Independence Day Travel Sale with Discovery Hotels and Resorts

You might have read our recent beach trip so, are you ready to explore more beautiful destinations in the country?

From posh accommodations to gourmet dining options, travelers can fully immerse themselves in the freedom of exploration with Discovery hotels and resorts. Enjoy up to 60% savings on travel adventures across the country from June 3 to 16, 2024.

Among the several Idyllic Havens with Discovery Resorts, top of our list is Manami Resort. 

Experience seaside serenity in a secret paradise here in Sipalay, Negros Occidental and discover hidden jewels that offer new yet quaint experiences and stories to tell.

Serene ambiance lingers in the luxury nature estate of Manami Resort. Where time slows to a gentle rhythm, cocooned from the bustling world outside, unwind and reconnect on this off-the-beaten path in Sipalay, Negros Occidental. 

You can book an oceanview suite for as low as PHP 14,500 nett a night and this already includes daily breakfasts for 2, in-room welcome massage, complimentary refreshments at the pool, complimentary spelunking trip in their in-property cave and complimentary use of snorkeling gear, rashies and other non-motorized equipment and many other amenities. 

Chema's By The Sea 

Ofcourse, my hometown in Davao also has something to offer. Where the sand is warm, the water is inviting, and worries are left behind, it's time to answer the call for a charming beach getaway at Chema's By The Sea. This charming resort may be located right across Davao City, but the calmness of its natural surroundings kindles a personal abode. Discover this new spot with stays starting at PHP 7,750 nett. 

Discovery Boracay

There are reasons why Boracay is named one of the best beaches in the world, and the island's pulsating vibe is one of them. Revel in unbeaten fun activities paired with the first-hand experience of unmatched luxury island hospitality at Discovery Boracay, starting at PHP 14,986 nett.

Discovery Coron 

An exclusive island paradise beckons right in the middle of the Philippines’ “Big Lagoon," Coron, Palawan. Offering the perfect canvas to unleash a discerning traveler’s inner explorer more than the tall limestone formations from the town’s postcards, Discovery Coron is the perfect spot to channel carefree spirit while savoring the wonders of flora and fauna. Stay in this paradise starting at PHP 14,278 nett and catch nature’s wildlife within reach.

Discovery Samal 

Whether on a journey to seek the thrill of water sports or serene moments amid tropical surroundings, experience the finest luxuries and unique Samal Island experiences that Discovery Samal has to offer. Stay in a Junior Suite for PHP 12,000 nett and explore this dreamy tropical haven while having a view of the Davao metropolis.

Not really ready to hit the beach? Enjoy Cosmopolitan Comforts with Discovery Hotels

Take a reward on the weekends or spend quality moments with loved ones in the elegant comfort of Discovery Primea. This towering gem brings a lavish city staycation designed for indulgence amid the vibrant Makati City life. A night in the Business Flat at PHP 8,000 nett is paired with an array of treats, such as special rates at the Gin Library and savings on select spa treatment.

A few minutes of drive away is another leisurely accommodation, perfect for some slow-down moments. Rediscover the charm of a city getaway while recharging at Discovery Suites, starting at PHP 5,000 nett a night.

Embrace the spirit of freedom and adventure for up to 60% savings on stays and special recreational offers this Independence Day Travel Sale! My Discover Elite members get to enjoy an exclusive sale from June 3 to 16, 2024. Special rates will be open to everyone from June 10 to 16, 2024. For more information, visit www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-193946 Series of 2024

8 Things You Need To Know Before Going to Lakawon Island (2024 Travel Guide)

Lakawon Island is a beautiful beach resort in Negros Occidental with clear waters and pristine white sand. 

Though you may see several bad reviews online the past few years, I can say that significant improvements had been made and it's way, way better than it used to be 3-4 years ago.

The water is very clear. We saw small fishes without the need for goggles. The sand is fine and the beach is clean where I enjoyed walking barefoot (a.k.a natural exfoliating) 

In fact, we had a really nice time when we went there a week ago. We initially just planned to stay for 2 nights in the island but we extended for 2 nights more because we really don't want to leave. 

Source: https://lakawon.ph/

Anyway, let me share with you 8 things that you need to know before going to Lakawon Island. 

1. PARKING - Overnight parking is available for Php 150 per night. They have an assigned caretaker (not really sure if he is connected with the resort) but they manage a gated area near the port where you can park. It is on the other side of the usual common parking area for day tour guests. 

