Receive all updates via Facebook. Just Click the Like Button Below...

Join us on Facebook

Please wait..10 Seconds Cancel

Monday, December 24, 2012

Chilline T House in Tagaytay City: Scenic Glass House with Beautiful Sunrise View

Last October during my sembreak, we Travel Tripsters together with some friends decided to have an overnight stay at Chilline T House in Tagaytay CityTagaytay City is just an hour and half travel from Manila so it's a great destination for a short vacation.   

chilline t house

Chilline T House is located in 138 Talisay Road, Tagaytay City, Cavite.  To get there from the South Luzon Express Way, take the Santa Rosa Exit. Turn right at the top of Tagaytay Ridge and head towards the rotunda and make a left on Talisay Road.  The entrance at Talisay Road has a lot of locals offering Taal Boat ride offers.  Chilline is only one kilometer away.  You can spot its bamboo gate door with its house number 132.

As soon as we parked in the car port which has a capacity of 3 cars, the household helpers assisted us in unloading our things.  We were told that the last guest has just left because we came in.  But, everything looked in order already so I guess they were quick to prepare. 

chilline t house


chilline tagaytay



As we entered, we were all awed by its nice interiors.  Its white-wall structure reminded me of Greek-Balearic influence similar to Thunderbird Resort Poro Point in La Union

chilline tagaytay

The stoned stairs and its wooden hand-rails is so beautiful.

chilline tagaytay

The living room is well lit with its circular glass on top that lets in natural light and large glass windows and doors.  There's also small television where we plugged our Xbox to play Dance Central as a group bonding activity.  

chilline tagaytay

The living room is a great chillin' place because it has a scenic view of the pool side as well as the taal lake.

chilline tagaytay



The dining hall has large stone table with well-cushioned chairs.  On its walls are abstract paintings which have the same theme with those hanged on the bed room walls.  By the side is a divider which has antique clay pots in display.  The divider can also be used as a buffet table.

chilline tagaytay


Right next to the dining area is the kitchen.  The kitchen is well-equipped, it has a microwave oven, drip-type coffee maker, oven, stove, water dispenser and a two-door refrigerator with freezer.  They also have complete utensils from knife to spatula and glass kitchen wares.  The household helpers assisted us in cooking and preparing our meals.  They also did the dish washing.

The WiFi modem is stationed at the top of the fridge so the kitchen has the stronger WiFi signal.

chilline tagaytay

The kitchen area, dining area and living room area all have meshed sliding doors leading to the pool area.

chilline tagaytay

I love the pool area the most because it offers a nice cool air and a calming scenic view.  We decided to heat the pool at night to avoid the sun rays.  The pool area is well lit even at night.  However, there are some frogs in the area so we had to call the household helpers to shoo them off.  The pool had some cracked tiles too.

chilline tagaytay sauna

From the pool area, there is a stone trail towards the traditional rock sauna room.  The sauna room has a shower area adjacent to it and a rest room just beside it.  The sauna room has seats on two sides which could house up to 6 people.  Before we had our night swim by the pool, we already informed the household helpers to prepare this for us.  So from our chilly night swim at the pool, we headed here for a great relaxation and chatting session while sweating ourselves out.  After our sauna, we showered off before we headed back to our rooms. 

chilline tagaytay master bedroom

This is the master bedroom which not only has a wide floor area but also a wonderful view of taal and the sunrise.  It has a king-sized bed, terrace, dresser, closet area, two sinks, a non-functioning bath tub, toilet area and a shower area. 

chilline tagaytay
From the living room there is a stone staircase leading to the second largest room in the house. 


chilline tagaytay master bedroom

The second masters bedroom is located just below the first one.  It has a table and chairs with a nice window view.  It also has a shower room.

chilline tagaytay bedroom

The third bedroom is just opposite the main master bedroom.  It has a king-sized bed, a terrace which only had a backyard view and a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet.  Unlike the master bedrooms, it is equipped with air-conditioning.

chilline tagaytay bedroom
The last room is found behind the dining room divider and just beside the kitchen.  Thus, its the room with the best Wifi signal.  It has two twin beds, a clothing cabinet and a bath room equipped with shower, sink and toilet.  It also has air-conditioning and a window view of the cliff side. 

chilline tagaytay

Since the house is old, we were a bit disappointed that some parts of it were not maintained. For one, the bath tub in the master bedroom is not working.  We were told that it was broken due to guests with kids who jumped on it.  Some floor areas have cracks.  There were also hazardous materials left within public view.  The terraces on the masters bedroom and the room opposite it were full of dust and cob webs.  The second hot tub by beside the pool area is also non-functional.

