Leave the stress of planning and countless hours of research to us, let Golden Pearl travel craft your next exquisite vacation!
08/20/2025
Epic Voyages with Princess Cruises
Not all cruises are created equal. Princess Cruises’ Epic Voyages are carefully designed to give you more than just an itinerary. They give you stories to tell, memories to keep, and experiences you’ll carry long after you’re home.
These sailings are built around six themes: Culture, Earth & Sky, Explore, Marvel, Wild, and Wanderlust. Each one invites you to see the world in a way that speaks to you, whether it’s discovering new traditions, standing in awe of nature, or wandering into places that feel untouched.
Right now, the Sail More, Save More event makes it even better. The longer you sail, the more you save, with up to $1,800 in Shore Excursion credit waiting for you.
Time has a way of slipping by quickly. If an epic journey has been sitting on your bucket list, maybe this is the sign to finally go for it. This offer is only available until November 11.
08/19/2025
Still one of the favorite photos I have in my gallery is this one—taken at the beach with my husband, both of us facing the sunset. There are many more, especially the ones taken with family—because those are always close to my heart.
One thing about travel is that it’s not just about the places—it’s about capturing the moment through the lens, freezing a feeling in time. The memories keep adding up, but this one remains unforgettable.
What’s your favorite travel photo?
Today is World Photography Day, a reminder of how powerful a single image can be. A smile, a view, a moment—you never know which one will stay with you forever.
08/15/2025
A Few Weeks Back, We Talked About Renewing Passports Online…
Well, my husband just tried it — and it really works! Here’s his timeline:
July 21 – Filled out the application online, took his photo using my iPhone, and paid the fee.
July 23 – Email confirmation: application received.
July 24 – Email update: “In Process.”
August 1 – New passport mailed.
August 6 – Passport arrived!
✅ Total time: about 2 weeks
✅ No need to leave home for a photo or stand in line.
If your passport is up for renewal, check if you qualify for the online process — it could save you a lot of time and hassle.
Click here to explore: Link
08/14/2025
In its earlier years, the Hungarian Parliament Building stood as a bold statement of national pride and ambition. Construction began in 1885, inspired by Hungary’s growing desire for self-determination within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Designed by Imre Steindl for Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary in 1896 (though only completed in 1904), it became the largest building in Hungary and one of the largest parliamentary structures in the world.
With 691 rooms, 10 courtyards, and a central dome rising 96 meters high — a symbolic nod to 896, the year of Hungary’s founding — it quickly became a stage for political debates, royal visits, and national ceremonies. For today’s traveler, seeing it from the Danube is more than sightseeing; it’s witnessing the spirit of late 19th-century Hungary come alive.
Tonight, look up — the Perseid Meteor Shower reaches its peak with up to 100 shooting stars per hour lighting the sky.
Although the bright, nearly full moon may dim the view, the brightest meteors will still make magic. Best time to watch is after midnight, ideally from a dark spot away from city lights.
Pro tip: Face northeast, let your eyes adjust, and enjoy nature’s fireworks.
08/12/2025
Print your boarding pass in advance—it’s a small step that can save you from big travel headaches. Ready for stress-free boarding? Make it part of your pre-trip checklist!
08/12/2025
August 12 is World Elephant Day — a global movement to protect these gentle giants.
Celebrated annually since 2012, this day highlights why elephants need our protection:
• Habitat Loss – Expanding agriculture, deforestation, and human development are shrinking elephants’ natural homes.
• Poaching – Illegal ivory trade continues to threaten elephant populations across Asia and Africa.
• Human-Elephant Conflict – As humans and elephants compete for space, both can be harmed.
• Captivity & Exploitation – In parts of Asia, elephants are used for rides, shows, and logging, often under harsh conditions.
By choosing ethical elephant experiences, supporting conservation efforts, and spreading awareness, we can all help secure a future for these magnificent animals.
08/11/2025
Most people dread Mondays. But after decades in the travel industry, I’ve come to see them differently.
Mondays give us a clean slate—an opportunity to realign, refocus, and set the tone for everything that follows. In our line of work, every week brings new journeys to plan, clients to guide, and stories waiting to unfold.
