Good things take time
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo
My quest for Antarctica will have to wait another year! Witnessing the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife like penguins and seals and even whales will remain in my dreams for now. Due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, my Emirates flight to Chile was canceled just days before my scheduled departure.
All set with all my travel details and cold-weather outfits, I was ready to board Silversea Expeditions for 10 days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Silversea offers luxurious Antarctica cruises with all-inclusive packages, expert-led excursions, and gourmet dining. You can choose from various itineraries, ranging from six-day fly-cruise expeditions to 22-day immersive explorations.
My 10-day expedition was wonderfully arranged by CITTI Travel (contact them at +63917-800-6010 or email info@cittielite.net ). They also took care of all the necessary visa/documents and even complete forms for all the rentals on board. I was even ready with all the seasickness pills to pass the infamous Drake Passage.
Press pause
The universe has another plan for me to visit this bucket list. November and March are both great times to visit Antarctica, but they offer different experiences. November highlights include pristine landscapes with untouched snow and ice, mating season for seals and penguins, and great photography. March is best for whale-watching with abundant sightings and colorful skies.
All this information I gathered at the Thanksgiving and celebratory dinner of CITTI Elite and Silversea Cruises. The charming wine sanctuary of Dominion Cellar was the fitting venue for the event that presented CITTI head Shan David and her team the award for top sales.
The gathering followed exciting news from Silversea Cruises, which recently honored CITTI Elite as Southeast Asia’s Top Producer for its Expedition Product during the APAC Sales Conference 2026—an impressive recognition reflecting the growing passion of Filipino travelers for extraordinary expedition voyages to the farthest corners of the globe.
Joining the evening’s celebration were Silversea executives Adam Radwanski, Kenneth Yau, and Nini Chaiyanara, who raised a toast to the thriving partnership and the many unforgettable polar adventures shared with Filipino travelers—from the icy majesty of Antarctica to the dramatic wilderness of the Arctic.
Over glasses of fine wine and cheerful conversation, guests exchanged stories of breaching whales, towering glaciers, and magical moments in the polar regions—proof that the spirit of exploration continues to inspire those who seek both adventure and elegance at sea. A toast to Shan David, whose vision and passion have truly put Filipino luxury expedition travel on the world map.
My excitement and frustration doubled that evening but Antarctica is now my top destination priority. I will just have to enjoy photos of my roommate Tim Yap who made the cruise.
Delicious and dreamy rewards
Focusing on the positive, I celebrated a personal milestone at Nobu Restaurant in City of Dreams Manila. Serving the finest Japanese menu, Nobu is now offering a new plant-based omakase of seven courses. The creative dishes are so beautifully arranged and so tastefully presented. I really enjoyed the shiitake salad and cauliflower steak and, of course dessert—green tea soy pudding with pearls.
City of Dreams Manila unveils Dream Rewards, an exclusive lifestyle membership designed for discerning individuals who seek refined experiences and exceptional value. Crafted to elevate every visit, Dream Rewards transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary indulgences across the integrated luxury resort.
Members can indulge in curated privileges across the resort’s Forbes Travel Guide-rated hotels: Nuwa Manila (Five Star), Nobu Hotel Manila (Four Star), and Hyatt Regency Manila (Four Star); Nuwa Spa, the first FTG Five Star Spa in the country, and Nobu Spa; resort-operated restaurants; DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorks-inspired family entertainment center; and entertainment and leisure attractions.
Dream Rewards features special membership benefits upon presentation of the privilege card. For dining, members get 50 percent off at The Café for breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet on Friday to Sunday. Members also enjoy 30 percent discount at The Café on Monday to Thursday; signature restaurants Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon, and Haliya; and resort-operated outlets Red Ginger, Jing Ting, Hidemasa, Rossi Pizza, Café Society; state-of-the-art KTV rooms, Season 88, Noodl8, CenterPlay, Wave and Breezes poolside restaurants, Nobu Lounge, and The Lounge.
For a luxurious staycation, members are entitled to 30 percent off the Best Available Rates at the three luxury hotels on property, priority check-in, special welcome amenity at the room, and cross-access to the swimming pool facilities of the three luxury hotels during their stay.
Fair design
Since I am in town this weekend, I will have time to check out the Philippine International Furniture Show at the SMX Convention Center until today only. There are amazing exhibits and engaging seminars about the future of interior design in the Philippines.
Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) newly-elected president Cecil Ravelas invited me to check the fair. She is so enthusiastic about leading her team to continue and strengthen Filipino interior designers.
The new board is bonded by a deep sense of alignment and a shared vision for uniting, healing, and leading with soul. “The PIID prepares its members for the future of design, grounded on our past but guided by our present realities and empowered by current and emerging technologies,” they share. “We respond to the evolving needs of our members and society through the lens of conscious leadership.”
As a firm believer of cosmic fate, I know there is a higher reason for the delay of my Antarctica trip. Whether it is to celebrate milestones or check out new designs or just spend time with family, everything happens in God’s perfect time! I will just embrace love and happiness for now.
