Today I’m not going to talk about taxonomy (and bleed ourselves to death) nor Azaleos’ female counterpart (and how dry it can be).

No, not this one.

I’ll simply share my story of how our weekend staycation in Azalea Residences went and how it can be the new black in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City.

With some members of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers: (L - R) Ivan, Chyng, Byron, Gay, Darwin, and Mich.

ROOMS
The rooms (I got the chance to see the deluxe type and the 2-bedroom suite) were spacious, clean, and breezy that aircon is not really a necessity. The hotel has just started operations a few months back and so I wish this condition stays forever.

Each spot of the rooms has cabled, flat-screen, and wall-mounted televisions. Too bad that connection wasn’t so terrific that you have to endure so much static on the TVs. Oh well, it wasn’t the reason of your stay there anyway so I’ll let that pass.

The living room. Behind the curtain is the terrace. Ugh, need my lens cleaned.

The room may have kitchen utensils and equipment along with a fridge but there is no complimentary water so make sure to bring a bottled water.

The dining/kitchen area with all the equipment you may need but water.

The sliding doors at the veranda has this little lock which I find as a potential cause of robbery because it can be broken with less or no effort.

SERVICES
Service can never be better. During our stay, we experienced nothing but superb service. I even thought for a while that we were VIPs.

At the spacious front desk.

Alert the person at the front desk or any of the staff if you want your room cleaned. While we were out to explore Baguio, we left the “make-up room” sign the whole day to no avail.

AMENETIES
Azalea is indeed the definition of staycation. Why?

• You got the cozy kitchen with a microwave and built-in electric stove hence say bye-bye to fire worries. It is also complete with kitchen utensils.
• The bathroom toiletries are complete from shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste, and clean towels and towelletes.
• You can wear the robes and the slippers while ironing your clothes using the included iron and board.
• There will never be a scarcity of pillow as it is everywhere inside the rooms. Another thing is, they aren’t the ohmigosh-I-didn’t-sleep-well-my-pillow-is-uber-hard type.
• Seamless wifi connection is one factor that social media dorks are after. Good news is that Azalea has a couple of wifi networks so if one fails, you can simply switch to the others.
• Aside from their cozy pantry, Azalea also has this mini-bar where alcoholic beverages can be requested, of course for a fee.

The Eight Degrees Lounge can be perfect for those who want to have a little booze and cocktails.

FOOD / GASTRONOMY
Though I love the food served at their pantry called Tradisyon, some of them were cold hence very uninviting.

The sumptuous three-course meal served during our dinner. The dessert was interesting.

RATES
The rates, IMHO, may not be enticing for those who are all about budget and being cheap. But if you’re aiming for a real vacation with less hassle, you won’t regret every cent that you’ll spend on this hotel.

Room rates range from Php 6000 to 15000.

HOTEL IN GENERAL
I often book hotels within the same price range since I’d rather spend more on food than the accommodation but overall, I had a positive experience during our whole stay. That being said, I recommend Azalea Residences as your Baguio holiday haven.

The Azalea Residences

Azalea Residences Baguio
Leonard Wood Loop, Brgy. M Roxas
Baguio City 2600
Hotline: (074) 442 8888
Fax: (074) 424 8714

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Click HERE for more of my Where to Stay posts.

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Dipolog’s name came from the word dipag (to cross the river in the Subanen dialect) that was mistakenly heard by the Spanish conquerors as Dipolog, which is being used up to this time.

Let’s now see my checklist of what to do or visit during your laid-back Dipolog vacation.

Welcome to the Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines!

HOLY ROSARY CATHEDRAL
A proof of Jose Rizal’s (Philippine national hero) many talents, Holy Rosary Cathedral is one of the main tourist attractions in Dipolog, which should not be missed. Built circa 1895, it is said that Rizal designed the cathedral’s still-functional altar as requested by one of his former professors. As part of our Tourism Department’s campaign Lakbay Jose Rizal at 150, the cathedral is also a stop for those who collect stamps for their Rizal passports. When you visit the cathedral, look for the statue of one of Dipolog’s patron saints located at the right wing entrance. I don’t know but, to me, it looks like it’s flipping its middle finger.

Our outfit seemed a little inappropriate for the cathedral.

DIPOLOG BOULEVARD
Just facing the vastness of Sulu Sea, Dipolog Boulevard is projected to stretch 3.5 kilometers once continuous development is completed. Presently, 1.4 kilometers of the boulevard can be used for recreational activities whereas restrooms and several benches are also built for visitors. And when you’re tired staring at the blanket of Sulu Sea, you can stuff your bellies with streetfoods from Dipolog’s own version of MacDo, a stretch of streetfood vendors which is just at the back of the boulevard. It means makduko which literally translates to bending over so you can choose among the variety of food that each stall has to offer.

Way better and cleaner than Manila's Roxas Boulevard.

LINABO PEAK
One doesn’t have to be sporty to be 486 meters above sea level. With just 3003 steps, the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan can now be viewed at the peak of Linabo, the highest point in Dipolog. Along the concrete steps are the 14 Stations of the Cross shaded by healthy trees wherein a community chapel can be found at the peak.

