Author: One Armed Wanderer (Page 10 of 11)

An IT Operations analyst by profession, Ed started solo traveling last year when his friends (who used to be his travel buddies) started settling down. Born with a short left arm, it did not hinder him to continue traveling and exploring the Philippines. He may have limitations but he is using what was given to him.. feet to walk and wander.

E-Mail: ed@edpuno.com
iMessage: ed@edpuno.com

Isla Jardin Del Mar Resort in Gumasa Sarangani

March 6, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Isla Jardin Del Mar resort is probably the most popular beach in Gumasa Glan Saranggani. Located in the southermost part of the Philippines, Isla Jardin de Mar resort is approximately an hour and a half to 2 hours away from General Santos city.

View of the other side of Isla Jardin Del Mar.

Isla Jardin Del Mar beach front

Isla Jardin Del Mar is a 750 meter long beach with white shoreline and pristine waters.

That calm and refreshing scenery

White sand beach of Isla Jardin Del Mar

Compared to other restorts in Glan, Isla Jardin Del mar is most favored by travel bloggers and reviewers not just for its beauty but also for it being a backpacker friendly destination.

Bach during low tide

There are parts along the beach that may get a bit rocky during low tide. Nonetheless, most of the areas areas during low tide are still conducive for swimming.

Breathtaking view of the Celebes sea from one of the walkways In Isla Jardin Del Mar

Simply relaxing

Apart from the white sand beach, Isla Jardin Del Mar also has this very long cemented walkway on both ends of the shoreline. On both walkways lie rock formations that complement the blue and pristine ocean waters.

Being a popular weekend destination among locals, Isla Jardin del Mar resort easily gets fully booked during weekends.

After spending 24 hours at Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, I immediately headed to Glan. I arrived at Isla Jardin at around 8:00 PM. To my surprise, all their rooms were fully booked. I then realized that it was a Saturday and being the most visited resort in Gumasa, the resort easily gets fully booked during weekends. I was very lucky that the resort’s receptionists were very kind and accommodating. There was one unoccupied reserved room left and they tried calling the guest with the reservation. After waiting for 30 minutes, they allowed me to check-in and provided the unoccupied reserved room.

If you are visiting Isla Jardin on weekends, I highly suggest to reserve ahead of time. Isla Jardin Del Mar Online reservation here.

Isla Jardin del Mar’s reception area

Isla Jardin Del Mar Room Rates

Presidential Suite Duplex – Narra (10 pax) – 10,000 Php
Talisay Family Suite – 3,500 Php
Suite Rooom (4 pax) – 2,000 Php
De Luxe Aircon – 2,500 Php
De Luxe Fan – 1,300 Php

Nipa Hut Accommodation (Suite Room)

I’m not really a fan of resorts with concrete accommodations as I feel that it deviates and does not compliment to the natural feel of the beach. Good thing isthat Isla Jardin Del Mar’s accommodations are Nipa Huts on short stilts.

Nipa Hut rooms in Isla Jardin

My Nipa Hut beach front accommodation.

Interestingly enough, these Nipa huts are along the beach overlooking the blue ocean roughly 20 meters away.

The resort’s Nipa hut accommodations adds up to the authentic beach tropical feel. The hut comes with a terrace where you can simply relax and feel the sea breeze.

Matrimonial bed

The bed is comfortable and the pillows are really soft. There is also a pull-out bed good for two. I assume that this Nipa hut can accommodate up to 4 persons!

Air-conditioned Nipa hut

The room is very simple and clean. Air-conditioning unit is relatively new and is just enough for the space of the room. The toilet comes with a hot and cold shower. 2 bath towels, a sachet of shampoo and a small soap are provided. So don’t forget to bring your toothbrush and shaving-kit.

Isla Jardin Del Mar Day Tour Rates

Unlike other resorts in Glan which require day tour guests to rent a cottage. Day tour entrance at Isla Jardin Del Mar is only 50 pesos and day tour guests are not required to rent a cottage. Well, this makes Isla Jardin del Mar stand out compared to the rest of Gumasa beach resorts.

Budget Meal at Isla Jardin

After checking-in, I had my dinner at the resort’s restaurant. I started ordering a serving of sweet and sour pork when the cashier noticed that I was alone. She was so kind and suggested that they have solo budget meals good for one person. A sweet and sour pork with rice and soda budget meal is relatively cheaper than ordering them separately.

