Travelling solo is fun, although it has its own pro’s and con’s. But in its entirety, travelling solo has more good than bad. One key advantage of travelling alone is that you only answer to yourself. You eat what you want and you do what you want, where you want, when you want. You do not have to think of your companion – is she really okay if we call it a day because my feet feel sore? Is she hungry already because I’m starving? Is she sure the hotel room is good enough because for me it’s perfect?
These questions can easily get your focus away from your trip and into the welfare and convenience of your travel companion and that can easily ruin the whole vacation. Travelling solo however would mean higher costs – you have no one to split the expense of the hotel, the food, the taxi, and etc.
But should you do it? Heck yes! Here are our pointers that can make the whole solo adventure more enjoyable.
Travel during peak season
Counter intuitive advice but it makes a lot of sense when you travel alone. The most obvious downside is the higher cost of everything. But even that has a solution: you plan your trip way in advance. Plan it out early, book your flight and hotel months before you actually go and do it. That should already save you some money.
So why travel in peak season? Simple – you will have no shortage of people to engage with on the road. One of the biggest fears of first time solo travellers is getting lonely in the middle of the trip. But with a lot of people in hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations you are always guaranteed a lot of company. That translates to plenty of opportunities to start a conversation, even finding someone to share dinner with.
Take public transportation
Many go for convenience and choose to take taxi cabs to get anywhere in the city. If you really want to have fun, choose public transportation instead. Ride the bus, jeepney, or tricycles. It’s fun just having that local vibe in your trip plus you get more chance to meet people and actually talk to them. Do not be afraid to talk to locals, in fact that should be your goal. Locals can give great tips where to go and when, not to mention great places to eat at an affordable price.
Meet people
This simply means initiate conversations with people. Do not alienate yourself, get into the mix, talk, learn, and be carefree with your interactions. Remember that one of the most important fun factors in any trip is meeting new people and building good relationship with them.
Plan your day in advance
The reason why many solo travellers get lonely is that they allow themselves to run out of things to do. When you allow yourself to sit and wonder what you should do next, more often than not, the thought that comes to mind is how stupid you are in taking the trip alone. Take your journal with you and list down what comes to mind as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the city – note the things you might want to explore more (so that you get back to it some other time). Also write down the recommendations of locals as you talk to them so that you do not run short of to-do’s while in your trip.
There you have it, 4 simple pointers that should make your solo trip amazingly fun. There is a different dimension to enjoying a city on your own, something that you really can’t have when travelling alone. Make it a goal to truly experience that “dimension”. Have fun!
For many years people were drawn to the concept of “bigger is better”. The modern times beg to differ and while luxury is still equated with space and grandeur, the hotel industry is moving towards a different direction, counter-intuitive in fact, but very effective in today’s emerging trends in hotel accommodation. The ideas of less is more, value for money, and unique experience is making it big in the industry. The emergence of boutique hotels ride on these concepts – where the value of the offer is not on space but on the “other” things that make a hotel stay worthwhile. With many people getting more acquainted with these smaller, more compact hotels, what are the things you can expect?
Smaller rooms
While many hotels under this classification have well-appointed rooms, most have smaller square footage than the industry standard. But the story does not end there. While the rooms are smaller, the bed you sleep on is as comfortable as those you sleep on bigger hotels. While you have a smaller floor plan, the room is as comfortable as any bigger hotels in the city. For Emerald Boutique Hotel this is a very noticeable feature. We have 5-star quality mattresses on our rooms and bed linens that you can really feel are not for “budget” accommodations. Our rooms are small but it is made to impress.
Another thing that is worth mentioning for Emerald is its unmatched 5-star toiletries. You can go in any hotel in the city with the price point of Emerald and you will appreciate more how we put emphasis on subtle luxury. We have small rooms but we want to exceed expectations on the other things – things that matter a lot to our guests.
Value for money
For Emerald Boutique Hotel this is not just a consequential element. It is an intentional pursuit to provide as much comfort and convenience to our guests as possible but at the least costs. The core of our business is value. At P1,500.00 per night for our Standard Rooms, you get a fully air-conditioned accommodation complete with Cable TV, fast Internet access, shuttle service, free breakfast, and more! Peso to convenience ratio is very high.
Intimate service
There is just a nice, calming vibe in boutique hotels. Stay more than a day and the staff will start calling you by your first name. The service team will start picking up on the minute details of your preferences. They are quicker to answer to your needs (as they already anticipate it) and they give you more than what big hotel hospitality crews can ever give you. If you are into a more intimate environment, ditch the bigger hotels and come home to smaller, “boutique” options.
