Opens in a new tab
New
Latest Notes & Updates

Short thoughts, work in progress, lessons learned, & the occasional personal update.

I’m continuing an Elementor project, and I can see myself building custom solutions around it again.

For growing sites with heavy dynamic data and conditional layouts, it’s not really its strongest area.

But it’s still great for marketing sites and for less technical users. Also noticed it now has an MCP, which is a nice plus if you’re using AI.

Posted 3 days ago

Almost done with the design plans for all the dynamic systems on a tradie company web design project.

8 structured data systems in one project. Connecting and strategizing everything so it all works from day one.

I guess freelancing feels fulfilling once you’re done with this kind of project. But the process behind it? That’s a bit overwhelming.

Posted September 20, 2026

Started a new project for a B2B equipment dealer in the sewer and pipe industry based in Germany.

This time I’m not starting from scratch though, the previous provider left it at about 15% progress so I’m just picking up where they left off.

The only real challenge? The language. Shifting from English to Deutsch 😅

Hallo zusammen 👋

Posted September 18, 2026

Currently working on one of my monthly site care tasks, checking the speed of a client site. And it’s still performing well. These routine checks don’t look exciting but they keep things running the way they should.

Speed is one of the hardest things to improve on a website because there are so many factors like server, how the pages are built, and the tools used to build them. But I’m still glad I was able to improve this one.

Recent speed test result of Flor & Order
Posted September 13, 2026

One thing you can’t really control when handling projects is the timeline. It can shift at any point, especially when you’re working with trade businesses.

Just picked up the design phase of the flooring company project again. Glad I’m already done with the major pages and just working on the Learning Resources and Projects dynamic pages now.

Posted September 9, 2026

Been using Basecamp for project management since I started freelancing.

I’ve tried the more popular ones, but Basecamp is still one of the most straightforward tools out there.

Btw I’m almost done with a new post on how I onboard client projects using it.

Posted September 3, 2026

Since I left my corporate job last year to go full-time freelancing, I’ve been putting a lot more effort into this website.

And one of the most rewarding things so far is how much easier it is to get content indexed by Google.

Just added a new post and it got indexed almost immediately.

Posted September 1, 2026

Got my new earbuds from Anker and I’m really liking the noise cancellation so far. Been using the one from Baseus for 2 years and it finally needed a replacement.

Looks small but this pair really helps when I need to focus.

Posted August 30, 2026

My WP Booking System review is now showing up in AI Overviews and SERP, just like my Bricks Builder one. Been ranking for both too.

Posted August 27, 2026

Found some old clips of my website designs done on Adobe XD. Different versions of my site over the past 10 years. A lot of testing and trial and error. It’s been a journey.

Had to switch to Figma with all the issues around XD being phased out.

Posted August 26, 2026

I can’t remember if they’re going to post recordings of the 2-day event, but I was still able to gather some insights from my phone and memory 🙂

Here’s the new blog about HighLevel Live Manila.

Posted August 23, 2026

Since I’ve already added more than 10 notes, I can say I’m really liking this new feature on my website.

See the full post on why I added microblogging to this website.

Posted August 19, 2026

I’m at the point where I want to offer businesses stuck on WPBakery a free rebuild.

Nah maybe a discount 😅

But seriously, if you’re going with WordPress, at least use a solid page builder like Bricks (my bias), Beaver, Divi, or Elementor. Launching a site is just a small part of it.

Building new pages and optimizing over time is the long game, and your site builder matters for that.

Posted August 17, 2026

Been handling website projects in the home improvement space, especially clients in AU.

Looking at these skylight photos all day got me thinking. What’s it like living in a house with a transparent roof like that? Then I imagined having one here in PH. Sounds great when it rains. Then summer hits 😂

jk, these skylights are actually automated and packed with features.

Posted August 15, 2026

WPBakery might be the only page builder where the experience is equally rough whether you’re using backend or frontend editing. Divi handles this way better.

Sorry, I keep comparing these two because they both offer both modes, but the quality gap is real. Credit to the Divi team for getting that right!

Posted August 14, 2026

Got a chance to attend the HighLevel Manila 2-day event!

