Biyahe Ni Bru Goes to Guam

Why the title?

Let's just say that the travel show Biyahe Ni Drew was my unofficial tour guide to Guam.

Hafa Adai! Guam's equivalent to our Mabuhay!

But before we proceed with my adventure in Guam, let's rewind to how I ended up there in the first place. 

Last 2015, all my travel buddies went to the US. They were actually asking me to join them.  Problem was, my passport was expired. And also, though there were miles that I could use (mine and some possible transfers from generous donors), going to the US is not cheap.  I couldn't imagine blowing what little savings I have for a trip. 

But as fate would have it, in 2016, Cebu Pacific started offering flights to its first US destination, Guam. No, they are not the first airlines in the Philippines to offer flights to Guam but they are the cheapest (when on promo). Based on my observation, their round-trip, all-in fare average to about Php13,000. This is already cheaper compared to the other airlines servicing the route. Tickets of these airlines cost around Php18,000 to Php20,000.

Php13,000 was still too stiff for me. So I told myself that should I find a lower promo offer, I will book it. I saw Php8,000.  Still too high. Then towards the end of May, I got a deal within my budget range, Php5,800++. I booked it immediately. 

From my previous blogs, you would know that Auntie is my regular travel buddy.  This is how we do it:  I will book first then she will do her booking afterwards when the promo is back or at least when prices are almost as low as mine. But this time, she had some sort of medical emergency. On the positive side, at least it happened before she has booked the flight.  The situation left me with having to decide whether I should go or not because I would be totally on my own. More than the fear of traveling solo, it was actually the cost that comes with traveling alone that came to mind! But I told myself that I may never get this chance again and it was one item I could tick-off my bucket list - overseas solo travel. I've traveled solo before but on official business. So basically, I was only solo during the flight and layovers during these trips.

Before I proceed further, please do note that Guam is a US territory.  As such, a valid US visa is needed to enter Guam. As suggested by Biyahe Ni Drew, make sure to start processing your visa application at least three months before your departure. In my case, my US visa is still valid for a few more years. 

With air ticket and visa checked in my list, next order of business was the hotel. By now, you already know one of my past times - monitoring hotel rates in booking sites.  But this time I needed to find one on the budget side but still convenient. Guam is not your usual tourist destination so they don't have hotels that cater to budget travelers like me. They don't even have hostels (that I know of). A good quality (read: regular) hotel can cost Php5,000 net per night, at the least.

Other than taxis and shuttles, there are no other means of public transportation in Guam. But you can rent a car.  If you'll be staying long, it's a good option. Unfortunately, I can't drive. Shhhhh, I can't even balance a bike! So, I also had to research on public transportation such as bus pick-up and drop-off points, and if there were free shuttles. I had to make sure that not only was my hotel within my budget range but it should also be near areas I would like to visit or accessible to public transportation, at the very least. 

Grand Plaza Hotel. See the ABC Store below?
Photo:  GPH Website

Because I booked in May and my trip was not until August, I had plenty of time to monitor the rates. And my patience paid-off. I was able to book two nights at Grand Plaza Hotel for just Php7,000++. It was nothing fancy but it has all the amenities including a pool.  And here are some things I liked about it:

1.  It was in the shuttles' hotel route.
2.  The bus stops were in front and across it.
3.  It was in the same area as the other high-end hotels.
4.  It may not be beachfront but the beach was just on the other side.  
5.  It was near the must visit restos.
6. It was beside the Tumon Sands where the free shuttle of Guam Premiere Outlets pick up and drop-off passengers.
7.  There was an ABC Store right on the ground floor. I'm a convenience store junkie!
8.  A lot of the service staff are Filipinos. 

Let the adventure begin!

For this trip, I decided to take public transportation to and from the airport and in between.  Donya thought I was just kidding when I told her that she need not bring or pick me up at the airport.  Imagine her shock when I told her that I was about to leave that very afternoon. I kept my plans under wraps. 

But since my flight was 4:15am, I decided to be at the airport the night before.  I took a bus to Alabang then a taxi to the airport.  I was lucky that I got a taxi that was really going back to the airport, that there was no traffic and that I was already in the taxi when it rained.  I reached NAIA 3 at past 8pm.

Lounge Chairs
Photo:  The Wungs Manila

It has always been my policy to arrive early. And since my flight is not till the following day, I stayed at a paid lounge in NAIA 3, The Wings Manila.  For Php500, you can stay at the lounge for 5 hours with access to the following:

- Lounge area where you will be assigned your own lounge chair with pillow and blanket

- Restrooms (except for shower which you need to pay extra)

- Unlimited finger food buffet (aside from pastries, biscuits, crackers, they also have hotmeals such as congee)

- Unlimited cold and hot drinks (aside from water and juice, they also have a Nescafe coffee machine that has several flavors)

- Luggage storage area (when you want to go out or when you want to sleep without that hassle of worrying about the stuff you have with you)

- Free Wifi

I've already done the math and it was not a bad deal.  Come to think of it, dinner at an airport restaurant or even just at a kiosk could cost you at least Php200 for a simple meal.  The unlimited meal and drinks were already a steal but the best part is you get to relax and freshen up before your flight. 

