turista trails

V A L U E

H O T E L S T A Y

I N T H E C I T Y

Things can only get better for Red Planet Hotels (formerly known by another name). In response to the ever-changing demands of its core customers and potential guests, the 24-property hotel brand is poised to redefine the value hotel experience. More than a budget stay, the Red Planet accommodation is expected to respond to the technologically-driven whims of the value-conscious traveller. On its hospitality agenda is a more focused shift to a smarter approach: high quality, comfortable, technology-enabled stays in desirable locations at attractive rates.

Located At The Fringes

I recently experienced this shift in operations at the redefined Red Planet Hotels-Ortigas. The Pasig City hotel branch sits at the fringes of the exciting commercial district of Mandaluyong City and the bustling corporate district of Ortigas Center. It was the overnight venue for my food trips of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in the city proper of Pasig and Shakey’s that sits next to dining destination, Kapitolyo.

From One Milestone To Another

After determining in a survey that most of its guests are young and upbeat travellers, Red Planet Hotels has decided to infuse innovations in the way it operates. I happened to find the upgraded Wi-Fi speed at the hotel remarkable. It was also stable all throughout my stay. For that matter, I’m looking forward to the hotel’s next milestone -- the guest-enabled chat via the Red Planet Hotels app – which will give guests the convenience of sending messages to the front desk for a more responsive approach to customer service. Apart from being an efficient booking portal, the app is touted to feed information about relevant local events and points of interest directly to guests’ hand-held devices. It is also anticipated to facilitate room-to-room calling along with many other innovative features.

Guest Loyalty Program For Rewards

For now, guests can be part of the RemembeRED loyalty program that rewards them for frequent stays. More than catering to foreign backpackers on stopover mode, the hotel is a favorite among value-conscious Asian travellers who are on long stays. And, why not? The bed and pillows are plush. Basic room features such as air conditioning, a wall-installed 32-inch flat screen TV, hair dryer, expansive mirror, a fancy window view of the metropolis, in-room safe and soothing power shower are intact. With its location along Shaw Boulevard, it’s quite accessible from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) via EDSA and it’s near major malls and next to corporate skyscrapers. As a result, travellers on business and those in between appointments find it a perfect choice for an overnight stay.

REDefined For The Better

The new Red Planet concept has been unveiled across its portfolio of 24 hotels, consisting of 3,783 rooms in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In addition to the existing portfolio, Red Planet will be opening the new brand’s flagship properties in Tokyoand Bangkokthis year.

Since opening its first hotel in 2011, Red Planet Hotels has welcomed nearly four million guests.

Red Planet Hotels-Ortigas

Official website of Red Planet Hotel-Ortigas

Address:Lot 5, Block 4, Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Phone: +63 2519 0888

Email:philippines
@redplanethotels.com

More Photos Below:

American BBQ Chicken Wings

C H I C K E N

W I N G S

A N D M O R E

From butter-y and sweet to BBQ and spicy, there’s an array of delicious flavoured wings being buzzed about in the unpretentious village of Canioganin PasigCity. Known as Buffalo Swing Café (BSC), it may seem that only a handful of foodies know about this hole-in-the-wall restaurant. However, its social media account (Facebook) is teeming with fans and there’s a crowd that seems to be giving it good reviews offline. This was enough reason for me to investigate one weekday afternoon while I was booked at Red Planet Hotels-Ortigas, a value accommodation 20 minutes away.

Off The Gustatory Radar

Located along the narrow stretch of Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue, Buffalo Swing Café sticks rather oddly at the landscape of residential and commercial bungalows. It’s the last place one would hie off to for a taste of such upscale American-oriented treats as flavoured chicken wings and pizza. If I had a craving for cheesecake, it was also automatically off my gustatory radar. Its spot housed a textile shop for the community until the old folks of current owner, Ingrid Mediarito, reckoned that it was time to venture into the food business for a change. And what a delicious change it was!

Butter Parmesan Chicken Wings

Thin Crust Buffalo Wings Special Pizza

Flamin' Lemon Chicken Wings

Streamlined Menu

Its set of chicken wing flavors may pale in comparison with hardcore American-style restaurants, but for a good reason. Tending to the discrim-
inating Filipino palate isn’t easy. Fortunately, Ingrid is fully trained for the job as a culinary arts graduate with a real passion for food. One glance at her streamlined menu will tell any dining guest that she knows her way around the kitchen and the dish assortment is neither overwhelming nor underwhelming.

Delicious Thin Crust Pizza To The Last Bite

At BSC, I got the chance to reconnect with food of the sumptuous kind, one that was not hurried or a serving of flavors that seemed to have been especially prepared for me. I noticed this remarkable affection for quality with an order of its thin crust pizza called Buffalo Swing Special (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, black olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions). Having finished all the way to the edge of the crust made me realize that it’s flavourful to the last bite, plus the onions were distinctively sweet and earthy in flavour, just the way I like them on a thin crust.

Red Velvet Cake

Chicken Wing Flavor Varities

As for the flagship assortment of chicken wing flavour varieties, I got the chance to sample the down-home goodness of the Butter Parmesan, the rich smoky-sweetness of the American BBQ, the ritually inspiring Flamin’ Lemon and the "hot" kick of the signature wings that's named after the restaurant.

The Butter Parmesan Chicken Wings and American BBQ stood out for my taste, but I’ve heard through the grapevine that it’s the Buffalo Swing Chicken Wings (choice of Hot, Wild or Blazing in that order of intensity) that’s been receiving a mouthful of rave reviews from aficionados of spicy snacks.

Buffalo Swing Hot Chicken Wings

Red Velvet Cake Heaven

As a perfect sweet ending for the meal, I had a slice of Blueberry Cheesecake and Red Velvet Cake. Although the cheesecake was random in taste, the Red Velvet Cake reminded me of the last delicious version I sampled 3 years ago at BonifacioGlobalCity. The generously slathered cream cheese frosting tasted rich and was a perfect complement to the rest of its tender crumb as a layered cake.

Old-School Root Beer Float

I washed all the deliciousness down with a glass of cold Root Beer Float which I was giddy to order because it’s something that’s no longer served in the city proper anymore. I used to have to go all the way to the outskirts-based malls for one. It’s good that, for a change, I simply have to walk past the congestion of Rotonda to satisfy such craving.

It might have taken me awhile to find Buffalo Swing Café in the course of my genial meanderings in PasigCityand nearby places, but it was clear to me that late afternoon that some of the best dining destinations can be quite close to home.

Buffalo Swing Café

Official Facebook fan page of Buffalo Swing Café

Address:#363 Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue, Caniogan, Pasig City, Philippines 1606

Hours of Operation:

(Mon-Sat) 10:00am - 10:00pm

(Sun) 11:00am - 10:00pm

Phone: (02) 641-2561

More Photos Below:

American BBQ Chicken Wings

Butter Parmesan Chicken Wings

Red Velvet Cake

R E S T O R E D

I N L U X U R Y

Vivere Azure can easily be a couples resort or a family getaway. For a single guy like me, however, it beckoned as a venue for a necessary reset from the recent commute hell that I experienced dabbling between full-time work and freelance gigs in congested Metro Manila. The seduction of a beachfront resort in not-so-distant Anilao lured my recovering body into a mid-week seclusion. After travelling for four hours aboard a bus, jeepney, and a tricycle, I was temporarily home -- at the sea-view receiving area of the resort with a glass of welcome citrus drink in hand. If I had a car, it would have taken me two hours less to reach the destination.

Bespoke Luxury

Like the rest of the resorts South of Manila that dot the meandering hillside of Mabini’s pastoral village, Vivere Azure looks out into the sea and is accessible via the National Road from Bauan. It’s only one of a handful of resorts on the CalumpangPeninsula that offer guests a remarkable view of the nearby MaricabanIsland. What’s more, it stands out in the area for having the prestige of a 5-star luxury getaway, a stunning reflection of its sister hotel in Alabang (Vivere Hotel). Its stellar reputation exudes bespoke luxury and impeccable service, two vacation gems that lure the patrician out of every suburbanite.

(top) My booked Cobalt Room; (bottom left) Tomato Basil Soup

High-End and Natural

With full-board meals at the resort’s F&B facility, a lavish stay at its beachfront Cobalt Room, and access to its cliff-side infinity pool, I was definitely on restoration mode. It did not matter if I was on solo travel that day. A whiff of anything high-end and natural was something that stabilized my mood and set my grit for more.

Tasty Late Lunch

The pleasant weather during my stay allowed me a breathtaking open view of the sunset from the resort’s restaurant while I sipped a hot cup of brewed coffee and enjoyed a slice of Chocolate Float Dessert. I was truly feeling relaxed to end my late lunch of Hickory Pork Ribs, a hefty rack of grilled barbecued pork ribs glazed with a rich coffee barbecue sauce and served with garlic mashed potato and grilled vegetables. The indulgent starters to the main course – the rich-tasting Tomato Basil Soup and the fresh Mixed Green Salad -- were actually a decadent prelude that refined my palate.

Cobalt Room Love

It was only after my late lunch that I was able to finally relax inside my booked room, a 26 square meter, Mexican-inspired space that’s slightly whitewashed and elegantly juxtaposed with hues of brown and yellow ochre. Complete with an in-room safe, a DVD player and flat screen cable TV, mini-refrigerator, insect repellent with citronella oils, resort bag, bathrobe, pair of slippers, bath essentials and hygiene kit, the room felt essentially relevant. The inclusion of woven storage accent gave the room a rustic charm, a fitting complement to the wooden bay-view balcony where I had a fanciful wee-hour lounge of gazing at the moonlit waters of MaricabanStrait.

For a solo guest, it sort of was a downer. It could have been the most romantic time for someone like me had I been with a current flame. If anything, my solitary moment served me with a plenitude of nature-inspired routines from star-gazing to random outdoor strolls along the pebbled shoreline of the property.

Infinity Pool Dip

By night time, I was chest-deep submerged at the sexy infinity pool of the resort. Framed by no less than a starlit sky that’s accentuated by a full moon, a few trees to the left and right, and the infinity edge that proved to be more seamless during the day when I had another dip in the morning. The lukewarm water felt spectacular to the skin as I always potentially feel cold with my slim frame whenever I swim outdoors. I capped my pool moments (night and day) with epic minutes of power naps at a poolside recliner which rewarded me with an unobstructed view of the sky upon waking up.

Hickory Pork Ribs

Dinner In Bed

For dinner, I opted to have it in bed inside my booked room after my night time dip. The restaurant waiter personally served my order of savory Rosemary Chicken, a dish of balsamic glazed chicken that’s marinated in rosemary olive oil and served with herb flavored rice, plus grilled vegetables. It also came with a bowl of Mushroom Soup, a plate of Kani Stick Salad, and a creamy Mango Float dessert.

Filling Breakfast

Before I checked out of the resort, I had a filling breakfast of Cream Cheese French Toast which is a set of generous slices of bread bathed in egg and slathered in cream cheese which were later on toasted to perfection. It was served with a couple of juicy sausages.

Mixed Green Salad

Last Glance

As I walked past Vivere Azure’s receiving area to surrender my booked room’s keys, I took one last gander at the spectacular view of the poolside cabanas, the stunning infinity pool, and the vast expanse of the placid bay.

I realised that home could be wherever I wanted it to be even if it meant being a recluse for a mid-week in July. What mattered was how indulgent I was willing to make my reset feel like. The resort made me forget my wanton disregard for pleasure. It also made me recall how badly I deserve to have one.

