'Coz I'm Not Your Typical Backpacker at Tune Hotel Clark

This September, we pretty much spent our 2 weekends in Angeles, Pampanga. Yehess! That's 2 weekends. Hooray for minor rotations. Anyway, Kel joined two consecutive duathlon races there and since we're always running on tight budgets, we made sure to look for cozy yet reasonably-priced hotels.

If you have been to Clark, I'm sure you'll realize why it was to me the Hotel Capital of the Philippines. Haha. There's probably no single corner in Clark that does not boast a hotel or an inn. But most of them are a bit pricey for us. 

A year ago, I came across Tunes Hotel on the net when I was looking for budget hotels in Manila. And it has a cool system of "Pay As You Use" back then that is like personalizing your own room (I don't really know if this was obsolete now, but this feature was not available in Clark or they just didn't provide us that option).  When I say 'personalize', the hotel gives you the privilege to set what amenities such as TV, hot/cold shower, A/C you would like in your room and for how long-- 6 or 12 hours? Doesn't really matter. Then, you're charged with the corresponding amount of your consumption. 

So when we returned to Clark during our 2nd week, I told my husband I wanted to try Tunes Hotel in Angeles. Since we were staying with our kid, Kel reserved a double room in advance for us. You surely cannot miss the hotel. It has a signature red and white-colored facade. Apart from this, it also has a convenient location in the city-- near restaurants, convenient stores, spa and the mall. 

 Photo grabbed from Tune Hotels website

When we arrived, we were ushered to the main elevator by their polite reception staff. You cannot get inside the elevator without having your electronic keycard first. At the 2nd floor, we were greeted by their accommodating staff at the information desk and provided us with our keycard. Check-in was hassle-free and they also gave us the password for their wifi before we left. What's also nice is that even if we arrived a little earlier than their check-in time, there have been no problem waiting.

Due to the great amount of guests who booked on the same day prior to the duathlon race, the hotel was almost fully booked at that time. We were given a room instead at the 9th floor, not bit of a problem for me but for Kel who has to carry his bike all the way to our room. Hihi.

Upon entering the room, we realized how this is not the family-friendly type of hotel. It was a bit small for a family of 3 and if the other one's a kid. I say to myself this is probably for the business people and the backpackers. Anyway, I didn't really expect much so I just easily shove the idea off. The interior was modern in brown and white and it certainly looks cozy.

Our room has a soft and comfy matrimonial bed with 2 pillows. By the way, I am very particular with hotel pillows because I don't like lying almost flat on bed. If there was one turn-off for me, it must be the pillows. Haha. I just don't like it too soft that it deflates much when lied upon. Their bedding smells good anyway.

The room has a built-in cable TV and one thing I liked about it is that it's Cignal cable. Haha! It lets you see the shows in line flashed on the screen whenever you switch channels. The room also has an airconditioning system and a ceiling fan probably for those who doesn't want to use the aircon when it's cold. It also has electronic safety deposit box and a pull-down desk for your laptop just beside the bed. There's also a built-in towel and clothes rack to save space-- an alternative to your usual room closet. What I hope was also there, though, was a mini fridge for our food and a telephone inside the room. If you need to phone in an operator, you still need to go the elevator where it is located for communal use.

One thing that is really nice about Tunes Hotel was that even if it was minimally priced, we were given an electronic keycard access, the one that you need to have to gain access into the hotel lobby and your room-- just like those that they use in 5-star hotels so they could limit the number of non-hotel staying visitors. Also, as in many other hotels, you need this to activate your room's electronic power--just a good way of saving electricity for hotels.

The bathroom was clean and all white and the shower was unusually spacious and is separated from the toilet by a glass door, which was nice. Their showers are high-pressure, heated power showers. Me and my little kid can take a bath at the same time. One thing lacking in their bathroom are the toiletries. You really need to bring your own because they will only provide you with a shampoo and soap. Good thing for me-- a hair dryer is available. 

