Hongkong

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort commemorates the 15th anniversary milestone with the unveiling of Castle of Magical Dreams!


A historic new era for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has begun with the celebration of the 15th anniversary launch of the Castle of Magical Dreams and ā€œA Disney Christmas.ā€.

When passing through the magical gates of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, guests were immediately drawn to the beautiful 15th anniversary decoration and the melody of the official 15th anniversary song, ā€œLove the Memory.ā€ The energetic beat filled the entire Castle Forecourt, which served as the stage for a special celebration moment hosted by Stephanie Young, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, who announced the official launch of the 15th anniversary celebration and the unveiling of the Castle of Magical Dreams.

ā€œLooking at how beautiful this new castle is, there is no better way to celebrate this proud milestone. Over the past 15 years, we have helped create countless memories, granted numerous wishes and shared smiles together with our Guests and Cast Members,ā€ Young said.

A dream fulfilled with the Castle of Magic Dreams
Inspired by those that dare to dream and believe, the Castle of Magical Dreams, the re-imagined centrepiece of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, shines as a beacon of courage, hope and possibility. Taking inspiration from 13 stories of Disney princesses and queens, the architectural design embraces their unique characteristics through the interpretation of color, icons, symbols, patterns and cultural features.
Brand-new experiences await guests in the castle.

From meeting their favorite princesses and queens at ā€œThe Royal Reception Hall,ā€ with its regally appointed interiors that feature intricately carved details, tapestries, and small bronze statues depicting the beloved heroines who inspired the castleā€™s design, to visiting ā€œEnchanted Treasures,ā€ the first-ever Castle of Magical Dreams Chow Tai Fook Jewelry store where artisans from the popular jeweler Chow Tai Fook have been appointed as Royal Jeweler for all of the kingdomā€™s magnificent keepsakes and treasures.


Never in Disney history has an existing castle undergone a transformation as grand as this, and guests who have witnessed the change from a distance can now step into the iconic architecture and learn more about the magic behind-the-scenes.
Guests can explore the story behind this new castle by visiting the ā€œBuilding a Dream: The Magic Behind a Disney Castleā€ exhibition. Featuring multimedia exhibits where guests can witness how the castle was transformed by Walt Disney Imagineering in partnership with Walt Disney Animation Studios, the remarkable exhibition includes an area dedicated to the castleā€™s live entertainment, which will give guests a glimpse of the brand-new daytime and night-time castle shows coming in the future.


Also available is the first-of-its-kind ā€œGlimpse into the Magicā€ tour, which offers guests a new perspective of appreciating the shimmering castle. Guided by an audio narration from actress Karena Lam, guests will visit eight different checkpoints using their own mobile phones and earphones, where they will learn all about ins and outs of the castleā€™s design, and how it has been infused with recognizable icons and symbols distinctly associated with the princessesā€™ and queensā€™ stories, their personalities and the worlds from where they come.

Delightful ā€œMagical 15th Party Beats!ā€


Mickey Mouse has gathered a group of his friends to present guests with a special gift ā€“ the ā€œMickey and Friends 15th Anniversary Celebration!ā€ Mickey and several of his friends in their colourful, new 15th anniversary outfits, along with the Disney Princesses, will board the Main Street Express to welcome guests. The Disney friends will appear around the park to provide selfie photo opportunities. To commemorate this special moment, guests visiting the park will receive a 15th anniversary themed ticket and a 15th anniversary themed button (while supplies last). They can also learn how to draw the Castle of Magical Dreams at the Animation Academy.

Enjoy more fun in the double celebration
Leading the festive line-up is the return of the ever-popular ā€œMickey and Friends Christmastime Ball,ā€ which for the first time ever will be presented in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams!


Fans of Duffy & Friends are excited to welcome the adorable ā€˜Olu Mel who will be at the park celebrating the Happy Season for all. The kind-hearted turtle, who Duffy first befriended while sailing through the Hawaiian Islands, will be strumming up his ukulele as he conjures up a series of happy tunes for the enjoyment of all. Duffy and Friends will make appearances dressed in their seasonal outfits.


In this season of giving, Santa Goofy and Santa Stitch are also eager to snap selfies with guests at Mickeyā€™s Philharmagic and at the Comet Cafe. Guests can purchase a set of two Holiday Wishes Charity Postcards before mailing them at the Holiday Wishes Mailbox at City Hall, with all proceeds benefiting Operation Santa Claus.

