A friend of Tutubi just sent some pictures and few words on Victoria Court Hotel, which has a distinction as a premium "short time" motel, as a viable hotel for families and party venue too.

What differentiates Victoria Court and other motels/hotels from the usual hotels is that they don't follow the strict check in time of 12nn (up to 2pm) and check out of 12nn (or 11am) the following day. You only pay approximately per hour of stay, the shortest of which is usually 3 hours then you pay their overtime rate. This flexible check in/out time is convenient for may travelers and thus offer cheaper alternative to usual hotel accommodations.

Victoria Court Review:

These pictures were taken from Victory Court Pasig branch, specifically Victoria Court Hillcrest (the other 2 branches in Pasig, all just beside each other are Victoria Court Canley and Victoria Court Panorama)

typical deluxe room of Victoria Court Hillcrest, they have the queen size bed, 32" LED TV with cable and porn/adult channel (so they say), hot/cold shower with bidet and lots of mirrors. You can even food and drinks to be delivered to your room

Victoria Court room rates for 3 hours (short time), 12 hours and full 24 hours plus overtime rate per hour. Note: Victoria Court Pasig has the highest room rates of their branches when inquired through their Facebook page, please inquire from them directly for the latest room rates (they have an official website and telephone number/contact number and email). For example the three hour rate for other branches is PhP595.00

Checking in to Victoria Court and other motels in Manila is fairly easy and very discreet and private for those who have a car (or came in via taxi "biglang liko"), just drive in, tell the room boy/attendant what kind of room you want (they even have a hand signal), park your car, then enter your room just beside (or above) the garage. You don't need to go to the lobby (where you can be seen). After your stay, just call the operator to check out, the room boy will hand you the bill himself. Just pay him, he will raise the garage door and you drive off.

For taxi rooms, you hire a taxi to get there and be dropped off in taxi rooms. on check out, you can even call front desk for a taxi/vehicle which is heavily tinted. You can also walk in to check in but you need to pass by the lobby where you can be seen (if you want to be discreet but if this not an issue for you, it's ok)

Like typical high-end hotels, Victoria Court room rates are inclusive two complimentary bottles of water plus toiletries like two toothbrushes, soap and shampoo and a condom :)

Victoria Court Branches

Victoria Court Pasay
Victoria Court Malate
Victoria Court Las Pinas
Victoria Court Gil Puyat (Pasay, near NAIA, Manila Airport)
Victoria Court Cuneta (Pasay, near NAIA, Manila Airport)
Victoria Court North EDSA (Caloocan)
Victoria Court Malabon
Victoria Court San Fernando (Pampanga)

Some branches of Victoria Court have special theme rooms like the 50 Shades of Grey room which is a replica of the room of Christian Grey in the 50 Shades of Grey movie, The Asgard Room from Thor of Marvel Comics, Game of Thrones and others. Just be prepared to shell out much higher room rates for deluxe/super deluxe suites though. Some rooms are even so big thay they have bath tubs and jacuzzis where you can hold parties (including stag parties and bridal showers) for men, women and even kids alike.

Lastly, Vitoria Court discount cards are available for loyal clients to get discounts on room rates, food and beverages.

for other budget motels, please check this link:
Short time motels in Manila

*this is not a sponsored post but should Victoria Court provide Tutubi with a discount card, he'll accept it and use on Valentines Day for a change :)

Labels: Accommodations, Hotels

Just two away from Manila is this hideaway of the rich and famous, of which Tutubi is neither of rich nor famous, via CAVITex and the new Kaybiang Tunnel connecting the towns of Ternate, Cavite with Nasugbu, Batangas, Pico de Loro is synonymous with the nearby Mt. Pico de Loro well-loved by mountaineers.

Located inside Hamilo Coast of Nasugbu, Batangas is a condo resort development with a hotel and beach club. It has Pico Sands hotel for guests and events (like a planning session attended by Tutubi that's why he was able to gain access to the facilities), weddings, prenups, parties, swimming pool, a beach for swimming, swimming pools, a man-made lagoon surrounded by mid-rise condominiums for sale/lease/rent or member-only use.

