No Spam, No Virus, No Kiddin'!

Makati, Taguig, and QC are beautiful and progressive cities but these business districts just always bring me the impression of work. For that, my heart still belongs to Manila. For me, Manila has its unique charm that makes me keeping coming back to this place. A little secret: whenever I have the time, I would just spend my whole afternoon in Harbor Square - drink coffee, stare at Manila Bay, and do people watching. These really relaxes me. Manila is home.

Anyway, I got invited by Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel for an overnight stay. Since this is the country's 2nd oldest hotel, the management decided to have a renovation project. Yes, this hotel is undergoing a P500-million facelift that will develop guest preference for the hotel.

Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel

Waterfront Philippines Inc. is the country’s largest Filipino-owned and managed first class hotel chain. It is the only hotel chain in the country that has a presence in the key cities of the country. In Manila, it operates the Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, in Cebu it operates the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino and the Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan, while in Davao it is represented by the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

I know Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel used to be old and boring so Im a bit surprised to see the entrance. The facade by the way is still on the next phase of renovation.

elegant and classy reception area

the lifts are remarkably fast

Suddenly the impression of the old Manila Pavilion is gone. What I saw was the beauty of the hotel. Of course I got more excited with the room. According to the website, the management has spent close to P100M to renovate the Deluxe Rooms and Suites. Not only that, they added Executive and Ambassador Suites.

the very lovely suite room at the Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel

Fit for a Queen ♥

Im in love with this room!

I love the design and theme of the room! It looked elegant and classy. I love the colors too. All the guest rooms are designed by world-class Filipino designers such as Sonia Santiago Olivares. She created a design concept using bright room colors and functional furnishings that show modernism with classic elegance.

Bathroom is equipped with built-in Flat Screen TV

Rain Shower Bath

Now this is the view from the room. I so love it! This is the Manila that I like -

that's Rizal Park, Intramuros, my Pamantasan, DOLE, Manila Bulletin

See, Manila is still the place to go. This hotel is near the "postcard" attractions - Luneta, Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Chinatown, and Manila Bay. It's also a short ride away to Manila Ocean Park and Mall of Asia.
And yes, I went to Malate that night. Hehe Im nostalgic. ^_^

Anyway, here are more photos of the hotel.

the hallway at Waterfront Manila Pavilion

hallways are the new photobooths. ^_^

Notice my nail polish? I think it stands out on my outfit. Zalora has a wide collection of nail polish as well as other beauty products, make up, clothing, accessories and more. For the upcoming Christmas season, you may opt to check out their Zalora Christmas Rush Bazaar.

Moving on.

the Ambassador Lounge

computer station with the world map wall

i will be very inspired to work if that's the wall which I will see. ^_^

a small yet intimate chapel on the 6th floor

The gym and pool are not ready yet though, I hope I'll get invited again once this hotel is fully renovated. For sure the pool and the gym will be as amazing as the rooms. As for the casino, no cameras are allowed. Hehe

The buffet at Season's restaurant at Manila Pavilion deserves a separate post. Im excited to share that.

Baked Salmon from Season's buffet

Overall, Im really happy to have stayed in a very good hotel in Manila. Im biased, Manila is home for me. Seriously, it delights me that Waterfront Manila Pavilion is reviving its hotel so that foreign and local tourist will continue to choose Manila as their area of choice whether they are on a leisure or business trip. With the rise of new and modern attractions all over the metro, it's great to still patronize the classic and historical ones.

So how's my stay in the newly renovated Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel?

Toop (in Farsi) means Awesome

thank you for the overnight stay and the meals

Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel & Casino

http://www.waterfronthotels.com.ph/waterfront/manila-pavilion-hotel-casino/

United Nations Avenue, corner Maria Orosa street, Ermita Manila 1000 Philippines

It was in 2007 when I first reached the Bicol region. 6 years after, I've already visited Bicol for 8 times. The accessibility, the pristine beaches, the majestic volcanoes, the adventures, and the great food made Bicol a really good destination. Actually, our episode of PHL360 was also shot in Bicol - particularly in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Legazpi, and Masbate.

Day 1
My previous Bicol trip was themed uniquely. Together with a few invited bloggers, we discovered and experienced the wonders of the Bicol Region while enjoying the sumptuous meals at Bigg's Diner - the biggest and most famous food chain in the Bicol.

Bigg Taste You Can Afford

Does Bigg's Diner really need to be promoted? As far as I know (and including the advices in the travel forums), a visit to Bicol is never complete without eating at Bigg's. It's that famous! For the record, I never missed eating at Bigg's whenever Im in Bicol. It's simply a must. Agree?

Magsaysay - one of the trendiest branches of Bigg's Diner

certainly, Bigg's Diner is one of the best of Bicol

Tapsilog for breakfast

with Choco drink and Black forest cake

Right after breakfast, our group proceeded to our first adventure - an ATV ride to Malabsay Falls. This is not my first time to ride an ATV, but it's my first time to go to Mt Isarog National Park and Malabsay Falls.

orientation - done. Im ready to go!

