The Barrettos’ iconic rest house is now on Airbnb: Gather the family for a festive getaway hosted by Marjorie and Julia!

Tweet

(Philippines) - To celebrate the advent of this year’s Christmas festivities, the Barretto family has announced that they will become Airbnb Hosts and list their luxurious family villa in Calumpit, Bulacan on Airbnb.

Entertainment veteran Marjorie Barretto and famous actress-model Julia Barretto will be opening the doors of the River Garden Rest House on Airbnb for three consecutive weekends — with the first stay on 15 October hosted in-person by the renowned mother-daughter duo, who will share their favourite spots around the villa and attractions nearby.

The rest house will be available for a one-night stay on three exclusive dates: October 15, October 22, and October 29. Priced at Php25,000 per night excluding additional fees, the rest house can accommodate up to a maximum of 16 pax.

Starting today, interested guests can make a request to book at www.airbnb.com/h/rivergardenresthouse, along with a message introducing themselves and detailing their request including their travel companions and why they are interested to stay. Guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews, and be 18+ to request to book.

“The River Garden Rest House is extremely dear to our family and holds so many precious memories for us. I am incredibly happy to now share this special space with the world through Airbnb, and for more guests throughout the Philippines and overseas to enjoy our Filipino hospitality and rejuvenating probinsya life. I look forward to many more families and friends creating their own meaningful moments here and enjoying the rest house,” shares Marjorie.

Located an hour's drive out from Metro Manila, the Barrettos’ expansive River Garden Rest House offers Filipinos an idyllic opportunity to reconnect with loved ones amidst nature. The villa offers four spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a large private pool, an outdoor dining area and lounge, a fully-equipped open kitchen with grill, and a gazebo boasting scenic views of the Angat River. Guests may also be able to purchase the fresh catch of the day for dinner from the fishermen nearby.

Purchased by Marjorie over 20 years ago, the villa has since been meticulously restored and furnished by the matriarch to reflect a blend of old-world charm and modern Filipino design. Local materials including pawid roofs, bamboo and capiz shell windows feature prominently. Each room also features a unique collection of precious antiques, furniture, accessories, and even heritage paintings passed down from Marjorie’s mother.

“One of my favourite things to do is spend a quiet afternoon in the shade of the gazebo, watching the river waters glisten under the sun. It’s always heartwarming seeing our family spend the day in different corners of the house, either cooped up with a book, engrossed in conversation, or dipping in the pool. I am thrilled to be supporting my mom in sharing this space with more families, and we hope our guests will enjoy and care for this space as much as we do,” adds Julia.

Recent Airbnb data revealed that destinations outside major metropolitan hubs are increasingly popular among travelers, and earnings from hosting are helping Filipinos grow their business and improve their homes.

Interested to learn more about becoming an Airbnb Host like the Barrettos? You can get free one-on-one help from an Airbnb Superhost at airbnb.com/askasuperhost, and find more useful tips and information at airbnb.com/host. For more unique stays this festive season, visit airbnb.com or the Airbnb app.

Malasimbo 2016: Where Musical Genius and Innovative Arts Unite

Tweet

Musical virtuosos, spectacular collaborations, and world-class Filipino artists come together in two weekends of the Malasimbo Festival this March 2016 on Mount Malasimbo in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Now going on its sixth successful year, the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is held from March 4 to 6; and the Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival, on its second year, falls on March 24 to 26

.

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, March 4 to 6

Headlining this year’s music instalment is the acclaimed UK musician Jacob Collier. Twenty-year-old Collier is a musical prodigy backed by noted American record producer and composer Quincy Jones (who worked as conductor and arranger with Frank Sinatra and co-produced Michael Jackson’s multi-platinum solo albums). Collier, who is set to launch his debut album this year, is hailed for his stunning ability to create “a digital one-man band using contemporary technology: multitrack recording, looping pedals, and a strange Vocoder-like program that enables him to sing audacious harmonies through a Novation keyboard,” says The Guardian of the UK.

Listen to this musical prodigy in this clip.

Listen to this quick soundbite from Quincy Jones on Jacob Collier.

Highly renowned GongMyoung of South Korea returns after five years to the Malasimbo stage to electrify the audience. The “ambassadors” of Korean traditional music are favorites at numerous international festivals. GongMyoung is known for their harmonious mix of traditional Korean and Western percussion and wind instruments, creating crowd-stirring musical pieces guaranteed to leave you raring for an encore.

