Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Philippines

For the first 16 years of my life, Cebu, Philippines, to me, was the equivalent of family and vacation. 

Every summer, semestral break, and christmas, we would take an overnight ferry from my hometown, Cagayan de Oro, to get there. I never liked those ferries.. the beds, the pillows, the smell.. but waking up knowing we have docked in Cebu, and seeing my uncles happy to pick us up at the port, always made up for it.

We were often there to visit our grandparents, and play with our cousins. But then I went to college in Manila, and moved to Singapore. Family vacations changed. And I started flying to Cebu only for weddings and funerals.

15 years have passed. 

For promises I had to keep, I visited Cebu and stayed at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa with my colleagues in May 2014.

And realised what I have been missing..

This very beautiful beach cove..

On that big rock, a flight of stairs leads to spa beds and lounge chairs..

There's a lot of fish just by the beach.. so snorkelling is really great!

The swimming pools and hotel grounds..

I was always at the balcony, and forgot to take pictures of the rooms.. but they're good :)

Isn't that amazing? 

The sunset was actually on the other side of the sky, and it reflected on those clouds.

Twilight..

Loved Ones.. At the Buko Bar..

Too happy dancing at the Waves Bar every night..

I forgot to take a picture of the place itself.. which was really nice.. by the beach.. sea breeze..

Sunrise..

I just used my iPhone, and this picture seriously does not do any justice to the beauty of that morning..

Breeze Bar..

Sand almost as fine as sugar..

My favourite spot..

Comfortable beach beds.. 

Loved them even more at night.. to snooze and listen to the sound of the waves.. without getting sunburnt :p

The bridge to the Ocean Pavilion..

My dream wedding venue..

At this moment, they were setting up the Ocean Pavilion for a wedding ceremony..

The Altar..

I love it so much!!!

Since my own wedding did not happen here.. 

I would have to book this for my future children.. haha! :)

The jetty..

And me.. loving every part of this part of Cebu.. so much!!

How can I not?! :)

-----------------

Just a side note: When you are staying in Mactan..

Rent a car with a driver, make reservations, and go to Lantaw Native Restaurant in Busay. 

There are different Lantaw Restaurants, so make sure you are going to the one in Busay. 

It's at least an hour away from Mactan, but this view of the whole Cebu City is totally worth it!

They serve Filipino food that's really good! 

And whatever happens.. order the Tuna Belly! :)

---------------------------

References:

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa - www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/

Deluxe Room, Sea View, with Breakfast - May 2014 - SGD 360 per night

Lantaw Native Restaurant, Busay - +63 32 511 0379

Happy Birthday, Jobelle! :)

To one of my most beautiful sisters, inside out..

With an Alaskan Malamute in Alaska, USA

Believe me.. This is the most decent travel picture I could find with just the two of us.. hehe! :)

And I realised that it has been a long time since we have explored the world together..

My Maid of Honor

We will make time for that.. 

But for now.. 

Stay cool.. Stay happy.. Stay gorgeous!

Jobelle Catching the Bouquet at My Wedding in Manila, Philippines

Because you caught that flower bouquet..

And apparently the magic worked..

Your turn is coming very soon..

And we can't wait!

Happy, happy birthday Belle! :)

Love you always!

Husky Dog Sledding in Finland

After spending some time reflecting on my adventures..

I realized that the Husky Sleigh Ride in Inari, Finland was the second most amazing travel experience I've ever had. 

(The first? click here ;))

It was not in my Bucket List, but go add it in yours! 

It doesn't have to be in Finland.. You can do it in Sweden, Norway, Canada, Alaska, etc.. But do it! :D

In the Finnish Lapland, they often call it Husky Safari..

Tours are readily available with most of the hotels..

But it would be better to book them in advance because, first, the dogs are limited, and second, the sleds have to be prepared.

They picked us up..

And now we are here at the farm.. By the frozen Lake Inari..

Walking through the woods... And wow!!!

There they are! All ready and waiting for us!

Thought I'd only see this in the movies!

In pairs, we choose our sleds.. 

It has 5 to 6 huskies each.. with different genders because they have to mix and match the alphas..

Showing us how it's done..

One person has to stand and step on, and control the brakes from behind, while the other..

sits comfortably under the warm reindeer skin blanket ;) 

We are ready.. and the huskies can no longer wait to have fun!

The guide starts to release the dogs.. while we continue to step firmly on the brakes until our cue..

Following the guides on the snowmobile..

One sled at a time, we release our brakes to let the dogs run and form a single row..

The dogs are well trained.. they follow a path.. and they know that they have to follow the snowmobile or sled in front..

But stop!!

The husky looks behind and asks why.. are we stopping?! ;)

Everyone stops..

The guides have to fix some of the dogs or sleds.. put them back on track.. run back and forth.. untangle ropes.. check each one..

There are 10 of us.. 5 sleds.. and at least 26 dogs!

It is not an easy task for the guides to be handling so many animals all at the same time..

We are all waiting.. and waiting.. and it's getting really cold..

Our dogs are starting to get bored.. restless.. and horny!!

Our dogs just started mating!!

They cannot be stopped..

So now we have to wait again.. and no.. I am not joking!

And finally!! 

Off we go!!

I can't describe the feeling properly anymore..

Cold.. exciting.. amazing.. overwhelming.. !!

Sitting comfortably, I am hanging on to our camera and waiting for these moments..

Too many nice moments though! :D

The huskies are doing what they love.. running.. really fast!

Feels like I'm just dreaming.. 

Riding towards the very beautiful setting sun..

Crossing the vast snow-covered frozen lake..

Whooooppss! Their dogs just went off the track.. haha! :)

The guide is pulling them back..

Back on the path now..

The guides are checking all the sleds again..

And we.. are as happy as the huskies!! Haha!! :D

Our fairy tale adventure continues..

Feels like heaven.. and loving every moment of it!!

And here we are.. It's over :(

Thanking the huskies for the great job they have done! :)

They are tired now.. and heading back to their houses..

A squirrel is curiously watching..

Home.. 

And getting their reward - some Reindeer bones!

Just a window frost on the way..

To the teepee where everyone has gathered for some hot lingonberry juice..

Sharing stories, keeping warm, grilling sausages..

And getting dirty eating those blackened meat.. 

But I still can't get over that husky sleigh ride! :)

Also check out: Reindeer Sleigh Ride, Northern Lights Over Lake Inari, and First Glimpse of the Arctic Circle. Enjoy!

---------------------------

References:

Full Trip Itinerary and Budget - Finland and Estonia - Northern Lights Itinerary

Husky Safari - 2 Hours for EUR 190 Per Person

Booked through our hotel in February 2014 - Hotel Inari - www.hotelliinari.fi