My nephew and niece had their 1st birthday party at Jollibee Vista Mall Daang-Hari in Bacoor, Cavite. It was my second time attending a Jollibee party where the venue was already fully decorated without additional… More
A mother-daugther day out
Update: We tried their whole body massage for one hour at 350.00 per head and so far one of the best massage I ever had.
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It was an ordinary Saturday when i got a message inviting me to join mini meet-up of moms whom I met from one of moms group (n@wies).
I was having lunch then and the meet-up was scheduled at 3pm of the same day at Spa Story in Salawag Dasmarinas Cavite. I said yes right away kasi spa means time to treat myself and relax.
I came along with my daugther. When I arrived at the place I was so amazed with their interior. It is so modern but cozy. They even have a place for kids to bring their toys and art materials. They also let the kids borrow their coloring book and color pencils.
I availed their foot spa with pedicure at 370. 165 for basic manicure with nail color. Basic pedicure is at 200. They will soak, clean, shape and put on nail polish for the basic manicure and pedicure.
The kids availed nail color using Zoya brand of nail polish at 50 pesos. Additional 25 pesos for each nail if you avail their nail art service.
They also offer body massage, hand spa and hair spa.
Football Club in the South of Manila
My son is currently a football varsity player in his school. This sport has been the school’s official P.E activity. Last year, the students attended a sport clinic sponsored by Milo and was held in Ateneo football field. Luckily, the team won first place (Class E level). With the interest in football we looked for a summer activity for him to help him enhance his skills on a cheaper price.
Luckily, we found out that there is a football club that conducts a weekly exercises at Sunken Garden in front of the Muntinlupa bilibid prison. Oh don’t worry the place is safe. There are lots of people camping, conducting football exercises ( I saw 2 groups there), jogging and having pictorial in the area. The said group is named MUFC (Muntinlupa United Football Club). You may visit their FB page here or contact them at muntinlupaunitedfc@gmail.com or 09303942469 / 09157330906.
They also joins football competition with other schools or groups.
In order to become a member, you need to register your kid that cost 200.00 pesos. Uniform will cost you 550.00 pesos per set and a monthly fee of 200.00 pesos. If your kid has no football shoes yet, they can lend you a hand-me-down shoes.
How to go there
Coming from Daang Hari, we took a yellow multicab/jeep from SM Molino that passes Sampaguita for 10.00 pesos. Just right after Evia. Then go inside the compound of Bureau of Correction. There are tricycle park outside the correctional gate to bring you to the sunken garden. It cost 50.00 pesos for the entire ride.
If coming from Alabang, you can take a jeepney with signage katarungan Elem. School. It will pass by the sunken garden. You will need to walk a few meters from the main road. Just bring an umbrella, water and a mat with you if you place to wait for your kid.
Zoo and a Farm in Tagaytay: Paradizoo
Paradizoo is a place where you can find farm animals and buy vegetables and honey. It is located in Mendez just few kilometers away from Mendez Crossing. You may also use WAZE to help you reach the place.
We went there last August 2016 and bought our ticket through their website that cost 199.00 pesos per adult and 149.00 pesos for children 3 ft. and above.
The farm has few parking slot near their entrance but you can park at the other side of the farm, few meters away back from the road where you passed by. Near the main entrance, there are cottages where you can stay for a night.
With the help of their staff, they will guide you on where to go first within the farm. The following are the things you can see in the farm.
Petting zoo/zoo
Our first stop was the petting zoo. Animal food set is available for animal fed.
There are also other animals like native boar, horses, pony, tiger, ostrich and sheep.
Flower Garden and their vegetable/fruit farm
After such we passed by their flower garden before going up to their vegetable farm. At the top of the farm, there is a shop where you can buy their farm grown vegetables and fruits.
Butterfly Sanctuary and Honeybee shop
Going down back to the entrance, you will passed by their butterfly garden and honeybee shop. You can have a taste of the honeys for free. The honey cost around 150.00 to 250.00 pesos.
Pet Cemetery
Yes you read it right.
You can also have a snack/lunch at their cafe and shop at their souvenir shop.
Cebu-Bohol Adventure 2: Bohol at day 3
See Cebu travel story here for day 1 & day 2.
Day 3: We arrived at Tagbilaran, Bohol port after 2 hours of sailing from Cebu. We were fetched by Cathy’s driver and requested him to stop by to a supermarket to buy some grocery items. We were also able to order a take out lunch from Jollibee since he cannot wait for us to dine in a restaurant along the way because he has someone to fetch from Alona Beach after.
It took around 30 minutes to arrive at Dumaluan Beach Resort from Tagbilaran. The resort receptionist were able to entertain us immediately but we have to wait for 2:00PM check-in time since there were no rooms available yet so for the meantime we just seated somewhere at their cafeteria while waiting.
Around 2:00PM, we were able to go to our room. We booked their family room that is good for 4 persons at 4,900.00 pesos per night with breakfast. Children 5 years old and above is already considered as adult thus we have to pay additional 400.00 pesos per night with mattress and breakfast for my son. Their check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 noon. In order to reserve a room, you must pay 50% of the total cost of your stay via bank deposit. You may contact them via email or check their website here. Please don’t forget to keep and bring the original deposit slip upon check-in.
We were assigned at one of their rooms in the 2nd floor. There is no phone inside the room. But instead one phone is assigned per floor in one area outside where the housekeeping staff also stays just in case you need something.
Service water can be requested at 25 pesos as one time payment. Succeeding request of a pitcher of water is free. You have to get it from their restaurant. They won’t deliver it to your room. Their towels at that time were not good, there were lots of lint that would stick on your skin after using it, which I think was the source of our (me and my mom) rashes when we went back to Manila.
In the afternoon, we were lucky to experience the beach since it was not low tide. The beach though is not too deep. We were already far away from the shore but the water level was still just up to the hips.
At night we ate at DBR1 (Dumaluan Beach Resort 1) beside Dumaluan 2, where you can buy fish and pork and have it cooked your own way. There is also pancit/bihon available at 150.00 pesos per order and BBQ at 15 pesos per stick.
Day 4: We started the tour by 8:00AM. We rented a van at 2,600.00 pesos from Cathy. We paid a total of 5,980.00 for the entire countryside tour that included the following:
Van rental for 2600.00 pesos, entrance fees for all tourist spots at 305.00 pesos per person, Loboc river cruise lunch at 450.00 pesos per adult and 175.00 pesos per kid. The following places included are Chocolate Hills, ship house (picture taking only in the outside), butterfly sanctuary, tarsier sanctuary, hanging bridge, Loboc or Loay river floating restaurant, real and fake blood compact site, Baclayon Church, Hinagdanan Cave and Bohol Bee Farm.
Since this was our second time to visit Bohol we omitted some tourist spots. Below are the places we visited instead.
1. Chocolate Hills and rode an ATV.
Along the way to Chocolate Hills, we passed by the fake and real blood compact site but we didn’t stopped there. Before going up to the view deck of Chocolate hills, we stopped at the ATV rental shop first. Since we had kids with us, we rented their buggy car that cost 850.00 for half an hour. The tour guide was nice that he even extend his service by taking photos of us.
2. Tarsier Sanctuary.
Before the tour inside the sanctuary started, all tourists will have a short briefing about tarsiers and silence must be observed within the area. You also cannot go near with these primates to avoid disturbance. You may take photos though but without using flash.
At the end of the tour, you will exit at their souvenir shops. Don’t buy key chains and other stuff there because it is expensive. All stuff being sold in the shop are also available in the hanging bridge at a lower cost. For example in the Tarsier Sanctuary the key chain cost 50.00 pesos each while peanut kisses is at 170.00 pesos for 16 pcs but buying it at the hanging bridge the key chain would be at 25.00 pesos each and peanut kisses at 160.00 pesos.
