Category: And ETC !

NUSTAR HOTEL CEBU EARNS MICHELIN GUIDE HONORS

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NUSTAR Hotel, the first ultra-luxury hotel in Cebu recently earned a place in the coveted Michelin Guide list of recommended hotels this 2025. 

This distinction places NUSTAR Hotel among an elite collection of hotels worldwide, each recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide for excellence in design, architecture, service, personality and exceptional guest experiences. 

Michelin Guide inspectors are themselves seasoned travellers and experts in design, service and hospitality.  They travel the globe and inspect hotels anonymously to ensure an unbiased evaluation.  Hotels are assessed based on these five criteria and those which excel are recommended for the Michelin Key, a distinction that recognizes exceptional hotels.

A Landmark Moment for Cebu and Philippine Tourism

The addition of the NUSTAR Hotel into the 2025 Michelin Guide Hotel List marks a major achievement for the Philippine hospitality industry, which has long been dominated by international hotel brands.

“The NUSTAR Hotel’s presence in the prestigious Michelin Guide is a proud and significant milestone not just for NUSTAR Hotel, but for Cebu and the entire Philippine hospitality industry,” said Sean Knights, Chief Operating Officer of NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu. “This recognition affirms our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional hotel product, allowing us to promote world-class experiences that celebrate Filipino culture, elevate service excellence and redefine the boundaries of luxury in the region.”

Along with the Fili Hotel which opened earlier in 2022, the NUSTAR Hotel opened in 2025 as the second of three hotels rising above the NUSTAR Resort & Casino, a prominent icon on the southern coast of Cebu City.  The integrated resort complex is operated by Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc. (UHRI), the hospitality and development arm of Gokongwei Group.  Since opening, the hotels have distinguished themselves as hallmarks of modern Filipino hospitality at its finest, blending premium accommodation, world-class service and deep cultural identity.

The NUSTAR hotel has 223 spacious rooms and suites and three expansive sea-facing villas.  A defining feature of hotel is personal butler service, provided by a team of butlers trained by Heilbron Hospitality, one of the world’s most respected institutions in hospitality training.

This recognition by the Michelin Guide resonates beyond the hotel itself, heralding a breakthrough for Philippine tourism and the country’s confidence and readiness to welcome discerning luxury travelers seeking authentic and meaningful travel experiences delivered with genuine Filipino warmth.

More information and reservations are accessible from the hotel website http://www.nustar.ph or thru the Guest Services Center (+63 32 888 8282).

About NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu

NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu (stylized as NUSTAR), the Philippines’ first and only premier integrated resort in the Visayas and Mindanao region, offers world-class entertainment, luxury accommodations, diverse dining, and curated retail. Owned and operated by Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. (UHRI), NUSTAR is home to the region’s largest gaming floor, The Mall – the first and only luxury shopping mall in the area, Fili Hotel, The Boardwalk, and the ultra-luxury NUSTAR Hotel. Explore our offerings at www.nustar.ph.

Say it with food: This Father’s Day, foodpanda Delivers the Love

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Not everyone finds it easy to say “I love you”, especially to Dad. But this Father’s Day, foodpanda reminds everyone that you don’t need the perfect words; just the perfect meal.
Sometimes, the right meal at the right moment is the most meaningful gesture.
From his favorite ulam or a classic comfort, foodpanda helps everyone show love to the dads in their lives in the most Filipino way possible: through food.

Love, Delivered

Some bonds are built on big laughs, and others on quiet gestures. With fast, reliable delivery, flexible scheduling, and countless options, foodpanda makes it easy to say “mahal kita.” Because sometimes, the aroma of his favorite dish arriving at the door is all it takes to warm his heart.

Bridging Distances with Every Order

For many, living far from their fathers means shared meals aren’t as easy as they once were. Whether you’re miles away or right around the corner, foodpanda helps make Dad feel celebrated by bridging the distance by delivering thoughtful surprises and delicious meals to let him know you’re thankful for everything he has done.

Meals that Matter and Savings that Help

Treating the dads that mean the most doesn’t have to be complicated or costly, and with foodpanda, those moments can come with a little extra value. Families can enjoy Php555 cashback on food delivery using the code LOVEYOUPA, on Father’s Day weekend from June 13 to 15.

To unlock more discounts, users can subscribe to pandapro—a subscription that offers exclusive perks like unlimited free food delivery, pickup discounts, special deals on groceries, and more. Enjoy 15% cashback with code PROCB, and 30% off a 12-month plan with code GORPRONA.


