Harold's Mansion and Grand Pension Plaza Hotel in Dumaguete City

My trip to Dumaguete always involves proper budgeting since there are so many things to do there and so many food places to try that if I'm not careful with my money, I could lose track of my expenditures and end up with a huge hole in my pocket. So one of the first things I look for when going to Dumaguete is a budget-friendly place to stay, a cheap hotel or an affordable hostel or pension house. I found some while doing my research (although what happens lately is that I just ask the people at the airport of my destination where to stay. Tricycle drivers are excellent sources of information) and so far, I have stayed in two of them: Harold's Mansion (in 2010) and Grand Pension Plaza Hotel (last March 3-9, 2013).

By the way, I took a tricycle to my hotel from the airport and it cost me Php100.00. But if you get a tricycle from the city going to the airport, it would only cost Php80.00. The ride is just 15 minutes one way with moderate traffic.

Harold's Mansion 

The first time I went to Dumaguete, I was with my husband, Peter. That was in 2010 and we stayed at Harold's Mansion. We rented a Double room with AC, cable TV, hot and cold shower, wi-fi in the room and it only cost us Php600.00/night. But now, they already increased their price to Php800/night to remain competitive in the booming tourist market of Dumaguete City.  

Nikko Bali Resort and Spa in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia

In my previous blog post, I told you my side of the story of how and why I was able to join PAL's Manila to Bali inaugural flight. 

Ocean 101 - Siargao Cheap Accommodation

Hello from Siargao! I am currently checked in at Ocean 101 and so far I am loving my stay here that I wish I had booked at least a month's stay like I did in Boracay last year, rather than just 2 weeks. How I also wish my husband is with me. Oh well. Might as well make the most of this trip.

Read more:

SIARGAO CHEAP ACCOMMODATION – OCEAN 101 CLOUD 9 BEACH RESORT

Bringing Nivea to My Rated K Interview @ Club Manila East

When I was doing my 6-week stay in Boracay, ABS-CBN's Rated K writer, Marc Almajose, called me and asked if he can feature me on an episode they're doing about cool jobs and happy work life come May. It would of course be an honor to be featured on Mrs. Korina Sanchez-Roxas' Sunday evening show. So I said yes.

Fast forward to 1st week of May. I honestly have already forgotten about the invitation until Rated K's researcher Joseph Palileo emailed me about it. I was  of course delighted! Then finally, this morning, the Rated K crew picked me up at home at around 9 am and off we went to Club Manila East for the said interview. Happiness! ^_^

My Eurotel Baguio Experience

A few months back, I got an email from Ivan Aoki asking me if I'd be interested to join a Baguio Bloggers tour. I immediately emailed back saying that I'd be interested to join should this event push through. I know I'd just been to Baguio late September last year but there are still so many places there that I haven't been to, and perhaps, this would be my chance to visit those places.


Fast forward to March. I just came back from Radisson Blu in Cebu and our training team was preparing for another training convention in Baguio (which I will blog about in a separate post). Lo and behold, I got another email from Ivan detailing the Eurotel Baguio Bloggers Event. I was excited and apprehensive at the same time coz it coincided with the dates of our training event. But as the cliche goes, if there's a will, there's a way. As soon as my training duties were done (March 3-4), I hopped from The Manor to Eurotel to be with my fellow travel bloggers, and thus commenced a ride that I will never forget...

Valentine's and Birthday Week Highlights

I feel like I just came from a 2-week Valentine/Birthday celebration and thinking about it, I actually did. It felt like Christmas with the tons of love shared, tons of alcohol that went through my system, tons of food eaten, and tons of money spent on shopping (40 pieces of clothes, 8 pairs of shoes, 3 new bags, 2 belts, a pair of earring, new microwave, new hot and cold water dispenser, new electric fans, new bolts for the house). I am grateful to my sponsors, (you know who you are... *wink*) my special angel, and my hubby. THANK YOU, God! I feel so blessed! I absolutely had no intention of celebrating either but I guess the universe had a different plan for me. Sometimes, it really is important to celebrate occasions like your date of birth. It shows how much you value yourself and that you're worth every penny, every ounce of energy, every little thing that goes with the magic of your creation.

If there's one thing I've realized in this 2-week Valentine's/Birthday hullabaloo, it's about being happy, acknowledging the good inside of me and everything around me. I've also realized that I ought to be more focused with the things I want for myself this year.

