Maxima Aqua Fun

Have you been to a place that’s called Home of Abyss, where you can spend the entire day fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and swimming?

If you have then you are really familiar with Maxima Aqua Fun. Located near the San Jose Wall & Cave Samal Islands (Philippines), this is the right spot to have your perfect getaway and have some boombastic holiday break of a lifetime away from all the noises of urban city.

What to do in Maxima Aqua Fun?

Numerous fun-filled activities embrace the whole place and exceed your expectations apart from any water parks that can give you. Water activities are endless; you can spend your entire day and night swimming, sliding through their giant water slide, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and diving in the freshwater.

For those who prefer to stay on land, don’t hesitate. Just enjoy the hiking activities (getting to Haguimits Falls is recommended) in store for you. Begin by canopy walk followed by island hopping then end the day by camping in one spot with your family and friends.

Maxima Aqua Fun is also an idea place for small corporate meetings, private parties such as anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions.

Rates and Prices

Day Tour Package

Maxima Aquafun Package A - P200 each

Inclusions include free use of lifevest, free use of tables and chairs, unlimited use of diving board, unlimited use of trampoline and unlimited use of the slide

Maxima Aquafun Package B - P250 each

Inclusions include free use of lifevest, free use of tables and chairs, unlimited use of diving board, unlimited use of trampoline, unlimited use of the slide

Eagle View Canopy walk (Saturday and Sunday only)

Children (2 yrs to 10 years old) - P150 each

Eagle View Canopy Walk - P50.00 each

Camping (overnight) - P350 each

Tent for Rent (Good for 3) - P300 each

Aquafun Cottage (overnight) - P1,800 (Maximum of 4)

Bigote Dormitory (overnight) - P500 each

Equipment For Rent

Jetski - P3500 per hour

Jetski with banana boat (Maximum of 6) -P4,000 per hour

Banana boat ride (Maximum of 6) - P250.00 per head for 15 minutes only

Kayak boat (Maximum of 2) - P300 per hour

Transport Options

Speedboat (Maximum of 10)

Roundtrip Sta Ana. Pier to Maxima - P6500

Roundtrip Penaplata pier to Maxima - P3000

Roundtrip Beach house to Maxima - P1000

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Seven Reasons Why Stay At Pearl Farm Resort

Pearl Farm is probably the most famous beach resort in the Island Garden City of Samal. It is located in Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal and a former cultivation of pearls (that's why it is called Pearl Farm). The place is perfect for any important events because of its tranquillity and breath taking views of nature.

Here are seven reasons why should you visit Pearl Farm if you are here in Davao:

• The Pearl Farm Resort is your number one place in the southern part when you seek for an exquisite holiday vacation surrounded with natural attractions and prosperous fauna and flora.
• All high-quality accommodations are here. The resort has sixteen standard rooms (Balay House), nineteen superior rooms (Samal House), twenty deluxe rooms (Mandaya House), six executive suites (Samal Suite), one sunset suite and seven villas (Malipano).
• The facilities and services in Pearl Farm Resort are a top-notch. One entire day is not enough to run through the series of fun activities in water and on land. The activities can truly satisfy your innermost cravings. You can rent speed and outrigger boats for skiing, surfing and scuba diving. Fun does not end in water. On land, there are sport centers in which you can play tennis, badminton and basketball, play and socialize with other people inside their game rooms, bars and function halls, satisfy your taste buds at their restaurant which serves Filipino & International Cuisines or shop local handicrafts at their souvenir shop (Butik).
• Indulge yourself in their array of health beauty and treatment services. Take some time to experience the various types of body massage (Asmara Royal, Warm Herbal Oil, East-West, Swedish, Shiatsu) foot scrub (reflexology, lemongrass deodorizing polish, peppermint refreshment), skin shaving, wraps, facial rubdown and their other salon services.
• You can choose several holidays packages whether it’s only an island escapade, a night tour rate, a dream holiday, a bread and breakfast occupancy, or dream honeymoon. Any booking request is entertained all the time but the earlier you book, the better package you can get.
• It is the finest and relaxing place to celebrate special events in the calendar such as Easter Sunday, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.
• Any foreign tourist can truly be grateful during their stay at Pearl Farm Resort. Price and rates are within their means.

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The Heart of Baguio City: Burnham Park

What is Burnham Park?

Long time ago, an American architect (Daniel Hudson Burnham) designed and prepared a blueprint of tourist attractions to be constructed at the heart of Baguio City, Philippines. One of its projects is the Burnham Park. Years after its existence, the park was remodeled and few features are added but the whole original plan was preserved to create a livelier place for the whole family and friends to enjoy.

