Highflyer Weekend

Viaje del Sol | Around and About - Day 1

2013-05-08T03:41:00.001+08:00

3^rd stop: Kubli Springs

Still full from the delicious meal at Kinabuhayan Café, we went straight to the nearby Kubli Springs for some nature tripping. One of Jay’s assistants was kind enough to lead the way and he also served as a tour guide. A few minutes into travelling from the restaurant, we were already out of the concrete roads and heading deep into the woods. From the distance, we could already hear the sound of the flowing water in the spring.

You can’t really expect to see much from here. I mean, the point is being one with nature, right? Or something like that. Anyway, the spring was clean and well kept. Our guide said its okay to take a dip but we opted not to. We wanted to, especially with the hot weather that day, but there were no changing rooms and we weren’t exactly prepared. So we just took a stroll around the spring and enjoyed the feel of cold water on our feet.

After lots of photo ops, we decided to say goodbye to the lovely Kubli Spring and move on to our next destination.

4^th stop: Carlito’s Workshop

Now this is a sad part of our trip. It took a while before we reached Carlito’s Workshop. We had to go back and forth the highway a few times and there weren’t many people to ask around for directions. Unfortunately, no one was opening the gate when we finally arrived. I called Carlito’s phone a few times but didn’t get an answer. I think we waited for a good 30 minutes before we decided to leave. And just a few minutes after we left, Carlito was texting me and asking us to come back. But we just weren’t feeling it anymore.

It’s just too bad. I was really looking forward to this part of our trip where we get to see his works. Bronze sculptures, ain’t that cool? And you get to meet the man who made it. I also read somewhere that he serves good coffee and snacks, it would’ve been the perfect timing. Oh well, I just thought at least I had somewhere to go to when I come back to San Pablo.

We went back to Casa San Pablo to get some rest and prepare for dinner.

5^th stop: Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant

You get more when you expect less! That’s how we felt when we went to Sulyap Café. I think we kind of agreed that this was one of the highlights of our trip. Just goes to show how a simply awesome meal can make an entire trip worthwhile.

It’s a few corners away from Casa San Pablo which is very convenient. I’d recommend this to anyone who’s staying in Casa San Pablo. In fact, I'd recommend this to anyone who visits San Pablo City, period. It’s small restaurant within a compound. Also inside this compound is a museum but it was already closed when we were there. So maybe if you have lunch here then you could also museum.

So anyway, just like I said, we didn’t really expect much coming in the restaurant. We just went there to have a proper meal and get on with the night. But as it turns out, the place was really lovely and the food was really great! There were lots of antique displays and paintings which is quite common in this province. Probably part of the owner’s collection or something. It’s like their thing. Plus, it adds to the Spanish feel of the restaurant. Very classy and romantic. The menu consists of regular Filipino dishes. I don’t know if we’re just lucky but everything we ordered was just delicious. Highly recommended restaurant!

After an awesome dinner, we went back to Casa San Pablo with happy tummys. We considered going out into the town for some drinks, but we decided to just stay in and order a couple of beers to end the night. The restaurant in Casa San Pablo closes early but the staff were kind enough to let us order as much beer as we can, and stay out till we’re done, even after they've closed up. I just love the friendly people of San Pablo City.

Coming up next is all about the 2^nd day of our Viaje del Sol trip. Till then!

Viaje del Sol | Jay Herrera and Kinabuhayan Cafe

2013-05-08T02:20:00.004+08:00

2^nd Stop: Kinabuhayan Café

One of the things I was really excited about our trip is the lunch at Kinabuhayan Cafe. I’ve heard a lot of great things about Jay Herrera’s Restaurant. It was even featured in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, or so I’ve heard. As mentioned in my previous post, it’s a requirement to make reservations and pay for downpayment prior to coming here. I think it’s because Jay has to buy ingredients and prepare the dishes especially for the customers that are scheduled to come in. I don’t think he cooks meals for walk-in guests.

From Casa San Pablo in San Pablo, Laguna, we went back on the road headed towards the famous Kinabuhayan Café in Dolores, Quezon. Travel time took about 30 minutes (as far as I can remember). We got a bit lost along the way, but just a tiny bit. On Jay’sFacebook page, he gave instructions on how to get to his place. And one tip you should really follow is that if you get lost, and you probably will, you should just ask for Jay Herrera and everyone will know where to lead you.

It’s easy to spot the restaurant when we arrived in the right alley. His cottage is huge and it stands out among the concrete structures around. When we arrived at his door, Jay greeted us and immediately starts making conversation. He’s a great host, really kind and friendly. He asked us to wait while he prepares our lunch. I didn’t mind waiting because it gave us time to explore his place.

The main cottage is where I think he lives. We went up the cottage and I was quite surprised to see that it’s completely furnished and modern. He even had a bath tub fit in the bathroom. He’s old radio stuff was still there. As it turns out, he was some sort of radio jock back in the days but he had to quit for some reason I don’t remember.

There are a couple of two story cottages in his garden for overnight guests. There’s a sitting room/dining room on the lower floor and beds on the upper floor. He has landscapes set up there too. There are other interesting artifacts around the corners of his property. It’s a common trait among all the places we visited in this province.

When Jay finally served our food, my first reaction was, “Ooh that’s pretty!” and the next thing was, “Is that edible?” But Jay immediately explained that everything on the plate was indeed edible. I forgot exactly what he called it, but it was Condon Bleu-ish, on top of a Risotto-ish dish served with fresh garden salad (as in, freshly picked from his garden). I was a bit skeptical but I did eventually eat a few flowers and leaves (or was it grass?). I just considered it part of the food adventure!

But the food adventure didn’t stop there! He also served dessert with more plants. I’ll describe it as I remember it – fresh melon on top of caramelized sweet potato with cream and a few more stuff from his garden. It was good actually. All the ingredients in the desert are a perfect combination of sweetness from the fruit and sourness of the berries.

All in all, it was a great food trip. The food was plenty for me but others cleaned their plate. The food tasted good what with all the plants included. To be honest, for Php750 per person, I think it’s a bit overpriced. They could’ve at least served drinks. I also thought we’d be eating at Kubli Springs which would’ve been awesome. I imagined it would be in his backyard or something because they’re almost always associated together. But we didn’t visit Kubli Springs until later that afternoon. But I'm still very thankful to Jay for being such a kind host to us. Even though my expectations were not met, I still had a wonderful time.

The rest of our first day on our next post.

Viaje Del Sol | Casa San Pablo

2013-05-04T00:10:00.000+08:00

Alright, I know it took me soooo long to write the next installment of our Viaje Del Sol trip. I've just been busy with... well, a lot of things. Anyway! I have every intention of catching up to all my adventures since my last post, so here we go!

1st stop: Casa San Pablo

Welcome to Casa San Pablo!

We left Manila around 9am and arrived at our first destination by 10:30am. The place is fairly easy to find, just follow the instructions on the map provided upon reservation. It’s pretty accurate too so no need to worry about getting lost. They have a small for parking space that can fit around 10 cars (given that all of them were parked well). There weren't too many guests at the time so parking wasn't a problem for us.

We headed straight to the lobby where we were welcomed by the owner, Mrs. Alcantara. It was a bit too early for check-in but she was kind enough to let us in anyway.

One of the exciting parts in visiting Casa San Pablo is choosing among the 18 rooms. Each of them has a unique theme and character, with different bed configurations and bathroom amenities. Descriptions and photos of each room are posted on their website. They'll ask for your choice of top 3 rooms upon reservation and let you know which of them is available on the date you’re expected to arrive. Their overnight rates are per person, so it doesn't matter if you’re a small group who wants a big room, or a big group who wants a small room. As long as the room is available, it’s yours! Ain't that fun? Our top 3 choices then were...oh wait, I forgot our top 3 choices. Anyway, we ended up with Room 6! It has a bunk bed, a single bed and 2 bathrooms. There's also a loft with 4 floor beds that we didn't really use.

photo courtesy of Casa San Pablo website

map of rooms

I couldn't say much about the room we got. It was clean, simple and old. Or at least it smells old. Our room is located on the 2nd floor of the main building. There's an outdoor deck just outside our room, but it’s not a somewhere you're gonna want to hang out.

Our room is located on the 2nd floor of this building

Tip: Get a stand-alone casita. Its separated from everything else so you're group can have the privacy you need without bothering anyone else nearby.

Stand-alone Casitas are highly recommended

While they were preparing our room, we took the chance of exploring the entire B&B and it was just then that realized how big it was. It’s surrounded with lots of aguho trees, palm trees and other pretty, green trees and plants. There a couple of swing sets in the garden between the main building and the owner's private home. It’s cute and looks very cozy, like the one's you see on TV. Too bad I didn't get a chance to see the inside.