Whether it’s our dads, lolos, titos, stepdads, kuyas, or anyone who’s stepped in to be that steady, fatherly presence, this day is about them, and foodpanda is here to help you honor them with love that goes beyond words.

About foodpanda.
foodpanda is an on-demand food and grocery platform, dedicated to helping customers get their tasty favorites fast. Since its creation, it has grown to more than 170,000 partner restaurants in more than 400 cities across 10 Asian markets. foodpanda is a subsidiary under Delivery Hero, a worldwide leader of the food delivery industry.
foodpanda Philippines is dedicated to bringing food lovers their favorite meals from curated local restaurants in the Philippines. It currently operates in 150 cities and municipalities across the country and is continuously expanding. For more information, visit http://www.foodpanda.ph.


How it works.
Through the foodpanda website or via the new iOS and Android apps, customers can enter their address and view a curated list of restaurants and shops serving their neighborhood. Once they have found their choice, they can place an order in the comfort of their home or office, paying online through foodpanda’s secure platform or via cash-on-delivery. The order is then carefully prepared by the restaurant or shop, picked up by the foodpanda delivery partner and delivered straight to their doorstep.


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Fun and Free Things To Do Around Singapore

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Yes, yes. Singapore is known to be expensive. But with the right research and preparation, there are actually a lot of great things that tourists can do, without spending a dime on entrance fees.

The secret to maximizing your Singapore trip: The Singapore Tourist Pass and an ample amount of Data to stay online.

THE SINGAPORE TOURIST PASS– buy this at Changi Airport and you get unlimited train and bus access around the whole Singapore within the desired number of days. I bought the 5 days pass for 45 SGD, but there are 2 and 3 days package as well, for less. I also downloaded the SG MRT (Train) app. The bus routes, I checked from time to time on google. As such, staying connected is necessary. I purchased a LOCAL DATA SIM (Singtel) via KLOOK, which I conveniently claimed at Changi airport upon arrival. The Klook lady at Changi T2 assisted me re the sim registration. The Singtel Sim only cost me less than 400 Pesos, and 100 GB yun ha. Na-appreciate ko gid ang Klook ba.

So yun pag tourist ka and first timer, syempre aaura ka dun sa Merlion and the Marina Bay area, which I also did. The whole of Bay area and Singapore Central Business district is actually very interesting to see. Importante lang gid may data ka.

Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton Hotel, Old City Hall, Clark Quay and all those colorful buildings along the way. Walkable ito lahat.

Visit the NANYANG TECH UNIVERSITY. Madami interesting Architecture sa loob ng campus. And these buildings area free to visit naman pero wag ka na pumasok sa mga lecture floors ha. Baka mapreso ka. Matagal ko na pangarap magvisit sa campus. In fact, I once aspired to study here, kaso the financials will not work for me. The piled-up circular building below is known as The Hive. It is one of Nanyang Tech’s marvelous architectural feature.

To get there: PIONEER Mrt then take the Bus 179 na iikot sa buong campus. Dami din cheap eats around, kasi nga students ang market ng area.

Another architectural marvel that I did not miss to visit was The Geneo Mall at Kent Ridge Park. It is one of Singapore’s newest mall na palaban ang interiors, featuring engineered wood arches, glass louvers, lots of indoor greens and an ample skyklight to brighten up your day. Char. Bsta maganda ito and the Mall is directly attached to Kent Ridge Metro Station.

To get there: Kent Ridge MRT.

At syempre colonial mentality tayo, I also made time to see the Newest Starbucks in Singapore sa Chinatown, malapit sa Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. They also say this is SG’s prettiest Starbucks and I will not argue with that. This store is set up in an old colonial/heritage house. If you are a Starbucks merch collector, this branch has the most SG items available.

How to get there: Chinatown MRT or Maxwell MRT (which is harap lang ng Buddha temple). And while you’re there, mag Maxwell food center na din kayo mga auntey.

Explore Little India. Little India is also a very interesting district to explore, kase sobrang unique at foreign din ng vibe nya. Yes, madami po Indians sa Singapore, so much that they were able to form a dedicated area. I posted several tiktok videos of me exploring Little India. Check nyo sa link dun sa dulo ng article na to.

No secret, Little India din ang cheapest area in SG to stay and for foodtripping. I swear, sobrang hefty ng meals dito.

