Hotel 878 Libis: Loft And Cafe 878 Review

There was a festival of dangerous party ideas that eve. Ideas which we knew will never materialize, but we had a ball playing with our imaginations anyway. I gasped for breath as Ron of fliptravels.com descended the loft's stairs while hip-thrusting with his tongue sticking out.

Not the most ridiculous Miley Cyrus impersonation I had seen yet I almost died laughing.

Just a meter away from us was Melo of outoftownblog.com, deep in his own thoughts. Typing away in lightning speed, finishing up an article. Such a mystery how he was able to do all that with our little speaker blasting in the background.

Hotel 878's facade. Photo from their Facebook page.  

It was one of them rare Mondays shrouded with a party mood. Reason for which was Ron's impending departure from the early thirties. Okay, kidding. He — We — are very much still in such phase however that night we were youngER *cue Fun's song*. Thanks to Hotel 878's invitation for a staycation, we kicked off the night at the right groove in the Loft room.

The Loft is one of the four rooms offered by Hotel 878. It's designed to accommodate small families and barkadas. Ron and I were assigned a Loft room each, to our surprise/delight. A deluxe room would have seriously sufficed. 

 

Hotel 878's lobby.

Each of the 40 two-level Loft rooms has:

* Queen bed or two single beds
* Day bed in the sitting area
* In-room coffee and tea service (electric kettle)
* Cable television
* Free WiFi
* Telephone (local calls within Metro Manila only)
* Rain-shower bathroom (water heater in our rooms worked well)
* Individually-controlled split-type air-conditioning
* Dining table with two chairs
* Its own small walk-out veranda

Hotel 878's Loft room, first level.    The second level.  

The Loft's about 38 square meters of goodness. There's so much space for a guest to lay his/her luggage (and he/she could still easily walk around). The walls are thankfully not paper thin, our group's noise was muffled — I actually checked. Bed's not too soft, and prolly a bit too firm for some, but just right for me. And in case you're wondering, WiFi was fast in both of our rooms on the first floor. 

If you plan to bring a car, no need to worry about the parking. May not look like it but the hotel has ample.

The staff were all lovely by the way. Guard can even call a cab for you.

Guests may request for either a queen bed or two single beds.
A cheap (and rarely offered) shaving set available.  

If not for Ron's birthday shindig-cum-beer hunt at Eastwood City (a ten to fiteen-minute walk or a quickie cab ride away), we would have just stayed in our rooms. The Loft in my opinion is a bang for the buck. It was all we needed for a small group gathering, and then some.

A bit of advice: Pay more for a room with the 'St. Ignatius View' for this side is quieter. Rooms with the city view face the perpetually busy E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave.

Top: Free brekkie, corned beef with rice and fried egg (which was actually verrry good). Bottom: Ron's other order, non-crispy bacon with rice and fried egg.  

Room rates come with brekkie. Unfortunately, guests cannot choose the dish. There's only one option for the free brekkie. So either you take it, or you order something else from the menu which you gotta pay separately. We asked them to serve one of the free brekkie meals then we also ordered a fried bangus meal, a tocino meal, and a bacon meal (yes we were pretty famished from Ron's birthday night-out).

So which one was my fave? The... Uhm... free corned beef meal.

Cafe 878 on the second floor.

Libis is not a place that I frequent in. In fact prior our stay, the last time I strayed towards this direction was more than five years ago. The invitation couldn't have come at a better time. Eastwood City looks like a totally different planet now and this earthling would love to explore it more.

When I do, I'd stay at Hotel 878 again if the situation calls for it. Two words: Beer hunt.

Visit their website www.hotel878libis.com or their fan page https://www.facebook.com/Hotel878 to check out promotions.

Hotel 878 currently has a contest called Take Your Best Shot! Mechanics: Take a picture of you/your mom/your spouse/your friend/whoever at Hotel 878 Libis and post it on Hotel 878's FB page! Remember... Be creative! The winner will receive an overnight stay for 2 pax with breakfast. Join now, contest ends November 12, 2013!

 

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Photo Essay: A Mexican Eve With Radish Sculptures And Familiar Faces

Forty-five minutes in.

I still couldn't see the end of the line and I was down to my last straw of patience. Why the hubby and I put up with such queue? Well, the whole of Oaxaca seemed to be there — as if that snaking line was the hottest see-and-be-seen spot in town — so we thought, this gotta be amazing. Besides we had no plans that late afternoon. More importantly, admission was free.

It was day 184 of our round-the-world trip and we were there to see radish sculptures. 

Noche De Rábanos.  