Activities & Accommodation

The Burnham Park is consisted of twelve areas. The Burnham Lagoon is the most popular destination for people who want to learn and experience the art of rowing. Find yourself in Rose Garden, the Orchidarium, Igorot Garden, the Picnic Grove and the Sunshine Park if you are in search for serenity and wide open green spaces. Other park attractions include the Skating Rink, the Athletic Bowl, Pine Trees of the World, the Japanese Peace Tower and the Children’s Playground.

Nearby, there are also business center, meeting facilities, restaurant, WiFi rooms, coffee shop and small massage centers. Jacuzzi and steamrooms are not yet available for the time being but it is assured that Burnham Park is your ideal destinations for taking pictures.

Rates & Fees

Advanced reservation of all room types is recommended and the usual rates start at $25. The park is opened for everyone, seven-days a week.

How to Arrive at Burnham Park?

If you live near Baguio, you must ride a plane and land at Manila/Clark Airport. From there, get to Baguio by riding a car or a private plane. It is also possible to book a direct flight to Baguio (if you’re living in Visayas or Mindanao) and directly head to Burnham Park by taxi.

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Fun & Merriment at Amana Waterpark

What is Amana Waterpark?

Tagged as the second fast-rising summer destination in the Philippines, the Amana Waterpark is a 6.4 hectares beach resort that primarily caters to the customers’ overall enjoyment. The owner first visualized the concept of waterpark upon the inauguration of Tampisaw Beach Resort on March 28, 2008. The Amana Waterpark has thirteen types of waves and the Diamond Wave is the biggest of them all. It has 3500 square meter wave-pool. Apart from getting wet, the resort also offers breezy cottages, horseback riding, souvenir shop, and picnic orchard.

Activities & Accommodation

The Amana Waterpark has everything anyone craves for. Like I said earlier, it boasts their 3500-square meter wave pool (Diamond Wave), the 40-foot Man-Made Waterfall, the other thirteen waves, the 500 square meter kiddie pool filled with Dragon Ball Character and the Avatar-inspired pool.

There is also a number of lodging to hop in. There are several cottages with different designs and the VIP rooms which can house two persons only (P2800).

Rates & Fees

For Day Time Swimming (8:30-6:00 PM), adults need to pay P250, children’s rate are P200 while senior citizens are advised to bring their ID and pay P200 only. For Night Swimming (6:30-12 MN), adults, children and senior citizens only need to pay P180, P120 and P120 respectively.

For questions and other concerns, just contact Maricris De Leon at amanawaterpark@yahoo.com or call (044) 661-23-83 and (044) 661-23-84

How to Arrive at Amana Waterpark?

There are three ways to get to Amana Waterpark:

• By Bus from Manila: If you’re from Divisoria Terminal, take a bus at Aguila Transit and go directly to Waltermart, Sta Clara. From Waltermart, you need to ride a tricycle to Amana Waterpark.

• By Bus from Ayala/Baclaran: If you are from Baclaran Terminal, find your way to Del Carmen/ Corinthian/Bovjen Bus until you reach Waltermart. From Waltermart, you need to ride a tricycle (P120) to Amana Waterpark.

• By Taxi: You need to pass the Bocaue exit and take Sta Maria-Pandi–Angat National Road. Just follow the Amana Banners with arrow signs along the National road.

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Experience the Luxurious Life at Thunderbird Resorts

What is Thunderbird Resorts?

The Thunderbird Resorts is the only and the grandest five-star hotel located in the northern part of the Philippines (one in Rizal and the other one in Poro Point in La Union). Book a visit here and you’ll only experience a life living in the supreme resort venues and your dream peninsula.

The Thunderbird Resorts in Rizal is your serene sanctuary by the mountain. This is simply a spectacular venue ideal for relaxing and for rediscovering yourself. They pride themselves with their 41-suite luxury resort filled with tropical foliage, stylish interior design and all services are world-class.

Hop your way to Thunderbird Resorts in Poro Point, La Union if you are in search of nature’s beauty finely tuned by luxurious dips. The entire paradise is simply overwhelming and it’s overlooking the white sand beach stretching into the South China Sea.

Activities, Services & Accommodation

Every inch of luxury and comfort are seen and felt at Thunderbird Resorts. Whether you choose Rizal or Poro Point, take your time to indulge in their international cuisine and gourmet feasts. Go out to enchant yourself with their picturesque views and get thrilled with the unlimited fun and entertainment.

