Zark's SM Bacoor? Thumbs down!

I've always been a fan of Zark's Burger (Taft Branch to be exact). Na-try ko na ang BF branch nila at satisfied ako sa service nila. However, just few hours ago, I tried their newly opened SM Bacoor Branch and I would like to share my terrible experience.

Kung lasa lang naman ang pag-uusapan, wala na akong masasabi pa. Talagang masarap ang burgers nila. Sa serbisyo lang talaga nagkakaiba-iba. In fairness naman sa SM Bacoor, walang mahabang pila tulad ng kinasanayan ko sa Zark's Taft. Nakaupo agad kami at pumili ng order. Struggle talaga ang pagpili dahil lahat masarap. Sumensyas ako para malaman nila na oorder na kami. May nakakita sa akin pero dineadma lang ako. Inulit ko sumenyas na oorder na kami pero wala pa rin pumapansin sa amin. Nung nagsisimula na ako mainis, may lumapit na babae para kunin ang order namin. We decided to order three Deep Fried Burger with Bottomless Lemonade. Ilang minuto ang lumipas, may lumapit sa akin na crew at tinanong ako kung may order daw ba kaming drinks so I said "yes, tatlong Lemonade. Yung isa dun bottomless". Mabilis naiserve ang inumin namin. Naubos ko agad ang laman ng isang baso kaya humingi pa ako. Nakangiti pa ako habang sinabi sa babaeng crew nila na magpaparefill ako. She politely handed me my lemonade sabay tanong "ma'am, nakabottomless po ba kayo?". JUSMIYO! Obviously, nakabottomless ako. Hindi naman ako hihingi kung hindi diba? At isa pa, hindi nyo ba nililista sa orders na may nakabottomless? Okay, kumalma ako. Pinalampas ko yun. Maya-maya pa, may lumapit sa amin na lalaking crew naman at may dalang jawbreaker na burger sabay tanong sa amin ng "ma'am, dalawang jawbreaker po?". Sinagot ko naman ng maayos at sinabing hindi amin ang order na yun. Pagkaraan ng ilang minuto, may lumapit na naman, sabi nya "three-pointer ma'am?" at kalmado ko na namang sinabing hindi amin yun. ANO BA! Hindi nyo ba nililista kung saang table ang bawat order ng burger at mali-mali kayo ng hinahatiran? Matapos ang ilang beses na pagkakamali nila ng sineserve sa amin,  dumating din ang tamang order namin, deep fried burger! SA WAKAS! Inenjoy ko na lang ang pagkain ko para mawala ang pagkainis ko sa kanila. Dahil sa laki ng burger nila, hindi namin naubos yung inorder namin kaya nagpasya kami na ipabalot na lang. Sumenyas ako sa isang crew nila, lumapit sya at sinabi kong ipapatake-out ko na lang yung pagkain namin at bill-out na rin. Akala ko umalis lang yung lalaki para kunin yung resibo pero di na sya bumalik. Nakita ko sya na nakatayo na sa may pinto ng Zark's at nag-aabang lang ng tatawag sa kanya. HELLO?! SABI KO PAKITAKE-OUT NG PAGKAIN NAMIN! Kaya after nun sumenyas ako ulit sa ibang crew para ipatake-out yung pagkain at magbill-out na rin. Ang tagal kong sumenyas pero walang pumapansin. Maya-maya pa, may lumapit na lalaki at tinanong ako kung anong kailangan ko kaya inulit ko na naman kung bakit ako sumesenyas. Oo, naiinis na ako talaga. Di ko maaintindihan kung bakit parang ang hirap sa mga crew doon na pansinin ang mga kumakain eh yung iba naman nakatanga lang sa malapit sa pinto. 

