Sarrosa International Hotel and Residential Suites | Cebu City

When I first visited my sister in Cebu, we passed by this very elegant looking hotel. It was very appealing to us so I told her, that the next time I would be visiting her, we would stay in that hotel. So, I searched for Sarrosa International Hotel online... looked for a deal, and for just 2,500 PHP, voila! I was set! 

I already set a high standard for the place, after all, the name bears "International" on it which to me, denotes that they are set to meet the demands and expectations of international clientele. Plus, the sign outside their hotel at night is so inviting that you would want to experience staying in this place. 

So the moral of the story, Don't judge a book by its cover! :))

(Sorry I was not able to take photographs of the signage and how it looks like at night. I was advised by friends not to do that for me and my camera's safety. haha)

Does the introduction part of this post appeal to you like it has a disappointed tone to it? YES? Then good! That's what I'm going for here. 

Though they have not satisfied the expectations I had in mind, I will still highlight both "hit" and "miss" for this hotel. 

Polite and Friendly Staff.
Check in was a breeze.

Not sure if they are going for the modern interior, a traditional one, or maybe a mix of all the design elements from all over the world. I'm not a interior design or architecture major, so please forgive me for being "design illiterate" --if that even exists. hahaha.

 Time to check what the room looks like...

Grand Deluxe Room for PHP 2,500 breakfast for 2 included.
Could fit 3-4 adults or 2 adults with 2 children.

The room we had was spacious, had wooden furnishings and carpeted floors. They have cable TV and WIFI access (but only limited to 2 gadgets). The beds were very comfortable, the room did not give off some weird smell and the air-conditioner was great. It feels like we are inside a chiller which is something (I know this will sound weird) I like.

They have a large bathroom with a bathtub (YAY! I like hotels with a bathtub) and a separate shower area.

Bathtub! Horaaay!

and now for the "miss", shall we?

• TV in our room was outdated (doesn't bother me much but if a budget hotel can afford LCD TV, why can't this "international" hotel?)
• The carpeted floor is both a hit and a miss. Hit because you won't hear the trolley wheels rolling but if the carpets are not cleaned well, they give off this "moldy mixed with sweat" smell which is the smell of the 3rd floor lobby.
• The room lights were ORANGE! It is not the elegant yellow-orange light, nor the skin flattering yellow light. It was VERY orange!  See the bathtub snapshots? That +10% more orange! Since I'm not good in taking photos, I had a hard time making the photos appealing. Even my best was still not appealing to me. :(
• We had a weird experience with the lift. Every time we hit the ground floor button from the 3rd floor, it would go 2 floors up (but the door won't open) before it goes down. How creepy is that?

Contrary to what was advertised, this room does not look "modern" to me. 

Moving on...

The buffet area was small but nice. I like how it gives off a lazy yet intimate vibe. Breakfast options were limited but I was satisfied with the food they served. I ended up eating more of their cream dory. It was delish! A must try!

Salad and Cereals

Plastic wrap should be removed upon serving.

I was going more of the floral arrangements here and less of the bread. :)

To sum it up, like in most hotels, there will always be a few hits and misses. Expectations not met, outdated equipment, smelly carpet floors, unflattering lights, scary elevator experience, the list could go on and on. They may have few misses but they did made me feel welcome during my stay and that is something worth mentioning. 

As we were leaving, the taxi driver told us the hotel is currently undergoing construction and renovation.

So would I recommend Sarrosa International Hotel?  For now, I would say search for other hotel options if you can. But I like to go back after the renovation and construction is done and maybe it will change my mind. 

Sarrosa International Hotel

F Cabahug St. Kasambagan, Mabolo, 6000 Cebu City

Tel.No: (63 32) 232-5811 to 18

Email: reservations@sarrosahotel.com

Express Inn | Cebu

As I was planning the 3-day Cebu Trip, I already anticipated that I would spend 80% of my cash on the first 2 days (and I'm right. haha) so I searched for budget friendly places around Cebu and found many options but the one that offered the most value for money was Express Inn. 

