Buffalo Swing in Pasig: A Treat for the Tastebuds

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January 8, 2023

Food and travel always come as a tandem. I mean, come on, when we travel, we are also required to eat to keep our energies up! We barely post food treats, but when we do, it surely deserves to be in the spotlight.
We were invited by Karl of Turista Trails to taste and savour the delicacies offered by a restaurant located in Pasig, the Buffalo Swing Cafe. We were also with two other must-follow travel bloggers, Millet of ProjectGora.com and Franco of Lagaw Travelogue.

Buffalo Swing

Buffalo Swing is a small family-owned restaurant in Pasig along Dr. Sixto Avenue. It was formerly known as Red Buffalo. Even though it’s a small restaurant and the location is within a residential area, its patrons and customers are driving over to the place just to get another taste of what they are offering. No wonder why it’s been liked by many foodies, the food quality is fine, it almost tasted like a special dish in every bite. Well, everything in this restaurant looks special so there’s no argument in that field.
Buffalo Swing is also home to Ingrid’s Baking Supply shop.
We’ll show you what was offered in our tables and we will also let you know our personal/must try favourites in Buffalo Swing.

Chicken Wings

We were served with Spicy Salted Egg Wings, Flamin’ Lemon Wings, Buffalo Wings (Hot), and Honey Soy Sesame.

Spicy Salted Egg (Must Try!)

The Spicy Salted Egg is new to the taste and very Filipino-ish dish. We mostly see menus for Buffalo Wings to be more like western but this one’s unique. The salted egg was incorporated well into the chicken wings with some added spice that enhanced the flavour. Though I wasn’t really able to taste that spiciness, the taste was superb and I’m sure you’ll definitely be ordering another set.

Buffalo Swing - Spicy Salted Egg - https://twobudgettravelers.com — **Spicy Salted Egg**

Flamin’ Lemon Wings

The Flamin’ Lemon Wings is tasteful as well but would be dry in the mouth especially if you ate it with just the wings without squeezing the lemon for it’s juice. Yes, the lemon is not a display for garnishing, it’s should actually be squeezed to the chicken wings to bring out the flavour.

Honey Soy Sesame

The Honey Soy Sesame is not your typical chicken wings. It bursts out sweet and salty indulgence when tasted. They added sesame seeds for a non-typical flavour which became favourable to the taste buds.

Buffalo Wings (Hot)

This is the home favourite in all chicken wings. Since Buffalo Wings are originally crafted with spice, it’s also a part of the menu. It comes with 3 different levels of spiciness (Hot, Wild, and Blazing). Wild was the best seller among 3 levels and I believe it wouldn’t disappoint.

Buffalo Swing - Buffalo Swing (Hot) - https://twobudgettravelers.com — **Buffalo Swing (Hot)**

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Pasta

We were served with Gourmet Tuyo Spaghetti, Spicy Salted Egg Pasta, Spicy Shrimp, and Bacon Tomato.

Gourmet Tuyo Spaghetti (Must try!)

How about our homegrown dried fish favourite be incorporated in a pasta dish? Well, it may sound off at first (like “Ha? Tuyo?”) but it is truly delectable. This has been our common favourite among all the pasta dishes as it gives a familiar taste of tuyo but then again it’s also new to the taste buds having tuyo added to the spaghetti. Definitely a must-try! It’s a mindblown pasta recipe they have!

Buffalo Swing - Gourmet Tuyo Spaghetti - https://twobudgettravelers.com — **Gourmet Tuyo Spaghetti**

Spicy Salted Egg Pasta (Must try!)

It’s called Spicy Salted Egg Pasta because it has chilly bits of spices and of course, the salted egg. The salted egg, in my opinion (and as I see it), has been ground and added on top. Also, I think that the salted egg was added to the sauce and it definitely served its purpose. The texture of the egg is witnessed in the pasta when you eat it and it was flavourful. I’m truly awed on this one. It’s not that spicy so you can enjoy eating this one.

Buffalo Swing - Spicy Salted Egg Pasta - https://twobudgettravelers.com — **Spicy Salted Egg Pasta**

Spicy Shrimp

This one’s special as it has been topped with shrimps. The distinctive taste of seafood is spread all-over the portions of pasta giving it a kick from the ocean. One for the seafood lovers!

Bacon Tomato

From the name itself, the pasta has been flavoured with bacon and tomatoes. I believe that the kids will love this one. It has a sweet and sour taste based on an Italian flavour pasta and is savoury when eaten.

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Pizza

We were served with All Cheese, Ranch Buffalo, and Cajun Spice pizzas.

All Cheese Pizza (Must try!)

This All Cheese Pizza is a must try especially if you’re one who loves cheese! If you know Chicago White from a known restaurant, then this is the flattened version of it (at least for my taste!). It has different classes of cheese including Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan, Cream Cheese, and Cheese Sauce – that’s why it’s all cheese!

Buffalo Swing - All Cheese Pizza - https://twobudgettravelers.com — **All Cheese Pizza**

Ranch Buffalo Pizza

Ranch Buffalo has chicken bits, onions, ranch dressing, and is covered with Buffalo Swing hot sauce. I mean, instead of tomato sauce, they used the hot sauce as a base for the pizza bread, so yes, it’s naturally hot!

Cajun Spice Pizza

A pizza that has spread with shrimp, chicken, Hungarian sausages, onions, and bell peppers. This is one for the taste. If you love pizzas with star-studded toppings, then this is the one you should order.

Desserts and Beverages

We were served with Blueberry Cheesecake, Brownie a la Mode, Baked Cheesecake a la Mode, Salted Caramel Milkshake, Pink Lychee Lemonade and Blue Lemonade.

