Category Archives: Lodging

Trip@dora Review: Surprised with Ong Bun Pension House in Iloilo

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Whenever I travel, I always try to find a “decent” yet affordable accommodation. Budget mattered especially in my recent trip to Iloilo for the Dinagyang Festival. As early as November 2011, travel blogger friends advised me to book ahead of time. I inquired with numerous accommodations that got my interest. However, they have a fixed 3-day rate for the Dinagyang. Only Ong Bun Pension House maintained its regular rate. Hence, the price won me over.

I was having second thoughts though because of the bad reviews that I read from TripAdvisor. But then again, it’s the cheapest that I can find in Iloilo. I trusted the photos on their site (saying that some of the rooms were renovated) and the pieces of advice of most PinoyTravelBlogger friends.

So I reserved for a single deluxe airconditioned room priced at Php 495.00/night for 3 nights via their website. Then its owner, Mr. Gerard Ong, asked for a 50% downpayment last November. Since the pension house is always fully booked, I readily reserved.

Then two weeks prior to my arrival, I realized that I should be in Iloilo by the 20th of January. I called up to ask if it would be alright to check in a day ahead and just pay the remaining balance when I arrived. The receptionist agreed.

The day of arrival

On the day that I arrived in Iloilo from Guimaras, I told the multicab that I’ll be going to Ong Bun. I pronounced the bun as [ban] like bread bun. He scratched his head. When I said “pension house”, he then corrected me, “Ah sa Ong Bun [Bon].” Yes, the pronunciation should be BON not BAN.

Then the multicab dropped me off at Ledesma Street. I walked and saw the not-so-pleasant exterior of the Ong Bun Pension House. Yes, I’ve seen it from pictures. The guard at the ground floor pointed me to the stairs after I told him that I have a reservation.

I went up the dusty stairs, which gave me the impression of the age of the building. The staff smiled. I told them my name and showed the deposit slip. Then, the staff handed out a form to fill out the guest details. Afterwards, I was readily given a key to the room. The male staff even assisted me in carrying my bag to the room.

They don’t have an elevator. Hence, the only way to go up was through the stairs. Thankfully, my room was just at the second floor. I was surprised to see the lobby of the second floor, which has ambient lighting and a nice couch. The staff then pointed me at the farthest room near the window. My room was facing Ledesma Street.

When I opened the room, I had a sigh of relief. What a pleasant surprise! It was not bad as I thought of. All my worries about the bad reviews faded. Yes!

And their key chain also acts as the power generator to activate the electricity inside the room. In fairness, they’re coping up with technology.

When I entered, these two windows were the first that I saw.

The room also has television, dresser, and a desk.

There were glasses on the desk but I didn’t bother using them.

And most of all, I had my own comfort room. The cleanliness of the comfort room is really important to me. And voila, when I opened the door to the CR, yes, it was fairly clean.

I put my things in place and left the room to explore Iloilo. When I returned at night, that’s when I noticed the not-so-good thing about Ong Bun. I opened my door and saw some small roaches on the wall. Yikes. So I put them to rest one by one. I wonder why and how these roaches appeared. Then when I pulled the blanket, I saw this hole. Tsk. Previous guest made it as an ashtray. Nonetheless, the following day, I got a new blanket with no holes in it.

The good points: 

  • They have free wifi at the lobby
  • They change linens every other day.
  • They provide towels and change it every other day.
  • Cheapest price
  • Approachable receptionists- they answered all of my questions (re: transportation etc)
  • The pension house has a gallon of mineral water on every floor, where you can refill your water bottle.

The bad points:

  • Small roaches appear at night
  • Blanket with holes on it
  • No hot water. They only have cold water in the shower.

Everything was fine with Ong Bun except for those roaches and the blanket which has a hole in it.

Will I recommend it? Yes, especially if you’re really on a tight budget and if you’re traveling solo. But if you’re traveling with companions, then I’ll recommend One Lourdes Dormitel. It’s actually my first choice but since I don’t have someone to share the cost with, I ended up with Ong Bun. But still, I’m happy with room that I got except for the roaches.

Accommodation Tips:
  • Choose their deluxe rooms. Most of the rooms at the 2nd floor are renovated.
  • The rooms at the upper floors are the old ones.
  • Book early. Cheapest room is at Php 150 (fan room)
  • For the not-so-young, choose the lower floors since they don’t have an elevator.

Budget-friendly lodging in Tacloban City

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“Don’t judge a book by its cover or as Melanie Marquez puts it, “Don’t judge my brother; he’s not a book.” 

