Month: June 2016

Old structure tagaytay people's park in the sky

Do Not Visit Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky Until You Read This

June 26, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky is located in the summit of Mt.Gozales in Tagaytay City, Cavite. The park was originally an unfinished mansion known as the Palace In the sky which was built during the Marcos era. What’s left today is the unfinished and rusting structure of the supposedly mansion.

During our second day in Tagaytay, Jen and I left Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast early to catch the sunrise at Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky. We arrived at the park at around 6:30 AM and soon found out that it opens at 7:30 AM. As we waited, tourists started pouring in. We ended up falling in line as the park opens.

Schedule: opens everday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Park Entrance

Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky Entrance Fee

I was surprised that the park has a 30 Php entrance fee. Aren’t public park supposed to be free? Among all the Philippine public parks I’ve visited, it was only Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky chargers entrance fee, I told my company Jen. We proceeded anyway thinking that the entrance fee might be for the maintenance of the park.

Just behind the park’s gate are jeepneys that bring visitors to the highest point of People’s Park in the Sky. Fee is 5 Php each and 40 Php for special trip. Alternatively, you can walk on your way up to the peak.

Since the park just opened and the jeepney that brings guests to the peak was fully occupied, Jen and I decided to walk. While walking uphill, I noticed a number guests taking groupies and selfies with the plain view as their background. At that point, I was just focused on reaching the highest peak. I did not stop to take any photos as there was no Instagram worthy view.

Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love

We reached the Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love. Built in 1974 and was formally inaugurated by Bishop Luis Tagle in 2003, the shrine is one among the most photographed spot in the park.

Cottages

If you get tired and hungry, there are a number of stores selling drinks and snacks.

I was dismayed that the use of cottages are charged 100 Php given that this is a people’s park.

Old Structure

Jen and I continued walking uphill until we reached this rustic old structure which is supposedly the unfinished “Palace in the Sky”. Well, the structure looks old and abandoned but it I actually liked it. It looks hunted but can be a good location for professional photo shoots.

The Views From Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky

As we entered the structure, we were welcomed by the beautiful panoramic view of Tagaytay.

The breathtaking panoramic view compensated my earlier disappointments with Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky.

View of the open threatre

View from the side side of the old structure

If you are looking for activities, there is nothing much to do in People’s Park in the Sky. Well, except for sightseeing and having your photo taken while riding a horse for 20 Php.

How to get to Tagaytay People’s Park the Sky?
commute: From Tagaytay circle, take jeepneys bound to the park. Fare is 17 Php.
by car: From Tagaytay circle, head to northeast of Tagaytay via Tagaytay-Calamba road.

People’s Park in the Sky Map

Well, I should say that expected too much before visiting Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky. There are fees everywhere. From the parking to the entrance and even the use of their cottages were a bit off. The park could have been better if there is a proper maintenance and efforts to improve the place. The only highlight of our Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky tour were the beautiful views.

Visiting Tagaytay? Online hotel booking here.

Where to Eat Cheap Bulalo in Tagaytay?

June 26, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Looking for a place to eat the cheapest yet delicious Bulalo in Tagaytay? Skip the famous and fancy restaurants as Tagaytay’s Mahogany Beef Market and Bulalohan is the right stop if you are on a budget.

Mahogany Beef Market and Bulalohan is located along Mahogany Avenue and is just few minute drive from Tagaytay-Nasugbu highway.

Tagaytay Mahogany Market Map

Since I have visited Mahogany Market back in 2013 and I knew that it was the best place to eat affordable yet delicious Bulalo in Tagaytay, I didn’t hesitate to suggest the place to Jen (my Tagaytay travel buddy) for our dinner. We left Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast and immediately headed to Mahogay Market.

Upon reaching the Mahogany Market, I was surprised that the food stalls offering delicious Bulalo have been transferred to a new building. The entire market has expanded and now has ample parking space for visitors.

Tip: Parking easily gets occupied during weekends. If you are having dinner at Mahogany Market, I would highly recommend to visit at around 8 PM or 9 PM.

The fresh meat market is now located on the ground of the 2-storey building. On the second floor are the wide array of Bulalohans.

