Bacolod City 2017| Campuestohan Highland Resort

happened on Sept. 23, 2017

Just a 20 min. land travel from the city is this mountain resort.  It is still a work in progress but with a lot of attractions to offer already.  Entrance fee is only Php150.00 per person; inlcuding entrance to the swimming pools.  You still have to pay additional fees for other attractions and cottages. 

there's King Kong

What's good about this resort is that it is located at the mountain foot so the weather is quite cool and have the whole Bacolod City as backdrop.

mountains touching the clouds

behind is the whole view of Bacolod City

You can opt for staying for an overnight, few days or just a day tour.  Bringing of foods is allowed.  There are shopping cards that you can use for your stuffs since parking area is far from the pool and resting areas.

Bacolod 2017| Ultimate Food Haven

happened on Sept. 18-29, 2017

I never thought that revisiting Bacolod will happen sooner than I expected.  I first visited this place last 2015 and vowed to come back for more.  When my work assignment in Cebu was cancelled, it was replaced by Bacolod.  So, I got two weeks to discover the "land of smiles" more.  It would be greater if I'm here during the Masskara festival but I'm sure no work will be done if I did that hehehehe.

the floating restaurants in balaring, silay city

Since it's a work related travel, I can only spare my office breaks and the weekend.  The only thing that I can enjoy much as I can is food tripping since this place is also being flocked by food lovers.   Bacolod is a food haven as it offers delectable meals at very affordable prices.  The quality of foods is at par with what they are offering in the high end dining areas here in the metro sans the hefty prices.  Unfortunately, I still didn't able to try all the highly recommended restaurants and eateries here as they are a plenty.  I have another reason to come back ^-^.

MO2 Westown stair

So let's begin with the food journey.  This is not according to rank of who is the best.  Most of the restaurants are located in Lacson St., where the Maskarra parade is being held.  Come third week of October, this will be no longer open to vehicles.  Apologies for not having the restaurants pictures.  Just enjoy the food porn though ^_^.

1. 21 Restaurant, along Lacson St. - it is one of my favorites; offering Filipino and fusion comfort food.  The ambiance is like fine dining but the prices of the food is super affordable.  We ate here for three times.  Yep, it is that good!

tasty ribs

Malayan Plaza Hotel

happened on Aug. 26 and Sept. 1 respectively

view of the serviced hotel from the open parking area

When you are a traveler a.k.a. "gala"; long weekends automatically mean a getaway from home.  It's a good coincidence that Aug. 28 and Sept. 1 became non-working holidays as I already have an advanced booking for the shower party of dear friend A.  An additional rest day is a perfect timing!

Reservation was made through Booking.com with an option to pay later and free cancellation.  Booking.com is a very helpful site for your vacation, travel and staycation plans.  It is one of the best tools available for any travel plan.  You can just reserve without any down payment.  This way, you will be able to choose the best accommodation till your scheduled vacation is due.

I was able to get a one bedroom deluxe for only Php3,200.00 (inclusive of all taxes and charges) for an overnight stay on Aug. 26 (good for 2-3 persons).  We booked again (with different set of friends this time) for a superior two bedroom apartment for only almost Php4,000.00 for Sept. 1-2 accommodation (good for 4-6 persons).

I was surprised that with the affordable price, it doesn't sacrifice the space and some amenities included.  There is a hair dryer and cooking utensils but no plates and cuttleries provided.  Basic set of toiletties is also included.

The beds and pillows are fluffy and soft.  I had an amazing sleeping experience here.

Its advantage from other hotels within Ortigas is its very strategic location.  It's adjacent to Podium and walking distance from Megamall and Robinson's.  It also has a Mini Stop and Pancake House at the ground floor. 

This is the spacious lobby:

For the superior two bedroom apartment:

smoking area

the kitchen

the small pool

the playroom

For more information, please check their website www.themalayanplazahotel.com.

Pasig City| Aruga by the Grove

happened last April 6-7, 2017

the reception area where you'll check-in

Since my mom is away from home for the Holy Week, it's was an opportunity for me to break the tradition of spending it in my hometown.  It's not that I don't enjoy going home; I just want to spend it in a cooler place just lazing around.  You know how scorching hot it is during this holiday.

showing my nail polish ; )

It was a perfect timing that hubby's company had a promo for Aruga Service Apartments with almost 70% discount on the accomodations with complimentary breakfasts for four.  Added bonus is that no pre payment needed till the date of stay.

The main advantage of this place is the location.  It's very near Ortigas commercial complex.  You can easily go to the shopping district.  Second, there is a food hub at the entrance.  There is Starbucks, Pie, etc.  There is a handful of choices to choose from.  The apartment is also equipped with kitchen needs if you are on the budgeting mode.  Last but not the least, the big pool area.  It also has a pathway for pets and just simply strolling around.

an artwork in the lobby where we were bileted

Rizal| Masungi Georeserve Trail

happened on March 2, 2017.. warning: photo heavy post

At my age, I should be very selective on the activities that I will join in.  As much as possible, I wanted to avoid straneous activities since my bones are more brittle now and I no longer have the same endurance and stamina that I used to have during my 20s and 30s.  But everyone on their 40s says that it's the time you'll realize that there are things that you wanted to at least try before you die.  You'll start creating the bucket list and determined to tick off each item (on the list).  You intend to be more courageous to face the thrills and challenging adventures.  I don't even know where the determination comes from; maybe dying without experiencing what life has to offer.  So, I'm also one of those who joined the bandwagon of creating "things to do before I die" list.

descending the giant duyan

Masungi Georeserve has been on my bucket list for so long but I was not aware how hard the trail is or what the courses are.  Fortunately, an ex-officemate invited my friend to complete their group.  It was out of the whim decision to join together with hubby and some other friends.  A group of 14 "almost not strangers" was formed. We got the 7:30AM schedule.  The full trail will take about 3-4 hours but depending on your pace.  It took us 6 hours and took a lot of time resting and taking pictures.  Mahirap pag madaming senior citizens ^-^.

Finding the location is quite hard as the signage is small and just a symbol.  There is only an open chicken fence and some parked vehicles to know that we are on the right location but still, we travelled past it and have to return. Don't rely on Waze too much as the mobile signals here are so weak and intermitent.

just look for km47 in Waze

Some important information before the trail:

1. Strictly by reservation only.  Weekday rate: Php1400.00  Weekend Rate: Php1800.00
Minimum group members: 7 pax  Maximum group members: 15 pax
Age limit: must be at least 13 years old and above
Please visit http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/ for reservations and more information.
Full payment must be deposited for confirmation.

2. Important things to bring - as much as possible wear light clothes and bring only the necessities - water, trail mix or light snacks, towel and a rain jacket.  Your shoes must also be fit for climbing and walking.

We walked for about 15 mins. going to the receiving and briefing area - Silungan.  Walking is very refreshing while enjoying the mountain scenery.

Orientation took around 30 mins. with the do's and don'ts and some important reminders.  We were given helmets and introduced to our guide.  We were also brief of its history and advocation.  I'm grateful for this kind of people; protecting nature for the next generation.  BTW, the guides here are the locals.

Boracay 2017| Station 1 Bystanders

happened on May 26, 2017

You didn't go to Boracay if you have not visited Station 1.  For those who are not yet aware of Boracay: it is an island divided into 3 stations namely S1, S2 and S3 based on the quality of the sand.  Station 1 has the finest powdery quality so it's a different experience walking on its shore.  Station 2 is in between and with lots of commerical establishments while Station 3 offers cheaper accommodation and dining options.  So far, Station 3 has the cleanest waters with minimum algae presence.

After our ATV and Puka beach activities, we decided to spend the remaining hours before sunset in Station 1.  We just stayed infront of Elizalde's property and people watch.  This is the best part to laze around with trees providing shades from the sun.

The smaller kids played with sand while the older ones swam and tried surfing.  The adults swam and chit chat while drinking the famous Jonas shakes.  Some of the kids went for banana boat ride.

We love looking at the sea and people doing all sort of beach activities.  It's just peaceful and calming.  We didn't even spend much money to have this kind of fun.  This is Boracay is all about - walking, swimming, eating, people watching, sunset watching and best of all  - having fun with loved ones and escaping reality for a while.