Around Bicol in 30 Plates

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.

thank you Bigg's Diner for the experience

thank you for the 30 years of serving good and affordable food

..and cheers to more years ahead. 
We are really hoping to have a Bigg's Diner branch here in Manila! =)

http://www.biggsdiner.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/BiggsDiner
https://twitter.com/BiggsDiner

A Luxurious Staycation at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan

Staycation is a combination of vacationing and staying in a nearby hotel, resort, or even at home. Summer is the best time to travel while the rainy season is the best time to have a staycation! It's not weather dependent, the crowd is less, and hotel rates are cheaper.

It was in 2010 when I first tried staycation. After 3 years and 15 more staycations, it's very obvious that this my new favorite activity. Since the hotels and resorts in the city are kinda typical, it's time for me to take my staycation to a higher level. I booked a flight to Cebu just to have a luxurious staycation.

one luxurious staycation at Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan is a sprawling 6-hectare beach front resort with a first-rate spa. This resort has 40 luxurious and spacious private villas with individual plunge pools and 250 guestrooms that combine both comfort and style.

The resort started its operations last October 2011. It's always best to stay in a resort while it's still new.

 one of the many locally made yet world class art pieces in the resort

The viewing deck in the reception area gives the guests a preview of this beautiful resort.

 overlooking the reception area is the 3-tiered infinity pool 

The 3-Tiered Infinity Pool

One word: grand. It features the kiddie and the adult infinity pools.

the beach club

Most tourist lazily spend all mornings and afternoons in the infinity pool or the lounge. By the way, Crimson Resort in Mactan offers a day tour which costs P2,500++ per person, inclusive of buffet lunch and an access to the infinity pool and the beach.

 kiddie infinity pool which is connected to the main infinity pool

mommy and the alligator life buoy

 Crimzone, the children's activity area

main infinity pool

Notice the nipa huts on each end of the pool? These are the spa area by the pool side with the view of the beach. Nice and refreshing.

Sole Revival treatment at Aum Spa costs P600++

The Villa
After a quick tour by the pool area, it's time to check out our villa. Crimson Resort and Spa has 40 luxurious villa which measures 115 sq meters each. Yes, that spacious. The best part is, each villa has its own private plunge pool. *winks*

 a villa with the ocean view

our villa for 2 days

around P19,000 per night, with buffet breakfast for 2

 golf carts are out, this striking red shuttle cart is so in!

A welcome ritual was made upon our entry. I can't remember the name but the pretty staff washed my hand with water mixed with some oil essences.

 a special welcome ritual

Not long after this, we finally had our first glance of the villa. Aside from the impression that the villa still looks new, the ambiance and the fragrance is really remarkable.

the spacious living area

each furniture is a knock out

i specially loved the laminated wood table

dining area with complimentary wine and fruits

the mangoes are so sweet!

Now the master bedroom. Like the living area, the bed, lamps, mirrors, table, and other furniture feature Cebu designer's creativity and craftsmanship.

a peek of the master bedroom

wow, pang-prinsesa ^_^

4 poster canopy king sized bed

finally, the plunge pool view from the bedroom

with easy access!

Now the master bathroom.

the master bedroom with an equally spacious master bathroom

very spacious and lovely bathroom

again, every detail is a pride for the Cebuanos

i love those lamps!

bathtub with bath salt, bubble soap, fragrance oil, and ultra fresh towels

yes, the bathroom is the new photobooth!

complete with toiletries

Finally, the plunge pool. Actually, this is the first time I experienced a villa with plunge pool. I am so delighted!

our secluded plunge pool!♥

the water is warm and doesn't contain any chemicals

ready for a plunge

But of course, it's time for some pictorial first.

pictorial on our plunge pool

Since our villa is divided by the walls, we enjoyed a complete privacy. Goofing around this pool without worrying about any by-passers is the ultimate luxury. ^_^

Actually, the private plunge pool is just my 2nd favorite. What I appreciated most is how Crimson patronizes and promotes the elegant and classy furniture pieces with a unique Filipino touch. Every local and foreign guests in resort would surely be awed by Cebu's very fine creativity and craftsmanship thru the locally made furniture. 

After this, local furniture can now be associated with the words elegance and luxury.

 featuring Cebu's very fine creativity and craftsmanship

I saw some Murillo and Kenneth Cobonpue pieces, and I instantly wished I can have those pieces for our own home.