Barboza’s at Mahogany Market

I blogged about the Barboza’s Kitchenette in Mahogany Market in 2013. I told Jen that we’ll have to look for Barboza’s kitchenette stall as I wanted to meet the owners who commented and invited me to visit their stall again. Well, that was in 2013, 3 years have passed and the entire Mahogany Market has changed a lot! As we reached the second floor, we easily spotted Barboza’s kitchenette. Unfortunately the owners were not around when we visited Barboza’s.

We ordered bulalo, crispy crablets and crispy shripms.

Bulalo at Barboza’s Kitchenette Mahogany Markot – 350 Php

After 3 years, it was surprising that the price of Bulalo at Barboza’s did not change! At 350 Php, an order of bulalo in Mahogany Market is undoubtedly the cheapest bulalo in Tagaytay! Since we were only two, we were overwhelmed by the generous serving which is actually good for 6 persons.

Tip: Bulalohans in Mahogany Market Tagaytay do not serve single bulalo meals. So better bring your friends or be overwhelmed with the huge serving of their bulalo.

Crispy Crablets – 200 Php

The crispy crablets was okay and could have been better if they were carefully chosen . There were a couple of crabs on the serving that were no longer “crablets”.

Tip: Expect some sort of odd smell in the area since bulalohans at Mahogany Market are just above the beef market and is nearby the cow slaughter-house. Nonetheless, the smell is tolerable.

Crispy shrimps – 200 Php

I loved the crispy shrimps! It was perfectly cooked, very tasty and crispy!

Cheap Bulalo… but the rest?

Jen and I did not bother to ask for the prices since we were confident that items on their menu are cheaply priced. The bill surprised us. We felt that the crispy crablets and shrimps were a bit overpriced. Well, our orders were actually good for 6 persons and we barely consumed everything. If we were six, the 890 bill could have been 149 Php each.

Bulalo – 350 Php
Crispy crablets – 200 Php
Crispy shrimps – 200 Php
2 rice – 40 Php
1.5 litre coke – 100 Php

Total – 890 Php

If you are looking for the cheapest yet delicious bulalo in Tagaytay, I would definitely recommend Mahogany Market! Just make sure to bring your friends or family with you as the servings are generous and the Mahogany Market bulalo experience is better when shared. Visiting Tagaytay? Book your Tagaytay hotel here.

Orchids Hotel Pasig, Garage Room Review

June 25, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Orchids hotel is one among the wide array of hotels (or should I say motels) that are available for short-time stay in Pasig City. Located along Hillcrest drive, this affordable accommodation is just few minutes drive-away from various Pasig City establishments.

Orchids Hotel Pasig Garage Room

Room

Orchids Hotel room interiors are modern and hip. I personally find the room a bit frayed. I was not just sure if it was just me or just the room itself (By the way, we checked-in at the garage room number 11). The quality of linens, bed and the pillows are the one you usually see in any affordable motels in the metro. Nonetheless, the room is clean.

The wall sized and ceiling mirrors create an illusion that the room is bigger than its actual size. There is a cable TV with a few available channels. The room comes with 2 bottled water and 2 pairs of slippers. The air-conditioning unit works perfectly. There is also a free Wifi with fast internet connection. If you are concerned about your security and privacy, all rooms in Orchids Hotel come with vestibule.

The toilet is spacious and clean but looked old to me. Except for the soap, the rest of the toiletries are for sale. There is a small plastic box nearby the toilet and bath containing the toiletries.

Tootbrush – 15 Php
Tootphase – 10 Php
Shampoo – 10 Php
conditioner – 10 Php
mouthwash – 55 Php

Garage

I’ve been to the garage room of the nearby Rosal Hotel and I must say that compared to Orchids hotel, the former has spacious garage. Nonetheless, any sedan car will fit in the garage (Unless you are bringing a limo with you).

Apart from the clean, private and secured rooms, Orchids Hotel is also popular for the food they serve. I’ve read several good blog reviews about their Pancit Canton.

Orchids Hotel Garage Room Rates

Short Time (3 hours) – 525 Php and 180 Php extra charge for every hour
Evening Special (from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM) – 710 Php
Morning Special (check-in from 4:00 AM to 5:00 PM except Saturdays) – 525 Php
24 hours – 1, 950 Php

If you will be needing a place to stay overnight in Pasig and you are on a tight budget, I would recommend Orchids Hotel. Unlike in a typical hotel, guests can check-in at Orchids at any given of the day.

