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Review of The Alley by Vikings (U.P. Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City)

The word “food hall” usually brings to mind the same-old joints in food courts and in food parks. Not anymore. The Alley by Vikings makes the concept of a food hall far more ambitious, taking in fine chefs, artisans and purveyors in town. We should definitely have tried this earlier!

I first got intrigue after watching PopTalk’s feature on The Alley as the first eat-and-drink-all-you-can food hall in the Philippines. This newest addition to the Vikings family offers something for everyone (Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, American, Thai, etc.) with 14 food stalls each one serving a unique specialty. It was the perfect place to celebrate our parents’ wedding anniversary this year. We stayed there for four hours of non-stop munching with enjoyment. Obviously, we had a blast!

Review of The Alley by Vikings (U.P. Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City)

Ambiance:

At The Alley by Vikings, don’t ask for what they specialize in, because the answer is, “what do you like?”. Take your pick on the exciting cuisines and explore this foodie paradise for interesting finds. The space is enormous, casual and comfy, with little retro and rustic touches here and there.

The themed booths look decorative and creative, certainly a good way to attract people and elevate their dining experience. There’s plenty of room to accommodate large groups. The layout can be a tad confusing at first but you’ll get how it works soon. So before getting a plate and stuffing it with food, we suggest roaming around and navigating the alleys first. Don’t miss the taho station, dirty ice cream cart, and squid ball and kikiam stall at one end of the dining hall. 🙂

Food:

This gourmet food hall offers a tour of the world in one meal. Each counter has a distinct substantial variety of food including: Just Steak a Minute (sizzling plats like pork tenderloin in mushroom truffle sauce, chicken chimichurri, salisbury with pepper sauce and beef steak), Kegz (cocktails and alcoholic beverages), La Sap, Street Work, Trituen Batsoy, Lost & Pound, Antipasto Blvd (appetizers like cheese, salad, and bite-size snacks), Hao Chi (Chinese food), New York Pizza (pizza), Nords Coffee Bar, O’Sean Eleven (baked oysters), Yatai (assorted sushi, sashimi, tempura, maki and rolls), Hunneycomb (desserts like ice cream, cake, crepe, candies, etc.), and Ferino’s (bibingka and puto bumbong).

With an overwhelming number of options, it’s hard to go wrong with anything. We started with some street food and quick bites like tacos, chicken wings, and lumpia as appetizers, then continued with Japanese sushi and sashimi and Chinese dim sum before finally moving on to the mains. The spicy laksa noodle soup, beef steak, pork bagnet, and tacos deserved two thumbs up. Their milk tea, pineapple & carrot juice, tamarind juice, and watermelon juice tasted really nice and fresh.

We followed our stomach, ate slowly to relish the flavors, but still got so full before we knew it. Hence, regrettably, we were not able to try everything at The Alley. A second visit is a must! In any case, overall, we were impressed with the quality of food as they’ve surpassed our expectation. I ended my meal with a hot cup of ginger and lemon tea detoxify and reduce bloat. 🙂

Price for Value:

The Alley by Vikings offers a “new-school” take on food hall via vibrant dishes served in a more upscale, air-conditioned cozy environment. Surprise your palate with bustling and unfailingly delicious flavors at only PhP 738-PhP 938 per person (adult). Make sure to call ahead for a reservation to avoid long waits.

The Alley by Vikings at U.P. Town Center Rates

ADULT RATE:

Adult Weekday Lunch: 738 (+5% service charge)
Adult Weekday Dinner: 938 (+5% service charge)
Adult Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 938 (+5% service charge)

KIDS RATE:

Kids below 3 ft: FREE

Kids 3 ft – 4 ft Weekday Lunch: 188 (+5% service charge)
Kids 3 ft – 4 ft Weekday Dinner: 288 (+5% service charge)
Kids 3 ft – 4 ft Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 288 (+5% service charge)

Kids 4 ft – 4 ft 4.6″ Weekday Lunch: 388 (+5% service charge)
Kids 4 ft – 4 ft 4.6″ Weekday Dinner: 588 (+5% service charge)
Kids 4 ft – 4 ft 4.6″ Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 588 (+5% service charge)

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March 1, 2020
Review of Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores (Del Monte, Quezon City)

Searching for an ideal restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or a family gathering can be quite tricky. The location and mood, the food selection, and the budget come together when considering where to go. If you’re in the market for a convenient and impressive setting in Metro Manila, Las Casas Manila in QC could be the one. At least that’s what we thought when we walked in! 🙂 Not just because the location is pretty close to our home (walking distance from Fishermall), the food looked nice and tasted great, though both of these things are true. It’s because everyone seemed to be have a good time!

