Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Quiet Place Farm Resort





Journey to the heart of quiet, within the restful and healing embrace of nature at The Quiet Place Farm Resort...

Set on 25 hectares of sloping terrain fringed with trees, The Quiet Place Farm Resort is part of a fully functioning agricultural estate in Bago City, an area planted mostly to rice in the largely sugar producing province of Negros Occidental. The resort offers a unique opportunity to experience rural life in the tropics without the sacrifice of comfort. Twenty-six air- conditioned rooms with modern conveniences and a full-service restaurant ensure a pleasant, enjoyable and comfortable stay. There is also the resort's Ayo Spa and Wellness Center offering a menu of Asian and Filipino health traditions using tropical oils and essences produced on site or in neighboring communities. 

For less quiet pursuits at the resort, there is a swimming pool, several open air pavilions for parties and events of 30 to 200, an air- conditioned meeting room for 40, a library with a computer with internet connection, a children's play park, a camping ground, a hiking trail, fishing, boating, billiards, table tennis and other board games, barbecue pits for outdoor picnics and rows upon rows of orchids, bromeliads and heliconia to enjoy.

What to do

Engage your senses with a walk through a path in a forest of tropical trees, alive with the singing of birds and the rustle of the leaves as the wind gently weaves through them. Pass by verdant rice fields carved from the gently sloping hills and through rows of sugarcane and banana trees and allow your eyes to relax as they feast on nature's palette in various shades of green, brown and gold. Nourish the spirit in a garden filled with the heady scent and color of tropical blooms. Worship the sun by the free-form swimming pool. Get on board a small boat named Courage and glide through a lake covered with hyacinth and teeming with fish. Find a quiet corner to read a book. Gather duck eggs and pick mushrooms at the crack of dawn. Go for a game of billiards or table tennis, boating on the lake or biking through the paved path walks. Test your energy levels at the Children's Play Park. Within the peaceful and tranquil environment of this green sanctuary, embark on a two-way communion with nature. 

Getting There

Negros Occidental is one half of the island of Negros, the Philippines'4th largest island. It is about 55 minutes by plane from the country's main gateway, Manila, and 25 minutes from Cebu, its second city and main hub in the Visayas islands.

Three airlines fly 7 times daily from Manila to Bacolold City, the provincial capital, with one daily flight linking it to Cebu.
  • Philippine Airlines
  • Cebu Pacific
  • Air Philippines

Several shipping lines ply the 20 hour route between Manila and Bacolod, offering a leisurely and comfortable alternative to flying.Iloilo, an entry point to the famous Boracay, is a short 45 minute ferry ride away, with regular trips throughout the day.

From downtown Bacolod City, The Quiet Place Farm Resort is a pleasant 20 minute drive. Shuttle transfers from Bacolod may be arranged through the Sales Office. If traveling by private vehicle, turn left to Abuanan after the Sum-ag High School Campus and drive straight for approximately 4 kilometers. 

The Resort's Main Gate is on the left, fronting the Kilometer 14 marker. Alternatively, if taking public transportation, take any south-bound bus or jeepney and get off at the corner of Abuanan Road in Sum-ag. From there, numerous tricycles drive straight to the
resort's reception area.
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Nature's Village Resort




Nature's Village Resort (NVR) is a garden paradise located in Talisay City, only 3.5 km from central Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental, Philippines. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Marapara, Nature's Village Resort offers unique accommodations where nature-lovers can bask in unspoiled beauty while remaining close to the city!

At NVR, you are nestled right at the heart of business and leisure as it bridges Silay City --- home to turn-of-the-century Spanish ancestral houses of Negros Island --- and Bacolod City --- home to the region's colorful Masskara Festival.

Nature's Village Resort was nominated by the Department of Tourism through the Tourism Office of Talisay City, Negros Occidental in the ASEAN Green Hotel Recognition Awards 2010 at the Empire Hotel in Brunei Darussalam.

NVR is the only resort-hotel that made it to the Top 10 among other tourism establishments in Western Visayas.

The nomination was made on the basis of the DOT's random inspection on NVR's compliance with the ASEAN Green Hotel Standards.

Chaired by Thailand, the ASEAN Task Force on Tourism Standards released the results of their organized search last December.

Tourism establishments that actively advocate sustainable or environment-friendly practices such as proper solid waste management, environmental awareness training plan for hotel staff, use of renewable energy sources, presence of noise control programs, and involvement of hotel staff in waste reduction, reusing and recycling items, waste separation and composting programs among other compliance standards, were recognized by the DOT and recommended for participation to this Southeast Asian search for Green Hotel establishments.

Other ASEAN Green Hotel awardees are the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa, Marco Polo Davao, Miniloc Island Resort-Palawan, Lagen Island Resort in El Nido, Palawan, Eden Nature Park and Resort-Davao, and Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila.

-Visayan Daily Star
January 22, 2010



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Monday, August 23, 2010

Kipot Summer Resort


Kipot Summer Resort is home to the enchanting Kipot Twin Falls, a stream separated by a sharp overhang that splits the path of water into two seemingly identical cascades.

