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Last September, I wrote about how I deal with money when traveling. Last January, while in Boracay, I was finally able to try using a Visa debit card.

Works as well as a credit card, but without the absurdly high interest rate

It indeed, worked flawlessly like a credit card. After a sumptuous meal at Lemon Cafe in D’mall, I realized that I didn’t have enough cash with me to pay for my meal, so I paid using the card, knowing that this is one of the establishments in Boracay that accepts credit card payments. I was worried that their machines wouldn’t support debit cards, but turns out I didn’t have anything to fret about. The transaction went through without a hitch — I didn’t have to wash the dishes to pay for what I ate, and didn’t have to worry about credit card bills and interest rates.

After dinner, I made sure to stop by the ATM to make sure I have enough cash to last me until Kalibo and Manila. Again, my Visa debit card is out my wallet and fed into the ATM’s card slot. I was able to get my cash, the only charge was for using another bank’s machine — no cash advance fees to add to my bill.

Works great as an ATM card too!

I was already quite satisfied with the card by then, but the biggest surprise came when I came back to Manila. As you know, the Philippine Blog Awards has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build the “Bahay Blogger” to benefit the homeless people of Navotas. Unfortunately, the donation page only accepts credit card payments. I was in a pickle because I wanted to help out, but at the same time, I don’t want to use my credit cards anymore. I took a chance and keyed in my Visa debit card number. Much to my delight, the payment went through!

If I’m able to use the card on one website, I’m guessing I can use it for a handful more. Would it work on online airline bookings? Dundundun! Let’s wait and see, shall we?

Visa believes that one of the most important financial tools is not a product but knowledge. That is why Visa has been developing financial literacy programs that teach individuals how to spend, save and budget responsibly. In 2009 Visa committed to reach 20 million people worldwide with financial education by 2013. For more of Visa’s financial literacy materials visit http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com.

Originally published at Justwandering.org

My backpacks have taken a backseat last year. In my major trips last year (Guam, Morocco and Kuala Lumpur), it was my bright red luggage that accompanied me. It’s not that I’ve stopped backpacking; more like traveling to places where walking around in t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops is not the most practical thing to do. I love the mobility I get with my backpacks, but there’s something to be said about the simple joy of throwing your clothes into an empty suitcase.

My new travel buddy

That’s what I did a couple of weeks ago. The wonderful people at Delsey gave me a lovely token: a 65cm 4-wheel expandable trolley from their Fiber Lite line, just in time for my week-long trip to Kalibo. Yeah yeah, I know it’s absurd traveling with a suitcase that can carry up to 20 kilos just for a 7-day trip, but it gave me the freedom to pack stuff I wouldn’t have been able to if it was just me and my backpack. See, I was traveling with my dollie friends and also working the rest of the week. Three big-headed dolls each approximately 12″ tall, a 15-inch laptop, a week’s worth of clothes (mine and the dolls’) — they can’t all fit inside Viktor.

To say that I was happy upon being given a Delsey bag is an understatement. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Delsey, mainly about their super light luggage and their Zip Securi Tech system. The former is easy to understand: lighter luggage means lesser chances of going overweight at the check-in counter. As for the latter, you’ll understand after watching this video:

That happened to me last year in KL. I stupidly locked BOTH my bags with my key cards inside the luggage. I remembered this video and was able to open it. Actually, I was even able to open it without using a pen or anything — the zips didn’t align properly in one corner and I was able to pry it open using that tiny gap. I was grateful that I was able to open it, but in hindsight, it’s worrying because if I can open it that easily, other people can, too. Worse of all, they can even do it without leaving any visible trace. That made me think about investing on a new set of luggage that gives my things better security.

In comes Delsey, almost right on cue! (Thank you universe!) The Fiber Lite is one of their lightest luggage, the 65cm luggage weighing only 3.6 kilos or 7.9 pounds. It also features Delsey’s latest innovation, the Zip Securi Tech system, which consists of two layers of zipper that makes it sturdier and almost impossible to pry open. The double zippers have some resistance when opening or closing, but not so much that it requires a lot of effort. A small sacrifice for the sake of security.

This is my first time to own a four-wheeler and I have to say, it’s going to be tough going back to the two-wheeler. I’ve always wondered what the big fuss is about the four wheels and when I was rolling the bag after it was packed, I finally understood: it really is much more convenient to use. Having four wheels meant it’s easier to maneuver your bag in the crowded airport, but better still, it meant no strain on your shoulder and arm when you’re moving from one end of the terminal to the other. I’m a notorious over-packer; I know that walking around and dragging a 15-kilo carry-on trolley is just as strenuous as with a heavy backpack. With the Fiber Lite, I just adjust the handle to a comfortable height and lightly pull it along as I walk.

My gadgets bag, dollie bag, clothes and waterproof bags, and my Delsey toiletry kit, which also came as a surprise — a Christmas gift from my accountant that arrived the day after I got the bag!

Inside, it’s roomy (as is all empty suitcase). However, what stood out for me is the inside pocket. Unlike my old luggage that features just one big mesh pocket, the Fiber Lite has two compartments, which is perfect if you want to keep some stuff separate from the others, and within easy reach. There is also a separate pocket outside, which also rather common, but what really stood out is that Delsey made sure that the zips have these lock holes so you can also make sure that nobody will be opening this compartment and getting — or worse, putting — stuff inside without your knowledge.

Speaking of locks, the Fiber Lite comes with a TSA combination lock, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting to get one for your luggage. I’m using the Delsey lock for the front pocket zips and put my Pacsafe lock in the main luggage compartment zip. I just have to make sure never to lock my keys inside again.

Delsey Premium French Luggage is available in all The Travel Club Stores, Duty Free, selected SM Malls, Robinsons and Landmark nationwide.

Delsey will be holding a “Break-In Challenge” on February 16-22, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia. Anyone who will be able to open a Delsey luggage with a pen in under 10 seconds will win Php 50,000 cash. All who join will be eligible for a raffle to win a Delsey luggage worth Php 15,000. Not willing to try your luck? Bring your cash because there’s going to be special discounts on Delsey luggages on those dates!

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was in Cebu last week. I, along with Melo, Noemi and Eric, were invited by Radisson Blu Cebu for the opening of the Thai Food Festival, which runs until October 9, 2011.

Radisson Blu’s lobby

Of course, it’s par for the course for us to experience first hand why Radisson Blu is ranked the #1 hotel in Cebu in the travel website Tripadvisor.com.