To complete these steps is another reason why I need to go back to Dipolog.

SUNGKILAW FALLS
Ever heard of the Tyrolean Traverse? No? According to Outdoor Adventure Warehouse:

A Tyrolean Traverse is a method of crossing through free space between two high points on a rope. This is used in a range of mountaineering activities: rock climbing, technical and recreational tree climbing, caving and water crossings. A zip line is in essence a Tyrolean Traverse which is traveled down quickly with the assistance of gravity.

If that doesn’t make any good sense, look at the photo below.

This is one of the popular activities in Sungkilaw Falls aside from rapelling, camping, and swimming. The cascading waters of Sungkilaw (insert meaning here) is amazing and to die for. Prepare for a short 200-step hike when visiting the falls.

You think this is easy? Try it.

COGON ECO-TOURISM PARK
The whole park has a huge land area of 344 hectares wherein 40 hectares of its totality are home to rare fauna species as a result of a massive tree planting done in the late 1950s. Exotic birds which is believed to have been inhabiting the city can also be found in the park’s Aviary. Aside from these, a replica of a Subanen Village is built to showcase the tribe’s traditional dances, rituals, and talents in weaving baskets. The great thing about this part is you get to meet real Subanen people wearing their colorful native costumes.

The name of the park is derived from Barangay Cogon to where the entrance is situated.

JIGGING
Known as the only sport-fishing destination in the whole of Mindanao, every visitors must try jigging, type of fishing using, of course, a jig as a lure. Dipolog has its own association of Anglers who will be more than happy to assist you should you want to experience luring and catching up to 10-kilo gigantic fishes.

Ready for some digging err jigging?

GOOD TIMES CAFE
This is one cafe that will give you eccentric yet very relaxing vibes. Goodtimes Cafe is a 1000-square meter spot with a two-storey ancestral house filled with earthly statues, paintings, and other several form of artworks. It may look eerie to the eyes of the conservatives but the pieces of art filling each spaces of the cafe is nothing but exceptional. You can say that someone put so much effort to every artworks as depicted by the owne, Ed Tabancura, who never got to have a family of his own dedicating his life to continuous improvement of the cafe. A lot of known artists fly to Dipolog just to witness the beauty of this cafe-slash-art gallery.

Rowjie with artists Ed Tabancura and Subanen Aldrin Elman.

DIPOLOG ROTONDA FOUNTAIN
Also known as Pagsalabuk Circle, this fountain was designed to remind everyone how uniqueness can be also be a form of unity. The statues are of the Muslims, Christians, and Subanen, first inhabitants of Dipolog who have diverse beliefs yet united to protect the place from invasion and destruction. The bowl being raised to the heavens is a portraiture of thanksgiving and offering to the creator. The Rotonda is well-lit at night, perfect for picture-taking.

Apologies for the blurry picture as my PNS has limited features for night shots.

KARYLL’S GRILL
You can have your dinner at Karyll’s Grill located near the boulevard to wrap up your day. Dipolog may be a laidback city but Karyll’s Grill was awarded as best reseller of San Miguel Corporation’s beer last 2010 in the nationwide category. At night, the city transforms into a different environment as night parties are also held in Dipolog even on a regular weekend.

Their grilled seafood are their specialty.

So there, a recap of the top activities that you should not miss during your first visit of Dipolog City! Questions? Let me know.

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Click HERE to read more of my Weekend Getaway series.

This post is scheduled to be published on April 20, 12 noon, day of our wedding.

He finishes the meal I can no longer continue munching on saying that there are a lot of people dying because of hunger. Ending, he gains more weight and I don’t.

He fixes the laundry machine when I say it is grounded. He’d rather get electrocuted than hear my endless complaints.

He takes care of me when I am drunk, damping warm towel on my face making sure I am fine and guides me to the trash bin when I am about to throw off.

He asks me to lay my head on his shoulder during jeepney and bus rides whenever I am sleepy; he holds my hand as if reassuring me I’m nothing but safe.

He carries the heavy loads whenever we’re on the road with our big backpacks. I get to bring my personal stuff and nothing else. I enjoy letting him carry our lumpish whatever-it-is.

He cooks our food. I only eat but don’t cook.

He, without hesitations, will rush to the store when I say I want ice-cold Coke and Zebzeb.

He constantly reminds me that I always look upset by calling me Simang as in simangot. And so I had no choice but to always put up a smile.

He is my number one and only fan who never fails to encourage me to write by filling my heart with kind words and praises. He knows that I am a horrible writer.

He’d go outside the tent during rainy wee hours just to adjust the guy-lines when I tell him that the rain is dripping inside and that I feel cold.

When I am gloomy, he’d make funny gestures regardless if he looks stupid or idiotic.

I could go on enumerating the things that make him great, I still have a lot on my list. But like everyone else, he is just human. There’s nothing divine in him. He also has these flaws, which are completely normal.

He takes pictures of me when I look absurd while sleeping; he’d then show it to me and make fun of me.

He doesn’t like combing his curly hair and the falling strands are all scattered on our floor.

I’d see a point to slightly remind him that I love to receive flowers. Well, he gave me A flower once. It is an origami from foil of a cigarette pack.