Vivere Azure

Official website of Vivere Azure

Address: Anilao, Mabini, Batangas City, Philippines 4202

Phone: (632) 771-7777

Fax: (632) 771-0158

Email:info@viverehotel.com.ph

More Photos Below:

(top) Chocolate Float Dessert; (bottom left) Brewed Coffee

(top) Rosemary Chicken; (bottom left) Mango Float Dessert; (bottom right) Kani Salad

Cream Cheese French Toast with Sausages

The vanishing sandbar

Picturesque sunrise at the island

T R O P I C A L

I S L A N D

G E T A W A Y

Cagbalete is a two-village island that's part of the municipality of Mauban in Quezon Province. It's approximately 40 minutes away via passenger boat from the port of Mauban and a 5-hour bus ride from Metro Manila. It has a semi-remote charm with its untamed environment but it's also quite accessible. Although the area is still suffering from rationed electricity, the need to read a book during daytime instead of ogling at a boob tube fits the pleasant surroundings. At this island barangay, the pace is not hurried and bonfires are lit in selected areas as a prelude to a restful sleep under star-studded skies. An impulsive visit can develop into a long-term stay as it appeals to both the patriotic locals and intrepid travelers, many of whom tend to linger.

For someone who has visited Cagbalete Island twice already, I recommend seven essential ways to experience the tropical destination:

A natural pool at Bonsai Islet

The vast rock expanse of Bonsai Islet

1. Take A Stroll To The Bonsai Islet At Low Tide

One activity to essentially include in your itinerary of enjoying the island is a visit of the vanishing rock formation called Bonsai Islet. Coined by resort owners at the island, Bonsai Islet is a 20 to 30-minute stroll on crystalline, low tide water at the beach. It showcases a vast rock expanse that’s as big as a conventional campus quadrangle. It's so vast that more than one helicopter can land on it simultaneously. The rock formation is not entirely flat as it has distinctive cracks darting through the expanse of the whole revealed sliver of attraction.

During my first visit of the place, I was enamored by some of the narrow, tunnel-like openings that I noticed to be sliding down onto one of its several natural trenches.

For my revisit, I made sure to take a dip into one of the rock formation's natural pools which featured lukewarm seawater that settled in during low tide.

The vanishing sandbar overlooking the island

2. Catch A Spot At The Vanishing Sandbar

Accessible on foot during low tide from Dona Choleng Camping Resort, a couple of sandbars appear in the middle of the day. Make sure to take a leisurely stroll upon check-in and not force yourself getting to either one of the sandbars since it will take hours before they will disappear depending on the weather.

During my revisit of the island a few weeks ago, it was where I sunbathed for half an hour. I only got up when high tide started to come in from the shore.

3. Chase Views of The Sunset and Sunrise At The Island

On a good day, sunset at Cagbalete Island is intense, almost fiery to the eyes. The burst of colors can weave through the sky and leave you breathless. It can rival the stunning sunsets at Boracay and other island destinations in the Philippines. You can take advantage of the chance to view a faint silhouette of the distant Mount Banahaw during the golden hour.

Mount Banahaw by late afternoon

Chasing a view of the sunset at the island

Fiery sunrise at Cagbalete Island

Sunrise at the island is as spectacular as sunset if the weather permits.

My recent morning stroll at the beachfront of Dona Choleng Camping Resort allowed me to view a picturesque display of blue and pink hues before the sun fully showed itself against a stubborn formation of clouds.

I had the fortunate time to just relax at the beachfront recliner of the resort to witness how a sky of dark blue hues slowly transformed into a spectacle of gleaming red and yellow reflection on water. Any silhouette that stood against the ray of light would've been a well-defined figure of splendor from where I was relaxing.

Kayaking at Dona Choleng Camping Resort in 2014

4. Swim and Kayak At The White Sand Beach

A resort owner once told me that during summertime, the fine, pink sand at the island turns to white. Regardless of the color, though, the texture of the sand at Cagbalete Island is something that's as soft as Boracay's.

The beach is also good for kayaking which I tried during my first visit in 2014. Kayak rental is available at Dona Choleng Camping Resort.

See other activitieshere.

On selected months of the year, professional kiteboarding athletes would spend days at the island to train away from the prying eyes of the sports press and media.

5. Have An Intrepid Visit of The Beachfront Cemetery

If you're brave enough to experience more than a bonfire from your booked resort, you can take a stroll to the beachfront graveyard to spot a reality of an island getaway. It is best to show the necessary respect for the place by merely standing a good distance from where the open tombs and scattered skulls are. There really is no way of not seeing this part of the island because it's like a resort that sits right at the beachfront, just past the swath of wild trees jutting from the shoreline near Dona Choleng Camping Resort. The only difference is that its sea-view luxury is something that's not any living soul will want to have soon.

The sea-view from the beachfront cemetery

The beachfront graveyard at the island

The mangrove forest of Cagbalete Island

Taking a dip near the mangrove forest

6. Linger At The Mangrove Forest

A good 20-minute stroll from Dona Choleng Camping Resort is where the mangrove forest of the island is. At the beach where it starts was where I had the most fun taking a dip since the waves are stronger there compared to the rest of the shoreline.

7. Stay At Dona Choleng Camping Resort

Dona Choleng Camping Resort is the only accommodation at the island that offers its guests a tourist shuttle service from the island's port straight to its location.

My booked casa at the resort actually has a featured bathtub which I found to be useful during daytime when there was no electricity. I simply filled it up with water on the night of my check-in and comfortably settled into it the morning after before check-out.

For those who want to camp out, tent rental is available at the resort.

My booked casa at Dona Choleng Camping Resort

The room interiors

The receiving area of Dona Choleng Camping Resort

While at the island, it's best that you also get to mingle with the locals. While strolling at the beach, you can engage a few fish peddlers in a friendly conversation about their freshly hauled catch.

With a lot of island destinations becoming too crowded with beachgoers, Cagbalete Island is suddenly an attractive alternative. It can easily be your target vacation spot for this year's remaining long weekends or as a year-end escape.

You will not run out of things to do for an overnight stay in this Quezon Province getaway.

Dona Choleng Camping Resort

Official website of Dona Choleng Camping Resort

Address: Cagbalete Island, Quezon Province, Philippines 1012
Phone: (042) 784-0789
Mobile: (+63) 910-882-3346
Email: manaogrc@yahoo.com

Pork Liempo for lunch at the resort

A Cagbalete Island local peddling a freshly-hauled catch

Tapa and Tocino for breakfast at the resort

How To Get To Cagbalete Island:

• If coming from Metro Manila, board a Mauban-bound Jacliner Bus from EDSA at 5:00am which will take you directly to Mauban five hours after. It's only one trip per day with boarding time at 4:00am (it leaves minutes earlier once the bus is filled) so in case you miss it, you can take any Lucena-bound bus and take a commute from the Lucena Grand Terminal for Mauban instead just like any other traveler coming from other parts of Luzon.

• After getting off the bus in Mauban, ride a tricycle for the Mauban Port. It will make a stopover at the Tourism Center for a necessary tourist registration. After the formality, the tricycle will take you to the port to board the passenger boat which normally leaves between 10:00am and 11:00am. Make sure that you've coordinated in advance with the office number of Dona Choleng Camping Resort for a tourist shuttle pick-up at the island's port for your convenience.

More Photos Below:

My booked Dona Choleng Camping Resort casa at night

(top) Sinigang Na Manok and (bottom) watermelon for dinner at the resort

The mangrove forest of Cagbalete Island

A faint silhouette of Mt. Banahaw and a distinct silhouette of a local at sunset

Untamed trees at a swath of the island's shoreline

The bathtub at my booked casa at Dona Choleng Camping Resort

Leaving the port of Cagbalete Island

Capas ATV Adventure

Segway Tours Philippines

I N T R E P I D

G E T A W A Y S

Sometimes you like it rough. You desire a getaway that jolts you out of your city coma. You long for weekends when you can escape the pathetic caffeine and sugar rush of coffee and donuts. There are weekdays when you just want to give up on your controlled life and "lose it" in a terrain where the next turn is unexpected. You don't want to resolve anything. You just want to rev up, keep on a manic pace, and finish something seemingly crazy.

Adventure rides are what you're looking for and I've tested three awesome ones in the Philippines just for you. I happened to have tagged along friends to enjoy them with me but such rides can also be appreciated solo.

Bicol ATV Adventure

You haven't tried any adventure ride and you feel you're not ready for one just yet? You will never be. You just go out and experience one. That's what you should be feeding uncertainty with -- a deliberate act of reckless abandon.

Here are three adventure rides to try in the Philippines that I've tested myself. Bicol region has the province of Albay where an ATV ride of Mayon's lava trail has attracted local and foreign tourists. Tarlac has Capas where the vast lahar-devastated area has a speed-worthy trail for a similar ride. Lastly, Boracay can be enjoyed inland aboard a Segway Personal Trainer, an electric vehicle that lets tourists reach the peak of Mount Luho for a view of the whole island. I also tossed in a couple of recommended relaxing accommodations per adventure destination to book in anticipation of feeling spent outdoors after the fun activities:

Bicol Adventure ATV

Bicol Adventure ATV
Destination: Daraga, Albay
Recommend Trail: Green Lava Trail
Recommended Hotel:The ApplePeach House
Recommended Budget Resort:Gio's Majestic View

Aboard Bicol Adventure ATV’s CFMoto Terralander 500, I was led with my correspondent photographer by tour expert Lhanz Asuncion and his assistant to experience the so-called green lava trail. It’s a full 16-kilometer trail that commenced at Barangay Busay's Cagsawa Ruins, plying the rugged quarry-filled terrain along the 1968-produced lava wall with uphill and downhill slopes, past the permanent danger zone through the eerie forest, up the 2,500-3,000-feet verdant summit and back.

Read more here.

For accommodations, the old district of Legazpi City has the affordable luxury of The Apple Peach House. For a wellness-oriented resort that has a hilltop view of Albay, you can try Gio's Majestic View.

Bicol Adventure ATV

View of the Camalig's Quitinday Green Hills aboard the Bicol Adventure ATV

Segway Tours Philippines

Segway Tours Philippines
Destination: Boracay, Aklan
Recommended Track: Zetro Site To Mount Luho
Recommended 5-Star Resort:Ambassador In Paradise
Recommended Boutique Hotel:Zuzuni Boutique Hotel

The Segway Personal Transporter allowed me to cover a great distance of Boracay that a walk would normally prevent me to do. It also gave me a breezy and carefree ambiance of the island without the barriers of a usual coaster or tricycle ride. All I had to do while aboard the electric vehicle was conveniently take a gander at everything that the scenery would show. I also easily made quick glances behind me without falling off. It's that safe once you undergo the 15-minute first ride inside the Zetro ATV and Buggy Car Adventures site where the adventure ride service is located.

Read more here.

One of the closest 5-star resorts to the ride site is Ambassador In Paradise. You can also try the boutique hotel called Zuzuni.

Segway Tours Philippines

Photographer Josua Chan trying out Capas ATV Adventure

Capas ATV Adventure

Destination: Capas, Tarlac
Recommended Trail: Tambo Lake Trail
Recommended Hotel:Microtel By Wyndham-Luisita
Recommended Homestay: Alvin Bognot Mt. Pinatubo Guesthouse

Capas ATV Adventure is known for its sprawling Pinatubo lahar trail. It's the only ATV touring facility to operate in the area. It was also the site where the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century happened. My chosen trail was the two-hour Tambo Lake Trail (aptly named after the tambo plant which were harvested by locals in the area before the Mount Pinatubo eruption). I could've extended an hour more for a visit of Maruglo Falls but since the weather earlier that day was not nice, the river got a bit deeper than the usual depth. I had to bail out of that side trip and cut short our total covered distance to 18 kilometers.

Read more here.

The closest classy hotel to the ATV site is Microtel By Wyndham-Luisita. However, the closest accommodation for those on the cheap is the Alvin Bognot Mt. Pinatubo Guesthouse.

