How I Spend One Night Wondering in Makati Avenue’s Red Light District

A. Venue Hotel Makati

No makeup and free from any worries, I’ve booked an overnight at A.Venue Makati Hotel to have fun.

Technically I didn’t wonder around the whole red light district. It just so happen that I passed by at that street and I find it interesting...

Have you sometimes felt a little exhausted for mundane life and even just one night you want something different and a bit of fun?

Yup, that’s me… this time I decided to check what’s going on in Makati Avenue and booked an overnight stay at A.Venue Hotel Makati, packed my overnight bag and my laptop, and booked a GRABCAR to my hotel for a night.


A. Venue Hotel Makati


It was some three weeks ago, and I was suddenly felt that boredom. And I knew exactly what I have to do. Then I thought well, I haven’t been visited Makati in a while (I used to know Makati like the back of my palm when I used to live there) but when I transferred here in Bonifacio Global City, things have changed. I got so freaking occupied and visiting the next city makes me lazy (ohh the fucking traffic I hate it) unless its business.


A. Venue Hotel Makati



I hit my Expedia app, and chose A. Venue Makati Hotel – an upscale hotel this time as I thought it is not practical to book a luxury room for just overnight stay. If I remember correctly I only paid, Php3,100 tax-inclusive for 1 night stay. Not bad actually.


A. Venue Hotel Makati


But this room doesn’t comes with breakfast. You may choose to add but it will cost you additional Php600.00 per person, and honestly I find it too much.

When you happen to stay in Makati Avenue, it’s one of the place where there are many restaurants around, from Filipino cuisine, Korean, Thai, Arabic, Persian, Chinese, American, etc. they have it.


And you will get it for a fraction of a price from hat the hotels are offering you.

So better to explore the restaurants around, yes?!


A. Venue Hotel Makati


I find my room quite impressive. A nice bed with fully functioned air conditioning unit, a sofa where I can just lay myself to read a good book, a flat screen television mounted in the wall for convenience.


A. Venue Hotel Makati


A. Venue Hotel Makati


My room also have a small kitchenette complete with sink, microwave oven, a heater with complimentary tea and coffee, a small fridge below, and enough spaces for my stuffs.


A. Venue Hotel Makati


Just wearing my favourite boyfriend shirt for a more casual look in town!


A. Venue Hotel Makati


And oohh I have a bathtub! That’s more fabulous, because it is one of my most simple pleasure in life. Soaking my whole body in the tub, full of scented bubble soaps and just relaxing like a Queen plus champagne – ohh who will ever say NO for that pleasure ah?


A. Venue Hotel Makati


It is also equipped with complimentary toiletries, and hair dryer. Not all upscale room have available hair dryers. In some upscale hotels, you need to request it first before they could provide you.


A. Venue Hotel Makati


Ah isn’t my room so nice for just one night?

Actually, my one night stay is not 100% relaxing because I still brought my laptop with me in case some ideas pops in my head.


A. Venue Hotel Makati


Yup there’s my laptop and my coffee waiting for me to abuse them both, lol

I’ve arrived at my hotel around 5:00PM and it’s almost time for dinner. So after unpacking my stuffs, and had a quick rest, I decided to explore the avenue and look for something for dinner. Been craving for Korean cuisine, and those smoking hot dishes with lots of veggies, ooh my! Just imagining that craving gives me that intense feeling – I called that thing orgasmic, lol


Makati Avenue’s Red Light District


Am not sure what exactly the name of the streets I’ve been walked through, but definitely for sure I passed-by one of the adjacent red-light district of Makati Avenue.

Burgos Street is known as the busiest street in Makati Avenue, composed of many entertainments that includes karaoke bars, restaurants and girly bars and clubs.

When I passed-by around 6:00PM I’ve already seen some red-light workers (for most they call they prostitutes) waiting on the side of the streets for customers. Yes, it’s really odd that I happen to passed-by in this place, but I thought this is where I could find one of the affordable restaurants I like.


Makati Avenue’s Red Light District


I also noticed these two ambulance packed on the side, and some team that looks like volunteers talking with some prostitutes, and they giving out leaflets with condoms inside. And then I realized that they are doing something good for the community.

You see, prostitution is the oldest profession in the history. Check your Bible and read historical books and you’ll see. And yes, this might be taboo but I honestly think that this kind of profession will always exist, and maybe will never fade. So what would the local government will do? Just help the workers and making sure they are practicing it safe, and have a regular health test to avoid them from trouble.

