🏪 S&R : The Exclusive Shopping Center in the Metro.

S&R is an exclusive shopping establishment for official members only. Any individuals with 2 valid photo identification cards or documents can apply for a membership card (Passport - Voter’s I.D -Driver’s License - Tin NO. Card -SSS/GSIS I.D. (Digitized) - Postal I.D -PRC License - Company I.D -NBI Clearance - School I.D). Complete S&R Membership application form and pay for appropriate fees (Gold membership is Php700 and one extension card per household is Php400 )

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S&R offers a wide array of imported products (70%) and locally made products (30%) such as food items, wines and liquors, meat products, bath and body products, towels, beddings, electronics, appliances, household items, and a lot more at very affordable prices. It is a supermarket with a warehouse concept just like Costco and Sam's in the US. They also hold sale events wherein the place gets really crowded and people would actually fall in line for half a day or more but on during normal shopping days it is very convenient because of the limited access inside because you have to be a member first. 

S&R has 5 locations in Congressional, Aseana-Baclaran, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, and Cebu; we always frequent the former 2 branches.

So since I am not a member, connivance with a friend of mine who is an affiliate of the said shopping establishment happened-Shay Cua. Together with another four non-member workmates of mine name Edna, Michelle, and John Aduna who celebrate his 24th Birthday at that time. We decided to have a good time with their Aseana-Baclaran Branch. Anyone can go inside as long as one of your friends is a member.

There are also food stalls available in the area so when you get tired and hungry shopping, you can get your fill without leaving the establishment.

Inside, I would recommend you to taste their Pizza. I already tasted pizzas  ( Pizza Hut Yellow Cab and Home-made) but what I loved with their pizza was the dough. All I can say, It was totally their trade secret, the dough is very soft - enough to appreciate the entire slice. A price varies on the sizes. You can order the huge one with two toppings just like in the picture attached below.

Apart from pizza, I would suggest not to miss their Roasted Chicken, - so tender  and juicy. Try to eat it without rice and you will appreciate the savory taste. Of course, eat it with your bare hands.

  
So, If you want to try a place to shop which is not that congested as other malls, try S&R.

Angie Duarte Shares the Three P’s of Travel Writing.

“What makes for a good, even a great peace? It is engaging, informative, descriptive, entertaining and fresh.”

Catherine Angela Fructuoso Duarte aka Angie was the speaker of a travel writing session happened on June 18.2014 at Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. She is a travel writer in various travel magazines. So I was fortunate enough because I was able to listen and learn from her talk during the said event. The major sponsors of the event were the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Digital Photographer of the Philippines (DPP).

“PEOPLE ARE THE REAL GEMS OF THE PLACE.” she started to talk.

Preparation. This is the first thing that you need to do prior on traveling (physical preparation). Preparation is a thing that is done to make something ready. You have to do a research for the place – Climate, Culture and Character, CharacterS, Currency, Chat. In Climate, you have to know if this place is risky because of their Climate. And Culture and Character – you have to be aware of what the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively in a specific tribe and place. CharacterS – the community itself. Currency is important especially traveling abroad. “We went to China and inside the airport there was a money changer booth, so we have to change the dollars on hand .And there was like a service charge (PHP 500) and PHP 500 is still PHP500, right? When we went out just 3 mins away from the airport, there were lot arrays of money changers booths outside wherein you don’t need to pay PHP500 for service charge.” Duarte said. “Lesson learned” he jokingly added. Chat is the languages – this is also important - bring dictionary or any gadget for translation.

Moreover, you also have to know the style of your Publication. Be proactive in your story pitch.  Pack properly and get travel documents and paper in order.

Process - the series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end. It is what to expect while on assignment. Be inquisitive and curious ASK, ask anyway – let the people tell their story. Be adventurous but within reason – meaning take risk but calculated risk. “I am not that kind of traveler who spends the entire day in a hotel watching cable. I have friends like that, I rather go out even in the middle of the rain because there is also a story in the rain.” she shared. “Anyway, I can watch cable in my house” she laughed. Immerse yourself in the local culture as much as you can however you have to respect the local culture. Take an attitude check – am I behaving in accordance to the community?. “In Baclayon Church, it is not allowed to go inside if you are wearing short-skirt. So what I did, I get my balabal. But they still not allowed me to get in because the design of my balabal are skulls” Duarte said.

