Bicol Isarog Transport | Manila - Legazpi - Manila | Skybus with CR

ABBEY: Instead of flying to Bicol we chose the 12-hour bus ride and it is with Isarog Bus (Skybus with Comfort Room). Don’t ask why Skybus when it is only a bus. We preferred to board it at PITX than in Cubao; anyway the fare to PITX is free at the time of this writing and PITX is a newly-built transport hub. 

Not that much feature on the bus aside from USB port, lazyboy-type seat, and CR. But you’ll definitely be able to sleep in comfort. Please do bring your own jacket or blanket. There are stopovers for you to stretch and buy quick snacks. A good feature of the bus is that a beep will sound whenever the speed reaches 80-90kph. With this you’ll be assured that the bus will cruise at recommended speed. 

The 6PM timing really worked for us. It allowed us to sleep almost the whole duration of the trip and woke up refreshed and ready for our Bicol day activities.

Bicol Isarog Transport | Manila - Legazpi - Manila | Skybus with CR 

Bicol Isarog Transport | Manila - Legazpi - Manila

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL REGION PHILIPPINES! Condotel and Beach Resort in Albay and Sorsogon!

WILL: There are two ways for people from Manila to reach Bicol Region… by plane and luckily we can also travel by land. Why we chose land? The simple answer is, it is somewhat hassle free. The early arrival and late departure to and from Legazpi is perfect for us to see and immerse ourselves in the beauty of Mayon Volcano and Sorsogon’s Beach.

So how’s the bus? It is comfy and enough room to recline your chair and fall asleep. The problem is, the air conditioning is too cold for my liking. As in it is shivering cold. The bus has a water closet. It is small, not dirty but there’s a strong smell of urine. So still not advisable to use for ladies.

Will I recommend to pay again more than the plane ticket to ride a sleeper bus? Hmmm. Let me think again. Haha!

***

Bicol Isarog 

Skybus with CR -- Php3,000.00 PITX to Legaspi (Roundtrip) -- 10-hour ride 

(W) https://bicolisarog.com/

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena

ABBEY: I was hooked when I saw the blue and white buildings of Residencia del Hamor. It’s like Santorini. This is where we stayed in Sorsogon. 

Welcome drinks were served upon arrival and a few moments later we were led to our rooms. Each room has its own balcony facing the pool and beach. This is a good place to see the sunrise. A big bed is at the center of the room and you have a kind of living room as well. Extra beds can be requested for other guest but of course for a fee. The restaurant served as our dining table. I liked their crispy pata; you can eat all except for the bone. Haha. I had espresso martini at their bar to wrap up the day. 

And in the morning we walked the stretch of the beach which is very therapeutic. It is indeed a relaxing stay.

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Santorini Vibes

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Exclusive Pool

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL REGION PHILIPPINES! Condotel and Beach Resort in Albay and Sorsogon!

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Restaurant

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Sunrise

WILL: We are glad that we chose to stay in Recidencia than in beeeep*beepp*. Haha! Recidencia del Hamor Beachfront’s customer care knocks off the competition. It is easier to communicate with them. I mean, it won’t take days for you to to wait on their responds. I sent a mail around midnight and my delight when I checked my email in the morning they had replied me by 2AM. Kuddos to Front Office Associate named Ms Sheena Dig! Just one call and few exchanges of emails, everything was settled. Who wants a stress before their vacation right?

We were picked-up by Recidencia del Hamor van exactly on the time we prefered. The van is roomy and accomodated us comfortably. On our way from Legazpi to Sorsogon our driver gave insights what Sorsogon is known for, what are their primary crops and pointed out the Chiz’s Abode. We have a lovely ride to the beachfront.

Once we arrived, we were welcomed by front office staffs, taken our vaccines cards to get a copy, given a welcome drink and we were assisted by a golf cart to our rooms.

The Junior Suite Room is lovely and spacious, the bed is comfy and the toiletries is fragrance is quite calming. In front of the room is the pool exclusively available for resort guests. 

The beach! The sea! It is calm! Love it! And due to low tide you can walk/swim far and yet the water is still a chest deep. Haha!

We do not have an intention to go out of the resort and glad that they have a restaurant, bar and spa that is highly recommended for guests to try. Don’t forget to order their Crispy Pata and Bangus Belly for breakfast On our way back to Legazpi, our driver gladly dropped us off to some places that sells pasalubong. Abbey got a tablea in Aling Vicky’s store.