Unique Experience
The Emerald Boutique Hotel is located right in the heart of Legazpi City. You do not need complicated transportation arrangements if you want to explore the city and the nearby tourist destinations all over the Albay province. If you are the adventurous type you can just walk to the nearest local cafés that offer amazing food. You can just take a map and start exploring on the get-go. Fancy some city-specific adventures? You can ask the front desk for some amazing tours and you are on your way to a wonderful time outdoors. Who needs a big hotel when all you want is offered at a smaller place with more affordable nightly rates?
The seat of the local government of Legazpi City. Emerald’s location is just a short walk from this place. Talking about experiencing the city!
Good Food
Boutique hotel boasts of one thing – good food prepared in the hotel restaurant. For The Emerald Bistro Café, it offers a fusion menu with local delicacies like Bicol Express and Laing. It has two dining areas. One of those, which we call “The Garden”, features a transparent roof that allows the sunlight in. This semi-outdoor space is also great for small events and family gatherings.
Quirky offering
Do you love videoke? Sing your heart out in two of Emerald’s sound proof KTV rooms complete with state-of-the-art sound system. This is a great option for family and friends to have fun and get lost in this popular Filipino past time. For only P2500.00 you can use the KTV room for 3 hours. The package comes with food too – enough for 10 people.
Emerald’s VIP Videoke rooms are second to none. It is also an uncommon amenity for hotels. Boutique hotels are indeed full of surprises!
Boutique hotels are not your typical hotel options. It provides an entirely different experience. Before you reserve that room consider these things and allow yourself to ask: “is this the kind of hotel I want to spend my nights while in the city”? Our answer to that is obvious. YES. You stay with us because our “smaller rooms” make us unique and allow us to give you most hotels cannot give – value for money. And like an icing on the cake, we strive to exceed your expectations. Give us a try. Maybe on your next trip in the city? See you then!
At a time of Airbnb and backpacker hotels, the pull of big, grand hotels is getting weaker – and the reasons are obvious. People care less about luxury and care more about value for money and how a hotel can help them have a great time in their destination city. So next time you book a hotel, choose a smaller one that can deliver the comforts of a typical hotel minus the high costs and the seemingly detached service many bigger hotels are known for.
Boutique hotels have better locations
Because of its small size, boutique hotels are often squeezed in right smack in the middle of a city you fancy. Location is very important in hotel selection. You just can’t afford to not enjoy the sights and sounds of a city because your hotel is tucked in a remote area with very limited transportation options, or too far you cannot just stroll around and get to know the place right when you go out the door. Emerald Boutique Hotel is right in the middle of Legazpi City. When you decide to eat local food you are just a short walk to the nearest Café. Location matters so when you book a hotel, Google it and find out how close it is to the heart of the city.
Small hotels have practical, intimate service
Boutique hotels do not need to be very rigid with its service processes. Most of its people would be willing to multitask just to please a guest. You can easily talk to the Chef and ask for some special additions to your ordered food. You can ask for small favors from the staff and there would be no need to formalize that request and then get delayed with service protocols (like in big hotels where services are very structured). This makes small hotels very intimate when it comes to delighting guests.
If you stay for three days it would feel more like a home than a hotel and you know everybody already from the housekeeping staff to the waiter in the charming restaurant downstairs. Contrary to popular belief that small hotels lack the refined service of grand, luxury hotels, what it lacks in grandeur it makes it up for quick, reliable, and personalized service.
Boutique hotels give the best value
While it is good to make your vacation as affordable as possible, you have to remember that the quality of your sleep will dictate the overall experience of your vacation. It is easy to be a cheapskate and stay in very affordable hotels and inns but if you do this there is a big chance you will regret it later – plumbing does not work, the room is too humid (no air-conditioning), bed is uncomfortable, awful smell inside, and many more “issues”. Staying in a boutique hotel, though priced higher, can give you the best experience with its air-conditioned room, very comfortable beds, and simple yet very nice rooms with amenities that you need and want for a comfy stay.
At Emerald Boutique Hotel we go beyond what people expect in a small hotel. We have 5-star hotel quality mattresses, well maintained and brand new rooms, cable TV, fast Internet connection, an impressive menu at our restaurant, and many more things that can surely impress you.
If you plan to visit Albay or the Bicol Region, Emerald is a very good hotel to book in. Our location is an ideal jump-off point to the many tourist attractions in the Albay and Sorsogon provinces in Region V. Visit our website at www.emeraldboutiquehotel.com or like our FB page at www.facebook.com/emeraldhotellegazpi to know more. See you soon!
Vacations are not fun by default. Seasoned travelers can always identify better trips and can single out their worst adventures. So if you are planning to go on a vacation of your own you need to do it right and steer clear from the most common blunders of leisure travel. Heed these pointers.
Start with a solid plan
There is certain charm of going on a spontaneous adventure but more often than not this can lead to problems that can easily break your trip. So always have a plan before you go. Where are you staying? Are you already booked? What about your flight details and airport transfer? Is your tour package all set? Do you where you are going? Are you packed according to your destinations? These questions are very basic but it can make all the difference.