Indeed, if you work in a publication, work as a team. Be flexible. When interviewing, ask interesting topics. Let your interviewee narrates and avoid a yes or no questions. “I rather opted to talk with old people because they are more knowledgeable about the place and they had stories that are worth writing for.” She stressed.

You also need to manage your expectation to avoid disappointment. Of course, you will not expect a five-star accommodation if you are traveling into a remote area. (e.g. tribes).  Be careful and take detailed notes- record you thoughts right away, it can be in a notepad because you can use those thoughts during the “Proper Writing”.


Product.  This is the major purpose of your travel- to write. First thing you need to do is gather all your facts and cross check if necessary. To those bloggers, it would be better if you capture every moment in your travel and preview all the photos afterwards – it is a huge help to remember those thoughts.

In writing, know your style and the style of your publication. Write in the first person in past tense but then it varies on your style. You need to stay true to your character. This is the best thing of being a blogger because you can write based on your character unlike in publication you have to balance it between you and your readers. Bloggers can speak unlimited and show their emotion. Writers are paid to write by a client therefore you have to balance everything- that’s the challenge of a writer.

Moreover to start with your article, weave in the interesting observation. If there are already blogger and writer who writes about the place, and then write it in a different viewpoint. Start strong – a brief anecdote or it can be an AHA moment.  Your first few paragraphs should contagious and avoid clichés. Don’t eat Dictionary and Vomit it back towards your readers. It should be creative and narrative. Show it, don’t tell. Capture your photo and caption it clearly. Manage you reader’s expectation. Choose your next words carefully; avoid redundancy especially if you are given only limited words.

After her talk, there were giveaways distributed to those who participates the question and answer portion- of course I got one. “What makes for a good, even a great peace? It is engaging, informative, descriptive, entertaining and fresh.” She ended the evening with a smile.

Palawan Bar 2.O: The Oldest LGBTQIA Hub in Cubao

When you are looking for an affordable bar  (PHP 100-PHP300)wherein you can watch unlimited lip-synch performance, then I can recommend you this Bar situated at the stretch of #8 Yale Street Cubao Quezon City named “PALAWAN BAR 2.0”. Getting there is too easy but you have to be cautious because robbery is very rampant within the proximity while walking towards the bar.  Your best landmark, if you are from EDSA, is the stoplight that crossed the EDSA and Aurora Avenue. From the stoplight, just saunter towards the YALE ST (p2) or WEST POINT (P1).   It is open from Mondays through Sundays starting 10:00 pm - 5:00 am.

Battle of Beauties (Photo by Mike David Tan)

Palawan bar 2.0 (aka p2) is the high-class version of Palawan Bar 1 aka P1, (which is located along Westpoint Street in Cubao.)-   P2 reminds me of those bars in Malate although much larger and the crowd didn’t seem to mind.  Good thing about this bar compared to P1, the guests dressed well, therefore it looks more expensive and classy.  I would go back to palawan 2 for the crowd. There were no A-listers. more of good B's and C's. 20's to '30s. And contrary to public perception, people were not always in shorts and fllipflops – which is not visually pleasant for me if you go to a bar.

When it comes to the business lines, I really don’t know what best P2 can offer with. Because there are days that it has Bikini open, sometimes there are stand-up comedians hosting for a sing-along, it is also a venue of clan’s battle on beauty or the P2’s redundant lip-synch performance which runs more on clowning humor by drag queens. So there are varieties of entertaining medium they cater to.  Indeed, try also to check their washroom – you need to wear a waterproof shoe (boots with a fur) because you will witness a MALABON flood inside. The floor is always wet and I’m not aware if it is mixed of urine, water or drinks.. so grime so I advise the crew to monitor it every now and then.

