On Tuesday, June 13, the hotel announced on social media that they are welcoming guests starting August 8.

“It’s time to light up Makati! We are delighted to welcome guests back to the iconic Makati Shangri-La, Manila from 8 August 2023,” reads the post, which comes with a video featuring the luxury hotel as it lights up at night. Makati Shangri-La also shared that guests can now book their stays at the hotel.

In January 2021, Makati Shangri-La announced that it would be laying off employees and closing temporarily.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the hotel took few to no room and event bookings, leading to cuts in managers’ salaries, work weeks, and non-essential spending. In February 2021, the luxury hotel closed down.

In April, job postings for Makati Shangri-La surfaced online, leading to speculation that the hotel would be reopening soon.

Makati Shangri-La was first opened to the public in April 1993, following the success of EDSA Shangri-La, which opened in 1992 and is the Shangri-La Group’s first hotel in the Philippines. More hotels have been established since then, including the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, Jen Manila by Shangri-La, and Shangri-La at The Fort.

Sitting at the heart of Makati’s Central Business District and just within an arm’s reach of malls like Greenbelt, Glorietta, and SM Makati, the Makati Shangri-La has been the go-to for tourists looking to explore the busy metro and experience five-star hospitality and dining.

Makati Shangri-La is located on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, Makati City. – Sophia Gonzaga/Rappler.com

Sophia Gonzaga is a Rappler intern.

Built on the western site of the beloved Toshimaen amusement park, which shut in 2020 after 94 years, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour Tokyo recreates a number of iconic film locations, such as Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic.

The location near the Japanese capital is ideal, especially as global tourism picks up after the COVID-19 pandemic, said Torben Jensen, vice president and general manager of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.

“Being the first tour in Asia and the increasing inbound visitors to Japan will also put us in the centre of the regional market,” Jensen told media during a tour of the park, saying it offered Asian fans a new dimension in Harry Potter movie-making.

Tickets for adults cost 6,300 yen ($45), and Jensen said they were sold out into August. – Rappler.com

If you’re planning to visit multiple provinces in one trip, you might want to consider visiting Leyte and Biliran. Leyte is home to interesting sites such as Kalanggaman Island, the MacArthur Memorial, and the San Juanico Bridge. On the other hand, Biliran still has the rural and pristine sheen of a destination waiting to be discovered. The province is also one of the smallest in the country. Despite its size, it has attractions that warrant your attention. 

It’s possible to visit both in one trip because of Leyte’s accessibility and Tacloban’s transportation options to towns in Biliran.

Get into Tacloban

You have the option to travel by plane or bus to reach Tacloban.

By plane

Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines all have regular direct flights to Tacloban from Manila. Book your tickets weeks or months before your trip to get the lowest possible prices.

By bus

You can also take the bus from Metro Manila to Tacloban. The trip may take up to around 23 hours per way. The fare costs up to P2,400 or less depending on the bus company and type of bus.

Get into Biliran

Biliran is easily accessible from Tacloban City. There are regular vans traveling between Tacloban in Leyte and Naval in Biliran. Look for Duptours terminal while in the city. The earliest scheduled van bound for Naval is around 6 am while the last one departs at around 5 pm. The fare for a one-way ride is around P330. The trip takes approximately 2.5 hours. 

Getting around

Like many provinces in the Philippines, both Leyte and Biliran provide you with multiple transportation options such as jeeps, tricycles, habal-habal (motorcycle taxi), boats, and vans. The amount you pay depends on your destination and if you want to hire the whole boat, motorcycle, or tricycle without waiting for other passengers.

Itinerary

*This itinerary assumes you start with one full day.

Day 1

You’re going to spend your first day traveling to Palompon, the gateway to Kalanggaman Island. Try to arrive in Tacloban before lunch so that you have more than enough time to catch the van bound for Palompon. Make your way to the van terminal and board whichever van is available. The fare for a one-way ride is around P280 and the trip takes approximately 3.5 hours. The first van departs at around 6 am while the last one leaves at 3 pm. Pick a flight revolving around this schedule. Once in Palompon, check in at your accommodation. 