I really don't recommend Zark's SM Bacoor. Walang sense ng pagiging organisado ang mga staff sa branch na yun. Surprisingly, a friend of mine shared her terrible experience in this branch as well. Sayang! Ang tagal ko naexcite para sa pagbubukas nila sa SM Bacoor tapos ganito pa ang mararanasan ko? Una at huling kain ko na yan sa Zark's SM Bacoor. Dadayo na lang ako sa Taft o kaya sa BF para sa mas maayos na serbisyo, Sana may mas maayos na training pa ang mga nagtatrabaho sa branch na yun kasi nakakasira ng image dahil ang ayos ayos sa ibang branches ng Zark's tapos pagdating sa SM Bacoor, lagpak ang performance. Kung gusto nyo mag-Zarks, try their other branches para siguradong maayos at organisado. 

Haller, Baler!

Before finally saying "Goodbye Summer", I decided to experience Baler for the very first time. Well, I just want to try surfing. Haha! Fortunately, we were just in time for the big waves because the rainy season is fast approaching. It was a very loooooong trip! We departed at 3 in the morning and arrived at our first stop, Balete Eco-Park, at around 8-9 o'clock. 

This is Balete Eco-Park (first stop before proceeding to the town proper of Baler). We, Filipino, have a belief that the Balete Tree is a dangerous tree. Some people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings like kapre or tikbalang. Tourists are allowed to climb this Balete Tree but only up to a certain point. Also, tourists may also go inside to see it. Don't worry, you will fit in between the branches. The Eco-Park also offers variety of delicacies that is a "must try". 

Our next stop is the town proper of Baler (Haller, Baler!) where we ate lunch and visited the church and Museo de Baler. Located therein is also the famous BALER sign where you can have a photoshoot. I honestly love their Buko Juice in that area! It's just so pure (no water added and no sugar). 

(Baler Church)

(Museo de Baler)

(Baler Sign - that's my friend by the way)

After eating lunch, time to rest! HAHA! The much awaited REST! However, by 2 o'clock, we needed to prepare for our next destination, Ermita Hill. As per our tour guide, it is where the only survivors of the tsunami fled for safety where the entire old town of Baler was engulfed with sea water. 

 (Ermita Hill)

 Be ready for this hill. You will surely be tired. Our guide told us that it was about 200 steps (which I doubt). In my belief, it is more than 200 steps (around 300+ maybe). Do not expect something extraordinary when you reach the top. All that you're going to see is a cross which serves as a mark that the only survivors reached that point just to be safe from the tsunami. 

After a very tiring experience in Ermita Hill, we headed to our next destination, Diquisit Beach and their famous rock formations. Though it's very hot, I just can't stop myself from smiling because of the beautiful view. 

(Diquisit Beach) 

Tourists are allowed to swim here provided that it is included in your package. So, that's my last destination for Day 1. Time to return to the hotel and relax. By the way, the package that we got includes free dinner for 2 nights. 

Yay! DAY 2! We need to leave early because our destination is the famous "Mother Falls" and the trekking going to the falls is not a joke. It was a 1.3km trek (according to the sign) but you'll forget how tired you are upon seeing the falls. 

The water is so cold and clear. You can stay there for hours but for you to really enjoy the experience, I guess the perfect time to visit the place is during the weekdays. We had this activity in the morning while in the afternoon, we were scheduled to have our surfing lessons. I was not able to take photos of us while having the lesson. Yes, I tried surfing and it was fun! 

The following day (Day 3), we had our City Tour in the morning and visited the "pasalubong center". Don't forget to buy the suman of Nanay Pacing! It's really delicious! Then in the afternoon, we finally said "Goodbye Baler" but that doesn't mean that I will not be visiting the place again. Until now, I'm still missing the big waves and wishing that I can visit Baler again really soon. For more photos of Baler, scroll down. 

    

Very affordable Baler Package?