It was a good thing that I came early because at past 10pm, it was already full (lounge, capsules and family rooms) and there were still lots of passengers who wanted to get in. 

I went to the airlines check-in counter at past 1am. Even before I reached the counter, there were already airport personnel who checked my travel documents and did the routine luggage security questions. They were very professional. Immigration counters opened at 2am and I went through it smoothly. At the boarding area, they really sifted through every passenger's stuff including footwear. But this time, they let you take a seat, put your feet on a platform (imagine fitting shoes in a store) and a personnel will inspect your footwear.  I was teasing them that I felt like Cinderella because they would really help you put your shoes back on. Not sure if it was because there were no x-ray machines or that they really want to be thorough.  I don't mind doing it so long as it provides a better level of security for passengers. 

Our flight left as scheduled. By the way, for seat plans, I always request to be seated on the aisle and next to the lavatory.  A lot of people avoid it because of the sound. In my case, I like it because others avoid it, therefore I always get the whole row to myself!

Although I was able to sleep at the lounge, I still slept soundly throughout the flight.  Four hours went by very fast and we've landed in Guam.

Have I mentioned that my trip was exactly two days and two nights only? That was why the officers at immigration and customs couldn't help but smile when I told them I was taking a mini-break to help me keep my sanity. Probably they could relate.  

Like Drew when he arrived in Guam, I tried to take in and feel my new surroundings as I stepped out of the airport. Yes, it was like being in the States but in a tropical setting.

"I woke up like this" view from my hotel room

Getting to my hotel was easy. It was just about 4 Km from the airport.  I took a taxi. But because I arrived at around 11 am and check-in was not until 2 pm, I left my things at the hotel's front desk and explored the nearby areas to have brunch. There were several restaurants (Persian, Japanese, Brazilian, TexMex) outside the hotel but I opted to go to Burger King! Hey, my mind was still fuzzy from the trip to decide which cuisine I would like to have. And of course, I was trying to be "economical"!

Let's do American fastfood

BK was a good choice. Aside from the Mac Cheetos, they have a good location.  It gave me a good view of the streets and goings about.  I was on Facetime with Yaya (my sister) and since Guam is two hours ahead of the Philippines it was still early morning, she said the view I was giving her was breakfast enough.  Hmmm, there were lots buff joggers passing in front of me!

When I went back to the hotel (which was just almost across BK), they allowed me to check-in earlier. Since I was traveling lite, didn't need to do a lot of unpacking.  After taking a bath, I fell asleep. 

At around 5pm, feeling refreshed I headed to Tumon Sands Plaza. It's a mall that features high-end products.  Nope, I didn't go there to shop.  It's one of the pick-up and drop-off points of Guam Premier Outlets (GPO)'s free shuttle. 

I had all these to myself. Let's pimp my ride!

The bus was awesome and I had it all to myself!  I was chatting with the driver (a Chamoro - Guam Local) and when he learned that I was visiting from the Philippines, he told me that he also visited the country a year or two ago and said he and his family loved the Philippines! He said that contrary to what some people say, it was not that bad and the people were very nice. 

Why was GPO first on my list?  If there's something you need, you'll probably find it there.  I was looking for a SIM card and got one at the stall of Docomo Pacific. They offer packages for short-term tourists. Got mine for US$18 and it was good for 5 days. I had to stay connected (my leave was on work days and we are understaffed to say the least).   

Zen Place

But my main reason for visiting GPO was the outlets particularly, ROSS - Dress for Less! One of the things I learned when I visited the mainland some years back was that if you are patient enough, you can score great deals at stores such as Ross. They sell stuff from two to three seasons ago at bargain prices.  When I got there, the place was full (maybe because it was a Sunday).  So instead of shopping, I just familiarized myself with the store's layout for my return-of-the-comeback the following day. 

Sundays be like

Taking the same free bus (heading back to Tumon Sands), I went to Ypao Beach Park. Supposedly, there was a summer beach fest featuring bands and local food sellers every weekend of August. I guess because it has been raining the past days, there wasn't any that week. But it was not a let down at all.  Because there weren't much people at the beach, I was able to enjoy watching the sun set and the skies change colors.  It was amazing.  It was a moment of tranquility for a hyper person like me.  I almost shouted. "This is the life!"

Beautiful colors changing before my eyes

One of the best things I love being in the US (mainland or territories), there's traffic discipline, so walking around is easy especially for someone like me who could barely cross the street without assistance. It also gives me the opportunity to familiarize myself with the area. So from Ypao Beach, I walked to my next destination - Jamaican Grill. I went to Guam to do two things - outlet shopping and food trip!

Wanna join me in finishing these?

Because it was getting late and I would be walking back to the hotel, I decided to order take-away. Jamaican Grill was where Biyahe ni Drew had their first meal.  And based on what I saw in the episode, orders are super-sized so I chose to order the Jr. Plate of Chicken and Ribs (US$9.95) instead. And when in Guam, having a Kelaguen is a must so I also got a  Half-size Chicken Kelaguen (US$5.95).