Blueberry Cheesecake

I know this is a mainstream cake at every cafe, but man, blueberry cheesecakes are awesome and delectable, especially this one from Buffalo Swing Cafe! Its texture is smoother than that of with the mermaid logo and tastes even better. It’s not that too sweet and you’d still be able to taste the cheese in the cheesecake. The blueberry topping is a blast! It’s flavour bursts in the mouth. I would love to eat more than we were served that day!

Brownie a la Mode and Baked Cheesecake a la Mode

Both are sumptuous and pleasant to the eyes. The Baked Cheesecake a la Mode is too sweet for my taste. I already gave it up after my second scoop. The Brownie a la Mode tasted better for me as I am a person who doesn’t like too sweet for a dessert. The later tasted just right.

Salted Caramel Milkshake (Must Try!)

Salted Caramel Milkshake is a best-seller, not only for its taste but also because of its looks. Who wouldn’t want to have an instagrammable milkshake like this? Topped with pretzels and overflowing whipped cream, it’s truly an eye delight.

Buffalo Swing - Salted Caramel Milkshake - https://twobudgettravelers.com — Salted Caramel Milkshake

Pink Lychee Lemonade and Blue Lemonade

Well, these are your anti-umay drinks because they are sour and a bit sweet, so yes, I recommend you order this when you eat anything. Also, it comes with vitamins good for the body, right? 🙂

Buffalo Swing deserves a good review and surely deserves all the 5-stars they receive on their fan page and reviews in Zomato and other platforms. With the prices so cheap and affordable, you definitely will be asking for more or may even order for a take-out!

Buffalo Swing
#363 Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave. Brgy. Caniogan, Pasig City
Tel Nos: 341-5288 / 641-2561
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am to 9:30pm // Sunday: 5:30pm to 9:30pm

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Gyoza Bar: Katsudon Set (Big Bento) P199

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Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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January 8, 2023

Gyoza Bar: Katsudon Set (Big Bento) P199

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5000 Peso Challenge: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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January 8, 2023

This was my itinerary for my solo travel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!

→ Solo Travel
→ Birthday Travel
→ with pasalubong
→ Flight ticket for only 1300+ RT (with tax)
→ All for 5000 pesos (less than RM 500)

A birthday trip for myself. My quarter-life was celebrated in this country. Solo, no company, own expense. But hell yeah, I owned it! This was my second time being out of the country. I have been to Japan with my friends last December and created a few articles about that and even listed my itinerary. So now, in this article, I am gonna show you how my birthday trip to Malaysia went.

No further elaboration on details for now as it will be stated in the upcoming articles about my Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia trip. I will be showing you where I have been, how much did I spend and how to go places.

On the Airport Counters

After checking in at the check-in counter, I immediately went to the Immigration counter in NAIA Terminal 3. It was my first solo trip and I was pretty confident that this trip will be awesome and that I will not encounter many issues along the way. There were many itineraries posted on the internet and I also found this two-week Malaysia guide which helped me in finding places.

I bid goodbye to my girlfriend who was with me at the airport before I left The Philippines. She was a little hesitant, of course, because it was our monthsary and the day after, was my birthday. She wanted to come with me but weren’t able to book a ticket for her. I told her, my next international travels will be with her by then.

Approaching the immigration officer, he just looked at me and asked for my documents. I immediately and calmly handed them. He might have seen my old passport on the folder so he asked if I have one. I handed it over, he then asked who I was with last year in Japan and what’s my purpose of visiting the country. I told him what he needs to know and after a little talk, he gave permission to me to pass through the counter and head to the terminal gate. It was a relief!

I sat at the boarding area and checked other blogs or websites with a travel guide to Malaysia for me to look out for more interesting places. I was looking forward to day trips and exploring the main city as I will be there for 3 days max and also checking if I could go to somewhere with nature near the city.

Now, at the terminal gate, I and other passengers waited for more than 2 hours. We were asked to transfer to several gates (I think that was 3x) due to a reason I already forgot, the flight was delayed for at least an hour. Boarding was easy. I was too excited to enter the plane. I was already inside it that I even forgot my bag at the boarding area! Stupid, LOL! So I went back to the boarding area to get my bag.

After 3 hours and a half, we have landed in Malaysia And so, my journey started! Below was where I have been on the 17th to the 20^th of March. Check it out! Oh! I almost forgot, I only spent less than 5000 Php (RM 400+) on this trip of mine! Awesome, ain’t it?!

Remember:

Visa on arrival in Malaysia. It’s one of the visa-free countries a Philippine passport can enter.

Malaysia Itinerary - www.twobudgettravelers.com — Petronas Towers

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I have already forgotten about the other details like how much it was from point A to point B. I wrote it on my phone’s notes but unfortunately, my phone was broken when we went to Cebu, drowned by sea water.

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Things to Note

Please do note that this Kuala Lumpur itinerary was more on walking (just like what we did in Japan) because you would get to appreciate the place more if you did walking to go places. One way to remember the place, establishments and going around is to walk. If you do not have enough stamina, please use the Go KL buses. Two days in the itinerary of my trip expenses were saved by these government funded buses.

GO KL Bus is a government project to promote tourism in the land and it offers free rides to everyone even tourists and locals.

Note that the travel tax is not included because it is a required payment in the airport prior to leaving the country. It’s a fixed payment, hence, it couldn’t be included in the total expense for this itinerary.

Food, however, was covered and included in this 5000 peso challenge. Another tip, I brought some food prior to leaving the Philippines and that helped big time in making this challenge possible. I assure you I never felt any hunger in Malaysia.

A separate feature will be placed on each of the places of where I had been, so stay tuned!

You might also be wondering how I got my flight ticket and why it was cheap. It was a promo from AirAsia, the 0.01 sale! The ticket was booked long months before the actual flight date, that is why it was so cheap and I am just lucky enough to find a seat suited for my birthday!

All those places in the Kuala Lumpur city and a visit to Kanching Falls for not more than 5000 pesos! Go visit KL now!

