Morong Bataan's Pamarta Bali Beach Resort in a Gloomy Weather

Life is fast paced and sometimes, when we get a chance to bond with family or have a breather, we often prefer to go somewhere near. Time is precious so most of the time, people won't want to spend most of it in the road. That's our utmost consideration during this bonding moment with the family. Pamarta is about 3 1/2 hours drive away from Manila as well as from my hometown in Nueva Ecija where my parents will be coming from.

It was one of those moments I always look forward to because it doesn't usually happen since my sister is working in Singapore. I'm staying here in Manila and my parents are in  the province where they are living like newlyweds again (without any children). My sister only had 2 days to spare since it was just a weekend vacation for her. This is a place she chose for us to go and I had to trust her instincts since nobody from our family had been here before.

We arrived in Pamarta Bali on a hot and humid afternoon. We drove on our way there and we kind of got lost despite the directions provided to us by the resort. Upon arriving, the caretakers seemed to be expecting us already and our nipa huts were both ready. We made a deposit prior to arrival to secure the reservation.

Pamarta is not a full service resort. It has basic amenities.   Instead of offering rooms for accommodation, they have built individual nipa huts that came in two sizes. The bigger hut can accommodate maximum of 5 people and the small hut has room for 3 people. The huts have just enough space for the allowed occupants as I've mentioned but might be a problem for people with a big built. We weren't that comfortable ourselves with the small huts considering we're thin. It wasn't air conditioned and  doesn't have it's own bathroom. They have a common bathroom/restroom that is obviously clean and well tended for. What I like about the huts is the attached sitting area with tables where you can have meals or hang out before deciding to sleep. Currently, they are constructing a building for more accommodation choices.

The resort also doesn't have a restaurant but they allow cooking for a fee. Their kitchen area is spacious enough but could be better if they have placed a roof in cases of rains. The following day we were there, it had been raining hard because of a typhoon that we didn't expect would hit the area and it proved to be so hard to cook with just a makeshift piece of tarpaulin that was used as a roof. They also have grills. They don't charge corkage for food brought in the resort. I appreciate that when we were cooking, the staff lent us some of their kitchen utensils that we forgot to bring.

The beach has a wide shore ideal for games or team building activities. As for us, we had fun trying to capture a perfect jump shot using a point and shoot camera. As expected, we were not able to get a decent one. The shore is a long stretch of gray fine sand and the water is clear. I'd seen better beaches though. The best feature of Pamarta is  probably the infinity pool and the jacuzzi. It was really lovely. It was the first time I went to a resort spending more time in the swimming pool rather than the beach. The water is perfectly warm for night swimming. We sat by the edge of the pool sipping a bottle of beer while sharing stories with each other. I only realized it wasn't allowed the next day when I read the signs posted near the pool.

That night before we slept, the weather was fine and we were so surprised that we woke up 5AM the following day because of the heavy rains. Turned out, a typhoon was affecting the area. I did check  the weather forecast before we went to this trip and I wasn't expecting a typhoon. The sea became turbulent with high swells and we weren't allowed by the resort's staff to swim there anymore. Even if they didn't, we were sane enough not to risk it but still glad about their warnings. The climate turned cold too but we were not to be stopped by the weather from having fun. We still swam in their pool that surprisingly still has the water warm. Even my parents did join us and we had a blast wading in the pool while it was raining. It's priceless.

We left Pamarta before lunch time realizing the weather wouldn't suddenly turn well. Since there's no space for us to move around in the huts after swimming, there was no point of us still lingering. Despite that, my family still had fun in the resort. I'm looking forward to getting back there, probably when their concrete rooms with own restroom is completed.

Here are the Rates in Pamarta

UPDATE: Rates I'm sharing here are the rates provided to me by the resort during our stay. For updated rates, please check the resort's website or Facebook page.

and the Driving Directions the resort emailed to us.

Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to Dau Exit then proceed to SCTEX all the way to Tipo Exit. Enter Subic (SBMA) passing by Subic Airport and Triboa Bay (APEC Villas). Exit at Morong Gate. Follow the Anvaya Cove signage then after Anvaya, go all the way to Morong Junction Crossing. Turn right then turn left after the old Morong church. Go straight ahead until you see Pamarta Bali Beach Resort. It is located right beside Gold Coast Beach Resort.

*** As I remember, you'd pass by unpaved narrow roads before reaching the resort.

The Blogger Would Like to Share: Tips on Creating Your Do-It-Yourself Travel

Mellow Apartelle and Tourist Inn - An Affordable Lovely Accommodation in Tagbilaran City

I've never had any budget accommodation experiences as pleasant as my stay in Mellow Apartelle. It's a given, I'm easy to please and I don't expect much specially if I'm not paying much. However, Mellow Apartelle far exceeded my expectations that I'm writing this for them.

Prior to my family's trip in Bohol, I know we'd need to stay for a night in Tagbilaran City to make it faster catching up with the ferry's earliest trip going to Cebu City the following day. I did research on the accommodations in the city that can accommodate the five of us comfortably without having to pay much. I kept Mellow in mind but didn't make the reservation yet. I haven't found a single traveler's review about their place and I'm a bit hesitant about their location. It is within the city proper but is not right in the heart of the city.

On our third day in Whites and Greens Resort in Panglao, I called Mellow. A young woman named Rose, with a sweet voice answered right after two rings. I told her I needed a room that afternoon and our conversation didn't take long before we settled everything. We arrived in the apartelle with my reservation reflected  in the front desk's record. As we're settling for the payment, I noticed they have computers with cabled internet access available for rent. I think I also saw a printer and a scanner, perfect for travelers with business needs. We were then provided the room's key right after I request a van transfer to the sea port
early the following morning.

Upon opening the door of the superior room is an ample space of what looked like a unit in a medium-priced condo. There's a living area with a cabled television, two air conditioned rooms, a kitchenette, bathroom with hot and cold shower and terrace with a view of the surrounding residential area. Each room has a double bed  with comfortable mattress and duvet. It doesn't look like a double bed in my photo but it is. One of the rooms have a single pull out bed.  There are closets and dressers as well. I couldn't believe we only paid
Php1,400 for a night.

Night time came and we decided to have dinner at their restaurant than going somewhere else. We were exhausted from the tours the past days and we just wanted to lounge at their place. They have Filipino and Chinese food in their menu but several viands were not available. I noticed that other than our room, they only have very few rooms occupied with guest when we stayed there. And we're the only group in the restaurant.I then realized they probably don't often have regular guests that they don't stock a lot of food ingredients. It's a bit sad if I consider their accommodation rate and what they offer as well.

We ordered what's available and to my surprise, my family like everything. I've mentioned earlier that I'm easy to please but when it comes to food, I'm a little bit picky. Who doesn't love good food? I specially like their spicy beef. It's fiery and has a perfect blend of sweetness. I can't help but laugh though remembering that the chicken-asparagus soup we ordered didn't have any hint of asparagus in it. It tasted like chicken vegetable soup. So far, for me, that's the only thing they can improve on. Prices are reasonable for their servings. At the end of the dinner, I requested for saucers and knife for the cake Nikko and I bought for my sister in Island City Mall earlier that afternoon. They are very prompt with our request as well as the other requests I've made through our one night stay.

After dinner, I can't resist their swimming pool. I remember reading in their website that there's a separate fee for that but when I asked, they said it is for free. I immediately changed into my swimming wear. When the lady at the restaurant saw me descended the stairs going to the pool, she hurriedly lit the spotlights on the pool, even the christmas lights hanging the walls of the restaurant and in the plants surrounding the pool. It was lovely!...and I felt so valued as their guest. Nobody else would swim except me and Nikko. I didn't feel the need for them to do that, the lights coming from the restaurant is enough to illuminate the pool area. I appreciate their kindness with all my requests but that's another gesture that made me truly at home with Mellow. That night is really beautiful. The stars are twinkling on a clear night sky. My family is relaxing on the chairs beside the pool and I'm swimming and wading in a clean pool with warm water. Everything seemed perfect.