3. Hanging Bridge.
Just experience crossing the bridge with some photoshoot at the middle for a price. It is up to you if you will get a printed copy but we didn’t. At the end of the bridge, there are some souvenir shops where you can buy peanut kisses, key chains, ref magnets, t-shirts and calamay. Do buy calamay from Jagna for it is very delicious(the name is written in the label). Three pieces would cost 100.00 pesos. Just remember that you have to include these calamay in your check-in baggage.
4. Loboc River floating restaurant.
There are 2 places where you can experience dining in a floating restaurant. One is in Loay and other one is in Loboc. In Loay there is not much to see aside from the nipa trees at the riverbanks while in Loboc the view is better. They say that the food is better in Loay than in Loboc. Along the river, you will pass by local residents wearing Filipino costume and will perform for the guests. Donation also is accepted. You can also dance with them. The cruise took around an hour.
5. Hinagdanan Cave.
The cave is located at Panglao Island. There are also some souvenir shops that sell cheaper souvenirs. If you missed to buy stuff at the hanging bridge this is your last chance to buy. The cave is under the ground with narrow and steep stairs going down. You have to know how to configure your camera so that you can get the best shot inside the cave. If you don’t the friendly tour guides can do it for you. You can also swim at the cold pool inside the cave. According to the locals there, during high tide the pool depth is at 8 feet. The water is a mixture of fresh and salt water. Life vest also is available for use if you don’t bring any and you can change clothes in the bathroom provided outside.
6. Bohol Bee Farm.
The last spot we visited was Bohol Bee farm. I made sure that we arrived at the farm by mid afternoon so that we can still catch a good view of the ocean and the farm. The farm tour took around 30 mins and until 5:00PM only. We first took the farm tour. They featured not only about bees but also their local products such as sinamay bags/ clothes and ice cream among others.
They also sell ice cream at 60 pesos per scoop. Their durian and malunggay ice cream is very delicious.
You can also have a taste test of their honey and spreads inside the shop. They also ship honey within the Philippines at 380.00 pesos for 3 kilos of honey. Each bottle contains 500g of honey.
We also ate at their cafeteria. The prices at the menu cost around 200-400 ala carte. They also will give you a complimentary appetizer which I forgot to ask what was that but I believe it is their cassava chips with dip. we ordered pasta and their garden salad. My parents ordered their main course meal ( pork with rice). We spent around 1500.00 pesos for 4 adults and 2 kids. Their bar also is located downstairs at the cliff. You can also rent a snorkel gear or diving gear there. The water is so clean and very nice.
Day 5: Enjoy the beach.
We didn’t took the sea tour again this time since we have kids with us and I was afraid of any accident that may happen. We just stayed at the resort and enjoyed the resort. We were able to walk along the Dumaluan shoreline until South Palms. At the end of the shore was Esakaya but we decided to stop there and go back since it was too far already. By night time, we dine at the resort restaurant and enjoyed the band that performed that night.
If you plan to do so here is the package for sea tour and island hopping. You may request the hotel to pack the breakfast so that you can bring it with you because you need to be at the boat by 5:00AM since dolphins go out to the sea until 8:00AM or so. Please bring your own snorkel gear for hygiene purpose and aqua shoes also since you cannot walk above the corals in Balicasag for snorkeling (and I find it too painful why we need to walk above those corals to reach the snorkeling area). This is also the reason why if I would push through this tour, I will definitely remove snorkeling if I have to walk on those corals. It will definitely destroy it.
Rate: 1500 Boat rental Alona beach pick up, 1700 for Dumaluan beach pick up. Each boat can only accommodate up to 8 persons as per rule by the Philippine Coast Guard for our safety.
Entrance: 100 per person
Guide: 150 per person
Free 4 masks, in excess will rent 75 each
Aqua shoes rental is at 100 each
The tour includes dolphin watching, snorkeling @ balicasag island and island hopping @ virgin island.
Day 6: Checked-out at the resort in the morning and off to the airport in Tagbilaran.
Cost and Tour guide contact information.
- Cathy for our tours and transfer contact her at 0921-729-9549/ 0927-821-8352 or email her at cubero.katherine@yahoo.com. Transfer cost (one way pick up from or to resort) is 600 for van and 500 for a car. She also was the one who bought ticket in Ocean Jet for us at 520.00 pesos (Cebu-Tagbilaran only)
- Dumaluan Beach Resort website or email them at resort@dumaluanbeach.com.
- For ATV, please visit this website.
- Previous blog about Dumaluan Beach Resort Dumaluan Beach Resort here.
- Previous blog about Cebu and Bohol here.
Cebu-Bohol Adventure 1: City Tour in Cebu
I was able to book a round-trip ticket to Cebu last Feb 2016 at 1200.00 pesos per person. Travel date was February 5-9, 2017. We stayed in Cebu from Feb 5 -7 and transferred to Bohol for the succeeding days. Around May of the same year I booked another flight from Tagbilaran to Manila for 699-per-person one way because we decided not go back to Manila via Cebu and moved the date to February 10.
Day 1: We arrived at Mactan International Airport around 9:00 in the evening since our flight was delayed for 2 hours. In the arrival area of the airport, there is a Jollibee store where you can have a quick meal. The available food items on the menu though is limited and more expensive than those branches outside the airport.
We took a cab from the airport going to Gran Tierra Suites near Dalan Osmena Bldv. for 200 pesos. We got their family room for 2300 for 2 nights, good for 4 persons. They consider children age 5 and above as adult so we had to pay another 200 pesos per night for additional person with bed. The room is clean and worth the price.
You can order food in the hotel from 7am to 10pm only since they don’t have a cafe inside.
As for the city tour, we booked Kuya Danny that cost 2500 for 8 hours city tour. The said rate is the cost for a van rental with driver.
Day 2: On our second day in Cebu, we went to Tab-oan market first before Nero, the van driver and also the tour guide, arrived. We took a jeepney with a “17D” signage that passes near the hotel to Tabo-an market. Dried fishes and squid cost around 700-800 per kilo at that time. Unbranded dried mango on the other hand cost 350 per kilo. Dried fishes like danggit, espada or lapu-lapu was more expensive than the last time we visited the market back in 2014. I was able to buy 300 per kilo of espada dried fish.
Then we returned to the hotel from the market when Nero arrived around 8am as agreed.
The first tourist spot we visited was the Taoist Temple. There is no entrance fee in the temple. You just have to be quiet and not take photos of Buddha inside the temple.
Next spot was the Temple of Leah. Entrance fee is 50 pesos per person. Discount can be availed by senior citizens. Just present the senior citizen ID.
There is also a room inside the temple where antiques are displayed and kept. But this room is not open for the public.
Lantaw is just across the Temple of Leah so we stopped by for lunch. The view is very nice. You will see the entire city of Cebu. We ordered 2 ginataang monggo, pork sisig, lechon kawali and 2 bowls of rice. The waitress told us that one order is good for 3-4 persons but when the food arrived it was good for 6 persons already. So we requested for what was left to be placed in a take-away bag.
After eating lunch we went ahead to Mactan Shrine. Souvenir shops are available there.
We passed by the Phillipine Mango plant to buy pasalubong. But I find the price more expensive than those in the market.
We decided to return to the hotel since it was around 3pm and we were already tired. We bought lechon cebu from Zubuchon near Robinson Place in Fuente Osmena Cirle. Titay’s and Shamrock are also nearby.
