Thanks to a teambuilding session scheduled earlier this year,

I got the chance to visit and stay in Shangrila Boracay for free! 

Shangrila Boracay is a 5-star luxury resort located right at the end of the Station 1 strip.

It's exclusive enough that one would need to take a shuttle or a tricycle just to get to the resort.

The resort also has it's own port and speedboat, making travel to and from quite convenient.

 Upon arrival, we were greeted with a breakfast buffet at the hotel view deck close to the lobby.

After checking in, we traversed a long walkway to get to our rooms.

And we were greeted with this view.

 My favorite part of the room was the balcony where we could sit with a view of the shore.

The hotel has a gorgeous pool area.

We took a shuttle to "Mainstream Boracay" as we now call it and had a chance to 

take in the wonderful sand and shore.

 Even caught a glimpse of the sunset.

The hotel in all it's splendor before boarding the speedboat that would take us back to reality.

All images taken in Shangrila Boracay and Boracay

All images (c) thecopyrightofbrandmarie.blogspot.com

"I've been on the road so much there are times I don't even remember where I've been. 

Every bridge, every interchange - they all start to look the same. There are people

I remember who've taught me a thing or two, but as time passes their faces blur, and I 

am left without memories again."

All images taken from inside a moving vehicle on the road to San Pablo, Laguna. 

All images (c) thecopyrightofbrandmarie.blogspot.com

Had the privilege of visiting one of my favorite countries again - Hong Kong!

I really love the city's robust activity, especially at night! This photo was taken somewhere
in Central at around 9pm. Countless people were still on the streets and in the shops. 

Hong Kong is also known for the ease at which tourists can travel all around the city. There are a
multitude of easily accessible transportation options - the Airport Express, the MTR, the buses, and
of course the ever reliable taxi cabs. Beware though, the taxi drivers get angry if you only ask them
to travel a short distance. They can't refuse you though!

 This country thrives and capitalizes on convenience! Even the innovations they apply
to food are testament to this. Behold a (sticky) rice stick with chicken and mushrooms. 

It was quite tasty. A really great idea for lunch or dinner on-the-go.

 Another thing I love about Hong Kong is their interesting architecture (I just love buildings).
This is a photo of Langham Place in Mongkok. It seemed like a tower of endless floors of shops,
shops, and more shops! It was also full of people considering this was taken on a weekday at about 4pm.

Here's a glimpse of the city at a quieter time. Around 11pm when all the shops are closed.

The last and most important reasons I love Hong Kong (drumroll please) is the superb shopping,

fantasmic deals, and irresistible fashion! I always lose a bundle of money to the shops 

 whenever I'm there. And I always get so inspired by what the people are wearing 

- no matter what the season! 

All images taken in Hong Kong

All images (c) thecopyrightofbrandmarie.blogspot.com