We celebrated Valentine’s Day here last Sunday and had a fantastic experience. We saw couples on a date, families having a big lunch, and even business partners discussing stuff over food. All of that’s definitely promising, but the main reason to see a future with this place is because Las Casas by Margarita Fores has a homey appeal. It is an events place where you can do photoshoots. It has a swimming pool outside and a large grassy area to wander around. On the menu, you’ll find some reliable favorites like paella, unique appetizers, delicious mains, and superb desserts. More on these below.

Review of Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores (Del Monte, Quezon City)

Ambiance:

Whether for a romantic evening or a casual meal with your family or friends, Las Casas Manila offers one of the best settings in Metro Manila with an unhurried atmosphere and classy vibe. Entering the restaurant is like welcoming yourself in an aunt’s home. It looked bright and cheery on one side, while the other direction pointed to a more “old-world elegance” vibe. The dining room was magnificent overall, with rich dark wood everywhere, a high ceiling, and lovely ornate details. We walked up the grand staircase and found vintage furniture on the second floor. There are function rooms where you can host a wedding reception or a huge birthday bash. What a total package!

Food:

On a closer look, the food selections at Las Cases were way more interesting than they seemed—and for a semi-upscale restaurant, also affordable. For appetizer, we had the Tortilla de Patatas, Jamon Serrano Mayonesa (Potato Omelette) (PhP 120). We found it fun to eat because of all the varying textures and layers. This Spanish food is an upgrade from the regular omelette, one of those rare dishes that demonstrate how a handful of household ingredients can be transformed from ho-hum to exceptional with just a little bit of good technique.

The rest of the food we ordered were all recommendations of our server. Smothered in cheese and mixed with chunks of chorizo, their best-selling Penne con Chorizo (PhP 275) was rich, creamy, and flavorful. It’s a light dish you can enjoy before the mains, and you’ll feel like a few minutes away from a Spanish taste sensation.

Their Pollo con Paprika (PhP 390) had a generous amount of sauce. The chicken was tender, aromatic, and satisfying.

We also liked the Chuleton (Grilled Marinated Rib Eye) with Salsa Verde and Paprika Mayonesa (250 grams, PhP 720). The steak was well seasoned, with a pleasant beefiness that made it taste good even without a dip into the included condiments. Texturally, it was properly tender (cooked medium) and juicy.

For desserts, we had Churros con Chocolate (PhP 120) and Tres Leches, Smoked Coconut, Dried Mangoes, and Jackfruit (PhP 280). The churros were some of the tastiest we’ve had—perfectly crisp and spot on fluffy. It was even more delicious when taken with a dab of warm chocolate.

Tres Leches, Smoked Coconut, Dried Mangoes, and Jackfruit made for a worthy close to the meal. We have never had anything like it before. This ultra light cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture is a popular cake in Mexico and Latin America. Tres leches consisted of three types of milk over the top–evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Similar to an angel food cake, the whipped egg whites in the batter made it extra light and spongy. We took a bite, closed our eyes, and almost clapped our hands with glee. It easily became one of our favorites! You’ll love this cake. It’s like a hidden treasure!

Price for Value:

Las Casas Manila by Margarita Forés exceeded our expectations. The space is so postcard-like so it’s a great opportunity to take your camera outside and shoot. Be a tourist in your own city and make the most out of your visit here. Stop by with a group, or a date, on a weekend afternoon, and hang out for an hour or two. Delight in Spanish cuisine in a beautiful restored heritage mansion! It’s one of the better places to eat in the area, and prices are reasonable and won’t break the bank. 🙂

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February 23, 2020
New South Wales: What Not to Miss

For many people, Australia is the destination for their holiday of a lifetime. New South Wales has everything you’ve ever dreamed of in a holiday. Continue reading for our guide of things not to be missed.

Breathtaking Beaches

Whether you are looking for the perfect place to indulge in a spot of sunbathing or expend some energy by surfing, New South Wales certainly has plenty of beaches that will tick both of those boxes. Dubbed the whitest sand in the world, Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay looks picture perfect. More than that though, the water is incredibly clear and the temperature mild. It is an unspoiled area with little development, tucked away round the back of the town with just one road in and out. Definitely worth a visit for its calm and tranquil atmosphere!