The coffee-holic’s dream

We were given Business Class Superior rooms. The 61-square meter room has a receiving and work area. I love that there’s a divider between the bed and the receiving area so you can close off the area for privacy. The receiving area features a 2-seater couch, an arm chair, a 37-inch LCD TV with cable and a Nespresso machine, which I’m sure would delight any coffee addict (and impress whoever dropping by your room). There’s also the complimentary tea service and mini-bar, which is discreetly stored in the counter cabinet.

Work and leisure area

Sharing the sleeping area is the work space at the opposite end and what I call the “reading area.” The arm chair was surprisingly comfortable, and I quite enjoyed sitting in it while watching Gossip Girl on my laptop.

The desk gives you a view of the docks and the sunset. There is ample space in the table for your laptop and documents, but if you have an unusual amount of paperwork, you can also put them in the counter beside the table.

Got gadgets? No problem.

My favorite feature of the work area is the bank of electrical outlets. Forgot to bring your universal adapter? No problem! Their outlets can accommodate any type of plug. What impressed me most though was the USB dock for charging devises that you would normally need a laptop to charge. How convenient is that?

Comfy, comfy bed

Ever since I heard Raj complaining about Leonard putting disgusting memories in his memory foam mattress, I’ve been wondering what a memory foam mattress and how it differ from other mattresses. I’m no mattress expert, but that bed sure was divine. I slept comfortably and if not for text messages coming in the middle of the night, I slept soundly until morning (which is rare).

Bathroom counter and amenities

The toilet and bath was just the right size for one with ample counter space for even the most high maintenance traveler. I was delighted when I saw there was a shower cubicle instead of a bath tub because I hate showering inside tubs. There are two shower heads — fixed and hand held. The water pressure is really good and the water heats up in no time. Again, there is plenty of space for your bath things.

Thai dishes at the Feria restaurant

Feria, Radisson Blu Cebu’s all-day dining restaurant serves a wide array of cuisine. You’re spoilt for choice, whether you’re hankering for meat, pasta or salads. Speaking of pasta, Feria gives you the option to have freshly made pasta cooked to your preference. Another homemade favorite is their ice cream, which is made right there in the restaurant to the full view of diners. It’s a clear winner among the guests, as we see the chef making a new batch every time we go in to dine.

A small sampling of Feria’s desserts

Guests staying at the Business Class rooms have access to the Executive Lounge at the 20th floor. While the dining area is smaller and offer a limited variety of breakfast items (but don’t worry, there’s bacon!), there is significantly less people dining here. So if you’re looking to have a very relaxed breakfast, this is the place to go.

Radisson Blu Cebu is located right beside SM Cebu and has direct access to the mall. The hotel is about 20 minutes away from Mactan Cebu international airport, and 10 minutes from downtown Cebu. It’s quite a convenient location. No wonder they’re getting high marks.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

One of the things that got me excited about going to Guam was the chance to try a new airline: Continental.

Continental Airlines tail livery

In Manila, Continental Airlines use the old terminal, NAIA 1. Their check in counters are in the right side of the terminal. Business class passengers get access to the MIASCOR lounge, as well as eligible Star Alliance Gold members.
They can also use the Singapore SilverKris and KrisFlyer Lounges and THAI Royal Silk Lounge in NAIA 1.

Continental has 3 9 direct flights to Guam from Manila departing at 10:55am, 10:55pm and 11:25pm. One flight, CO892, flies to Guam via Palau. Coming back, there are 2 direct flights, departing Guam at 8:10am and 7:05pm, while the 6:50pm flight goes via Palau.

Inside Continental’s Boeing 737-800

Guam is one of Continental Airlines’ hub in the Pacific, serving Manila, Hong Kong, Cairns, Honolulu, Japanese cities such as Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okayama, Niigata, Sapporo and Sendai, Micronesian destinations like Palau, Yap, Saipan, Rota, Truk, Ponhpei, Kosrae, Kwajalen and Majuro. If you don’t mind the transfers, you can fly to the mainland USA on Continental, flying through Guam and Honolulu to either Los Angeles, Houston or New York.

Continental Airlines snack: ham sandwich, salad and Chamorro cookies

Our flight to Guam was the sole morning flight. Since we’re flying into US territory, we had to go through a very thorough secondary check. All of our hand carry luggage were inspected, all pouches and zips opened with the contents thoroughly examined. We pass through another detector and the inside of our shoes are likewise checked. Be sure to take this into account if you’re flying to the US, as it eats up a lot of time.

Dinner: pasta, salad, rye bread and Chips Ahoy

It was a 2-class plane, Business and Economy. Premium seats in economy with more legroom are available for a fee. Snacks were served: sandwiches, salad and Chamorro cookies, which you shouldn’t pass on. There were video screens, but I can’t remember if they put on a movie because I slept through the flight. I do remember getting very interested in a lot of stuff in the Sky Mall shopping magazine.

The flight to Guam takes 3 and a half hours. Since Guam is 2 hours ahead of the Philippines, it’s quite late when we arrived (4:30pm). On the flight back though, we regained the 2 hours, arriving in Manila at 8:40pm (departed Guam at 7:05pm).

Continental’s flight and hotel packages. Click to enlarge.

[UPDATE] The folks at Continental Airlines sent over this flyer for their Palau Package. Only $565 for roundtrip tickets, 3-days and 2-nights accommodation, breakfast and airport transfers.

Click on the image to enlarge.

If you’re thinking of going to Guam, it’s worth checking out Continental Airlines’ package deals, wherein for as low as $310 (for triple sharing; $320 for twin sharing and $400 for single), you already get round trip tickets and 3-days and 2-nights stay in their partner hotels with daily breakfast and airport transfers. These deals are not available on the Continental website, so best to call the Continental Airlines Philippines office at (02) 818-8701 to 05 to inquire, reserve and book.

Continental Airlines sponsored our flights to and from Guam.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

During our 5-day stay in Guam, we were billeted at the Fiesta Resort Guam. Located right at the heart of Tumon, the hotel has easy access to the fine white sand beach and turquoise waters of Tumon Bay. The drive from the airport only took 10 minutes and upon entering the lobby, our eyes were immediately drawn to the manicured lawn that stretched to the line of coconut trees upon the shore.

Fiesta Resort Guam as seen from the poolside

I was given an Oceanfront room on the fourth floor. It took all of my self-control not to rush to the balcony to take a photo of the gorgeous view outside and take photos of the room instead before I settle in.