Sunrise
chilline tagaytay sunrise

Despite the minor set backs of the house, all were forgotten as we watched the sunrise by the roof deck and the pool area. 

chilline tagaytay sunrise


The sunrise is just so beautiful.  As we asked the staff pool cleaner to take our photo, we were told that the Nescafe commercial was taken here too.

After we had our breakfast, the staffs were already busy preparing for their next guest.  They had set up tents by the pool for their wedding reception.

Overall, Chilline T House certainly has the most photogenic and scenic view perfect for events and commercial shooting.  The sunrise view it offers is simply mesmerizing. It's our Travel Tripsters dream to wake up to a beautiful sunrise like that every day. 

Chilline T House Chilline T House Map
Price Per Night Weekdays: 25,000 php
Weekends: 30,000 php
Whole Weekend (Friday to Sunday): 55,000 php
NOTE: Call for holiday, peak season rate and commercial shoot rates
Payment Options Cash
Check-in Time 2pm (negotiable)
Reservation Required Yes
Contact (0920) 892-1111 / (02) 217-4770
Other Email: info@chilline.com | Website
Address
138 Talisay Road, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Transportation to Attraction
Trike, Van for Hire
Commute Guide
Trike for Tagaytay Rotunda

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

La Union Travel Guide: Elyu's Famous Tourist Stops

La Union also known as Elyu is the surf capital of North Luzon.  Thus, there are a lot of resorts around the Bauang, San Juan and its capital San Fernando CityLa Union is very accessible to tourism since there is the San Fernando Airport and a lot of bus lines are available.  The dominant language is Ilokano.

La Union City Map

La Union Climate
The climate in La Union is a prolonged dry season with only little precipitation during November to May.

La Union Trip Budget
The Budget for a La Union Trip ranges from 1,500 php to 4,000 php.  Your La Union Trip Budget should include allocations for the following:

  • Souvenirs (Pasalubong)
    • Dried Fish
    • Basi
    • Sukang Iloko
      Accomodation (Where to Stay at La Union) - around 600-5,000 php per person
      • China Sea Resort  (Paringao, Bauang,La Union) - (072) - 705-0833
      • Coconut Grove Beach Resort (National Hi-way, Paringao, Bauang, La Union) - (072) - 6076604
      • Hotel Ariana (Paringao, Bauang, La Union) - (072) - 705-0050
      • Lola Nanny's Resort (Ubizondo, San Juan, La Union) - (0920) 4091030
      • Marand Resort and Spa (McArthur Hi-Way, Baccuit Sur, Bauang) 
      • San Juan Surf Shop (Ubiztondo, San Juan, La Union) - (072) - 720-0340
      • Sunset Bay Beach Resort (San Fernando City, La Union) - (072) 607-5907
      • Thunderbird Corporation (Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union) - (072) 888-7888
      Transportation (How to get to La Union)

      Public Transportation
      • Airplane
        • Seair
      • Bus
        • Partas
        • Dominion Bus Lines
        • Philippine Rabbit
        • Fariñas
        • Maria de Leon
        • Viron
      Private Transportation (via car from Manila)

      • Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) up to Exit 85 to get to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).  Exit at Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac and follow the National Highway through Pangasinan.