Pictures of Pico De Loro, Nasugbu, Batangas:


the lobby of Pico Sands Hotel

the two queen size beds of Pico Sands Hotel room. Room also comes with a 32" LCD TV and cable TV provided by Cignal with several HD channels (but do you go to places like this just to watch TV? c'mon!)

the key card access of Pico Sands Hotel

Pico Bar and Restaurant just near the lobby of Pico Sands Hotel

sample menu for order and pick-up from your room via Pico Bar and Restaurant. The hotel does not have room deliveries. Just an FYI on food prices and menu for budget purposes


the shower has a sliding glass door with shower controls quite far away from the shower. very nice as Tutubi opens the shower but stays away from it to avoid eeither too cold or too hot water

lotus and lotus flowers floating on the man-made lagoon

the placid water of the man-made lake of Pico de Loro is perfect for early morning photo opportunities


Comments/Review of Pico de Loro:

Coming Up:

The beach of Pico de Loro, Nasugbu, Batangas
How to Get to Nasugbu, Batangas

Other interesting places in Nasugbu, Batangas:

Club Punta Fuego
Munting Buhangin Beach Resort
Beach Resorts for Summer Outing

Disclaimer:
as always, this is not a sponsored post. You may get in touch with Pico de Loro for the latest room rates, day tour rates if not posted on Pico de Loro official website.

Labels: Batangas, Batangas Resorts, Calabarzon, Hotels, Hotels and Resorts, Southern Tagalog

The marker on the facade of the old house on Calle Crisologo says it's the Casa de Don Gaspar de Bartolome, now converted into a hotel, the Cordillera Inn, that's so strategically located on Vigan's famous cobblestone street.

On his second trip to Vigan, Tutubi stayed here, quite pricey for backpackers like him, but since being an official trip and within budget, he opted to stay against the earlier cheaper Green R Hotel besides looking for something new.

the staircase of Cordillera Inn, still has the look of the old mansion

Tutubi's twin-sharing room with two beds at PhP1,500.00/night

Cordillera Inn Vigan room rate: PhP1,500.00 twin sharing room.
with TV and hot and cold shower.

For families, Tutubi recommends the nearby Cordillera Family Inn with dormitory-type rooms for big families that come at PhP500.00/head, still not backpacker-rates but quite close though.

Complimentary breakfast: tapsilog, longsilog (vigan longganisa), bangus Meals price at PhP90.00)

Negatives (Review of Cordillera Inn):

Cash payment preferred, credit cards get a 3% charge (this is actually illegal and should be absorbed by Cordillera Inn as agreed with the credit card terminal provider, but it's tolerated, usual)

Secure parking inside the hotel is limited to just one car or two small vehicles, street parking on Plaridel Street (park your car at your own risk)

Cordillera Inn
Crisologo corner Gen. Luna, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Coordinates: N17 34 19.8 E120 23 20.0
Contact number:
Official website:
(to be updated when available)

Labels: Accommodations, Hotels, Hotels and Resorts, Vigan Accommodations

On the first leg of his back-to-back trip to Vigan, Tutubi slept at Green R Hotel, as recommended by his friend to be cheap, affordable and budget-friendly.

Here's Tutubi take, however short, due to his short stay at the hotel located near Vigan Public Market, where he only slept for a few hours then went away to visit other gems of Ilocos Sur.

Tutubi's twin sharing room at Green R Hotel with his backpack in view. rooms quite small but is ok since it's a low-price hotel

Comments and Review of Green R Hotel, Vigan City:

Nice and clean rooms though the wall paints are peeling and need a fresh coat, but Tutubi is not picky, it being a cheap hotel already.

No heater or hot shower available. just Cold and Cold water...(tutubi can stand it as he's used to taking a cold shower in his hometown)

There are no elevators to the building, you need to use the stairs to get to your room on the third floor.

Cash payment only, no credit cards accepted. Pay on check in too.

Overnight parking is at the public parking area of Green R Hotel, just choose a spot where the security guard of the hotel can see it and inform the guard on duty to look after your precious car and keep your fingers crossed that he won't sleep on his job.

Green R Hotel, requires some touch up yet it's clean and with a tabo (laddle) and so is another recipient of Tutubi Tabo Award for beind friendly to Filipinos.

