Manila's Unsung Art Havens: Underrated Museums You Should Visit

Pasay City is known for being the world’s gateway to the Philippine Islands, due to its close proximity to the country’s main airport. Also known as “The Travel City,” Pasay City is home to some of the Philippines’ most iconic tourist spots, such as the SM Mall of Asia, Newport World Resorts, Star City, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and the Manila Baywalk. 

Hotels in the area are usually the best choice if you want to be anywhere in the blink of an eye while remaining at arm’s length from comfort. With numerous tourist spots within reach, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport just 26 minutes away, there must be one that offers both leisure and relaxation.

The Lime Resort Manila aims to be just that – a sweet escape from the bustling city while still being close to all the fun. With a popular nightlife spot just a stone’s throw away from the property, this hotel’s wonderful amenities will also have you wanting to spend more time indoors, too! 

This hotel is a wonderful choice for a staycation, with a bay-side view and a wonderful sunset to remind you how beautiful life can be. Plus, this hotel also guarantees a “limelife” experience – complete with wellness programs, luxurious amenities, and cool events – that’ll make you want to stay for one more night. Or two. 

Our Stay at The Lime Resort Manila

Checking into the hotel was a breeze, most especially with the friendly and accommodating staff. We were even treated with a cucumber lemon iced tea as our welcome drink, which made the wait (although there was hardly any) a bit more refreshing!

We’re going to be honest – walking into the Premium King Bayview Suite felt like a “Mom, I made it!” moment. The 62 sqm room felt spacious, with the large windows letting the sunlight pour into nearly every corner of the room. 

 The room felt incredibly inviting; with a plush, king-sized bed sitting right in the center, perfectly situated to soak in incredible views of Manila Bay. This was the highlight of the room too. Wide, tall, and dramatic, these framed the Manila Bay beautifully, making this the jewel of the crown of your stay. 

The bathroom was impressive. We’re talking about a rainfall shower, all the necessities laid out, a hairdryer, towels, bathrobes, and even a free-standing bathtub that’s probably big enough for two. 

Tucked behind the king-sized bed was a thoughtfully placed workspace — secluded enough to keep distractions at bay, but still within reach of comfort. The wardrobe was also just the right size to keep all your fits and then some. 

While checking out the room, we found a surprising number of light switches tucked in some parts around the room. But what surprised us the most was a sleek tablet on the right bedside table that acted as a master switch for the room’s lighting — and a few other smart features too. Super convenient. 

That said, the view of Manila Bay could have been immaculate and utterly breathtaking, if it weren’t for the ongoing land reclamation projects creeping into the frame. From the terrace, the view was totally obstructed by landfills, taking away the magic of the bay view. 

Of course, we know that’s beyond the hotel’s control, but it’s something we felt worth mentioning. The suite delivers luxury in the city, but sadly, not even the windows can shield it from the reality that lies beyond the hotel. Still, you can just close your eyes, relax in the tub or allow yourself to be enveloped by the soft, comfortable bed and let the rest of the world fade away — not a bad plan, if we say so ourselves.

Comfortable Buffet Dining at the Bayside Buffet

Whenever you’re checking into a hotel, dining at their in-house restaurant is a must — it sets the tone, the vibe, and can round up your entire stay.

The Bayside Buffet at The Lime Resort Manila was just that — a perfect beginning to a wonderful stay, delivering a solid spread without the overwhelming feeling at other buffet restaurants. 

Just by the entrance, the Bayside Buffet had a poster detailing their slow and peak hours as a tip to seasoned diners. We opted to pop into the buffet at 6 PM, just as the doors opened, and the timing was just perfect. No crowds, no lines, just a wide array of food waiting to be devoured. 

Inside, we were greeted by a beautifully decorated interior with shades of brown, beige, and gold in every corner. The chandeliers added a little extra to it, but of course, we were there for the food, not the decorations. 

Still, as the people often say: the eyes eat first. And ours were already feasting. 

The layout was a breeze to navigate, no awkward shuffling or crowded stations in sight. Their spread also had a little something for everyone, from Filipino favorites, Japanese teppanyaki and fried favorites, Chinese comfort food, Italian pasta (with three sauces made to order!), and classic Western picks for that global touch. Plus, the bread, salad, and dessert stations were a beauty to look at — with so many options to choose from. 