The Thunderbird Resorts in Rizal offers an array of excellent facilities. They have service facilities and it includes shuttle service, large parking areas, bell service, valet parking, concierge, laundry and 24-hours room services. You’ll surely not get bored with their sports and gaming facilities that include table tennis, beach volleyball, golf & obstacle course, infinity swimming pool, Fiesta Casino and the Cabana Bar. Meet and plan your business projects inside their Lobby Room, Narra Function Room or Pool Bar then satisfy your palate with their Asian Fusion Cuisine in KOI Restaurant.

The Thunderbird Resorts in Poro Point redefines the rich Mediterranean Architecture influenced by Greece. The entire place satisfies you with their ambient luxury suites with mini-bar, in-room kitchen, cable television, Jacuzzi-style bath, Internet connectivity and a dazzling panorama of the South China Sea. They also have a wide range of facilities: service (24-hour shuttle service, large parking areas, bell service, valet parking, concierge and laundry services, room service), sports (cliffs golf, beach club, Santorini swimming pool, basketball half-court, jogging path), meeting facilities (Patio Santorini, Lobby Meeting Room, Amphitheater), food & beverage outlets (Olives Restaurant, Pool Bar, Cabana Bar, Vegas Café and Patio Santorini).

Rates & Fees

For any reservations, inquiries and other concerns, just send a mail to Thunderbird Resorts – Rizal rizalreservations@thunderbird-asia.com and Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point pororeservations@thunderbird-asia.com

How to Arrive at Thunderbird Resorts?

Rizal: A free shuttle service is available from Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, SM City Taytay, Lores Mall in Antipolo and Angono & Binangonan Municipal Hills. If you live near EDSA, your ideal destination is to arrive at Greenhills. Upon reaching the intersecting road, turn left, pass along the Galleria-Ortigas Avenue- Junction until you arrive at Shopwise. From Shopwise, turn right to reach the Lores Supermarket. From there, you need to turn left to find Eastridge Golf Club and finally, the Thunderbird Resorts.

Poro Point, La Union: For those who are living in San Fernando City, go right to reach Soldier Monument. From there, make your way along the Pennsylvania Avenue until you arrive at Poro Point. At Poro point, it is expected you to see the Thunderbird Resorts located near the cliffs and beach club. From Manila, just go straight and pass Bauang National Highway, Gas Station and Oasis Hotel. Once you arrive at Soldier Monument, turn left, travel through the Pennsylvania Avenue until you reach Poro Point. At Poro Point, search for signs going to Thunderbird Resorts located near the cliffs and beach club.

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Boston Restaurants Updates, Social Media Style!

 Pizzeria Regina, in the North End of Boston, often "tweets" on Twitter!
(photo by Eric H.)

Bring your appetite to our Boston restaurants updates list on Twitter.  We have, at this writing, compiled a list of 205 Boston restaurants updating you on their most recent news. This includes, but is not limited to, daily specials for breakfast, lunch and diner, as well as entertainment, menu changes, events, gift certificate info, customer feedback and media reviews. From the upscale French restaurant to the North End pizzeria, we have made sure that virtually all cuisines are included. You'll find many well-known Boston restaurants, along with a generous portion of hidden Boston restaurants.

The live time, social media reporting is, many times, quite informative and entertaining. I wish we had this type of information at our fingertips when growing up many years ago in the Boston area. It's great to have arrived in the 21st century isn't it?

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The Magic at Enchanted Kingdom

What is Enchanted Kingdom?

Enchanted Kingdom is a 41-acre popular theme park in Laguna, Philippines. The park costs P1.2 billion to build and it was operated by Enchanted Kingdom Inc. Families, friends, students, teachers and businessmen are encouraged to visit the park to enhance camaraderie and solidarity with each other. The theme park was first opened on July 28, 1995.

Activities & Accommodation

The Enchanted Kingdom has various park zones. Each zone has its own attraction and merchandises. The Victoria Pak is the theme’s center attraction and along the way, there are grand carousel, grand era gift shop, souvenir shops and the park’s culinary delights.

The Portabello is where you’ll find the park’s largest river rafting attraction (Rio Grande). The various attractions of the place are Flying Fiesta (Wave Swinger), 4D Discovery Theater (4D Film Theater) and Xtreme Paintball. The merchandises in the place include EK Café, Hotdog booth and Treasure Island Gift.

The Boulderville is a prehistoric theme ideal for kids. Their play facilities include Air Pterodactyl, Bumbling Boulders, Stone Eggs, Triassic Tag, Petreefied House, Rock Quarry and puppet shows. Merchandises in the place include Ice Age ice Cream, Hotdog Kiosk and Stone Age Souvenirs.