The more details you cover, the better your trip will turn out. It means you have more time to focus on the fun side than addressing logistical concerns. All you have to do is just let things unfold. Of course there will still be problems along the way but these would be easier to deal with than starting blind and unprepared.
Get psychologically ready
This is one of the most overlooked parts of taking a vacation. Many go on a dreamy trip only to have their minds thinking about work problems, worrying about imagined fears, doubting the plan, and minding the small stuff, the negative vibes. If you are in a vacation turn your happy thoughts on. Decide to let go of your worries, convince yourself you are out to have fun. When bothersome thoughts come, shove them away. Be mentally aware of its effects on your mood and attitude towards your vacation.
If you are not mindful of your mindset one wrong turn and you will be fuming mad. One wrong order from the hotel cafe and your day is ruined the whole day. Remind yourself the reason why you are taking the trip – to unwind, to relax, and to break free from the stale repetition of life.
And be sure to remind yourself things can easily go wrong. That is a reality for every vacation. Be mentally prepared to deal with situations with a cool head. Things will not always go your way. Even in those situations, smile and shrug it off!
Connect with people
Many vacationers are more keen on the attractions and the things that a destination has to offer, often forgetting to enjoy one of the best parts of taking a trip to somewhere you have not been before – knowing people in the locality. Building local friendship can easily cement your experience of the place. Striking casual conversations with locals can enhance your feelings towards the city. Learning a few local words can also boost your confidence in connecting with people everywhere you go. Knowing the local words for “thank you”, “please”, and “take care” can prop up your appeal to locals, encouraging them to engage you.
Keep a journal
This can be a digital journal if you are not the “writer” type. You can make an FB album with your photos on your destination city and then make sure to include captions that best describe the photo and the story behind it. This can help you record your trip and the whole experience. It is easy to get through the photos later on and remember all the fun you had, the people you knew, the places you visited, and the things you learned.
There you have it. Vacations are expected to be fun. Do not come short of that. Follow these pointers and have a blast. Vacations do not come often. Make sure to do it right the first time. And remember to take note of your bad experiences. That way on your next trip you can work on that and make sure your adventures will only get better.
When it seems like Emerald Boutique Hotel is done surprising people with its affordable rooms and beyond-expectations service, it is now announcing another exciting addition to its offering – opening the doors of its one of a kind events venue they call “The Garden”.
The Garden without its current transparent roof. This space was already so full of charm prior to its renovation. Its airy ambiance made this one of the most popular hangouts among hotel guests especially in the cool of the day.
The Garden was originally an outdoor space that allowed guests to enjoy the fresh air outside. However due to Bicol’s unpredictable weather, the management chose to install a roof over the outdoor space. However it was also important for the hotel to keep the outdoor charm of the area so the perfect compromise would be to install a transparent roof that will keep the water out but will let the natural light in. This also allows guests to have dinner under the stars, a pretty romantic place to enjoy a meal for two.
The Garden with its transparent Resin Roof Panels that allow natural light to flood the place without exposing guests to the elements. The Garden is fully air-conditioned.
The Garden can accommodate up to 60 people. It is fully air-conditioned and it comes with comfortable tables and chairs. But the deal clincher for this venue is its very reasonable rental costs.
The Garden has attractive food packages and there are also inclusions that will surely make your event not only memorable but cost-effective.
With Emerald Bistro Cafe providing for the food in the new events venue, you can be sure you are not only getting a nice place to have your party, you are also dining with amazingly good food prepared by Emerald’s in-house Chef.
The food is provided by the Emerald Bistro Café. This means amazingly delicious menu options prepared by no other than Emerald’s in-house Chef.
There are also two VIP videoke rooms you can use (separate fees apply). These can add another fun element to your event. These rooms have direct access to The Garden so your guests can conveniently enjoy this added amenity.
Emerald’s VIP Videoke rooms are second to none. Rent these out too and make your event more special!
Interested to book at The Garden? Call/text Emerald Boutique Hotel at these numbers: (052) 201 – 0402 or +63 917 322 5232.
Legazpi City, the seat of power of the province of Albay, with a population of 1.23 million is a rising tourism destination in the Philippines. It is one of the most visited cities in the country today thanks to the efforts of the local government and its Department of Tourism counterpart.
Legaspi has seen rapid growth in the past few years. Housing projects are sprouting everywhere, shopping malls are coming in the latest one is Ayala Malls Legaspi. SM will follow which will start construction on January 2017. Robinsons is also expressing their intent in building a store in the city. This growth spurt is a sign that this city is getting a lot of attention, a good hint for people to come and visit it.
The growth of Legazpi City is unstoppable. Now is the best time to visit. Credits to the owner of the photo.
But there are some things I hate about this city. I think you need to know about these before pushing for your trip.