How to Get there: Little India MRT station and explore on foot. If you can, go to Mustafa Center for cheap shopping. The Cheapest in the island, legit.
You’ll find the colourful House of Tan Teng Niah in the heart of Little India – it’s a fav with the instagrammers! 😍 Also pag nahanap mo na building na ito, the food center in front of this serves the best Chicken Biryani and Masala in my opinion.

Another interesting place to see in SG are the well- preserved Peranakan Houses at Joo Chiat, malapit sa Old Airport Road. Peranakan Houses are colonial Portuguese-Chinese residences of the earlier days, owned by the Mestiso Chinese of the middle to upper middle class.  Very Vibrant ng area na to, fit for pictorials and all that kineme.

Hot to get there: Bus lang po. I remember 154 basta google mo nalang. Also madami din Vietnamese restaurants na affordable dito na area, aside sa Chinese restaurants, of course.

And while in Peranakan, I looked for this Ay Yeeh Soon Kueh, a traditional Chinese-Singaporean food stall that is often visited by locals. Nasa likod lang ito ng Peranakan Houses. Naenjoy ko din ang vegetarian (bamboo shoot) dumplings at sticky mushroom and rice. Affordable also.

Ok pag sawa ka na sa view from the ground, try mo naman ang panoramic view of the Marina Bay from the 51st floor of CAPITA SPRING BUILDING. As much as gusto ko e-gate keep, pero eto na. Free ito ha. Wag kayong ano. May bar/Cafe din kase sa taas. mag chill ka dun. cool siguro din dito pag gabi. no?

How to get there: Walk2x ka lang sa Central Business District. Pangitaa!

Gardens by the Bay is also worth visiting, especially at night. The front area is a public (Free) place naman, you only pay the entrance lang pag papasok ka. Ok na ako sa labas, kapoy na din.

And to cap the night, see the Fountain Show at the Marina Bay Sands. I attended the 8pm show. this is free for all.

Cheap Eats : skip the malls and fancy restaurants. Go for Hawkers Center and Food Courts. Happy na ako dun. Promise.

Featured meals below : Masala Chicken Biryani Rice from the food court in Little India, the Old Airport Road Wanton Noodles and the Laksa meal I had from the foodcourt at Pioneer Station on my way to Nanyang University. Mura ito lahat. 5 to 8 dollars.

Bonus Ganap: Experience the Suntori Robot Barista at Duty Free Departure lounge of Changi Terminal 2. Free lang ito din. Surprise nga ako nahanap ko to. Go check out the Robot Barista on my Tiktok here.

Where I stayed: Spacepods at Paya Lebar, near the Singapore National Stadium, because I watched Lady Gaga Live in Concert. See Snippets of Mayhem Singapura here. I will post about concert preparations separately. Dami ko din tikal about that.

Ok yun lang, bye!

Snippets from Mayhem Singapura

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Still stuck in my post-concert blues! It’s been days since the opening night of Mayhem Singapura, and I am still at high that I finally experienced Lady Gaga, live!

MAYHEM SINGAPURA 5.18.2025

The pre-game. Met some fellow little monsters in SG. Shout out, Dan Dale! 🙂 We went to Singapore National Stadium around 4PM. It was way too early for the 8 pm show, but a time well-spent to see and mingle with fellow monsters who flew to SG from as far as China and Australia. The pre-show vibe was all fun and costume-quirky. I low-key regret not wearing one.

Stadium Security was strict. I brought with me a small bagfor essentials and a clear water bottle. It’s good to know that water is refillable inside the stadium for free. Snacks and light meals at the booths rage from 5 to 14 SGD.

As per my seat, I purchased a CAT1,PA6, which is relatively close to the stage (approx 25 to 30m away). This is already a good seat, considering the 50,000 seating capacity of the venue. I purchased my ticket straight from ticketmaster.sg website. No agents fee or mark up whatsoever. Everything was DIY.

The best stage design inspired by  the Phantom of the Opera. Huge stage prod, typical of Lady Gaga extravagance.
The “Mayhem” show is a theatrical experience that brings Lady Gaga’s new album “Mayhem” to life. Killer choreography, a spectacular stage setup with multiple props and costume changes, and a night of singing, dancing, and fun, elevating the traditional concert format.
Mayhem show is an artistic masterpiece. This photo was taken when LG performed ‘Paparazzi’
Act 4. Best part of the show, IMO.
Lady Gaga in her raw form, just being her undecorated self, with her piano and a voice full of love.
The  world stood still when Lady Gaga sang ‘Shallow’.
‘Bad Romance’ as the finale number. The show lasted 2 hrs.
Full house 50,000 pax. And I am proud to be part of this assembly
MRT Station after the show.
On Full packed

Still on high whenever I recall moments from the Mayhem tour in Singapore, and seeing Lady Gaga  perform and actually connect with us, the audience. At some point, I stopped recording and just enjoyed her music and presence. Gaga has, and will always have a place in my heart.

