Well, we just found an interesting ways for you to escape and ditch away boredom and pressure from the city life. That is just some few easy and affordable travels courtesy of RedDoorz. Since it's the season between vacay-happy Summer and the coming 'Ber months. Also that dreadful traffic, too much work, piled up tasks and pressure are just some of the things that will likely get you down.

The good thing is that there's the word "Escape". The very thought of it is the ultimate adventure, whether just around the city or in destinations around the Philippines.

According to the still ongoing Framingham Heart Study, men and women who travel often are less likely to get heart disease. It also found that because travel relieves stress, it improves mental health, boosts the immune system and promotes fitness.

The good news is, it’s so easy to travel these days. Affordable hotels with quality accommodations like RedDoorz have 150+ properties in 10+ cities all over the Philippines. The RedDoorz travel app, downloadable from the Apple store or Google Play Store, puts staycations or out of town trips literally at one’s fingertips.


You can escape anytime you want and find an affordable RedDoorz hotel from north to south. Here are 6 Escape ideas you can easily pull off when the spirit moves you:

1. Do a Staycation. Treat the family to a fun weekend. Or just disappear for a day or two watching streamed movies all day. You can choose from boutique hotels, inns, apartels or condotels that are part of the RedDoorz partner chain. It won’t cost much, but the experience is priceless.

2. Go Out of Town. You can easily book a room using the RedDoorz app and find your desired accommodation in Baguio, Pampanga, Metro Manila, Tagaytay, Palawan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod or Davao. Just leave the world behind even for just a weekend. Even for just a day.

3. Try a Couple Getaway. The pressure of work and the day to day grind of housekeeping can really be straining. Grab some time off with your special someone for some peace and quiet and rediscover the joy of each other’s company.

4. Reward yourself. Pat yourself on the back for that promotion or the exam that you just passed. Celebrate your accomplishments and be kind to No. 1. Effortless travel is the best gift you can give yourself. A weekend in Palawan or Davao would be a really good choice!

5. Celebrate a Special Occasion. Blow your birthday candles in the private cocoon of a RedDoorz hotel room. Toast one another on your special anniversary. You can even invent holidays and celebrate the victory of your winning team. It all feels extra good when you don’t have to wash the dishes yourself.

6. Get some Me Time. Ultimately, the most important person is you. Discover the fun and adventure of solo travel and feel relaxed, recharged and rejuvenated.

This August, RedDoorz released its biggest sale ever! Just P499 per night on rooms anywhere in the Philippines till August 31. You can paint the town red. In any RedDoorz town you want.

When you think of visiting Texas, you may think of taking a vacation to Dallas, San Antonio, or Houston. However, if you are looking to plan a trip to Texas soon, there are several smaller, underrated towns that you may want to check out in addition to the usual attractions. While travelers often boast of the events and destinations of the large city of Texas, you will discover exciting new places that most vacationers do not know about when you visit these smaller towns.

1. Lancaster, TX

Image Via Flickr by Patrick Feller

One of the underrated towns in Texas that you should visit is the town of Lancaster. Located just 15 minutes south of Dallas, Lancaster was first settled in 1844. If you would like to explore the town's history, you should visit either the historical town square or the Visitors Center and State Auxiliary Museum, which offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the state of Texas.

While in town, you can visit the Bear Creek Nature Park, which has a butterfly garden, a rock climbing wall, and a fishing pier and pond. It also has areas with tables and grills if you would like to spend the day there and make your meal at the park. There are several local restaurants that you can eat at, but if you can only eat at one, you should check out the local favorite: Bienvenidos Mariscos la Marea Mexican and Seafood.

There are several budget-friendly accommodations in Lancaster which will allow you to save more money for visiting the attractions.

2. Brownsville, TX

Located along the Rio Grande River and near the Gulf of Mexico, Brownsville is a gorgeous town that offers many shopping opportunities, including the Juarez Market. In addition to the wonderful shopping, there are the other typical attractions that you can expect in any vacation spot, like restaurants and hotels. However, if you are looking for something more unique, you'll want to check out the Palo Alto battlefield: the location of the first battle in the United States/Mexico war. This is a piece of history that you cannot find just anywhere.

If you stay in Brownsville, you will also have easy access to Port Isabel, South Padre Island and Matamoros, Mexico.