Fellow travel blogger PinoyAdventurista enjoying the Capas ATV Adventure

Young aetas at the ATV trail in Capas

Try anything once. Soon, you will be craving for more anyway. Anything great deserves a second try. After all, a fantastic adventure is worth repeating because there's a chance that you will come out of it with a different experience.

Gio's Majestic View in Albay

Zuzuni Boutique Hotel in Boracay

Alvin Bognot Mt. Pinatubo Guesthouse in Tarlac

The high-ceiling hotel lobby

M A K A T I C I T Y

S T A Y C A T I O N

As a truly served city, Makati is most exquisite at its central business district. Along its fringes though, one's intrepid meandering can render a few surprises. From quirky shops and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, the first district sticks out for having Bangkal as a village where a relatively new hotel stands in all its whitewashed 7-storey glory against a plethora of industrial and residential colors. Called AurumOne Makati, the 1-year old mid-market hotel is starting to get rave reviews from most of its guests who stay on layover or have an important business to transact in the area that's bordered by Pasay City and the main thoroughfares of EDSA and South Super Highway.

AurumOne Makati is setting a standard in value features that are enhanced by its brand of high-touch guest service. Located at a busy corner of Evangelista Street, the 63-room hotel is across the community's beloved garage-style thrift store called Bodega. The former's proximity to the latter is enough hint that an overnight stay, staycation or long stay there can also be a sentimental shopping spree of vintage pieces at very low prices. What's more, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is just a 15-minute drive away and a quick visit to the nearby Mall of Asia or Ayala Center is possible.

An Unhurried Itinerary

Since I was on solo immersion of the area, my experience of the hotel was one of unhurried delight. Apart from a one-item itinerary after check-in to revisit a street in the same village where I used to work as Art Director for a publishing company, my first day entailed me to relax and just wing it. And that's exactly what I did. I simply crossed the street from the hotel lobby to personally chat with Bodega's owner, Aling Luring and checked out a few old items to purchase in time for a revisit (the shop is open daily from 7:00am to 8:00pm). I also made a handful of delicious purchases at the hotel's resident convenient store, Family Mart.

Bodega, a thrift shop owned by Aling Luring (top right)

Booked Suite

The best times I spent in Bangkal would have to be inside my booked corner aurumOne Suite where I lingered for a TV marathon of my favorite cable-based shows. The 29-square meter space looked attractively down-home, neither overwhelming nor underwhelming. The mood lighting fixtures enhanced the room just enough for a comfortable city stay. It might have been toxic outside with all the heavy vehicular traffic, but indoors the mood was entirely the opposite. Equally charming were all the basic air conditioned room amenities that I found to be useful such as the coffee-making facility, in-room safe, bottled water, mini-refrigerator, flat screen TV, table lamp, telephone, bathroom essentials and writing desk. The closet even has a couple of extra pillows.

Modern Contemporary Space

The room also seems to have a predilection for modern contemporary space that's reflected in the interior design of the high-ceiling lobby, the second floor staircase, and the rest of the hotel. Also remarkable are the sliding doors that separate the bathroom from the bedroom. The same design treatment can be seen at the shower space. I happened to have inspected one of its 11-appointed aurumOne Lofts where the aesthetic is consistent from the color palette to the choice of functional furniture.

The hotel at night

The hotel lobby from the second floor

Strong WiFi Access Seven Floors Up

WiFi access inside the room was strong at my booked room seven floors up. I practically enjoyed what most of its guests have been satisfied about regarding its Internet connection for online sessions on social media and checking portals of their out-of-town destinations.

Complimentary Buffet Breakfast

My stay was inclusive of a complimentary buffet breakfast at its rooftop function space called The Nook where a commonly residential and industrial view of Makati City welcomed me. The morning weather was pleasant and accompanied my plate of boneless milkfish, a couple of sunny side up eggs, a bowl of cereal and corn soup, brewed coffee, toast, and a glass of fruit drink. I held out on the banana for my early morning meal (6:00am to be exact) since I was still recovering from all the convenience store snacks I gorged on the night before.

Buffet Breakfast at The Nook

Ongoing Suite Deal and More

AurumOne Makati is the type of hotel that I can return to for another staycation soon. Its fast emerging set of patrons share in this sentiment as the room rates are affordable. An aurumOne Deluxe room can only set a guest back a little more than P2,000 and its loft-type room is also a steal at less than P5,000.
There's actually an ongoing Suite Deal on the aurumOne Suite and Loft rooms that come with a "Twirl-All-You-Can Ice Cream" at Family Mart for two guests.

Whether it's a desirable staycation or a relaxing layover, staying at AurumOne Makati is one that's of great value for your hard-earned money.

AurumOne Makati

Official website of AurumOne Makati

Address: 1682 Evangelista cor Hen. Del Pilar Street, Bangkal, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1233
Phone: +63 2 737-3800
Fax: +63 2 737-3822

More Photos Below:

Hotel lobby details

Nifty sliding door

Closet space with two extra pillows

The aurumOne Loft

The aurumOne Loft details

The aurumOne Suite bathroom

Checking in at the hotel lobby

The hotel lobby

A room with a view

D E S I R A B L E

L O C A T I O N

Makati may be a served city but it's still easy to fall prey to substandard hotel services whenever you take a risk booking a room at some rickety venue like a bed and breakfast with an ominous name or a motel that's notorious for theft and other horror stories. To zero in on a district for a long or overnight stay is the wise thing to do because the immediate environment reflects the kind of treatment a guest will receive. The short stretch of Urban Avenue in Legaspi Village and its neighboring informal district of Ayala North is home to a little of bit of everything that the city has to offer. Its got a university, hospital (Makati Medical Center), fine dining restaurants, fast food, convenience stores and other corporate institutions. For peace of mind, there is a fire station nearby. Look no further for a satisfying immersion because it's where Red Planet Hotels Amorsolo is located.

Something Familiar

Red Planet Hotels Amorsolo is where a former condominium used to operate in the city so the location is truly reliable for local and foreign tourists alike. Interestingly, the old building that used to stand there is also the venue of my first corporate job in the metropolis and the building across it -- Burgundy Tower -- is where I lingered on a back office post for five years.

My booked room

The guest lounge area

Plush bed

Electric Hustle At Night

At night, the dance of commercial lights and garish skyscrapers begin the electric hustle. It was also the perfect, sentimental view from my booked room at the hotel for two nights, seven floors up. I was home once again, but coming from a different place this time. With the on-and-off drizzle from an ongoing typhoon, I curled up in my plush hotel bed for a relaxing staycation, an elaborate layover for a trip to an island paradise in the Visayas region.

Value For Money

For affordable rates that match reliable features, the hotel is definitely value for money. It's got the same power shower that I enjoyed in another hotel of the brand in Ortigas, Pasig City. The same custom-made beds and crisp linens are present along with basic add-ons like hair dryer, hangers for wardrobe, a folding table that can fit a laptop and a few more gadgets and flat screen TV. Unlike other budget hotels that drown out the reality of the world, Red Planet has a charming window for a view of the scene outside. In this Makati City branch, it's a distant fence-like lineup of high-rise buildings that light up at night.

Clean bathroom

A Secure and Upbeat Space For Young Travelers

The hotel's lobby and hallways are fully carpeted, another reason to consider it over random accom-modations for the same rate.

Security is also held in high regard with electronic key cards that are to be used starting at the elevator to ward off unpleasant personalities in hallway corners that seem to be prevalent in neighboring budget hotels.

Indoor spaces are well lit with a youthful vibe of layered tones of black and off-white, plus the hotel's signature color -- red. No wonder, it's the hotel of choice by young and upbeat travelers from all over the world who share in the value-for-stay sentiment.

Loyalty program called RemembeRED

The view from my room

Friendly hotel staff at the front desk

The hotel's Mac-based computer station

Get RED-y For The Next Milestone

Something nifty to look forward to is the hotel’s next milestone -- the guest-enabled chat via the Red Planet Hotels app – which will give guests the convenience of sending messages to the front desk for a more responsive approach to customer service. Apart from being an efficient booking portal, the app is touted to feed information about relevant local events and points of interest directly to guests’ hand-held devices. It is also anticipated to facilitate room-to-room calling along with many other innovative features. For now, guests can be part of the RemembeRED loyalty program that rewards them for frequent stays.

REDefined For The Better

The new Red Planet concept has been unveiled across its portfolio of 24 hotels, consisting of 3,783 rooms in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In addition to the existing portfolio, Red Planet will be opening the new brand’s flagship properties in Tokyo and Bangkok this year.

Since opening its first hotel in 2011, Red Planet Hotels has welcomed nearly four million guests.

Red Planet Hotels Amorsolo

Official website of Red Planet Hotels Amorsolo

Address: 99 Urban Avenue, Brgy. Pio Del Pilar, Makati City, Philippines 1230
Phone: +63 2 838-0888

More Photos Below:

The hotel hallway

Electronic key card and air conditioning control

Carnivore Lechon

Sinigang With Lechon Tagalog

D E L I C I O U S

H E R I T A G E

It’s been a while since I last fancied classic dishes rendered with a twist. I’ve also been coming to terms with coveting the best-tasting lechon (roasted pig) that Metro Manila has to offer since I can’t easily fly off to Cebu for a taste of its famous version. Thanks to a celebratory lunch in Quezon City, I had the chance to experience both gustatory pleasures in one venue – at 49-B Heirloom Kitchen.

Memorable Along Scout Tobias

At the onset, I knew that the mid-day sampling would be one of a family affair as connoted by the restaurant’s name. The location alone, Scout Tobias– a street named after a long-perished boy scout who died in a 1963 plane crash, is enough indication that memories of bygone days are kept sacred and honoured, including classic dishes.

The stylish interior details of 49-B Heirloom Kitchen

Pork BBQ

Managed by Chef Erica and Mary Ann Aquino, the family-run restaurant’s goal of serving classic dishes that span a plethora of cuisines is made possible. From Asian to European dishes, a new generation of foodies now has easy access to such treats. The mix of vintage and modern sensibilities in the dining interior’s design seals the heirloom vibe of the destination. I particularly love the door panels that accentuate a space at the restaurant’s second level. The same area’s dark color palette is effective in exuding elegance. It’s also successful in complementing the upscale quality of the menu.

Leonardo's Lechon

The Lechon Tasting Lunch commenced with the celebration’s star -- Leonardo’s Lechon, a post-World War II brand being proudly continued by Leonard Aquino, a cousin of the restaurant’s managers. Known by many in San JuanCity as the classic lechon for special occasions since 1947, it is the source of the delectable lechon Tagalog. The stellar surprise that day, however, was the serving of its Carnivore Lechon, a more sinful version. Stuffed with bacon, herbs and spices, with Kielbasa (Polish), Hungarian and Chorizo sausages along with thick bacon slabs and garlic potatoes, the whole treat is a celebration of pork goodness in itself. As soon as the trusted litsonero carved up the entire shebang, the festive ingredients revealed themselves in all their meaty glory.

Hot Ginger Banana Brulee

The casual contemporary dining area of 49-B Heirloom Kitchen

Mary Ann's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Beef Lengua

Foregoing the conventional way of drowning it in pork liver sauce, I secured a few morsels of the slow-roasted treat in a small plate for an initial taste test. As expected, the basic part of the lechon – the fatty portion -- tasted sublime, making me want more. Next thing I knew, I was stuffing my small plate with the rest of the delicious components, including the crunchy skin. The dining experience started that way – gorging on bacon that’s stuffed with bacon!

Dinuguan and More

A whole lechon can be ordered from Leonardo’s Lechon and it comes with the Filipino favorite stew called Dinuguan. In my case, I paired my lechon plate with a Pork Barbecue stick that’s also available in sets for delivery.