Green R Hotel
room rate: PhP 750.00 (quite cheap actually for a twin-sharing room)
COntact Number:
Official Website:
(to be completed once, again, Tutubi finds the brochure tucked somewhere in his bag)
Coordinates: N17 34 07.6 E120 23 03.3

Labels: Accommodations, Hotels, Hotels and Resorts, Vigan Accommodations

A nice hotel on Archbishop Reyes directly in front of Ayala Center Cebu, Regal Business Park Hotel's recommended by Tutubi's business contacts who also took care of reservations and got 20% discount on corporate rate.

It's a small, budget hotel in Cebu, unlike most of Tutubi's trips there where he stayed at the upscale Waterfront Hotel Lahug or at pension house during one of his first backpacking trips there, but it's well-within-budget for Tutubi and it's close proximity to Ayala center, SM City Cebu, and Fuente Osmena (the last two accessible via a 15 minute, a PhP50 taxi ride).

Regal Hotel's standard rooms (priced at P1800/night good for two persons) have two beds, hot and cold shower, buffet breakfast inclusive of the room rate and 24 hour free Internet wifi connection at the restaurant on the ground floor of the 6-storey hotel building.

Tutubi's Standard room, a quick picture before he messed it up completely to rest his tired back
Ayala Center Cebu right across Regal Hotel, too early thus no cars in the parking lot.

The best thing about Regal Business Park Hotel, of particular importance to Filipinos, is the presence of the tabo (ladle) in the bathroom.

Tutubi will now announce the first recipient of the soon-to-be-prestigious (hopefully) Tutubi Tabo Awards to Regal Business Park Hotel for having a tabo, if not a bidet, to cater to Filipinos in need of one. Using a tabo is a cultural thing and most hotels and resorts don't have one. Tutubi need not cut out a mineral water PET bottle to make an improvised ladle on this trip.

Coming Soon... Sky Walking on top of the Philippines' tallest hotel

---
Regal Business Park Hotel
Address: Archbishop Reyes Avenue, across Ayala Center Cebu,
Cebu Business Park, 6000 Cebu City
Contact Number: +63.32.412-2588; +63.32.232.6680
Official Website: www.regalbusinessparkhotel.com
Email For Inquiries: info@regalbusinessparkhotel.com
Email For Reservations: reservations@regalbusinessparkhotel.com

For inquiries, latest room rates, seminars, events (weddings, conferences, functions) and reservations, you may contact Regal Business Park Hotel's published telephone numbers or send email inquiries to addresses listed above.

Warning: in going there, tell the taxi driver to drive you to Regal Hotel on Arch. Reyes in front of Ayala center, and not merely mention Regal. There's Regal Pension House in Cebu. Trust Tutubi, he's been there :P

Labels: Cebu Accommodations, Cebu City, Central Visayas, Hotels, Hotels and Resorts

To answer questions from people looking for accommodations and budget hotels near Manila Airport (officially Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)) to stay at for those who who have to wait for connecting flights or just to be comfortable striking distance from NAIA.

Note that the word "near" is relative and needs to be defined first for it to be used in this post and will not answer questions on "how far is this hotel" from the airport kind of thing. Tutubi will just use approximate travel time, not absolute distance from the airport terminals as reference.

Guide to Sleeping at Airports or near them?

The nearest hotel to NAIA Terminal 1 (International Airport) is located inside the airport terminal, on the fourth floor Terminal 1 beside Sampaguita lounge. Each of the twelve air-conditioned hotel rooms measures 3x3 meters, with double beds and private shower and toilet and can be had a room rate of US$19.00 (about PhP840.00) for 24 hours stay.

The nearest hotels to NAIA Terminal 3 are luxury Marriott Hotel, Maxim's Hotel, Remington Hotel and Belmont condotel and the planned Hamilton Hotel inside the spanking Newport City opposite the terminal on Andrew's Avenue. It's also very near to the other airport terminals.

The nearest hotel to NAIA Terminal 2 used to be the government-owned Philippine Village Hotel but is closed indefinitely.

