What to do #WhenInMelbourne

Planning to visit Melbourne for a day or two? Here's a quick guide on some of the must-try's within this marvelous city's center:

Pellegrini's Bar
Melbourne is known for its vibrant coffee culture. And Pellegrini’s is considered as the ground zero for the local coffee scene when it bought the first espresso machine in Melbourne in 1954.

Street art
Melbourne is dubbed as the world’s street art capital because its laneways and arcades are full of unique and vibrant street art.

Royal Exhibition Building
The Royal Exhibition Building is the oldest surviving 19th-century exhibition building in the world. It became the first building in Australia to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

State Library Victoria
State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world. It houses over 2 million books and 16,000 serials.

Brunetti
A visit to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without trying out Brunetti’s Italian-style coffee and its overwhelming number of luscious cakes. While they have other branches (even overseas), Brunetti’s flagship store on Lygon Street is the most popular.



Princess Theatre
The Princess Theatre is not only the oldest entertainment site on mainland Australia, but also the world’s grandest and largest Victorian theatres.

Travel and tour operators to gather for annual meet

More than 300 travel and tour operators will be in one roof on June 29, 2017 at the Makati Sports Club, Makati City for the annual Travel and Tour Operators Meet, organized by the Zoomanity Group.

This gathering is held to acknowledge the great contribution of the different travel and your companies in the tourism sector. Robert Laurel Yupangco, CEO of the Zoomanity Group believes that tourism is an important sector for the Philippine economy. The country is known for its rich biodiversity – with beaches, mountains and diving spots as tourist attractions.

Zoomanity Group is a leading company in the theme park industry under the Yupangco Group of Companies. It is envisioning world class, innovative and enjoyable facilities all over the country by providing the best tourist destination and nature educational experiences for vistors of all ages. The parks and restaurants under Zoomanity Group are: Zoobic Safari, Zoocobia, Zoocolate Thrills, Paradizoo, Residence Inn, Misono Japanese Restaurant, Jinsei, Nanten, Midori and Yakitori Daitokyo.

Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas will join the event as one of the speakers and host. She is currently the COO of Tag Media and Public Relations. Tag Media handles different multinational companies for marketing, strategic planning, promotions and branding. The team is composed of marketing professionals and information technology experts with experience from different global companies.

For more information, contact 09166299381, 3F Yupangco Blg., 339 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City

#TAGmedia #ZoomanityGroup #FindYourHappyNest

Four Awesome Things to do in Osaka

As Japan’s second largest city (After Tokyo), Osaka should definitely be on your must-visit list when you travel to Japan. It is located in the Kansai region, and reachable via the Kansai International Airport or via a bullet train if you’re coming from Tokyo. Osaka is known for its food, shopping and night-life and I myself was able to experience the good time that this city can offer. So, here are four things I suggest that you can do to make that Osaka trip awesome:

  

    1.    Check-out Osaka Castle

The more than 400 year-old castle is the symbol of Osaka. The nine-storey high castle is set in the middle of a park surrounded by gates, stone walls and moat. The huge park area is surrounded by cherry trees. Inside the impressive castle is a museum containing historical materials from Japanese Imperial times and interesting dioramas and holograms. Upon reaching the topmost portion of the historic castle, you will be treated with a breathtaking view of the city.

Admissions fee to the Castle Tower cost JPY 600. The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line.

    2.    Shopping at Shinsaibashi

The most famous shopping street in Osaka is none other than Shinsaibashi. At almost 600 meters long (excluding the side alleys), it is lined with about 200 trendy boutiques, retail chains, department stores, souvenir shops, pharmacies, and cosmetic shops. From high-end to affordable; and from international to local brands – whatever your choice – it can be found here (Uniqlo, H&M, Gap, Forever 2 and Zara, among others) In between these fashion shops are various eateries, cafes and restaurants. But be warned, it can get too crowded here as everyone wants to shop or just people-watch!

Located in the Minami area, Shinsaibashi can be reached via Namba Station or Shinsaibashi station. Shinsaibashi connects Dotonbori and Namba area, amd is parallel and east of Mido-suji street.

    3.    Dining at Dotonbori

Since Osaka is known for its food, then you better head over to Dotonbori, Osaka’s “culinary capital.” This place is definitely a foodie heaven as you have a plenty to choose from. The entire area of Dotonbori is thronged with restaurants – serving crabs, ramen, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, etc. Food is definitely amazing and what’s more, it is affordable! We tried the famous ramen from Ichiran, and the famous way of eating it via an isolated table. Proof that this is a must-try is the long line of those who want to try their savory ramen.

Dotonbori is not only a feast for the tummy but also for the eyes. The throng of restaurants has oversized decorations like a giant crab with moving arms, giant blowfish, etc. Be mesmerized with giant billboards in neon lights. Dotonbori’s iconic landmark is actually the Glico Man billboard. This is a symbol of Glico, a famous Japanese company that manufactures Pocky.

The nearest subway station would be Namba Station on the Osaka Subway. Take Exit 14, and you can walk for about 5-10 minutes to the Dotonbori Canal.

    4.    Temple-hopping at Tennoji

There are many religious sites around Osaka. The Tennoji district in particular has a number of beautiful temples and shrines.