For a solo traveler, I was actually expecting overpriced meals at the resort but was surprised to know that they offer solo budget meals. I had a budget meal for only 160 pesos.

Budget meal

Isla Jardin Del Mar restaurant

For the breakfast the next day, I did not spend a cent as the Nipa hut room comes with a complimentary buffet breakfast at the resort’s restaurant.

Isla Jardin Del Mar Contact Numbers: +63 83 8930032 / +63 917 253 6105

Isla Jardin Del Mar Online reservation here.

How to Get to Isla Jardin Del Mar? Please visit my separate post on how to get to Gumasa where Isla Jardin Del Mar is located.

My Take

I enjoyed my stay at Isla Jardin Del Mar resort. The staffs were very welcoming and accommodating. The entire resort is well maintained. The fine white sand and azure waters of Isla Jardin Del Mar is worth the long travel.

If you are looking for a summer getaway and you love white sand beaches, I would highly recommend Isla Jardin Del Mar resort. If you are a backpacker or a budget traveler, getting to Gumasa in Saranggani and staying in Isla Jardin Del Mar is relatively cheaper compared to other popular beaches in the Philippines.

How to Get to Gumasa in Glan Sarangani From Manila

March 6, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Gumasa is one among the 31 baranggays of the municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province. Located in the southernmost part of the Philippines and being home to the unspoiled beaches with fine sand, pristine and crystal clear waters, Gumasa is dubbed as the little Boracay of Mindanao.

Photo from Isla Jardin Del Mar Resort in Gumasa

If you are planning to visit and experience the beautiful beaches of Gumasa, below are the steps how to get to this paradise:

How to get to Gumasa in Glan, Sarangani From Manila

Fly to General Santos city. Travel time by air from Manila to General Santos is roughly 2 hours.
From General Santos city airport, take a cab to Bulaong terminal. Cab ride is approximately 200 Php.

Eusebio Bulaong bus terminal general santos city

Eusebio Bulaong Public Terminal

In front of Eusebio Bulaong terminal, take a tricycle or habal-habal to KCC mall. A special tricycle trip costs 60 Php. Alternatively, you may ride a habal-habal for 80 Php.
In KCC mall, there is a terminal with vans bound to the municipality of Glan. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. Fare is 100 Php.

Alegado transport station Glan sarangani

East Alegado Transport Station in Glan, Sarangani

The van will drop you off at East Alegado Transport Station in Glan. From there, there are tricycles that will take you in Gumasa. Fare to the resort where I stayed was 120 Php.

Where to Stay in Gumasa?

There are actually a number of resorts in Gumasa. Prior to my Lake Sebu-Gumasa-Davao City trip, I made a quick research on budget and backpacker friendly resorts in Gumasa. Unfortunately, there are a couple of bad reviews on some resorts as they require day tour visitors to rent a cottage. Though I’m actually staying overnight in Gumasa, I did not bother to check out and patronize these backpacker unfriendly resorts.

I chose Isla Jardin del Mar as this is one among those resorts with consistent good reviews. Besides, a new-found Tboli friend whom I met in Lake Sebu also suggested this resort. I have written a separate blog post for my review and experience in Isa Jardin del Mar resort in Gumasa. Want to stay in Isla Jardin del Mar? Online booking here.

Air conditioned Nipa Hut room in Isla Jardin del Mar resort

How much is the budget?

Compared to other popular beaches in the Philippines, Gumasa is a budget friendly destination. Below is the list of my expenses on my overnight Gumasa adventure.

General Santos City – Gumasa round trip fare – approximately 900 Php
Isla Jardin del Mar resort accommodation (matrimonial room, air-conditioned) – 2,000 Php
Food (dinner, drinks, snacks) – 400 Php (accommodation at Isla Jardin comes with a buffet breakfast)
Total = approximately 3,300 Php (airfare from Manila to Generel Santos not included)

Bob Nowong, A Must Visit Restaurant in Lake Sebu

February 28, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

When I asked my new-found Tboli friends where’s the best place to eat in Lake Sebu, they immediately suggested Bob Nowong.

Located in Purok Rosas and just few minutes habal-habal ride from Lake Sebu landmark, Bob Nowong is undoubtedly the most popular restaurant in Lake Sebu. Unlike dining in various Lake Sebu resorts, this restaurant is unique as it is the only Lake Sebu dining destination in a non resort setting.