I am 33 years old. I've accepted the fact that I only have 24 hours in a day, some of which I actually have to use for sleeping. I'm not like an energizer bunny anymore. I now easily get tired unlike before when I can practically go on, and on, and on. My liver also can't tolerate as much alcohol as before, and I need some down time to recuperate. So I have to streamline my activities and prioritize. This means less time blogging, less time on social networks, less time watching mindless DVDs and more time for the following: my projects, my rakets, my freelance work, my books, water sports activities, friends, family, and yes, rest. Health is still a top priority so I can enjoy life longer and be able to do more of the things I want. Oh, and traveling (I actually booked a number of trips this year --- Boracay, Bohol, Siargao, Bacolod, Bangkok and I'm still looking forward to a trip to Brazil which Koryn and the girls planned to do this year).

Anyway, this is going to be a long post but I'll try to just show you the highlights of the past two weeks.

Valentine's Eve - Dinner Buffet at Sofitel

Week Before Valentine's 2011

The whole week before Valentine's Day started out beautifully for me.

• I managed to finish work on time.
• I was able to go to VTRs/auditions.
• I got in contact with some of my colleagues in the theater industry which I have been planning for a while now. I know I need to further hone my acting skills and hopefully I find the right theater company for me. If only my schedule is not this toxic (I barey sleep as usual), I'd gladly join PETA. It's on my wish list this year.
• The universe must be listening to my heart's plea when I was given an opportunity to showcase my talent in a video shoot. Honestly, despite my lack of sleep, that was the first time I felt really alive and exhilarated after a looong time. It's really different when you're doing your heart's desire. You don't feel tired, you don't feel short changed. You're just grateful, happy and feeling blessed. Hayyyy....Acting... it's the only one in my long list of passions that I have a love-hate relationship with. Let's just say that I'm in love with it again. Last year, I dodged most of the VTRs my agents sent me to coz I just didn't feel like it. After all, the business of acting is 10% acting and 90% waiting. Nevertheless, this year, if I physically can, I should just say yes to every acting opportunity.
• I made concrete steps to start a career in training. And guess what? The people I'd be working with are mostly theater actors too. I feel that where I'm headed at this point in time is just so aligned with my inner desires. Hopefully, when this new career path gets lucrative enough, I can use big funds for my other passions like soap making, reselling clothes and making beaded accessories which I will turn into regular businesses as well. *Crossing my fingers*

So my week was going well until a little bump appeared. My mom got food poisoned...

Malapascua Highlight: Exotic Dive Resort

I gave you a bit of a background before about this whole 1 week Malapascua-Moalboal trip. This is the continuation. But if you'd like to see everything that I've written so far about this trip, head to Malapascua 2010.
~~~oOo~~~

front view of Exotic Dive Resort

As I mentioned before, our team was accommodated by the most high end resort in Malapascua Island, which locals call "Exotic", short for Exotic Dive Resort. The last time I was in Malapascua (November 2009), Peter and I checked in at one of the more affordable resorts (Hippocampus). Even then, we already noticed how nice Exotic Dive Resort was, we were just not willing to stay there since it was out of our budget and we had no plans of diving anyway, plus, we were out most of the time exploring the nearby islands. So I was really happy that I got to try staying at Exotic Dive Resort this time around.

Exotic offers air conditioned concrete apartment cottages with balcony.

Dumaguete, Malapascua, Moalboal : Work on Vacation

After my grueling hours at work, I am finally on a break. Although my boss asked me to still do a few hours of work whenever I can. So once in a while, when I feel like it, I log in to work. After all, I love my virtual assistant job. I can practically work anywhere as long as there's good wifi connection.

Anyway, I haven't been blogging in a while. I like enjoying life first then blog about it later, which reminds me, I still haven't shared with you the rest of my Vietnam - Singapore - Kuala Lumpur trip last January; I still haven't told you about my amazing vacation at Bicol and the Caramoan Peninsula last April-May and just last week (Nov. 26-30), my hubby and I were at Dumaguete City, Apo Island in Valencia, Casaroro Falls and twin lakes in Sibulan, and now I'm in Malapascua til Dec. 5, after which we go to Moalboal and stay there til the 7th. This is the life!

I just thought of dropping by to say hi. So how are you?