But what I love bout the place aside from the well-dressed people is their spacious floor. There are number of tables and chairs, sofas and single stand chairs at the bar whichever you prefer to occupy.  There’s no need to worry if the floor is too congested because it has a second level wherein you can stay privately esp. if you go out with the group. The second level has sofas and table- a sala set up to feel at home.

“Kilala na ang Palawan Bar kasi sobrang tagal na kasi nito” as a friend mentioned. “Dekada na ang  binibilang ng PALAWAN BAR. College pa lang ako  nandyan na yan at 29 na ako ngayon” he added.  P2 is the longest running LGBTQIA bar in the metro. A huge help maybe is their target market like clans gathering from Marikina, Valenzuela, Rizal, Caloocan and et cetera.

And yeah, when we say clans, those are LGBTQIA (not necessarily if it’s BI, GAY or Straight) who ruled the floor – Young and social climber crowd who opted P2 because it’s least expensive, unlike OBAR or BED. So if you are looking a YUPPIE type, Palawan is not a place for you – go to OBAR or BED because most of the people here are that LGBTQIA s who are still living with their parents. You know what I meant.

📹 : Energetic Because Kargado?

I was dancing with the live band at the stage with full of energy in a bar . " Karagado !" as the male singer said after i went down from the stage. I was kinda off that moment because " KARGADO" means I was under the influence of recreational drug. Honestly , I am really an energetic person..(if you will know me personally) I don't know how to react to the statement- if that was a complement or what?.

 Watch the video below

And RicJosef showcased his talent on stage.
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Faith : My Dumaguete City Street Photography

My attempt to document Dumaguete City's Street through Photography During my Negros Travel. 

A strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

A complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

 Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.  Faith is the reason we remember great people who lived in the past.-Hebrews 11

Freedom is All I want.

Location :SM Mall of Asia

 Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint."Basta ako, mali mali man ang grammar ko, I am still Free to write!"

For me, freedom is not only being free, but feeling free; to do, to say, to be, to literally (anything) - whatsoever and however, wherever and whenever. Because I am myself, and only I own me, therefore I can, so come what may, I believe I am free, free as a bird.We can be restricted in certain ways (like destructive criticism ), and still feel "as free as a bird", "Magtagalog ka nalang sa Blog mo kasi mali mali english mo." as one or the comment stressed. But still i considered it as motivation to write more.. and learn more.. I am willing to accept any comments .

After reading these comments :

Freedom is Simplicity, It is nothing but absence of any bond or restriction in ones mind. I have mind and I have joy in my heart.

We call this freedom of choice - but it's not about choice generally - it's about the choices that need to be made, when they need to be made. If my range of choice is too constrained, then I cannot choose my own advantage when it might be critical to me. I'm not talking about "unfair advantage" here - I'm talking about my capacity to survive and assist with the survival of those I care for. If I have maybe an insufficient knowledge in field of writing, but then there will be a margin in which I can gain a degree of comfort without being destructive to others.

Freedom is the ability to make decisions without external influence, notice I did not use the word "any". Since you live inside an environment and that environment affects you, most of your decisions are influenced in some amount by that environment, so it limits your freedom in some measure. Absolute freedom requires absolute isolation, which makes it impossible.I decide to write.(it maybe not that good) but I am happy with it because i have FREEDOM.

Just a heads up, There are 4 things you need in order to be free, first of all, you need a constant and secure supply of food, without that freedom is simply not possible, no one can be free with an empty belly.Like me I work for it. Second, you need knowledge, freedom without knowledge is just a fantasy, is just as trying to walk in a room full of stuff at night with the lights off. Maybe I am not a graduate of a Journalism degree but i have the knowledge- to dream . Third, you need a self imposed discipline, freedom without self discipline leads you to self destruction, anything from obesity to drug abuse and everything in between can happen and will happen to you if you exercise your freedom without a self imposed discipline. And finally responsibility, freedom without responsibility is debauchery, it makes you harm others in all sorts of ways from mental to physical, think it for a second and realize a criminal is someone who exercised their freedom without responsibility.