After a quick stop at the ABC Store on the ground floor to get my drinks, I headed to my hotel room excited to open my take-away from Jamaican Grill. When I opened my Jr. Platter, I had to tell myself, "You should have ordered the Kids Meal!"  You see, the Jr. Platter can be shared by two not so hungry adults. And don't forget there was still that "half-size" Chicken Kelaguen which in my standard was also good for two. 

Even if I walked a great deal from Ypao to Grand Plaza and was very hungry, I couldn't finish all of them. Downside of traveling solo in a place where everything is super-sized. I couldn't help but tell Auntie that I wish she was with me.  The cost was cheap but I couldn't bear the thought of wasting a portion of the food especially those that were as good as what I have ordered. Sadly, I could only eat so much.

Chicken Kelaguen is love!

The Jr. Plate was like our barbecue with a twist, a bit tangy.  Think barbecue with an inasal twist.  By the way, the name may be Jamaican Grill but they also offer meals with a Filipino twist (about 30% of Guam's population are Filipinos). It was very good, but the winner for me was the Chicken Kelaguen. It was grilled chicken with lemon, onions, coconut, spices and served with a tortilla chip.  I really plan to recreate this one. 

Let's call it a day and it was just my first day!

Good Morning America!

I've mentioned it in my previous blogs.  I don't eat breakfast very early.  When I woke up the following morning, I decided to take a short walk by the beach (of course, with my umbrella).  My hotel wasn't beach front  but right across it was a road that leads straight to Tumon Beach. It's a long beach shared by the beachfront hotels in the area. Access to the beach is public. See, I didn't I have to book in high end hotels to get to it. The sand may not be as white and fine as our Boracay, but the water was very clear with different hues of blue and unobscured view of the blue skies.  Best part was, there wasn't much people yet.  I had the beach to myself. Again, shout with me, "This is the life!"

Accessing the same beach road, I went back to Pale San Vitores and headed to The Kracked Egg for breakfast. Yup, learned about the place from Biyahe ni Drew! It's a restaurant specializing in breakfast and located in the same building complex as BK (again, almost across my hotel). Being a breakfast place, they are only open during breakfast hours (except for weekends when they are open for almost 24 hours) - 12 am to 2pm. It's one of the most in-demand restaurants in Guam. I was lucky that I was able to get a seat because the customers who came after me had to wait to be seated.

More than the taste, it's the experience

With the previous night's experience with serving sizes, I was almost tempted to order the Kids Meal but I decided to make the most of my experience so I ordered a Kracked egg-STRA, Portuguese and Eggs. For US$9.95, I got a local sausage (cut into bite pieces), toasts (served with choices of butter and jams) and two eggs. Stop, it. Don't convert the cost to Php! More than the food, I was also there for the experience and it was worth it.  Food was good and the waitstaff were very nice.  You know those scenes in films or TV that are set in diners where they have very friendly and attentive staff, that's what you'll get when you visit The Kracked Egg.

Fueled by breakfast, I headed back to GPO.  If some people consider shopping as therapy, for me it's budget shopping that makes me happy. Budget shopping for me is not just cheap prices.  It should be quality at a very cheap price. This was why I consider GPO as my "Zen Place". 

So as not to go overboard with my shopping, I have put some control measures even before I went to Guam.  

1.  I have a budget so I only brought a few dollars with me.

2.  The credit card I brought was the one with the lowest limit - just enough to cover emergency requirements.

3.  I did not activate the overseas withdrawal feature of the ATM card I brought with me. I told myself that I would only activate it in case of emergency. 

4.  I didn't bring a suitcase, just a backpack and my airline luggage allowance was just 15 kg.

However, when I saw the items on sale and prices, I almost slapped myself. The prices were so low that I could buy stuff and resell them. So I had to make the most of what I have with me. 

I really didn't intend to buy much pasalubongs because the trip was a "Me Time" one.  But I guess "Me" means spending for others.  You see when I go shopping, I look for stuff for my family and friends than for myself. 

70% off + 20% off + U$5 voucher, almost free!

Just how low the prices were?  Here are some samples:

1.  Calvin Klein was offering 70% off then on top of that there was another 20% off.  And if you register in their mailing list you get a US$5 coupon which you can use at Tommy Hilfiger .

2.  Tommy Hilfiger was also offering the same discount for some of its items.

3.  The same thing for Nine West. They even had buy-one-take-one for shoes. Thank goodness they weren't my kind of footwear.

4.  At Ross, you can get a branded purse originally priced at US$42 for US$9.

5.  Me almost slapping myself. 

Kind of reminds me of 50 First Dates

From GPO, I went back to the hotel so I could "free my hands".  Because it was lunchtime already, I went around the area to check out the nearby restos such as Dr. Kabobs. But I still felt very full despite the "exercise" I did at GPO, so I opted to get Spam Musubi and Latiya at the ABC Store, instead.  I told you I am a convenience store junkie. Actually, convenience stores are the best friends of solo budget travelers. The servings are just enough for one and prices are budget friendly.  And most of all, you can find local offerings. 

