Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Visayan Daily Headlines


EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICE:

G/F, NB Building Lopez Jaena St.,
Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines

Telefax: (033) 320-8076 / 328-5623
Email: visayan_dailyheadlines@yahoo.com
Website: visayandailyheadlines.weebly.com
Penthouse, Metropolitan terraces Condominium, Metropolitan
Ave. cor Sacret Heart St., Brgy. San Antonio,
 Makati City, Philippines

116 Fernandez St., Tenga-Tenga, 
Cuyo, Palawan, Philippines

Tonglen Beach Resort, Boat Station 2
Balabag Boracay, Malay
Aklan, Philippines

1680 San Roque St., Roxas City, Philippines
2nd Floor, Room 2, CB Arcade Bldg. 
Salazar St., San Jose,
Antique, Philippines



Visayan Daily Headlines 
 Iloilo City's Alternative Newspaper

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Wednesday, 7 September 2011

Home Away from Home in Roxas City

With Ms. Edna Agustin

Again, I was given the privilege to travel in the Seafood Capital of the Philippines with my officemate Ramil Baylon. We stayed at Roxas Presidents Inn conveniently located in the heart of the city.

What makes Roxas Presidents Inn stand out? Their interesting Capizeños’ culture and history of the former President’s of the Republic of the Philippines. Surprisingly, all their rooms are named after the past Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines. Native accessories and bags made of abaca are on display near the front desk. It is always invigorating to see these old pictures (especially if your great grand father is on the picture! hehehe) and try to guess their names.

Well, not to mention the food served at Roxas President Inn… it’s absolutely scrumptious. I must say there are extraordinary meals that are incomparable to any other restaurant that I’ve been all over the world. The ‘angel wing’ shell or ‘diwal’, which is a local term which means “to stick your tongue out”. It is now my absolute favorite. It is absolutely yummy! It has a unique, butter taste that you’ll definitely go nuts over. I just ate 20 pieces of it. Not only that, their crab is also widely raved about. In short, they serve great food. And if you love Hershey’s, you will definitely love the ‘banana split.’ Their menu combines North and South cuisines with Filipino specialties. The servings are fairly generous and the prices are reasonable.

Roxas Presidents Inn caters the city plaza views, complimentary high-speed WiFi internet access, telephone, Air-conditioners, hot & cold showers, television w/ premium cable and complimentary movies, stand-by generator, harwood molave floor, complimentary breakfast, laundry services and in-room massage services.

Roxas Presidents Inn has the best rooms in all of hotels and inns in Roxas City, and may even compete with the best in Iloilo City. An elegant standard, each is uniquely themed with iconic and contemporary furniture.

Ramil & I had really had so much fun while staying at Roxas Presidents Inn. It is interesting to note that the General Manager, Ms. Edna Agustin, makes sure that we had a comfortable rest and enjoyed our stay. She shared with us the history of the pension and the city as well. She was like our tourist guide. Hehehe, but it was very helpful for us considering that we are not from Roxas City.

That night, Ramil and I discovered a young boy with a golden voice who came to serenade us while enjoying our snacks at a seafood restaurant along Baybay area, Roxas City’s version of Boracay. I was amazed at his voice that made me decided to give him a little amount (it’s P100.00 actually) to make him happy and bring something home to his family. I know it was not enough but I hope it did help him.
Angels Wing
Lastly, in general, Ramil and I had so much fun during our one-night stay at Roxas Presidents Inn. They all really understand how to make you feel welcome and happy.


Roxas Presidents Inn is located at Corner of Rizal and Lopez Jaena Sts., Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines. For inquiries and reservations, you may contact Roxas Presidents Inn at (036) 6210 208 or (036) 6212208 or e-mail them at contact@roxaspresidentsinn.com

Thursday, 18 August 2011

An Awesome experience in Bacolod City at Tamera Plaza Inn



Before, whenever I travel, I personally prefer staying in a hostel, inn or pension house rather than staying in a hotel, 'coz I am practically out the whole day exploring places, and all I need is a decent bed and place where I can sleep at night and take a bath in the morning. Much that I wanted to stay in an expensive hotel my budget won't be enough to pay for a P15, 000 a night accommodation.