3. Marfa, Texas

If you are looking for a town with a beautiful view, you should visit Marfa, home of the "Marfa Lights." The "Marfa Lights" are an unexplained light show the happen in this town every year. If you would like to watch the lights, you should also visit the festival in town that occurs at the same time. If you need another reason to stop by, Marfa is also the home of the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

While booking your next trip to Texas, be sure to stay in or near one of these underrated towns. You will be able to experience new restaurants, attractions, and spots with beautiful views. You will also be able to share unique vacation stories with your friends!

If you're looking for something different to do in the New York City area, we've got a list of several great destinations for you. These historic attractions aren't the well-known sites that every tourist hits, however. Some are off the beaten path, but they're all worth your time.

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

The land where the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum sits is part of Pelham Bay Park, New York City's largest park. Thomas Pell acquired this property from the Lenape people in 1654. The historic home that now graces the grounds was completed around 1842. It's the last remaining grand 19th-century country house overlooking Pelham Bay.

Besides touring the mansion, you can stroll through the magnificent terraced garden or attend one of the museum's special events. Photographers can even book photo sessions to capture a picturesque setting.

General Grant National Memorial

Image via Flickr by shinya

You can pay your respects to two-term President Ulysses S. Grant, who also served as commanding general of the U.S. Army. His and his wife's bodies rest in the General Grant National Memorial, the largest mausoleum in North America. Here you can learn more about the bloody history of the Civil War that tore American families apart, as well as Grant's efforts that ultimately led to the preservation of the Union.

Visit this national park, and you can address the often-asked riddle, "Who is buried in Grant's tomb?" But just in case you don't get to go, no one is buried there. Grant and his wife are entombed in an above-ground mausoleum.

Hicksville Gregory Museum

If you dig the earth, you'll love the Hicksville Gregory Museum, home to the Long Island Earth Science Center. You can tour the museum and take in exhibits on minerals, fossils, local history, and more. Group tours are available as well.

You'll also find the Heitz Place Courthouse in Hicksville. This historic building is one of the last (if not the last) remaining judicial buildings in Nassau County from the time when the county was still part of Queens. The renovated courthouse now houses the museum's collections.

Book a hotel stay in Hicksville and spend some time exploring this link to New York's past.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park is often called Brooklyn's Backyard because of its oasis of green space in the middle of an urban landscape. The park was built in the mid-19th century and hosts more than 10 million people on its lush 585 acres each year.

You don't have to be a Brooklynite to enjoy all the park has to offer. Take part in horseback riding, birdwatching, fishing, running, team sports, and even yoga. And that's just the beginning of what you can do at this relaxing and beautiful destination.

Historic Richmond Town

For an authentic step back into America's past, plan a visit to Staten Island's Historic Richmond Town. The onsite museum houses more than 130,000 artifacts, photographs, and archival collections that date all the way back to the 17th century.

Guided specialty tours of the grounds are offered three days a week, including "Eating America," which focuses on early American food preparation, and "Light, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," where you can experience a taste of life before electricity.

Forget about the standard New York City tourist traps. The treasures on this list will provide you with plenty to see and do around the Big Apple.

It is indeed a surprise that Davao is the most popular spot in the Philippines. After all, it doesn’t have western restaurants or luxury resorts. But, what it has is the unique and special local experience for its visitors. Here you can look forward to some real Filipino experiences, interactions and food. Go ahead and plan a trip to Davos and take advantage of the cheap Jetstar booking offers.

Davao is just a short boat ride away from the beautiful islands in the Philippines and boasts of breathtaking nature and awesome locations. There is plenty to do and see here to create lifelong memories. You can explore the local markets for authentic dishes or go on a cultural heritage tour of the city or walk through those wildlife sanctuaries. Hop on one of those Manila to Davao flights and begin your fabulous journey. There are direct flights from Manila as well as from other Philippine cities with local airlines.

Discover Davao and look at some of the best things to do in the city.

Crocodile Park to look at freshwater and saltwater crocs – The Crocodile Park is a major tourist destination of the Davao city and boasts of thousands of crocodiles. Here you will get to see both freshwater and saltwater crocs. Watch those baby crocs hatching out of eggs in the incubator room. Take advantage of those educational tours and lectures about wildlife conservation efforts to protect crocs.

