the island.

How to get to Boracay Island?

Boracay does not have an airport and you need to take a jetty to the island. The nearest airport to Boracay is Caticlan Airport. You can fly from Manila, Cebu or some neighbouring countries like Singapore to Caticlan Airport.  From the Caticlan Airport, a van ride will only take you 5 minutes going to the Caticlan Jetty Port. A pumpboat ride from the Caticlan port to Boracay port will take at about 15 minutes.

Puka Beach can be accessed by land through the main road going to Puka Grande.

Ellen Adarna nude photo leak

Ellen Adarna became the latest victim of nude photo leaks today. It seems like sexy Filipino actress of Chinese and Spanish descent has posed nude to Esquire but none of the photos would be published as they were. But some how the unedited photos have leaked online and widely shared.

Esquire Philippines issued a statement condemning the leaked photos from their shoot with Ellen Adarna.  Here is the statement in full:
“Esquire Philippines and Summit Media condemn the unauthorized distribution of photographs of Ellen Adarna that were originally taken from a shoot the magazine had staged for its April 2014 edition. She had agreed to be featured in Esquire Philippines with the understanding that no nude photographs taken of her then would be published or disseminated. The recent circulation of such sensitive photos without her (or our) knowledge or consent is in blatant violation of her privacy, and her right to dignity. We share her outrage; we are deeply angry; we will not hesitate to take the appropriate legal action.

“The images in question, staged with photographer Jake Versoza, were never used in the magazine itself, and in most cases, were never even in the possession of the magazine. The images we did use from the shoot were treated to make sure any sensitive areas were artfully covered or obscured, as had been the agreement.”

“It is apparent as well to Esquire magazine that its own rights, as well as that of photographer Jake Versoza, have been infringed. We will take the proper measured action to protect its rights. Most importantly, we urge all not to participate in the dissemination of sensitive images that were not intended for public by the one person whose rights and dignity above all else’s should be respected at this time.”

Back in April 2014, Esquire Philippines published two versions showing Ellen Adarna naked but covered with the Esquire’s captions. But early September 17th, leaked photos of Ellen Adarna that show her completely naked were published on a Philippines gossip blog.

26 years old Ellen Adarna is an actress, comedian and model and quite famous in Philippines and Asia.

Where to stay in Boracay?

This post is moved to Oravar : Where to stay in Boracay?

Paolo Bediones Scandal Video Leaked

Recently, video allegedly showing Filipino television host Paolo Bediones having sex with a woman is circling around the internet. The 6 minute video shows a man resembling Paolo Bediones is getting quite intimate with a woman. He has not released any announcement about the video yet.

Although the woman in the sex video is unidentified yet, some say that she is China Roces, a 22-year-old model and actress[1].

Several photos in her Facebook profile appear to show her with 40-year-old Paolo Bediones. In them, Bediones is accepting some type of award  but she has since deleted the photos. China Roces later spoke on alleged Paolo Bediones scandal and denied being the woman in the video.[5]

An alleged video scandal of host Paolo Bediones spreads online and now going viral on different social media sites. A 6-minute video which shows a man who allegedly be the host and tv personality having an intimate moment with a still unidentified woman has started to circulate online. [2]

Starting his career as a commercial model, Paolo Bediones successfully transformed himself to a  television show host. He is best known for hosting GMA Network's Extra Challenge and Survivor Philippines.He is now a TV host and the newest newscaster on TV5.[3]

You can watch the news about leaked Paolo Bediones video below.


Later, TV5 released a statement on alleged Paolo Bediones video:

"The recent issue involving our news anchor Paolo Bediones on social media is a purely personal and private matter in which TV5 has no involvement or desire to intrude. We accord our employee and talents all respect that are due them for their privacy and personal action or decision." 

“"We disapprove strongly the malicious and wanton publication of the video, an act that clearly violates pertinent cybercrime laws." 