So what’s the verdict? Totally recommended! They know how to tale care of their customers, what they want and need. Thank you so much Recidencia del Hamor for this memorable stay in Sorsogon!

***

Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front 

Php13,000 Junior Suite Room with free breakfast 

Van Transfer from Legazpi to Resort (2-way) Rate: PHP 6,000 

(F) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

(A) Brgy. San Sebastian, Sta. Magdalena 4709 Santa Magdalena, Philippines

(T) +63 905 245 1920

(E) reservations@recidenciadelhamorbeachfront.com.ph

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel

ABBEY: This is our stop at Albay; a condotel. They picked us up from the bus terminal and straight to Gloria Tree. A few moments after we were given our rooms (2 storey, 2 rooms, 3 baths, kitchen and living room) they served us breakfast. This is super early checkin at 5AM. We just thought to drop in the bags and come back later but lo and behold, we have the whole house to ourselves. 

The sheets are clean and smooth. They can improve with their amenity kits though; the soap is thin and the toothpaste tube won’t last you a couple of brushes. The place is adjacent to a park so you can jog or have a brisk walk in the morning. You can snap a good view of Mayon at the rooftop. 

Our bill costed us for 2 days/1 night stay and breakfast add-on for our arrival. I must admit that this is not a first choice for our stay but with the service they provided before our trip, we preferred them over a hyped-resort.

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL  - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel - 2nd room

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL  - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel - Receiving Area

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL  - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL  - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel

WILL: We like to have an accommodation that will give us peace of mind and relaxation while we are in vacation, we want that the breakfast should be included, an almost a travel-agency-like that will provide us what we needed during our travels and yet still budget friendly. Gloria Tree Mayon has it all. 

I am a bit skeptic about Gloria Tree Mayon, hard to find an online review on them bit when I called the given phone number and the owner answered my querries, it is the sign for me to book the place.

The two-storey cost Php8,000 with free breakfast and free van transfer from Bus Terminal (Isarog from Manila). The house consisted of 2 airconditioned bedrooms with 1 queen size bed and 1 sofa bed. 1 extra sofa bed on the staircase area, 1 bunk bed, 3 bathrooms and airconditioned living and dining room. We also booked their van for our day tour which is Php500 cheaper than people who organised group tours.

Gloria Tree’s employees always make sure that we were satisfied with our meals and we are well served with our inquiries regarding the place. We really do feel that we are more than welcome in this establishment. Love that feeling so much. We will not forget that. Haha. 

Climb their 4th floor and you’ll be awed by the unobstructed view of Mt. Mayon.

***

Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences 

Php8,000 2 - Bedroom with free breakfast and hotel transfer 

(F) https://www.facebook.com/gloriatreemayonandparkview

(A) Kalayaan Park Purok 1, Barriada Road, Brgy. 38 - Gogon, Legazpi City

(T) +63 922 846 5301

Cheap Lunch Buffet in Manila Philippines | Php699 Nett Lunch Buffet at Guevarra's by Chef Laudico

ABBEY: We were looking for Pinoy cuisine and we found Guevarra’s. For Php699.00, you can have a delicious lunch buffet. They do have lechon, bacon bagnet, angus tapa, baby back ribs, chicken barbecue, laing, paella, caldereta, and chicken skin. 

For dessert, you can enjoy choco pudding, halo halo, flan, and cakes. I keep coming for more lechon and baby back ribs; falls of the bone and melts in your mouth. Be sure to eat as much as you want. They are strict in sitting times as another batch will be served after you. 

Only later we knew that Chef Laudico is a celebrity chef. Celebrity or not, the food is great. End of story. Haha.

Cheap Lunch Buffet in Manila Philippines | Php699 Nett Lunch Buffet at Guevarra's by Chef Laudico

Cheap Lunch Buffet in Manila Philippines | Php699 Nett Lunch Buffet at Guevarra's by Chef Laudico

WILL: If you are an expat that didn’t have a chance to visit Philippines due to COVID there’s a possibility that you really do miss to indulge in authentic Filipino cuisine. And when we say indulge it means that it should be unlimited food with a fair cost (stingy mode) right? I have seen Guevarra’s Lunch Buffet and we were shocked that it only cost Php699 Nett (USD 11.86) and it was tucked away in a quite secluded neighbourhood of San Juan. 