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur?

I would personally recommend the hostels or guesthouses where I stayed. Backpackers Travellers Inn and Agosto Guesthouse which were booked via Agoda.

But you may also check on other options here via Booking.com.

Review: Backpackers Travellers Inn
Review: Agosto Guesthouse

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Backpacking BRUNEI: 3D2N Brunei Itinerary | Solo Travel Guide

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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January 8, 2023

BACKPACKING BRUNEI

A 3D2N Brunei Itinerary | Solo Travel Guide

Contributed by: Jayson M. Robellano

This trip is part of my Brunei-Miri-Kota Kinabalu tour.

backpacking-brunei-3d2n-itinerary-solo-travel-guide — Photo by Jayson M. Robellano

They say it’s boring in Brunei … Yes, that’s true especially if you are fond of drinking, smoking and nightlife. But for me, I found it peaceful and relaxing.
You can actually tour around the city in one day by just simply walking and following the tourist map.
Here’s my simple itinerary and tips for the trip: 3D2N Brunei Itinerary

Day 0 3D2N Brunei Itinerary
2300 arrival
2400 rest
Day 1
0900 start of the tour, Kampong Ayer Water Village and Gallery. Don’t forget to go to the watchtower and explore. Water taxi – 1 BND oneway. Kampong Ayer complete tour via water taxi – 20bnd
1030 from the waterfront, walk going to Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. No entrance fee, you need to use a robe, if you are wearing shorts. 3D2N Brunei Itinerary
1130 lunch at Jollibee
1230 check the terminal and the bus bound for Miri
1300 back to the guesthouse, siesta
1530 explore the city, went to Royal Regalia Museum. This museum is all about the Sultan of Brunei.
1630 back to the waterfront and hire a water taxi for Proboscis Monkey watching for 20bnd. This activity should be done during early morning or late afternoon when it is low tide.
1730 Citywalk again, bought food near the mall and had early dinner
1930 visit Cafe Piccolo
2100 rest and eat at coffee bean
2300 back to guesthouse, rest
Day 2
1000 breakfast at a local restaurant
1100 packup of things
1300 bus bound for Miri 3D2N Brunei Itinerary

Check budget hotels in Brunei HERE!

Travel Tips/Reminders: 3D2N Brunei Itinerary

It is very hot in Brunei.
The exchange rate is 35php per 1 BND.
Most of the accommodations are expensive. You can find 20-30bnd in the downtown, near waterfront
You can find cheap meal/food for as low as 1bnd
From Brunei, Miri is 4 hours away while KK is 8 hours

Check budget hotels in Brunei HERE!

WHAT TO READ NEXT

BRUNEI Itinerary for 3 Days | Brunei Travel Guide
DIY Travel Guide: Bangkok 4D3N Itinerary
5D4N Hong Kong and Macau Itinerary | Travel Guide 2018
Backpacking TH-MY-SG-IND for 9 Days: Full Itinerary for 15k Pesos Each

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ATV Adventure in Paracale | Camarines Norte

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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January 8, 2023

ATV Adventure in Paracale, Camarines Norte

After our island adventure in Maculabo Island, we also did manage to create another memorable experience by riding an ATV and driving thru the rough terrain in Paracale. With so many things to do in Paracale, here’s one that’s really memorable.

RRC ATV MOTORS

Our group was accommodated by RRC ATV Motors to try their vehicles and drive thru the terrain only ATVs and buggy cars can drive on. Starting at Candelaria Beach Resort, you will surely enjoy the thrilling ride of your life.

ATV stands for All-Terrain Vehicle, meaning you can drive it on over the rocks, the mud, the sand, etc, and maintain a good balance while driving it. If you know how to drive an automatic motorbike, this surely will be easier for you. If you happen to know nothing about driving, you can still go with a partner or learn how to drive this because driving an ATV, believe me, is really easy.

ATV Trail and Destination

According to RRC ATV Motors founder, Christian, the difficulty level of the terrain goes from easy to medium. The medium to hard difficulty terrain is still being constructed. It’s also known as “The Golden Trail”.
Starting at Candelaria Beach Resort, you will drive thru a rough terrain that is extra muddy when wet or when it’s raining, and also kind of slippery when under the same conditions. If the sun is too hot, you will definitely be eating pounds of dust.

There’s also a steep part on the terrain and your partner needs to hold on to you. It’s what makes it kinda’ dangerous but it’s also an exciting part. When you get to the summit of the terrain, you would see a 360º view of everything, the beach, the town, even the island nearby. You will also find a mountain range and cliffs, plus a grotto.
It’s also the meeting point and resting point of all the ATV users. In this area, you will also find a great sunset as it is the highest point of the terrain. Everything in the area was bliss and like a paradise. The sunset, breathtaking and gorgeous as it could be.

We stayed here for a little while and took pictures of the surrounding beauty. We also took pictures at the cliffs as they really give a great view. While staying, we also ate our merienda prepared by the Tourism Office of Paracale and took a few more minutes of rest.
After the sun sets, we drove back to the starting point, at Candelaria Beach Resort.

RRC ATV Motors Contact

To book for your experience, you can directly message their Facebook page and ask for rates or call them thru their numbers below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RRCATVMotors/
Address: RSM Building Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Maharlika Highway Vinzons, Camarines Norte
Phone number: 0929 478 5711

WHAT TO READ NEXT

Parola Island: The Pink Beach of Camarines Norte

7 Recommended Beaches and Island Paradise to Visit in Camarines Norte

Travel Guide: 11 Must-See and Do in Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte Guide: What and Where to Eat

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Rivers in Europe – Discover the History That Lies There

By

Jane - Two Budget Travelers

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January 8, 2023

Rivers in Europe aren’t just full of fish, they’re full of history and that makes them some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Civilizations across the globe have their histories tied to rivers. In fact, UNESCO has the Rivers and Heritage Initiative to help preserve them.

