July 11, 2025

2 Days in Alaminos Pangasinan

Flashback Friday, so let me continue my North Luzon Road Trip. We left around five in the morning because we’re going to pick up my mom in Valenzuela, and off we went to Pangasinan, Since my in-laws live there, we visited them first before going to the resort. 

After lunch at my in-laws, we traveled to Alaminos. We were supposed to stay in a hotel, but it was fully booked, and fortunately, my husband discovered Laylow Villas. It is a small boutique resort near the Hundred Islands. A thirty percent down payment is needed to reserve the accommodation via GCash. The night before our trip, we received their menu, so we needed to preorder our meals. 


Laylow Villas

We arrived around 1PM and paid the remaining balance. They don’t accept credit card payment, so prepare cash or Gcash payment. After that, they allowed us to check in. 


For an overnight stay, we only booked one room for PHP6,500, which is good for 4 persons. The room still looks new and clean. The bed and pillows are comfortable too.



The bathroom is spacious and there is a bidet but no hot water. They provided a dental kit, shampoo, body wash, and even makeup remover wipes. 


There is complimentary bottled water too, and you can also refill water at their water dispenser. There is free WiFi, but the signal is weak inside the room. 

We were lucky because the resort was not fully booked, 2 lang yung room na occupied so parang nirent namin yung buong resort kasi hindi rin kami nagkakasabay sa pool nung other guests. 



One Island 

There is “One Island” near the resort, so even though we did not go to Hundred Islands, may navisit pa kami na isang island. But in order to reach the island, we need to wait for low tide so we can walk. It was a long walk and buwis buhay din kasi may mga aso sa labas ng resort, and I’m not comfortable with dogs, feeling ko kakagatin ako.




This island reminded me of Bruholmen in Norway, same kasi na kailangan maglow tide muna bago kami makatawid. 

Food at Laylow Villas 

For dinner, we preordered Sinigang na Fish PHP380, Grilled Pork BBQ PHP350, and Rice. 




For breakfast, we preordered Bangsilog and Longsilog. Breakfast is complimentary; it is included in our room package.



The resort only serves breakfast and dinner, and because of that, we decided to check out early and went to the CSI Mall for our lunch. I find it weird na from 12 - 2 PM, closed ang kitchen. Overall, we enjoyed our stay here at Laylow Villas. We liked the room, food, and service. 

Hundred Islands

I visited Pangasinan numerous times since I was a kid, but Ihave  never been to Hundred Islands. Nung nagka-outing yung family namin dito hindi ako nakasama, I can’t remember kung bakit hindi ako nakasama. And hindi rin sinasuggest ni hubby na side trip ito since nakapunta na naman daw ako sa Palawan so baka hindi ko na appreciate. 




Anyway, since we were in Alaminos already, we dropped by at Hundred Islands port so maayos naman pala, may parking area din. 


CSI Mall

We stayed here for two hours. We bought some supplies and snacks. For lunch, we ate at Shakey’s. 


After lunch, we purchased fruits and dried fish sa mga nadaanan sa hi-way and dinala namin yung iba sa in-laws ko before going to Vigan.

July 09, 2025

North Luzon Road Trip

Summer vacation is already over, and just like that, we’re back to school. No more holidays, so it is time to reminisce about our past adventures, and I’ll start with our North Luzon Road Trip.

It’s been years since our last road trip; we went to Pangasinan - Baguio - Sagada and last month, we went to Pangasinan - Vigan - La Union. 


We live in South Luzon, so our usual stopover is Pangasinan. My in-laws live in Pangasinan, so we always visit them before starting our tour. For a change, we did sleep there and decided to stay in Alaminos, Pangasinan. 

Alaminos, Pangasinan 


This was a last-minute trip, so we had a hard time looking for accommodation. But my husband found Laylow Villas. We stayed here for one night before we traveled to Vigan. 


Vigan, Ilocos Sur 

It's been 13 years since our last visit to Vigan, Ilocos Sur. I remembered I booked a flight because I don’t like long travel, but things have changed, sa dami na ng expressway, hindi na matagal ang biyahe. But because of the rain, sobrang tagal ng biyahe namin from Alaminos but thank God we arrived safe. 


With our recent trip, we only stayed at Vigan and chose Hotel Luna for our accommodation for 2 nights. I’m traveling with my mom so we had a DIY Vigan Tour and ang dami na rin nagbago. I will share that in a separate post.


San Fernando, La Union

On our last day, I’ve been searching kung saan magandang magside trip sa La Union. I’ve been checking different tourist spots, but in the end, we went to Thunderbird Resorts. We ate lunch here and discovered na pricey pala sa resort na ito. Hehehe! 


We did not stay long since malayo pa biyahe namin pauwi. Four days is too short; we were tired but happy for a new experience.

