Category: Travel

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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.

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ALEJO RESTAURANT AND BAR AT CITADINES ROCES QUEZON CITY LAUNCHES NOSTALGIC FILIPINO CLASSICS WITH A MODERN TWIST

The new menu at Alejo Restaurant & Bar, the dining spot for Citadines Roces Quezon City, allows customers to rediscover Filipino comfort food. Alejo is located at 100 Don A. Roces Avenue in Quezon City. The restaurant is changing the dining landscape by combining old and new ideas.

The new menu is based on the premise that food is memory, and it fits with the idea of “Where memory meets flavor.” It lets people go back to the foods they ate as kids, from simple meals to memorable family gatherings, but with strong, modern twists that make them taste better for today’s diners.

The New Menu: Something Old, Something New

Guests can enjoy Filipino favorites that have been given a new twist. Each dish is meant to bring back memories while also bringing new culinary surprises:

Thrice-Cooked Lechon Kawali is a new take on the Filipino classic that is cooked to a beautiful golden crisp. Alejo’s Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food that Alejo has made even better with his own style.


Baby Squid in Olive Oil is a dish that comes from both Filipino and Spanish cultures. Salmon Kilawin in a Cup is a new twist on a classic dish that is cool and tart. Grilled Pork with Cerveza Sauce: Pork with a strong beer-based sauce for a tasty variation. Camaron Gising-Gising is shrimp mixed with a spicy, creamy sauce for a strong bite.

Chef Timothy Javier Trinidad is behind the flavors.

Chef Timothy Javier Trinidad, an award-winning chef who puts his heart and everything into the Alejo kitchen, is the creative force behind the menu. Chef Timothy is known for his love of tradition and his desire to try new things. He takes Filipino native favorites and turns them into dishes that are both warm and interesting.


Chef Timothy explains, “Every dish has a story.” “We wanted to capture the feeling of nostalgia—the food you grew up with and shared with family—and present it in a way that speaks to both the past and the present.”

A Filipino Cultural Dining Experience

Alejo is more than just a restaurant; it’s a location where cuisine connects the past and the present. Alejo wants to make experiences that touch both the heart and the taste buds by putting new spins on old Filipino flavors.

The unveiling of the new menu is an exciting step for Alejo as it works to become a place where people can have excellent meals in Quezon City. It fits perfectly with the lifestyle experience at Citadines Roces.

You can now get the new menu every day at Alejo Restaurant & Bar, which is at Citadines Roces Quezon City.

Please call +63 962 523 6330 to make a reservation or ask a question.

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Forever Enchanted: Enchanted Kingdom Celebrates Three Decades of Magic

Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, proudly marks its 30th Anniversary with a grand celebration on October 18 and 19, Saturday and Sunday. The premier theme park is working their magic to celebrate three decades of magical memories with an unforgettable concert series and festive surprises that promise to leave everyone forever enchanted.

The two-day festivities will feature the EK’s first-ever projection mapping show, Wheel of Fate: The Magical Journey of Eldar the Wizard. Guests will also enjoy the Echoes of Enchantment Grand Parade, a special showcase of EK’s beloved Storyverse characters led by the iconic Eldar the Wizard. These nighttime spectacles will start at 6:00 in the evening.

Gabi ng Saribuhay: An Enchanting Filipino Concert

On the night of October 18, Enchanted Kingdom proudly welcomes homegrown talents back to its stage for a star-studded anniversary celebration.

Returning are former EK performers who have made their mark in the entertainment industry—powerhouse vocalist Gigi de Lana and Sinag Maynila 2025 Best Actress and Sparkle diva, Rita Daniela. Adding more magic to the evening is acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rob Deniel, who will captivate guests with his music. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the nation’s premier orchestras, will deliver a majestic performance that will make the night even more enchanting.

Also joining the celebration are Mauie Francisco and Mitzi Casacop—both former EK performers as well and now GMA Sparkle artists—who will give a special performance in an exclusive event.

The first night of the celebration will end with a grand The Magic of Saribuhay: A Pyromusic Spectacle.

The Next Chapter of Enchantment

On October 19, the Forever Enchanted Live: EK’s 30th Anniversary Concert will take center stage, featuring one of OPM’s most iconic bands, Parokya ni Edgar, and this generation’s top band, Cup of Joe. Alternative rock band Over October will bring fresh energy to the celebration.

Capping off the festivities, the Memories of Magic: Sky Wizardry EKstravaganza will light up the night sky with a breathtaking pyromusical show, commemorating Enchanted Kingdom’s three decades of creating magical memories that last a lifetime for all Filipinos.

AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY and Space Shuttle Re-opening

One of the major highlights of Enchanted Kingdom’s 30th Anniversary celebration is the reopening of AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, the first and only flying theater in the Philippines. Reinforcing the park’s commitment to sustainability, the attraction offers guests an educational and fully immersive journey through an enhanced film that showcases the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and natural wonders.

“SARIBUHAY is more than just an experience—it is a powerful call to action,” said Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, Chief Operating Officer of Enchanted Kingdom. “Beyond its mission to promote the beauty of the Philippines and drive tourism, AGILA reminds us of the urgent need to conserve the environment and protect our wildlife.”

