Kid-Friendly Outdoor Spaces in Metro Manila and Nearby Provinces if You’re Wary to Go to Malls

Conrad Manila is taking self-care to a higher frequency, introducing the Philippines to ISUN Skincare for the very first time. 

ISUN is now exclusively available at Conrad Spa Manila’s premier luxury spa. Crafted with gemstone-infused oils, wildcrafted botanicals, and a deep respect for indigenous communities and the planet, ISUN perfectly aligns with Conrad’s sustainability mission.  

Indulge in a suite of spa treatments designed to nourish your whole being. Among the highlights of the new menu is Transcend, a 90-minute-deep relaxation massage that blends gemstone-charged oils with aromatherapy to align your energy and bring you into a soothing restorative calm.

Try their Elevate Facial, a 90-minute treatment that employs ancient gua sha techniques to lift, tone, and revitalize skin while enhancing inner and outer glow.

If you’re after pure bliss, the 30-minute Ormus Bath treatment lets you soak in a mineral-rich, aromatic bath ritual that grounds the senses and refreshes the spirit, perfect as a prelude or finale to any treatment. 

Whether you're in the mood for a one-time treat or want to build your own personalized wellness journey, Conrad Manila’s new ISUN-powered spa menu is your go-to for feeling good inside and out.

For more information, visit Conrad Manila on their website, Instagram and Facebook. 

Location: 4F, Seaside Boulevard Corner, Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex Pasay City

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 10 PM

Commuters and cashless payment enthusiasts, rejoice! 

Visa contactless payments are now live at MRT-3 stations, giving over 350,000 daily commuters a faster and more secure way to pay—no more fumbling through your pockets for cash or queuing long lines for tickets! 

Since its start on July 25, 2025, passengers can simply tap their Visa credit, debit, or prepaid card, or any Visa-enabled mobile device, directly at the turnstiles. This new feature is part of Visa’s continued support for open-loop transit systems in the Philippines, in partnership with GCash and the Department of Transportation. 

“We’re proud to bring Visa contactless payments to MRT-3 and help modernize everyday commuting for millions of Filipinos,” said Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines. “This marks a significant step in building a more connected, cashless future for public transport in the Philippines. Through our partnership with the Department of Transportation and GCash, we’re enabling faster, safer, and more seamless journeys for commuters across Metro Manila.” 

This move seeks to improve commuting experiences for more than 350,000 Filipinos who take the rail line every day. It’s a step forward in modernizing public transport and improving everyday commutes—one tap at a time. 

For more information, visit the Visa Inc. Philippines website, and follow their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages. 

Once a bustling U.S. Air Force Base, Clark Freeport Zone has rewritten its story as one of renewal and quiet luxury. Now a pulsing heart for businesspeople, friends, families, and wellness seekers alike, this zone in Pampanga is a place where history and modernity intertwine and complement each other more with each passing year. 

As Clark cements its place as a rising tourist destination, a new wave of restaurants, attractions, and lifestyle spots continues to sweep across the area. The renowned Clark International Airport (CRK), recognized worldwide as one of the world’s most beautiful airports, stands as a symbol of the region’s steady path to urban sophistication. 

Known for weaving history and modern charm together, Clark offers plenty of things to do while you’re in town. From the therapeutic Puning Hot Spring and the rich cultural heritage of Nayong Pilipino Clark to the thrill of Dinosaur Island, Aqua Planet, and the Clark Safari and Adventure Park — there’s sure to be something for every kind of traveler. Add some local gems like the El Kabayo Riding Stables, the Clark Museum, and the Mimosa Plus Golf Course, and you’ve got a dynamic and diverse destination. 

And to make the most of all the attractions in town, hotels are always your best bet for a comfortable rest after a long day. 

Tucked within the heart of Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City is Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, a quaint yet striking presence in the heart of this flourishing zone. Framed by idyllic countryside and sweeping views of the mountains, this hotel marries business functionality with the ease of a leisure retreat, creating a space that feels elevated and grounded.

Located about two hours away from Metro Manila, and a quick 14-minute drive from Clark International Airport, Quest Plus Conference Center Clark is both close enough for convenience, yet far enough to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Perfectly placed within the Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City, the hotel offers easy access to the area’s top attractions, making it the ideal base for your next Clark adventure. 

Whether you’re planning a relaxing escape with friends, a bonding staycation with family, or just a well-deserved solo adventure, Quest Plus Clark delivers the best with its welcoming amenities, fresh countryside, amazing food and beverage options, and a wonderful lineup of events. 

For those mixing business and leisure, or “bleisure” for short, Quest Plus Clark also shines with its professional meeting venues and easy access to corporate spaces within the Filinvest Mimosa+ complex.  

With all that in mind, we’d love to bring you in on our experience of staying at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark for a night. 

