Posts

Back in Biri Town: Northern Samar Series

Image
After the out of this world experience, we silently and hungrily headed back into the town of Biri. We visited this resort, owned by a German. I wasn't able to get the contact details of the resort, but it is past the municipal hall from the port. You can't miss it since it's only one road and it's a walking distance from the pier. You can just ask the locals for directions. The Biri Resort is probably the best place to stay in the island. There are around 5 resort hotels in Biri town, and there are also homestays as well. They don't get guests, except for adventurous travelers from different countries who fall in love with the place and stay for a month. And who shouldn't? Biri is a very laid back town, quite busy but has a cool and relaxed island vibe. There are a few eateries, a simple market, practically no night life and yet, I feel that the island is very alive. I found the people to be very accommodating as well. They were quite shy at first, but once you

The Magnificent Rock Formations of Biri: Northern Samar Series

Image
There are a few places in the Philippines that have made me nod in disbelief. Last year, Magpopongco in Siargao and Tambobong in Pangasinan were successful in doing that. This year, the rock formations in Biri in Northern Samar made me do more than that. Who wouldn't be enchanted upon this sight? Rock islands around 200 meters away from the main shoreline, separated by small mangrove plants arranged in almost perfect straight lines. The majestic rocks of Biri are a wonder of nature. There are 6 in total, covering an area of almost a kilometer across. We were only able to visit the one at the end of the line. You could easily walk to the island if the tide is low, but when it's high, the water reaches up to the chest level, making it very difficult to get through. Even the surroundings were breathtaking. The sand at the shoreline of Biri Island was not fine, but was glistening at the heat of the noon sun. We passed through coral reefs revealing itself in the low tide, so we wer

The Road to Adventure: Northern Samar Series

Image
When I found out that I was going to Catarman in Northern Samar for an event, I knew I had to visit one place. We landed in Catarman, and after getting over with the Grill Fest in the town's park, we drove straight to the port town of Allen. Allen is the gateway of Samar, having a regular ferry from mainland Luzon through Sorsogon. The journey to Sorsogon takes only 45 minutes via ferry, so it's around 2.5 hours to Legaspi City in Albay. We stayed in Kinabranan Resort, owned by our hosts. You won't miss Kinabranan along the highway of Allen, as you will see this huge Montery Meatshop sign. The resort is 15 years old, and is listed in Lonely Planet. It had recently renovated its rooms, making it cleaner, but still very basic. After all, it's more of an inn, than a resort. So don't expect luxuries here. Nevertheless, we spent a comfortable night here, and the next day, we rose early to drive to the town of Lavezares, which is actually the town before Allen coming from

CNN touts Marinduque as next tourist hotspot in Asia

Image
As soon as I received the email from Tripadvisor, I got another link to CNN, which touts the island of Marinduque as one of the next tourist hotspots in Asia. Of course, this is attributed to the beautiful Bellarocca Resort. The article also enumerates the plans for the island to grow tourism. We do hope Marinduque revives itself in the near future. Read the article here.

Boracay: Top Beach Destination in Asia

Image
Finally, a much deserved promotion on the Philippines. Tripadvisor, one of the most informative and reliable travel blogs in the world has come out with the 2010 Travelers' Choice Awards with 3 destinations in the Philippines landing in this coveted list. Boracay has landed on the top spot for beach and sun destinations in Asia, beating the Maldives and all the other islands of Thailand. It is also no. 9 for beach and sun destinations in the world and no. 9 again for Relaxation and Spa in Asia. Interestingly, I found out that I have no entry on Boracay in this blog. Weird. Though I haven't been back to the island since 2008. This is the longest time that I haven't been back. I hope to revisit this June, and finally, have a comprehensive series on this tropical paradise. Then, the two wonders of Palawan, El Nido and Coron, land on 5th and 6th spot respectively for Outdoor and Adventure destinations in Asia. El Nido also landed no. 8 in beach and sun destinations in Asia. Pa

Grill Fest! Nationwide Caravan

Image
I really don't post about my work, but I just can't help but promote our latest Summer event, the Grill Fest by the Monterey Meatshop and Magnolia Chicken Station. The Grill Fest is the first ever nationwide BBQ caravan fiesta. We kicked off in Catarman, Northern Samar last April 17, and will be ending in Tuguegarao on June 17. What's in a grill fest? Well, the grill fest is actually an outdoor BBQ party. The event has the usual games, raffles and freebies from our valued sponsors. We also have a cooking demo from a master chef. Here you can see Chef Gene Gonzalez in our Quezon City leg grilling away mouthwatering dishes. We have an interactive grilling station where you can grill your own meats. You can grill your own chicken inasal, pork satay BBQ, pork liempo and porkchop. Aside from that, we also have a grilling showdown called Masters of the Grill, where finalists from the area compete head to head in a live grilling competition. So, the Grill Fest is all about free fo

Subic Park Hotel

Image
Subic Park Hotel is my choice of accommodations in Subic. It is strategically located along the Moonbay Marina Waterfront road after Pier 1. It is also a boutique hotel, and I have been staying here for the past 2 years when I am in Subic. It is a small hotel with a unimpressive facade. You may not even notice the hotel as it looks like a typical apartment. However, once you enter the lobby, you feel see how charming it is. It is airy, and the atmosphere is cozy. The rooms here range from P2,200 up, which is already of value here in Subic. The only other hotel I can consider of great value in Subic is the Boardwalk Inn, which is almost always full. The rate comes with free breakfast or dinner. The food in its only restaurant is a mix of continental and Filipino dishes. I like the pool here as it remains private even though it looks out to the bay. The pool is also open until 10PM, so you can have a night swim while you wait for your dinner at one of the 2 cabanas. And just outside the

The Lighthouse Marina

Image
The Lighthouse Marina Hotel is one of the most exclusive and luxurious hotels in Subic. It brands itself as such, and thus, the rates here are one of the most expensive as well in the area. The Lighthouse is situated at the end of the marina bay, and yes, there is a lighthouse that serves as its landmark. It's a small hotel, making it the boutique type. The service here is good, and the ambience quite relaxing. There is a restaurant that served sumputous grilled dishes and international cuisine. We were here to have a night cap after having dinner in Vasco's, another favorite of mine in Subic. It's best to have a drink in their patio/terrace area, near the poolside. I also love their flourless chocolate cake, which was topped with chocolate ice cream. It was one of the best I have tasted. There was a singer performing some chill out jazz and contemporary music. The pool was still open at night, so it was lit up. I still haven't stayed at the Lighthouse Marina because I