I don't have a high expectation set in this place due to the following reasons: First, I paid PHP 1,500 for a family room (good for 3 adults), breakfast included, Second, it says "inn" and not really a "hotel" and lastly, I know prices are sky rocket high in Cebu so to get a room for 1,500 is a good deal for me.

Hassle Free Check-in process, Polite Staff. 

I think they are going for a "Halloween" vibe with the masks.

Trinket and souvenir corner 

The family room was air conditioned, have a sitting area and a flat screen cable TV. It can accommodate 3-4 adults or 2 adults with 2 children. They do have free wi-fi available but I wasn't able to connect, both with my laptop and pad. I did not bother to complain because I don't need to use the internet that badly anyways. Another head's up, their rooms use the traditional door knob type and not the key card type. No bottled water (or any other beverage for that matter) was given as complimentary.

Family Room at PHP 1,500

Food Guide, Telephone, Safe, Crumpled Survey Form (the paper above the phone directory)

The bathroom was reasonably clean, have shower facility and free toiletries.  

Tocilog (Tocino + Fried Egg) for Breakfast.
Had to pay additional PHP 40 to upgrade my free breakfast to this one. 

Free breakfast.

Value for money?Although there were a couple of "miss" here and there, I would still say YES. The service was good, room rates were reasonable (plus it comes with free breakfast), the room was clean and location wise, it is just a walking distance to SM City Cebu.  

So, if you found yourself in Cebu City on a shoestring budget and in search of a budget friendly (yet have good service) place to stay in Cebu, Express Inn is a good choice. :)

Express Inn Cebu

Pope John Paul St., M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Mabolo, Cebu City

+63 (32) 266-7551

+63 (32) 266-7552

Lechon at Zubuchon

For our first dinner for this trip, we decided to try Zubuchon. We've heard a lot of mixed reviews about it which made us want to try it for ourselves to know if it was worth the "hype".

Based on the search that I did, Zubuchon have 3-4 branches in Cebu, we visited the one on Escario Street.

I have to admit, I got really excited and immediately raised my expectations the moment I saw the place. I was in love with how the place was set up. 

I find the logo super inviting not to mention cute. :)

I love the color combination and the lights. :)

Their staff were polite and friendly also kind enough to help us decide which of their specials we should order. So here's what we had for dinner.

The talked about Zubuchon Lechon.

As much as it pains me to say this but for the sake of fairness, I will say it: I have tried tastier lechon (Sorry zubuchon fans). Don't get me wrong, it was tasty and skin was crispy. It just didn't met the expectation I had in mind. :(

To make up for their lechon, I would give two thumbs up to their kamias shake. This was another staff suggestion which I just agreed politely at first because if truth be told I was clouded with hesitation and silently hoping that I would like it. Personally, I was just unsure of how kamias shake would turn out.

After I tasted it, I take back all the hesitation. haha! It deserved its "best seller" title. The taste was just perfect (at least to me). So, for those who will visit Zubucho and was not satisfied by the lechon, try their kamias shake! :)  

Anthony Bourdain should try the lechon from Iligan. Maybe it will change his mind. :)

Zubuchon

Unit 2 Bldg A Escario Central

Escario Street Kamputhaw, Cebu City

Phone: +63(32)5835699

Birthday Dinner at Tatay's Grill

Note: This blog post was suppose to go live on the 27th of September. But due to a lot of hustle and bustle that's been going on lately, I've only got the chance to do it today. As the saying goes, better late than never right? :)

It was my boyfriend's birthday and I planned to take him somewhere nice for dinner. I knew instantly that Tatay's Grill would be the best place to go. It was perfect since, he has never tried it and it was one of my favorite resto. Win-win situation! :)

When I am craving for the best seafood dish, then Tatay's Grill is my "go-to" place.

Apart from the food, I also like the "homey" set up of the place. 

Since it is a special occasion we stuffed our bellies with these mouthwatering dishes.(I'm drooling by just looking at them.) 