Latiya or Vanilla Custard Sponge with Cinnamon.
I love Cinnamon!

After taking some rest, I went mall hopping to check-out possible pasalubongs. Based on my research, the biggest K-Mart is in Guam. So for this escapade, I had to take the public transportation, the Red Bus Shuttle. There are several shuttle lines in Guam - Tumon Shuttle (hotel route), Shopping Mall Shuttle, Hagatna, Chamoro Night Market and Flea Market. 

Red Guahan Shuttle Bus

One of the reasons I was brave enough to travel solo in Guam was because it was a US territory, there won't be language barriers, until I saw this....

English only, please. Lost in translation.

Fortunately, the Kababayan connection was there.  One of the guys manning the booth at GPO was Filipino so he taught me how to use this mode of transportation. One shuttle ride will cost you US$4.  But you can get the one day ticket for US$12. Since I know I would be using the shuttle more than 3x, I opted to get the one day pass.

Classic seats, looks familiar

Because it was very hot that day, I opted to go down to T Galleria by DFS because I could wait for the shuttle headed to K-Mart at the mall's air conditioned waiting area. DFS is a high-end mall and even if stuff are duty free, they are waaaaay beyond my budget.  

Well, hello K-Mart!
Photo:  Guam PDN

It was at K-Mart where I did most of my pasalubong shopping - mostly food and fragrance. Since I really did not have much allowance (budget and luggage), I just bought some local products such as chocolate covered macadamia nuts and coffee.  I got a pack of chocolates (6 large boxes) for US$17. At other stores they range between US$23-$40 depending on where you're buying them from. 

(Almost) done with my shopping, I headed back to the hotel to prep for dinner.  Thanks to social media, I was able to reconnect with my friends from high school, the couple collectively known as RoVec who hosted me for the night. 

They picked me up from the hotel and when we reached our destination, I got the validation that the hotel of my choice has the best location.  Why?  The hole in the wall resto where we had our superb dinner was just across the hotel, by the access road to Tumon Beach. 

Thus, the name.

RoVec took me to Izaka Katsu or The Green Door. This Japanese resto was literally a hole in the wall and accessible through the parking building. I was actually teasing them that we have leveled up.  You see, when we were in high school there was this small store near our school where we bought toasted tuna cheese sandwich and we called the store Green Gate.

If there's one item I couldn't forget from dinner, it was the Tofu Steak.  One word to describe it - divine! How can something meatless be so tasty?! Beats me. If my taste buds were correct, I tasted ginger, scallions, garlic, soy sauce and bonito flakes (Note to self:  try recreating it). Interestingly, when I checked out of the hotel, the lady at the front desk told me that whenever they have guests looking for a nearby resto, The Green Door is their recommendation. 

I know, right? How can tofu be so tasty?!
Photo: Yelp

For dessert, we headed to Haagen Dazs at the Fiesta Resort Guam where the couple initially stayed during their first month in the territory. Over ice cream and crepes, we did some catching up. Unknowingly, this couple fulfilled one of my overseas travels must-dos, have ice cream! Spending time with RoVec made me realize that my trip was really bitin (suits my name Bettina).  There were still other places they would like to take me but I had to leave the following day. They even volunteered to bring me to the airport but I already had earlier arrangements. There's a always a next time.  Shout out to this sweet couple!

After we have said our good nights, I started packing for my return trip and that included accounting (geez, I don't want to use this term but I had to) what was left of my budget. Realizing that I was underspent because I walked around/took free shuttle rides and my dinner was RoVec's treat, I decided to "pay it forward". I went down to my favorite ABC Store to do some last minute pasalubong shopping.  The ladies at the store were already familiar with me.  Being Filipinos, they knew that I was doing some pasalubong shopping so they also provided me with gift bags where I could individually pack my pasalubongs. Such sweet ladies. 

One of the pasalubongs I bought

The following day, I headed to the airport with an extra bag!  Scored a good deal at Tommy Hilfiger the day before.  Got an overnight bag originally priced at US$60 for US$13 (discount + coupon).  

The taxi I took to the airport was owned and driven by a Kababayan from Ilocos.  He's been based in Guam for the last 20 years.  We had a nice chat about his life in Guam, the latest news in the Philippines, and even the teleseryes.

I always say this in my post, always be nice to all the service staff you meet. Not just because they can make life easier for you but because they deserve all the kindness they could get. Their's is not an easy job.  

The airline counter opened a bit late and check-in was a bit disorderly at the start.  Some passengers were very vocal with their frustration.  In my case, I kept my calm and just followed the directions given.  We still had a lot of time to spare so no need to make a big fuss about it. So when it was my turn at the counter, I was probably the first friendly face the attendant saw and it somehow helped her relax (I'm chatty and like carrying conversations).  She asked me what seat I prefer and told her I was fine anywhere near the lavatory.  I was expecting to get a seat at the rear of the plane.  But to my surprise, she gave me a seat after the paid priority row. And when the plane was about to leave, I realized that she assigned the whole row to myself. Told you so!