The facade of Rosvenil Pensione might give you a second thought. But don’t let your prejudices overpower you. When I asked my friend Aaron, a local of Palo, Leyte for an affordable yet decent place to stay, Rosvenil was his recommendation. From an ancestral home, the owners converted Rosvenil into a pensione house.

From the Abucay terminal, the trike driver dropped me at #302 P.Burgos Street. He pointed to his right, where an old house stood. The signage affirmed my destination.

When I went inside, I was surprised with the look of the lobby. It’s modern. I made no prior reservations but the staff readily assisted me.

For a deluxe airconditioned twin bedroom, I was charged Php 500.00. That was a steal!

The staff then led me to the annex building, which looks new. However, it was an exercise to go up to the third floor, where the room was. There was no elevator. So if you’re with an elderly, ask for a ground floor room.

She opened the room, and voila, it was homey, spacious and clean! The atmosphere was more like of a hotel than a pensione house. It’s airconditioned. It also has a cable TV, a phone, a dresser, and its own comfort room.

The downside? There’s no wifi and no hot water for the shower.

For the price, it was a good deal. So far, this was the most affordable yet comfortable place that I’ve stayed in.

FOOD

They have a restaurant beside the lobby named Socsargen Grill. But it was closed during my stay so I haven’t tried their food.

Just a few meters away from Rosvenil Pensione, I found this fastfood with a “romantic name.”

I checked out the food but then, my friend and his girlfriend invited me to eat with them at a restaurant which serves sinugba (grilled foods such as isaw, barbeque). It was also a few blocks away from the pensione house.

NEAREST ATTRACTIONS:

From the pensione house, you can walk to the Sto. Nino Church/ Sto. Nino Shrine and the Rizal Plaza.


TRAVEL NOTES:

      • Rosvenil Pensione contact number: +63 53 321 2676 ‎
      • Address: #302 P. Burgos St., Tacloban City
      • Most expensive room rate: Matrimonial bed Php 930.00
      • It has a parking space for those who have their vehicles with them.

 

Trip@dora Guide: Lodgings in Puerto Galera

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Puerto Galera prides itself with an abundant marine life, which attracts both local and foreign divers. This town in the province of Oriental Mindoro is also a favorite weekend escape of those who live in the metro and nearby provinces of Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon.


Going to this town is already an adventure in itself. The waves bordering Mindoro and Batangas are not for the faint-hearted. The boat ride can really make you scream. But as for me, I slept it off.

If you happen to visit this town, here are some lodgings in Puerto Galera that you might want to consider:

High-End

 Buri Resort &Spa

-If you want seclusion and serenity, then Buri Resort & Spa suits you.  It’s 10 minutes away from Muelle port and is separated from the town proper. The resort’s speedboat driver picks up guests from Muelle port. Families and friends may choose among their 12 villas named after different species of flowers.

  • Price Ranges: Php 6,000- Php 8,000 (Villa rate)
  • Address: Sitio Dalaruan, Sabang, Puerto Galera
  • Contact #: (+632) 697-1254 / +6329176234608
  • www.buri-resort.com

Mid-range

Basilico’s Beach Lodge

-Beach bummers would find Basilico’s location ideal. The shore of the popular White Beach is literally within walking distance from the rooms. The boat turned into a table is also an interesting find. It’s where you can eat and have some ice cold beer by the beach.

White beach puerto galera by izah morales

  • Price Range: Php 1,200-1,500
  • Address: Brgy. San Isidro
  • Contact#: +63 906 285 2341
  • Email: justsuem [at] yahoo [dot] com

Graywall Resort

-It may be a bit challenging to find Graywall Resort because of its location, which is neither near the beach nor the inland streets of Brgy. San Isidro. It’s in the middle of the two. But if you want to veer away from the noise at night, then this accommodation fits you.

  • Price range: Php 1,705- Php 4,655
  • Address: Brgy. San Isidro
  • Contact #: +63 922 814 8498/ +63 926 9803725
  • www.graywallresort.com

Buenna Lynne’s Lodge

 -Buenna Lynne’s offers a breathtaking view of White Beach with its rooftop fan rooms. You may even want to save electricity and just use fresh air as substitute. If you like pink, then you may opt to stay at their pink rooms.

  • Price range: Php 1,000-2,000
  • Address: Brgy. San Isidro
  • Contact # +63 917 489 3630
  • www.buennalynnes-resort.com

Budget

Mountain Beach Resort

-Mountain Beach Resort gives you another side of Puerto Galera, where you can own the beach. It’s located amid the mountains in Brgy. Talipanan. It offers cottage-type and apartment-type of rooms.