The site of the Kipot Summer Resort is a humble donation of former Vice-Mayor Romualdo S. Araneta and family. With this gratuity goes the donor’s or recipients commitment to the protection and preservation of mother nature and their unending call to the BagueƱos to appreciate and take part in the preservation efforts, and to abundantly reap the benefits it provides to the people and the generations to come.

Kipot Summer Resort is best for family picnics and nature tripping activities. The magnificent falls makes you feel you’re in the middle of a mystical paradise. Trekking along boulders that form a narrow pathway, with raging falls nearby, puts the experience of nature’s treasures within reach.

From the gateway to the falls is a good 220 steps down a winding stairs. The stairway starts from a wide downhill path to a slim alley hugging the mountain side. An ideal trail for hiking. Upon reaching the falls, one forgets tires limbs from the long trek because of the magnificent beauty and soothing effect of the cascades.
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Buenos Aires Mountain Resort, another tourist destination in Negros Occidental

Another famous tourist destination in Negros Occidental is Buenos Aires Mountain Resort located in Brgy. Ilijan in Bago City. Going there from Bacolod City would usually take about 45 minutes but for our group it took more since we were disoriented about the route (it was our first time without any guide!) and we had to stop by and ask the locals for directions. 

For day-trippers, the resort offers open cottages while those planning to stay longer can stay at the hillside hotel located further up. There are also some closed cottages along the slopes with pathways leading up to the hotel. Those who prefer not hiking up can stay in one of the family suites in a rowhouse beside the Administration Office building.

Buenos Aires Mountain Resort is maintained by the Bago City  local government and supported by the Department of Tourism. The resort offers varied accommodation and facilities for day-trippers and visitors planning to stay overnight or for few days. Upon arrival at the resort, turn right and drive up to the Administration Office to settle your preferred accommodation (or reservation if you phoned ahead).

The hotel rooms, family suites and some closed cottages are air-conditioned with convenience outlets. The open cottages are also provided with convenience outlets. We arrived lunch time at the resort but decided to go on ahead to Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center  where we stayed overnight. We came back to Buenos Aires the next day, had our lunch at one of the open cottages by the brook and soaked ourselves for a while by the pool before heading home.

Buenos Aires Mountain Resort facilities and rates (as of April 1, 2009):
Hotel rooms: Php1000.00
Family suite rooms: Php1800.00
Closed cottages: Php800.00 (w/o AC); Php1200.00 (w/ AC)
Swimming pool: Adult – Php30.00; Children – Php25.00
Open cottages: Php100.00

Contact information:
Location: Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Telephone numbers: +63 34 461-0540; +63 34 461-0164
Office hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Bacolod City is one of the best travel destinations in the Philippines

Bacolod City is Cleanest and Greenest Highly Urbanized City, Most Competitive & Livable Mid-Sized City and Home of the World-Famous MassKara Festival. It is the capital of the Province of Negros Occidental which is the Sugarbowl of the Philippines. Bacolod City serves as the entrance of the sugar-rich cities and towns of the Province. Visitor’s facilities abound, modern means of in-land transport can take guests for business or leisure to any point in the island of Negros.

Bacolod City is one of the best travel destinations in the Philippines. Great food, peaceful and serene community, easy access to basic needs, hospitable people – Bacolod is all these and more. Known for being a relatively friendly city, it bears the nickname “City of Smiles.”



Bacolod City is known for its MassKara Festival held every third weekend of Octover. The festival is highlighted with the famous MassKara streetdance competition, where people from all walks of life triip to the streets to see colorful masked dancers gyrate to the infectious rhytm of Latin-inspired dance music, accompanied with a dazzling display of mastery, coordination, and stamina.

Bacolod will charm you with the genuine warmth and hospitality of her people in harmony with their lilting melodious accent. The Bacolenos will delight you with food and cuisine that is as vigorous yet as subtle as the legendary Ilonggo gentility and taste for the good life.

Resorts Within and Outside Bacolod City
     INLAND RESORTS:
ISLAND RESORTS:
  • Jomabo Island Paradise Beach Resort
  • Lakawon Island Beach Resort
  • Costa Aguada Island Resort
SEASIDE RESORTS:
  • Palmas Del Mar
  • Manapla Seaside Resort
  • Sunburst Bay Resort
BEACH RESORTS:
  • Takatuka Lodge & Dive Resort
  • Jara Beach Resort
  • Happy Valley Beach Resort
  • Bonista Beach Resort
  • Punta Bulata Beach Resort
  • Soleo Beach Resort
  • Laura Beach Resort
  • Paradiso Beach Resort
  • Canonoy Beach Resort
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Cebu City as one of Asia’s best Tourist Destination

Cebu city mostly known as the “ Queen City of the South” and the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines , Cebu is the country's oldest city. Exploring Cebu City , one encounters a rich historic past. Cebuanos are extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage, a legacy which has endured through the centuries from the time the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted the cross on Cebu 's shore. Time has been kind to Cebu . From Zubu, the busy trading port in 1521, it has evolved into a highly urbanized metropolitan center which now serves as focal point of growth and development in Southern Philippines .