Take home with anniversary collectibles
The perfect gift is just around the corner as guests can bring home with them three special 15th anniversary collections made up of more than 200 items ā€“ Grand Celebrations, Crystal Dreams, and the Black & Gold Series. A number of co-branded exclusive merchandise items will also be available to celebrate this special occasion, including drinkware and tote bags by Starbucks, a silver and gold charm by Pandora, and a limited-edition watch by Citizen.


Your taste budsā€™ wishes will come true!
Selected restaurants will feature themed dining experiences with special 15th anniversary offerings, themed dƩcor and souvenirs. Highlights include 15th anniversary-themed Chip and Dale sip sip and Duffy and ShellieMay sip sip, a Mickey and Minnie popcorn bucket and festive balloons, a Castle of Magical Dreams ice-cream bar, and Mickey bubble egg puff. Guests can also enjoy a 15th anniversary seasonal flavour soft serve at Midtown Delights and 15th anniversary award-winning dishes at hotel dining venues.

Staycation with 15th Anniversary Celebration
To truly dive into the magical journey, guests are invited for a magical staycation at one of Hong Kong Disneyland Resortā€™s hotels filled with 15th anniversary touches! Those who book to stay in the Deluxe Room type or above can look forward to receiving limited-edition amenity boxes for the ultimate pampering experience. There will even be themed giveaways that include magnet cards and post cards for Guests who join paid DIY classes of making leather card holders and eco-bags, along with daily 15th anniversary and Christmas-themed arts and crafts activities.

Black Friday Hotel Flash Sale with 15th Anniversary Celebration


To truly dive into the magical journey, guests are invited for a magical staycation at one of Hong Kong Disneyland Resortā€™s hotels filled with 15th anniversary touches! Those who book to stay in the Deluxe Room type or above can look forward to receiving limited-edition amenity boxes, and 15th anniversary themed slippers for the ultimate pampering experience. There will even be themed giveaways that include magnet cards and post cards for guests who join paid DIY classes of making leather card holders and eco-bags, along with daily 15th Anniversary- and- Christmas-themed arts and crafts activities.

Guest can enjoy a limited time Black Friday hotel flash sale with exceptional flexibility from now to December 4, 2020. Guests can save as low as 45% off on the Standard Rooms and Sea View Rooms for staying two-nights or above at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney Explorers Lodge, travel window from January 3 to September 29, 2021. Bookings can be made on HKDLā€™s official website, Booking.com, Expedia and Hotels.com . Enjoy a hassle-free booking experience, reservations can be amended or cancelled at least 7 days prior to the check-in date.

For 15 years, Hong Kong Disneyland has been a place where countless dreams have come true, and even more dreams will be fulfilled for many years to come. ā€œThroughout our 15th anniversary celebration, there will be a number of offerings, magical surprises and unique additions across the resort. Whatā€™s more, there are two new shows launching in the near future that will make the experience even more magical. Experience more magic, more joy and more wonders of every kind with us,ā€ added Young.

Hong Kong Disneyland asks for guestsā€™ understanding of and compliance with the following requirements when the park reopens. Guests must:

1) Purchase their tickets in advance and reserve a visit up to seven days in advance of their visit online via the Hong Kong Disneyland reservation website. Magic Access members must also make a reservation prior to visiting, but can enjoy the benefit of reserving eight days in advance.
2) Make a required health declaration as part of the Hong Kong Disneyland reservation process.
3) Undergo temperature screening procedures upon arrival. Guests with elevated temperatures cannot be admitted.
4) Wear a mask during their visit, except when enjoying food and beverage at catering premises.

These measures will continue to be reviewed as the situation evolves and will be adjusted as necessary.

About Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers unforgettable, culturally distinctive Disney experiences for guests of all ages and nationalities. Filled with your favorite Disney stories and characters, Hong Kong Disneyland offers guests the opportunity to explore seven diverse lands that are home to award-winning, unique attractions and entertainment. Complete your adventure with stays at the resortā€™s luxurious Disney hotels. The magic doesnā€™t end at our doorstep; as a dedicated member of the local community that cares deeply about societal well-being, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort spreads its magic through community service programs that help families in need, boost creativity among children and families, encourage the protection of the environment and inspire healthier living.

Mobile app gives the latest updates

The Hong Kong Disneyland mobile app keeps guests informed of all the excitement at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, from operating hours to entertainment schedules. Use the GPS-enabled map to find your way around the park or make reservations for park restaurants, and make every moment count with wait times for each attraction. Magic Access members can also view block-out calendars and membership privileges, designed to make your visit even more magical.