Paws up, little monsters. 🖤❤👑🕶

See more concert snippets on my tiktok https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkha1sdX/

Cake Para Kay Mama

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Last minute gift for mother’s day? Have #FoodpandaPh deliver it for you.

🩵 Get up to P555 cashback on food delivery and grocery with the code: LOVEYOUMA . Promo code is usable til May 11,2025.

🧡 PandaPro members can use the code PROCB to receive 15% cashback on orders from your favorite restaurants/grocery.

Check your foodpanda app now!

#FoodpandaPh #davaobloggers #dbstheBest #LoveYouMa

BAMBOO BOOTCAMP BLOG

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Sharing random photos and memories from my short/crash course with Bamboo Bootcamp. Bamboo Bootcamp is a 10-days immersive workshop, exploring specific areas of interest in bamboo such as Propagation, Carpentry, Treatment, Design and Build. The bootcamp starts with lectures and discussions presented by various speakers in the field of bamboo farming, to usage of the material, as well as environmental impacts of this industry. On most days, we did hands-on works such as general construction, weaving (we made kalakat), as well as furniture design, which was my favourite part of the experience. The organizers are based in Davao City, but the workshop venue shall be set up at varying provinces in the Philippines, depending on the schedule and season. My batch was hosted at Bukidnon.

The bootcamp enrollment package is all inclusive; workshop, materials, tools (since we did our own carpentry works), food and lodging for 10 days + 1 rest day. On our rest day, we toured around private farms in the area that cultivates other agri-products like coffee and adlai/barley grain. I had a pretty good time during my stay, as the venue was set at a farmhouse surrounded by bamboo plantation, as well as fruits. Aside form the learning opportunity, I took this experience as a retreat, sort of a rest and time away from the hectic work schedule. Food was great, by the way. With buffet 3x daily, the extra kilograms cannot be denied. Course is open to anyone who is interested with the bamboo crafting. Design/construction background is not required, but is an advantage. Get in touch with Bamboo Bootcamp organization for schedules. Click Link here.

EL Salvador Blog

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“Parang Pinas lang,tih!” Yan gyud una ko naisip nung naglakad2x na ako around San Salvador City.

In a good way though, kase saktong kaulion napud ko ato na time. Running 30 days na ako sa travel, I needed something familiar and San Salvador gave me that. First thing, parang Pinas lang ilang main road. Parang Davao. Parang San Pedro Street to be precise, with Palengke sa dulo and Church naman sa kabila, with road repairs din, Ukay2x stores and BBQ kiosks everywhere. Tas yung mga sound system na stores, naga loop play ng Blackpink playlist. Oh di ba?

Here below features a karinderia-like set up along the street. oh diba parang Pinas lang? katulogon pa si Anteh.

Many of the food choices are also quite familiar, with obvious Hispanic influence. Madaming dishes na masarsa at ginisa. Afritada is a common thing, as well as chorizo. Compared sa Mexico na mas common ang tacos at corn tamales at bread/tortilla, mas ramdam ko ang rice supremacy dito sa Central America.

Never ako nagutom sa San Salvador (in fact, sa buong Latin America naman). Food is affordable.

They also have Leche Flan. lol

San Salvador also uses a Jeepney-like vehicle as mode of transportation. They call it chicken bus. If this is not your thing of transport, Uber app naman is reliable sa El Salvador.

More views around San Salvador, the Capital City of El Salvador.

The main cathedral of San Salvador City, opposite the National Palace and public park.

During my visit, San Salvador was busy doing retrofits and beautification of their colonial district, in preparation for the Miss Universe Pageant. This was from November 2023, during Michelle Dee’s time.

I didn’t get to see the girls though. Pero ramdam ko ang Miss Universe fever. The El Salvadoreans are soo into it.

Here’s something fun and new (at least para sa akin). They sell purified water on plastic pouches. Complete with brand and all. Plastic was quite tough to tear. More environmental? You tell me.