Owner's private home

Each corner of the entire place is decorated with unique pieces that are part of the owners' collection. It gives an antique vibe that's perfectly combined with that nature feel.

We weren't able to check out the pool and other parts of the inn because we were mostly out on the road. After settling our bags and resting for a while, we headed straight to Kinabuhayan Cafe for lunch.

More on that in my next post. Till then! :)

Viaje Del Sol | The Plan

2013-02-26T01:40:00.000+08:00

My first blog for 2013 is dedicated to my birthday weekend retreat!

It has always been difficult for me to make big plans for my birthday since the Christmas holidays has just passed and most people are still recovering from the hangover and expenses (or maybe that’s just me?) And I’ve also recently transferred to a new company which means I didn’t have any paid leaves yet. With these constraints to consider, what we needed was a “quick weekend getaway on a budget”. That meant no airplane rides and/or luxury resorts. That meant: road trip. And we had the perfect place in mind.

Viaje Del Sol is Spanish phrase that translates to “Way of the Sun”. A group of entrepreneurs came together to promote their local tourism by creating this map that leads to the different tourists spots in the provinces of Laguna, Batangas and Quezon. You can find the complete list and details of each destination through their website. I found this trip very interesting because it features a different mix of culture and arts, local cuisine and nature tripping.

The first challenge in planning a Viaje del Sol trip is choosing among the 19 destinations in the map. That does not include other interesting spots to visit along the way. The “dora the explorer” in me, of course, wanted to visit as many as I can. But previous experiences suggest that we should keep it to a minimum and make it realistic. We are not in the amazing race. And it’s just a few hours away from Manila so we can always come back anyway.

After a couple of modifications in our itinerary, we finally came up with this:

Day 1:

Casa San Pablo

Kinabuhayan Café

Kubli Springs

Carlito’s Workshop

Sulyap Gallery Café

Day 2:

Casa San Pablo

Lake Pandin and Lake Yambo

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Tsinelas Street in Liliw, Laguna

Café Lago and Sampaloc Lake

Colletes (Yes, colletes is included in the map)

The next part of this challenge is reservations. Almost, if not all, establishments in the Viaje del Sol map requires a reservation. Some of them would ask for a down payment or a full payment, while others just need a notice. Here’s our reservation experience for each:

Casa San Pablo:

I think my friend called or texted them through their mobile number which is available on their website: Globe: +63917 812 66 87 and Smart: +63920 967 52 77
Once we’ve confirmed that our chosen room was available, we deposited the FULL amount to their BDO account
They sent a confirmation letter via email along with other helpful guides
Rates for overnight stay with breakfast is Php1500 per person

Kinabuhayan Café

I was able to contact Jay Herrera through his facebook page. I sent him a private message to ask for a reservation and he replied after a few days or so.
You can contact him directly through his mobile#: +63 916 221 5791
He asked for a 50% deposit to be paid only through GCASH
Rates for a lunch meal is Php750 per person

Carlitos Workshop

I found Carlito’s mobile number somewhere in the amazing internet world: +63 919 837 7755
I just texted him that we’re coming and he replied quickly with a yes.
Entrance Fee is Php150 per person

Sulyap Galery Café

I just made reservations through their website and they confirmed via email.
Meals are around Php500 per person

Lake Pandin and Yambo

Again, I came across Aling Sion’s mobile number in the internet: +63 929 978 9565
I just texted her that we’ll visit Lake Pandin at lunch time. She didn’t require any down payment.
Balsa ride with lunch is Php360 per person

Café Lago and Sampaloc Lake

We didn’t make any reservations because we weren’t sure if we’d still have enough time. But for a tour at the Sampaloc Lake, you can contact Mandy through his mobile#: +63 917 501 6694

Oh and one more important thing. We tried to look for an actual copy of this map in the bookstore but couldn’t find any. Most of the pictures I found in the internet were blurry and unreadable except for this one:

Randomly found this photo in the internet. Photo credits to the owner.

I hope this helps! Up next is my post about the first day of our Viaje del Sol trip. :)

Peacock Garden | Around and About

2012-12-30T23:56:00.001+08:00

We went to Peacock Garden just a couple of months after our trip to Bellarocca so we just couldn't help but compare the two. Of course, Bellarocca is a lot better in many aspects but Peacock Garden surely had its own characteristics that makes it special.

First off is the bedroom. Its a studio unit with a fine choice of heavy wooden furniture. Each room has a 32-inch LED TV with cable and DVD player. The balcony opens to an amazing view of the sea. It has a small sitting area that's perfect for coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon and beer in the evening. The marble bathroom looks clean and classy and also contains the basic amenities with not-so-special toiletries.

The limited number of rooms in the resort makes it feel very private. Most of the guests only stay here after a tour around Bohol so there are barely any guests during the day. Day trippers aren't allowed by the pool area for additional privacy to in-house guests. Food and beverages could also be served anywhere in the resort for the guests to enjoy.

The huge infinity pool stretches out to the view of the sea. The view in the pool at sunset is just stunning. There's also a game room and spa though we didn't get to try both. The well kept gardens and surroundings adds to the peaceful environment. And of course, what's a peacock garden without a peacock! There's a cage within the property that houses a beautiful but shy peacock.

The best and most memorable part about our vacation in Peacock Garden is the food. Its probably the most expensive hotel restaurant we've ever been to but its worth every cent. The restaurant itself looks expensive with its heavy doors, large chandeliers and wooden furnitures. This fine dining restaurant is heaven for foodies and the like. Everything we ordered was superb, its like you can never go wrong with anything.This is actually where my boyfriend's obsession over salmon began. We kept going to different restaurants in Manila trying to find one that matches what we had there but nothing really came close. We'd come back to Peacock Garden even just for the food. Its definitely a must try.

Fine dining, tranquility and the best view of Bohol are just some of the things you'll find most wonderful and unique in Peacock Garden. It may not rest on its own island nor have a dozen infinity pools, but this enchanting resort will surely win you over like it did us.

Till my next trip ;)

The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa

Upper Laya, Baclayon, Bohol, Philippines
http://www.thepeacockgarden.com/

Tuggy's Travel

Contact Tuggy at +63 928 554 6564 / +63 2 892 4120
http://www.tuggystravel.com/
http://www.facebook.com/tuggstravel

Peacock Garden | Bohol Tour

2012-12-30T22:15:00.000+08:00

Another deal with Tuggy Travels brought us to one of our best trips of the year 2012, The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa in Bohol. Its a luxury boutique resort located in Tagbilaran City with a European-inspired theme.

Our package includes a 3 days 2 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Sea View Room with breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers. We paid an additional fee for a side trip to see the Philippine Tarsier and Chocolate Hills.

I've also been in a backpacking trip to Bohol back in 2010 with a group of friends. As young as we were back then, all we wanted was to try everything the province had to offer. More details about this trip will be featured in a separate blog. :)

Bohol Trip 2010

Our trip together in Bohol is different and more special because its his first time in Bohol and its my birthday!

Upon landing in Tagbilaran Airport, we were welcomed by our tourist guide and driver. We scheduled the private tour first so we could spend the rest of our vacation relaxing in the resort. We headed straight to the Tarsier Sanctuary. We couldn't get near the little creatures because they are now resting in their natural habitat. The staff in the sanctuary just pointed them out so we could take pictures of them. The area is very well kept and although we saw only a few of the tarsiers, they staff said dozens of them are still around and kept unseen.

Our next stop is the Chocolate Hills. It was already noon by the time we arrived so we ate our lunch there too. Everything was the same as I remember it except for the roof built on top of the stairs to the viewing deck. Its 214 steps to the top but it was all worth it once we saw the view of the Chocolates Hills that were colored green at the time.

On our way to the resort, we passed by the man-made forest which is always incredible to see.

After an exhausting city tour, we were finally brought to the resort and then immediately checked in to our room. More details about this part of my birthday trip on my next post!

The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa

Upper Laya, Baclayon, Bohol, Philippines
http://www.thepeacockgarden.com/

Tuggy's Travel

Contact Tuggy at +63 928 554 6564 / +63 2 892 4120
http://www.tuggystravel.com/
http://www.facebook.com/tuggstravel

Zubuchon: A Taste of Cebu Lechon

2012-12-30T20:46:00.000+08:00

A trip to Cebu is not complete without eating the famous Cebu Lechon!

Our short vacation didn't include any side trips to nearby tourist attractions because we wanted maximize our time in Plantation Bay. But a lechon meal was something we just couldn't resist.