  • Price range: Php 500- Php 1,500
  • Address: Brgy. Talipanan
  • Contact #: +63 906 3625406/ +63 922 8044442
  • www.mountainbeachresort.com

Cataquis Lodge

-If you want a beach front accommodation but nearer to Sabang, then head to Big La Laguna, where Cataquis Lodge is. Each room has a kitchen and a comfort room.

  • Price range: Php 800-Php 1,800
  • Address: Big La Laguna Beach
  • Contact #: +63 9163169877
  • Email: cataquisvicky [at] yahoo [dot] com

 Villa Fernandez Resort

-Overlooking Palangan Bay, Villa Fernandez Resort offers you a quiet stay. Because of its location, the resort offers its guests free transport service from Muelle to Sabang and White Beach.

  • Price range: Php 500-Php 3,500
  • Address: Brgy. Palangan
  • Contact #: +63 916 6636362
  • www.villafernandezresort.com

One night in Bislig: Finding Sheilah’s Pension

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Darkness filled the surroundings. Only few lamp posts illuminated the streets. The slow-moving multi-seater tricycle finally stopped in front of a building with the painted words: Sheilah’s Pension. We found ourselves along Espiritu Street in Brgy. Mangagoy.

A month before the trip, I’ve placed my reservation via phone. Good thing, I texted Aling Ester about the reservation on the day of our arrival because she has forgotten about it.

When I went out of the tricycle, I had mixed feelings upon seeing the facade of the pension house.  This was the first time that I booked an accommodation without seeing any picture of its room. I just trusted my instinct.

Aling Ester led me to my room, a single airconditioned bedroom with its own comfort room. The white-painted wall made it look clean. Aling Ester and the staff even sprayed a disinfectant before she gave me my keys.

Izah Morales

The bathroom was so narrow but clean. The age of the pension house was evident on the tiling of the bathroom. The aircondition unit was a bit noisy but at least it cooled the room. For a price of Php 400, it was a good deal for me. After all, I’m just staying for a night.

Most travelers to Bislig City stay at Paper Country Inn. But I wanted to try a different accommodation. Hence, I chose Sheilah’s Pension. It was actually a toss coin between Casa de Babano (a new pension house in Brgy. Mangagoy) and Sheilah’s Pension. The cheap price of Sheilah’s won me over.

After freshening up, J and I went out of the pension house and began searching for a place to eat along Espiritu Street.

There were only few choices: eateries, bakeries, chicken roast kiosk, and then, there was Dan’s Grill.

My hungry stomach didn’t mind the price of the food. I ordered Kinilaw na Tanigue while J ordered liempo budget meal and pork with veggies.

The Kinilaw na Tuna in Davao was still the best that I’ve tasted. The Kinilaw na Tanigue costs me Php 105.00

We returned to Sheilah’s Pension and called it a night. I don’t know if a night life exist in the city of Bislig but we chose to rest and recharge for the following day.

Around 3 am, I suddenly woke up. My pupils became enlarged hoping to find light. There was no electricity. Brown out! I didn’t panic for the first time and closed my eyes again.

In Bislig, electricity is distributed on schedule. It goes out from 1 am up to 8 am.

Sheilah’s Pension house may be a bit old but I got more than what I paid for. When we were about to leave for Tinuy-An Falls, Aling Ester talked to our habal-habal driver, Kuya Gilbert.

“Ingatan mo ang mga batang ito ha. Dahan-dahan lang ang maneho. ‘Yung dati naming guests, naaksidente nung papunta sila ng Tinuy-An Falls, [Take care of them. Drive carefully because our former guests met an accident while they were on their way to Tinuy-An Falls.],” said Aling Ester.

I felt so touched with her words. It’s rare to find someone like her who shows concern to people who just stayed for a night in their pension house.  That is her brand of Filipino hospitality.

Travel Notes: 

  • Sheilah’s Pension- Aling Ester (0949-6178029) / (086) 853-1510

The adventure and misadventure of a first-timer in Bangkok

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Photo by Izah Morales

*A story which happened when Trip@dora was still unborn.

Delays happen whenever my travel dates are approaching but these didn’t hinder me to scratch my itchy feet from going places.

In May 2009, Mama and her friends accepted Tita Vi’s invitation to their home in Pattaya, Thailand. Having booked a flight on sale (Php5,017.00 roundtrip–I thought it was cheap back then), I went with them and spent money for a trip for the first time. My previous out of the country trips (Macau and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) were for free.