Day 2

After checking out of your accommodation in the morning, make your way to the Palompon Eco Tourism Office to register for your trip to Kalanggaman Island. 

Fees for a trip to Kalanggaman Island:

Day Tours

• P500 – International tourists
• P150 – Local tourists

Overnight Trips

• P750 – International tourists
• P225 – Local tourists

*Senior citizens and students get a discount

Round-Trip Boat Rental

• P3,000 – for up to 15 persons
• P3,500 – for up to 25 persons
• P4,000 – for up to 30 persons

Cottage Rental

• P250 – Small (15 persons)
• P500 – Medium (25 persons)
• P750 – Large (30 persons)

*Fees may change without notice, check for updates in the tourism office.

Kalanggaman Island is a beautiful beach destination where you can just chill, swim, sunbathe, and eat and drink for a few hours. The beach has powdery, white sand and the water is crystal clear and blue. You can bring a volleyball or frisbee to pass the time. Try to start your trip as early as possible and be back at the van terminal before 3 pm to catch a ride to Tacloban City. The van fare to Tacloban is around P280. Once in the city again, check into your accommodation and find a place to eat dinner.

Day 3

On your third day, try to leave as early as possible for Naval, Biliran. The earliest van departs at around 6 am and the last one at around 3 pm. The trip takes around 2.5 hours one way and the fare for the van ride is around P150. You could look for Grand Tours, Duptours, or other van companies that ply the Tacloban-Naval route in the city. 

After arriving in Naval, leave your bags in your chosen accommodation if you can’t check in yet. Depending on the time of your arrival, grab brunch or lunch before exploring some parts of Biliran. Look for a habal-habal driver (motorcycle taxi) to take you to two of Biliran’s most popular waterfalls, Tinago and Ulan Ulan. The ride to both waterfalls is scenic with rice paddies, hills, and the countryside. Ulan Ulan Falls is a highlight of this trip in my opinion.

Day 4

Check out of your accommodation and prepare for your trip to Sambawan Island. After breakfast, make your way to Naval Port to catch the ferry bound for Maripipi Island that leaves at around 10 am. The fare is around P100 and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This boat is only available from Monday to Saturday. Upon arrival in Maripipi, buy some snacks, food, and drinks if you didn’t bring any with you. You can hire a habal-habal to take you to the port in Barangay Ol-og. At the port, you can charter a boat to Sambawan Island for up to P1,000+++ depending on the size of your group. Get the contact number of your boatman so that you could hire him again for your return trip to Maripipi. 

Sambawan Island is an underrated destination. The pristine beach and fetching views from the viewing platform make the trip worth it. The usual activities on the island include swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, frisbee, and others. You have the option to spend the night on the island or return to Maripipi. You can rent one of the cottages on the island or pitch a tent for a fee. 

Fees:

• P100 – Sambawan Island day trip
• P200 – Sambawan Island overnight stay
• P1,500 – Cottage for up to 6 people
• P2,500 – Cottage for up to 15 people 

*Fees may change without notice.

Day 5

You have a couple of options to get back to Naval before going back to Tacloban:

• If you spend the night on the island, look for other passengers to share a boat directly to Kawayan. Boats cost up to P3,000+++ depending on the size of the boat and number of passengers. From Kawayan, you can board a jeep or hire a habal-habal to Naval.
• If you don’t spend the night on the island, check out of your accommodation in Maripipi early and catch the boat traveling to Naval at around 4:30 am. The fare is around P100. This boat is only available from Monday to Saturday. 

Once in Naval, you can head straight to the van terminal or grab something to eat first. When you’re ready, board a van bound for Tacloban. 

You have the option to spend another night in Tacloban before your flight to Manila or to book an evening flight so that you have at least one more day to see some attractions accessible from the city. 