Day 3: We went to Bohol and took Ocean Jet in Pier 1 in the morning. The cost of one way ticket was 520 pesos. We asked Cathy, our tour guide in Bohol, to buy it ahead for us. She sent a SMS with ticket numbers. Just present the SMS with ID to Ocean Jet so that they can provide you a printed ticket. Big luggage must be checked-in at their check-in counter without charge for convenience since they have an area at the back of the ferry for the luggage.
Bohol travel kwento is available here.
For accomodation and tour mentioned in this blog, please contact Gran Tierra Suites at grantierra_suites@yahoo.com OR (6332) 412 4562/(6332) 253 3575. FB: https://www.facebook.com/grantierrasuites/?fref=ts
Van rental and tour: Kuya Danny +639061534659 or +639224633757
Dream Team Ratings (Wedding Suppliers 2008)
I have been looking for the exact website URL of our wedding website from mywedding.com and it can’t be found even if I searched via Google. Finally found it and I decided to transfer my supplier rating here in my blog site. This was written 8 years ago and in Tagalog-English language (Taglish) and posted at w@w yahoo group. Sorry I have no intention to translate it to English haha.
The wedding took place in Baguio City was back 2008. Here it goes….
We rate our supplier for what have they done in our wedding day.
Generally the wedding was so beautiful and was so alive. Our guests
texted us and some even told our parents that the wedding daw was so
bongga and the food was so great. Some even said that it was the best wedding they have attended. Kaya flattered naman kami ni hubby. I didn’t hear any negative feedback. kahit there were small flaws na hindi na masyado napansin. Like yun guestbook naiwan sa suite nun start ng cocktail na inakyat pa ng brother ko para kunin which supposed to be nasa kamay na ng coordinators before the reception starts. Yun susi ng suite kung sino sino humawak ang ending nag antayan kami konti. konti lang naman. and the garter removal drama namin the chair na naibigay sakin ay walang box sa ilalim buti pinastop agad ni Fred yun music sa sayaw nya. Kaya me take two haha.. Pero masaya padin. Tuwang tuwa ang mga guests sa couple’s dance namin ni Fred and sa dance naman nya bago nya niremove ang garter.. I hope i could post the video ng mga sayaw namin ni Fred later on.
Well supplier ratings na muna…
I wont be rating our suppliers by numbers. I will just rate them by telling you some comments (positive and negative). My ratings is based on our experience and opinion. It may not be the same with other b2b/ brides.
1. CECILIO ABAD AND HIS ASSISTANTS (IKYAT AND MARCY)
Total cost: 40K
— We so love them grabe… I so love my wedding gown. I didn’t thought that the 40K worth of my gown will turn out so gorgeous. Previously, I wasn’t so excited in our wedding and not so excited with the gown. I know it is beautiful pero seems pagod na ko sa preps kaya sabi ko whatever will be will be nako.. But when I saw the gown in the body form grabe.. naloka ako. ganun pala itsura ko pag sinuot ko na sya. Di man sya worth hundreds of thousand pero super feeling reyna ako sa wedding day ko. And my dream gown really came true courtesy of Cecilio Abad. Sabi ng HMUA ko ang ganda daw ng gown ko. Napaka pino ng beadworks. take note he himself is also a designer. I could wear the gown over and over again. at eto pa… Cecilio will do the dry clean of my gown for free.
As for ikyat and marcy, super alaga nila ako. From prep room to church andun sila para mag assist ng gown ko.. bow talaga ako sa kanila. I dont even hesitate on spending so much sa gown basta si cecilio Abad ang gagawa. He is very good in his craft and he really have so much passion in doing his work. Napaka saya nya kawork. Kahit medyo tahimik ako during our fittings nagpapatawa padin sya…
No negative comments ako… pictures are here
2. BAGUIO COUNTRY CLUB (RECEPTION, CAKE, PREP ROOM, DOVE)
total cost: 120K ++ including the 12% tax for 109 adults and 6 kids.
we did not get the package.
Pros muna: They really know how to manage an event. You can never go wrong with them and masarap daw yun food sabi ng mga guests namin.. At para ngang mas masarap yun food sa kasal kesa nun nagfood taste kami.. magaganda din ang suites/rooms nila. magaling sila sa reception decoration kasi landscape palang nun dove namin panalo na.. the rest kasi ang florist na namin gumawa.
Cons: Jonathan their event personnel. medyo me nagkaka-amnesia. Siguro dahil sa dami ng events na ginaganap sa club though accommodating naman sila sa mga request and questions. Mahirap makahingi ng discounts and freebies siguro kasi by membership ang club so siguro kung me kilala kami na member baka dun lang kami makakuha ng freebies.
Except dun sa landscaping na nirequest namin and others na pwede mahiram like gazebo, yun mga potted plants and patungan ng halaman libre namin nahiram. Nun una namin meeting ni Jonathan pumayag sya sa unlimited ice tea nun huli di pala daw pwede. Dapat laging written ang lahat ng discussion para di makalimutan. And Our cake di ko nagustuhan. masarap yun cake pero yun icing ng cake akala ko fondant bakit nagmelt. Nasira ang mga swirls na designs. Kumuha nalang sana ako sa iba ng cake. Pero Ok na rin kasi nakuha naman sa ganda ng venue at sarap ng food. Naglet go narin ako nun sinabi sakin na nagmelt sa wedding day na.. kasi ano pa ba magagawa ko andun na yun e.. kaya sabi ko ok lang… nevermind.. kakainin din yan.. kesa naman masira araw ko diba.. e reception na nun. pero take note sabi ng friends namin na humingi ng cake patake home masarap talaga yun cake… Tapos yun lalagyan ng mga pagkain me bayad 50 pesos each kaliit liit naman. tapos pag sa labas kayo bumili ng cake me bayad yun box nag paglalagyan ng cake pag uuwi nyo na 33 pesos each yun box.. Since sila gumawa ng cake namin nalibre yun box. At yun coffee o tea di man lang ata tinanong yun mga guests namin if they want. Kasama kaya yun sa binayaran namin. Kaya kami pa nagsisipag senyas sa mga guests na kumuha sila ng coffee kasi libre yun. At lumapit pa si Fred sa PS table para lang inform na they can order coffee ayun lahat tsaka pa lang nagpakuha ng coffee.. I suggest na lahat ng food na sobra at mga pinasok nyo ay check nyo if me natira kasi they wont make the first move to do so…Ayaw pa nga ipauwi ng BCC yun food di daw pwede. kaya si Ate Anna pa ng Affairs Et Al ang nakipag usap sa Head waiter na bayad namin yun…
All in All masaya naman kami sa outcome. Ika nga naglet go na kami ni Fred sa mga flaws. Ganun ata talaga sa bawat event me flaw at me flaw na lalabas and we cannot control that.. maybe siguro yun cake nila later ayusin nila… the rest is OK…natabunan na ng saya yun flaws..
3. OLEC JOSEPHUS HMUA
total cost: 10K for package of 6. plus 1K each for additional extra pax.
– I did 2 trial make up with him before the wedding day. The first one ang mas like ko ang make up though someone told me its too thick and i don’t like the hair style.. tapos yun second ko naman super light naman ng make up but i like the hairstyle. kaya nagworry tuloy ako sa wedding day. baka pangit ako. Sabi ko nalang bahala na. Maybe sa wedding na mismo iba na approach ni Olec. baka sa trial lang yun… I just trust him..