      La Union Itinerary

      There are two options in making your La Union Trip Itinerary:

      1. Avail a tour with a planned out itinerary from travel and tours companies
      2. Plan you itinerary by considering the following:
          a.  La Union Trip Samples Itineraries
          b.  La Union Trip Activities By Area

      Agoo, La Union
      Bacnotan, La Union
      • Arosip Eco-Trail
      • Baroro Bridge Marker 
      • Centennial Tree
      Bauang, La Union

      Luna, La Union
      • USAFIP, NL Military Shrine and Park
      Naguilan, La Union
      Pugo, La Union
      • Kultura Splash Wave  and Water Park
      • Marcos Park
      • Pugad: Pugo Adventure
      • Tapuacan River (cleanest river in the north)
      San Fernando City, La Union
      • Bascil Ridge Monument
      • Battle of San Fernando Marker
      • Cathedral of Saint William the Hermit
      • Children's Park 
      • Christ the Redeemer Statue
      • La Union Botanical & Zoological Garden
      • La Union Science Centrum & Museum
      • Ma-cho Temple
      • Moro Watch Tower
      • Pindangan Ruins 
      • Sunset Bay Beach Resort
      • Thunderbirds Resort Poro Point
      • Wallace Air Station
      • Seven Hills:
        • Capitol Hill
        • Heroes Hill & Freedom Park Stairway
        • Pagoda Hill
        • Bethany Hill
        • Mirador Hill
        • Mariner's Hill
        • Miracle Hill
      San Juan, La Union

      •  San Juan Beach
        •  Surfing
          • Surfing Lessons Rate: 150 - 400 php per hour
        • Kayak
        • Beach Swimming
      • Swimming at Bakes Swimming Pool 

      Last Updated: January 13, 2020

      Thursday, December 13, 2012

      Mabuhay Restop Travel Cafe and Museum: Manila Vanilla Mabuhay Dinner Show

      Mabuhay Restop Travel Cafe and Museum in Rizal Park is a newly opened place that offers a unique tourism experience of the Philippines with the Filipino people.  Tourists will not only gain an unforgettable experience but they will also be an effective catalyst for nation building.

      mabuhay restop










      Mabuhay Restop has many tours and activities to offer:

      • Voluntourism Tours ("Kalinga Tours") 
        • Kalinga Tours are the pride offering of Mabuhay Restop.  The Kalinga Tours begins with a quick glimpse of the country's 7,107 islands at Luzviminda Boardwalk of Luneta Park.  It will be followed by a culinary feast.  Then, a visit to the Gawad Kalinga Village where you can enjoy the local activities and hospitality of your chosen destination.  They have Half-Day City Tours, Full-Day Farm Tours and 3, 5, 7-Day Provincial Tours with meals. 