If you booked one more night in Tacloban, make your way to your accommodation and leave your things. Catch a ride bound for Samar such as Calbayog, Catbalogan, or Basey. Tell the driver that you’d like to alight at San Juanico Bridge. The bridge connects two provinces, Samar and Leyte. It took around four years to finish construction of the bridge from 1969 to 1973. If you want to take pictures, make sure you get down at either end of the bridge because the driver won’t stop at any other point. After visiting the San Juanico Bridge, eat lunch before boarding a jeep or multi-cab bound for Palo. In Palo, you’ll get to visit the Palo Cathedral and the famous MacArthur Landing Memorial. Spend the rest of the day resting in your accommodation or for your evening flight.

Day 6

If your flight isn’t too early or if you didn’t leave the day before, do some last-minute souvenir shopping (as long as it’s within your budget).

How much will you spend?

A budget of around P10,000 each for at least two people traveling together for six days covers the itinerary above, shared accommodation, food (budget meals), transportation, fees, tours, and boat rides. This doesn’t include flights or overnight buses to Tacloban and back to Metro Manila. You can save some money by sharing boat rides with other people since this will be your biggest expense. Reduce food expenses by eating budget meals from restaurants, fast food chains, or a local eatery. If you just want to add another province on your travel bucket list or reduce your spending even more, you can remove a few days from the itinerary and just visit a few spots in both Leyte and Biliran. – Rappler.com

Joshua Berida is a writer who loves to travel. He blogs at www.thewanderingjuan.net. 

But you don’t have to be a thrill-seeking, outdoorsy type to enjoy what Bohol has to offer. Its natural beauty is so far-reaching, that you can access it wherever you are in the province – whether you’re snorkelling in the sea, driving from one spot to another, or enjoying sunset cocktails from your hotel rooftop bar.

Here are a few tourist-friendly things you can do to enjoy the nature that has earned Bohol its global geopark status – no adrenaline or outdoor skills required:

Go snorkelling at Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island, off the coast of Panglao, Bohol, has a white sand beach and a rich marine sanctuary where people can see bright corals, colorful fishes, and massive sea turtles. Along with Panglao and Pamilacan Island, Balicasag forms the Bohol Marine Triangle, whose waters are home to thriving marine life – from hundreds of coral species, to marine mammals, even manta rays and whale sharks – so you can imagine just how lively the island’s waters are.

You don’t even need to know how to swim. Guides will paddle you on a small boat to the snorkeling sites, where you can jump right into the action while staying afloat with your life vest. Balicasag’s tour guides are trained by the Department of Tourism in basic first aid and rescue – and they make sure to keep an extra eye on tourists who need help in the water, so you know you’re safe.

Be wowed by the Loon Coral Garden

This up-and-coming tourist spot in Western Bohol is evidence of just how deep the impact of a natural phenomenon can be. Officially known as the Loon Coastal Geomorphic Conservation Park, this spot was once submerged but is now completely dry terrain after it was raised following the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol in 2013.

The area features stunning carpets of unique sea purslane – fiery red in the summer, and green in the rainy season. Instagram-worthy for sure, but even more stunning in real life.

Relax at Alona Beach

A lot of locals say this is Bohol’s version of Boracay due to its white sand and clear waters, but really, the 1.5-kilometer beach has its own unique charm. Lined with cafes and dive resorts and stalls offering beach massages and hair braiding, Alona is the perfect place to chill and hang out while fully basking in the sea breeze and view of the ocean.

The pigeons and beach dogs freely roaming about add a rawness to the otherwise highly-commercial space. There’s an option for being active thanks to the availability of glass bottom boat and paddle board rentals (and of course, it’s also a jump-off point for scuba divers).

See the fireflies at Abatan River

Loboc River is perhaps Bohol’s most famous waterway, but the Abatan River is just as beautiful. Home to some 32 mangrove species, it’s beautiful to see whatever time of day, but especially at night, when the fireflies put on quite the light show.