~~~oOo~~~

To see everything that I've written so far about this trip, please head to:
Malapascua 2010

Resorts World Manila's Grand Fiesta Manila 2010

Peter and I went to the launch of Grand Fiesta Manila 2010 held at Passion Restaurant located inside Resorts World. We've been there twice: First was when Resorts World Manila was still very much new and some of its amenities were not yet open to the public; and second was when I attended their Red Carpet Event. I won Queen of the Night that evening... *blush*.

Coming back here was such a delight. It reminded me to use my RWM membership card and avail of its latest promos. ^_^

During the launch, various dimpsum and Chinese food were served at Passion Restaurant as the Grand Fiesta Run 2010 was being unveiled to us bloggers. If only I won't be out of town on Nov. 28, I would really love to join. I'd probably wear my golden gown with matching rubber shoes. Hehehe. For sure, that would merit me some prize... hahaha, I wish!

Binging on Thai Food at Marriott

Being an Aquarian, I can really be extreme sometimes, including with food. There are days that I work so much that I forget to eat, or I'm just so tired to even make some food, and there are days, especially lately, that I get to have the opportunity to go to some food events and end up binging on tons of food!

lemon serbet for appetizer

Mines View Park Hotel in Baguio - a Fun and Relaxing Stay

I came home late last Friday evening feeling so proud of myself for having joined the very fun and relaxing bloggers tour of Mines View Park Hotel located at 1 Apostol St., Outlook Drive in Baguio City. This is the fourth time that I traveled without my husband, Peter. The first three times were as follow:

1. 2008 FunBoard Cup in Boracay
2. 2009 Jakarta and Bali trip
3. 2010 Singapore, Ho Chi Minh and Kuala Lumpur trip

...and this time, I did it with so much gusto unlike before when I used to cry prior to the trip and I'd be having several panic and anxiety attacks at the airport and while on flight. The whole excursion felt right from the start because I know I'd be going with wonderful people who share the same passion as I do -- passion for blogging and for traveling, and because Baguio, for me, in a way, feels like home. Aside from the fact that it's just 5 hours from Manila, I've had a few visits to Baguio before and each time had always been full of exciting (and romantic) memories. Plus, if anything happens to me, Peter won't be that far away. ^_^


Anyway, because I don't want this to be a very,very, very long blog post, I'll just share with you here the summarized version of how it all happened, plus links to other Baguio-related posts.

Sept. 23 at 5:30 in the morning, all of us bloggers scheduled to join this trip met at HalfMoon Cafe along Tomas Morato for beakfast. I didn't know everyone in the group so I stayed outside with my blogger friend Ryan and had breakfast with her and Peter. I ordered Bangus breakfast set and brewed coffee.


At around 6:30 am, we were on the road up north. We were divided into three vans and I was honored to be with the Aspacio couple, Jennie and Jed, my co-MJ fan Ryan and my Plurk buddy JL.

L-R: JL, Ryan, Jennie and Jeff

L-R: Me, Ryan and JL inside the Innova we rode.

There were several stopovers at different gas stations. Finally, at around noon, we stopped at this huge Lion statue along Kennon Road for some major photo op.


At times like this, I miss Peter. Who will take my picture??? LOL! Thanks to my blogger friends who tagged me in some of the photos. At least there's proof that I was part of this very exciting Baguio trip and visit to Mines View Park Hotel. Hihihi.

Sunday Treat: Club Astoria and Time with Peachie

As I've mentioned in my previous blog posts, I was on vacation leave from work starting Wednesday to Friday (June 9-11). Those days proved to be productive as I was able to apply for my Postal ID, TIN ID and NBI clearance. The rest of the weekend was spent just hanging at the house, doing some chores and basically just lounging at home and watching those DVD movies we've bought a few weeks ago (We still have several more to finish).

Come Sunday, we were invited to come to Astoria Plaza for some presentation regarding their club membership. Since we're already members of RCI and Club Panoly, we no longer availed of their membership. But still, they gave us a voucher for 3-7 free nights stay at their affiliate hotels in US, Asia and the Philippines. Coolness!