If you will asked me if I’ve tried visiting these girlie bars – yes I did, thanks for my very open-minded friends.

There are certain rules before you enter these bars. Single or group of girls are not allowed to enter the bar or clubs, unless being accompanied by at least a guy. Yes, you might think it’s like you being accompanied by your parent, but in a different adult and consensual way. This rule exist because there are some incidents that independent workers comes in the bar and deal their clients, and also of course the bar management way to protect their workers.

Thanks to my friends, I’ve experienced visiting this world and witnessed what is actually going on inside. You’ll see topless girls, roaming around the bars, dancing in the poll, and entertaining their customers, well mostly those in the retiring old ages. And sometimes naked girls roaming around just like they just got off from a sauna.

I even managed to befriend one of the Manager they called Mama-san, and explained to me that most of the workers are single Moms who just want to provide food on the table.

I couldn’t blame them either. Anyway, they are mature enough to know what they are doing and it’s consensual.

The Mama-san also told me that worker are required to have health check-up and test weekly, and whoever doesn’t comply will be terminated at work.

Oooppss, Mama-san is strict!


Korean Buffet Restaurant MATGALNE


I felt that craving again… geez I have to find it!

Luckily I got hooked-up with this lady red-light worker and guided me the way to this Korean Buffet Restaurant called MATGALNE.


Korean Buffet Restaurant MATGALNE


This buffet restaurant is like a simple restaurant in most China town, nothing grand – the tables and chairs are simple yet sturdy. The interiors are also simple just like your typical Auntie’s kitchen.


Korean Buffet Restaurant MATGALNE


This might be a simple-looking restaurant but well equipped with security camera! And this wide and huge mirror makes the whole restaurant looked bigger.

Finally my cravings will come to an end, LOL


Korean Buffet Restaurant MATGALNE


If you have bigger appetite and you love Korean beef, OMG this place is perfect for you. They open for lunch time until dinner and midnight.


Korean Buffet Restaurant MATGALNE


They offers Eat-All-You-Can Buffet at Php399.00, Php499.00 and Php599.00. It’s crazy because their foods are fantastic!

These are some of the foods they have, and they are many others that I haven’t managed to take some pictures. I think for that value, it’s totally worth it.


Korean Buffet Restaurant MATGALNE


And since I’m just a lady with strong cravings but with smaller appetite (weird huh) I’ve decided to just ordered Spicy Kimchi Stew ala-carte.


Korean Buffet Restaurant MATGALNE


Tadah! My Spicy Hot Kimchi Stew with rice along with 6 different side dishes! Yummy!


And for this I only spent Php310.00 not bad! And while writing this article, I suddenly crave for kimchi again, LOL. I want to visit this restaurant this weekend

It was soo good I went back to my hotel with my full tummy, feeling lazy and sleepy AF and ended up watching HBO movies while wearing my favourite facemask.

LOL that’s my life basically


A. Venue Hotel Makati


What’s your ways to kill your sudden boredom? I would love to hear your thought!




xoxo, Blair


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142 comments :

  1. Wow Blair! What a nice break to kill your boredom! Glad to read your experience at bar and the food looks delicious at MATGALNE!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ana,

      Thanks for visiting! Am actually thinking of dining at Magalne during lunch this coming weekend. Hopefully something different then :)

      Delete
  2. Woww! the room looks quite cosy ! gonna check this out ^^

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  3. For the first time reading a first hand account of such a hotel. After all they have to provide food on table and that touched me. You are brave to interact there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Indrani and thank you for your comment.

      I agree, and as much as we want them to leave that kind of professional.. IF that's ONLY they know what to do and good at, all we can do is helped them not to get sick and practice it safely.

      Delete
  4. Oh that food looks yum! I like to browse the internet when I'm bored. Social media has got me hooked. Lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jolleen,

      Social Media and internet has been with my life everyday, and its already my work. So I prefer to hangout somewhere not so much familiar to me, engaged with common people and learn from them.

      Delete
  5. Great post on your overnight getaway. Sometimes we need a change scenery even if it's for a night. Great picture on the food and the hotel room.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Whitney!

      I've chose the upscale room just for an overnight. If I will stay for few days, I might choose the 5-star!

      Delete
  6. That hotel looks so cute and cozy for a little getaway! I love it when hotels come with kitchenettes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah me too! This unit is perfect for a longer stay :)

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  7. It's good that they have checks all the time, it's super important. Not that we plan to use their services haha, but it's good for whoever does to know it's "clean" :P

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    Replies
    1. I know right, Thuymi! I've also learned that whoever doesn't undergo a test after an "engagement" will be kicked-out from work.