After four hours, I was back to reality (cliche but true).  It was raining very hard, a clear contrast from where I've been. But nevertheless, I had the break I needed. 

One of things I do after a travel abroad is to eat somewhere familiar where I could feel that I am really back to home base. So when I got back, Yaya and I went to Youtofu because I couldn't get over The Green Door's Tofu Steak.  Little did I know at that time that Youtofu was a sign to where I will be going to for my next overseas adventure. 

Thank you, Guam. Till we meet again!

Two things I learned from this travel:

1.  Although I traveled solo, I was never alone. I was a stranger in the country but I was treated with familiarity. No matter where you bring a Filipino, their hospitality will always be there. They will always make you feel at home and taken cared of. I was in the US but I think I spoke more in Tagalog than I did in English. 

2.  Quality travel on a budget is possible when you do your research and  observe spending discipline. When you do that, you won't feel like you are throwing away your savings.  You can even view it as a form of educating yourself, Lakbay-aral.  After all, experience is still the best teacher.  

For this trip, my spending was less than my budget.  How underspent? Let's just say that it was enough to fund the air ticket for my next overseas travel with a little extra left. It is in this aspect where I use my profession to good use. Ha! Ha! Ha!

The Umbrella

One question comes to mind when traveling solo, "Who will take my photos?"

While I was at Tumon Beach, a lady jogger was passing by and I politely asked her if she could take my photo.  Understanding my predicament, she willingly obliged even taking several shots.  I guess she got amused seeing someone on the beach holding an umbrella instead of sunbathing!

Great view, daster and umbrella? Perfect vacation!

Up next

Eats San Pablo City:  Asian Invasion

#TitaHits: "Manila, Manila, I keep coming back to Manila...." Part 3 - When the Titas Hit the Streets of Ermita

Mga jeepney mong naglliparan
Photo by Auntie

For my third trip to Manila, Auntie and I just did a repeat of my earlier trips. Except this time, we went to the Museum of the Filipino People, and stayed at the Ermita area.  We really didn't get to do an extensive food trip because Auntie was observing a meal plan. 

Why did we decide to go to Manila again? We were having some discussions about my recently concluded trips to Manila when we had a realization. We've hit the streets of Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Macau, Seoul, Hong Kong and yet we've never really experienced their counterpart in the Philippines which is Manila, particularly, Ermita. 

Auntie and I in Kuala Lumpur
Circa 2010

We found it ironic that we dared to visit the unfamiliar streets and eat the street foods of these foreign countries and yet we were hesitant to try our own.  This is why we decided to give Manila a try.

So two weeks after my last visit to Manila, I was back. Again using Agoda, I booked us at Lotus Garden Manila.  For a little over Php2,000, we got a twin room inclusive of breakfast. I guess by now you know the drill, I book at hotels that are near the places we'd like to visit and I make sure that I get the best deal. 

For lunch, we used the hotel's map to look for a place where we can eat. Auntie said that she saw a Spanish Restaurant on her way to the hotel from Robinson's Place. We searched for it but when we found it, the place looked old and smelled old. And nobody was there. Not a a good sign especially if it was peak period. Because we were really hungry, we decided to go to Robinon's Place instead. We planned on doing a diverse culinary adventure but hunger got the better of us. We ended up at Kenny Rogers! Because Auntie was following a meal plan, she was stuffing me with food not allowed in her plan. So, in return I was giving her my vegetables!

One of the exhibits at the National Museum
Photo by Auntie

After lunch and settling at the hotel, we went to the National Museum and Binondo.  True to our agreement, we explored the areas as if we were tourists hitting foreign streets. It was more like, I was the tourist guide and Auntie was my foreign guest. Sometimes, you just have to have a change of perspective to see new things. And like me in my previous trips, Auntie was amazed with her discoveries. She took a lot of snaps to prove it. 

Another exhibit (Auntie not included)

I also took her to the esteros and she found it ironic that she is the one living in the Metro and yet I am more knowledgeable when it comes to places like these. One word:  research. I wanted her to try Dong Bei but for the third time, I did not succeed, there was a queue! I took her to Masuki instead. We always share our orders and because of that meal plan, I ended up stuffing myself again! Sabi kasi ng nanay ko, "wag sayangin ang pagkain marami ang nagugutom!"  I am just OA, I wasn't really stuffed-stuffed, I just had to eat the whole siopao and I was only prepared to eat half. 

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch

After National Museum and Binondo, we went back to the hotel to rest and freshen up. At that time, we still had the Descendants of the Sun (DotS) fever so we decided to have Korean for dinner. And Auntie really loves Korean food. 