“Bob” in Tboli means “pond” and Nowong is from the word “Owong” which means a traditional Tboli boat.

Entrance

I was surprised to see the restaurant’s entrance. I did not actually expect that there is such restaurant in Lake Sebu. The ambiance reminds me of high-end restos in Tagaytay.

The high-end feel in Bob Nowong

The restaurant has 2 floors. There is a mini recreational area in the first floor where guests can play billiards and darts while enjoying beer or coffee. Since we came there a bit late, I was unable to take photos of Bob Nowong’s ground floor.

On the second floor, we were welcomed by the friendly and accommodating staff.

I was amazed by the overall look of the restaurant. Who would have thought that there is an expensive looking restaurant right in the middle of the laid back Lake Sebu?

Apart from the beautifully arranged fixtures, this restaurant also has a garden area. Again, I’m guilty of not being able to take photos of the garden.

From left: Ms.Ann (Bob Nowong owner), Larry, Maricel

My new found Tboli friends Larry and Maricel know the owner of Bob Nowong. Maricel requested if we can dine in the more private and romantic garden area. The very welcoming and kind Ms.Anne did not hesitate and she immediately had our table set-up in the garden.

Our dinner (Just ignore the “More” cigarette pack, there are no Marlboros in Lake Sebu sari-sari stores lol)

We ordered Chicharon Tilapia (240 Php), Crispy Pata (390 Php), Sizzling Squid(190 Php), Yangchao rice platter (120 Php), Passion fruit calamsi juice (40 Php each) and Bob Nowong’s signature desert (50 Php).

When the waitress started serving our orders, I was totally surprised by the generous amount of serving! One dish is actually good for 4 persons.

I should say that Bob Nowong’s foods are delicious! It was actually my first time to eat chicharon Tilapia and fell in love with it! Bob Nowong’s high-end ambiance matches the quality of the food it offers.

Bob Nowong Menu

Overall, Bob Nowong is truly a must visit restaurant in Lake Sebu. At night, it has this cozy and romantic feel that no other Lake Sebu resort-restos can offer. With their generous servings, this restaurant’s delicious and quality foods are reasonably priced. And not to mention, customer service is superb too!

Tboli accommodation at Mountail log lake sebu

Lake Sebu Resorts and Accommodations

February 27, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

If you are planning to visit the municipality of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, there are actually 11 Lake Sebu resorts and accommodations you can choose from.

11 Lake Sebu resorts and accommodations:

1. Punta Isla Lake Resort

This is probably the most popular resort in Lake Sebu. According to T’boli locals, this resort offers the best view of the lake and is the most beautiful among all the resorts in Lake Sebu.

Entrance of Punta Isla Lake Resort

Punta Isla

Unfortunately, Punta Isla was fully booked when I visited Lake Sebu (Too bad I did not reserve ahead of time). I asked the reception if I can walk around the resort instead. With a minimal fee of 30Php, I was able to have a quick day tour inside Punta Isla.

The room rate for a matrimonial room is 1,500 Php.

Reasons to stay here: Beautiful view of the lake, cultural presentations for the guests

Punta Isla Resort Online booking here.

2. Mountain Lake Eco Resort

Among the four resorts I’ve visited , this is the farthest and most secluded resort in Lake Sebu. It is also the biggest Lake Sebu resort in terms of land area.

T’boli house accommodation in Mountain Lake Eco Resort

View of the lake from a Tboli accommodation in Mountain Lake Eco Resort

Reasons to stay here: Experience staying in a T’boli house accommodation. The resort is spacious.

Mountain Lake Eco Resort rooms and rates:

Family Villa (3 pax) – 1,200 Php – comes with hot and cold shower

Twin bed villa (2 pax) – 1,000 Php – comes with hot and cold shower

King size bed villa (2 pax) – 800 Php – comes with hot and cold shower

family room (6 pax) – 1,500 Php

Twin bed room (2 pax) – 900 Php

King size bed room (2 pax) – 700 Php

Gono Tboli room (7 pax) – 1,600 Php

Mountain Lake Eco Resort contact numbers
+63 9173113071, +63 9189622209

3. Mountain Log Resort

Since Punta Isla was fully booked, I just asked the habal-habal driver to take me to the nearest resort. Few meters away from Punta Isla is the Mountain Log Resort.