Mayon is an Intimidating Stalker
Everywhere you go in Legaspi City you will see Mayon and its majestic slopes. The moment your plane touches down, as long as you have clear skies, Mayon will be there staring at you, and you will be captivated by its beauty so that you will have no choice but to stare back at it – all the time.
Mayon and its seeming omnipresence in the city of Legazpi. Credits to the owner of the photo.
There are only a few hotels that do not have a Mayon view simply because this perfect cone of a volcano is a landmark in the city, an omnipresent topographical feature you can never miss while in Legazpi.
Of course if you love Mayon this will not be such a big nuisance. Ready your camera, pray for good weather, and rape that camera button because selfies with Mayon as background is really, really cool!
The spectacular view at the Baywalk in Legazpi. Photo by Miel Protacio
Too Many Things to See and Do
Legazpi is a very convenient gateway to many tourist attractions that you will have a hard time prioritizing things you want to do and visit. You can choose to go to Cagsawa Ruins, a World Heritage Site, or travel south to Donsol for some Whale Shark interaction, or go up to Lignon Hill for a 360 view of the city.
Cagsawa Ruins, one of the world’s celebrated heritage site is just a short drive from Legazpi proper. Credits to the owner of the photo.
You can also choose to go for a day tour at Misibis Bay, do some ATV adventure at Mayon’s lava formation, or explore nearby islands with amazing white sand beaches, and the list goes on and on.
The view on the way to the foot of Mayon in the ATV trail. Credits to the owner of the photo.
The truth is there is just too many places to go to you can never go to each one of them. You might end up going home frustrated at least that is how it was for me.
The solution to this “problem” is to have a list of your favorites, shorten your list more, and pursue the places you cannot afford to miss while in the city. This is the only way you will know right from the get-go that you came and did what you really wanted to see and do. No regrets!
Weight Gain is Inevitable
Bicol is known for its amazing gastronomic offerings and when you visit Legazpi prepare to eat – as in eat without minding the extra calories. This is the only way you will not end up hating yourself for not enjoying the great food this place is known for. The Sili Ice Cream of Colonial Grill, the Laing Pizza of Small Talk Café, the Emerald Burger of Emerald Boutique Hotel, the Pancit Canton of Mamay Ferings, the Crispy Pata of Bob Marlin, the Bicol Express of Koron Native Restaurant, the no-fuss food at Boklan.
Sili Ice Cream from the Original 1st Colonial Grill.
Good food is so easy to find here that even bike drawn stalls in Penaranda Park can get you to gastronomic heaven with the sandwiches of Eat N’ Run, or the favorite Filipino dish of Mike Sisig.
If you are adventurous enough even the small canteens along the road (carenderias) will have a version of some popular Bicol dishes like laing, bicol express, ginataang santol, and adobo sa asin.
Ginataang Santol is a local delicacy in Albay. Credits to the owner of the photo.
You will hate Legazpi because it will surely make weight gain easy. The secret to overcoming this “crisis” is just to let go of your calorie limits. When you visit Legazpi, accept the fact that you will eat – lots.
The highly regarded laing has become a trademark for Bicol. In Albay it is one of its most respected local dishes. You gotta try it when around the city. Credits to the owner of the photo.
You will probably hate Legazpi. You will be stalked by a majestic, beautiful volcano, your time management will be challenged with so many things to do and see, and you will gain weight. But then you will also probably love all of these things about Legazpi. And you will probably keep coming back.
Vacationing is a must-do for many. This is not just about having a good time but also about relieving stress, hitting a “refresh” button when life gets a little too toxic. One of the most important considerations in vacationing to a place you barely know is where you will be staying for the whole duration of your trip.
This is important because this is often where you will be investing a lot of money in as far as your vacation is concerned. It does not matter if you are travelling solo or with a buddy, securing a place to crash in town can be expensive. Your accommodation options can also easily make or break your trip. Many tend to lean more on savings than comfort so they end up regretting the whole experience while in town and that is a sad story to tell when you get back home.
The Deluxe Room at Emerald Boutique Hotel. Rooms start at P1500 at the Emerald. Talking about a budget hotel!
Comfort is the key
While it is natural to be as frugal as you can when looking for a hotel, this must not be at the expense of comfort, of a good night’s sleep. What use is a P300/day room when you are sweating like a pig through the night? Having an air-con or non-aircon room is not a primary consideration. The first thing that you should be mindful of is comfort. A fan-only room is not a problem as long as the room is well ventilated – meaning there are windows to keep the room cool and comfy. Consider these other comfort factors:
Is the room quiet enough at night? Location plays a big part to this one.
Is the mattress thick enough with what you are used to? Waking up sore and not rested is a very potent fun-time killer while on vacation.
Does it have it its own comfort room? Now this really depends on a person, but many would rather have a comfort room that they can use exclusively.
