Choose a tour package that Cultureight Travel offers – day walks to Intramuros and Luneta, Greenhills and Malate; 5-day mini-tours to Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Davao, Camiguin, Sarangani Province, South Cotabato, General Santos City; or the 10-day expeditions to choice destinations in Visayas and Mindanao. Select date that suits your schedule then pay for reservation. Upon payment, Cultureight Travel will allot the 30% you paid for Red Cross.

“Hope we can have more Filipinos helping out other Filipinos. Our immediate volunteer works when typhoon Ondoy hit can further be supported by Red Cross’ programs since it’s houses and communities literally were wiped out,” Cultureight’s President Charisse Aquino said.

For more information, visit Cultureight Travel’s website http://www.cultureight.com or email charisse@cultureight.com

If old spanish houses designed with capiz (mother-of-pearl) windows, floral arches and huge doorways facinates you, then you should visit San Nicolas – Binondo’s largest district.

Walking Tour – Binondo

It was a gloomy afternoon when a small group of travel and food bloggers decided to go on a walking tour with a blogger / historian Bernard Arellano III. In just a short walk from Binondo Church, you will come accross facinating and marvelous vintage houses in this old Manila district. Read More >>

The itinerary of the tour which starts 9 a.m. and ends 5:30 p.m. includes the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation in Bacolod City, Bernardo Jalandoni House, Hofileña Heritage House and its art collection and printmaking workshop, and trip to outstanding delicacy sources in Silay City; Church of St. Joseph the Worker-Victorias City; Chapel of the Cartwheels-Manapla town; and an introduction to a new tourist attraction.

To be explained to participants on board the bus are the San Sebastian Cathedral, Palacio Episcopal, Capitol building and park of Negros Occidental, and Kilometer O-Bacolod City; Hda. Matab-ang monument and enchanted trees-Talisay City; ancestral houses, San Diego Church, Cinco de noviembre marker and cultural center-Silay; Heroes of Guintobuan monument-E.B.Magalona town; and iron dinosaurs and Victorias City.

Each tour is limited to 43 participants, on a first come first served basis.

The Luneta Hotel along Teodoro M. Kalaw St. corner Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) faces Manila Bay.

Luneta Hotel was built in 1918 and was considered one of the few remaining French inspired architecture in Manila that stood the test of time. The National Historical Institute already declared Luneta Hotel as a National Historical Landmark.

Currently, Luneta Hotel is an abandoned building and the soroundings was converted into a parking space for rent.

According to some online forums, Luneta hotel is now being managed by PAGCOR and rumored to be transformed as Manila’s newest Casino.

TRIVIA:

During the Japanese Occupation in Manila, Walter Dempster Jr. also known as Walterina Markova ; popularly known for his movie Comfort Gay portrayed by Dolphy, experienced Japanese Soldiers Brutality in this hotel.

Luneta Hotel before the World War II

1950’s photo of Carriedo in Manila

Carriedo now: The american inspired building was occupied by Prudential bank a couple of years ago but now its being occupied by a popular chain of supermarket. The commercial center on the left side was now occupied by Plaza Fair and Philtrust on the right side. Obviously the we cannot see the “Light Rail Transit” on the photo (LOL)