So if you are a practical person like me then read on... Cause on your next visit for your business or leisure trip in Bacolod City, make it at Tamera Plaza Inn "Your Urban Bed and Breakfast".


I was on to feature another pension house in Bacolod City. When we arrived at the Tamera Plaza Inn, the front desk were very accommodating and pleasing. They really made sure that I am comfortable and will be happy with my stay at Tamera Plaza Inn.




 Well, all 20 rooms are fully air-conditioned, with hot and cold shower, cable TV, and Telephone. 24 hour standby generator and WIFI ready. Plus! A complimentary breakfast for all accommodations! It is seldom for a pension house that gives complimentary breakfast.

Although, I am practical not a cheapskate I don't compromise my safety and health over a few hundred pesos, I still prefer a bed without bed bugs, so please be very careful in choosing a place to stay, you won't want your trip be ruined by bed bugs or your safety compromised.

The next morning, we had a complimentary breakfast but I still want to taste there club house. So I did order one club house. Surprisingly, I thought I am going to pay it but the front desk officer told me that it was already being paid! They just include it as a complimentary.

The rooms and facilities, it was indeed a good pension house. The staff (Cherryl Gomez & Devie Ortencio) was certainly friendly and very accommodating, it's just so right for a friendly and nice people like me, hahaha! It actually surpassed my expectation.

The food in the restaurant is really delicious! The night we stayed, we had Garlicky Fry Chicken there house specialty, friend rice and pancit molo. It was incredible food.
Generally, it was an excellent pension house, our official photographer enjoyed it a lot, well, I am planning to visit the pension again this October for the Maskara Festival. Hopefully, they will give me another free accommodation. Hehehe. One thing that I really love about Tamera Plaza Inn is its very spacious, friendly staff and scrumptious food! My stay at Tamera Plaza Inn was genuinely an awesome experience.

If you plan to stay at Tamera Plaza Inn, you may call them at +63 (034) 432-1708.

To Mrs. Dina: Thank you for accommodating us. Keep up the good management. God Bless.





Tamera Plaza Inn Staff: Devie Ortencion, Cherryl Gomez, Marites Sonida, Karen Maranon, Ramil Baylon, John Dequito, Dan Villarias, Denis Pardon, Ewdin Sagayno.

Alvin Cutanco, Laera Panizales, Vonie Bermil, Jaypee Porras of Goldilocks Gaisano La Paz Branch; thank you for always helping me decide what cake will I buy. Hehehe.

Francis Borromeo, Erika Palco, April Carumba, Eldmer Alcaraz, Grace Tapleras of Penshoppe Gaisano City; thank you for keeping me update of new arrival of stocks.

Jee Dato-on, Christine Mae Bayogas, Katherine Espiambra, Elphany Cajurdo; thank you for being my avid readers. I really do appreciate it.

Joy & Twinkle of Cloie’s Pension House; thank you for taking care of my laundry.

Francis Tangpico my new business partner in Starting line Magazine in Bacolod City; I am happy to accept your offer to be your business partner. Thank you for the souvenir you brought from Hong-Kong. I really didn’t expect that you will call me, just to ask what I want as pasalubong. Thanks Francis.

Weng Cajetas: Your food is incredible! I love it! You’re the reason why I am getting big!!! Hahaha!



Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Explore Boracay

The Writer itself 
I've never been to Boracay Island yet, however, I’ve heard so much good stuff about the island. My officemate raves about his stay in the country’s number one summer destination. I’m equally impressed, and more importantly, intrigued. Hahaha. However, I knew that there is no way that I was going there on my own expenses. The trip would be so expensive. And sure all rooms would be stuffed. 

Fortunately, together with our Editor-In-Chief and News Reporter, we were given the privilege to have 2 nights and 3 days vacation at Orinda Beach Resort, located at the far end of the island’s 3-kilometer long white, sandy beach, for free! In fact, days before our trip, I spent some sleepless nights, probably because of too much excitement of going there.

Boracay is paradise for certified sun-worshippers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination. Others have chosen to live on this haven. Truly, Boracay has become the premiere destination of beach lovers like me.