The Food at Saffron
Moving on. Rob and I had our buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Saffron's Cafe. Lunch buffet costs P1,000++ per person and dinner buffet ranges from 1,500++ to 1,800++ per person. Anyway, the buffet spread offers a lot of dishes. The service is excellent. Every staff had its own 5-star hospitality in assisting the guests.

Saffron Cafe restaurant

 interior at Saffron Cafe

What I loved most were: penne carbonara, stir fired noodles, buttered shrimp, and the mango crepe. Oh, the waitress offered me to try their Bokchoy, a drink made out of Chinese pechay, pineapple, and honey. Super like!

some of the food offered at Saffron Cafe

Note: For villa guests, breakfast can be availed at Tempo, a classier restaurant on the 2nd floor. Go for it! There's not much guests and the view is awesome.

The Beach
What's a resort without having a nice beachfront? Actually Crimson had a short shore and the sand is artificial. Nonetheless, the water is clear and very swim-able. As always, the color of the water is at its most tempting from 9am to 1pm.

 beach lounge chairs

very tempting beachfront at Crimson Resort and Spa

classic crystal clear water in Cebu

Thank you Lord for the perfect weather. Prior to this trip, 2 typhoons were reigning all over the whole country.


Aum Spa
It was already a relaxing and luxurious getaway, but the best way to top it off is have a soothing spa at Aum. The traditional Aum Spa costs P3,400++ for an hour of massage.

 a night plunge first before going to the spa

Aum Spa features an array of invigorating services that promises to relax, restore and energize the mind and body.

complete pampering at Aum Spa and Wellness Center

with the award-winning designer Kenneth Cobonpue's chair?

The facilities are top of the class- clean and smells so good. There's also a pool, a steam and sauna rooms which Aum customers can enjoy. 

my Transition to Transformation Massage started with a foot spa

I just loved the experience. Im not really into massages but this one's slowly relaxed and soothed my reflexes. It was indeed a sound sleep after I had this massage.

pool area by night

thank you Crimson for the ultimate staycation experience ♥

I'm actually overwhelmed with how beautiful this resort is. This is indeed one of the best resorts that I've been to. The villas and guest rooms are spaced well which made the whole area looked very pleasant. The beach is just gorgeous.

What I appreciated most is how Crimson patronizes and promotes the world class Cebuano design and art. It's another 'Im a proud Pinay' moment whenever local and foreign guests wowed upon the glamorous furniture pieces. Most of all, Im more than happy to know that this resort gives jobs to 400 locals. Cheers!

 Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan Promo 2013

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Seascapes Resort Town, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines

http://www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan/

My Tiger Airways Flight to Cebu

Like most people in the travel community, I prefer to book the cheapest available flight. Actually, it's not just the price which I look at. I also consider the reputation of the airline. For someone who always have tight schedules, on-time flights are priceless to me.

my Tiger Airways flight to Cebu was ahead of time

On my last birthday, I experienced flying with Tiger Airways for the very first time. Imagine, I scored round trip tickets to Davao for only P443! Seriously! And this already included the P200 terminal fee. What a steal! Mind you, the travel date fell on a weekend and 5 of my friends also booked the same flight. Nowadays, the piso fare promo which some other airlines offer would still costs P900, round trip. The promo seats are very limited, and most of the time, promo seats are only offered on weekdays. Totoo o hindi? See, that's how competitive Tiger Airways is.

 my very cheap roundtrip ticket to Davao only costs P443!

Since I had a pleasant Davao flight with Tiger Airways, I didn't hesitate to book my flight to Cebu with them. As expected, they offered the cheapest rates compared to other airlines in the Philippines.

Tiger Airways doesn't offer web check in yet, but it's okay specially when there's not much people in Terminal 4 compared to Terminal 3. Actually, I prefer to fly from Terminal 4 because long walks are not required. Besides, it's soooo much easier to get a taxi on this airport compared to other terminals. 

Okay going back, I requested for a window seat on the right side and the ground attendant gladly complied. Yey!

inside Tiger Airway's aircraft

when going south, choose to be seated on the right. it has a better view of the islands.

The experience is very much the same with other low cost airlines, only the male flight attendants of Tiger Airways are gwapo! =) Of course, on board snacks are being offered too.

on board snacks

We landed in Cebu ahead of schedule, and same goes on my way back to Manila. See, passengers should still enjoy on-time flights even when it's on a low cost carrier.

 Tiger Airways Philippines' route map

In the future, I would still patronize this airline and checkout their seat sale alerts. 
Im hoping that Tiger Airways Philippines would expand and offer additional local and international routes. Cheers to very cheap airfares!