Netflix and chill during four-day Holy Week vacation

The Holy Week is upon us, and so is that four-day vacation, a.k.a. the ultimate binge-watching weekend! It’s the perfect time to finally catch up on shows you’ve been missing because of work, school, or whatever that’s been keeping you busy.

We know you’ve banked up on a several “Riverdale” episodes and have been having FOMO (that’s Fear of Missing Out), especially when your friends or colleagues talk about it. What about the third season of “Black Mirror” that literally everyone is tweeting about?

Or that new show “Thirteen Reasons Why”? Worry not, you’ll finally catch up on all the shows you left behind and be able to start new ones and finally stop living under that rock.

Day 1 – Holy Thursday – Netflix Documentary shows

1. “Abstract: The Art of Design”

You’ve probably heard your artsy friends rave about this show once or twice, and you can’t blame them! It’s not just for artists though, it’s for anyone who appreciates art and design. It’s six hours full of art and love and passion. Beware though: it’s contagious.

2. “Chef’s Table”

The much-awaited third season of “Chef’s Table” arrived in February, and it is good. For food enthusiasts everywhere, “Chef’s Table” is the perfect documentary series to watch. Actually, the minimal requirement for anyone to like this show is that they should at least like food, so it’s basically for everyone. It’s stunning, interesting, and a definitely won’t be a waste of anyone’s time.

Day 2 – Good Friday – Drama shows

3. “Black Mirror”

Ah yes, “Black Mirror,” the reigning king of shows that will give you existential crises, but the best kinds. If you’ve watched the previous seasons, brace yourself for the third and current season. It did not show signs of slowing down at all. And if you haven’t seen the show yet, well, what are you waiting for? You have the time now!

4. “Thirteen Reasons Why”

The buzz on social media about “Thirteen Reasons Why” is totally warranted. It sets a new and higher standard for shows targeted to young people because of how well it handles very serious matters. This show is super good, much better than the best-selling book even, so you better get your hands on it now!

5. “The Crown”

Not just millennials are talking about this show, but so are our titas and titos. We’re pretty sure you know what it’s about and maybe have even Googled it before, so it’s about time you start actually watching the show. Or if you have started it, then please, get on with it!

Day 3 – Black Saturday – Catch up day for upcoming series this April and May

6. “Riverdale”

We’re sure you’ve heard of all the noise from this new and dark Archie spin-off. Unlike the other Netflix shows wherein we get all of its episodes all at once, this one comes in weekly. That’s probably the reason you weren’t able to binge-watch it in one sitting (which we know you would if you could). Now’s your time to get up to date, ship all the ships, and finally get rid of that FOMO.

7. “The Get Down”

You’re just in time for a catch up session because Part 2 of this gritty, hip-hop series has just premiered! If you haven’t started watching this yet, settle in because you’re in for a wild ride in this hip-hop meets disco revolutionary series that’s set in the 70’s.

8. “Sense8″

If you’re up for an out-of-this world plot, then Sense8 may just be right for you. This Netflix original series left us hanging with its Christmas special. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait much longer because the continuation premieres on May 5. Now’s your chance to catch up, rewatch, or start to watch before its long awaited debut.

Day 4 – Easter Sunday – Kids shows and comedies 


9. “Julie’s Greenroom”

Kids and kids at heart are surely going to love this show with the musical goddess Julie Andrews. This Easter Sunday, you get the chance to reminisce your childhood, and also to introduce Julie Andrews to the kids in your life.

10. “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”

Everyone knows Beyonce, and everyone tries to be like her. If you’ve seen Titus Burgess who plays the sassy Titus Andromedon make his own version of Beyonce’s Lemonade, then you know that “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s” third season is coming this May 19. This gives you plenty of time to catch up or start watching the other two seasons. Trust us, it’s perfectly possible.

You only have four days. Use it wisely, savor it, and binge all the shows you can.

source: interaksyon.com

5 things to do in Phuket

MANILA, Philippines - Phuket has gained its popularity over the years as one of the most affordable and friendliest vacation spots in Southeast Asia. Located south of Thailand and with tourism as its main source of income, Phuket welcomes millions of tourists annually.

One never runs out of things to do in Phuket. Aside from its world-famous beaches in Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay, it is also considered a haven for culture and art-lovers, shoppers, and adventure-seekers.

Apart from beach bumming, here’s a quick rundown of the top five things to do in Phuket:

• Visit old Phuket town. Take a trip down memory lane and get a glimpse of Phuket’s rich Sino-Portuguese history. Join organized street tours for first-hand insights on Phuket’s glorious past, traditions and culture. Be sure to include in your itinerary a guided road trip of Phang Nga, Thalang, Soi Rommanee, Dibuk, Crabee and Ranong. Don’t forget to drop by the Amulet Market where charms are blessed by Buddhist monks that are said to bring good luck.

• Try scuba-diving. Some of the world’s best dive sites can be found in Phuket. The rich and diverse marine life is a diver’s dream come true. Plan day trips to local dive sites in various points in Phuket such as Racha Noi, Phi Phi Islands, Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and Similan Islands. Expert dive guides are well-versed in English and a number of other Asian and European languages.