According to the locals, if you want to simply relax and enjoy nature, Mountain Log Resort is the best choice in Lake Sebu. Unlike the popular resorts such as Punta Isla and Montain Lake Eco, Mountain Log resort is simple, quiet and do not get too crowded during peak season.

Room accommodation in Mountain Log Resort

Lake Sebu view from Mountain Lake resort

View of Lake Sebu on one side of Mountain Log Resort

Reasons to stay here: cheap room rates, quiet surroundings

Mountain Log Resort rooms and rates:

Ordinary room (2 pax) – 750 Php

Standard room (2 pax) – 1,000 Php – comes with hot and cold shower

Room with terrace (2 pax) – 1,200 Php

2 double deck room (4 pax) – 950 Php

Mountain Log Resort contact number

+63 9266295640

4. Sunrise Garden Lake Resort

Among the resorts I’ve visited. Sunrise Lake is the only resort with a swimming pool. This Lake Sebu resort has a modern feel. Perhaps due to the all concrete rooms they have.

Swimming pool at Sunrise Garden Lake Resort

Dine in cottages facing the lake

Reasons to stay here: You get to dine in a cottage that is very near to the lake. You get to see locals in owong boats while dining. Food is good too!

Sunrise Resort rooms and rates:

Matrimonial – 800 Php

Standard (4 pax) – 950 Php

Superior (4 pax) – 1,650 Php – airconditioned and comes with 2 complimentary breakfast, hot and cold shower

Family (6 to 8 pax) – 1,800 Php

Sunrise Garden Lake Resort Online booking here.

Sunrise Garden Lake Resort contact number

+63 9175567763

Below are the rest of Lake Sebu resorts and accommodations:

5. Lemobung Lodge/Resto

6. Monte Cielo

7. Merl Garden Spring Resort

8. Dolores Lake Resort – Online booking here

9. Tolento Lodge and Restaurant

10. El Galong Resort – Online booking here.

11. Nadines

If you are visiting Lake Sebu, do not expect posh hotels with high end facilities. This definitely sets Lake Sebu apart from any other summer destinations in the Philippines. In Lake Sebu, you get up close to nature and experience the rich culture and heritage of the Tboli tribe.

How to Get to Lake Sebu from Manila, Davao or Gen San

February 27, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Lake Sebu is pegged as South Cotabato’s summer and eco-cultural center. If you are planning to visit this beautiful and unique South cotabato municipality, here is the quick guide on how to get to get there:

The nearest airport going to Lake Sebu is General Santos city airport. Flight from Manila to General Santos city is approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you may also take a Davao flight from Manila with an approximate travel time of 1 hour and 35 minutes.

If you are coming from General Santos city airport, skip step number 1.

1. Davao airport to Koronadal, South Cotabato

Davao International Airport

From Davao’s Francisco Bangoy International airport, take a cab to Ecoland bus terminal. Cab fare is approximately 200 Php to 250 Php and travel time is approximately 30 minutes.

Ecoland Bus Terminal, Davao City

Once you reach the Ecoland bus terminal, there are a number of bus classes going to General Santos City. If you want to save time, executive buses can take you to General Santos in 2.5 hours. These buses come with toilet, free wifi and do not have any stopovers. Executive bus fare is 300 Php. Alternatively, you can take other buses with cheaper fares but they stops more often and will approximately bring you to General Santos city in 3 to 4 hours.

2. Geneneral Santos to Koronadal, South Cotabato

General santos City bus terminal to Koronadal

Eusebio Bulaong Public Terminal, General Santos City

The bus from Davao to Gen San will drop you off at Eusebio Bulaong public terminal. From there, take a bus to Koronadal, South Cotabato. Bus fare is 90 Php and travel time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

If you are coming from General Santos airport, head to Eusebio Bulaong bus terminal.

3. Koronadal to Lake Sebu

The bus from Gen San will drop you off at Koronadal City bus terminal. From there, just walk few meters to Denmark terminal and hop to a van going to Lake Sebu. Van costs 80 Php and travel time is approximately 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

Surallah landmark

The van will pass Surallah, South Cotabato’s agri-industrial municipality.