Orchids Drive In Hotel contact number: +63 2 6712235

Orchids Drive In Hotel Online booking here.

Alternatively, you may check other Pasig hotels here.

Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City

June 19, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Apart from being the 4th safest city in the world, Davao is also known as the home the Philippine Eagle Center. The center is the conservation breeding facility of the Philippine Eagle foundation. It is home to a total 35 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are bred in captivity.

Since it was my flight back to Manila in the evening, I left Iron Inn Lodge early to see the Philippine Eagles up close. I was too excited as seeing the national bird of our country is one among my Philippine travel bucket list. On my way to the center, I suddenly remembered the owl in Residence Inn Zoo Tagaytay as it looked so surreal to me. That owl in fact made me decide that my next trip will be in Davao to see the Philippine Eagles.

Philippine Eagle Center Location

The center is located situated in the foothills of Mt.Apo in the municipality Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. Please see my separate post on how to get to Philippine Eagle Center.

Top: Malagos Watershed Reservation, Bottom: Entrance to the Philippine Eagle Conservation Center

After an hour commute from Davao city proper to Malagos, I arrived in the Malagos Watershed Reservation. I paid 5 Pesos to enter the park which I later learned that the proceeds is for the Davao City Water District, a local government unit of Davao responsible for conserving the Malagos Watershed.

As I entered the park, it seemed that I was the only tourist in the area. A number of souvenir shops on the left side near the entrance were just starting to open. I continued walking wondering where the Philippine Eagles were. I soon realized that I was not in the actual Philippine Eagle Center, I was in the Malagos Watershed Reservation where the Philippine Eagle Center is situated.

Tip: The habal-habal will drop you off at the Malagos Watershed Reservation. Pay the 5 Php entrance fee and proceed to the right side of the park where the Philippine Eagle Center is located.

Since I was too early for the 8 AM opening of the center, I waited for about 10 minutes before the clerk opens the ticketing booth. I paid the entrance fee and was officially the first visitor of the mighty Philippine Eagles that day!

Philippine Eagle Center Entrance Fee

Adult – 150 Php
Youth – 4 to 18 yrs. old – 100 Php

Philippine Eagle Center Operating Hours

Opens daily from 8 AM to 5 PM

I started exploring the Philippine Eagle Conservation Center. Few meters from the entrance is a small board that reads the DO’s and DON’Ts inside the Center.

Guidelines Inside The Philippine Eagle Center

Keep noise level down so as not to disturb or startle the animals
Throw your garbage properly
Wildlife rule: Don’t touch, don’t catch, just watch
Don’t pick flowers or plants
Do not tease the animals – ex. throwing stones, coins and other objects; calling or shouting at them; tapping and rattling their enclosures
Do not feed the animals – They have a special diet. feeding them can lead to poisoning or death.

I was amazed by the rain forest-like environment of the Philippine Eagle Center. There are various species in the center but the stars are undoubtedly the Philippine Eagles.

Fighter, Philippine Eagle

Quick facts about the Philippine Eagle

also known as the monkey eating eagle with a scientific name of Pithecopaga Jeferyi
local names are Agila, Haring ibon, Kalumbata
average height: 1 meter (3 feet)
weight: 4 to 7 kilograms
wingspan of 2 meters 7 feet
distinct features: massive arch beak, long crown feathers
considered as one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world
only blue eyed raptor in the world, eyes can see 8 times distant than that of humans
courtship and breeding behavior: breeding season from July to February
monogamous, only has one partner throughout its lifetime
a female eagle lays only one egg every other year
male and female eagles parental responsibility, alternating sitting the egg during incubation and watching the chick while it hatches

Fighter and Mindanao, Philippine Eagle Ambassadors

Interestingly enough, the center has Philippine Eagle Ambassadors namely Fighter and Mindanao. Unlike the other Philippine Eagles in the facility, they are out in the open for visitors to see them up-close. There is a perimeter fence to protect both Fighter and Mindanao so make sure to bring your Camera with zoom lens!

Close up photos of Fighter. The staff of the center noticed that I was tirelessly taking photos of Fighter from the perimeter fence. He was so kind that he borrowed my camera to take these wonderful close-up shots of Fighter.