"We firmly express our support for our anchor Paolo Bediones in the face of a controversy that represents nothing more than an attempt to smear his reputation."[4]

[1] - China Roces Photos: FHM Model Allegedly in the Paolo Bediones Video
[2] - Paolo Bediones Scandal Video Leaked
[3] - Paolo Bediones
[4] - TV5 releases statement on alleged Paolo Bediones sex video
[5] - China Roces Speaks Up on Alleged Paolo Bediones Scandal, Denies being the Woman

You may like Red Dela Cruz Facebook fan page

For some reasons completely unknown to me, Facebook is persistant that I may like the Facebook fan page of Red Dela Cruz, a hot 21 something pinay chick from Manila (next to other two recommended pages for me Bruce Lee and Lee Hsien Leong!). I clicked the linked and I really liked what I have seen. I indeed googled her name and liked what I have found there more (i.e. Red Dela Cruz nude and topless photos not safe for work). Note : When I say I liked her Facebook page I did not go and press the Like button to join her Red Army - her fans are called Red Army :)

Red Dela Cruz is born in October 9, 1992 and is a professional freelance model. Judging from her facebook page and awards she has collected (FHM Premiere Ultimate Vixen 2012, Premiere Condoms Brand Ambassador 2012, Premiere Condoms Calendar 2013, Illustrado Dubai Magazine Cover (June 2013), FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2013, Rank 52 and so on ...) she is quite a famous lang mo. Here is from her web site:

Red Dela Cruz as a modern Filipino model is indeed a revolution. Geared with smooth mocha skin, luscious lips, “S” shaped figure, toned abs and a great passion for modelling, Red can showcase a broad range of looks at a drop of a hat. From the classic “Dalagang Pilipina”, to quirky, to sexy, to edgy, to high fashion — Red is definitely a fashion force to be reckoned with; breaking the common local stereotype of beauty and paving way for international success and recognition.

Her shot to fame was a revolution on its own. Rebelling against the usual mainstream path, Red’s following hailed from social media, perhaps being one of only a handful of social media celebrities in the Philippines. Steering clear off the runway as she only stands 5 ft. and 4 in., Red is mainly a print and fitness model.
Source : Red Dela Cruz Web Page

Filipino model Red Dela Cruz is born in 1992.

She is the 52nd sexiest woman in Philippines in 2013. 

Red Dela Cruz fans are called Red Army.

Here's Red Dela Cruz's Summer 2013 Promotional Video.

Super Typhoon Haiyan hits Philippines leaves 10000 death in Tacloban City alone

Update: Super Typhoon Haiyan left a big destruction in Philippines and unfortunately it seems that the typhoon will be the biggest natural disaster in the region since 2004 tusinami. The Philippine typhoon left up to 10,000 dead in Tacloban city alone:

As many as 10,000 people are believed dead in one Philippine city alone after one of the worst storms ever recorded unleashed ferocious winds and giant waves that washed away homes and schools. Corpses hung from tree branches and were scattered along sidewalks and among flattened buildings, while looters raided grocery stores and gas stations in search of food, fuel and water.

Officials projected the death toll could climb even higher when emergency crews reach areas cut off by flooding and landslides. Even in the disaster-prone Philippines, which regularly contends with earthquakes, volcanoes and tropical cyclones, Typhoon Haiyan appears to be the deadliest natural disaster on record.
Source : Philippine typhoon leaves up to 10,000 dead in Tacloban city

Tacloban (Lungsod ng Tacloban) is the capital of the Philippine province of Leyte Island. It is approximately 360 miles (580 km) southeast of Manila. It was the first city in Region VIII to become a "Highly Urbanized City" and is the largest city in terms of population in Eastern Visayas.

Philippines’ central islands are hit by Super Typhoon Haiyan (a.k.a Typhoon Yolanda) on Friday with winds blowing up to 275 kilometres per hour. Super Typhoon Haiyan is one of the most intense typhoons ever recorded has forced tens of thousands to evacuate and Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and other carriers to announce the suspension of hundreds of flights, mostly domestic but also some international.

The areas hit most by Typhoon Haiyan are still trying to recover from a powerful 7.1-magnitude quake wh'ch hit last month. For example the central island of Bohol, the epicenter of the earthquake that killed 222 people, will be hit hard by the typhoon. At least 5,000 survivors there are still living in tents while waiting for new homes.