Paella Valenciana

49-B Heirloom Kitchen Best-sellers

Since the Lechon Tasting Lunch venue is also home to another lechon-infused dish, I got my palate ready for 49-B Heirloom Kitchen’s twist to the traditional Sinigang. Chef Erica’s version is one that’s touted as the restaurant’s signature dish for having tender chunks of lechon tagalog in the mix, giving the broth a distinct richness in taste and color. The flavourful result definitely makes the typical Sinigang pale in comparison.

Next in the roster of the restaurant’s best-sellers was the plate of tender and creamy beef lengua which was served with tasty chorizos, olives, a hefty scoop of mashed potatoes, carrots and broccoli. I then proceeded to seal my meal with a taste of the comforting Paella (pronounced as pa-eh-yah) Valenciana. The coastal Spanish cuisine favorite was served with pork, chicken and topped with seafood and hard-boiled egg.

A comfy spot at 49-B Heirloom Kitchen

Delicious Sweet-enders

To properly finish my lunch, a sweet ending of the restaurant’s two dessert favorites was in order. With sips of brewed coffee, I had a few heavenly bites of the freshly baked treat called Mary Ann’s Chocolate Chip Cookies which I found to be chewy. I also had scoops of the Hot Ginger Banana Brulee which is basically a set of baked bananas with ginger sugar. The Boracay-inspired dessert was served with vanilla ice cream and topped with cinnamon and ginger sugar giving it a cold and tasty complement.

Leonard, Chef Erica, Mary Ann Aquino and the rest of their family members are successful in preserving the fond attention that their old folks invested in Leonardo’s Lechon and 49-B Heirloom Kitchen that the new generation of foodies are given the chance to sample the same delicious experience. Celebrations can finally be as random as one that I had -- a mid-day lunch one weekday in Quezon City.

Leonardo's Lechon

Official Facebook fan page

Address:89 J.Basa Street, San Juan, 1500 Manila, Philippines

Phone: +63(2)7243068 and +63(2)7269828

E-mail:leonardoslechon

@gmail.com

49-B Heirloom Kitchen

Official website of 49-BHeirloom Kitchen

Address:49-B Sct. Tobias St., Quezon City, Philippines1103

Phone: +632 239-1637

Mobile: +63917 809-8361

E-mail:49bkitchen

@gmail.com

More Photos Below:

My plate of the Carnivore Lechon

Seafood Chop Chop

I S L A N D

D I N I N G

I don't respond well to demands but when something as compelling as the interiors and menu of Sands Restaurant managed to get my attention, I'm effortlessly disarmed of my dining anxieties. I’ve dined in at a handful of upscale restaurants in my previous visits of Boracay, the Philippines' island paradise, and I intended to keep my next dining destinations at par with those for my revisit this year. Toxic Metro Manila could only choke my taste for the supreme on site. Away from it (traffic and all), I was free to make my own decisions where to eat and cavort. Anything less would be a useless throwback to my travel momentum. My next meals had to be of 5-star resort quality. It had to be within the luxurious space of Discovery Shores at an appealing beachfront that's designed in good taste.

I revisited Boracay with friends barely a week ago at the tail’s end of a passing typhoon and I expected the shoreline to be chaotic. And it was. At least at some points of White Beach's Station 1 and the whole of Station 2. The typhoon season made its imprint clear at the beachfront via a temporary fence shielding various establishments from the unforgiving sea breeze. The result was dining sans the view of the sea at night. During the day, various guests had to contend with the elements.

Chicken Binakol

Kilawin Na Tanigue

Frozen Mercedes

Pleasant Station 1 Location

I could only be thankful for the pleasant location of Sands Restaurant for lunch, dinner, and buffet breakfast. I had the convenience of stepping out of my booked Junior Suite and stroll for a minute to reach the upscale high-ceiling dining area that's considered as the 5-star resort's F&B facility. It’s decently located at the beachfront but not arrogantly close to the surf. It's also nowhere near rickety bars that can be a source of whiny regional music wafting in the air. At whitewashed Sands Restaurant, the ambiance was pleasant.

Splendid Lunch

Upon check-in at the resort, a late lunch was in order. Friends at the table were all over the fresh-tasting Kilawin Na Tanigue and Green Mango & Jicama. I, however, stayed away from both since I have a sensitive stomach. Instead, I started with delightful sips of the comforting Chicken Binakol, an Iloilo-inspired dish based on coconut meat and water. It made sense to be organic that way since we were surrounded by coconut trees anyway. It tasted smooth, a sublime contrast to the crunchy Crispy Pata that we also ordered along with the savory Beef Steak Tagalog.

It was wonderful that Pampanga cuisine was also represented in the menu via the Paco Salad which was served in an interesting plating, a departure from the usual round plate that I've been accustomed to seeing it served in other restaurants. Taste-wise, I couldn’t complain especially since the chief component – the fern vegetable – is a rarity at the island.

Waffle Sandwich

(top left) Beef Asado; (top right) Pansit Palabok;
(bottom left) Chicken Longganisa; (bottom right) Cheese Krainer Sausage

Bonton Chicken

Boodle Fight

We decided to be experimental in our succeeding lunch the next day, sampling plates of the restaurant’s version of the Korean Bulgogi and Squid Ink Rice. An order of the Bonton Chicken was a fitting balance to the set because of its succulent crust. Its japaleno-mixed coleslaw gave it an interesting kick in flavour.

To capture the exotic mood, we sampled the zesty and sweet salad called Seafood Chop Chop which was perfect for the semi-humid mid-day. An additional order of Fish Tacos sealed our lunch and gave way to the sweet-ender called Frozen Mercedes, a colorful dessert that brought out the kid in me.

Squid Ink Rice

Boodle Fight Dinner

For dinner the next night, we returned to the restaurant and surprised ourselves with its much buzzed about Boodle Fight, something that guests can arrange with the restaurant 24 hours prior to the dining schedule. The combat-style eating with friends made my second night at the island more memorable as we all gorged on typical island-oriented viands using our bare hands after the ritualistic washing of the hands next to the long table.

Buffet Breakfast

Buffet breakfast at the 5-star resort was equally memorable. My breakfast plates included Chicken Longganisa, Cheese Krainer Sausage, Beef Asado, hash brown, fruit salad, two types of bacon (soft and crunchy) and a special request of Waffle Sandwich with Chicken, Bacon and Egg. I spotted other breakfast options such as Pansit Palabok with Egg, Crispy Fried Okra and fruit varieties. The buffet roster offered guests a lot of choices when it came to breads and bread spreads which I found appealing. Even a sampling of its pandesal was readily available in toasted or soft. I jumped on the luxury of being able to order off-the-menu dishes for breakfast such as the tasty danggit and crispy palad (the crispiest I’ve sampled so far in my travels).

Soft Bacon

It's rewarding to opt for the best of a location. At Sands Restaurant where cooking is ambitious, fresh and full of flavour, the reward is more than a filled tummy. It can easily translate into a fulfilled vacation, an elegant one at that.

Sands Restaurant

Official website of Sands Restaurant

Address: Station 1, Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Phone: (02) 720-8888

More Photos Below:

Korean Bulgogi

Bread Spreads

Danggit

Fish Tacos

My buffet breakfast plate

Crispy Pata

Caesar Salad Moderne

O P E N

F O R

D I N N E R

A plated dinner at Indigo Restaurant of Discovery Shores can be both indulgent and sybaritic. Showcasing excellent coastal cuisine, the restaurant is known by a select few as the beachfront dining destination for sampling the best of the island’s bounty and fresh harvest. At daytime the whitewashed dining space exudes a pristine beach vibe which transforms into a drip show of indigo, hence, the name.

Deliciously Listed

Indigo Restaurant may be studded with accolades as being listed in prominent restaurant guides (2009 and 2010 Philippine Tatler’s Luxe Dining Philippines’ Best Restaurants and the Asian region-renowned Miele Guide 2010/2011), but it has managed to keep its profile distinctly aloof from the hard sell scene of White Beach’s Station 2 where antediluvian culinary pursuits are laid bare in poor taste. Here, the surf is delicate and the ambiance, still tropical.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Shores Boracay

Green Olive Bread with Sundried Tomato-Tomato Butter

Dalandan Sorbet

Plated Dinner

I was with a few friends for our first night at the 5-star resort DiscoveryShoresand was looking forward to being awed after experiencing a romantic al fresco dinner at the nearby Diniwid Beach the year before. Our plated dinner at Indigo Restaurant commenced with a serving of the Green Olive Bread which came with sundried tomato-tomato butter. Olive breads are best tasted with dips or, in this case, with a slathered spread of sundried tomato-tomato butter, a perfectly sweet and tart jam that’s good source of protein and fiber.

Braised Indigo Rossini

Appetizing Thrill

As Chef’s Amuse Bouche, the Cream Cheese and Nut-stuffed Lychee was served. It entailed a sublime bite that let me taste the distinct flavour of the dessicated coconut, providing enough subtle sweetness to the bite-sized hors d’œuvre.

Stellar Salad

For salad, I had a gorgeous plate of Caesar Salad Moderne. The American classic salad was presented like a stellar dance number of Romaine lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomato, anchovies, banana bits, prawns, Manchego cheese and homemade Caesar dressing. It was definitely an organized mix of freshness to behold against the splash of blue and violet hues inside the restaurant. I’ve had my share of numerous salad samplings in the past two years but this was the first time I was actually able to finish a whole plate without having to engage in any small talk with friends at the table. If anything, the contrast of flavors from the savory depth of the anchovies to the creamy dressing successfully kept me busy. The ingredients rendered the piece enough refreshing lightness and unfettered indulgence into one plate. The varying textures of the soft prawns and the hard banana bits served as great palate massage as well. The result was simply savory, creamy, tangy and crunchy.

Lobster Bisque

Chocolate Marquise

Creamy Seafood Broth

For warmth, I proceeded to have the comforting Lobster Bisque. The seafood-oriented soup proved to be a smooth and creamy broth of lobster meat, brioche croutons, fish roe and aromatic oil.

Main and More

As necessary intermezzo for the delicious string of events, I had a stemware of refreshing Dalandan Sorbet, cleansing my palate for the main course – the Braised Indigo Rossini, a plate of shortribs and foie gras. Its truffle Madeira sauce alone would’ve sealed the piece but the mash potato, carrots, and Haricot vert (green beans) were a great addition and complemented the entire dish very well.

Dessert Culmination

To culminate the plated dinner, I had a dessert called Chocolate Marquise. The strong taste of the dark chocolate mousse was balanced off by the luscious peppercorn crème anglaise and sweet cherry. It was definitely a terrific way to end my spectral meal.

Boracay can be nourishing to the senses, especially at night. At Indigo Restaurant, such an experience is attainable. Make that visit soon to discover it for yourself.

Check out my dining experience at Discovery Shores' Sands Restauranthere.

Indigo Restaurant

Official website of Indigo Restaurant and DiscoveryShores

Address: Station 1, Balabag, BoracayIsland, Malay, Aklan, Philippines5608

Operating Hours:Open for dinner from 7:00pm to 10:00pm, daily

Phone: +63 36 288-4500 or +63 2 720-8888 or +63 2 719-6695

Email:dsbrsvn@discovery.com.ph

More Photos Below:

Cream Cheese and Nut-stuffed Lychee

An outcast in yellow and dutifully reserved

Kids can order fries at the next-door Sands Restaurant

Stand to WIN a set of Spa Gift Certificates worth P2,000 for use at any White Palace Spa branch!

Travel stops like catching that latest movie at the cinema or having a soothing massage at a newly-opened spa are essential to a happy feet like mine. I may always be outdoors checking out the latest hotel, resort or restaurant in town or in the provinces, but I always manage to come home where I belong. Along the way, I make sure to find my center at a reliable spa. After all the commuting I do per destination feature, I end up having aching limbs due to constant walking and a sore shoulder with the heavy weight of the backpack I drag from one spot to another.