We all had a refreshing sleep that night and woke up early to catch a ferry trip to Cebu. As early as six in the morning, we were riding the van of Mellow apartelle to transport us to the sea port. Yes, that early and the driver is still very courteous and all smile. He was very helpful assisting us in carrying our baggage. This is another freebie from Mellow. We weren't charged for the sea port transfer. I know our tip is nothing compared to the service extended to us by everybody from the inn. Writing about them is my way of  appreciation for their unmatched customer service.

Although this place isn't very near the city center, it is just a short tricycle ride away to the Island City Mall, which is the bigger of the two malls in the city. It is just approximately 10-15 minutes from the heart of Tagbilaran. But even if it is farther than that, I'd still go back and stay in this place again. I only have lovely experiences to remember with my stay here. I recommend Mellow specially to my fellow backpackers. With
Mellow, my family got a bang for the buck and I do love how the staff are all accommodating and hospitable.  They are  proof that Tagbilaran City is right to be called the city of friendship.

If you need a place to stay in Tagbilaran City, you may check out their site:
http://mellowapartelle.com/

My other blogs about Bohol
Hiring Car for Bohol Tours
Island Hopping in Balicasag and Virgin Island
Panglao Island Accommodation
Mag-aso Falls
Old Churches in Bohol
Bilar Man-made Forest
Tarsier
Chcolate Hills
Loboc River Cuise
Hinagdanan Cave
Bohol Bee Farm
Dauis Church

The Uncrowded Beach of Aninuan in Puerto Galera

Manila, where I currently reside is approximately just about three hours away from Puerto Galera, a place in Oriental Mindoro that is home to several "white sand" beaches and shimmering blue waters. It was my first time to go here. Hearing Puerto Galera is a party beach, I was turned off right away and didn't bother to join friends whenever I was invited to go with them. I always prefer the beach to be quiet and peaceful just like my personality :)

My tenth year anniversary with Nikko is nearing and having had budget and time constraints as well as for safety reasons, we both agreed not to push through with Calaguas Island trip as originally planned. I then researched for an alternate place where we can spend the weekend together. That's when I reconsidered Puerto Galera specially when I read Claire's blog about Talipanan Beach, also in Puerto Galera. I then realized, it might be worthwhile trying it out, specially it was said that the place is equal in beauty with White Beach (where most tourists stay) less the crowd.

So I initially planned that we stay in Talipanan only to realize, it might be too far and inconvenient since I also included Tamaraw Falls and Tukuran Hidden Paradise in our itinerary, other attractions in Oriental Mindoro which are just few towns away from Puerto Galeara and which we reached by just commuting. That's when I stumbled upon Tamaraw Beach Resort which is located in Aninuan Beach.

Aninuan Beach is the next beach from White Beach when riding the ferry from Batangas Pier and is before Talipanan. These beaches are separated by a big and rocky boulder but is possible to cross during low tide.

We reached Aninuan on a Saturday and several guests were already in the area. It's comforting to see though that the beach didn't look crowded, maybe because  the beach front has a wide expanse of shores. There are also just two resorts operating in that part of Puerto Galera, one is Sunset in Aninuan, an upscale hotel resort where most foreign tourists stay and the less pricey Tamaraw Beach Resort, which served as our home for two nights.

Right after a 3PM lunch on our first day, Nikko and I explored the whole stretch of the beach as we walk towards Luca's Italian Restaurant at the far end of Talipanan Beach. Tamaraw is the first resort coming from White Beach, next is Sunset in Aninuan Resort. Right after that is a surprise. :) There's a beautiful scenery of a stream where the sea water flows into it meeting with the fresh water. Looking into that side, it also has the panoramic backdrop of the lush mountains and greens surrounding the stream. It instantly refreshed me from feeling sleepy and tired.