Back in 2012, world's strongest storm in that year, Typhoon Bopha, hit Philippines hard and left 2,000 people death or missing on Mindanao island in December.

According to The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Caraga sTyphoon Yolanda claimed its first casualty in Surigao del Sur:

PIA Region 13 tweeted, "The initially reported one casualty was identified in the person of Jimmy Bueno, a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Poblacion, Lingig in Surigao del Sur. He was killed by electrocution caused by grounded water, according to OCD Regl Dir. & RDRRMC Chair Liza Mazo."

The PIA in Cebu also tweeted, "One fatality reportedly in Medellin, Cebu. Victim allegedly hit by tree as fierce winds now hitting Northern Cebu."
Source : Typhoon Yolanda kills 2; power outages reported in parts of Visayas

You can see the current position of the typhoon haiyan from the map below.

Philippine government sites hacked by Anonymous

Hackers group Anonymous collective is keeping South East Asian governments quite busy this week. Singapore's The Straits Times newspaper was just hacked by a hacker or group of hackers who name himself or themselves "The Messiah" from Anonymous collective. Now according to Tech in Asia, seven government sites in Philippines were also hacked by people who claim to be a part of Anonymous:

We received word today that a total of seven Filipino government sites have been hacked by Anonymous collective. Just like what happened in Singapore, the group posted a video and a message on the hacked websites explaining the reasons behind this attack. The video essentially says that the government hasn’t been at their best in providing what the people wish for.
Source : Philippine government sites hacked by Anonymous in support of “million mask march” movement

As the time of the writing, some Filipino government websites were still being hacked and some were simply "under maintenance".

Parallel to Philippines hacking, Anonymous Indonesia posted on Twitter a list of more than 100 Australian sites it had hacked, saying the action was in response to reports of spying by Australia. The websites, defaced with a message reading "Stop Spying on Indonesia", are mainly owned by small Australian businesses and seemed to have been chosen at random.

Hactivist collective Anonymous also called people to join million mask march on November 4th:

The group announced that on Nov. 5, it will hold a "Million Mask March." They expect hundreds of thousands of participants to descend upon over 400 locations, including Washington, D.C., in an expression of solidarity against oppression and despotism. 

Participants are encouraged, but not required, to don masks featuring the likeness of Guy Fawkes, who is known for his involvement in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Originally considered a symbol of treachery, popular culture rewrote his legacy as that of a hero fighting against unjust. Nov. 5  was designated Guy Fawkes Day. The 2006 film V for Vendetta popularized his visage, and Anonymous eventually appropriated this mask and the date for its own purposes.
Source : Million Mask March: Anonymous is Planning V for Vendetta In Real Life

Philippine government sites hacked by Anonymous

 Below is the message left to hacked Philippines government web sites by Anonymous:

Greetings citizens of the Philippines. We are Anonymous.

We apologize for this inconvenience, but this is the only easiest way we could convey our message to you, our dear brothers and sisters who are tired of this cruelty and this false democracy, tired of this government and the politicians who only think about themselves.

The government, in many ways, has failed its Filipino citizens.

We have been deprived of things which they have promised to give; what our late heroes have promised us to give. Let us remind the government that fairness, justice and freedom are more than words. They are perspectives. 

A march is happening, a revolution. A way to speak, a way to be heard.
On the fifth day of November, 2013, we will try to be a part of the history.

But of course there are those who do not want us to speak, and those who have doubts.
You can sleep, sit, go on with your everyday routine just like a herd of sheep and watch as the government laugh at you.
But if you see what we see, if you feel as we feel, and if you would seek as we seek... then we ask you to stand beside us,
this fifth of November outside Batasang Pambansa and let us march our way to freedom - a freedom from the shackles
of the Government.

You have been called; and by watching, you have been chosen.

To the "incorrupt" officials of the government, we are challenging you!
Join us!

The Corrupt - Fear us.
The Honest - Support us.
The Heroic - Join us.

We are Anonymous.
We are ONE.
The government, you are NONE.


