Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

ABBEY: Spending quality time with family is a reward for every OFW. But being with them in an out-of-town trip with food and travel is more than a reward. Planning and booking at Villa Escudero got everyone excited and finally the day came. 

We left Manila by almost 7AM and got there by 10. We were welcomed warmly by their staff as well as their welcome drinks. And we were led to the cashier for the tickets. But before going in, we ate our breakfast. Everybody preferred to hop to the cart pulled by a carabao rather than motorised vehicle. I think the carabao got a hard time pulling the 20 of us. A folk singer rendered us native songs along our way to the Waterfalls restaurant. The kids went first to the pool and enjoyed the waters and each adult went for their own selfie time. 

Lunch time is at Waterfalls restaurant. Eat to your stomach's content while the stream of water touch your feet. I think I ate more than 15 lumpiang toge and pork adobo but with less rice. That's how you do buffet. Siesta became alive while the performers (staffs of the resort is part of this too) showcased cultural dances to the tunes played by the string band aside from drinking freshly brewed coffee. After the presentation, the audience had the chance to take snaps with them. 

We stroll along the resort riding a long golf cart; the resort has a church, halls for weddings and meetings, and cabins for guests who will stay overnight. 

We visited their museum which exhibits church relics, coins and notes from different countries, clothes used by former Philippine presidents, and war articles like guns and uniforms. 

It was a fun-filled day and ended up on a sip of hot bulalo of Leslie's in Tagaytay. Hoping there would be more like this.

WILL: This is supposedly a celebration of my mother's bday. In the very last minute, mother backed-out the idea. Well, we still pursue to visit the famous Villa Escudero. 

We traveled without traffic for almost 4 hours. Whew! I enjoyed the ride because of the non-stop conversation with my siblings. And you will not dare to sleep because Ate Sol relentlessly taking shots of the person who's snatching some slumber. Haha!

We were greeted by genuine smiles of the people at the concierge. We informed them that we have a reservation and we settled the fees. They accept cash and major credit cards. We ate some breakfast at the before we went inside. 

Carabao!!! We got into the cart and carabao pulled us to our destination. When the children saw the pool, instantly they took off their shirts and changed to their swimming outfits. Within a second their already in the pool enjoying the cold waters in it. 

Rafting is free and I love to do it again. Yes! This is my second time in the place. Abbey was partnered by my Kuya Ric and I was with Papa RS. Luckily Papa knew how to operate the raft. We sailed with a great speed. Blissfully enjoyed the experience. 

After our tiring-but-enjoyeable rafting, we went to the manmade waterfalls for our buffet lunch. It made my tummy almost burst. Haha! What ate mangoes, vegetables and lumpia. I made three trips for that. Drool!!! We spend 2 hours of non-stop-chewing. Haha. 

We went back to the pool and my siblings lie down on the beach seats for siestas. 3pm the performance starts. We watched while sipping a hot coffee. After the show we decided to go roam around the villa. You can hail the whole vehicle and they will tour you to the whole land owned by the resort. 

Our last stop was the museum. No cameras were allowed. Strictly for your eyes only. What's inside? Catholic images and a lot of paraphernalia. I hope they preserve and showcase it in a more organised way.  

We walked through the gate and saw our photos. My siblings happily bought it as their souvenirs.  

The long journey of 6 hours back and forth is worthwhile. Time spent with your loved ones is never been a wasted time.

Southwest Tours Boracay - A Hassle Free Boracay Transportation

ABBEY: It was my first trip to Boracay and I can say that the travel time is not boring nor irritating. Thanks to SouthWest as they took care of us for all the transfers that we need to go thru. Yes, from Kalibo airport to Boracay and back. 

Their service is great. Just put the "sticker" to your chest, look for SouthWest staffs or follow their signs, then you'll get to your destination safe and sound. No worries if you'll be in different hotels when you arrive and depart. Tell them the locations and they'll be there ahead of your schedule. Their staffs are always smiling and accommodate the guests well. 

Thanks SouthWest.

WILL: Who doesn't want a stress free vacation with your loved ones? Everyone is aiming a perfect vacation right but a multi-mode of transport holiday is quite tiring. Its either you will book on the spot to save some pennies or to book advance and skip the queue. 

Southwest Tours was recommended by almost all of the hotels of Boracay for their airport-hotel-airport transfers. I checked their rates online and compared to friends who always visit Boracay. They confirmed that if I would like to wait and haggle for some hundred pesos they would recommend for me to skip Southwest and book it walk-in. The catch? You will trade few minutes or even an hour to wait until the bus/boat/tricycle to get full. Well, time is more important to me and Abbey so despite of few peso we opted for Southwest Travels and Tours. 

