Discovering Romblon

I have known Romblon to have nice white sandy beaches but never really had the chance to visit it. The only nearest place in Romblon that I could think of and attempt of visiting was the Carabao Island which you can visit coming from Boracay.  When my husband and I recently decided to have a vacation, the immediate place we could think of was Boracay, one of our favorite destination that we won't get tired of visiting.  But upon checking the flights, it was quite expensive already since our planned trip was less than a month away.  Going through the destinations of Cebu Pacific, I found Tablas and wondered where it was.  Googled it and viola! It was in Romblon.

Based from initial research, Romblon is part of MIMAROPA region.  It is composed of three major islands: Tablas, Sibuyan, and Romblon, and 17 small islands. These islands are all surrounded by deep waters.  With this, you can just imagine the various beaches encircling the islands.  And by the way, Romblon is also know as the Marble Capital of the Philippines.

Romblon map, image from Google

Of the three major islands, only Tablas has an airport located in Tugdan municipality. I think only Cebu Pacific has direct flights to Tugdan Airport.  One can also get to other major islands of Romblon and Sibuyan via ferry boat (2Go shipping lines travels directly to Romblon from Batangas port; From Tablas, there's a ferry boat in San Agustin that travels to Sibuyan Island).  Each island has its own beautiful beaches to boast for.  There's Aglicay and Binucot Beach in Tablas, Crest de Gallo islet in Sibuyan, and Bonbon beach in Romblon.  There are also some waterfalls in Sibuyan Island that is also a tourist attraction.  We chose Tablas since this is the only one with direct flight from Manila.  We'd love to visit Sibuyan but due to time constraints, we decided to just stay and hopefully explore Tablas Island.

There were a number of beaches in Tablas aside from Binucot (located in Ferrol municipality) and Aglicay (located in Alcantara municipality).  There are also other beaches in municipalities of Sante Fe, Ferrol, Odiongan, Calatrava, San Andres and San Agustin.  Aside from the beach there are also tourist attractions in Looc (Looc Bay Marine Sanctuary), Tinagong Dagat in Calatrava, Mainit Falls in Odiongan,

Beach view from Binucot Beach Resort

Aglicay Beach, image from Travelbook

Beaches in Tablas are quite far from the airport.  You will need to ride a tricycle or book a transfer to take you to your chosen beach.  We chose Binucot beach as it is quite nearer to the airport (about 45 minutes).  In my next blog, will post a review on Binucot Beach Resort.

Budget Accommodations in Tagaytay part 2

Following the success (or should I say, most read) of my blog post about budget accommodations in Tagaytay for Php 1,500 per night or less, here's part 2 of budget accommodations in Tagaytay still at Php 1,500 or less.  Please note that some prices may change during peak season, weekends and holidays.  Prices may be exclusive of VAT and other charges.

Sunburst Lodge
Location: near Mahogany Market and Sky Ranch
Budget room - Php 765 (fan room, without breakfast, double deck with pullout bed)
Standard room - Php 1,360 (air conditioned, without breakfast, double sized bed)
For info and bookings: click here

Casa Marcosa
Location: along Sta. Rosa Highway, Barangay Francisco
Deluxe Double or Twin Room - Php 1,338 (air conditioned, without breakfast, double bed)
For info and bookings: click here

Jessar Apartelle
Location: 213 Francisco Road, near Sta. Rosa Highway
Standard Room - Php 1,350 (air conditioned, without breakfast, queen size bed)
For info and bookings: click here

Jacob's Hill Tagaytay
Location: Hollywood Subdivision, Tagaytay-Calamba Road
Budget Double Room - Php 1,360 (air conditioned, with breakfast, double bed)
For info and bookings: click here

Mountain Breeze Hostel
Location: Tagaytay City Proper, along Tagaytay-Calamba Road
Double Room - Php 1,146 (air conditioned, without breakfast, double bed, shared bathroom)
For info and bookings: click here

Hotel Georgina
Location: Buho Talon Road, near Emilio Aguinaldo Highway
Standard Double Room - Php 1,257 (air conditioned, with breakfast, double bed)
For info and bookings: click here

Tagaytay Garden Budgetel
Location: along Tagaytay Calamba Road, almost near the Rotonda
Double Room - Php 1,133 (air conditioned, without breakfast, 2 single beds)
For info and bookings: click here

OMP Tagaytay Hostel
Location: Maharlika East Subdivision, near Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway
Private Double Basic - Php 805 (fan room, with breakfast, double bed, shared bathroom)
En Suite Double - Php 1,007 (fan room, with breakfast, king size bed)
For info and bookings: click here

Balai Sofia Bed and Breakfast
Location: Barangay Banga, Tanauan, Talisay, Batangas
Standard Twin Room - Php 899 (air conditioned, without breakfast, 2 single bed)
*Standard Double Room also available
For info and bookings: click here

MonaLisa Tourist Inn
Location: Barangay Francisco, near Sta. Rosa Highway
Economy Room - Php 1,275 (air conditioned, with breakfast, king size bed)
For info and bookings: click here

Again, most of my references are from Travelbook website and Agoda.  There are also number of condominium units in Tagaytay which also offers lodging and accommodations.  Those can be found in Booking.com, AirBnb and also in Agoda.

For pictures and videos of these hotels, you may check them in my youtube channel.  Don't forget to subscribe!

Review: Unica Pointed Shoes

I’m fond of wearing flats that’s why I seldom buy shoes with heels. I had a few shoes with heels that I sometimes wear to work. But most of the time, my feet gets tired and I ended up wearing flats again at midday.

One time, while shopping for clothes, we passed by Unica (Unica Hija) store. I haven’t bought anything from this brand. But I found that they have nice and unique clothes with styles almost similar to Plains and Prints (as well as the price range). They were on sale that’s why I was able to pick a few tops. Then my eye caught this pointed shoes / slip ons with heels in nude color. When I tried it on, I easily fell in love with it. It fits perfectly on my feet. I was quite hesitant at buying it since first, I seldom wear heels, then secondly, it is quite expensive and not part of sale. But then, there’s this “calling” that made me buy the shoes. I thought of various justifications for me to buy it. I can wear it not only at work and formal occasions, but also I can wear it on casual days. Besides, its a slip on which is easier to wear and wouldn’t make my heel dark in case I get blisters. And so I bought it. Luckily, the sales lady said that it was sale at 10% off. Not bad. The price was Php 1,399.75 so less 10% that’s Php 1,259.78.

The Unica pointed shoes I bought is in Nude color (not sure if they have other colors). The heels was about half inch. The material was like a suede leather, not sure what it is called but it was soft to touch. It has a metallic looking strap in gold tone but made of plastic. The pointed part has perforated floral style which makes it versatile to wear on formal or casual days.

It was yesterday when I first wore this Unica pointed shoes. I thought I might get blisters on my small toes as the style is pointed. And most of the time, for first time wearer of shoes, you have to “break it in”. Luckily, I didn’t get any blisters and the pointed style isn’t painful at all. I walked, run, wearing this shoes for more than eight hours in the office. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort wearing this shoes! It was so comfy! I think the soft suede leather like material made the difference. Since it was soft, it is not painful. Also, I thought the metallic like strap will scratch my feet but it did not. It isn’t bothersome at all. And best of all, my feet didn’t get tired even after wearing it for long hours! That was really a surprise! I am so happy that I bought this. So worth it! Too happy that I even wrote a review on it and even posted it on my youtube channel! I seldom post reviews about shoes, bags or clothes. But not this time. I just wanted to share how happy and satisfied I am with my purchase even if it is quite expensive (for me).  I’m even more proud that this comfortable shoes is proudly Philippine made!