Here comes the wedding day. Ang gaganda ng mga abay at moms namin ni fred. sabi ko ano kaya itsura ko.. Nauna kasi sila. Nun ako na. My God!!! grabe i so loved the outcome. sabi nun isa ko abay ang ganda ko daw.. waaaa feeling heaven naman ako.. Ang galing talaga ni Olec. even yun kilala ng mom ni Fred super puri sila sa mom ni fred ang ganda daw ni mom ni fred.. Buti nalang nagtiwala talaga ako ke Olec. Super recommended ko sya.
cons: Minsan me mood swing sya. Minsan mataray sya sa text at phone. Kaya si Fred na pinapausap ko kasi ayaw ko ng me nagtataray sakin. Gusto ko kasi mabait sakin ang supplier kasi nastress ako.. Pero ganun lang sya, Mabait talaga sya… Siguro pagod lang sya nun kahit sino naman pag ang tao pagod or me problem minsan affected pati ang way of responding nila sa iba. Nothing to worry naman sa ganun mood. Kasi sa wedding day. He is really a nice and professional. Magaling talaga sya. bow na bow ako.. He can do magic!
4. MON MANALO FLORIST
Total Cost: 25K for the flowers, 1900 for the additional pine cones and twigs and others… request ko kasi mag add..
– Ang ganda ng mga flowers ko. Natuwa talaga ako nun pagpasok ko ng church at reception kaya nga nun nasa harap nalang ako tsaka ako naiiyak haha kasi hala tingin ako sa mga flowers sa aisle at kahahanap sa mga guest na andun kung sino umattend. Napaka accomodating ni Mon sa request. At sinasabi nya talaga if kakayanin ng budget ang flowers na gusto ko. At nagbibigay sya ng alternatives na flowers. and super gandang ganda ako sa couple’s table namin.. At sa centerpiece. Yun mga flowers pinagkukuha ng guest. Tapos yun centerpeice as in buo nila ilaalis sa vases.
Cons- Medyo nalanta na yun spider mums na ginamit ni Mon sa bouquet ball ng mga moms. Maganda sana talaga kasi ayun nga. Pero ewan ko baka mali lang napili ko flowers.. Lantain siguro yun. Kasi me nakita ako sa palengke nun ayun lanta na din itsura. unlike yun imported version nya..
Pero all in all ang ganda talaga.. You cant never go wrong with Mon Manalo.. Kung mas malaki siguro budget namin sa flowers mas magiging bongga pa yun flowers. Pero eto palang madami na nagsabi bongacious na talaga.. what more if mag add pa kami davah.. grabe… Tsaka mura yun rates nya compare to other supplier. At di sya cheap gumawa ha..
5. AFFAIRS ET AL
Total Cost 15K. plus 1500 for emcee.
– I dont know parang naging pabaya sila samin before the wedding. Supposedly one month or even 2 months before the wedding dapat nakuha na nila ang info na need nila for the wedding. Isa sila sa nagpangarag samin ni Fred sa one week before the wedding. Siguro mga 3 days din yun. kaka gawa ng mga check list. Though kasi yun iba naman nasabi na sakin na need nila di ko lang nagawa agad. Pero sana they did gave us deadline before pa not few days before our wedding.. Infairness naman kasi last yr pa nangungulit nako sa kanila. Tapos early this year me mga meetings na kami. Kaya nag expect lang ako na before one month our wedding dapat naasikaso na nila kami.. Kaso nun pag uwi nalang kami nagmeeting de avanse talaga.. yun final final.. Pero carry padin…
As OTD naman on wedding day, hmmm nagtataka lang ako bakit nila kami iniwan sa prep room. Though ako din kasi nagpermit sa knila bumaba. Maybe kasi nun dumating sila ready na kami. nagmemake up na si Olec, nagpipicture na si Kuya ben. Ang kulang lang ay supposedly sana sila yun pinakamaaga at sila yun nag asikaso sa mge needs ng supplier namin like pag hahanda ng mga accesories etc.. Though kasi naman in control na naman kami nun andun sila at crowded narin.. Pero sana talaga me lumagi sa preps.. kasi sa church wala na sila e. dahil ayaw sa church na me coordinator kasi me sarili kami nag aayos dun.. kaya less work talaga sila. Nagkamali din ako kasi umoo ako.. na bumaba nalang sila.. anyway namanage naman namin ng maayos e.. At magagaling naman ang suppliers ko (HMUA, PV at sila assistant ni cecilio) sa pag aacomplish ng task nila kaya forgivable naman sila Ate Anna.
At organize naman sila sa reception. Ika nga nun day na yun pinaubaya ko na sa kanila ang lahat sa reception and it really turned out OK. aside sa minor flaws.. pero carry na.. Kasi kung magpapaka OC ako masyado ako din ang talo.
And magaling din mag emcee si Ate Anna. Ok din mag asikaso ng event sila kasama sila Ate daisy at Ate Juliet. mababait pa sila.. and they did make sure na nakakain kami ni Fred… at super higpit sila sa time.. Kaya masaya..
All in All Ok na OK kami sa knila.. Siguro kung sinipag lang ako unti sa pag take note ng mga reminders na gusto ko mangyari di siguro mangyayari yun mga flaws…
6. AMSKY OF ACCESS BAND
12500 quartet
– I suggest to get their band para mamaximize mo sila. Kasi nangyari samin ay parang di sila humataw nun. Parang tinatamad sila. ewan ko. Parang alang kaalive alive sila.. di ko nga sila napansin na kumakanta sa sobrang busy ko. Meaning di sila agaw pansin that day. And i dont like yun guy singer parang ewan. Di ko feel yun way na pagkanta nila father-daugther dance namin. Yun A song for the daugther. Di nya ata alam yun song. basta kulang sila sa energy. kahit ba love song yun mga songs meron padin yun singer na nakaw pansin talaga.. All in all magaling kumanta si amsky… yun nga lang masyadong formal yun event kasi pang formal ang approach ng pag-sing nila..
7. TINA OF NEW YORKER (Makati)
15K for the gown of MOH (4K), and 2 moms (5500)
– I dont like how the gown of my MOH turned out. Parang me kulang. Di nasunod yun sketch na me beads pa sa kwelyo. pati yun cut sa skirt hapit yun gown e dapat mabuka yun if check sa sketch. At yun length ng gown sobrang haba. pinaputulan pa namin. Nun nag fit yun MOH ko ako nag lagay ng pin sa gown nya para mark na ganun kahaba. I dont know. maybe kasi di sila nag fit sa shop ni Tina kaya ganun. Pero parang mas maganda yun mga gowns na worth 3K sa landmark compare sa gown ng kapatid ko.
Aside from that maganda naman yun gowns ng parents namin ni fred (mom). It suited them well.. All in all maganda naman ang kinalabasan. Di ko na masyado binusisi kasi nga ayaw ko ng hassle. Infairness kahit di sila nag fit at ako lang nag uwi sa baguio ng linings wala naman kami pinarepair sa gown nun nakuha aside sa length ng gown ng MOH ko. kaya pasalamat nadin kami.
Cons: Dahil nga sa hassle na aabutin ko sa kanila. Basta gusto ko nalang makuha yun gowns para matapos na. Una pabago bago sila ng pick up time. Una yun fittings ng MOH at moms namin supposedly aug 23 ata yun saturday ng umaga 10AM. ininform namin si cha na yun ang date. kasi aug 30 dapat ang original date. and we informed them super ahead of time so di kami nagkulang dun. Then nagbago ang sched di na makakapunta yun MOH at moms namin uuwi ko nalang sa baguio. dapat uuwi kami ng aug 22 ng gabi kasi holiday yun aug 25 e, Yun lang ang day na pwede kami umuwi. nakabili na kami ng ticket nun for aug 23 after makuha namin ng 10AM ke cha yun linings ng gown… tapos malaman laman namin na yun linings di pwede makuha ng aug 23 10Am.. gosh!!! pinakiusapan namin sila kasi me ticket na kami nun di daw pwede. sabi ni Fred wala daw paki sa Tina sa situation. Kung tutuusin ke uuwi kami ng baguio o ang moms namin at MOH ko magfit sa shop nya ng aug 23 10AM dapat available ang linings ng 10AM. E pano pala kung lumuwas sila at magpunta kami sa shop tapos malalaman nalang namin 5PM pa pwede yun lining??? Over naman yun.. E mag stay pa sila if ever ng night dito sa manila kasi late na pwede yun linings? Super naiinis talaga ako sa kanila.. Ewan ko kung meron ba silang time management.