I just realized I wasn’t able to record everything. Now I’m trying to piece together all the info I remember and the photos I have.

The insights they shared were pretty overwhelming 😅

Posted August 10, 2026

I have an urgent page build using WPBakery. Although we have a 1-week deadline, I’m confident I can deliver. But seriously, at least give us a custom CSS field per widget. Even Divi has that!

I’m not really the type to rant about tools I use for work. I get that every builder is built differently. But every time I have a project using this one, it just takes so much longer than it should.

Posted August 8, 2026

You know, one thing that still bugs me is not asking my old clients to leave their review on my Google Business page.

I just collected them through email or other apps. Should’ve known better 😬

Posted August 7, 2026

You know what makes doing this stuff worth it? People who still remember you and refer you even if you haven’t spoken in a long time!

Just got an inquiry! Turns out someone I spoke with 2 years ago referred them. As a small service provider, that kind of thing means a lot 🙂

Image of my recent web design & development inquiry from Australia
Posted August 4, 2026

Late night timelapse of us getting things done. I don’t know why, but I always feel more productive at night.

Also, I just recently got that standing desk, and I can’t appreciate enough how helpful it is when you’re getting older 😂

Posted July 31, 2026
Table of contents

We Just Upgraded the Seascape Hotel & Resort Website

December 16, 2025

20 mins read

Reader Disclosure

Disclosure: I may occasionally include affiliate links in my posts or pages. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, which helps me keep this website running and create more useful content. However, this does not affect my opinion on the product or service in any way. I only recommend products and services that I truly believe in and use myself.

This might be my last project of the year, and it’s definitely one I’ll be including in my 2025 Wrapped. We just launched the upgraded Seascape Hotel & Resort website. This post is just a simple guide to the new booking system, after a big upgrade to my client’s site.

If you visit the website now, you will see the updated booking setup. It helps you check rooms and book your stay in a fast and easy way. Before, you had to wait for replies or send many messages just to ask about room dates. They were using Google Forms to handle bookings and inquiries. Now, you can do everything right on the website.

Even though this is only an upgrade, I made sure the pages related to the booking system, like room listings, room detail pages, the cart, and checkout, all have a clean and fresh look. Some older sections and pages are still there, but the overall style now feels much more modern. I want the rooms and accommodations to look modern while still feeling warm and friendly. The resort itself is calm and relaxing, and I want the website to reflect that same feeling.

Featured image of Seascape GQ Hotel & Resort Website

Let me walk you through what you can do and how the booking system works. This guide will help you use the site in the best way.

If you’re new to the idea of running your own booking system instead of relying on Airbnb or Agoda, I wrote a separate post explaining what a direct booking website is. This post is the walkthrough of what we actually built for Seascape.

Let Your Guests Book Directly on Your Website

Your own booking system, your own guest data, and less reliance on OTA commissions. It works alongside platforms like Airbnb, not against them.

See How It Works

Includes 3 months of Site Care + a Personalized Growth Guide

Hero section of Seascape GQ Hotel & Resort website

What You Can Do On the Website

With our new setup, you get tools that help you book your stay right away. Here are the main things you can do:

  1. Check real time room dates – You can see what dates are open and what dates are already booked. You do not need to guess. You can click the calendar and see the dates change in real time. This helps a lot if you plan a trip with friends or family. You get the right date without back and forth messages.
  2. View details about each room – Each room has its own page. You can read the description and see what the room looks like. You can see the services, the number of guests allowed, what type of beds are inside, and more. All the information is clear so you know what you are getting even before you arrive.
  3. See pricing and inclusions – You can see the room price and what is included. If you change the date or add extra services, the price will update on the spot.
  4. Receive booking confirmation – After you finish your booking, you get a confirmation. This helps you feel sure that your stay is locked in. It also helps the resort staff prepare for your visit.

How the Booking Process Works

I made sure the booking steps are simple. We are using a familiar ecommerce flow, so you can finish everything in just a few clicks. Here is the full process:

Step 1. Pick your date

When you visit the site, you will see a simple search form. Once you pick a date, it will show all the available accommodations.

