Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

July 29, 2025

Hotel Luna Vigan Ilocos Sur

Let me continue my North Luzon Road Trip series, and this time I am sharing Hotel Luna. When my husband told me that we would be going to Vigan, I suggested Hotel Luna for our accommodation. I heard and read good reviews about this hotel, and it is one of the popular hotels in Vigan. 


Hotel Luna is a restored mansion, and it is the first Museum Hotel in the Philippines. It is the home of rare masterpieces of famous artists in the Philippines. They have two hotels, one is Hotel Luna and the other is Hotel Luna Annex. 


Hotel Luna Annex is cheaper, but it is a block away from the main hotel where the restaurant, gym, pool, and museum are located. We chose Hotel Luna, and the staff suggested a Double Queen Deluxe room because the room is good for 4 people. 

But we booked 2 rooms: 1 Standard Queen and 1 Double Queen De Luxe. To confirm the reservation, 50% down payment is needed via bank transfer or Gcash. 


We arrived late in the evening, so check-in was smooth at wala naman pila. These were our rooms, and I was surprised when I saw the bathroom; it is translucent and has no lock. Also, the hotel has a modern toilet, tinalo pa yung ibang hotel sa Metro Manila.





Hotel Luna offers the usual room amenities like fridge, cabinet, coffee and tea, hair dryer, bathrobe and etc. There is a water dispenser on each floor, so no need to buy bottled water. For toiletries, they provided hand soap, shampoo, and body wash. I requested for room slippers since wala ako nakita sa room. 



The hotel has free wifi, but weak signal inside the room, so mas okay tumambay sa restaurant, lobby, or swimming pool if you want a good connection. Even our own mobile data has a weak signal inside the room. 


Hotel Luna has a gym, swimming pool, museum, and 3 restaurants. They have Azotea, Comedor, and Chula. Buffet breakfast is part of the room package, and since we were satisfied with their food, we only ate at the hotel. I will share our food trip in a separate post. 


What I like about this hotel, it is located in the heart of Vigan, so we can explore the different tourist spots in the area by foot, calesa, or tricycle. The room has complimentary use of an umbrella so rain or shine, dinadala namin. 


Overall, we enjoyed our stay here; we liked the room, food, and service. Our only complaint is, medyo madilim lang sa room kasi konti yung windows. 


Hotel Luna
V. Delos Reyes cor. Gen. Luna Street,
2700 Vigan City Ilocos Sur Philippines

July 26, 2025

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Motorbike When Going Long Distances

Long-distance motorbike trips offer a unique blend of adventure, freedom, and connection to the open road. Whether you're cruising cross-country or exploring scenic byways, optimizing your motorbike's performance and ensuring your comfort can make all the difference. This is how to get the most out of your motorbike on those extended journeys. 


Prep Your Bike for the Road 

Before setting off, make sure your bike is in top mechanical condition. Conduct a full inspection or take it to a trusted mechanic for a pre-trip check-up. Pay particular attention to: 


A well-maintained bike is not only safer but also more fuel-efficient and comfortable for long-distance riding. 

Invest in Comfort Upgrades

Even the most passionate rider can feel the strain of long hours in the saddle. Investing in comfort upgrades can drastically improve your endurance: 

  • Padded or gel seat covers help reduce pressure and discomfort. 
  • Cruise control or throttle locks allow your hand to relax on long stretches. 
  • Handlebar risers improve posture and reduce shoulder strain. 
  • Windshields protect against fatigue from wind resistance. 

Plan Smart, Ride Smart 

Strategic planning helps you avoid unnecessary stress and fatigue. Use GPS apps specifically designed for motorcycles or ride planners that take into account scenic routes, fuel stops, and rest areas. Aim for: 

Daily mileage goals that match your comfort and experience. 
Regular breaks every 1 to 2 hours to hydrate, stretch, and rest. 
Weather monitoring to avoid riding through dangerous conditions. 

Being flexible with your schedule is also important. Enjoy the ride, not just the destination. 