To top it all off? Some dishes could even be made fresh upon request — such as roast beef on the weekends, hot-pot style shabu-shabu, and even sashimi! 

Everything was served warm, flavorful, and hit the right spots. Our personal favorites from the dinner buffet were the pesto pasta, the lechon kawali, the Japanese teppanyaki, and the ice cream! By 8 PM, we were full, happy, and very much ready to walk around and do some hotel exploring. 

The next morning, the breakfast buffet was a pleasant start to the day — warm, welcoming, and filled with breakfast food from the same cuisines we mentioned earlier. From fluffy eggs and pancakes, to savory fried rice and other viands, there was something for every kind of breakfast person. 

However, if you were scanning the selection with bacon in mind (like we were), you might be a little let down. A small heartbreak, but it didn’t really affect our morning. 

The Lime Resort Manila’s Amenities and Facilities

Is it really a hotel stay well-spent if you didn’t make use of all its amenities and squeeze every drop out of the experience?

Right after dinner, we explored to see what else The Lime Resort Manila had to offer. Our first stop was the Sky Lounge Bar, perched at the very top of the hotel. Yes, the air was too hot to bear, but honestly, with the city lights twinkling below and the chill music setting the tone for the night, did that matter? 

The Sky Lounge Bar is the place to be if you’re looking for a place for laidback nights and deep talks under the moonlight. 

Next up: the pool. We know what you’re thinking — swimming after eating? Definitely not the best idea, but sometimes you have to let some things slide if you’re going to make the most out of your stay. The rooftop infinity pool was stunning, especially when paired with the view of the bay at night. Whether you’re craving for a quick soak, a place to unwind, or a new place for a debriefing session with your friends, the pool (and the Sky Lounge) is a whole mood to consider. 

Before turning in for the night, we had to squeeze in a little gym session. The in-house gym on the 10th floor was modest, but solid. Think: the basic machines — enough for a full upper or lower body workout. A couple of treadmills, an indoor cycling machine, two benches, a full set of dumbbells, and a barbell zone. It may be simple, but if it gets the job done, then you’re all good! 

If there’s one thing we missed out on during our stay, it’s the spa. Located on the 8th floor, The Lime Resort Manila’s in-house spa had several services to choose from such as their signature massage, Ventosa, and more. They also offered packages that mixed some of their services for a price. 

Check Out Thoughts

Now, for the million-dollar question, would we stay here again? 

Definitely. 

The Lime Resort Manila is perfect for your getaways from the city; the perfect sweet spot between city escapes and staycation luxury. From the chic, well-decorated rooms, to the satisfying buffet spread at the Bayside Buffet, it checked all the boxes in our list. It’s one of those places that makes staying in just as exciting as going out.

With Entertainment City and Aseana City just a stone’s throw away, you’d probably think of exploring. But honestly? The hotel is already more than enough — the views, the vibes, and the amenities are already a highlight in our books. 

Thinking of going but worrying about your furry friends at home? Not to worry, because The Lime Resort Manila is pet-friendly! For only P800 (Standard and Deluxe Twin Rooms) and P1200 (Higher Room Category), you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy a luxurious experience. They also have an in-house Pet Hotel open from 3 to 12PM daily where you can leave your beloved pets without stress. Prices start from P600 (Small Pets), P700 (Medium Pets), and P900 (Large Pets). 

The hotel also offers parking, with spaces available outside and on the 4th floor. 

Book your stay at The Lime Resort Manila via their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more details. For more questions, you may email them at [email protected]!

Location: Lime Resort Manila, Atang Dela Rama Street, Seascape Village, Pasay City 1709

While we’re still in the middle of the summer season in the Philippines, there’s still plenty of time to sneak in a beach trip or two. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to get that dose of vitamin sea, two Philippine beaches were voted 2nd and 38th in the World’s 50 Best Beaches list!

