IN REVIEW: Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos in San Fernando City, La Union

It's our second travel to La Union this year and, this time, we were blessed to stay in the famous Thunderbird Resort located at Poro Point in San Fernando City. We spent two nights in their "fancy" two-bedroom villas. 

IN REVIEW: Noah's Ark Hotel and Resort, Ma Wan, Hong Kong

If you are in Hong Kong and would want to stay in a place away from the noise and busyness of the City Central, we recommend that you stay at Noah's Ark Hotel and Resort in the Island of Ma Wan. The place will change your common notion of Hong Kong that it is pure building and nothing natural to explore and behold.  

The place is beside Ma Wan Beach which makes it best for meditations or some soul-searching activities. The cool breeze and the serenity of the water are so relaxing and refreshing.

IN REVIEW: Albergo Hotel and Residences, Baguio City

For every out-of-town vacation, it is a must to have a decent hotel or transient accommodation. When I say decent, the rooms and some facilities are worth the price we paid. In other words, it must be consistent to what is being advertised. 

Last Christmas Holiday, our family went to Baguio City. Initially, we're trying to book a family room in Manor Hotel, Kamiseta Hotel and the Newtown Plaza Hotel. Unfortunately, they are fully-booked because of the holidays. And so, we ended up booking a family room at Albergo Hotel and Residences. 

IN REVIEW: Siglo Suite at the Gramercy Residences

The celebration of All Saints' Day this year falls on Tuesday and the government, for some reason, also declared October 31, Monday, a non-working holiday. That means, LONG WEEKEND for us!  To maximize this rare opportunity, we decided to do some STAYcation in a "condotel" nearby.  We chanced upon Siglo Suite at the Gramercy Residences. We specifically chose this because we want to experience the Marina Bay-like infinity pool atop the building.  Unfortunately, the infinity pool was closed for some repairs. Such a disappointment! Anyway, we just opted to settle and dip-in to their lap pool just beside the closed infinity pool.

We booked a deluxe room for an overnight stay for 4,200 pesos, inclusive of breakfast. Our room was located at the 58th floor of the building. While on the elevator, you can literally feel the increasing air pressure in your ears.

IN REVIEW: The Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City

The Newtown Plaza Hotel is located in C.M. Recto Street corner Leonard Wood Road in Baguio City. It is a relatively new hotel in town; very evident by its new furniture, interiors and facade. The Korean translations in every signage within the hotel vicinity made us think that the owner/s might be Korean Nationals; or it might be that the main target market of the hotel are Koreans who, according to the Department of Tourism Website, are the number one foreign visitors of the country by far. Nonetheless, our overall stay in this hotel was very convenient and satisfying. 

IN REVIEW: The El Nido Cove Resort

El Nido Cove Resort is located at Sitio Lamoro in Barangay Pasadeña. It is a 20-minute ride away from the El Nido town proper.  According to the staff, the resort is owned by the Ayala Group of Companies along with the other resorts located in some of the exclusive islands in the area. El Nido Cove is the only resort occupying the whole stretch of Lamoro Beach. Thus, giving its guests a much needed privacy and stillness away from the noise of the town proper. The place is highly recommended for couples who are looking for some quiet moments alone with each other.  But, of course, you can also bring your group of friends here, but be sure to minimize the volume of your voices as a sign of respect to other guests who find relaxation in a silent atmosphere.   

STAYcation at Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City

Our nephew's vacation with us will soon be over and she'll be back in Nueva Ecija for her summer tutorial lessons.  To maximize her summer vacation with us, the family decided to look for a nearby place where we can relax, bond and, of course, SWIM.  The initial plan was to go somewhere in Batangas, but due to time constraint, it did not push forward.  We also considered Ace Water Spa and Sofitel, but just the same, we failed to push forward for a variety of reasons. 

To make the long story short, we ended staying at LEGEND VILLAS in Mandaluyong City. The place is very accessible because it is near the MRT-Boni Station and located specifically at the back of Robinson's Mall (Pioneer).  The architectural design of the entire villa is very Filipino with a modern twist. The staff are friendly and helpful. The prices of the rooms are also "budget-friendly." Overall, we are completely satisfied with the services we received. 

We would recommend the place for married couples who would like to pause for a moment and escape the busy world of their respective professions. The privacy and the atmosphere of the place will surely refresh them and, to some extent, deepen their matrimonial bond.