Come'on La Union

If I haven't tried a lot of resorts, I wouldn't have appreciated Thunderbird Resorts & Casinos Poro Point. With an average overnight room prices not lower than P7,000, who wouldn't think twice and ask what is so special with this resort aside from being featured in one of the local movies.

Let me start with its Santorini themed design. Very refreshing to the eye. Since you can only find it in Greece, now you can have a taste of it here in the Philippines.

  The ceiling from the reception area. Lovely :)

(photo credit: google)
With a room that is very relaxing - comfy large bed, big flat screen tv, cool AC, complimentary fruits. Who would want to go outside?

But of course, I don't want to get comfortable inside the room all day so I decided to breath some fresh air. They have a very nice view here.  Accommodations are inclusive of buffet breakfast at Olives Restaurant. 

  You can enjoy their swimming pool while ordering drinks at the pool bar.

It was month of July when I went here. There are big waves during that time so I wasn't able to experience the beach. I can see clear blue water with some rocks and moss though from a far.

They have a very large property you can walk and explore the place. Best for bonding with loved ones.

They have team building facilities too so a company outing is encouraged.

After a long day, you can relax and dance to the music from a band in their bar just beside the reception. They also have a casino with scheduled shows. Just ask the concierge. It's a bit far so you need to take a shuttle.

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Been to Thunderbird Binangonan Rizal too, aside from being near the Metro, it's no measure to Thunderbird Poro Point La Union.  They have small pool, no beach & no Santorini architectural themes.

Here's a peek:

This place is good for family & small group bonding. They also offer competitive prices for company outings with full board meals and use of team building facilities.

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For one night at Poro Point I was able to experience a luxurious stay at a Mediterranean inspired resort and I definitely have no regrets. All worth it! :)

Bataan Naman!

Honestly, I have a lot of doubts with regards to the beaches in Bataan because they are known to have rocky & very dark sand.  But because it's my first time, I'd like to give it a shot. --> Aja!

I was part of the outing committee in the company I am part of and my group was assigned to any resort in the North nearest Manila so we decided to have an ocular visit in Bagac, Bataan last May 31, 2016.

It took us 3 to 4 hour drive from Manila to Bagac Bataan. We passed by SCTEX, turned to Dinalupihan exit then opened our GPS and cellular data. Voila! There we are!  We just trusted Mr. Google and he did not forsake us :)

We went to different resorts but we only chose the one that stands out.  The one we visited has been the place where our Company Summer Outing was held.

Presenting, the Montemar Beach Club.

It's a membership beach resort also open for non-members, exactly located at Sitio Pasinay Brgy. Pag Asa, Bagac, Bataan.

See the Bermuda Grass - isn't it beautiful?

What I really like about here is the unobstructed view of the beach which is so mesmerizing.

They have three swimming pools but only two are open because the other one near their restaurant is being renovated. 

Another attractions are the Tree House and Hanging Bridge.  They also have pony ride around the vicinity if you want to have that "Haciendera" feels for just 200 pesos.

The rooms though... :) very inviting!  Their cheapest is Deluxe Room (Garden or Pool View) at P4,700.00 per night with breakfast for two (2).  They have Superior & Suite too.

They may not have the biggest flat TV but their restroom surely have bidet :) yey!

Since staying overnight is out of our company's budget, we asked them to quote us a Day Tour. We were 50 pax and they quoted us P2,350/pax. Special thanks to their Account Executive Bon Adrian Sazon who is very nice to accommodate some of our special requests.  Below are the inclusions for our Day Tour.

