Scaling The Nagpatong Rock

October 30, 2016Mountainsian dela pena

The province of Rizal is becoming one of my favorites. It seem to have an endless offering when in comes to outdoorsy activities like hiking. From small to tall, easy to difficult peaceful to challenging circuits, Rizal seem to offer them all.

The main feature of this hike is the Nagpatong Rock Formation, this particular hike starts with an easy trail but later becomes quite technical as it would ask you to scale rock formations through a trail that was still very raw at the time of our hike.

We rented a jeep from Star Mall Shaw to the jump off point at brgy. Cuyambay. If you are taking public transportation, you can take a jeep to the Tanay Market, then another to Sampaloc then rent a tricycle to the barangay hall. Alternatively, just rent a tricycle from the market to the barangay, this should cost about 500 pesos per trip.
Upon arriving at the barangay hall we were welcomed by the staff of the barangay (what can I do, I was with a mountaineering rock stars 😉 ) They gave us two well trained staff that would guide us to the awesome rock formation.

The trek started with a real easy hike but was quite taxing because of the sweltering heat that day. The plains started to slope up but still an easy breezy even for beginners after about thirty minutes we started traversing a good uphill slope through a dry forestry part of the trail. It was quite welcoming even though it means that we need to make an extra effort due to the uphill climb because of the cool air that the trees are giving us. Time to get high on pure oxygen baby, LOL. Like seriously, you don’t get to breath air this pure in Manila, so better take advantage.

Well that’s the easy part, then came the technical phase. Come to think of it, the next part of the hike was easy, you just need a bit of courage to tackle the rock formations over. The rocks becomes quite sharp as you progress but nothing that a good glove could manage.

It was really lots of fun going through the trail to the Nagpatong rock formation as you’ll find a lot of crevices that are fun to take photos at, and yes we took our time. Hahaha… well this is what we came here for, the photos!

It was really awesome to scale this monolith and the best part of it is more of surviving the trek going to the rocks!

I don’t have much to say about this trip but it is simply a must try for some one who is looking for some quick escape and adventure near the metro.

Friday Seat Sale!

October 21, 2016Feature Postsseat saleian dela pena

Jetstar is running a seat sale right at this very moment!

Get the best price as early as now! here are some of the good finds we found!

These are all in fares!

so head on to www.jetstar.com get your flights then book your accomodation here

I’M Hotel Redefining Luxury

October 13, 2016Feature Postsian dela pena

I’M Hotel is the latest property in the bustling city of makati pioneering many firsts in area -the first 5 star hotel along Makati Avene and the first Onsen Spa in the Philippines that also is considered as the largest urban spa property in the country as it opens.

Located just 800 meters away from the central business district it is exceptionally close to malls and entertainment centers of choice.

As it launches its soft opening in November 2016, I’M Hotel will be redefining the concept of luxury, by providing relevant and up to date features for the modern citizen. Every customer interaction is carefully tailored to customize their experience to be memorable every time.

The Largest Urban Spa in Manila with an Onsen Concept

Sprawling within an expansive 3800 sqm with over 6 storeys, I’M Onsen Spa is the largest state-of-the-art spa facility in the Philippines housing 69 beds while featuring a unique carbonated bath with technology imported from Japan.

relaxation lounges
Buffet restaurant featuring the most exquisite seasonal ingredients handpicked by renowned Chef King Fonacier.
Private and Communal rooms
Ensuited hot tubs.

Architecture, Room Design and Commissioned Art

Designed by renowned Singapore-based interior designer Suying Metropolitan Studio, the property is a picture of sophistication and elegance. Artwork has been supplied by the resident artist – Ms Bai Tian Yuan, a trained in Fine Arts and Interior Designer is a recipient of the highly prestigious UOB Painting of the Year Award has exclusively created pices to suit the theme of the hotel.

Glass-Bottomed Infinity Pool

The 50m infinity pool is both suitable for laps and lounging, and is an iconic element of the property. The pool can be seen upon entering the lobby as one looks up because it is glass-bottomed, instantly creating a connection between guests who are swimming and guests who are just about to enter the complex. Lounging Beds are positioned at an elevated platform above the pool serving as a fantastic vantage point for sunbathing and people-watching.