Malasimbo takes your world music experience notches higher with groundbreaking collaborations by local and international artists. A beatboxer with a 16-piece orchestra? That’s definitely the musical treat and visual spectacle you’ll experience with “Thum Prints” a collaboration between Australia’s Tom Thum, whose voice captures a vast repertoire of sounds which he refers to as the “orchestra in my mouth,” and members of one of Asia’s oldest musical ensembles, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) under the guidance of Brisbane composer Gordon Hamilton. Click here for a preview of Thum Prints (in miniature).

Watch out for the Brat Pack, the only blues band from Asia to ever reach the finals of the prestigious International Blues Competition in Memphis, Tennessee. First-time performers on the Malasimbo stage are the well-loved Tacloban-based Beatles’ cover band Reo Brothers, and the talented classical-contemporary guitar trio Triple Fret, who won first prize in the 27th Guitar Ensemble Festival in Shinagawa, Tokyo last year. Lachlan Mitchell, one of Australia’s best composers and jazz guitarists will collaborate on musical numbers with local artists of the Malasimbo Collective.

Malasimbo favorites—the funky Golden Sound from Australia, the spirited Filipino percussion band Brigada with their rousing Afro-Brazilian beats, soul band SINOSIKAT?—come onstage along with a vast array of up-and-coming artists that Malasimbo will showcase, in collaboration with Radio Republic, as part of their commitment to unearthing new talent. Some of them include Crwn, Reese Lansangan, Lustbass, RH Xanders, Moophs, Paolo Mallari, Asch, Soul_Brk. Local and international DJs playing cap off each evening with soulful, house music guaranteed to keep your energy up past midnight.

Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, March 24 to 26

“It is music and dancing that make me at peace with the world,” said Nobel peace prize winner and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela. It’s this same vibe that’s replicated in Malasimbo’s second weekend, when international and local DJs renowned for their contributions to the funk, house, hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass, and electronic music genres converge on the Malasimbo stage from March 24 to 26.

Malasimbo is fast becoming the solid platform for under-the-radar yet brilliant local performers to make their musical works known to an appreciative audience seeking an aural experience that’s out of the usual commercial box. Keep your ears open (and your minds) to the talents of Wolf Squared, Afro x Chrizo, Aries, Diamond Heights, and more to be announced on www.malasimbo.com in the runup to the Lights and Dance festival.

Among the international DJs making their debut on the Malasimbo stage are English record producer Lapalux with his brilliant, eclectic mix of R&B and house, French hip hop beatmaker Onra, and house and techno DJ San Soda from Belgium. Returning to Malasimbo are British drum ’n’ bass guru Goldie, MBE; and Japanese hip hop DJ and turnatablist Kentaro. Dance aficionados will also enjoy the spectacle of a full moon beaming over the amphitheater fromMarch 24 through 26.

The Malasimbo Experience

The Malasimbo Festival, acknowledged by the Department of Tourism Philippines as a prime catalyst for the country’s continued advance in music, arts, and culture, is exceptional for its breathtaking venue. The amphitheater’s natural landscape greatly enhances the acoustics and sound quality.

This year, festival-goers’ listening experience will be heightened thanks to the addition of a brand new Funktion-One sound system, one of the most efficient sound systems in the world.

The festival grounds, dotted with close to 30 installations from the country’s leading visual artists (see news release “Visual Artists Capture Festival Energy”), are situated on majestic Mt. Malasimbo, which overlooks Puerto Galera bay, an exclusive member of “The Most Beautiful Bays in the World” Club . White Beach, one of Puerto Galera’s more popular coves, will play host to the Malasimbo Kiteboarding Exhibition on March 5, Saturday, led by expert Filipino and foreign kiteboarders.

Malasimbo Online

www.malasimbo.com is your source for the latest updates on the official lineup of acts and performance schedules for the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival and the Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival. Purchasing festival passes and booking accommodations at partner hotels or the Coleman Camping on the Malasimbo grounds are made easier on this newly revamped website, malasimbo.com.

