Part 1- 5D4N DIY Tour in Hongkong-Macau- Avenue of Stars & Tsim Tsa Tsui

Hello everyone!~~

This is the 1st part of my travel documentation post to our recent trip in Hongkong (and a day tour in Macau). We decided to do our own 5D4N DIY tour & managed to save some money while enjoying our tour at our own pace. Traveling around Hongkong is pretty much easy.. thanks to their very expansive & tourist-friendly public transportation system. Since we're in a DIY tour, we purchased our Octopus Card right at the airport to make our travel more convenient. 

at Hongkong International Airport

For first time travelers of Hongkong, Octopus Card is a very convenient way to pay fares in Hongkong's public transportation such as the MTR, Airport Express, Trams, bus and can also be used for purchasing goods in Convenience stores, car park fees, paying bills for dining in restaurants like Mcdonalds, starbucks etc. We purchased HK$150 worth of Octopus card; HK$50 for initial deposit and refundable upon return of the card before you leave Hongkong & Hk$100 load. And on our 2nd day we top-up additional HK$50. In our case, HK$200 worth of Octopus Card was already sufficient in our 5days of commuting around Hongkong. 

With Octopus Card and MTR guide map, we're ready to explore Hongkong! Yay! 

We went straight to the bus stop from the airport and rode the A21 bus to get to our hotel accommodation in the heart of Tsim Tsa Tsui and alight at the 14th bus stop as instructed in the hotel website. Bus fare is HK$33 & the ride takes about less than an hour. Buses in Hongkong have number codes so even riding buses to get around Hongkong is just so easy. From the bus stop, we walk around 50 meters backward and viola.. we're in our hotel accommodation.

A21 Bus

We stayed in Modern inn hotel in our entire stay in Hongkong located at the Mirador Mansion. It was a surprise to us that Hotel/hostels in Hongkong share the same building. We availed their Family room via agoda and paid Php2,500.00 per night. Our room is small which is typical in Hongkong but very cozy with basic amenities, hot&cold shower, hair dryer and a 220volt 2 lines electrical socket provided (They used rounded shape socket in Hongkong). The hotel also have communal pastry area with mini ref, coffee maker & free purifying water. Availing a family room for just the two of us was a brilliant decision because it gave us enough space for our luggage and a bigger bed. I could not imagine how we would move around our room for 4 nights if ever we availed the double room as we initially planned. Overall, we had a pleasant stay in this hotel with superb location -- walking distance from the MTR station, Avenue of Stars, Museums and China Ferry Terminal to Macau. 

Family room of Modern Inn Hotel 

See how small our room was

 Other side of the room 

comfort room with glass divider 

After we had settled our stuff in our room, we went out for our late lunch at a nearby Chinese restaurant and had our first [and bad] dinning experience in Hongkong. In the middle of eating our meal, the waiter throw the bill in our table carelessly. He also don't observe proper serving etiquette and his finger was already swimming in the milktea ordered by a group of girls sitting beside our table. Ewww. We just decided to buy our drinks at 7/11.

We went back to our hotel for a restful sleep and ended our day with  a hearty bowl of noodles in a restaurant nearby. I dont know how the restaurant is called because its written in Chinese character. The soup has shrimp dumplings and fish balls. It tastes so yummy. The waiter in this restaurant was way better than the previous one and can speak English quite good. 

Yum yum!

Afterwhich, we headed for a night stroll in Avenue of Star with the beautiful City lights of Victoria Bay in our background. I told myself, "We're in Hongkong, indeed"..  

Beautiful City Lights of Victoria Harbour

To be continued.

Always,

Rica 

Part 1: Avenue of Stars & Victoria Harbour
Part 2: Disneyland Hongkong
Part 3: Ngong Ping 360 & Mongkok
Part 3: A day in Macau

Part 2- Albay, Bicol

This is the part 2 of our travel documentation in Albay. Click this link if you've missed the first part.

Our remaining 2 days in Albay was more relaxing.. Less tour but more bonding moment with Jan's family. We woke up early for breakfast and the killer beauty of Mayon from our hotel room started our day with a happy and positive energy.

After breakfast,we headed to Lignon Hill.. A prominent hill in Legazpi City (and has been designated as a nature park) overlooking the entire city of Legazpi and majestic Mayon Volcano. The park has restaurant, souvenir shops, zipline and a 50 foot tunnel constructed by the Japanese soldiers during the WWWII

In just a minute, the shy Mayon is once again covered with clouds.