Ganun din nangyari sa pag pick up ng gown. kala namin sept 20 pwede na. yun pala sa katapusan pa. susme…. nakakasira sila ng schedule.!!!
at ang pinaka kinasasama ng loob ko.. Bakit di kami hinaharap ni Tina. OO pinagbubuksan nya kami ng pinto pero si cha padin ang kumakausap. si cha ba designer? iniisip ko porke 15K lang ang bayad namin sa kanya ganun na. Nun pinik up namin yun gown sabi ni Tina wala pa si cha. antay namin. Ok sige ok lang wait. Tapos malaman laman ko na inaantay namin si cha para maglabas nun gown na nakaplastic at hanger na? what duh!!!
I dont like how she treated us. maybe namisinterpret ko lang siya. pero this is my feeling and opinion.. she may have the other side. Pero tapos na. and ok naman ang gown ng mama namin and carry na yun gown ng sister ko MOH ko.. kaya alis na kami.. nagulat pala ako sa pouch bag ng sister ko. actually wallet sya as in.. naloka ako. sabi ni tina sakin dati me beads pa yun at malaki yun pinakita nya. ang ending kahit ako magtahi ng pouch bag na wallet size ng sister ko kaya ko..
all in all.. ok naman ang gowns wala ako masabi dun. it fitted well naman. ang reklamo ko lang is their customer service and time management.
kanya kanya tayo ng experience with her. its good lang that i didnt push through with her for my other abays gown and specially my gown.. (MOH, Mom, MIL)
8. MARY GRACE GOWNS IN MAHARLIKA
– 6500 ( 5 bridesmaid, 3 flower girls, 9 barongs) + 1500 for the additional skirt changes for 5 abays, 1500 naman for the kids gown amin na yun gown. first hand rent the rest.
– 450 (5 pouch bag)
Hay naku isa pa to.. Though sa una lang naman naging problema sa kanya. Di nasunod yun gusto namin skirt. Naging serpentine ang cut e A-line kaya yun. Kasi daw ganun ang itsura sa picture. naku naman… sana man lang niclarify nila samin if anong cut. ang ending pinapalitan ko yun skirt nag add nalang kami ng 300 each. tapos pina semi balloon ko na. naging maganda naman ang outcome at sabi ng mga guests namin ang ganda daw ng gowns nila… I like the pouch bag tuwang tuwa yun abay ko kasi kanila na yun pouch bag at yun kids hala lahat ng nanay hiningi na ending binayaran nalang namin ng 500 each as additional..
Sa una lang kami nagkaproblem at naayos namin.
Cons: susme! katataray ng tao sa shop. kala mo naman kagaganda at kagagaling ewan. Nagagalit sila pag me pinarerepair kami e sa maluwag nga at walang padding yun ibang gown. Hay naku… Masasabi ko lang humanap nalang kayo ng iba wag lang sila. Book them at your own risk. Buti matapang ako ipaglaban ang gusto ko.. Kundi naku ewan ko… at kulang kulang ang mga gowns sa fitting buti di umakyat yun isa ko abay e wala pa pala yun gown nya. gosh!
9. ABBYLYNS FOR MY CUSTOM-MADE SHOES
Total cost: 1050
– Medyo sumakit ang paa ko nun sa kasal.. Actually not abbylyns fault kasi talagang me problema ako sa front ng mga sandals at shoes. kaya lagi ang tagal ko mamili ng shoes kasi dapat super lambot ng sandals or shoes. E medyo matigas yun leather sa front ng sandals ko ang ginamit ng abbylyns. ewan ko ba.. nun nagfifittings naman ako ng gown sumakit sya once pinaayos pa nga namin. buti mabait sila niluwangan yun alsa nun front ng sandals. tapos umokey naman na.. nun wedding day ayun na naman.. anyway.. ako lang me problem sa ganito. kasi masyadong malapad ang paa ko. kahit yun mga shoes na nabibili ko ganun problem ko.. sa mga sexy na paa no problem kayo..
10. SUAREZ WEDDING RINGS
Total cost 25K
– We love our wedding rings. Buti naman mura pa nun nagbook kami last yr.. haha.. basta maganda yun ring love na love.. pulido naman pagkagawa.
di ko lang masasabi after 10 yrs hehehe. lifetime naman warranty nila at free cleaning kaya oks..
11. CARDPRINTS
Total cost 76 each plus 6.50 per invites for gold colored ink.
– Ang ganda ng invitatation namin. good as new sya kahit pinadala namin. Umabot pa ng New Zealand and wala nagbago. kaya oks na oks kami..
Cons: lahat me bayad sa kanila. pati colored ink meron. black lang pala default color nila yay.. tapos yun TY cards hmm di ko ginamit kasi nakasulat na yun message ayaw ko sana. Gusto ko sana sulatan ng personal. kaso di daw pwede.. kaya if masyado kayo personalized sa invitation nyo wag nyo silang kukunin. kasi sila yun what you see is what you get. Pero quality speaking they are good… no delay pa.. 21 days nga lang ang production nila.. di pwede irush.. ewan ko kung pwede pakiusapan.
12. MANG REY CASEDO FOR FRED’S BARONG
Total Cost 5K Pina Barongs
– Despite all negative feedback sa kanya dito sa w@w, nagpursue padin kami sa kanya. Instict at trust lang ang pinanghawakan namin sa kanya and he never disappointed us. Maganda yun nadeliver nyang barong at it suited fred well.. grabe.. ang ganda nga daw ng barong marami nagsabi.. kaya bow ako ke mang rey.. mura pa sya. At never kami nakaencounter na tarayan sa text or call. ewan namin bat me ganun. samin wala naman..
13. DIY (DIVISORIA)
di ko na nacompute ang cost.. syempre DIY kaya perfect.
14. LUNCH FOR PREPARATION (EBAI’S RESTAURANT)
total cost: 2210 for 26 pax ( chopsuey and fish fillet)
698 each for apple walnut cake
– masarap yun ulam nila ha.. kung di lang ako kakasal that day at syempre pag kakasal ka me tendency na mahina ka kumain.. kung di ako kakasal lalantakan ko yun food at yun cake.. sarap ng cake nila… kulang lang sa icing.. pero worth it…
15. LINGERIE FOR HONEYMOON HAHAHA.
bench and SM dept store… at nagamit ko po yun sa first night at yun isa naman sa bora haha.. nagulat si Fred.. para syang baliw sa reaction nya.. hahaha first time nya ako makita ganun.. kasi usual naka short lang ako matulog at shirt wehehe… sabi ko ke fred hayaan mo madalas mo nako makitang ganun ang suot…
16. SALVATION ARMY FOR GUEST ACCOMODATION (TRANSIENT HOUSE)
– 150 per head. Kids below 6 is free. one unit with 2 rooms can accommodate 6 persons.. pwede pa kids..
17. FRANCE SEBASTIAN TRANSIENT HOUSE ALSO
for cecilio abad assistants near sm
– 900 per room per night.. maganda yun place at walking distance lang sa SM baguio at session rd. sabi nga samin ni ikyat at marcy sosyal daw yun place haha..
Visit their website at http://www.baguiotransient.net/
18. ARIEL JAVELOSA PV
total cost 65500 including the 7K out of town fee.