During that time, Southeast Asian countries have been strict about outgoing and incoming tourists to prevent the spread of the AH1N1 virus. But since there was no travel ban and the invitation has been long overdue, we took the risk and traveled to Bangkok.

Before leaving the Philippines, we wore a mask as a precautionary measure though it was not that strict at the NAIA Terminal 3. After 3 hours, we arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport and I was impressed with their international airport. They have a Thermo Scanner. How I wish our airports in the Philippines had it too.

From the airport, we hailed a taxi to Imm Fusion, which took 20 minutes. It’s located along Sukhumvit Road and a few meters away from the On Nut Station.

The Entrance

It was past 1 am yet the Thai receptionists greeted us with warmth, “Sawasdee Ka!”

The pictures which led us to choose this hotel didn’t disappoint us. Its Moroccan-inspired interiors were very eye-candy.

We availed of their promo pay 1 and stay 1 more night for free–all for 1,600 baht (800 Baht/ night= Php 1,113.00). We got a standard room with queen-sized bed connected to another room with twin beds.

The hallway has an ambient lighting. When we opened our room, we’re very much satisfied. The room has a safe. Wifi access is free.

The comfort room was a bit small but it was fine.

In the morning, we ate our breakfast (which was included in the room rate) at their dining area. The design was so cool and relaxing.

The breakfast which consists of pastries were served in buffet style. The drinks were also varied from coffee, soya milk to juices.

We spent our day going to the Grand Palace via the Chao Phraya River (more on this in a separate post).

Fast forward the day after, Tita Vi arrived at the Imm Fusion to fetch us and bring us to their home in Pattaya. Before leaving the hotel, we did some photo-ops. They have a pool but we didn’t have time swimming.

Mama and her friends enjoyed posing in their Moroccan-inspired receiving area across the reception. When we were satisfied, we secured all our things and bid the hotel farewell.

It took around 2.5 hours via a private car until we reached Pattaya. Pattaya was a little laid back than Bangkok. The travel was like Manila going to Subic via the SCTEX.

When I was unpacking my things, I noticed that my black bag was missing. I asked Mama about it. We returned to their vehicle but then, we found none. Oh no! I left it at the couch of Imm Fusion. I was worried. We slept it off and planned to return to Bangkok the following day.

DAY 2- The fun of riding a public transport

From the Pattaya Bus Terminal Station, we bought our tickets at 113 baht each going to Ekamai or the Eastern Bus Terminal in Bangkok.

I was so excited riding a public bus in another country because this would allow me to blend with the locals. We successfully arrived at the station and went on our way to Imm Fusion.

I approached the reception and told them my story. Then after a few minutes, one of the staff returned holding my black bag. Thank God! I checked all my things and everything was intact. We thanked them and left with a sigh of relief.

After buying some things, we returned to the bus terminal for Pattaya. Most of the passengers of the bus were locals. Some may have forgotten to put on a deo and the smell immediately spread in the airconditioned bus. I thought my research was enough but it failed me this time. I wondered why the bus was so slow. It was too late when we learned that the bus that we took was the one that travels along the old road and not on the expressway which we passed by the day before.

We asked the driver but he barely understood English. I looked around the bus and most of them only spoke the Thai language. Oh my. I looked outside and learned that we were in Chon Buri. My bladder was killing me. It would burst anytime. When we saw a home depot, we decided to alight from the bus. I couldn’t take it anymore.

I rushed inside the depot and asked for their comfort room. The staff couldn’t understand what we were talking about. When Mama demonstrated and uttered a urinating sound “swiisshh”. They then understood, “ah toilet.” One of them pointed the direction towards the toilet.

Whew! Relieved.

We thanked them and asked for the directions in riding another bus going to the city center of Pattaya. The staff assisted us and we arrived safely back in Tita Vi’s home after four hours.

What an unforgettable experience that was. Even if two years had passed, the memories still reside in my head. I’ll be back Bangkok. I hope soon. And I hope this time, I’ll have more memorable adventures.

Travel Notes:

  • There are two buses that ply the Bangkok-Pattaya route. Unfortunately, what we rode was the slow bus which took us four hours. The Express bus is operated by Roong Reuang and pass by the tollway. Read more here.
  • Basic Thai Language: Mai Dai (cannot), chai chai (yes), Mai Chai (no), wai (greeting), Sawasdee Ka (greeting referring to female), Sawasdee Kap (greeting referring to male), Koh (island), Khao (mountain)