Location, location, location
If you are looking for a hotel the least place you want it to be located at is at a marketplace. Aside from the stench of Philippine public markets (you know what I am talking about), you also have to deal with a lot of noise, and yeah, rats and cockroaches. Be mindful of your accommodation costs but please be sure your hotel is located in a clean, peaceful area.
The marked location of Emerald Boutique hotel. Just a few steps from Peñaranda Park, the Provincial Capital of Albay, and Rizal Avenue. Perfect location that is.
The location of your hotel must also be accessible. The hotel must be near or just short ride from the airport. It must be located near major streets so that hailing a jeepney to go anywhere in town is easy. The last thing you want to do is to be too dependent on taxis or tricycles which can easily get very expensive as the days pass.
Know more about the daily rates
Looking at the cost of the room per night is not enough. Sometimes the hotel rooms you thought to be affordable would end up being more expensive. Check for the inclusions! Is there complimentary breakfast? What are the amenities in the hotel? Is there airport shuttle? What are the applicable discounts? Calling the hotel and asking the right questions should help you choose a hotel better.
Know more about bundled tours
Many hotels have bundled tours with their packaged rates. This can be a great option to up the fun factor of your vacation. This way you can best enjoy the city minus the hassle of planning for your itinerary which can be time consuming and can get plagued with problems. Are you too lazy to do research where to go and what to do? Go for bundled deals!
The soon-to-be-launched website of Emerald Boutique Hotel. Modern, easy to navigate, and clean. A very good representation of the key features of the hotel.
Know what people are saying about the hotel
Thanks to the Internet knowing about a hotel is easy. Look up the hotel in directories like Bookings.com or Trip Advisor and go to the “reviews” section. How is the hotel rated? What are the issues raised by previous guests? Remember there are no perfect hotels. Choose the one that has issues you can live with. A guest might rate a hotel poorly but only for the absence of a swimming pool. If you do not care too much about swimming, then don’t reject that place just yet.
The Emerald Boutique Hotel facade. 30 rooms – this might be a “small” hotel but every room is made to delight you.
Facebook Pages are also a good platform to look up a hotel’s reputation. Sometimes the appearance of their FB page tells a lot about how they manage their hotel as a whole. Brand conscious hotels or those that have a nice, well managed, professional looking FB pages and websites are often good signs that a hotel offers good accommodation and services.
There you have it. Mind these pointers, do your research, take your time, and book in advance. Remember, the quality of your vacation is often tied up to the quality of your accommodations.
There is no denying that Albay is becoming one of the country’s most popular provinces for local and international tourism. With its new International Airport opening sometime in 2017 and the continuing promotion of the local government and the Department of Tourism, Albay is bound to receive more visitors in the coming years. But what is the Albay “craze” really all about? Read on and convince yourself that your next trip would be here.
That Mayon view
There is just something about Mayon that makes this heap of rock extra special. It is its perfect cone shape, its sheer size, and how it is laid upon the land that makes it unforgettable. Almost everywhere you are in Albay Mayon is there reminding you of its majesty and beauty.
Mt. Mayon in all its splendor. One good reason to come over to Albay. Photo credits PhilippineLifestyle.com
Even to locals Mayon never ceases to amaze them. They take pictures of it, post it online, and praise its hundred-and-one qualities. Only when you see it in person you will understand why many are dying to go to Albay.
When you are around town make sure to stay in a hotel that has a view of Mayon or at least near a place where you have a vantage point of the volcano. And yes, pray for clear skies.
There is somehting about Mayon that you never tire looking at it. Photo credits Tom Falcon
Amazing gastronomic offerings
Bicolandia is a foodie’s paradise and Albay inherits this quality to the brim. It is in this province where the famed Pinangat has its origins. Bicol express is also a staple food around here so even the small carenderias around town has this in their stalls.
The famed Pinangat. It’s flavorful, its local, and it is the perfect appetizer. Try it when in Albay! Credits to the owner of the photo.
It is also in Legazpi City, the capital city of the Province of Albay where the popular Sili Ice Cream came from thanks to the creativity of the 1st Colonial Grill, one of the most successful restaurants in the region.
The Sili Ice Cream of the 1st Colonial Grill. The original – a proudly Albayano creation. Credits to the owner of the photo.
The Albay food scene is very exciting to the delight of tourists. Ginataang Santol, Laing Pasta, Laing Pizza, and Volcano Fire Pizza are only some of the few gastronomic treats this place is known for. So if you feel like having new food experiences then this is the place to go.
The Volcanic Fire Pizza from the Lava Restobar. This is not just good food, it is also an interesting experience.
Picturesque churches
There are a lot of picturesque churches in Albay. Daraga Church and the Albay Church in Legazpi City have innate architectural beauty that will surely impress you. Then there is the Nuestra Señora De Salvacion Shrine in Tiwi, St. John the Baptist Church in Camalig, and the St. Peter and Paul Church in Polangui.