The van will drop you off at Lake Sebu’s landmark. From there, a number of habal habal are waiting to drive you to any part of Lake Sebu.

Lake Sebu landmark

On the van going to Lake Sebu, I was lucky to get to know these very friendly, welcoming and accommodating Lake Sebu Locals (Gretchelle, Larry and Maricel) which also happen to be members of the rich in culture T’boli tribe.

Given that you have taken non-stop buses, the total travel time from Davao is approximately 4.5 hours to 5.5 hours. Total fare would be 720 Php.

If you are traveling from General Santos City, travel time is approximately 2.5 hours to 3 hours. Total fare is 180 Php.

Lake Sebu

Cheap Accommodation in Roxas City: Premiere Inn

January 17, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Premiere Inn is probably the cheapest and most affordable accommodation in Roxas City. Located in Bangbang st., Premiere Inn is few minutes away from several Roxas City tourist attractions such as the People’s Park and Provincial capitol.

After my 2 night stay at Roxas President’s Inn, I decided to try a budget accommodation. I asked several locals where can I find the cheapest yet decent accommodation in Roxas City and I was advised to check out Premiere Inn.

I tried searching for the rates via Agoda while I was on my way to Premiere Inn. Unfortunately, this budget accommodation seemed to be unlisted in the hotel booking site. I then started to think that Premiere Inn might be a motel. Recalling my unforgettable experience in Iloilo where I unintentionally checked-in in a motel (Dragon Lodge Iloilo), the experience was not bad at all. For the sake of budget traveling, I was willing to stay in a motel for the second time.

Entrance of Premiere Inn, Roxas City

Premiere Inn Roxas City Room Rates

Single bed (for 2 persons)
3 hours – 300 Php
12 hours – 500 Php
24 hours – 700 Php

Double bed (for 4 persons)
12 hours – 750 Php
24 hours – 1,000 Php

The room rates confirmed my suspicions. Premiere Inn is indeed a motel! Nonetheless, rates are very cheap and affordable! If you are on a tight budget, non-airconditioned rooms are available too!

The entire place is clean. The 2-storey building looked newly painted.

I took a single bed room for 24 hours for only 700 Php. I must say that the room is clean and quite spacious. The vibe is more of a pension house room than of a motel.

The room comes with a cable TV.

The toilet and bath has hot and cold shower. Faucets need some repair though. I was satisfied with the room itself but the toiled and bath is nothing to rave about. Nonetheless, this Roxas City accommodation is very affordable. Well, we at times get what we pay for.

Since this is a motel and most motels in the Philippines are built for short time pleasure, they do not issue room keys to guests. If you are leaving your room to tour Roxas City, once you return, you have to ask the counter to open the room door for you.

If you are looking for a cheap accommodation in Roxas City, Premiere Inn will definitely not empty your pocket. Don’t want to stay in Premiere Inn? You may check other Roxas City hotels here.

Gustos Food Market at Robinsons Forum Mandaluyong

January 16, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Gustos Food Market at Forum Robinsons is the newest night food market in Mandaluyong City. Located in the Delivery Bay Area, Robinsons Forum Pioneer, this foodie haven is just few minutes walk from MRT Boni station and is situated behind EDSA Cybergate Plaza and Go Hotel. Gustos Food Market replaced the famous and now gone Banchetto Night Food Market.

Gustos Food Market serves more than a hundred food options that every food lover will truly enjoy. Foods such as burgers, barbeques, pastas, fruit shakes, shawarma, and pinoy street foods are sold in Gustos. If you love sweets, Gustos Food Market will not disappoint you as they also serve cakes and pastries.

Lutong bahay foods at Gustos Food Market. 1 viand w/ rice only costs 65.00 Php to 85 Php.

Bicolana’s Lutong Bahay at Gustos

Toknet (Tokwa’t Bagnet) 120 Php, Ki-Ki (Killer Kinilaw) 120 Php, Bagwings 130 Php, SIGA (Sisig sa Gata) 130 Php

Finger foods at Gustos Food Market!

Love Shawarma? Get one for only 79 Php!

How about Filipino street foods? Isaw, anyone?

Got a sweet tooth? Well, Gustos Night Food Market has cakes and pastries too!

Ladyruth Fruitshakers. Large Mango fruit shake costs 90 Php.

