• St. Andrew Residences

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  • Travel Guide to Calaguas Islands

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Monday, February 16, 2015

Crown Hotel: Complete Naga Experience


Naga City - When we think of home, it can be anything (insert adjective) according to our tastes and senses. Naga City by far has ample of hotels across different types and offers that can suit every guests needs. From among the hotels in Naga City, personally, there is nothing else that I can compare Crown Hotel as a "home away from home" which you can describe  with a "Complete Naga Experience" from comfort, to food, to events and history. 



Heart of the Heart of Bicol and one of the firsts. We have numerous good hotels in the city and each has its own charm that attracts patrons. Crown Hotel has been serving local and foreign tourists for over decades now and started operations around 1960s. I grew up seeing this hotel right at the heart of the Heart of Bicol. All these years, Crown Hotel has proven their way to being one of the best recommended hotels in the city. No wonder, I keep seeing Crown Hotel in directories, travel magazines and guides like the prestigious Lonely Planet. I believe the hotel has the advantage of being the most strategically located hotel in the city. It is a hotel with three possible street as the address: Peñafrancia Avenue, P. Burgos St. and Elias Angeles St., beat that! They have the access to everything, from places, to lines of transportation that can bring guests to farther places, pharmacies, banks, malls and most especially food shops and restaurants serving local favorites and other national brands.



 Viva View! Viva Crown! For me, Crown the has best hotel view of downtown Naga all year round. The hotel does not only boasts the perfect location during Peñafrancia Festival but also during special events which are commonly held at the principal streets of Naga. The momentous "turn" of Ina's andas around Plaza Quince Martires is always a breathtaking view with goosebumps tickling your nerves upon hearing the cheer of faith from the devotees. Day or night and most especially if your room is adjacent to the Plaza Quince Martires, one would never get tired of the view and lights surrounding it.


EXECUTIVE SUIT A Php 6,000
"Fronting two of the city’s plazas, offering the best view of the metropolis from the hotel, Executive Suite A features a King-sized bed, a family lounge, as well as a spacious bathroom that includes a bath tub and a separate shower area."
Executive Suit A
For more photos visit Crown Hotel Facebook Page

EXECUTIVE SUIT B Php 4,500
"Features a king-sized bed and a spacious area. Whether you’re staying for business or pleasure, this suite’s promise of luxury and comfort is true." This room is perfect during Traslacion Procession.




De Luxe Twin Bed Php 3,000
This was our home during the #SSSstaycation with the #BicolBloggers
"De Luxe Twin features two standard beds. This room is ideal for those who are travelling with company. They also have adjacent De Luxe Twin rooms which are composed of two connecting rooms. These are perfect for families who prefer rooms which ensure privacy but still close enough to make bonding possible."
I was amazed how clean the bathroom was, I even asked if the tiles were new, which they weren't. Spotlessly clean and maintained. Plus plus point for me!
"De Luxe Single Php 2,500: Features a queen-sized bed that's perfect for couples.
It is a suitable setting for restful sleep and private retreat."
Basic, affordable and very "Nagueño-ish". Basic hotel accommodation that is affordable yet not sacrificing comfort and elegance. The hotel is not a five star hotel, who needs it anyway if you have all the means and access to everything you need around the hotel. Staying in Crown Hotel can make you feel like a local, thus very "Nagueño-ish".  


Standard Single Php 1,500

Standard Single and Standard Twin Bed rooms are very affordable and easy on the budget but not below the standard comfort that you could get. Since the hotel is right at the city center, there are rooms where street noises can be heard but just a little, I believe the hotel is working on it.
Standard Twin Bed Php 2,500
24-hour access to food cravings. First and foremost, Crown Hotel has Cafe Frederico and Crown Park Restaurant as their in-house café and restaurant (A separate blog plost will be dedicated for this). If you are looking for authentic Bicolano dishes, just turn to Peñafrancia Avenue and there you will find Mama Eñga with surprisingly low prices and tastes as good as home cooked meals but in a well-presented turo-turo scheme.  Elias Angeles on the other hand is home to 24-hour fast food chains with our local favorite Bigg's Diner fronting Plaza Quince Martires.