Inside Room 424

The room had the usual features: bedside reading lamps, closet, personal safe, alarm clock, cable TV, fridge, mini bar and desk. There were two chairs in the balcony with a small table in middle upon which an ashtray sits. The bathroom is just the right size for 2 people rooming together.

Room 424′s bathroom

Fiesta Resort offers a variety of activities to keep their guests occupied. There are two pools, one for swimming, the other for playing pool volleyball or basketball. Lounge chairs are available for those who want to sunbathe and there’s an outdoor snack bar if you get hungry or looking for refreshment. There’s a gym for those who want to keep fit even while on vacation or join the morning gentle stretch, which combines yoga and pilates. There are also activities to keep the kids occupied, as well as a babysitting service.

Fiesta Resort’s pool and garden

The hotel has one restaurant, the World Cafe, where the breakfast buffet is served. In the evenings though, you might want to try the beachside barbecue which also include a cultural show featuring Polynesian and Micronesian dances. Craving for ice cream? You don’t need to go far as there’s a Häagen-Dazs Café right outside the lobby. There’s also a small convenience store if you’re hankering for some midnight munchies.

Breakfast at the World Cafe

What sets Fiesta from the other hotels in Tumon though is that they can let you check in early. This is perfect for those flying in to Guam on the red-eye flights. If you’re booked at Fiesta, there’s no need for you to sleep at the airport or wander around the island like a zombie, killing time before you get to check-in and rest. Another unique feature of the hotel are its Ladies rooms, which are located in a restricted access wing on the 8th floor. Are you a solo female traveling in Guam? This is something you might want to consider when you visit. The rooms all have ocean views, fancier toiletries and even comes with a small bowl of chocolates.

Ladies room toiletries

Fiesta Resort Guam room rates starts at $120 for mountain view rooms. Package rates for rooms and activities (spa, water sports, barbecue dinner, etc.) are also available. To make a reservation, visit the Fiesta Resort Guam website.

Fiesta Resort Guam sponsored our stay in Guam.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

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Oh, Crumpler. Where do I start? I’ll start by saying that I like being different. I avoid the popular brands because everybody has them. That’s why I ended up with a Victorinox backpack instead of The North Face that every backpacker has on their backs.

My Five Million Dollar Home and the Limited Edition CNY Rabbit Hillman Hunter

I tried resisting Crumpler, I really did. I saw them everywhere in Singapore in 2006, and in 2011, they’re everywhere in Manila too. It was in 2009 that I finally caved in. After toting my Nikon D40 (named The Todd) inside various bags, with only a snug banana hammok neoprene wrap for protection for more than a year, I decided to finally shell out the money for a proper camera bag. But which bag to buy? As much as I didn’t want to go with the obviously popular brand, I had to admit that Crumpler have the cutest camera bags that aren’t too cute, but not boring either. It helps that the bags also go with some fancy names: I had to smirk when I announced that I had just bought a Five Million Dollar Home.

The rabbit zodiac in the bag’s inner flap featuring print inspired by the Chinese paper folding tradition

When I was asked to review the Crumpler Chinese New Year Limited Edition Rabbit Collection, it was very easy to say yes. I was familiar with the brand already, and after more than a year of using it, I can vouch for it. My Crumpler camera bag has been with me in my travels in Southeast Asia and around the Philippines, and it’s still as sturdy and solid it was on the day I bought it. I expected the same from the limited edition Hillman Hunter I was given to review. It’s with a certain irony that I am now the owner of the very same bag I saw being toted by every teenager in Singapore, but at the same time, I take pride that I’m holding a limited edition piece. It may be the same model, but not a lot of people will be walking around with the exact same bag.

Yes, the bag can fit a Nikon D40 with a 18-135mm lens, but since the bag does not have any padding, it’s strongly advised that you wrap your DSLR in a thick padding/case and resist the urge to throw your bag around.

Like every Crumpler bag, the Hillman Hunter is built tough. Crumpler does not scrimp on the materials used for any of their bags. The craftsmanship on each bag is apparent: no loose threads anywhere, Velcro staying where it should be and not tearing the bag’s material apart. Best of all, they’re waterproof. I’ve gotten caught in the rain with my Crumpler and have spilled Tequila Rose on them (don’t ask), and my camera remained dry inside.

You can also tote your netbook inside the Hillman Hunter, but again, sheath it inside a neoprene case.

Admittedly, the Hillman Hunter wasn’t my first choice among the Crumpler Chinese New Year Limited Edition Rabbit Collection pieces. With only a PDF file to base my choices on, it looked as though it was just a fanny pack. A peek at the Crumpler website showed that it’s not as tiny as I thought. True enough, when I started stuffing it with the things I usually bring with me, whether when I’m traveling or just wandering around the city, it proved to be roomy enough.

It’s a stretch, but you can fit a Pullip and a Taeyang inside, but not much else.

While it doesn’t have a zippered compartment that I prefer to have in my bags, it does have two pockets securely fastened by Velcro to keep things secured. There are two other pockets for smaller things that ensures everything is within easy reach. The bag closes by either Velcro or with the pair of buckles. The bag fits snugly around the body, whether you wear it across your chest, draped around your back or loosely hanging around your hips.

The Hillman Hunter is perfect for days when you just want to hang around the metro. Book, check. Wallet, check. Ipod and earbuds, check. Notebook, check. Pen, check. Pocket calculator Mobile phone, check.

Like the other items in the Crumpler Chinese New Year Limited Edition Rabbit Collection, this Hillman Hunter comes in RED. Not red, but RED (in Filipino: PULAH). It’s accented with a gold Crumpler badge, which of course, is the colors of CNY. With the Hillman Hunter though, the monotony of all that RED is broken by the grey reflector at the bottom of the bag.

Crumpler Chinese New Year Limited Edition Rabbit Collection gold badge

The Crumpler Chinese New Year Limited Edition Rabbit Collection features the following:

• The Squid – P 1,450
• The Freckle – P 1,200
• The Rabbit Charm – P 395
• The Hilllman Hunter – P 3,850
• The Goldschlagers Carpet – P 2,250
• The Herbas – P 2,450
• The Headaitch – P 2,950

Crumpler stores can be found in Bonifacio High Street, Trinoma Mall, SM Megamall and Robinsons Manila.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

In previous trips to Bangkok, I would either take the taxi or the Airport Express Bus to wherever I’m staying. Both option has its pros and cons: taxis are more comfortable and convenient, but it can be quite expensive if you’re shouldering the cost on your own. The bus, on the other hand, is a cheap alternative if you’re traveling solo, but you’d also have to deal with the terrible Bangkok traffic. About a month before we flew to Bangkok for the Thailand Open, I stumbled upon this article on CNNGo: Bangkok Airport Rail Link vs. city taxi. I was elated at the news of this new airport transport option that promises to be cheap, fast and relatively comfortable.