So, to be free does not mean you can do whatever you want when you want. It means to do the right thing when is right to do so.Now, I still have many things that i need to study. And the right thing i need do is to attend a Travel Writing Workshop.

Tips on How to Become a Successful MRT Commuter.

The MRT (Metro Rail Transit) is one of the Philippines’ most useful public transport systems aside from Buses and Jeepney . It is located along EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) with  thirteen stations that passes through the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay and Quezon City. MRT is an alternative transportation for you to avoid suffering heavy traffic. But beyond this advantage of choosing it - congestion during rush hour is a daily challenge to all commuters in opting MRT.

As an ordinary commuter, it is truly a battle royal for me in my daily routine going to work and back home wherein I travelled via MRT. Let me share you my techniques how I ruled against my day-to-day fracas.

TIP 1: Early Bird Catches Worm – No matter how they labelled MRT as the fastest transportation in EDSA, consider that you are not just single passenger. Yet, there are thousands of commuters who are willing to fight just to reach their destination. Based in my experience during rush hour, I need to fall in queue towards the ticket booth for 15 minutes, 15 minutes idle for the guard inspection and another 15 minutes to insert your MRT card at the gate. Once I reach at the track, you have to wait another 15 minutes for the train.  Because it arrived in every 10-15 min and the worst scenario do not expect that you can get inside the train on the first try. You have to wait for another one and it takes another 15 minutes. So the best option to save your time is BUY STORED VALUE or TWO-WAY TICKET. Remember, STORED VALUE CARD is PHP100 which is valid for 3 months and if you buy roundtrip ticket, that is only valid for one day (see prices at the ticket counter). By buying these tickets, you will avoid long infinite lines. Remember, getting into a train on the first try during rush hour takes lots of patience, vigor, and ability.


TIP 2 : Get Ready for the Game – While waiting for the train, brace yourself and be prepared for the next event. Expect that there will be pushing and prodding waiting ahead. But remember, never step on yellow lane while the train is about to arrive to avoid accident. When the door starts to open, let the passengers get off the train first. And be watchful, if there is now a space and a chance wherein you can now place yourself inside; go and push yourself as far as you can until the door close. Don’t mind other, mind your game. If you feel like things getting physical, don’t hesitate to elbow others – don’t worry everyone used to it.

TIP 3. Travel with nothing. – It is not suitable to ride MRT if you have heavy baggage. Imagine after shopping and you have lots of huge grocery bags and you let the guard check it one by one. And how about a 45ltrs of backpack and those wrapped gifts – in the first place you are not bringing them for the guards to open. And you have to spend longer time at the guard’s station to check it, while hearing those bad words from other passengers waiting behind you. How about a bouquet of fresh flower for your date? Visualize how it looks like once you arrived to your destination? Moreover, it is not also advisable that while waiting at the queue “Eating is your pastime” because once you’ll get there at the guard’s station, they will not allowed you to enter with food at hand – you have to eat it all or leave it at the guard.


TIP 4. Wear MRT Dress - In order to accomplish Tip 3 effectively, consider the advantages and disadvantages when choosing you dress. Especially for ladies (e.g. glampackers ) do not wear low neckline to avoid the opportunist voyeurs. High heels and stilettos is advantage of all girls who can’t execute pushing and elbowing because in just a single step on other’s toe – your opponent will lose the game. However, your best weapon is also harmful for you; imagine the risk of tripping or falling off balance when the train starts to operate. Therefore, rubber shoes, flip flops and any flat shoes will work best. For boys, sleeveless is undeniably more comfortable especially in a congested environment but make sure once you grab the hand grills and raise your armpit , you use deodorant prior the TIP 1 ; it can be your best firearm but it can be your point of entry to the world of “Shame” . Imagine, the face of other passenger were rubbing towards your wet armpit – that’s a good fight.