Every local favorite is just a walk away. Pinoy meryenda is just near the hotel such as Casa Moderna and Quality Bakery. Learn the Culture of Bulastog located at Plaza Rizal. It's like streetfood like no other with the value of honesty being practiced when you eat bulastog (kwek-kwek), isaw, bbq, etc. The Naga City Market or now known as Naga City People's Mall is just a block away and find cheap pasalubongs and the like. Naga Garden's toasted siopao and asado mami is also a walk away and the humble Kinalas near Plaza Quezon which only opens at night (You can always visit other Kinalas houses along Dayangdang). Visit San Francisco Parish church which is adjacent to Plaza Quince Martires then buy a steaming hot "Takop-Takop" or others call it Putong Bagas outside the church especially early in the morning.  Know a little bit of Naga and Bicol's history with the main Plazas of the city. All these can make you feel like us, like a local Nagueño.
Hotel employees are very courteous and attentive to their guests needs. If you need anything, just call the front desk and they will readily assist you. Flight bookings and tour packages are also available at the front desk. 

Crown Hotel is located right at the heart of Central Business District 1, Elias Angelest St. Naga City. They have a free shuttle service to and from Pili Airport daily. Contact the hotel at (054) 473 8305 for bookings.

New website will be launched SOON! http://crownhotel.ph

Hotel room rates are subject to change without prior notice. Photo are from Kookai (NCD Contributor), Nick Astig and Crown Hotel Facebook Page

Crown Hotel was our Official Home for the #SSSstaycation Weekend in celebration of SoleSearchingSoul.com's 1st Anniversary and Bicol Bloggers Official Launching. 
Dios Mabalos to my batchmate TR for sponsoring Bicol Blogger's event!

We are Bicol Bloggers. Invite us in your events, product launching, reviews, etc

Want to join #BicolBloggers? Visit http://bicolbloggers.com for details
Crown Hotel February Promo

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Kapeng Barako Club


Sangre de Naga in cooperation with Arts and Culture Asia
Kapeng Barako Club
Dula ni Juan Ekis
Samahan ng mga Bitter

February 14, 2015 
4:30 to 6:00 pm 
6:30 to 8:00 pm
at Woodstone Kitchen & Bar

P300.00 Inclusive of a cup of coffee

CLICK HERE for other Valentine promos and events in Naga City


Feria Floral 2015 in Naga City


Feria Floral
Plaza Rizal
February 12 - 14, 2015

CLICK HERE for Valentine Events, Promos, Buffets
CLICK HERE for directory of flower shops in Naga City











Sunday, February 8, 2015

Taxicles in Naga City



Naga City - Not a taxi, neither a tricycle. "Taxicles" were officially introduced to the riding public  here in Naga some time May of 2014. A Taxicle uses a diesel engine, 3-wheeler Italian brand, Piaggio Ape. 

Taxicles offer a comfortable way of traveling from point A to B in Naga City. As of writing, twelve (12) units of Taxicles ply the streets of Naga. Taxicle drivers wear uniforms, are well-experienced, very courteous and are even very accommodating to let you take a "selfie" with the unit if the time permits. Taxicles offer same fare rate with that of the regular tricycles. Let the kind of service speak for itself as to who who is good enough or better for the riding public. At the end of the day, it is them who has a say to it. Take your pick, the Tricycle or the Taxicle?

Taxicles can also be rented for only Php 150 per hour. Highly recommended for a city tour in Naga with a seating capacity of 8 to 9 persons. Just contact Mr. Raffy Duque at 0907.654.7676

Vist Piaggio Ape at Concepcion Grande Naga City for other units available, ideal for your business.
Sir Rafael Duque and Sir Bert Darilay of Pistton
Thank you to Sir Raffy and Sir Bert of Pistton and Sir Michael Javellana of Piaggio Apé for making Taxicle as our official ride during the #BicolBloggers  #SSSstaycation! More Power!