– based on their performance sa wedding ang gagaling nila. kakapagod lang yun posing na pinagagawa nila haha.. pero oks na oks sila.. sayang umulan kasi nun ceremony kaya di na kami nakapag picture picture sa club ni fred after the wedding basa na kasi yun damo sa golf course at madilim na…
sa ngayon oks na oks kami.. at ang ganda ng guestbook namin.. sabi nun abay ko talaga ba daw susulatan yun.. the best talaga… Our main photographer is Kuya ben.
19. RENIFORCEMENT FOR THE LIGHTS
total cost: 5K++
-wow.. yun lang… nagcompliment yun lights sa flowers namin.. grabe.
20. ELLE FOR OUR SOUVENIR
total cost 48 pesos for 1 55ML bottle of cologne.
– Nun una kinakabahan ako kasi wala syang shop. baka kasi maloko kami. pero sabi naman nun kilala ko na sis din dito ok naman daw mapagkakatiwalaan. kaya nag go na kami. and super saya ako sa outcome. Sabi nga ng kapatid ko mabango daw. ayun lahat ng extra na souvenir di na nakabalik sakin tinago ng mga kapatid ko.. hahaha.. buti naka kuha ako ng two scents… sa lalake scents ubos!.. worth it. pati mga guest namin na di nakarating abay nanghihingi. binigyan ko narin friends naman e tsaka me extra naman..
21. AVIS RENT A CAR
2200 for 3 hrs plus 750 per house in excess
– Nun ni book namin sila silver lang daw at fluxent ba yun yun yellowish colored. for altis.. kasi yun camry nila me nakarent na for oct 17 sayang.. nagulat nalang ako nun wedding day na white ang binigay sakin ang saya… kadadating daw nun white salamat naman.. at mabait yun driver namin… wala ako masay happy ako sa kanila. tsaka matagal na sila sa business kaya tiwala ako sa kanila.. mura pa..
22. Precious Moments Doll for cake topper
total cost 600
– super ganda.. nadedwat pa yun groom doll pinapasoli ko sa friend
ng sister ko hahaha… papalitan nalang namin ng smaller version
wehehe… basta maisoli lang..
23. INC Magsaysay Kapilya
– what can i say dream come true talaga… ang ganda ng kapliya..
and super inasikaso na nila lahat ng mge needs namin like mga
reminders sa bantay kapilya, sa mang-aawit… superb.!!!!
24. Fred’s shoes and accesories from bristol in market market and SM
for belts, watch, socks and hanky.. yun celphone libre sa office
nila wehehehe.. joke!
– shoes cost is 1600 nakasale kasi nakalimutan na namin un iba haha
Before i will end this ratings I would like lang to share something. It may sound a wedding tips but it may really help you guys. Nun araw ng kasal i prayed and told to God na bahala na sya. Kung ano man ang plan nya let it be. I put all my worries to him. Kaya nga di ako masyado nararattle sa wedding day. tawa lang ako ng tawa, remind ng remind sa kung kani kanino reminders na di pautos.. just calm and relax reminders and kahit nagkakagulo na sila sa kabibihis nila tawa lang ng tawa ang lahat. And i let go of everything. Kaya if mapapansin nyo nun nagpost ako ng wedding kwento ko lagi ko sinasabi na masya yun wedding kasi masaya talaga. ni di ko napansin yun mga problema.. later ko nalang naisip na me problema pala. kasi nga i let go of everything. and whatever negative things na sinabi ko sa ratings is just as what it had happend before. Ngayon super satisfied ako sa outcome.. Dream team ko padin sila.. if wala sila wala kahihinatnan ang kasal ko. ke nagkaproblem man o wala… sila padin ang nagcomplete ng lahat.. so i am very much thankful sa kanila.. And we, fred and I dont have any hatred feelings for some flaws na nangyari. maybe kasi we lifted all na ke Lord God ang lahat. And he did make our wedding blissful and Happy.. I know He did. and He did hear our prayers.. walang bagyo sa kasal namin, umulan man per on time nun ceremony as blessings and pagkatapos tumila na ang ulan.. Nun nag bora kami super init napakaganda ng araw… super thankful talaga…
Nasabi ko nalang ke Fred. siguro naging happy ang mga supplier namin sa wedding day kasi masaya din ang pinakita namin sa kanila. mabait sila kasi mabait kami sa kanila. Wala silang narinig na pagtataray samin. lahat OK lang… Lahat sige go mo na. Kasi ang nasa isip ko lang that day is let it pass happily and memorably. This really what makes our wedding almost perfect. natabunan ng masasamang nakaraan ang kagandahan dumating sa wedding day…
God Bless to all of you…
Cebu-Bohol Itinerary 2014
Our 4 days and 3 nights Cebu-Bohol Itinerary.
Day 1: January 5, 2014
Cebu
We arrived at Mactan International Airport around 6:30AM and took a cab to Pier 4 where Ocean Jet terminal is located. The cab costs us around 60 pesos. We waited at the terminal for almost 2 hrs since the ferry schedule we took was around 9:20AM. There was a cafeteria at the terminal that serves breakfast meal that cost from 100 to 110 pesos which I find a bit pricey for a breakfast meal. Play area is available for the kids to play.
Off to Bohol
It took us 2 hours to arrive at Tagbilaran Port. Tatsky was waiting for us. He dropped us for a quick lunch near the port since we were hungry already.
It only took us around 20-30 minutes to reach Dumaluan Beach Resort situated at Dumaluan itself. Beside the resort is Bohol Beach Club which you can also visit with certain entrance fee The fee already includes lunch or dinner buffet-by-the-sea and free use of their pool. Dinner buffet is more expensive than lunch buffet. South Palms also is in the same area.
There is also a BBQ restaurant at Dumaluan Beach Resort 1 that sells cheaper dinner meals which I find it nice since there are few restaurants or stores around.
Going to Alona from Dumaluan takes around 30 mins as what the staff of the resort said and the only cheap transportation available is the habal-habal which costs around 20-50 pesos. You will be lucky if someone from the other part of Panglao took a tricycle going to Dumaluan. By then you can get the same tricycle to bring you to Alona or other parts of the island.
Day 2: January 6, 2016. Countryside Tour
7:00AM: Buffet breakfast by the sea. For breakfast they have eggs and longganisa, soup, coffee and juice. Breads with calamay spread were available too.
9:00 AM: Off to countryside tour. Our first stop was the Hinagdangan Cave. It is located in Panglao Island, few minutes from the resort. The cave entrance going down is quite steep. You can also swim in the water. But in our case nobody did. It looks scary. I find the souvenirs like shirts are cheaper here than from the other tourist spots.
Outside the cave
Stairs going inside the cave
We passed by Dauis Church. It was destroyed by an Earthquake last 2013.
Next stop was the fake blood compact. According to Tatsky the real blood compact is located in the other area. It was believed that the the real blood compact was held there not on this place where monuments were built.
It was almost lunch time and we went at Loboc River for a lunch cruise. The meal costs 450 for adult, and 300 for kids 4-12 years old
The ruins after an earthquake in Loboc
After eating lunch, we went to Chocolate Hills. While on the way to Chocolate Hills, we passed by the man-made forest.
The Chocolate Hills view deck at that time was still not fixed though we were still able to go up to the view deck and have a good look at the hills.
It’s time to go down and we passed by the Hanging Bridge, Ship House, Tarsier Conservation and Butterfly Sanctuary. We were not able to visit Bohol Bee Farm since it was already late when we reached Tagbilaran.
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Day 3: January 7, 2016. Sea Tour.