We checked out at past 1pm. The hotel check-out time is at 11 am. We decided we just extend for 2 more hours to rest after the race for a minimum amount of Php 300.

Overall, I'd stay I had a good stay in Tune Hotel. Here's my final verdict:

Value for money:  4/5

Location:  5/5

Sleep quality:  4/5

Staff performance:  3/5

Hotel cleanliness:  5/5

Food/dining:  3/5

Tune Hotel - Angeles City (Clark Airport)
Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias,
Angeles City, Pampanga
Philippines

Tel:+63 45 4590888

A Dose of History: Ilocos Travel Diaries (Bangui, Burgos and Batac)

Finally, the last one! 

I've honestly tried to include everything in my last post but they just wouldn't fit in. Too long for a blog post. So this is the last sequel to my Ilocos Travel Diaries. Sharing with you guys our trip to Bangui, Burgos and Batac Ilocos Norte and our trip back to Vigan.

Fifth stop: Bangui Wind Farm

The Bangui wind mills are located along the 9-kilometer long shoreline off the Bangui bay. Just the sight of these equally-spaced 20 Southeast Asia's biggest turbines left me awestruck. Even the ocean was sparkling blue. Presently, the wind farm is under Phase III of construction wherein 6 new wind turbines are planned to be erected.

The place is open freely to the public and is kept neat by the villagers. I would suggest you drop by really early in the morning or late in the afternoon because we went there around lunch time and sun was really scorching hot. And the sand was, too. Make sure to bring a cap or umbrella.

Each wind turbine has the capacity to generate electricity up to a maximum of 1.65 Megawatts for a total of 24.75 Megawatts. - See more at: http://www.philippinetraveldestinations.com/bangui-windmills.html#sthash.88OBQO3F.dpuf

Each wind turbine has the capacity to generate electricity up to a maximum of 1.65 Megawatts for a total of 24.75 Megawatts. - See more at: http://www.philippinetraveldestinations.com/bangui-windmills.html#sthash.88OBQO3F.dpuf

Each wind turbine has the capacity to generate electricity up to a maximum of 1.65 Megawatts for a total of 24.75 Megawatts. - See more at: http://www.philippinetraveldestinations.com/bangui-windmills.html#sthash.88OBQO3F.dpu

The obligatory windmill famfie!

 

If you are looking for really cute and cheap souvenirs, there's a few stands just a few steps from the shore. We bought their Nat Geo-inspired sandos as pasalubong for my father. The material is nice and comfy. The smallest windmills can be bought at P 20 each.

Sixth stop: Cape Bojeador

Not far away from the town of Bangui is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte-- so named because it overlooks the Cape Bojeador and the vast West Philippine Sea. In order to reach the lighthouse, you will need to climb several steps. When we reached the top, however, we noticed it was under renovations so that some parts are not accessible to travelers. They say it's still operational, though. So once you're there, never forget the scenery. It will be worth the climb. :)

Seventh stop: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

The rock formations are located on the rocky coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. I didn't exactly see the rock formations myself because it's already siesta time of the day and an approximately 600-meter trek is already tiring for me. Kel and his brother were the only ones who went because their parents already had the chance visiting the site several years back.

Anyway, just see for yourself through these pictures how magnificently created these creamy white, limestone formations are.

Last stop: Ferdinand Marcos Presidential Center

Initially, we planned to visit the Paoay Dunes. Unfortunately, when we went there the 4WDs can only accommodate 5 passengers and we were 7 (of course, with 2 kids). Although we weren't able to see the dunes and try the sand boarding for ourselves (which Kel had been so seriously wanting to try), we didn't really have much time to get upset probably because we're a little tired already for the day. We, then, decided to stop-over Batac and visit the resting place of the late President Marcos' body.

The Presidential Center is the very own ancestral house of the late president's family in Batac. Since the museum is privately owned and has recently been refurbished, entrance is now priced at P50.00. I've never seen the museum before but my mother-in-law would tell how much different it is now from what it was before.