He is fond of disturbing me while I am in the middle of writing an ultimately difficult article by dashing my keyboard and mouse. When I look at him, I’d see a mischievous smile and laughing eyes.

He doesn’t get mad when I call him names—Taba, Kulot, Tabachoy, Kalbo—as he gets more even by calling me Payat, Negra, Bubwit, and a lot more and eventually leading to me getting annoyed.

He makes these out-of-this-world requests like me sleeping outside our bedroom.

Despite all these, I still thought he is perfect. But then he has this dark secret that I’ve recently realized and discovered.

He is Robin Hood, a thief. He easily nipped not only my last name and replaced it with his. He also stole my heart and has no plans of returning it.

He is Harry Potter, a sorcerer. He put me on a curse of eternal love. I am under a spell of forever loyalty and faithfulness. I was given a magic potion to perpetual adventures with him.

He is Rowjie and I just married him.

I, Maria Cassanova, promise to be your partner, your climb and travel buddy, and your best friend above all others even if you love drawing poop with flies on my hand insisting that it is a tattoo. I will forever be beside you even if you sometimes bite my fingers while you dream and think of my hand as a hot-dog. I promise to love and cherish you, Rowjie Bien, to infinity and beyond.

I always dream of having a child; who doesn’t? Boy or girl, it doesn’t really matter.

I want him to be an artist, a musician or a painter maybe. I wish for him to be fit and become an athlete. I desire him to have good grades in school and be a disciplined student.

I yearn for her to play football enjoying the rain and being filthy while wearing her pigtails. I fancy her to become sophisticated but can adapt to her surroundings and the people around her. I want her to become what I did not.

Just like any first-timer, I am afraid. I fear that I might not be a good parent and that I might not be able to provide the things that a parent must provide. I’m scared that I might not send him to school. I worry that my earnings won’t be enough to buy her the things that her peers have. I am concerned that I will fail him or her. I’m afraid of a lot of things, really.

But if my first baby will happen to be a girl, I thought that I’d name her Marie until I met someone who belongs to the mighty Kanlaon. Everyone, meet Margaja.

It took me and my friends nine painful hours to climb Mount Kanlaon‘s Makawiwili Peak just to see the Margaja Valley, something which I am willing to do over and over again if given the chance. I shed tears upon seeing her and forgot about the arduous hike we did. I had a changed of heart. My Marie will be Margaja.

Then I thought that becoming a good parent is just like climbing a mountain. You have to earn it and work hard for it. There are things and people that will help you, that will lead you to take the right direction and trail regardless how difficult it can be just like with my climb buddies who pushed me hard to continue hiking despite my dead-tired body.

I have no intentions of becoming a Mom anytime soon. I still have Batanes to conquer. But If I bear a child, he or she’ll be one of the luckiest persons this planet will ever have as I will try to be the best for him or her. Thank you Margaja Valley, for changing me and my perspectives.

Dear Margaja,

You’d be a grown-up once you read this. But here’s one thing you’d have to know. I love you, now and forever.

Nanay

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And She Changed Me is an entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival. This month’s theme, My ultimate dream destination and my pledge to turn it into a reality hosted by Robbie Bautista of The Travelling Dork, talks about dream destinations and how these can change people’s lives.

And this year, I spent another day (my fourth year) witnessing how devoted some Catholics are to their faith.

Line to Heaven

Marinduque and Pampanga are well-known for its hardcore flagellants including those that get nailed in a wooden cross just like Christ. But I don’t have to be far just to visit those provinces as my very own Mandaluyong has its version of Penitensya (penitence). Activities here start Thursday afternoon with a 24-hour Pasyon (narrative of Christ’s death and resurrection) and end at 3PM of Friday when it is said that Jesus have died. It is also this time that people are completely exhausted from all these blood splashing and throat-numbing chanting of the Pasyon.

Blood and Cement

I was baptized a Catholic and went to Catholic schools all my life but never have I tried any of these peculiar practices. If I want to get hurt, I’ll just ask my Mom to hit me with her belt or a broomstick. It’s as easy as that. What do these flagellants get from these practices? I’ve overheard someone that it’s just like the extreme rendition of a Panata (pledge) wherein you ask or wish for something and when it happens or comes true, you need to do something in return. Makes sense. But don’t we have prayers to say our thanks? Well, to each his own.

The Brotherhood of the Flagellating Pants

The only positive thing I can tell about these practices is that we get to show the world that our faith hasn’t changed since the Spanish invasion. It’s like a viral disease that is being passed on to every generation. The flagellants even get younger each year.

Kneel before tHe(i)m

On the other hand, once all these activities are done, the streets of Manila become a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie: clean and quiet. Wonder where have all the people gone? Off to their provinces or nearby towns for a vacation, very typical for the Filipinos taking advantage of one of our many holidays.

Black Friday = Feast for Others

I imagine how the only Filipino saint Lorenzo Ruiz endured all the pains he went through when he was asked to give up his faith in exchange of his life. Nah. I need not to imagine things, his faith and beliefs as a Catholic are all the proofs I need.

For now, I will continue watching on Spartacus with its blood and cement sand.

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