Thursday, November 10, 2022

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen - Ayala Malls Vertis North

ABBEY: We’re looking for a place to catch up with our nephews and nieces and Mama Lou’s provided just that. We talked about their careers and lovelife over dinner. 

We got two pizzas (spinach and goat cheese and pepperoni), three pasta (Vesuvio, ravioli spinach, and truffle) and fried chicken. I recommend Vesuvio not only with the beautiful presentation but also with flavor and the kick at every scoop. The raviolis are creamy and the chicken is crispy and juicy. As with the pizza they are good; dough and toppings-wise. Good thing we went there early before a long queue built up.


Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen - Ayala Malls Vertis North
Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen - Ayala Malls Vertis North 


WILL: Trinoma is just unlikely to be the same as before. It feels that the mall is gloomy and lost it glory. It is crowded too! Luckily I found Vertis North Mall that housed many new restaurants like Mama Lou’s. 

We waited 30mins to have a seat and immediately order the things that appetized my eyes. For pizza we had Pepperoni and pizza with goat cheese. For pasta we had Vesuvio, Lucio’s Truffle Pasta and Ravioli Spinach. We also had a basket of Fried Chicken. Amongst all, we ordered Quattro Formaggi and Vesuvio! The pizza tastes nearing in blue cheese side. The Vesuvio’s pasta is perfectly standing in a bath of sauce! 

Delighted we chose to dine and have a catch-up with my nephews and nieces here in Mama Lou’s! It not only offered us a good food but a homey feeling too!

***
Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen - Vertis North
(W) https://www.mamalous.com/en/
(H) 11AM - 8PM
(A) Vertis North, Ground Floor, Ayala Malls, Quezon City, 1105 Metro Manila, Philippines

Saturday, October 29, 2022

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 | Skybus with CR 

Bicol Isarog Transport | Manila - Legazpi - Manila
Bicol Isarog Transport | Manila - Legazpi - Manila



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 

Friday, October 28, 2022

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 - Santorini Vibes

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


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 - Restaurant


LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Sunrise
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 
(A) Brgy. San Sebastian, Sta. Magdalena 4709 Santa Magdalena, Philippines
(T) +63 905 245 1920
(E) reservations@recidenciadelhamorbeachfront.com.ph