  
All Photos by Nick Pahati

Want to join #BicolBloggers? Visit http://bicolbloggers.com for details



Mama Eñga: Truly a Taste of Home

How is it pronounced??? MAMA EÑGA

It was Mama Eñga (Enga), I thought before it was “enyega” which I latter found derived from the matriarch of the family serving the Bicolanos for almost ten years. Anyway, this small looking restaurant actually serves bold tasting home cooked meals. Some say “first impression lasts” and my first time dining here was such superb.
           
The place was neat and simple and the vibe shouts homey!!! You can never go wrong in entering this resto because it suits all, can be rustic and urbane and the price ranges are affordable for the budget. It’s like an upgraded turo-turo where you can choose from a wide variety of meals. Plus, the crew were very accommodating and you can see smiles everywhere all the time.





But let us go back to the pinpoint of the stay. FOOD!!!




Let me name you a few, Bicol Express, Pinangat, Laing, Ginataang Susu (Tabagwang to be precise) in Pako (an edible fern), Dinuguan, Bopis, Ginataang Pusit, Inun-un na Isda, and of course Lechon Kawali and let us not forget the rice and its companion, the EXTRA rice and hot soup.



Tabagwang for only P30
Laing/Katnga for only P25







When you think of food cooked in coconut milk, it’s Bicolano. Some replicates these dishes but few of them hit the notch and one of these few is Mama Enga. The creamy, salty, spicy, sweet umami taste bursts in your mouth which is not too overpowering just the justice these dishes deserve. Dinuguan calls for puto and pansit (kanya kanyang food trip) and that spicy Bopis gives you a light kick.

The Lechon Kawali!!! Oh my how do I even say this…I had a mini heart attack, my senses and heart stopped for a millisecond, my eyes dilated, and not to exaggerate the world slowed down and was revived with each crunchy bite. I was in Food Heaven, you gave the pork the best ending it ever has. The “melts in your mouth” feel, I can imagine every second of it.



Then another came. The famous Hongma bread in its mini size. Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside (I had an idea substituting this for puto in Dinuguan and they matched instantly). Oh my I could literally die from those overwhelming tastes. And that was not the end, to top it all off is the creamy, silky leche flan. Leche it is.

Mini Hungma Bread P20
Leche Flan P15

Mouthwatering isn’t it??? If you want to feel that you are home but actually running around the city and tired of the same old taste in every single restaurant/fastfood in the metro, this is the place for you to be found alongside RCBC Centro. ~ Words by Kookai Sabareza, Photos by Kookai Sabareza and Nick Pahati


Pinangat P35
Laing P25
Bopis P55
Bicol Express P30
Tabagwang P30
Adobong Pusit P75
Lechong Kawali P80
Dinuguan P30
Mini Hungma Bread P20
Leche Flan P15
*Prices are subject to change without prior notice*

Thursday, February 5, 2015

You Had Me at Hello Speed Dating Game

Single on Valentines? Don't fret! It's been a while since a speed dating has been organized here in Naga City. On the eve of Valentine's day, Red Velvet Events brings you "You had me at hello" a Speed Dating Game in partnership with M. Cordia.

Bring your friends at M.Cordia on February 13, for a night of love, music, and speed dating! Ticket price is Php. 150, inclusive of a free drink and access to the event. 

Tickets will get you one free beer or drink, a chance to meet the love of your life and a chance to participate in a unique dating game. Listen to Mikko's rendition of the classic serenades from the 70's to the present.

CLICK HERE for other Valentine promos and events in Naga City

Freebies from Voglié Cafe will be given away to the first 30 persons who'd get in early and a chance to win the raffle for a dinner for two setup at White Bean Café

The event is open to 18 years old and above. The organizers shall not be liable for any situation after the event. 

