Marquee Mall

On our way back to Manila last week, I couldn't help but notice that the new Marquee Mall was already open.  So, i decided to drop by and take some photos for your consumption. 

The new mall is located in Angeles City, Pampanga.  It is accessible from NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) via Angeles exit.

The new mall has that Ayala Malls feel.  It is a big but warm and cozy at the same time. 

The mall is very near the NLEX Angeles exit.  If you have a car, driving from NLEX to the Marquee mall is a breeze.  However, when you exit the mall and drive back to NLEX via the Angeles tollgate, traffic could be a problem during peak seasons because of the nearby rotunda.  

The mall features unique furnitures pieces in their rest areas, I guess,the furnitures are made in Pampanga to highlight the region's culture.

Staff Conference, Punta Riviera, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Joined the conference last Sept. 11 at Punta Riviera Resort Hotel in Bolinao, Pangasinan. Bolinao is about two (2) hours drive from Calasiao, Pangasinan. We left Calasiao around 5:20 early in the morning, so, we did not encounter much traffic along the way. The roads to Bolinao are well paved. We passed by Binmaley, Alaminos and Lingayen on our way to the conference venue.

After the conference, we just had our lunch and immediately left Punta Riviera, so that I would still have time to take some pics of Bolinao and other adjoining towns as we drove our way back to Manila.

The Bonifacio Monument, Manila City Hall

The Bonifacio Landmark is situated in a park  fronting the Manila City Hall.  

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Museum

Location: The AFP Museum is situated inside
                 Camp Aguinaldo

How to Get There: You can take the MRT line 3
                                and get off at Santolan-
                                Annapolis Station

Banaue Rice Terraces

The Banaue rice terraces is one of the world's greatest wonders.  My first visit to Banaue was actually not part of my itinerary.  I was on a series of speaking engagement in the revenue region of Tuguegarao in Cagayan Valley that covered the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya.  The last leg of my activity was Nueva Vizcaya, which is just about 2 hours away from Banawe.   The head of the Nueva Vizcaya district office, invited us for a side trip to Banawe as a treat.

The trip alone to Banaue was already an experience.  The road was good and the scenery was even better.  We sometimes have to stop to take pictures along the way.  One of the experience not to miss when you are on top of the cordilleras is the endless sea of mountaintops, imagine that.

My first ever glimpse of the terraces was really a mesmerizing experience.  The first thing that comes to mind is how the hell were they able to build it.  This is definitely a MUST SEE place in your lifetime.

How to get there:

There are daily trips from Manila to Banaue that takes about 10-12 hrs or from Baguio about 5-6  hrs.

Where to Stay:

There are a number of inns and even home stays, but the best place to stay is at the Banaue Hotel