I’ve also noticed the adoration of El Salvadorean to their current President/First Family. Dun lang ako nakakita ng ref magnets with the face of President Nayib Bukele. Perhaps we can make something like this for BBM as well?

Pasalubong purchases. Dito ako sa San Salvador Namili ng most of the food that I can take back home. Mura Sa El Salvador. Presyong Pinas, in my opinion. They use USD as Currency so no need to exchange na din. I bought nuts, as well as lots of Tablea (Hot Choco). 1 Dollar lang eh.

I stayed in San Salvador for 3 nights. It was my last latin city stop before I headed back to the US. Supposedly may Guatemala pa, which is only 4 hours from San Salvador by bus. Kaso the time I went, nagkaroon ng people power o civil war of some sort. As advised by some friends, kinancel ko na ang Guatemala leg of the trip, and spent more days na lang in Los Angeles, which is up next.

Sapporo In My Mind

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Reminiscing my adventurous travel days in Sapporo (2018). 
✔️first  snowfall  experience
✔️temp. as low as -7 °.

My wanderlust soul is screaming to see Sapporo again this year. Hit me up if you wanna tag along.

Cebu Pacific Air NOW flies direct from Manila to Sapporo, thrice weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).🇯🇵⛩️🏯🗼

CEB’s Manila to Sapporo route is the airline’s longest narrow-body flight, operated by the 186-seat Airbus A320neo.

Manila-Sapporo takes 5 hours and 10 minutes, while the return is slightly longer at 5 hours and 55 minutes due to strong headwinds heading south.

𝐃𝐁𝐒 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 2024

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Here are some snapshots from our recently concluded Davao Bloggers Christmas gathering.

A big thanks to the organization’s partners – Cebu Pacific Air, Foodpanda Ph, Nustar Resort, PLDT Home, Starbucks, Metrobank, Barracks Barbers, Glow Authority and other guest brands for making this event memorable.

Most especially, warmest thanks to our lovely officers, headed by Pres. Gem Tadefa, for everything!

Here’s to more memories and celebrations together.

DBS members showcasing their unique take on modern Filipiniana fashion.
This year’s party is extra special, as I celebrate my 10th year with the Davao Bloggers Society.
With the DBS officers 2024
The traditional group photo.

Cheers! And to more Christmas memories with you. 😘

Milestones of 2024

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2024 has blessed me so many reasons to be thankful.

First of, my professional accomplishments. In 2024, I was able to fully bounce back at work in the field of Architecture, overcoming the minor downtime I experienced during pandemic years. Truly, God provides those who perseveres.

Next of, this fruitful year has rewarded me with two major milestones as a travel enthusiast. 2024 started with a good news, as my application to join the Circumnavigators Club has been duly accepted. The Circumnavigators Club is an international organization of travelers, founded 1902, with the headquarters based in New York City, USA. With the acceptance, I was among the applicants who were featured in The Log Magazine, Issue One of 2024. As of now, there are still certain steps for me to accomplish, to fully become an official member, hopefully before summer of 2025.

To be considered, one must have circumnavigated the globe, crossing every meridian of longitude in the same direction. I was able to achieve this during my month-long backpacking journey to the Americas last year. The Route: Manila > westwards to Riyadh,Saudi Arabia > New York,USA (East Coast) > Toronto,Canada > Cancun, Mexico > Cuzco,Peru > Rio de Janeiro,Brazil > Bogota,Colombia > Costa Rica > Nicaragua > Honduras > El Salvador > Los Angeles,USA (West Coast) > Singapore > return to Manila.

And to cap off this blessed year, my blog, Biyahe ni Josemanuel, has been recognized during the recent Davao Blog Awards 2024, as the Cebu Pacific Davao Blogger of the Year. Truly, this recognition is the cherry on top of my year and I am over the moon for this honor.

I started blogging the year 2013, sharing personal travel memories and experiences, as well as other defining moments in life that I consider milestones. Though with flaws and all, my blog has survived the years and remained steadfast along with my mother blog org, the Davao Bloggers Society (DBS). Today, we celebrate the 11th year of Biyahe ni Josemanuel, as well as my 10th-year membership with the DBS.

To the DBS organization, thank you so much for the recognition, and most especially, for keeping me under your wings since 2014. To all the sponsors of our DBS org, we are truly grateful for the support. And to enthusiasts and bloggers\vloggers I follow, who keep pushing boundaries in travel, thank you for the inspiration.

Cheers! To to more travel kwentos with you. 🩵🧡