Pebbly Beach in in the Murramarang National Park is another place worth visiting, though perhaps not for the reason you’d expect. Although the beach is lovely, the main draw of Pebbly Beach is actually the kangaroos. This area is one of the best in New South Wales to see the Eastern Grey kangaroos and they usually oblige by posing for a quick selfie, even enjoying a good pat too.

Food and Drink

Who goes on holiday and doesn’t want to indulge in the local food and drink specialties? In New South Wales, the food on offer tends to reflect the multicultural make up of the region with influences from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Greece, Italy, India and Africa. Don’t forget the incredible Australian cuisine that is on offer as well.

One of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley prides itself on its modern Australian food with the extensive use of quality local ingredients. As a tourist, that should be exactly what you seek. Choose a place located in a special place with magnificent views and tranquil vibes.

Food you should certainly sample includes Sydney rock oysters (delicious!), red mullet, yellow-fin tuna, John Dory and fruits such as avocados (so fresh and tasty!), guavas, passion fruit and pears. Fine red and white wines are popular within this region. Be sure to try shiraz (if you’re a fan of red) and Semillon (for those who prefer white); alternatively, have both!

Amazing Attractions

Sydney is the place that most tourists head straight for when visiting New South Wales. It does have a lot to offer in the form of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. But beyond the obvious lies an array of other attractions. Consider diving into the cultural world of Sydney’s museums, art galleries and theater.

Elsewhere, in New South Wales, head for the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage Area. It is an absolutely stunning place, perfect for indulging in a spot of hiking and sightseeing combined. It is also home to a range of antique stores, cafes, restaurants and accommodation (both luxury lodges and homely B&Bs), especially so in the small villages of Leura and Katoomba.

February 14, 2020
5 Must-Do Activities for Your Island Holiday

Why an island for your holiday? Islands are associated with sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, hidden treasures, various water sport activities, seafood delicacies, and strategically-placed beach houses. When visiting an island for your holiday, it is essential to know what activities you can get involved in beforehand. This will help you set aside what will be fun and favorable for you and your family. Relaxing on a beach and enjoying the warmth of the sun while listening to the sound of the waves is rejuvenating for the soul. Here are a few must-do activities to get you started on your next Island holiday.

5 Must-Do Activities for Your Island Holiday

Scuba Diving

Do you want to have a close interaction with marine life? Scuba diving will allow you to explore as deep as the ocean floor. There are protected water areas that are safe for you. The ocean floor is home to a million species of exotic creatures and plant life. Scuba diving also allows you to swim with dolphins, turtles, and many more. You cannot visit an island with vibrant ringed reefs and fail to go scuba diving. It is a different world down there that is worth being added to your bucket list of adventure.

Whale Watching

Whales are among the most fascinating sea creatures. Swimming with them is not always permitted as they translate water bubbles as a disturbance. Watching, on the other hand, is mind-blowing. The best destination for whale watching is in Tenerife, where there are over 15 species of whales and several species of dolphins. Whale watching Tenerife is outstanding due to the crystal-clear waters, affordable prices, presence of whales throughout the year, a variety of boat excursions to choose from, and sunshine throughout the year.

Island Tour

Islands have a lot to offer, and you should consider exploring other parts besides the beach or sea. They have a tropical climate with mangrove vegetation along the coastline. Taking a tour into the island to explore its flora and fauna is a popular tour. You will be able to see the meandering rivers, loud waterfalls, botanical gardens, tropical flowers, deep valleys, breathtaking canopies patterned by tropical rainforests, and the beautiful view of the sea’s horizon. An island tour usually includes a visit to the nearby attraction sites such as national parks, prehistoric sites, museums, and lakes.

Interact With the Locals

Due to historical isolation and colonial neglect, most islands have sustained authentic ancestral cultures. While on holiday there, you should take time to interact with the indigenous communities. Many hold different festivals and ceremonies that you can take part in and experience yourself. You can also watch and learn about their traditional dances and songs, which can be very exciting. Don’t just spend your entire holiday at the beach, go to the interior regions and learn a bit about the locals’ language, religion and traditional dress. Visit the fish markets on the beach and have a taste of seafood. Try local foods in nearby restaurants too.