TIP 5 Be cautious of your things- Rush hour is the perfect moment wherein in robbers exists -While everyone are busy and the fast pacing of life happened. No matter how tactful you are on getting inside the train but if you will lose unconsciously your phone or wallet- your effort is worthless to win the game. Esp So, place your backpack in front of you. Be watchful and always check your pocket. And put your ticket in a safe part of your pants or bags or else you will pay for that at the counter once you arrived in case of lost.


TIP 6.  Try to RELAX: When everything starts to be ok. And you already secured your belongings (like mentioned in TIP 5 - just go with the flow and just feel the MRT’s movement. Expert MRT commuters are equipped with MP3 or phone with music player – listen your favorite music to divert your attention from the stressful environment. Just visualize that while the MRT move and the music play, you are the star in a music video. Make sure that you are still in reality or else you might consider other commuters as your back-up dancers. If you are not a music lover, bring reading materials (eg magazine, books or newspaper) but make sure that the content is safe for everybody or else you will notice another passenger rubbing their bulge towards you. To be safe, just bring rosary and pray that you’ll not be harmed.

 TIP 7 MRT is not a Confession Room - It is very irritating to commuters hearing some conversation in a public transportation- about the salary they received, her husband with other woman (husband with another man is interesting story), those call center agents kept speaking in English and etcetera. It would be better if you minimize the volume of your voice especially when answering your phone. And if possible, save the personal stories for conversations over coffee instead – even in your lowest tones, the person beside you can still probably hear.

TIP 8. Always remember your Goal – Since you’re already at ease after conquering the TIP 2. Keep in mind that the fight is not yet finished. Be aware that getting off the train also takes as much vitality as getting in. When you are just one or two stations away from your start point, then TIP 6 is not applicable. Always place yourself near the door and never push yourself in the middle part of the train or else you will suffer in getting out. Polite phrases such as “excuse me” and “makikiraan po” (“passing through!”) will not work. Now this time, apply TIP 2. After being wrapped up with various set of passengers (sometimes with powerful odor), always bring hygienic essentials to freshen up after a train ride. But if you really want to maximize the tax that you paid every month- there are few stations that alcohol and tissue paper are free.
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Now, practice it daily – don’t worry, been there done that. It sounds funny but that’s the reality of being a traveler along EDSA.

Are you into Backpacking or Glampacking ?

“Mukang di na nga ata matutugunan tong pagnanasa na to! (It seems that there’s no way for me to placate this desire).

It’s been one year now and I am still satisfying my wanderlust. “Mukang di na nga ata matutugunan tong pagnanasa na to. (It seems that there’s no way for me to placate this desire).” Therefore I need to work harder just to earn more for my travel – my travel attitude will depend on the income and budget that I allotted, it might be a budget-friend travel or a luxurious travel which will work best for me.

There are two forms of travelling based on your budget, the Glampacking and Backpacking.

Backpacking is a practice of low-cost and independent wandering. It is generally an extended journey or walks with a backpack which includes wilderness adventures, local travel and travel to nearby counties while working from the country in which they are based. Backpacking is performed by travelers called as Backpacker – mostly it associated with young adults who generally have fewer obligations and thus more time to travel. But based on my experience while meeting random backpackers during my travel, backpackers are those individuals came from different economic status, personality, culture and perception. But one thing is common with them – the mindset to travel. Backpacking can be done by solo, duo or group. And majority of backpackers do it by their own for soul-searching.

Backpackers bring things that are easily carried for long distances or long periods of time (pack light); the use of public transport (commute); inexpensive lodging such as youth hostels or couch surfing; a longer duration of the trip when compared with conventional vacations; and an interest in meeting the locals as well as seeing the sights. Moreover, backpacking in the Philippines (and/or other countries in Southeast Asia) is currently growing. It is a lifestyle (as other defined) and as a business has grown; undeniably it result to low-cost airlines and hostels or budget accommodations in many parts of the world. It helps to promote local tourism because most of backpackers are bloggers and writers.  

Backpackers can be also categorized as mountaineering (who are fanatic of climbing mountains), trekker (who always move from one location to other location) and beach bummer (who wants to install tent or hammock at the beach than staying in hotel).  Typical backpackers are price-conscious.