Anonymous model wants to remain anonymous

Suvarnabhumi International Airport is huge, but despite its size, it’s virtually impossible to get lost because there are plenty of signs to point you to the right direction. As soon as we exit the arrival hall, we only had to look a couple of times to see signs to the Airport Link station. Located at the airport’s basement, this station serves both the Express and City lines of the SARL. There’s a ticket booth right in the middle of the huge station, the right side for tickets on the City line, the left for the Express.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport Express serves only two stations: the airport and Makkasan, which connects you to Bangkok’s MRT system. The train is similar to that of Hong Kong’s and Kuala Lumpur’s airport express trains: comfortable plush seats with racks for your luggage. The ride takes only 15 minutes and costs THB 100 (THB 150 starting January 1, 2011).

Inside the Suvarnabhumi Airport Link Express Train

The Suvarnabhumi Airport City Line terminates at Phaya Thai, stopping at 6 stations, including Makkasan. The train for this line is similar to the BTS, and as stated in the article above, can get crowded during peak hours. The ride from Phaya Thai to Suvarnabhumi takes 30 minutes and costs THB 15 (THB 45 starting January 1, 2011).

Cla and I rode the Express line when we arrived on Friday night. We were staying at Old Charm Guesthouse, which happens to be just one station away from Phaya Thai, so taking the train would be our best airport transfer option. The ride to Makkasan was smooth and fast. The train’s waiting time was longer than the entire ride. We alighted at Makkasan, and were impressed at how the train station looked like an extension of the Suvarnabhumi airport. On the ground level, check-in counters are waiting for future airlines to set up shop. The City Line station is at the 3rd floor of the station. Since the Express line terminates at Makkasan, we had to transfer to go all the way to Phaya Thai (at no additional cost). The ride from Makkasan to Phayathai on the City Line only took about 5 minutes, even with the stop at Rajprarop Station.

I took the City Line all the way back to the airport on my last day. From the Old Charm, I rode the BTS from Ratchatewi to Phaya Thai, going out through Exit 5 of the Phaya Thai station to connect to the Airport Link station. I queue up to buy a ticket, and was surprised that a trip to Suvarnabhumi would only cost me THB 15. Definitely the cheapest I’ve ever paid for airport transfer. Though the distance between Phaya Thai, Rajprarop and Makkasan were covered in 2 minutes or less, the stations gets farther apart past Makkasan. The ride took only 30 minutes, as promised.

Waiting for the City Line train at the Makkasan station

As written in the CNNGo article, the airport link be cheap and fast, but it can pose some inconvenient problems for some travelers. This option is not really recommended for those traveling with plenty of luggage if you’re taking the City Line. There are no lifts in the City Line’s stations, only escalators. There’s also that added inconvenience if you’re connecting via the BTS or MRT, since they usually don’t have lifts either.

Still, the Bangkok Airport Link is a very much welcome addition to Thailand’s extensive rail line. For solo travelers like me, this is currently the best option for traveling to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

The nice people at United Limsun, the authorized Philippine distributor of Pacsafe gave me another item for review, which compliments the Toursafe Handbag: the Pacsafe Toursafe Wallet. The Toursafe Wallet comes in the same design and colors as the handbag: black, taupe and tabasco.

Pacsafe Toursafe Wallet without the matching Toursafe handbag

The wallet matches my handbag perfectly: it’s also black outside and lilac inside. The wallet comes with a slash-proof chain that you can hook to any Toursafe bag, giving you peace of mind that your wallet’s not going anywhere.

The wallet is an accordion style checkbook wallet*, which gives you plenty of space to store and organize your bills, coins, receipts, cards and even your passport! It measures 7.4″ x 3.9″ x 0.6″ — a pretty standard size, yet slim and compact.

Slash-proof chain

In the past years, I’ve stopped using wallets, opting for simple zippered pouches. I was hesitant to review the wallet at first, since I wasn’t too keen to use it, but I’ve grown to like it after using the wallet for two months. What I love about it is the compartments that let me separate different currencies. Since I travel overseas fairly often, I have to deal with a variety of paper bills and coins whenever I cross borders. My practice before the wallet is that I keep a second wallet to hold all the currency that can’t be used for the country I’m currently in. With the Toursafe wallet, I can put my Philippine peso in one compartment, my Thai baht in the other, my US dollar in another.

Peso in one compartment, rupiah in the next, dollar in the other

I like that there’s plenty of card slots inside the wallet. It comes handy for organizing my card collection, which includes my credit cards, ATM, Timezone game cards, loyalty/rewards cards, fare cards and the Pacsafe Prosafe 750 key card. There are also slip pockets for receipts or keeping travel notes.

All in all, it’s a pretty good buy at Php 1,199 Php 1,999**, considering that a lot of wallets go for around that price range.

You can actually fit your passport inside the Toursafe Wallet!

Pacsafe is available in Manila in all Travel Club branches, Brat Pack, Rustan’s, Hahn, ROX, I Studio, I Gig, Flight 360 and Bombproofgear. A huge thank you go out to United Limsun for the wallet.

* ganked from the Pacsafe Website

** Edited October 14, 2010. Went to ROX and much to my dismay, I found out I mixed up my prices. The wallet is priced at Php 1,999, not Php 1,199 as I originally wrote. Sorry about that :-/

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

It’s been five weeks since I picked up the Toursafe Handbag, and I’ve been using it almost every time I go out since. I use it when I go to the mall and last weekend, I bought it with me when I traveled to Baguio. I feel I’ve gotten to know the bag now, than when I wrote about my first impression.

Shoulder bag or messenger bag? Either one works!

One of the things I like most about the Pacsafe Toursafe Handbag is that it looks casual enough for me to take when I travel, yet it doesn’t look too casual for occasions when I need to dress up. I also love how I can adjust the straps so I have the option to tote it like a shoulder bag, or sling it across my body like a messenger bag. The straps of the bag have high-tensile stainless steel wires that make it slashproof. Now, you’d think that having this wires would make the bag uncomfortable to carry. Astonishingly, you can hardly tell the wires are there. The straps are comfortable on the shoulders and doesn’t dig in painfully.