Depending on your love for root vegetables, your reaction will range from 1) dumbfoundedness to 2) sheer delight to 3) hilarity. But whatever you think of it, you'd be interested to learn that the Night Of The Radishes or Noche De Rábanos began many years ago. Like, about more than a hundred. That long. It's celebrated annually, every 23rd of December.

And it ain't just a simple exhibit, the entries are actually up for competition.

One hour in line. For radishes. Radishes!
Security was tight. Man, those are heavily guarded root vegetables!
Viewing platform. Told you they're pretty serious.
There's a flower sculpture competition too.   Aaand corn husks.   Día de Muertos or Day Of The Dead
Creative and somewhat creepy.

Because it's almost Christmas, there should be a nativity scene.

And then there were those we didn't understand just cause we're not fluent in Spanish.

But this we know. Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.  

Even with the sea of crowd inching from one display to another, it took us only less than ten minutes to see everything. One hour queue for a ten-minute affair with radishes. Sounds quite ridiculous, but I have to admit, we unexpectedly enjoyed it. I only wish the viewing platform's closer to the exhibit so people could see all the teeny-weeny details.

Before calling it an eve and heading back to our posada, we passed by a block that was sorta out of the way but had a night market so we could check merchandise on sale. Speaking of ridiculous queues, I saw a two-meter deep one for a hectic taco stand, and found a couple of familiar faces in it. I pointed them out to the hubby. Both of us couldn't remember their names, an American couple who once couchsurfed our place, but we approached them and greeted "Ola!".

Top: Hosting Patrick and Tony (I know their names now after rereading their Couschsurf request) in our Baguio home, December 2010. Bottom: Finding them at some taco stand in Oaxaca, December 2011. 

Their faces broke into smiles of surprise when they spotted us. "You guys are the Couchsurfers from Ba-gee-yoh (Baguio)!", one of them mentioned. And that was the start of a lengthy where-have-you-been-where-are-you-going chat that kinda annoyed the other people in line behind us for it took the couple forever to choose their grilled meats. They can't remember our names as well, but none of us reintroduced ourselves. Cause you know, there are times when you don't need to remember names. Just moments.
 

We bade farewell when they were about to gobble their dinner. Those freaky radish sculptures sucked all the appetite out of me that I didn't feel like eating much until noche buena (and that's because we found mole poblano)!

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Keen Sandals Venice H2 Review: Playtime For A Backpacker Mum

"Look down. In case you didn’t know, you’re standing on two of the most eager tour guides this side of anywhere. Take ‘em up on it.", says on the KEEN Footwear website.

KEEN Footwear is very keen on taking you to an adventure. Give one of their pairs a chance. I did when I accepted the offer — notwithstanding doubt — of KEEN Footwear Philippines to test the Venice H2, a model I chose myself, on the road.

Truth be told it was the first time I heard of such brand, hence, the slight shadow of doubt. But you know that feeling when you fall for a pair of shoes upon the first fitting? Yep, my Venice H2 swept me off my feet (thank goodness not literally). Now did it hold up to an adventure junkie's expectations? It unexpectedly flew beyond. Let me count the ways.


Venice H2's Specs and Traits (as stated on website)

Weight: 10.55 oz/299.087 g
Type: Bungee Styles, Sandals
Fit Tip: We find this style runs about a 1/2 size small
Lining: Hydrophobic mesh
Upper: Washable polyester webbing
Rubber: Non-marking rubber outsole with razor siping


Versatility

On this side of the planet, $100 is half (sometimes a third) of the amount of monthly apartment rent in the CBD. It's a huge chunk of one's salary, even for a member of the white-collar brigade. So if we're gonna spend that much on shoes, they might as well serve a multitude of purposes. My Venice H2 sashayed on boardwalks and hotel lobbies, scrambled on a sandy beach and on boulders, trampled pebbles and asphalt. The pair did the tasks well.

And because my KEEN can play many roles from gallivanting in the city to exploring jungles, I need not bring another pair of shoes in my travels.


Traction

An essential trait of an outdoor shoe is having an outsole that has great traction on various terrain. My Venice H2 weaved through slippery rice terraces and climbed a trike to "topload" in Ifugao, negotiated slimy boulders in one of Sydney's national parks, descended a cemented mountain trail while carrying my three-year old daughter, and walked on newly mopped tiles in Kuala Lumpur's airport. I did not slip once.


Comfort

For a backpacking mum like me who often times does hikes while carrying a toddler, comfort is everything. And my Venice H2 provides that even during aggressive hikes. And when I say "aggressive hikes", I mean steep slopes that I trudge with a toddler on my shoulders.