Philippine Eagle Center to get up-close and personal with eagles – Also known as the monkey-eating eagle, the Philippine Eagle is native to the eastern side of the Philippines. It thrives in the natural habitat within the mountains of the Sierra Madre and the Mindanao forests. The center is now home to 36 Philippine eagles as well as other birds, reptiles and mammals. The eagle park makes continuous efforts to protect the endangered eagle species.

Dahican Beach for adventurous beach experience – The Dahican Beach is the most beautiful in Dava miles and miles of white sandy beaches, and turquoise water await you. Get your towel and rent a lounge chair to relax and unwind on the beach. You can soak up the sun and read a book or enjoy a cool drink. If you are looking for a more adventurous beach experience, get a tent and camp overnight or go surfing.

Chinatown for beautiful Chinese architecture – Chinatown is spread across the 44-hectare area and is inhabited by the Chinese who were naturalized citizens or born here. However, they still guard their Chinese heritage and culture. Visit the Long Hua Temple and Mindanao Taoist Temple that reflect the Chinese architecture. Shop for Chinese artifacts and do not forget to taste the Chinese food in Chinatown.

Isla Reta Beach Resort for a fun filled day – The Isla Reta Beach Resort is a favorite with the tourists, and a visit here guarantees a day full of fun and frolic. Make good use of their Volley Ball court, picnic tables, and an outdoor grill. You can spend a fun day with your family or friends on this beautiful little island. You can stay the night inside the accommodation of your choice or rent a tent.

Roxas Avenue Night Market for local goods – Another must-do activity while in Davos is a visit to the Roxas Avenue Night Market. This is a unique and colorful market where you can shop for all kinds of Filipino food and products. You can smell the delicacies being prepared at the BBQ, and there are so many options that you won't even know what you are eating. It is a colorful and great market where everything is cheap and interesting.

Getting ready and getting excited, perhaps that's what most people feel whenever there's an out of town activity of the company. For Filipino workers, it is always a chance to get out of the office and leave the papers on the desk. Not only that it’s a getaway from our work routine in the office but it is a chance for you to explore, learn, network and enjoy the company of workers in the same industry. No paper works to hunt you for a while, only learning and development, but of course don’t forget the leisure part.

There are things that should be considered when attending an out of town conferences. This will not only keep you organized bu will let you enjoy the benefits of being out of the office. It will also help you in managing your time, resources and schedule. Time should be allotted on this because out of town conferences are not just a ride away from home but sometimes it is a fly away from home. So, if you forgot something it will only ruined opportunity and your fun time afterwards.

To escape the horror of forgetting things for the conferences here are some things to remember in preparing for an out of town conference.

1. Be sure that you are fully registered in the conference. This will keep you away from the hassle of missing your name on the conference itself. If there are required documents to bring like the print out of the registration, IDs or passport, make sure to prepare and secure them.
2. Make sure to book your hotel accommodations ahead of time. Prefer hotels that are nearer to the conference venue. Much better if it is within the venue itself but of course if you or your company is trying to cut expenses it would be better to have the average hotels with almost the same amenities and services.
3. Budget or pocket money is one of the must have and should also be prepared ahead of time. Out of town means expenses. Even though registration fees, accommodations, and some other expenses are shouldered by your company, still, you need to have your own budget to spend for pasalubong and other souvenir gift items. Make sure to save up before the conference date.
4. Bring the right amount of clothing and appropriate dress for the conference. You don’t have to exhaust yourself in carrying more luggage. Essentials and personals should be considered. For the ladies it’s your privilege.
5. Gadgets to capture the moment and for your documentation. It is always great to have photos in every conference that you attended, it’s more of a remembering the experience and jotting down the learning.

All these are just suggestions to prepare you for that out of town conference getaway. Just like this coming October 10 to 12, 2018 the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) will be having its 55th Annual Conference at the ASEAN Convention, Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ), Clarkfield, Pampanga. In case you have not registered yet just head on to www.pmap.org.ph and sign up.

Did you know that Quezon City is one of the biggest city in the Philippines that is composed of six districts and what's interesting is that it is celebrating its 75th founding anniversary this year. This big city is known for so many places to visit, to enjoy and have fun. It also got historical places where you can learn about our past.

Glad that Kwento Ni Toto is one of Quezon City's proud and official resident. We're very excited to share stories about this city. If you're planning to have a tour of the city within a day, think again, because this city got so many interesting places that will not fit in a day. Aside from interesting places there are also historical landmarks that you can learn history and stories of the past.