The Toursafe Handbag’s snatchproof anchor clip

Another security feature of the strap is the snatchproof anchor clip. This allows you to unhook the strap at the base and loop it around a secure object. Say for example you’re in a restaurant. Normally you’d put your bag in an empty seat beside you, or if there isn’t any, put it behind your back or hang it from your chair. Unfortunately, this makes it easy for shady individuals to run off with your bag when you’re not looking. But thanks to the removable strap, you can secure your bag to your chair. Those who will snatch it will surely make a scene since they’ll be dragging the chair (and you) as they attempt to make off with the bag.

The bag also features Pacsafe’s patented eXomesh Slashguard in the lower part of the bag. Similar to the wires in the straps, you can hardly tell they’re there. The Slashguard prevents your belongings from spilling out of the bag in the event someone slashes your bag.

Pacsafe’s tamperproof zipper

Most of the time I carry my bag like a messenger bag. Before, when I carry a messenger bag, I would usually have the bag slung in front of me to ensure that nobody tries to get something from my bag without me noticing. Thanks to the Toursafe’s tamperproof zipper, I can sling my bag to the back without having to worry about pickpockets. It’s a rather simple security feature: basically you just hook your zipper to ensure that it stays close. Simple as it may sound, the tamper-proof zipper works — even I have a difficult time unhooking the zipper!

The bag is surprisingly roomy. I can fit my Nikon D40 with the 18mm-105mm lens inside and there would still be room for a book or a shawl (or a Prez David!). As I mentioned in my first review, there are several pockets that can hold my cards, my iPod and mobile phone, some girly stuff and two zippered pockets. I love the zippered pockets. I keep my extra money in one, and in the other, bigger pocket, I keep the accessories of my gadgets: cleaning pen, extra battery, extra SD card, earbuds, phone handsfree adaptor.

There’s another zippered pocket outside, which I absolutely love. I can put my wallet, passport and pen there so I wouldn’t have to trouble myself opening the tamperproof zipper whenever I have to pay for something or when I have to go through the airport security checks. The pocket side is designed to be facing your body, so it’s not as easy to get to.

In one side of the bag, there’s a small pocket for a water bottle or a small foldable umbrella. The pocket can be fastened close, so it doesn’t look like it’s bulging out when it’s empty. My only gripe about this pocket is that it’s a bit too short. My 500ml bottle of Propel tumbled out of the pocket a couple of times.

The Pacsafe Toursafe Handbag retails in the Philippines for Php 4,490. Kinda pricey for a handbag, but considering its anti-theft features and the unbelievable comfort of the straps, as well as the bag’s design, it’s definitely worth the investment.

Pacsafe is available in Manila in all Travel Club branches, Brat Pack, Rustan’s, Hahn, ROX, I Studio, I Gig, Flight 360 and Bombproofgear. A huge thank you go out to United Limsun for the bag and the ProSafe 750 lock.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I’ve been in the lookout for a new bag for months now. I wanted a bag that isn’t too casual, yet something that I can bring when I travel. Pacsafe came to my rescue when they gave me the latest model in their women’s bag line: the Toursafe Handbag.

The Toursafe Handbag

I just got the bag yesterday, and haven’t really used it yet, so I’ll just write about my first impressions of it.

The Toursafe Handbag comes in three colors: Taupe, Tabasco and Black. I was happy that they gave me the black as I requested, because it goes with everything and looks a lot more formal than the other two colors. The lining inside is a lovely shade of lilac.

The inside of the bag is every OC’s heaven. There are two zippered pockets for valuables or important documents like passport, tickets, booking confirmations. There are also pockets for pens, cards and electronic gadgets like phones and music players, and a key clip so you don’t have you rummage inside your bag for your keys.

Pacsafe is known for its anti-theft bags and travel accessories. The Toursafe Handbag features their patented eXomesh Slashguard in lower front, lower side and bottom panels and a slashproof shoulder strap. This gives you the peace of mind when traveling (or even when you’re just going to Quiapo). For added security, the zipper can also be secured so no one can open it without you noticing.

Unfortunately, I got the bag just as I am finishing my travels for first quarter 2010. Still, I have a couple of mini-trips lined up, and I can’t wait to take this bag out for a spin.

Pacsafe is available in Manila in all Travel Club branches, Brat Pack, Rustan’s, Hahn, ROX, I Studio, I Gig, Flight 360 and Bombproofgear. A huge thank you go out to United Limsun for the bag and the ProSafe 750 lock.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I’m trying to think back why we chose to stay in Marina Garden Beach Resort, but all I can think about is how glad I was that we agreed to stay here. The resort has the best stretch of beach for lounging and swimming. Though most of the resorts in town have beach fronts or have access to the beach, Marina’s beachfront is the widest and cleanest, and hardly any boat dock on its shore, which makes it the best for swimming. That’s why guests of other resorts flock to Marina’s beachfront.

View from Marina Garden Resort

Marina Garden offer rooms for every budget: deluxe rooms for those who can’t live without aircon or hot showers, connecting rooms for families and barkadas who can’t fit in one room, huts made of nipa for those who prefer the rustic setting and townside rooms for those who prefer a more contemporary accommodation without breaking the bank. On the beach, Marina has four (evil) lounge chairs for their guest’s use, and several more inside the fenced area (still fronting the beach). There are also hammocks if you want to really relax under the shade of the coconut trees.

Hammock and (evil) lounge chairs

Marina has a quaint cafe in the beach that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals at their restaurant aren’t cheap, but they’re not too expensive either. Breakfast sets usually go for Php 120, while lunch and dinner meals start at Php 140. Do order the salt and pepper squid. It’s goooood.

Marina Garden’s restaurant

Aside from the perfect beachfront, Marina is also strategically located in the center of town. El Nido town is small to begin with, but you don’t have to walk far from Marina for cheap meals, souvenir shops, sari-sari stores, pharmacy, tourism office, and a Catholic church.

Gail, Marc and I booked Room number 1, their deluxe room. The room comes with hot and cold shower, cable tv, aircon, and a space in their veranda. The room comes with 2 single beds, and just have enough room for one extra matress (on the floor). The beds are comfortable and comes with one fluffy pillow each. There’s also a closet (with hangers and a couple of drawers) for your clothes, and a dresser for your toiletries.

