Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
LA Carmela Boracay Nightmare
La Carmela Boracay is known for their very affordable rates specially to big groups. Actually I have been losing big accounts to this hotel for the past years.
Boy Abunda of the Buzz frequently thanked the owner Boy So...So when I was in Boracay, I decided to spend an overnight at the hotel to try their room and services...their low rate is just a plus factor.
I walked in and requested to see their rooms. I was guided by one of their staff (I forgot his name) and checked on their rooms at the second floor. I learned later of my stay, that what I booked is their old building that's why they have a very affordable rates.
I was dismayed because the hallway was a bit disorganized and I think the painted walls are a bit dirty. It was good smelling though. I like what I saw in the room so I paid my room and told them that I will be checking in the next day.
The room was nice, clean and decent. The aircon is cool. But when I checked on the cabinets and refrigerator..I cant belived what I saw. The refrigerator is old and rustic and the cabinet smells bad...I cant even walked barefoot on the floor because I could felt sand on my feet.
The worst part of my experience was my first night at the hotel. I asked for a tissue from the FO but they told me that there was a tissue at the bathroom. I told them that I will not asked if I saw one, so they send a roll of tissue for 3 persons. When my daughter showered, she screamed because the water was so cold. I looked for the hot water control but its not functioning. I called again the Front desk and she said " You don't have an access to hot water because you only paid for that room". I can't believed what I heard and answered back " If you only told me that I don't have a hot water because I am only paying PHP 2,100 then transfer me to your most expensive room but be sure that I get what my money worth if not I will make sure that the whole Philippines would know what kind of service ypu are offering ..."Na lahat natatapatan ng pera".After a few minutes, the hotel maintenance came to our room and did something below the sink and voila the hot water control is now working.
I forget the bad experience because I don't want to spoil our vacation.WE had our breakfast and I was delighted that they had a good buffet at an affordable price.
WE also tried the Mang Boy's BBQ and we enjoyed it...its super affordable and delicious.
Boy Abunda of the Buzz frequently thanked the owner Boy So...So when I was in Boracay, I decided to spend an overnight at the hotel to try their room and services...their low rate is just a plus factor.
I walked in and requested to see their rooms. I was guided by one of their staff (I forgot his name) and checked on their rooms at the second floor. I learned later of my stay, that what I booked is their old building that's why they have a very affordable rates.
I was dismayed because the hallway was a bit disorganized and I think the painted walls are a bit dirty. It was good smelling though. I like what I saw in the room so I paid my room and told them that I will be checking in the next day.
The room was nice, clean and decent. The aircon is cool. But when I checked on the cabinets and refrigerator..I cant belived what I saw. The refrigerator is old and rustic and the cabinet smells bad...I cant even walked barefoot on the floor because I could felt sand on my feet.
The worst part of my experience was my first night at the hotel. I asked for a tissue from the FO but they told me that there was a tissue at the bathroom. I told them that I will not asked if I saw one, so they send a roll of tissue for 3 persons. When my daughter showered, she screamed because the water was so cold. I looked for the hot water control but its not functioning. I called again the Front desk and she said " You don't have an access to hot water because you only paid for that room". I can't believed what I heard and answered back " If you only told me that I don't have a hot water because I am only paying PHP 2,100 then transfer me to your most expensive room but be sure that I get what my money worth if not I will make sure that the whole Philippines would know what kind of service ypu are offering ..."Na lahat natatapatan ng pera".After a few minutes, the hotel maintenance came to our room and did something below the sink and voila the hot water control is now working.
I forget the bad experience because I don't want to spoil our vacation.WE had our breakfast and I was delighted that they had a good buffet at an affordable price.
WE also tried the Mang Boy's BBQ and we enjoyed it...its super affordable and delicious.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Estacio Uno Boracay
It's only now that I have the time to blog about one of the newly renovated hotel in Boracay.
Estacio Uno in Boracay is located at the Station 1. It was formerly called Waling Waling Resort and is one of the first hotel accommodation in the island
The hotel was undergoing renovation when we went there last year so we were given a 30% discount from their published rate. If you enter from the main road, there was no gate or wall. Immediately, you will see the Front desk and the lobby lounge and directly to the beach.
Anyway, there is nothing so special about this hotel except that it is located directly the Willy's Rock which has become a landmark of Boracay and is newly renovated. The lobby is small but they have modern furnitures. There are rooms which are directly connected to the the indoor pool but those rooms need to be covered by curtains because its fronting the restaurant.
During dinner we decide to walked going to D'Mall and asked for an umbrella because it was raining, the receptionist told me that they have no umbrella. When I told them that they should have, they made their way to look and lend me 2 umbrellas. The next morning, I asked for a beach towel and to my dismay, I was asked to sign in a logbook for the borrowed towels. These are small and simple things that they should give their guest without fuzz.