The team splits. Those with small kids remained at the resort. Haha.. Others had their dolphin watching and island hopping. If you are to avail the said tour, you need to be at the boat by 5:00 in the morning because the dolphins will only be at the ocean for viewing until around 8am. You must bring with you your packed breakfast. You can request the hotel to pack it for you.
According to some blogs that I read (since I didn’t personally joined the sea tour), there is a need to rent for aqua shoes in Balicasag. Because in order for you to reach the snorkeling area, you have to walk above the corals for it is knee deep which I find it unfriendly to the corals. Please inquire with your tour guide about the cost.
The number of dolphins you will be able to see depends on the time of the year that you visit Bohol. Though they say that dolphins are there all year round but there are months where you can see lots of dolphins.
The tour will only take half of the day. We spent the entire afternoon relaxing and swimming at the resort’s pool.
Day 4: Back to Cebu.
By 9am we were fetched by Tatsky going to Tagbilaran port. We arrived by Cebu past noon.
Me and my friends along with my kid went ahead to Tabo-an market to buy dried fish and mango. My husband went to SM to leave our luggage at the traveler’s lounge. I bought along one extra shirt for me to change after buying dried fish. There are so many dried fish being sold there from dried squid of different types that ranges from 500-600 per kilo, danggit from 450-550 per kilo, espada (I was able to buy 320 per kilo), and a lot more. Packed dried mango was at 380.00 per kilo (pure mango), cooked mango from mango puree and mold to looked like dried mango is 350 per kilo. Those dried mangoes with brand name cost around 3 per 100 pesos (100g) and 120 for 200g. Mango that are packed per kilo is way cheaper. There is also otap priced at 50 pesos per pack. Shamrock brand (big pack) is 100 pesos.
There are also jeepneys beside the market that passes the street along Basillica de Sto. Nino. Taxi from Pier 4 to Tabo-an market is around 60 pesos. so as if from the market to Basillica de Sto. Nino.
After buying dried fish, I’m not sure if I smelled fish at all. I just changed my shirt at the SM traveler’s lounge, wash my arms, neck and legs with damped face towel and put on some perfume and I was good to go. We immediately went to Mactan Airport.
Next time I will visit Cebu, I will definitely buy more dried squid and espada..
How much did we spent?
Plane ticket: 1495.00 pesos for 2-way trip each times 12. I added another ticket for my 2-year-old daughter that cost me 4500 already for the 2-way trip.
Superior room is at 2,150 per room. In our case since we are 3 adults and 3 kids. We only added 400.00 for extra mattress and breakfast.
Cab going from Mactan to Pier, Pier to Tabo-an, Tab-oan to Basilica, Basilica to SM and SM to Mactan is roughly 60 pesos except the one from SM to Mactan Airport because we encountered heavy traffic in the later afternoon.
Van for country side tour is 2,600 for 7 adults and 3 big kids and 3 smaller kids. We divided the amount to 10 people, which is 260 per head.
DAY 1: JAN 5, 2014
Ocean Jet (2 way ticket): 800 x7 adults= 5600
Ocean Jet (2 way ticket): 800 x 4 kids 4yrs old and 11 yrs old, our 2 kids aged 2 and 3 were free = 3200
600 for van transfers Tagbilaran to Dunaluan Resort 2. We divide it to 10 pax.
SUB-TOTAL: 9400
DAY2: TOURS Jan 6, 2013
van rent: 2700 sa Van.
Entrances: 230 each x 7 – 1750
Kid Entrances: 100 x 3 kids – 300
Lunch Buffet: 450 each x 7 adults – 3150
Kid Lunch Age 7 to 11: 300 x 3 – 900
SUB-TOTAL: 2700+ 1750 + 300 +3150 +900 = 8880
DAY3: SEA TOUR Jan 7, 2014 ( 4 adults, 4 kids)
Rate: 1600 per boat x 1 boats – 1600
Entrances: 50 each x 4 adults and 3 kids @ 9-11 yrs old and 1 @ 4 yr old. = 200
Guide: 150 each x 4= 600
Free up to 4 mask per boat. Excess 5 mask will rent 75 each ( 75*4 )= 300
SUB-TOTAL: 1600 + 200 + 600 + 300 = 2700
DAY 4: Transfer to Dumaluan to Tagbilaran Port = 600
TOTAL: 21500 (for the entire tour + ferry + transfer cost only).
It was roughly around 5,000 per head. (we were 3 families, a family of 3 adults and 3 kids, a family of 2 adults and 1 big kid, and a family of 1 adult and 2 big kids) was spent excluding pasalubong, cab and food. Big kids were considered as adult already.
See part 1 here and about Dumaluan Beach Resort here. For our tou guide email Tatsky’s wife Kathy at: cubero.katherine@yahoo.com
Dumaluan Beach Resort
We stayed at Dumaluan Beach Resort II for 4 days and 3 nights. We took 3 superior rooms at 2150 with free breakfast for 2 persons for each rooms. The room assigned to us was room B3. We added one additional extra head for 400 pesos which includes free mattress and breakfast.
The beach was beautiful, clean and clear specially in the morning. Though there were lots of seaweeds in the afternoon when we had a quick dip. The sea level was not that deep. Since we stayed there during off peak season, we were able to enjoy the pool and the beach.
A band played old songs at night in the resort restaurant.
The pool also was clean.
There’s a n ihaw-ihaw in DBR1 right beside DBR2 that cost less than the resort restaurant. Their price for squid/fish is 75 per 100g. The BBQ is 25 pesos. They cooked it for free.
They also have a souvenir shop.
See Bakasyon sa Bohol 2014 (Manila-Cebu-Bohol Transfer)
Tagaytay getaway before school year opens
May 2016, we visited Tagaytay for 2 days. We stayed at One Tagaytay Place for the second time around and stayed at their DELUXE TWIN ROOM (2 single beds). Visited Puzzle Mansion and dine at Bag of Beans and Morielli’s Inn and Diner. We took a bus from Imus The District Mall.
Below was our itinerary.
Day 1:
- Checked-in @ One Tagaytay Place.Sunday, mother’s day. We arrive at One Place Tagaytay around 12 noon. There were lots of guests that day. The hotel was fully booked. This was our second time to visit and stay at One Place Tagaytay. We rode a bus from Imus District. if you are coming from Manila there are buses available at Coastal mall going to Nasugbu or Calatagan Batangas that passes Tagaytay. Since the hotel is at Tagaytay-Calamba rd., we dropped off at Olivarez and took a tricycle at 50 pesos. There is a 7-11 store infront of the hotel. We had our lunch there instead of going to a restraurant. Since the kids wanted to have a dip in the pool first, we were able to reach Sky Ranch at 5pm. We stayed at Skyranch for 2 hours only because we have to catch the 9:00PM massage scheduled for us. The said service is included in our stay. Their revitalizing massage is very relaxing. I was even about to sleep when the lady whispered its done already.
The room where we stayed
The pool
- At 5pm we went to Sky Ranch. The traffic was so heavy that day. We took a tricycle again from the hotel to rotonda and took a jeepney bound to Mendez or Mahogany market at 7.00 pesos per person. You have to stop at the highway before the jeepney turns right going to Mahogany market. Just right after Robinsons or Summit Ridge. It was our first time to visit the place. The kids enjoyed the rides. Sky Ranch entrance fee is 80.00. It was a promo rate. Sky eye ride cost 150 per head. The rest of the rides cost 50.00 pesos. There is a wall climbing activity for kids that cost 160.00 for 20 minute. We were not able to stay there for a long time since we left SkyRanch by 7:00pm.
Day 2:
- Had a buffet breakfast before going out. Their buffet is not so good anymore. It used to be when we first stayed at the same hotel last 2011. The plated breakfast that we had the next day which is Monday was better.