Next morning, Ramil and myself are geared up for our Boracay escapade. We took the jeep going to Tagbak Teminal to ride a Ceres bus going to Caticlan, the jump-off point to Boracay. We arrived at the ferry terminal in Caticlan around 5:45 in the afternoon, but we had to take a tricycle going to another boat station, which serves as an alternative route during typhoon season.

The shuttle of Orinda Beach Resort was already there waiting for us when we arrived at the ferry terminal located on the other side of the island. It took another 30 minutes to get there to Orinda, located In the Station The road was very much congested, and we were surprised to actually see traffic congestion in the island.

It was already past 6 p.m. when we arrived there. Mr. Alejandro Layson, the general manager of Orinda, personally welcomed us and treated us with the ice cold orange juice. A few moments later, he brought us to our room, with a spectacular view of the beach.
 
After taking a little rest, we went to the restaurant to have our dinner. The food was incredible, to say the least, and we could assume that they really took time and great care in the presentation of it.  So, we had spicy gambas and sweet n’ sour ‘lapu-lapu’. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth.  It is just unbeatable to me.

Serenity at Orinda

If you want to have privacy with your family, Orinda is the place to be. Situated at Diniwid Beach, right off Station 1, they have one of the superb swimming spots in the island.

Orinda Premier Room
You can unwind and relax in their comfortable rooms. Choose from DeluxePremier, and Sunset Rooms, and pamper yourself with an assortment of modest luxuries. All guestrooms are air-conditioned, and have a cable TV and private bathroom with hot & cold water. Savor the sumptuous daily breakfast that comes free with your accommodation.
Orinda Deluxe Room

Their Sunset Rooms additionally lend amazing views of the beach, and boast a refrigerator and rainfall-type shower. Premier Rooms, meanwhile, have a built-in kitchen, where you can cook the desired meals you want.
And if you want to go shopping at d’Mall, they have shuttle to bring you there.

Well, though we were on vacation, however, we took the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Fr. Placer over the P1 million donation he returned to the Koreans. So, around 4 in the afternoon, we went to Holy Rosary Parish Church.

Trying to reach the top!
After the interview, we decided to stay for awhile and see what was happening in the beach. We saw many people doing their own thing. We went to d’Mall and I bought a baller as souvenir for myself. Though it’s quite expensive but I bought it for souvenir.

Also, I went wall climbing for only 50.00 pesos, but unfortunately, I was not able to reach the top. But at least I tried. Hahaha! We went strolling and bask in the powder white sand and crystal clear water under the moonlight beach. After a few hours of sightseeing, we decided to go back to the resort.
While waiting for the shuttle to pick us up, Pads treated us with Spanish bread and Coke. We need to kill time by sitting beside the bakery of Julie’s Bakeshop. Thank God it did not rain.

The next day, while getting our boat ticket going back to Iloilo, the boat was filled to the rafters. Most of the people on board were tourists.

Well, it was a great experience that I will never forget. And whatever the reasons are, there was only one way to find out!

Orinda Beach Resort
To Mr. Alejandro Layson and the staff of Orinda Beach Resort, thank you for accommodating us. We had so much fun staying at Orinda Beach Resort. Thank you for the wonderful blessings that you have shared with us. 

Well, to my avid readers, if you plan to visit Boracay Island, try Orinda Beach Resort. www.orindabeachresort.com.  Surely, you will enjoy your stay at Orinda Beach Resort. For inquiries, please call or text 0932-417-7492.




Discover the Paradise in Guimaras Island at El Retiro Beach Park


How can you determine if a certain place has not been explored by many people? You can Google it. I did that and found some travel websites and some online forums that had basic information about the place. But when I got to a Wikipedia entry, I was surprised that it only had a short description about Guimaras Island. It included a short description of its location, the population, and the different towns on the island.


Enjoying the moment in Roca Encantada

 If I may recall, last April 2001, an American friend of mine, Gerette Crawford, once invited me to travel with him in Guimaras Island. Unfortunately, I was not able to go with him because I had to go back in the States. After years of pure imagination, I was finally able to set foot on Guimaras Island for FREE, together with our editor-in-chief Ramil Baylon and photographer Elmer Cajilig. We stay at El Retiro Beach Park situated in Brgy. San Miguel, Buenavista.
Fall in love for the first time, or all over again, in the seductive serenity of your own beach park idyll in El Retiro Beach Park.