The Willy's Rock during Low Tide
The Willy's Rock during High Tide
The renovated room
The indoor pool
Their reservation is located along Pasay Road ner the Balikbayan Handicraft in Makati City
Estacio Uno in Boracay is located at the Station 1. It was formerly called Waling Waling Resort and is one of the first hotel accommodation in the island
The hotel was undergoing renovation when we went there last year so we were given a 30% discount from their published rate. If you enter from the main road, there was no gate or wall. Immediately, you will see the Front desk and the lobby lounge and directly to the beach.
Anyway, there is nothing so special about this hotel except that it is located directly the Willy's Rock which has become a landmark of Boracay and is newly renovated. The lobby is small but they have modern furnitures. There are rooms which are directly connected to the the indoor pool but those rooms need to be covered by curtains because its fronting the restaurant.
During dinner we decide to walked going to D'Mall and asked for an umbrella because it was raining, the receptionist told me that they have no umbrella. When I told them that they should have, they made their way to look and lend me 2 umbrellas. The next morning, I asked for a beach towel and to my dismay, I was asked to sign in a logbook for the borrowed towels. These are small and simple things that they should give their guest without fuzz.
The Willy's Rock during Low Tide
The Willy's Rock during High Tide
The renovated room
The indoor pool
Their reservation is located along Pasay Road ner the Balikbayan Handicraft in Makati City
Discovery Shores in Boracay
Our Boracay trip last year was a birthday treat to Carlos who's celebrating his birthday. We booked an early flight at Philippine Airlines and have our car park at the Park and Ride near the NAIA Terminal 2.
We are all excited that the 2 hours wait at the passengers lounge seems like forever.
Maybe because it was a trip together as a family, or maybe because I can't wait to see the beautiful island of Boracay and to experience the service of one of the most coveted hotel in Boracay...DISCOVERY SHORES.
As we enter the Kalibo passengers lounge, the guide from Discovery Shores was there waiting for us with our names written on a board. We were immediately ushered to a van waiting outside the airport. He said that we will just wait for other passengers who will join us in our 2 hours trip to Caticlan. After few minutes, he came back and asked me if I want to rent the van exclusively at the price of PHP2,000. I haggled and he gave it at PHP1,500. Its fair enough instead of waiting for 8 more passengers I made the deal.
The 2 hours trip from to Caticlan was another experience for me. I got to see Kalibo for the first time and the other towns of Aklan. I learned that from Kalibo, its another 2 hours trip to Iloilo.
Instead of dropping the main port of Caticlan, we were brought to the private port of FAIRWAYS Boracay where the boats of Discovery Shores are dock. Other private ferries of Boracay are also dock in.
The 15 minutes sailing to the Island of Boracay was not boring since we are being educated by the nice usherette. We were given cold towel, biscuit and bottled water.
Here is the picture of the boat.
As we enter our van from Cagban Port going to the hotel, the very courteous and smiling driver introduce himself and offered us candies (Sorry I got no pictures). When we arrived at the hotel lobby, their Front Desk Assistant was waiting for us with umbrellas. He explained that we have to wait at the Guest lounge while waiting for our room. The hotel was superlative.
One Bedroom
The Freebies...includes also a canvass bag, Small Armada SPF lotion, newspaper,baller and a Letter from the GM
Complimentary Foot wash for 20 minutes.
Our terrace at the second floor overlooking the pool
The Hotel fronting the white beach. Beside Discovery shores is Fridays Boracay. It is at the center of Station 1. The shoreline has the finest sand in the island.
And guest...whom we met?
We are all excited that the 2 hours wait at the passengers lounge seems like forever.
Maybe because it was a trip together as a family, or maybe because I can't wait to see the beautiful island of Boracay and to experience the service of one of the most coveted hotel in Boracay...DISCOVERY SHORES.
As we enter the Kalibo passengers lounge, the guide from Discovery Shores was there waiting for us with our names written on a board. We were immediately ushered to a van waiting outside the airport. He said that we will just wait for other passengers who will join us in our 2 hours trip to Caticlan. After few minutes, he came back and asked me if I want to rent the van exclusively at the price of PHP2,000. I haggled and he gave it at PHP1,500. Its fair enough instead of waiting for 8 more passengers I made the deal.
The 2 hours trip from to Caticlan was another experience for me. I got to see Kalibo for the first time and the other towns of Aklan. I learned that from Kalibo, its another 2 hours trip to Iloilo.
Instead of dropping the main port of Caticlan, we were brought to the private port of FAIRWAYS Boracay where the boats of Discovery Shores are dock. Other private ferries of Boracay are also dock in.
The 15 minutes sailing to the Island of Boracay was not boring since we are being educated by the nice usherette. We were given cold towel, biscuit and bottled water.
Here is the picture of the boat.
As we enter our van from Cagban Port going to the hotel, the very courteous and smiling driver introduce himself and offered us candies (Sorry I got no pictures). When we arrived at the hotel lobby, their Front Desk Assistant was waiting for us with umbrellas. He explained that we have to wait at the Guest lounge while waiting for our room. The hotel was superlative.
