Author: One Armed Wanderer (Page 11 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

Where to Eat La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo

January 3, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

I have tried the delicious Tita Paz Pancit Molo during my 1st day in the City of Love and I would not definitely leave the city without having a taste of the original La Paz Batchoy. During my second and last day Iloilo City, I left Injap Tower Hotel early to try the famous La Paz Batchoy for breakfast.

La Paz Batchoy originated in the district of La Paz back in late 1930s. This Illonggo delicacy is an egg noodle soup with pork innards, crushed pork cracklings, beef loin, deep fried garlic, spring onions and pork broth.

The authentic La Paz Batchoy is nowehere else to be found but in La Paz Public Market.

Right in the middle of La Paz public market is Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy.

Given that the place is located in a public market, I was surprised that Netong’s restaurant is enclosed and air-conditioned. However, there is no comfort room in the restaurant. Nonetheless, the place is clean and well-maintained.

In a progressive city like Iloilo, It feels great that llonggos patronize their local restaurants. In fact, I was the only traveler when I dined in at Netong’s. All guests were speaking Illongo.

I ordered an “EXTRA” size bowl of Batchoy which costs 80.00 Php ($1.60). The Batchoy was served hot in less than 5 minutes. It comes with a a puto (rice cake) too which I initially mistaken as suman.

The aroma of the soup was appetizing!

I could no longer recall the last time I had Batchoy in Manila. Netong’s batchoy really tastes good! Plus having the authentic La Paz Batchoy right in the place where it originated was awesome!

Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy Menu

La Paz Batchoy Megabowl – 100.00 Php ($2.00) Extra – 80.00 Php ($1.60) Super – 70.00 Php ($1.40) Special – 55.00 Php ($1.10) Others: Miswa – 80.00 Php ($1.60) Bihon – 80.00 Php ($1.60) sotanghon – 80.00 Php ($1.60) Linaga – 50.00 Php ($1.00) Arroz Caldo w/ egg – 25.00 Php ($0.50) Arroz Caldo w/out egg – 15.00 Php ($0.30)

Aside from Netong’s, there are also other La Paz Batchoy houses in the area. You may try Ted’s Old Timer La Paz Batchoy and Deco’s La Paz Batchoy.

Capiz Hotel: Roxas President’s Inn

January 2, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Since I did not have any hotel reservations, I had to quickly research for a good and decent hotel the moment I arrived in Roxas City bus terminal. Well, Roxas President’s Inn must be a very popular accommodation in Capiz as there are countless of good reviews and feedback about this hotel.

Getting There

Note that there are no jeepneys or taxis in most of part of Roxas City. The only way to get around is via tricycles. If you are coming from the Roxas airport or Roxas city bus terminal, inform the tricycle driver to bring you to Roxas President’s Inn. I paid 50 Php/$1.00 for the tricycle ride from bus terminal to the hotel.

Located in Rizal street corner Lopez Jaena, Roxas’s President’s Inn is is situated in the center of Roxas City. It is few meters away from a number of tourist destinations in the city such as Manuel Roxas ancestral home, Capiz Museum, provincial capitol and the iconic Roxas City fountain. If you get hungry, this hotel is also nearby a number of restaurants such as Spanngo Cafe and Raffy’s Bistro.

The Spanish-Filipino architecture of Roxas President’s Inn

Dining area and concierge

At night, guests get to feel the traditional and warm ambiance of the hotel.

There are also elegant antique chandeliers. There are actually made in 1920s.

You also get to see a number of displays showcasing Spanish-Filipino culture. In fact, there is a rare finds art gallery beside the concierge (which I was unable to take a photo). By the way, the Machucha floor tiles reminds me of Hotel Felicidad in Vigan City.

All rooms in Roxas President’s Inn are named after Philippines presidents. I checked-in at Osmena Suite.

The room’s Spanish-Filipino interior makes this hotel unique. The bed partnered with a headboard made of Capiz shells is very comfortable. Room flooring is made of hardwood Molave.

Guests can also enjoy a high-speed Wifi internet access, cable TV, 24 hour room service, laundry service in-room massage service and daily newspaper.