Palawan’s Entalula Beach in El Nido is the second-best beach in the world according to travel professionals, having risen two spots from last year’s rankings and placing right after Italy’s Cala Goloritzé. Entalula Beach was described as “Palawan’s overlooked slice of heaven” and praised for its seclusion, stunning limestone cliffs, and clear waters. 

Kelly Carrio, a French video creator, also gave praises to the gorgeous destination, calling it, “Pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs that create a stunning, secluded paradise.”

Entalula Beach is the perfect getaway if you want to avoid the crowds, as it’s less frequented than the more popular destinations in Palawan, giving visitors a chance to truly immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, the island is only accessible by boat, which adds an element of adventure and exclusivity to your visit.  

Meanwhile, Romblon’s Bon Bon Beach also gets a spot at #38 with its unique sandbar that stretches out to Bangug Island. Beach Ambassadors described it as “a laid-back paradise with a serene and unspoiled charm.” The sandbar is visible during low tide and is quite easy to enter with its shallow, calm waters and sandy bottom. The sand is powder white, and the waters are crystal clear, giving beachgoers the best swimming conditions, minus the turbulent waves. 

Bon Bon Beach is also one of the lesser-known destinations in the country, so it makes for a peaceful retreat. In some seasons, you might even get this strip of sand all to yourself!

Other beaches that made it into the Top 5 are Thailand’s Bang Bao Beach (No. 3), Greece’s Fteri Beach (No. 4), and PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia (No. 5). The 50 World’s Best Beaches is voted by 1,000 of the world’s most experienced travel professionals (Beach Ambassadors) and are based on a specific set of criteria such as how unique it is, chances of encountering wildlife, and if the beach is in its pristine and untouched state. Established in 2023, the list hopes to spread the story of nature’s most stunning setting and provide inspiration for your next beach trip.

For the complete 2025 listing, click here. 

Stay tuned on The World's 50 Best Beaches on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates. 

Luxury wellness retreat The Farm at San Benito is the first resort in the Philippines to be under Marriott International’s The Autograph Collection.

This announcement was made on Apr. 30, 2025, following Marriott International Inc. and CG Hospitality’s signed agreement. The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection is expected to welcome guests towards the end of Q3 this year. 

The Autograph Collection by Marriott International includes over 100 upscale to luxury hotels worldwide, with its Asian portfolio including the Hotel Muse in Bangkok, the Maxwell Reserve Singapore, and The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

With its brand promising “Exactly Like Nothing Else,” the brand is known for its curated collection of boutique hotels, with each chosen for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality that offer rich and immersive moments for their guests. 

The Autograph Collection is categorized into four curated experiences: Beachside Getaways, Rich with History, Hidden Gems, and Centered in the Arts. 

The Farm at San Benito is the first wellness-focused property in the Autograph Collection, falling under the categories “Beachside Getaways” and “Hidden Gems.” 

“We’re excited to collaborate with CG Hospitality on the debut of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection brand in the Philippines — a milestone that expands our footprint in this vibrant market,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

“With wellness emerging as a key driver of travel decisions, this is a timely and strategic entry for us. The Philippines, with its rich natural beauty and growing reputation as a rejuvenating destination, offers the ideal setting for the Autograph Collection and underscores our continued commitment to bringing differentiated experiences to new markets across the region.”

The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection is a wellness retreat rooted in transformation and personal growth. The property’s philosophy is centered on nurturing personal growth through holistic care — where nutrition, movement, integrated medicine, and mindful living converge to support each guest’s evolving journey towards long-term well-being. 

Located in Lipa, Batangas City, the property is a 90-minute drive from Metro Manila, featuring one-bedroom villas and exclusive two and four-bedroom private pool villas. Upon its relaunch, the resort will feature a swimming pool with a bar, a fully equipped fitness center, a tranquil spa, and a medical wellness center — setting a benchmark for next-generation wellness hospitality in the region. 

Guests can also look forward to a curated culinary journey across five dining venues, the lobby lounge, and two additional bars. 

Offering convenience for both leisure and corporate guests, The Farm at San Benito meets the rising demand for restorative escapes from Manila and beyond. The resort is also near cultural and recreational attractions such as “Little Rome of the Philippines,” the Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club, and Casa de Segunda, a preserved 19th-century heritage home. 