Deluxe Country Villa Room 1

The ensuite toilet and bath is also rather small, but it’s a comfortable enough fit for one. At least my knees aren’t touching the wall when I sit in the toilet. Water pressure is pretty weak, but the toilet flushes without a hitch, so it’s all good. One tiny problem is that the bathroom window doesn’t open properly, so there’s no proper ventilation inside the toilet.

Marina Garden Beach Resort is a Wi-fi zone. There’s wireless internet in almost all parts of the resort. We can surf the internet from the comfort of our beds, or out on the beach, facing the beautiful blue waters of El Nido bay. Okay, now I remember why I booked with Marina.

Room #1′s toilet and bath

All in all, I am quite satisfied with my stay here. Php 3,426 for 4 nights, 4 breakfasts, countless hours spent relaxing on their (evil) lounge chairs, and one spectacular view. I’d say it’s a great value. If and when I go back to El Nido, I’m definitely staying at Marina Garden Beach Resort again.

Marina Garden Beach Resort
Quezon Road (Formerly Calle Hama), El Nido, Palawan
www.mgelnido.com
marinagarden.elnido@gmail.com
+639176247722 / +639088843711

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

Hostelling International Sukhumvit is one of the hostels in Bangkok getting high ratings from travelers who have stayed there. I’ve stayed there twice in 2009, and it’s getting high rating from me as well.

Watch out for this sign on Soi 38

The Sukhumvit area is called the embassy row — almost all of the embassies are located there (including the Philippine embassy). It’s also said that Sukhumvit is where backpackers go when they tire of Khao San Road. Sukhumvit is a very quiet neighborhood, and you can walk for a kilometer without anybody asking you if you want to go on a tuktuk ride or buy a fake Rolex. Though Sukhumvit is not exactly a central station, the BTS run along the main road, so it’s easy to get around without having to deal with Bangkok’s infamous traffic jams.

HI Sukhumvit is located in Sukhumvit Soi 38, a street of the main Sukhumvit road. It’s actually tucked in a smaller street, just 100 meters from the entrance of the street. The nearest BTS station is Thong Lo.

Room 205

The hostel has five floors, the fifth being the roof deck, where there’s a common lounge room, sun beds and the laundry facilities. The rooms range from female and mixed dorms, single and double rooms, and rooms with ensuite toilet and bath. There is no elevator in the hostel, so be sure that you can comfortably carry your luggage up a flight of stairs if you’re staying here. Each floor has a shared toilet and shower. The housekeeping staff are always around ensuring that the toilet is kept clean and there’s toilet paper available.

During my first stay at HI Sukhumvit, I booked a single room. Due to the guest extending his stay, they gave me a double room for the price of the single room. The room was big enough for two people without bumping to each other. The bed was comfortable and the pillows were soft and fluffy. There was a clothes rack for drying wet towels or clothes and a small dresser for your toiletries. There’s also a side table and a lamp, which is great if you’re going to read before sleeping.

Rooftop lounge area

The second time I stayed there, I stayed for one night in a 4-bed dorm room that I shared with the tennis girls. It’s roughly the same size of the double room, with two bunk beds and four people. The beds are comfortable enough, but I’m glad that the pillows are the same soft and fluffy kind as they have in the double rooms.

One of the things you may not like about HI Sukhumvit is the aircon policy. There was a note at the door saying that air conditioning is only available between 6pm to 11am. The aircon is not centralized, so I’m not sure if they really monitor the usage of the air conditioning in every room. This can be terribly inconvenient if you’re staying the whole day at the hostel, but if you’re going to be out the whole day sightseeing and shopping, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Get a tan in the middle of the city

Wi-fi internet is available to guests for free THB100 for the entire duration of your stay. In the website, they said that wi-fi is only available on the ground floor, but from experience, the signal can reach up to certain rooms on the 3rd floor (the rooms on the left side of the stairs as you come up). I was able to access the internet on my rooms at the 2nd and 3rd floor (though signal is sometimes choppy and I had to resort to put my laptop on the floor for optimal signal strength), but I wasn’t able to get any signal on our dorm room on the 3rd floor. There are also desktop computers you can use if you don’t have a laptop, but they charge for usage. They turn off the Internet at midnight though, so better keep that in mind if you need go online.

On the ground floor, there’s a dining table where you can have your meals or work on your laptop. There’s a small area with a collection of books that other travelers have left and a variety of magazines and board games. There’s also a cable tv, and an outside seating area where you can smoke. Also on the ground floor is a small room under the stairs where you can leave your luggage before check-in or after check-out, and a kitchen where you can prepare and cook your meals. There’s also a huge map of Thailand and Bangkok to help you plan your trip within the country. There are also suggested itineraries, and the reception can help you book tours to popular tourist attractions around Bangkok.

Sukhumvit Soi 38 nightly food market

What endeared us the most with HI Sukhumvit was the nightly food market. Every day at 5pm, hawkers would set up their stalls along Sukhumvit Soi 38 and cook up some of the best Thai food at very cheap prices. The food served here aren’t the type that is made for tourists; these are Thai food cooked for Thais. Though HI Sukhumvit is just down the street, majority of the people who eat here are Thais who live and work near the area. Ming, my Thai friend who lives in Bangkok, says that after a long night of dancing and drinking at the clubs, Soi 38 is where Thailand’s partyphiles go. Everything that we ate at Sukhumvit Soi 38′s night market was good, but our favorite was the pad thai from the stall with the long lines (it’s at the first corner from Sukhumvit, on the right side of the road) and the mango with sticky rice on the opposite side of the road.

The high rating and glowing recommendations that HI-Sukhumvit has been getting were well deserved. The hostel is not perfect – it’s not wheelchair friendly, the reception is only open from 7am to 12 midnight, the aircon policy. However, it has a lot to offer that makes up for its shortcomings. Will I stay in HI Sukhumvit again? Definitely.

Hostelling International Sukhumvit
23, Soi Sukhumvit 38, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei,
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2391 9338 to 9
Fax: +66 (0) 2391 9339
E-mail: info@hisukhumvit.com
Website: www.hisukhumvit.com

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

There are several factors that I consider when picking a hostel to stay in: location, price, Hostel World rating, and whether they have wi-fi. That’s how I ended up booking a room at Mandalay Inn when I went to Siem Reap.

Mandalay Inn

Location and price are the two most important factor for me. I like to walk around new places, so I prefer staying at hostels that are close to the town or city center. I liked Mandalay’s location: it’s on a street just off the main road, and very near the old market. Mandalay Inn’s area is also mostly residential, so it’s a pretty quiet neighborhood.