The festivals are a production of Volume Unit Entertainment, Inc. and the D’Aboville Foundation, supported by Ipanema and Rider; with the participation of Brew Kettle, H&M Loves Music, Nothing But H20, and Toms; and the support of our official our official TV partners Solar Entertainment Corp., ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Solar Sports, Basketball TV (BTV), and CT; official radio partner Wave 89.1; official media partners: Aktivshow, ANC, Explore Philippines, Meg, Megstreetwear.ph, Radio Republic, Travel Now, Travelbook.ph, 8list.ph, Amplify.ph, Archipelago.com.ph, Inflight Traveller, Juice.ph, Myx.ph, Our Awesome Planet, PhilippineConcerts.com, Stylebible.ph, theAsianParent.com, Third Culture, Travelife, WhenInManila.com, Yelp! Manila; our official airline partner Air Juan; our official hotel partner Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila; and our official ticketing partner TicketWorld. Special thanks goes to Coleman, the Municipality of Puerto Galera and the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, Z Hos-tel, and A-Space Philippines.

The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival is produced in collaboration with Japan’s Basscamp with the support of the World DJ Academy, Okamoto Clinic Sendai, Asia Unite, and GOJA.

For more information about the Malasimbo Festival, please visit our website; or our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MALASIMBO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

ABOUT THE MALASIMBO FESTIVAL

From a turnout of 1,500 adventure-seeking, nature-and-music loving individuals in its first year in 2011, attendance blossomed to some 6,000 festival-goers in 2015, among them travelers from more than 30 countries as far as Denmark to neighboring Hong Kong and Singapore. Headliners of past Malasimbo Music and Arts Festivals have included James Brown’s renowned trombone player, band leader , and musical director Fred Wesley; Rock ’n’ Roll Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Cliff; UK soul jazz artist Omar, MBE; Grammy Award winner Robert Glasper; the godfather of Neo-Soul and one of most sampled artists in the world, Roy Ayers; the king of latin soul, Afro-Filipino, Joe Bataan; Japan’s leading Taiko performers Gocoo; Swedish musician Jose Gonzalez; Bobby McFerrin’s son Taylor McFerrin; and Bob Marley’s son KyMani Marley, among many others who performed alongside a predominantly Filipino lineup of jazz, soul, and world musicians.

A perfect getaway, experience Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

Tweet

Summer is here. Planning to experience everything you want in a getaway, fun, food trip, relaxing.

  

Get the most out of your summer,  just a few minutes outside Manila, enjoy your day or overnight stay with fun and relaxing activities. Have fun in one place that provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. 

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is the perfect destination for an easy escape, whether for a quick day tour or an overnight stay. Conveniently located 15 minutes from the Mall of Asia, Island Cove allows you to get away from the madness of the metro without having to go too far.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park was once known as Pulo ni Burunggoy. My father built it in the early 70s and opened it on June 12, 1976 as Covelandia Island Resort. From 1976 until 1985, Covelandia Island Resort was highly recognized in the Philippines. Its reputation for excellent service and deluxe facilities made it a very popular tourist destination. The economic downturn of the 1980s did not spare Covelandia, it closed for 12 years. Then the island was redeveloped and reopened its doors to the public on October 11, 1997. Its new name was Island Cove. In 2003, an animal sanctuary called Animal Island was added to the island’s attractions. It is home to different species of reptiles, mammals, and birds. In 2005, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park was ISO 9001:2000 certified and accredited by the Department of Tourism as a triple “A” resort.

The Fishing Village provides quite a dining experience. It is a Filipino-themed restaurant with 21 bamboo huts atop the water facing Manila Bay. It has spectacular views of the Manila and Makati skylines. Diners can go fishing and may have their catch cooked. You can order Filipino favorites from the menu including dishes that are unique to Cavite, famous for the freshest mussels and oysters. 

Guests can go fishing and may have their catch cooked or can order Filipino favorites from the menu including dishes that are unique to Cavite. We recommend the Pinoy Boodle Feast.

Top recommendations are the Pinoy Boodle Feast and their new Lechon sa Pugon which their chefs prepare with much passion. Slow-cooked in their brick oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, it comes out less sinful because a lot of the oil and fat drip out.

The skin is very crunchy while the meat is moist and tender. With all the secret ingredients, their Lechon sa Pugon is noticeably more flavorful than those cooked the traditional way.

Sangley Point features western-style cuisine and must-try items are the baked baby back ribs, Wagyu burgers, and their home made bacon barbecue. iCafe offers coffee, shakes, quick meals and sweet treats. Recently added to its menu are sisig buns and adobo buns.

Bayside KTV serves pica-pica such as baked oysters and mussels.