Thoughtful and Modern Dining Options

I’M Hotel has an array of dining options to cater to every taste, utilizing fresh local produce and organic herbs grown on the poolside garden. Empress Jade features modern Chinese cuisine and a contemporary take on traditional dimsum. Bloom restaurant serves up international fare with dishes that will satisfy the most discerning of taste buds. On the 40th floor rooftop, Antidote bar features bespoke cocktails and tapas. The highlight of the bar is a luminescent jellyfish tank, where diners can enjoy the ambient glow of these elegant creatures in the backdrop of the stunning cityscape.

I’M Hotel Club Lounge

The club lounge is a privilege reserved for a select few. Guests who book direct on the website or book the suite rooms will be accorded immediate access to the Club Lounge. Fashioned as a gentleman’s library, the Club lounge is an enchanting and inspiring space to conduct meetings, or simply indulge in a round of complimentary tapas and beverages.

Exclusively I’M Hotel Customized Amenities

Bathtub Menu: Guests who book premium rooms have access to a dedicated bathtub atelier who will prepare a bath with scents of your choice, accompanied with a variety of light bites and beverages.
Free Shuttle Service: I’M Hotel offers all staying guests a free shuttle service to important landmarks within the Makati city centre, making its exceptional location even more convenient.
Complimentary Refreshments: To make all stays at I’M Hotel unforgettable, all guests will be treated to a welcome drink, cookies, turndown chocolates, and complimentary mini bar at varying points of their stay.
Free Breakfast when Booking Direct: Guests who book direct on the website will get to enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast for 2 throughout their stay, immaculately prepared by Chef King Fonacier.
Designer Bathroom Amenities: I’M Hotel is proud to use CrabTree & Evelyn bath amenities in all rooms and suites

I’M Hotel is located at Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City
Mobile: (+63) 9980789877
Website: www.imhotel.com

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This is a guest post

Easy Hong Kong Travel Guide

October 6, 2016Asia, Hong Kong, Travel Guideshong kong, hong kong itinerary, hong kong travel guideian dela pena

It’s that season again when Airlines are trying to fill up their seats with Seat Sales for the lean seasons or sometimes even better immediate travel. Here’s a Quick and Easy Hong Kong Travel Guide so you can do a quick escape to Asia’s World City!

Cheap Air Tickets

Airasia is running a promotion right now so we did a mock booking and here’s the cheapest that we could find.

But there are more airlines out there, so download fare comparison apps on your phone like Skyscanner (my personal favorite) so you see who has the best prices for that dates that you are eyeing.

Where To Stay In Hong Kong

It actually depends in your budget, if you got some money to burn you can opt to stay in Central, the posh side of Hong Kong. But if you are all up for a Backpacking style adventure then stay at the Kowloon side of the city.

Best place that we recommend staying is at Dragon Hostel. We found them after searching every travel guide and reviews about accommodations in Hong Kong. Reviews are important part of searching since they are feedback coming from customers, people who are paying to stay there so it’s a good reference to gauge whether an accommodation is good or bad.

>>> Check our review of Dragon Hostel Here<<<

You can also find other great Hotels here!

Here’s a sample seach… you can click on the photo!

What to do in Hong Kong

Check with your hotel mostly likely than not, they can provide you with discounted tickets to amusement parks here’s what we got from ours at Dragon Hostel

Where To Eat

Din Tai Fung and Tim Ho Wan is out of the question, they are a must have. But one must roam around Hong Kong to actually see what there is to experience. We projected our budget for food at $100 per day (except for HK Disneyland where food was ridiculously expensive at $100 per meal) per head. Honestly we just ate at any restaurant we are near at when we were hungry.

Getting Around Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s MTR, their train system is actually one if not the best in the world that even Singapore envies its efficiency. The MTR will take you for the most part of Hong Kong where attractions are, then you’d have to walk. Taxis and private cars can be expensive and throw your backpacker’s budget off the gutter, so brace your selves for a whole lot of walking anyways this how locals roll in their city – they walk.

Remember to download the MTR app as well so you can plan ahead of time what routes you are taking and how much you’ll be paying and don’t forget to buy your Octopus Card in the airport for hassle free travel throughout the city.

>>>Don’t pay $100 HKD for the Airport Express, check this guide for the travel hack<<<

Sample Expense Sheet

To give you an idea of how much you should be preparing here’s a rough estimate that we’ve made. The total cost may rise or go down depending on the attractions that you want to see, for example, you can just choose between The Peak or Madame Tussauds instead of seeing them both or go to Ocean Park instead of Disneyland which is way more expensive. So choose wisely of where you want to spend your day, remember there are a lot of attractions in Hong Kong that does not require you of paying!

