Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from 2025

ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia: Was the ₱700 Ticket Worth It?

ABBEY:  I’m familiar with 3D and IMAX , but ScreenX was something new to me. It offers a 270-degree viewing experience , with additional screens on the left and right positioned almost at right angles from the main screen. Since ScreenX was newly launched in the Philippines, we took the chance to experience it by watching Wicked: For Good . The movie highlights Elphaba’s side of the story and gives a fresh perspective on the much-loved Wizard of Oz tale. Watching it in a ScreenX theater adds another layer to the experience. The side screens extend your peripheral vision, making you feel more immersed in the movie. That said, don’t expect the side projections to be as sharp as the main screen. ScreenX isn’t designed for detailed visuals on the sides, but more for atmosphere and immersion. I can imagine this format working really well for racing films, or visually rich movies like Jurassic Park and Avatar , where movement and scenery truly benefit from a wider field of view. S...

El Nido Tour C: Hidden Beaches, Secret Lagoons & Island Hopping Guide

A BBEY:  I highly recommend Spider Travel and Tours for island hopping in El Nido. Despite a reservation mishap between them and our hotel, they did not disappoint. Our hotel booking did not go through, but Spider Travel quickly arranged a spot for us on Tour C . From the start, they assured us that we would still be exploring the islands that day, and they delivered. For Php 1,800, the package included towels, lunch, and a dedicated captain with his jolly crew. Tour C covers some of El Nido’s most beautiful spots: Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Talisay Beach, Secret Beach, and Matinloc Shrine. Aqua shoes and snorkelling gear are not included, so it’s best to bring your own or rent. The tour runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop. We had lunch at Talisay Beach, where the spread included chicken and pork adobo, pansit, prawns, tofu, and fresh fruits. It was simple, filling, and perfect after a morning in the water. The most challenging part of the ...

Where to Eat in El Nido: Best Cafes, Restaurants, and Budget-Friendly Meals

ABBEY:   El Nido is not just about limestone cliffs and island hopping . It also has a growing food scene that is worth exploring. From cozy cafés to satisfying Filipino meals, here are some places we enjoyed during our stay. Lazy Hammock Cafe  -  Despite still showing signs of wear after a recent typhoon, Lazy Hammock Cafe welcomes guests with genuine warmth. The staff were friendly and chatty while preparing our drinks, which instantly made the place feel comforting. My cappuccino was velvety and creamy, with just the right espresso kick. What made the visit extra special was the surprise ice cream treat when they found out it was my birthday. The matte yellow ice cream served on a black cone perfectly matched El Nido’s sunny vibe and was a refreshing way to cool down from the heat. Inasal Eats Co  -  We did not eat here just once, but twice. That alone says a lot. The smoky flavor of their grilled chicken is exactly how inihaw na manok should be. Juicy...