Those who are travelling to Europe and are eager to learn about European history should definitely plan a visit to the major rivers in your travel destination. You can even book river cruises for a more immersive and luxurious experience.

If you are not sure which rivers to visit during your European travels, you are in luck because we’ve looked into them. There are six prominent rivers in Europe that are steeped in history and we’re going to tell you about them up next.

6 Rivers in Europe to Visit for its Historical Significance

Danube River

Known for being the second-longest river in all of Europe, covering a good number of countries such as Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Ukraine, it finishes up pouring into the Black Sea.

This body of water is treasured for the fortresses and castles that line its banks, which clearly shows a distinction between the empires that existed near it. It is also known for its vital role in the development of settlements and the political landscape in the countries through which it winds.

Rhine River

Home to the Germanic and Celtic tribes of history, the shores of the Rhine River has been the scene of various cultural and political events throughout the decades. Even Julius Caesar himself crossed this waterway in 55 and 53 BCE.

One of the most disastrous events in terms of the environmental aspect of the river is its contamination with pesticides and other chemicals when a chemical warehouse in Switzerland caught fire in the 80s.

Today, it is visited because of the castles that were built along its shores including the Rheinstein Castle, which was constructed in 1823.

River Thames

Located in Southern England, this waterway has several bridges named London Bridge going over it, immortalizing the river through the children’s song. You can view various attractions along its shores including the White Tower and the Traitor’s Gate.

As a tourist, you can also ride a small boat to cruise this body of water. This will give you the chance to view a lot of historical locations such as the Kelmscott Manor, the Tower Bridge and other amazing attractions.

Po River

Po River is the longest one in Italy, which covers part of the Cottian Alps and ends in the Adriatic Sea. Because of this waterway, the nearby area became home to pre-historic settlements, especially as it made the soil rich.

Being the longest river in the country, you can cruise along it using a boat. This way, you can have a look at different attractions in the country in cities that run along this body of water such as Turin, Cremona and Ferrara.

River Loire

This river is known for being the longest one in France, which made the Loire valley a major cultural location in Europe. In fact, the history of settlements along the Loire can be traced back to Neanderthals that lived near this water source.

Throughout the years, it has become a culturally rich destination, especially with the majestic chateaux that can be found on its shores. This is because the royal families of France developed the area and created wonderful gardens and parks.

The Volga

Lastly, you want to visit the Volga River in Russia. It is an extremely important waterway in European history because of its economic, cultural and political contributions. It traverses Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Saratov and Volgograd, and into the Caspian Sea.

It is the venue of many of Russia’s historical events and even folklore, making it home to colorful stories about the country and its people. It is a perfect destination for a summer vacation in Eastern Europe. Going on this trip will give you the chance to experience the country’s wildlife and nature, as well as the great cities near it.

The Bottom Line

Your European travels can be made into a fun learning experience by visiting these rivers in Europe. These will show you not only the physical culture of the place such as buildings and spaces but also how the living culture like language and values came to exist.

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GIVEAWAY: Win 3D/2N Stay with Breakfast and Airport Transfers at Coron Soleil! #TheJernyXCoronSoleil

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

January 8, 2023

Get to enjoy and relax at the most beautiful island in the world, Coron, Palawan, Philippines!
In collaboration with Coron Soleil Garden Resort and Coron Soleil Express Hotel, our blog The Jerny – Travel and Inspirations will be giving away these awesome prizes for our readers and followers!

What to Win:

One (1) winner of a 3D/2N stay in the Superior Room at the Coron Soleil Garden Resort (for two)
***inclusive of buffet breakfast
***inclusive of roundtrip airport transfers to and from hotel
One (1) winner of a 3D/2N stay in the Standard Room at the Coron Soleil Express Hotel (for two)
***inclusive of plated breakfast
***inclusive of roundtrip airport transfers to and from hotel

How to Join:

1. LIKE our Facebook pages:
The Jerny – Travel and Inspirations
Coron Soleil Garden Resort
Coron Soleil Express Hotel
2. SHARE and post this Facebook giveaway album together with the hashtags #CoronSoleil #TheJernyXCoronSoleil.
IMPORTANT: Make sure your post is set to public so we can track entries.
3. TAG at least 5 friends in the COMMENT section of the album. Get multiple chances of winning by tagging more friends!
4. (Optional – additional entry) Read our Coron Soleil hotel reviews (link below) and let us know what you think in the comments!
→ 8 Reasons to Book Coron Soleil Garden Resort for your Coron Vacation
→ Coron Soleil Express Hotel: Coron’s Best Value for Money Accommodation
→ Sol 721 at Coron Soleil: A Must Visit Restaurant in Coron

Giveaway Terms and Conditions:

1. Giveaway starts from the date of posting until October 27, 2017.
2. Winner(s) will be announced on October 30, 2017.
3. The voucher or certificate is valid within one (1) year of announcement.
4. Coron Soleil Garden Resort and its management have the rights to request for proper identification and other information of the winner.
5. The prize can be transferred to a friend or family provided that an authorization letter is assured.
6. The prize cannot be exchanged for any monetary value, e.g. cash.
7. Airport transfer is from Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga) to hotel and from the hotel to the airport.
8. Flight to Coron is not included in this promo. Flight from any point of the world to Coron shall be shouldered by the winner.
9. This is open to all nationalities given the winner will be flying to Coron within the validity period of the certificate.

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El Masfino Hotel and Resort: Experience and Review

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

January 7, 2023

After having visited A Square, approximately 20 mins away is where we were headed next.

El Masfino Hotel and Resort: Your Exclusive Getaway Up North

El Masfino Hotel and Resort is located within the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club, only 1-hour drive away from Manila.