The Albay Church right at the center of Old Albay District. There are many hotels near this picturesque church, one of which is the Emerald Boutique Hotel. Credits to the owner of the photo.
All these churches you can visit in just a few hours as these places are not too far from each other. If you have a private car to drive around the better it is for your church hopping adventure. Just don’t forget to bring your camera with you.
The colorful Polangui Church in Albay. The contrast and the earth colors makes this church picture perfect. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Interesting people and culture
Albayanos are a friendly bunch and are really warm in accepting visitors to their province. Everybody here can communicate in Tagalog (Filipino) so it is not that hard to go around the city even if you do not speak the local dialect.
Albayanos are also very accommodating and hospitable so it is not unusual to be offered a seat in their dining table or have an engaging conversation with them.
Perhaps one of the most interesting things of the culture in this area is the myriad of derivatives of the Bicol language. Legaspeños’ Bicol would sound different from the dialect of people from Daraga even if the two territories are just a few kilometers away from each other. The language would have another “version” in Camalig or in the other side of Albay, like in Tabaco or Tiwi.
The Legazpi Boulevard. A great place to meet and talk with some locals. Come here early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Photo by Glen Thaddeus Isip
Nevertheless, the cultural mix and roots of Albayanos are both complex and interesting so learn as much as you can and strike some conversations with locals. You will be glad you did.
Beautiful beaches
If you are a beach person then Albay is a prime destination for you. It has a collection of white and black sand beaches, some are in uninhabited islands while others have resorts on them. This gives you a lot of options as far as beach fun is concerned.
The beautiful Pinamuntugan Beach. Who would not like to come here? Credits to the owner of the photo.
The good thing about these beaches is that they are not that far from urban centers like Sto. Domingo, Tabaco, and Legazpi City. You can stay for example in Legazpi and get to the nearest beach in 30 minutes.
Muladbucad Beach in Manito, Albay. The water is simply inviting! Credits to the owner of the photo.
If you want to have a more exclusive experience in a resort setting then you can check out Misibis Bay Resort and Casino in Bacacay. 45 minutes from your Legazpi Hotel and you are there sipping fresh lemonade or having fun with water sports.
Grandiose festivals
Albay is known for two grand festivals, some are month-long celebrations that put the city in a very festive mood. May 1-31 is the time for the Magayon Festival. In the heart of the city you can find stalls that sell local food, varied services like tattoo and body piercings, booths that sell popular Bicol pasalubong items and memorabilia plus there is a stage for nightly band entertainment.
The cultural parade for the Magayon Festival is one of the most popular activities in this month long celebration. Credits to the owner of the photo.
During the second week of October is the Ibalong Festival. This one is just a week-long celebration but its scale is as grand as the Magayon Festival. You can expect cultural parades and coordinated activities around the city. Prepare yourself for the throngs of crowd everywhere you go.
The Ibalong Parade is colorful and grand. This is one good reason to come and visit Albay. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Other festivals happening around the province is the Tabak Festival in Tabaco City celebrated on the last week of March. You also have the Sarung Banggi Festival in Sto. Domingo happening every May 18-25. The Coron Festival happens every year in Tiwi during the 3rd week of August.
The Magayon Festival is seen to be one of the grandest festivities in the country. Schedule your visit in Albay during Magayon. Just book your flight and accommodation early. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Other Festivals include Kadagatan Festival of Bacacay, Pagsuwak Festival of Guinobatan, Salingoy Festival of Bacacay, and Tinagbuan Festival of Ligao City just to name a few.
Book your flight in advance and reserve a room weeks before your trip during these festivities.
Legazpi City at night. Visit Albay and sleep with this view. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Is Albay worth visiting? You bet! So do your planning, research on what Albay has for you (this list is not at all complete as far the province’s offerings are concerned) and call up some friends to join you on your trip. Vacations are way better when you share it with someone.
2016 is a promising year for local and visiting foodies in Legazpi. The food industry in the city is bound to get more interesting as local foodpreneurs are getting bolder in offering their gastronomic creations to the eager public. I am listing 4 new places to eat in Legazpi and I hope you can find the time to visit each one and tell your friends about your experience.
Retazo Diner
This resto-diner-bar watcamacallit is an interesting place to dine. For one its interior is very unique. The owners of the place seem to maximize the physical features of the building they leased for the diner and went ahead with rustic-chic décor.
Retazo Diner is so full of personality that eating here is almost irresistible. Good food and good music can be expected here.
Owned and managed by musicians, this diner is not only about good food but most especially about good music. If you are into Jazz, Bossa Nova, Pop R&B, with a touch of Pinoy acoustic sound then this is a must-visit place for you.
