orion hotel

Posted by rob on

need a decent place to stay in manila?

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Located on the 3rd level of the Prime Block Building, Orion Hotel in Manila provides guests with unrivaled access to a world of shopping. In the past, a journey to Tutuban would take hours of negotiating traffic-filled streets or a long, stressful commute. Now, as guests of Orion Hotel in Manila, one just needs to step out the door of their hotel to grab the best deals in the city.

Yet it doesn’t end at simply having a convenient location. With a range of amenities, services, and facilities on offer, guests staying at Orion Hotel in Manila are assured that they can go on shopping trips without a hitch.

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though i did not stay in this hotel to hunt down bargains in divisoria, what i needed was a place for five days in manila.  they offered an affordable rate and have read good reviews about them back at trip advisor so i decided it might be worth it.

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it is not a big hotel and they have only a number of rooms.

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their location is at the third floor of a mall but they do have their own separate elevator.

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the room was fine and has the basic necessities that i need.

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a deluxe room has a comfortable queen-sized bed.

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local calls (landline) are free.

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an in room safe and a personal refrigerator.

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the emergency evacuation plan.

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the toilet and bath of the room i got was designed for pwd’s that is why there are railings. it was a spacious toilet so a wheelchair can fit inside.

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bath amenities (soap, shampoo, and toothcare kit).

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breakfast set is included.

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the staff, specially the receptionists are friendly and helpful (they assisted me with the internet connection in my phone and laptop, printed documents and called taxi transport for me).  the hotel has two security guards which gives the impression of safety. it is a clean, basic and an affordable hotel to stay in the vicinity of manila.

ozark diner baguio

Posted by rob on

well if you’re in baguio city and suddenly crave for american food, i’d suggest you to try visiting ozark diner.  it took me a few minutes of taxi ride from camp john hay where i was staying then at forest lodge hotel.

though the cabbie didn’t know where the diners’ location was, i have jot down the address on a piece of paper and showed it to him.  we did found the place.

as you go along through bareng drive and when you see a white small building (to the left side) with a red door, you’re there!  the restaurant is down to the right – well i was excitedly knocking on the door before i realized that.

The American South is filled with food that comes from a cross between old world dishes and new world ingredients, flavoured by cooks from Africa and the Caribbean. At Ozark, we present our own take on the classic dishes from diners, soul food and family potlucks. We stay true to the flavor and feel of the original, but may update the technique or bring in a twist on the ingredients.  It is important to be informed by tradition, but not be a slave to it. The rich past is our inspiration but our goal is to constantly improve and move forward.

orange steel bar stools creates a pop of color in the restaurant interior.

an open kitchen where you can actually view your food while being prepared.

i ordered a chicken salad on freshly made toasted sandwich bread served with french fries. for sides, some mac and cheese (it’s a bit dry though!) and for drinks, freshly brewed sweet iced tea.  the salad was creamy and delectable!

and for a delightful dessert, who can’t resist their dark beer cheesecake?! personally, i loved it (nom nom nom!) and if you’re a fan of cerveza negra, this one is a must-try.

cookies and more cookies!  you can never have enough of this thing in baguio!

that’s me and one of the restaurant owners, chef kevin mize.  i had a small talk with him and he mentioned that ozark will have a bed & breakfast inn and construction is soon to start – i’ll look forward to that!

Ozark Diner+Bed+Breakfast
2 Bear’s Trail corner Bareng Drive
Baguio City

this is NOT a sponsored post.

the manor at camp john hay

Posted by rob on

it was the second time for me to visit the city of pines this year.  i have been curious about “the manor” and have always wanted to experience a stay in this hotel.

for me baguio city seems to be the best readily accessible place for a quick escape to the chaos of manila. i found myself again boarding a deluxe bus in quezon city.  after merely four hours, i made it to my booked hotel – the manor in camp john hay.

The Manor is not only distinguished by its impressive architecture and cozy interiors, but also blessed with an environment that truly sets it apart from other hotels in Baguio City. This four-storey structure, designed to blend neatly with towering pine trees, provides a magnificent view of the Cordillera mountain range.

i arrived early and was informed by reception to wait for a few hours before i can check-in because there are no rooms available.  i then decided to have something to eat in the hotel’s restaurant, le chef.  after almost an hour i returned to the front desk to check if there was an available room for me and luckily there was!  i was accommodated at 10:00 am.

like their neighboring hotel, the forest lodge where i stayed last june, the interiors also show a filipino-colonial feel.

a huge stone fireplace adorns the lounge area.

elevators to the left-wing.

the hallway to my room. i got the room first door to the left.

my room, 201.

two queen sized beds welcomed me as i entered the room.

a work desk.

television with cable channels.  most of the furniture was made of wood and the floor was carpeted.

a small sink.  complimentary bottled water, sachet of ground coffee and some bags of black tea.

there are instructions to brew fresh coffee.  i actually tried this.

a full length mirror near the main door.

emergency procedures.  know your fire exit!

the dresser and a big closet.

the toilet and bath are clean.

these are the toiletries.  water pressure from the shower was fine but the tiled floor inside the stall can be slippery.

they also offer massage and spa treatments.

stationery is available (not pictured).

these garlic peanuts and cashew brittle are available for purchase from the mini bar.  i bought them and they do taste good.

a view from my window.

the next morning, i went back to le chef restaurant to have brunch.

they offer buffet breakfast and it was really busy on a sunday morning (notice my apparition in the glass door? lol!).

this was my breakfast . . and lunch!  i went back for more.

after being gastronomically satisfied, i walked around the distinguished four-storey hotel.

beautifully manicured lawn adorned the property.  there was an ongoing prenuptial photo shoot and the garden is a good venue for one.

it looks nice even from afar.

how do you describe the scent of pine trees?

the manor at camp john hay is one hotel in baguio city incomparable to others.  impressive architecture, cozy interiors and an exceptional ambience of the “real baguio” makes it one of the best of the best.