We are legion. 
On the 5th of November, Government - Hear and understand us, or EXPECT US!

60-year-old Freddie Aguilar dates16-year-old girlfriend

One of the most talked about person in Philippines is music icon Freddie Aguilar. 60 years old has admitted he is dating a 16 years old teenager according to a report by Ervin Santiago, INQUIRER Bandera entertainment editor. Freddie Aguilar was seen with the girl while attending the 5th Star Awards for Music on Sunday at Solaire Resort & Casino in Pasay City:

The news started when he was seen with the girl while attending the 5th Star Awards for Music on Sunday at Solaire Resort & Casino in Pasay City, wherein he was given a special recognition for his contribution to local and international music. 

He admitted to the media present that indeed, the girl is his girlfriend. Aguilar had a disclaimer that he didn’t know the age of the girl when he courted her. It was too late because he already fell in love with her when he learned of her actual age. He requested the media not to mention the name of the girl. 

But Aguilar said there’s nothing to worry about since the parents of the girl have approved of the relationship, only with a warning that she should be careful because Aguilar is known to be a ladies’ man.
Source : Freddie Aguilar courts controversy with 16-year-old girlfriend

The news, especially his plans to marry the girl, was greeting by mostly negative comments. Some said Freddie Aguilar's most famous song, Anak, can be dedicated to the girl. Anak means child or more accurately my son or my daughter in Tagalog.

Meanwhile photos of Freddie Aguilar and his girlfriend showing the couple kissing found their ways to internet:

Freddie Aguilar kissing16-year-old girlfriend

Amid the social media frenzy over Freddie Aguilar’s admission that he is deeply in love with his 16-year-old girlfriend, photos of the legendary folk singer and a young woman who may or may not be the unidentified girlfriend (see above) surfaced online on Thursday.

 Two of the photos show the 60-year-old singer and the young lady kissing. The third has them looking directly at the camera.

Source : Photos of Freddie Aguilar and young lady who may be 16-year-old girlfriend surface online

Philippine Airlines flight deal to Manila from Singapore

Are you looking for a cheap flight to Manila from Singapore? What about a 59% discount? This super deal offers 2-way air ticket by Philippine Airlines to Manila Philippines from Singapore for only S$125! And this is not a starter ticket. You will have 20kg check-in luggage plus 7kg hand-carry allowance in this full service carrier.

Usual price of flying between Singapore - Manila on Philippines Airlines is $308 per person.

Team up with your friends or loved ones. To enjoy this great flight deal to Philippines, minimum 2 passengers are required to travel and they must travel together. Travel Period is till 30 April 2014 but the package excludes compulsory 2-way airport taxes and fuel surcharge of $195 per passenger (subject to change) and departure tax of PHP 500 per person payable at Departure Hall.

Booking must be made by 10 Oct 2013 or at least 5 days prior to departure (whichever is earlier).

This Philippines flight deal offers 59% discount on 2-way flight from Singapore to Manila.

You can choose one of the Philippine Airlines flights listed below:

PR 502 SIN  MNL  1030  1415
PR 504 SIN  MNL  1240  1625
PR 508 SIN  MNL  1515  1900
PR 512 SIN  MNL  1925  2305
PR 511 MNL  SIN  0600  0940
PR 503 MNL  SIN  0800  1140
PR 507 MNL  SIN  1000  1340
PR 501 MNL  SIN  1445  1825

Do not forget to read the fine print of the deal and check the deal provider online for its reputation before buying any deal.

Wally Bayola Scandal Video with EB Babe's Yosh

Wally Bayola is trending up and high today in Google Searches. Wally Bayola and EB Babe dancer Yosh's sex video scandal circulates online and many are looking for his name with "scandal" to watch the Wally Bayola Scandal video. Filipino actor, singer, comedian, and television host Wally Bayola, known for his noon-time television variety show Eat Bulaga!, has an uploaded scandal video on the internet with first appearing on YouTube.