Cloud Embassy, one of the leading acoustic acts in the city plays regularly in Retazo. The nameplate for the diner and the photos on the wall makes this place interesting to dine in. Photo by Eli Casim
The food here is good and what makes this place more exciting is that they have an ongoing Man Vs. Food challenge – to finish a humungous spicy beef burger in Ciabata bread, fries, and with Retazo’s signature mango-graham shake in 5 minutes. So far no one has been successful in winning the challenge. Maybe that would be you?
The Retazo Burger is one the diner’s most popular entry in its menu. Pounds and pounds of beef in Ciabata bread is more than enough tickle one’s appetite.
What to eat here? The Retazo Burger would be on top of my list and so is their Bicol Express.
Mamay Ferings
Okay so this place has one of the best if not the best pancit in town. Take my word for it! Well there is a good reason why this is so. According to the owners they were just originally looking for a place to rent out for a “pansitan” but as luck would have it, they saw a huge space that they can make into a full restaurant. And the rest as they say is history.
Mamay Fering’s expansive interior makes it a nice place from some intimate events. The food here is top notch and the place is quite classic looking, charming even.
This pansitan-turned-restaurant is located in the heart of the city on the second level of a charming building that borrows its looks from a Filipino ancestral home, complete with the hard wood façade and Capiz shell-laden windows. The restaurant has a spacious interior with a sizable covered veranda that opens up to the hustle and bustle of the city below.
Mamay Fering’s Porchetta is a must try. The spices in the meat and its tenderness is mouth watering.The mixed sea foods in Mamay Ferings is unforgettable. This is one filling dish that should leave a nice memory of your Legazpi visit.
What to eat here? The Pancit Canton is a must try of course. The mixed seafoods is also a great choice and so is the legendary Porchetta.
Koron
Koron is another restaurant that is worth your try when in Legaspi City. This place boasts of native cuisines, although not exclusively Bicolano. Located in Yashano Mall this restaurant is bound to give you an authentic experience with Filipino food.
The Koron offering is authentic Pinoy food. When you eat in this restaurant, the experience is as nice as the food.
Everything here is “native” from the food presentation, to the interior décor, to the plates and cutlery. When you eat here bring your camera with you because you would be having fun taking photos of the Koron’s unique way of giving you a taste of Pinoy staple food.
Everything in Koron has a native Pinoy touch. The spoon and fork says it all!
What to eat here? There is the boneless crispy pata, the Kosidong Lapu-lapu, and pancit buko just to name a few.
El Mundo Pequeño
Are you in the mood for some pizza, pasta, or tacos? Then you do not have to go far. In the heart of the Old Albay District of Legazpi City is El Mundo Pequeño, a small restaurant that is big in taste and flavour.
El Mundo Pequeño just opened its doors last month but this restaurant is bound to increase its avid diners thanks to its amazingly good food.
The Pepperoni Pizza here is oh-so-amazing that I am tempted to say it is the best in the city. It is authentic, thin crusted, with just the right amount of everything. This resto is located in the very same building where the Locsin Pili Nut was in the past few decades.
This Pepperoni Pizza is the best in town. Try it to believe it.
The restaurant is deceivingly simple from the outside with just a few chairs and tables. But for this resto it is the not the store front that matters, it is the food.
Care for some Tacos? This place should be your destination if you are into this Mexican staple food.
What to eat here? The meatballs spaghetti is a must-try and also the beef burritos. If you are into authentic Italian pizza and pasta then this is the place to dine to your heart’s content.
The offerings of this restaurant is just amazing. It is a fusion of authentic Italian and Mexican food, a must try when in Legazpi.
The millennials are quite familiar with the saying, “travel now, pulubi later”. With the increasing availability and utility of credit cards, travel is becoming a source of debt for many, to the point of begging for food months after a trip. But this does not have to be your reality – if only you travel smart.
Plan your trip in advance
The first sign of trouble for cash-hungry vacations is spur-of-the-moment plans. A good example would be friends in the office are talking about how beautiful Mt. Mayon is. As the conversation unfolds, a raw, “feasible” plan emerge. “Let’s go to Albay next week”! And that my friend is how you travel with huge financial consequences.
If it is possible, go against the trend and book your hotel in the “slow” months.
The problem with spur-of-the-moment travels is that everything costs more from plane tickets to the tours you want to take, even the hotel rooms you need to book. The solution is to plan your trip months before you go. Do your research about your destination, how you can fully enjoy the sights and sounds of the city, find hotels with a view and near to everything you want to experience while in town.
The perfect cone volcano in the Philippines, Mt. Mayon. Majestic, breath-taking, magayon (beautiful in the local dialect). Credits to the owner of this photo.
Know more about the peak season of tourist arrivals in your planned destination. Summer and the Holidays are often when hotels are charging more for their rooms and airlines are cashing in with the influx of vacationers. If it is possible, go against the trend and book your hotel in the “slow” months.
