“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” —Lao Tzu

To gain self-transformation, we need to work on life-changing affirmations at the core of our being. In any challenge we face, we are assured that God is so much larger than any problem. If we know who we are, and know what we want, we have enough willpower and strength to conquer the issue.

I am refocusing my time and energy on what I love doing and I am so refreshed from our recent Europe tour organized by CzechTourism, National Tourism Board of Czech Republic and Emirates Airlines. The media trip was to develop a new itinerary to alter the traditional, old package itinerary: Budapest–Vienna–Prague. This one connects Prague and Czech Republic with Bavaria and Salzburg as a new gate to Central and Eastern Europe as the destination for Year of Music 2024. Other attractions include luxury shopping in both Czech Republic and Germany, as well.

Located a few meters from one of Prague’s most visited landmarks, The Mozart Prague was our first hotel. We enjoyed the luxurious grounds of this 18th-century Baroque palace. The ideally situated luxury palace offers unique panoramic views of the Vltava River and Charles Bridge in front of the Prague Castle.

Tours

Our first tour day included the Old Town Hall, the Gothic Charles Bridge and Church of St. Nicholas in the Lesser Town and Palace Gardens. We took the most photos at the Baroque Library in Clementinum, a former Jesuit college. We enjoyed a traditional Czech pork fiesta in Porks and Beer restaurant. According to my travel buddy Tim Yap, the pork knuckles were delicious and a perfect match to the Czech beer.

As an extra special treat, during the Lobkowicz Music Tour, we were guided into the impressive museum by one of the royal family members, Count William Lobkowicz Jr. His private tour took us through the halls of the family museum which held treasures—European paintings and music relics including compositions of W.A. Mozart. The ladies in the group were all mesmerized by Count William’s charm, charisma and extensive knowledge of the family heritage. We are so honored to have met him!

A vintage car took us around the fairytale-like city before our dinner at Mandarin Oriental, Prague. At this charming hotel that was once a Dominican monastery, we met chef Rosebud Benitez-Velasco and family who were on their summer vacation. This was the chosen hotel as well of lovebirds Pinky Tobiano and Juancho Robles, who joined our tours.

When shopping and church tours are part of the itinerary, I get so excited! I am so delighted that this trip had equal amounts of both. It was another highlight that we visited Church of Lady Mary Victorious and Infant Jesus of Prague. This church is known as a beautiful shrine of the Infant Jesus—or Sto. Niño—and there’s a small museum with special vestments from all over the world. Our country is proudly represented by fashion designer Aureo Alonzo and his fully embroidered Sto. Niño vestment.

We also enjoyed a wonderful boat tour arranged by the Four Seasons Hotel and dinner at lifestyle hotel Andaz Prague. My favorite site was Cesky Krumlov Castle and the surrounding town. Included on the Unesco list, Cesky Krumlov is one of the most beautiful castles and chateaus in the Czech Republic.

Dressed in costumes at Atelier Seidel, we all went back in time and enjoyed dinner on our last day in this beautiful country. Next week, I will feature Munich and the rest of our trip.

Luxury cruises

I reunited with Reno Barretto and Patty Bernabe, the group’s content creators, at the launch of Citti Elite and Scenic Luxury Cruises. At the event were Maria Angelina “Shan” Dioquino-David, president and CEO of Citti Elite, and Anthony Laver, Scenic Group’s general manager, sales and marketing APAC, and VIP trade and media representatives. Both companies are committed to growing and expanding their partnership in offering ultra-luxury, all-inclusive river and ocean cruises to discerning high net worth individuals in 2025 and beyond.

Hosted at Electric Gardens, Citti Elite and Scenic presented an exciting new range of ultra-luxury ocean and river itineraries, guest experiences and special offers. Shan expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are very excited to work closely with Scenic, as this partnership marks a new era of luxury travel for our clients, providing them with access to their exquisite cruises and tailor-made travel experiences. We believe this collaboration will elevate our service offerings and deliver unforgettable journeys to our valued clients.”

Anthony said, “The latest Scenic Eclipse Worldwide Discoveries collection, which spans from October 2025 to March 2027, offers an exciting new range of voyages across its two ultra-luxury Discovery Yachts. We invite guests to discover over 163 itineraries visiting 278 ports in 50 countries, spanning seven continents, offering unrivaled exploration in our signature, truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury.”

They offer a seamless journey from start to finish, with guests visiting extraordinary regions and immersing themselves in meaningful and enriching experiences. Scenic’s all-inclusive philosophy is a key part of the guest river cruise offer, with internal flights, transfers, fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages and once in-a-lifetime immersive excursions all included in the price. The valued guests can relax, knowing everything is taken care of.

If my time permitted for more travels, I would have joined Anton San Diego and Small Laude and her family for Silversea’s Mediterranean Marvels Cruise. Citti Elite arranged for a special group, also including Tootsy Angara and family, to visit Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy. I am looking forward to future travels with Citti Elite.

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