Author: One Armed Wanderer (Page 8 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

Venice in Manila: Venice Grand Canal Mckinley Hill Taguig

July 17, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Located in the 50-hectare Venice Piazza under the development of Megaworld Corporation, The Grand Canal Mall’s Venice Grand Canal is fast becoming tourist hotspot in Taguig City. Inspired by Italy’s Venice Canal and Macau’s Venetian Grand Canal, wandering around the mall will make you feel you are in Venice or in Venetian Macau.

The Venice Grand Canal is the center of attraction among the tourists in The Grand Canal Mall. Due to its uniqueness and picturesque views, you will see countless visitors taking selfies and groupies by the canal. For first time visitors like me, it was such a delight to see the beautiful architecture resembling that of Venice. Being a mall, there is no entrance fee to see and enjoy the beautiful Venice Grand Canal.

The mall itself is yet to be completed. As of this writing, there are still many shops and stalls that are yet to open. Nonetheless, there is already a good number of restaurants in the mall, most of which are high-end and a bit pricey for budget travelers.

Restaurants, fastfoods and shops at The Grand Canal Mall

7 Soles
Alab
Almon Marina
Barenaked
Bench
Bose london
Boulangerrie22
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
Buddy’s
Burger king
Cafe Mary Grace
Cafe Seolhwa
Caramia
Chiara’s Gelateria
Churreria La Lola
Coffee Bean Tea and Leaf
Comfort Tuesday
Cotton candy
Cuesina
Deli cieux
Easysoft
Elements
Empire bar
Erb and chet
Foresight
Galo
Gran caffè
Grand Cafe Lavena
Hearts arrows
Hokkaido Takoyaki
Jollibbee
KFC
Kusè
Little Manila
Man hann (opening soon)
Mati’s Meat and Bread
Milk Cow
Mitsuyado sei-men
Mu thai
Mumuso
Munch roasts and salads
My Thai Kitchen
Nacho Bimby
New Bombay Royal (opening soon)
Office warehouse
Oppo
Pepper Luch Express
Pho hoa
Pie Face
Ponte Rialto restorabte italiano
Ramen Kuroda
Rice and Dough
Rice Paper
S & R Pizza
Sbarro
Serenetea
Holland Tulips
Shakey’s
Shoe salon
Skin station
Sky castle
Starbucks Coffee
Sunglass Haven to
Sweet bites
TGI Fridays
Tgi fridays
The Meatball Revolution
The Travel Club
Toni & Sergio
Toy town
UCC
Watsons to o
Wok2go
World balance
Yellow Cab Pizza

Gondolas at The Venice Grand Canal

Gondola ride pick-up and drop-off point

Just like that of Venice in Italy and Venetian in Macau, the Venice Grand Canal offers gondola ride that will cruise the entire stretch of the canal. The gondola ride costs 500 Php per person. This may be a bit pricey but seeing the mall’s architecture from the canal’s perspective must be a different experience. Gondola ride only operates during weekends from noon time until the mall closes at 10:00 PM.

Interestingly enough, to make your Venice Grand Canal gondola ride experience memorable, boat paddlers wear the traditional “gondolier clothing”. While watching gondolas cruising the canal, we have also witnessed one boat paddler singing a classical Italian song to his passengers.

How to get to Venice Grand Canal

Getting to McKinley Hill particularly the Venice Grand Canal by commute may be a bit difficult. Visit this link for the complete instructions on how to get to McKinley Hill.

Tip: Visit the Venice Grand Canal without any hassles. Enjoy 100 Pesos off on your first 2 Uber rides! Just use the promo code edp1000ue to avail the discount when you sign up here.

Hotels Near Venice Grand Canal

There are a couple of hotels nearby Venice Grand Canal. You may stay choose from Seda Hotel, Ascott or F1 Hotel Manila. (Read my full review of F1 Hotel Manila).

Overall, we enjoyed our quick visit to The Venice Grand Canal in McKinley. The place is unique and is new to Filipinos who have never visited Venice or Macau. Kudos to Megaworld Corporation for bringing a taste of Venice in Manila.

Chicken with Cashew Nuts Little Beijing — Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Little Beijing Restaurant Karuhatan Valenzuela City

July 17, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Little Beijing is one among the few restaurants in Valenzuela City that is not located in malls or food centers. Located along McArthur highway in Barangay Karuhatan, Little Beijing Restaurant is literally a few steps away from Meaco Hotel and SM Center Valenzuela.