June 30, 2025

Lunch Buffet at Cucina by Marco Polo Ortigas Hotel

A week ago, my mom suggested a buffet restaurant for her despedida, but when I saw the rates, I suggested na baka pwede mag hotel na lang kami. I knew that some credit cards are offering 40 - 50% off for lunch or dinner hotel buffet. So we inquired about the rates first to double check kung mura ba. 

Cucina by Marco Polo Hotel Buffet Rate

Lunch Buffet is PHP2688 
50% off credit card promo = PHP1344 
Minimum of 2 and maximum of 10 diners 
Thursday to Sunday 
12:00NN to 2:30PM 
The promo is from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 (not valid on holiday/blackout dates)

I informed my mom about it, and she approved, so my husband called to reserve. The staff asked for his contact number, and they sent a Viber message for confirmation, and called again, the day before our visit, to confirm our reservation. 

We were all first-timers at Cucina by Marco Polo Ortigas Hotel, so we were looking forward to our food trip. We arrived early, so we just waited at the lobby until 12NN. Cucina is on time, pagkapasok pa lang namin sa restaurant, sinabihan na kami na pwede na kami magstart kumain.


Cucina is an all-day dining restaurant that offers Continental and Asian cuisine. Their concept is an open kitchen. The buffet spread is not that big compared to other hotels that we have tried, but it is complete from appetizers to desserts. In addition, may free drinks na rin. 









My personal favorite here is the “Paluto”, similar to Marriott Cafe pero limited sa Grilled and Sauteed with Garlic and Butter lang yung choices. It is still okay for me since most of the time yung lang din request ko, grilled or with butter and garlic.




This was my mom’s despedida, but when my husband called to reserve, the staff asked kung may birthday daw ba. And hubby said yes, since 3 sa family namin ang may birthday ng June. And we received 3 complimentary cakes with candles pa when we dined. Actually, they also have a birthday promo 4+1 pero mas mura yung 50% off kaya yun ang ginamit namin.


Overall, we enjoyed our food trip at Cucina. We loved the food, and the service was also good. Mababait yung staff dito, nakasmile. They are fast in serving the ordered food, getting our empty plates, and refilling our water. 


Cucina Birthday Cheers 

4+1 Birthday Promo 

Birthday celebrant dines for FREE as long as accompanied by 4 full-paying adults.
The celebrant gets a standard complimentary cake. 

Group Booking - 25 to 30 pax 

Group dining with a 15% discount on the total bill. 
Birthday celebrant dines for FREE.
Celebrant gets a complimentary 4x4 cake. 

Celebrate your Birth Year

The discount is applicable to the birthday celebrant only. 
Minimum of 2 persons dining. 
Includes a complimentary standard cake. 

The offer is valid on the birth month only; must present a valid ID. 

Marco Polo Ortigas Hotel 
Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, 
Ortigas Centre, Pasig City, 
1600, The Philippines
T +63 2 7720 7777

June 26, 2025

Father’s Day Getaway at Ybonita Farm and Villas

Last year, we only watched a movie to celebrate Father’s Day; this year, we had two celebrations. First, we had Fishing at Caylabne Bay Resort with my in-laws, and for my family, we had a Staycation at Ybonita Farm and Villas.


Actually, when we were at the Palm Beach Resort, we already discussed this trip and the only question lang is, saan kami pupunta? So in our family group chat, we are just sending suggestions, and I suggested the Ybonita Farm and Villas. It just so happened na lumabas siya sa newsfeed ko, and I saw their Group Getaway Promo. And nagkasabay pa nga kami ng sister-in-law na nag-inquire about the promo. 

Group Getaway Promo for PHP36,999 

Overnight stay at Yvatan Villa 
Sandbar Tour (Balsa rental fee only) Balsa Entrance fee, Balsa Parking Fee not included 
Binalot Lunch for 10 pax (Boodle Bilao) 
Dinner Set Meal 
Bonfire and S'mores Kit 
Plated Filipino Breakfast (Special Homemade Longganisa, Danggit, Egg, Fried Rice, and Freshly brewed Kapeng Barako) 

Additional person is PHP2,800.

For our family outing, we usually book a resort or private pool, so I told them, parang okay na rin yung package since may Sandbar Tour and Bonfire. There is also a free animal feeding activity at the resort. We’ve been to different farms na rin, and I already blogged about them except the South Farm in Panglao, Bohol. I will share about it when I post our 4 Days in Bohol series. Ybonita Farm and Villa is the recent farm that we visited. 

South Farm Panglao Bohol 

We booked this promo for 11 people, and to confirm the booking, full payment is required within 24 hours. They also added an Ecology Fee of PHP30 per person. I sent my proof of payment and valid ID. When we visited Nawa Wellness Calatagan, sa kiosk kami nagbayad ng Ecoclogy Fee.

Three days before our trip, I sent them the guest list, our preferred schedule for activities, and the menu for lunch and dinner. 