For US$7, I got a single fan room with ensuite toilet & bath and a cable TV. The room is not tiny; it can comfortably accommodate one traveler. My room was at the end of the hall on the 4th floor. It was a corner room, so I got two huge windows, which gave me plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Single room

The toilet was likewise a decent sized toilet. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a partition between the toilet and the shower, so expect everything to get wet when you take a bath. The water pressure was okay, and though the plumbing was good, sometimes there’s a smell wafting up from the bowl.

Wi-fi is available in most areas of the hostel, but it is strongest in the common room at the ground floor. At the 4th floor, the signal is fair. If you don’t have a laptop, you can use the desktop computers they have at the ground floor for the guests. It’s free to use, but if you’re using it at night, be sure to slap on some mosquito repellent.

Ensuite toilet and bath

The staff at Mandalay Inn are hospitable. There’s always somebody you can approach if you need anything. The housekeeping staff are likewise always around, cleaning up rooms and the halls.

All in all, Mandalay Inn is a pretty good value accommodation in Siem Reap. I’d stay there again, but I’m also willing to try out other guesthouses.

Mandalay Inn
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Mr. Peng Ann – Manager
E-mail: reservation@mandalayinn.com
Gtalk: mandalayinn
Skype: mandalayinn
Phone : 855 63 761662
Mobile : 855 92 865356
Website: www.mandalayinn.com

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I’ve no trips until the end of the month, so in order to have something to blog about, I’ll be writing reviews of accommodations, airlines and services that I’ve used in my travels last year. I figured now’s the time to do it, as people are making plans for their trips in the coming months. I hope you find these posts useful

This was my second stay at Shambara. I stayed there before, on my first trip to Thailand in 2006. Not a lot has changed: there are still only 9 rooms, the bathroom is still shared, footwear is still strictly not allowed inside, and it’s still always full.

Room 3

Shambara’s biggest appeal is its location: it’s in an alley off Khao San Road. If you’ve been to Bangkok or have researched about the city, you’d know that KSR is the backpacker’s hub. This is where most of the young and first time backpackers go to stay in Bangkok, because everything a traveler needs is in Khao San Road. Cheap accommodation? Check. Clothes and accessories? Check. Bootleg CDs and DVDs? Check. Foreign exchange and ATMs? Check. Pharmacy and convenience stores? Check. Travel agents offering cheap tour packages to Thailand’s islands and beaches? Check. Restaurants and bars serving Western food and cheap booze? Check. Thai street food? Check. McDonald’s, Starbucks and Apple Store? Check, check, check!

Basically, if you want to meet other backpackers and party until sun up, you go to Khao San Road. Of course, the problem with party places is that it can get really noisy at night, which is bad if you need to get some sleep for your early flight to Krabi. That’s where Shambara is at an advantage. Since it’s in an alley, KSR is close enough that you’re literally just a few steps away from the party, yet far enough not to hear it in your room.

Shambara’s common area

Another great thing about staying in Khao San Road is that it’s near some of the main tourist attractions of Bangkok: The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). The first three are just one bus ride away, while Wat Arun requires a ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River. For me, that’s another appeal of staying at Khao San: the Chao Phraya River express. When I’m feeling cheap and not too lazy to walk to the ferry stop, I’d take the river express down to Sathorn station, where I board the BTS going to the malls. Though it’s much easier and the route’s much direct if I take a cab, I like the novelty of riding the ferry down the river. Also, I don’t have to deal with the terrible Bangkok traffic.

Oh wait, I’m supposed to be writing about Shambara. The room I got on my last trip was so identical to the room I stayed in before. Actually, I think it IS the same room I had before: single room with aircon. As I said in my previous review, the room is just right for one person. There’s enough room for my mess, and I love that there was a small side table for my phones, medicine and bottled water (I was sick when I stayed there last June). There was a narrow ladder-like thing for hanging clothes and an electrical socket for electronics.

Save for that missing jalousie panel on my window, the room was still the same shape as the last time I slept there. Surprisingly, after 3 years, Shambara still looks and feel the same. I love it. There are places that seemed so different and depressing after just a year, so it was great to find out that Shambara has kept the quality of their boutique hostel.

Al fresco dining at Shambara

Since I stayed longer last June, I was able to try eating at Shambara’s restaurant. They had an outdoor and indoor dining area. While al fresco dining seemed like such a quaint idea in the late afternoon or in the evening when there’s mood lighting, there are mosquito and other insects that come from the trees and plants. They put mosquito coils, but if your blood’s really tasty to them bloodsuckers, be sure to slather a healthy amount of repellent before heading there for dinner. The food was good, though not spectacular. It’s pretty pricey, specially since there are plenty of cheaper and better alternatives in Bangkok. If you love pulp though, I suggest you try their fresh orange juice. It’s like 90% pulp, 10% juice.

If you want to stay in the Khao San Road area, I highly recommend staying at Shambara. However, if you ask me where to stay in Bangkok without specifying a locale, I would recommend a different place.

Edited January 19, 2010 (forgot to write about Shambara’s services)

Shambara advertises that they have wi-fi in the guesthouse. When I was there, however, I was told the hostel’s Internet was in the fritz, therefore no-wifi for the guests. It was just as well, because it turns out, there’s an additional fee for wi-fi access (and only for a limited time).

They also offer a laundry service — THB 150 for a load of laundry. I find that this is too pricey, specially if you don’t have that many clothes. Better to take your laundry to the laundry shops.

Shambara Boutique Hostel and Restaurant
138 Khao San Road
Bangkok
+66-2-282-7968
+66-1-839-5155
+66-1-828-2970
Website: www.shambarabangkok.com

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I was looking forward to going back to Boracay, and staying at Taj Guesthouse, where we stayed last December. However, since Taj only had four rooms, it filled out pretty quickly. So I was left with having to find another place to stay in Boracay. I headed over to the place where I can get good recommendations: the Girltalk forums. True enough, in the many pages of the Boracay thread, I was able to find a place that still have a room for the weekend: Tans Guesthouse.

Tans Guesthouse was repeatedly recommended by Girltalkers who have stayed there before. It was easy to see why: the owner, Ms. Net is very quick to respond to e-mails and text messages. Not only that, she’s also very concerned about her guest’s needs and well being. This is also a trait that she was able to impart on her staff, who were nothing but accommodating to my questions and requests.