Pack Efficiently 

Packing light is crucial on a motorcycle, but that doesn't mean skimping on essentials. Use saddlebags, tank bags, or tail bags for storage. Prioritize: 

  • Weather-appropriate gear, including waterproofs. 
  • Tool kits and spare parts for minor roadside fixes.
  • First-aid supplies, snacks, and hydration. 
  • Navigation tools like your phone, chargers, and mounts. 

A well-organized pack minimizes time spent searching for items and maximizes convenience. 

Know When to Ship, Not Ride

Sometimes, riding your motorbike to a distant location is not the most practical option. This is especially true if you're attending an event, relocating, or avoiding unfavorable weather conditions. In such cases, consider professional transport services. For example, if you're heading to or from the Mid-Atlantic region, Delaware motorcycle shipping offers a convenient way to get your bike where it needs to be without putting miles or wear on it. 

Shipping your motorbike can also be useful if you're planning to fly to your destination and ride locally once there. This allows you to experience new roads without the exhausting trek. 

Stay Mindful of Your Body and Mind 

Long-distance riding demands mental and physical stamina. Stay well-fed, hydrated, and rested. Stretch during breaks, and don't ignore signs of fatigue. Drowsy riding is dangerous. Stay present and alert, especially on unfamiliar roads. 

With the right preparation and mindset, long-distance motorcycle trips can be some of the most rewarding experiences for any rider. Treat your bike and yourself well, and every mile becomes part of the adventure.

July 16, 2025

3 Days in Vigan Ilocos Sur

Thirteen years ago, we had a four-day trip to Laoag, Vigan, and Pagudpud with my late sister’s family. At that time, we booked a flight because we are not fond of long driving and were lucky to score a PHP12 Seat Sale via Cebu Pacific. It was a good deal because, as far as I can remember, our airfare was cheaper than the bus fare. 


We visited the majority of the tourist spots in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, so I never thought that we would be back again. But last month, we had a chance to do a North Luzon Road Trip. We started in Alaminos, Pangasinan, and from there, we traveled to Vigan.


Traveling from Pangasinan to Vigan is not a problem, kasi smooth lang yung road. I checked our ETA and thought, “Maabutan pa namin yung Lightshow at Plaza Salcedo,” but I was wrong because 30 minutes before we reached the hotel, it started to rain. 

Wrong timing talaga kasi gabi na, ang lakas talaga ng ulan, hindi na visible yung daan at may baha and first time ni hubby magdrive sa Vigan so hindi niya kabisado yung road. I was so scared at that time, feeling ko nga final destination na. Sobrang dasal na lang talaga na makarating kami ng safe. 


We’ve made few stops kapag may nakitang gasoline station, kaso yung first gasoline station namin na pinuntahan, bigla nagbrownout kasi may pumutok na poste sa tapat. Toink, so scary at madilim. Thank God, after 1 hour and 30 minutes, we finally arrived at Hotel Luna.

Hotel Luna 


Hotel Luna is our accommodation for two nights. It is one of the popular hotels in Vigan, so this deserves a separate post. And dahil nagustuhan na namin yung food dito, we ate breakfast, lunch, merienda, and dinner at the hotel. Hindi na nagtry sa iba, 

DIY Vigan Tour 


As I mentioned before, we already visited Vigan, so in my mind, there is no need to rent a van or book a tour. Makakapasyal pa rin kami kasi walking distance naman yung ibang tourist spots, and we can just ride a tricycle if we want to visit other places. But in the end, yung tricycle driver na nag-offer na itour na lang kami and we grabbed the chance na. 

Walking Tour in Vigan 

On our last day, we ate an early breakfast so we could explore Calle Crisologo without the crowd. Ang hirap kasi magtake ng pictures kapag ang daming tao. Of course, we bought some native delicacies before going home. Good thing na maaga din magbukas yung ibang stores. 



We checked out early because we planned to eat our lunch at the Thunderbird Resort in La Union, Hindi ko na-feel na 3 days kami Sa Vigan kasi late check in and early check out. If I count the hours, 50 hours lang kami, but it is better compared sa first trip namin na day trip lang.

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 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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