Binondo, Manila

Deciding to go to the city of Binondo Manila was a last minute, spur of the moment - but more like a last choice for our family's photography adventure that day. But just when we thought that our holy week thursday for the year 2009 was going to be a boring one, little did we know that manila's china town was going to be so busy with local religious activities and traditions and full of culinary and friendly surprises! From witnessing the "Visita Iglesia" ; a holy week tradition for filipino catholics at the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church to bumping into the famous Ivan Mandy during his regular Old Manila Walks tour, our day turned out to be a very memorable one and could not have been better without the spectacular sunset at Roxas boulevard.
for a more detailed blog of our culinary discoveries and family photography adventures that day, visit Asunta Rufino's on-line travel journal

Dusit Hotel, Makati

The newly renovated Dusit Hotel in Makati was like a jumbo version of the Spa. The thai inspired interiors and constant aroma therapy was truly unique for a hotel this size! Our team, Cinematic concepts: Rommel Diaz, Olga Garcia and Bert Delvo were in the middle of the shoot when we saw an opportunity to take a break and have a few shots for ourselves! Why not? the ambience certainly called for it! This hotel has redeemed itself indeed and should be considered as one of the top hotels in Makati. I also recommend Dusit Gourmet located just at the lobby- great tasting brewed coffee and probably the best tasting pretzel we've tried yet!