ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

While most malls around the country host Sunday masses in some obscure hallway filled with plastic chairs with a makeshift altar, some malls have built niches or transformed unused spaces into places of worship. And Ilonggos should be proud that one of the newest malls in Iloilo City has actually a chapel located in a prime spot and one that boasts both beauty and serenity.  The St. Joseph Chapel at Festive Walk Iloilo is located in one of its al fresco areas known as The Deck located  at the 3rd level. While this open air area also has a mini plaza and dog park (and soon - cafes and restaurants) it is the chapel that highlights this al fresco part of the mall. Eucharistic mass services are held every Sunday at 11am while first Friday masses at 5pm.  It is open to the public everyday for personal moments of silence and solitude. The Deck and everything in it is open from 10am to 10pm with the entrance located between Barking Cafe

Iloilo City's newest hotel just had its grand opening and it's the 10-storey, 200-room Park Inn by Radisson located at the sprawling SM City complex.  And it's fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated!  Park Inn is a friendly brand that focuses on delivering the modern essentials of a great hotel experience.  It is an upper mid-scale hotel brand that delivers stress-free experiences, good food and upbeat environments.   With its ceremonial opening held last April 2, I had the chance to be one of the first to experience what the hotel has to offer. Mayor JOE III Espinosa (center) together with Ms. Elizabeth Sy, President (2nd from right), SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, Ms. Peggy Angeles (2nd from left), Executive Vice President, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, Mr. Walid El Zeer (right), Hotel Manager, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Regional Director Helen Catalbas (left) of Dept. Of Tourism. And here are  12 Ways to Feel Good  at Park Inn by

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Guimaras is to go boating  - hopping from island to another, from one attraction to the next. It takes you around coves, islets and beaches then comes with more activities like combing your own private beach, greeting some creatures, appreciating some limestone formations and taking a dip in crystal clear waters.  And it takes you around different private resorts for a preview and free view of what they have in store for their guests. Though most of the time these private resorts remain, well private, with island hoppers just  going around and boating within the area. Others have special arrangement with resorts owners that for a minimal fee, island hoppers can get to feel what it feels like to be in the privacy of the resort. During the start of summer (around March) this year, I was out on another island hopping mini adventure in Guimaras. And one of the most breathtaking sights along the way was a house built on a limestone