Latest 6:14-minute sex video features a couple, who look like Wally and  EB Babe Yosh. The 41 year-old comedian who is married and Yosh is a member of Eat Bulaga’s girl group dancers EB Babe. The scandal video came one month after an intimate video featuring singer Chito Miranda and his girlfriend, actress Neri Naig.

It seems like celebrity couples do not draw necessary lessons from all these video scandals? The video clearly shows that the Bayola and Yosh are the ones recording their pleasure moments. The video is more shocking this time because it is documenting an extramarital affair between two talents of the daily noontime show “Eat Bulaga”. Wally has been married to nurse Riza Ruen Bayola since 1995 and have five children, the eldest of whom is 18.

Wally Bayola and EB Babe ‘Yosh’ Scandal

Wally Bayola was absent from “Eat Bulaga” on Tuesday. Yosh's Facebook fan page was also deactivated on Tuesday. According to philstar.com Wally Bayola will not be seen in the noontime variety “Eat Bulaga” temporarily:

According to a report aired on GMA 7’s news program “24 Oras” on Tuesday, September 3, Bayola’s manager and TAPE Inc’s Senior Vice President Malou Choa Fagar said the comedian will lie low from the program. 

This is after a sex video scandal allegedly involving Bayola and EB Babes member Yosh Rivera became viral online early this week. 

Bayola was not present during the Monday, September 2, and Tuesday, September 3 episodes of “Eat Bulaga.”

Chito Miranda and Neri Naig Scandal Video

Chito Miranda and Neri Naig Scandal Video Part 2

Obviously, the scandal video showing the singer of popular Filipino band Parokya Ni Edgar, Chito Miranda, and his former model girlfriend Neri Naig was only part 1. A new and longer video emerged showing the couple having sex in a well lit room. If you watch the video online, you will see that the couple is looking at the camera from time to time so probably they were the ones recording.

First scandal video of Chito Miranda and Neri Nai emerged in early August 2013 first on YouTube before it was taken down. Chito Miranda acknowledged the authenticity of that video and apologized for it (see below). The couple did not confirm the authenticity of this new video.

This new video has appeared in a small Facebook group from where it was copied and uploaded to a blog by a user nicknamed Nardong Putik:

The netizen said he came across Chito and Neri’s alleged video in a “small Facebook group” and “immediately downloaded it.” On the other hand, the moderator, who goes by the name “Boy Bastos,” wrote a blog with the video attached to it.
He said that rumors were spreading that Miranda’s hard drive was not really stolen. “Boy Bastos” claimed that based on word of mouth, members of the rock group Parokya ni Edgar were binge drinking and that later Miranda showed off the videos to his band mates. After the drinking session, according to rumors, Miranda had no idea what happened next.
Source : Cyberspace abuzz again with new ‘Chito Miranda, Naig’ video

Chito Miranda and Neri Naig Scandal Video Part 1

The singer of popular Filipino band Parokya Ni Edgar, Chito Miranda, and his former model girlfriend Neri Naig has been involved in a leaked video scandal which included explicit acts. The scandal video was first uploaded to YouTube to be watched but later was taken down. Some people got screenshots from the video and shared them in social media.

PNE singer later apologized for the incident:

“I am asking for forgiveness from our families for this unfortunate incident,” Miranda said in a blend of English and Filipino.

"We are truly saddened by the fact na may nag-leak na private video of me and my girlfriend, Neri Naig," the Parokya ni Edgar frontman wrote. "Humihingi po ako ng paumanhin sa mga pamilya namin for this unfortunate incident." 

“Our hard drive was stolen from our room in our house along with several other stuff…,” he added on Twitter to his 500,000 followers.
Source : Chito Miranda Scandal Over Video; PNE Singer Apologizes

Although mostly screen captures of  Chito Miranda and Neri Naig’s video were available, some websites have made the 7-minute video available for streaming and download.

Despite the request of both parties to end the circulation of the sex video, Netizens did not stop, in fact, many of them are still tweeting the links of the video featuring Chito Miranda and Neri Naig. 