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Hotels, Travel

Travel More, Spend Less : Achieve Your Travel Goals With PhP 5,000 Budget or Less!

Filipinos are known to travel a lot. With a lot of sales and great deals, more Filipinos are enticed to travel. According to a study by Picodi, almost half of Filipinos surveyed said they travel at least twice a year. The average Filipino spends about PhP 13,000 for every trip, which includes fares, food expenses, incidentals, and hotel accommodation. With promos and budget-friendly trips, why spend PhP 13,000 for a single trip if you can make it more exciting without making much of a fuss and expenses?

As the summer season approaches, here is a RedDoorz Travel Guide to give you some ideas on how you can enjoy your next trip without spending over PhP 5,000.

RIDE TO THE SLOPE OF MAJESTIC MAYON

DESTINATION : MAYON VOLCANO ATV RIDE

The Philippines is home to hundreds of volcanoes, including the Mayon Volcano, known worldwide for its almost-perfect cone shape. Once recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the active volcano, which is just 15 kilometers from Legazpi City, Albay, attracts thousands of local and foreign tourists yearly.

You may rent an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and navigate through the different trails around the volcano for as low as PhP 400. If you are more adventurous, you may opt to ride up the lava trail almost two-thirds of the height of Mayon Volcano for PhP 2,500. 

WHERE TO STAY: RedDoorz @ Arimbay, Legazpi City

SURFā€™S UP AND RIDE THE WAVE OF LA UNION

DESTINATION : SAN JUAN SURF SCHOOL

Head on to San Juan, La Union, the Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines, and ride the waves. You can take surfing lessons starting at PhP 500 per hour and rent surfboards for PhP 250 per hour or PhP 800 for the whole day. Other water sport activities offered in the surf school include stand-up paddle board (PhP 400/hr), kayak for 2-3 people (PhP 400/hr), body board (PhP 200), and skim board (PhP 100/hr).

After a long, adventure-filled day, relax on the beach and watch the beautiful sunset along the coast of San Juan, La Union.

WHERE TO STAY : RedDoorz Plus near San Nicolas

CHANNEL THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE IN YOU

DESTINATION : CAMPUESTOHAN HIGHLAND RESORT

Most Filipinos travel to take a break from the hustle-and-bustle of their daily lives. But arenā€™t you tired of just laying on the beach? 

At Campuestohan Highland, Bacolod City, you can experience riding a bicycle suspended in air or play like a hamster in a wheel above the ground for PhP 100 only. Or don your red cape and pretend to be Superman on a zipline ride for PhP 200 per person..

WHERE TO STAY : RedDoorz Plus @ Diola Villamonte

TREK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE MAPAWA ADVENTURE PARK

DESTINATION : MAPAWA ADVENTURE PARK

Just a few kilometers away from the heart of Cagayan De Oro lies Mapawa Adventure Park, a nature park featuring magnificent waterfalls, scenic views, and exciting activities.

Call on your friends and take on the challenge of rappelling down right beside a waterfall or conquering your fear of heights and leaping off a 25-foot cliff. You can experience all these and more for PhP 1,200 per person for a group of five. Just be sure to book your adventure ahead of time.

WHERE TO STAY : RedDoorz Premium near Gaston Park

Nowadays, itā€™s easier to travel with lots of affordable transportation and accommodation options. Plan early to find the best seats online and with RedDoorz as your go-to hotel, you can achieve more and reach more destinations in the Philippines and all over Southeast Asia. 

Definitely, a day is just not long enough to enjoy every part of these destinations. When traveling to these spots, you can opt to book in a budget hotel strategically placed near your dream destinations. That way, you can save more time and money, but not on experiences and adventures with your family and friends.

With more than 200 hotels in over 20 cities nationwide, you will definitely find a RedDoorz in key cities and emerging tourist destinations, like Laguna, Kalibo, Bohol, Cebu, Palawan, Batangas, Davao, Tacloban, Iloilo, Dumaguete, and Zambales. Download the RedDoorz app to enjoy great deals and treats at super low rates. You can get more exclusive discounts with RedCash, too!

Get 20% discount to achieve your travel goals with the RedDoorz promo code ACHIEVETRAVELS3 and donā€™t forget to download the app with this link.

Explore the country with these tips and trade secrets, and enjoy ticking off destinations, one after another to finally achieve your travel goals. 