Hunger Buster Burget at Gustos Market Robinson's pioneer

My favorite at Gustos is the Hunger Buster’s burger. Their homemade patty is very tender, juicy and flavorful. I can guarantee that they are using fresh ground beef (not the frozen ones) as they manually mold and flatten the ground beef mixture on a flat grill. Hunger Buster burgers cost 90 Php to 120 Php.

Gustos Food Market Schedule

Open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
8:30 PM to 4:30 AM

If you are bringing a car, there is an ample parking space nearby Gustos. Alternatively, you can park in Robinson’s Forum.

Food stalls at Gustos Food Market

Bicolana’s Lutong Bahay
House of Crispy
Jetnor’s Shawarma
Tito Jons Fod Stall
Hunger Buster
Ladyruth Fruitshakes
Timplador
Pipers Pan
Bullchef
This list will be updated

Apart from the wide array of food choices, there is also a live acoustic band entertaining Gustos visitors. With its festive ambiance and delicious foods, Gustos Food Market is truly a haven for food lovers!

Zoo in Tagaytay: Residence Inn

January 12, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Tagaytay is undeniably a popular weekend destination due to its accessibility from various cities in Manila. Apart from the cold breeze, posh hotels and mouthwatering foods, Tagaytay also has the Residence Inn zoo that anyone who is going to Tagaytay should visit.

Residence Inn zoo or Zoo at Residence Inn (ZooRI) is Located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, this zoo in Tagaytay is 33.2 Kilometer away from Sta. Rosa exit.

Residence Inn Zoo Tagaytay Map

The fun and adventure in Residence Inn zoo actually starts right outside the zoo itself! Just few steps away from the parking area, activities such as horseback riding, biking and a mini playground welcome visitors.

Horeseback riding – 150.00 Php

Biking – 30 minutes 70.00 Php – 1 hour 100.00 Php

Horseback riding, playground and biking outside the Residence Inn Zoo

Zoovenir shops outsize the zoo

Horseback riding outside the Residence Inn Zoo

Residence Inn Zoo Tagaytay Entrace Fees

Adult – 249.00 Php
Kid 3 ft. to 4 ft. – 199.00 Php
Kid below 3 ft. – Free

First stop in this Tagaytay zoo is the aquarium area. In this room showcases various species of fishes, turtles, snakes, cockroaches, spiders and scorpions.

Aquariums residence inn

Albino Python

Madagascar cockroaches at residence inn zoo

Huge fish!

After visiting the room filled with aquariums, guests are greeted with a huge Phython. Those who dare to have a close encounter with the Phython can have their photo taken with it for only 50 Php.

Python

photo ops with python

Guests can have their photo taken with this python for 50 Php

There is also a mini open air theater which showcases an animal show. Unfortunately, we were unable to catch the show as we arrived in the zoo late in the afternoon.

There is also an area where visitors can have their photo taken with an Owl, a parrot and a huge Iguana. I was amazed how beautiful the owl is!

Me with the beautiful owl

If you get hungry, there is the “Gazeebo”- the one and only restaurant inside the zoo and is famous for their Bulalo, Tawilis, and Chili cheese rolls. If you are dining here, make sure to dine in the open air area as you get a good view of mountains and of course the Taal lake and Taal volcano.

Gazeebo

Open air restaurant at the Gazeebo

View from the open air restaurant

Beautiful view of the Taal volcano from the restaurant

If you are up for an adventure, Residence Inn Zoo also has a zipline and cable car for only 150 Php. Having these activities in a zoo really makes Residence Inn unique!

Zipline

If you do not want an outdoor adventure, alternatively, Residence Inn Zoo has a Mega 5D Rider. For only 95 Php you can enjoy a 5 to 6 minute ride of the film of your choice. I was wondering why the ride is called 5D, nonetheless, the ride was fun!

The main attraction of the zoo are the wild animals such as the Lions and Tigers. I was surprised that there is a number of Tigers in the zoo. Unlike the typical zoo, visitors can actually get close to the cages. It was a mixed emotion to see these beautiful creatures. I felt happy to see how huge and beautiful they are but felt sad to see them in cages. Well, I just feel grateful that they all look healthy and well taken care off. I’ve been to Manila zoo and I should say that animals in Residence Inn Zoo are way healthier that of Manila Zoo.

tiger and lions cages

Lioness

Sleeping Tiger

Lion

Other animals in this Tagaytay zoo are camel, horses, monkeys, ostrich and sheeps.

