With its neoclassical buildings and iconic landmarks, Escolta exudes history and Philippine heritage. Like most places in Old Manila, the best way to explore the “Queen of Streets” is by foot...or by a horse-drawn carriage locally known as “kalesa.”

Along the stretch of Escolta stands one of the few buildings that have managed to survive the onslaught of World War II. Built in 1938, The Calvo Building was designed by one of the most renowned architects in the country, Fernando Hizon Ocampo on the land owned by real estate businesswoman Doña Emiliana Mortera vda Calvo. Fernando used a Beaux-Arts architecture in his design, a classic decorative style that heavily influenced the architecture of the United States and Europe.



Aside from its stunning façade, Calvo Building houses the Calvo Museum, a quaint museum that holds interesting remnants from Calvo’s history and that of Escolta. Fascinating memorabilia collection from vintage bottles, old photographs and movie posters can be viewed. To people interested in cultural heritage, this museum is a passage back in time.

• Exact Location: 266 Escolta corner Soda Streets, Binondo, Manila.
• Operating Hours: Calvo Museum inside Calvo Building is temporarily closed.

Manila can be a daunting place to visit, but amongst the chaotic streets are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered for those who get their thrill in good finds. Dapitan Shopping Arcade is a quaint market district along Dapitan Street, hence the name.
It is a treasure trove for housewives and interior designers because of their quality but affordable items mostly overruns from prominent homeware and interior shops abroad. From wooden crates at ₱200.00- ₱600.00, to jewelry organizers of the same cost, tableware set, decorative items and ornaments, all reasonably priced compared to other retail stores.

Although, the prices are already marked down, haggling and making the right deal is still advisable in Dapitan Shopping Arcade. While you’re there, sample some Filipino street food. It could be a gastronomically delightful experience!

Paris, France is without a doubt one of the most popular tourist destination in the world. It is a city full of museums, art galleries and other top attractions. So we thought, it's never a complete trip to France without visiting the City of Lights! With the help of Trainline Europe (Captain Train) app, we were able to reserve a two-way ticket ride from Gare de Toulouse-Matabiau Station to Gare d'Austerlitz in Paris and vice versa for more or less 80 EUR (4,000 PHP) each person.


Our scheduled departure from Toulouse is at 12 midnight and I was ecstatic to find out that we're riding on a train with couchette compartments rather than the normal reclining seats. This is an advantage since we'll be able to get enough sleep and wake up refreshed for next day's adventure.
My family and I rarely travel with any set itinerary, maybe we did once in Ilo-Ilo but that's about it. In my opinion at least, spontaneous travel is really the best way to see the city. However, this is not the case in cities like Paris. If you're not one for joining group tours with very strict itineraries, at least find time to research about the city you're visiting; its tourist spots and how to get there. Spare yourself from the stress specially if you only have less than 24 hours to explore the city. This was definitely a lesson learned for me since I honestly got carried away with excitement on just seeing the Eiffel Tower, that I forgot to realize that there are more to Paris than that.


From Gare d'Austerlitz in Paris we took another train to Gare du Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel metro station, the ticket doesn't cost much but make sure to bring change with you. Some automatic machines only accept coins or credit cards as payment.


The Eiffel Tower was a lot bigger than I thought! I can still vividly remember how I felt the first time I stepped out of the metro station and seeing it in front of me. Of course, I can't help but get teary eyed.

It was one of those rare moments when I can really say, "DREAMS DO COME TRUE."


Anyway, if you're planning a trip to Paris with only a day to explore the area, the best way to get around is by foot. Just beside the metro station is a beautiful park overlooking the Seine River. If you walk further you will see famous bridges such as Pont Alexander III, Pont Neuf and Pont Des Arts also known as the Love Locks Bridge. Parc Du Champ-de-Mars, a large green space where you can see the Eiffel Tower up close is only a 10-minute walk away from the metro station.



They say, summer is a great time to travel in France (June to September) but expect high temperatures and crowded places. If you live in a tropical country like here in the Philippines. I don't recommend traveling to this city around these months. Our trip to Paris would have been pleasant if only the heat wasn't sweltering! I guess, my brother's face says it all.

The city of Toulouse is located in the Southwest of France. It is known to be the center of the European Aerospace Industry and is home to one of the leading aircraft manufacturers in the world - Airbus. Not once did it cross my mind that I would get to travel this beautiful city let alone explore other cities of France, so when my Dad allowed us to tag along with him I was thrilled!
We have few weeks to prepare everything for this trip - visa, tickets and accommodation. I'm sure a lot of you who have traveled abroad will agree to me when I say that visas are a frustrating necessity. If you're a first-timer like myself, you'll find the number of required documents needed so over-whelming that sometimes it will make you think twice whether to push through with the trip or not. I'm just glad that I got to experience the whole application process with my parents because they were the ones who prepared everything for us such as the travel insurance, copies of bank accounts, etc... at least now I know what to do the next time I travel alone.

We submitted our French visa application at VFS GLOBAL located in Ecoplaza Bldg., Don Chino Roces Ave Ext, Makati City. It wasn't as cumbersome as I thought it would, all you need is to show up with the required documents on the day of your scheduled appointment. No need to worry about the "interview" because there aren't any. Anyway, it was smooth sailing! We got our passport back with our French visa 3 days after our personal appearance at VFS GLOBAL. If you want to know more about the visa application process, you may visit their website or contact them at (02) 790 4903.

Like applying for a visa, booking a trip tends to be an extremely stressful and grueling task. We usually spend hours online bouncing from one website to another searching for deals on flights. Since it was our first time traveling to Europe, we thought it was necessary to ask help from a travel agency. I recommend Marvels of Travel, a travel agency in Ayala Alabang if you want to experience great customer service. They will surely help you look for travel deals that will fit your budget!

Fast forward to August 23, as soon as I stepped out of Toulouse-Blagnac airport, I didn't realize it was possible to feel almost every contrasting emotion at the same time. I was definitely exhausted from the long-haul flight but also elated to see my parents waiting for me at the arrival area. Looking back, I still can't believe I am in France. It was truly a dream come true.

Just like in the Philippines, homelessness is prevalent in France. There are homeless people begging on every corners, sleeping in metro stations or rummaging in rubbish bins but there are also talented homeless performers who play instruments or do circus acts to earn money.

Many of the malls in Manila are usually crowded on Sundays. However, this is a day of rest to most people in Toulouse. Don't expect to find shops open except in specific locations at certain times of the year.