Coron, Palawan - A Flashback

If there's one place I'd go back to, it would be Palawan. I wouldn't get tired of exploring the city, countryside more so, the beaches! I was fortunate enough to go to one of the most popular diving spots in the Philippines: Coron, Palawan.

Coron is a small, quaint town in the northern part of Palawan. When I visited this place way back 2009, I was amazed with the simplicity of life and naturally peaceful surroundings (over- and underwater, that is.).

I would like to share with you some of the photos back then...

Mt. Tapyas

Kawayanan Grill where we ate our lunch

Maquinit Hot Springs - very nice to take a dip

sunset at Mt. Tapyas

sunset view at Mt. Tapyas

Darayonan Lodging House

Prime hotels and beach resorts are located in the farther islands of Coron. Being a thrifty traveler, staying in one of the budget hotels in town was the way to go. At that time, Darayonan Lodge seemed the best option for our accommodation. It's accessible to almost everywhere; and the staff were friendly, too. My friend and I initially booked for a native cottage but, the bamboos were squeaky as we move around the room so, we requested to be transferred to their newly renovated building. The rooms were equipped with an aircon, comfy bed, veranda and heated shower. The upgrade price was fair enough for the price of approximately Php 3000 for 3 days/2 nights stay, for 2 persons.

Corals...no need for goggles!

lunch prepared by boatmen

twin lagoon

You have to fit into that hole to get to the other side.

Palawan natives

At Banul (Banol?) Beach Coron Palawan

Banul Beach, Coron Palawan

Kayangan Lake

This is my favorite spot of all --- the Kayangan Lake. If you are a first timer in Coron, you will surely fall in love with the island as much as I did. And I can't wait to go back! :)

Microtel Inn - Manila: A Review

Since I started attending conventions and conferences held in different parts of the Philippines. I managed to appreciate the good luxurious opportunity of staying in hotels. I have been to Microtel Inn - Mactan, Cebu and it was fairly good except for the overly pricey food. This time, I had the opportunity to stay in Microtel Inn - SM Mall of Asia in Manila. Overall, it was pretty much standard with the other Microtel branches nationwide. The interiors are quite different maybe because it caters to various kind of clients - local and foreign. But, the room and facilities are generally the same for all Microtel Inn branches.

Microtel Inn - SM Mall of Asia Manila branch looks like the pictures I'll share with you below:

standard room for 2 - sunset view Microtel Inn Manila

 When you are on the sunset view of the room, you will get to see this picturesque scenario of the city life..

They have quite a limited space in the lobby. In the evening, part of the hall is converted into a bar. In the morning, it becomes an extension of the buffet area where you can see dining tables. After some time it will go back to the usual waiting area for guests.

What my favorite facility at Microtel Inn - SM Mall of Asia is the roof deck where it has an elegant place to stay with the family and swim in their mini swimming pool and at the same time you get a 360 degree view of the city (well at least the SM Mall of Asia area).

Aside from the dynamic list of facilities, Microtel Inn is quite generous for having potable water and they serve it in a water dispenser and a supply of ice cubes on a clean gigantic bucket.

For a budding hotel in the metro, Microtel Inn - SM Mall of Asia is one place to pamper yourself and get to relax even for a short weekend. The staff, facilities and value for money are very reasonable because you are treated professionally and pampered quite well with their available facilities and efficient employee service. 

Arabela Restaurant in Liliw, Laguna

People usually flock to Liliw, Laguna because the town is known to be a footwear capital where you can buy slipper/sandal bargains. Little did I know that Liliw is a hideaway for this charming restaurant called "Arabela". If you arrive at the place, you will notice that it is just a basement part of a whole house but it was really jam packed with tourists -- local and foreigners. The place was quaint, dainty and the  ambiance was really excellent.

They serve meals which are mostly Italian like pizza and pasta, but they have rice meals with steak and barbecue. Here are some photos I took, mostly are food that we ordered and some pastry displays on the restaurant:

Just a few of their desserts

salad

chicken cordon bleu

blueberry cheesecake

strawberry cheesecake

watermelon shake

mango shake

pasta with seafood and scallops

fettuccine alfredo

Indeed, there's more to Liliw than shoes and slippers. Arabela is the place to dine out after the tiresome footwear shopping. It's definitely one of the coziest place in this part of Laguna. :)