Some observers who watched the scandal video of Chito Miranda and Neri Naig are saying that the unexpected circulation must be the learning experience of some showbiz couples who are doing the same thing.
Source : Chito Miranda and Neri Naig's sex video goes viral on the web

Palawan hotel deals by Agoda.com

The Philippines’ Palawan is actually an island province easily picked out on a map of the region – it’s the long narrow one that stretches some 450 kilometers from the Philippines’ southwest corner almost to the tip of the Malaysian island of Borneo. There are several other islands that complete the province as well, from small uninhabited reefs to large jungled mountains such as Busuanga Island and Culion Island.

One of the nicknames that often comes up in descriptions of Palawan is “the Philippines’ last frontier” due to the fact that a large percentage of the province is undeveloped, and that it contains a vast amount of biodiversity. Indeed, it’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park – and is a fascinating melting pot of dozens of unique languages and cultures.

Recently, Palawan was named in several high-profile tourist lists: CNN World’s 100 Best Beaches 2013 placed El Nido Beach at #14, while Conde Nast Traveler named Palawan one of the top destinations to watch in 2013. Visitors can visit picturesque rice fields, steep mountain landscapes and lush, green jungle without much effort at all, or simply chose one of Agoda.com’s luxury spas and do nothing but relax and rejuvenate.

Agoda.com offers Perfect Palawan hotel deals

To help visitors explore this gorgeous and relatively unspoiled island, Agoda.com is providing a special page showcasing 18 of Palawan’s best hotels in a variety of locations, from the capital Puerto Princesa to the sleepy town of El Nido to the tiny Dimakya Island off Palawan’s northern coast. Have a look and see which one will make a vacation to the Philippines the perfect escape!

Flights from Singapore to Boracay by Tiger Airways

Singapore based airline Tiger Airways will start direct budget flights from Singapore to Kalibo, Boracay Island on 18 July 2013. Tiger will be the only budget airline flying direct to Kalibo. This will provide a 3.5 hours travel option to Philippine's paradise island Boracay from Singapore as opposed to current 5.5 hours travel time through Cebu or Manila.

Currently, visitors to the island generally transit at Manila and Cebu to board a 2-hour and 1-hour domestic flight respectively, before arriving at Kalibo. The new 3.5-hour direct flight to Kalibo, to be operated by Tiger’s associate airline, Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAir), will cut down on transit and travelling time. Travellers will also enjoy savings on airfare as they will now be paying for air passage on one flight instead of two. Tiger Group is the only budget carrier to offer a direct Singapore-Kalibo call.

In conjunction with the Singapore-Kalibo route launch, Tiger Airways will be offering promotional fares of $88 between 21 May and 24 May. This fare, which is inclusive of taxes and other charges, is valid for travel from 18 July 2013 through 29 March 2014.

Flights from Singapore to Kalibo, DG 8803, will depart on Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 12:25 hr from Singapore Changi Airport and arrive Kalibo at 16:05 hr. Flights from Kalibo to Singapore, DG8802, will depart on Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 08:10 hr from Kalibo and arrive Singapore Changi Airport at 11:55 hr.

Flights from Singapore to Boracay by Tiger Airways
(flights are operated by SEAIR)

Surrounded by stunning white sand beaches, Boracay Island is the best island on the planet earth according to "Travel + Leisure" magazine's 2012 World's Best Awards. It offers beaches in the same league with more popular destinations such as Caribbean, South Pacifi, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Kalibo is a gateway to Boracay, which has gained much interest among travellers in the recent years, including an increasing number of Singaporeans who frequent its beaches for short getaways.

Philippine Airlines and Agoda.com partners to bring great hotel deals to airline customers

Philippine Airlines and online hotel booking site Agoda.com partners to offer customers of the Philippines’ flagship carrier access to Agoda.com’s inventory of over 100,000 hotels worldwide. As part of the new campaign, the partnership will allow Philippine Airlines customers to access fantastic hotel deals for both domestic Philippine and international destinations through a customized hotel booking page linked to PAL’s website at www.agoda.com/PAL. The deals will mirror PAL’s global network of destinations so customers can book flights and hotels in one easy step.