      Delete
  8. What a great way to get out of a rut and do something different! And that food looks amazing!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Josie,

      Yeah and each time I see this photo it makes me so hungry!

      Delete
  9. I like kimchi as well ! :) i liked the honesty and the detailing of your post. Looks like a well spent day ! Amazing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ami!

      Do you know that there is more than 300 kinds of kimchi?!

      Delete
  10. What a beautiful hotel, I would have to stay longer than overnight to get pampered at such a beautiful place.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Ivonne,

      I will next time, but maybe in a different hotel :)

      Delete
  11. The hotel does look super fun and relaxing for a one-night stay. I was also interested in your experience in the red light district. I have been to the one in Amsterdam and I found it depressing. I agree that it is important that someone provide the public service of making sure that the sex workers stay healthy and take care of themselves.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree... no matter how hard we try to let them out of the street, still this old-time profession will exist.

      What we could do is not criticize them, but help them not to get sick.

      Delete
  12. The room looks fantastic! And yum, that food looks so delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow, definitely sounds like you weren't bored! It's always interesting to see the different sides of life and red light areas are one of them. Looks like you had a great buffet too! thanks for sharing your tips

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank Garth, I have a small stomach so enjoying the buffet is a challenge. I want to eat or even taste them all!

      Delete
  14. The food looks amazing that you had! Glad you enjoyed a night to yourself that was something different! We all need one of those once in a while! The hotel looks beautiful!

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  15. WOW! Looks amazing I so need a night on my own. Looks like you had a wonderful time congrats:)

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  16. I got attitude like that too if im not doing anything on weekend I am ended up booking a hotel 2-3 hours drive for a change of scenery and I find it so refreshed amd recharge after the weekend getaway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a good thing (though for some they might find it a luxury... its okay if a luxury for your own!). It helps me to refresh and learned a lot.

      Delete
  17. Looks like a wonderful night! The pictures tell the perfect story. So much fun.

    ReplyDelete
  18. wow seems like a nice retreat. a good place to unwind oneself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, next time am visiting another red light along Malate so stay tune!

      Delete
  19. Wow i like Makati City but have not go out to the red light area at night.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sunshine,

      Yeah, not advisable for solo female travelers if you are staying located near red light district.

      Delete
  20. Lovely place to wonder in. THe food is nice and it's really priceless experience!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Kylie,

      yup, and am going to share more restaurants soon!

      Delete
  21. nice hotel room it is. nowadays a lot hotels in MY don't provide bath tubs sigh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh really??? Why??!!! Bathtubs are very important!

      Delete
  22. love your room... looks so nice.. did not know there is a red light district there in makati ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah there is and everyday this street is always traffic and busy.

      Delete
  23. The room looks awesome and the food looks delicious too. Can't wait for my turn to stay there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jane, definitely you'll enjoy Makati. Oh tag along your family!

      Delete
  24. That's an interesting way of escaping from boredom! :) That hotel looks amazing even if it just was for one night, I wouldn't mind at all spending some more time in that room!

    ReplyDelete
  25. We call such breaks a staycation here in Malaysia. I definitely enjoy such a me time as well but one night is not enough for me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Emily,

      Actually one-night is also not enough for me! But I have a tight deadline, and this is the only opportunity I had. I swear I will make my staycation even longer, plus more side trips!

      Delete
  26. the room looks big and cozy! glad you had an amazing stay at that place :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I did but I find it not good enough. I need more staycation soon!

      Delete
  27. Well that was certainly a way to kick boredom! The room looked comfortable and the food look great. So glad you had a fun time .

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  28. I love that you mention how a lot of the women working in the red light district are mothers trying to feed their children. I had to read a book in college about women from the Philippines who go to do this sort of work and there's so much to it people would not understand because it's outside of their range of experience.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ashley,

      Life is tough, and most of us no matter how try to wouldn't be living the dream life that we want. And these women - if you have an open heart and mind, you'll understand that they are survivors.

      Most of these are young Moms - women that was impregnated by their ex-boyfriends or been abandoned by their husbands, and yet they need to survive and work for their kids. And since they have lack of educational experiences, and some are too afraid to the society, they've chose to lurk in the dark, and work in the red-light district.

      What they do, yes is immoral to the society - but to the rule of life, it is their way of survival.