When we arrived at Kalibo Airport a small banner indicating our name greeted us. We were given a sticker and tickets. We were led immediately to their bus and not more than 20minutes our bus is speeding its way for a 2-hour journey. Seat is comfortable, bus is clean and I never passed the opportunity to take some snooze. Haha. 

We alight from the bus and we were guided by staffs of Southwest until we reached their small yacht. No more than ten minutes, we sailed. Half an hour we reached Caticlan Port. As usual there are their staffs waiving at us and guiding us. We then took a small van up to our hotel. 

On our way back to Manila, their service never fail. Our call time is 1130am for them to pick us up and the hotel concierge informed us that the Southwest staff is there waiting for us from 1030am. They are not on time. They are ahead of it. Haha! 

I felt so VIP on our tour at Boracay. Thanks Southwest Travels and Tours for making our vacation hassle-free. 

Please do visit their website. Please click here.

Nami Resort's Spa and Massage Services - Best Spa in Boracay

ABBEY: Nami Spa is at the West part of Boracay, yes at Station 1. Beforehand we already knew that they are offering massage services. So we rode a tricycle and went there. The reception is at the top of the hill. You need to ride their elevator which is the kind of lift used when a building is being built. But you can't contest the interior; it was good. 

A couple spa costs Php1980 and yes they accept major credit cards. We were guided to a room where we can see the beautiful view of sunset and sea, plus the full moon during that time. 

I forgot what happened after I jumped onto the bed as directly went to slumber land. At the end of massage session, they applied peppermint ointment which made our bodies more warm and menthol-cool effect as we inhale. It was relaxing. They also gave us a cup of delicious ginger tea. 

I really wanted to sleep right there but we need to go back to our hotel.

WILL: The range of massages at the beach is Php300 and up. But if you want some privacy and some quite moment while lingering the kneading session you need to pay more.  Massage is so popular in Boracay that almost every corner has an establishment that offers it. It ranges from Php1500 and up to staggering amount of Php7000+. Expensive it is. But of course, we will definitely look for a cheaper alternative. So we headed to Nami Resort.  Nami is located at Diniwind Beach which is 5 minute walk from station 1, but we chose to hail a tricycle for our convenience.  We were shocked to see the magnificent view in front of us. Nami Resort is located on a hill. From the beach, you need to take their stairs, press on a buzzer and a unique elevator will come down to fetch you uphill.  After our mini sessions with Mother Nature, the masseurs came to us and informed that we are about to start. Then they lead us in a couple's room that overlooked the beach. Awesome!  Enough with the view. The massage? Well, I heard Abbey snoring. That sentence maybe enough? Ha! Ok! My masseur concentrated on my neck and shoulder. Oh gosh! She knew where my pain and anxiety is coming from. After the massage a peppermint was applied to my back and chest. It gave me a sense of relief.  After our 1-hour session they served hot ginger tea. Soooooothing!!  I hope this blog will help tourists in Boracay where they need to run when they need a massage with an excellent service, view and romantic aura.

MNL Beach Hostel Boracay

ABBEY: We stayed at MNL Hostel on our first 2 nights in Boracay. It is near Bulabog beach and a 15-minute walk from D Mall. We got their suite. As it is a backpacker hostel, our room is the best in building. It has its own toilet and bath, a queen sized bed, and it is on the top most storey. Yes the rate is cheap, but the experience is awesome. 

The wet clothes should be outside your room, toiletries are not included on your payment, no phone to call the front desk, no wifi on your room except for common places. But the staff will guide you and advise you for your itineraries. They will always be available and smile as they greet you. 

Activities like beer pong, billiards and movie night under stars are there. Bike rentals and tour packages are also offered. Fellow backpackers will meet and communicate with you during make-your-own-breakfast buffets. It will make you a free-spirited and a laid back individual.

WILL: We want a cheap accommodation that the quality of service was not compromised. Like other hostel that we booked, MNL Boracay didn't fail us. 

For only Php1,300/night for its air-conditioned deck suite. It includes a queen size bed, towels, flat screen led tv with cable channels, and a breakfast. It offers free wifi at the common areas, billiard and roof deck watching area. 

What I love the most at this hostel? The friendly staffs that will greet your mornings and the ambiance of having a laid-back and happy life. We enjoyed the white beach for just few steps away and the serene grounds of Bulabog beach too. 

Till next time MNL Boracay. Thanks for providing an affordable room for frugal but chic travelers like us.  