The heat of the sun was too draining so after we took our lunch at the hotel, we've spent the rest of the afternoon with a loonnng nap. As soon as we had our energy back (we didn't even notice it was almost dinner) we went to Pacific mall to fill our tummies with more Bicol delicacies at Colonial Grill who became popular with their unique ice cream flavors like sili and pili(nut) ice cream. For dessert, we ordered their best-selling sili ice cream and I could say that it tastes deliciously weird. Hehe. It also has a "kick" after taste effect. Good idea Colonial grill!!

I have been bragging about DJC Halo-Halo to Jan's family ever since we've met in Bicol. And since DJC Halo-halo has a branch inside the Pacific mall's foodcourt, I suggested for us to try it. The mall was already closing (Malls/establishments in Albay closes as early as 8pm) the staff still accommodated our order. The price is Php10.00 higher than the original branch in Tiwi but with the same yummy taste! geez, I couldn't still get over of DJC Halo-halo. I hope they would soon open a branch here in Manila.

Sorry for the blurred photo. DJC Halo-Halo in Pacific Mall Branch (Php70.00)

Our 2nd day in Albay ended with a relaxing Thai massage at Chetawan Foot & body massage located just beside the Pacific Mall in Legazpi City. I swear this was by far the best Thai massage I have ever experienced... Their staff are well-trained and friendly. We had a good night sleep after. Too bad I didn't bring my phone so I was not able to take a photo of their Legazpi City branch. I believe Chetawan Foot and Body massage has branches in Las Pinas & Quezon City, too.

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The next day before our flight back to Manila.. We once again stopped by to Cagsawa Ruins. I have seen Mayon many times [Mayon's tip can be seen in our ancestral house in Bacacay and my view as I wash our dishes ) but it still never failed to leave me in awe. Truly, a God's wonderful creation.

So that ends our sweet escape to Albay. I hope next time.. My mom, sister and Xian could also join in our next travel. Thank you Lord for this another opportunity to travel together with our families.. See you again.. Mahal Kong Bicol.

Always be a proud Bicolana,

Rica ♡

Part 1- Albay, Bicol

Our trip to Bicol was short but sweet. It was extra special not only because Bicol is my hometown but also because this trip allowed us to bond with both our families while discovering together what Albay has more to offer. And even though this trip was unplanned (we even had to cancel our flight to Bacolod for this) but there is indeed no better way to travel than to spend it with your family and lovedones. 

We arrived in Legazpi Airport at 10:30am and my uncles immediately greeted us at the arrival area. Coincidentally, one of my uncle (who recently just married) together with his wife went home to Bicol in the exact date of our arrival. And since it's Jan and my uncle's wife first time in Bicol, we rented the jeep of our relative to tour our special guests around Albay. We first headed to the most visited tourist spot in Daraga.. The Cagsawa Ruins which is around 10mins drive from the airport. Aside from its history, the Cagsawa Ruins Park gives a great view of the Majestic Mayon Volcano --but at the time of our arrival, the shy Mayon was already covered with clouds. To see its full beauty, it is best to visit the Park early in the morning.

There were also a lot of souvenir items, abaca handicrafts & calenderia along the park. We decided to have our early lunch in one of the calenderia there and enjoyed the Bicolano's famous spicy and coconut-based dishes such as Bicol express, Gatang Puso ng saging, gatang blue marlin and another gata dish. Sorry I'm literally not good in naming & describing foods. All I can state is whether the food tastes good or not. But with all the dishes we ordered, it was absolutely a thumbs up! Masiramon!!

We also tried (out of curiosity) a fruit shake stall that offers Sili Shake. And well, the seller put too much chili we couldn't stand the spice and throw it after just one sip. The experience costs us Php55.00. Hehe. They also offer Bicol Express Shake. Yay!

After lunch we headed next to the town of Tiwi to experience its famous natural spring pool. My mom would always tell me of her fond childhood memory in Tiwi where they used to boil their saging na saba and eggs thru its steamy holes --and that is why in this trip, I didn't forget to include it in our itinerary. As we ask for direction to the hot spring, the people would always weirdly point us to Tiwi Spring Resort-- only to find out later that the famed hot spring had  already died naturally long time ago. What is left are only a few spring resorts like the ones in Laguna. Gahhh.. How come I didn't even research on this before suggesting an itinerary?! We even travelled a one hour ride for this tapos epic fail pala. What a lame?! But good thing, the DJC Halo-halo saved our day!