Meanwhile, Glampacking is an elegant kind of travel with slightly better budget. It comes from the words Glamorous Packing. It is a style of travelling wherein you need to prepare your stuffs, your financial aspects, and your total readiness as a traveler.  Glam packers are financially stable individuals who only do travelling just to escape the daily routine from their work or life. They opted to stay in luxurious hotels and resorts for a specific length of time -It has something to do with words such as luggage, fashion get up and personal things that used for comfortably during the span of the vacation

Glampacking is associated to someone who travels especially during holidays. The main goals are relaxation and stress easing rather than meeting locals and witnessing the wonder of nature. It can also considered as going out to other countries just for shopping – Thailand, Singapore or Paris. Famous places for glampacking are countries located in Europe.

Moreover, other backpackers will label you as glampacker if you are first timer in backpacking due to the way you respond towards the misadventures during travel (e.g. you’re not at ease sleeping in an open area, eat local foods and you can’t leave without wash room). They want to be pampered and enjoy the entire trip with convenience. Therefore they will spend more just to have it –to feel glamorous while traveling.

Things I noticed with them; they always carry disinfectant hand lotion, don’t wear dirty clothes and get their clothes dry-cleaned, “pack light” is not in their mindset however they always pay extra for their luggage just to bring more clothes.

Undeniably, in one aspect of my life of travelling, I used to be a glampacker but later on I learnt how to be resilient and become a backpacker. Especially if you are travelling spontaneously, unconsciously you will become more tactful, more effective and efficient in allocating your money for travel. Currently, I still joined when I had a chance to do glam packing with my friends, provided with enough fund.

Are you a backpacker or a glam packer?

Get your own Poll!

🛌🏿 Come Home to “The Linden Suites” for Your Stay-cation.

RATING : ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pure Bliss is how I would describe my experience staying in a 4 Star Hotel named “The Linden Suites”. I've stayed in several local hotels like Thunderbird Resorts but Linden Suites is one of the best. I stayed there for 24 hours free sponsored by Linden Suites : Ricjoseph Buenus Aires.
 

A favorite among local and international clients, The Linden Suites offers business travelers and families world-class accommodations away from home. With 168 well-furnished designer rooms and suites, the hotel presents options for guests to enjoy hotel living in a desired functional space. All rooms and suites are equipped with modern conveniences to serve your needs from day until night



Conveniently located in the vibrant city of Pasig, the hotel’s strategic location provides easy access to malls, shops, and other leisure and business spots in the neighborhood. La Nouvelle Image, an aesthetic center dedicated in providing its clientele excellent aesthetic medical services, is found on the 7th floor of the hotel.
 

The hotel's spacious rooms are very suitable for the whole family and friends. There friendly staffs for any additional requests especially if one intends to cook in its fully equipped kitchenette. . Suites with full dining and kitchen facilities are also made available for families and long-staying guests. “Wow sosyal ang kalan nila flat screen” as my friend jokingly said. This was the statement when my friend saw the Induction cooker.

Moreover, its convenient location accommodated my needs wherever possible, providing local information on shopping and dining. Three of the major shopping malls in the country are located within the hotels vicinity, i.e., SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria, and Shangri-La Plaza. Hobby and recreational centers such as Wack Wack Golf and’ Country Club and City Golf are a few minutes away. For those who want to unwind and enjoy a night in town, entertainment and dining hubs like the Metrowalk and El Pueblo are just meters away. The hotel also presents guests with specialty shops and travel recommendations for a more convenient and satisfying stay.
 

There are bigger and comfortable room and a good value for money that you will exactly looking for that can accommodate a big family. Room is clean and orderly. I never saw a single cockroach or insect inside the room.

The fitness area is my top choice since I am a gym enthusiast. The gym is fully equipped of high tech cycling classes. There are wide arrays of cardio machine and extensive lines of weight equipment that will surely burn you fat and contour your body. Actually, the gym is open from 6AM until 10PM; indeed you need to wear appropriate gym attire.