When I e-mailed Ms. Net, inquiring about room availability for the date of my trip and the room rate, I also mentioned that I found out about Tans at the forums. The forum member who has stayed at Tans before mentioned that Ms. Net gives discounts to forum members, and since I’ll be shouldering the cost of the room on my own, every peso off the cost is welcomed. True enough, Ms. Net gave me the deluxe single room – a room that normally costs Php 1,500 during the lean season and Php 2,000 during peak season – for only Php 1,000. That’s a Php 1,000 saving already! Included in the rate are my daily breakfast at the roof deck cafe, welcome drink and one cocktail. I can also enjoy the free wi-fi at the 4th floor deck.

Tans Guesthouse requires a 50% down payment to confirm your booking, a fact that didn’t register in my head until AFTER I deposited Php 3,000 into Ms. Net’s Metrobank account. Oh well, at least I didn’t have to worry about having enough money to pay for the room after my vacation. After paying, you’re supposed to fax the deposit slip to Ms. Net. Since our fax machine ran away from home last year (well, more like fax-napped), I texted Ms. Net asking if I can just scan the deposit slip and e-mail it to her. She replied, asking if I deposited the payment from the Taft Avenue branch or the EDSA Munoz branch. After I answered her question, she said there’s no more need to e-mail her the deposit slip. Five minutes after, she texts again, saying that the confirmation e-mail has been sent to my address.

Come Saturday, I got on the 8:30 am Seair flight from Manila to Caticlan. As soon as I turned on my phone when I got inside the Caticlan terminal, I receive a text message from Ms. Net, asking what time my flight is. I replied that I have just landed, but is thinking of heading to Kalibo for the Ati-atihan. Less than 2 minutes after, my phone rings. It was Ms. Net calling, encouraging me to witness the Mother of all festivals, and that going there from Caticlan is very easy. She also told me to text her when I’m on the boat to Boracay, because she might be able to pick me up at the Cagban port. Wow, I never had this much conversation with a hostel or guesthouse owner before.

Following Ms. Net’s order, I text her after boarding the fast craft to Boracay. She said they were still at the other end of the island, and won’t be able to pick me up at the port. It was no worry, as getting from Cagban to D’mall is very easy with the number of tricycles waiting to take passengers. She goes on to text me, asking whether I know how to get to Tans, whether I’m lugging a heavy suitcase, because she can ask somebody to meet me at the entrance to D’mall. I’m not used to this much attention, but I have to admit that it was great to have someone as doting as Ms. Net running the guesthouse.

I arrive at Tans, which is just down the same alley as Taj. There wasn’t anybody in the reception, and I text Ms. Net that I was already there. She responds quickly, saying that Pen, is on her way down to meet me. Pen welcomes me, and leads me to the third floor. There I finally met Ms. Net, who has just arrived from the island day tour with some of the other guests. She shows me room number 9, which was my home for the next three days.

The room was pretty straightforward: there’s a double bed, a closet and a clothes rack on one side, a TV and a ref in one end of the room. The toilet and bath is very roomy, not to mention very clean. Towels were provided — three actually. Pen joins us as I finish looking through the room, toting a glass of iced tea for me — my welcome drink. Ms. Net then hands me a necklace with pink and white shells, with a key to the room as a pendant. Cute!

I settled down on the bed and quickly surfed through the channels until I come across Discovery Travel and Living. As Antony Bourdain was learning about the culture of Saudi Arabia, I took out my laptop to test if my hunch was correct: the 4th floor was a wi-fi zone and since I was on the third, there was a chance that Kabuki, my laptop, would be able to get some signal. What do you know, I was right! For Php 1,000, I get a clean room that can comfortably accommodate two, free breakfast, a welcome drink, a cocktail AND wi-fi in my room! The connection was spotty at times, and slow when somebody was using the laptop at the roof deck cafe, but at the very least, I can check my e-mail, Plurk and upload photos on flickr.

I retired early that night, since I wasn’t able to sleep since Friday. I remember waking up at 5 in the morning, but since it was still dark out, I promptly went back to sleep. Much to my surprise, it was 10 am when I woke up — there goes the morning stroll at the beach! After checking my mail (and Plurk!), I went down to go to the beach for brunch. One of Ms. Net’s staff was there (whose name I wasn’t able to get ) at the reception, and told me that I missed breakfast. I was surprised that they even brought it up — most hotels, hostels or guesthouses wouldn’t care whether you avail of the complimentary breakfast. I explained that I overslept and promised to wake up early the following day. When I got back that afternoon, Pen asked me to fill in an order sheet for my breakfast the following day, and for the day after. She also asked me for my cocktail order, something that I totally forgot was part of the package. I told her I’d have the cocktail at 9pm at the roof deck cafe, but I got too engrossed with what I was watching that I forgot about it.

Shortly before 9, Pen knocks at my door, reminding me about the cocktail. I asked her if I can have it in my room instead, and she gladly obliged. The following morning, I wake up bright and early for breakfast. I headed up the nicely done spiral staircase up to the 4th floor. The roof deck was mostly covered, but there’s an open air area in the balcony. There wasn’t any spectacular view, for the balcony doesn’t face the sea, but it gives a nice out of doors feel to the cafe.

Ms. Net’s staff are very friendly and helpful. They listen to their guests, and takes notes on their requests. When my cellphone’s battery ran out, I asked if they have a Nokia charger that I can borrow, since I never bring mine on weekend trips (because I hardly use my phone, but for some reason, people kept on texting that weekend). Pen uses a different charger, but went over to the other guesthouse to ask the staff if they have the charger I needed. Talk about going out of their way to fulfill a guest’s request. She also asked me if she can clean my room, because I didn’t ask for house keeping on my 2nd day.

Now I know why the girl at the forums kept on recommending Tans and gushing about Ms. Net. And now you know why I am recommending Tans and gushing about Ms. Net and her staff.

Tans Guesthouse
Balabag, Boracay Island
Malay, Aklan, Philippines
Contact Person: Ms Net Sacapano
Phone: (036) 288 6878 / +6336-288-6878
Telefax: (036) 288 3088 / +6336-288-3088
Mobile: (0920) 920 2481 / +63920-920-2481
E-mail: tgh_bora@yahoo.com
Website: www.tghboracay.com
View map to Tans Guesthouse

Seair flies daily to Boracay, with as much as 11 flights from Manila to Caticlan. Book your flight now by calling the Seair hotline at 849 0100 or book online through www.flyseair.com.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!