Solo Traveler's Pick: Cagayan de Oro's Seda Hotel at Centrio Ayala

Those who are familiar with my blog would know I love fancy hotels. I am not afraid to eat like the locals, but at night I want the comfort that my means could afford--tasteful interiors, snazzy lobby, working wifi, and comfy bedding. On a working trip to Cagayan de Oro I fell in love with Seda Hotel. It has all the things I expect of hotels, plus it's within the premises of a mall. And the muted color palette is soothing. There are Seda Hotels  as well in Bonifacio Global City, Davao, and Laguna, and they all look pretty much the same, although BGC has a life-sized giraffe statue in its lobby, one I want to snap a selfie with. 

It was love at first sight with my room, here in all its Instagram glory.

Comfy linens is always a plus.

This chair at the lobby also caught my eye.

The staff were quick and efficient. We requested a last-minute photo op at the lobby, and they obliged.

The week we stayed a trouped entertained us with an assortment of folk dances.

Of course, a stay at Cagayan de Oro is not complete without stocking up on Slers longganiza and bacon.

We also made a pit-stop at La Vetta. 

For what we ate, click here.

Seda Hotel-Centrio Ayala
CM Recto cor Corrales Avenue
Cagayan de Oro City
(+63) 88 323 8888

Boracay Dispatches--Day 2: Muddled Middle

the blues, creams, and grays that make bora such a sight for sore eyes

It was my second day at Bora, and I wished I woke up earlier (you can read about the first day post here ). I stirred at 6:30 am, missing the opportunity to jog. Anyway, I consoled myself with the thought that there's still tomorrow.

Skipped hotel breakfast. I was placed in a room near the buffet area, and the hotel breakfast greeters were chatty while waiting for guests to come in, creating quite a cacophony. I decided to go to Real Coffee and Tea Cafe instead. 

Real Coffee is now located at the beachfront at the second floor of Sea World at Station 2. They moved last September. The staff are, as usual, low-key and solicitous. The nipa-style bar is still there. 

They tried to replicate the old look at their new setting, but I find the older one more charming, hidden away in a narrow alley.

I ordered the real coffee (brewed coffee with a shot of espresso) and Marty's omelette. I'm not a breakfast person, making it hard for me to finish the generous plate. Tip: if you're a serial coffee drinker, order the starred items in the menu--they come with brewed coffee, and you pay P50 for refill. 

Halfway through my meal the lights went out. The server did warn me about this, when she switched on the fan near my table, saying we should make the most out of it before the blackouts. Apparently power supply is below capacity, an effect of Typhoon Yolanda. 

view from the second floor of sea wind

I wanted to go out and do another resto run, but the weather was sultry (earlier there was a slight drizzle) and I felt like mellowing out. I'm feeling the island vibe.

I proceeded to Jonah's, but the avocado shake is still out of stock. I settled for the mango-banana shake, which was quite good actually. 

On my way back from Jonah's I went to Zuzuni for the Mati Choco Sin, another Bora must-try.

By this time it's nearing 11 am, and I need to duck to escape the sun. I tried buying slippers (one of the things I forgot to bring) but the cheapest were at P150 and they can go up P350 a pair at D'Mall. Oh me and my forget self. Glad I espied Kirsten's Souvenir Shop, which was just a few meters from my hotel, and bought flip-flops that were not knock-offs. 

I then proceeded to my hotel room and stayed there from 11 am to 2 om. I was having hives all over my shoulders, chest and stomach despite applying sunblock. Oh I should remember to reapply every often since I perspire way too much. 

At around 3 pm I decided to set of to do some blogging. I attempted writing in my hotel room but the data connection is poor. I went to Caruso Restaurant for pasta and some blogging--they offer free wifi for 2 hours. I ordered the seafood pasta but it was just okay. I was expecting much from Caruso: I've been to their Reposo branch (recommended by the then Italian Ambassador himself) and the dinner I had one there was truly memorable. 

