I'm very particular when it comes to certain accommodations. And if you've read some of my previous lodging reviews, you'll know what usually puts me off. So I definitely felt a renewed feeling upon entering the GO HOTELS lobby in Tacloban City.
My friend and I arrived in Tacloban after a 2-hour trip from Ormoc City. We left Ormoc around 3, and was able to reach Leyte's capital by 5 PM. The trip was tiring considering that I was seated on the shuttle's side by the door. So I had the small reclining seat, without the full back rest. I had several head banging moments as I tried to catch some sleep during our travel. That's why it was so refreshing to finally arrive in Tacloban, and have such friendly faces welcome us into our new abode.
I feel mixed emotions just thinking about what to say. I am neither a Yolanda victim nor a survivor. But I've already cried over the fact that I almost got caught in the storm. I came back to Manila from Tacloban on November 6 --- a day before the super typhoon entered the Philippines. Some of my family and friends say that God was on my side since my life was spared. I really didn't want to think of it that way, especially when I have friends and their families who unfortunately got battered by the massive tempest. Of course, I still thank God for bringing me home safely.
You’ve probably already heard a lot about the island of Boracay and
Boracay beach. After all, it has been consistently named as the top tourist
beach destination of 2013 and among the top beach party destinations of 2012,
it is no wonder why a lot of people consider visiting the island and staying at
one of its many Boracay resorts.
However, some people would not consider it as they think they would
need a lot of money in order to afford and enjoy the beach and all the
activities there. The truth is that it is actually possible to holiday in
Boracay even when you have a low budget.
Getting to Boracay
Since Boracay can be reached by air or sea, the trick is to know how
to get the cheapest mode of transportation.
I'm very particular with the lodgings that I book during my trips. So I log in the necessary research so that I wouldn't have to deal with some of the mishaps that might happen along the way. So when I was looking for a place to stay in Baguio for this month, I started emailing my inquiries to several accommodations. And to me, the best option was UPSTAIRS BED & BATH.
I was in constant communication with Sir Engelbert, who I later on found out was the owner of the inn. He was always prompt when it came to answering all of my questions, and was very accommodating. Despite sending him so many inquiries, he still gave me his time. Plus, his tone was always pleasant. And that to me was pretty commendable. He even adjusted my initial booked dates when a big storm hit the city two weekends ago.
I also have high praises for his staff (Benedict and Ronald in particular), who were both working during our stay. They greeted us with a smile upon entering the inn. They even allowed us to check into our rooms early in the morning, which was a plus (check-in time is supposed to be 2 PM). They also offered my brother one of their Family Room's since another guest had to extend his/her stay. He was supposed to have the Semi-Private, but was given the Family Room for that first night.
My beau and I went on an afternoon date at Harbor Square last Sunday, to celebrate our 70th month together. And since I had plans on taking lots of sunset photos by Manila bay, I made sure that I brought my Point & Shoot with me. I didn't want to have to carry so much in my bag, so I just packed a few essentials.
I was actually thinking of carrying my small leather sling bag or my red LC shopping bag to go with my outfit. But I decided to wear something that would just snug perfectly on my body. Yes, I wanted something laid-back. And I didn't want to have to worry about a bag strap slipping off from my shoulder. That's why my Healthy Back Bag was the perfect travel accessory.
Budget Biyahera is about finding fun and distinct food and destinations, accommodations, products/gears and activities that people can enjoy on a ‘regular’ person’s budget and schedule.