My favorite in the center is Fighter, a Philippine Eagle originally from Davao Oriental. He was rescued, adopted and rehabilitated by the Philippine Eagle Center in 2011 when a ruthless hunter shot him leaving his left-wing amputated. Sadly, he is now incapable of flying and will never be released in the wild again. Fighter’s story is really heartbreaking but despite of his inability to soar, Fighter shows how confident, mighty and strong a Philippine Eagle is.

Mindanao, Philippine Eagle

Mindanao is a 15-year-old male Philippine Eagle. He was hatched and bred in the Philippine Eagle Center.

Other Philippine Eagles in the Center are Kalayaan (24-year-old male) and Pag-Asa (29-year-old female) who are currently being matched. There is also Kaibigan (27-year-old female eagle), Maginoo (16-year-old male eagle) and Dakila (11-year-old female eagle). Except for Pag-Asa, all these Philippine Eagles were hatched in the Center.

Apart from the Philippine Eagles, there are various species in the center. I personally liked the cute and innocent looking grass owls.

Top Left: Grass Owl; Top Right: Philippine Scops owl; Bottom Left: Brahminy Kite; Bottom Right: Philippine Serpent Eagle

Critically Endangered Philippine Eagle

I must say that I left the Philippine Eagle conservation Center with mixed emotions. I was very happy to see the Philippine Eagles up-close, they were so surreal. It also feels great that there is such an non-profit organization like Philippine Eagle Foundation promoting the welfare of our very own Philippine Eagles. At the same time, I learned that there are only less than 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles left in world, I felt sad that these majestic creatures are now critically endangered. Hunting and deforestation are the threats to their survival. Despite of the laws to protect them, up to this day, Philippine Eagles are still being hunted. With continuous deforestation, the home of the great Philippine Eagle is becoming smaller. Forests are their only home. It is where they live, find food, reproduce and nurture the next generation of Philippine Eagles.

How to get to Philippine Eagle Center

From Davao City proper, take a cab going to Bankerohan Terminal. In my case, cab fare from Ironn Inn Lodge in Ecoland to Bankerohan Terminal is 70 Php.
In Bankerohan Terminal, ride a van going to Calinan. Fare is 40 Php and travel time is around 40 minutes depending on traffic. Just tell the van driver that you are going to Philippine Eagle Center and ask to drop you off to a habal-habal terminal in Calinan.
From Calinan, take a habal-habal to Philippine Eagle Center. Fare is 80 Pesos and travel time is around 15 minutes. I highly suggest to arrange with the habal-habal driver for your return trip to Calinan.

Philippine Eagle Center contact Number: +63 82 3241860

You can help in the conservation of the Philippine Eagle by donating, adopting or volunteering via the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Visiting Davao City? Book your hotel HERE or HERE.

13 Things To Do In Vigan Aside From Walking Along Calle Crisologo

June 18, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Vigan City is the capital city of Ilocos Sur and is one among the new 7 wonder cities

of the world. This historic city is also listed as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites making it as a must see tourist destination in the Philippines.

Calle Crisologo, also known as Mena Crisologo, is undoubtedly the most popular travel destination in Vigan City. Walking along the street brings you back in the period of Philippine Spanish colonial era. I was amazed that the local government of Vigan was able to maintain and preserve the old houses/structure along this famous street.

If you are travelling to Vigan, aside from walking along the Instagram worthy Crisologo street, here are 13 things you can do in the city:

1. Visit Crisologo Museum

This century old structure is the ancestral home of the Crisologos, a prominent political family inVigan. This home was turned into museum after the assassination of a then congressman Floro Crisologo in 1970.

I was lucky to meet Ms.Remy, daughter of Mr.Floro Crisologo. She welcomes tourists visiting the
museum.

There is no entrance fee but they accept donations for the maintenance of the museum.

2. Explore the city in Kalesa (Karitela)

You will definitely miss half of your Vigan adventure if you will not ride a Kalesa (Karitela). Kalesa is a horse-drawn carriage used during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. Up to this day, Kalesas can be seen anywhere in Vigan City.

There is a Kalesa bay/parking area right in front of the capitol. The At 150 Pesos per hour, You can basically tour the entire city in a Kalesa. Coach drivers will bring you to one tourist destination to another.