I was on my way to Jonahs for the elusive avocado shake, but I decided to try Mañana first.  Like many beachfront restos in Bora, I noticed that most foreigners prefer to sit along the street or nearer the beach, while I sought comfort in the confines of the airconed room or the shade. I had the soft tacos, which was good. Unfortunately, I could not focus on what I was eating because I found the service wanting: the waiters should be taught to treat their customers promptly and with courtesy. The waiter who served me was more solicitous to foreigners. Hello, I'm a paying customer and I'm more likely to come back. I was willing to let it go but then he ignored me when I said I'll be moving tables after smoke from their kitchen made my eyes water (they should invest in a more efficient exhaust). I was supposed to proceed to Jonah's but I returned to report the incident to the manager, who was out. I instead complained to one female staff who, to the resto's credit, was courteous and solicitous. Still not satisfied, I messaged the restaurant in their Facebook page. To this day I haven't heard from the aptly named Mañana.

As I'm mentioned in my earlier post, this early in my vacation I'm already inspired enough to consider giving my travel blog another go, having remembered why I created it in the first place--an inspiration and resource for solo introverted travelers like myself. Good thing I only wrote few to-do things for this tip, otherwise I would feel too swamped to do anything productive. I've also done some reflecting: like being grateful for the things I thought were drawbacks about myself, realizing that if people were meant to be in my life, indeed they'd stay.

Tune in for the last installment, coming out soon.

Boracay Dispatches--Day 1: Auspicious Beginning

Always happy to be in Bora. I'm here at Jonah's Fruit Shake, one of the must-visit
restos for, what else, shakes, but especially avocado shake, which was 
out-of-stock, so I settled for banana-choco-peanut

Forgive me for the long absence. For a time I was uninspired--I lost track of why I created this blog in the first place, which is to chronicle my solo travels and, hopefully, inspire fellow introverts who love venturing out, alone. And so I start anew, with this piece on Boracay, where I am right now.

Before you dive in, I must warn you that this is the most unvarnished I will be. I won't hold back where things should be said. I think I owe you guys to be upfront and real. 

I've been to Bora several times, like Singapore. I can't get enough of Bora--I'm a Pisces, and perhaps it speaks to the water element in me. You can see my earlier posts on Bora here, here, and here. Funny thing is, I get hives after a long exposure under the sun, so I stay away when the sun is at its peak, or put on loads of sunscreen.

Anyway, I booked my trip to Bora late last year through Cebu Pacific, and I purposely timed my trip on Christmas Day. Tip 1: join their email list for updates on promo fares. Try also PAL--lately they're getting really competitive, even offering lower fares than CebuPac. Anyway, Cebu Pacific now allows online check-in 48 hours before the flight, and so I did, not knowing it would serve me well later.

Tip 2: booking hotels online is also a breeze, thanks to Agoda. If you're a member, they'll notify you regarding great deals, such as half-price off every Friday.

the print-out of my boarding pass after checking-in online; the Caticlan port terminal
fee stub (orange) and the environmental fee stub (Blue), the fees of which you have to 
pay before entering the port; and the boarding pass of the Southwest fast-craft, which 
formed part of my fare when I boarded the van from Kalibo

Come the day of departure NAIA Terminal 3 was swarming with people. Good thing online check-in made getting to the boarding gate a breeze. Hurdle 2: we were 2 hours delayed. Tip 3: bring food with you, like some energy bars or peanuts, especially in Cebu Pacific flights--no complimentary snacks, sorry. Luckily  I bought some apples to stave off the hunger,  and  while waiting, I did some research on where to eat at Bora. A few clicks later, I was psyched--I now have a list of places to eat. Tip 4: plan ahead, especially when traveling solo. 

Eventually we did fly, and after an hour's trip we arrived at 2:15 pm to an overcast sky, threatening rain. The airport is under construction, obviously to address the onslaught of tourists. I hope they beef up aesthetically as well, since it's the first thing visitors see when going to Bora. Our edifices should be as beautiful as our smiles.