Sand Bar Tour - 10AM 
Animal Feeding 4-5PM 
Dinner - 6-7PM 
Bonfire - 7:30 - 9PM 
Breakfast - 8AM 
Secret Garden Slot - 8-10AM 

Our first activity is Sand Bar Tour, so I told them that we would arrive between 10-11AM. The first group arrived before 10AM, and we arrived after 10AM. My mom told me na nakalagay na daw sa van nila yung lunch, so in my mind, wow, on time sila. 

Sandbar Tour 9-3PM

One staff member guided us to our Sand Bar Tour. We arrived at the Hava Resort. We paid PHP50 per person for the entrance fee + PHP100 parking fee per car. Upon arrival, we filled out the Balsa Manifest Form, and after several minutes, off we went to our Balsa. The balsa has a life vest for each person.

Sandbar Tour Rate:
PHP4,500 for 10 persons
PHP350 extra person



On our way to the sand bar, we had lunch na rin kasi 11AM na, and we were a little bit disappointed when we saw the food. We paid for 11 people, but they only prepared for 10 people. Sa amin pa lang kulang na yung rice, drinks and utensils, paano pa kami makapagshare ng food sa boatmen. Good thing na may dalawang pack yung Ensaladang Mangga, and I brought cake so may nashare kami na food sa kanila. Actually, the vegetable on my invoice is Pinakbet, so I was surprised when I saw Ensaladang Mangga. 

Boodle Lunch (PHP650 per person): Chicken Adobo or Grilled Liempo, Pinakbet, Grilled Fish, Rice, Dessert, Drinks



If ever you avail this package, make sure to bring your extra utensils, paper plates, or if you want na magkamay, yung disposable gloves. Wala din kasi serving spoon yung packed food nila. I was thankful that we had paper towels and wet wipes na dala. 


Moving on, after eating, we started swimming na. I had no idea na ito pala yung Little Boracay in Calatagan na popular online. It was funny because hanggang dito marami nagtitinda ng food, drinks and souvenirs. We only stayed for 2 hours and went back to the resort for check-in. 


Upon arrival, the staff directed us to our villa. They allowed us to check in 20 minutes before 2PM. I already submitted our guest list online and ID, pero pinasulat ulit sa logbook nung staff, and picture of my valid ID. 

Yvatan Villa 





Here is the Ybatan Villa, inspired by the houses in Batanes. We’ve been to Batanes na rin, so may similarities nga yung design. There is a water dispenser, a TV, a radio for communication, and wifi. The rate is PHP 21,505 for overnight. 

We checked the towels and toiletries, and kulang ulit, so we requested for towel and pinarefill namin yung empty shampoo and body wash. After that, I messaged them to inform them that we paid for 11 people and only received food for 10 people. We received an apology and were given two options, one is a refund, and the second choice is to add items na lang daw. 

I chose add items na lang pero I am not sure kung may na-add ba na extra pansit and smores kit since may pansit canton naman kami talaga sa menu and hindi ko rin alam kung ilang smores kit ba ang binibigay sa group getaway promo nila. Also, there is free wifi but it is not working and ilang beses na nila inayos pero magkakaroon saglit then mawawala ulit. So yung movie bonding na mga pamangkin ko, hindi na nangyari.

Animal Feeding 

Animal Feeding is at 4PM and is free of charge. 


Dinner Set Menu 

We always eat early dinner, so we expected na 6PM talaga yung dinner since may bonfire kami na 7:30PM, but we started eating na past 7PM. Our menu is Bulalo, Kaldereta, Crispy Pata, Buttered Shrimp, Pancit Canton, Rice, Soda, and Leche Flan. 


Slow yung service because the staff travel from the kitchen to our villa back and forth, hindi ito malapit ha. So sana may transport service yung staff para hindi sila hirap magpabalik-balik. 

Bonfire and Smores 

After dinner, we informed them about our bonfire, and the staff advised us na sabihan na lang daw kami kapag ready na. We started our bonfire at 8:30PM, so we have marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers. Quiet hours are from 10PM to 6AM, so we only have less than 2 hours to enjoy the experience. 2 Smores Kit yung nareceived namin.

PHP450 - Bonfire with Smores Kit (good for 3 pax) 




Breakfast 

Breakfast is 8AM, and we’re thankful that it was on time. We had longganisa, danggit, egg, fried rice with coffee or juice. 


Secret Garden Pool 

Yvatan Villa has no private pool, but we can visit the Secret Garden to try their dipping pool. Lulubog ka lang talaga. Hehehe!We only stayed until 10AM so we could check out early. 


Overall, we still enjoyed our Father’s Getaway at Ybonita Farm and Villa. Kahit kulang yung food and late nagstart yung dinner and activities kasi mabait naman ang mga staff and masarap ang food. Memorable yung Balsa and Bonfire experience. 
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