UPDATED: June 2014

List of hotels in "nearness order" from the airport:

About 30 minutes or less from all NAIA Terminals (within five kilometers from the airport)

Wine Museum Hotel (Aurora Blvd (formerly Tramo St))
Nichols Airport Hotel (in front of Pearl Plaza Mall on Quirino Avenue)
RAF Mansion (Roxas Blvd)
Heritage Hotel at the corner of EDSA and Roxas Boulevard
Networld Hotel (Roxas Boulevard)
Traders Hotel Manila (Roxas Boulevard)
Radisson Hotel Manila Bay and Regent Manila Bay (under contruction) within SM Mall of Asia complex
Microtel Inns and Suites within SM Mall of Asia complex
Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza (CCP Complex, Pasay City)
Hotels and (seedy) Motels in Pasay at the corner of EDSA and F.B. Harrisson St. not recommended for tourists unless you're looking for some "action" and hassles
Kabayan Hotel Pasay on EDSA near Corner Taft Avenue, walking distance from MRT and LRT Stations (remarks: accessible by public transportation)
Solaire Resorts and Casino at the PAGCOR Entertainment City

30 minutes to an hour from Manila Airport:

Makati Avenue corner Ayala Avenue at night with view of Makati Shangri-La Hotel and The Peninsula Manila, (picture taken through dirty glass window using Canon 300D in slow shutter)

Hotels in Makati e.g. Shangri-La Makati (Ayala corner Makati Avenue), The Peninsula Manila (Ayala corner Makati Avenue), Dusit Thani Hotel (EDSA near Ayala Center), Hotel Intercontinental (Ayala Avenue near corner EDSA), The Ascott (formerly Oakwood at the Glorietta Mall complex), Holiday Inn Manila, Fairmont Hotel, Best Western Astor (Makati Avenue near Kalayaan), Great Eastern Hotel (Makati Avenue near Kalayaan), Fairmont Makati Hot, Renaissance Makati City Hotel, Sommerset Olympia Makati (Makati Avenue), Mandarin Oriental (Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas), Makati Palace Hotel, Jupiter Suites,
St. Giles Hotel, Riverview Apratelle, Robelle Hotel (J.P. Rizal St),

Hotels in Fort Bonifacio (The Fort or Bonifacio Global City (BGC)), Taguig City e.g. Shangri-la at The Fort and Grand Hyatt Hotel (both under construction), Best Western Premier F1 Hotel, Seda Hotel BGC, The Fort Budget Hotel, Global City Hotel (Luxe Residences), Kukun Hotel,

Hotels in Mandaluyong City e.g. Go Hotel (EDSA beside Forum Robinsons Pioneer), Richville Hotel (EDSA near Crossing/Shaw Blvd), New Horizon Hotel (EDSA corner Boni Avenue), EDSA Shangri-la Hotel (beside SM Megamall), Lancaster Hotel (Shaw Blvd), The Legend Villas (Pioneer St.) and Nice Hotel EDSA Crossing.

Hotels in Pasig City Ortigas Center e.g. Discovery Suites, Linden Suites Hotel, Richmonde Plaza Hotel (San Miguel Avenue), Astoria Plaza (Jose Maria Escriva Drive), budget-friendly Tune Hotels on Shaw Boulevard near EDSA Crossing.

The Flower Group Motels in Pasig City on Shaw Boulevard and Kapitolyo area (again, not recommended for usual tourists and family vacations)

Budget Hotels in Manila (Malate and Ermita districts) (can be reached in less than an hour but unpredictable) e.g. Century Park Hotel (P. Ocampo near Harrison Plaza and SM), Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila (Pedro Gil Corner MH Del Pilar), Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel (UN Avenue), Bayview Park Hotel (across US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard), G Hotel (boutique hotel on Roxas Boulevard), Midland Plaza Hotel, Manila Diamond Hotel (with Free Internet Access in all rooms, Roxas Boulevard), Palm Plaza Hotel (Pedro Gil corner M Adriatico St), Pan Pacific Manila (M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets , Malate), Manila Hotel (Roxas Boulevard), Hotel Intramuros de Manila (Cabildo corner Urdaneta, Intramuros), Manila Grand Opera House Hotel (Sta. Cruz, Manila)

An hour or two from Manila Airport:

Hotels in Quezon City (it's a big city north of the airport so be forewarned) e.g. Eurotel Araneta Center, Sulo Hotel, Great Eastern Hotel (Quezon Avenue), Hotel Rembrandt (Tomas Morato), Imperial Palace Suites Hotel (Timog corner Tomas Morato), Tri-Place Hotel, Nice Hotel, Astrotel (Cubao), Gran Prix Hotel

Notes:
List mostly on five star, four star or three star hotel accommodations, even budget hotels
No information on the cheapest room rates available.
Please visit official websites for inquiries and reservations.
Travel time is based on taxi travel from the airport and will be much less on lean times i.e. late night, dawn and early mornings.