The sand in Aninuan is off white, yet it glistens like snow when sunlight is at brightest. There are also several stones scattered in the shore but walking barefooted didn't cause me any discomfort. Stones are mostly smooth, round and flat, the kind that's perfect to throw in the sea to see how many times it will bounce from the water.

Just a few more steps and I saw the widest expanse of the shore in that side of the beach, with few scattered native houses and a main house at the center shaded with lush coconut trees towering around it. It instantly put me into a playful mood and I wanted to roll in the sand right away (lol) but I didn't especially when I saw 2 old folks sitting on a folding chair placed few meters from us and were watching the sea. There are two gentlemen standing on the side of the old folks, one is holding an umbrella. Then it dawned on me, that maybe is the part of the Zobel de Ayala's property in Aninuan. I then saw a yacht and I dreamed of using it to tour the whole archiepelago. :D

We continued walking and admiring how wide and clean the shore is. Then we reached the boulder separating Aninuan from Talipanan. I didn't want to cross the water and get wet since we'll have dinner in Luca's and I'm greatful that a local teenager pointed us to an upward pathway where she said we could take to avoid the water. We passed by some houses owned by the locals and by the time we walked down slope, I knew that we're already in Talipanan Beach.

The waters in Aninuan is generally calm with bigger waves  in late afternoons. I found it too salty compared to other beaches I've been. Water accidentally entered my nose many times while swimming and I don't understand why. The water temparature is soothing since it wasn't too cold or warm but it's the wind that's  frigid despite the sun shining really bright. About 25-30 meters away from the shore, Nikko and I did snorkel. Don't expect to see much. I didn't see any colorful corals except for something that looked like a brain and has a green tint. There's also a part of the deep sea that became shallow because of a big mass of rock where corals are starting to grow. Blue and black fishes play in that part of the sea and I tried capturing a video with my camera.

Overall, I loved  Aninuan Beach. The water is great for swimming, the nights are perfect for intimate moments, the ambiance is relaxing and I loved walking on the it's expanse of  broad shore.

Food Tripping in Lucban Quezon

Right after we basked into the cold, clear and beautiful beach of Puting Buhangin in Pagbilao, Quezon, we rode a mini bus headed back to Lucena City. From there, we hopped into what I call a jumbo jeep (because it's higher and wider) going to Lucban Quezon where we stayed for the night. We paid Php50 each and the three of us were seated in front beside the driver who entertained us in a friendly chat. After several minutes, sleeplessness and tiredness consumed me and i started to close my eyes hoping to catch a nap. I felt the jeep moving swiftly in a dark zigzag road yet it still felt like forever before we reached Lucban. It should just be about a 40 minute ride.




I didn't realize Lucban is Baguio city cold or maybe it's just when we went there. The cold is almost uncomfortable even after I wore my jacket. There were rain showers and everywhere is damp. I then realized that’s maybe because the town lies near the foot of a majestic mountain, Mt. Banahaw. We then checked in in Summer Capital Inn, took a quick freezing shower and had dinner right in our room. It was really cold that we needed a hot drink to feel relieved.

Tablea Tsokolate of CAFE SAN LUIS
located along San Luis St.




So we walked around Rizal Plaza and found Cafe San Luis few blocks away. It is walking distance from our Inn which is located at the back of the church. It is a cafe built in a garden of an old house along San Luis St. Their fence looked like rock walls with some moss and plants growing in it. When we went there, I noticed that most of the tables were occupied by young patrons, maybe college students. It gave me a feeling that maybe this is a favorite hang-out of the locals at night, to sip a cup of coffee or relax with a bottle of beer.






Sitting in my chair waiting for my order, there's this rustic feel about the place. It is unpretentious yet cozy. The dim cafe is illuminated by the subtle lights radiating from the cute lamps just perfect to get you in the mood for a relaxing conversation.




I couldn't say much about their menu since we just dropped by for coffee but for what we ordered, (my sister's cinnamon tea, Nikko's milk tea and my tablea chocolate) we each give a thumbs up especially the tablea.