If you haven't tried riding the ATV, well you should. It is really awesome!

the breathtaking trail to Malabsay Falls

with Mr. Our Awesome Planet, Brenna, EAZY traveler, Byahilo, Marx, and Out of Town Blog

The trail became bumpy and slippery when we're nearing the falls. I took extra care of my camera on this part. I only used one hand to drive and the other to hold my camera. LOL

finally at Mt. Isarog National Park

After the ATV ride came the trekking part. Its trail is not that hard, but right footwear is needed. Since I've been busy working with my project in the office, I really treasured this moment to take a deep breathe and enjoy nature.

going down the Malabsay Falls

the Malabsay Falls in Mt Isarog

we just love group shots eh? ^_^

It's just nice to know that we do not need to go far. There are already many waterfalls within Naga City.

Next place we visited is the Panicuason Hot Spring. This is where we had a nice and soothing soak which relaxed our tired muscles. The big surprise is that Bigg's Diner delivered our snacks to this area. Perfect, we're all hungry!

Extreme Supreme Burger and my favorite Iced Tea

Panicuason Hot Spring
This photo of Naga is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Just like Bigg's Diner, the Avenue Plaza Hotel in Naga is also a certified best in Bicol. The hotel is really elegant. I liked it.

reception area at Avenue Plaza Hotel

fabulous twin beds

my first ever Havaianas pair, with the I ♥ Bicol pin

thank you Havaianas - SM Naga

I dont want to leave the room anymore, but we need to keep going, specially if it's time for my most favorite Bigg's Baby Back Ribs. ^_^

vintage-inspired themed Bigg's Diner - Centro branch

Along with Brenna and Marx, we shared this so-good dinner with a lot of chismisan.

my ever favorite Baby Back Ribs

I can't count the times I've ordered this on my previous trips. haha

heavenly yet sinfully Molten Lava Cake

met The Pinay Solo Backpacker again after 3 long years.

long and straight hair na sya ngayon. yabang ^_^

Day 2
We traveled to Inorogan Chapel right after breakfast. This chapel was built in 1614, which represents the town’s gratitude to the Almighty and the Virgin Mary for miraculously saving the town from Mt. Sumagang’s eruption.

i so love this statue at the foot of Inorogan Chapel

We got hungry after climbing the 150-step to Inorogan Chapel. Next destination is Bigg's Diner - Iriga for our lunch treat.

Bigg's Diner - Iriga

sizzling Tenderloin Tips with Baked Mashed Potatoes partnered with creamy Cauliflower Soup

Kookie Monster Cake

this instantly became my new favorite!

It's the first time I tried out these dishes and Im glad I did. Bigg's Diner has really a good variety of food selection.

After this satisfying lunch, our group went to Cagsawa Ruins to have a view of the mighty Mayon Volcano. As always, its shape is perfect!

Cagsawa church was destroyed during the most destructive eruption of the nearby Mayon Volcano in February 1, 1814. The eruption killed an estimated 1,200 people in the surrounding areas and buried the town of Cagsawa. Hundreds of inhabitants of the town of Cagsawa sought refuge in the church, but unfortunately were also killed by either pyroclastic flows or lahar.

the majestic Mayon Volcano

I've seen the Mayon multiple times before, and I was quite surprise that this volcano is still beautiful even when viewed at night.

the Mayon view from Ligñon Hill

even more beautiful at night

Another place to visit at night is the Embarcadero de Legazpi. This is a premier waterfront development in the Legazpi City harbor that is emerging as a world-class lifestyle hub both for tourists and the locals.

Embarcadero de Legazpi

Since this is the hippest mall in Legazpi, Bigg's Diner has a branch in it. We just did a take out since it's getting late already.

Bigg’s Chicken Meal with Crab and Corn Soup

Another best of Bicol is The Oriental Hotel in Legazpi. This is one of the beautifully constructed hotel that I've been. It looks really clean and elegant as well.

welcome drink with a twist of spiciness

our beautiful room for the night

even the centerpiece bouquet arrangement is made of chillies

After eating our Bigg's take out meal, I had a long bath and immediately sleep. It has been a long day.

Day 3
The daylight added more beauty and sophistication to the Oriental Hotel. I cant help but appreciate its architecture.

The Oriental Hotel

way to pool and alfresco dining area

pool fronting the Mayon Volcano

fabulous hotel design

For breakfast (and addition to the hotel's complimentary buffet spread), Bigg's provided us with newly cooked Bacon, Sausage, and Hash Brown meal.

Bacon, Sausage, and Hash Brown for breakfast

Next activity is a trip to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave. I've always wanted to go here and thankfully the organizers included this is the itinerary.

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is a natural tunnel-like structure situated in Camalig, Albay. It has been said that these caves were the primitive habitats of the natives in the area. It has been discovered during the Japanese occupation and has been one of the most popular attractions in Albay. The name Hoyop-Hoyopan was derived from the local word "Hoyop" which means to blow.

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, c/o Marx

The final stop in this Around 30 Plates in Bicol trip is a lunch at Bigg's Diner - Pacific Mall. In celebration of Bigg's 30th Year, a man dressed in Elvis was giving away gift certificate for lucky diners.

free Bigg's certificates for lucky diners

Bigg's Diner surely brings pride to every Bicolano. For 30 long years and 11 branches in Bicol region alone, this business has sustain and even improved the quality of food to every native and tourist of the region. They don't actually serve some fast food, but rather good food.