Palawan 2011: Stay at Ysabelle Mansion

Finding a good place on a trip is hard with lots of things to consider –location, amenities and room. But I feel lucky that me and Bernz have the same taste of a “good place” to stay. So during the Puerto Princesa Trip, we opted to stay in Ysabelle Mansion.

Upon arrival at the airport, we are picked up the owner’s husband at the airport with a welcome banner. Quite impressive because other hotels I’ve checked in before does not offer such service. Also they give us a ride back to the airport during our last day.

Once in the hotel, I notice it is clean and nice. It is accentuated with local products to add homey effect. There is small garden and veranda. Also they offer free wi fi connection to its residents. However the place is far from the city proper thus when heading back here, some tricycle drivers ask for payment for PHP 20.00 or more to cover a trip.

Our room is big and spacious. It has television with cable and one lamp. Also they provide Good morning complimentary set – toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo and soap. I can say it’s too big for 2 persons with 2 double beds, though they only add one cabinet to occupants with a couple of hangers. With girls staying, the cabinet won’t fit our clothes thus we opted to use it to house our used clothes. The bed is a little old yet still comfy to sleep on, pillows are small and thin but I can say the sheets and bed cover are still new.

They also have a small restaurant that offers mostly breakfast set with all the sinangag (fried rice) and egg combination with various add on to choice from like tocino, tapa, hotdog and corn beef. And upon checking on the menu, I can say that they prefer to serve local meals but I wish they consider to add other stuff like sandwiches. Also they require pre-order for breakfast meals. The price of the food is expensive and in small portion as I compared to other breakfast I’ve eaten.

The owners are friendly and approachable. I even see them allowed a guest or two to use the computer to book flights. However, the sad part is, some of their staffs are not friendly and not accommodating. I even need to call them twice just to notice me.

Overall, the room is great, service needs improvement (or the staff needs training) however I might think twice staying here again since I prefer a location much nearer to restaurant and stores.

Palawan 2011: Great Food at Kinabuch Bar and Grill Restaurant

Kinabuch Bar and Grill is one of the well-known restaurants in Puerto Princesa City. It is an open bar and restaurant which makes the place relaxing as the cool air flows. They use light material like the one used for nipa huts as well as old styled tables and chairs with few modern add ons (tv and fan on inner dining area) though mostly are made of wood. Members of the staff are very friendly, approachable and accommodating.

Menu wise, they offer a variety of choices from chicken to pork to seafoods plus cooked in sizzling, grilled or with sauce. Also food here is inexpensive yet still delectable (wish I can order another round of the yummy tanique).Food is served fast and hot and in good proportion – good for sharing. They also offer meal set good for one person. Too bad it’s just me and Bernz, eating thus I cannot order many seafood ‘coz she is allergic. Drinks like shakes and soda are a bit expensive but I’ll say that majority of restaurant add extra or double (even triple) the price of drinks (any argument on that?).

They also have a small bar for drinking and chatting. Local drinks are not expensive but the hard ones like vodka and tequila are a bit pricey but not as expensive compared with bars in Boracay. They play soft music for good conversation. There are few games there like darts and billiards or just sit down and watch soccer/sports events on TV and big screen.

Overall, I will definitely dine here again but still won’t try tamilok if I visited Puerto Princesa.

Visit to Less Travelled Area in Quezon

Stressed from work, so a group of peeps from the group (including me) decided to take time to get away from the city. Luckily, our co-worker invited us to join him and his wife during his visit to his mom in Quezon. Everyone agrees so it will be less expense and organizing for everyone though most of us never been there or heard of the place. The only place I know in Quezon is Gumaca (where my relatives are), Lucban and Lucena.

We meet Saturday morning at 10:00 AM in Metropoint, Pasaysince the bus station where we are riding is just a walking distance from it. (Note: Metropoint is at Pasay Rotonda, the intersection ofEDSA Highway andTaft Avenue. The mall is near many bus stations like Philtranco, Victory Liner, Genesis, and Crown Bus Lines to name a few.

Locals Fishing

 

I was advised that the trip will take around 5 hours with 1 bus stop at Lucena Terminal. But the bus have less persons on board thus driver decided to take extra tour and the trip lengthens to 8 hours.

We arrive at my friend’s place at 10:00 PM. Everyone is tired from the trip but we can’t help but eat and drink until the wee the hours of the morning. Then the following day we take a small trip to the port and headed to beach after. Our lunch is so good with fresh tuna and grilled pork and lots of rice.

The trip is fun and so stress-free.

Tidbits on the place where I am heading: SiVisit to Less Travelled Area in Quezonain, Quezon. Siain Quezon is more known as Plaridel Quezon. It is between towns of Atimonan and Gumaca and bounded on the north byLamonBay. There is no problem on the electricity here however they don’t have a water system. Drinking water is ordered while those used for cleaning and bath is from poso or pump.

outport at Siain, Quezon

thinking..

locals fishing the old ways

view from the hut

Coron 2009: Home Away From Home

We stayed at Mommita's Place during our 4 days stay in Coron. It was an old house that is transformed into lodge. The lodge is easy to find since many locals knows the owner and there are nearby stores to buy necessities if necessary. The owner of the house whom we called mamita is very friendly and accommodating. She always makes sure everyone is well tendered. Also she also ask one of her staff to accompany our group for the trips (a big plus to take care of the food and pics :D )

The place have 2 dinning room to accommodate all travelers staying there. The food served is so good and yummy. It was cooked by Tito Lito, Mommita's brother. Most food served is fresh seafood. Lucky if there is no high tide for those big delicious crabs served.

The room where we stayed is big and clean though it has low ceiling. It was equipped with air-con and fan. Though it was not well lighted thus you need to go to the other side of the room where the light bulb is located to be able to find stuff in the bag.

Another big plus is our comfort room is big that 2 person can take a bath on the same time particularly if you are in a big group like us or in a hurry to leave. However there is no hot water. :( But if someone don't like sharing, there is common bathroom outside.

I’ve seen also some of the other rooms (we sneak on some open doors :D)and they are also spacious and well maintained though some do not have their own bath room.

The place has a small tereza on the 2nd floor with the only cable television. It’s a nice place to spend the evening to play games, drink, smoke or just relax.

I recommend this place as one good place to stay in Coron. It’s very homey and cheaper than the other hotel in the area!

air

The air... its wellness and abundance
Breathe in this gift that supports the system
And dries the dampness of caused by the stream consciousness
Yet it suffocates the passion living within
By its rich abundance