DJC Halo-halo is one of the most popular restaurants to try out when in Bicol and has always been tag as one of the yummiest halo-halo in town . The original restaurant is located in Tiwi just a short ride away from the Tiwi Spring Resort. They also have branches in Pacific Mall in Legazpi City and Naga. And my..they are absolutely right. In just a minute, I literally finished my halo-halo. DJC halo-halo is the best halo-halo I've ever tasted.. Much yummier than the other famous halo-halo like Razons & Digman. The ingredients blended well together and the added cheese made the halo-halo creamier. It was definitely worth the one hour jeepney ride and failed hot spring adventure. Hehe.

DJC Halo-halo (Php60.00)

After quenching our thirst with yummy halo-halo of DJC, we took another one hour ride to Bacacay to visit the grave of my maternal grandparents..

I am my grandparents favorite grandchild. Every summer vacation, my Lola would always take me to Bicol. As a young kid, my Lolo and Lola gave me so much love and affection to remember forever. That is why even though it has been years since both of them passed away.. its still hurt me like hell to see their names in their grave stones. I miss you Loli and Lolo.

With my Tito Ike and wife, Tita Harlene

And our last stop for our jeepney tour .. The hi-hello-kamusta po-mano po moment with my relatives in San Pedro and Ilawod. In our town, everybody knows each other and everybody's business.. And one must give respect by "mano" gestures .. Kaya unli mano kami ni Jan. Hehe. I also had the opportunity to bring Jan to my grandparents house . it made me teary eyed to see that the house where I used to live is now empty, lifeless and abandoned. As I look at our house, the memory of my childhood with my grandparents had flashed back. It was fun though to tell these stories with the man I love  the most. Thank you honey for always accompanying me with all my adventures.

After our sumptuous Laing and adobo dinner prepared by my Tito.. We headed back to Legazpi City to be with Jan's family. We've stayed in Magayon Hotel located at Peñaranda St. The hotel is ok for bagpackers and for travelers who are just looking for a descent place to sleep. I'm not literally O.C to hotels but I had to comment about the dead cockroach we found in our sheet. It was really gross .. The hotel should do something about the maintenance and cleanliness of the hotel. Apart from that, the hotel is just fine .. Very accessible location to tourist destinations in Albay by simply riding a tricycle in front of the hotel.

And then we just spent the rest of the night at Embarcadero.. It was a loonnngg, draining but fulfilled first day in Albay.

To be continued..

Always,

Rica ♡

Cebu City Weekend Trip

I haven't been to Cebu before that is why on my post 24th birthday celebration (my exact birthday fell on the holyweek) Jan and I decided to go to Cebu for a day of exploring the oldest City in the Philippines. Jan warned me that Cebu City is more like Manila (unless we head to the northern or southern part of Cebu). I initially planned to celebrate my birthday in Bantayan Island but I don't like to be wasting our short trip in Cebu travelling for hours just to get to the destination ..Maybe next time when we have longer vacation days. Our goal was only to relax, experience Cebu delicacies and escape our routinely life in Manila even just for a weekend trip. 

Our supposed 7am flight was cancelled and so we were scheduled for the next 9am flight and arrived in Mactan International Airport at exactly 10:10am. Whenever we travel, I always make sure to prepare an itinerary at least one week prior to our scheduled trip to maximize our time and searched on how to get around the destination. DIY Itinerary to Cebu City is pretty much easy. The only hassle is ofcourse transferring from one public commute to another but it'll save you a big chunk of money from availing a package tour and you also have a full control of your own time. Since we only packed for two days clothes, we decided to commute like the locals do and rode jeepneys and taxis to roam around the City. 

Selfie inside the shuttle. hehe

Our first itinerary was to head straight to Mactan Shrine. The historical tourist attraction nearest to the airport. Using my Cebu commute guide [which I jotted down on a piece of paper], we rode the yellow airport shuttle to Marina Mall and asked the driver to drop us where we could ride another jeepney to Punta Engano that will pass by to the shrine. Fare is Php11.00. 

The shrine was built in commemoration of first Philippine battle happened on 1521 between the Spanish soldiers led by Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan and famous native Cebuano hero, Rajah Lapu-Lapu. The Magellan Shrine is believed to be the exact spot where Ferdinand Magellan was killed after a poisonous arrow felled to him by one of the men of Lapu-Lapu.

Inside the Mactan Shrine is also where you can see the bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu. 

There are also a lot of stalls along the shrine that sells souvenir items.I bought another ref magnet to add in my collection and T-shirt for my mom. 

Punta Engano View Deck

Ofcourse, our Cebu City trip wouldn't be complete without a taste of their famed "Cebu Lechon". They say that CNt Lechon is one of the best lechon restaurants in town and so from Mactan shrine, we rode a jeepney bound for Park Mall. Fare is Php14.00. From there, we rode another jeepney to SM Cebu and walk our way across the mall to CNt lechon located inside a yellow building. 

