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Flights until October 31, 2018 start from PHP899! Seat sale ends on May 13—book your flights here. May the fourth be with you! Celebrate Star Wars Day at Amidala Cafe. Read more about it here. It’s time to cinco de drinko because Cinco De Mayo is happening this Saturday at the #NewMorals! Go loco with beats by Gino V, Victor Jao, Cathy Muto and LV Lim. Read more here.
Fly now with AirAsia’s All-in Fares beginning at PHP899!
Happening This Weekend!

May 4: Star Wars Day at Amidala Cafe

May 5: Cinco de Mayo at Morals and Malice
There’s no better time to be a Diamond or Gold member of Cathay Pacific’s Marco Polo Club. Recently, the airline announced that members can now enjoy year-long benefits at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. Get complimentary airport escort when you land, plus room upgrades and early check-in/late check-out. Avail of exclusive discounts and freebies also at the Michelin-starred hotel restaurants, as well as the hotel spa.
More details here.
Known for its tagline of “We Find Ways,” major bank chain BDO is certainly living up to that promise for cardholders to enjoy Korean Air flights. Book trips to any destination—including Korea, Japan, North America and Europe—and get 10% off when you use the code MORNINGCALM. Additionally, booking through Korean Air’s Manila or Cebu office will reward you with a 0% installment up to three months.
More details here.
Kung Hei Fat Choi! Welcome the Year of the Fire Rooster by watching the Symphony of Lights at the Victoria Harbour, joining the Chinese New Year parade in Senado Square, or lighting your own sky lantern in Ping Xi, as Philippines AirAsia launches its Chinese New Year seat sales to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and more. International flights start as low as PHP 1,799
More details here.
When it comes to Silk Air, the simple matter of keeping your boarding passes goes a long way. Fly to Australia, and get discounted rates at Crocosaurus Cove and the Equinox Fishing Charters in Darwin, as well as numerous leisure, food and beverage and service attractions in Cairns.
More details here.
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It’s the New Year, meaning there’s no better time to plan out your travels than now! This week’s edition has us wanting to check more destinations off our travel bucket list. India and Israel, anyone?

Make this year’s Valentine’s Day your most romantic one yet with a stunning hot air balloon ride. You don’t need to go as far as Cappadocia in Turkey—although we certainly wouldn’t stop you!
Clark, Pampanga is an option closer to home, and even more accessible now with Philippine Airlines’ new direct flights from Cebu-Clark. The airline is offering an introductory rate of PHP 1,672 all-in with 10kg baggage allowance and snacks. Book now until January 16, for a travel period of January 30-March 20.

With the New Year comes resolutions, and if yours is to see more of the world, Silk Air makes that promise easier to keep.
The airline’s purchase-with-purchase deals offers special fares on your second flight purchase to Luang Prabang and Vientiane from $79, and Fuzhou and Shenzhen from $99. Book today until January 16.

Who wouldn’t want to visit India? With its rich culture and flavorful food, it’s a must-visit at least once in this lifetime—and this year might just be a good time as any, with Korean Air launching a new direct flight from Incheon to Delhi.
Flying five times a week on an 218-seater A330-200, this aircraft is equipped with Korean Air’s most comfortable seats ever, especially at the First and Prestige Class.
Push the limits of your travel destination bucket lists and check off something you never thought you would this soon.
Cathay Pacific is set to commence flights to Israel in two months, and they’re offering great deals and introductory fares. Fly from Manila to Tel-Aviv for US $2,493 for Premium Economy Class, and US $ 3,952 for Business Class. Flights start March 25.

If you want more travels this year, smart and early planning is the key. AirAsia Philippines’s early bird sale is ongoing.
For as low as PHP 699, fly from Cebu to Incheon or Singapore, and from Manila to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. We highly recommend getting their Premium Flex add-ons for 20kg baggage allowance, an in-flight meal, express baggage and boarding, among other perks.

