Hotel Review: La Carmela De Boracay

We chose La Carmela De Boracay because of it's beach front location (Station 2) and room rate. It's an off-peak season so we only paid 2,200 PHP for a night and it comes with free breakfast for 2. There's a 2,000 PHP security deposit fee which is refundable upon check out. It's probably 3-5 minutes away from D'Mall.

 La Carmela De Boracay's child-friendly pool area

The room is actually good for 4 because there are two double beds. I love that the room is very clean and spacious. There's a fridge, television, aircon and a safety box. There weren't enough toiletries though, we had to buy shampoo and soap outside. 

Our non-smoking hotel room

It has a small cabinet, table, TV, air conditioner, and a chair.

Toilet area

  Shower area!

 No scenic view from the balcony

The breakfast wasn't that "surprisingly delicious", I must say. The breakfast is free, but if you want to have a buffet breakfast, you just need to pay 100 PHP.

 Hotel's facade at night

 
I love the friendly staff and the good service of La Carmela. We were supposed to check out at 11AM, but because there were some delays in the activities that we did, we went back to the hotel at exactly 11AM  and the staff gave us an hour to shower and pack our things-- with no extra charge. 

 

For more information about La Carmela De Boracay, visit their website:

www.lacarmeladeboracay.com

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Quezon Series: Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan

Since I've been going to a lot of beaches for the past 6 months, I decided to join JM's sister on a quick trip in Lucban, Quezon province. It was probably 3.5 to 4 hours drive from Las Pinas (with stop overs).  Ate Karla, a local from Lucban, booked a room at Batis Aramin Resort And Hotel prior to our trip. It was nice to be with someone who knows a lot about Quezon Province. 

Before we arrive at the resort, we stopped over for lunch at Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan which is located just a few kilometers away from Batis Aramin. The restaurant is very spacious and it offers a variety of seafood.

photo from Ate Karla's facebook

 photo from Ate Karla's facebook

I love the floating restaurant and the somewhat strange statues. I also love that this place is child-friendly because there's a kids' area and a mini zoo for children to enjoy!

Since there were lots of people waiting to be served at the floating restaurant, we decided to have lunch at a simple hut near the man made lake. 

photo from Ate Karla's facebook

photo from Ate Karla's facebook

We ordered Bulalo, Kare-Kare, Chicken, etc. and it was worth the price, I can say! The dishes we ordered were mouth-watering and tasted so good especially the Bulalo! Pictures aren't enough for me to describe how savory the foods were. 

The ambiance and food are probably the main reasons why this restaurant attracts so many tourists. Will I go back to this place again? Definitely! My family will surely enjoy the food! 

photo from Ate Karla's facebook

There were 8 of us (with two kids) and we spent about 1,300 PHP for lunch. Not bad!

For more information about Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan, visit:

http://www.kamayansapalaisdaan.com.ph/index.php

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Hotel Review: Gran Tierra Suites

I stayed in a single room (matrimonial bed) during my Cebu trip. It costs 789 pesos only. I really like the modern atmosphere in this hotel. The room was spacious enough and once you check-in, the hotel staff will give you 4 pcs. of complimentary bread and water. Winner naman ang ensaymada nila e. 

What I didn't "quite" like is the shower. There's no hot shower so I was kind of shivering when I took a bath.

Single Room (reserve in advance!)

The hotel is two to three blocks away from Larsian in Fuente Circle and two blocks away from the hospital. It is 30-45 minutes away from Mactan International Airport. I like how quiet and peaceful the location is. This hotel offers free wi-fi, too! 

The staff are accommodating but be sure to speak a little Cebuano when you talk to them, they are not quite familiar with the Tagalog language.

For more information:

Address:

#207 Don Mariano Cui

Cor. Don Jose Avila

Capitol, Cebu City, Cebu

Contact Numbers:

+639176341839

+639996882816

+639235929369

Website:

http://grantierrasuites.com

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Punta De Fabian

How to get there: If you’re traveling in a group. it would be better to use a van or a private vehicle because there are no public transportations that pass directly through this place. I advise that you travel during the day.

Travel time: 1.5-2.5 hours away from Manila depending on the traffic.

Site: www.puntadefabian.com/

Budget: Not more than 4,500 each (3 days and 2 nights) for a group of 40+

Punta De Fabian is a nice, quiet place located in Baras, Rizal. I went there with my classmates for our final exam in Introduction to Law.

The place is perfect for retreat and team building because it is quiet and it has a good view of Laguna De Bay. The rooms are well-cleaned and the rates are "quite" affordable too.
 

 

View of Laguna Lake from the infinite pool.

The rooms range from 3000(single)-7000php(double-triple occupancy), however, you can get discounts if you're with a group. I guess each student in our class paid for less than 4,500 for 3days and 2nights. We were around 40 in class. Of course, it includes breakfast, lunch, meals and afternoon snacks.

 first bed

2nd bed

It has a game room wherein you can play billiards, chess and other indoor games. I like the Karaoke area. It also has a medium-sized function room that can accommodate 30-50 people. And, it has a place perfect for team building.

  Pool & Reception Area

I really like the rooms because they're spacious, stylish and modern. The foods that they served us were indeed, healthy and delicious although I heard that the foods are a bit pricey.

They have a big and small pool and one infinite pool. You have to be careful though, make sure the pool is clean before you swim. Staff were very accommodating. Just a tip, they “kind of” lack medicines there, so it would be better if you bring your own.

 Infinite Pool

Small & Big Pool

I will never forget this place. This is where I fell in love with him.

*photos from Zola Namoro:)

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