Travel Jams

It took a great deal of brainstorming, months of careful planning, and a whole bunch of passion to make it happen.  All those week upon week of meetings, throwing emails back and forth, and following up all communications sent and received, boiled down to this: 5 long days of exploring and discovering Iligan, giving the invited bloggers from all over the country reasons to like and love Iligan as much as we do.

Photo Credit: Diyandi Festival fan page

The prepared itinerary was somewhat ambitious, especially for me who has lived a sedentary lifestyle for quite a while now. In all honesty, the last "mountaineering" activity I had prior to this event (other than the unexpected Hindang Cave [mis]adventure) was way back in college when I did my undergraduate thesis. That was about 8 years and *coughs* 30 lbs *coughs* ago. 

Seven waterfalls in Iligan City visited during Waterfalling Adventure Tour 1.0

We knew it wasn't going to be easy, and we don't really know if the organizers and our guests can endure waking up early and going home rather late for 5 straight days. If we ourselves don't die out of exhaustion... well, we feared our invited guests might kill us -- online and/or offline. So yes, we had a really flexible itinerary, adjustable according to everyone's pace and state of mind and well-being. :)

Luckily, we all survived! And surprisingly, the itinerary was stretched and extended in unimaginable ways. We promised six waterfalls, and we ended up with seven! We even added an extra day to include a visit to the neighboring Marawi City. We often have coffee nightcaps and head home close to midnight under the guise of having to sleep early for an early day ahead. BUT we still had time to "you know, make kulitan online pa."  All thanks to the unbelievable enthusiasm and fast-charging energy of this very clingy group. 

• (Malabon City) Christian:  http://www.lakadpilipinas.com/
• (Bukidnon) Sandre:  http://www.pagduaw.com/
• (Bukidnon) Shugah:  http://www.wandershugah.com/
• (South Cot) Nanardx: http://nanardxz.southcotabato.org/
• (GenSan)  Doc Remo:  http://www.hikersitch.com/
• (CDO) Ding:  http://www.traveltabai.com/
• (Cebu)  Michy: http://memoiresofalice.com/
• (Iligan) Francis:  http://www.simplyfrancis.com
• (Iligan) Gab:  http://neoticviews.blogspot.com/
• (Iligan) Kathleen:  http://www.dasocialclimber.com/
• (Finland)  Petri https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=510635835613980&set=o.199976960015228&type=1&theater&notif_t=like

Waterfalling Adventure Tour 1.0 happened last year. Despite the "ambitiousness" of the plan, we pulled through, thanks to our very generous sponsors and the adventurous participants. Five days, seven waterfalls, and thirteen destinations after, the clingy WAT1.0 family formed a priceless bond with each other, centered around our common love for Iligan -- not only for the waterfalls, but for its food, culture, and people as well. 

And their love manifests in their posts when they share their stories of the beauty of Iligan to their networks, and the stories are shared further and further through the world wide web. Slowly, we'll making our mark as a tourist destination -- far from the war-torn image commonly pictured of us, leaving digital footprints that our city truly has a beauty that's unforgettable.

This year, as Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. starts preparing for an even more ambitious Waterfalling Adventure Tour 2.0, we're putting all our hearts and minds in this project. This time, we're involving more people -- the Iliganon netizens! Because who else knows a city better than its locals, right? Together, as a city, we will make more and more people experience and fall madly in love with our Iligan. 

To borrow the words of Toni Morrison, 

“[And] When they fall in love with a city it is forever, and it is like forever. As though there never was a time when they didn’t love it."

It took a great deal of brainstorming, months of careful planning, and a whole bunch of passion to make it happen.  A ll those week upon wee...

Strategically located between uptown and downtown Cebu, and within close proximity to commercial districts, recreational venues, and tourist spots, Pacific Pensionne in Cebu City is an ideal place to stay in for a quick trip to the Queen City of the South. I stayed here recently when I was privileged to be invited as one of the speakers during the Social Media Day Meetup 2013.