• Access to the Club from 8:00AM to 5:00PM 
• Use of the Bath Houses / Shower Rooms 
• Meals as follows: 

           - One (1) AM Snack with One (1) glass of Fruit Juice

        - One (1) Managed Buffet Lunch with One (1) glass of Iced Tea 

        - One (1) PM Snack with One (1) glass of Fruit Juice 

AMENITIES: 

• Welcome Drink upon arrival 
• Complimentary Welcome Banner 
• Use of the Meal Venue/Function Room 
• Use of the Basic Sound System 
• Complimentary Roasted Pig (De Leche) 
• Complimentary use of Videoke for Eight (8) hours only 
• Complimentary use of Three (3) Kayaks for Two (2) hours only 
• Access to Recreational Facilities such as the Garden Pool, Blue Pool, White Sand Beach, Basketball Court, Playground and Hanging Bridge with Tree House 
• Access to Beach Facilities such as Volleyball, Tug-of-War, Obstacle Course and Sack Race 

For children between 5-12 years old, there is a charge of P1,950.00 which includes entrance and meals.  Children that are 4 years and below will not be charged provided that they share their food with their parents.

It's June 18, 2016 when our company held our summer outing here.  It's now my second time to be here but still my first time to really experience Montemar. 

How was it?  Definitely enjoyable and memorable :)  

I started my day roaming around and picture taking.  The place gives me good vibes and that feel of excitement.

I have spent more time kayaking than swimming at the beach.  I have paddled twice with my friends and once alone. 

Look at that picturesque view. Who wouldn't want to render a pose?  This place really exceeded my expectations.  Wide sand area, white and fine sand, clear water.  Couldn't ask for more.

We also took time to try their stunning pool.  They just don't have an enclosed shower rooms which are needed mostly by girls like me.

Having said all of that,  I also would like to acknowledge their courteous staff who are helpful.  The food they served us though are in small amount but very delicious.  

Obviously will recommend Montemar Beach Club especially for group tours and outings.  You may reach them @ their Manila office with telephone no. (02) 8115496 or (02) 4637201.

Road Trip to Nasugbu, Batangas

It was May of 2016.  We took the Skyway then South Luzon Expressway .  Go straight then turn right to Santa Rosa exit.  We decided to stop over Paseo de Sta. Rosa where you can find a lot of outlet stores.  Since I am a bit sporty, I headed to Nike Factory Outlet.  You may also want to go to Nuvali. Just go straight ahead. 

Next interesting place you may stop by when going to Nasugbu is Tagaytay.  You may pass by a lot of restaurants there and also the famous Sky Ranch.  I think I should have a separate blog for that

After few minutes we then reach the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Hiway.  This means we are on the right direction.  We have our reservation at Canyon Cove Hotel & Spa which is located at Piloto Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas where we will spend a night then go back to reality again.

Canyon Cove is a 4 star hotel.  Its a bit old and needs to be refurbished.  The lobby a bit crowded because of high occupancy but the receptionists maintain their calm and they were very accommodating.  They also have a nurse where you can ask for free over the counter meds if you need any. I have no complaint with their room.  It’s very spacious same with their CR except they don’t have bidet which is a must have in every cr in a hotel room.  King size bed is comfortable and they also have a day bed beside a big window and a veranda where you can see the view.

Aside from their big swimming pool, they also offer water sports activities such as:

• Kayak
• Banana Boat
• Snorkeling
• Jetski
• Island Hoping
• Pedal Boat

One of the first thing I check when going to a beach resort is their shoreline and the sand of course.  I am very keen on how fine and white the sand is.  With this in mind, I was disappointed with how narrow the sand area is.  And knowing Nasugbu, there are a lot of rocks if not moss on the beach.  The air a bit smelly too so I decided not to jump on the water.

While waiting for our dinner I hopped into the children’s playground just beside their restaurant.  They serve food from Max’s so you already know what to expect.

After dinner we headed to the Bar to have some drinks & play billiards.  Ambience is nice so as the drinks and the bartenders.It was their breakfast though which I don’t like.  It was included in our reservations.  Oh by the way, our stay was valued at P5,626.00 which is so much pricey.  I am expecting for a buffet style breakfast if not food from Max's but they gave us only 2 choices of whatever viand they cooked & plain rice and any additional will be charged. They don't even have an egg station.  A very big X for a 4 star hotel.

The swimming pool is very refreshing but needs a bit of cleaning specially during this times of summer where a lot of children are taking a plunge.

Overall I can say that our stay was average. Overnight is just enough.  Definitely will not come back. Not recommended specially during peak season.