There are two restaurants in Cebu that are known for their lechon: Zubuchon atnd CnT Lechon. We've already tried CnT Lechon back in 2010. As far as I can remember, there were lots of people in the restaurant because its lunch time and the lechon is really, really good. And just like any other restaurant in Cebu, they're main dipping sauce is vinegar. Yummy!

CnT Lechon back in 2010
Photo c/o a friend, Bianca Dizon

Photo c/o a friend, Bianca Dizon

For this trip, we wanted to try the other restaurant people have been raving about, Zubuchon. The fact that Anthony Bourdain has tried their dish makes it even more interesting. It was also a more convenient option because they have a branch that's just a few minutes away from Mactan Airport. The good staff of Plantation Bay was kind enough to bring us there.

As expected, the lechon was awesome! Especially the skin, its crispy and fatty and juicy as you bite. (Okay, so maybe I won't make it as a food blogger)

Aside from the 1/2 kilo of lechon, we also ordered Ensaladang Talong (which wasn't that good because there were lots of ginger in it), fresh buko juice (that was golden in Plantation Bay) and Kamias Shake (which was surprisingly good). We also had leche flan for dessert. The best part was, our entire meal costs just around Php500!

When they say "pigs can fly", they mean it. They deliver lechons to Manila at a fairly good price. Still waiting for an occasion to have an excuse to avail this offer.

In the end, I still couldn't decide which restaurant serve the better lechon. I'd try again both when I come back to Cebu!

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa | Around and About

2012-12-30T19:17:00.000+08:00

With all honesty and respect, I say the resort really looks old. It seems to be well maintained though. Maybe its the Filipino theme that makes it feel old. It reminded me of the environment in Pearl Farm, Davao. I still loved it though. Its peaceful and scenic nature was perfect for a laid back getaway.

By observing the surroundings, you'd think you're not in the Philippines. Not because of the facilities and amenities, but because of the Korean tourists everywhere. The ratio between Filipino and Korean guests is probably around 1:10.

The saltwater lagoons are huge and there's three of them so you don't have to worry about bumping into other guest while you're swimming. There are lots of beach chairs and gazebos for you to chill in or leave your things. You can also catch a ride with one of the free shuttles that go around the resort if you're too lazy to walk. Its a huge resort and for someone like me who's not a fan of walking, this is a great feature. The freshwater pool is probably my favorite because of the jacuzzis located at every corner. There's nothing special about the beach though. Its a small stretch of kinda-white sand and a lot of sharp rocks by the shore.

The package didn't include any meals, just welcome drinks. There's a corkage fee if you bring any food but they don't really check your bags. We were able to sneak in a few snacks but that was it. I wish we brought more because the food and drinks here are really expensive. A liter of distilled water costs Php100 and a can of soft drinks costs Php150. I didn't even consider drinking fruit shakes or beer. There are 4 different restaurants in the resort and we got to try 3 of them. All of them offer expensive and plain menus. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't that great either. We paid an average of Php500 per person per meal. That doesn't include drinks and dessert. They have a strict "no tipping" policy. They come after you if you leave even a single peso on the table. For real.

The Kilimanjaro Kafe is like the main restaurant of the resort. Its right at the center by the freshwater pool. It looks like a modern version of the Parola in Pearl Farm, Davao. Its open 24 hours and serves "international" cuisine. Their not-very-appealing breakfast buffet costs Php750 per head, there's also an a la carte breakfast menu that's around 300 to 500 per meal. They also serve lunch and dinner buffets with the same price. Not very appeal as well. Some of the items in the menu are good for sharing.

The Fiji Restaurant by the beach has fairly good food. They serve seafood and asian cuisine for lunch and dinner. The ambiance is great for a quiet dinner date.

The Savannah Grill is beside a small freshwater pool in the far corner of the resort. Its actually perfect for families with kids but I can't say the same for couples like us. This restaurant has the most limited choices among the three restaurants that we've tried. The menu consists of burgers, hotdogs and barbecue.

There are lots of (expensive) activities available in the resort. Of course, there's the spa that we didn't try. There's a tennis court, wall climbing and firing range on one side. And on the other side, there are diving and island hopping packages that are just great and expensive! The more popular choice among the guests is the kayak within one of the swimming lagoons. For simple, laid back and cheap people like us, swimming and hanging out by the pool was enough to spend an entire vacation in Plantation Bay.

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines

http://plantationbay.com/

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa | Touchdown

2012-12-30T19:08:00.000+08:00

We had a very early flight to Cebu, as in 4am! Our original flight was cancelled for some reason that's why we were moved to an earlier flight. Fortunately, Cebu Pacific offers web check-in so we just had to be in the boarding gate 30 mins before the flight. Its very easy and convenient I encourage everyone to take advantage of this feature. No more lines in the counter for itineraries and ID's, just present your boarding pass at the entrance and your good to go.

Another airport facility we were able to utilize that morning was the overnight parking at terminal 3. I don't know about you guys but this was the first time we tried it and it was awesome. Super cheap at Php50 per night. No more begging friends and families to pick you up when you arrive. No more haggling with taxi drivers in the departure area for a ride home. Its just a few steps away from the entrance and fairly safe.

Okay, enough promotion.

We landed in Cebu after an hour flight from Manila. Since the package includes round trip airport transfers, we just had to send our flight details via email to confirm our pick up that morning. There's a small reception booth in Mactan Airport for Plantation Bay guests. We spent a few minutes there while the staff waits for other guests to arrive. When he probably realized that no one else was coming anytime soon, we were led to the car that would bring us to the resort.

The ride from the airport to the resort was less than 15 minutes. We arrived at the resort at 6am. Too early for anything. The staff were still cleaning the pools and lagoons. Other guests were nowhere in sight. Check-in time is 2pm. We hoped for an early check-in but it wasn't available at the time. The receptionist asked for our contact number instead and said they would call us if a room becomes available. We took this time to roam around the resort and take lots of pictures.

When a couple of guests finally checked out, the receptionist called us and gave us an option to choose among the available rooms. Luckily, one of our choices included the one we've been eyeing the entire time. Its on the building near the East Saltwater Lagoon. It was perfect because its near everything that's interesting in the resort.

The room is very simple. It has two queen sized beds and a cable TV. The bathroom has my dream mirror with a shower and a tub. The best feature of this room is definitely the balcony that has a direct access to the lagoon. You don't have to walk far to take a swim.

We spent the rest of our vacation swimming and walking around the resort. There's just so much to see and I don't think we even got to visit them all.

More details about the restaurants, facilities and other stuff about the resort on my next post. :)

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines
http://plantationbay.com/

Year End Getaway 2012 - The Plan

2012-12-30T16:14:00.000+08:00

It has been our tradition to go on a vacation before the year ends. These trips are very important to us because this is where we actually sit down and carefully plan our goals for the following year. We could do it anytime, anywhere else but there's something about out of town trips that make it special and more meaningful.

For this year, we wanted to keep the "luxury" vacation theme and decided to go to Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu. Its simple and laid back atmosphere is perfect for what we had planned.

We've had a backpacking trip to Cebu back in 2010 with a couple of friends. Like any other backpacking trips, it was fast-paced and budgeted, so naturally, Plantation Bay wasn't in the itinerary. Details of this trip will be blogged in the near future. *wink wink*

Cebu Backpacking Trip 2010
(photos c/o friends Bianca Dizon and Grace Garcia)

With one of Cebu Pacific's seat sale earlier this year, I grabbed the chance to book a roundtrip flight for 2 to Cebu for only Php2500. After that, it was just a matter of choosing among the line-up of luxury resorts available in Cebu. We also considered Shangri-La Mactan, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort and Crimson Resort and Spa but Plantation Bay just won us over. We booked a Lagoon Side Room through HotelClub.com and got a fairly good discount thanks to my Citibank PremiereMiles credit card.

And just like that, our year end trip has been planned.

Complete details about this trip on my next post. :)

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines
http://plantationbay.com/

El Nido | Budget vs Luxury

2012-10-19T16:41:00.001+08:00

As a kid, I used to think people named El Nido after my favorite powdered milk, Nido, because the sand there is as white and fine as the powdered milk I love drinking. Its been my dream to go there since then.

Photo Courtesy of El Nido Resorts Website

El Nido is famous for the luxury resort chain, El Nido Resorts. There are currently 4 resorts in the different islands of Palawan under their management. Each are internationally recognized and multi-awarded for its eco-friendly design and luxury. But of course, luxury comes with a price. For more budget conscious tourists, a trip to El Nido could be as equally fun and exciting with the affordable island hopping activities that are available. Bacuit Bay in El Nido features beautiful islands with white sand beaches, lagoons concealed in limestone walls and rich marine life that are perfect for diving and snorkeling. So its just a matter of preference and, of course, budget.