Why it’s your exclusive getaway? It is a 5 minutes drive from the gate of Royal Northwoods Golf course. If you’re going to walk, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes of your time. The resort is within the golf and country club itself.

[BOOK EL MASFINO HOTEL AND RESORT NOW!]

Upon arriving at the destination, we were welcomed by the staff. In every resort and hotel, aside from the cleanliness, amenities, and facilities, it’s the hospitality that matters the most. In this resort, the staffs were all smiles and their politeness was overflowing. You can already feel the warm aura. And I have heard that most staff in the resort have been employed for years, which talks big about how good the management is. They do take good care of their employees.

The resort has a total of 20 rooms to accommodate guests. Sixteen (16) Deluxe rooms and four (4) Suite rooms.

We were then given our keys to the room. Deluxe Room 103 was designated to us and joining us were Maddie and Chams, two gorgeous ladies with travel and lifestyle blogs.

The room, Deluxe Room, is good for a maximum of four persons. To which, even when we are four in the room, it’s still quite spacious, and more spacious if we are only the two in it. Each Suite Room has twin double beds and you can still request for an extra bed.

I personally loved the interiors. The room has a warm feeling when you’re inside. So homey! The colors are fully complemented with black. The room also has a television set with cable tv, air conditioner, it’s own bar refrigerator, a couple of drawers for your items, a cool looking lamp (I loved this one!), and more. The lights, when lighted up, boost the room with warm colors. If your aim is to relax, it will definitely give you that and your sleep success is also on high.

One good stuff about the room is also the bathroom. Space in it was truly maximized. It doesn’t feel claustrophobic at all. Also, the shower area is a clear glass panel with hot and cold shower. We totally loved their bathroom. If only the two of us were in the room, I’d definitely stay longer in the shower area.

El Masfino Hotel and Resort Facilities + Amenities

Talking about the resort’s facilities, they definitely are boasting of a lap pool and wave pool. Cool, right? For only 300 pesos entrance on a day tour (peak season), you get to experience both.

We toured around and checked the area out. They also have these facilities best for team building. Aside from the swimming pools, they have a biking path, jogging path, picnic area, volleyball court, tennis court, billiards, basketball court, and KTV. The volleyball court would feel like you’re on a beach volleyball setup.

The resort has obstacle courses as well along the picnic area for physical activities. You may opt to slide, climb, or swing in the activity area or playground or just plainly enjoy the overall view of the resort.

They have Spa area too but the day we were there, they were all booked so we didn’t get a chance to experience that, but we would love to!

If you’re on a day tour and you don’t want to pay Cabana rental, you may opt to stay at the picnic area where trees are giving you shed from the sun.

Adrenaline boosting activities, you ask? They have that as well! You can rent the bicycle or the dune buggy for that. The road to enjoy the dune buggy is just outside the lobby area but still within the grounds of the resort. Enjoy and hone your driving skills while viewing the greenery of the place! You would even see cows or carabaos within the area or drive onto the muddy or the rocky part of the course. Your enjoyment is up to you!

Our Unique Experience in Driving

Not all resort would get you to drive a golf cart yourself, but this is an exception (or maybe we’re just lucky). Just before our tour in the golf course, we’re fortunate to have been spoken with Mr. Antonio Pancho, the builder of the property. And he permitted us to drive a golf cart on our own! Also, he mentioned to give us a practice play of golf in the morning!

Driving along the golf course on our own golf cart is one of a kind. We get to see the overall view of the resort and the golf course, take photos in a while and drive back again. It’s awesome to see the greens in the golf area, the setting, the dunes, and even the sunset. I let Jane drive first and I to be the one to drive back to the lobby.

After touring around the golf course, we head next and look forward to driving the dune buggy! We weren’t able to take great photos because it was already halfway dark. Plus, the first ones who drove the dune buggy enjoyed it a lot and even extended their experience which left us (Jane and me) a very little time to drive it our own and experience it to the maximum we could. But still, it’s a driving experience we couldn’t compare with anything. It’s still one of the best. Again, I let her drive the dune buggy first. I love seeing her eyes sparkling when doing things the first time. 🙂

It was definitely a great experience and the most unique among all our experiences in the resort.

Night Swim and Other Activities

After the dune buggy experience, we stayed a little in our room and prepared ourselves for a night swim, while others are in the KTV area, singing their souls out from happiness.

We actually thought the water would be so cold and that we’d get up soon, but it was different. The water was pretty warm, like in a hot spring, it would make you stay in the pool for long. Jane isn’t the person to stay in the water when it is freezing cold. She definitely loved staying in the lap pool because the water was so warm, she didn’t even shake for a chill feel. We even played a little basketball shooting in the pool and we both enjoyed it.

Just a little story of my foolishness, I was left with a little mouth injury. It’s because I was making the basketball a floater by clamping it between my legs. What happened next was that the ball rocketed upwards hitting my chin, forcing my mouth to close, leaving my mouth with a very little blood because my teeth hit the inside of my cheek, leaving a small wound. So the lesson has been learned, that you should really be careful when making a basketball a floater. LMAO! Update: The inside of my cheek is okay now, don’t worry. 🙂

In the room that night with other two ladies, we were preparing to sleep, but before that, we also had a movie night. Because the TV has cable channels, we were able to watch Avengers: Age of Ultron and White House Down under the FOX channel. God knows what time I was able to force myself to sleep. I even got up after a short sleep to shut the TV down because Maddie fell asleep while the TV was on.

Breakfast and Golf Play at El Masfino Hotel and Resort

They have plenty of choices for a breakfast at the clubhouse dining. I opted to have the Filipino Breakfast, Beef Tapa, served with garlic rice, egg, and coffee. I asked for a poached egg. Whilst Jane asked for the Crispy Adobo, served with egg, garlic rice, and coffee. Both dishes are worth 175 Php. The meals were sumptuous and tasty. For their price, it was more than worth it. They also served a few slices of melon, pineapple, and watermelon.