Rejuvenating and Relaxing

Beaches are very popular for health and fitness activities. You can decide to sit at the beach in the evening, your feet feeling the water while watching the sun as it sets in beautiful colors. You can’t deny that this sounds peaceful and relaxing. What about a gentle massage after a long day? After all, the holidays are all about self-care. If you want to get in shape, visit a poolside fitness center and join yoga, tai chi, spin, or aerobics sessions while interacting with fitness enthusiasts. All in all, walking on the sandy beach and engaging in water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, underwater hockey, parasailing, jet-skiing, or surfing is enough exercise.

February 13, 2020
Review of Moon Rabbit Cafe and Restaurant (San Juan, Metro Manila)

Located on a quiet neighborhood in San Juan, Moon Rabbit is a house-turned-restaurant and its dining area feels like it was designed specifically for big, lively groups of diners. The energy was abundant when we came, since many Chinese families celebrated Chinese New Year on the actual CNY day. It was our first time here and we were thrilled to find excellent dishes on the table. Through and through, we were served with delicious Chinese food that looked great as they tasted. By the way, we discovered Moon Rabbit through spot.ph’s list of the best restaurants in Manila in 2019.

Review of Moon Rabbit Cafe and Restaurant (San Juan)

Ambiance:

Moon Rabbit seemed a fun place to hang out. Its location is a bit off-the-grid versus the “restaurants area” like Wilson Street, Missouri Street, or Little Baguio in San Juan, but that’s only one part of what makes it more special. Its big parking space outside is a plus so you don’t have to worry about parking.

Upon entrance, we were greeted with a tall shelf of figurines, which served as a room divider to enhance the ambiance and add a touch of flair. It’s great because it doesn’t completely block the view from one side to the other, allowing the spaces to still be connected. There’s a main dining area which felt casual and homey, and a cozy bar area on another side for coffee and cocktails (where we stayed). High ceilings and sleek lighting fixtures make up this modern space. Love the indoor plants and, Chinese lanterns, and colorful pillowcases that act as creative accents! Tables filled up quickly at around 7pm and there were lots of reservations that night. A little more guidance: make a reservation if you don’t want to wait.

Food:

We started dinner with the appetizing Black Pepper Beef (PhP 320). It’s something that might not pop out to you at first when you see it on the menu, but you need to get it! It ended up as one of our favorite food at Moon Rabbit. Filled with peppery goodness and really tasty, it’s made with black pepper sauce and onions. Eating rice with it is a must. 🙂

Their Crispy Squid (PhP 280) was one big exclamation mark. The tiny pieces of squid were super crispy and flavorsome, especially with the accompanying sweet black vinegar sauce. It’s a totally safe option, and one that’ll ease you into a meal here.

Ama’s Homemade Meatballs (PhP 220) indeed tasted like “homemade” with the same familiar taste of my mom’s or grandmother’s cooking. Tender and moist, these savory meatballs can be addictive. They’re great alone but for a little oomph, tangy ketchup helps welcome a bright finish.

Cooked in a clay pot to tender crusty perfection, Duck Claypot Rice (PhP 260) looked like a glorious mess. The duck breast was aromatic and meaty, the Chinese chorizo was yummy, and greens provided a nice crunch.

Definitely a crowd-pleaser, Moon Rabbit’s Singaporean Noodles (PhP 320) were a fab affair, with a combination of spicy and savory. We’re so glad that the serving portion was enough for all of us six people. Made up of curry noodles, asado, bell peppers, and seafood, the noodles were far from bland or dry and the ingredients were generous.

Scallop Fried Rice (PhP 180) was another dish that didn’t scrimp on ingredients and flavor. It was immensely comforting and pretty filling, bringing fried rice to another level.

The Orange Spare Ribs (PhP 280) was interesting since it’s not often that you come across pork spareribs cooked with orange sauce. The taste of orange though was tad overwhelming so make sure to pair rice with it. The spareribs remained juicy and tender. We thought it’s worth a try!