Little Beijing Restaurant Valenzuela City

Facade of Little Beijing Restaurant in Valenzuela City, Parking area is in front of the restaurant

From the name of the restaurant itself, Little Beijing serves Chinese cuisine. On their menu are the typical Cantonese dishes ranging from dimsums, seafoods, century eggs to noodles.

Little Beijing Restaurant Menu

Since we were staying at the nearby Meaco Hotel, we did not hesitate to check Little Beijing Restaurant for our late lunch. As we approach the entrance of the restaurant, we were greeted by the courteous security guard. As we entered, we were immediately assisted by one of the restaurant’s staff.

Staff

Interior

Interior

Little Beijing Restaurant’s interior is at par with that of famous Chinese Restaurants in the Metro. Fixtures look new and the entire place is clean. The cozy atmosphere sets Little Beijing apart from other Chinese restaurants in Valenzuela.

Since we visited for lunch, it was surprising that only a few tables were occupied. Compared to Golden Crown, another Chinese restaurant in Valenzuela, Little Beijing is less busy and more quiet. Perhaps due to the fact that Little Beijing Restaurant is more upscale than the former.

Food

We ordered Chicken with Cashew Nuts (220 Php) and Yangchao fried rice (220 Php) and Siomai (48 Php). While waiting for our orders, tea was served.

Little Beijing restaurant has a dimsum promo everyday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM where dimsums are discounted. This promo is valid for orders placed between the said time. So we only paid 48 Php for the siomai instead of 70 Php.

Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Yang Chao

Siomai

We learned from the waiter that the Chicken with Cashew Nuts is a new addition to their menu. Given that I’m not really a fan of dishes with nuts, the dish was good. I loved the mixed vegetables and the cashew nuts complement to the overall taste of the dish. The Yangchao fried rice was also good and the serving was generous. What I loved the most is Little Beijing’s freshly steamed Siomai. It was tasty and by far one of the best siomai I’ve tasted!

Overall, we enjoyed our Little Beijing Restaurant dining experience. The staff, from security guard to the waiters are friendly. Food are good (especially the siomai). We are definitely coming back to try their other dishes!

Little Beijing Restaurant Valenzuela City

Contact Number / Delivery hotline: 63-2-4321352 / +63-2-7823924
e-mail: littlebeijing.ph@gmail.com
Address: 196 MacArthur Highway, Karuhatan
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

Budget Hotel: Meaco Hotel Valenzuela City

July 10, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Meaco Hotel in Valenzuela City is one of the newest hotel chain of Asia Novotel Incorporated. Located along McArthur highway in Baranggay Karuhatan, Meaco Hotel Valenzuela is strategically located as it is few meters away from SM Center Valenzuela and a few minute drive to Our Lady of Fatima University and Fatima Medical Center. If you love to try local restaurants, Meaco hotel is literally few steps away from Little Beijing and a few minute ride to Golden Crown food center.

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela facade

The facade is simple and barely noticeable from McArthur highway. Parking area is right in front of the hotel building.

Meaco Hotel Lobby and Hallway

I should say that I was not expecting much from Meaco Hotel. As we arrived in the area, it was raining and we were greeted and assisted by the hotel’s security guard to the parking area of the hotel. As we entered the lobby, it was clean and well-maintained. There is nothing much to see except for the reception, small LCD TV, a couple of chairs and tables, dining area, a mini store where guests can buy snacks.

Mini store and dining area

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela reception

We informed the receptionist of our online booking. Unfortunately, it appears that they overlooked our booking for that day and reserved a deluxe room for us the next day. It was late night and we were advised to wait for an hour. Given that the hotel is quite new, we tried to understand the situation as the receptionists might not be used to online bookings and reservations. Surprisingly, unlike other hotels in Metro Manila where check-out time is 12 noon, Meaco Hotel allows literally 24 hour stay from your check-in time. So the delayed check-in was not issue to us. While waiting, we ordered their yummy longsilog (for only 80 Php each) and had our dinner in the hotel.

Come check-in, we took the stairs to the second floor as there is no elevator in this 3-storey hotel. Hallways are consistent with the lobby, very clean and well-maintained. The rooms are surprisingly powered by key-card locks.