Summer is totally over and rains had already poured out into the city of pines. Rain may come but the excitement of being in Baguio City doesn’t stop especially now that Halloween is just a few months away, as there are known haunted places in Baguio City that scares us but thrills us to be there. We Filipinos are curious people that we tend to personally see and know things whenever we find intriguing matters.

When the Americans made their retreat during the 2nd World War it follows with the famous quote “I shall return”, and that’s what lingers in my head after waking up on my comfy bed in Azalea Residences Baguio on our last day. As what most of us feels, it’s hard to say goodbye but it doesn’t mean it’s the end of it but only the beginning of something new and more Kwento Ni Toto’s after summer group getaway adventure at Azalea Residence Baguio.

Since it’s the last day we all get time to visit parts of Baguio City for our ‘pasalubong’ but before that we were toured around Azalea Baguio Residences to get to know more of what the hotel offers to their guests. Here are some photos of the rooms that you can comfortably enjoy your stay and cherish some great moments with your friends or love ones.

The best thing about sequels is that you get to enjoy the continuation of the story. Like in Star Wars the saga continues. So, in Kwento Ni Toto, the story behind the clouds where the City of Pines lies carries on.
Though the comfy and cozy sheets of the bed hug me tightly the ringing music of the telephone isn’t good enough to hear continuously. It’s our wakeup call and it is really an early wake up call. They are just ensuring that everyone will be up and ready for the day’s journey.

Kwento Ni Toto shares great news for the Philippine tourism industry as hotels and resorts in key island destinations in the Philippines are now ready to compete in the global marketplace and that is according to the initial findings of a team of International Accommodation Assessors (IAAs) who joined the Department of Tourism (DOT) in conducting a national review of accommodation standards last month. This is one great leap for the local resorts and hotels.

Welcome to Cocoon Boutique Hotel - the Philippine’s first truly-Green Hotel in Quezon City.

COCOON…A warm nesting place that is -

•  Modern yet Classic

• Tranquil yet steps from vibrant entertainment

• Environmentally Responsible, yet Luxuriously Carefree

• Global yet truly Filipino

We open our doors to our pioneering guests who share our commitment for environmentally sustainable luxury.

My correspondent Jefferson aka Justin did dig in with the foods in the Batangas Food Fest in Matabungkay Beach Hotel.  Kwento Ni Toto wasn't able to join in with the other bloggers because of the busy schedule.  So for this particular event Justin fill in and enjoyed his stay together with the other bloggers in Batangas.  Read the story as Justin unravels flavors and scene in the said event.

Planning to have a getaway this ber season?  Or just want to relax and have some good food?  Well, for whatever reason there's always a good place to go and visit.

This November 3, 2012, Saturday, you can plan your food trip with Matabungkay Beach Hotel (MBH) as the destination. MBH will be holding its Batangas Food Festival with special cooking demonstrations by three guest celebrity chefs. The demos will feature popular Batangas dishes with culinary twists, which will then be part of MBH’s menu for the whole November.

It was a good experience having a relaxation, a food trip and what's even better is the fun until midnight. Yes, it was fun because it's KTV night and it happened at Karaoke Republic. The owner of the KTV is one of Chef Danny's friend and what's good about their location is that it's just a few buildings away from the Spaoay.

This was the first time I've visited this place. The only KTV that I know here is the you know what which is a few blocks away. So, knowing this KTV bar in this side of the metro gives customers like me better choices.

Hotel news update. Here's a little information for hotel goers about the Marriott Hotel Manila. Read the details below..


From Marriott USA , Canada , UAE, South Korea , to the Philippines , Marriott Manila is proud to announce the appointment of a seasoned general manager to take over Manila , Mr. Scott Sibley.

With his almost six years of stay at Marriott Guam Resort and Spa , American native Scott is now ready to assume leadership to one of the most progressive Marriott properties in the world, “I am deeply honored and excited to be working with Filipinos where the best of the industry can be found. Marriott Manila has taken leadership in the market by storm and we aim to be at the same spot for the many years to come”, announces Scott.

An industry veteran, Scott takes pride that he started his career in the kitchen. Boasting a strong background in food & beverage, Scott won an executive chef of the year award in 1990. He also published a cooking tour book with his stellar recipes, entitled “Tour Southeast Asia with Scott”.