This looks new: the van transport pay (P250)  includes access to the fast-craft. We arrived at the jetty port after 1.5 hours. Every time I alight from the van things turn chaotic. You are supposed to pay a terminal  fee of P100 and envi fee of P75.  I wish there was better visitor assistance when you arrive at Caticlan. If you are a first timer this can be bewildering. Anyway, I shrugged it off and just followed the line ahead of me. We were like cattle being herded. Just have your fast-craft boarding pass handy. Tip 5: stash important documents together: passports, boarding passes, hotel reservation, etc. At 4 pm  I was seated at the fast craft. 

Upon disembarkation, you could go direct to your hotel transfers, or take public transport. I always take the tricycle to the hotel, and thank goodness the people manning the line had an orderly system. They even quote the price before you board--solo is P100.

Arrived at La Carmela at 4:50 pm, a little disoriented from hunger. Below are pictures of what my room look like. Yes, I don't scrimp on lodgings. They have to be decent, at least.

After dropping my things i headed out. It was starting to get dark and there was a slight drizzle going on. I headed out to D'Mall for my first decent meal.

Two things I noticed: One, Bora's getting more commercialized--it now has Manila-based restaurants: Subway, Mcdo, Cinnabon, Reyes Barbecue, Army Navy. It's not really a bad thing, just as long as they don't crowd out the good homegrown ones. And two, Real Coffee has changed address; it is now right smack in the middle of Station 2.

Bite Club Grilled Burger's Burgerella: hefty and filling

I ordered Bite Club Grilled Burger's Burgerella with wasabi mayo and teriyaki sauce. The place was nondescript and it takes time for the order to come in, but it was worth it. (For my food reviews, go here and here).

Savory meal done I wanted something sweet. I espied next door Lemoni Cafe, which looked inviting (read: some tables were empty), but I wanted to try the fruit shakes of Jonah's.

Haggardo Versoza lang ang peg. I was hoping Aria's potent margarita, one of my
favorite vacation drinks,  would work wonders. It did

On my way out of the D'Mall Complex, I saw Aria and I impulsively ducked into a table. I chatted with the waitress while waiting for my order, and she said they start filling-up at 7 pm (I dropped by at 6 pm, just the the sweet spot for unhurried, uncrowded eating). Unfortunately their service, despite a wonderful meal, was wanting. I was still at my table, I haven't even finished my meal, and I was waiting for my bill, yet one waiter was so in a hurry, he placed a reserved sign on my table. The Bite Club Burger staff treat their customers way better.

To cap the night I did go to Jonah's for their avocado milkshake, but they ran out, so I settled for banana choco peanut, which was so good I can't recommend it enough.

A familiar sight at Bora: the sand-castle, Christmas edition

Bora Christmas Day was sweltering hot. I wished I had chucked off my shoes  earlier and wore a fresh shirt, but research beckons, and I realized I forgot to bring my slippers and shades. I hope being forgetful does not turn out to be a habit.

Happy to be back at Dos Mestizos, nursing my other favorite vacation drink.
Three years ago I celebrated my birthday herwe with Manila friends. And I look 
better in this pic--it's either the lighting, or the magic of alcohol

Dos Mestizos is open from 11 am to 11 pm

I was beyond full, but since Dos Mestizos is just near my hotel,  I dropped by for a mojito, which was followed shortly by a platter of chorizos. And what excellent sausages they were.

And what a day it was. Four restaurants offering good food in a span of three hours. I'm happy and content.  I set out to recharge, reflect, and be inspired, and I' can say I'm inspired this early in the vacation.

More in the next installment.

Eating My Way Through Singapore

I'm not kidding when I said I went to Singapore to eat. While many take the three-hour flight for theme parks and to go shopping, I have set my eyes on sampling  authentic Haiananese Chicken from ground zero. The city-state is a veritable foodie paradise, and as you can see from this post, I left with a happy tummy.

1. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken

This is what I went to Singapore for--the Hainanese Chicken. This is not just your ordinary chicken, as this was approved by Tony Bourdain no less. I lucked on my hotel, which is just a skip and a hop away from the Maxwell Hawker Center. My heart skipped  a beat when I saw the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall, which proudly bannered Bourdain's likeness. For a little over P100 (sd 2.50), I was in heaven. The chicken was so soft,  flavorful, delicious, unforgettable. The chicken was so good on own its own you can do without the sauces. The rice was infused with so much flavor. The accompanying soup reminded me of good tinola.

Tip: when in doubt, pick the stall in the hawker center with the longest line. That's a good sign it serves good food.

Maxwell Food Center
1 Kadayanullar Street

2. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

pork ribs

fish

offal

chicken feet

fried dough strips

I didn't mind going solo in my first leisure out-of-the-country trip, but with a sizable Filipino population, I got quite a number of invitations to meet up. One was from a Singapore based advertising executive friend who, knowing my passion for good food, promised me good ole bah kut teh. Bak kut teh, Chinese for meat bone tea, is a soup made from simmering pork ribs for hours in herbs and spices. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is a dining institution in Singapore. Their bak kuh teh is of the Teochew variant, which is light in color and uses more pepper and garlic. And how did I find it--the bak kut teh was flavorful and well-balanced. I love the pork and ribs and the fish bak kut teh

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
11 New Bridge Road

3. Hokkien Hae Mee (Hokkien Stir-Fried Prawn Noodles) 

Hokkien Mee is a fried noodle dish cooked in the Hokkien/Fujian style. Eating this took a little effort--I was still mastering using chopsticks, and this involved also the use of  Chinese soup spoon. But I enjoyed it-- a well-balanced, flavorful squid and shrimp noodle dish, both salty and spicy. Another friend introduced me to this dish, which we bought in a food court in Sentosa. 

4. Iced Jelly with Aloe Vera

Who knew aloe vera could be a very refreshing iced dessert, perfect for Singapore's warm weather? Scored this at Kopitiam food court at Clark Quay.

5. Le Chocolat Cafe's Layered Chocolate Cake

Just the right sweetness, and topped with gooseberry, my first taste of this exotic fruit--sweet and mildly tart. Crunchy sweeter base provided textural interest. Perfect with tea. Very pretty cake, as you can see. For one more pretty cake, go here. 

Le Chocolat Cafe
28 Ann Sinag Hill

Quirk Overload: Singapore's Kki Sweets and The Little Dröm Store

In my last post, I fell in love with sexy and dramatic Scarlet Hotel. I arrived the night before, and I was tempted to stay in, but good thing I had the good sense to venture out. I knew I wanted to go to indie knickknack shop Little Dröm Store, located two minutes away on foot from my hotel at Ann Siang Hill. I didn't know it also shares space with Kki Sweets, a fine pastries purveyor.

my heart skipped a beat when i saw these signs. i scoped out
ann siang hill in my first morning in singapore. the place opens at 11 am

kki sweets share the premises with little dröm store. their cakes are lovingly made, and cute!

exhibit a: the little red riding hood. choco mousse encased in dark choco,
with raspberry center. moist, rich, and pretty

i had tea with my order.
the place has a very scandanavian design sensibility--
blonde wood, clean lines, but with a sense of humor

table top ornament. less is more

quirky knickknacks galore. it was difficult to choose a souvenir. felt like a kid again,
with all these nostalgia-triggers on display 

ultimately, this little cherub went home with me from singapore.

i thought my little angel, a kewpie doll, was a girl, until i noticed  his
pototoy. kewpies, as they are called, are based on illustrations
by rose o'neill that appeared in the ladies home journal in 1909

For my next post, I'll write about how I stumbled upon the Hainanese Chicken approved by Anthony Bourdain.

Kki Sweets
The Little Dröm Store
No. 7 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore