Good place to stay in the city. Staffs are friendly and easy to approach. Room is clean though not well maintained. But I can still say safe and comfortable to stay in. The place is near church, mall, dinner and other accommodation.
It’s all worth the payment.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Best Place to Stay in Panglao Island
Part of Panglao Island Trip
One word to describe the place: excellent. Amorita is one of the best places to stay in Panglao Island. One reason personalized service and staff are friendly and genuinely amicable. They always make sure that they inform us before entering the villa – rang doorbell, call out names, etc. They make sure we are taken care off. Also they offer extra mile to their guest like cooking us the Egg Benedict for breakfast which is not on their menu.
Area. The lobby is simple as well as the villa yet there is a class look on it. Also they use wood product to accentuate the place. It is not big place compared to other high end resorts in the island yet the rooms and the patio are significantly placed that makes the place seems a big place to roam. Also there is tight security whenever one left the area going to the Panglao shore.
Room. The room is well maintained. They bed is well prepared upon entering the
villa yet they removed after a few hours from arriving. Seems it’s just for presentation. There are lots of pillows of different sizes which I like a lot since I love to be surrounded by pillows. The bed is good for sleeping at any position (no back ache in the morning) and the pillows are soft enough for the head and hugging. There is one cabinet with security box for the clothes to hang and a small are beside it for sitting or for placing bags. I also love the spacious open area for bathroom that can be access from inside the room and from a backdoor to avoid wetting the room.
Here are my three downsides with Amorita. First is location. They are at the end of the island thus they don’t have private or even small beach area. Guest like us can only enjoy the view with the infinity pool inside the resort. Next, they could have added few more hangers where we can put clothes that need to be hanged. Last, it is too pricey that one must really save to be able to stay here.
Overall, my stay here is beyond my expectation and worth every peso. Wish I can stay here again for my next visit in Panglao.
One word to describe the place: excellent. Amorita is one of the best places to stay in Panglao Island. One reason personalized service and staff are friendly and genuinely amicable. They always make sure that they inform us before entering the villa – rang doorbell, call out names, etc. They make sure we are taken care off. Also they offer extra mile to their guest like cooking us the Egg Benedict for breakfast which is not on their menu.
Area. The lobby is simple as well as the villa yet there is a class look on it. Also they use wood product to accentuate the place. It is not big place compared to other high end resorts in the island yet the rooms and the patio are significantly placed that makes the place seems a big place to roam. Also there is tight security whenever one left the area going to the Panglao shore.
Room. The room is well maintained. They bed is well prepared upon entering the
villa yet they removed after a few hours from arriving. Seems it’s just for presentation. There are lots of pillows of different sizes which I like a lot since I love to be surrounded by pillows. The bed is good for sleeping at any position (no back ache in the morning) and the pillows are soft enough for the head and hugging. There is one cabinet with security box for the clothes to hang and a small are beside it for sitting or for placing bags. I also love the spacious open area for bathroom that can be access from inside the room and from a backdoor to avoid wetting the room.
Here are my three downsides with Amorita. First is location. They are at the end of the island thus they don’t have private or even small beach area. Guest like us can only enjoy the view with the infinity pool inside the resort. Next, they could have added few more hangers where we can put clothes that need to be hanged. Last, it is too pricey that one must really save to be able to stay here.
Overall, my stay here is beyond my expectation and worth every peso. Wish I can stay here again for my next visit in Panglao.
Chilling at Martin’s Music Resto-Bar
Bohol 2011 Trip - Day 2
Nights in Tagbilran seems to be super quiet. It reminds me a lot of the nights I spent in Batangas. There are fewer places to go at night except for few cafes and coffee shops unless you want a trip in Panglao Island or high end resorts far from the city proper for night life. But we are lucky the trike driver pointed us to Martin’s Music Resto-Bar.
Upon arrival at corner of Gallares and M.H. Del Pilar Streets, it seems like it’s just another lonely street with old style houses and few closed establishments. We hesitated to enter the door pointed to us until a guard confirmed of the bar upstairs and few other locals entering the same door. Or maybe we didn’t notice the place since we are not familiar with it. Also the sign outside is small and not well lighted.
So there we go and proceeded on to the 2nd floor. I expected a small room with few people drinking and chatting. I’m surprise to see a huge area with a small bar on the corner and lots of tables gathered around and a small stage in front. Also a number of people are there happily chatting, drinking and listens to the band playing acoustic songs. First assessment, the bar is like Payag Restaurant – an old house made mostly with wood converted into business. They use old style tables and chairs and one can still the capiz shells on the closed windows for a comfy effect (Sorry I am too noosy even on small details :D). Also they use native products to cover the lights on the ceiling. Another thing is the place is not noisy despite the band playing and that one can easily talk over the sounds.
Foods and drinks. There are few selections on international drinks on the menu. I guess these is due to most guests are locals. But there are lots for San Miguel products served iced cold (seems it is taken out of a freezer) and bottles, both filled and empty along the hallway heading to the lady’s room. Food list consists of pica pica like nuts and sisig. Also they offer bucket for beers and tower for draft beer as I have seen on the table near us. Servers are friendly and pay attention to request made for the drinks.
There are 3 downsides for Martin’s Music Resto-Bar. One is they could have a better sign outside the area so it can be distinguish among the house row. Next, they need maintenance on the girl’s room – tissue, cleanliness and it needs air freshener. Lastly, they could have used a better lighting inside the bar.
The place is good to chill and relax just like what I did during the stay in Tagbilaran though me and my friend looks out of place there but I will go back here not just to chill but also get to know the local musicians.
Nights in Tagbilran seems to be super quiet. It reminds me a lot of the nights I spent in Batangas. There are fewer places to go at night except for few cafes and coffee shops unless you want a trip in Panglao Island or high end resorts far from the city proper for night life. But we are lucky the trike driver pointed us to Martin’s Music Resto-Bar.
Upon arrival at corner of Gallares and M.H. Del Pilar Streets, it seems like it’s just another lonely street with old style houses and few closed establishments. We hesitated to enter the door pointed to us until a guard confirmed of the bar upstairs and few other locals entering the same door. Or maybe we didn’t notice the place since we are not familiar with it. Also the sign outside is small and not well lighted.
So there we go and proceeded on to the 2nd floor. I expected a small room with few people drinking and chatting. I’m surprise to see a huge area with a small bar on the corner and lots of tables gathered around and a small stage in front. Also a number of people are there happily chatting, drinking and listens to the band playing acoustic songs. First assessment, the bar is like Payag Restaurant – an old house made mostly with wood converted into business. They use old style tables and chairs and one can still the capiz shells on the closed windows for a comfy effect (Sorry I am too noosy even on small details :D). Also they use native products to cover the lights on the ceiling. Another thing is the place is not noisy despite the band playing and that one can easily talk over the sounds.
Foods and drinks. There are few selections on international drinks on the menu. I guess these is due to most guests are locals. But there are lots for San Miguel products served iced cold (seems it is taken out of a freezer) and bottles, both filled and empty along the hallway heading to the lady’s room. Food list consists of pica pica like nuts and sisig. Also they offer bucket for beers and tower for draft beer as I have seen on the table near us. Servers are friendly and pay attention to request made for the drinks.
There are 3 downsides for Martin’s Music Resto-Bar. One is they could have a better sign outside the area so it can be distinguish among the house row. Next, they need maintenance on the girl’s room – tissue, cleanliness and it needs air freshener. Lastly, they could have used a better lighting inside the bar.
The place is good to chill and relax just like what I did during the stay in Tagbilaran though me and my friend looks out of place there but I will go back here not just to chill but also get to know the local musicians.
Bohol 2011: Panglao Island Trip - Day One
For the last days of the Bohol trip, we stayed in Panglao Island. The island is more of a peninsula, connected by a short bridge from Tagbilaran City and less than an hour drive. The drive is stress free though the cab driver is talkative and asking a lot of questions.
The scenery composed of trees, huts and few cemented yet simple houses meters apart from each and few untouched areas of civilization except for the concrete road. But once you reach the crossroad, it seems you are back on the city. Can be see are lots of restaurants, inns and hotel and various signs on the road. We experience a little traffic cause by many motorbike running, few private and hotel owned vehicles. The area is less reached by cabs unless they are requested to pick guest or for tours in the island.
I can say that the motorbike runs the road here. It’s in every corner of the street. Though I can blame them since there are lots of promotions going on with motor bikes and most people find it easier to own one rather than a bigger vehicle. And I guess another reason is it is much cheaper to fill those little rides with gas (is that correct?).
We asked the drive to drop us at Amorita Resort. We stayed there on the first day on the island for Peter’s birthday celebration. We arrive early before the allowed check in time. The room is not yet prepared thus the receptionist advised us to leave our things and the personnel will transfer it on the room and assigned another person to guide us around the resort. As appointed, the guide explains the different rooms and areas on the resort and more pictures were taken. I can say Amorita is a great place though expensive but its worth the stay here. We roam for an hour before the stomach starts grumbling. A sign we need to eat.
We head to the resort’s restaurant, Saffron, to eat. There’s not much on the menu but few fancy meals. To satisfy my craving for barbeque, I ordered grilled liempo with grilled vegies and rice while my friend ordered pasta. They served some bread and dips while waiting for our meal.
Lunch time came and chat time passes then we decided to check the room. He chose to stay at the Ocean View Villa. I’m amazed with the room size though I have seen the photos on the site but never though it will be a really big room. And the view from the room is great thinking we are quite at the last villa – it’s at the very end. I can say somehow worth the payment for it.
Happy time started as we start to celebrate the birthday. It’s a party with champagne and food on a hot afternoon while having a dip plunge pool within the villa. It lasted until sunset. We stop around 8 pm just to head to the beach and eat dinner.
There were few bars along Panglao Island and some offers band that plays acoustic music. After 15 minutes of walking until the last restaurant, me and my friend head to a bistro that served pizza and grilled food. It’s called Hayahay Resort and Restaurant. I order another serving of grilled food while my friend ordered pizza. It was a nice evening as we eat and listen to music from a nearby restaurant. Then we head back to the room and rest.
Another day well spent.
The scenery composed of trees, huts and few cemented yet simple houses meters apart from each and few untouched areas of civilization except for the concrete road. But once you reach the crossroad, it seems you are back on the city. Can be see are lots of restaurants, inns and hotel and various signs on the road. We experience a little traffic cause by many motorbike running, few private and hotel owned vehicles. The area is less reached by cabs unless they are requested to pick guest or for tours in the island.
I can say that the motorbike runs the road here. It’s in every corner of the street. Though I can blame them since there are lots of promotions going on with motor bikes and most people find it easier to own one rather than a bigger vehicle. And I guess another reason is it is much cheaper to fill those little rides with gas (is that correct?).
We asked the drive to drop us at Amorita Resort. We stayed there on the first day on the island for Peter’s birthday celebration. We arrive early before the allowed check in time. The room is not yet prepared thus the receptionist advised us to leave our things and the personnel will transfer it on the room and assigned another person to guide us around the resort. As appointed, the guide explains the different rooms and areas on the resort and more pictures were taken. I can say Amorita is a great place though expensive but its worth the stay here. We roam for an hour before the stomach starts grumbling. A sign we need to eat.
We head to the resort’s restaurant, Saffron, to eat. There’s not much on the menu but few fancy meals. To satisfy my craving for barbeque, I ordered grilled liempo with grilled vegies and rice while my friend ordered pasta. They served some bread and dips while waiting for our meal.
Lunch time came and chat time passes then we decided to check the room. He chose to stay at the Ocean View Villa. I’m amazed with the room size though I have seen the photos on the site but never though it will be a really big room. And the view from the room is great thinking we are quite at the last villa – it’s at the very end. I can say somehow worth the payment for it.
Happy time started as we start to celebrate the birthday. It’s a party with champagne and food on a hot afternoon while having a dip plunge pool within the villa. It lasted until sunset. We stop around 8 pm just to head to the beach and eat dinner.
There were few bars along Panglao Island and some offers band that plays acoustic music. After 15 minutes of walking until the last restaurant, me and my friend head to a bistro that served pizza and grilled food. It’s called Hayahay Resort and Restaurant. I order another serving of grilled food while my friend ordered pizza. It was a nice evening as we eat and listen to music from a nearby restaurant. Then we head back to the room and rest.
Another day well spent.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Bohol 2011: Delectable Meals at Payag Restaurant
Craving for good and home cooked food away from home? This is one great choice in Tagbilaran. Payag Restaurant offers good variety of food at affordable price. And the staff is friendly and accommodating.
The restaurant is built inside a Spanish styled house. From the outside, the place looks big and overpowering with its all wooden structure though its not that big inside but spacious enough for the tables and chairs and few accessories. You will be greeted with the friendly guard, the welcoming chef statue and a wooden stairs leading to the 2nd floor or the dining area.
The upper part is divided into two: the open area with the view of the street- this one is open for smokers and those who want fresh air and an in closed room which got air-condition area.
The place is decorated with roosters and chicken – found on the table, plates and clock (both dining area) and some old inspired material like old capiz lamp, heavy wood chairs and tables (that reminds me of my lola’s house). The whole place gives you homey relaxing feeling as well as if you were transported to a different era.
The menu offers variety of food which can be shared by 2 people. They offer chicken, pork and seafood cooked in many ways, from stew to fried, from on sticks to sizzling. And the good thing is everything is at affordable price.