Born and raised in the USA , Scott graduated Hotel Apprenticeship at The Culinary Garden & Inn and took up a special course in accounting in 2009 at Universal Class Accounting 101. His passion in the kitchen and unique culinary talent gave Scott a passport to Marriott and paved way in jumpstarting a dynamic hospitality career. For fourteen years, he was the hotel operations manager and executive chef before the opportunity came in to become a general manager at the Renaissance Dubai Hotel, his first property to hold the highest position. After more than two years, he was assigned at Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Center where he received his first most coveted Mustang award. Came 2004, he was transferred to Renaissance Seoul Hotel Korea where it houses fourteen famous F&B outlets. During his term, the hotel amazingly garnered $51 million total of sales, commended as the 4th highest rated guest satisfaction for the Renaissance brand.

A man of talent, creativity, and hospitality, Scott is most admired for his ability to develop same skills to his staffs. He is also gaining applause for his knack in executive team building, exceptional customer service, and opening hotels and restaurants. His sociable and yet strategic in thinking gave Scott several achievements under his belt which include working for Marriott’s thirteen different properties around the world—Florida, California, Hawaii, Dubai, Canada and was also task force and opened hotels in Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, UAE, USA, including Philippines (Marriott Cebu). His strong experience in working for three of the Marriott brands from Marriott Hotels Downtown, Renaissance Hotels, and Marriott Resorts and Spa makes Scott a trained and steady general manager.

Happily married to a Filipina and has been a father to almost 96% Filipino associates (staffs) at Marriott Guam Resort and Spa, it’s no wonder why Philippines has a special spot in his heart. “I’ve found love here ( Philippines )—from people, culture, to the feel of a beautiful tropical country”, he muses.

Now that he is officially manning Marriott Manila, Scott adds “I realized that great leaders are those who value teamwork and worth of his people while he takes time to hone his expertise.” I’m glad that this company instills this kind of culture so I am confident that Marriott Manila associates are not just anyone else. Staffs are service-oriented, food and beverage offerings continue to become more exciting, and guests simply realize that there’s more to experience at Marriott Manila. I am confident that our property will soar higher and better this year,” Scott concludes.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:
An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City . Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

One of the highlights of the BonPen Festival was their culinary activity which was dubbed as Kulinarya BonPen, featuring the meat of the Guinea Fowl (Bengala) and the Goat's meat.  The aim of this culinary event is to showcase other alternative meats for cooking and they have chosen the Bengala and Goat meat which are now commonly raised in the district of the Bondoc Peninsula.  The local government wanted the Bondoc Peninsula to be known also for these meat products and different dishes out of it.


Different culinary schools and agencies participated in this competition.  Of course, they have divided the competition into two categories, one is for the amateurs and the other one is for the professionals.  For both the amateur and the professional they have three members in each team and they have a specific span of time to finish their chosen dishes.  Of course, prizes await for the winners and the prestige to be known as the first champion of the Kulinarya BonPen.  I'm not really sure if the BonPen Festival organizers will sure the winning recipe as the official dish of the BonPen Festival.


Of course, an event would not be complete without a celebrity chef and for this event, they have invited Chef Tristan who we commonly see in commercials endorsing food products.  His quite more appealing in person.  Chef Tristan made a simple cooking demonstration of the goat meat which made most of the ladies go loco.    


Since we, bloggers, are invited they choose five among us to be their judges for the Kulinarya BonPen.  Unfortunately I was not chosen but fortunately because some of the remaining bloggers get a chance to roam around first and get a chance to know some part of the history of the place but of course, we did enjoy first the cooking event.  I did get some great shots of foods as well.  Seeing those dishes makes me crave to taste more of it.  This makes my tummy really full.  They are all mouthwatering! Most of us got our picks and bet of who will win and luckily my bet wins and bagged the first prize.  The dish got a distinct taste and an exquisite plating.  I'm not much of a cook but I can say what my tongue can taste and my eyes can see.  It's like a dish made in some of the great cooking shows.

The winning dish

It's a great experience and hopefully next year I would be invited again and perhaps by that time I get a chance to judge them.

The first experience always marks the spot.  Just like in our love lives, the first crush, first kiss, and first love they all linger into our memory.  Of course, it should be because it is the first and for this event in my life, it will surely mark the spot because it's another first time for me.