Our Stay at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark

A week before our stay at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, the hotel made check-in seamless with a smooth pre-registration process. We received a link that let us generate a QR code for the Express Check-In /Check-Out machines in the lobby — super convenient, too!

Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, the machines were out of service (tough luck!). Still, the check-in process was as quick and easy, thanks to the friendly and accommodating staff who stepped in right away and made us feel at home. 

Another thing to mention was Quest Plus Conference Clark’s incredible hospitality and service. A standout is their free shuttle service to different places close to the hotel — including a service to and from their parking spaces, even if it was just close to the hotel lobby!

We stayed in a Deluxe Room, which welcomed us with cozy and charming interiors that immediately felt inviting. The 22 sqm room didn’t feel too tight, especially with the large rooms that opened to views of the swimming pool and let in a soft stream of natural light in the room. The windows also had wood sliding shutters that perfectly blocked out sunlight and gave a sense of privacy and security. 

At the center of the room was a plush, queen-sized bed that’s complemented by a comfy sofa bed on the side — perfect for lounging, especially if you’re the type who avoids sitting on the bed in “outside clothes.” The bathroom was aptly sized with all the essentials laid out. We did wish it had a bidet, but for a one-night stay, it was more than enough.

Across the bed is a small workspace, ideal for catching up on emails or last-minute meetings if you’re on a business trip. The wardrobe also had enough space to hang your outfits, with a little bit of space to spare for other things. 

Quest Plus Conference Center Clark’s Amenities and Facilities

Quest Hotels and Resorts is known for their curated experiences and little pleasures that fuel “Your Quest For Life.” At Quest Plus Clark, that philosophy comes to life through their warm, inviting spaces that balance comfort and functionality with ease. 

And of course, it won’t be a hotel stay well-spent if you don’t try at least some of their amenities!

We took a quick stroll around the hotel to explore the amenities before trying them out ourselves. From our room, we spotted the pool area — and to our surprise (and delight), it had foam machines running every few minutes during the day. Swimming suddenly looked less like an Olympic sport and more like a fun, mini party for kids and kids-at-heart.

We did stop by for a short swim at night, and it was still a great experience even without the foam machines. One side of the pool had a volleyball net and some rubber balls, where people could play while wading in the water. The pool wasn’t that deep either, with the kids’ pool going as deep as 2 feet, and the adults’ pool going for about 5 feet.

People could also enjoy some food and drinks by the poolside too, which is great if you’re only there for the vibes and a quick yap session with your friends. 

Next stop: the Equinox Fitness Center, located on the ground floor. And honestly? It was enormous for a hotel gym. Equipped with top-of-the-line gear, it had everything from barbell zones and free weights to a solid cardio section and machines for resistance and functional training. There’s even a private studio space for stretching, yoga, pilates — everything. 

And if you’re someone who has to get a workout even while on staycation (a.k.a. us), this gym is chef’s kiss. Truly the best we’ve seen in a local hotel. 

Quest Plus Clark is conveniently found right across the iconic Mimosa Plus Golf Course, home to two 18-hole courses designed for both seasoned players and casual golfers alike. The destination was hailed as the “Philippines’ Best Golf Course” in the 2024 World Golf Awards — while Quest Plus Clark also bagged the title of “Philippines’ Best Golf Hotel” in the same list. 

To our dismay, we didn’t get the chance to visit the course this time, but that just gives us more reasons to come back!

In-Room Dining and the Breakfast Buffet at Mequeni Live

A hotel stay is never complete without sampling their in-house food and beverage offerings. For us, we started off with their In-Room Dining because what’s better than poolside lounging followed by food in bed, right?

Fresh from our dip in the pool, we decided to go for a treat. Scanning the menu, the 6oz Angus Beef Burger and Pepperoni and Parmesan Pizza instantly caught our attention. With just one quick phone call, our cravings were on their way. 

In about 20 to 30 minutes, our food arrived — warm and incredibly appetizing. It’s the kind of comfort meal that definitely hits different when you’re cozied up in a bathrobe in a warmly lit room. 

The serving size was perfect for two people, with the Angus beef burger cooked to medium well perfection and a side of Fries for a crunch. The Pepperoni and Parmesan Pizza was seasoned well, too.

In short, we loved it. The flavors were right on the money, and the convenience of it all was great. That said, we do wish the In-Room Dining Menu offered a bit more variety. Including some of the hotel’s signature dishes would be a great touch, giving guests the chance to experience the best of Quest Plus’ F&B offerings without having to leave the comfort of their room. 

The next morning, it was time to try out the Breakfast Buffet at Mequeni Live, Quest Plus Clark’s in-house all-day buffet. Just by the entrance, Mequeni Live had a guide that detailed their slow and peak hours to give diners a tip on when to drop by. 