File your leave at work early, start losing weight if you plan to wear that swimsuit, talk about your trip at the office or among your friends, the more the merrier! Plan out your itinerary, book the local tours early, reserve the hotel rooms, and build up the excitement as your departure date draws near!
Nothing beats a well-planned, well-timed vacation.
Book your flights early
Look out for seat sales from budget airlines. You can even call your preferred ticketing office to reserve seats for you as soon as the sale is announced.
Seasoned budget travellers even plan their vacation around the travel dates of their discounted plane tickets. This is also a good way to plot your vacation plans. Seat sales in local airlines are often in harmony with tourist peak seasons.
Wait for seat sales like these. This was a promo by Cebu Pacific 2 years ago but you can still secure this low fare in their annual seat promos. Travel period will vary.
There is a huge chance that plane tickets on sale would mean lower local hotel room rates, lower tour fees, lower price of everything plus you get to enjoy your space in the beach more.
Talk to the locals
Vacations are nice when you fully integrate yourself to the local lifestyle. The last thing that you want to happen is to fail to get the real vibe of the city. Do not insulate yourself in the comforts of your hotel room and shuttle service. Get into the local lifestyle.
Engaging locals to small talks often mean a treasure chest of tips on to-do’s and to-eat. (Phot0 by Arnel Banawa)
Talking to locals also give you a deeper experience with your destination.
The best way to do that is to talk to locals. Have short walks around your hotel or ride jeepneys to go anywhere. Engage locals into casual conversations, and perhaps ask them what you can do to really enjoy the city. It is often from these conversations popular local hang outs are revealed, something no amount of online research can give you.
Talking to locals also give you a deeper experience with your destination. This can even give you windows of opportunity to go back to the city, but this time with local friends. Now that’s exciting!
Eat where locals eat
The Sili Ice Cream pioneered by a local restaurant in Legazpi City. This is a must try for visitors of the city.
Tired of the same breakfast at the hotel? Try the local gastronomic treats of your destination city! Eat where locals do! It could be a popular carenderia right on the next corner, or a mamihan or lugawan 50 meters from your hotel. Specialty restaurants are also a good idea to have an authentic food experience.
By eating where locals eat you can have a more accurate feel of the city
Lava Bar’s Volcanic Fire Pizza is another must try for Legazpi City visitors. Lava Bar is located at Ayala Malls Legazpi. (Photo by William Ong)
In Legazpi City, the sili ice cream is a must-try and only one restaurant offers that. Go there! Then there is the pinangat, a local dish that has charmed local tourists for decades now. Small Talk Café also offers the pinangat pizza, another must-try for tourists.
Pinangat, a local delicacy in Bicolandia. You need to try this when in Legazpi City. (Photo by Claire Dee Lim)
By eating where locals eat you can have a more accurate feel of the city. It also makes a good story to friends back at home. Yeah, you ate sili ice cream and you can brag all about it.
Do not be fooled with hotel published rates
Do not settle with the rates you see on the hotel’s website and in their other booking outlets. Always ask for a better deal. At least try.
Published rates in any hotel are not always accurate. These rates are often subjected to discounts especially during the off season. Booking a room in advance can give you more flexible rates. You can even ask the hotel for some tips when to book your room/s.
The Emerald Boutique Hotel, a newly opened small, intimate hotel in Legazpi City. This hotel is bound to exceed your expectations.
Planning to book several rooms? Some hotels give discounts to rooms reserved and paid for in bulk. This is often true in small boutique hotels, or in some little inn or bed and breakfast.
Do not settle with the rates you see on the hotel’s website and in their other booking outlets. Always ask for a better deal. At least try.
Emerald Boutique Hotel’s Double Deluxe Room. Convenient and elegant.
Pursue the tours you really like
Thanks to the Internet and Google it is quite easy today to find something to do in any city in the Philippines. Travel blog abound (like this one) and your friends on Facebook often have experiences in places you want to visit. Reading and asking around is not that hard.
Malilipot, Albay’s vanishing island. This is a beach in the middle of the sea. Now that’s interesting! Credits to the owner of the photo.
Plan ahead, be informed, be intentional with your trip, and get into the local lifestyle.
But what do you really want to do? That is the question you must have an answer for especially if you are travelling on a budget. Pursue the tours that have immense personal value to you.
In Legazpi City the Mayon ATV tour is a huge hit. You do not only get to see Mayon up close but drive through its lava path up to the very foot of the majestic volcano.
The Mayon ATV Tour. Imagine driving through the lava flow from the majestic Mayon Volcano! (Photo by Melo Villareal)
You can also try the vanishing island tour in Malilipot Albay. If you love the beach then this tour should be in your thing-to-do list while in Albay.
So don’t be a “pulubi” after travelling to beautiful cities around the country. Plan ahead, be informed, be intentional with your trip, and get into the local lifestyle. Who said you have to be in debt to enjoy the perks of travel?