Go Won Korean Charcoal Grill was just a few steps from our hotel. I actually used Google Maps to find it but we were being led to a complex housing barbecue grills/karaoke bars.Thankfully, Auntie noticed the restaurant beside it. We were hesitant at first because of the earlier experience with the Spanish resto but when we got inside, we were quite impressed. The interiors were a far cry from the neighboring barbecue grills. It was well-lighted and was really set up how Korean grills should be. Most importantly, the staff were very polite and accommodating. 

Three days, no nights - #alamatngsoju

When we arrived, there was already a group of non-locals (Chinese). The group that came after us were also non-locals (Korean). Probably because we were the only local customers, the Korean owner gave us complimentary tofu soup and salad! Or maybe because she saw that we were really nice to her staff. But it is most likely because even if it was just the two of us, we still complied to their minimum order (at least two sets) when it comes to grilled meats. We actually ordered the cheapest in the menu, the Samgyupsal and Marinated Chicken. So together at Php600, they were still cheaper than one order of some grilled beef sets.  Yes, I ate the veggies!

With the DotS hang-over, we ordered Soju.  We only learned that it was Php200 when we got the bill.  And being non-drinkers, we only took a shot glass each.  So we decided to bring back to the hotel the bottle and the remaining contents.  Auntie brought it home with her. We still couldn't get over the Php200. 

After dinner, we tried to find the Mediterranean/ Arabic resto I read about in blogs.  But because we were already full from our Korean dinner, I just decided not to pursue it because there was no way we could eat again that night. So instead, we searched for a spa.

Every two or three months, Auntie and I would meet to have a "chill day".  This is our treat to ourselves. We take a break from our daily grind so we can recharge. This is why we really save for this break. It's cheaper than undergoing therapy! We already have a set budget and this is where we base our activities. One of the things we do to de-stress is getting a massage. Being in Ermita and not being familiar with the place, finding a spa was a challenge. 

Let's be honest, we all know that Ermita has a certain reputation because it is considered as a red-light district. And as such, you really have to be vigilant when finding a spa. Auntie and I went from one spa to another.  We were asking for rates and services offered and based on the answers and the manner they were delivered, we chose which spa to go to. We decided to go to a new spa. Unlike the other spas, this one was well lighted and the receptionists were very professional. How did we know? Let's just say that we have a way of interviewing people. Oh and the other customers were mostly senior citizens (both male and female) who were literally nagpapahilot! Signs of the times? Are we nearing that stage? No we were really just tired. 

We made our reservations and got back to the hotel to freshen up. Our reservation was not until 11pm so when we went to the spa, Ermita was very alive. In a sea of bar hoppers, we were the odd-men-out.  Why?  We were both wearing pambahay, daster for me. But a funny thing happened when stepped out of the spa past midnight. There was a scantily clad woman on the street with a foreign "date". When she saw us, she held her date tightly and acting as if we were going to steal him from her.  Seriously, Ate? Threatened? E mukha nga kaming katatapos lang maglaba sa ilog! Well, probably after we had our relaxing massage, Auntie and I exuded a glow. Okay, I'm pushing it too far. 

Feeling relaxed, we both had a good night sleep. So after check-out, we were again recharged to face the days ahead.

There are some places we don't want to go to because of what we've read or heard about them.  But sometimes, you have to get out of your comfort zones and explore the unknown (but of course, still observing necessary precautions). Just like in the case of Ermita.  When one mentions Ermita, the first thing that comes to mind is its reputation of being a red-light district. But it might surprise you to know that the Manila City Hall, NBI, UP Manila, PGH, Rizal Park, National Museum, Manila Hotel, US Embassy and even the family-friendly, Manila Ocean Park are all in the Ermita District. There are so much more to discover and experience.

Map of Ermita District
Screen Cap from Google Maps

And contrary to what Auntie has earlier feared, nobody tried to pick us up! 

Up next

Biyahe ni Bru Goes to Guam

"Manila, Manila, I keep coming back to Manila...." Part 2 - Binondo

A week after the cultural heritage tour, I was back in Manila. This time with my family. 

Binondo at night
Source:  Ramada

Actually, Donya (my mom) and I just hitched with My Brother and his family. We learned that they booked an overnight stay at the Ramada in Binondo. So, I told Donya that if we could find a promo rate, we would be joining them. Using one of my favorite booking sites Agoda (the other one being Booking.com), we got a room with twin beds for Php3,000 all-in. Yes, buffet breakfast and parking included! Ramada Central Manila is the only luxury hotel in Binondo and is in a prime location. Every place we wanted to go to was just a walk a way. The rate we got was quite a steal. Here's another hotel where what you see in the website is the same as what you'll see in real life. 

Tip No. 1:  When using booking sites, they quote lower rates when you use their mobile apps and the amounts are all-in unlike in the website version where taxes and other fees are not yet included.

Tip No. 2:  When you are very sure of your check-in dates, especially when done way ahead of time, rates are lower if you choose the No Cancellation offer. 

Superior Twin
Source:  Booking.com

Tip No. 3:  Bring a lot of patience when going to Binondo.  Expect traffic. 