There's a small domestic airport in El Nido, however, only the charter airline of El Nido Resorts fly there now and they offer guests round trip airfares for about Php13,000++ per person. Seair no longer offers direct flights to El Nido Airport since early this year. A more affordable alternative is to fly to Puerto Princesa airport and ride a bus or a van to El Nido. Another option is to ride a boat. I'm not a fan of long boat rides so I won't even explore that option.

Thanks to one of Cebu Pacific's promo fares, my friends and I were able to book a round trip flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for only Php1115. I was able to contact Fortwally Shuttle Service and they offered us round trip private airport transfers to El Nido for Php 1100 per person. Its a 5-hour ride so I really hope its a comfortable van.

The next question is whether we'd go for budget traveling or luxury vacation. For easier decision making, I made two itineraries with projected expenses each.

Luxury El Nido Itinerary

March 2 (Sat): Day 1 – Arrival

4pm Departure: NAIA Terminal 3

5:15pm Arrival: Puerto Prinsesa Airport

Van to El Nido

Dinner

1am Arrival at El Nido

Check-in at El Nido Town Hotel

March 3 (Sun): Day 2 – El Nido Resort

9am Check-out El Nido Town Hotel Transfer to El Nido Resort

10am Check-in at El Nido Resort

Water Sports Activites (Hobie Cat, Windsurf, Kayak, etc)

Standard Resort Guided Activities/Tours (snorkeling, island-hopping, etc)

March 4 (Mon): Day 3 – El Nido Resort

Water Sports Activites (Hobie Cat, Windsurf, Kayak, etc)
Standard Resort Guided Activities/Tours (snorkeling, island-hopping, etc)

March 5 (Tues): Day 4 - Departure

12pm Check-out El Nido Resort Lunch

Transfer to Puerto Princesa 6pm Arrival at Puerto Princesa

Dinner
8:10pm Departure: Puerto Princesa Airport

9:25pm Arrival: NAIA Terminal 3

Budget El Nido Itinerary

March 2 (Sat): Day 1 – Arrival

4pm Departure: NAIA Terminal 3

5:15pm Arrival: Puerto Prinsesa Airport

Van to El Nido

Dinner

1am Arrival at El Nido

Check-in at El Nido Town Hotel

March 3 (Sun): Day 2 – Island Hopping

9am Island Hopping (Tour C)

5pm Return to El Nido Town Hotel

Rest, Dinner, Nightlife

March 4 (Mon): Day 3 – Island Hopping

9am Island Hopping (Tour A)

5pm Return to El Nido Town Hotel

Rest, Dinner, Nightlife

March 5 (Tues): Day 4 - Departure

12pm Check-out El Nido Town Hotel Lunch

Transfer to Puerto Princesa 6pm Arrival at Puerto Princesa

Dinner
8:10pm Departure: Puerto Princesa Airport

9:25pm Arrival: NAIA Terminal 3

We still haven't decided on where to go just yet. But its definitely going to be fun either way.

Till next time ;)

Arrival at HK

2012-10-15T23:36:00.000+08:00

August had one of my longest vacations this year. Lucky me was able to take a leave from work for 10 days. I spent half of that in Hong Kong and Macau.

We arrived at the HK International Airport at around 8am. I must say, this airport is really huge! The plane had to run on wheels for about 30 more minutes after it has landed as if looking for a parking space. Unlike any other airports that I've been to, the immigration in HK Airport comes first before claiming the baggages. I didn't know this at the time so our group was running around in the airport like little kids looking for the next stop. The immigration and baggage claim went on smoothly after that. As advised by most bloggers, we took a lot of free maps and brochures from the airport. These helped us a lot in our adventure on the days that followed.

Our next challenge in the airport was to find the counter that sells Octopus Cards. Since HK's primary mode of transportation is via trains or MTR, the Octopus Card became very useful especially for travelers like us. It can also be used in buses, 7/11 outlets and others. There are several types of Octopus Cards available. We bought the Airport Express Tourist Octopus card for HK$ 220 which includes the following:

Airport Express One Free Single Journey + 3 days unlimited travel on MTR + $50 deposit + Stored value $20

We also found the China Travel Service (CTS) counter at the airport. This travel agency sells discounted entrance tickets to HK's tourist attractions. We were able to compare the rates before we left for HK so we already know how much we're going to save. Its not much, but when you're out of the country, every penny counts.

Comparison of Original and CTS rates

Once all the purchasing was done, we located the train station for the Airport Express. The Airport Express is a bit more expensive than the regular MTR rides. This line is only dedicated to 3 stations from the airport unlike the other lines with frequent stops. The train is also equipped with its LED lights and screens that indicate the location of the train as it reaches the next station. The seats are more comfortable and new too. After a few minutes, we arrived at Kowloon Station. From there, we had to transfer to the shuttle bus (also free with the Octopus Card) that would bring us our final stop near our hostel at Tsim Sha Tsui.

Inside the Airport Express

Hop Inn has made its name in the HK Hostel Industry as one of the best in its league. It has received several awards and praises from the hotel review website: Trip Advisor, as well as in the online booking websites - Hostelworld.com. This hostel is famous for its painted walls and decorations that feature local artists and illustrators. Its a bit more expensive than the regular hostels in TST area but the amenities are at par with 3 star hotels. Check out their website for more info: www.hopinn.hk

It wasn't hard to find the Hop Inn building once we've arrived at our bus stop. The map and directions provided by the hostel admin upon booking was very direct and easy to follow. We arrived at the hostel earlier than the check-in time. There wasn't a vacant room available yet so we just left our luggages by the corridor which the receptionist assured was completely safe. All payments for the rooms were made upon arrival. The reservations didn't ask for any deposits or downpayment upon booking.

After all the our luggages and payments have been settled, we left the hostel for our next destination: HK Disneyland!

An Overnight Stay at Chalet Baguio Hotel

2012-10-15T19:55:00.000+08:00

A trip to Baguio is never about the hotel. The weather, food and tourist attractions are too good not to explore. So for our overnight stay, we decided not to splurge on some fancy and expensive hotel. Instead, we got a deal from Ensogo for Chalet Baguio Hotel.

For only Php1500, we got a deluxe room with free breakfast for 2 and unlimited brewed coffee. Not bad, eh? Actually, the free coffee is what got me to purchase this deal. The location is pretty good too. Its near Kennon Road so it was quite easy to find our way there. We didn't want to bring the car around a city where there's an abundance of taxi and a scarcity of parking space.

Its a chic little boutique. A lot better than I expected. The furnitures and decorations are classic pieces that (from what I've heard) were brought in all the way from Iloilo. There's a Dulcinea Restaurant in the lobby that is open for all 24/7, even for non-hotel guests. The staff are friendly and helpful. Checking in was no problem at all.

There are a couple of parking spaces available in front of the hotel and also in the basement parking. Though I don't think it can accommodate the vehicles of all the guests in case they all happen to bring their own.

The room that we got is on the far end corner of the second floor. Its very simple and very cozy. I loved the touch of stones in the interiors. The headboard is designed with a carving of what seems like pine trees with lights at the back to create silhouette figures. So cool. My favorite part of the room is on the corner window where we have a beautiful view of the mountains beyond.

What I didn't like about the room was the air-conditioning. I can't remember why we opened them in the first place, but it was just wrong. It smelled really nasty after a few minutes. We had to open all the windows and doors in the room to get rid of the scent. We left the windows open for the rest of our stay. The natural cold weather feels a lot better anyway.

Another plus point for this hotel is that you can avail the breakfast meal at any time of the day. Even after you've checked out of the room. So there's no need to rush in the morning. Honestly, every hotel should do the same. The food isn't anything special. But the coffee is really good.

Overall, its a good value for the price we paid. There are lots of hotels in Baguio to choose from. It just depends on your budget and needs. And as for us, this one just got it right. I'd recommend this hotel for families, friends or couples who just need a place to crash with a safe parking space where they could leave their cars while they roam around in the city.

Till next time :)

Chalet Baguio Hotel
Upper Military Cutoff Road, Baguio City
http://www.chaletbaguiohotel.com/

Our Favorite Places in Baguio

2012-10-15T18:47:00.002+08:00

In any occasion or event that brings us to Baguio, there are two places that we visit every time: Halfmoon Cafe and 50's Diner. My boyfriend's birthday trip this year is no exception.

