Rant or Rave: Tans Guesthouse Boracay

Okay, so I'm getting really pumped up to reviewing other accommodations in Boracay. I've been missing the beach so much!

On my third trip to the island, I traveled with my parents and a few family members on my mother's side. This time we only spent one night because we wanted to explore the rest of the Panay island.

I actually got the idea of this guesthouse from the post of Ms.Nina of Justwandering.org . The guesthouse is not beach front but is just a 1-2 minute walk and whola, you will find the relaxing white beach!

I chose this because of the nice review I have read from Ms.Nina's blog. Also, it was very close to D'Mall so we have the very quick access to the restaurants and shops!

Because we are almost seven people, I had to book 2 rooms. One at the first floor and one at the second floor. Both rooms have A/C, toilet and bath and free Wifi! They of course have the usual toiletries handy and towels to use.

I loved this place mainly because it has nice rooms and really very close to the beach and the mall.

My favorite beach

Cozy bed for my parents

Outside the room there is a towel hanger

Tans Guest House entrance

The way that leads to the beach

If I ever go back to Boracay next year, I might as well stay here again! :)

More information on Tans Guesthouse:
http://www.tghboracay.com/

MS NET SACAPAÑO  
Telephone: 036 288 6878
Mobile: 09285000040 / 09209202481 (FROM 9 AM - 6 PM)
EMail    tgh_bora@yahoo.com

Rant or Rave: La Bella Casa de Boracay

Hey everyone! I'm launching something new in my blog. Starting today, I plan to write and share some information of the accommodations that I have stayed at. Will call this section Rant or Rave! So check out my first post.

For my debut , I will be writing about our stay at La Bella Casa de Boracay.

We stayed in La Bella last year around July when I went I went to Boracay with my cousin. It was actually a spur of the moment decision to head there as I got an immediate invitation from a CouchSurfing friend who is to celebrate her birthday in the beautiful island. Luckily, there was a promo from Philippine Airlines and I was able to grab two promo tickets!

I then immediately scoured for cheaper accommodation in Boracay. That would have to be my second time in Boracay. The first time I went there, we stayed at Club Ten somewhere in Station 2. This time I thought we'd like to try Station 1.

La Bella caught my attention since it's cheap and found it had good reviews. I usually check on Tripadvisor for hotel reviews and start comparing every hotel I plan to stay at. It looked promising and since we will be out of the hotel most of the day, it was a good fit to what we just need.

I have sent our booking requirements via email indicated on the site and I got a quick response. In a day or two I paid our reservation fee and they sent a confirmation email. It was really straight-forward, so points for that.

Our fee has included the round trip transfer from Kalibo so we won't have to bother too much!

La Bella is found on Station 1 but it's not beach front. It's actually located somewhere behind Willy's and had to walk 5 minutes. It's close proximity to the chapel.

We got to the hotel at night. I liked that it has this homey feel. Nice and accommodating staff. At night, we would arrive so late and we still find kuya waiting for us!

We stayed on the second floor. Room has this Asian motif with wooden floors and artful ornaments.

There was even an attic room on top of our room for bigger groups. They serve nice breakfast too and you can even ask it to be sent to the room!

They have nice toilet and bath. Although the water flow can't be that good (maybe because we are on the 2nd floor?).

The staff has also helped and assisted us with our activities, they managed to give us information on our helmet diving and ATV to go up to the mountain.

Overall it was a good experience. Perhaps the only thing I may not be happy about is that it's far from D'mall because we love shopping but it's not a big deal because we can easily walk along the beach or hire a tricycle anytime we want to!

Nice wide mirror

Homey feel

Cute little ornaments

Toilet and shower

Toilet and sink

Living room

I have actually made a review of this hotel in La Bella Casa de Boracay Review on Tripadvisor

Oh my, I'm missing our relaxing time at the beach...

More info about La Bella Casa de Boracay:
http://labellaboaracay.snappages.com/
Station 1, Balabag, Aklan, 5608, Philippines

labellaboracay@yahoo.com

Ph Phone: 036-288-1363
Mobile: 0919-8853042-smart
Mobile: 0917-9641456-globe
Mobile: 0932-6298864- sun

Almost Western Visayas Itinerary

Photo Credit: http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/r6/maps.html

I think I can't say it is a truly Western Visayas trip until I have actually touched down on two more provinces: Capiz and Negros Occidental. Haha! Anyhow, I can still say it was an 'Almost' Western Visayas Getaway.

So here's the basic itinerary and notable places I've been to during the trip.