Spa Visit

With White Palace Spa (WPS) opening its biggest facility along MIA Road in Paranaque City, a massage after an airport hustle was in the offing. Soon after staying at an airport hotel in the same city, I had the convenience of making a necessary visit of the spa.

Elegant Lobby

If the elegant and spacious receiving area was to be any indication of the spa's quality of service, then I'd have to admit that the possibility of it being impressive was high. I did not have to be swoon over by additional amenities like a buffet station for gorging on unlimited rice since I was there to strictly have a massage and relax thereafter. For that matter, I was fine with the streamlined set of massage services being offered.

Full Hot Pack Massage

For my massage, I ordered a masseur to perform White Palace Spa's Full Hot Pack Massage (a 1-hour and 30-minute massage) for my aching back at the spa's Executive Room which was a bit more private as the room has a bathtub and its exclusive shower room.

Similar to conventional family-oriented spas, WPS has a standard locker and dressing room area for males which is conservatively separated from that of female clients. My assigned locker already had a robe and a pair of slippers inside when I opened it. I was handed a towel by the room attendant as soon as I was spotted to have entered the area.

Good for Couples and Group of Friends

Having seen the lounge areas for both male and female clients, I can recommend the spa for couples and even group of friends who want to have a casual spa-rty (spa party). There's a sauna and enough shower rooms for clients also.

Operating Hours and More

Open from 1:00pm to 7:00am the next day, most of the young professional patrons of WPS sometimes make side trips to the facility after late daytime work or just before night shift jobs.

Male and female therapists at WPS are well compensated, undergo team building sessions, and are exposed to essential seminars by its co-owner JC Valdepenas who managed to open six branches in a few years' time while employed in a corporate position at a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) environment. He successfully translated basic tenets of his workplace at his spa business where everybody performed individually but supported each other as a team.

Signature Massage

The real secret to WPS' success is its signature massage called White Palace Signature Massage with Hot Pack which is a 1 hour and 15-minute massage type. Guests almost always request for it as it's a perfect combination of all massage techniques and manipulations which brings complete relaxation and detoxification. Tossed in the combo are Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai-Yoga, Pinoy Hilot, Hawaiian Lomi-lomi, Facial and Scalp Massage, plus Foot and Hand Reflexology all in one complete body massage.

White Palace Spa has a couple more branches in Paranaque City -- Lopez and Filmore -- and other branches in Makati City (Filmore), Mandaluyong City (along Shaw Boulevard) and Manila (Taft-Quirino).

Join TuristaTrails.com and White Palace Spa's Wellness Giveaway

In partnership with White Palace Spa, TuristaTrails.com is giving one (1) lucky reader the chance to win White Palace Spa gift certificates worth P2,000! Eager to be the one? Simply join the raffle contest using the Rafflecopter app (see further below).

Raffle Contest Mechanics

Share on your Facebook timeline (status set to public so it can be seen) using the #WhitePalaceSpaTT and tagging the Facebook fan page Turista Project (you need to LIKE the Turista Project fan page first) why you deserve to win the wellness giveaway. It's that simple!

Terms and Conditions:
• Raffle contest period is from September 4, 2015 to September 25, 2015.
• The contest winner will win a set of White Palace Spa gift certificates worth P2,000.
• One (1) winner will be drawn using the Rafflecopter app.
• The contest is open to Metro Manila and neighboring province (Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal) residents only. Or a valid entry can be any mailing address of the aforementioned locations. Only valid entries will be considered. Simply follow the raffle contest mechanics to qualify.
• The announcement of the winner will be days after September 25, 2015 via Twitter (KarlAceTurista) and Facebook (Turista Project).
• The winner will be notified through email and will be contacted by yours truly for the processing of the prize.

Join now! Scroll down to see the Rafflecopter app further below.

White Palace Spa Deluxe MIA Branch

Address: 4F Airport Global Plaza, MIA Road corner Roxas Boulevard, Paranaque City, Philippines (Across Uniwide Coastal Mall)
Phone: (02) 987-0691 or 0915-2011-353 or 0929-851-1745

Other Branches:

White Palace Spa – Makati
Phone: (02) 576-2975, 0905-2858317, 0999-4978571
White Palace Spa – Lopez
Phone: (02) 799-8782, 0916-7140315, 0947-9375584
White Palace Spa – Sucat
Phone: (02)508-9127, 0927-2972925, 0999-8528938
White Palace Spa – Taft-Quirino Ave.
Phone: (02)503-0277, 0905-5395307, 0920-4557406
White Palace Spa – Shaw
Phone: (02) 505-2693, 0927-5854767, 0929-5493617

More Photos Below:

Join now! Scroll down to see the Rafflecopter app further below.

The view from my booked Junior Suite

R E V I S I T

I N L U X U R Y

A traveler’s conundrum can be as simple as retreating from a popular destination such as Boracay when he or she can run towards it with reckless abandon. Aklan’s island getaway can be rammed with tourists regardless of the season, but it is still the Philippines’ crowning jewel when it comes to the supreme beach scene. Also, there are still places of calm for respite if you know where to find them. At Station 1, the iconic DiscoveryShores gleams in all its white glory. It’s where I found high-end pleasure that matched the surf and sand vibe of the island.

DiscoveryShores is a destination in itself. It has a variety of luxurious guestrooms in its sprawling space of multi-level architecture that respects the beachfront. With a stunning pool at the center, it easily motivates beachgoers to lose their sense of time within the premises of the resort as well. As a Discovery World Resort in the same roster of the famed city serviced apartment brand and lake-side community Bed & Breakfast, with which it shares parentage and standards, it exudes a charm all its own.

Discovery Shores guests alighting from the boat transfer at Tambisaan Port

Resort shuttle and boat transfer

The resort beachfront

Here are five reasons why it deserves your visit and my revisit:

1. 5-Star Treatment From Island Arrival To Departure

DiscoveryShores makes trudging from port to WhiteBeachand back again look less painful and more stylish. Booked with friends for the rainy season, I was warmly welcomed by the resort staff at the CaticlanAirportwhere a couple of air conditioned shuttles were waiting for my convenient transfer to Tabon and TambisaanJettyPorts, respectively. In between ports, the resort had me travel in style aboard an enclosed boat transfer that’s equipped with a flat screen TV and loaded with access to a healthy snack of oatmeal cookies. What’s more, it’s roughly a couple of minutes shorter than the usual boat transfer to the CaticlanJettyPort that other tourists are accustomed to experiencing.

Welcome treats, foot massage setup, and complimentary snacks

Strong Wi-Fi access anywhere at the resort; Access to books and Nespresso at my booked room

At the beachfront of the resort

Going home wasn’t shabby as well. Guests leaving the island via the Caticlan Airport are ushered to the comfortable lounge area that’s exclusive to Discovery Shores guests which I personally experienced one level up the departure area.

2. Prestigious Affiliations and Accolades Reflected In The Guestrooms

A member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts vibrant Lifestyle Collection, DiscoveryShores has consistently been listed in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels. As a matter of fact, the 87-room property was recently nominated at the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

My booked poolside Junior Suite reflects the prestige of a 5-star hotel resort from the plush king-sized bed and beddings and the 40-square meter space of welcome snacks, minibar, high-tech amenities (32-inch LCD, Nespresso, iPod dock, voice mail, in-room safe, bathroom rain shower) and access to strong Wi-Fi that lets guests use the Press Reader app (nifty for downloading full-content digital replicas of popular newspapers and magazines worldwide). It even has a small private garden at the back.

The resort’s other room types give guests the option to revisit the island for another unique experience since each room type is different. Two of the most sought-after ones are the Two Bedroom Suite and Two Bedroom Suite Premier (loft-type).

Housekeeping was offered at least twice a day (for a 2-night stay) which I did not find to be imposing at all. I even left in a huff for dinner with a few valuables exposed during one such routine but I still found them where they were except in a more organized placement. For that matter, I can attest that the value of trust is kept in high regard at the resort after receiving from a concerned staff a couple of shirts that I accidentally left inside the room upon check-out.

My booked Junior Suite

3. Pleasurable Luxury

It is one thing to be luxurious and another thing to be relevant. I’ve been to a handful of luxurious resorts in the past and not all have managed to penetrate the personal strata of my consciousness as a guest.

I welcome a fancy smile from a resort staff once in a while, but I definitely appreciate the welcome foot massage that came with my stay which is something that DiscoverShores initially subjects its guests to upon check-in. I, however, had my complimentary massage scheduled before dinner.

The attention I received from staff members during my stay extended to the poolside where I managed to enjoy a warm Jacuzzi soak with a cold glass of Pandan drink in hand. I did not even have to tell the poolside butlers to fold my wardrobe and towel at the recliner but there they were – all neatly arranged whenever I’d emerge from my cerulean dip.

I also found it secure to sunbathe at the expansive beachfront away from my valuables at the beach bed knowing that beach butlers of the resort were in full awareness of my presence.

Having my welcome foot massage

The pool at night time

The resort bar

4. Sensational Food At Its F&B Facilities

A plenitude of food choices can be had for buffet breakfast at Sands Restaurant while a nocturnal experience of deliciousness is possible at Indigo Restaurant for dinner. I happened to experience both for various meals.

Check out my review of Sands Restauranthere.

Check out my review of Indigo Restauranthere.

5. Presence of Terra Wellness Spa

After a tiring ATV ride (a great outdoor activity to do inland) at the nearby Zetro ATV & Buggy site, guests can opt to relax at the resort’s Terra Wellness Spa. A refreshing lemongrass drink makes for a soothing prelude to a relaxing massage at this wellness facility.

Riding the ATV at the nearby Zetro ATV & Buggy site

Terra Wellness Spa

My warm Jacuzzi soak before dinner

Boracay can easily be passed off as a touristic hype. However, once you find your patch of respite at the island, you will know you’ve discovered what’s best for you. DiscoveryShoresmakes perfect sense to be what’s best for all that you deserve – a home in an island away from home.

DiscoveryShores

Official website of Discovery Shores

Address: 5th Floor Discovery Suites, 25 ADB Ave. Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines1600

Phone: +63 36 288-4500 or +63 2 720-8888 or +63 2 719-6695

Email:dsbrsvn@
discovery.com.ph

More Photos Below:

Two Bedroom Suite Premier

The private outdoor jacuzzi at the Two Bedroom Suite Premier

One Bedroom Suite Premier

One Bedroom Suite

L A Y O V E R

O R

V A C A T I O N

Where to get that glorious repose for layover upon arriving at NAIA before setting out to your ultimate destination in the Philippines? There are a lot of options actually. There’s the bespoke luxury of a 5-star hotel, the charm of a boutique hotel, and the bohemian lure of a cheap hostel. Then there is the straightforward budget accommodation called Nichols Airport Hotel (NAH), a 70-room hotel that houses a spa, a sensational roof deck restaurant and a coffee shop.

Nichols Airport Hotel has been in operation along ParanaqueCity’s Quirino Avenue near MIA Road for the past 15 years. Local and foreign tourists in the country have so far been converted into patrons by it thanks to its clean rooms, cozy ambiance, and affordable rates. Most of all, guests prefer it over expensive hotels and cheap motels in Metro Manila for its close proximity to the airport. It’s roughly 15 minutes away from NAIA’s Terminal 3 where I was scheduled for pickup (room rate inclusive, one way) by its hotel guest shuttle after my recent Boracay revisit.