From Asia and Middle East, we’re moving to Down Under!
Cebu Pacific has an ongoing seat sale until January 14, in which you can fly from Manila to Sydney, Australia for just as low as PHP 5,199. Book now and fly from January 22 to May 31.
]]>If there’s one thing to look forward to this season – besides Christmas, of course! – it’s the seat sales from various airlines! See more of the world in 2017 with these unbelievable travel deals you can avail of now.
Go and check more destinations off your travel bucket list with Philippines AirAsia’s ongoing New Year sale! Fly from Cebu to Incheon or Singapore, or from Manila to Kota Kinabalu or Macau, with all-in fares starting at Php 999. Booking period until December 25 only.
This season, Philippine Airlines is offering a lot of gifts from the heart. Those flying on Christmas Day will receive 500 Mabuhay Miles for local destinations, and 1,000 for international. Mastercard cardholders also get the exclusive chance to win getaway package to Australia, London or Tokyo when you book flights with your card from December 13 to January 13.
Silk Air is also offering exclusive fares for Mastercard cardholders. Up until December 31, with a travel period of January 1-May 31, book flights via your Mastercard and enjoy exclusive all-in travel fares. Flights to Darwin start at SGD 529, Kolkata at SGD 499, and new destinations Luang Prabang and Vientiane at SGD 299. Visit their website for the complete list.
Cathay Pacific is throwing an exclusive online sale for Japan. Fly to Osaka, Okinawa, Tokyo, Nagoya or Fukuoka from February 1 to March 31 at the unbelievable steal of a rate—USD 309. Book via their website to enjoy this sale.
]]>With the popularity of their Buy 1 Take 1 offer, Cathay Pacific has opened its reservations line for a limited time, purely to entertain these bookings.
The Buy 1 Take 1 offer, exclusive to BDO Express and American Express cardholders, gives travelers their second ticket for free upon purchase of a ticket to any destination. Destinations include South Korea (from US $450), Australia (from US $950), India (from US $1,060), Maldives (from US $1,150), the West Coast (from US $1,290), and Africa (from US $1,896).
Free tickets do not include taxes and other surcharges.
Already known for being one of the world’s low-cost airlines, AirAsia further lives up to its name with a special promo exclusive for Security Bank cardholders.
Fly to their two newest routes, Taiwan and Singapore, for only PHP 1,369 and PHP 1,469 respectively. A trip to Kuala Lumpur will also set travelers back a cool PHP 2,669 only. Travel period is until April 30, 2017.
Do away with the stress of overpacking with Philippine Airlines’ Carry Over Checked In Baggage Allowance. Whether it’s packing everything you need for winter season OOTDs or making sure you have space for all your pasalubong, you can now enjoy a bigger baggage allowance for free. PAL will carry over your checked in baggage allowance from international to domestic travels without charge.
PAL also recently launched a direct flight from Cebu to Singapore—talk about the perfect excuse to shop until you drop without worrying about excess baggage going home!
With newly launched flights to Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos, Silk Air and parent airline Singapore Airlines take pride in flying to every country in Southeast Asia. Although there are no direct flights from Cebu yet, Silk Air still makes the hidden charms of Laos more accessible to people now, especially with trips to main hub Singapore starting at US $95!
You know how everyone likes to buy most—if not all—of their flights during the holidays? Korean Airlines proves it’s for a very good reason with their unbelievable rates. Book now until December 31, 2016 and fly from Cebu to Seoul starting at US $389, to Vancouver starting US $695, and to Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle from US $715. Travel period until April 30, 2017 only.
On a recent trip to Taipei, while everyone scoured the streets to look for affordable local SIM cards, my roommate Tricia Ivy Gullas (of The Freeman) introduced me to the Flytpack. It’s a personal wireless modem that lets users have unlimited mobile data over a secure network overseas. The device can accommodate up to five gadgets (or users, if you’re feeling generous), and also doubles as a power bank. With it, my Instagram posts are real time and I can check for directions without worrying about roaming charges! It’s THE ultimate travel essential, one I’m definitely getting for myself next time I take off. – Patty Taboada, editor
Learn more about Flytpack on their website
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HONG KONG. We love the idea of seeing New Year fireworks from Victoria Peak! When in Hong Kong, we highly recommend a stay at the Marco Polo Hong Kong and Gateway Hotels.
JANUARY 2017
Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day (regular)
Saturday, January 28 – Chinese New Year (special)
FEBRUARY 2017
Saturday, February 25 – EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary (special)
APRIL 2017
Sunday, April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan (regular)
Thursday, April 13 – Maundy Thursday (regular)
Friday, April 14 – Good Friday (regular)
Saturday, April 15 – Black Saturday (special)