Halfmoon Cafe is under the same management of the Mines View Park Hotel. Its famous for its signature dish, "bibincrepe" which is available in different yummy flavors. I'll skip the story of how we got here. The important thing is, when it comes to coffee, this is the place to be. This may or may not be the best cafe there is in Baguio, but its the most special one for us. They also have a branch in Timog Avenue, QC. We tried it once but its just not the same.

Cafe Bonbon

Chocolate Ice Blended

Choco-cheese bibincrepe

Choco-mallows bibincrepe

After burning a couple of hours (and gaining a lot of calories) in the cafe, we decided to walk our way towards the famous landmarks of Baguio nearby. I hate walking. But the cold weather kinda made it seem okay.

The walk from Mines View Park to Botanical Garden is already an achievement for me. We could've walked further but its already getting dark and we were both hungry already. Hence, the visit to our other favorite Baguio place - 50's Diner!

50's Diner is the best restaurant in Baguio. If not for all, at least for us. The theme of the restaurant is, of course, the 1950s. Its ambiance takes you back to the 1950s. I was born in the 80's so I don't really know much about that decade and this place gives you an idea of how it was like back then. There are posters of famous Hollywood stars and movies on every wall. The black and white tiles is a huge addition to the 50s vibe. There's a bar in the corner of the restaurant where they make super yummy milk shakes and fresh fruit juices.

The best part of dining in this restaurant is the food. They have a wide variety of seafood, steaks, sandwiches, burgers, deserts, etc. Servings are in huge portions so be careful in ordering too much. The best part is, its not that expensive at all. But most importantly, the food is delicious! Actually, to say its delicious is actually an understatement. That's how much i love this place.

That sums up our afternoon in Baguio City. We'll probably try to explore new places on our next visit, but there are two places that are sure to remain in the itinerary. ;)

Till next time. :)

Thunderbird Resorts | Poro Point | Around and About

2012-10-15T17:07:00.000+08:00

Past the reception area and the restaurants are the stairs that leads to the swimming pools. On the right side is an area i'd like to call the "kiddie station". You'll find a kiddie pool, a swing, kiddie slides and a trampoline. Its perfect for parents who would like to bring their kids to this vacation. The kiddie station will keep them busy while mommy and daddy are relaxing as well. On the other side of the kiddie station is a huge infinity pool with the waterfalls, bridge, and mini bar. Its surrounded with coconut trees and chairs. I don't know why but there we were the only guests on the pool that afternoon. We felt so lucky for having the pool all for ourselves.

Swimming Pool in the afternoon

Swimming Pool by night time

"Kiddie Station"

After a while, we took a walk around the resort to check out its other amenities. Its a short walk since there isn't much to see. There's a jogging path at the boardwalk with several sheds where you can just hang out and relax. Beyond the boardwalk is a basketball court and a mini stadium. There's also a badminton court near the pool area but I have no idea if they provide sports equipments for guests. We weren't able to visit The Cliffs Golf and Beach Club where, from what i've heard, you'll a golf course and a beach. Both weren't very appealing so we just decided to stay at the pool.

mini-stadium

View of the Resort

Green fields and the Boardwalk

Infinity Pool

There are 3 restaurant options in the resort but all of them have the same menu. Its just a matter of choosing the ambiance you like while eating. If you're having so much fun swimming at the pool and never ever wanna leave, you may request for a menu and have them served at the Pool Bar. If you want a more intimate dining experience, then the Olive Restaurant is your best choice. It claims to be the only fine dining restaurant in Ilocos Region and North Luzon. They also offer a dinner buffet for Php700 per person. But the food choices are very limited and plain so we decided to pass. On the other side of the hotel lobby is the Patio Santorini, our restaurant of choice. Its actually a bar with a live band to entertain the guests. There are additional food choices that are a bit cheaper than those offered in the original menu.

Pool Bar

For our dinner, we ordered the Blue Cheese & Mozzarella Penne Pasta and the Seafood Medley which consists of shrimp, tuna, salmon and scallops served with mashed potato and vegetables. Whew! Both dishes are good for two persons but the waiters said its only good for one. As a consequence, we had a lot of leftovers. (Sayang!) But we enjoyed the food very much. We were so full already but I still wanted to order a cake because it was still my boyfriend's birthday then. The desserts are served with a choice of tea or coffee. Their black forest cake wasn't anything special, and so is the coffee. Our total bill for this meal was around Php1700++.

The next day, we had a wake up call from the receptionist to remind us that the breakfast buffet is only until 10am. So we went to the Olive Restaurant and found it half full with hotel guests. The food was surprisingly good, the beef tapas were my favorite. I especially liked the drinks station because they serve cold chocolate milk and watermelon juice. I tried a little bit of everything. We also met the head chef when he visited the restaurant, probably checking the food trays that weren't eaten. Shortly after, we checked out of our room and collected the remains of our deposit.

Overall, it was a great experience. The resort is easy to locate, rooms look good, food is delicious, pool is huge and most importantly, its not crowded! Though I must admit that I expected a lot more from this resort. But then again, its not really that expensive and based on the constructions everywhere, its still under development stage. It would probably look a lot better once its completed. I'd recommend this place to families, friends or couples who are visiting La Union. Its a great alternative for those who are not into surfing or for those who just want to relax. The beautiful Santorini of the North has made its mark as a must-see place on this side of the country.

Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point
Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines
http://www.thunderbird-asia.com/resorts/poro-point

Thunderbird Resorts | Poro Point | Touchdown

2012-10-15T16:16:00.000+08:00

Upon arriving at Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, we were welcomed by the beautiful white structures and luscious green field. We paused for a moment to let the wonderful sight sink in. But that was a very brief pause because we were already very excited to see everything the resort has to offer.

There are lots of free parking near the main building. There aren't many guests then but i think all that parking space is enough even if the hotel rooms are fully booked. The fact that its just beside the hotel rooms is very convenient too. We were able to sneak-in our own snacks and drinks easily.

You'll immediately feel the greek vibe once you enter the hotel lobby. They have modern furnitures that might look familiar if you saw the movie "No Other Woman". The signature painting inside the blue dome looks a lot better in real life than in pictures. There's also an office room that showcases the Athena Villas for sale within the resort.

Our hotel booking was made through Sulit Travel and Tours. All we had to do was give our desired travel dates to them and everything was set. When we arrived at the reception, they immediately confirmed our reservation, made us fill up some papers and then they gave us a key to our room. They also asked for a deposit of Php2000. Then we were given our welcome drinks that had a weird ginger and pandan taste. Definitely not my favorite drink. I was hoping they'd offer us a tour around the resort but they didn't. :(

The initial room that they gave us is on the first floor of the North Wing, the one nearest to the reception area. I was glad that they gave us that room because I won't have to walk a lot. (Did I mention how much I hate walking?) We were starting to settle down when we realized that the room didn't have a refrigerator (and I really needed that for the drinks that we sneaked in.) So I immediately called the receptionist and in minutes we were assigned to a new room on the 2nd floor. The second room looked exactly the same as the first one except for the paintings on the walls, and of course, this one had a refrigerator. I was glad we were transferred to this room because it has a better view.

The room is OK. We requested for a queen bed but they gave us a twin bed instead. My favorite part of the room is the balcony where you'll find a fantastic view of the garden and the ocean. There's a garden set by the balcony where you can sit and relax while enjoying the view. There's a 42-inch LCD TV with surround system and cable TV. The Wi-Fi connection is pretty decent for a hotel, just enough for Facebook and internet browsing. The room lighting is complicated as usual. There are lamps and switches everywhere. I'm really not a fan of those. The bathroom is huge. I personally like the huge mirrors and the VMV bath toiletries. There's also a large basket of bath essentials available. You don't need to bring anything else. Once our bags were settled in, we headed down the pool for an afternoon relaxation.

More details on the resort amenities on my next post. :)

Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point
Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines
http://www.thunderbird-asia.com/resorts/poro-point

Thunderbird Resorts | Poro Point

2012-10-14T22:10:00.002+08:00

For my boyfriend's birthday trip this year, he wanted to take the car for a drive up north for that long overdue break-in. And when it comes to break-ins, you know it has to be Baguio. Although we've been to Baguio too many times already and we can't think of anything new to do there. So we decided to just spend one night in La Union first and then another night in Baguio. But the thought of La Union kinda meant surfing and that didn't really appeal to me very much. I've tried surfing before and its just not my thing. And then I found a good deal for the hotel rooms in Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point from Sulit Travel and Tours. I grabbed it right away knowing it will be the perfect for our upcoming trip.

I found out about Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point through a couple of blog sites that keep comparing it to Bellarocca Island. Its famous for its Greek theme and the white structures. Its also said to be the only 5-star luxury hotel in the Northern Philippine region. With that said, I got really curious so it instantly got a spot in my list of places to visit.