Airport Pickup

I was fetched on time one afternoon by the concierge of the NAH minutes after arriving at the Terminal 3 of the airport in Metro Manila as I decided to escape spending an extended time getting stuck in traffic just to go home. I would later on see online a Tweet – a rant about the lack of taxi cabs for arriving travellers -- of a fellow flight passenger. It’s safe to assume that he had an unfortunate time of wasting precious hours at the airport for a ride out of the area. As for me, I was already sound asleep in my booked air conditioned room at the NAH by the time he probably got one. As far as I’m concerned, the hotel was my temporary home that day.

Premier Deluxe Room

My booked Premier Deluxe Room was as straightforward as the hotel’s name. The interior’s details were designed in such a way that a traveler will feel relaxed for an overnight stay or more before heading to his or her target destination in the country. It has the basic room features such as a decent bed, flat screen cable TV, wardrobe space, bathroom and bathroom essentials, sofa, side tables for accent and a work desk. It also lets guests have access to free internet Wi-Fi and a mini-refrigerator. What’s more, it has a view of the city – something that questionable motels and a few rickety hostels don’t offer.

Sensational City Views

The view of the city is extended at The Roof Bar, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant where unobstructed views of the nearby airport and neighboring cities’ skyline can be seen over a cup of coffee, a comforting dessert or a sensational drink. In my case, it was where I enjoyed a plate of delicious Beef Steak Tagalog for late lunch after checking in.

Medical Tourism

Since a medical facility is right next to it, some guests scheduled for aesthetic procedures have also been finding the hotel to be a reasonable temporary crib during their wellness ordeal.

For those who are on super short stay, NAH doesn’t offer hourly rates, but it can arrange a day use of a 6-hour (maximum) stay for guests. Its monthly rates start at P1,300 per night with complimentary breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers. It also has two types of Family Rooms – one for a group of 3 and another for a group of 4 people.

Whether you’re on travel layover or long-term vacation, Nichols Airport Hotel is ideal for that stay near the airport.

Nichols Airport Hotel

Official website of Nichols Airport Hotel

Address:484 Quirino Avenue, Tambo (near Baclaran), Parañaque City, Philippines 1700

Phone: +632-851-8348 or +632-854-3399 or +63917-850-8624

Email:info@nicholsairporthotel.com.ph

More Photos Below:

The resort infinity pool

Q U E Z O N

P R O V I N C E

G E T A W A Y

Lucban is more than its legendary harvest festival called Pahiyas that’s held every May 15. The town that sits at the foot of MountBanahawshares a bounty of attractive culinary history with the other towns and cities of QuezonProvince. Regular days would have residents feast on local dishes that trusted cooking experts would easily whip up from memory. With every special occasion, the recipes got handed down to another food enthusiast and the gustatory spread just got even wider. The result of this rich cultural past makes the modern-day municipality a sought-after dining destination. And at its border in Barangay Iraga is where Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort just opened this 2015 to celebrate this delicious heritage.

Piece of Pahiyas

Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort is a countryside swath of pahiyas inspiration set against verdant hills and lush rice fields that weave through the fringes of Laguna’s Majayjay and Lucban. Conceptualized to cater to the discriminating traveler who has a penchant for communing with nature, the newly-opened attraction is neither for the homespun or the sybaritic. It’s simply designed to be an oasis of a getaway in an unhurried environment where one can wake up to the bedside view of the town’s farmland, sample sumptuous cuisines at its restaurant for memorable meals, and have a fresh spring water soak at the rice field-view infinity pool any time of the day... even in the wee hours!

Hardinera, Longganisang Lucban, and Chopsuey

Co-owner and hotelier Agnes Luna

Our booked Kalawili Room and welcome drink

The restaurant

The Pleasure of Inner Harmony

The people behind the restaurant-resort, a couple from the same province in Gumaca, couldn’t have envisioned it differently. The 7,000 sq.m. property was originally conceptualized to just house a decent dwelling such as a nipa hut or bahaykubo where they can retreat to whenever their hectic work schedule would permit. Soon, their passion for the hospitality scene made sense to transform it into a full-fledged leisure spot where other like-minded individuals can share in the reviving space. They are also eager to have the rest of Lucban experience the pleasure of their pleasant principles. After all, the name of their project reflects what it means in Hindu which is a combination of being a doer of good deeds and having inner harmony.

Rustic Getaway and More

I personally experienced both pleasures at the venue, roughly a couple of hours away from Alabang via Majayjay. Aboard an air conditioned UV Express, I arrived at the restaurant-resort with a fellow travel blogger in tow to taste Lucban in a completely unconventional way. Since it was my first time there, I lingered at the resort for awhile and did not hie off to nearby destinations. I made sure that I was in good physical condition to appreciate the natural surroundings.

First on my schedule was a sip of the establishment’s refreshing welcome drink at the restaurant. Soon, we were checked in at our booked Kalawili Room, a rustic 30 sq.m.-space of provincial charm. The room has double beds, each with an assigned round hoop canopy for the full countryside feel. It also afforded us a sensational view of the rice field next door from a rocking chair corner that opens to a veranda through a sliding glass door. I learned from a staff that the sawalior split bamboo materials were locally sourced out in the same province.

The Kalawili Room

The resort infinity pool

Crispy Suman, Crispy Dinuguan, and Pako Salad

Even on a fully-booked day, the resort will not look crowded as the rustic accommodations are specifically designed to only cater to a selected number of guests. What will surprise most of them are the semi-modern interiors via nifty room features that serve basic functions while the rest of the aesthetic exudes down-home sensibilities. There’s a room called Ugma that’s good for a big group like a family or set of friends. My personal favorite which I’ll be coming back for is the romantic Mayaw Room which has a pahiyas festival-inspired façade but with romantic interiors. Both rooms have a rice field-view veranda by the way.

Should you be in the mood to be a bit intrepid with your overnight stay, you can opt for the Mayuyaw Ifugao Family Hut which is a fenced dwelling space that’s erected above the ground but with its own open-air living room (complete with furniture and entertainment appliance) underneath.

Town Proper and TaytayFallsTour

We were scheduled to tour the town proper on our second day to see the old church, the famous Kamay Ni Hesus pilgrimage site, and its first historical museum because the establishment offers a shuttle service to and from the poblacion. The third day was to be the schedule of our visit of the nearby TaytayFalls in the next town of Majayjay which is just a 15-minute ride away from the restaurant-resort.

Find out more soon about our side trips on this blog.

Frisky At The Rice Field-View Pool

For the rest of the duration of our stay, I found it easy to achieve a relaxed state of mind and emotion because we were surrounded by lush greenery. It also helped that whenever I’d feel frisky, the spring water infinity pool was just a few steps away from our room. I remember having zip lined my way through a farmland in Tayabas once, but it was my first time to have a biting cold soak at a batis-inspired pool that has a stunning view of a rice field.

The restaurant

Ugma and Mayaw Rooms

Al fresco breakfast of Fried Biya

Sumptuous Dining Experience

It was also convenient for guests like us to have an easy access to sumptuous dishes via the resort's restaurant which served local cuisine. For our meals, we had Lucban’s versions of the Hardinera (a comforting meatloaf dish), Longganisang Lucban (a garlicky sausage pronounced by locals as langgonisa), and Kinulob Na Baboy (pork dish that’s cooked in a deep container, sometimes with banana leaves). We also had orders of the Chicken with Oyster Sauce and the Ginataang Kalabaw (buffalo dish cooked in coconut milk). For breakfast, I personally requested for the bacon-like Fried Biya (goby fish) which tasted sublime with Samkara's homemade vinegar.

Kinulob Na Baboy and Ginataang Kalabaw

Standout Dishes

Of all the dishes we sampled, it was the Crispy Dinuguan (a seemingly dry version of the pork blood stew with pork cooked like the lechon kawali way) that was the most memorable to me because of its inventive flavour. Another crispy gem that stood out for me was the restaurant-resort’s deep-fried version of Suman (rice cake) for dessert.

Have a whiff of Lucban’s countryside grandeur via Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort. You can have the best of the town in one space with enough luxury of time to explore the poblacionduring your stay.

Soon on the blog: Essential Attractions In Lucban, Quezon Province

Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort

Official website of Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort

Address: Barangay Igang, Lucban, Quezon Province, Philippines 4328

Phone: (Globe) 0917-674-2693 or 0916-469-6276 (Smart) 0947-922-0081

Email: samkara.inquiries@gmail.com and reservations@samkara.ph

Restaurant Operating Hours:

(Mon-Thu) 6:30 am-10:00 pm

(Fri-Sat) 6:30 am-11:00 pm

(Sun) 6:30 am-10:00 pm

More Photos Below:

The Mayuyaw Ifugao Family Hut

Chicken with Oyster Sauce

The restaurant at night

The souvenir shop

Our booked Kalawili Room's bed and bathroom

Locally made Peanut Butter and other souvenir products

Saint Louise of Toulouse Parish Church

A shot of chilled lambanog at Cafe San Luis

Q U E Z O N

P R O V I N C E

T O W N

I perceived my Lucban getaway as escaping the drudgery of my mundane city life. Nothing seems to be nondescript in the 32-village town of Quezon Province that sits at the foot of the mystical Mount Banahaw. From various points in the municipality, the latter can be spotted either as a faint silhouette or as an imposing backdrop to a lush green of sprawling rice fields. Although Pahiyas is only celebrated once a year every May 15, the landscape can be seen with the famous harvest festival's stellar supporting cast of kiping (the colorful leaf-shaped wafer that's made of rice paste) variants in public spaces. The countryside vibe is truly palpable anywhere here as I determined one weekend.

What To Do In Lucban?

While checked in at the newly-opened Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort, I had a whiff of the town's laid-back charm. Since it's next to a bed of farming lots, the attraction rendered me a grassroots experience of the area. Walking through tilled land suddenly brought back childhood memories in my mother's hometown of Infanta, another Quezon Province municipality.

The rice field view from Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort

My immersion in this part of Luzon got more exciting with the prospect of visiting the town's first museum that just opened early this 2015. I may not have seen the town's famous festival on schedule, but I was delighted that I was still able to tour the usual tourist attractions like the pilgrimage site called Kamay Ni Hesus, the old Saint Louis of Toulouse Parish Church, and spaces where its culinary culture of Longganisang Lucban and Pansit Habhab are sold.

Here are a few essential activities and attractions in Lucban that you will find interesting to experience for yourself when visiting this part of the province:

One side of the town's old church

Have Shots of Chilled Lambanog At Cafe San Luis

A walk tour of the town one morning prompted me and a fellow travel blogger I tagged along for the trip to have coffee at the poblacion. The most decent spot that we determined to be cozy was Cafe San Luis because of its semi-al fresco setup. Instead of having coffee though, we ended up having shots of chilled lambanog, a local wine made from coconut that has a potent flavor. Although I grew up with cousins from Infanta who drank a more intoxicating version, I did not imbibe the vice. For a revisit of the province, I reckoned that I was of age to feel spent in the most embarrassing ways I could imagine. I kept telling myself that a shot wouldn't hurt.

To compensate for the day's early schedule, I ended my visit with a cup of hot tablea. However, this is something I won't recommend for those with sensitive stomach because my naiveté cost me my well-rested night at Samkara. Soon, a couple of hours after the combo of the local concoctions in my tummy, I was racing to the nearest bathroom at the town's old church. It was an embarrassing tourist emergency! My recommendation is to just have one of the other if you won't be able to take it like a local.

Inside the town's old church

Reflect At The Saint Louis of Toulouse Parish Church

Since I was already at the church premises for a non-religious activity, I made sure to linger and marvel at its baroque architecture. Made of cement and lime, the elaborate facade and bell tower of Lucban's old Saint Louis of Toulouse Parish Church looked glorious from a close distance. The facade's shape at the top is flawlessly echoed by its arched windows which gives the impression of clouds or the feel of heaven on earth. Inside, more of the heavenly ambiance is exuded in decorations painted over walls that mimic real installations. It definitely felt grand inside.