With their attentive staff, you will be served more than you deserve.

Not only they are serving Filipino dishes but some Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines too. The menu has a variety of choices and everything is served and cooked only when ordered so you are sure that the meal is served hot before your eyes.

The great food and the conversations we had at breakfast are enough to start up the day. After breakfast, a few of us head to take some rest, or did some more activities, and prepare for check-out whilst the five among our group including me opted to go for the real golf experience.

All of us had no experience in playing golf. So we were assisted to the golf practice area and a golf professional taught us the basics of handling the gold club and hitting the golf ball correctly. He also taught us the proper position and some basic of golf playing.

The cost of this activity is 1000 per hour. The golf practice is best for people with no experience in playing golf. It takes a lot of effort and discipline before you can hit your first ball perfectly. In order to hit the ball and land it on the longest distance possible, you have to calculate your speed, your strength, your force, your timing, and many other factors. If you think it is easy, it’s not. That’s why golf is mostly played by professionals. That is why golf is known as a rich man’s sport.

Verdict and Overview with El Masfino Hotel and Resort

El Masfino Hotel and Resort will definitely please you, your pocket, and your eyes. Their rates are affordable, that’s why Koreans, Japanese, Chinese and alike the premium market are often booking their facilities. Not only you could enjoy a scenic view and the resort’s greenery but you can also do a lot of things whether you are traveling solo, with family, or with friends.

You could enjoy these things in El Masfino:
-a cold swim during the day
-use the playground for physical activities
-enjoy yourself in the wave pool with your favorite inflatable buoy
-picnic with family and friends at the picnic area
-play basketball, billiards, and or volleyball in the activity area
-drench yourself in sweat while finishing the obstacle course
-drive and see every inch of the resort with the dune buggy
-play golf on the golf course site
-jog in the break of dawn
-do biking from morning ’til the afternoon
-use the KTV room to entertain yourselves
-order and eat every time you want at the clubhouse dining
-relax your body by availing the Spa packages
-movie night at your room via your favorite cable channels
-swim at night and still feel warm
-simply relax and sleep or see the stars at night

[BOOK EL MASFINO HOTEL AND RESORT NOW!]

As a couple, we loved how the room was designed to be so homey and warm. Personally, we really liked the way the bathroom was designed too especially with that clear glass of shower area. The bathroom is really for couples, at least for my taste.

You could do a lot of things in this resort. If the word complete is not the word, then it’s definitely more than that.

Just one thing you cannot do freely at will is to post updates on your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Since the resort is exclusive, it’s exclusivity includes minimal access to the online world as the signal isn’t too great for SMART subscribers, but better for Globe users. But hey, if your aim is to totally enjoy and temporarily disconnect from the online world, then El Masfino Hotel and Resort is the place you should go.

All in all, El Masfino Hotel and Resort is a place you, your loved ones, your friends, and your family will love. We are a couple and we loved it!

They have recently opened their facilities to everyone. Previously, it’s only a resort for members. But the market is changing and so should the resort.

Good news! You can enjoy their facilities at a day tour for only 300 pesos during peak season and 250 pesos only during the non-peak season. Also, Cabana is just an option. You may use the picnic area for free if you don’t want to avail the Cabana. Rooms, activities, and other rates are posted below.

Another good news! They have a PROMO this July! 30% OFF on all published rates for overnight accommodation.

Rates at ElMasfino - http://thejeny.com — Published Room Rates

How to get to El Masfino Hotel and Resort

El Masfino Hotel and Resort is now open to everyone, members, and non-members. But the best way to get to them is to contact them first. If you’re commuting, you can take a Baliuag bound bus in Cubao (75 PHP) and alight at Baliuwag Town Proper. From there, hire a tricycle and tell them you’d go to El Masfino Resort inside Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club. Make sure to get the tricycle driver’s cellphone number so they can deliver you out from the resort as there are no public means of transportation from the inside. Remember that El Masfino Hotel and Resort is an exclusive resort.

For more information, inquiries, and reservations:
El Masfino Hotel and Resort
Coral na Bato, San Rafael, Bulacan
(044) 892-0655
(044) 892-0692
Fax: (02) 445-5658
Mobile: +63917-542-1866
Email: info@elmasfino.com.ph
JULY Promo: 30% Off on all published rates for overnight accommodation
Website: www.elmasfino.com.ph

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11 Little Things You’ll Love About Japan (That Will Make You Love Them More)

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

January 7, 2023

As a first timer in overseas travelling, we set our standards and expectations low. We only know a few little things before entering Japan and this journey left a big mark on our hearts. If you set foot on this land, you’ll definitely be in awe and will be amazed too! Just like what it did to us! Here are some of those that I shall share with you.

1. Respect for the Elderly

There’s this thing about the Japanese people that I greatly admire. They are genuinely kind for the elderly people. I can attest to that since I have seen how they act and interact with them. Maybe on the other parts of the world, this practice is getting lost, but to the Japanese, it means a lot. On a bus ride from Osaka Station to the other parts of Kyoto, people are making sure not to seat on the elderly, pregnant and physically challenged seating area unless there are none of them. If a seat was already taken, a person seating in that area will most likely to stand up and offer the chair to them. It’s heart-warming and undeniably a genuine act of kindness.

2. Preservation of Tourist Destinations

Part of the journey is going to places that are very dear to the Japanese people. As a witness on how they maintain their tourist sites, I would say it’s definitely a genuine act of how they love their culture and the remaining of it. From the repairs of the walls to the smallest of the plants in the garden, all are being well taken care of. On our Ginkaku-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple tour, a man is in the gardens planting seeds and another is watering the plants. Imagine how big the temple’s vicinity is and if you look around, there are almost no signs of dead plants. All plants are blooming and are well groomed. If not for the fall season, it’ll be a very colourful garden for sure.