Few minutes after entering the room, the bellboy served this as a complimentary welcome drink.

There is nothing special about the toilet except for its hold and cold shower. Nonetheless, it is very clean.

Roxas President’s Inn Rooms and Rates

Deluxe Single has 1 single bed and is good for one person (Aguinaldo Suite, Osmena Suite, Estrada Suite)
Deluxe Full has 1 full-sized bed and is good for one person (Laurel Suite)
Deluxe Matrimonial has a 1 queen sized bed and it good for two persons (Magsaysay Suite, Garcia Suite, Aquino Suite, Marcos Suite)
Deluxe Twin has 2 single beds and is good for 2 persons (Arroyo Suite. Quirino Suite, Macapagal Suite, Quezon Suite, Ramos Suite, Arroyo Suite)
Presidential Suite has 1 queen sized bed, 1 single bed and good for 3 persons (Dinglasan Suite, Roxas Suite)

I stayed in Osmena Suite and paid 2,217.00 Php/approx. $44.34 for a 2-night accommodation. I was given a PWD discount by the very welcoming and accommodating concierge. As for the rest of the rates, please contact Roxas President’s Inn toll free number – 1-800-843-4343 loc.3349 or (036) 6210-208 or e-mail them at contact@roxaspresidentsinn.com.

You may also check the rates/book a room here.

Overall, I had a great time staying in Roxas President’s Roxas Inn. The staff from security guard to the concierge are very friendly. With the affordable room rates and superb customer service, I would highly recommend this Roxas City hotel.

Room for three at Injap — Room at Injap Tower

Hotel in Iloilo: Injap Tower Hotel Review

January 1, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Injap Tower Hotel is located along Diversion road and is just across SM City Iloilo. This tower is actually the tallest structure in Western Visayas. Being the first and only high-rise building, this 21-storey hotel is considered as one of Iloilo’s notable modern landmarks.

I was originally dropped off by the van at Injap Tower Hotel during my first day at Iloilo City. I opted to look for a cheaper hotel instead and landed at the Dragon Lodge where I spent my first night in Iloilo. Upon reading good reviews about Injap Tower, I did not hesitate to transfer in this hotel for my second night in the City of Love.

Facade of Injap Tower Hotel

Modern Feel at Injap Tower Hotel Lobby

Injap Tower Hotel’s lobby has this simple yet modern feel. The lobby is simple, very clean and well maintained. The furniture and fixtures look very new and modern. However, the entire lobby and the reception area look a bit small for its towering size.

The hotel’s hallways are plain simple, clean and spacious. There is nothing much to see here except for the noticeable high-end key card door locks in as you pass by each room.

Hallway

Room Door with Key card lock

Hotel Room

All rooms are 21 square meter in size and come with a queen size and a standard bed. At 21 square meters, the room look spacious. It was surprising to see a mini kitchen with sink, microwave oven and a mini refrigerator in the room. Apart from these, rooms also come with a telephone with NDD and IDD calls, 46” LED cable TV with HDMI Capacity and a free Wifi access with strong internet connection.

Room at Injap Tower

Injap Tower Hotel

Mini kitchen area

The bed and pillows are very comfortable and are par with that high-end hotels in Manila. The air conditioning unit works perfectly. If you are bringing work at your Injap Tower Hotel room, there is a small table that can serve as your work space. As for the toilet and bath, it was very clean and fixtures look very new. Toiletries are provided on a mini pouch with Injap Tower Hotel branding. There is a glass partition separating the shower from the toilet. There are no issues with the water pressure. Hot and cold shower is works perfectly too.

Tip: Since Iloilo City is a smoke-free city, there are no smoking areas in this hotel. If you are smoker, I would suggest checking-in at Dragon Lodge Iloilo instead.

Injap Tower Hotel Room Rates

Room rates vary depending on the occupancy per day. In my case, I paid 1,800 Php ($36.00) for a night at the Injap Tower Hotel. Check room availability and prices HERE (Agoda).