Some of you might also have heard or known that Marcos' remains lie in this mausoleum. It's being kept in a glass-topped coffin inside an air-conditioned room. But I don't really believe. Haha! It's just a wax replica. Some would say that the real remains lie underneath. Still had the goosebumps, anyway!

Tip: Make sure to come before 4 pm if you want to see the wax figure of the late president. There's a viewing time folks for non-relatives and friends. Lol

The plate numbers that the Marcoses used

 Some of Imelda's Filipiniana dresses

Another tip: Try the dragon fruit ice cream in Batac. Gaaah! I forgot the flavor of the green one. Hahaha!

Just before our day ended, we went back to Vigan City. Nathan badly wants this new toy that Kel bought along Calle Crisologo. Luckily, we were able to see one of Vigan's newest attractions-- the dancing fountain show. And I just found out that it's Korean-engineered. Really cute!

Lastly, the Vigan experience wouldn't have been all complete without us trying the authentic Ilocos empanada, freshly eaten along the street of Calle Crisologo!

And that folks was the culmination of my 2014 summer trip! Thank you, Ilocos! Will definitely come back for the sand dunes.

Next stop next year:

SOUTH KOREA

Right, Kelmer? Hihi. <3

A Dose of History: Ilocos Travel Diaries (Paoay)

Can you imagine going to 8 or 9 different places all in one day? That's where this tiring yet priceless family adventure brought us. Let me share with you our tour.

The Ilocos experience wouldn't have been complete without us visiting their famous destinations. So after leaving the lovely Balinese-inspired resort in Currimao, we were off to our series of adventures. 

Disclaimer: This is only part 1 of our Day 3 in Ilocos. The post will be too long if I include everything here. :)

First stop: Paoay Church
  

More popularly known as Paoay Church, the St. Augustine Church is one of the famous Baroque churches in the country. Built in 1694 and completed in 1710, it has been designated as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Twenty four carved buttresses stands as support for the church’s structure withstanding seismic movements that occur hundreds of years ago until present.

I quickly fell in love upon seeing the grandeur of church and the finer details -- a combination of Baroque, Oriental and Gothic architecture, it kept centuries past. The coral stone bell tower stood as a towering guard beside the magnificently built home to Catholics in Paoay. 

One tip for travelers, there are courteous student volunteers that serve as tour guides for free around Paoay which you can go to ask around or even take your pictures. We did! Hehe. P.S. Don't forget to give a tip.

Next stop: Herencia Cafe and Restaurant

It was around lunch time when we left Paoay church and we decided to look for fancy restaurants nearby. The student tourist guides led us to this Ilocano restaurant a short distance from the church. The Herencia Restaurant prides itself as the birthplace of pinakbet pizza (That certainly didn't sound good to me though. Hehe!). 

The restaurant's a little full when we arrived but luckily we were ushered to an available table immediately. Upon getting comfortable on our seats, we immediately asked for the menu and chose from their authentic Ilocano selection. We ordered their classic Pinakbet pizza, the half is Cheese since I don't eat veggies. Also, we tried their other dishes such as Kilawin, Crispy Dinuguan, Poqui-poqui and Beef Steak. For dessert, we ordered Banana ala Mode and Halo-halo. 

Tip: You can also purchase some pasalubongs here. Their banana chips are way cheaper than those you could buy outside.

Third stop: Arte Luna

After leaving and while walking towards where we parked our ride. We saw this small art gallery nearby. Launched December last year, the Arte Luna aims to provide a venue for masterworks of Ilocano local artists. It was organized by the local government of Ilocos Norte and Dr. Joven Cuanang of Pinto Art Museum. It's basically a wide room inside the Rufino's Cafe which showcases paintings and photographs made by local talents. Open for everyone, also for free!