Arabian Camel

Horse

Monkey

Ostrich

Another fun activity in the Residence Inn zoo is the birds feeding (for only 10.00 Php). You can also have your picture taken with a tiger for 50 Php.

Photo with tiger

Overall, Residence Inn zoo is a must visit attraction in Tagaytay. It is not your typical zoo as it offers various activities including up close encounters with the animals. And not to mention, all the staffs and zoo keepers are very accommodating and friendly too. At 249.00 Php, the entrance fee is quite pricey but seeing how clean the entire zoo is and how healthy the animals are, the price is definitely worth it. This zoo in Tagaytay is so far the best zoo I’ve been in the Philippines.

Food Destination: Twin Lakes Tagaytay

January 11, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Twin Lakes Tagaytay is the Philippines’ first and only vineyard community. Developed by Megaworld, Twin Lakes Tagaytay is a 1,300 hectare mixed use resort community that will future European inspired residences. The first residential cluster to rise in Twin Lakes is the Vineyard Residences.

Apart from the refreshing views of Taal volcano and Taal Lake, Twin Lakes is becoming a popular destination in Tagaytay city as it is also a home of 10 must visit cafes and restaurants.

La Creperie Twin Lakes

Open area at Buon Giorno Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes parking space

Buon Giorno Twin Lakes

Greg’s Fruitcakery Twin Lakes

Visitors checking out restaurants

Twin Lakes Tagaytay Restaurants

Starbucks
Silver Bucket Seafood Dining
Amira’s Buco Tart Haus
Greg’s Fruitcakery
Santis Delicatessen
La Creperie
Bag of Beans, coffee Shop and Bakery
Bagoong Club Resto
Buon Giorno Caffe and Bistro
The Farm Organics

Starbucks in Twin Lakes Tagaytay is pegged as the most beautiful Starbucks store in the Philippines.

Visitors checking out the modern architecture of Twin Lakes restaurants.

How to Get There

Located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Hiway in Alfonso, Cavite, Twin Lakes Tagaytay is 30 minute away drive from Tagaytay’s People Park in the Sky and an hour and a half drive if you are coming from Sta. Rosa exit.

Twin Lakes Tagaytay Location Map

If you are visiting the south, I would highly recommend Twin Lakes! The place is relatively new and not as populated as other food destinations in Tagaytay. The views of Taal Lake, Taal Volcano and not to mention Tagaytay’s cool breeze is definitely a plus!

Where to Eat Pancit Molo in Iloilo City

January 7, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

One of the things I was looking forward in my DIY Iloilo tour is food! On my list are the authentic Illongo delicacies – La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo. During my first day in Iloilo City, I was lucky that my accommodation (Dragon Lodge) is located in Molo, a district in Iloilo where Pancit Molo originated. I asked several locals for the best Pancit Molo house in town and I was advised to visit Tita Paz The House of Pancit Molo.

How to Get There
If you are coming from the city, just ride a jeepney bound to Villa Arevalo or Oton. Just inform the driver to drop you at Tita Paz/Molo County Bakeshop. Alternatively, you can also take a cab and instruct the driver to bring you to Tita Paz/Molo County Bakeshop.

Tita Paz share the area with Molo County Bakeshop

Molo County Bakeshop offers various pasalubong items

Tita Paz Restauirant in Molo, Iloilo

With only 5 tables, the dining area of Tita Paz is quite small. Nonetheless, the area is very clean.

Pancit Molo is a soup dish made of ground chicken or pork in wonton or Molo wrapper. It does not actually have long and thin rice/egg noodles which makes it a not so traditional pancit in Filipino cuisine. It is called a pancit as the Molo wrapper is basically of the same mix with the traditional pancit noodles.

I ordered the largest bowl of Pancit Molo which costs 75 Php ($1.50). An order comes with Pandeciosa, a local bread.

To taste, soy sauce and pepper can be added to the Authentic Pancit Molo.

This dish is not new to me as my mother always cooks this very delicious soup. My mom’s version of Molo has milk compared to the original Molo recipe. Overall, Tita Paz’s Pancit Molo is very delicious! The soup itself is simple yet you can really taste the broth. The rich in flavor dumplings are the main attraction of this Illongo delicacy!