The Midway Boardwalk is a considered a carefree zone where you can see mime artists, jugglers and clowns. This is the place where you’ll ride the famous Wheel of Fate, EKstreme Tower Ride (Drop Tower), Bump N’ Splash, Roller Skater (Mini Roller Coaster) and Up, Up & Away (Balloon Ride).

Merchandises in the place include Feltman’s, Harry Houdini’s Magic Shop, Henna Tatoo & Face Painting.

Brooklyn Place is the park’s shopping zone where silent movies are shown. Various attractions here include Funhouse Express, parade at Cobblestone Street and the stimulator Ride (Rialto). The special merchandise that can be bought here is the Five N’ Dime Emporium.

The Spaceport features the first coaster ride in the country. Many people also explore other attractions in the place and that includes Bandstand, Eldar’s Tent, Exodus, Space Shuttle Max, Spaceship Race, Kart Trak and Launch Time. The Jungle Outpost is your replica of the Amazon Jungle. This is where you’ll see Tropics Trading Post, Swan Lake, Safari Shoot Out, the Log Flumes (Jungle Log Jam) and Amazon Hoops.

Rates & Fees

Day Entrance Fees vary depending on the schedule of your visit. A weekday rate usually clocks at P400 and P500 during holidays. This regular pass would include unlimited use of all Park’s rides.

You can also choose to celebrate special occasions at the Park. You just need to contact the sales representative at (632) 830-35-35 or send a mail at birthdays@enchantedkingdom.com.ph Enchanting group packages are available for 25 or more persons. Reservation of the tickets is recommended before the actual date of visit.

How to Arrive at Enchanted Kingdom?

By Public Bus (Jam Linear Transit & JAC Liner): If you live near Santa Rosa Laguna, there are local buses that can take you to and from Enchanted Kingdom. The bus route usually starts at Balibago and travel time lasts for an hour.

By Public Van or by Car: You can also ride a van, a private bus or a car from EDSA Crossing and get ready to spend P60.

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Leticia By The Sea

Leticia By The Sea is not just another resort in Samal Island. Although a string of resorts in Samal and Talicud Island has sprung up over the past few years, there is a unique charm to this resort that will offer you paradise in just an hour away.

Leticia By The Sea is a small and private resort located in Talicud Island owned by the same people behind Casa Leticia, which explains the name. However, when this resort claims to offer a “private” getaway, they literally mean one. The owners of this resort offer visitors and tourists a chance to own the resort for one day, or two (however long you want to stay), by exclusively renting the place. They have an overnight package costing PhP 10,000 that is enough to accommodate 15 people or a maximum of 20 people. This package already includes accommodations and use of resort facilities, such as kitchen and cooking facilities, use of kayaks, kiddie pools and other water sports, resident cook, helper, and boat transfers.

Given the number of people that can be accommodated by the resort and all of the other facilities that you can enjoy, the exclusive rental of this place is definitely affordable and is a great value. And yet, you will be able to privately enjoy the natural beauty and charm of this hidden paradise to get your much needed rest and relaxation. It is no doubt a great choice of destination as compared to other resorts that are flocked by lots of other visitors that it is impossible to truly relax.

What about the resort facilities? Let us start with the accommodation. The cottages at Leticia By The Sea are strategically built in a place at the island wherein you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea from afar, which is breathtaking with its turquoise color. The cottages in itself are also quite a view, which features a mixture of Balinese and Filipino influence in its design and architecture, which offers that perfect tropical feel to your vacation.

When you step out of the cottage, there are more breathtaking views you can enjoy. The landscape of colorful garden and trees, as well as the crystal clear waters and well preserved marine life, all contribute to that relaxing atmosphere that visitors to Leticia By The Sea rave about. Some of the sports and water facilities that visitors can avail of are jet ski, snorkeling gear, kayaks, inflatable rides, and an aquatic trampoline. In fact, the sheer beauty of the underwater marine life makes it a perfect spot for scuba diving with the dock offering a perfect jumpoff point when you go diving. Unfortunately, the resort does not have its own diving gears, so you can arrange a diving appointment with a diving company to provide your gears for you.

The charm of this virgin island should be hard to resist for anyone who wants a relaxing vacation, or those who simply want to escape it all and be away from the buzz of the city. There are plenty of ways to travel to this resort for an escape. There are five public boats scheduled to travel from Davao to Talicud Island from the Sta. Ana Pier. Boat rides are scheduled in between 10AM to 3PM.

Another option for traveling to Leticia By The Sea is to take a barge from Sasa to Samal, then take a 30-minute ride heading to Kaputian. The final mode of transportation is a banca ride, which normally takes only 10 minutes so you can get to Talicud Island. You can pre-arrange boat charters with the resort officials at Leticia By The Sea to make your travel more convenient.

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