SILEO Balamban in Cebu City

ABBEY: Honestly, I forgot the name of the place where this beautiful house is located. But I do know that it is an hour travel from Cebu city proper and you will go up, yes up not north as it is on top of a hill. 

It's a 3-storey house; guest rooms with toilet and bath at level one. Next storey is dining, kitchen and living room. And on the top is a library and the master's bedroom. Since it is on a hill, the second floor acts as the main one. 

A veranda will give you a good view of adjacent hills. In early mornings, fog engulfs this space. There is a nearby restaurant which offers not only food but have "anger and fear management" activities. You can throw a plate on the wall if you're angry or conquer your fear by riding the zipline. The place is very good for relaxing and vacation.

WILL: Hey Cebuanos are you envious of people in Luzon because they have Baguio City? Look no further. You also have Balamban that Manila boys and girls are eyeing for their next vacation trip.

When we get there at Cebu, John’s mom is our host, Mommy Coy. She lent us car and their rest house up above Mount Manunggal for a night. We went there late that we never got a chance to have a glimpse of the whole area. When we arrived at their home, we were shocked to see the food waiting for us. It’s a feast!

The famous lechon Cebu was there, wine, rice and a lot more that our tummies cannot afford to take more. After our dinner we stayed outside for some wine. We talked, laughed and reminisced. It is November and the weather is so freezing cold. The breeze is cold as Baguio City but fresher.

After finishing our drinks we went to our rooms and awed with joy. Shocks! In my head, I am thinking is this a hotel or  just a house? We are so lucky to experienced this stay here! I told to myself by tomorrow I will ask Mommy Coy how much she invested in this magnificent home.

Sun rose and we were all up. Showered and went to Adventure Cafe. After our zip line escapade we went back to the Sileo and saw Mommy Coy. The ever warm and all-smile Mommy Coy. We talked about the house and more plans for the home. We told her that the rest house is awesome and why not help the others to experience also the wonderful time we had while staying in her home. Abbey and I confess that we want also a home that exactly like that. A peaceful home surrounded by green scenery.

Now readers, we are so excited to announce that this resthouse is open for public. Bed and Breakfast Style. We personally recommend for you to stay and know for yourself the amazing and serene time we had in this place.

For more information, please visit SILEO facebook page.

Icon Hotel North Edsa Manila

ABBEY: Since we visit Philippine as fast as the blink of an eye, we need to maximize our time there. So it means we're either in our friends' house, cafe, or restaurant. Going back home is not an option for us due to security reasons. We always plan to crash at a hotel to spend the night. And then we came to know of Icon Hotel North (near North EDSA MRT). 

In their name itself, the hotel is all about worldwide icons like Steve Jobs, Cleopatra and Marilyn Monroe. They named each room with an icon and treated their guests as star. As promotion, a 12-hour stay costs approximately 1300 pesos. This includes buffet breakfast for two, wifi, and a premium room. They accept cash and credit cards for payments. 

WILL:  After working for almost 5 years in Singapore we don’t have a home that we can call our own. When we go back to Philippines, we always stayed at our parents’ home. And every time we’ll hang out late, we always decide to go in a hotel to check-in rather than bothering our parents. We are so lucky to go to Icon Hotel in EDSA. Thank you Denise for the recommendation. Why we are lucky? We got a decent room in a very affordable price.

The lobby is wonderful. The room is neat. The sheets were clean. Oh they have quilt, awesome! We only paid Php1,299.00 for 12hour stay with breakfast buffet. Although they offer only 5 main courses it is still better than nothing. This is a family hotel, a budget hotel that you can spend time with your whole family. You can totally relax as you cannot hear the honking of buses and revving of the vehicles. They also housed a pool and a mini theatre at the lobby. Almost perfect until I got to touch their faucet. Please scrub it before the bacteria will build up on that small portion of your room.

Concierge is always smiling and ready to accommodate all your needs. Salute to this brand new hotel. Already recommended to my family and friends. Please do check them out.

HCC (Hilot Care Cilinc) Wellness Center & Spa

ABBEY: Wilma is a fan of massage therapy. So when we we're still in boyfriend-girlfriend stage, we made an appointment for a session of whole body massage on HCC Spa at West Avenue, Quezon City. 

I got relaxed and satisfied for most of the massage sessions we had there unlike Wilma who is complaining that the masseur didn't give much pressure on her muscles. 

A body massage costs Php350. They also have promos for each month. Just ask at the reception.

WILL: I am their loyal customer since their HumanEssence days. When you are dealing with the Bureau of Customs in Philippines, you can easily justify that you need a pampering every other week. Hehe! 