This inn has a warm, homey feel to it. It's comfortable, clean, and generally well-maintained. Design-wise, I'd say there are so many cute and interesting details here -- too many perhaps, it gets a little too confusing. There's a bit of European, mixed with a dash of Chinese influence, and few Filipino elements. (Well, maybe that's just the minimalist in me speaking.) But then again, maybe that's their way of telling the customers that they welcome everyone from all parts of the world, and ensure that the inn is going to be their "home away from home." ;)

Location

Pacific Pensionne is located on Osmeña Boulevard (formerly Jones Avenue), in the city center of Cebu. It is within close proximity to a shopping mall, convenience store, banks, and some places of interest, including Fuente Osmeña, Capitol, Sky Experience at Club Ultima, Basilica Del Santo Niño, Carbon Market, and Magellan’s Cross.

Staff

The staff is well-trained. They all looked neat, attentive, and accommodating. They were warm and quick to respond to the customers' needs.

Room

We stayed in a basic double matrimonial room, fully air-conditioned with private toilet and bathrooms. Room amenities also include hot and cold shower, cable TV, secured and automatic key cards, and telephone. The room is clean and comfortable. Wi-Fi connection in the rooms is available for a certain fee (PHP 50 per hour, PHP 150 for 24 hours).

Breakfast

Pacific Pensionne serves free breakfast until 9:00 AM. The menu features a variety of breakfast options, including continental, American, and Filipino. The free meal ticket covers only Filipino breakfast -- the famous "silog" -- tapsilog, chosilog, longsilog, etc. The restaurant also serves other meals and snacks. The servings are satisfactory, prices are reasonable, and service is quick.

Value for Money

The rooms are reasonably priced, with the tariff rate ranging from PHP920 (for single-bed room) to PHP1,755 (for family superior room, good for 4 persons).

Pros

• Conveniently located within midtown Cebu. 
• Rooms are complete with basic amenities. 
• Equipped with 24-hour security. 
• Staff are well-trained, warm, and friendly. 
• There is a cafe / restaurant that serves good food at a reasonable price. 

Cons

• Fee for Wi-Fi inside the rooms (though Wi-Fi use is free in the lobby and restaurant). 
• The hallways need a little more lighting. 
• The lobby area needs a design update to give it a simpler and unified ambiance. ;) 

Bottom Line & Overall Rating

★★★☆☆

If you are looking for a basic accommodation, and location weighs more in decision-making rather than luxury, then Pacific Pensionne is a great choice.





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Note: The Privilege Coupon used for my stay in Pacific Pensionne was given by Rent.ph as a prize for Mother’s Day Staycation raffle promo. All opinions and recommendations are my own. :)






Virtual hugs and kisses to the Rent.ph team! ^____^

Strategically located between uptown and downtown Cebu, and within close proximity to commercial districts, recreational venues, and tourist...

“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?”

― Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes

It's rainy season once again. Rainy afternoons and gloomy mornings are becoming more frequent.  What better way to enjoy these types of weather than with a cup of coffee shared with good talks of life, love, and anything and everything in between.

In Iligan City, one of the best places for this type of activity is Kopi Luwak. Let's dissect it, shall we? Let's talk about the place, price, customer service, food, and of course coffee.


Place
The coffeeshop is conveniently located along the National Highway. It's at the back of Jasmine Spa.

Its interior has a homey feel, with a classy and relaxing ambiance. It's what I personally look for in a coffeeshop -- not crowded, not noisy, not too busy.

Top: A display of different coffeemakers and cups. Bottom: The coffeeshop.

The interior design was simple and easy to the eyes.

Top: World Times. Kopi Luwak practices coffee preparation techniques used in these countries. Bottom: Kopi Luwak's counter.

And what can be seen outside is equally lovely and adorable!

Outside Kopi Luwak. There's an incredible showcase of bonsai.

Price
Price range is competitive and food items are not overpriced. To give you an idea, here's the prices for coffee.   



★★★★☆



Customer Service
The barista is well-trained -- looked neat, attentive, and accommodating. She was warm, friendly, and was also quick to respond when we needed something.  The owners are passionate about their craft, which clearly shows in the quality of their products. Definitely 5 stars! :)

★★★★★


Food
Breakfast all day, anyone? Choices of pancakes, rice, or bread available at anytime of the day. Woohoo! 

I had the opportunity to sample the Pancake Meal sold at PHP75.  I'd say it's yummy, and surprisingly filling. Presentation was pretty cool too! :)

★★★★★ 



Coffee
Okay. Enough beating around the bush, and let's talk about the coffee, alright? Kopi Luwak is named after its specialty, kopi luwak or civet coffee, which is coffee made from the beans of coffee berries which have been eaten by the Asian Palm Civet.  If you're interested on how it is prepared, here's an educational video from Kopi Luwak's Facebook profile.