Fourth stop: Malacañang of the North

Malacañang ti Amianan, as the locals call this impressively crafted 2-storey house overlooking Paoay Lake, is located in the coastal part of Paoay. It was said to be a birthday gift of the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos to her then first lady Imelda Marcos. Opened in January 2011 to the public after being sequestered from the Marcoses' properties, it then became a museum under the care of the local government of Ilocos Norte.

The picturesque Paoay Lake

 

Entrance fee is P20.00 for adults and P10.00 for kids, probably used for the maintenance of the mansion. There are also student tour guides available to assist you and tell stories about the place. 

Marcos' achievements during his term as president

 

The couple's master's bedroom

 

I can just imagine how the sisters Aimee and Irene used to play in their big bedroom when they were kids.

 

The living room inside the 2 daughters' bedroom
 

One of the two dining areas in the mansion
 

Feeling senyorita

Those were only the first half of our Day 3 in Ilocos. More of Ilocos Norte and our trip back to Vigan on my next blog post. Happy reading! =)

A Dose of History: Ilocos Travel Diaries (Currimao)

In the few years that we've been traveling, I already learned to trust my instincts when it comes to choosing hotels for vacations and staycations. This is probably because I'm a self-confessed 'maarte' and I get really choosy when it comes to bedrooms and more importantly bathrooms. Hahaha! Since were also traveling on a budget and Vigan gets really pack so peak rates are on during summer, we decided to save during our first night in Vigan. We slept instead in a budget family room in Green R Hotel. Although it's pretty decent, I was still not comfortable with the place. But again, it's just because I'm plain 'maarte'. Haha!

The original plan was to stay in Pagudpod but the hotel rates are way over our budget so I had to patiently look for a second best option. Of course, as always when it comes to my instincts, the resort hotel I booked didn't disappoint!

We stayed in Playa Tropical Resort Hotel. Dubbed as the Bali of the North, the resort is located in the far barangay of Victoria in Currimao, Ilocos Norte. When I say far, it really is a very long ride from the suburbs. When we arrived at the place, I was blown away with the beautifully and romantically constructed hideaway. 

I reserved for us a double deluxe room. It was a spacious room good for 4-5 persons. The accommodation includes free breakfast for 2 and a two complimentary 15-min massage for guest which you may opt to avail in your own room or in their massage room. There is no wifi connection in our room though because their wifi is only located in commonplaces like the lounge and the floating huts.

Outside the main hotel building are the elegant floating huts, casa, a well-maintained garden and the infinity pool. Seating inside one of their floating huts, I can lay my eyes on the calm and gentle waters of the West Philippine Sea and have a breathtaking view of the sunset. We also had our dinner served by Cafe Amarra there. The food's a bit pricey but delectable, nonetheless. It was even served right on time. (Tip: Their sinigang na hipon and halo-halo are must-try!) The waiters were also courteous and attended to our needs even if they were a little under-manned.

 Sunset by the infinity pool 

In the morning, we took a dip in the sea and I loved the fact that even if it was not white sand, it's fine and the water is one of the calmest I've plunged into. Aside from the pool and the beach, the resort also offers spa and other services in Solana spa, which you can book at your convenient time. There is also a function hall (the structure in the photo below) that usually houses weddings and other events.

Older kids would also love the gameroom and playground for the little tots. Nathan practically spent the whole night in there just because he's afraid of water. Hehe.

To sum it all up, our short stay in the hotel was really relaxing and truly memorable. Will definitely come back again some other time, although probably not soon because we still have a lot in our itinerary in the next years to come. It's one of the best lairs in the North for couples and families. =)

Here's my final verdict:

Value for money:  3/5

Location:  3/5

Sleep quality: 4/5

Staff performance:  4/5

Hotel cleanliness:  4/5

Food/dining:  4/5

Playa Tropical Resort Hotel 

Brgy. Victoria, Currimao Ilocos Norte, Philippines 

(077) 670 1211 / 0917 5700223 

stay@playatropical.com.ph