• Experience world-class spa and massage. A trip to Phuket is never complete without a relaxing, signature Thai massage. With the island’s natural serene beauty as backdrop, enjoy a totally rejuvenating spa experience in award-winning therapeutic centers, resorts and hotels. Needless to say, Phuket is a spa connoisseur’s heaven on earth.

• Catch a Muay Thai fight. For adrenaline-pumping action, try watching a live fight of Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand. Stadiums are located across Phuket and demonstrations are held especially for tourists. Training camps accept beginners who want to experience actual kick-boxing in the ring.

• Enjoy Phuket’s pulsating nightlife. Phuket is also the place to be for night owls and party people. Festivities abound in Patong Beach, the most popular beach town in Phuket. Hundreds of restaurants, bars, discos and shops light up the town from sundown to sunset.

Tigerair Philippines now flies to Phuket twice a week, every Tuesday and Saturday, with return flights every Wednesday and Sunday. Base fare costs as low as P999 per way.

“Tigerair continues to push boundaries in low-cost travel with its high performance standards and innovative services that connect Filipinos to the rest of the world. Ultimately, we want our passengers to have that unforgettable, hassle-free travel experience with their families and friends,” says Olive Ramos, president and CEO of Tigerair Philippines.

Tigerair flies domestic via NAIA Terminal 4 with Manila-Cebu, Manila-Bacolod, Manila-Iloilo, Manila-Kalibo, Manila-Puerto Princesa, and Manila-Tacloban flights.

Aside from Manila-Phuket, its other international flights include Clark-Hong Kong, Clark-Bangkok, Clark-Singapore, Clark-Kalibo, and Kalibo-Singapore.

For more information on Tiger Airways Philippines, visit www.tigerair.com or call the hotline +632 798-4488.

source: philstar.com

Eat, pray, love? Pack your bags and go to Bohol!

Bohol, located in the Central Visayas region, may not be as party-savvy as Boracay, but it continues to steadily attract tourists for its delicious cuisine, traditional crafts, historical and religious landmarks, and but of course, it beaches and other natural sites. There’s more to Bohol than just swimming on its blue waters and lazing around its white-sand beach resorts throughout your stay—though not a bad idea, actually.

Need a change of pace from hurried urban life? Have to think some things over? Or even looking for a romantic getaway? Then pack your bags and take your next holiday vacation to Bohol.

Visitors can either rough it up by riding its public vehicles or rent a van complete with your very own tour guide to hop from one destination to the other.

Taste Bohol

What’s a holiday without enjoying a foodie trip? There aren’t any gigantic malls serving as go-to dining options but Bohol offers a range of restaurants scattered all over the island offering local and international cuisines. Seafood dining establishments are popular here while some Asian and European expats who have fallen in love with the place have also set up restaurants serving their authentic cuisines.


But, of course, when in Bohol, don’t leave the place without ever trying out a lunch buffet at the famous Loboc River Cruise Restaurant. True, it’s a touristy thing to do, but taking river cruise along Loboc River with a view of the mountains, getting serenaded by local singers, while enjoying an eat-all-you can Filipino buffet is quite a novel experience.

During the cruise, the boat makes a stop at a floating souvenir shop where local crafts are sold and locals perform traditional Filipino dances.


Centuries-old churches

Away from the beach and back in town, marvel at the centuries-old churches of Bohol. Catholic churches built from stone during the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines feature beautiful architecture as well as antique religious icons.


One of the popular churches here is Baclayon Catholic Church, which has been declared as a National Historic Treasure in 1995. The original structure was built in 1595, although the present building is from 1724. Visitors can also check the museum of religious clothes and relics inside the museum. Free guided tours are available.

Some ancestral homes are also available for touring by scheduled arrangement.

Beautiful nature

Of course, one will easily fall in love with the natural attractions in Bohol as well. The waters around Balicasag island, for example, has been declared as a marine sanctuary. It’s home to whales and dolphins that one can see jumping joyously during early morning. Various marine life are also waiting to be discovered by divers and snorkelers.



On land, Bohol is home to the famous Chocolate Hills, a formation of hills that are green and vibrant during the rainy season but become brown as its grass and plants dry up by summer (thus, the name Chocolate Hills).

When in souvenir shops, get a t-shirt, a keychain, or mug. Most likely, it features Chocolate Hills to represent the province.

Another famous icon in many Bohol souvenirs is the tarsier. The Philippine tarsier, (Tarsius syrichta) is one of the smallest known primates in the world. Usually as tall as 3 to 6 inches, one can practically hold it on one’s hand.


Tarsiers look cuddly because of their size and enormous eyes but be warned that they are very shy animals. A nocturnal creature, the tarsier eats insects. Visitors are encouraged to view them at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation where they are protected and allowed to live in their natural habitat.


Luxurious stay

The starting point to all these enjoyable experiences happen in one’s temporary home in Bohol. Go all out and spoil yourself in the province’s many luxurious resorts.

Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, for instance, has 46 deluxe rooms, four lofts, three honeymoon villas, and a family villa. Designed according to the Modern Filpino style by Benji Reyes, the hotel takes pride in its use of recycled wood for its cantilevered beds.

A freshwater pool has also been impressively designed with touches of wood.


Finally, a holiday vacation in this tropical destination isn’t complete without checking out Amuma Spa where its well-trained staff promises to keep visitors spoiled and feeling totally relaxed with is signature Hilot massage or its various massage therapies and body treatments.

source: interaksyon.com

Michael Phelps Competes in the 5xBanana Hammock Relay

Michael Phelps really meant it when he decided to go on a guys only vacation to the Maldives ... and TMZ has the bro-tastic pics to prove it.

As TMZ first reported, Phelps opted to skip traveling with his super hot new girlfriend, Megan Rossee, and instead traveled to the notoriously expensive island destination with his best boys.

Our source described the trip as "a relaxing bro getaway" that featured a lot of lounging, boating and (of course) drinking.

And he still has this to come home to. Good life.

source: tmz.com

Marian Rivera looks back on Cambodian trip with Dingdong Dantes

MANILA, Philippines – Kapuso actress Marian Rivera had a short but sweet vacation with her reel-and-real life sweetheart Dingdong Dantes in Cambodia during the Holy Week.

It was Marian herself who chose the said Asian country for their destination. Dingdong, on the other hand, made the arrangements.

“Gusto namin ibang set-up naman. Kasi sa pinupuntahan namin palaging magsha-shopping o kaya kailangan palaging may bibilhin so this time... gusto namin ‘yung medyo kakaiba at napili namin ‘yung Cambodia,” said Marian in an interview with “24 Oras,” April 12.

They had, reportedly, initially planned to visit China; however, they didn’t have enough time to accomplish the travel visa requirements. Nevertheless, Marian enthused that she and Dingdong enjoyed their three-day stay in Cambodia, marveling over its beauty and culture.

Dingdong even tweeted a photo of him and Marian last April 7 inside what seems to be a temple, quipping, “Temple run ba kamo?”

The showbiz couple was happily surprised by the throng of Cambodian fans that warmly welcomed them upon their arrival. The two enjoy a certain degree of popularity in the said country, since their 2008 TV series “Dyesebel” is currently being aired there.

Marian related that she and Dingdong were called their characters’ names in the soap opera, Isabel and Fredo, respectively.

“Tapos ang pangalan ko do'n Macha. Ibig sabihin ‘Princess of the Ocean.’ Iniba nila ‘yung title. Pero ‘yun pa rin, ‘Dyesebel’ pa rin,” she added.

Meanwhile, one of their previous TV projects, “Endless Love” (the Filipino adaptation of the hit Koreanovela), is also reportedly popular in Malaysia. Marian intimated that Dingdong would visit the Philippines’ neighboring country to promote the show.

“Si Dong kasi sure na makakapunta sa Malaysia, ako kasi hindi dahil kailangan kong habulin ‘yung ‘Tweets for my Sweets’ [sitcom] kaya kailangan kong mag-taping na…,” said Marian.

source: mb.com.ph

Derek Ramsay finds Zac Efron ‘cool,’ ‘down-to-earth’

MANILA, Philippines – While local showbiz watchers were making a fuss about his jump to the Kapatid network, Derek Ramsay was having a grand time on a much-needed break. In fact, he’s had quite a memorable encounter with young American singer-actor Zac Efron during the former’s brief vacation in Australia.

Derek posted his photo with Zac, one of the stars of the hit US TV show/movie “High School Musical” and lead actor in the upcoming film “The Lucky One,” on his Twitter account last April 8. In a recent press conference, the Filipino-British actor shared how the meeting went.

"He’s a really cool guy, very down-to-earth. ‘Yong ano lang, maraming bodyguards… Kasama ko siya, naglaro kami ng golf… We had a lot of chit-chat, played golf, and it was a good day,” said Derek.

He likewise enthused that it was Zac who approached him first and commended his golf skills.

"Tapos sabi niya, ‘You kinda look familiar.’ Sabi ko, ‘No, you look familiar.’ I thought he was just being diplomatic and nice," he added.

Derek deemed that he might’ve looked familiar to Zac because of his former affiliation with Penshoppe, which reportedly tapped the latter as its endorser just recently.

"I used to be with the Penshoppe family so maybe he’s also seen pictures. I don’t know... wishful thinking," he related.

Overall, Derek found his Easter break in Australia a “relief.”

"I left the country with a smile on my face. Slightly wiped off because of the negative stuff. But then, all the positive stuff came in. Right now, wala namang negative na nangyayari na,” the actor said.

He even tweeted last April 9 about his return: “Back home! Tnx very much @mkim0739 tnx to everyone I met in Sydney.”

Derek signed a three-year exclusive contract with TV5 last April 10. For his initial assignment, Derek will host “The Amazing Race Philippines.”

article source: mb.com.ph