Malapascua Island in Cebu: Day 1

On Nov. 28-30, 2009, Peter and I decided to spend the long weekend somewhere we've never been to before and Malapascua Island popped in my head. Though we've been to other parts of Cebu like Marigondon, Moalboal (this one's in the Southern part, near Badian), Mactan, Sogod & Bantayan (this one's going up north), and Cebu City itself, there are still many places in that region that we have yet to discover and Malapascua is one of them. To get to this place, please review my other posts on Malapascua:

Malapascua Island

~~~oOo~~~

The first thing I wished for that day was for Cebu to have a good weather. It's been drizzling on and off in Manila last November 2009 and I wanted this vacation to be perfect. It might be our only time alone together before that year's Christmas holiday begins to kick in and Peter will start sleeping again in the office (which actually happened last month). Anyway, my wish was granted because the moment we hit the road, all I saw and felt were blue skies and cold breeze. Whoopee!!!

Casa San Pablo Valentine Stay

The following is a post I drafted while we were staying in Casa San Pablo last Feb. 14, 2010. Can I just say that so far, this has been the best Valentine weekend celebration of my entire life?! ^_^

For those who want to read this Valentine travelogue from the beginning, please clickthe link below:

Valentine 2010

~~~oOo~~~

Feb . 14, 2010... I now sit here, at Casa San Pablo, one of the nicest bed and breakfast places my hubby and I have ever been to, feeling so happy and content with my life. We checked in here last night (Feb. 13, 2010), right after our windsurfing activity. Well, not necessarily right after, coz we still had to drive for almost 2 hours just to get to San Pablo City from Caliraya. The moment we entered the resort, we were just so enamored by it's tranquility and beauty. We immediately checked-in so we can change into our swimming attire and enjoy the swimming pool under the stars.

The room we got was room # 7, formerly the guest room of a renowned Filipino poet, Rofel Brion, who is also a family friend of Casa San Pablo's owners. Some of his poems are framed and hanging on the walls of this room, showing tribute to his great talent.

Lake Caliraya Surf Kamp, Japanese Garden and Lagos del Sol

The following is a post I drafted while we were staying in Casa San Pablo last Feb. 14, 2010. Can I just say that so far, this has been the best Valentine weekend celebration of my entire life?! ^_^

For those who want to read this Valentine travelogue from the beginning, please clickthe link below:

Valentine 2010

~~~oOo~~~

It's amazing how when you've done something you never really thought you could do, you open yourself up to more creative ventures you never even bothered to think about before. This phenomenon may have something to do with being able to accept yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses, and acknowledging the fact that you can be limitless, albeit imperfect, if you really want to be.

Take for instance what happened to me this Valentine weekend. I did plan to take up windsurfing lessons. I first fell in love with this water sport, no matter how superficial it was at first, when I marshalled the Neil Pryde Fun Board Cup in Boracay last January of 2008. Being a marshall at that time, for one whole week, I witnessed a lot of action in the windsurfing and kite boarding divisions. They all looked fun and I thought if these people can do it, maybe I could too! But weeks turned to months, and months turned to two years, and still, I didn't have the courage nor the time to go windsurfing. Then finally, on our Valentine weekend this year, I thought it's about time that I give it a try.

Caliraya Surf Kamp

Entrance is Php75 for day trippers and Php150 each for overnight campers. You can rent a tent for about Php300 or bring your own.

We went to Caliraya Lake in Laguna in the early morning of Feb. 13, 2010. It was freaking cold... I wasn't wearing any bra (like I usually do) and so my nips were really crying for attention. It was even colder than that time when we went to Baguio for my birthday 3 years ago, and with the wind blowing so strong plus the occasional drizzle, I started getting anxious. Could I really do this? Am I really up for it? Do I really, really want this? And so like my doubting psyche would sometimes do to me, I started noticing the other unpleasant things about this whole trip. The venue was at Caliraya Surf Kamp where the famous lake is located. It was pure nature. There were no cottages, no proper toilets and bathrooms, the soil was made of silt, full of moss and other seemingly yucky and slippery substances. It would surely be uncomfortable and I didn't have to undergo this kind of hassle.

Cebu - Kotex Youniversity w/ Carelle Mangaliag

I took this trip last January 29-31, 2010. For those who missed reading Part I, please click the link below:

My Stay @ Cebu Waterfront Hotel