Breakfast Buffet
Plated breakfast
- Visited Puzzle Mansion in the morning. The entrance fee cost 100.00 per head. From Olivarez rotonda, we took a jeepney going to Batangas and informed the driver to drop us at the Puzzle Mansion. There is a tricycle where you can ride going to Puzzle mansion from the main highway. Though they will just drop you off at the road because going down is very steep. You can walk down though for around 5 minutes.
Before going inside, you will pass by the ticketing booth.
Puzzle Mansion has also rooms to stay and a big pool to swim (Only for staying guests)
Puzzles displayed.
Don’t forget to try their cream pie. It is quite expensive but worth the price. We were able to take their shuttle going back to main highway at 10.00 pesos each.
- Has lunch at nearby bulaluan along the highway just before Bag of Beans if coming from Puzzle Mansion. After lunch we went to Bag of Beans to chill and have coffee. The place is now renovated unlike the first time I visited the same branch way back 2010. The WiFi is too bad though and if you have a mobile data, you can’t get a signal also.
- We had a dinner at Morielli’s Inn and Diner. We ordered their Mexican tacos and fried chicken. The food is superb.
Day 3:
- Horseback riding at Picnic Grove
The Picnic grove entrance fee cost 50.00 pesos for adult and kids. Regardless whether you will just pee inside nor just have a horseback riding and don’t go to the picnic area you will need to pay. The horseback riding cost 350 for an hour for one adult. Multiple riders for one horse is no longer allowed. We were able to request that the kids will ride alternately since the kids will not really consume the entire one hour riding a horse.
- Lunch at Pamana
It was our first time to dine at Pamana and we were very satisfied. Pamana is right across Serin Mall (Ayala mall). Their food was awesome. Big serving. I love their seafood kare-kare. I found out that at night there are group of singers sings in the restaurant. We were able to watch them sing when we went there last August 2016.
Parking? Better be early to get a spot else you need to park at the nearby mall parking lot.
The review. One Tagaytay Place, the second time around.
Date of stay: May 2016 ( 2 nights)
Room: 507
The pool
The room where we stayed
We availed their 50% promo “Upbeat Treat! (Room + Breakfast + Massage for 2) that includes overnight stay with breakfast for two, Revitalize Massage (45 minutes) for two, 10% discount F&B at Azalea Restaurant (excluding promos), Welcome drinks, Free WIFI access, Free use of pool, gym and parking.
I have reviewed the same hotel 5 years ago. The only problem we had 5 years ago was a room with dysfunctional air-condition which resulted us to transfer to a new room.
But now, I am very much disappointed. I’m gonna list all short-comings and negative feedback that we have experienced in our 3D2N night stay. Below are my feedback to the said hotel.
1) We arrived at the hotel for check in around 12:30PM. Since there are so many guests that day, maybe due to mother’s day celebration, we finished our checking in process at 1PM. And we need to wait until 2pm for us to have a room which was fine since we decided to leave the hotel for a quick late lunch. But I realize they didn’t even bother to offer those guests at the lobby their “Welcome Drinks” while waiting.. They could have offered it right?
Oh we just requested the welcome drinks the next day to be delivered in our room instead.
2) Upon entering the room the first thing I noticed was, the comforters seemed not changed from previous guests. I really cannot confirm though. This is only base on my judgement on how the comforters looked like. It felt wrong. It felt used. I know how a new linen smells. I know how it feels. Maybe you can judge also for yourself when next time you experience the same.
3) There were no bedroom slippers.
4) There were no complimentary coffee?? I didn’t bother to ask though.
5) There were no conditioner. Only shampoo. I remember there was a conditioner when we stayed here 5 years ago..
6) The towels was old already. It look old. The color speaks for itself.. It looked dirty even though it smelled good.
7) When I entered the bathroom, I smelled something very foul. I cant say what it was. The exhaust fan was broken. My husband has to call their maintenance.
It took him around an hour to wait for the maintenance to change the exhaust fan. He got the exhaust fan from another room. Though they were too fast respond with the said problem.. Kudos to them.
When i asked my husband, why there is no this and that he would day, we will request for it which shouldn’t be the case.
8) Hair dryer also have to be requested.
10) Their breakfast is so so.. so bland.. I was just too lazy to go outside and look for a place to eat so we rather had our breakfast at the hotel. The plated breakfast we had by Monday was better than the buffet one.
Plated breakfast
11) Their room is a bit old already. I hope they will maintain it. I saw paints chipping off. Some furniture too.
By night, I cannot sleep using the said comforter so we called the housekeeping department and request for a new one. Good thing they change it.
I am happy with their service. Their staff is very accommodating. Despite all their shortcomings. But I am sorry, I will no longer consider staying in the hotel in the future.
Their pool is still too cold but clean. They provide towel at the pool area so that you don’t need to bring the one from the room.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Tagaytay, look somewhere else. There are a lot of hotels offering almost the same rate but might be better…
Trip to Tanza Oasis
Our family decided to have a short vacation and I found out about Tanza Oasis from a friend. It is located in Tanza, Cavite.
We stayed at Tanza Oasis for 3D2N at their Superior twin room. Our room window was facing the parking lot which was more quiet than those facing the beach area. I read from Tripadvisor that we must not get a room facing the beach because it will be very noisy when groups of friends/families stays at night at the beach cottages and plays karaoke. But when we visited the resort there a only few people around.
The hotel is very big. You can also lounge there. The hotel has an elevator.
The superior twin room is big enough with 2 double sized bed and well ventilated with LED TV that has few cable channels which didn’t bother me because we were there to enjoy the place not to watch TV. Free 3in1 coffe, choco drink (milo) and Lipton tea were provided in their mini bar. You can use also the electric pot. Underneath the mini bar there is a mini refrigerator. Toiletries were provided too but their soap was not foamy (ayaw bumula) so it would be nice to bring your own. The towels and bed linens. The slipper was sturdy. I was happy to wear it for 3 days.
The pool is located downstairs, at the back of the resort. You can take an elevator down to the pool area. It was clean during our stay. There were 2-3 life guard around the pool area. It was so nice they have that even their pool is up to 5ft. They will warn kids who will cross under the bridge area for it is already 5ft deep. Tables and chairs are available too beside the pool. You can order food from their cafe or restaurant.
Kids’ playground is located between the pool and the beach area. There is also a volleyball and basketball court. I wonder if we can borrow the balls. I also saw some tents where you can have henna tattoo and massage service.
Buffet breakfast cost 250 per head that consist of pork, veggie (i think it was sautee baguio beans), garlic rice, fried danggit, Omelet, breads, fruits, jams, porridge, garden salad. Their ala carte menu price is a bit expensive. Most menu starts at 250 and up. Sea foods are around 800 per serving. Though the food was delicious.
The Beach sand was not fine and there were too many jellyfish.
There are local stores outside the resort. There are no restaurant nearby though.
An overnight stay was fine. You will get bored already for another day. If you are after for relaxation you can get it there.
I hope they could also have some kayak activity in the future. It would be nice also if they will include free breakfast to the room rate.
WIFI is available in the room.
How to Commute.
If you came from Manila, take a bus going to Ternate from Coastal terminal near MIA road. Just inform the driver to drop you at the highway going to the resort. There is a big signage about the resort in the highway.
Baby jeep and FIFA bus are also available from Zapote.
Website: http://tanzaoasis.com/
Contact them at
Manila Sales Office Phone/Fax
+63-2-7080704
+63-2-5165432
Cavite Line Operation
+63-46-4819688
+63-46-4388488
+63-46-4388489
Email
sales@tanzaoasis.com
A day to day life 