Thunderbird Resorts is a chain of luxury hotels that are anchored by casinos. Their properties are scattered through Asia and Latin America. We are lucky that they chose to establish 2 resorts here in the Philippines, those are in Rizal and in La Union.

The Poro Point Freeport Zone is located at Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union. Thunderbird Resort is located inside that freeport zone.

From the reviews, the resort is a 5-hour drive from Manila. I don't know where they based their estimates but as for our experience, we left Manila at around 8am and arrived there at around 2:30pm. Its quite an easy drive from NLEX to SCTEX to Marcos Highway, all the way to La Union. We came prepared with our iPad Maps application and pocket wifi for instant connection in case we get lost on the road. We were able to use it a couple of times actually. Well, the road to La Union wasn't exactly as easy as we thought it would be. Especially when we're faced with crossroads that both look like main roads.

It wasn't hard to find the resort once we got to the Poro Point Freeport Zone. The sight of the white hotel and its blue dome is really dramatic. A simple concept of white and blue structure has turned out to be so amazing. The large empty lots of greeneries added elegance to the place. There are a couple of villas surrounding the main building and a few more are still under construction. I can just imagine how wonderful this place would look like once all the constructions are done.

I'll write down more details about the resort on my next post. :)

Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point
Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines
http://www.thunderbird-asia.com/resorts/poro-point

HK Trip - The Plan

2012-09-11T22:38:00.001+08:00

Since 2009, the year I graduated from college and started working, I make it a point to travel out of the country at least once a year. A friend once told me that its lucky to cross the seas because it takes away bad vibes and leaves you with a fresh start. I guess the thought got stuck to me and I just went on with it.

Hong Kong has always been on the top of my list of places to visit in Asia. For one, there's Disneyland. I mean, c'mon. Everyone wants to go to Disneyland. Its the happiest place on Earth! Or so I've been told. Secondly, its Asia's shopping capital. Need I say more? Lastly, I've seen a lot of beautiful landscape photos from this country. I've dreamed of taking pictures of them myself. So for the year 2012, I rounded up a group of my friends to come with me on an amazing journey to the Pearl of the Orient.

With one of Cebu Pacific's promo fares, we were able to book a one way flight to HK and a return flight from Macau for only Php2100 (steal!). From the time of flight booking, we had 5 months for research and preparation before the much awaited vacation. We already have a draft of an itinerary from the previous HK plan that we had which sadly got cancelled. So I just had to make a few arrangements for it to fit with the upcoming trip.

For the first time here in this blog, I'm going to share one of my itineraries. I usually go with this format and I feel uncomfortable if I do it any other way. Its just my thing. Don't get me wrong, these things don't go exactly as planned no matter how carefully I create them. But at least its a plan.

HK Itinerary

August 22 (Wed): Day 1 – Arrival. Disneyland.

5:40am Departure: NAIA Terminal 3

7:40am Arrival: Hong Kong Airport

9:30am Check-in at HK Hotel

11am Disneyland

Back to Hotel

August 23 (Thurs): Day 2 – Shenzhen

8am Train to Shenzhen

10am Windows of the World

2pm Splendid China/Folk Cultural Village

5pm Shopping at Lo Wu

Train to HK

August 24 (Fri): Day 3 - The Peak

Free time/Shopping

Avenue of Stars

3pm The Peak Tram, Madame Tussauds, Sky Terrace

8pm Symphony of Lights

Back to Hotel

August 25 (Sat): Day 4 - Ocean Park

10am Ocean Park

Check out from HK Hotel

4pm Ferry to Macau

6pm Check in at Macau Hotel

Venetian Hotel

Casino Hopping

August 26 (Sun): Day 5 - Macau

9am Senado Square

Fisherman's Wharf

Macau Tower

Grand Lisboa

7pm Check out from Hotel

8pm Check in at the Airport

10pm Departure: Macau Airport

12pm Arrival: NAIA Terminal 3

On my next post, I'm gonna share with you how the 5-day trip went out. Till then :)

Towards the Lighthouse of Capones Island

2012-07-26T19:17:00.001+08:00

Since we booked an all-in package for this tour, we didn't really have to worry about anything. Well, don't take "anything" too literally. I meant the important stuff, like the transportation, the food, the itinerary and all those things. It would be an awful lot of work to get this together by ourselves (especially this group of lazy kids). Don't get me wrong. I like camping, bonfires and nature and stuff but I hate planning for it. With this arrangement, all I had to pack were my clothes, my cam and other personal stuff (plus another bag full of chips that I promised to bring for the kids).

We were scheduled to leave at 12 midnight from the meeting place at SM North EDSA bus bay. Honestly, we were kinda scared at this point because we didn't really know if Kuya Jeff and his gang will show up and that all of this maybe a scam. Well obviously, it wasn't a scam and they did arrive (a bit later than expected though, but who's in a hurry?) After a short meet and greet, we were introduced to a couple who were also joining us for this trip. Then we're off to Zambales.

It was a quick ride to San Antonio, Zambales. I'm already used to traveling this route so I wasn't really into site seeing on the way. We arrived at around 4am and parked in a nearby 7/11 outlet. We ate some breakfast while our dear organizers visited the local market for some last minute grocery shopping. I wish I ate a lot more than I did that morning. But even if I did, nothing could've prepared me for what was in store for us on the next island.

our boat ride to the islands

At the crack of dawn, several boats were already lined up by the beach of Pundaquit. All of them are probably waiting for the tourists coming in to the islands that day. There was nothing special about the beach here but this isn't the town's best asset. We were one of the first groups to leave the town and arrive in the island of Capones.

We got excited as we got off the boat. The sun was just coming out and the light was perfect for photo ops. While we were taking pictures, Kuya Jeff interrupted us and said that we had to get going. Going where? To the light house. And I was like, "Oh, I didn't know we were going to a lighthouse."

Capones Island at the crack of dawn

And then we're off. Kuya Jeff's group and some other locals served as our guide. It was fun at first. I like walking by the beach. But as we went further, the path became harder to cross. We had to walk along the rocky parts of the beach and had to climb in and out of some of them to pass through. I didn't have enough sleep, food and water in my system for this strenuous exercise. I'm not much of a walker (if there's such a word). And this wasn't walking. I think this is what they called trekking. Now I hate trekking too (forgive me for my innocence in outdoor activities). I just kept on taking pictures of the island and my friends, hoping to relieve some of the stress I'm getting from this unexpected side trip.

beginning of our journey to the lighthouse

We stopped by this old structure that's supposedly the camp for the Philippine Navy. We rested there for a while until we resumed walking. I think the most stressful part was not knowing when its gonna end. They kept saying "malapit na" but it felt like we've been walking forever. Towards the end of the trek, we were already climbing through a steep, muddy, uphill path. After 2 hours, we finally arrived at the goddamn lighthouse.

old Philippine Navy camp (or something like that)

Its really old. The only way you can get to the top of the light house is through a creepy spiral staircase. It felt like its gonna break any moment. Its really old. Waiting for us at the top is an amazing panoramic view of the sky, the sea and the rest of the island. It was breathtaking (and not because of my exhaustion). We were lucky enough to be the first ones to arrive because we had the lighthouse all to ourselves. We spent a few minutes there, absorbing the view and taking pictures. A couple of groups arrived as we were climbing down the staircase. I saw the mix of fatigue and excitement in their faces as they went through the path that we just came from. Well, I couldn't care less about them anymore because I knew I'd be facing yet another monstrous trek back to the boat.

the Capones Island Lighthouse

old spiral staircase to the top

view from the lighthouse

Somewhere along this journey, my (favorite) slippers gave in and I had to switch slippers with someone else. We kept on switching foot wear with one another till we got the bit of comfort that we needed to get through. My boyfriend had to walk through the rocky path barefoot at some point. The torture didn't end as we arrived back at the starting point. We didn't bring anything with us aside from our cameras. All our stocks (food and water, especially the freakin' water) were in the boat. The boat was floating somewhere, not anywhere near us, so we had to wait for it to come back. In the middle of the island and under the heat of the sun, all we were thinking about was a glass of ice cold Coke. These are the moments when you appreciate the little things that you neglect when you have them.

the boat bringing us to Anawangin Cove

Then salvation came in the form of a boat with loads of water, soft drinks and ice. We jumped into it immediately and helped ourselves with (what seems to be) the prize for the challenge that we've been through. This boat will then take us to our final destination - Anawangin Cove. More on that on my next blog.

Lesson learned: Always check your itinerary.