El Retiro lies 25-30 minutes travel by tricycle or jeepney from Buenavista wharf. While on the way, I kept on asking questions to our photographer Elmer if we are almost there. When we arrived at El Retiro, we were welcomed by their friendly front-desk officer Ms. Noreen. Then Mary Ann brought us to our room. We were all tired and hungry. It was already past 1 in the afternoon when we arrived at the place. We took a few minutes of rest then went to the restaurant to eat our lunch.

The El Retito Staff with 
Well, there’s nothing to worry if you are at El Retiro Beach Park, their staff will tailor your stay according to your needs, from the moment you arrive. And to help you get the most from your destination, they will share their local knowledge, so you can discover to make your stay memorable.

They serve great food of Filipino Visayan, but you can also choose what particular continental food you like to eat. Well, though I am a Filipino-Chinese, I love to eat pancit canton. Their pancit canton is amazing! I love it! It’s unbeatable! Ramil & Pads were teasing me that I am “not” hungry. Hahahaha. Because I did finish 1 platter of pancit canton! Well, I just wanted to taste their pancit canton. And I did not end up frustrated because it tastes really good! TWO THUMBS UP!
Enjoying the sumptuous food 
Well, El Retiro is comprised of a number of sumptuous rooms, each one is extremely spacious and clean. Choose from Garden Cottages and Family Room with reasonable rates. 

There’s a distinctly relaxed atmosphere at El Retiro Beach Park. The staff are exceptionally friendly, especially the front desk Ms. Noreen, who later told us to visit these two local attractions - Roca Encantada and Navalas Catholic Church -  which are both located nearby.

So, we woke up early the next morning, hoping that we could visit these beautiful landmarks and enjoy our one day trip. It was not really a sunny Saturday morning. In fact, there had been intermittent rain showers, but it didn’t stop us from our desire to explore one of Guimaras’ famous landmarks: the Roca Encantada or “Enchanted Rock”, which is the summer house of the Lopez family built atop a hill.

The Roca Encantada
Roca” was built in 1910 in honor of Doña Presentación Hofilena Lopez. Surprisingly, despite the modern exterior, the idyllic mansion is a “heritage house” as declared by the National Heritage Institute on the 14th of August 2002. We also never missed to visit the famous made of coral rocks abundant and considered to be the oldest structure in the island in 1880 - the Navalas Church.

Well, If you want to escape from the hassle; and battle of the city and want your own beach paradise, El Retiro is the perfect getaway.

Give yourself a break!!! As a traveler, I highly recommend El Retiro Beach Park, located in the fascinating island of Guimaras, and make your own private park. On your next vacation, here’s how you can make a reservation to El Retiro Beach Park. You may contact the accommodating Mrs. Lucia Cachuela at mobile no. +639162567556 or telephone no. +63333280779 or email maluciacachuela@yahoo.com.

To Mrs. Lucia Cachuela: My warm thanks for entrusting us to feature El Retiro Beach Park though it was just a short notice.
The Staff of El Retiro: Noreen, Mary Ann, Nora, Rolando and Hector thank you for making me feeling at home. Keep up the good work.
I just want to grab this opportunity to say thank you few people:

To my new friend Robert Alor of Iloilo Grand Hotel: it was nice meeting you. Thanks for the coffee. Looking forward of having a second round of coffee. Hehehehe.

Twinkle & Joy of Cloie’s Pension House: thank you for noticing that I do not know how to do my laundry manually. Thank you for taking care of my laundry. Well, I really do appreciate it.

Kuya Glenn & Ate Lorrena Opong: Thank you for being there if I need someone to cry. You are always there to listen to me.

My officemates: Editor-In-chief Ramil Baylon, Photographer Elmer, Admin. OfficerJanice, Admin. Asst. Vanessa, Machine Operator Jonathan Navarro and Asst. Operator Felix Lago. It has been a privilege to be your colleague even just a few weeks. It’s been a pleasure working with you guys./DH