Left: Barista preparing civet coffee using German syphon technique. Top right: Freshly ground civet coffee beans. Bottom right: Yummy freshly brewed civet coffee.

Our coffee was prepared right in front of us. It was a fun experience and feels like high school chemistry class all over again. You can actually request for other coffee preparation techniques to be performed -- French, British, American, Italian, etc. Ours was prepared using German syphon, which is a vacuum coffee maker. It brews coffee using two chambers, where vapor pressure and vacuum produce coffee. See what I meant by having chemistry class all over again? :p

Taste-wise, it was actually the first time for me to try civet coffee. I was pleasantly surprised by its taste. I tried it without sugar or creamer, and it was not bitter at all.  

We also had the chance to sample their kopi durian (PHP 110) and iced kopi durian (PHP 120).  Both were just perfect for my sweet tooth. It was made with Malaysian variety of durian, creating a balanced treat for the taste buds.  The durian did not overpower the coffee, nor did the coffee outshine the distinct taste of durian. 

Left: Kopi Durian. Right: Iced Kopi Durian.

★★★★★


Overall, I enjoyed the place, and the coffee was divine! Would I recommend it? YES, of course! And I would definitely come back. :)



Disclaimer: All three cups of coffee and food was provided by Kopi Luwak management free of charge, after we attended a meeting with the city's Tourism Council.  All opinions and recommendations are my own.  :)

“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?” ―  Cassandra Clare ,  City of Ashes It's rainy season once a...

One thing I love about Iligan City is its laid-back feel intertwined with the comforts of modern living -- even right within the "city proper." It has a fun mix of modern and old, urban and rural.

Let me take you through the streets of Iligan via some of the photos we took during an impromptu photowalk session we had one afternoon.

One thing I love about Iligan City is its laid-back feel intertwined with the comforts of modern living -- even right within the "city...

Cebu City celebrated its annual Social Media Day last June 30, 2013. The annual event was launched by Mashable in 2010 as a way to recognize the digital revolution happening in this day and age.

The event was hosted by Third Team Media, Google Business Group (GBG) Cebu, Google Developers Group (GDG) Cebu, Google Student Ambassadors (GSA) Cebu, and Cebu Bloggers Society, with the support of Potato on Web and Diamond Suites and Residences as sponsors. This year's theme was #fwdPH, which revolves around “love of country.”



I was privileged to have been invited as one of the speakers for the event. I, together with Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc.'s co-founder, Xy-Za Yape, shared how IBS, Inc. utilize the social media as a tool to promote the beauty of Iligan City. We also shared some insights on how to go beyond tourism and travel with a difference.

Cebu City celebrated its annual Social Media Day last June 30, 2013. The annual event was launched by Mashable in 2010 as a way to recognize...

Here's my Top 6 Eats and Treats in Dipolog City for travelers on a low (to mid) budget.

1. Barbecue at Dipolog Boulevard. Facing the Sulu Sea, Dipolog Boulevard (Seawall & Foreshore Development) is estimated to stretch 3.5 kilometers upon completion. After viewing the gorgeous sunset, you can enjoy a yummy dinner of grilled treats here. There's a stretch of stalls selling barbecues and there are lines and lines of tables and chairs --  so much like Cebu's Larsian, but with a prettier view to enjoy.


2. Spanish Sardines. Dipolog City is also known for its Spanish Style Sardines. It is for this reason that the city is also tagged as the "Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines." Spanish style sardines are also perfect pasalubong for your loved ones back home. Best enjoyed with hot rice, or with pasta!

3. Pasalubong Treats. While we're on the subject of pasalubong, there's a wide variety of sweet treats for you. There are tarts, nuts, and others to satisfy your sweet tooth.

4.  Big Joe's. For a sumptuous meal of choices of traditional Filipino, Chinese and Western dishes, head off to Big Joe's. Big Joe's is a casual family dining café located in downtown Dipolog, in the heart of the city's business district. They also offer delectable homemade desserts and specialty coffees, hot and cold.


5.  Lechon. Lechon, or roasted suckling pig, is a popular food in the Philippines. I know of other places that boasts of its lechon -- Cebu, Batangas, and our very own Iligan City, among others.

Fact: Filipinos love to eat no matter what.   That's probably why w herever your travels take you in our 7,107 islands,there's sur...