Pansit Habhab of MUSTIOLA'S
San Luis St. corner Regidor St.




The following morning, we woke up early and planned to attend the mass in Kamay ni Hesus. We retraced our fotsteps in the direction of Plaza Rizal where Buddy's is located (a restaurant famous for Pansit Habhab) to have breakfast but to our dismay, they don't open until nine in the morning. Pressed for time, we decided to look for another place to get a taste of pansit habhab and our feet brought us to Mustiola's.




It is a self service restaurant serving local food. It is located just across Cafe San Luis. This restaurant's ambiance is a winner, it definitely has a character. Both the facades and interiors are painted in bright yellow. When we got inside the restaurant, I was amazed at how they transformed the ground floor of this old house to a restaurant. Old is mixed with new, bricks made up a part of the wall yet modern tiles made up the other side of the floor. Wall decors consist of art crafts that looked like school projects. The place looked bright with natural light beaming from the wide open windows.








I also couldn't tell much about their food since all of us ordered the same thing, pansit habhab and coffee. Hearing one needs to pour a bit of vinegar in the sauted noodles before eating it, I never imagined I'd like the taste of Pansit Habhab. Since I'm in Lucban though, and this is one of the famous food there, I really wanted to try it.





Mustiola's version of this noodles just left me craving for more once I got back here in Manila. Up until now, I'd like to go back to Lucban just because of that food. I just spent Php35 for it.

Kalissa Almama of GROUND ZERO




Ground Zero has two stores in Lucban. One is just near Mustiola's and Cafe San Luis along Regidor St. It is also a famous hang out since it doubles as a bar. There's another one located in San Luis Street, just a block or two away from the first one. It is located along Quezon Ave, corner of San Luis St. where we had lunch before leaving Lucban. It is said that Ground Zero offers the best pizza in town and since we're all pizza addicts, we wouldn't say no in trying them out.




Ground Zero has a festive interior, I could almost imagine Pahiyas Festival with the colorful decorations hanging from the ceiling. Capiz lamps transmit yellow lights all over the place.




We were all ready to order pizza but noticed that all the tables have ordered an empanada looking dish. Out of curiosity, we all ended up ordering the same thing, lol! It turned out, it is a pizza folded in half so the toppings became the filling. Then the pizza sauce is poured on top of the dish. They called it Kalissa Almama available for only Php75.






My bf and sister really enjoyed it, I on the other hand felt sated just after I've eaten half of it.  As expected, we left Ground Zero with a full stomach.

Before going home, we shopped for pasalubong. Lucban is also famous for Longganisang Lucban (Lucban Sausage) which has a strong garlic taste. It is available in many stores surrounding the church. It typically comes in small sizes unless you ordered in advance and requested them to make it bigger for an additional cost. A dozen costs Php60 for the regular sized sausage.




Also right at the side of the church is a store that sells Budin that looks and tastes the same as a cassava cake, only what we bought is smaller, more chewy and not too sweet. While you're shopping, include broas (lady fingers) and merengue in your list, food products that Quezon is also known for.





Before you get carried away of buying too much to take home with you though, remember to bring an extra bag or a sturdy paper bag to keep everything you shopped. Lucban has an ordinance that doesn't allow the use of plastic - from restaurants, markets to stores - and it is strictly implemented. Everything you buy will be wrapped in a brown recycled paper, probably the reason why Lucban is one of the cleanest towns I've been here in the Philippines.

Lucban is a food haven, no wonder why whenever I hear about the town, I start to have cravings. The good thing is, once you're there, you don't really need to spend a fortune to be gatronomically satisfied. :)

Wang Hwang So Grill - Good and Affordable Korean Restaurant in Ortigas

Yesterday, I had dinner in a Wang Hwang So, a small Korean Restaurant in Ortigas. It was a surprise treat from my fiance. The restaurant is tucked in a corner of a building located in the not so crowded part of Ortigas Business district.

