September 06, 2011

Staycation at Blue Coral Resort

We went to San Juan, Batangas last weekend without any reservation because we’re thinking that it’s lean season so we do not need a reservation. But unfortunately, La Luz Resort is already fully booked, then we moved to Taramindu Resort and we have the same fate.

Good thing that I have a list of resorts and draft of expected expenses so we’re prepared just in case the resort could not accommodate us. Out third stop is Blue Coral Resort and finally, they still have available room for us though penthouse is no longer available so we ended up with family deluxe and suite room. Each room is good for 12 persons which are perfect for us, 10 persons per room.



Actually, I made my reservation at La Luz Resort last month but I did not pay the 50% down payment because my mom was worried about the weather and down payment is non-refundable. I made my last minute booking but received no reply so lesson learned, peak or lean season we should make a reservation. 


But we have no regrets because we think that Blue Coral Resort has better facilities and amenities. Their staffs are all approachable and friendly. When they told me that there are still available rooms, I immediately said ‘ok, I’ll get those rooms” but the staff said “ma’m baka gusto niyo po muna makita yung room”. I really appreciate the effort because they want me to check the room first before reserving it. I still checked the room though I already have an idea because I’ve seen it on the internet.

This is the Suite Room. The room is located at the beach front so you can relax at the balcony looking at the beach. It has living room area, three beds and big bathroom with bathtub. 




This is the Family De Luxe Room. I don't have pictures of the room because I did not stay there. My brother's family and sister's family stayed at the second floor of the building. 


They have a policy of early check in and early check out, standard check-in is 3PM to 1PM. They allowed us to check in as early as 11AM and check out time is also 11AM the following day.





For an overnight stay, we availed their food package of P1,100 per person which includes buffet lunch, dinner and breakfast. Foods are just ok.


We were all happy and satisfied with our stay at Blue Coral Resort; it was really an escape from urban life. Check here the other resorts that we have tried in Batangas

Blue Coral Beach Resort
Laiya, San Juan Batangas Philippines

The Effect of Having a Blog

I’ve been blogging since last week of February but yesterday I received a comment on one of my post “Cebu’s Lechon”. Somehow it affects me because as far as I know, I’ve been honest to all my posts, I will say if the food is good, so-so or not because I do not want to lie to my readers. I am also one of the people who also rely on some reviews, testimonies and comments. That is the power of blogging.


I do believe that we have our own preferences, tastes and likes, there are things that we may not like but there are people who will appreciate it. I also believe on “freedom of speech” but I know that there are limitations. But I keep on reading my post yesterday if I really said something that really affects the commenter, I even asked my husband about it and he said, I should not give any negative comments.

ME: Do I need to lie? Both lechon na kinain ko are pasalubong, what do they expect sabihin ko na crispy siya, e nilagay na siya sa plastic at box at nagtravel from Cebu to Manila. Pareho natin kinain and same ang reaction natin, makunat talaga yung sa Ayer’s while sa CnT malambot yung balat so nakain natin. Do I have to buy another kilo just to taste it again and replace my first post?

Hubby is just laughing at me because I’m so affected.

Me: Wala naman ko sinabi na di masarap yung lechon, naubos ko pa nga and I even said that it is yummy.

Hubby and Mom: forget about it, just be careful next time baka owner pa yun kaya ganun makareact.
These are the comments.

TRISHIA PADILLA wrote:

“I have read this blog and honestly it loses the morale of being a good critic. We don't need to judge the product of the competitor by an identifiable statement in which fact we're not aware of. CNT's lechon and Ayer's lechon have different taste as i have tasted it. And to whoever the one sending the blog, you can't judge that Ayer's Lechon is a rubber...stealing such taste. Please taste it again and you can clearly identify the difference. As you have said, it took you three days to eat CNT but less than a day for Ayer. Isn'y it because Ayer's Lechon tasted really good. Good beyond expectation???!u Come to think of it?”

TRISHIA PADILLA wrote:
“Indeed, we have our own preferences but be careful with your statement because it might affect the business itself. As I notice you tasted Ayer's Lechon once, is it enough to conclude such statement?”

Please do enlighten me if I really did something wrong and if I should refrain from saying negative comments. Now, I am thinking if I will only post those foods that I’ve really enjoyed without a single flaw.

You can read the post and comments here. I want to reply back but I know that the discussions will not end. She must understand the nature of blogging and if she is affiliated with Ayer’s lechon, they should listen to all customer’s feedback whether good or bad because it will help them in improving their product or business so, in the end, they will benefit from it.

The Effects of Having a Blog

1. You cannot please all people. Whether we like it or not, some people won't agree to us, some people won't like our post, some will take extra effort to post nagative post. 
2. Yes, you have your own blog and have freedom of expression but we should also be responsible in what we post. I've learned from this experience that I need to choose me words, I think I should use the word "makunat" instead of rubbery. Huwag ng i-English kasi baka maiba pa pagkakaintindi.