2. BOAT TRANSFERS - It takes a 20-minute boat road from Cadiz Viejo going to island. They usually have three (3) schedules per day at 7am, 8am or 11am. Kindly confirm with reservations in case there are any changes. 

Sadly, we arrived a 10 minutes late and the boat had already left. We had to pay extra Php 1,000 for the special boat trip which the Lakawon ticketing office arranged. While waiting for the boat, more latecomers arrived and we just opted to share the extra fee since if they plan to go to the island, they would need to arrange a special trip too. 

By the way, it's a long walk going to boat from the ticketing office and most of the time, it is really hot. So, I suggest you to put on your sunblock* as soon as you arrive in the parking lot. If you don't feel like walking, you can take the tricycle at around Php 50 per person. 

*For the sunblock, we used the DERMPLUS Moisturizing Sublock SPF 80 and had zero sunburns for our 5-day beach trip. You can order here. 

3. INTERNET CONNECTION - Mobile signal is not that stable but there is free wifi all over the island available for guests. It doesn't require a password so, you just immediately connect once you arrive. 

Their internet service provider is Starlink, which is a satellite-based internet service and based on the speed test we conducted it runs around with a download speed of 9-10 mbps. 

They also have routers installed in each room so, you can expect to have strong wifi connection. This is very helpful for freelancers like me. Yes, we can have a workation.

4. TOWEL, TOILETRIES AND BIDET - I know some friends whose non-negotiable in a hotel or resort is the availability of a bidet and I am happy to share that the rooms in Lakawon have one. We stayed in a Junior Suite so, I expect the other bigger rooms which are more expensive to have one too. 

They also provide basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, lotion and dental kits. Fresh towels are also replaced everyday. 

By the way, the water in the shower is a bit salty so, I am guessing maybe it is filtered seawater (?) I am not really sure and I forgot to ask. 

5. WATER - Speaking of water, we had no problem with the drinking water from the restaurant and the bar. In fact, we never bought bottled water throughout the whole duration of our stay. So, I suggest that you bring your water bottles and just ask for a refill. Saves you money plus it's more eco-friendly. 

6. ELECTRICITY - The resort runs on generator 24/7 so, we never experienced a power outage. They are just times that the electricity goes off for a few seconds but I guess it has something to do with the generator changing or something. Not really a concern if you ask me. 

7. FOOD - The restaurant and bar is NOT open 24/7. Their restaurant is open from 7am until 8pm and the bar is open until 9pm. 

We had free breakfast as part of our accommodation and to be honest, I find the 7am opening a bit late. I guess Val and I just woke up so early around 5:30am to go swimming so, we're pretty much hungry by 7am. In this case, I suggest that you bring bread or snacks if you are used to having breakfast early. After all, there is an electric water kettle, cups and complimentary coffee, cream and sugar in your room.

Food is great but a bit expensive. We had seafood for dinner every night and it did not disappoint at all. We recommend their butter garlic crabs, kinilaw/ sinuglaw, calamares and grilled pork liempo. I think we had calamares and grilled pork 3 nights straight. LOL

We are skipping their shrimps and scallops next time though. It wasn't bad but we had it better somewhere else. Pancit bihon is good too. :)

Budget roughly is around Php 2k-2.5k per meal for 2-4 pax. You can check their menu below.

*Prices are subject to change. Example the street food platter is actually Php 250+

8. PAYMENTS - Credit card payments and other cashless transactions are available in Lakawon Island. 

If you are staying overnight, make sure to bring extra money because you will be required to make a Php 2,000 refundable deposit upon check-in. 

------------------------------------

That's it for now. We hope that this article will help you plan your trip to Lakawon Island.

It's one of the nearest beach resorts from Bacolod City, just a 1.5 hour drive so, if you are in need of some vitamin SEA then go ahead a book a night or two.

For room accommodations, you can just check their website directly at https://lakawon.ph/

If you have any other questions, message us on our facebook page, www.facebook.com/mymetrolifestyle

5 Recommended Indoor Activities for Kids During School Break

School is finally out! 

Staying at home doesn't mean being boring because there is just so many activities that kids can do to make this school break fun and productive.

We know that traveling and outdoor activites would be ideal but this may not be feasible for some families. Thus, we came up with a list of indoor activities that is equally fun, exciting and easy to organize. 