The Horizon Cafe

The hotel is also famous for its Horizon Cafe located on the 21st floor, the highest floor in the hotel. Being the tallest building in Iloilo, Injap Tower Hotel’s Horizon Cafe provides a panoramic view of Iloilo City to its diners.

Horizon Cafe

Injap Tower Hotel’s Horizon Cafe

View of SM Iloilo from Horizon Cafe

Other facilities at Injap Tower Hotel

use of lap pool located in 5th floor
use of the gym at the Injap Fitness Center
Access to The Horizon Café at the 21st floor of the tower
Ample Parking space
3 high-speed elevator units
24/7 standby power generator

I should say that I enjoyed my overnight stay at Injap Tower Tower. The price may be a bit expensive for a budget traveller. Nonetheless, with the accessibility, clean-rooms and being the current tallest building in Western Visayas, Injap Tower Hotel is truly a must visit hotel.

Injap Tower Hotel
Contact number (+63 33) 330 7111.
Online booking HERE (Agoda)

Where to Eat in Roxas City, Seafood Capital of The Philippines

January 1, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

I was very excited to visit Roxas City, Capiz as it pegged as the seafood capital of Philippines. Having one normal arm, it’s really challenging for me to eat any shellfishes. Nonetheless, I was really looking forward to discover Roxas City top food finds.

During my 3-day visit in Roxas City, below are my top 3 places and restaurants that are worth visiting in the seafood capital of the Philippines:

1. Baybay

Baybay is a Visayan word which means seashore.
Located within the Roxas City People’s park, Baybay is undoubtedly the most popular food place for both locals and tourists. Baybay has an array of restaurants and stalls offering the fresh seafood.

On the right side of the park is Baybay’s seafood Court is an open area where diners can enjoy the sea breeze while having the freshest seafoods Roxas City offers.

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I immediately visited Baybay during my first day in Roxas City. I was surprised that at 8:30 AM, most of the restaurants/food stalls in the Baybay sea food court are still closed. I was lucky though that the staff of Rhiane’s Grill & Resto have already started displaying fresh sea foods in front of their stall.

I ordered for a grilled fish, 2pc. Pork barbeque, talaba (oysters), buko juice and a soda. I was surprised that I just paid (190 Php/$3.80) for a generous amount of food. Apart from the cheaply priced fresh and mouth-watering sea foods, the staff of Rhiane’s Grill and Resto were very friendly and accommodating too.

With Rhiane’s Grill & Resto staff, Baybay, Roxas City

On my second day at Roxas, I tried the a restaurant situated on the left side of Baybay. This time I ordered my favorite calamares and this fish that they call “Kilo-kilo”.

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Calamares (190 Php/$3.80) Grilled Kilo-kilo fish (120 Php/$2.4), 1 Rice (12 Php/$0.24), 1 soda (12Php/$0.24) = Total 334 Php/$6.68

The best time to visit Baybay really depends on your preference. If you love quiet and peaceful athmosphere, visit Baybay for your breakfast. If you love to witness some sort of seafood festival/bazaar, Baybay is the perfect for dinner.

I have to say that Roxas City People’s Park/Baybay is my favorite place in Capiz. Apart from the relaxing atmosphere, fresh sea breeze and friendly locals, you will surely have a satisfying gastronomic adventure in Baybay.

Operating hours: Some stalls open as early as 8:30 AM, most stalls close at 12:00 AM
Budget: Starts at 150 Php

2. Raffy’s Bistro – Buckets-Sizzlers-Coffee

Unlike Baybay, this is one among the few high-end restaurants in Roxas City. Located in Halaran Plaza, Raffy’s Bistro is just a few walks away from Immaculate Concepcion Metropolitan Cathedral and the Capiz Provincial Capitol. It is also within an arms reach from Roxas President’s Inn.

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The restaurant itself is very clean and the staff are very friendly. The interior was a fusion between old and modern American Bistro. Raffy’s Bistro serves American-Mediterranean cuisine. They offer salads, handcrafted burgers, pastas, artisan flatbread pizzas etc.