Tuna Belly with onions and tomatoes on the side

My all time favorite Spicy Shrimps.

and last but not the least, the perfectly fried calamares.

Look at that wide grin of satisfaction on the birthday boy's face. I had to take a snapshot of him doing this smile because it was one of the very rare times that he ate all his food without any complaints. Haha. He knows his way around cooking and food that is why it is slightly hard to satisfy his taste buds. :P

I know this is kinda late but still I will say this,
Happy Happy Birthday Ming!
You deserve all the good things that will come your way.
Enjoy this year and stay awesome. ♥

So, for anyone who is planning to treat their someone special to a restaurant that serves great food without the expense of ripping out your pocket, then Tatay's Grill is a MUST try!  

Tatay's Grill 'n Bar

National Hi-way Tambo, Brgy. Hinaplanon

Iligan City

(063) 221-1740

I Survived 9 Days Away from Home!

Last week was a week of firsts, first time (in a long time) that I will see one of my bestfriends, first time to travel this year, first time to meet my boss (who btw, I've been talking to almost everyday for the past 2 years, and (this one is a big one) my first time to travel SOLO.

For many who are unaware, I'm not really a fan of doing things on my own. I always need someone I can converse and ask for "second option" with and I'm not a fan of meeting "new people" as well. So imagine what I feel as I was counting the days for my "first ever solo trip". 

So enough about the boring chit-chats, here's a summary of my trip, mostly in pictures.

Day 1

Here is my boarding pass. An evidence that this trip really happened. haha.

My flight was suppose to leave Lumbia airport at 10 in the morning but due to air traffic...
it was delayed for about 1 hour. 

I wasn't able to take window shots because I was sitting in the middle. The flight to manila was only for 1 hr 45 mins, but it was the LONGEST 1 HOUR AND 45 MINUTES OF MY LIFE. I was really uncomfortable and I can't wait for my feet to touch the ground. (or maybe it was just all my emotions clashing that made me feel uncomfortable. haha)

A little after 1 PM, My bestfriend and her boyfriend picked me up in the airport and treat me to Bubba Gump for Lunch.
PS. Forgive my fringe and my face in this picture, I had a really bad headache when I got off the plane. >.<

We decided to talk a stroll at greenbelt for the rest of the afternoon.

I find this distorted croc interesting. I want to have one! :)

Sculptural Cocoon Horse (that's what the sign said)

By the time it was dark, we went to this park (that rhyme!)
i think it was ayala triangle, to just rest our tired feet
(or rather my tired feet). 

and for some reason, I was really homesick. I wanted to cry my eyes out. :(

Going Japanese for dinner! :) Karen's boyfriend is Japanese so we ate at this authentic Japanese resto. Thanks Ryohei! :)

This dinner concludes my adventure for day 1.
It was my first time to try authentic Japanese food so I was clueless on what to order
so I just said: "Surprise me!" and I got what I wished for. :)

Day 2

My original plan for day 2 was to go to church with karen. But she had to pack her stuff to transfer to another apartment and I was super tired from all the walking so we decided to cancel. Instead, I stayed at pam's place in the morning and (after seeing pam and her girlfriends) thought of how fun it would be to live with all of your friends. :)

Lunch at Bon Chon 

then attended mass at St. Francis de Assisi.

Day 3 

THIS IS IT! This is the day that we will finally meet our awesome employers. Pam and I were super nervous as each hour passed. We were thinking what to say, making scenes in our head on how they will be like, how would we keep the conversation going. 

After 2 nights of crashing at Pam's place, I checked in at Berjaya Makati. The same hotel that my boss are staying in. (and YES! they paid for my accommodation as well. Click on this link to check out my impression on Berjaya Makati.)

We met at the lobby and they were everything I hoped them to be. Super nice and awesome as always. they even got us some goodies too.

from http://instagram.com/p/X4ajthnOo_/

We had dinner at Fely J's Kitchen for them to try some Filipino dishes.

Adobo, i forgot the other one and binago-ongang baboy.