For business owners, blogs, forums and social media are there to inform us the good and bad sides. If we read something negative, we should take it lightly. Accept and check if there are really things that you need to improve. 

September 05, 2011

Santa Rosa Plaza



On our way to my grandmother’s house, we saw this monument. We want to stop by to take some pictures but Rizal statue was too crowded. We passed this monument four times within a week and finally we had our chance yesterday.

This is the tallest monument of Jose Rizal in the Philippines.


September 02, 2011

Kinder Surprise



When I was a kid, my mom used to give us Kinder Surprise every time she goes home and now that I’m old; my kinder surprise belongs to my son. =) I love the taste of this chocolate and it always excites me every time I open it.

I helped my son in opening and eating the chocolates. Hehe! Here’s what we’ve got.







September 01, 2011

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

My original plan is Lake Pandin but my family preferred Villa Escudero so I’m back again in Villa Escudero last Monday. Typhoon Mina did not stop us from enjoying our long weekend. I only paid P1250 per person last year but now, the day tour rate is P1400 for adults and P700 for kids.

Last year we were not able to try bamboo rafting because my son is not yet allowed so this time we had our chance because someone will take care of my son. It looks so easy but it is hard to maneuver the bamboo raft unlike in a kayak.

You can also try fishing for P100, but this is not worth it. Wala kasi mahuli. 

In spite of the weather, there were so many visitors who came to Villa Escudero so it took us more time in getting our food and no more second round.

My family spent the remaining hours in the swimming pool and Jacuzzi because they are not interested in the museum and cultural show.

Souvenir shops are also available.

See my previous post of Villa Escudero here.
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August 31, 2011

Bananalicious Pie

I promised to my mom that I will bring her to Nuvali so we went there last Sunday before going to my Aunt’s house in Victoria, Laguna. As expected, it was crowded and we had a hard time looking for a good spot where we could feed the fish.

After feeding the fish, we went to Contis to buy Tiramisu P295 and Bananalicious Pie P625. My son loves tiramisu so I’m not surprised if he finished half of it on our way to Victoria. 

Bananalicious pie is like banoffee pie that has banana, cream and caramel. Everybody enjoyed their slice.


August 28, 2011

Day in Paradise at Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa

Last Monday, we availed the day tour package of Shangri-la and it was indeed a Day in Paradise. We all enjoyed our stay in Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa and P2,500 per head is very worth it. Kudos to all their staff because they are all approachable, friendly, helpful and they never fail to smile at you.


After our Mactan City Tour, we went to Shangri-la Mactan to spend our last day in Cebu. Day tour package is from 8-9PM so it was perfect for our 10:40PM flight. The resort is just 20 minutes away from the airport.

There are so many tourists inside the resort and we can’t find any vacant beach chairs where we could stay so we just roam around the resort and look for a place where we could wait. We decided to take our lunch first before we plunged into their pool and beach.


Finally, 12NN came and we went inside the Tides Restaurant. I zeroed in on expensive dishes, tried the lamb chop and still did not like it. I don't really like lamb chop, ok na ko sa beef steak. My son enjoyed his dinner roll and butter; he really liked the crème brulee and finished two cups. Drinks are not included in their free buffet lunch; the cheapest drink is softdrink in a can which is P184.


After our meal, it is time to enjoy their amenities.







After swimming, we took advantage of the free use of their Health Club Amenities where complimentary drinks are available. Hehe! You can use the gym, sauna, steam bath, and Jacuzzi for free.


Overall, I do not have regrets in choosing Shangri-la Mactan and this is one of my memorable experiences and fabulous birthday celebrations. I hope we can go back here.

Day in Paradise Package includes 

Lunch Buffet at Tides Restaurant (drinks not included)
Free use of beach, pool, towel
Free use of Gym and Health Club facilities (sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi)
10% discount on Health Club and Salon Services for adults
Complimentary 2 hours use of Kid’s Adventure Zone for kids (kids must wear long sleeves and socks)
25% discount on Dinner Buffet at Tides Restaurant

Be sure to contact them first before going there because a day tour is not available if their hotel is full.

Update: April 2016

When we went back to Cebu, I inquired about the Day Trip package but I was advised that they don't offer day trip packages at that time. So we just went to Crimson Mactan instead.

Read: Makati Shangri la Hotel
Shangri la Hotel in Jakarta Indonesia
EDSA Shangri la Hotel

August 24, 2011

Food Trip in Cebu

Update: Read "Where to Eat in Cebu" for more list of restaurants to try in Cebu. 

1. Jollibee – After taking pictures at Basilica Sto. Nino and Magellan’s Cross, we went to La Fortuna Bakeshop for our breakfast but unfortunately their rice is not yet available. We’re not willing to wait because we’re really hungry so we went to Jollibee. We ordered daing na bangus P88 and longanisa P88 breakfast meal.