So why am I saying things about first time well, to be honest, this specific fun run in the BonPen Festival was actually my first ever official run.  My supposedly first was impeded by a typhoon which caused me to stay in and let the chill of dawn lullaby me.  This fun run themed as Takbo at Padyak BonPen Para Sa Kalikasan in Quezon will sure be a memory to keep because aside from my first official run it also got a lot of first in it.  So what are they?  Well, I'll try to list it down so that it will be remembered as well.

• First official 5k run.
• First provincial BonPen Festival 5k run.
• First time to run on a Sandugo Sandals (I hope Sandugo will invite me or make me a model for their great quality sandals.  Hahaha!) and take note it is a 5k run (I could really attest to the durability of Sandugo Sandals).
• First time to actually finish the run and take note it's a 35 minute run time on a Sandugo Sandals (hehehe another endorsement of Sandugo Sandals).

Now, isn't it exciting jotting down all those firsts in one event?  The good news... the Sandugo Sandals is still in one piece and I think it only loses a few millimeters of its thickness.  The bad news... I got body aches and lots of cramps on my legs because of that run.  Perhaps that's the reason why other runners prefer barefoot rather than running on slippers or sandals.  I wonder if I can run barefoot?  Nah! That sandals run is enough experience already.

It's yours truly while making my run. This photo is courtesy of JL Aquino of blog-ph.com

Maybe you were wondering why I run on Sandals during that fun run in BonPen Festival?  Well, I didn't come prepared and I actually don't have any plan on joining the Takbo at Padyak BonPen Para Sa Kalikasan running event but because most of the bloggers are going to run I decided to join as well.  It's a fun run after all.

First times are always remembered and this one will sure be a memory to last.

We, Filipinos have always been fond of festivals and festivities. It’s our way of celebrating life. It’s our thanksgiving! The richness of surroundings, the abundance of resources, and the natural beauty of a place makes us thankful of what nature provide us.

Quezon is one of the provinces in the southern part of Luzon. It is the last province before the Bicol region. Because of its natural resources, it is one of the provinces that celebrate most festivities.

There’s a portion of Quezon Province that is not greatly known for it that it can offer but because of the perseverance of their local officials they are now making names and celebrating what their land has to offer.


Discover BonPen, or commonly known as the BonPen Festival , has now reached its second celebration through the effort of the people and their local government officials who are eager enough to make things happen. For this year they celebrate this last October 28-29 and the host is the town of Pitogo.

What is BonPen? That’s actually what I have in mind before covering their event and then later on that’s what I always get whenever I share my BonPen Festival experience. So what is BonPen? According to the locals and to our ever reliable and patient tour guide, Majoy, BonPen is the name of the land that comprises of 12 municipalities of the 3rd District of Quezon called Bondoc Peninsula. A place of mountains and a peninsula that’s what is Bondoc Peninsula, abundant with resources from the mountain and from the sea.


Yes I was fortunate enough to be one of the bloggers that got a chance to cover their great event. It’s a new experience for me and an addition to my number of covered events. Another great about this experience is that it is my first time to cover an out of town event. I just hope to get more invites from other provinces.


The experience is interesting because I get a taste and feel of the culture in Quezon Province. Even though it was not that long but maximizing the entire duration did give me new learning and better understanding of the place and the people. The curiosity and the blood of being a historian still flow. Hmmm…..


BonPen Festival not only offers the festivity but the entire culture of the Bondoc Peninsula. Their great beaches that is mostly untouched and still undiscovered by tourist. Their rich historical places and artifacts are also one of the great things to see in BonPen. It is perhaps one of the great means in understanding more of the Philippine History. And of course one of the best parts in every festivity is the cuisines, dishes, and menus that BonPen offers to their visitors and guests.


For this season the BonPen Festival celebrated a lot of activities. The Green Mile which is a simultaneous tree planting that aims to plant thousands of trees in Quezon leaded by their beloved Governor David “Jay Jay” Suarez and was graced by Jun Jun Binay. There were also a fun run themed as Takbo at Padyak BonPen Para sa Kalikasan, Konsiyerto Para sa Kalikasan and Beerfest, a cook-off competition of different cookings schools called Kulinarya BonPen, AgriTrade Fair and the Mr. and Ms. BonPen.


Generally, the BonPen experience was great and it did give me a realization that there are thousands of great things about the Philippines and as a blogger it is my duty to share and let other people know that there’s more to see and to explore. Discover Philippines, discover BonPen!





Note this is only the toppings of the experience, more detailed experiences coming soon.