One such temple is Shitenno-ji. It is the first Buddhist temple in Japan. It consists of eye-catching gardens and outer temple buildings. It can be reached via a 10-minute walk from the Tennoji station.

One of the most visited temples in Tennoji is Isshin-ji. It is a Buddhist temple known for its enshrining dead bodies. Isshin-ji is located between Tennoji Park and Shitenno-ji.

The Ikukunitama Shrine may not be as grandiose as the other shrines in Japan, but it exhudes an aura of peace. It also has a unique architecture. It is just a 3-minute walk from Tanimachi 9-chome Station.

So, what are you waiting for?  Do these things too and feel awesome in Osaka!

Kick start your summer adventure with Asiatravel.com’s Travel Expo 2017

Summer is officially here! And you can definitely feel the heat with many of your favorite celebrities posting on social media about their travel adventures via photos, videos or blogs. You might have even liked or shared these posts.  Your friends may have even tagged you on some of these posts with the hashtag #hanggangdrawinglang (pertaining to planned trips that never happen).

But this should not be the case. It’s high time you and your friends stop tagging each other and start planning a real “barkada” adventure.  Or how about taking your whole family on a vacation? Or how about travelling solo for some personal “soul-searching”?  Or perhaps ticking something off from that bucket list?

Whatever your reasons are, don’t waste the summer sun by just being inside the four corners of your room--searching for airline tickets and tour packages or booking hotel accommodations, which might ending up you paying more!

But no need to worry because from March 31 to April 2, Asiatravel.com, in partnership with Citibank, will hold its Travel Expo 2017 at the 4^th Level Activity Area of Century City Mall from 10am to 8pm. With sale packages of up to 75% off on bookings for international and domestic travel packages, all you need to do is pack up your suitcase and file that vacation leave!

Asiatravel.com is Asia’s leading online travel company that understands travellers’ needs -- from hotel bookings, affordable flights, attractions to BLeisure (Business+Leisure) packages.

What's more, for every Php 2,000 single and/or accumulated spend in any Century City Mall establishments from March 27-April 2, shoppers will get to receive Php 1,000 worth of AsiaTravel vouchers that can be used during the Travel Fair.

So, on March 31 to April 2, head on over to Asiatravel.com’s Travel Expo 2017 at Century City Mall and kick start your summer adventure!

Five Reasons to Fall in Love with Miyajima

My first visit to Japan isn’t Tokyo, but in Itsukushima (more popularly known as Miyajima). Yes, you’ve read that right and why not? Miyajima Island may be far from the bustling metropolis in every sense, but this is the very reason why Miyajima is a must see destination.

Miyajima, located in the northwest of Hiroshima Bay, is where you can still see herds of deer roaming freely, amidst a backdrop of virgin forests and a deep blue sea. Aside from the nature-feels, being in Miyajima feels like being transported back in time with preserved shrines and temples, symbolizing Japanese history and culture.

And may I say that the island is just so romantic? I assure you that memories on this island will linger on your mind, here are five reasons why:

    1.    Itsukushima Shrine

When I travel, it is a must that I visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Miyajima has one -- the Great Torrii. Don’t miss the chance to walk to the foot of the Great Torrii during low tide. At high tide, the Great Torrii will look like it’s floating in the sea. The Chinese red or scarlet color of the shrine changes with the sunrise and the sunset.

    2.   Five-storied Pagoda

The 27 meters high pagoda is found on the hill on the left of Itsukushima Shrine. It was said to be built in the 15^th century using Chinese Zen Buddhism construction techniques. It is vermillion-colored with decorative drawings and colored paintings.

    3.    ... and more temples!

Miyajima won't be know as a shrine island for nothing. Right after you exit Itsukushima shrine is the Daiganji Temple. It contains many important cultural properties and archives. A saraswati (Hindu goddess) is enshrined in the temple and is known to be one of the three major saraswatis in Japan. Daishouin Temple, meanwhile, is located west of Itsukushima shrine, and is the center of Buddhism on Miyajima. It has Buddha statues, Mido (temple halls), kiyomori shrine and a treasure hall.

    4.    Traditional Streets

Strolling along the street of Miyajima feels like a journey back in time. Here, you can see ateliers and trinket shops. Better buy yourself a shamoji (rice scoop). Stay the night in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with tatami-matted rooms. And of course, wear a yukata (kimono)!

    5.    Food!

A trip wouldn’t be compete without tasting the local food! And here in Miyajima you can never go hungry as there are plenty of food that you can buy along the food stalls dotting the streets or in various restaurants on the island. Miyajima is well-known for Momiji manju, a maple leaf -shaped pastry with a bean-jam filling (which can come in flavors like matcha, red bean, etc). They are still baking it like how it was done in the 14^th century and you can buy it freshly baked along the streets. Miyajima is also famous for its conger eel, grilled oysters and okonomiyaki. Miyajima’s okonomiyaki is different from Osaka-style—definitely a must try!

Now, how to get to Miyajima? If you're coming from Ossaka and traveling by shinkansen (bullet train), you'll be boarding at Shin-Osaka station. You can reach Hiroshima in about 1.5 hours.From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 25 minutes). Then, take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Pier (about 10 minutes). Enjoy and fall in love with Miyajima too!