For desserts, both the Moon Rabbit Panna Cotta (PhP 175) and the Grass Jelly with Red Bean (PhP 95) were enjoyable. Made in the shape of a rabbit, their panna cotta was on point. It was frozen and the texture was quite hard then the vanilla cream melts in your mouth. Inside, we were surprised to see a crimson-colored strawberry purée with just enough sweetness to suit our liking. The inherent sweetness of the red beans was beautifully conveyed. Augmented by the pleasantly chewy grass jelly, this light dessert was creamy and satisfying. It’s the type that fills you up without weighing you down. 🙂

Price for Value:

Moon Rabbit Cafe+Restaurant in Greater San Juan doesn’t stick to the traditional definition of authentic Chinese cuisine, and that’s what makes it alluring. It offers a good balance of classic Chinese food and unique elements served in a modern style and setting. Overall, the dishes we tried were decent and good. Prices were not modest considering the serving sizes, but not too extravagant either. I think you get what you pay for.

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February 2, 2020
3 Fabulous Reasons to Visit Mont Tremblant

Mont Tremblant is a picturesque city in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, Canada, around 130 kilometers from Montreal. Whether living or vacationing in Montreal it’s a great place to spend some time. Renowned for its amazing ski slopes, golf courses, and incredible views, it’s an activity-packed destination that won’t disappoint. Whilst there are a few public transport options to get there, it’s probably easiest to travel by car. If you don’t have a vehicle, then hiring a car in Montreal couldn’t be easier. Globe car rental have several branches throughout Montreal giving you many pick up location options to choose from. It’s under two hours’ drive and is well worth the journey.

3 Fabulous Reasons to Visit Mont Tremblant

Amazing skiing

With 4 slopes and 102 trails, it is no wonder that Mont Tremblant has been voted #1 ski resort in Eastern Northern America on quite a few occasions. It is popular with skiers as well as snowboarders and caters for all abilities. If you want to brush up on your techniques, you can join the Tremblant snow school. Small groups are given lessons and pointers from certified and highly experienced instructors. If you don’t have equipment, fear not – from skiwear to high-performance skis, their rental shop will have everything you need.

Beautiful golf courses

Mont Tremblant isn’t just a fabulous vacation spot in the winter. If you are visiting during the warmer months and enjoy a round of golf, you won’t be disappointed. There are two spectacular courses to play.

Le Diable is an amazing 7,056 yard 18 hole course design by master architects Michael Hurdzan and Dana fry. Red sand bunkers and long narrow fairways make this course a delight to play. There is also a driving range if you don’t have time to play the course or want to get in a few practice shots beforehand.

With plateaus sculpted into the mountainside and incredible views of the vast Laurentian landscape, Le Geant is another 18 hole course that will prove a pleasure to play. Golf carts come as standard and equipment hire is also available.

Other activities

There are loads of activities for all the family to enjoy at Mont Tremblant. Brind O’ Aquaclub is a huge water play center situation in the heart of the resort. It has an indoor pool with four really fun slides and in the summer, there is an outdoor pool and hot tub too. Kids will have hours of fun playing with all the interactive water games. It is best to book if you can as they have a maximum capacity and you won’t want to miss out!

Casino de Mont Tremblant is a great place to go if you want some live entertainment and to try your hand at some of the many casino games. There is a lounge bar and a lovely restaurant too. It’s a great place to relax and have some fun and you never know, you might just win!

January 25, 2020
Top 9 Things to Do During Winter in Harbin, China

I was looking for places where we can spend a holiday vacation in December. After days of research, we decided to go to Harbin, China (哈尔滨) to experience a real-life winter dreamscape. Harbin is the capital of China’s Heilongjiang (黑龙江) province, where the temperatures dip up to or even below -30℃ in winter. Tourists usually come here to see ice snow sculptures, enjoy exciting ice sports, and witness China’s greatest ice artwork festival. Our four-day trip was packed with awesome activities which we loved as we felt we really made the most of it. 🙂 Here’s a rundown of things to do in Harbin.

All photos were taken using my Huawei P20 Pro.

Top 9 Things to Do During Winter in Harbin, China

1. Eat to your heart’s content…in an “Ice Palace”

Dining in hotpot restaurants is a must for locals during winter in Harbin. Hotpot is known in China by its Mandarin name “huo guo, which literally means “fire pot.” Hotpot warms up chilly weather, it’s easy to prepare, and it’s a great way to socialize, especially when you’re inside an ice palace!

Just a few footsteps away from Shangri-La Hotel, Harbin, the Ice Palace Restaurant and Ice Bar is totally made out of ice and decorated in regional folklore featuring wintry and ethnic lifestyles. While most restaurants in Harbin has heaters so we could take off our winter outfits, in the Ice Palace Restaurant, there are only mini heaters. The temperature stays within -18℃, so there’s no escaping from the cold! We had to eat with winter jackets, winter gloves, hats, ear muffs, and scarves.

