Category: Travel

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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.

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2GO Travel Opens New Route: Connecting Manila to Siargao

2GO Travel proudly launched its newest route from Manila to Siargao, giving travelers a more affordable and convenient alternative to reach the island paradise. This milestone boosts tourism and the local economy and makes Siargao more accessible to Filipinos and international visitors alike.

A Fresh Perspective on Siargao

For a long time, flying was the primary mode of transportation to Siargao, but it wasn’t always affordable or convenient. However, travelers can now embark on a more enjoyable journey aboard 2GO Travel’s St. Francis Xavier. With a capacity of approximately 1,800 people, this vessel offers a highly efficient and economical means of reaching the island.

Amenities That Make You Feel at Home

The St. Francis Xavier is more than just a vessel; it represents a mobile way of life. Guests can enjoy a relaxing salon for pampering or simply unwinding, a convenience store stocked with essentials, a coffee and bake shop to satisfy hunger pangs, a venue for events and entertainment, and a prayer room for peaceful reflection.

Where to Stay

2GO Travel offers a wide variety of accommodations that cater to the financial constraints and personal tastes of every traveler.

First-Class Accommodations

  • Suite Room—premium luxury and privacy
  • State Room —a spacious and comfortable choice
  • Tourist Class—a practical yet cozy option
  • Cabin—shared accommodations that are comfortable for groups or families.

Economy Class Accommodations

  • Tourist Class—affordable and convenient
  • Cabin –  budget-friendly shared space
  • Mega Value—economical choice for budget-conscious travelers
  • Super Value—the most affordable option for passengers.

Why It Matters

This innovative approach goes beyond mere transportation, serving as a catalyst for expansion. By facilitating maritime travel to Siargao, 2GO Travel supports two crucial areas: tourism is enhanced by making the island more accessible to visitors, while the local economy thrives through fostering trade and creating job opportunities. Furthermore, they provide convenience by offering a cost-effective substitute for costly air travel.

This launch showcases that 2GO Travel recognizes that the journey itself can be a highlight, not just the destination. Reaching Siargao by boat is now a reality, providing travelers with a rewarding and memorable experience.

Embrace Siargao the 2GO way.

Visit  http://www.travel.2GO.com.ph

 

 

 

 

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5 Reasons Why Smart Travelers Never Skip Travel Insurance

Don’t let holiday surprises ruin your trip—peace of mind is just a step away

You’ve planned every detail of your getaway, from flights and hotels to sightseeing and festive dining. But even the best-laid plans can hit a snag, especially during the busy holiday season.

Travel with confidence. Your holiday getaway can be worry-free from unexpected surprises with BDO Insure.

These ’ber months, enjoy your upcoming vacation without the stress of costly travel disruptions from unforeseen events. Experts agree: travel insurance is a smart move—and here are 5 key reasons why savvy travelers swear by it.

    1. Accidents happen. Accidents or unexpected illnesses can happen when traveling. With travel insurance, emergency medical coverage up to P500,000 starts at just P350. You can also upgrade your plan to include emergency care for pre-existing conditions and extreme activities.
    2. Flights get delayed or cancelled. Insurance can cover flight delays of 6 hours or more. For cancelled flights, you can claim prepaid, non-refundable costs like airline tickets, hotels, and transfers.
    3. Travel plans change. Unexpected events like severe weather or family emergencies can force you to cancel or cut your trip short. In such cases, your plan may reimburse non-refundable expenses within your coverage limits.
    4. Luggage issues are common. If your baggage is delayed or damaged, you can be reimbursed for essentials like clothing and toiletries. And if it’s confirmed lost or stolen, you can claim the value of items—up to your policy limits—including valuables like passports, cameras, and electronics.
    5. 24/7 global assistance. Travel plans provide access to a 24/7 multilingual global hotline, which can assist you in finding a medical facility or replacing a lost passport. 

Your key to a hassle-free holiday

While it’s tempting to skip insurance to save a few pesos, the cost of coverage is small compared to the financial impact of emergencies or cancellations.

With BDO Insure, travelers can enjoy worry-free journeys through tailored, budget-friendly packages—expertly selected from top insurance providers to suit every kind of trip.

Throughout October, enjoy discounts on travel insurance premiums during the BDO Travel Sale online. BDO Insure provides Schengen Visa-compliant plans with Covid-19 coverage if you’re traveling to Europe.

Safeguard your travel plans, your peace of mind, and the memories you’re about to make. Your journey deserves nothing less.

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There are no costs for Autosweep and Easytrip reloads with BDO Pay.

You’re driving when you suddenly notice that your RFID account balance is low. You don’t have time to stop at a convenience shop for more money, and you prefer not to switch to the cash lane at the toll gate, which would mean waiting in a longer line.

Let BDO Pay help you out. You save time, effort, and money using it since there are no cash-in or convenience fees. Other payment applications can charge up to P12 to add money to your account. For drivers who have to add money to their RFID loads often, the savings pile up over time, allowing you to make your budget go further, whether it’s for petrol, snacks, coffee for the journey, or parking fees at your destination.

BDO Pay is an everyday payment app that lets you scan, send, and pay practically anyplace without needing to cash in. It’s powered by the country’s biggest bank. You can pay with any of your linked BDO accounts, like savings, checking, or credit cards. And since BDO backs it, you can be sure that your transactions are safe, reliable, and secure.

This is how you do it:

Just click on Pay Bills on the BDO Pay home screen. Then click “Transportation” and scroll down to pick either “Autosweep RFID” or “Easytrip RFID.” On the next page, type in your account number, subscriber account name, and the amount you want to load. Click Pay after choosing the account you wish to pay from. That’s it! Autosweep transactions load immediately, and Easytrip posts them right away if you complete the transaction before 10:00 PM.

Save it as a favorite and limit the taps to a minimum for an even speedier transaction next time.

Every time you pay, save. BDO Pay makes it faster and cheaper to reload your RFID accounts.

Paying your bills? No expenses, just ease

With BDO Pay, you can pay not only your RFID accounts but also other bills without incurring any convenience fees. You can pay your bills using your BDO account anytime, anyplace. There are more than 2,100 billers to choose from. Electric corporations, government entities, insurance firms, colleges, and even charities are all on the list.

Get BDO Pay now

Are you new to BDO Pay? Download the software from the software store, Google Play Store, or AppGallery and start enjoying no fees and no cash in. You don’t have to sign up; just log in with your BDO Online username and password. To start paying with the app, log in and connect your BDO bank account and credit cards.

You can make a BDO Online account and use your login information to sign up for BDO Pay if you have at least one BDO account or credit card but have not yet signed up for online banking. You can only choose Credit Card if you don’t already have a BDO Savings or Checking Account to utilize the app.

Need help? You may get help from BDO online and offline. You can call their 24/7 hotline at (+632) 8888-0000, visit one of their 1,200 branches around the country, or go to their website at www.bdo.com.ph.

Find out how to pay smarter with BDO Pay today.