A Weekend at Anawangin Cove - The Plan

2012-07-23T15:48:00.000+08:00

Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales

In the summer of 2012, my college friends and I wanted to go on a vacation at the beach. Just a short and sweet weekend getaway, without the need of a plane ride and nothing overly planned. We didn't have enough moolah and time to plan for something like that anyway.

From my experience, short road trips to the beach from Manila could either mean Zambales or Batangas. There are also nearby beaches in Quezon or La Union but they're more famous for surfing (not my favorite sport). Then further away from the city are the beaches of Pangasinan, Ilocos, Bicol and many, many more. I've been to Batangas far too many times and i'm still not a fan of their beaches. But the distance from the Manila favors them and that's why I still go. Meanwhile, Iba, Zambales is my 2nd hometown (next to QC, of course). And you know how it is in your hometown - you rarely get to go around the place as much as tourists does. Because the tendency is, you'll just keep coming home and wouldn't bother going elsewhere. We had a beach nearby too so I didn't find the need to visit all those other famous beaches. But the traveler in me new that I had to visit them too someday, and when the opportunity came, I said, Go!

In the small barrio of Pundaquit lies the beautiful coves and islands of San Antonio, Zambales. Its just a matter of choosing which one. Luckily, I'm not the one organizing our vacation this time so I didn't have to decide on anything. My friend chose the most popular Anawangin Cove.

the white sand beach of Anawangin

I'm a DIY kind of person but I can surrender to group tours if need be. And so for this particular trip, we decided to join a group tour for the following reasons:

Transportation - We didn't have enough cars to go on a road trip by ourselves. Even if we did, the toll fees and fuel expenses will just rip us off. It would be more expensive, uncomfortable and less fun if we took the bus.
The camping part of it all - We didn't have tents and there is no way we're buying them just for one trip. Only a few of us have tried camping and no one wanted to take the responsibility of setting up camp and taking care of everyone's basic needs.
Its just more convenient - The truth is, we are just a couple of lazy kids that wants to have fun. I don't see anything wrong with that.

So the next decision to make was to choose which group tour to join in. And the deciding factor is: the cheapest one. Normally, the rates for Anawangin Cove group tour is around Php2000 to Php3000 per head depending on the inclusions. You'll find dozens of offers if you browse online. Although you've got to be careful for those scammers. The cheaper and better may seem, the more suspicious you should be. The best way to be sure is to look for reviews and blogs from other people who have joined the same group tour. Anyway, my friend who was organizing this trip chose this deal from an ad she found in sulit.com:

Price: PHP 1,899.00/person

Inclusions:
2 Days 1 Night Stay at Anawangin Cove
Van (Urvan) Manila-Zambales-Manila
Toll Fee, Driver, Guide, Parking Fee
Boat Ride from and to Anawangin Cove
Island Hopping to Capones Island (Trekking to Lighthouse: Optional)
Anawangin fee 2 days 1 night
Food (Complete Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Tent
5 Gallons Distilled Water
Woods for bonfire
Flashlight/Headlamp/Torch
Cooking Set (Spoon,Fork,Glass,Plate,Pitcher)

FOOD:
Saturday
Lunch
Liempo
Sinigang na hipon
Manggang hilaw with alamang
Ripe Melon
Softdrinks/Water

Dinner
Rice
Fried Pork Chop
Adobong Manok
Chopseuy
Pakwan
Juice

Sunday
Breakfast
Fried Rice
Hotdog
Luncheon Meat
Egg
Tasty Bread
Milo/Coffee/Water

Lunch
Rice
Fried Calamares
Halabos na hipon in margarine
Sauted veggies with mushroom and corn
Ripe Mango
Softdrinks/Juice/Water

Note:
Not included yung breakfast ng Saturday so bring something to eat.

To Bring:
- Blanket
- Camera
- Chips
- Off Lotion
- Sunblock
- Toiletries (Soap, Shampoo, Deo, etc.)
- and of course your other personal stuff

Not bad, eh? This package tour is organized by Kuya Jeff (link posted below). And i'm telling you now, this guy is legit. He and his gang organize weekly tours to Anawangin Cove. No more worries about leaving anything important for camping behind, these guys will take care of everything you need for the trip.

View from the Light House at Capones Island

Now that everything is set (well we didn't really have to set anything), we just had to wait for the date and enjoy the rest of our vacation. More details on my next blog. :)

Please contact Kuya Jeff and his gang through this number: 09173745447

And also thru their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anawangin-COVE-tour/251338934941033

Travel Madness Expo 2012 - An Aftermath

2012-07-21T23:59:00.002+08:00

Its only my first time to attend a travel expo. I've always wanted to go but something always kept me from attending similar events in the past. Anyway, I had my expectations but I kinda hoped for more. Most of the booths are from travel agencies that offer THE SAME tours and rates. They even give out the same freakin' flyers. Speaking of flyers, I have a lot those now. I don't know why, but I just had to get them. Its not like I'm going to book a tour for a trip like HK, I'm a do-it-yourself kinda gal. And I hate those travel agencies that rip off their clients. Anyone could do a lot better with just enough research. Well, that's their money, not mine.

A lot of international airlines also participated in the expo. But we're basically booked for the year and I can't spend anymore money on new travel plans. And most importantly, they are still way too expensive. I'd rather splurge on something else than on airplane tickets. I mean, Cebu Pacific can also take you to KL safely, why spend and additional Php 10,000 just to ride Malaysian Airlines instead? But then again, their money, not mine.

I thought I'd be able to see booths from hotels and resorts, but nope, nada! Not a single one.

Although there are 2 important things that I got coming out of this expo:

1) It gave us an idea of how much we have to save up for our dream vacations: Europe Tour, Maldives and Caribbean/Mediterranean Cruise.

2) I found a travel agency that could give me good rates for Amanpulo (aww yeah)

our dream vacation on flyers

While walking around the expo, the Citibank guys kept on persuading us to apply for a credit card. We weren't really interested at first but they were giving away these bags (and other freebies) which was very convenient at that time considering the tons of flyers we had been carrying around. So heck, its not like its gonna hurt to get another (its actually my 4th) credit card.

Citibank eco bags - convenient!

In the end, we didn't really book or buy anything. All that we have now are free tourist maps and a lot of inspiration for our next destinations. I really did enjoy it though. Running around, taking flyers that we don't really need, listening to sales/marketing people sell out their products and services, and being surrounded by a lot of other travel enthusiasts. Totally worth Php50 (?). But I do hope for better promos on the next travel expo which is, I think, next year. Yeah, I'm willing to do it all over again - says the travel junkie in me.

Till next time. ;)

Bellarocca Island Resort: A Beautiful Rock

2012-07-17T16:54:00.000+08:00

Inside our villa, my dream home, everything was perfect. It was like everything else didn't matter. But of course it did. We had to go out at some point. For one, we had to eat. We brought in enough snacks, but not real food. Besides, I really wanted to try out their restaurant The only negative comment of this resort is about the food in the restaurant so I wanted to check them out myself.

On our 3-day stay in the island, we were able to try 4 complete meals from the restaurant. The menu was very limited but acceptable. Its not like anyone will be staying there for a month. They also had a buffet but we didn't try them. We weren't big on eating so it wouldn't be worth it. Two meals plus drinks for the both of us costs around 1000 Php. Only on our last night, we indulged on their expensive meals and desserts, and our check got a little overboard.

complimentary bread, butter and jam

Contrary to the negative reviews, the food was actually good. Its expensive but really worth it. I guess they've made a few adjustments to the menu after receiving those comments. Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture of anything we ordered. We were always hungry every time we went to the restaurant and they all looked so yummy that I couldn't take the time to stop and snap at least one photo before we ate them. Aside from the gorgeous and classy restaurant, guests may opt to have their meals in the garden or in other exclusive areas in the island - subject to certain charges, of course.

Hotel Facilities and Marina Cafe and Bar

Terazzas and Hotel Lap Swimming Pool

After our lunch on the second day, we were scheduled for a free tour around the island. First stop was the hotel rooms. These are the cheapest accommodations you can get in the island. If you just want to experience staying in the island and trying out its amenities, then this is the way to go. Plus, its in the same building as the restaurant and its steps away from the infinity pool. Well, they're not really cheap, I think it costs around 30,000 Php per night. If you're lucky, you can get promo rates for a lesser price. Next to the infinity pool are the more expensive terrazas. They are like the villas without the backyard. The casas are like the terrazas but they're located on the far end of the island.