1st Stop: Iloilo

- Iloilo International Airport

- La Paz Batchoy snack at Ted's. You'll be able to pass by SM City Iloilo but we didn't stop over since we have some relatives to visit

- Biscocho House

- Plaza Libertad

- By jeepney, we are able to pass by some universities like the Colegio San Agustin, St. Paul and Assumption

2nd Stop: Antique

- Patnongon is where my Uncle resides

- Amihan resort near their house

3rd Stop: Aklan

- Hurom-Hurom spring in Kalibo

- Beach and relaxation of course in Boracay

4th Stop: Guimaras

- Trappist Abbey

- There's probably more to see like the beaches but we were pressed for time so we only took the chance to see one of the well known place in Guimaras

I'm supposed to post the Post-Accounting however, I think I've already lost my list :( And unfortunately I can't bring them up in my memory now!

So it's holy week actually and well I'm home and no work! Yay! So, I'll try and post a few more articles today! :D

Western Visayas Trip 2011

The trip to Iloilo was originally an unplanned thing. Last year I came across the Piso fare promo from Cebu Pacific. Because I'm a sucker for air fare promos that time, I felt the itch to book it without thinking! So I booked the flight to Iloilo for 300 pesos roundtrip. That was just me. Until I realised, why don't I get my family join me on a trip for the first time. And so I did. A few more promos came up and I've booked Papa, Mama and my two sisters round trip flights to Iloilo. I finally decided to share the experience to the rest of my household. I chose Iloilo because it's where Mama was raised and I know we have many relatives I haven't met and seen in my entire life.

Finally, Iloilo! Ticked off my list!

Iloilo Municipal Hall

One and Only Boracay

 

I know, I've just been to the beautiful, gorgeous and extraordinary island of Boracay during the first weekend of July 2010.

So why in the world am I writing this entry for SEAIR & Microtel Boracay Bloggers' Tour?

Well, I might have to start with a short history. In 2008, myself and three of my colleagues at work decided to finally take the plunge and visit the well known Boracay Island. There's three of us who haven't been there, so it's an enormous excitement and frenzy from the very start.

When I first saw the island, I was immediately captured by the fine white sand, that I would even mistake it as baby powder! Just kidding. But honestly, I so love how cool the fine sand glides through my feet. It's indescribable really. I've never seen or felt anything like it.

I'm sure you'd think how the sand makes such impact to me. But you see, it's really these simple things that makes me happy! If I can only take home a bottle of sand, I would.

And so, because I can't get enough of Boracay's fine white sand, I'm taking this chance...and wishing other bloggers the luck!

Do check out SEAIR's Facebook page!!!  And start writing. I'm sure you'd also want to join the Blogger's Tour!

Boracay Post Accounting

So I've traveled to Boracay for the second time. And here's the post-accounting. In my opinion, it could have been cheaper but having had activities and didn't really skimp that much on food, I guess the expenses was just on the budget.

I've shared the cost of course with my cousin. Here's the damage in detail...

Boracay 2010 Post Accounting		Per Pax
Flight Mla - Kalibo VV	PAL	1240
Accommodation w/ free bfast	La Bella Casa	1750
Transfers	c/o hotel	800
Taxi to/from Airport		250
Tricycles		100
Food
Activities: Helmet Diving		600
Activities: ATV/Mt. Luho/Butterfly Farm		700
Misc/Pasalubong
Tshirt		350
Food		600
Keychains		200
Hair Braiding		200
Food Breakdown
Day 1
Yakun - Roti @ Naia		135
Dinner - Pancake house		244.285
Day 2
Lunch - Inasal		200
Dinner c/o Lynn's party
Day 3
Lunch - Mang Inasal		125
Jonah's Drinks		150
Dinner - Andok's		91.5
Drinks @ Juice Bar		150
Day 4
Lunch @ Kalibo Airport		150
TOTAL		8035.79

CS @ Boracay - my 2nd time

I'm very grateful that this year I was made to go back to Boracay. I have been invited by a fellow Cs'er Lynn for her Boracay Beach party! Since I didn't want to go by myself I brought along my cousin, also owing to the fact that the fare is discounter from PAL. Got the round trip ticket to Kalibo for 1240php.

It was real fun and enjoyable. And because it's my cousin's first time in Boracay, we tried the Helmet Diving and ATV for our most memorable beach activites.

But nothing is more memorable than the Beach party with the rest of CS group!

I was talking with my cousin and we are actually wanting to go back next time with my sisters and the whole family hopefully...

We stayed at La Bella Casa de Boracay. It's not a beachfront beach but only a 1 minute walk from the beach. Their accommodation is superb and can say anything with their services.

The rest of the photos are in my facebook but here are some pics!

Boracay: Top 1 Beach & Sun Destinations in Asia (2010)

Woohoo! So proud to have been in Boracay! Hope to go back soon...

Nice to know that our very own Boracay Island is the top 1 Beach & Sun Destination in Asia for 2010...yeah! Beat that!

Check out TripAdvisor link: Boracay is Top 1