Recently indications pointed out that Cebu has become the country's favorite tourist destination.  In contrast to the bustling metropolis, the rest of Cebu 's 167 islets and islands are lined with idyllic white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters.

Cebu has gained wide popularity for fantastic diving grounds evidenced by the proliferation of resorts which offer luxurious accommodations, excellent dive facilities and the services of competent dive masters and dive guides. Cebu 's strategic location makes it ideal for those who wish to travel to the other islands and provinces by plan, boat or bus. No place could be too far from Cebu.

Top US travel magazine ranks Cebu City one of Asia’s best
Cebu has been recently ranked the third best island in Asia by New York based travel magazine Travel + Leisure. The Philippine island follows Bali, which ranked first, and Maldives, second. Cebu got a rating of 87.5 points, eight points up from last year’s 79.68 point.

Cebu’s inclusion in the list was significant and rewarding because the provincial Government has been promoting the component towns and cities and Cebu was recognized as an island-province in the magazine. Travel + Business magazine recently released the results of the survey, which covers hotels, airlines, cruises, islands and cities all over the world.

Phineas Alburo, Department of Tourism undersecretary, said the good news proves Cebu has a lot to be proud of. He noted the magazine is a prestigious American publication in which respondents were asked to rate the islands based on their natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurant and food, people and value.
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Tuesday, August 17, 2010

357 Boracay Hotel and Resort



3-5-7 BORACAY is a charming beachfront resort hotel providing highly personalized service to all its guests. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the world-famous white beach before Boat Station 3 coming from Caticlan Jetty Port, yet ensures the privacy and utmost comfort of its discriminating clientele. All guestrooms have verandahs and are beautifully appointed with fine furnishings and amenities such as air-con, cable TV and hot-cold shower. 3-5-7 BORACAY tastefully blends casual elegance and the conveniences of home with a bar and restaurant...

The resort is a few kilometers from the city center, and offers pristine shores, coral reefs, and tropical jungles. Guests will have easy access to a myriad of interesting cultural, historic, and tourist attractions. Guests can enjoy activities such as scuba diving with a guide or a dive master and thrill-seekers will definitely enjoy kite-boarding, which can all be arranged by the hotel. The hotel boasts 10 guestrooms that are modern and appointed with a charming tropical theme as well as world-class amenities. Guests are invited to enjoy Chili Crabs that have received the most raves from local and foreign guests at the on-site restaurant, in addition to steaks, pastas and salads. The 357 Boracay Resort is ideal for guests that want a tropical location and a boutique style feel.

Recently, 3-5-7 BORACAY was awarded as the Most Outstanding Beach Resort in the event tagged as "Who's Who in the Philippines". This event has been acknowledged as "the country's biggest tribute" not only to Filipino achievers but also to outstanding consumer products, services and manufacturers in the past 16 years.

All guestrooms have verandahs and are beautifully appointed with fine furnishings and amenities such as air-con, cable TV and hot-cold shower. 357 Boracay Resort tastefully blends casual elegance and the conveniences of home with a bar and restaurant, stand-by generators, laundry service, telephone and fax facilities.


rooms/ accommodation

All guestrooms have verandahs and are beautifully appointed with fine furnishings and amenities such as air-con, cable TV and hot-cold shower.
       

Resort facilities
  • World-Class Boutique Resort Hotel Right on the Beach
  • 10 Fully Air-conditioned Island-Luxury Rooms
  • Complete Cable and TV Facilities
  • Tile Bathrooms with Hot and Cold Running Water
  • 7 Executive Rooms (5 Twin 2 Double Beds)
  • 1 Family Room (2 Double Beds)
  • 1 Suite Room (Matrimonial Bed)
  • Bar & Restaurant
  • Stand by Generators
  • Laundry Service
  • Telephone & Fax Facilities
  • Pool Table, Darts and a Videoke Room
How To Get There
Air travel time from Manila to Caticlan Airport by reliable scheduled commuter aircraft, Asian Spirit (6K) and SEAir(DG), is about one (1) hour. From the airport to the Caticlan jetty port is a short hop of one-half (1/2) kilometer by the resort van or mini-bus. A native motorized outrigger boat or 'banca' servicing the resort exclusively takes you from the jetty port to the resort in about twenty (20) minutes. Air charters from Manila and other points can be arranged.

The principal domestice airlines, Philippine Airline (PR), Cebu Pacific (5J), operate several flights daily from Manila to the capital town of Kalibo, from where you can take an air-conditioned tour bus to Caticlan jetty port. The road trip from Kalibo is about two (2) hours over excellent roads. During peak travel season, Philippine Airlines operates shuttle flights from Cebu City-Mactan International Airport.

The resort front office staff will be glad to reconfirm your domestic and international flight bookings for you.
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