3 Visit Bantay Bell Tower

Built in 1951, Bantay Bell Tower and the Bantay Church (St. Augustine Church) is actually 10 minutes away from the city proper. One can see the panoramic view of Vigan in this historical tower. I learned from the local that this tower saved Vigan against possible enemies as it used to be the people’s tower during the Spanish and Japanese era.

4. Visit Pagburnayan and Learn How Burnays are Made

Jars made in Vigan are called “Burnay” and visiting the “Pagburnayan” (a place where these jars are made) makes the Vigan trip more interesting. Pagburnayan started during the Spanish precolonial period when Chinese immigrants came to Vigan. Due to the high quality of Burnays, these are also being exported abroad.

I was very lucky to be assisted by one of the potter and had a chance to take a look how Burnays are made, from mixing the clay, molding and cooking the pots.

5. Learn History in Syquia Mansion

According to the tour guide, this mansion was originally the ancestral of home of President Elpidio Quirino’s wife, Dona Alicia Quirino. This well-preserved ancestral home used to be the venue of some of President Elpidio Quirino’s functions during his administration.

The very accommodating and knowledgeable tour guide will let you travel in time when visiting the mansion. When I visited Syquian Mansion, I joined a group of students touring the mansion.

Entrance Fee: 20 Pesos

6. Visit Baluarte ni Chavit Singson

Thank you to the former Ilocos Governor and Baluarte owner Mr.Chavit Singson for opening is property to the public. This must visit place in the city is the home of various animal species from other countries and from the Philippines. Unlike other zoos, there is an area in Baluarte where animals can freely roam around.

An interactive animal show is held every afternoon. There is also a an animal museum which is the newest addition in the 20-hectare property of Mr.Chavit Singson.

Entrance Fee: Free

7. Experience Heritage River Cruise along Mestizo River

This is another Vigan tourist destination that I just discovered during my 2nd day in the city. This 45 minute heritage river cruise will bring tourists to the historical timeline of Vigan. The entire cruise is along the historical Mestizo river where 5 stations are situated. It was very interesting that there is a recorded narrator and music playing during the cruise.

Cruise Fee: 150 Php

My Youtube video of heritage river cruise – Click here

8. Watch the Beautiful Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo

Unknown to many, Vigan’s Plaza Salcedo showcases its dancing fountain every night which usually starts around 7:30 PM and lasts for about 30 minutes. I must admit that I haven’t really witnessed any dancing fountain show, but I was really amazed seeing the extravagant dancing fountain of Plaza Salcedo.

My Youtube video of Plaza Salcedo’s dancing fountain – Click here

9. Watch Vigan’s Traditional Loomweavers

Ilocos region’s traditional woven product is known as abel. These are beautifully handcrafted colorful cloth made of cotton or what they call in Ilocos Sur as “sagut”. The abel industry started during the early Spanish occupation in Ilocos and is still being practiced up to this day. One of the popular abel weaving factories in Vigan is Rowilda’s loomweaving.

10. Visit the old Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail Turned Museum

This centuries old Ilocos Sur provincial jail was also the birthplace of President Elpidio Quirinio. This is probably the newest tourist attraction in Vigan City as it was just opened to the public earlier in 2015. The museum showcases the rich history of Ilocandia.

12. Spend The Night in a Spanish-Filipiniana Themed Hotel

There are numerous hotels in Vigan City most of which are Spanish-Filipiniana themed. During my 4 day and 3 night stay in Vigan, I spent my 2 nights in the beautiful Hotel Felicidad. The hotel is just a block away from Calle Crisologo.

If you are visiting Vigan, especially during weekends, I highly suggest to reserve/book ahead of time as hotels easily gets fully booked. You can book your Vigan hotel here.

13. Experience Vigan locals’ Hospitality and Honesty

Along with Davao City and Iloilo city, I’m definitely placing Vigan on my top 3 friendliest places I’ve been to.

During my first day in Vigan, I was walking along Calle Crisologo when a local suddenly invites me for a merienda. I was really surprised that I was not really expecting that a stranger would invite me to join him and his friends for a merienda. I latter found out that the kind-hearted man owns various businesses along Calle Crisologo.