      Sample Destinations and Itineraries:
      • Camsur Itinerary
        • 5-Day Tour: 
          • Naga City tour (Penafrancia Shrine and Museum, Ecclsiastical Center, Basilica)
          • CWC
          • Mayon Volcano
          • Cagsawa Ruins
          • Our Lady of the Gate and Lignon Hill
        • 7-Day Tour:
          • Naga City tour (Penafrancia Shrine and Museum, Ecclsiastical Center, Basilica)
          • CWC
          • Mayon Volcano
          • Cagsawa Ruins
          • Our Lady of the Gate and Lignon Hill
          • Whaleshark interaction (Donsol, Sorsogon)
          • Firefly cruise (Donsol, Sorsogon)
      • Palawan Itinerary
        • 5-Day Tour: 
          • Puerto Princesa Tour (Crocodile Farm, Baker's Hill, Mitra's Ranch, Iwahig Pnal Colony, Plaza Cuartel, Butterfly Garden, Palawan Museum, Baywalk, Immaculate Conception Cathedral)
          • Underground River
          • Honda Bay
        • 7-Day Tour:
          • Puerto Princesa Tour (Crocodile Farm, Baker's Hill, Mitra's Ranch, Iwahig Pnal Colony, Plaza Cuartel, Butterfly Garden, Palawan Museum, Baywalk, Immaculate Conception Cathedral)
          • Underground River
          • Honda Bay
          • El Nido Island Hopping 
          • San Vicente
      • Bacolod Itinerary
        • 5-Day Tour: 
          • Bacolod City Tour (City Plaza, Central Market, Capitol Lagoon, Negros Museum, ANP Showroom)
          • Silay City
          • The Ruins
          • Balay ni Tana Dicang
          • Silk Farm
          • Sugar Mill 
          • Organic Market
          • Mambukal Resort
        • 7-Day Tour:
          • Bacolod City Tour (City Plaza, Central Market, Capitol Lagoon, Negros Museum, ANP Showroom)
          • Silay City
          • The Ruins
          • Balay ni Tana Dicang
          • Silk Farm
          • Sugar Mill 
          • Organic Market
          • Mambukal Resort
          • Punta Bulata Beach
          • Danjugan Marine Island Sanctuary
      • Patriotic Educational Tour ("Bayan Tour")
        • The Patriotic Educational Tour is a 3-hour tour about the Philippines through a tour of the Rizal Park.  It is an interactive experience that includes singing, live theatre, art exhibit, museum tour, short film and a souveneir.  It also include a packed meal under the tree.  
      • Weekend Children's Theatre ("Mga Kwento ni Tita Beauty") (195 php++)
        • Mga Kwento ni Tita Beauty is a creative and theatrical storytelling show that features 10 original Pilipino and English stories imbibed with valuable moral lessons written by acclaimed director and writer Nestor U. Torre.  You can enjoy the show on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm.  The show includes a special Pinoy merienda. 
      • Mabuhay Dinner Shows ("Manilla Vanilla") (695 php++)
        • Manila Vanilla is a pop-cultural comedy travel show enjoyed with a delectable Filipino buffet dinner.  It is created and directed by the famous Nestor U. Torre with music by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.  The show runs from December 8, 2012 on Wednesday, Saturdays and Sundays.  On January, 2013, an alternate show by Ryan Cayabyab singers will be introduced.  
      Manila Vanilla Dinner Show
      manila vanilla
      I've loved musicals since I was a toddler so I just had to watch "Manila Vanilla" starring Celine Fabie, Andy Bias, Astarte Abraham and Edward Fernandez.  The comedy musical is about the preparations of a family about to open up their home as a bed and breakfast.  

      manila vanilla
      Musical scene about the killing of Magellan
      The show teaches the audience about the Filipino culture in a humorous and entertaining manner.  It makes the viewers understand by taking them back to past and showing them the every day scenarios of a Filipino life.  

      pandanggo sa ilaw
      Pandanggo sa Ilaw
      There are also snippets of Philippine Folk Dancing such as the Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Sayaw sa Bangko, Itik-itik and Tinikling.

      manila vanilla
      The Bird Song
      The crowd was filled with excitement and glee as the songs are sung with passion and enthusiasm.

      manila vanilla

      tinikling
      Tinikling
      The show was interactive as they let give the audience to learn and try the Tinikling.

      Buffet
      mabuhay restop buffet
      While watching the show, their is a extensive Filipino buffet dinner.  

      mabuhay restop buffet
      The course is complete even with dessert.  

      mabuhay restop buffet
      My Plate
      Every dish was delicious!  I also enjoyed their Gulaman and Sago with Ginger Drink.

      mabuhay restop buffet
      My Dessert Plate
      The dessert was even better. 

      halo halo
      Halo-Halo
      Overall, Travel Tripsters highly recommend Mabuhay Restop Travel Cafe and Museum's offerings.  The Filipino culture is more than meets the eye.  The best way to learn and understand about the Filipino culture is to immerse yourself and be part of their lives.  Another good reason to patronize Mabuhay Restop is that 30% off their profit goes to Gawad Kalinga so you know the price you pay is for a good cause.

      Mabuhay Restop Travel Cafe and Museum Mabuhay Restop Travel Cafe and Museum Map
      Price Per Person 200-5,000
      Payment Options Cash
      Business Hours 10 am - 9pm
      Reservation Required No but suggested
      Contact (02) 359-7927, (0917) 810-8194
      Email: info@mabuhayrestops.com
      Other Facebook Fan Page | Website
      Address
      South Drive, Area II, Rizal Park, Ermita Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines (T.M. Kalaw St. & Roxas Blvd.)
      Transportation to Attraction
      Taxi, Jeepney 
      Commute Guide
      Landmark: Back of Museo Pambata  near the corner of Roxas Boulevard and T.M Kalaw 





      Follow Us On Instagram