KEEN's metatomical footbed design provides excellent support (it should with such fancy term), and its patented toe protection (the outsole extends up and over the toes) makes descents easily bearable. Read: No dead nails and blisters to deal with after the hike. Venice H2 also has an "open strapping system" which gives room for ventilation, but unfortunately allows teensy pebbles to get in the sandals that you couldn't simply shake off. Probably the only con of this model that I can think of.

They're so comfortable that there's no break-in time needed.


Style

Now this is something you won't normally find on a gear review, but I just couldn't help myself including it because my sandals are such eye candies! If I remember correctly, the Venice H2 comes in ten colors. Mine's Barberry/Neutral Grey. It looks uber chic, and can be worn in a casual affair as well as for the long walk to the train station after.

If you're the type who makes a fuss about dirt spots, KEEN sandals can be tossed in the washing machine with a little amount of detergent. Easy, breezy.

Durability And Water Resistance

I've been using my pair for three months. I'd say I have not uhm, abused them enough to conclude that they're very durable. But like I said, they have been tested on mixed terrain and still look kinda new. Also, they have not done a river crossing nor have they hiked under heavy rain so I cannot tell you if they're indeed waterproof. They did get a little wet a couple of occasions though, and they air-dried pretty quick.


So, you ask me this question, "Will you buy another pair?". You bet your calloused heels and soles I would *snap, pout*! But only when my current pair dies of natural causes. And that could be a long time from now.

Like their page KEEN Footwear Philippines to check their products!

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Kalinga, Philippines: How To Get To Buscalan

I was still reeling from the effects of the eighteen-hour bus+jeep rides and the one hour hike. But with one look at the tinay'talu (rice bundles) pattern in Lane Wilcken's book Filipino Tattoos: Ancient To Modern — which we borrowed from mambabatok Whang-Od/Fang-od — I knew I unintentionally found a mark that will finally represent my birthplace. A rice farming town.

How it was done, how long it took, how it looks like... Are questions I will answer some other day. For today, I try to answer the question: How the heck to get there?


Here's how we did it.

Getting To Buscalan From Manila

Boarded the Victory Liner bus bound for Tabuk, Kalinga Province in Kamias station (we also took a Tarlac-Kamias bus prior). I'd say the ideal trip is 7:00 PM (via Dau), but if you're feeling fancy schmancy you may also take the deluxe bus at 7:25 PM (via SCTEX). At the time of our travel there was, fortunately, a 7:45 PM schedule which we took.

Two more buses depart much later. But you ride one of these, you might miss the last jeep heading to Bugnay in Tinglayan.

Bus ride takes 10-11 hours. Regular bus fare is P569, and P680 for the deluxe. Ask the conductor to drop you off in Bulanao (a barangay in Tabuk) near St. William's Cathedral. Walk northward, across the street and past the police station until you see a line of jeeps. Yep, that's the station.

Tabuk-Tinglayan jeep.  

First jeep to Tinglayan from Bulanao, Tabuk departs at 7:00 AM (no fixed schedule for this route though), and ride's about three hours. Mostly on winding road but rewards the nauseated you with stunning, mountainous backdrop. Fare is P120 per head.

In Tinglayan, get off at Good Samaritan Inn and Restaurant, just a few meters past the bridge. This is where you'll catch the jeep to Bugnay. The restaurant serves cheap, decent meals (P50) by the way. It would be wise to load up for the afternoon hike.

Hiring A Guide

Although it is possible to visit the Butbut tribe without a guide (you will be welcomed by its people one way or another), hiring a local one with years of experience is highly recommended. Especially if you're pressed with time. You would not want to spend forever on the highway figuring out which overloaded jeep/pick-up/bus will take you back to Tinglayan after your Buscalan visit. Also, you'd want a translator who can perfectly describe your desired tattoo pattern to Fang-Od. We highly recommend Francis Pa-in +639157690843 (we paid P1,000 for a party of 2 and a half). If he's not available, you may also contact Charlie Pan-oy +639981888697.

Jeep ride from Tinglayan to Bugnay takes about an hour. Longer if there's a landslide being cleared up. Fare is P30 per head. Two hour hike begins at the main road. Consider yourself lucky if the jeep goes all the way up to what they call the "waiting shed". This will cut the hiking time in half.

Watch your step!   We were lucky.

But the hike was still a challenge and a fright for us who did it with our three year-old toddler. On some parts of the trail, you make one wrong step and you could fall off the cliff. It's cemented, but could still be very slippery when wet. Flip-flops could survive such terrain but wearing the proper shoes will make the task easier.

Accommodation

Homestay is your only option for accommodation. Expect to pay around P150-175 per head, higher if you're a foreigner. Meals are included. You may bring your own food, and it would be cool if you could share some.