This is the second best Sinigang I've ever tasted. (Mom's sinigang is STILL the best ofcourse! haha)

Our first ever team picture. :)

Day 4 

View from the office space we rented.

This is the office space we were in. Nice huh? :)

I want to have a kitchen. Like this one.

Board room area.

Day 5

Organizing Core Values for our Team.

Goodies that we got for Ray and Carol. But Pam and I end up eating it as well. haha.

Day 2 in the office and I was able to figure out how this coffee machine works haha.

Finally got a cappuccino! :)

Timtam + unsweetened coffee = ♥

Back on track. Ready to Rock!

Another team picture. This one is my fave. :)
(left to right: Carol, Ray, Me, Pam)

Day 6 

Off to Puerto Galera.

Hello Puerto Galera.

Relaxing Atmosphere.
Away from the Hustle and Bustle of the City.

Carol's first tricycle ride. :)

Day 7

On our second day on Puerto Galera, we went snorkling and glass bottom ride. :)

Is that Thumbs up for the glass boat ride ray? 

Livin' the Good Life! Chaaaar~

A fine day to go Snorkeling.

Second Fave Team Picture. :)

"PRE" sunburned face. hihihi

Day 8 

 All picture here onwards were taken using my phone. My camera battery won't charge on the last day of our trip. Bummer! I guess I just need to battle on. :(

Discovery Suites Tagaytay.

UNLIMITED CHEESE!

Look Ma! I'm drinking wine. haha.

Looks like someone is enjoying her wine experience as well.

From Puerto Galera, we took a stop over at Tagaytay to see the famous Taal Lake but we ended up having a unlimited wine and cheese tasting followed by a super fancy dinner at discovery suites. Another first for me. :)

Day 9 

Time to Check my Baggage in.

YAY! I will be flying back hoooome!

I'm kinda not scared to travel alone now.

I guess that's about it.

It was pretty funny that I was super nervous (up to a point where I really thought of not going) as I was counting the days but after we I got to know how awesome Carol, Ray and Pam were, I want the whole thing to start over and keep on rolling without ending ever!. :))

Stay Tuned for my "eat all you can" and Puerto Galera Experience. :)


*****
Of course! Let's not forget to thank MY sponsors and everyone who made my trip memorable. ^_^

Karen, thank you so much for taking time in your super busy life to meet me at the airport and catch up. I'm kinda tempted to tell the "girls" about our chikkas. hahahaha. (and see the reaction on their faces!) Sorry you got delayed in packing your stuffs because of me. I miss you already. 

See you in May! ♥

Ryohei, it was super nice to finally meet you. Although you are new to Makati yourself, you exerted effort to make me feel comfortable, for my first-ever AUTHENTIC Japanese meal and for being such a nice person. Thank you! I really appreciate you taking care of Karen for us. I'm really sorry about what happened. I feel super guilty.  Like I am to blame. :( Hope you are doing great now. Looking forward to see you again in May (and this time, hopefully you will get to meet the rest of us, Karen's CRAZY not to mention WEIRD friends. haha!)

(Photo from Pam's Facebook Account)
RM 301 Ladies. Thank you for making me feel welcome and at home. You guys are awesome. ♥

Paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam! I know it was our first time to meet but for some reason, you make me feel comfortable. Thank you sooo sooo much for everything. For letting me crash at your place, for arranging the whole trip, for being super warm and hospitable. I can't wait to see you again (hopefully I will be able to meet David too.)

Get to know Pam and check out her travels here. :)

To the super awesome two-some Ray and Carol. No words could ever describe how awesome the two of you are. It was really a pleasure meeting you both. Thank you for the training you guys provided for Pam and I to enhance our skills, for telling me that my mistakes are not mistakes but rather "a learning curve", for somehow imparting life lessons to us, for encouraging us to have a hobby outside of work, for giving us a chance to grow and for being real human beings that we could interact and share our ideas to. 

We love working for you 'coz you value what we do.
 Stay happy. ♥

PS. Thank you for sending me those flowers for my birthday and for paying for the whole trip. haha.