Category: Travel

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Enchanted Kingdom, Two Other Filipino Companies Win ASEAN Tourism Awards

The first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines enters 2026 as one of the three Filipino companies that were recognized by ASEAN’s most esteemed honors in tourism!

Now on its 30th year, Enchanted Kingdom (EK) was hailed as the Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction for its unique flying theater, AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY as awarded by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA).

The award was received by EK Chairman and President Mr. Cesar Mario O. Mamon together with Chief Operating Officer Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon during the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards held this January 27, Tuesday at JPark Island Resorts and Waterpark in Mactan, Cebu.

As part of the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), the ASEANTA Excellence Awards 2026 honored “creativity, innovation, and dedication that drive the tourism industry forward” in the Southeast Asia region.

“We are deeply honored and humbled to represent Filipino excellence in tourism and entertainment in this prestigious platform in the ASEAN community. This award fuels our commitment to continuously provide magical experiences like AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY that also contributes towards our shared mission of sustainable tourism,” shared Dr. Mamon.

As the first and only flying theater in the Philippines that’s also a part of EK’s Education Program, AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY has been going above and beyond its core mission to drive educational tourism and national pride by showcasing the natural beauty of the country ever since it was first introduced in 2016.

EK relaunched this attraction last October as part of the theme park’s 30th anniversary celebration, now serving as a powerful call to action — reminding everyone of the urgent need to conserve and protect the environment.

With its enhanced film and overall thematic experience, the flying theater now also takes guests on a magical journey underwater as it features various local marine ecosystems along with some of its diverse yet endangered wildlife.

Aside from EK, two other Filipino companies were also awarded, namely the Muntinlupa-based destination management agency Shroff Travel as the Best Asean Travel Article, and the premier event space SMX Convention Center as the Best ASEAN Convention Centre.

Shroff Travel was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Arjun Shroff, while Mr. Walid Wafik, Senior Vice President–Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), received the award for SMX Convention Center during the award ceremony.

Guests can experience EK’s award-winning attraction along with its other rides and offerings from Wednesdays to Sundays, 11AM to 8PM.*

*Park and ride schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information and updates regarding AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY and EK’s other forever enchanting events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.

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2GO Revamps Escolta Branch, Introduces First Retail Outlet with Cafe 2GO

2GO, the Philippines’ most integrated logistics and travel solutions provider, has revamped its 2GO Escolta Branch located on the ground floor of AIC Center along Escolta Street, Binondo, Manila. The branch remained fully operational throughout the renovation, ensuring uninterrupted service while upgrading the space to better support the growing demand for travel, cargo, and express services in one of the country’s most historic commercial districts.

The branch enhancement marks the introduction of the first 2GO retail outlet with Cafe 2GO, a fully owned and branded café concept previously available exclusively on board 2GO vessels. Bringing Cafe 2GO to a ground retail environment provides customers with a more comfortable and welcoming space to lounge, wait, and conduct business while completing their transactions.

As part of the revamp, the Escolta branch also features a dedicated Cafe 2GO Training Room, designed to support onboarding, skills development, and continuous learning for 2GO team members. The facility serves as a central venue for barista training and capability-building programs across the retail network.

The upgraded space is also designed to function as a convenient meeting and collaboration hub, allowing customers, MSMEs, and partners to hold discussions, coordinate shipments, and make business decisions while availing of 2GO’s integrated logistics and travel services.

“Cafe 2GO was created to elevate the overall travel experience of our customers, and bringing it into a retail setting allows us to extend that same experience on the ground,” said Roland Sunga, Assistant Vice President for Food and Beverage, Ancillary, and Hotel Operations of 2GO Travel. “The dedicated training space enables us to continuously develop our baristas, refine our offerings, and ensure consistent quality across all touchpoints.”

Located in the heart of Binondo, the Escolta branch plays a vital role in supporting trade and MSMEs by facilitating the efficient movement of goods such as machinery, spare parts, textiles, and wholesale merchandise across cities and regions nationwide.

“This renovated location is more than a retail branch—it is a hub for MSME growth,” said Blessie Cruz, Business Unit Head of 2GO Retail. “Through this space, the introduction of Cafe 2GO, and our enhanced facilities, we aim to elevate customer experience while creating more opportunities for the communities we serve.”

For inquiries about 2GO services, partnerships, or training programs, interested parties may email retail@2go.com.ph.

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Holiday Travel Season Is In! Here’s Your Ultimate Checklist for a Trip That’s Worth It

For many of us, a holiday trip isn’t just a break – it’s the moment we look forward to all year, the hard-earned vacation after months of juggling work. But as every traveler knows, holiday travel often brings added stress. With hotel and flight bookings filling up fast, experiences selling out quickly, and larger crowds of travelers everywhere, the trip you’ve been anticipating can easily become stressful.

This year, make it different. A truly worthwhile holiday trip starts with being prepared for everything. As you start getting ready, check out these four pro tips to make sure that every second of this long-awaited trip is worth it.

  • Arrive earlier than normal during the holiday rush

With reports of long lines at the bag drop and longer queues at immigration, traveling during the holidays calls for being just a little bit earlier than usual—and doing everything you can ahead of time.

Check in online through your airline’s app or website, complete your e-travel in advance, and keep all your documents organized in one secure, easy-access pouch with digital copies also ready and saved on your phone.  A few extra steps of preparation can save you a lot of airport stress later.

  • Leave a little room for spontaneous moments

Theme parks, ski passes, and city tours sell out fast in December. Of course, it helps as early as possible—but sometimes, even that can’t be helped. Here’s a pro tip: when planning your itinerary for a city or area, secure at least one main activity—the non-negotiable experience you really want to do—then leave space for spontaneous adventures and exploring on your own.

  • Monitor the weather, and pack for it

Experiencing a “white Christmas” is on many people’s bucket lists this year. If you’re flying to Seoul, Nagoya, New York, or any other snowy destination, make sure you’ve packed your thermals, layers, and warm socks. Also, have a coat ready at the plane, so you don’t get too cold upon arrival!

  • Use GCash to pay for an ultimate guilt-free, shock-free spending holiday

One of the biggest stressors while traveling is managing expenses. Bill shock from credit cards, unexpectedly high exchange rates, hidden fees, and overspending that you only realize weeks later can quickly disrupt a trip meant to be relaxing. This year, you can avoid all that with GCash and by following its simple shock-proof, worry-proof shopping method: Scan-Swipe-Tap.

When you pay with GCash abroad, you gain real-time control over your spending, enjoy low forex rates that update instantly in the app, avoid hidden service fees, and benefit from fast, convenient transactions all throughout your trip. Here’s how:

Scan: Pay with GCash to Scan to Pay at merchants abroad. Simply look for the Alipay+ logo when paying in-store or ordering at restaurants. This way, you don’t need to scramble for cash, and you can even unlock exclusive promos along the way!

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A Magical Cirque Christmas at John Hay Hotels: Where Wonder Meets the Highlands

There’s something undeniably enchanting about Christmas in Baguio—the crisp mountain air, the scent of pine trees, and the gentle glow of lights scattered across the hills. This year, John Hay Hotels elevates that magic even further with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a spectacular holiday celebration running until January 15, 2026.

Under the refreshed leadership of Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), the iconic destination ushers in a season that blends nostalgia, wonder, and renewed hope—perfectly aligning with Baguio’s growing reputation as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

A Festive Transformation in the Highlands

John Hay Hotels—once known separately as The Manor, The Forest Lodge, and the John Hay Convention Center—now comes together under one enchanting holiday experience. The new management brings fresh energy and vision, symbolized beautifully during the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony held on November 21. The ceremony didn’t just illuminate the night; it set the tone for a revitalized commitment to community, heritage, and unforgettable guest experiences.

As LLV President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano shared, Christmas is a time to reconnect, reflect, and feel cared for. At John Hay Hotels, the goal is simple: to welcome guests into a place that feels like home—warm, comforting, and full of holiday magic.

Garden Wing: A Dreamlike Cirque Wonderland

At the Garden Wing, guests are invited into a whimsical world inspired by circus artistry and highland charm. Picture this:

Mesmerizing light shows
Live circus performances
Cozy bonfires perfect for warm conversations
Outdoor movie nights under the stars
Carnival booths and a classic merry-go-round
Delicious holiday treats at curated food stalls

Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand through the illuminated gardens or enjoying the sights and sounds with family, every moment feels like stepping into a living Christmas storybook.

 

Forest Wing: A Christmas Carnival Filled With Heart

Just steps away, the Forest Wing transforms into a lively Christmas Carnival Spectacle, open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. The festivities include:

Holiday harmonies and acoustic nights
Santa sightings and meet-and-greets with elves
Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo & Misa de Año Nuevo
Christmas Eve Cocktail Party
Christmas Day Carnival Market
New Year’s Eve Dinner & Countdown
Parade of the Three Kings

And for those looking to toast the season, don’t miss the Dap-ayan Spirits—a signature cocktail inspired by the Cordillera’s tradition of community gatherings. Made with Sagada Gin, Tapuy, and smoky hints of Etag, it’s a soulful celebration of mountain culture served exclusively at St. Patrick’s Bar.

Holiday Market: Bringing the Cordilleras to Life

At both the Garden and Forest Wings, a vibrant holiday market celebrates the best of local craftsmanship and produce. Visitors can browse:

Handwoven textiles
Woodcarvings
Hand-beaded jewelry
Fresh strawberries & vegetables
Homemade jams
Artisan crafts

This curated marketplace isn’t just a shopping spot—it’s a warm, welcoming space where culture, community, and holiday cheer come together.