A typical dawn trip of Tutubi from Quezon City to the airport takes about an hour via EDSA and costs PhP300.00 on the taxi meter fare. Metered taxi fare from the airport to Makati CBD is just around PhP150.00 (a little over US$3)

This site does not offer online booking nor promo room rates, it's just a rough guide to hotels near Manila airport for your reference so as not to be misled by other websites on the distance of your chosen hotel from your airport disregarding practical travel times and normal traffic situations.

Related Posts
Manila Airport Guide
How to get to NAIA Terminal 3
Airport Terminal Fees
Overnight Parking at NAIA Terminal 2

Hotel Near NAIA Terminal 1, Hotel Near NAIA Terminal 2, Hotel Near NAIA Terminal 3, Hotel Near NAIA Terminal 4, Hotel near old Manila Domestic Airport Terminal

Labels: Airports, Hotels, Makati, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Paranaque City, Pasay City, Pasig City, Quezon City

Probably the most luxurious hotel in the City of Pines, The Manor at Camp John Hay high up in Baguio City was the home of Tutubi for 4D/3N but mostly spent attending a recent convention leaving no time for him to explore more of Baguio's other charming attractions.

Tutubi left Manila around 8am and passed by NLEX, SCTEx then the winding snake-like Kennon road to reach Baguio in less than 5 hours where the cozy room of The Manor welcomed him.

the cozy, inviting room where Tutubi slept for three nights all by for himself

the refreshing view outside the room with a garden suitable for events and garden weddings with a man-made waterfall's gushing sound for a relaxing ambiance

down in the garden with the veranda in view

CAP-John Hay Trade Center, the venue of Tutubi's conference

Review of The Manor, Camp John Jay:

Rooms: very cozy with a good view. Tutubi requested for a garden view that's why he has that view of the place. There's no bathtub, something Tutubi looks forward to in a plush hotel where he loves to spend time on.

Food Prices: to give you an idea how much it is to eat at Camp John Hay, the menu has salads priced from PhP200 - 400; soups at PhP150 - 200; pasta PhP414 (in servings good for 2 people); desserts at PhP150-207; Set Filipino breakfast costs PhP250 - 380 while buffet breakfast costs PhP550/person if it's not included in your room accommodations cost.

Food was ok, though not really outstanding except the salads with very fresh greens with vinaigrette with a a little sweet hint that Tutubi loved. Fresh strawberries, in season, were also served but quickly emptied from their trays.

Service was fast with staff courteous. One very helpful lady was Des, the convention manager, for her accommodating kindness but Tutubi found out she resigned and due to transfer to hotel near NAIA Terminal 3.

Other facilities inside Camp John Hay include a junior golf course (if you want a full golf course, there's Baguio Country Club nearby), the Camp John Hay Historic Core with the Cemetery of Negativism, Bell Amphitheater, Bell House, Art Park, Mini Camp John Hay, and a Butterfly Sanctuary (entrance fee of PhP40.00 but stupid opening time of 10am when most butterflies are getting ready to sleep)

Tip: If you're looking for cheap package and discounts, book at The Manor during the lean months of July to September for 40% discount on published rates.

For room rates, reservations and other inquiries, visit The Manor Camp John Hay's official website.

How to get to Camp John Hay:

Commuting to Camp John Hay is easy with jeepneys going to Mines View Park pass by the gate but requires some walking to get to the hotel. The best way still is to flag a taxi in Baguio city center. It's mostly accessible from Kennon Road then turn right on Loakan Road.

Related Posts:
Driving Directions to Baguio
Flights to Baguio
Cemetery of Negativism
Bell Church: Taoist Temple in Baguio
Panagbenga Flower Festival

Labels: Baguio City, Benguet, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region, Hotels, Hotels and Resorts

"Welcome to Nueva Vizcaya," the welcome arch near the historic Dalton pass says with an obelisk marking the gateway to Cagayan Valley with the town of Sta. Fe where Tutubi made a brief stop to take pictures of Balete Pass viewdeck.