Tip No. 4:  If you are traveling with a kid (or kids) like us, always bring water and snacks. I think their tummies are programmed to eat at specific times.  At least for my nephew, Theo (and the rest of the kids and adults in our  family), that's the case.

We arrived at Ramada past 12 noon and check-in was not until 2:00 pm so we decided to leave our things at the hotel and have lunch first.

Tip No. 5:  You can actually check in as you arrive and you can arrange with the front desk to store your things first and have them taken to your room when it becomes ready. Just like we did.  

For lunch, we chose Cafe Mezzanine, A Fireman's Coffee Shop. This restaurant is a must visit when in Binondo.  And it's on the same street as the Ramada (next corner). Aside from their good food, their advocacy also deserves two thumbs up.  All their revenue is donated to the Binondo Paco Volunteer Fire Search and Rescue Brigade. So, it is not surprising that there's always a need to wait before one can be seated. But lady luck was smiling on us that day, we were already seated after a few minutes.

Tip No. 6:  When traveling with hungry kids, place their orders first especially if the adults are still "memorizing the menu", I mean, still thinking what to order. This way, the kids can be served earlier. Kids being kids have automatic orders. In Theo's case, he got the Grilled Porky Chop and Mochi Balls.

To say that we were hungry would be an understatement. It was almost 1pm when we had our lunch.  We had the Kamto Soup, Xiao Long Bao, Pork Asado with Adobo Egg, Tofu and my favorite, Kiampong - the paella of the Chinese.  We thought we over-ordered (if there's such a word) but we were able to finish all our orders. 

Rice is life! Kiampong is livelier (toinks!)

When in Binondo, an Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli is always in sight.  In our case, the Ramada is in between two stores. Before we returned to the hotel, we went to one store to check out the goods.  One of their most prominent advertisements was for the Lava Pao or Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun.  I told myself that I had to have one.  You see, this custard bun is also being served in upscale Chinese restos but are a bit pricey. Eng Bee Tin's is the budget version.  I had to wait for 15 minutes (they still had to steam it). It was worth the wait. True to its name, the salted egg yolk custard filling was oozing when I halved the bun. The taste was just right for me. 

Lava Love

Because the weather was still hot, we spent the afternoon inside the hotel.  Donya and I waited for the sun to go down a bit. After visiting Binondo Church or the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo, we headed to Lucky Chinatown.  We hailed public transportation to get to the mall. At first, I thought the fare the driver quoted was stiff because the mall wasn't far.  It was just too hot to walk.  But then I noticed that we were moving a bit slow.  It was then that I realized that his vehicle was a pedicab disguised as a tricycle.  'Told Donya that I probably should have paid him more because I was not a lite passenger to say the least. 

We went around Lucky Chinatown then proceeded to 168 and 999 malls. After a bit of walking around the bargain malls (and Donya buying some tops, checking bags and trying on several pairs of shoes), Donya requested that we go back to Lucky Chinatown because she was already getting dizzy because the place was so crowded. Like mother, like daughter. Since we were still full from our heavy lunch, Donya decided to just have coffee and croissant at French Baker for merienda while I made a quick stop at the supermarket to buy Joy Dishwashing Liquid. Anak ako ng nanay ko e! You see, I always wash the cups & saucers, glasses and cutlery in hotels.  Auntie, calls me OC!

With the sun almost setting and the weather starting to get cooler, we just walked back to the hotel and stayed there until it was time to have dinner. It was almost 9pm and stores were almost closing. Even if it was late, we still felt safe walking around the hotel area.  Because we were not that hungry yet, we decided to explore the streets and look for a restaurant. We saw a restaurant that specializes in seafood. We were told by the lobby attendant that it's on the second floor.  When we got there, we saw the menu and the price! Let's just say that we decided that we were not really in the mood for seafood.  The price of one order is already the total of all the food we had for lunch!  So we went down as quick as we could.  The lobby attendant asked if we didn't like the place, we just said that there was a private party.  That part was true! 

After a few minutes, we were once again back on Ongpin St. Being tired from walking, we decided to have dinner at Chuan Kee Chinese Fastfood.  This is actually the eatery version of Cafe Mezzanine and it's just on the floor below it. 

I always try new stuff when food crawling

Because we were not that hungry, Donya and I just decided to share dinner.  We ordered Kiampong (of course), Honey Pork Kikiam and Black Chicken Soup.  I also ordered a White Fungus Drink. 

Well, I have already mentioned that I love Kiampong.  I found the kikiam too dry for my liking.  San Pablo City's very own Youtofu's Kikiam is still the best for me! The drink and the soup were new experiences for me and they did not disappoint. Both are said to have medicinal properties. If meds are like these, I won't mind taking my meds everyday. Interestingly, when I posted this on my social media accounts, Boslet was watching a show featuring the same black chicken. She said that she couldn't imagine how it gets eaten and then she saw my post. I also caught the same show the following weekend. 

It was time to call it a day and wait for my most anticipated meal - breakfast!