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela Deluxe Room

The room is spacious. The queen size bed with a golden headboard is comfortable but surely not at par with that of upscale hotels in Metro Manila. Nonetheless, it was good enough for a good and sound sleep. There are also bedside tables with a hotel room phone on one table. There is a cable LCD TV screen with limited channels facing the bed. On the right of the LCD TV is stylish mirror in a golden frame. If you are bringing work to Meaco hotel, right below the TV is a long table that can serve as a work space. All rooms also come with free WiFi access.

Meaco hotel deluxe room

Meaco Hotel Room

LCD TV and work space area

Meaco hotel room’s toilet and bath is very clean and spacious. Fixtures look modern and new. The hot and cold shower is working perfectly. Toiletries such as bath towels, bath gel, shampoo and toothbrush are also provided. My only rants were the slightly clogged water drain in the shower and the very small slippers in the room. Nonetheless, issues like these can be reported to the reception.

Toilet and bath

Toiletries

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela Room Rates

Apart for the affordable room rates, Meaco Hotel also offer 12 hour rates for those who are visiting Valenzuela on short trips.

Deluxe 12 hours – 700 Php / 24 hours – 900 Php
Twin Deluxe 12 hours 800 Php / 24 hours 1,000 Php
Family 12 hours 1,100 Php / 24 1,400 Php
VIP Family 12 hours 1,500 / 24 hours – 1,800 Php

Tip: It is cheaper if you book online using a voucher. My girlfriend booked via asiatravel.com and used a voucher for our two night stay at Meaco Hotel Valenzuela. We paid 1,400 Php instead of 1,800 Php!

Affordable Hotel in Valenzuela City

Overall, we enjoyed our 2 night stay in Meaco Hotel Valenzuela. For the price, the hotel exceeded our expectations. The security guards and most of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms are very decent and clean. The hotel is very accessible and strategically located. If you are visiting, travelling or backpacking Valenzuela, you would never go wrong if you stay in this budget hotel.

Meaco Hotel Contact Number – +63 2 4439021 / +63 916 3491030
Address – 349 McArthur highway, Karuhatan, Valenzuela City

Aside from Valenzuela City, Meaco Hotel chains are also available on the following Philippine provinces:

Legaspi, Albay
Solano, Nueva Vizcaya
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte
Calbayog, Samar
Anilao, Batangas

2 Hidden Budget Food Places in Poblacion Makati, Gabs & Tsabs

July 8, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

During our budget staycation in Makati, Jen and I were determined to find cheap eats in the area. We left BRBlock Boutique and Residences for dinner and started driving in search for cheap food places in the country’s most expensive city.

Here are the 2 hidden eateries we discovered in Poblacion Makati that will surely satisfy your taste buds while not emptying your pocket:

Gabs Good Grabs

Located along Mabini street and is just few meters away from Makati Museum, Gabs Good Grabs is truly a hidden gem for budget conscious food lovers. This 24 hour diner offers a wide array of delicious and affordable food on their menu, from starters (starts at 30 Php), all day heavy breakfast (starts at 60 Php), rice meals (starts at 70 Php) to burgers and pastas (starts at 75 Php).

Gabs Good Grab, Poblacion, Makati

With its limited real estate, Gabs Good Grubs can accommodate approximately 20 diners at a time. We visited this hidden gem in Poblacion at around 10 PM and we had to wait several minutes as the place was fully occupied. As we entered the open air dining area of Gabs Good Grubs, we were greeted by the courteous waitress while handling us their menu.

Gabs Good Grub Menu

We ordered Seafood Ysabella, Supreme Salpicao and their signature Iced tea slush.

Seafood Ysabella

Seafood Yssabella (85 Php), mixed seafood in creamy sauce topped with Parmesan cheese served with rice and sides.

If you love seafoods and white sauce, you would never go wrong with Seafood Ysabela. The chopped fresh squids, shrimps and fish in creamy sauce is truly a must try! We super loved Seafood Ysabella! We even ordered a second plate of this yummy Gabs Good Grubs dish.

Supreme Salpicao

Supreme Salpicao (85 Php), combination of beef, shrimp and squid sauteed in soy garlic concoction served with rice and sides.

Given the affordability of Gabs Good Grubs rice meals, their generous serving (especially the rice) and plating/food presentation will make you think that you are not dining in an affordable food place in Makati.

Iced Tea Slush

Iced Tea slush (35 Php)

Location: 3273 A. Mabini St. cor. Doña Epifania St., Poblacion
Delivery contact Number: +63 2 6684340
Operating Hours: open 24 hours

Tsabs Sandwich Bar

This must visit food place is Poblacion is also located in A. Mabini street and is also few meters away from Makati museum.

Tsabs Sandwich Bar

If you are a burger lover, Tsabs Sandwich Bar has a pretty good selection of burgers. Choose among the 8 burgers on their menu, from the cheapest sulit Burger (50 Php) to their signature Tsabi Tsabs burger (145 Php).

Tsabs Sandwich Bar Menu

Unlike Gabs, Tsabs only has 2 small tables set-up in the street that can roughly accommodate 8 guests at a time.

Bacon Mushroom Melt

We ordered cheeseburger (60 Php) and Bacon Mushroom Melt (120 Php).

Location 3259 A. Mabini Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Tsabs Contact Number: +63 9077725732
Operating Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM

Tip: I highly recommend to visit these places late night at there is only limited parking space in the area. Parking is at the front of Makati Museum.

Overall, we enjoyed the budget dining experience in Gabs Good Grub and Tsabs Sandwich Bar. If you are visiting Poblacion in Makati, forget Makati’s expensive restaurants and give these two budget-friendly food places a try!

Visiting Makati City? Book your hotel HERE.

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Makati Review

July 3, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

BRbock Boutique and Residences is one among the few affordable boutique hotels in Makati City. Situated in the Philippine’s central business district, BRBlock hotel is strategically located as it is just few minute taxi ride away from various shopping malls, bars, restaurants and offices. What sets BRblock apart from other Makati boutique hotels is that it is located in the heart of Santiago village, a peaceful and quiet Makati neighborhood.

Distance of BRblock Boutique & Residences from various landmarks:

SM Jazz Mall – 650 m
Century Mall – 750 m
Glorietta Mall – 2.9 km
Bonifacio High Street – 3.6 km
Ninoy Aquino International Airport- 7 km

Unique and Remarkable Minimalist Boutique Hotel in Makati

Opened in June 2015, BRbock Boutique and Residences building is fairly new. Not like any other boutique hotels in Makati, its facade is gray and humble but its architecture is carefully designed and truly remarkable. It is in fact one of the best boutique hotel facade I’ve seen in Makati.

This 4-storey Makati boutique hotel has an elevator. Each floor has a foyer where guests can hang-out and simply relax. The open-air industrial minimalist themed hallways are very clean and spacious for such a small hotel. From BRblock’s entrance up to the room, everything is unique and pleasing to the eye.

Deluxe Room at BRblock Boutique & Residences

The rooms are simple and very spacious. I love the minimalist but practical design of almost everything. Right after the room entrance, on the left is a mini bar with a couple of items and snacks for sale at a minimum price. Yes you heard it right! Minimum price! Unlike other boutique hotels, it was such a surprise that their snacks are quite cheap for an upscale boutique hotel.

The minibar also comes with an electric kettle, 2 coffee cups, sachets of coffee, creamer and sugar. If you are a coffee lover, BRblock Boutique & Residences offers unlimited coffee! Just call the reception and coffee sachets will be delivered right in front of your hotel room. Below the minibar is a personal refrigerator with 2 complimentary water bottles and sodas in can for sale. There is also an open closet with a vault to secure your money or valuable items. If you are bringing work to your BRblock hotel room, there is a long shelf with a mirror and a stylish lampshade that serves as the room’s work space.

Clean and stylish white linens and pillow cases cover the very comfortable bed and 4 pillows in BRblock hotel rooms. I should say that the quality of the bed and pillows can match that of expensive 5 star hotels in Makati. There is a huge cable LCD screen TV facing the bed. All rooms also come with a free Wifi.

Unlike a typical hotel, the curtain in BRblock are white roller blinds. This is perfect for the floor to ceiling sliding glass door which separates the room from the balcony. If you are a cigarette smoker, the balcony serves as the smoking area.

The simple and practical toilet and bath is very clean. The overall design complements to the minimalist theme of the hotel. Fixtures are stylish and look new. The hot and cold shower works perfectly and there are no issues with the water pressure. The toilet and bath come with toiletries such as soap, 2 toothbrush with toothpaste, cotton buds, bath shower and gel. I personally love the small soap wrapped with a BRblock branding.

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Room Rates

Compared to other Makati boutique hotels, room rates at BRblock are more affordable.

Deluxe Room for 2 persons- 1,989 Php (approx. $43)
Family room for 3 persons – 2,574 Php (approx. $55)

Tip: Room rates are cheaper if you book HERE (Agoda).