The Lucban Municipal Museum

Check Out The Lucban Municipal Museum

After marveling at the beauty of the town's old church, I did some small talk with a local who was biding his time reading a newspaper next to the monument of the three World War 2 Lucbanin heroes. He recommended that I visit the town's first museum.

I proceeded with my travel buddy to the old facility that he pointed to from the church. After minutes of chatting with the museum's bohemian curator named Elna, it turned out that the guy I conversed with was actually part of the committee that's in charge of educating the museum's staff and experts in the rich historical past of the town.

An old kalamay stirrer for kitchen use

Remnants of World War 2

Elna of The Lucban Municipal Museum

The museum was inaugurated last April 9 of this year. It is housed at a rickety building that was formerly a school for kids. Located at the town center, the 1935-built structure seemed narrow at the entrance, but a doorway in the middle of the long corridor leads into an open space of memorabilia and vintage pieces from an old metal pan used for hefty cooking to WWII bullets fired from Filipino-owned rifles. It's accentuated at the center by a well-preserved trombone used by a long-departed local musician named Laureano Racelis Elma of the Banahaw Band (Banda Banahaw).

An old metal pan

From the get-go I felt uneasy inside the museum not because the place was unpleasant. Every piece inside was enriching. The fresh spring water from Mount Banahaw that the curator offered us helped ease my nerves. It turned out that my tingling senses were telling me something of the spectral kind because when I returned to the resort later, a staff at Samkara shared that the old structure's basement was used as a torture chamber of Filipinos by the Japanese soldiers during WWII.

Visit Kamay Ni Hesus, Buy Longganisang Lucban, and Eat Pancit Habhab

On our way around the town looking for a mobile credit reload, we spotted a string of shops that sell the popular culinary find called Longganisang Lucban, a garlicky sausage that locals pronounce as langgonisa instead of longganisa.

(left) A local eating Pansit Habhab; (right) A local making Longganisang Lucban

Kamay Ni Hesus pilgrimage site

After a few minutes taking photos of the public park, we dropped by the Tourism Office for a quick rest. Soon, its staff recommended that we try the Pansit Habhab at the public food court just outside the church before we return to our booked resort. Without much ado, we strolled to the strip of stores that sell the local delicacy. Served on a piece of banana leaf, the dish is best tasted with vinegar. An order of the snack is truly affordable as it can range between 10 pesos to 15 pesos only.

Before we headed back to the resort, we made a quick side trip to the famous pilgrimage site called Kamay Ni Hesus that most local tourists annually flock to every Holy Week.

Three days can be a tight schedule for an immersion of Lucban. With the variety of activities and attractions to experience in the town, it's definitely worth a revisit.

Where to stay when in Lucban?

When in Lucban, try staying at Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort. The 7,000 sq.m. property was originally conceptualized to just house a decent dwelling such as a nipa hut where the owners could retreat to whenever their hectic work schedule would permit. Soon, their passion for the hospitality scene made sense to transform it into a full-fledged leisure spot. Check out my review of it here.

More Photos Below:

Old rustic bins for storing freshly hauled seafood catch and various harvested items

A local peddling the native delicacy called Espasol

The fresh spring water from Mount Banahaw at the Lucban Municipal Museum

The entrance of the Lucban Municipal Museum

L A G U N A

S U R P R I S E

In advance celebration of Majayjay Day (October 2), I agreed to be toured by a staff of Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort to Majayjay's popular waterfalls called Taytay Falls, the closest tourist attraction to the resort which is nestled in Lucban, just along the border of its neighboring town of Laguna. I tagged along a fellow travel blogger for the breezy road trip and 15-minute trek (from the attraction entrance). I also considered the side trip a perfect opportunity to add creative points of views to my Instagramaccount which I started roughly a year ago.

Where Taytay Falls Is

A tour of the distant waterfalls is a highly recommended itinerary of the resort to its guests since there's no sight of any beachfront anywhere nearby. The attraction is accessible from the border of Quezon Province anyway along the Majayjay-Lucban Road which can be reached from Metro Manila's Alabang in approximately 2 hours only. The area seemed to have locals intermingling without any predilection for border issues as I noticed. After all, according to the Lucban Historical Society, a part of Lucban used to belong to Majayjay.

Breezy Road Trip

Our road trip from the resort was quick and pleasant. Roads to the waterfall trek entrance were nicely paved and the scenery looked attractive. I was able to see a grandeur of greenery via sprawling rice fields and lush vegetation. The area is densely populated even with the presence of the tourist attraction. All in all, it took us only 15 minutes to finish the ride.

Along the road before entering the parking area, we had to stop at a post to pay the necessary environmental and parking fees. At the same site, we were offered tent rentals for P300 each to which I begged off because we were only there for a day tour.

Taytay Falls in all its glory

We proceeded to park the resort's shuttle in the designated area next to several accommodations designed for overnight stays. There were available restrooms visible for the attraction's guests, so any emergency won't be a problem for any guest.

Falls Known By Many Names

I learned from our resort tour guide that tourism promotion for the waterfalls is being funded by the World Bank with the initiatives of the former first lady Imelda Marcos. This is why some locals call it by another name -- Imelda Falls. Others know it as Majayjay Falls.

The kilometer-long trek allowed us to view a lot more of the lush vegetation. It was winding but generally easy to traverse. It helped to hear the rush of gushing water next to the trail where an irrigation from the waterfalls is installed. The water that flows there actually helps supply water to the nearby rice fields of the town. We even passed by a decent hanging bridge to have photo opportunities. I figured that the hike alone was good for coming up with enough materials for my Instagram account.

The Falls Finally

At the site, we spotted a few tents pitched along the banks of the stream and a throng of guests having a frisky time at the flowing water. From the closest dry spot, the cascade looked intense. It's as high as a two-storey house. I managed to take a quick dip only because the water was really biting cold. Our tour guide even segued that one can leave a bottle of wine or soda and have it considered chilled a few hours after.

As of this writing, I've already posted a few photos that I took at the site on Instagram. Follow me there as Turistatrails!

My Instagram Account:

Where To Stay When Visiting Taytay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna?
Check out my review of Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resorthere.

Check out my Lucban travel guidehere.

More Photos Below:

Q U I C K

E S C A P E

It’s easy to pass off Bulacan as a mere shadow of what Metro Manila is. In this age of modernization, the province can still be perceived as devoid of the industrial era detritus of its neighboring National Capital Region. And with throngs of tourists treating it only as a transit space for arriving at far-flung destinations, it’s starting to be similar to that cousin of yours whom you’ve tagged along to a party as a license to be cool but you refuse to twerk with on the dance floor.

Where AngatRiverFlows

Thankfully, though, it’s more than its present state of development. It has a rich historical and artistic past that speaks for its glorious self. As the birthplace of the First Constitutional Democracy in Asia, it is also home to Filipino greats like Marcelo H. del Pilar (writer), Francisco Balagtas (poet), and Nicanor Abelardo (musician). All of whom might have also been inspired by the charming beauty of the place where the placid AngatRiverflows.

Loaded With Surprises

Along the same river is where I recently discovered a glass house which I called home for three pleasant days. Called San Rafael River Adventure (SRRA), the newly-opened resort also became my playground for some river-Jet Ski, kayak, countryside ATV and river cruise fun. Owned by a self-made man who’s also a native of the town, SRRA just opened its resort gates to the locals of Bulacan in the middle of 2014. Since then, it has catered to more than day tours and overnight stays of local and foreign tourists. And because it can accommodate 400 guests, it has also been the special venue for memorable events such as weddings and other milestone-oriented parties.

Commune With Nature

With its lush vegetation of mango trees, the grassy parkland was an easy choice to be developed as a sanctuary for relaxation and communing with nature. All guestrooms where constructed to give way to age old trees. Even those that still stand in the middle of the swimming pool were spared from being uprooted and were used as accents instead.

River-View Infinity Pool

Tucked at the hillside cliff is the resort’s stellar infinity pool which the owner himself designed to appeal to varying ways of cerculean soaks. As I’ve tested for myself, the pool has a shallow part where kids can safely play which is also the same area where I was able to simply lie down on my back as it simulates the descent of a beachfront. There’s also a part where I had a collected moment of being simply half-submerged with a magnetic tree-framed view of the river. In another instance, I had a frisky time at its Jacuzzi that’s shaded by the embrace of the surrounding trees.

Accessible Via NLEX

The resort and events place venue’s close proximity to Metro Manila via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) makes it an emerging Bulacan attraction that’s not only quite accessible but also one that’s loaded with surprises. To begin with, it was where I first experienced riding the Jet Ski – at the 30 ft-deep waters of the AngatRiver– when all this time I though I’d get a hand of it at the beach since I’ve always gravitated towards the sea. It was also where I had my first river cruise.

Glass House Stay

To seal all surprises with the most surprising experience of it all, it was also my first booked glass house, a unique accommodation concept of the owner whose penchant for the construction industry enabled him to collaborate with various suppliers. He managed to build a network of trusted consultants who supported his vision for the perfect forest-inspired cottage that reflects the outdoor beauty of nature inside the confines of the guesthouse. In his own words, waking up inside one is supposed to feel like “waking in the middle of the forest.”

Sensational Meals

During my stay, the resort’s F&B facility or restaurant has not been opened yet, so I had to pre-arrange with its staff all the meals that had to be served. I distinctly remember feeling relaxed having a welcome lunch at the front porch of my booked glass house. Fenced by a well-manicured garden, the dining experience felt very private. For dinner, I had a candlelight setup at the poolside while breakfast was sensational in another part of the pool that has a direct view of the river where I spotted locals in their usual morning routine of fishing. The second day’s lunch – still al fresco-style -- was surprisingly set up in the middle of the resort’s open space near the events venue.

ATV, Jet Ski, Kayak, River Cruise and More

SRRA is also starting to be a favorite venue among large group guests who are out on company outings. A team-building activity area has been dedicated for this specific purpose along with the other various adventure attractions (kayak, ATV, Jet Ski, boating and paddleboard).

The river cruise alone can accommodate a large number of people and is something that I've tested to be interesting to experience with other people since the cruise I was scheduled gave me the chance to rub elbows with balikbayan visitors from the US. Over a decent meal of various local Bulacan delicacies, we spent our lunch aboard the floating diner being tugged along the river by some sort of speedboat to revel in the pleasant scenery that culminated in the viewing of the nearby islet which locals call Dela Fuente Island.

The Philippines has more than just beach attractions and SRRA is proof that a river and forest-inspired destination can be worth my weekend. Heck, I don't mind returning there even on a weekday!

If San Rafael River Adventure is any indication of Bulacan’s mettle for tourism, then rushing to the province suddenly makes for an attractive getaway. Bearing the 2 to 3 hour-drive along the highway is definitely way better than getting stuck in traffic anywhere in Luzon. At least, at the end of your journey, you have the option to relax, have fun or revel in nature that the humble town of the province has to offer.

Check accommodation rates here.

Watch my fun ride of the Jet Ski:

San RafaelRiver Adventure

Official website of San Rafael River Adventure

Address: Brgy. Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines

Phone:(63) 936-202-3352 or (63) 917-885-6761 or (63) 917-924-4546

Email: info@srra.ph

More Photos Below:

Angat River attraction

The courtyard of the St. John of God Parish Church

B U L A C A N

G E T A W A Y

San Rafael is a town in the Philippineswhich shares a violent history with the rest of the country on two remarkable occasions -- during the Spanish colonization and towards the end of World War II. It was at San Juan de Dios Church (St. John of God Parish) where a battle ensued between Spanish Cazadores and local insurgents (including women and children) of the town that resulted in a blood bath of almost 800 Filipino bodies. In another incident decades after, Japanese soldiers unsparingly detonated dynamite-tied bodies of local captives in dire fear of being overtaken by American troops who landed in the distant province of Leyte.