3. Public Transport is for Everyone

This is one thing that a traveler is mostly concerned about. We all need to know how to get to a certain place from spot A to spot B, how much time will it take to get there, and such. Transportation in Japan is so efficient that traffic is not an excuse. If you came to work late, will probably mean that you don’t like your job or you woke up late. If in case there’s a repair on the train, they will give you a written report for you to show to your boss why you were late.

Trains in Japan are the best especially if you have the Japan Rail Pass with you. Trains have their specific time of departure and are scheduled. You will know by a notice if a train is delayed in arrival or not in service because the time was adjusted. Plus, it runs at enormous speeds so going to a place from another will be shorter and definitely faster. They also offer rapid service trains, meaning that they will be skipping stations in order to provide faster trips. But the train stations are only open until 12 am.

Buses are efficient too as it provides a faster way to your destination than walking. There are several bus stops in Kyoto. Some of them are those that provide information about a certain place. The bus stop waiting area also has an estimated time of arrival/departure information and what bus number will arrive which makes transporting from one point to another relatively easier. All that information is very helpful for tourists.

PS. Even the CEOs here are taking trains!

4. Pedestrian Crossings and Bike Lanes

Japan truly is a haven for pedestrians. Streets have traffic lights for pedestrian crossing, even a small street does. As usual, red for stop, green for go. Surprisingly, most of the Japanese people are abiding by the rules of crossing the street! We saw a few where the light is red and people are still crossing the street but only happens when they know that there are no vehicles around.

Bike lanes, oh! One of the most enjoyable experiences we did was the Bike tour in Kyoto from Hostel Ginkakuji to Fushimi Inari Shrine at midnight and bike rental at Himeji Castle. Just like regular cars, bikes also have their own lane and they can opt to use the pedestrian’s sidewalk for safer trips. Same traffic rule applies for both cars, bikes, and humans. The beautiful thing about this is that Japan encourages people to use regular (pedal) bicycles than motorbikes. No traffic, no hassle, no pollution!

5. Bicycle Rental Kiosks

Japanese people are fond of using bicycles. If you do not own one, there are plenty of bicycle rental kiosk outside a plaza. Yes, the kiosks are outside and are fully automated! Just wow! For 100 Yen per hour, you’ll get the most out of your bike use. Just do not bring it home or try to steal it. It will surely cost a lot to your bank account because the bike rental kiosks are paid using your debit or credit card! Smart, huh?

6. Coin Lockers

You will see no baggage counters in the malls of Japan. Instead, what you’ll find are the “coin lockers” ready for everyone’s use. With a small payment of 200-1000 Yen, your belongings are surely safe and secure. From small bags to large travel luggage, it’ll fit in if you find the right size for your baggage. This is especially significant when you need to leave your things while on a tour. Plan your itinerary to Japan very well!

7. Trust Level 99%

Trust level 99% or maybe I am just not used to malls not having guards on their entrance or those that check the bags before entering the mall premises but this is absolutely amazing (at least for me). Their security personnel is inside the mall, roaming around, maintaining the peace inside. Even people with big, heavy bags are not being recognized as a threat to anyone. Even on the train stations, there are almost no guards to be seen. I am actually surprised that the building where our AirBnB host is located has no security personnel. The shrines and castles, no such thing visible too! You can feel the sense of security everywhere, even when there are no security guards around.

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8. Tourist Friendly Stations

This is a great deal for travellers! If you do not know how to speak Japanese, there will always be a Tourist Information centre with one who speaks good English to get you informed. There also are free English translated flyers/magazines/leaflets to help tourists on their journey and adventure in Japan. I even saw someone who speaks Korean/Chinese too! Sugoi! Worry not much if you get lost, almost every station (but not all) has an information centre. Japan is a very tourist friendly country indeed!

9. Cleanliness, everywhere!

You will see fallen leaves but not a single trash on the ground. People are informed of waste segregation and management. I do not know how they do it but the people are disciplined not to just throw away their trash and used products everywhere. They know how to take care of the environment. They know that they have to dispose of their garbage in the right places. Amazing it is and I am envious. Yes, really.

10. Vending Machines

Instant food, instant drink, anytime, anywhere! Yeah, there are vending machines everywhere in Japan. If you are thirsty, go find a box with lights down the street, put your coin in and tadaa! Instant drink for you! Hungry? A sandwich vending machine is also available! Hmm, getting called by nicotine on your body? Yeah, even this, cigarettes, they have a vending machine for it. Oh, if you happen to insert an extra amount, always expect a change!

11. Escalator Etiquette

Walkers on the right side, runners on the left side. Those who are walking fast may take the left side of the escalator lane whilst those who are happily enjoying the escalator ride may take the right lane. Usually, it’s the side lane that’s for the slow walkers. Hope this could be practiced well enough in our nation!

So yeah, that’s an unforgettable experience in the Land of the Rising Sun on the preserved city of Kyoto (and Osaka). We are very fortunate that we had Japan as our first international trip. We are definitely going back for more. This list is not even complete as I have yet to enumerate every amazing experience we had. It’s very tempting to go back, explore, and even live there. Japan exceeded our expectations and now, we are looking for another chance to step foot on that land.

This list is not even complete as I have yet to enumerate every amazing experience we had. It’s very tempting to go back, explore, and even live there. Japan exceeded our expectations and now, we are looking for another chance to step foot on that land.

See more Japan articles

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How to Fly Scoot to Singapore for Up to 50% Off

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

January 7, 2023

Scoot Airlines has you covered this travel season. If you were to ask every traveler who has been in the Southeast Asian region, there is a huge chance that half of them would cite Singapore as one of the best places to visit. From its world-class museums to its thrilling amusement parks, breathtaking sceneries, and many more, there come a lot of things that are sure to make your visit extremely memorable.
However, despite this list of attractions, it is no denying that flying to foreign countries, such as Singapore, can be awfully costly. Fortunately, with the help of budget airlines, such as Scoot, you can now fly straight to Singapore without the need to exhaust your savings.

