Category: Hotels

Chill out at The Circle Hostel, La Union

It’s always refreshing to stay in a place that makes you feel like a kid again. A place where you can find wooden treehouses and swings instead of the usual cold steel, leather couches and glass windows in most hotels. A place where anyone can take a nap in a hammock any time you want and the only walls dividing your bunk bed from your neighbors’ are see-through mosquito nets. A place that’s just walking distance from the beach, where you can just fall asleep on the sand while stargazing if the electricity unexpectedly goes out.

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Travel Guide: Calayan Island, Cagayan

My trip to the Calayan group of islands in Cagayan was an unexpected surprise. I’m really thankful for the invitation of Lakad Pilipinas to visit the elusive island along with other bloggers Juanderful Pinoy, Blissful Guro and the family of photographers we traveled along with.

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Secrets of Sohoton, Bucas Grande Island

“The main entrance and exit is only accessible during low tide” said our guide as our pump boat glided through the water in the dark cave half-submerged in water. The hard hats we had been issued shielded us from the stalactites that hung precariously above our heads. The boatmen expertly maneuvered through the cave entrance towards a pinprick of light that slowly opened up into a vast lagoon. I stared in awe at the stunning landscape I saw before me.

We had just entered Sohoton Cove, a natural haven that is the pride of Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte. Continue reading “Secrets of Sohoton, Bucas Grande Island”

Backpacker Haven in Manila: MNL Boutique Hostel

With its comfortable rooms, convenient location and hip vibe, MNL Boutique Hostel is an ideal place for backpackers to spend a night or two in Manila.

LOCATION

The hostel is centrally located near Makati’s tourist center, right behind a mall, with banks, convenience stores, embassies and easy modes of transportation just around the corner. But what sets it apart is its fun vibe that just oozes with character and its mission to let travelers experience local Pinoy culture and hospitality at its best.

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Baybay Beach & Grand Gazebo in Capiz

Baybay Beach in Roxas City, Capiz is popular weekend spot for locals and visitors from nearby towns and provinces. With its seven-kilometer long stretch of sugar-fine glittery black sand and relatively calm waters, the beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and skimboarding.

During a trip to Capiz last December, we had a jam-packed schedule, covering the Sinadya sa Halaran Festival, visiting waterfalls, caves and various pilgrimage sites. It was nice to take a breather and just enjoy the refreshing see breeze at the beach. Continue reading “Baybay Beach & Grand Gazebo in Capiz”

A Taste of Baguio: Paseo Rizal Mayagay

From the wide windows of the main restaurant, the grove of pine trees and the rolling hills in the distance looked almost Baguio-like. In one corner of the rustic building made of wood and bricks, was a rocking chair in front of a fireplace. The sound of crickets chirping mingled with the tinkling of wooden chimes swaying with the mountain breeze.

It’s hard to believe that Paseo Rizal Mayagay in Tanay, Rizal is just an hour and half’s drive from Manila. Before we left, I was sweltering in the heat of Quezon City. That same afternoon and evening, I regretted not bringing a jacket. Continue reading “A Taste of Baguio: Paseo Rizal Mayagay”

Hotel-Hopping in the North (Take 2)

The year is about to end and I still haven’t finished writing about Lakbay Norte 3, the 8-day media tour of the Northern Philippines. Aside from all the activities, the restaurants we ate in and hotels we stayed in played a huge part in making the trip so great. In the tradition of my hotel-hopping post for Lakbay Norte 2 (which kick-started my whole key collection), here’s a quick rundown of the different hotels we stayed in during the trip for LN3.

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Solo Tripping in Surigao City

It feels strange to be sitting still in front of the computer back in Manila after several days of being constantly on the move. During a very unplanned solo trip last week, I found myself hopping from plane to jeep to boat to van to bus to habal-habal with no clear itinerary, making decisions on the fly, encountering very helpful people on the road, and ending up in places both weird and wonderful.

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Casa Corazon: Motorcycle Museum in Batangas

After our Lenten ride to an orphanage in Silang, Cavite, we took a short side-trip to motorcycle museum Casa Corazon in Lemery, Batangas.

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5 Tips for Long Road Trips

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of long road trips. My family and I used to regularly drive from Manila to Naga and back for summer and Christmas breaks, which is a trip that lasts from 8 to 12 hours long (one way) depending on our pace. Last year, I also went on several long land trips as a driver (car/motorcycle) and as a passenger (van/bus/car/train). I’d like to share with you a few helpful pointers to survive these road trips.

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