You Had Me At Hello is sponsored by URBANA by Maryline, J. Imperial Creatives, White Bean Café and Voglié Cafe.

For inquiries and tickets please contact 09156800862 or 09164052285 look for Allan or Mae. 
Visit the event page HERE for updates.




Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Xterra Albay


Xterra Albay
Off-Road Triathlon Series
Brought to you by Sunrise Events Incorporated
February 08, 2015

For more details visit:
https://www.facebook.com/xterraalbay
http://www.xterraphil.com/


Image Source: Exterra Albay Facebook Page




Monday, January 26, 2015

The Atlantic Love Run 2015



Naga City - Sweethearts, partners, couples, grandparents and grandkids, parents and children, workmates and best friends–will come in droves to run for love in “THE ATLANTIC LOVE RUN” 2015, a Valentine event offering of one of Bicol's best brands, ATLANTIC BAKERY.

Happening on February 14 at 5:00 am, the run is designed for families, workmates, classmates and friends, this event will give the participants a chance to bond with their loved ones or pairs as they dash to the finish line. The event will culminate in the Plaza Quezon where there will be an after-run celebration entitled THE LOVE FIESTA. Registered participants will receive free entrance to this event and are invited to have fun and explore the different booths available such as inflatables for kids, food booths, game booths, giveaways, prizes and photo booths all for FREE to complete the fun experience.

CLICK HERE for other Valentine promos and events in Naga City

Proceeds of the event will go to Atlantic Bakery's LOVE Fund to continuously support their scholarship, education and youth opportunity programs and advocacies in Naga City and its nearby towns.

There are two ways to join this one of a kind run: 
  • Pay the registration fee of P350.00, good for a pair, with one(1) bib number and two (2) Love Run shirts, plus FREE entrance to the Love Fiesta.
  • FREE Registration - using the Atlantic Bakery's Stamp Card promo, avail 20 stamps (with minimum purchase) plus FREE entrance to the Love Fiesta
Register now at any Atlantic Bakery branch. For more details you can contact (054) 473-9196 or 09399233649. See you at the run!

The ATLANTIC LOVE RUN is also brought to you by PEPSI, WILLPRINT, ALASKA, Parokya ni Bok and Absolute Options.

Atlantic Love Run 2015 Mechanics



Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Bicol Strawberry


BeCool, Bicol, Buy Local! 
Fact: Strawberries are now being grown in Bicol soil.  Yep, you read it right IN BICOL SOIL. The first lowland strawberry plantation is here in Camarines Sur at Pinit, Ocampo. In this hot and humid part of the country, the agribusiness-graduate Libreja found a way to raise strawberries in the yard through experimentation.Read more about Libreja HERE.

I often feel homesick when moments hit me of my college days back in Baguio and strawberry is just one of them. Honestly I have not find time yet to visit the farm but last January 14, a partner blogger was very kind enough to bring me some harvest. 

In excitement I posted the photo of the strawberry on my personal Facebook account with a  caption that it's now grown in Bicol soil. My college friends were surprised and one of them gave me an amazing trivia. Did you know that the name of the place of the farm "Pinit" is a term used in Benguet and Mountain Province which means "wild berry"? Yes, it's true! Coincidence or not, it's an amazing trivia from someone who is born and raised in the highlands. It seems like it was meant to be that these strawberries thrive in this hot part of Camarines Sur.

Naga has it's own little Baguio like in Barangay Pacol as a local source of flower in the city and the region. The strawberry farm is now an addition to that. So when we crave for fresh strawberries, there's no need to travel all the way to Baguio. I look forward to picking my own strawberries at Pinit! More power to Bicol Strawberry Farm!

Like Bicol Strawberry Farm on Facebook, they make announcements there when strawberries are available for picking. 

Contact Number: 0907-520-3455