As the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia, Philippine Airlines has been carrying people to and from the
Philippines since 1941. Now, in a world that’s more connected and engaged than ever before, the airline is pushing the limits of its online and digital capabilities. The partnership with Agoda.com further strengthens its international competitiveness, after the San Miguel Corporation joined the PAL management team in 2012.

“With PAL being one of the oldest and most respected airlines in the world, it’s an exciting prospect for Agoda.com to match PAL’s network of destinations with the best hotel deals,” said Ernst Hemmer, Agoda.com’s Commercial Director. “This will allow PAL’s discerning customers to book their travel requirements in an easy and convenient way.”

The arrangement brings the number of Agoda.com airline partnerships with national flag carriers to 10, not including a further 7 traditional airlines and 6 low-cost carriers. These partnerships have proven to be mutually beneficial to both companies involved, and have given customers the opportunity to add even more value to their vacations.

“Philippine Airlines is privileged to be a partner of Agoda.com, one of the world’s leading online hotel reservations companies,” said Felix Cruz, PAL’s Vice President for Marketing. “In addition to our own tour package offerings, this strategic tie-up with Agoda.com provides passengers bound for PAL’s 28 international and 32 domestic destinations convenient access to the best hotel deals available online.”

Flights to Clark International Airport by Emirates

Emirates has been operating flights to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, since 1990 and from 1st October 2013 it will start to operate daily, non-stop flights to Clark International Airport, the airline’s second destination in the Philippines. Clark International Airport, which is located in the province of Pampanga in Central Luzon, is 80 kilometres to the north of Manila.

“There has always been a growing demand for Emirates’ services since we connected Manila with Dubai and our constantly expanding network on six continents. The launch of flights between Clark International Airport and Dubai will offer our passengers the flexibility of choosing from two destinations in the Philippines,” said Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. “I would like to extend Emirates’ thanks to the Government of the Philippines and the Civil Aviation and Clark Authority that have made the start of this service possible, we look forward to building on our relationship with the country and the enhancement of key tourism and trade links between the Philippines and the UAE, and beyond to our global network,” continued Mr Clark.

Flight from Dubai ti Clark International Airport, EK338, will depart from Dubai at 04:00 hrs and arrive at Clark at 16:40 hrs. The return flight, EK339 will depart at 1835hrs and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 2305hrs. Dubai - Clark flights will be served by a two-class Boeing 777-300ER.

With the new daily flight to Clark International Airport, Emirates SkyCargo will be able to provide more than 160 tonnes of additional cargo hold capacity each way per week, further supporting Philippines exports of perishables, such as dairy products, fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood and electrical and electronic equipment, and its imports of textiles, apparel, plants, flowers and chemical products.

Emirates’ flights to Clark International Airport will be
operated by a two-class Boeing 777-300E

A government study estimated that there are 10 million Filipinos living outside the Philippines – about 10% of the country’s home population. The largest number of overseas Filipinos reside mainly in the United States. The region with the largest temporary overseas Filipino population is the Middle East with approximately 2.9 million Filipinos, with 680,000 living in the UAE.

Central Luzon is one of the leading growth regions in the Philippines and is host to the country’s premier economic zones – the Clark Freeport Zone and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The region is known for its rich coastline and for the emerging tourist attraction of Mount Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano that following a hike to its crater offers breath-taking views of the surrounding area.
Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm, offers holidays to the Philippines, with packages that highlight attractions in the Capital city Manila; Cebu, the bustling capital of the eponymous island province along with Palawan, Boracay, Marinduque and Lagen Islands.

Hotel deals in Philippines Surigao del Norte by Agoda

Agoda.com  is providing hotel deals in the Philippine province of Surigao del Norte, a popular tourist destination offering constant balmy temperatures, swaying palm trees, and the famed Siargao Island, one of the world’s best surfing locations.