Everytime that hubby and I went to Manila I am making sure to make an appointement with them. The quality of the massage, the cleanliness and masseures kindness and skills never changed. They have a free tea or coffee for you to enjoy.

A tip: go there before 5pm to avail their early bird promo and for you to avoid the long waiting hour. 

Victoria Court Caloocan

ABBEY: This motorists' hotel always show different type of rooms whenever I pass by EDSA going to school. Any room theme that you can think of I think they have it; XMen, 50 shades of Grey, Asgard and many more. We checked in and we're escorted by the full force of my in-laws after a full day of relaxation and family bonding time. It is as if we're newly weds and they are pushing us to consummate our love :)) 

For less than 2000 pesos we got a deluxe bedroom including breakfast. The washroom has nice design of floor tiles though the room appeared smaller by its shade. Cable TV is very poor. It's as if you're watching from an antenna. Well how can argue with it when I only paid less :)


Upon checking out, we were asked if we want a cab, but we told the receptionist no need for that. Most Pinoys doesn't want being seen coming out from that place. (if you know what I mean) We wanted to know how it feels being stared at by people knowing that you just go out of a motel; we're married and we needed a place to stay and relax :)

WILL : Since this is just located outside of our place, I am fully aware of this it. Abbey and I planned to check-in in a hotel around Manila but time was so constricted that even an hour is so precious.

So we decided to go for Victoria Court in Balintawak, my siblings drove us through to the motel. Abbey deserved a goodnight slumber, a fully airconditioned and all-silent room. He and Ate Gail attending Mama Sweet, and he is obviously lack of sleep for the past week.

The room is very spacious, the sheets were all white and I felt that is really clean. The bathroom seems so sanitized and they have an unlimited shower gel/shampoo. Do not have a comfy blanket so we phoned the reception and asked for another sheet.

We have a relaxed sleep, no buzzing of people voice or honking vehicles. Refreshed it is!

We paid around Php1900.00 for 12 hours with breakfast, oh they will give you a free drinks once you ansewred their survey.

Cocoon Boutique Hotel – Where Luxury is Responsible

ABBEY: This was tagged as eco-hotel in a city. It is located at Scout Tobias corner Scout Rallos in Quezon city. An overnight stay in a twin bed room costs . It has a tub (Wilma was ecstatic knowing it), a comfy twin bed and fragrant toiletries. Buffet pastry breakfast is being served at the top-most floor where the outdoor swimming pool is also located. Priced at 350 per person, you can enjoy on freshly baked bread, cereal and soup. It also includes an order of one rice meal (longsilog, tosilog, tapsilog, american breakfast etc). Lift lobbies were ornamented with big blocks of wood while small blocks were used to design walls of the room. An old grand piano was exhibited in the hotel lobby; maybe if it can be tuned up it would be better. Hotel staffs were very helpful and attends to the needs of the guests specially when the lift broke down. Other thing to improve though with the chubby chef in the breakfast buffet; it would be better to keep his rant to his teammate to himself. Its disturbing and annoying to hear him whine when I'm enjoying the most important meal of the day.

WILL: RJ and Jhen's wedding is coming and I asked Jhen where we will stay. They told us that they will be staying at Cocoon Boutique Hotel. We have two options, to stay at my parents' house or to book for a room in this hotel. Well, after some calculations we chose the latter. 
      Urgently we start to send email to info@thecocoonhotel.com and Ms Annie immediately accommodated our queries, P4200 per night, breakfast is included for two pax. As time goes by, we requested two more pax to avail the breakfast but it ended 3, my Ate Sol, Kuya Laleng, Hannah & Baste(2child but counted as 1 adult)were added which is P350 per person. Until now nit yet paid, Sorry Ms Annie. Later this month I will deposit it to you. Don't get us wrong, their staffs forgot to bill us and we forgot also as we never checked the bill upon checking out. 
     Their room is so spacious and what I really love is their bathtub that can be viewed the tv, but I don't have the chance to soak my tired body because Hannah and Baste do that for me. Oh, Baste asked me to put a slide in our bathtub in home. Hehe. 
     Their P350 breakfast is just a simple one. Nothing to linger and stay for more. After a plate we decided to go back in our room for the wedding preparation since the pool is way too cool for the kids to handle. 
     Indeed this is the most valuable and newest hotel around the Quezon City. Worthy for weddings, birthdays or for romantic escapade. 
     Thanks Ms Annie for accommodating our request. Free to communicate with them through email, their responses were never delayed.