So without further words, I would say that this is totally recommended. I love their sisig in shot glasses, kare-kare, baby back ribs, laing and their ensaymada! Ahhm, not so happy with their paella.

I would love take out some of their whole cakes but we are bound to another location. The seats are very limited so please do make an advance reservation.

***

Chef Laudico Guevarra's Late Lunch Buffet -- Php699(NETT)

(W) https://guevarras.com

(H) Late Lunch (Weekdays only) - 2:30 to 4:30pm

(A) 387 P. Guevarra St, cor Argonne, San Juan, Metro Manila

(T) 0998 881 3200

BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MATEO RIZAL

ABBEY: After a 4-hour hike at Masungi Georeserve, our chosen place of relaxation is at Estancia de Lorenzo. It’s a couple of hours drive from the nature park but all worth the travel as the resort is quiet and peaceful. 

We stayed in a two-storey villa which has two bedrooms and three bathrooms. They have two restaurants, a sports bar, pools, a banquet hall, and spa. Off to the spa we go to rejuvenate our aching body. In the morning we took a dip at their pool and were suprised to see a crocodile pen nearby. 

Our stay also included breakfast. I got their version of bangsilog (bangus, sinangag and itlog) with matching brewed coffee. 

Great stay at a great place. But be sure to checkout on time, else you’ll be charged even for a minute.

BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MATEO RIZAL

BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MATEO RIZAL - FAMILY PRIME VILLA QUEEN SIZE BED

BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MATEO RIZAL - FAMILY SWING

BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MATEO RIZAL - LORENZOS RESTAURANT

BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MATEO RIZAL - POOL

BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MATEO RIZAL

WILL: If you’ll google Rizal resorts, the top results will be Luljetta’s or Timberland Casino. As I am Wilma (haha) I searched deeper than Google can reach, so I have found the Estancia de Lorenzo in tucked in San Mateo Rizal overlooking the Sierra Madre Mountains.

It’s a new resort, having a calming ambiance and low tolerance of noise. Well, people who are visiting the resort is willing to pay premium to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Sierra Madre.

We checked-in on time and we were assigned to Orchid Villla just in front of the reception building. This prime family villa is huge that comprised of 2 bedrooms on second floor. 1 space that can accommodate 3 extra beds in first floor, a receiving area, 8 seater dining table, 3 bathrooms and huge veranda. We were 7 adults in that villa and it is still seemingly huge for us.

We had dinner in their Farmyard Sports Bar and Grill and the pizzas their are surprisingly good. Our breakfast is in Lorenzo’s restaurant and we were given a set meal of either sausage or bangus. Yummmy!! 

The pool is huge, temperature is fine and you can stare all you want in its greenery backdrop. 

Totally recommended! 

Here are some things that you need to know in Estancia. 

1. You can’t early check-in or check-out here. You will pay a for those minutes. 

2. You can bring food or drinks for a fee. 

3. You can’t be intoxicated in this resort. 

4. You can hail a grab and BGC is just an hour away! 

Thanks Estancia de Lorenzo for this wonderful experience for me and my family.

***

Estancia de Lorenzo -- Php15439.29 

(W) http://rizal.estanciadelorenzo.com.ph

(A) St. Patrick Street Marvi Hills, Subdivision, San Mateo, 1850 Rizal, Philippines

(T) (2) 8570.61.72 +63.917.192.7062| +63.921.847.9608

TOP TOURIST SPOT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | MASUNGI GEORESERVE

ABBEY: This is one of the places I planned to visit when I went back to Philippines. I was captivated by its karst landscapes. You need to book and pay a fee of Php 1500. The Masungi Georeserve will contact you to confirm your reservation. We chose Discovery Trail as our path. 

We were there as early as 5AM. We don’t want our guide and the reserve to wait for us. It is a good 10-minute walk from the carpark to the reception area. This is a good time to take in the beauty of nature overlooking the city. 

The highlights of our trail are the “net” works or webbings. We got ourselves climbing them; worth the effort once you reach the top; like Sapot ni Rick and Yungib ni Ruben. You’ll just be awed for what nature has to offer. Be ready mentally and physically as the trail is challenging. Bring water and change of clothes. 

The fee comes with light refreshments. 