READ: Backpacking and Crossing Borders: Singapore to Indonesia

So, to help you cross this famed island city-state off your bucket list, we have prepared a list of tips that will help you get to Singapore via Scoot with up to a 50% discount. Check them out.

Scoot Airlines. Image source: en.wikipedia.org.

Become a Scoot Insider

Want to enjoy even cheaper flights to Singapore via Scoot? By becoming a Scoot Insider, you can now have access to a broad range of perks and privileges. This includes having access to exclusive insider-only promotions and birthday discounts, enjoying faster bookings, and getting the latest information on deals and new destinations – which will help keep you updated on the airline’s sudden flight sales.
To start, you’ll only need to visit Scoot’s official site, choose the “Scoot Insider” category, and click on the “Become an Insider” button. The registration comes at no extra cost and only requires your email address. Once you’re done, you can now enjoy all the mentioned perks and privileges – with some even offering up to 50% off your next flight to Singapore. How cool is that?!

Know the Different Fare Bundles with Scoot

Familiarizing yourself with the different fare bundles of Scoot will provide you with an extensive set of advantages. Not only will this help you easily identify the right bundle that properly suits your individual needs, but it will also allow you to enjoy discounts rather than select the extras individually.

READ: 5 Great Night Activities You Can Do In Singapore

Generally, Scoot customers can choose between two fare bundles, namely the Economy Class and the ScootPlus option.
Under the Economy Class, you can choose whether to get the bundle called Fly, which covers your flight; the FlyBag, which covers your flight, plus 20kg checked baggage; and FlyBagEat, which includes your flight, 20kg checked baggage, and a hot meal with a beverage.
Meanwhile, the ScootPlus option, which costs more than the Economy Class option, covers a more extensive set of services, including complimentary meals and in-flight entertainment.
Since baggage, meals, and other ‘extras’ come with extra costs, taking them in a bundle instead of picking them individually will help you save enough money for your tour journey once your plane finally lands.

Compare Prices of Two One-Way Tickets to Round Trips

Conventionally, having one-way tickets is believed to be the better deal when it comes to domestic flights, while overseas travels call for round trip services. However, this is always not the case. In fact, in some cases, round trips may score higher prices compared to a pair of one-way tickets when going on an international journey.
When purchasing tickets from Scoot, for instance, there are times where buying two one-way tickets when going to Singapore promises cheaper rates than getting round trip offers.
Although this happens rarely, it is certainly worth trying. In order to ensure that you’re getting the better deal, it’s best to check and calculate the site for their one-way pricing and round trip deals.

READ: Backpacking and Crossing Borders: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

Go Incognito

This might seem absurd at first, but keeping your searches in secret can benefit you financially. This is because the cookies in your browser are allowing travel agents to monitor which flights are being repeatedly searched. With this, they could potentially increase the price of your flight to compel you to buy it right away.
By going incognito, you will be directed to a new browser window that is isolated from the browser’s main session and user data, thereby not inflating prices as you search. Although this promises only little price changes, this still saves you from the risk of having to pay additional fees that could significantly affect your budget plan.

CHECK OUT: ACTIVITIES IN SINGAPORE YOU CAN BOOK ONLINE

Conclusion

When it comes to traveling on a budget, turning to low-cost airlines, such as Scoot, remains to be an effective way to save while on tour. If you want to experience even cheaper flight rates that could give you up to 50% off, be sure to follow these tips and tricks before riding any Scoot plane to Singapore. For more budget flight tips, click here.

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TWO BUDGET TRAVELERSWorld Travelers on a Budget

TWO BUDGET TRAVELERSWorld Travelers on a Budget

Buffalo Swing

Chicken Wings

Spicy Salted Egg (Must Try!)

Flamin’ Lemon Wings

Honey Soy Sesame

Buffalo Wings (Hot)

Pasta

Gourmet Tuyo Spaghetti (Must try!)

Spicy Salted Egg Pasta (Must try!)

Spicy Shrimp

Bacon Tomato

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Pizza

All Cheese Pizza (Must try!)

Ranch Buffalo Pizza

Cajun Spice Pizza

Desserts and Beverages

Blueberry Cheesecake

Brownie a la Mode and Baked Cheesecake a la Mode

Salted Caramel Milkshake (Must Try!)

Pink Lychee Lemonade and Blue Lemonade

On the Airport Counters

Remember:

Things to Note

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur?

BACKPACKING BRUNEI

A 3D2N Brunei Itinerary | Solo Travel Guide

Contributed by: Jayson M. Robellano

Travel Tips/Reminders: 3D2N Brunei Itinerary

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The Bottom Line

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El Masfino Hotel and Resort: Your Exclusive Getaway Up North

El Masfino Hotel and Resort Facilities + Amenities

Our Unique Experience in Driving

Night Swim and Other Activities

Breakfast and Golf Play at El Masfino Hotel and Resort

Verdict and Overview with El Masfino Hotel and Resort

How to get to El Masfino Hotel and Resort

1. Respect for the Elderly

2. Preservation of Tourist Destinations

3. Public Transport is for Everyone

4. Pedestrian Crossings and Bike Lanes

5. Bicycle Rental Kiosks

6. Coin Lockers

7. Trust Level 99%

8. Tourist Friendly Stations

9. Cleanliness, everywhere!

10. Vending Machines

11. Escalator Etiquette

Become a Scoot Insider

Know the Different Fare Bundles with Scoot

Compare Prices of Two One-Way Tickets to Round Trips

Go Incognito

Conclusion