The modern day town of Bulacannow sits at peace with its past and at a close proximity to Metro Manila, roughly 2 hours by private car. Everything that the brutal past glorified, its locals no longer romanticize. They merely continue to learn from it. As a matter of fact, a so-called Angel Festival is being celebrated every September 29 to promote benevolence among residents in honor of the Christian faith’s Seven Archangels, namely Raphael, Gabriel, Michael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel and Saraqael. The festival eventually culminates with a parade of heavenly-looking kids in angel costumes.

Floating Diner at Angat River

St. John of God Parish Church

Local tourists in other places may dismiss the whole province to not be worth one’s visit only because they are yet to learn of San Rafael. You’ll be surprised that there are actually a lot of things to enjoy in this river town as I experienced during my spontaneous weekend visit.

How did I enjoy my recent visit of San Rafael?

Reflecting At The Historical St. Johnof God Parish

While recently booked at the gorgeous Glass House of the newly-opened San Rafael River Adventure, I was encouraged by its staff to visit the nearby church since my arrival was on a Sunday.

Countryside ATV

The church is a 10-minute drive away from the resort. I was told that it’s next to the local market where I planned to buy fruits for my companion for lunch since the resort restaurant is still being built. Unfortunately, the market was closed. The church, however, was still open for a scheduled wedding ceremony. Had I known that there was a museum next to the church, I certainly would have checked it out also. I ended up just walking around the patio or courtyard behind the museum.

I would later on learn from the resort staff that I should have also checked out a space off the side of the convent where a mysterious blood-stained wall is being referred to by locals as a remembrance of the Noli Me Tangere character, Crispin (mentioned in Jose Rizal’s famous novel) which they believe to be a real person tortured to death in the area.

It will be interesting to revisit the town this September 29 for the Angel Festival to witness the parade of kids in angelic costumes.

Riding the ATV in San Rafael

Jet Ski ride at Angat River

Riding A Watercraft At AngatRiverand ATV In The Countryside

AngatRiver is estimated to be 30 feet deep which makes it placid. It runs through the town of San Rafael separating one barangay from another over a distance of a kilometre. It’s where locals routinely fish in the morning as I witnessed during my ride of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) next to the riverbanks. I also saw a few more locals fishing when I rode the Jet Ski from the dock of the San Rafael River Adventure. On foot from dry land, the river is picturesque in the golden hours of the day.

Enjoying A River Cruise

Another way to experience the placid AngatRiveris over a delicious meal of Bulacan delicacies (sticky sweets like Sapin-sapin and Kalamay) aboard the floating diner of the San Rafael River Adventure. The intrepid dining experience is the only river cruise in this part of Luzon because the body of water of the town is still considered clean and pleasant to traverse. The river cruise is safe as passengers are required to wear lifejackets and there’s a restroom for emergencies. Also, there’s a crew on board with a speed boat tugging the entire shebang. The ride culminates with a view of a nearby a habitable islet that locals refer to as DelaFuenteIsland.

San Rafael River Adventure

The next time you’re heading to BaguioCity or anywhere in Central Luzon for a spontaneous getaway, make a side trip to Bulacan’s San Rafael. You’ll be surprised to discover that you can consider it to be your destination instead.

Where To Stay In San Rafael?

Check out my review of San Rafael River Adventurehere.

Check out my visit of 8 Waveshere.

The infinity pool at San Rafael River Adventure

P A N G A S I N A N

A D V E N T U R E

A dear friend -- a fellow traveler -- discouraged me to visit Patar when he found out I was planning of checking out the beach there in Pangasinan. He reckoned that there’s really nothing to see. The beach scene, he opined, is pedestrian at best. And I noticed that he did not take fancy to the presence of rock formations there since he mentioned it also in sheer disgust along with the rugged road. I thought differently though. Instead, I was compelled to visit Bolinao but not really the famous rock formation itself. I was more interested to check out the long strip of fine pink sand beachfront that starts from the still-to-be-completed road to the far bend of the shoreline’s stretch. I did learn that the road to the village was only partially completed last December, 2014 as there’s still a good distance of rugged pathway to be decently paved and it’s where my booked accommodation is located – the relatively new G Beach Resort.

Unfazed by the contention of my friend, I headed out to the province of Pangasinan aboard an Alaminos-bound Victory Liner bus from EDSA because I couldn’t wait for the still-to-be scheduled direct bus to Bolinao. Six hours later, I arrived in Alaminos for an overnight layover. I took the first ordinary bus the next morning to my target destination and endured one more hour of waiting to see the beach. I honestly thought that since the road to Patar is close to completion, I’d reach my resort in just a few minutes. The resulting tricycle ride to the village from the town proper of Bolinao turned out to still be 45 minutes in total. I can just imagine the disgust that my friend experienced years ago riding that same tricycle on rugged terrain for probably two hours.

My booked room that's good for 4 to 6 guests

The infinity pool in the afternoon

A siren guards the beachfront

Solitary Weekday

As with most of my getaways, my check-in at G Beach Resort was on a weekday. As a result, I had the place all to myself. It’s not that big anyway. It has a private villa charm as there’s only one main structure wherein all the rooms are on the second floor and the restaurant is at the ground floor. Since the property is located on a descending terrain to the beachfront, it did not require a necessary fence. This enabled the owner to install an infinity pool that looks out to the beach with a partially obstructed view of the sea. For that matter, there are a few trees that frame the view. Non-guests can simply walk at the beach and walk straight to the restaurant to dine if they want to.

Señorito For Two Days

Wi-Fi access was strong anywhere at the resort. My full-board meals tasted divine for a lone guest. I particularly loved the design of the infinity pool where it's simply divided into two sections -- one for adults and one for kids. The kiddie section was splendid for just reclining on my back and resting my nape against the pool division. It was just shallow enough to have the rest of my body submerged in pool water.

Fine Pink Sand Beachfront

I did not waste time after check-in as I immediately went to the beach to sunbathe. At this part of Patar which is roughly 20 minutes away from the famous rock formation, there’s more sand than rock. There’s still a few number of coralline rocks jutting out of the sand, but the stretch of fine pink sand outnumbers the rockscape for lack of a better term.

Body scrub, anyone?

Full-board meals

Dramatic and Picturesque

At the onset, I noticed the character of the beach. It has flair for drama. Every now and then there’s a splash of waves against stubborn rocks, an outburst that grabs a beachgoer’s attention like an evocative painting. The pristine stretch of sandy beachfront is interrupted by an interesting rock expanse in one spot and a boulder of a rock formation in another. In between, there’s an uneven space of spikes that prick your bare feet. Since the only structure in sight’s my booked resort (another resort next to it is under construction as of this writing), most of the land fronting the beach is uninhabited and highly vegetated at that. All in all, this part of the town is simply picturesque!

The sandy beach becomes deceptively golden from a distance as it gleams against the rays of the setting sun in the late afternoon. This scene is probably the inspiration behind the name of the beach resort. Either that or because the owner is named Gener.

Large Group Exclusivity and Tent Rentals

I learned from the owner (an attorney who owns another resort in Pampanga) that the resort is becoming popular with large group guests who prefer to rent the whole resort for an exclusive experience.

They also accept intrepid guests who just want to rent tents and pitch them at the beachfront.

The view from a boulder of a rock formation which I scaled

The resort restaurant that's open even to non-guests

Lunch setup at the gazebo

Rock Formation Moment

My favorite experience of PatarBeachis taking my reclusive spot on top of a boulder of a rock formation that sits on its lonesome at the beachfront. It’s a 15-minute stroll from the resort and scaling it required that I put on my brand new pair of Atunas aqua shoes to avoid being pricked by the pointed surface of the rocks. At first I simply stood in amazement, roughly 15 feet from the sandy beach below where waves of azure waters were crashing against the natural bastion. With closed eyes, I imbibed the benevolence of the breeze up there. From a distance, I spotted a few locals heading out in the open sea to haul in some fresh catch. Veering from left to right, I did not see a single soul. It was just me and nature. It was then when I finally sat and relaxed. An hour more of idleness and soon I was down that boulder and strolling back to my booked resort.

More Patar Attractions

Before checking out, I had the chance to tour the town's Enchanted Cave and the other rock formation that most tourists flock to, plus the famous Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. Read more about these attractions on this blog soon.

Soon, I was on my way home. Aboard a Cubao-bound Dagupan Bus from the town proper of Bolinao, I was grinning against the passenger window. I couldn’t help dispute the contention of my friend. Every experience can be different to each person anyway. This one with me in Patar was memorable for being exuberant and pacific at the same. If anything, it's golden. Definitely not pedestrian at all.

Check out the group and tent rental rates here.

G Beach Resort

Official website of G Beach Resort

Address: Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines

Phone: +63(45) 966-0738 or +63(45) 966-3826

Mobile: (Smart) 0918-926-3909 or (Globe) 0917-938-0804 or 0999-990-9689 or 0929-806-8335

Email: gbeachresort@gmail.com

More Photos Below:

The resort at night

The spacious bathroom of my booked accommodation

The view from the villa's common veranda

The famous Patar rock formation that's approximately 20 minutes away from the resort

The foot of the beachfront rock formation that I scaled

My travel buddy at the beachfront

Atop the boulder of a rock formation at the beachfront a distance away from the resort

A M A Z I N G

A D V E N T U R E

F O O T W E A R

I had a few beach destinations scheduled when the news about a local tourist by the name of Miguel Ruizsurfaced online and on TV. It had something to do with him accidentally stepping on a dangerous stonefish, a venomous fish that deceptively looks like a coral. The terrible accident led to his death after suffering for a few minutes of heavy breathing and frothing in the mouth. The unfortunate incident happened during his island-hopping with other tourists.

Immediately, I was compelled to own a pair of aqua shoes or water shoes to protect myself from any similar incident since I had a beach-filled schedule ahead of me. I could have gotten any of those affordable ones being sold at the mall for less than P300 but I knew Atunas to be a trusted brand when it comes to such type of footwear, so I was only more than satisfied to know that it's locally available at Toby's Sports. For a little less than a thousand pesos, I had the protection I needed... at least in theory.

Off To Patar Beach

To put the pair of aqua shoes to test, I brought it with me to the coastal town of Bolinao where I strolled the rock-filled beach of Patar, a sleepy village in Pangasinan. Since the shoreline is studded with coralline rocks, it was the perfect environment to test the mettle of the footwear.

Easy To Step Into and Remove

At the fine pink sand of Patar Beach, I had no problem walking with the pair of Atunas. It was easy-peasy. I decided to take it off for awhile since I wanted to feel the natural bead-like sand of the beach against the underside of my feet. The body scrub effect was soothing. Thank goodness, the shoes were easy to remove.

They were as equally easy to step into as well. I simply had to slide in each foot. Then, voilà, instant protection from pointy rocks jutting out of the sandy beach! Since majority of the shoes' exposed parts like the toe cap is made of mesh, the layering is soft. It does have a hard sole for the reliable protection from rocky surfaces.

Outdoor Protection

It's also supposed to prevent cuts and abrasions which was effective when I scaled a massive beachfront rock formation. Had I not worn them for it, I would have incurred cuts and bruises. A conventional pair of slippers could have done the trick as well, but scaling something like it required that I emerge from the beach where it was wet so the effort was a bit slippery. With the pair of Atunas aqua shoes, there was no chance of slipping.

When I was done with beach-strolling, all I needed to do was to let it dry under the sun. Since it's mostly made of mesh, I simply folded it to fit a narrow space inside my backpack.

Check out my Patar Beachblog posthere.

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