Bellarocca Spa

Inside the spa room

We were also able to visit the other facilities in the island during our short tour. There's a bar/cafe where they organize movie nights and other parties for the guests. It can fit around 20 people. There are also venues for weddings (for rich people) and the like. There is also a spa at the top of the island. Its very exclusive and very relaxing. But of course, their rates are crazy expensive. We didn't even consider trying them. On the lower part of the island is a mini, man-made beach where people can try out water sports activities. Another infinity pool can be found here where most of the guests hang out. We didn't get the chance to try any of the pools and the beach because it was always crowded.

the beach, seaside swimming pool and outdoor venue

Needless to say, we didn't spend much time outside the villa. But all in all, the entire Bellarocca experience was wonderful and perfect. The staff were nice and friendly. The food was superb. The facilities were great. And the villa, oh my villa. I don't think we'd be able to afford another trip back there any time soon. But I have enough great memories with me to last a very long time. This remains as the most expensive trip we've had so far, but I say, indulge yourself every once in a while because you know you deserve it.

Till next time. :)

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa
Province of Marinduque, Philippines
http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com/

Tuggy's Travel

Contact Tuggy at +63 928 554 6564 / +63 2 892 4120

http://www.tuggystravel.com/

http://www.facebook.com/tuggstravel

Bellarocca Island Experience - The Villa

2012-07-17T15:26:00.004+08:00

From the reception area, one of the staff assisted us to our villa. We could actually walk from there but he insisted we take the golf cart instead. All the villas were named after Gods and Goddesses, still aligned with the Greek Theme of the resort. Ours is named Aphrodite and oh how appropriate of a name it was.

Upon entering the huge double doors, we were welcomed to a small foyer that has a great view of the backyard and a small fountain in the pocket garden against a glass window. The staff walked us around the villa first, giving us a few instructions on how to use the facilities and equipment. I couldn't hide my excitement. I was almost jumping at my feet while he showed us each room.Our bags came in shortly after. Did I mention that the last time I saw them was at the airport in Manila? The staff took care of them all since we landed. We had the full-on luxury experience of a lifetime.

view from the foyer

Before he left, he taught us how to use the espresso machine. Yeah. We had our own freakin' espresso machine. It became my favorite item in this kitchen. Not that I didn't like the top of the class stove and refrigerator. We didn't get to use them though. I would've brought my favorite instant mac & cheese if I knew we could cook them there. Right next to the kitchen is a maid's room. Its a pretty decent one. It had its own air-conditioning, complete with beddings and pillows and all. Even has its own bathroom. Pati si yaya naka-bakasyon kung sakali.

the kitchen

The dining room is exquisite. (Gosh, I'm running out of words to describe this place!) It has an elegant long table with cushioned chairs stowed underneath. Its very simple yet elegant. We had our plates set up for us but all that was served were a few local fruits. The best part of the table was the collection of mini liquor bottles carefully placed on the far end. I would've loved to try them all but, of course, it came with a price which I'm not willing to pay. Not in this island, that is.

the dining room

Just like how it was described in the voucher, the living room has a Sony Bravia LCD TV (42") with complete DVD Player and state-of-the-art home theatre stereo system, satellite cable TV, iPod dock and Hi-Fi compact sound system. Just, wow. All of that situated along with this comfy sofa set. We spent our first night here after renting a couple of DVDs from the library.

the living room

booze and dvds

When we thought things couldn't get any better, we found the bedroom. It had the same electronic equipment as the living room plus the king size bed with the comfiest pillows and sheets ever. Every corner of the villa had its own air-conditioning equipment. (Is this really what its like in rich people's houses?) Further into the bedroom is THE masters bathroom. Its the single most amazing bathroom I've ever seen. Later on, I found out that this bathroom is actually on the list of top luxury bathrooms in the country. Who would've thought there's such a list? It has a rain shower, double sink vanities, a jacuzzi whirlpool bathtub (that creates bubbles) and a complete range of luxurious bath amenities (we got L'Occitane) replenished daily. And it was huge, I tells ya.

THE bathroom

And then finally, the backyard. The dining room, living room, bedroom and bathroom had individual glass doors leading to the backyard. This part was as convenient as it was difficult. We could practically get in and out of the house from anywhere in the backyard, but we had to close them too at some point. Its not that security is an issue. I'm just not comfortable leaving them open all the time. But most importantly, we had a backyard! Here we have an infinity pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, a pocket garden and a sun deck. This is where we spent most of our time. I mean, how couldn't we? How many time could you actually have all these amenities to yourself? Plus, we had the most amazing view of the ocean (or sea?), the mountains and the sunset. I just couldn't ask for more.

the infinity pool

the outdoor jacuzzi

To be continued…

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa
Province of Marinduque, Philippines
http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com/

Tuggy's Travel
Contact Tuggy at +63 928 554 6564 / +63 2 892 4120
http://www.tuggystravel.com/
http://www.facebook.com/tuggystravel

The Journey to Bellarocca Island

2012-07-17T03:27:00.002+08:00

The day has finally arrived. All our bags are packed and we are so ready to go. Our bags, by the way, contain loads of goodies. We brought as much food as we can to save some money because we expected that the meals in the restaurant would be expensive. We weren't charged for corkage or anything so I guess its not prohibited.

to Marinduque via Zest Air

And maybe just to prolong the waiting, our flight was delayed by an hour. It was raining by the time we left Manila but it didn't stop us from leaving. Thank God. The plane was really small. I think less than 30 people can fit in it. Its cute actually. Knowing that most people on board the plane were also guests in Bellarocca made it kinda exclusive. It was a short flight from Manila to Marinduque, probably the shortest I've had since Naga. I didn't even had the chance to warm my seat when the pilot announced our landing.

at the Marinduque Airport

Once we've stepped on the Marinduque Airport, everything else was a bliss. We were greeted by the resort staff with a bottle of cold water and towels to freshen up. They asked for our names to verify our reservations and then led us to a van while they take our baggages from the counter. There were 6 of us in our van, the other van was much more loaded. We had a very comfy 40-minute ride through the province of Marinduque. Its very peaceful out there, but most important of all, the weather was perfect. The staff in our van told us a few facts about the province and the resort which only heightened our anticipation.

After the land transfer, we had to take another 10-minute boat ride to reach the island. There were two boats waiting for us at the dock. We took a few photos from there while the staff loaded our bags to the boats. The first sight of the island is unforgettable. Its surreal. From afar, you'll see the greens forest and white structures shaped like an elephant stuck in the sea. I couldn't stop taking photos even during the boat ride.

the Bellarocca Island

On the island, we were welcomed with flowers and serenades from more resort staff. Then they brought us up to the reception area using golf carts. (Too bad we couldn't drive them by ourselves. I've always wanted to try that.) All guests gathered at this fab reception area for some introduction from the Resort Manager. They gave us welcome refreshments while we sign a few more papers for the reservations and wait for our rooms to get ready.

welcome drinks and welcome letter

And at last, we reached our final destination, our home for 3 days, the villa. I couldn't even begin to describe how wonderful this piece of structure is. Seeing it made my dream house into a reality. I didn't even know what I wanted my house to be until I saw it with my own eyes. And it was there. In the freakin' gorgeous island of Marinduque.

the Villa

To be continued...

The villa, the restaurant and more about the resort on my next blog. :)

Our Travel Checklist from 2010

2012-07-16T11:50:00.005+08:00

Found this list from one of our email exchanges dated June 20, 2010. These are the places that we wanted to visit together. Wanted - being the operative word. I mean, capiz? Who the hell goes to capiz? I didn't even remember that we made this. But its fun though. Especially the part where we cross out some of them.

After 2 years.

We have visited a couple more places that are not included here (might not have imagined we could afford them then). Well this list needs some major makeover because what we wanted then and now have somehow changed a bit. We need to add a few more and probably remove some (i.e. capiz). Oh, exciting times!

We'll be able to cross out a few more by the end of this year. How and when will it get finished? I have no idea. But its definitely something to look forward to. ♥

luzon

batangas
baler
mt pinatubo
baguio
sagada
batanes - basco
honda bay, palawan
puerto prinsesa palawan
el nido palawan
cam sur
calaguas camarines norte
bicol - donsol la union
pangasinan - hundred islands, bolinao
ilocos norte (via laoag airport)
pagudpud
cagayan - Palaui
Tuguegarao
Kalinga
benguet - mt pulag
mindoro - Apo Reef Pandan Island
bataan - corregidor
butterfly farm
ocean park - manila
club manila east
cloud 9 antipolo
zambales - anawangin potipot magalawa

visayas

cebu
boracay
bohol
kalibo
capiz
iloilo
guimaras

mindanao

dakak - dipolog
davao
siargao
mt apo

ASIA

hongkong
macau, china
korea
japan
bali, indonesia
phuket, thailand
beijing, china