You may visit The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection on their website here. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information. Book your stay here.

Location: The Farm at San Benito, 119 Barangay Tipacan 4217 Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines

Celebrate the woman who sheds light into our homes by giving her the ultimate special treatment at Solaire Resort Entertainment City.  

This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to a special weekend filled with relaxing stays, lavish brunches, and luxurious spa treatments. Solaire Resort invites you to make your mom feel like a queen by availing some of their special offers, such as booking a Sky Studio room using the Weekend Family Fun offer, which includes a complimentary buffet breakfast at Fresh for two adults and two kids up to 12 years old. By booking a stay, you can also enjoy P2,000 worth of F&B credits at the Pool Bar, and treat mom to a Solaire Signature massage or a soothing facial that will surely make her feel refreshed and relaxed throughout her stay.

Exciting Dining Offers

One thing to love about Solaire Resort is their wide range of culinary delights that satisfy every craving. Make the most of your indulgent stay by starting with a delightful afternoon tea session with mom at Oasis Garden Café, where you can enjoy an assortment of sweet and savory delights from a chamomile macaron and cassis white chocolate petit to a flavorful Salami Milano croquette and cranberry salmon gravlax topped with dill cream cheese. 

Other restaurants also offer a delightful brunch buffet perfect for Mother’s Day morning. At Finestra, you can savor an array of recommended dishes such as the Radicchio Risotto with caramel walnuts and guanciale and the Pan-fried Mackerel with broccolini and lemon sauce. The restaurant also offers sweet desserts and unlimited flutes of champagne or Aperol and Campari spritz from their roving aperitivo trolley. You can also have a grand seafood tower, as well as hand-carved roast beef and a curated selection of cold cuts and luxurious desserts served directly to your table. Talk about a feast fit for a queen!

If mom is craving for some Chinese food, Red Lantern has an all-you-can-eat dim sum buffet and offers a variety of dishes from Crystal Skin Lobsters to their Baked Signature Black Pepper Wagyu Beef Tarts. 

For meat lovers, there are eight interactive live stations at Yakumi offering a great selection of seafood and red meats from grilled Boston lobsters and scallops to Kinross lamb chops and US ribeye steak. The marinated miso foie gras teppanyaki and the Tai sake mushi (Japanese sake-steamed seabream with seasonal vegetables) are also a must-try!

Beat the heat at Waterside with a traditional “boodle fight” and savor a vibrant spread of your favorite Filipino dishes. For an even wider selection, Fresh offers diverse buffet stations featuring the finest seafoods and meats, alongside a variety of cuisines including Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese. What’s even more awesome is that moms will be served exclusive drinks on the day, right at their table!

What are you waiting for? Plan a weekend of indulgence for mom by booking a room via their website. For reservations, call ahead at 8888-8888 or email [email protected].

Discover more celebratory perks and offers by following Solaire Resort on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

Great news, travelers! If you’re planning to visit Vietnam’s stunning coastline, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has got you covered as they're set to begin operating flights between Manila and Da Nang from July 1, 2025.

The Philippine flag carrier announced on Apr. 7 that it will be mounting a new thrice-weekly service, starting with late morning and early afternoon departure schedules. 

PR 585 (Manila to Da Nang) will fly every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 11:10 AM and arriving in Da Nang at 12:45 PM. Its return leg, PR 586 (Da Nang to Manila), will operate on the same days, departing Da Nang at 1:35 PM and arriving in Manila at 5:10 PM. It will be deploying Airbus A321 aircraft, which can accommodate up to 199 passengers. PAL will also give travelers the choice of Business Class and Economy Class services. 

“We at Philippine Airlines are excited to strengthen our close relationship with the Vietnamese people with the introduction of direct Manila-Da Nang flights,” said Capt. Stanley K. Ng, PAL President and Chief Operating Officer. “PAL is committed to offering greater connectivity and promoting tourism and commerce between our capital city and the central Vietnamese heartland. We look forward to welcoming more leisure and business travelers onboard our flights to Da Nang.”

The new route is PAL’s third major expansion move in Vietnam this year, with the Manila-Hanoi-Manila route being recently upgraded to a daily service and the new flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) set to launch on May 2. 