TOP TOURIST SPOT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | MASUNGI GEORESERVE - Arch Bridge 

TOP TOURIST SPOT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | MASUNGI GEORESERVE - With our Forest Guide

TOP TOURIST SPOT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | MASUNGI GEORESERVE - Mossy Forest 

TOP TOURIST SPOT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | MASUNGI GEORESERVE - Sapot ni Ric

TOP TOURIST SPOT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | MASUNGI GEORESERVE - Stones and Falls

TOP TOURIST SPOT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | MASUNGI GEORESERVE

TOP TOURIST SPOT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | MASUNGI GEORESERVE 

WILL: My eldest brother is a hiker and a simple man. How can I say he is a simple man? He always have this simple wish… simple prayers that you know can be easily achieved and one of those is for him to hike with his siblings. 

Abbey is a nature lover. He loves to walk in any Singapore Park and indulge in what the nature brings in and out of him. Watching people hiking Masungi sparked curiosity in him and Masungi Georeserve make it to his bucketlist. 

Kuya Ric’s prayers and Abbey bucketlist was answered and tick off in one plan. wink 

We arrived in Masungi Georeserve around 5AM. It was dark and the park’s gate is still close. When the sun rises on 530Am we were awed by the view and a sea of cloud rushing around us. It seems that they are really greeting us a good morning. 

It is a 5KM+ of hiking and climbing up and down the trails of Masungi’s magnificent beauty. We finished the Discovery Trail in more than 3hours. If you are on top of Tatay’s peak, Sapot ni Ric, Duyan and Yungib ni Ruben you will definitely stop for a while and linger on the beauty of this nature. 

So here are the MUST DOs: 

1. Book in advance. They are not accepting walk-ins. 

2. Better to rent a car than going for public transportation. 

3. Wear sunscreen and mosquito repellants. 

4. Respect and listen to your tour guide while he is explaining what’s in the surroundings 

5. Take nothing and leave nothing. 

6. Just have FUN!

***

Masungi Georeserve -- Php1,500/pax 

(W) https://www.masungigeoreserve.com

(H) Tuesdays to Sundays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

(A) Kilometer 47 Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, Philippines, 1970, Marcos Highway, Baras, 1970 Rizal 

(T) 09088887002

BEST All You Can Eat Dinner Buffet in Manila Philippines - Spiral Buffet Review

ABBEY: The first time we went to Spiral Buffet I admit I don’t know much about other cuisines. And I’m not keen on exploring.

I stick to what I know and I assume what’s delicious; Filipino foods like sinigang, mechado, pork belly, tempura or anything fried. I felt during that time that it’s worth for what I paid for. Little did I know that there’s a big food world out there.

So we prepared for a second visit; this time armed with Php3900 and knowledge about what to eat and try at the restaurant.

I had lamb, sausages, curacha, sashimi, grilled squid, prawns, dumplings, roast beef, and butter chicken. I even curated my own charcuterie board with aged cheddar, salami, gouda pesto cheese. Our dessert is choco and vanilla ice cream, bibingka and puto bumbong. 

Now I can say that I redeemed myself “against” Spiral Buffet. No tables were unturned. Haha.

LEGENDARY All You Can Eat Buffet in Manila Philippines - Spiral Buffet Review

WILL: We had our first lunch buffet in Spiral last 2010. That is the first time I experienced food coma, haha! But there’s unsatisfied moment when Abbey realized that we didn’t ate the food we should have eaten. So we are coming for dinner for our BUFFET REVENGE!

Once the food counters opened, I immediately went to their cheese room and requested aged cheese as my appetizer. Then went to live station for lobster and curacha. For my second serving, I went for sausages and dumplings. Then back to lobster and curacha again. Next is the salmon and tuna and some pizza cheese slices. Then cheese room again for some blue cheese. Lastly, puto bumbong, ice cream and bibingka sealed my night. 

That “revenge” cost Php3,900/pax. Is it worth it? Definitely! The seafood is guaranteed fresh! How do I know? Abbey will flare up once the fish and crustaceans are not fresh. He didn’t! So, that is the price of the food with quality!