Security and Safety

As for the security, there is a security guard on duty 24/7. The entire BRBlock building is also equipped with cameras. Being in a peaceful and quiet environment, we felt very safe during our stay at BRblock.
Due to its limited real estate, BRblock boutique and residences can accommodate maximum of 6 cars and its parking space at the ground floor.

Exemplary Customer Service

Customer service is exemplary! The security guards, concierge and the rest of the staff are very welcoming, friendly and courteous. Steph, the front desk personnel welcomed us with a huge smile and even assisted us to our room upon check-in.

Other Services

24-hour front desk
luggage storage
laundry
fax/photocopying

If you are visiting Makati for a vacation or business, I would highly recommend BRblock Boutique and Residences. With its exemplary customer service, simple yet upscale atmosphere, minimalist and clean rooms, security and safety and most especially its affordability, BRblock is the best boutique hotel there is Makati.

How to Get to BRblock Boutique & Residences

Since BRblock is relatively new, most of the taxi drivers are not aware of the place yet. So make sure to have your Google map or Waze ready or just simply tell the below directions to the taxi driver.

From Kalayaan Avenue in Makati, turn left to Pililla Street. After a block, turn left to Baler Street and turn right on Penafrancia St.

BRblock Boutique & Residences Map

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Address, Contact Number and Online Booking

Address: 1631 Penafrancia St., Baranggay Valenzuela, Makati City
Contact Number: +63 2 8335121
Online Booking and Reservation: Unfortunatey, BRblock Makati does not have an official website. Alternatively, you may book your room HERE.

Rosal Hotel Pasig Review and Room Rates

July 2, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Rosal Hotel is one among the long list of Pasig motels located in Hillcrest drive. Just like its neighboring hotels, this budget accommodation offers short-time stay rates.

Rosal Hotel Garage Room

I have been to the nearby Orchids hotel and I should say that Rosal hotel’s garage is more spacious, clean and well maintained. Just like any other motel, at the back of the garage is the stairs leading to the vestibule. There is nothing much in the vestibule except for the 2 complimentary water bottles.

The room itself is very spacious. Unlike other affordable motels, you can say that the room is well maintained. There are no to minimal signs of frayed furnishings and ageing ceilings and walls. The bed, linens and pillows were just okay and not something that you will rave about.

There is a small cable LCD TV with limited channels. My only complain is the remote is not working (we checked-in at room #56). The air conditioning works perfectly. There is a designated dining area that also serves as a work space if you are brining work in your Rosal hotel room. Surprisingly Wifi signal is strong with a fast internet connection.

The toilet and bath is spacious and very clean. It comes with 2 bath towels and 2 pairs of slippers. There is hot and cold shower. Same with the neighboring Orchids Hotel, toiletries are for sale except for the small soap. Since Rosal hotel offers short time rates, condoms are also available for 30 Php.

toothbrush – 15 Php
toothpaste – 10 Php
Shampoo – 10 Php
conditioner – 10 Php
Mouthwash – 55 Php

Rosal Hotel Pasig Room Rates

Wash-Up rate or popularly known as short-time rate (3 hours) – 540 Php (In excess of 3 hours, an extra charge of 180 Php per hour)
24 hour rate – 2,325 Php (comes with free breakfast for 2)
Evening Special (8 PM to 8 AM) -740 Php
Midnight Promo (adjustable 12 hours and check-in should be between 12 AM to 5 AM except Saturdays) – 840 Php
Morning Special (5 solid hours and check-in should be between 4 AM to 4 PM except Saturdays) – 540 Php

Tip: Room rate for 24 hour stay is cheaper if you book HERE.

Rosal hotel also accepts major credits cards and Bancnet debit cards. Service car is also offered from Rosal hotel to various landmarks around Pasig.

Tip: If you are visiting without a car, Uber is cheaper than Rosal hotel’s service car. I am giving you 100 Pesos off each of your first 2 Uber rides. Just use the promo code ‘edp1000ue‘ and sign-up here.

Overall, Rosal hotel Pasig is just like any other cheap motels in the metro. What sets it apart is the clean and spacious rooms and toilet. It is a good place for a short time stay if you are visiting Pasig City.

Rosal Hotel Pasig contact number: +63 2 6352729
Adress: Jardin De Rosal Hotel, Hillcrest Drive, Bagong Ilog, Pasig City, Philippines

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.