The tribe has this tradition of killing a chicken when a foreign child visits the village. So we had chicken for dinner. And snails.
Bringing small presents like biscuits or candies for the kids and matches for the matriarchs is not mandatory but will be greatly appreciated (the moms looked a bit upset though that we forgot to bring matches). Medicines, I reckon, would make better gifts. The Butbut tribe needs paracetamol for adults and children. Also, medicines that could provide short-term relief for pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis (as requested by the tribespeople themselves).

Getting To Manila From Buscalan

Start hiking back to the main road in Bugnay early morning to catch a Tinglayan-bound bus/jeep. Our party was fortunate to have hitched a ride on a pick-up. We were dropped off in front of our guide's house, which sits along the main road, and we caught the bus (that came from Bontoc) to Tabuk from there.

Ask the conductor of Tabuk-bound bus/jeep to drop you off at the Victory Liner station in Bulanao, which is also near St. William's Cathedral. At the time of our travel, Pasay/Cubao buses depart at 4:30 PM (regular) and 5:00 PM (deluxe). There's a small supermarket and fastfood place near the station where you could grab snacks for the trip back home.


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Border Crossing: Overland By Bus/Marshrutka From Tbilisi, Georgia To Yerevan, Armenia

The driver slammed his cab's boot shut, as if to seal our two-week Georgia affair tight. He drove without a word. We were at the finish line of one Caucasus journey, and were about to begin afresh in a neighboring country. Yet another border cross my passport with a detached cover had to survive.

I was concerned. Though not as worried as finding out how much the driver's ten-minute wait would cost us. We only had a few lari left.

Sign says "Yerevan". The capital and largest city of Armenia.  

Ortachala Bus Station

 

Our short morning weekend cruise to Ortachala bus station, about two to three kilometers away, was a parade of emotions. It's a pain to depart a city filled with magnificent, decrepit buildings that are a mishmash of Georgian, European, Russian and Byzantine architectural styles. But at the same time we're on tenterhooks to trample on another land we know so little of.

The driver dropped us off right by where the marshrutka (a form of public transportation similar to a route share taxi) for Yerevan was parked. Although he overcharged us, I say five dollars is a fair price for convenience.

Inside a marshrutka. Cozy, with decent leg room.

We were lucky to snag the last seats (fare's about $20). I assumed it was the second trip of the day for I read somewhere that buses for Yerevan depart Tbilisi every hour, from 7:00 AM to noon. There's no schedule posted at the station, at least none that's written in the English alphabet (Georgia has their own unique alphabet). It was wise that we referred to the one we found online.

Georgia-Armenia Border

We arrived at the border past ten and found two equally chaotic lines (left our luggage in the marshrutka). It seemed queuing's not a norm on this part of the world. Our turn took forever. And because I did not (and was not asked to) pay for visa on arrival when we entered the country via Tbilisi Airport, the immigration officer spent a long time inspecting my battered passport and conversing with a colleague. Perhaps they were discussing whether I should be charged or not.

Georgian border control.

Fortunately, my passport was stamped without me being questioned. We quickly exited the building and crossed a bridge on foot to the Armenian border control. I was scared to look back.

Armenia e-Visa Application

How to apply for the e-Visa? We applied for an e-Visa through this website http://www.mfa.am/eVisa/ beforehand. Hubby simply filled out the online form. The price for a 21-day visa, single entry is $10 (120 days for $40) and can be paid by credit card. Visas are issued online within two business days and applicants are given a link to check the status.

It's advisable that visitors present a printed electronic visa, but we got through even just by showing photos of ours in a digital camera. e-Visa holders will be able to enter Armenia via Zvartnots International Airport, Gyumri Airport, Ayrum Railway Station, and the Bagratashen, Gogavan, Bavra and Megri land borders.

Visitors eligible for visa on arrival may apply at the border. It's a no sweat process of filling out a short form and paying. At the time of our travel, only Armenian dram was accepted. There's a currency exchange service but expect the rate to be bad.

Crossing a bridge on foot to the Armenian border control.  

Border To Yerevan

Unlike the uneventful Tbilisi-border drive (except for that moment when we spotted a turtle crossing the road which we avoided and almost got us into an accident) the border-Yerevan drive made a spectacular first impression, thanks to the dramatic Mount Ararat backdrop. It provided that much needed consolation.

The ride terminated at Yerevan Central Station. One cab driver agreed to accept our leftover Georgian lari and took us to Tashir Pizza where we were meeting up with an AirBnb host, whose house will be our Armenian home for one week.

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