An array of seafood, vegetables, meat, and dipping sauce options plus some noodles in steaming broth sums up the beauty of hotpot. Everything’s laid out on the table so guests can just dive into it and take the plunge.

2. See the giant snow sculptures at Sun Island

Sun Island is another must-see attraction in Harbin. During winter, it’s home to the snow carving exhibition where different shapes and figures are being made and displayed by artists from around the world. We took many photos of the snow sculptures and were impressed with how they’re built.

These 3-D images are gigantic and even taller than us. It’s recommended to visit Sun Island in the morning or early in the afternoon since the snow sculptures aren’t lit up at night. My favorite works were the giant flying fish and the large snow wall of birds.

3. Try Skiing in Yabuli Ski Resort

Yabuli Ski Resort is three hours away from Harbin. It’s the largest and most professional ski resort in Harbin and even in all of China. A ski destination for beginners and advanced skiers, this ski resort has 17 ski trails, with gentle and challenging slopes, including the alpine trail which is said to be the longest in Asia. The best time to visit is from late November to late March (winter season).

It was my first time to ski, and I sucked terribly at it! I inched my way to the large outdoor skiing fields from the top of the hill to the downward slope. I watched how my tour-mates fell multiple times, got a few pointers from them on how to keep my balance, and at last took a deep breath before “flying” super SLOWLY over the snow field. I certainly felt the rush of adrenaline but fought the urge to panic. I made it to the bottom without an injury, and it was a dream come true for me. 🙂

4. Have fun in the world’s first alpine slide

If skiing or any other snow sports are not for you, the world’s longest slide and the world’s first alpine slide may sound exhilarating. Also inside Yabuli Ski Resort, the world’s longest slide is 2868.68 meters long which holds the largest number of corners (48) and has a drop of 700 meters as listed in the Guinness Record. As it’s situated at the Third Guokui Mountain (三锅盔山), we rode a sightseeing cable car that took us to the highest peak of the mountain.

Upon reaching the top, we were given brief instructions on how to slide. Similar to luge carts, the ride has a handlebar that allows the rider to take control of the speed and direction. We were told to just pull back to slow down or stop and release or move the bar forward to accelerate. My plan was to drive slowly and pull back all the way, so I requested to be the last one in the group to slide. 😛 Such a scaredy-cat. I know I am but I still did it!

5. Glide across snow in snow tubes

Basically, snow tubing is a recreational activity that makes use of gravity to transport yourself from the top of a snowy hill to the bottom of a slope while riding an inflatable “donut” tire. It is a great opportunity to take in the fresh chilly air and relish the amazing white scenery and landscape before sliding downhill. There is no skill or training required, no practice needed and no muscle strength necessary. Kids can have fun as well. As long as you can sit and hold on, you are good to go.

Snow tubing in Yabuli

Group snow tubing in Harbin Volga Manor

No safety buckle or seat belt, we just held onto the feet of whoever’s at our back!

6. Explore Yabuli’s Snow Town (Xuexiang)

Our first time to walk in snow for over three hours was at Yabuli’s Snow Town. This place really looks literally like a snow village where street food stalls, restaurants, and souvenir shops line the area. The best way to enjoy a full view of Snow Town is by entering Dream Home. This small theme park has cottages or houses capped with thick snow. We climbed the stairs and saw everything from above. Snow Town looks like a wonderland in the dark!

7. View colorful ice structures in Harbin Ice and Snow World

A snow adventure in Harbin wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Ice and Snow World. It was actually one of my most awaited places to visit in Harbin since it’s main venue of Harbin Ice & Snow Festival and there’s lots of people posting about it on Instagram.

Ice and Snow World remained bright and glowing all through the night, and there’s even fireworks that boom on the sky! We were astounded by the thousands of colorful LED lights that were fitted inside the sculptures. The illumination really looked lovely and photogenic. Witnessing these sprawling, frozen works of architecture was a great experience, even if that meant enduring the cold with frozen fingers for a time.

8. Experience a Russian utopia out of Russia in Volga Manor

It was snowing when we visited Volga Manor, which made our experience more beautiful as we enjoyed wandering through the snowy paths inside this Russian-themed country park. The area includes a large swath of grasslands and forests, many Russian-style buildings, bridges and castles covered with pure white snow, and many European-style sculptures. Ambiance felt serene and quiet, and there’s lots of selfie opportunities for families.