1. Art and Craft Projects

Art stimulates creativity and imagination. It is also known to help promote self-esteem and self expression regardless of chosen medium. 

Whether your kids opts to paint, draw or simply just color, take the opportunity to uncover their talents and develop value skills. They can even recycle common household items for their craft projects such making paper flowers, toilet paper frogs and a lot more. 

2. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

If you are looking for a more physical activity, then an indoor scavenger hunt is a great idea. These activities boost your child's observation skills and encourages independent exploration, critical thinking and problem-solving. 

You can do this individually or by pairs (if you have a bigger household) in that way, you can also develop the value of teamwork and strategy. 

There are a lot of printables of indoor scavenger hunt lists available on Pinterest so, you can readily start anytime. 

3. Read Books

Reading should not be presented as a chore but rather it is a fun activity.

By raising kids who love to read, we teach them a fundamental skill that is essential to life as they grow older. It offers access to worlds of imagination and knowledge. Just like Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Some of favorite books include: 

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Age 2+) 
• The Velvetin Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco (Age 3+)
• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (Age 4+)
• Heidi by Johanna Spyri (Age 6+) 
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Age 6+) 
• Charlotte's Web by E.B White (Age 7+) 
• Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery (Age 9+)
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (Age 9+)

4. Educational Computer Simulated Games 

Is your kid into computers? Then, this school break may be the best time to immerse them more in technology. Ofcourse, we are NOT talking about kids playing games such as mobile legends all day long. 

Instead, we are talking about software development games that can teach children about coding logic along with how software is made and tested. Websites such as mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/ offer these for free. 

One of our favorite games is Code Panda. This game is an introduction to programming where players will need to provide the movement codes to help a panda reach its bamboo. 

The game is very simple but it requires you to think. You can play all 32 stages. 

They also have a game called We Bare Bears Develobears which teaches players about the components needed in making a video game.

Tasks include painting pictures, making a chiptune, creating custom pixel art which appears in the game, and adding other unlockable in game elements. You will need to play through various combinations of level design, music composition, and characters. 

5. Cooking and Baking Lessons 

Maybe it's time to teach your kids to cook or bake. As early as 5 years old, parents can teach their children how to measure, pour, grate, peel and set the table with constant supervision. By age 8-11, kids can now follow, straightforward recipes, plans and menus. 

Whether they bake or try to cook a meal, making them feel comfortable in the kitchen is the first step in bringing their interest in this important life skill. Introduce working on a stove and oven. 

Aside from the cooking or baking skills, this opportunity allow allows you to teach your children the value of patience where they see that preparing food can't be rushed.  

---------------------------------

Let us all make the most out of these school breaks for our kids. This will leave lasting memories and lessons that they will surely value later on in life. 

Do you have other suggestions? Feel free to comment below. 

Superbook Season 5 is Landing Soon on Philippine TV!

Suit up! We are about to take off on a fun adventure with Chris, Joy, and Gizmo!

Superbook’s fifth season is finally set to air on Philippine TV in June 2024, 11 years after its debut in the country. It premieres June 3, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. on A2Z and Kapamilya Channel.

Superbook Season 5 follows our favorite trio as they learn how to have a deeper relationship with Jesus and discover what it truly means to be His follower. Each episode explores real-life challenges and victories that people from all generations can relate to.

With this exciting launch comes new interactive events and materials designed to encourage children and their families to know God deeper and share their faith with the people around them.

Superbook Philippines is preparing to bring “Sabay-Sabay Lilipad,” an on-ground events campaign to malls, schools, churches, and communities nationwide. New fun and educational materials will be available at partner outlets and online platforms as well.

CBN Asia’s head for Superbook, Icko Gonzalez, also teases an exciting project this year, “As we approach CBN Asia's 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming Superbook Musical Theatre, bringing these beloved stories to life on stage,” he revealed.

Gonzalez also invites everyone to watch Superbook Season 5 on A2Z and the Kapamilya Channel every weekday, beginning June 3 at 8:30 AM.

“Join us in exploring deeper insights about Jesus and the Bible through Superbook Season 5. We invite all Batang Superbook fans, young and old, to continue supporting this animated program that not only entertains but also uplifts our spirits,” he said.

Gear up, Superbook fans, because everyone is welcome to join our out-of-this-world adventure with Superbook Season 5, airing June 3, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. on A2Z and Kapamilya Channel.