Dr. Mamon also emphasized that admission to the majestic flying theater is already included in the park’s regular day pass as part of EK’s Education Program. “Enchanted Kingdom welcomes 600,000 students each year, as we offer EK as an alternative classroom where they can learn through our Physics Behind the Rides and our Botany in the Park, among others. With AGILA the EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, we want to be able to contribute in ensuring that our next generation of leaders are equipped with awareness on the importance of protecting biodiversity,” she furthered.

Plus, thrill-seekers have even more to look forward to as the iconic Space Shuttle makes its highly anticipated comeback this October—now reimagined with an immersive thematic experience and enhanced ride system technology, ensuring an even safer, smoother, and more exhilarating adventure with every twist and turn.

Enchanting New Songs

True to its aspiration in cultivating Filipino talent, EK’s homegrown P-pop girl group, SMS, has released their new original song, Forever Enchanted. EK’s premier all-male vocal group, Kingsmen, has also released their music, Enchanting Memories.

 New Anniversary Merchandise and Food Offerings

As part of its 30th Anniversary celebration, Enchanted Kingdom will also delight guests with exclusive food offerings crafted especially for this milestone year. Families and friends can look forward to indulging in limited-edition treats such as Agila Pops macarons, PanSisig crispy noodles, Biggie Burrito, Soy Good Chicken, and the playful Dino Surprise.

EK has released commemorative shirts featuring the park’s iconic rides, as well as new AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY merchandise. The beloved prehistoric-themed concept store for kids, Stone Age, is also back—giving guests more ways to celebrate and bring home a piece of Enchanted Kingdom magic.

For more information and updates regarding EK’s 30th Anniversary Celebration along with EK’s other forever enchanting offerings, 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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Tap, Scan, or Card? GCash Offers 3 Ways to Go Cashless on Your MRT-3 Commute

Commuters can now choose their own way to pay for MRT-3 rides using their GCash wallet

Every MRT-3 commuter knows the struggle of having to line up for tickets and fumbling for spare change, especially during rush hour. Starting this month, you can now use GCash to pay for your MRT-3 trips, making everyday commuting faster and easier!

In partnership with the Department of Transportation, GCash has introduced a cashless automated fare collection system at the MRT-3, significantly enhancing the commuter journey. Now, you can pay for your trips in new, easy ways, saving you from long queues and giving you access to a dedicated MRT fast lane. As long as you have a PHP 28 minimum balance in your GCash wallet (the maximum fare for a North Avenue-Taft trip), you’re ready to go! The full amount will be deducted upon entry, and your change will be reflected on your GCash wallet upon exit—you can verify the details on your app’s Transaction History.

Forget cash or exact coins—your exact fare is seamlessly deducted from your GCash wallet. You can always check your balance and easily top up anytime, because you’re using your e-wallet directly. Best of all, your phone with the GCash app or GCash Visa Card is all you need!

Here are new, easy ways you can use GCash at the MRT-3:

Tap to Pay using your phone.

Are you using an NFC-enabled Android phone? Great news! Your device is now your ticket for a seamless entry and exit pass.

To get started, GCash Tap to Pay is a quick, one-time activation:

    1. Simply tap Settings in your GCash app.
    2. Turn on the NFC feature.
    3. Log in to your GCash account.
    4. Select “Tap to Pay” and agree to the terms and conditions..

Once activated, paying for your MRT-3 ride is just two taps away. Just log in and open your GCash app, then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the platform.

Scan your GCash Commute QR

There is no NFC available for tapping. No worries! You can still enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app, serving as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details.

Here’s how easy it is:

    1. At the start of the trip, tap Commute on the GCash app.
    2. Click Generate QR. You may download the QR or take a screenshot.
    3. In the MRT fast lane, position your phone toward the scanner.
    4. Once scanned, you’re all set to proceed to the train platform.

Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again, and the exact fare will be automatically deducted from your account. For Globe and TM users, this feature works even without mobile data!

Tap your GCash Visa Card

Are you experiencing a spotty signal, running out of battery, or do you simply prefer using a card? You can still breeze through your MRT-3 ride using your GCash Visa Card. Just like the current card ticketing system, you can simply tap your card upon entry and again upon exit. What’s excellent about the GCash Visa Card is that it’s linked to your GCash wallet for a leveled-up experience! You don’t need to line up to load; you can use it not only to pay for MRT rides but also for shopping at millions of online and offline stores, and you can withdraw from your GCash at any ATM for as low as P10. During the soft launch of the cards, your change will be credited to your GCash account 24 hours after your MRT trip. See the details on your app’s Transaction History.

To use this convenient feature, order your GCash Visa Card on the app, and when you receive it, make sure to link it to your GCash account:

    1. Tap ‘Cards’ in the GCash app to order or link your GCash Visa Card.
    2. To order—select ‘Order a Card,’ then input your delivery address and pay P250. It will be delivered to you in 7-10 days.
    3. To link, select ‘Link my Card,’ then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.
    4. Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number found at the back, then submit.

With new convenient ways to pay at the MRT-3 station, your everyday commute just got a significant upgrade. Whether you tap, scan, or use your card, you are not just skipping one extra line and saving yourself time but also experiencing a global, innovative way to pay with GCash!

Ready to power up your commute journey? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.