There is something for every member of the family at the Island. You can even bring the family dog, because yes, Island Cove is pet-friendly, allowing guests with dogs to enjoy the facilities.

Aside from dining at the restaurants, you can spend hours at the Oceania Swim and Splash Park. They have a 350-square meter kid-friendly splash park to Oceania. The splashers and sprayers were imported from Australia. Safety is of paramount importance so they installed colorful, water safe rubber flooring (EPDM) to minimize the possibility of accidents. The main pools of the Oceania Swim and Splash Park retain the 4 giant slides and giant inflatables. The whole water complex spans over 3,000 square meters and their splash park is the biggest in Mega Manila. It is also notable that all their lifeguards are certified in standard first aid and basic life support by the Philippine National Red Cross.

They have just added a new playground for the kids. It is called the King Crawler.

It was designed by the Dutch company, Carve. The original King Crawler was developed when the city council of Purmerend, in the Netherlands, invited Carve to design a new schoolyard area. This vertical urban play structure combines several functions including different types of play and climbing opportunities. The brightly colored ribbon-like platforms stand out as if they are floating between the muted posts and wire mesh walls. The whimsical design of the King Crawler lends itself to enhancing any architectural landscape. The King Crawler complies with the American and Canadian playground safety standards.

You can also visit the Island Cove Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to different species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Aside from feeding crocodiles and monkeys, you can take photos of ostriches, Bengal tigers, Philippine deer, and a 15-foot python. If you want more thrill, their Adventure Zone has one of the largest paintball arenas in the country and an airsoft game site. You can try their Island Cove Maze Challenge too. Their other outdoor facilities include a basketball court, a tennis court, a 1.4-kilometer jogging path, several playgrounds for children and a giant chess set. Bikes are available for rent.

If you prefer to stay indoors, they have billiard and table tennis tables and a game room with Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox consoles.

If you like to work out, you can visit their full service gym.

For those who like to sing, the Bayside KTV would be perfect. It has nine private rooms that can seat groups of 2 to 30. Each of its unique rooms has up-to-date equipment that plays more than 3,000 songs in Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese and Filipino. 

For those seeking relaxation and stress relief, the Island Spa is for you. It offers various western and oriental massage treatments. 

Island Cove has accommodations that serve guests and clients of every need and budget. They have recently finished major renovation of their accommodation facilities.

Gilbert C. Remulla showing us an old aerial view photo of Covelandia Island Resort.

According to Managing Director Gilbert Remulla, the rooms are now more in tune with the times with USB charging ports, wi-fi internet connectivity, flat screen TVs, and modern bathrooms, while still maintaining a Mediterranean feel.

They are particularly proud of their premier de luxe and family de luxe rooms, as well as the junior suites and villas. Family de luxe room occupants get 30% off on kiddie meals.

If you book the premier de luxe room, you will receive complimentary assorted pastries and you won’t be charged separately for the contents of the minibar, you can consume everything that’s there!

The junior suites and villas are very spacious and will be much appreciated by groups. Aside from a jacuzzi and pool in the hotel complex exclusive to checked in guests, some sports and recreation facilities are also available to them for free. 

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is a great place for events, socials and conferences. They have 2 main ballrooms that can fit between 300 to 500 people, 10 air-conditioned function and meeting rooms (including an air-conditioned tent), various non-airconditioned pavilions and function areas. Island Cove is capable of catering and organizing events for as many as 14,000 persons. They have a concert park where they hold concerts from time to time.

They’ve had David Pomeranz, Sharon Cuneta, Side A Band, Sarah Geronimo, Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, Rico J. Puno, Marco Sison, Randy Santiago, Louie Heredia, Chad Borja, Nonoy Zuniga, Sitti Navarro, Jed Madela, The Company, Bamboo, Ely Buendia, Aiza Seguerra, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Spongecola, and Cueshe. They have also hosted wellness events, food festivals, dog shows and sporting activities. And have served as venue to TV shows such as ASAP, Umagang Kay Ganda and Unang Hirit. Movies and soap operas have frequently used Island Cove for their out-of-studio location shoots as well.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, only 15 minutes away from Mall of Asia.

For more information, log on to www.islandcovephil.com, call (046) 434 0210 or email inquiry@islandcovephil.com. 