The specialty of the house is their Chicken Inato. The meal is just like another version of barbecued chicken which they will probably say has their own special marinade (as all restaurant claims). Out of hunger, I order this since it’s accompanied with unlimited rice offer then I add ripe mango shake for the drinks. The meal is delicious but still I can say there is a different taste between their version compared to the other inato house I’ve eaten. Also the chicken is well cooked and easy to eat (no shreds caught between my teeth) which makes me add another cup of rice for the evening.
Then my friend Peter ordered sizzling gambas along with rice and iced tea for his meal. The gambas is taste great but it’s a bit smaller in portion. Its downside is there is more pepper and other veggies than the shrimp itself (yes you can count the number of shrimp).
Overall, the eating place is one of the superb place I’ve eaten away from my own. Location good; it is walking distance from the St. Joseph Church thus you can stroll a bit after a full meal. Food is great and delectable. It fits well for the people that travels on a budget. I can say it’s highly recommended.
The restaurant is built inside a Spanish styled house. From the outside, the place looks big and overpowering with its all wooden structure though its not that big inside but spacious enough for the tables and chairs and few accessories. You will be greeted with the friendly guard, the welcoming chef statue and a wooden stairs leading to the 2nd floor or the dining area.
The upper part is divided into two: the open area with the view of the street- this one is open for smokers and those who want fresh air and an in closed room which got air-condition area.
The place is decorated with roosters and chicken – found on the table, plates and clock (both dining area) and some old inspired material like old capiz lamp, heavy wood chairs and tables (that reminds me of my lola’s house). The whole place gives you homey relaxing feeling as well as if you were transported to a different era.
The menu offers variety of food which can be shared by 2 people. They offer chicken, pork and seafood cooked in many ways, from stew to fried, from on sticks to sizzling. And the good thing is everything is at affordable price.
The specialty of the house is their Chicken Inato. The meal is just like another version of barbecued chicken which they will probably say has their own special marinade (as all restaurant claims). Out of hunger, I order this since it’s accompanied with unlimited rice offer then I add ripe mango shake for the drinks. The meal is delicious but still I can say there is a different taste between their version compared to the other inato house I’ve eaten. Also the chicken is well cooked and easy to eat (no shreds caught between my teeth) which makes me add another cup of rice for the evening.
Then my friend Peter ordered sizzling gambas along with rice and iced tea for his meal. The gambas is taste great but it’s a bit smaller in portion. Its downside is there is more pepper and other veggies than the shrimp itself (yes you can count the number of shrimp).
Overall, the eating place is one of the superb place I’ve eaten away from my own. Location good; it is walking distance from the St. Joseph Church thus you can stroll a bit after a full meal. Food is great and delectable. It fits well for the people that travels on a budget. I can say it’s highly recommended.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Bohol 2011: Stay in Tagbilaran
Day I
Part 2
It’s almost 5:00 PM when we arrive in Tagbilaran from Manila. The driver is on time and picked us up from the airport.
Outside the airport, I thought it is a not a crowded city but with just few establishments just like most city away fromManila. However the city is crowded. There is traffic, a typical rush hour at 5:00 in the afternoon where offices and school hour end. I can see smog in the area. And the street is filled more with tricycles, followed by jeepneys and few private vehicles.
It took more than 30 minutes to travel from the airport to our hotel. We decided to stay in Christcentville hotel in the city for easier country side tour. It took a couple of minutes to register in the check since they thought me and my friend Peter have different reservation. Then we decided to rest for an hour before we ate dinner.
After a few debate on where and what to have, we decided to have our first dinner in Payag. The restaurant is around 15 minutes away from the hotel but we decided to ride a trike out of laziness. On first, you won’t recognize it as a restaurant since it was built on an old house except if you notice the sign. The street heading to the restaurant is well lighted and the trike driver is friendly and accommodating. He even informed us it is safe to walk around the city even at night (which is true).
We stayed and eat for more than hour before we head home. It's quite hard to find a trike heading home since most province people sleeps earlier. Then we ask driver to stop at St. Joseph Church that is along the way. It’s beautiful with all lights lit up when we pass on it earlier due to the wedding being held (and I wish we stop before than after). After few photos we head back and call it a day. I am too sleepy and tired to do anything except to clean up before sleeping (vain girl :D).
Review for Payag Restaurant at this link http://lablitawanders.blogspot.com/2011/06/delectable-meals-at-payag-restaurant.html
Review for Chriscent Ville Pension house at this link http://lablitawanders.blogspot.com/2011/06/chriscent-ville-pension-house.html
Part 2
It’s almost 5:00 PM when we arrive in Tagbilaran from Manila. The driver is on time and picked us up from the airport.