      Anyway, what they do is both consensual.

      Delete
  29. Such a great idea to have a change of environment over the weekend and to have such a nice and comfy room, there is nothing better than to relax and have a break from the busy life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, and I perfectly agree! Thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete
  30. The hotel looks awesome! I love how it has both mini kitchenette and also bath tub. Now I wish laptops are waterproof so that I can work while soaking in the bath tub!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Christy,

      Yeah and I felt so happy! This kind of setup is good for longer stay. Some units doesn't have a bath tub, but you can always request for one.

      Delete
  31. Wow~ The room look not bad. I like to seeing you tied up your hair. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha thanks Shini. When I'm at home I usually tied-it up to a bun.

      Delete
  32. I will just sleep and watch random videos online! I love how you manage to away from town and stay in this awesome hotel =D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sharon,

      Yeah I do the same of yours sometimes. But makes me bored when I do it frequently. Am a Sagittarian and every now and then I need to go to new environment.

      Delete
  33. I should take a break one of these days and do what you did dear :) Plus love the layout of the room, I always liked an open concept space.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I like the way you kill your boredom, go and eat well rest well, it's really enjoyable lifestyle. For me, I will just watching Korean drama all along the day, haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha yeah, I also did binging for Korean drama, but it only gives me more eye bags due to crying od those scenes, LOL

      Delete
  35. where is this babe? It seems relaxing ^^

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks for the interesting post! I've never been to Manila but in the future perhaps I will fly there (when I have the moolah).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alvin,

      You'll gonna love it! Let me know when you'll visiting :)

      Delete
  37. I love when rooms have little kitchenettes. It makes life easier when I have the kids with me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, most of the visitors likes this kind of setup. Plus you can save a lot on buying foods coz you can cook your own foods here.

      Delete
  38. I'm a big fan of impromptu vacations! Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to relax and rebbot yourself. The hotel you stayed in looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Shannon!

      I'm thinking for another impromptu staycation very soon.

      Delete
  39. Sounds like a great place to stay and have fun! Will love to check it out :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Milton! Your family will enjoy this place also. Lots of awesome restaurants around.

      Delete
  40. Oh wow what a way to cure your boredom the hotel looks really nice and it was good to see people were out and about handing things out to the street workers, trying to keep them safer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When we visit new places, it is hard to ignore what is really happening in the streets at night. You can only truly understand the place for having an open eye. These happenings are already part of the community, and I hate to admit it but it makes the place that interesting. :)

      Delete
  41. I have heard very good recommendations on Philippines but never wanted to visit manila though..This post is an eye opener and ofcourse, tis a city with so much character. But I guess the hotel made the stay all worthwhile. Thanks to your open minded tips. Kudos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jason for visiting my page. I do hope that someday you'll change your mind and have a more open-mind to visit Philippines.

      Delete
  42. That hotel and the room are gorgeous, especially for the price. All those food looks absolutely delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I would love a night in a hotel. It sounds so relaxing.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wow - that was a nice hotel room, and you provided lots of details. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome Syls and hope you can visit Manila someday.

      Delete
  45. Such a perfect way to kill boredom. The buffet alone would be enough for me. By the way, you look good even without make up on.

    ReplyDelete
  46. That was quite an adventure! Glad you found a nice hotel. The food looks delicious!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Helene. Yeah most of the hotels here are cheap, have many options :)

      Delete
  47. Getting away for the night can be so refreshing - eating something new, visiting some new sites. It can be even better when revisiting somewhere you used to know so well!

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    Replies
    1. Exactly. The people are also nice too, and the street foods are very tempting. And they are cheap!

      Delete
  48. The hotel looks so lovely, and I found your walk through the red light area very interesting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL yeah, for some they will feel a bit scary, but its not.

      Delete
  49. I love the idea of a spontaneous trip! I would love to visit Manila someday, looks like a cool place to explore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, and this is the city part of Manila. Other parts are not yet shown here which I am glad to on my post.

      Delete
  50. Room looks like the perfect place to come back to after an adventure like that. I'd love to visit one day.

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    Replies
    1. I am glad that the security and staffs of the hotel are all nice and polite. I feel so safe.

      Delete
  51. Having all that to yourself for just one night, that sounds great.

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  52. thank you so much for sharing this post, and a great way to experience new things and life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you also for appreciating my post. I'm excited to share more stories of my travel soon!