Nueva Vizcaya is nestled amid the Caraballo, Cordillera, and Sierra Madre mountains, with Ifugao province to the north, Isabela to the northeast, Quirino to the east, Aurora to the southeast, Nueva Ecija to the south, Pangasinan to the southwest, and Benguet to the west. Three major towns of the province are Bayombong, the capital town, Solano and Bambang.

While driving by Bambang after Aritao town, Tutubi's driver was able to see an old friend in his store just on the main road. It's in Bambang town where cheap vegetables grown in the upland town, with cold weather, of Kasibu are sold (Kasibu, besides boasting a cool weather, also prides itself with the Capisaan Cave system for spelunking). You can also find direction signs leading to Salinas Salt Springs, a mountain topped with salt, actually called travertine, coming from salt spring of the hill.

Signspotting: Don't ever try to sell something here. People are miserly :P

Salinas Salt Spring, anyone?

After Bambang town is Bayombong, the provincial capital but due to lack of time, Tutubi decided not to pass by Bayombong town proper to catch a glimpse of St. Dominic Cathedral, the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol and People's Museum and Library that showcases the province's history and heritage



Next to Bayombong is the town of Solano, quite progressive judging from various establishments you see on the road. Tutubi passed by an alternate route inside town to avoid traffic and was able to see large hotels and places like Centro (shown below)


an anti-aircraft gun in Solano, probably of WWII vintage, with Scouting references.

Nueva Vizcaya has large eco-tourism potential that can attract adventurers with a list of interesting places and tourist spots. Tutubi hopes to fully explore the place given the chance to return there.

Again, pictures taken inside a moving vehicle with tinted windshield :(

Notes on Nueva Vizcaya Tourism:

For adventurers, trekkers, mountain climbers, the towns of Ambaguio and Kayapa offer an alternate jump-off point to Mt. Pulag, the Philippines' second highest mountain, home of rare plants like pitcher plant and animals like the nocturnal giant cloud rats (locally called buut). Spelunkers can visit Lion-Alayan Cave, Malabing Valley network of pristine underground caves and subterranean river in Kasibu particularly Capisaan Caves visited by one of Tutubi's friends. (Note this is undeveloped and not for the faint of heart but pretty much rewarding for brave souls)

People chasing waterfalls can choose to look for Imugan Falls in Sta. Fe town and Mapalyao Falls in Quezon town

For "hysterical" people, historical sites include Dalton Pass (Balete Pass) in Sta. Fe and Kirang Pass in Aritao, both silent witnesses to bloody battles between the Americans, Filipinos and Japanese at the end of World War II.

For those into Visita Iglesia visiting old churches, the province lists St. Dominic Cathedral and the Dupax del Sur church, St. Vincent Ferrer Church declared a National Cultural Treasure (Tutubi was too much in a hurry he decided not to again pass by this town since it's way too out of way)

Town fiestas and festivals are also present particularly Panagyaman Festival, or Thanksgiving Festival, celebrated on May 19 up to May 23 in Bayombong, the capital town of Nueva Vizcaya with its capitol located in a park.

For the ever-present pasalubong, there's G&B buko pie in Bagabag just before the fork on the road going to Isabela and Ifugao provinces.

Where to Stay in Nueva Vizcaya: Hotels, Inns, Lodges and other accommodations

Finding a place to stay in Nueva Vizcaya is just like most other places in the country. Most of them are located on the main highway, with
no Internet sites to look up information and rely mostly on walk-in guests, a list below may prove helpful with some photos (some items sourced from an old NV tourism brochure that may need updating of telephone numbers):

Bambang Lodge
Bambang Poblacion

Bambang Pension House
Bambang Poblacion

Elnora Zulaek's Rainbow Hotel Serviced Apartments
(Solano?)