About RedDoorz

RedDoorz is Southeast Asiaā€™s largest and fastest-growing, technology-driven hotel management company offering affordable accommodations for everyone. With a vision to enable people to travel more and provide an affordable reliable stay in all major cities and destinations across the region, RedDoorz is disrupting the hospitality industry by transforming the fragmented supply inventory into branded, standardized accommodations and leveraging its mobile app and digital channels to drive strong consumer demand.

The company was founded in 2015 by a team of senior executives with deep experience in the online travel and hospitality industry and has grown into a regional powerhouse with operations in Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. The firm has been growing by five times year-on-year.

As part of the RedDoorz brand network, hotel owners are able to grow their businesses and increase revenues while streamlining their operations. RedDoorzā€™s solutions help partners manage distribution, pricing, marketing, customer experience and technology solutions ā€“ offering an end-to-end platform powered by an advanced technology infrastructure.

Do you want to save more for your travel?Ā Get coupons hereĀ in CouponAnnie!

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Advocacy, Philippines

RedDoorz gives underprivileged kids Moments To Celebrate with 100 Open Doors Campaign

RedDoorz, Southeast Asiaā€™s largest and fastest growing hotel chain, spread the joy of Christmas early this year by giving children from marginalized communities from across the Philippines access to one-hundred rooms at various RedDoorz hotels, as part of its recently launched #MomentsToCelebrate holiday campaign.

RedDoorz worked with Virlanie Foundation, Sunshine Corner Ministry of Encouragement Inc., and United Muslim, Christian and Lumad for Peace and Development in Mindanao to give one hundred children nationwide ā€“ from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao ā€“ their first-ever travel experience in the form of special pre-Christmas treats and an overnight stay at RedDoorz hotels. Under supervised conditions from qualified volunteers and child guardians, the children were chaperoned for a series of Christmas themed events including educational learning sessions, parlor games and team-building exercises.

Caleb Uy, Donor Relations Officer of Virlanie Foundation, one of the beneficiary communities of RedDoorzā€™s #MomentsToCelebrate campaign, said, ā€œThis experience was a great learning opportunity. Staying in a hotel for the first time and indulging in new, enjoyable activities excited the children and gave them an early Christmas memory that theyā€™ll never forget. This was the first time that a number of them felt that they belonged as part of a larger, caring community, encouraging them to try new things.ā€

RedDoorz kicked-off the program in Davao City on November 23, where RedDoorz employees surprised the staff and children of the United Muslim, Christian and Lumad For Peace and Development in Mindanao – a non-profit organization caring for Lumads, indigenous people, and informal settlers in Mindanao – with an impromptu Christmas party complete with food, games and prizes. 

Virlanie Foundation kids from marginalized communities in Metro Manila were treated by RedDoorz, to an overnight stay at a RedDoorz hotel topped by a mini Christmas Party on November 24. RedDoorz also partnered with Sunshine Corner Ministry of Encouragement, Inc., a child-caring institution catering to the needs of abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Cebu City, to give the children a fun day they would never forget on November 26.

RedDoorz Country Marketing Manager Raenald De Jesus highlighted why RedDoorz wanted to give back to the underprivileged sections of the community through this initiative. He said, ā€œThese children have had a disadvantageous start in life and we wanted to give them the chance to experience a fun-filled weekend before Santa Claus sets off with his bag of goodies. RedDoorz launched its #MomentsToCelebrate campaign this holiday season to spread cheer by enabling more people to travel, and to remind more Filipinos to create quality moments with their loved ones.ā€

RedDoorz now has more than 200 partner hotels in over 20 cities nationwide.

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Travel

Travel, dine, shop, and earn points with ease with the CEB GetGo Prepaid Card ā€”your everyday multi-tool

GetGo continues to enable more Filipinos to enjoy a lifestyle of fun and free travels with the new CEB GetGo Prepaid Card. It is Cebu Pacificā€™s first flights points-earning prepaid card with convenient multi-tool functions for everyday activities. It also offers a free version ā€“ the CEB GetGo Virtual Prepaid Card which can be conveniently reloaded and used for online purchases.

Shop, dine, and earn points wherever you travel

Powered by Visa, the CEB GetGo Prepaid Card lets frequent travelers enjoy cashless payments on their local and international trips. Thereā€™s no need to carry physical cash or visit banks and foreign exchange stores as the new prepaid card also acts as a multi-currency travel wallet that carries nine currencies, including Philippine Peso, United States Dollars, Singapore Dollars, Japanese Yen, and Euro, among others. As long as you have balance in your CEB GetGo Prepaid Card, you can just simply swipe the card in your selected currency. Every P100 spend automatically earns 1 GetGo Point.

