This year deprived us of that much ballyhooed holiday economics, however, that didn’t stop us from doing quick breaks for wicked trips to worship the sun, take advantage of the cool tropic breeze and fill our stomach until we reach a state called “Food Coma”.

A Summer Dash To Misibis

Definitely, it was this shindig that opened the season of summer revelry held at Misibis Bay in Bacacay Albay through The Nivea Sun Summer Fun Rush, a two-day affair that started with that much needed lazy respite through fun activities such as listening to the sea waves, sumptuous late breakfast over a conversation on what to eat for lunch and cooling off the heat under palm trees or a splash either by the pool or the beach.

The second day was the time to burn out calories accumulated from the previous day. Armed and protected with Nivea Sun Block, the guests grouped into several teams to outsmart and outrun each team. The obstacle race brought out the best from both competitors and the passive characters of every group. This combination equates to a totally awesome day of conquering fear of heights, swimming and canoeing in the bay and cycling the hills of Caraway Island. Team Blue emerged as the victor from the race capped with a spectacular sunset cocktail by the amphitheater. (JR Isaac)

All White Escapade

A leisurely three-hour drive to Punta Fuego bought me an exclusive peek of the newest must-haves this summer; Olukai footwear originally from Hawaii has finally arrived in our shores. The brand recently hosted a relaxing afternoon that consisted of pampering us (the guests) to our heart’s content. Olukai overnight festivities includes an all white themed fete where the guests were clad in various texture of white stylized summer wardrobe. Among the many highlights of the event was the Twinkle Ferraren swimwear resort wear fashion show complemented with the main star of the night—Olukai Flipflops. The night was also illuminated with a 30-minute spectacular fireworks display that kept everyone upbeat until dawn. (JR Isaac)

Corregidor In A Different Light

By Apryl Galang

If you only have a single day to relax and escape the city momentarily, Corregidor is the best place to go to at a very reasonable rate. Just get on board with Sun Cruises ferryboat for an hour ride into Manila Bay that will take you to this little island packed with so much WWII history. Funny, but I remembered my last trip to Corregidor way back in college as a requirement for my history class. Luckily for me, I was given a chance to re-discover the cannons and the old ruins that I don’t get to see on a normal basis.

Though there haven’t been any significant changes on how the structures are placed (no pun intended here!), there are still other ways to re-discover the island even to the tiniest details that any local and even foreign tourist thought they’d never unravel. Enter the Corregidor Adventure, a half-a-day tour slash amazing race type of exploring the side secrets of the island.

If you’re the athletic tourist then this action-packed outing is just right for you. Take note, it’ll only take you less than three hours to actually go around the sidelines of Corregidor. With the Adventure race, you’ll get to crawl your way out of the duck and Japanese tunnel; run through the Pacific War Memorial and the open space barracks near the American soldiers bachelor’s pad; pass by Eternal Flame of Freedom and Sun Tower; go up the Golden Staircase; solve puzzles at Red Cross Hospital and at the Spanish Lighthouse and Museum Complex; see the scenic sight of Mariveles, Bataan coast and more.

Besides that, you can also slip your way through the zipline where you can see exciting views of the island or conquer the well-paved biking trails. You can likewise explore the island through hiking through forests and hillsides to rediscover the ruins. Or even have a night lateral visit through Malinta Tunnel’s light and sound show.

Soon, there will be plans for developing activities such as birdwatching and wake boarding. All in all, Corregidor is not only a tourist landmark but also an exciting destination. A trip to this island won’t be complete with a dinner cruise along Manila Bay. Get to cap off your adventures and enjoy a wonderful sunset view with your adventure pals.

The Day Tour Corregidor Adventure costs Php1, 999.00 (day tour rate per person) and includes: round trip ferry transfers; shrine, entrance and terminal fees; Corregidor Adventure participation fee; Corregidor Adventure Kit (includes bottled water, sunblock, energy bar, towel); Corregidor Adventure Shirt and Buffet or Boodle Fight Lunch. Call 527-5555 loc. 4511/ 4512 for sales, 0922-3370068 / 834-6557 to 58 and 831-8140 for reservations. Log on to www.corregidorphilippines.com.

East Meets West

by Christopher de Venecia

I am no stranger to Hong Kong. In fact, I know the place like I know the back of my hand. For Pinoys like me who are looking to go on a quick overseas getaway, HK has become the ultimate destination for fabulous shopping and world-class cuisine. Of course, it helps that it’s only an hour and half away from Manila.

Since it’s been my tradition to stay at the Marco Polo Gateway Hotel, located at Tsim Tsa Tsui in Kowloon side, it was no pickle to reprise it as my international shopping headquarters for a recent 4-day excursion.

An overnight stay costs about $1700 HK/night (exchange rate $1 US = $7.7 HK) and comes with forward amenities and breakfast while airport transfers ($130 HK/person) can be arranged. Though there’s no wi-fi, Marco Polo Gateway is one of three hotels connected to the retail-heavy Harbour City, which makes shopping more convenient. Notable stores are Lane Crawford, City Super for groceries and cool office supplies, the youth section LcX, and high-end stores like Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.

Across the street is H&M, which annexes to the Sun Arcade, an underground mall featuring edgier brands like 5cm and Izzue.

Gastronomically, go-to establishments have been the Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant along Hankow Road, TST, for the “Deep Fried Crawfish” ($468 HK) and the snazzier Ye Shanghai, 6/F Marco Polo HK for the bony yet delicious Steamed Freshwater Herring ($768 HK).

While there are many other options for culture vultures like the HK Museum of Art, Lan Kwai Fong and the illustrious Dragon-I, and Hong Kong Disneyland, HK is ultimately the destination for good food and good fashion. So when you’ve got the buck to spare, just think Hong Kong and you’ll never go wrong.

Tags: Circadian May 2011, Circuit magazine, city guide manila, city life manila, event guide, events magazine, lifestyle guide manila, lifestyle trend manila, manila events, manila night spots, night life manila, what’s happening in Manila