I ordered Seafood Pesto Pasta, Scallops Rockefeller and a bottomless iced cold house tea.

Seafood Pesto Pasta (175 Php/$3.5) – Shrimp, fish, squid in creamy pesto sauce

Scallops Rockefeller (210 Php/$4.20) – Fresh Capiz scallops topped with Bechamel , bacon bits and lots of cheese baked to perfection

Please check out my separate post for the complete Raffy’s Bistro Menu.

Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact number: 036-6213976
Budget: starts at 250 Php

3. Spanggo Cafe & Pasalubong

From a failed Pres.Manuel Roxas ancestral house tour, I was heading back to the hotel when I saw the attention grabbing name and architecture of this restaurant. Related: 5 Things to to do in Roxas City aside from eating seafood

Spanggo or Spanish-Ilongo is located along Rizal St. and is also few meters away from Raffy’s Bistro.

I did not think twice and hurriedly checked out the Spanggo Cafe. From the name itself, Spanggo serves Spanish-Ilongo foods. Aside from this, they are also popular for their “pasalubong” items and their delicious homemade pies.

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I ordered “The Big Meal” (195 Php/$3.90)- Pinoy arroz la Cubana: danggit, 2 sunny side up eggs, banana fries and chorizo rice

Please check out my separate post for the complete Spanggo Cafe & Pasalubong Menu.

Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact number: 036-522 8848
Budget: starts at 200 Php

Visiting Roxas City? Hotel online booking here.

Dragon Lodge Iloilo City

December 31, 2015 / One Armed Wanderer

After a long 4 hour van ride from Caticlan, I had no idea where to stay in Iloilo City. The van dropped me in front of Injap Tower Hotel. By merely looking at it’s facade, I told myself not to check the rates as my goal was to travel as thrifty as I can. With that in mind, I asked one of the cab drivers parked in front of Injap Tower to bring me to a cheaper accommodation in the city. He asked if I was fine with a lodge or an inn. I said yes since I don’t find anything wrong with an inn or a lodge.The driver brought me then in Dragon Lodge Drive-in Hotel.

The moment I arrived at Dragon Lodge, the set-up was like that of taxi room motels in Manila. Well, this explains why the cab driver asked me earlier if i was fine staying in a lodge or an inn. I later learned from locals that lodges and inns in Iloilo are actually motels. I didn’t mind and immediately checked-in as it was already 2:00 AM.

Formerly known by the locals as “The Green Dragon Lodge”, Dragon Lodge or DL Drive-in Hotel is located along Lopez Jaena St., Molo, Iloilo City. It is a 10-minute jeepney ride from SM City Iloilo.

Given that this is a motel, the room is very decent, clean and relatively new. The interior is modern minimalist. The toilet is separated from the room itself by a glass partition. There is also a cable TV!

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Dragon Lodge Iloilo Room Rates

3 hours 220 Php/$4.40
12 hours 770 Php/$15.40
24 hours 1300 Php/$26.00

If you will be staying here during your Iloilo City visit, here are the pros and cons:

Cons
All rooms are good for two persons only.

Since this is a motel, they do not issue the room key to their guests. Some motels in the Philippines do not issue room keys as places like this are actually built for short time accommodation.

There is a small vestibule in the room where the first and main door is always locked outside. With this, you will always have to call the operator when you want to go out of your room. Moreover, you will also have to ask the reception to open your room door if you are coming from outside.

Pros
The rates are very cheap. This place is a good choice if you are traveling on a budget.

Unlike with hotels where check-in time is usually at 12:00 PM, you can check-in here at any given time of the day. I actually checked-in at 2:00 AM. Check-out time depends on the room rate you have availed.

My Take
If you are a budget traveler, I would definitely recommend this place. Security might be an issue since you do not have the door key while you are out and you can not easily go out of the room in case of emergency. Nonetheless, I was assured by the staff that the place is very safe. During my 24 hour check-in period in Dragon Lodge, I was mostly outside wandering Iloilo City and all my stuffs were safe while I was out. If you do not want to stay at Dragon Lodge, you may also check and book your Iloilo City hotel here.