Saturday, March 21, 2009

Shop for Summer Essentials

Summer's here! Classes are over, and it's getting sunnier and sunnier each day. People can't wait to take a break and go to the beach, and that sure includes me!

I took time out to surf for shopping sites that sell summer essentials one would need for that beach destination. Check it out! 

Warning: Some of these may be too girly for your taste. ;)

Here are some of my favorite sites:

Summer Essentials
Pink Boutique 

My favorite online store has now launched its summer collection! It started with summer dresses, and coverups come next. Check out the items to get chic fashion finds! :)






Summer Essentials

Soak Swimwear

Started in 2007 by two beach lovers, this brand has already made waves in the fashion industry. I love their bikinis. Too bad most of the items are sold out. Look for these babies in their partner retail stores: Anthem, The Ramp, Peppered Cherry, Sunlab, Hot Pink Lingerie. It's even available in 37 Degrees in Vivo City, Singapore. Way to go! Good job for a Philippine brand!






Summer Essentials

Practical Finds

I found this site cool because it offered nice practical solutions like these waterproof beach pouches. I also love their chic passport holders with lots of compartments for travel documents. These are great stuff you could bring for your next travel destination! :)





I'll leave you with 3 recommendations for summer essentials shopping for now. Enjoy shopping!

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Thursday, March 19, 2009

A Night at Villa Caceres in Naga City

A couple of weeks ago, I got to visit Naga City. I took a flight to Legazpi, and I saw Mt. Mayon for the first time. The sight was magnificent. The sun was setting at that time, and clouds were hovering around Mt. Mayon peacefully. They say that when you get to see Mt. Mayon when you visit Legazpi for the first time, it means you're welcome there. 

Two hours later, I find myself in Naga City. It was two hours away from Legazpi, and we decided to spend the night there. I stayed at Villa Caceres Hotel, a newly renovated hotel. The new lobby was very inviting. Huge sofas await the guests, and bright chandeliers hung from the ceiling. It had an old world feel to it that one can't help but be drawn to.

Naga Adventure

The lobby was impressive, but wait until you see the rooms in the new wing. The look was very classy. When I got to the room, the first thing that got my attention was the very generous flat screen TV in the middle of the room. There was a small desk beside it for the guest's convenience, and a gorgeous old-fashioned lamp was put on it. It was fascinating to see that the hotel really took effort to make their classic look consistent -- from the lobby to room furniture, even up to bathroom fixtures.

Naga AdventureNaga Adventure

With the basic room amenities already reviewed, let's get to the comfortable beds. It surely did not disappoint! When I arrived at the hotel that night, it was almost midnight and I was tired from a full day's work. The beds at Villa Caceres had soft sheets and pillows, and it was easy to sink into them to sleep. 

Naga Adventure

Other Amenities
Villa Cacere offers free WIFI access at their lobby and suites have extra amenities like a living and dining room, jacuzzi and enclosed shower and bathtub. They also have a swimming pool for their guests open from 7am to 12am, as well as an outdoor jacuzzi and indoor sauna and steam bath. For fitness buffs, there's a center with several fitness machines and equipment. They have in-house fitness trainers to assist their guests as well.

Total Experience
Overall, I loved my short stay at Villa Caceres. It was a great experience, and this hotel is definitely one to consider when you find yourself in Naga City. 

Villa Cacere Room Rates
Here are the room rates for your convenience (as of Feb 2009):
Standard Single - Php 1,500
First Class - Php 2,000
Executive Twin - Php 2,500
Executive Suite - Php 3,500
Family Suite - Php 3,800
Presidential Suite - Php 8,000

Villa Caceres Hotel
Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City
Telephone No.: +6354.4736530 to 33
Email: villacacereshotel@yahoo.com

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