Load up and swipe to shop 

For those who are not yet familiar with how a prepaid card works, it functions the same way as debit and credit cards, except you donā€™t have to open a bank account. Cardholders can replenish their balance in UnionBank branches, Robinsons Department Stores, and TouchPay kiosks in Mercury Drug stores, Ayala Malls, Sky Cable branches, and Shell, Petron, and Total service stations nationwide. Once loaded with enough balance, the CEB GetGo Prepaid Card can be used for daily transactions such as grocery shopping, dining, fueling up, and buying cinema tickets which can all earn GetGo Points for free flights!

Get your card in three easy steps

Applicants are guaranteed to have their CEB GetGo Prepaid Card through these quick and simple steps.

Prepaid CardPrepaid Virtual
Buy Card from Family Mart, Robinsons Business Centers, Unionbank branches, or Cebu Pacific ticketing offices for P150.00Download the GetGo Pay mobile appFill in your details and register cardLoad up, shop, and start earning GetGo PointsDownload the GetGo Pay mobile appFill in your details to sign upLoad up, shop, and start earning GetGo Points

You have to decide which card complements your lifestyle most – if you frequently shop online or through mobile apps, then apply for a CEB GetGo Virtual Prepaid Card, but if you want to do more than online transactions, then the CEB GetGo Prepaid Card is for you.

Interested cardholders who are not yet GetGo members will automatically be enrolled to the lifestyle rewards program when they apply for the CEB GetGo Prepaid Card. This means that more than getting the benefits of cashless and hassle-free transactions, they can also earn GetGo points which they can use to fly for free with Cebu Pacific. Exclusive member perks such as early alerts to seat sales and promos, exclusive access to airline sales, and 10% discount on redemption for Cebu Pacific flights, are also part of the benefits of having the CEB GetGo Prepaid Card. This surely is something you shouldnā€™t miss!

Starting July 3, those who will sign up for a CEB GetGo Prepaid Card or CEB GetGo Virtual Prepaid Card and load their card with a minimum of P500 for the first time, will get an instant 150 Bonus GetGo Points credited to their accounts. With this much points, you can boost your earnings for more free flights!

By the way, you can alsoĀ get coupon codesĀ in CouponKirin to save big!

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Asia, Camarines Norte, Travel

Philippines’ Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol

There are so many Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol around the world. There’s one in Venezuela, another one in Mexico and many other predominantly Catholic countries. Philippines also has its own Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol also known as the St. Peter the Apostle Church located in Vinzons (Indan) in Camarines Norte of Bicol Region.

What I love about this 400 year old limestone church is they restored it back to its 15th Century setting after it was gutted by fire in 2012. The newly restored church was inagurated in 2015.

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Bulacan,, San Rafael, Bulacan, Travel

Blog Review: El Masfino Hotel & Resort in San Rafael, Bulacan

Last July of 2017, I visited El Masfino Hotel & Resort in San Rafael, Bulacan for the first time. The place looks upscale and new and has a huge golf space nearby. I loved their wave pool and of course the food!

If you want to have a quick getaway that’s near Metro Manila this hotel and resort is one of the perfect choice. I recommend this because it looks exclusive and the staffs are attentive to our needs. Can’t wait to go back! ā¤

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Asia, Cambodia, Siem Reap, Southeast Asia, Travel

Where to Stay in Siem Reap in Cambodia?

I visited Siem Reap, Cambodia for the first time last time for my birthday. I traveled from Manila with connecting flights from Changi, Singapore to Bangkok, Thailand. From BKK I took a long bus ride to Siem Reap. I spent almost 3 days in Siem Reap, specifically inĀ Tresor d’Angkor Suite located at Krous Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum Siem Reap, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey. Then took another night bus to Phnom Penh then had a quick visit at Ho Chi Minh before heading back to the Philippines.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap in Cambodia? There’s a lot of cheap hostels but if you want to splurge in a hotel room there’s a lot of 5-star hotel that’s near theĀ Angkor Wat Archaeological Park. Read a lot of reviews first before choosing one šŸ˜‰

 

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Batangas, Travel

Club Balai Isabel’s First Lakeside Pool Party

Last month, we came back to Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas to experience their first ever lakeside pool party. There were DJs, dizzying lights, foam machine, beer pong & more.

The Club Balai Isabel Aqua Park looks much better now guarded with more staffs. This is my third time at the hotel and park but I still want to go back. See you soon CBI!

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