LOS ANGELES. With Philippine Airlines flying direct to the City of Angels from Cebu, there’s no excuse not to go to the United States next summer.
MAY 2017
Monday, May 1 – Labor Day (regular)
JUNE 2017
Monday, June 12 – Independence Day (regular)
AUGUST 2017
Monday, August 28 – National Heroes Day (regular)

SOUTH KOREA. Make summer last a little longer, as the season lasts until September in South Korea. Philippines AirAsia flies direct from Cebu to Incheon, making Seoul-searching easier no matter what time of the year.
OCTOBER 2017
Tuesday, October 31 – Additional Special Holiday
NOVEMBER 2017
Wednesday, November 1 – All Saints Day (special)
Thursday, November 30 – Bonifacio Day (regular)
DECEMBER 2017
Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day (regular)
Saturday, December 30 – Rizal Day (regular)
Sunday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve (special)

NEW ZEALAND. Experience Middle Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Cathay Pacific has excellent connections from Cebu to Auckland.
The Philippines itself is not short on must-visit destinations. Here are some of our local recommendations:

DAANBANTAYAN, CEBU. It’s a three-hour drive from Cebu City, sometimes more, which to spoiled locals is two hours longer than what they are used to. However, the whole idea of going there means readily agreeing to the long trek, as discerning travelers know. You’ll have to plan at least a two-night stay to appreciate Kandaya Resort at its best. Otherwise, don’t bother.

PANGLAO, BOHOL. Thanks to easy travel between Cebu and Bohol – a 90-minute ride by fast craft – and connectivity from the revitalized Mactan Airport, it seems like Bohol has become the “it” destination, not only for Cebu locals but to many international travelers.

SUMILON ISLAND, CEBU. Explore the island on foot by following the trails that lead to Sumilon’s landmarks, including the shifting sandbar, natural lagoon, the lighthouse, the historic watchtower or baluarte, and the Yamashita caves. The path also showcases some spectacular views of the sea, especially from the highest points of the island.

BUSUANGA, PALAWAN. You know you’re on to a good thing when you step out of the private fast craft in hundred-degree heat to the ladies room, and it’s stylishly air-conditioned. Then you walk out, and realize that the sea is on both sides. Oh yes, this is an island.

SAMAL ISLAND, DAVAO. If Samal Island is an oyster, Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the unique and beautiful gem within. This native getaway in the midst of the Davao Gulf showcases the best of Mindanaoan culture and hospitality, proving that something authentically Filipino can be raised to world-class standards.

SIARGAO ISLAND. The relatively untouched beaches on the island and the others dotting the waters around it, the choice waves that are friendly to both beginners and advanced surfers, the rustic charm of the small island community… Siargao is captivating, and you’ll be hard-pressed to keep from falling in love with the place.
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Satisfy your wandering Seoul with Zee Lifestyle’s guide to South Korea.
South Korea is a country located in East Asia. Its capital and largest city is Seoul. It is approximately a five-hour flight from the Philippines, and is also one hour ahead in terms of timezone (UTC+9). Their currency is the South Korean won, with a currency exchange of roughly PHP 1 = KRW 23 (as of press time). They have four seasons, with summer running from May to September, autumn from September to November, winter from November to March, and spring from March to May.
Going to South Korea requires a visa for Philippine passport holders, which is easily obtainable from the Korean embassy, located on the 12th floor of the Chinabank Corporate Center in Cebu Business Park. Processing time is five days, and fees are gratis for a stay of 59 days or less.
Philippines AirAsia flies direct to Incheon, South Korea from Mactan, Cebu every day. They also have flights to Incheon from Manila and Kalibo, as well as to Busan from Kalibo. For bookings, visit airasia.com.