So say that you don’t hell care about Dinseyland and/or Madame Tussauds, and you just want to experience the authentic Hong Kong life by going to their night Markets, parks and plazas. That could easily translate just a little over Php 11,000! Just know what you want to do and see efficiently.

Here’s our itinerary on our trip.

Note: This post is based on the author’s trip last 2014 on a Php 21000 budget for two.

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Still got questions? Put them on the comment section and we’ll answer them the best that we can 😉

Easy Sagada Travel Guide

October 2, 2016Mountain Province, Philippines, Travel Guidesbackpacking, cordillera, itinerary, sagadaian dela pena

Sagada, a scenic town nestled up in the mountains of the Cordilleras are dreamed of a lot of people with the only thing holding them back are reasons such as it’s to far, too expensive, they don’t know how to get there, can’t join group tours because of time or simply because they don’t want to be stuck up moving with a bunch of people.

That is why we’ve came up with this Easy Sagada Travel Guide so you can plan your trip fitting your budget and time.

How To Get To Sagada

Step 1: Call Coda Bus Lines (0925-559-2197/ 0929-521-3229)

Coda buses will take you from Quezon City and unload you in Sagada, yes it’s that easy Sagada is just one ride away from Manila.

Call their Quezon City office and reserve your seats, no need to pay just tell them how many you need then reserve it under a name. Just be at the terminal at least an hour to make sure that they won’t give your seats away to chance passengers.

Oh, and on your way home, the bus will most likely to make a stop at the Banaue Rice Terreces view point where you can take photos!

Uhmmm…. yes there is no step 2 😉

Where to Stay in Sagada

If you are a bit adventurous, you can just walk around Sagada and find your room. If you are traveling on a weekday and off peak season you wouldn’t have to worry about not getting a room, you can even find rooms for as low as 250 pesos that are decent. The advantage here is that most of these dirt cheap rooms aren’t mostly found online.

On the other hand, if you are going there during peak season or you just want to be assured that you got a room to stay when you get there, you might want to reserve your room ahead of time. You can also book here for the best prices

Where to Eat in Sagada

Not many know that aside from being a scenic town, Sagada is aslo considred as a gastronomic destination. Translation? Food Trip baby! Notable establishments are Youghurt House, Lemon House and Sagada Brew. Plan your meals around a 300 peso figure and you’d be comfortable, but if food is not your priority then you’ll save some more! (Note: food in the public market/carinderia is about 60 pesos per serving of one viand w/o rice)

What to Do In Sagada

The best thing about tourism in Sagada is that it is well organized.

You will get off from the bus within the grounds near St. Mary’s church and from there find your way straight to the tourism office. You’ll need to register and pay the fees for your visit, remember to keep the receipt with you all the time as this will be asked to be presented from time to time whenever you go to spots.

After settling in your room, find your way to the Sagada Genuine Guides Association (SaGGAss) office where you can book your adventures with a well trained guide.

For tours around Saggada, you can just hire a van for about 500 pesos that can take you around those spots that does not need guides (Lake Danum sunset, Sagada Pottery, Sagada Weaving etc) just make sure to map out your route first. Kiltepan peak can be done by foot (and you’ll find a lot just actually walk from the town center to Kiltepan peak ) or you can just take a jeep near the municipal hall.

Safe Budget

For a solo traveler a rough estimate of about 5,000 pesos would suffice.

Ex.
RT Fare 1400
Cave Connection 600
Hanging Coffins 200
2 Nights Accomodation 600
Kiltepan Peak Free
Sagada Tour 500
Food 1800 (your discretion if you wanna splurge but I strongly suggest you try the restos out)
Total 5100

For A group of 4
RT Fare 1400
Cave Connection 150
Hanging Coffins 50
2 Nights Accomodation 300
Kiltepan Peak Free
Sagada Tour 125
Food 1800
Total 3825

You may want to note that the price for food did not change (Php 300 x 6 meals). This is because Sagada like I mentioned earlier offers really good food that even foreigners rave about, and you wouldn’t not want to miss how awesome the food is in Sagada!

Again this is just a rough estimate, price may increase or drop depending on the activities that you are wanting to do. For solo seasoned solo travelers, surely you’ll find a way to keep those activity prices down by being friendly right?

There you go, I’m pretty sure that with this guide you’ll find your way soon to Sagada, a place where nature co-exists with man in harmony.

P.S. Will update this post soon with an itinerary

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Got questions? Put them on the comment section, I’ll try my best answer them.