One side of the buffet set up
Source:  Booking.com

My officemates know this, I don't usually eat breakfast, at least not early. But when we're booked at hotels offering buffet breakfast, I can adjust! With the amount we paid, I wasn't really expecting much.  So, I was really happy when I saw the buffet set-up. It was extensive.  Aside from the usual salads &fruits, cold cuts, congee, soup, cheese platter, hot meals, breads & pastries, cereals, egg station, they also have a dimsum station. To top it all, they have the most gracious and polite food attendants. 

These over chocolates!

After breakfast, I decided to burn-off some of the food I had.  Okay, I really wanted to explore the streets and the stores before they get so crowded.  Remember my earlier post, that for me timing is important when shopping?

Tip No. 6:  If you are maarte like me, I mean, not comfortable in stuffy places, know when a place is less crowded. 

Since I've already been to 168 and 999 twice without buying anything, I decided to go there early.  But this time, I used the estero route.  Mind you, must visit restos/ food joints in Binondo are near these esteros. For example the famous Dong Bei Dumpling was along my estero route. Unfortunately, it was still closed when I passed by it. Yes, I was that early!

If you follow my social media accounts, you'll know I have a special affinity to the humble daster. Well, mine are not really daster-daster, they're like the ones you can still wear on a day out. Found my kind of daster at 168 (the ones imported from Bangkok), lots of them.  However, to my surprise, the ones I buy at Amar (you have to be a true blue Pabloy to know this place) are cheaper.  Probably because they also get them straight from Bangkok. 

So while writing this post, it suddenly occurred to me that I did buy something at 168 - a corporate dress which I have not worn because I have forgotten that I have it. Now I remember that I haggled for it with matching, "Sige na kuya, bawasan mo na ang presyo, maganda akong bwena mano!" I was referring to myself, not the luck! Just kidding! Got if for Php600 from the original Php850.  Could be cheaper pero, hello ang daming tela kaya ang kailangan sa akin!

They have other products too like Kikiam

After doing my walking/window shopping, I went back to Ongpin. Dong Bei was still closed. So I searched for the fried siopao.  It was something mentioned to me by one of my colleagues, Francia. It's also always among the must-tries when in Binondo. Using my ever dependable Google Maps, I finally found Shanghai Fried Siopao. How do I describe it? It's like your Kutchay Dumpling reincarnated as a siopao. It's neither asado nor bola-bola. It's pork meat with herbs and the combination works. And it was only Php18/piece when I got it. How is it different from the toasted siopao? Aside from the filling, this is still steamed siopao but the bottom is fried. I think it's the filling that's fried. Would have tasted even better had I eaten it right away but I was still soooo full from breakfast so I only got to eat it during lunch.  It was my early lunch. 

So Hopia is a cookie!

When we think of hopia, Eng Bee Tin's always the first to come to mind. But since it's available almost everywhere, I decided to look for other brands.  In Binondo there's Salazar, Poland and Ho Land, among others.  I decided to go for Ho Land and was surprised that other than hopia of all flavors, they also have the Green Tea Pumpkin Seeds. No need to go to Hong Kong or Macau to get them (or ask those based in the areas to buy us the stuff).  

Try to sip it in powder form using a straw just like Mik-Mik

Another item I bought because it piqued my curiosity was Choc-Nut Chocolate Drink. I was expecting it to have the signature nutty taste of Choc-Nut but it was what it said a chocolate drink. How does it taste? You know Mik-Mik milk chocolate powder? If you do, I know at one point in your lives you tried to add water to it.  That's how it tastes, though a bit chocolatier or as the product claims, chocorrific.

After buying pasalubongs (ang lakas maka-turista), I headed back to the hotel to prepare for check-out.

There it is!

But my exploration of Binondo must-tries did not end there. While I was out exploring on my own, My Brother and My Sister-in-Law also did their own food crawl.  And one of the things they got was the lumpiang sariwa from New Po Heng Lumpia House.  If you'll look for a new establishment, you won't find this lumpia house.  It's an institution already. They're known for their tasty and crisp wrapper and vegetable filling. True enough, I had them when we got home and after two hours on the road, they were still good. My late lunch. 

Carvajal St. would best sum up my Binondo experience. If you will look at the alley, it looks dark, old and worn out. With this impression, you might find it simply not worth exploring or that you wouldn't even dare step into it. If you will let your prejudices get the better of you, you will miss the wonders brought about by exploring Carvajal St. When the stores start to open, the alley comes to life. You see goods that aren't offered in your regular stores. Seeing the scene between store owners and patrons is an interesting experience especially if you are already used to the comfortable, air-conditioned supermarkets. Reminds me a lot of San Pablo weekend market. It will take you back to simpler times. That's what Binondo is like. It may be old but it has character, it has history.  It's a treasure trove of wonders. 

This alley comes alive during store hours

If you have the time, explore Binondo and you might discover new things about the place, our country's history or probably yourself.  As they say, almost all of us are part Chinese. That I am sure of because my great grandfather was from China.  That's why, if my aunts are like Siopao (Chinese-mestizas), I am Toasted Siopao (mestiza lang, chos)!