 ~~~oOo~~~

Looking back on this trip makes me feel so much more blessed. Just when I expected to do some grueling assistant work, I was actually given a day off on my first day. Like I shared on the first part of this travelogue, I just spent my afternoon eating, bonding with my new acquaintances from DECS and Kotex and basically just lazing around the hotel. And so on my first night there, I decided to come see my sister who currently lives in Cebu. They were kind enough to pick me up from the lobby of Waterfront Hotel and from there headed to a laid back food place that sells very affordable seafood. It was pig out time once again! And can I just say that Cebu really has the finest tasting dishes I know. Whether they be hotel-made or straight out of a grillery, they just never cease to satiate my starving soul… err, tummy. ^_^

After our fantastic meal, Abba and Chris decided to hang out in one of the bars and have some drinks. I obliged. After all, I did want to enjoy my night there in case I won’t have time the next day to spend with them.

What to do on Valentine’s Day

These places/activities I will be sharing with you are those which I haven’t yet featured on my blog. They all happened a few years ago and I’m thinking for those who haven’t been to these places yet, you can actually make them your Valentine destination this year. These places are better suited for those living in Metro Manila and nearby areas since these are just a few hours’ drive from the city. If you’re the nomadic type and won’t be satisfied with just a Valentine dinner date and yet you don’t really have the budget nor the time to go to exotic and/or expensive places like: 

Baguio (Panagbenga flower festival is coming up!), Bicol,  Bohol, Boracay, Camiguin, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, Hong Kong, Ilocos,  Indonesia, Malaysia,  Palawan, Quezon,  Singapore, Siquijor, etc.  then I’m sure these activities would interest you.

Avilon Zoo, Montalban Rizal

When we went here in 2005, we were with my parents, my best friend Mer and ex-bf Mikki. Avilon Zoo has just been recently put up then and I’m sure they have more animals and amenities now.

 

The Avilon Montalban Zoological Park is the largest zoological park in the Philippines, to date. The 7.5-hectare of the zoo lies in the picturesque valley of Barrio San Isidro, Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal, Philippines.

My Stay @ Cebu Waterfront Hotel

Jan. 29, 2010, 7:00 am, I was already at the Centennial Airport with my hubby waiting for Carelle and RR. I guess we were pretty early since they were still on their way and our flight was scheduled at 9:30 am. I’m usually like that. Better be early than get stressed about being late. ^_^ To make the most of our time, Peter and I shared breakfast at Le Bistro located at the ground flooor of the airport. It used to be Figaro. But I guess Ms. Chit Juan turned all her Figaro franchises intoLe Bistro instead. Smart move! ^_^

We ordered a  big cup of  hot Mocha drink and a slice of carrot cake. Yum! Had I known that there was Jollibee upstairs, I should’ve ordered Pinoy breakfast instead. I was still kind of hungry then. The carrot cake stimulated my appetite. Hehehe.

Then we met up with Carelle and RR outside Jollibee. As soon as we got our tickets, we checked-in  our stuff and spent the rest of the time napping. Well, I tinkered with the available free wifi at the airport while Carelle and RR caught some zzzzzs. They haven’t slept yet.

Laiya Batangas - Les Caraibes Resort

Peter spent his birthday weekend by the beach of Les Caraibes Resort

It's been a long, stressful & tiring week and I'm so glad it's almost over. For those of you who are yearning for a beach trip anytime soon, (I know I am) may I recommend this quiet, peaceful, serene and beautiful piece of paradise located in Laiya, Batangas --- LES CARAIBES BEACH RESORT.

Les Caraibes Beach Resort is managed by Ms. Len Congco Haddadin and Ms. Corrie Pumarada Menez. Resort operations began on January 2008 as they pursue their dream of offering Filipinos and Tourists a place with an atmosphere much different from the atmosphere of everyday life. A place where one would sit back and let nature take its course making you feel as if you were never apart from it. Here in Les Caraibes Beach Resort, we believe that each and everyone of us deserves to have a good time...but only our guests deserve the best. Our resort offers Carribean-inspired cottages and rooms, a restaurant with a wide variety of intercontinental cuisine by Mr. Philippe-our French Chef, a bar lounge, water activites such as boating, fishing and kayaking, day-trip picnic tables, tent areas, and other facilites. Come visit us and you'll soon realize that nature is your real home." ----- LES CARAIBES

We were supposed to kayak (only Php200/hr) but I fell asleep!