Governor's Hotel
Solano
Tel. No. +63.78.326.6053

Juel Garden Hotel
Hilltop, Bambang
Tel. no. +63.78.803.1315



Josefina's Hotel
near the Bayombong welcome arch



MC Capitol View Inn and Restaurant
Bayombong
Tel. No. +63.78.321.2001

Melissa Lodge
Solano
Tel. No. +63.78.326.540

MY Dream Garden Hotel
Solano
Tel. No. +63.78.326.6149

Neptune Hotel
Solano
Tel. No.: +63.78.326.5701

Rafael Inn
Gaddang St., Solano
Tel. No. +63.78.326.7343

Saber Inn
Bayombong
Tel. No. +63.78.321.2222

Sports City Hotel
Bayombong

Villa Margarita Mountain Resort
Tel. No.: +63.78.326.5501

Nueva Vizcaya is composed of 15 towns, namely: Alfonso Castañeda, Ambaguio, Aritao, Bagabag, Bambang, Bayombong, Diadi, Dupax del Norte,
Dupax del Sur, Kayapa, Kasibu, Quezon, Santa Fe, Solano, and Villaverde

How to get to Nueva Vizcaya:

Commute: Bus companies servicing the province include Baliwag Transit, Victory Liner, Royal Eagle and Autobus all bound for Cagayan Valley pass by the province.
Driving Directions: Follow this route going to Nueva Vizcaya:

Driving Directions: On NLEX, take Sta. Rita Exit then just follow the route that will lead to Pulilan, Plaridel, Baliuag, San Ildefonso, and San Miguel, Gapan, San Leonardo, Sta. Rosa, Cabanatuan City, Talavera, Muñoz, San Jose then Sta. Fe town.

Those with motorcycles or want to avoid toll fees on NLEX can opt to go via MacArthur Highway passing through Caloocan, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto (Tabang), Plaridel, Pulilan, Baliuag, San Rafael, San Ildefonso, San Miguel , Gapan, San Leonardo, Sta. Rosa, Cabanatuan City, Talavera, Muñoz, San Jose City before seeing the boundary arch of Nueva Vizcaya with Sta. Fe town.

Labels: Accommodations, Cagayan Valley, Hotels, Nueva Vizcaya

"Bienvenido aqui na Zamboanga" what greeted Tutubi in Asia's Latin City's Zamboanga International Airport where people speak Chavacano, a Spanish Creole language.

There were so many policemen at the airport, not because there's trouble, but due to an on-going security conference, incidentally, held at Tutubi's hotel: Garden Orchid Hotel.

A stone's throw,literally, from the airport, Garden Orchid Hotel, would be Tutubi's home for a few days.
photo of Garden Orchid Hotel lobby

The the check-in counter ladies of the hotel were nice and accomodating. Even the bellboy was kind enough to give Tutubi the last copy of the Zamboanga City tourism brochure that Tutubi used to explore the city of smiles.

To be continued...

Labels: Hotels, Zamboanga Accommodations, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula

I was thinking of taking pictures around Makati with a DSLR in tow but I know fully well that overzealous security guards with their "old school" security mindset will prohibit me from doing what I like best.

I might as well try to be friends with our building administrator so that I can apply for a permit to shoot at the rooftop :)

Wish me luck!


Makati Avenue corner Ayala Avenue at night with view of Makati Shangrila Hotel, The Peninsula Manila, 6750 and Intercontinental. Nearby are SM, Glorietta and Landmark. (picture taken from dirty glass window using my reliable superkitlens)

Labels: Hotels, Hotels and Resorts, Makati, Metro Manila, National Capital Region

For people asking the question Where to Stay in Batanes: Accommodations, Inns, Pension Houses, Lodges and Homestays

Information provided by a friend of Tutubi who's been there recently:

Batanes Resorts(Batanes Beach Resorts)

Batanes Resort:
Contact Numbers: +63.927.582.9078; +63.927.419.1008; +63.927.396.1000
e-mail ejlagrimas@yahoo.com
Tel. No.: +63.2.922.9621 local 327 or 332
(Ivatan Center in Quezon City)

Batanes Inns/Tourist Inns:

Brandon’s Inn:
Tel. No.: +63.920.281.1278; +63.929.207.4643

Shanedel’s Inn & Café:
Tel. No.: +63.920.447.0737; +63.919.823.4510; +63.2.413.0505
Email: shanedels@yahoo.com

Batanes Lodges:

Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant:
Tel. No.: 09212290120, 09159404823,
Email: lbroberto_seaside@yahoo.com

Chanarian Hillside Homestay Lodging:
Tel. No.: +63.920.849.2496; +63.917.883.3279; +63.917.801.2641;
+63.919.808.7605

Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge
Tel. No.: +63.2.929.2602 (Manila line),
Email: inquiries@fundacionpacita.ph, myla.pisig@fundacionpacita.ph

Ivatan Lodge:
Tel. No.: 09282451337, 09274191008, 09273961000,
Email: ejlagrimas@yahoo.com

Novita House:
Tel. No.: +63.915.886.5803; +63.2.564.8305 (Manila line)
Email address: novitahouse@gmail.com
Official Website: http://batanes.philippines.googlepages.com

Batanes Pension Houses:

Pension Ivatan
Location: Basco, Batanes
Website: www.pensionivatan.com
Email: innkeeper@pensionivatan.com


Batanes Homestays and Others:

Bahomas: Tel. No.: +63.926.901.5689

Disvayangan Beach House: Tel. No.: +63.918.784.0768; +63.927.979.8302

Thea M. Ordas: Tel. No.: +63.917.512.5346

House for rent (fully furnished with Ref, TV, washing machine and A/C)
Contact details:
+63.2.564.8305 (Manila line), +63.927.515.8167 (Bing), +63.917.841.5654
(Zerla), +63.917.841.5652 (Amy), +63.917.380.5444 (Gali)

No recommended accommodations yet as all of them are cheap by Manila
standards. There's no such thing as cheap Batanes accommodations for the
rates are really affordable for budget travelers and backpackers. The
only thing missing are low fares to Batanes that come from
once-in-a-blue-moon promos by Seair. Ferries to Batanes are also rare
and require long land travel to the northern tip of Luzon Island.

Daily Flights to Batanes will be available via Seair in September 2009
that will hopefully bring down flight ticket prices to the idyllic
island destination.

Please call the published contact numbers or visit official websites for
updated room rates, promos, reservations, and other inquiries.


Batanes Hotels, Batanes Beach Resorts, Hotels in Batanes, Cheap
Accommodations in Batanes

UPDATED: September 15, 2009

Related Post:

Flights to Batanes

Labels: Accommodations, Batanes, Cagayan Valley, Hotels

Updated: August 27, 2009

Tutubi while riding the MRT on his way to Makati just saw the newly-opened Nice Hotel EDSA Crossing. He searched the Internet for telephone bumbers and official website but couldn't find one.

This post will be updated once information's available

Nice Hotel Cubao
Arayat Market, Cubao, Quezon City
(near MRT Cubao-Araneta Center Station)
Tel. No.:
Location Map:
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=14.6196309&lon=121.0503888&z=18&l=0&m=w

Nice Hotel EDSA Crossing
EDSA near corner Shaw Boulevard

Nice Hotel
C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila
near LRT 2 Recto Station and LRT Doroteo Jose Station

Please call the published contact numbers of Nice Hotel (or visit official website) for room rates, inquiries, events (weddings, baptisms, debuts and other functions) discounts and other promos.

some people rate this nice hotel as a motel for sex and hooker meetups but Tutubi hasn't been there and can't comment on this reputation

UPDATED: August 27, 2009

Related Post:

Eurotel

Labels: Accommodations, Hotels, Metro Manila, National Capital Region

For information of travelers looking for information on Eurotel Hotels
who want their customers to experience Europe. Something for locals but
not for foreigners, especially European tourists-- they didn't come all
the way to experience something different, not like home :(

Eurotel North EDSA
in front of SM City North EDSA, Quezon City
walking distance from MRT North Avenue Station and Trinoma
Contact Number: +63.2.376.7097

Eurotel Cubao
Araneta Center in front of Araneta Coliseum
Cubao, Quezon City
Telephone Number: +63.2.995.8452;

Eurotel Manila
near Robinsons Place, Malate, Manila

Eurotel Makati
Chino Roces (Pasong Tamo) corner Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay road)
in front of Walter Mart and near Don Bosco Makati

Eurotel Las Pinas
in front of SM Southmall, Las Pinas

Please call Eurotel contact numbers or visit Eurotel official website for room rates, bookings, events, weddings, reservations, discounts, promos and other inquiries.

Tutubi has never checked-in at Eurotel Hotels but expect a Eurotel
review once he gets to experience Europe...locally if the claim is true.

Labels: Accommodations, Hotels