To be totally honest, I've never tried Korean food before,  so I'm glad Nikko brought me here.

It's just the two of us and Nikko ordered Pork Galbi. It is pork marinated then grilled right in the grill attached to our table. Once grilled, it can be dipped in the sesame oil or doenjang, a traditional Korean fermented soybean. It's an interesting dish since we had to wrap it with lettuce or perilla. Perilla  smells and tastes like mint and is used in various Korean dishes for it is known to help preserve and sterilize other food. Despite it tasting a little bland to me, I really like that the lettuce is crisp and very fresh complimenting to the tender and succulent pork.

With any order in the menu, they serve side dishes. First is Ugeojiguk, a soup made from napa cabbage and two side dishes, Kimchi and Namul. Kimchi is napa cabbage seasoned with chili peppers and salt then fermented. What I like best is the salad they served us. It is  combined lettuce, leeks and mung sprouts made really good by their seasonings. I fell in love with it so obviously, we had to ask for another serving. They replenish the side dishes as soon as the plates are emptied :) I'm no food expert but I definitely know the food in Wang Hwang So is good. When we went there, all tables are occupied and everyone is Korean, proof that they are serving authentic and delicious meals.

Their prices range from Php220 to Php650 but just a serving is enough for two. It's a little restaurant with 8 tables plus a long table on a private room and has male servers who work very swiftly making sure every customers need is tended promptly. They were also accommodating to our requests and never failed to check if we needed something else. I felt like being pampered by a close friend who is hosting a party for me. :)

The restaurant is located in Dispo Philippines Inc. Building in the corner of J. Escriva Dr. and Gold Road in Ortigas. It is across Astoria Plaza. You can contact them at (02)-451-1027.

UPDATE I was just here with friends last Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The menu hasn't changed a bit as well as the prices (amazing!) although if you're not alone dining, they won't allow you to order just one dish. They served us 2 free steamed eggs. It was also my first time to try Soju, a Korean alcoholic beverage. It's gentle to the taste buds but it is said to easily make someone lethargic. Everything is still fresh and affordable and I realized it's more enjoyable to sit on the floor than the chair when eating here, for a more authentic Korean experience. :) They are now open up to 3AM. It's just a walking distance from my current work so I'm sure I'll be a frequent visitor.


Pictures from our recent visit

HOW TO GET TO WANG HWANG SO GRILL

On EDSA coming from Cubao:

From EDSA, take the flyover turning left to Ortigas Ave.
Turn right on Meralco Avenue.
Take the flyover to avoid Dona Julia Varga intersection.
Go straight on Meralco Ave., even past Department of Education (formerly University of Life). Turn right on Shaw Blvd.
Go past the stoplight at the intersection of Shaw and Pioneer-San Antonio Village.
Turn right at the first street (with Metrobank and Red Ribbon at the corner) after the stoplight. This street is J. Escriva St.
Just across Astoria Plaza is Dispo Building. You need to enter the lobby then walk on your left for the restaurant's entrance.

On EDSA coming from Makati

From EDSA, turn right on Pioneer St. and drive to the very end.
At Shaw Blvd, turn left.
Turn right at the first street (with Metrobank and Red Ribbon at the corner). This street is J. Escriva St.
Just across Astoria Plaza is Dispo Building. You need to enter the lobby then walk on your left for the restaurant's entrance.


Along Shaw Blvd coming from Mandaluyong

On Shaw Blvd, take the flyover to avoid the EDSA intersection.
At San Miguel Ave. (with One San Miguel Place and St. Francis Church at the corner), turn left.
Turn right at Lourdes Street, which is the first street turning right (with Richmond Hotel at the corner).
At the end of the street is Pearl Drive. Turn right.
At the end of Pearl Drive is Gold Loop, which is a one-way loop around a huge parking lot. Follow the loop around, until it brings you out to J. Escriva Drive. Exiting out of the loop into J. Escriva, you will practically be facing Astoria Plaza. In front of it is the restaurant.