Bibimbap at Café Bonjuk and Bibimpa, located in Incheon International Airport, is the perfect dinner for right when you land
Okay, so we’d actually rather save this for the last day of the trip while you wait to board your flight, but Incheon International Airport is a destination in itself when you’re in South Korea. It’s one of the world’s best airports for good reason: There’s an abundance of amenities, from duty-free shopping and top-notch dining establishments, to sleeping and shower areas and cultural shows. You’d find you wouldn’t really mind long layovers or delayed flights.
INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
South Korea is a highly urbanized and modern city, yet you can still get glimpses of history and culture here and there. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of Korea’s Five Palaces and was home to the Royal Family back in the Joseon Dynasty, while the Bukchon Hanok Village is a quaint neighborhood of traditional Korean homes known as hanok. Rent a colorful hanbok (traditional costume) to get the most likes on your social media posts. Plus: Entrance to the Palaces is free when you’re in costume.
GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
The Cheonggyecheon Stream, which runs throughout downtown Seoul, is the perfect example of urbanization coordinating with nature. This waterway was neglected for years, until the government pursued efforts to restore it in the early 2000s. Today, it’s one of the most popular public parks where people can sit by the river and even dip their toes into the cool waters pumped from the Han River.
CHEONGGYECHEON STREAM
Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Samgyetang is chicken ginseng soup that’s quite popular during summer. This specialty is basically a whole young chicken stuffed with rice, and is also surrounded with noodles. Pro tip: Make sure you’re REALLY hungry so you can finish off this dish.
NAM CHON OK
20 Gwang-hi-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Even though you haven’t been bitten by the K-pop craze, even you’d have to admit that Korean skincare is amazing. Myeongdong is a street where you can find popular beauty brands one stall after another, from Etude House to Tony Moly, Innisfree, Missha and Nature Republic. Not only do these stores sell their products at great deals, but they’d throw in a lot (and we mean a lot) of goodies on your way out—or heck, even if you just browse through their selections.
MYEONGDONG STREET
Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Largely contributing to Korea’s honorific as the World’s Design Capital is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a massive and sprawling structure with almost-impossible curves and striking lines designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid in collaboration with Korean studio Samoo. We challenge you to find the perfect angles for your Instagram shots.
DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA
281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Of course, you can’t just zoom past all the sights without having decent sleep. But just because you’re off to dreamland doesn’t mean you should stop experiencing the best of what Korea has to offer. The T-Mark Grand Hotel, one of the city’s newest hotels, is highly recommended. Besides offering all the amenities you would ever need, it’s also right across the Nandaemun Market and just a short walking distance to Myeongdong.
T-MARK GRAND HOTEL MYEONGDONG
52 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea | website
If banana milk isn’t Korea’s national drink, then we don’t know what is. The drink, which comes in cute plastic bottles, makes for the perfect refreshment in between all the sightseeing. It’s also filling enough to stave off hunger pangs when necessary. Should you wish to bring some home, we recommend buying them at the airport after checking in.
Following Paris’ lead, several countries now have their own versions of lovelocks, in which couples proclaim your love with a special padlock to signal everlasting togetherness. In South Korea, you can seal your love at the N-Seoul Tower, which also has love benches bent into a curve right in the middle, designed to bring two people together.
N-SEOUL TOWER
105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
No trip anywhere is complete without shopping. If you haven’t had your fill from Myeongdong, Insadong Antique Alley has a lot of interesting and unique trinkets to bring back for your loved ones. For even greater sales, especially on bags and shoes, Namdaemun Market is where it’s at.
INSADONG ANTIQUE ALLEY
29 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
NAMDAEMUN MARKET
21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
text and photos by Patty Taboada
]]>Check out a guide to the best Davao experience.
EDEN NATURE PARK & RESORT
Eden Nature Park is a mountain resort located 3,000 feet above sea level. Spread out over an 80-hectare land in Toril, Eden offers numerous resort activities and facilities, such as a fishing village, a swimming pool, an amphitheater, flower and butterfly gardens, a deer park and a mountain trail.
MUST TRY: Skycycling. For Php 200.00 per person, get to ride a bicycle over a zip line.
Barangay Eden, Toril, Davao City
http://www.edennaturepark.com.ph/
PHILIPPINE EAGLE CENTER