One Bedroom
The Freebies...includes also a canvass bag, Small Armada SPF lotion, newspaper,baller and a Letter from the GM
Complimentary Foot wash for 20 minutes.
Our terrace at the second floor overlooking the pool
The Hotel fronting the white beach. Beside Discovery shores is Fridays Boracay. It is at the center of Station 1. The shoreline has the finest sand in the island.
And guest...whom we met?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Pagudpud Trip
This Part of the trip is somewhat tiring because it's high noon. Along the way, we passed by coastal waters and the view was breathtaking. We were so excited at the site of Pagudpud arch. Pagudpud is the mountainous part of Ilocos Norte and the boundary to Region 2 's capital province of Cagayan Valley. If you see the map, Pagudpud is at the tip of northern Philippines. We easily found our hotel.
The room that I booked was not good. My brother told me that because of being stingy, we got what we deserved. I immediately request for a room transfer and it's good that they have available units for 4 persons.
After checked in, we explored the beach and the surrounding areas. There were lots of people at the beach. Ingrid, Carlos and Tito Father swam and played on the sand. My daughter who has a phobia of pools and beaches suddenly became so fond of swimming- which leads to her swimming lesson during the school break.
The place is modest with it's price. The beach is not long and wide but the sand is like White beach in Boracay.The price of foods are reasonable. I am so happy that their bottle of softdink is only 15pesos. There is free wifi connection, though they don't accept credit card payment.
I hope to be back in Pagudpud for a longer time to enjoy the beach and the food.
The room that I booked was not good. My brother told me that because of being stingy, we got what we deserved. I immediately request for a room transfer and it's good that they have available units for 4 persons.
After checked in, we explored the beach and the surrounding areas. There were lots of people at the beach. Ingrid, Carlos and Tito Father swam and played on the sand. My daughter who has a phobia of pools and beaches suddenly became so fond of swimming- which leads to her swimming lesson during the school break.
The place is modest with it's price. The beach is not long and wide but the sand is like White beach in Boracay.The price of foods are reasonable. I am so happy that their bottle of softdink is only 15pesos. There is free wifi connection, though they don't accept credit card payment.
I hope to be back in Pagudpud for a longer time to enjoy the beach and the food.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Paoay, Laoag, Batac
On our way, we went to Batac to visit some relatives, which we have not seen for years. It was good to see them again. We also visited the wax museum of Ex-President Ferdinand Marcos where his waxed remains rest. Beside the wax museum are his ancestral house and museum which were being renovated during our visit.
After Batac, we went to Paoay to visit the UNESCO HERITAGE Church. Paoay is very laid back, but I want to live there if given the chance.
Then we went to Paoay lake and to the Malacanang of the North which is the residence of the Marcos family when they go to Ilocos during their regime.
You can see here how they lived during their times.
On our way, we passed by Northwestern University, my mothers Alma mater. I am not so impressed with Laoag, it is a typical city.
We dropped by to find an optical shop and an ATM. We visited the St Wiliams Cathedral and the sinking bell tower beside it.
From Laoag, We continue our trip to another relative for lunch. After lunch we proceed to Pagudpud.
We passed by the famous windmills of Bangui.
Those windmills are intimidating. They are big and lots of them.
What made me smile is my daughters reaction.She was awed and even played with the waves. Big waves really.
We continued our travel to the haunting but very historical Cape de Boraduer.
They say that this is the tallest light house in the country. We climbed the lighthouse but winds are so strong that we were all breathless.
Ingrid was screaming that we go down. We are the only
people and I had an eery feeling.
The climbed to the top was worth it.....
The caretaker said that the lighthouse is still being use up to these days.
After Batac, we went to Paoay to visit the UNESCO HERITAGE Church. Paoay is very laid back, but I want to live there if given the chance.
Then we went to Paoay lake and to the Malacanang of the North which is the residence of the Marcos family when they go to Ilocos during their regime.
You can see here how they lived during their times.
On our way, we passed by Northwestern University, my mothers Alma mater. I am not so impressed with Laoag, it is a typical city.
We dropped by to find an optical shop and an ATM. We visited the St Wiliams Cathedral and the sinking bell tower beside it.
From Laoag, We continue our trip to another relative for lunch. After lunch we proceed to Pagudpud.
We passed by the famous windmills of Bangui.
Those windmills are intimidating. They are big and lots of them.
What made me smile is my daughters reaction.She was awed and even played with the waves. Big waves really.
We continued our travel to the haunting but very historical Cape de Boraduer.
They say that this is the tallest light house in the country. We climbed the lighthouse but winds are so strong that we were all breathless.
Ingrid was screaming that we go down. We are the only
people and I had an eery feeling.
The climbed to the top was worth it.....
The caretaker said that the lighthouse is still being use up to these days.
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