Later that day, unconsciously dropped my phone and realized that I lost it when I was already riding a Karitela on my way to Bell Tower Church. JR, the Karitela driver, was kind enough to help me call my number and talked to the person who found my phone. Few minutes later, it was returned to me. The guy who found my phone did not ask anything in return.

Crisanta's Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay Philippines

Budget Hotel in Tagaytay: Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast

June 12, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Since Jen (my Tagaytay travel buddy) and I were on a tight budget, we have set our target to book the cheapest yet decent accommodation for our overnight stay in Tagaytay. We started strolling around the city and came across a couple of hotels, inns and motels, ranging from 800 Php (non-airconditioned rooms) to 1,400 Php (airconditioned rooms). We tried to check as many inns as we could and soon decided that the most decent and cheapest place to stay was Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast.

Location

Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast is located along Nasugbu-Tagaytay road and is right across one of the tourist destination in Tagaytay, The Residence Inn Zoo or Zoori.

Due to its affordability, Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast easily gets fully-booked during weekends. We arrived at Crisanta’s at noon and was advised by Che, the hotel’s receptionist, that rooms will be available at 5:00 PM. Since it was only our choice of accommodation, Jen and I decided to visit Twin Lakes while waiting for the check-in time.

Facade of Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast (left- day shot, right-night shot)

Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast Room Rates

Family Room (4 pax, airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 2,000 Php
Family Room B (6 pax, non-airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 1,500 Php
Standard Room A (2 pax, airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 1,300 Php
Standard Room B (2 pax, airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 1,100 Php
Standard Room C (2 pax, non-airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 800 Php
Extra Person is charged 150 Php
Extra bed is charged 150 Php
Maximum of 2 children per room, age 7 and below are free of charge

The Room

Standard Room B

We took the Standard Room B for only 1,100 Php. It was very clean and fairly decent. It was a typical budget traveler/solo backpacker accommodation. There is a small LCD TV serving local channels. Also, there is no wifi in the hotel but mobile data in the area if fairly good. The toilet and bath is quite spacious and clean but will give you a rustic feel. It will not be an issue for budget travelers and backpackers. We always get what we pay for, right?

The Grand Surprise

When we checked-in at around 5:00 PM, the hotel’s common area looked ordinary to me. Well, except for the grand staircase situated on the right side of the ground floor.

Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast was the cheapest yet decent accommodation we’ve found in Tagaytay and I was not really expecting something grand from it. And then the evening came. When Jen and I went out of our room, we were literally surprised by the elegance of the hotel’s common area.

Who would have thought that a cheap hotel accommodation would have this elegant common area for their guests?

The hotel’s simple and ordinary ambiance during daytime surprisingly turns into an elegant and romantic area during the evening.

Complimentary Breakfast

All rooms come with 2 complimentary breakfast served from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. As expected, just like any other hotels, the serving was not generous. Good thing we had a super early breakfast outside the hotel that morning before visiting Tagaytay’s People’s Park in the Sky. Nonetheless, the food was okay and I loved the kapeng barako they served along the meal.

Jen and I ordered corned beef for breakfast.

The hotel maybe understaffed but they try to do their best to serve the guests. I would commend Che, Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast receptionist, for being friendly and accommodating to us.

If you are travelling Tagaytay on a budget, I should say that Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast is the most decent among the few cheap accommodations in the city.

Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay Contact Number: +63 932 8657165

Unfortunately, Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast do not offer online booking. Alternatively, you can book and reserve other Tagaytay hotels here or here.

twin bedroom star garden tower hotel lucena city

Where to Stay in Lucena: Star Garden Tower Hotel

June 11, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Star Garden Tower Hotel is situated right in the heart of Lucena City, Quezon Province. Located along Quezon Avenue, this nine-storey mid range hotel just few meters to convenience stores, fast foods, schools and a local shopping mall. Star Garden Tower Hotel is also a few minute jeepney ride away to various Lucena City landmarks such as the Lucena Perez Park, Quezon Convention Center and Quezon Provincial Government office.