We visited St. Nicholas Art Gallery, St. Nicholas Church, Petrov Art Palace which resembles the Petrov Art Palace in Moscow, Vodka Chateau where we tried drinking vodka and wine from an ice shot glass, and a Russian souvenir store selling Russian dolls, handicrafts, artworks, jewelry, accessories, skin care items, and snacks.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7fdiudnw-y/

9. Make a snow angel

Put your snow gear on, run outside, and make a snow angel! It sounds easy but there’s bravery and a lot of confidence needed, if you’re not used to laying down flat on your back in snow of course.

To make a snow angel, look for a nice big patch of white snow, fall backward and try to land in a T position, spread your arms out, keep them straight, then move your arms and legs like you’re doing jumping jacks. Get up slowly and try not to ruin your creation.

Making snow angels in Harbin

Wrap Up

Planning a Harbin tour? A trusted travel agency can help you create a lifelong thrilling tour! We booked our tour via Aerostar Travel Services. The package included the hotel accommodations, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), round-trip flights from Manila to Shanghai to Harbin and back, bus and train rides, tickets and entrance fees of all attractions we visited, processing of our China visa, and tour guide.

During our whole journey in Harbin, our professional local guide who’s fluent in English and our bus driver did all the work to take us to the best Harbin and Yabuli tourist spots, hotels, and restaurants. It was truly a memorable winter adventure and definitely one for the books. 🙂 Read my other post to learn helpful tips when traveling to Harbin and Yabuli in China.

Group tour in Harbin, China (December 26-30, 2019)

January 19, 2020
Panasonic Air Conditioner Training Center created to bring #QualityAirForLife for Filipinos

In this age of innovation, change is inevitable.

Panasonic reiterates its commitment to create “A better life, A better world” as it aims to contribute to the evolution of society and to the happiness of people around the globe, highlighting its expertise in the Air Conditioning business in over 120 countries globally.

Different AC choices for every lifestyle

As we enter a new decade, Panasonic launches a new company that is dedicated to providing professional services for your air-conditioning needs, the Panasonic Air Conditioning Philippines (PAC-PH).

Hologram displaying benefits of Panasonic Nanoe™ Technology

With this development, PAC-PH promises to provide #CompleteAirSolutions with innovative professional technologies to suffice every Filipino family’s need from home to business. For air conditioners, Panasonic developed its unique revolutionary purification system, nanoe™ technology that deodorises, inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses, and is effective in dust removal to create a fresher and cleaner living environment.

Nanoe™ eliminates bacteria and viruses making it a great choice for hospitals

Humans consume an average of 1.3kg food, 1.2kg of water, and breathe around 18kg of air daily. In order for us to live longer, and stay stronger, we need to care more about the air which we breathe. That is why we came up with #QualityAirForLife, in line with Panasonic’s thrust of providing #JapanQuality Air Conditioners to Filipino families.

Panasonic Air Conditioning Training Center

Globally, the Philippines is one of the fastest growing markets for Panasonic Air Conditioners.

Committed to provide only the best for the Filipino customers, PAC-PH opened their Air Conditioning Training Center that supports their responsibility in providing product knowledge and skills enhancement.

The main objective of this training center is to introduce relevant training programs geared to educate consumers on Panasonic products. Another goal is to provide skills development of technical personnel, engineers & staff for effective after-sales servicing.
Taking queue from the massive infrastructure investment of the Philippine government under its “Build! Build! Build!” program is desired to bring about the “Golden Age of Infrastructure” in the country.

Panasonic AC is great to have at the gym

Keep children free from allergens and bacteria in school with Panasonic ACs

The success of the program is expected to help bring down the costs of production, encourage investments in the countryside, make the movement of goods and people more efficient, and create more jobs for Filipinos.

This is to ensure that we can continue to fulfill Panasonic’s commitment, mindful of their dedication to quality, safety, and sustainable development.

Through better air conditioning solutions, Panasonic aims to provide care for every Filipino family – that’s #AlagangPanasonic.
Learn more about Panasonic Air Conditioners: https://bit.ly/2NC5h0u

Get the latest updates and promos or learn more about the #AlagangPanasonic campaign on the Panasonic Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PanasonicPhilippines/

January 19, 2020