Their indoor pool is one of my favorite amenities. I never had second thoughts to enjoy the pool because it’s indoor. They also have someone who would look after you and attend to your every need while you’re enjoying their lavish swimming pool. I also saw him get water samples from the pool, probably to test its cleanliness. Jacuzzi (to name a few) gives ultimate relaxation- where I spent longer due to the relaxing heat of the water which is perfect for me since I worked in a stressful environment.



However, you need to wear appropriate for swimming. In my case, I had my swimming trunk and I was ready to swim when the attendant stopped me because my trunk was made up of cotton. Honestly, I was embarrassed that time, since I was ready to swim and everyone were staring at me. So I have to go back to my room and buy another swimming trunk at St Francis Square – Specific cloth made up of polyester like board short or rush guard. I bought cycling for PHP50. So you have to bring that kind of swim wear.
 

Having been to so many hotels makes it a little difficult for me to find what unique quality to highlight in each. Well I especially appreciated the scent that resembles lavender essence. But what I don’t like about the hotel are the elevators – very congested when number of guests are simultaneously using because it is not that large enough especially at the building where I stay.

General

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• Health club
• Restaurant
• Room service (limited hours)
• Breakfast available (surcharge)
• Bar/lounge
• Valet parking
• Multiple large conference rooms
• Multiple small meeting rooms
• Business center
• 24-hour front desk
• Babysitting or childcare
• Elevator/lift
• Dry cleaning/laundry service
• Airport transportation (surcharge)
• Grocery/convenience store
• Wireless Internet access - surcharge
• Laundry facilities
• Total number of rooms - 168
• Luggage storage
• Limo or Town Car service available
• Number of floors - 27
• Free parking
• Number of meeting rooms - 4
• Swimming pool - indoor
• Use of nearby fitness center (complimentary)
• Complimentary newspapers in lobby
• Shopping center shuttle (surcharge)
• Designated smoking areas
• Porter/bellhop
• Area shuttle (surcharge)
• Number of buildings/towers - 2
• Television in lobby
• Internet

Available in all rooms: Free Wi-Fi
Available in some public areas: Wireless Internet access - surcharge
Parking



Free parking, Valet parking

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Room Amenities

• Premium TV channels
• DVD player
• Air conditioning
• Complimentary newspaper
• Phone
• Minibar
• Coffee/tea maker
• Daily housekeeping
• Private bathroom
• Complimentary toiletries
• Hair dryer
• In-room massage available
• In-room childcare (surcharge)
• Iron/ironing board
• In-room safe
• Desk
• Rollaway/extra beds available
• Cribs/infant beds available
• Complimentary bottled water
• Cable TV service
• Free Wi-Fi
• Shower/tub combination
• HBO
• LCD TV
• LCD TV
• Dining

Breakfast is available for a surcharge and served each morning between 6 AM and 10 AM.
Mesclun Restaurant - This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.
Spa
Facial treatments

The Linden Suites Manila Policies & Fees

Check-in

1. Minimum check-in age is 19
2. Check-in time starts at 2 PM
3. Special check-in instructions:
4. Check-in time for 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites is 3:00 PM.
5. Check-out

Check-out time is noon
Payment types

Accepted at this hotel: American Express, JCB International, MasterCard, Visa
General

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Fees



The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
Breakfast fee: PHP 550 per person (approximately)
Airport shuttle fee: PHP 2350 per vehicle (one way)
Deposit: PHP 2000 per night
Rollaway bed fee: PHP 1500 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
Additional Details


This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.

Notes from a Gay-lera virgin.

Curiosity is one motivation why people tend to do risky things. As for me, curiosity is one of the reasons why I travel. I always look forward to what exciting things might happen to me. Not too different from a one-year-old baby who is only starting to learn what the world can offer him.

During my first Puerto Galera visit, curiosity is also the reason why I visited the “landmarks”. After all, every time that I check blogs about the place, there are always two places associated with it – “Jurassic Park” and “Rockwell”. So I was very curious about these, definitely.

What about “Jurassic Park”?