A New Chapter Begins

This festive season marks a meaningful milestone for John Hay Hotels as it moves toward a unified brand identity under LLV. With an emphasis on revitalizing heritage destinations and creating premium lifestyle experiences, the transformation promises more memorable moments for guests in the years to come.

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Enchanted Kingdom Welcomes Christmas with its Enchanting Season of Family Campaign

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, invites Filipinos to experience even more magic during the holidays with the launch of its Enchanting Season of Family campaign this December.

As part of EK’s 30th anniversary, this year’s campaign highlights the family as the heart of every Filipino’s Christmas tradition. Apart from its over 30 rides and attractions, the month-long festivities offer exciting holiday experiences, including new seasonal shows, festive displays, and breathtaking spectacles that will allow countless Filipino families to create even more forever enchanting memories together.

The magical pre-Christmas event on November 29 set the festive mood through the carol performances by invited guests and the choir. This magical celebration was also graced by the presence of Santa Rosa City Vice Mayor Arnold B. Arcillas, who encouraged everyone to embrace hope and joy this holiday season.

Park guests had a magical time singing their favorite Yuletide carols, trying out exciting activities, and winning enchanting prizes at the Caroloke Christmas Caravan, a special holiday truck brought by Coca-Cola at the Spaceport Grounds.

EK Storyverse characters joined in the festivities as they greeted guests in front of Eldar’s Theater prior to the annual lighting of EK’s 22-foot Grand Parol. Aside from this, 100 other colorful parols lit up the AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY.

EK also introduced Eldar’s Evergreen Topiary, a never-before-seen greenery installation featuring the iconic figure of EK’s jolly and wise wizard. Set to become a year-round attraction, this one-of-a-kind display is a part of EK’s ongoing efforts to create magical and sustainable experiences at the park, especially during seasonal celebrations.

Eldar the Wizard topped off the night with the Forever Enchanted Fireworks Show, synchronized to the tune of EK’s 30th anniversary theme song written and sung by the theme park’s homegrown P-pop girl group, SMS.

More Holiday Magic This December

Filipinos can create even more enchanting memories with their loved ones this Christmas as the park opens daily starting December 13, 2025, until January 4, 2026.

Guests can continuously enjoy over 30 rides and attractions at EK, including the iconic Space Shuttle and AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, which was relaunched as part of EK’s 30th anniversary last October.

Aside from the vibrant decor and displays, EK will continue to bring enchantment through new zone shows and other special Christmas performances throughout the park this December.

Nighttime at Brooklyn Place will come to life with colorful lights dancing to the tune of popular Christmas songs at Eldar’s Symphony of Lights and Sounds.

Ultimately, the Echoes of Enchantment Parade is set to make its return with a holiday twist, leveling up the in-park night experience through a series of vibrant floats accompanied by the EK Storyverse characters as it makes its way across the park’s themed zones.

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Light Up The Linden Suites for the Holidays

The Linden Suites kicked off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony in the hotel lobby—an intimate event that illuminated not only the hotel’s renowned Christmas tree but also its wonderfully made Belen, which represents hope, warmth, and the genuine essence of Christmas.

Pearl Maclang, Commercial Director, gracefully hosted the occasion, which began with an opening prayer from Lovely Malafo, Human Resources Manager.

Ma. Celeste “Tet” B. Romualdo, General Manager of The Linden Suites, led the ceremonial lighting, which was attended by Dr. Ramon Bautista, Medical Director of Med Asia Philippines. Together, they expressed their gratitude and emphasized to the visitors the significance of unity, charity, and tradition—elements that the hotel prioritizes during the holidays.

Long-term guests, hotel partners, and The Linden Suites occupants gathered in the Sky Lounge before the lighting festivities began.
Notable attendees included Capt. Raymond Lising of Barangay San Antonio and Vicky Santiago, General Manager of OCAI- Office of Career Advancement International.

The presence of our distinguished media friends and partners, both in person and virtually, enhanced the festive atmosphere. TThey participated in the wonderful moment of lighting Lyndon Bear’s Christmas necklace from the comfort of their own homes, a simple yet meaningful custom that added joy and wonder to the evening. Their kind remarks and shared experiences lifted the festive atmosphere and made the event even more memorable.

The Linden Suites has revealed its special holiday offerings, The Linden Holideals, with hotel rates beginning at ₱4,400 net for a Deluxe hotel, inviting families, vacationers, and corporate guests to experience a pleasant and enjoyable stay this Christmas season.

To make your holiday reservations, please visit our website at https://www.booking.lindensuites.com, call us at +632 5638 7878, or email reservations@lindensuites.com.