This Monday, I’m choosing momentum.
Not perfection. Not pressure. Just progress.
Let’s keep moving forward—with purpose, passion, and joy in what we do.
08/10/2025
POV: A Virtual Assistant Working for a Travel Agency
This post is a little different; written from my perspective as someone working behind the scenes at Golden Pearl Travel.
I used to think travel was all about luxurysomething you do when you have extra time or money. But I’ve come to see it differently.
On a recent visit to Simala in Cebu, I watched people (locals and foreigners alike) queue under the heat, each carrying their own prayers. It struck me: travel can be about faith.
It made me appreciate the heart Ma’am Marita pours into organizing pilgrimages and faith-based journeys, not just cruises and leisure trips.
There’s something powerful about standing in a place where strangers whisper prayers from the depths of their hearts. It reminded me that travel isn’t always about escape—sometimes, it’s about holding on to hope.
Have a blessed Sunday.
08/09/2025
Like any normal weekend, I was reviewing my calendar, only to realize I forgot to flip the page.
It was our very own Golden Pearl Travel calendar, and I just stood there for a moment thinking… how are we already more than halfway through the year?
Time flies when you’re busy, but more than that, it flies when you’re doing something fulfilling. And that’s exactly how I feel every time we plan a trip, help a family make memories, or guide someone toward a destination they’ve always dreamed of.
Being busy isn’t just about full days, it’s about meaningful work.
And this Saturday, I just want to say thank you.
Thank you for making Golden Pearl Travel a name people continue to trust.
Thank you for allowing us to do what we love.
08/08/2025
Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Travel Advisor
Today, I want to share how my day usually looks. Well, not quite the usual day, but a special one from back in February. After working for over a year with my virtual assistant, we finally met in person when I visited the Philippines.
Being a travel advisor takes time, patience, and a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. Over the past couple of years, I’ve realized just how much teamwork lightens the load. While most people only see me, what they don’t see is the constant exchange of ideas, support, and planning that happens every day, often across miles and time zones.
We’re always looking for better ways to show up digitally, improve our services, and create more meaningful experiences for our clients. This is what a travel agency really looks like: collaboration, communication, and the commitment to serve you better, no matter the distance.
08/06/2025
I’ve seen both worlds, and I have my own thoughts about this. But now I want to hear yours!
Whether you’ve tried one, experienced both, or still planning your next adventure —
Would you rather cruise the open sea or sail a scenic river?
Let’s talk travel — drop your pick in the comments!
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Golden Pearl Travel posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
My name is Marita Domingo and I am the founder and master travel designer of Golden Pearl Travel. I am excited to get to know you and craft your exquisite vacation.
Moving to America in my late teenage years was a big change in my life. I never ventured out further than my backyard. When I left, I felt a big part of me was left behind so every year I went back to visit my hometown. Most of us immigrants will always have this longing in our hearts to go back and visit where we came from. Even my children, who were born and raised here, will always have the desire to discover and learn about their roots.
I started my travel company helping fellow Filipinos and their families with travel arrangements to visit our native land. Over the years, I became a Philippine Pearl specialist and had the privilege to explore the country.
From the words of St. Augustine, “The world is like a book and those who do not travel only read one page.” Visiting new places and experiencing new adventures help us grow. Traveling with family and friends gives us a special bond and help us reconnect.
Whether you are traveling to the Philippines, Australia, Japan or Europe, Golden Pearl Travel will handcraft your dream vacation according to your needs and preference. My mission is for you to have the best unforgettable vacation from the planning stage up to the time you get back home.
With over 15 years in the travel industry, I strive to learn more every day and to update myself with different certifications from cruise lines and tour companies. My passion and dedication in serving well are shown with loyal clients and recommendations to friends and family throughout the years. I have helped Filipino Americans across the United States with their travel arrangements all over the world.
Golden Pearl Travel is a subsidiary of A&M Travel, LLC which I established in 1999. Inspired by the South Sea Golden Pearl, it is one of the rarest and most exquisite pearls produced in the deep sea of Palawan, Philippines. Golden Pearl Travel will bring you the most exquisite vacation of your dreams. Schedule a free consultation with me and let us start planning your vacation today!