The river tour lasts one hour, and you can take either a kayak or a traditional bandong boat, which has wooden chairs and a nipa roof.

Explore the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

Located in Bohol’s Candijay region, these rice terraces are a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from the Panglao tourist area, but it should be worth it, if only for the bright green views of the rice paddies. With a lower elevation, exploring the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces shouldn’t take more than an easy trek, though you can of course go higher if you want a more panoramic vista.

If you find it in you to do a little bit more of a trek, the Can-Umantad Falls is in the vicinity. It’s just 15 minutes away on foot, though quite a steep hike to get there. – Rappler.com

This story is produced through Solea Coast Panglao’s media familiarization tour to Bohol.

The inflatable yellow ducks, 18 meters (59 feet) high, will sail on the harbor for two weeks and come a decade after Hofman’s “Rubber Duck” sculpture drew crowds in the Asian financial hub in 2013.

Hofman said his pair of ducks represent “twice the fun, double the happiness” and bring new excitement to Hong Kong.

“I hope it will bring as much pleasure as it did in the past and in a world where we suffered from a pandemic, wars and political situation, I think it’s the right moment to bring back the double luck.”

Curator AllRightsReserved (ARR) said the ducks were like the symmetrical Chinese characters “xi” for happiness and “peng” for friends.

Hofman, who was inspired by a world map and rubber duck to create his giant inflatable rubber duck installation, began a world tour starting from the Netherlands in 2007, making stops in harbors from France to Brazil.

Stationed near Hong Kong’s central district and Tamar Park, the ducks swam across Victoria Harbour to the delight of dozens of bystanders.

Anna, a 40-year old woman, who was walking the promenade said she enjoyed seeing the ducks.

“We would like more installation art like the rubber ducks in Hong Kong. Right now there isn’t much space for art in Hong Kong if we compare it to Macau or Shenzhen, they have more art installations.”

A 40-year-old engineer named Kane said the ducks were positive for Hong Kong. “It’s a silver lining when the society is in such low spirits. It’s better the government to spend public money on this than on other areas.” – Rappler.com

We’ve explored tourist attractions a few hours away from Seoul – Nami Island, Italian Village, and Petite France in Gapyeong-gun. Check out this video and add these to your Korean itinerary! – Rappler.com

#ShareAsia highlights the best and most sought-after experiences in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s a content and resource hub for tourists and locals alike seeking new, exciting experiences in the region.

Here are some of the food we partook of during our South Korean sojourn! – Rappler.com

#ShareAsia highlights the best and most sought-after experiences in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s a content and resource hub for tourists and locals alike seeking new, exciting experiences in the region.

In this video, join us as we explore Busan’s picturesque beaches and culture-rich heritage centers – a must in your Korea itinerary!

Featured locations:
– Taejongdae (Yeongdo Lighthouse)
– Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
– Gamcheon Culture Village
– Songdo Beach

– Rappler.com

#ShareAsia highlights the best and most sought-after experiences in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s a content and resource hub for tourists and locals alike seeking new, exciting experiences in the region.

In this video, join us as we stroll the streets of Seoul and discover the wonders the city holds – from ritzy libraries to colorful back alleys. – Rappler.com

#ShareAsia highlights the best and most sought-after experiences in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s a content and resource hub for tourists and locals alike seeking new, exciting experiences in the region.

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, a 60-year-old tobacco processing estate was converted into a tourist destination that conserves the area while promoting sustainable tourism.

Kaomai Estate 1955 includes a museum, a cafe, a tea house, and a restaurant – all designed and converted from what used to be the estate’s tobacco drying barns. The place caters to tourists interested in its lush surroundings and architectural and natural heritage.

The estate received the 2018 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation under the New Design in Heritage Contexts category.

Check out what Kaomai Estate 1955 has to offer in this short video. – Rappler.com

#ShareAsia highlights the best and most sought-after experiences in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s a content and resource hub for tourists and locals alike seeking new, exciting experiences in the region.