      Delete
  53. Your room looks great, like a little home away from home. I love the idea of getting away just to get away. It's good to shake up your routine like this and adventure out.

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    Replies
    1. I will keep doing this spontaneous staycation. I love it!

      Delete
  54. Your hotel and room looked very nice and the food looks fantastic. You must have had a very interesting night visiting the Red Light district, I'm sure it was a good cure for your boredom!

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    Replies
    1. LOL yes it is.. plus eating those hot spicy kimchi stew gives me a strong kick.

      Delete
  55. Such a beautiful, modern hotel room! Certainly seems like you had a wonderful getaway.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Kimm. This room is perfect for most travelers, especially business traveler who just want a quite space after stressful work. Bed is lovely!

      Delete
  56. Looks like you had a fun night. That Spicy Hot Kimchi Stew looks amazing. I like to try something out of my comfort zone when I get bored.

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  57. I love the accommodations you had. What a great way to spend a little time in MAKATI AVENUE’S RED LIGHT DISTRICT

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Liz!

      If I have a chance to secretly cover the inside world of red light district, then I would love to share you ladies!

      Delete
  58. The picture of you in the glasses is SO CUTE!!! I prefer to walk when I go to new cities and staying out of traffic is a bonus.

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    Replies
    1. Oh thank you! I looked so geeky wearing my graded eyewear :)

      Delete
  59. Sounds like you had a pleasant stay. I love the room, it's perfect for some much needed R&R for the weekend. It's nice to know that you can get a lot of food without spending too much!

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha that's more important. When you stay within this area, it is so easy to find cheap restaurants, have tons of options.

      Delete
  60. Such an interesting visit, its not often you read blog posts about travelling to the red light district.I didn't realise they were s strict but its good for their own sakes. Its kind of sad though that single mums have to do that just to put food on the table in this day and age. All round it looked like a really great trip

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I've noticed that too especially those who visited the streets of Thailand and even in Singapore. They tend to omit this reality. I would like to share the reality of travel without too much censoring, these people are part of the community and they have lots of interesting stories.

      Delete
  61. I love the boyfriend look. It's so comfy. Girl, you rock the no makeup look!

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    Replies
    1. Oh thank you! Actually I like the no makeup really NO MAKEUP look ever. But I still need to wear makeup from time to time for a more pleasant look, hehehe.

      Delete
  62. The hotel sounds really nice and looks big in the pictures. That all you can eat place sounds really good too!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Megan,

      My room was not too big, but this is a standard space for a studio type room, which is decent enough. And most of the travelers hotel nowadays have no bathtub. This hotel have it!

      Delete
  63. I've been living outside the metro for more than 10 years now and at times I really miss the city life - the noise and the crowd. I would also love to check in to some affordable yet nice hotels somewhere in Makati or BGC. Those cities are my most preferred because of various establishments to enjoy - bars, dining, shopping and leisure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right, and every day it seems like there is something new. Hmmm which reminds me I think I will have my staycation soon, thinking to which city, hahaha.

      Delete
  64. You've got the right idea, for sure! I think I'll tell my husband this is what I want for my birthday. I haven't been bored since our twins were born LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Have a staycation once in a while coz it is good to regain your full energy.

      Delete
  65. What a fun and ballsy overnight trip you took! The Red Light District seems like it was quite the adventure. Glad you had a blast!

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    Replies
    1. Yeah right! Which reminds me I will share a story about visiting some of the red light clubs (thanks to my friends!) You'll be amazed trust me!

      Delete
  66. The photos look awesome and your trip look so fun. Thanks for sharing.
    XOXO //SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you babe! Keep on reading my travel stories.

      Delete
  67. I like that you are so open minded and I think that the government are very nice to support the workers. Health checks are a must! x

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    Replies
    1. Yes, prostitution is the oldest profession and no matter how the government wants to irradiate it, it will still exist (because that's the only way they could earn more). So the solution is, help them to be safe always.

      Delete
  68. This looks like a great place to explore. I would love to visit here someday. The hotel looks really nice.

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    Replies
    1. Nice, cheap with bathtub, and affordable food nearby.

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  69. How fun it looks like you really had the greatest time!! I am loving all the photos

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  70. Wandering around new cities is one of my favourite things to do, it looks like you did it right!! :)

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  71. Wow everything looked so good! That hotel room looked very cozy for just a night away, I'm really impressed with everything that the room had. What a perfect way to spend a night out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Alayna! There will be more hotel reviews soon so keep posted.

      Delete

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