After a quick workout at the Equinox Fitness Center, we headed straight to the buffet — rolling in just before 9:30 AM — and found the restaurant still busy with diners. Inside, the space was glowing with warm yellow lighting, accented by the inviting shades of brown, beige, and white. The interiors were modern and sleek, giving the feel of understated elegance that made breakfast a little more elevated than your usual one. 

The layout was interesting too: we were greeted first by the dessert and sweets section (which included a Filipino kakanin section!), while the rest of the buffet stations were set on a slightly elevated floor. Despite this tiered setup, the flow was still easy to navigate through and was without the awkward shuffling. 

The spread itself was generous and mouth-watering, with classic Western options like bacon, eggs, sausages, and hashbrowns, alongside Filipino favorites like longganisa, tuyo, corned beef, and more. There were also some Chinese comfort foods, a noodle station, soup station, and more — there was something for every kind of breakfast person.

Of course, we didn’t miss out on trying out famous Kapampangan viands such as the Chorizo and Chicken Tocino. Our take? We wish the Chicken Tocino had a bit more flavor and could have been cooked a bit more, though that just might be our preference talking. 

The breakfast was absolutely filling, and if we had some more space in our stomachs, we could have come back for seconds. 

Check Out Thoughts

Now for the final verdict: would we choose to stay at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark again? 10s across the board, yes!

Quest Plus Conference Center Clark is a must-visit whenever you’re at Clark; it’s the perfect place for a fun staycation if you’re looking to take a break from Metro Manila. From the charmingly decorated rooms, the amazing amenities, and the incredibly satisfying food at the In-Room Dining and at Mequeni Live, it hit all our must-haves for our stay.

Beyond the hotel’s comfort and service, Quest Plus Clark’s thoughtful sustainability efforts also deserve a shout-out. For one thing, the hotel has phased out the use of single-use plastics, opting for more eco-conscious alternatives such as providing a glass pitcher in every room and water refilling stations on every floor. 

That was something we really appreciated during our stay at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, and it is one thing hotels could also do to be more mindful of our environmental impact.  

If you’re looking for an amazing stay at Clark, then Quest Plus Conference Clark is the hotel you should stay in. 

Book your stay at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark via their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more details. For more questions, you may email them at [email protected].

Location: Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, Mimosa Drive, Filinvest Mimosa + Leisure Estate, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023 

This season, Cathay Pacific invites travelers and Cathay members to experience an elevated economy travel with a limited-time offer of USD$120 off Economy Class flights to destinations worldwide. Travelers can enjoy this offer when they book before July 22, 2025, using the discount code BESTECONPH. This special discount applies to all destinations beyond Hong Kong except Seoul, Nagoya, Perth, and Dallas, for travel between Sept.15, 2025, and Mar. 31, 2026. A minimum of two people per booking is required to secure this offer. 

Known for their comfort-first cabins, elevated in-flight dining, and thoughtful service, Cathay Pacific makes long-haul travels feel smooth — whether you’re flying across Asia, heading to Europe, or exploring new destinations. Now, your next adventure can feel even more rewarding! 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Discount Code: BESTECONPH
• Offer: USD$120 off per booking (minimum 2 travelers)
• Departing From: Manila or Cebu
• Destinations: Worldwide via Hong Kong – except Seoul, Nagoya, Perth, and Dallas
• Booking Period: By July 22, 2025, or until tickets are sold out (whichever is earlier)
• Travel Period: From Sept. 15 2025 until Mar. 31, 2026
• Trip Type: Round-trip
• Cabin Class: Economy
• Exclusivity: Available only to Cathay members. Non-members may sign up here.

Book your flights and experience the World’s Best Economy Class here. For more information and updates, visit Cathay Pacific’s website here. Follow Cathay Pacific on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Some good news for student commuters! You can now get a half-price fare discount at MRT-3 and LRT-2’s dedicated student lanes. 

Last month, it was announced that the student fare discount across all railways will be raised from 20% to 50%, and will be effective until 2028. However, it’s only available for single-journey tickets, so students are still required to line up at the booths to claim the fare reduction. 

Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., student lanes will now be in place at MRT-3 and LRT-2 line stations to eliminate queuing and avoid inconveniencing passengers.

“Kabilin-bilinan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na paginhawain natin ang buhay ng mga komyuter. Dapat hindi rin natin pahirapan ang pag-verify ng student discounts para walang pila at mabilis ang daloy ng mga student passengers para hindi sila ma-late sa kanilang eskwelahan (President Bongbong Marcos has ordered to make the lives of our commuters easier. We shouldn’t make verification difficult for student discounts, so the flow of passengers will be more efficient and students won’t be late for school),” said Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

On the other hand, the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), which operates the LRT-1 line, will be implementing queuing systems instead to manage passenger flow and minimize delays for students availing the fare reduction. 

Hopefully, this new queuing system will make commuting easier for students and improve overall efficiency across all railway stations in Metro Manila. 

For updates, follow the Department of Transportation on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.