The Philippine Eagle Center is home to 36 Philippine eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred. It also houses grass owls, Brahminy Kites, the long-tailed macaque (monkey), Philippine deer and a crocodile. It simulates a tropical rainforest environment, offering visitors a glimpse of the country’s forest ecosystem.
MUST VISIT: Biasong, a majestic Philippine eagle that has an amputated wing.
Davao City
http://www.philippineeagle.org/center/
TACLOBO TOUR & SNORKELING
The fishing village at Adecor, Samal Island is famous for the 3,500 taclobo (clams) scattered around a 14-hectare area. Go snorkeling into the clear turquoise waters to see these clams and the pearls inside.
GETTING THERE: Take a boat bound for the Island Garden City of Samal at the Sta. Ana Wharf
PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY COMMAND CENTER
The Public Safety and Security Command Center provides protection, security, safety and risk management to the people in Davao City. Likened to the homeland security in the United States, the Command Center houses the 911 services, as well as monitors the city through the almost 200 high-definition CCTV cameras stationed in Davao’s entry and exit points, and major intersections.
Daang Patnubay, Davao City
http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/psscc/home/home.aspx
PENONG’S SEAFOOD & GRILL
Penong’s Seafood & Grill is a native-themed restaurant well known for its delicious and juicy pork and chicken barbeque. With several branches all over Davao, it pioneered the unlimited rice concept, which eventually became a fad with other restaurants in Davao. It also encourages diners to clap their hands twice to get the waiters’ attention, as opposed to calling out for them.
TIP: Not going to Davao anytime soon? Penong’s has a branch at the corner of Juana Osmena and Escario Streets, right across the Best Western Plus Lex Cebu.
TAKLOBO RESTAURANT AT JACK’S RIDGE
Jack’s Ridge is a local hangout famous for is commanding views of Davao City at night. It used to be the headquarters of the Japanese forces during World War II, as the location allowed them to see when the American ships anchoring on the Davao Gulf. The main restaurant, Taklobo, offers Filipino favorites such as grilled tuna, sinigang and kinilaw.
CHECK OUT: The remains of an old Japanese plane that crashed into the ridge.
Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City
http://www.jacksridgedavao.com/
WHERE TO HAVE COFFEE & DESSERT
BLUGRÉ COFFEE
Davao’s most famous coffee shop, Blugré is known for serving the durian coffee, a truly unique concoction that samples Davao’s most polarizing delicacy, the durian. Whether you’re a fan of the fruit or not, the Durian Cappucino and the Durian Arctic Blasts are must-trys.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Their durian-infused pastries, especially the Durian de Leche Cheesecake.
SAGING REPABLIK
Saging Repablik is a specialty restaurant serving ‘Sagingese’ cuisine—innovating the menu with the addition of bananas. The banana twist extends from the appetizers to the entrees, and from desserts to the drinks. Of course, a banana-inspired place wouldn’t be complete without bananaque, and at Saging Repablik, they elevate this street food favorite through the Create Your Own Bananacue Station.
MUST-TRY: Cavendish chips with your choice of two dips.
V. Mapa St., Poblacion District, Davao City
http://www.facebook.com/sagingrepablik/
WHERE TO HAVE A NIGHTCAP
THE WHITE HOUSE FUSION CUISINE AND WINE LOUNGE
The White House is the newest fine-dining restaurant, offering Asian-European fusion cuisine. It’s also a landmark, with the historical value of the European-inspired house that was faithfully restored and turned into a restaurant. The sprawling place, tucked into a quiet corner in the heart of the city, is the perfect venue to relax and have a drink.
MUST-TRY: Sashimi and bento boxes
Camella Northpoint, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City
http://www.whitehousecuisine.com/
WHERE TO BUY SOUVENIRS
ALDEVINCO SHOPPING CENTER
A shopping market located at the heart of the city, Aldevenco offers all the possible souvenirs tourists would want to take home, including delicacies, malongs, woven bags and wallets, and jewelry.
CHECK OUT: For more unique souvenirs like chests and traditional weapons, check out their antique shops.
Claro M. Recto cor. Manuel Roxas Avenues, Davao City
WHERE TO STAY
PARK INN BY RADISSON DAVAO
Park Inn by Radisson Hotels offers a vibrant, friendly environment that provides both business and leisure travelers with the affordable hotel experience they desire. It has a bridgeway offering guests direct access to the SM Lanang Premier, one of the biggest shopping destinations in Davao.
Asian Highway 26, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City
http://www.parkinn.com/hotel-davao
SEDA HOTEL ABREEZA
The Seda Hotel Abreeza is located at the heart of the city, offering convenience and luxury for business travelers and tourists. It’s right across the Abreeza Ayala mall, another major shopping center in Davao.
Abreeza Ayala Business Park, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City
http://www.sedahotels.com/abreeza/
HOW TO GET THERE
AIR ASIA PHILIPPINES
AirAsia Zest flies to Davao from Manila thrice daily, and from Cebu twice daily. For bookings, visit http://www.airasia.com/.
text and photos by Patty Taboada
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