“Jurassic Park” is a spot situated in White Beach in Puerto Galera.  It is, wihtout playing with words, where cruising happens. It is located at the extreme end of the beach, at your right side when you are facing the sea. The place is a remote area wherein silence exists.

“Jurassic Park” is actually a sea cliff that has three layers – the gays label it as the Ground floor, Second Level and the Third Level.

Ground Floor is the area at the beach.  In this area, majority of the gays stay since this is the safest part of the area. This is also the right place to find a prospective partner for the night and to maybe bring to the Second Level or Third Level.

Adjacent to the beach area is the Second Level, where only few trees survived.  These trees are the only cover that hide the “extraordinary happenings” in this area.  This is the favorite place of those who prefer quickies because there is a privacy as long as no one will attempt to climb to watch.

The top part of the cliff is where the Third Level is situated.  This is the place for those who really want extreme cruising because it is totally private. You need to be a somewhat good climber, hauling yourself up using the vines and rocks, just to watch what happens above.

Cruising 2012

 This picture became viral online . thanks to the owner

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Obviously, the name “Jurassic Park” is associated with the movie because you have to climb, crawl, et cetera just to reach and experience the safest part of the place, somewhat akin to a scene in the movie.

A veteran cruiser and a friend of mine said: “Sa ibaba, kaya madaming tao diyan, dahil iyan ang lugar kung saan , diyan naghahanap (At the Ground Floor, there are lots of people there because that’s where they try to find prospective partners).”

Due to scandals occurring way back in 2011, it became a widely-discussed place, resulting to the closing of the said spot. The local government assigned barangay police to secure the area so that cruising will not happen anymore.

“Grabe nga, minsan dati, may mga nag-flashlight na mga tanod at nanghuhuli diyan dati (It was bad in the past, when barangay officials arrested people there),” my friend added.

Not that this stopped cruising from happening.  Gays still found ways to do have adventures.

This place was eventually re-opened.

Interestingly, the place is not just for gays, but self-described straight men too.  Actually, straight men visit this place not just to watch, but sometimes to join.  And so, you will not be able to distinguish who is gay, straight or bi.

What about “Rockwell”?

MASUNDAN NGA :Look at
these two men. I smell something fishy. 

“Rockwell” is located at the extreme left side of the White Beach when you are facing the sea. It is another spot for cruising.

“Rockwell” is actually based from the word “batuhan” (rocky place). The spot has huge rock formations that provide the cruisers more private places. Its like owning a cubicle once you find a perfect area. But the place is full of danger because it is too dark and the rocks are slippery due to algae. So I won’t advise you to go there if you are drunk, or even just a bit tipsy.

Incidentally, the “batuhan” area is the entry point going to Tamaraw Beach Resort, where some of the socialites (and social climbing) gays stay.

“Kaunti lang ang tao sa batuhan pero quality ang mga nandoon kaysa sa (There aren’t that many men in Rockwell, but at times they are better than those you find at) ‘Jurassic Park’,” my friend said.

What he recommends doing is hopping from one place to the other.

“Palakad-lakad lang ako sa magkabilang dulo.  Sa sobrang layo ng nilalakad ko, tanggal ang kalasingan ko (I just walk from one end of the beach to the other. Due to the distance, I become sober from walking too long),” he jokingly said.

And yes, police patrolling the area also have a hard time to catch the cruisers due to the large and slippery rocks, so gays can hide here better.

Having shared my firsthand, and first-time exposure to the two famous landmarks of Puerto Gay-lera, please remember to be safe always when there. Be responsible enough. There are NGOs that distribute condoms for free at the beach during peak seasons (aside from giving free HIV antibody test).

So enjoy… with caution.

HIV free Test in Puerto Galera

My Puerto Galera Chronicle Part 1
My Puerto Galera Chronicle Part 2
My Puerto Galera Chronicle Part 3
My Puerto Galera Chronicle Part 4
My Puerto Galera Chronicle Part 5
My Puerto Galera Chronicle Part 6
My Puerto Galera Chronicle Part 7
My Puerto Galera Chronicle Part 8