Check out Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/IslandCoveHotelandLeisurePark

Instagram:

http://instagram.com/islandcovephil

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/islandcovephil

A Hilltop Haven at Tagaytay Highlands

Tweet

This 27-hectare modern ranch-inspired log cabin community in Tagaytay Highlands offers astonishing mountain views of Batangas and Laguna, the Canlubang Valley, and Laguna de Bay. It is surrounded by hundreds of pine trees with lot areas ranging from 300-800 square meters.

Whenever one thinks of his or her fondest childhood memory, images of summers spent with family are evoked—unforgettable vacations in a beautiful destination or long and lazy afternoons in the old hometown. It’s what nostalgia does. Those precious bygone years are dredged from our memories, making us relive the innocence and happiness of the child we once were.

Today, there’s a perfect place to make new memories with the people you love—Aspenhills in Tagaytay Highlands. A home away from home, the place can very well be the family’s favorite getaway with its promise of serene and peaceful living, just two hours’ drive from Metro Manila.

Soothe the stresses of city life in this exclusive hilltop community, which offers astonishing views of Batangas, Laguna, Canlubang Valley, and Laguna de Bay. With a backdrop as spectacular as this, make spending weekends in a modern-ranch style and mountain lodge-themed community relaxing for the whole family.

Inspired by the picturesque and elegant Aspen in Colorado, USA, each log home in Aspenhills exudes the warmth and intimacy one seeks on chilly days. With the rustic charm of wood and touches of contemporary glass and stone, it’s the perfect setting for savoring Tagaytay’s year-round cool weather.

Aspenhills provides you convenience and comfort with its modern amenities. The privacy and safety of homeowners are also given foremost importance with its 24-hour gated security.

Within this 27-hectare development are amenities that promote a holistic lifestyle. Strengthen family bonds and spend afternoons at the Sunshine Picnic Grove. Watch the kids play and be out and about at the Little Ranch Playground. Hold intimate gatherings at the Village Hall where you can celebrate life’s feats with friends and family or a simple tete-a-tete with your neighbors on an idle afternoon.

On top of all these, Aspenhills residents can also enjoy Tagaytay Highlands’ topnotch leisure facilities situated within 1,290 hectares of lush greenery.

Enjoy the company of family and friends at the Village Hall. The perfect place to spend quality moments with the people who matters most.

Tagaytay Highlands boasts first-class amusement for the family, highlighted by the first and only Swiss cable car system in the country and two championship golf courses, while the superb Sports Center and The Spa and Lodge wellness center offer the best facilities for residents and guests who want to relax and de-stress. 

There are more than twenty dining outlets in the neighborhood—pick one to cap a day of activities and fun or choose a place for the next family reunion or birthday party.

With a place to call home in a premier destination like Aspenhills, you and your family have the best chance yet to make memories that could last a lifetime.

Over the years, properties in this mountain resort have appreciated. And with suburbanization, Tagaytay Highlands is one of the best investment options there is in real estate as it is strategically located in the midst of emerging tourist destinations. Tagaytay Highlands continues to provide the market viable property selections with its continuous development.

Tagaytay Highlands is a leisure development of the SM Group of Companies. Situated in the highest elevations of Tagaytay, the premier leisure destination speaks of exclusivity and luxury. It is where stunning naturescapes and breezy, cool weather come together to redefine relaxation. And where golf and country clubs, fine restaurants, world-class amenities, and premium residential communities reshape your idea of a weekend getaway.

For more information on how to own a Highlands home, please visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com or call (632) 5052422 and (63917) 5150158.

Vivere Azure Anilao Batangas roll out its “Rainy Room Escapade”

Tweet

Listen to the waves in a paradise of endless summer as Vivere Azure Anilao Batangas roll out its “Rainy Room Escapade.”

See the beauty of the Maricaban Strait as you indulge in an endless sea of azure waters that sparkle and gleam. This rainy season, take refuge in one of Vivere AZURE’s 13 room boutique suites as you relax to the sound of raindrops hitting the waves. Set amidst the lush bamboo trees, enjoy the night in a spacious Premiere Ocean View room for only Php6,000 to Php7,000 or cuddle up in a Deluxe Ocean View room at 50% off the regular rate. Room rates are exclusive of Food & Beverage. 

Vivere Azure is located at Sitio Aguada, San Teodoro, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas. 

Log on to www.viverazure.com or call 771-7777, for inquiries and reservations email us at info@viverehotel.com.ph