Recently included on list of destinations to watch in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveller magazine, Siargao Island’s reputation is well-deserved due to its warm breezes and uninterrupted currents that surge up the Philippine Trench from far out in the Pacific Ocean. It was not always this way though – before the mid 1980’s the island’s excellent waves were known only by locals and some of the more intrepid surf nomads who went to great lengths to find unknown spots to test their skills. However, the publication of several high-profile magazine articles changed all that when they featured the island’s now-famous “Cloud 9” reef wave, among others, which put the spot on the map, as did the establishment of the annual Siargao Cup surfing competition. The high-profile event celebrated its 18th year in September, 2012 and was won by local athlete Edito “Piso” Alcala.

But beyond the surfing, long sandy beaches and endless palm trees that border the many islands in the province, Surigao del Norte remains a great place to visit even for non-surfers. Resorts offer a variety of watersports, from snorkeling to paddle boarding, while the surrounding islands provide some fantastic jungle trekking amid an incredible variety of tropical plants and animals, some of the largest mangrove forest reserves in the Philippines, and even some pretty impressive cave systems! Enjoy fresh seafood at every meal or hire boats to visit some of the surrounding islands – everything from bare sandbars a few inches above the water to clusters of palm trees seemingly sticking straight up out of the ocean.

To help celebrate the start of 2013, Agoda.com is providing some great hotel deals in Surigao del Norte. No matter if it’s to escape the winter chill on a sandy beach or carve a path down some of the planet’s best waves, it’s a great time to visit the Philippines.

Club Tara Resort 5*
Enjoy a 35% discount on your stay. Valid until October 31, 2013.

White Sands Paradise Beach Resort 2*
Enjoy a 25% discount on your stay. Valid until March 31, 2013.

La Luna Island Resort 3.5*
Enjoy a 10% discount on your stay. Valid until May 31, 2013.

Sailfish Bay Surf & Big Game Fishing Lodge 2*
Enjoy Agoda’s everyday Best Price Guarantee.

Buddha’s Surf Resort
Enjoy Agoda.com’s everyday Best Price Guarantee.

Hidden Island Resort 2*
Enjoy Agoda.com’s everyday Best Price Guarantee.

Almont Beach Resort 3*
Enjoy Agoda.com’s everyday Best Price Guarantee.

Romantic Beach Villas 3*
Enjoy Agoda.com’s everyday Best Price Guarantee.

Getting to Siargao Island takes some planning. If coming from Manila, a trip to Cebu is necessary. Cebu Pacific Air operates the only flight between Cebu and Siargao’s tiny landing strip, four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), so coordinate carefully. The flight takes about 45 minutes and is subject to weather problems especially during the rainier months (June-September).  If the flight is cancelled, it’s necessary to spend two nights in Cebu or else figure out how to take the ferry, which takes about 4hrs and is definitely not a luxury trip. Either way, it takes an extra day of travelling. Getting to Siargao is part of the adventure, so it’s best to have a bit of extra time on hand, remain flexible and double-check everything in advance, as things often change last minute. But keep in mind – visitors who have faced obstacles getting to Siargao always say it was well worth it.

Amalayer lady video went viral

An amateur video of an angry train commuter, who later have been identified as Paula Jamie Salvosa, who went ballistic at the LRT Santolan Station ( a station on the Manila LRT Purple Line) yelling at a lady guard over the passenger’s failure to follow security procedures went viral in worldwide and in the Philippines on Tuesday evening.

According to the eye witnesses, Salvosa (amalayer lady) has forgot to put her her bag on the X-ray machine for security check and after being warned by the security officer, Sharon Mae Casinas, she has started to demand an apology from her. The video, taken by cellphone by taken by one Gregory Llamoso, soon went viral.

“So now you’re making me look like a liar. So I’m, a liar? So you’re telling me I’m a liar? I’m a liar? I’m a liar?” she has repeatedly said. After the video has been put on the internet, Salvosa's pronunciation of "I'm a liar," AMALAYER, started to trend up in Singapore based searches and in Twitter the hashtag #AMALAYER trended up both worldwide and in the Philippines.

Some has criticized the rude behavior of amalayer lady while some said the guard must have done something to offend her. But according to LRTA investigation, Amaladyguard Sharon Mae Casinas's only mistake to draw all those rude nagging was doing his job: stopping amalayer lady from entering the station without having her bag inspected.


Watch AMALAYER video