It was during the Pahiyas Festival when we arrived in Lucena City. Me and Jen (my Pahiyas Festival travel buddy) who I met for the fist time didn’t reserve any hotel/lodge prior to our Lucban trip. I was too confident that everything will go well, just like my any other DIY trips where I did not bother to reserve accommodations. When we arrived in Lucena, I started calling hotels in Lucban inquiring for room availability. From one call to another, I was not getting not so good response from the attendants as all hotels were fully booked! Well, I did not anticipate that we are attending one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines and hotels in Lucban easily get fully booked during the season. Since we were already in Lucena, a gateway to Lucban, I decided to check Agoda and other hotel booking sites for hotels in Lucena. Unfortunately, all listed Lucena hotels were also also fully booked! Too my desperation, I continuously searched for hotels in the internet and found Mercado motel along Lucena’s Quezon Avenue.

Facade of the Star Garden Hotel, Lucena City, Quezon Province

Since I was concerned of my company and I wouldn’t want her to experience sleeping in a cheap motel (especially that it was our first time to travel together), I was still hoping to see a decent accommodation where we could spend the night in Lucena. Luckily, on our way to Mercado motel, we passed by Star Garden Tower Hotel. We immediately alighted the jeepney and headed to the hotel.

As we entered the modern architecture of the hotel, we were greeted by Gladys, a very welcoming and pleasant attendant of Star Garden Tower Hotel. We immediately inquired and were informed that there will be one available twin bed room by noon time. Me and Jen did not hesitate to pay for the room to make sure that we’ll have a decent place to rest and sleep after visiting Lucban.

Since we were too early for check-in and we wanted to be in Lucban as early as possible, we left our backpacks to Glady’s and we immediately left for Lucban.

Star Garden Tower Hotel Lucena City Room Rates

Starndard (Single Bed) – 1,738 Php
Extra Standard (Queen sized bed) – 2,068 Php
Double (Queen size bed, mini bar) – 2,068 Php
Twin (2 single beds) – 2,508 Php
Junior Suite (Queen size bed, additional, Jacuzzi) – 3,828 Php (additional 1,000 for Jacuzzi use)
Sky Executive Suite (master’s bedroom, one twin room, living room and dining room) – 8,140 Php

After enjoying the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, we headed back to Star Garden Tower Hotel in Lucena.

Twin Room at Star Garden Tower Hotel Lucena City

Twin bedroom at Start Garden Tower Hotel (2,508 Php)

I was expecting that the room would be decent and it did not disappoint. The room was clean and spacious. The air conditioning unit was working perfectly. There was only a medium-sized pillow and a throw-pillow for each bed, nonetheless the bed was really comfortable. The room has an LCD cable TV and beneath it is a mini refrigerator that comes with a 2 complimentary bottled water. There was a fairly sized closet with a mirror right in the corner of the room. A frosted glass door separates the clean and spacious toilet and bath to the bedroom. The hotel wifi signal was strong and the internet speed was decent.

Since the hotel is in a province, Star Garden Tower hotel did not give me that rustic feel that I felt in some other hotels situated in provinces. A 2,500+ Php room is quite pricey for a budget traveler like me but I then realized that it is a twin bedroom and I have someone with me to share the room expense. A 1,250+ Php comfortable and decent room situated in the city center is not bad at all.

The customer service was excellent! the hotel staff were welcoming, friendly and accommodating. Gladys, the front desk was very pleasant. We asked her instructions and asked for her recommendations on how to get around and where to go around the city. She knows what customer service is!

Star Garden Tower Hotel’s Sky Lounge

Sky Bar/Star Lounge

The hotel also has a Sky Bar/Sky Lounge that offers fine drinks and sounds at night. In the morning, the lounge serves as the area for guests’ complimentary breakfast. Speaking of which, the complimentary breakfast was okay but may not be enough for those who eat heavy breakfast.

Being in a location where most of the business establishments in Lucena are situated, this is an ideal hotel for businessmen and travelling professionals who has transactions and business to do in Lucena city. If you are a budget traveler and is willing to pay for a minimum of 1,800 Php for a night, I would definitely recommend Star Garden Tower Hotel.

Star Garden Tower Hotel Location: 2948-B Quezon Avenue Lucena City
Star Garden Tower Hotel contact numbers: +63 42 7104437 / +63 932 4060362
Unfortunately, Star Garden Tower Hotel currently do not offer online booking. You may book other Lucena city hotels here.