Outside the airport, I thought it is a not a crowded city but with just few establishments just like most city away fromManila. However the city is crowded. There is traffic, a typical rush hour at 5:00 in the afternoon where offices and school hour end. I can see smog in the area. And the street is filled more with tricycles, followed by jeepneys and few private vehicles.
It took more than 30 minutes to travel from the airport to our hotel. We decided to stay in Christcentville hotel in the city for easier country side tour. It took a couple of minutes to register in the check since they thought me and my friend Peter have different reservation. Then we decided to rest for an hour before we ate dinner.
After a few debate on where and what to have, we decided to have our first dinner in Payag. The restaurant is around 15 minutes away from the hotel but we decided to ride a trike out of laziness. On first, you won’t recognize it as a restaurant since it was built on an old house except if you notice the sign. The street heading to the restaurant is well lighted and the trike driver is friendly and accommodating. He even informed us it is safe to walk around the city even at night (which is true).
We stayed and eat for more than hour before we head home. It's quite hard to find a trike heading home since most province people sleeps earlier. Then we ask driver to stop at St. Joseph Church that is along the way. It’s beautiful with all lights lit up when we pass on it earlier due to the wedding being held (and I wish we stop before than after). After few photos we head back and call it a day. I am too sleepy and tired to do anything except to clean up before sleeping (vain girl :D).
Review for Payag Restaurant at this link http://lablitawanders.blogspot.com/2011/06/delectable-meals-at-payag-restaurant.html
Review for Chriscent Ville Pension house at this link http://lablitawanders.blogspot.com/2011/06/chriscent-ville-pension-house.html
Bohol, Here I Come!
Bohol Trip 2011 Day I
Bohol is known for Chocolate Hills and the treaty between the Spaniards and natives during the Spanish regime as I’ve studied in history classes during my elementary and high school days. But as times goes, there are many other place in the area that started to be recognized as attractions. And with this trip, I am going to visit some of those places.
It took almost 2 months to plan and schedule the trip. It is not easy since to take a leave from work for two reasons. One is knowing you will get back log and the other is budget. However it does not hinder me to stop the trip; though I need to work out my schedule and ask my bosses at least a month ahead regarding the trip (it’s not easy for VL approval).
Fist step is buy the ticket. Once the flight is booked, the next thing I did is to search on all places to visit and fit them on the 4 days stay inBohol. Me and my friend Peter decided to make 2 days stay in Tagbilaran and the remaining days in Panglao area. Then we try to check on the list to able to cover as many places as we can. Then pack my bag – clothes and necessities (girls, girls).
Our flight is 3:00 in the afternoon. I need to do almost a double shift on that day (it was Friday) to complete my work load. From work, I went home to get my bag and went back toMakatito pick Peter from his apartelle then go straight to the airport hoping not to be late. I am a bit groggy from lack of sleep but still excited for the trip.
We arrive in Tagbilaran Airport after 1.5 hours though I’m sleeping most of the flight. Lucky there is no delay knowing there is a low pressure coming to the Philippines.
Bohol is known for Chocolate Hills and the treaty between the Spaniards and natives during the Spanish regime as I’ve studied in history classes during my elementary and high school days. But as times goes, there are many other place in the area that started to be recognized as attractions. And with this trip, I am going to visit some of those places.
It took almost 2 months to plan and schedule the trip. It is not easy since to take a leave from work for two reasons. One is knowing you will get back log and the other is budget. However it does not hinder me to stop the trip; though I need to work out my schedule and ask my bosses at least a month ahead regarding the trip (it’s not easy for VL approval).
Fist step is buy the ticket. Once the flight is booked, the next thing I did is to search on all places to visit and fit them on the 4 days stay inBohol. Me and my friend Peter decided to make 2 days stay in Tagbilaran and the remaining days in Panglao area. Then we try to check on the list to able to cover as many places as we can. Then pack my bag – clothes and necessities (girls, girls).
Our flight is 3:00 in the afternoon. I need to do almost a double shift on that day (it was Friday) to complete my work load. From work, I went home to get my bag and went back toMakatito pick Peter from his apartelle then go straight to the airport hoping not to be late. I am a bit groggy from lack of sleep but still excited for the trip.
We arrive in Tagbilaran Airport after 1.5 hours though I’m sleeping most of the flight. Lucky there is no delay knowing there is a low pressure coming to the Philippines.
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