Da Nang is the commercial and educational center of Vietnam, and is considered one of its most important port cities. This coastal destination offers tourists a chance to immerse themselves in rich history, picturesque beaches, and modern attractions and landmarks such as the famed Marble Mountains and Golden Bridge. Several UNESCO World Heritage sites are also within a hundred kilometers of the city, including Hoi An Old Town, the fabled Imperial City of Hue, and My Son ruins. 

Don’t miss this chance to explore this lively coastal destination, and book your flights today via their website. You can also book through the mobile app, contact the PAL Hotline at (+632) 8855-8888, or reach out to their preferred ticketing offices or travel agents. 

For updates on new routes and flight deals, follow Philippine Airlines on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

Reaching Canada won’t take almost a day’s worth of flights anymore. 

Air Canada, the flagship carrier of Canada, says Kumusta! to the Philippines and inaugurated its newest international flights linking Vancouver and Manila on Apr. 3, 2025, further solidifying its presence in Southeast Asia. This service also positions Air Canada as the only North American airline presently serving the most destinations non-stop in Southeast Asia. 

The Philippines is Air Canada’s 12th destination in the Asia Pacific region and is the airline’s third Southeast Asian destination, following Bangkok in 2022 and Singapore in 2024. The news was first announced during the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations in December 2024. 

The first flight from Canada, flight AC017, departed from Air Canada’s Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Pacific Hub on Apr. 2, 2025, at 1:55 AM, and arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) on Apr. 3, 2025, at 6:04 AM. 

Upon its arrival, flight AC017 was welcomed with a water salute by local authorities and a cultural performance by Banda Kawayan Pilipinas by the Philippine Department of Tourism. Festive celebrations also took place at the departure gate before flight AC018 departed, with key government officials present and departing passengers being gifted commemorative luggage tags.  

“We are proud to be the only Canadian carrier flying to the Philippines, building on the longstanding ties between our countries to make visiting family and friends, conducting business, or heading on vacation more convenient than ever. With more than one million Filipinos living in Canada representing an important market, direct air services are a catalyst to facilitating tourism, trade and connectivity, and represent the fastest way of travelling to Manila,” said Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, & President, Cargo.

“The new route from Vancouver to Manila is welcome news for British Columbians and will help better connect the more than 170,000 Filipino Canadians living here with their loved ones,” said BC Premier David Eby.

Air Canada Manila – Vancouver Flight Schedule

Air Canada will be flying thrice a week for the month of April and will be increasing its frequency to four times a week for their year-round service starting May. They will be flying on their flagship Boeing 787 Dreamline aircraft. 

Air Canada Manila – Vancouver Nonstop Flight Media Press Conference

Air Canada unveiled its newest international route from Vancouver to Manila at a media press conference held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on Apr. 3, 2025. 

Present at the conference were Rocky Lo, Managing Director of International Sales at Air Canada, Kiyo Weiss, Senior Director of Sales – Asia Pacific at Air Canada, and Hon Lam, Regional General Manager in Hong Kong and Southern China at Air Canada. 

When asked on why Air Canada had chosen the Philippines as its 3rd Southeast Asian destination, Rocky Lo, Air Canada’s Managing Director of International Sales said, “There are one million people in Canada with Filipino descent according to the 2021 Canadian census, so we know that this will help a lot of Canadian with Filipino descent to come home to visit their friends and relatives, as well as people bringing their friends and family from the Philippines to visit Canada.” 

He also said, “A new route is more than a new route, it’s connecting two nations together. It’s connecting friendships, connecting family, connecting business. I’m looking forward to this new route and how it will create memories for our friends in the Philippines.” 

Hon Lam, Air Canada’s Regional Manager in Hong Kong and Southern China echoed this sentiment and said, “We are here to bring not just the two nations, but the two cultures together, and we are actually as much of an ambassador of Canadian culture and also to bring Filipino culture to Canada.” 

Special promotional prices for flights from Manila to Canada are available until Apr. 10, 2025. Customers and interested flyers can visit Air Canada’s website or contact their travel agents for more information.