2. Casa Verde – I’ve read a lot of good reviews about this restaurant so after visiting Taoist Temple we had an early lunch at Casa Verde. We’re there at past 10AM so it was not crowded. I love the exterior and interior design of the restaurant. The staffs are all friendly and attentive. 


We got Brian’s Ribs P188, Pork Steak P178 , Death by Chocolate P105 and Raspberry juice P110 (pitcher). The servings are really huge for a very affordable price. Do not miss this restaurant if you are going to Cebu.






3.  CnT Lechon – my original plan is to have dinner at Larsian but it was raining so we opted to go to Ayala Mall to have an early dinner at CnT Lechon. Of course, we got ½ kilo of lechon and rice.


4.  Fuente Oro Business Suites – We’re very satisfied with our free breakfast. I love their beef tapa. We ordered additional meal for my son and he enjoyed his Belgian waffle P150.




5. Tides – We got free lunch buffet at Tides Restaurant, it was included in our day tour package in Shangri-la Mactan



6.  Café Cesario – From Shangri-la Mactan we went straight to Mactan Airport so we have no choice but to eat here. We ordered garlic chicken and pork steak, the taste is just ok, not worth it for the price of P200+ per meal.



Mactan City Tour

As much as I want to continue our Cebu City Tour, we no longer have time so we just went to Taboan market to buy dried fish, dried squid, dried mango and other pasalubong. 



Knowing what to expect in Taboan market, we did not bother to take a bath. Hehe! From Fuente Oro, you need to take two jeepney rides, 06B and 06A then walk to Tabo-an Market or just ride a taxi cab, the fare is around P100.


After Taboan market, we took our free breakfast and prepare for early check-out. We went straight to Mactan Shrine for our Mactan City Tour


Photo-op with Lapu-Lapu Monument and Mactan Shrine. I cannot find the Magellan’s Marker. Hehe! Sutukil is just around the corner offering fresh seafood but we did not eat here because we are going to avail Shangri-la Mactan Day Tour Package.


This site marks the place where Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan fought on April 17, 1521. The monument serves as a reminder of Filipino bravery as this is where Ferdinand Magellan was defeated by Lapu-Lapu, the very first Filipino hero. From here, we took a taxi to reach the Shangri-la Resort

DIY: Cebu City Tour

Last Sunday, we went to Cebu to celebrate my birthday in advance since my birthday falls on a weekday. I was very thankful to God for hearing my prayer, there was no storm. 

After 13 long years, I was back in Cebu but this time, we only stayed for two days because my hubby can only take one day leave. Good enough because last year, his VL was denied. I really took my time to research everything so we could maximize our two days stay. I’ve got an early flight to Cebu and last flight to Manila.


Before 6AM, we arrived at Mactan Airport so we went straight to Fuente Oro Business Suites hoping that we could early check in but unfortunately the room was not yet available so we left our baggage and start our Cebu City Tour.

We rode a jeep to Basilica De Sto. Nino, our oldest church that was founded in 1565.



Then walk to Plaza Sugbo where Magellan’s Cross is located.

At the back of Magellan’s Cross is the City Hall
From Magellan’s cross just walk until you reach the Plaza Independencia where Fort San Pedro is also located. Right side of the plaza is the Malacanang sa Sugbo.


Opening time of Fort San Pedro is 8AM so we waited for almost 30 minutes. Entrance Fee is P30 per head.



Then we went to Taoist Temple, you can ride a Jeep 04C, just inform the driver that you are going to Taoist Temple, landmark is Julie’s Bakeshop. There are motorcycles or habal-habal that you could ride to bring you to Beverly Hills Subdivision Gate and from there you need to walk. The best way to reach Taoist temple is through taxi and asked the driver to wait for you.

The colorful temple with 99 steps offers a beautiful view of the city too. 


We were all tired after walking and climbing up the stairs of the Taoist temple so we decided to have an early lunch at Casa Verde then go back to Fuente Oro so we could take a nap. Good thing that our room was already available.

We’re supposed to continue our Cebu City Tour but it was raining so we just went to Crown Regency to watch 4D movie. I’m afraid of heights so I will not try the skywalk or sky ride. Anyway, we enjoyed our 4D movie experience even it was only a 15 minutes movie for P250 per pax. (1 movie + souvenir shirt). After the movie, we went to Ayala Mall to eat my favorite CnT Lechon. (early dinner). 

Dulce De Leche Cake

Yesterday, I just stayed home and I could not join my family to celebrate our birthday because I was really tired from our Cebu trip. I have no strength to travel to Valenzuela from Cavite. Missing in action since Sunday, haven’t seen my mom who just came home from Norway last Sunday. But, I’ll be there tomorrow. =)




My husband brought me this cake to have a mini celebration of my birthday at home. Dulce De Leche is our favorite cake from Red Ribbon. We enjoy every bite of this cake, it so soft that it melts in your mouth.

I really had a blast birthday celebration and I felt so love, love and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the greetings and I truly appreciate the effort.

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