The restaurant's lighting is dim though it looked bright in my photo because of my cam's flash. We ordered 1/4 lechon and chopseuy 

My verdict: CNt lechon is chewy and flavorful. No need for any lechon dip or toyo-mansi. No wonder they are often tag to be the best lechon in town.

After our yummy lechon indulgence, we rode a taxi to take us to Castle Peak Hotel where we stayed overnight in Cebu City. Our room has a modern interior with double size bed, hot & cold shower, refrigerator, coffee maker and cabled TV for only Php1588. For the price we paid, this hotel was a great value.The hotel is also a short taxi/jeep ride away from IT Park Mall and SM Cebu. And less crowded compared if you stay in hotels somewhere in Fuente Osmena. If you want to avail their buffet breakfast, just pay additional 250php per person but in our case, we decided to try out a grilled bar nearby for a change.

After a restful sleep, we started the continuation of our Cebu City tour at the famous Magellan Cross and Basilica Minore del Santo Nino De Cebu. Unfortunately, both religious landmark are still under construction due to a strong earthquake that hit Visayas almost a couple of years ago. 

Magellan's Cross

The Cross still has a wooden braces after the earthquake.

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino De Cebu or commonly known as Sto Nino Church is the oldest Roman Catholic Church established in the Philippines by the Augustian priests in 1565. The earthquake happened on October 2013 destroyed the Basilica's belfry and facade and still under construction up to this date. 

 Beautiful altar of the Basilica. The Basilica is also where you could see the oldest religious relic [sto nino] in the country.

From the Basilica, we rode a jeepney enroute to "Jones" or "Fuente" for our early dinner at Larsian located just a short walking distance from Fuente Circle  Larsian is included in one of the most must-try food trip in Cebu City by GMA news TV program, Ang Pinaka. It has a stretch of stalls offering variety of street foods and grilled dishes.

We ordered grilled squid, pork, chorizo and chicken liver barbeque. It also comes with Puso (hanging rice) and plastic glove as it is meant to be eaten using your hand. Eating puso is something new for us. And with all the dishes we ordered, we only paid less than Php300. Super affordable! For desert, of course nothing beats the chocolate sundae of Mcdo. Hehe

Then we went back to our hotel for a quick rest. Jan and I are a big fan of Jazz music [influenced by both our parents.] That is why we were so thrilled to see a Jazz bar across Castle Peak hotel called "Jazz n' bluz". We went to the bar just in time before the bands start to perform. Session4 performed on the 1st set with jazz/bosa nova songs and Purplenotes entertained the guests with their ballad/pop songs. Both bands are equally talented singers and musicians and they would be perfect to perform to formal social gatherings like weddings and business events.

It was so fun watching other guests dance salsa and tango. Most of the guests are same ages with our parents. Parang kami lang ata ang young adults dun. Hehe. But we did enjoy a lot with happy crowd and romantic music. It was indeed a perfect night. We went back to our hotel past 11pm already with the continuation of our foodtrip to the hotel's convenience store eating chips, siomai and redhorse beer for Jan.

The next morning, we went to Taoist temple before our flight back to Manila. Only private vehicles and taxis are allowed to enter the Beverly hills subdivision and you have to pay extra for the taxi to wait for you. Unfortunately, the taxi driver took advantage of us and he's the only taxi driver we rode in Cebu who didn't give us our change. Estimated and double charge. Oh well... 

And then we headed to SM Cebu for a quick lunch and Lechon pasalubong. I thought there was a CNt Lechon branch at SM Cebu's food court [as what I've read from a travel blog]. But there is none. Good thing there are other lechon restaurants in the food court such as Marina Lechon and Lechonito de Cebu so I could still brought home lechon. We chose lechonito de Cebu and ordered 1/4k of Lechon for our lunch and 1/2K for my pasalubong to my mom. Comparison between Cnt and Lechonito de Cebu? Nothing much difference. Both are chewy and tasty. Siguro CNt is more flavorful lang but nonetheless, I also recommend Lechonito de Cebu for your lechon pasalubong. 

Beautiful clouds on the way back to Manila

Goodbye Cebu..What a refreshing weekend it has been for us to start a new week. We would definitely come back to experience your prestine white sand beaches to Bantayan Island, Malapascua, Oslob and the list goes on. Hopefully Soon! :)

And by the way, Thank you honey for this birthday travel treat :)

Always,

Rica ♡