Step 2. Choose your room

Each one has photos, info, and details to help you choose.

Step 3. Pick extra services

Some rooms or stays let you add extra services. You can choose things you need so your stay feels complete.

Step 4. Add to cart

After choosing, you add your pick to your cart. This lets you review everything and make sure it is correct.

Step 5. Checkout

This is the final step. You fill out your info and submit the booking. After that, you will get your email or confirmation about that your booking.

A Quick Look at the Rooms You Can Book

You will see all the resort rooms on the website. Each room page gives full info so you know everything before you book. Here are the things you will find:

  • Room Details
  • Room Amenities
  • List of Services
  • Photo Galleries
  • House Rules
  • The Booking Form
One of the Available Rooms at Seascape Resort & Hotel

Indulge in the elegance of our premium tropical villa, where contemporary design meets serene comfort.

Daily Accommodations (New)

We also added something new. Aside from the main rooms and suites, there are now daily accommodations. These work great if you want a short visit. You can book:

  • Day tour stays
  • Night swimming stays
Daily Accommodations

These are different from the regular rooms. They are made for people who want to enjoy the resort for a few hours. Maybe you want to swim, relax, and eat with friends. Maybe you only want a quick escape. These options are perfect for that.

Each daily accommodation also has its own page with details and photos.

Why We Made This Upgrade

People want to check dates, see photos, and read details before booking. To make that possible, we had to change how my client’s site works. They requested a booking system that can handle all these needs. By adding this feature to their existing website, you get all of that in one place. You don’t need to wait for a message or call. You can finish everything in a few minutes.

At the same time, we wanted the site to feel clean and modern. A good design helps the guest enjoy the experience. It makes you feel safe and confident when booking online.

If you’re wondering what it takes to run a setup like this, I put together a cost breakdown for direct booking websites that covers hosting, booking plugins, and the SaaS alternatives.

A New Landing Page for Event Inquiries

Aside from the booking system, we also added a new landing page for event inquiries. The client wanted a simple and clear way for guests to ask about events without getting confused.

The Events Landing Page

This page is made for people who are planning birthdays, parties, team outings, or other special events at the resort. Instead of sending messages back and forth, guests can now fill out one form with all the details.

The event inquiry page helps guests share what they need, like the event date, number of people, and type of event. This makes it easier for the resort team to respond with the right information.

Just like the rest of the site, I kept this page clean and easy to use. It follows the same look and feel so everything still feels connected.

Take Reservations on Your Own Site, Not Just Through OTAs

Give your guests a way to book directly with you, so you keep more revenue and build real relationships from the first reservation.

See How It Works

Includes 3 months of Site Care + a Personalized Growth Guide

Hero section of Seascape GQ Hotel & Resort website

What You Can Expect Next

Since we just launched this site recently, we are still improving a few things. As we see how people use the website, we will adjust and make things even easier.

As I mentioned, this is just an upgrade to their existing website, and we had limited time for development. Because of that, we focused on the most important feature, which is the booking system. There are still a lot of pages that were not revamped yet, and we will likely work on those next, fingers crossed. Of course, that part is still up to the client.

One thing we didn’t expect after launching was scammers copying the resort’s Facebook page. Having your own website actually helps here because guests can cross-check the real site before trusting a random Facebook page. I wrote more about protecting your business page from scammers in a separate post.

For now, the new booking system is live and ready to use. If you are planning a visit, feel free to explore the site, check available dates, and see how the new setup works. I hope this guide helps you feel more comfortable using it.

Leave the first comment

Related
Articles

Featured image of blog about project onboarding on Basecamp

The Simple System Behind My Web Design Client Onboarding (Using Basecamp)

How my web design client onboarding stays organized from day one using Basecamp & what…

Read more
Featured image of HighLevel Live Manila 2026

I Went to HighLevel Live Manila Knowing Almost Nothing. Here Are My Takeaways.

I just went there hoping to learn something new, but the 2-day event turned out…

Read more

How Microblogging Keeps My Website Fresh (Without Burning Out)

Creating content as a solo freelancer wasn’t sustainable. Microblogging on my own website keeps things…

Read more