***

Sofitel Spiral 

(W) https://www.sofitelmanila.com/restaurants-bars/spiral/

(H) 6:30AM - 10AM / 12NN - 2:30PM / 6PM - 9:30PM

(A) Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel CCP Complex 1300, Roxas Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

(T) +63 (2) 8-832-6988

The Newest Sheraton in Manila Philippines - Sheraton Manila Hotel 2022 Review

ABBEY: Sheraton Manila Hotel is one of the new hotels in Pasay City. This is where we stayed for the night with my father and we’re upgraded to the highest floor. In the lift lobby you can see the planes at NAIA Terminal 3.

The check-in process was almost smooth except that we need to wait for a couple more minutes than the usual as there is less staff during that time.

Our room is spacious and clean with the view of the pool.

We spent the afternoon at the pool as the jacuzzi is already booked. They also have these bubble-like hubs near it for you to dine in. We hit the gym in the morning before having our breakfast.

For morning meal, I enjoyed longganisa, eggs, tapa as well as bacon with garlic fried rice.

We would like to commend Therese for accommodating us.

The Newest Sheraton in Manila Philippines - Sheraton Manila Hotel 2022 Review 

The Newest Sheraton in Manila Philippines - Sheraton Manila Hotel 2022 Review 

WILL: There are two Sheratons in the Metro and Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City is the newest. Never been to Sheraton Manila Bay and I'm sorry I can’t compare the two. So let’s start the review. *wink* 

We always opted to stay in hotels that we have membership… why? Because they will go on extra mile to serve your needs. And most likely, there is always an automatic upgrade (when room permits) specially when you are celebrating a special occasion. This time, again, we are celebrating my father-in-law's 68th birthday and we were given a complimentary cake and room upgrade by Sheraton Manila Hotel. 

How’s the room? Being one of the 5-star hotels known in the world, the 44sqm room is squeaky clean. The bed with leather headboard gave us the comfort for the whole night. I love their complimentary drip coffee. Tasty! The pool’s water lukewarm temperature is excellent for my preference. Gym is well equipped with full functional trainers and free weights.. perfect to pumped up those muscles. 

The buffet breakfast is quite disappointing. We paid for extra Php1,459.13 (complimentary 2-pax only) but the array of choices are not so wide. I just indulged in their waffles and french toast. Haha. 

Is the Php15,424.15 worth it? Yes! Given the comfort and long slumber of my father-in-law. Sleep is very important which is sometimes can’t bring by your own bed. Haha.

***

Sheraton Manila Hotel - Marriott

(W) https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mnlsi-sheraton-manila-hotel/overview/

(A) 80 Andrews Avenue, NCR – Fourth District, Barangay 183, Pasay City, Philippines, 1309

(T) +63 2 790 21800

(E) mhrs.mnlap.reservations@marriott.com

The Secret Patio's Mad Hatter's Tea Party

ABBEY: An “Have I gone Mad”-themed pop-up was setup at The Secret Patio @ Duxton. It was their take at Alice in Wonderland. For SGD 39.9 per person (minimum of 2) you’ll be able to reserve a table. You will be greeted by the smell of croissants and you can see playing cards, flowers, butterflies, colorful cups and checkerboard-covered tables in mats; just like in the Madhatter’s tea party. We got savoury croissants (triple cheese with chicken ham and mushroom) as well the sweet ones (almond and hazelnut cruffin). Along with that we got tea and cold dark chocolate drinks. I thought all the food were included in the reservation payment but it is not. The drinks have to be paid separately.

The Secret Patio's Mad Hatter's Tea Party - Flower Covered Swing

The Secret Patio's Mad Hatter's Tea Party - Pastries and Drinks

The Secret Patio's Mad Hatter's Tea Party - Red Queen's Garden

WILL: I am fond of Alice in Wonderland. Yep! It is one of the fantasy to experience the Mad Hatter’s Tea Time. I thought I may tick that off on my list when Abbey and I visited The Secret Patio, well it wasn’t.

The area was filled by white and red flowers to make it feels like you are in a garden (of course), a pallet covered with black and white to be our table, and butterflies. There’s a feeling of something missing in food presentation. Maybe the teapot or a cake stand. Not sure but there’s a lack of vibe in the place.

Luckily, I have enjoyed the taste of their pastry specialy the mushroom croissant. I enjoyed the Nymph of the Nile tea too. Maybe I expected too much when my husband paid for $39.90 each (drinks not included). As what some says, charge it to experience. Hehe.

***

The Secret Patio

(F) https://www.facebook.com/thesecretpatio

(A) 10A Duxton Hill

(E) thesecretpatio@gmail.com