It has always been my dream to experience surfing and appreciate the beauty of Baler. After the second sem, my travel buddy and I decided to have our escapade but this time, with another friend. As I love browsing the internet to search for affordable tour packages, I accidentally saw this Facebook page -> iTravel Philippines. If you compare the normal rates of Baler Package offered by different travel tours, you'll notice that their rate ranges from 2000-3000 pesos for 2 days and 1 night. In addition to this rate, you'll notice that there are still a lot of exclusions like the fees per tourist spot and food. Back to what I was saying earlier, I feel so lucky that I saw this page of iTravel Philippines. You want a very affordable Baler Package? Search their FB, like their page and send them a message. 

We got the 3D 2N Baler Package for 2,500 pesos only but mind you, they are also offering some promos so be sure to visit their page every now and then. Not only that, you only need to deposit 500 pesos to reserve and pay only the balance two weeks before your travel date. 

INCLUSIONS:

--- Roundtrip van transfer (Manila-Baler-Manila)

--- Gas, toll fees, driver

--- 2 nights accommodation (air-conditioned room)

--- Free dinner for 2 nights (yes, your 2500 includes dinner!)

--- Baler tour 

Yes, we are very much satisfied with iTravel! They also offer other packages but rest assured that it's very affordable. Not only that, their tour guides are very friendly. If you want to visit Baler, enjoy the wave and learn how to surf, I highly suggest that you transact with iTravel Philippines. As to the places we visited and included in their package, visit my next post. :) 

Armada Resort

First semester has finally ended and I believe I deserve to have a break (a BIG BREAK actually after a chaotic and bloody sem). As I was browsing my facebook, I remember that I liked a page of this resort located in Zambales. The place looks so serene and that is the kind of environment that I need to relax and rejuvinate. Without further ado, I will now start sharing my Zambales experience.

Because it is already December (considered as high peak season), we decided to visit Victory Liner's station in Sampaloc Manila to get tickets (Manila to Zambales) the night before our scheduled trip to Zambales. If you're planning to visit Armada Resort, choose their Sta. Cruz Zambales trip. One way fare from Manila to Palauig costs Php 391.00/person. We left Manila at 11 o'clock in the evening (that's the best time to leave for Zambales since it's already late, less hassle, less traffic and shorter travel time). We arrived in Palauig at exactly 4:30 in the morning. Drop off point would be "Radyo Veritas, Pangilongan Palauig". Upon arriving, I called Ms. Grace Armada of Armada Resort to inform her that we are already in Palauig. At the drop off point (Radyo Veritas), there are already tricycles waiting. You just need to tell them that you are going to Armada Resort and they will drop you in Armada Compound. The fare would be Php 75.00/person. After that, there was already a boat waiting for us and we immediately headed to Armada Resort, Magalawa Island. The boat fare is already included in the package offered by Armada Resort so no need to worry.

SUNRISE! Mr. Sun is finally saying hello! Good morning, Magalawa Island! As we arrived, we felt hungry. However, the 2 days 1 night package that we availed includes 4 meals only (lunch, dinner, breakfast and lunch). We had to buy breakfast at our own expense. Their meal costs Php 150.00. Unfortunately, I was not able to take a photo of the meals we had during our stay in this island but believe me, it is really worth it. Below is the photo of their canteen where they regularly serve the meals of their guests.

They also have their newest attraction, the floating restobar. That is where we had our lunch. Unfrotunately, the restobar is still under construction during our stay so the photo below is how it looks when we had lunch. BUT the good news is that it is already done, fully furnished and well decorated. It was really refreshing to eat there and see different fishes around the restobar.

After eating, the perfect thing to do is to wander around the island and appreciate Mother Nature but in our case, we prefer to sleep. LOL! We stayed in their Fan Room with CR which is Php 2500.00/night. The inclusions of the 2 days 1 night package that we availed are the following: 

• Boat Transpo (2way)
• Entrance
• 4 Set Meals (3menu -combi of seafood/fish, pork/chicken, veggies, unlirice, soda, mineral water, dessert)
• Day 1 – Lunch, Dinner; Day 2 – Breakfast, Lunch
• Snorkeling/Rafting (w/ Lifevest and snorkeling gears provided and 1hr max duration)
• Accommodation of your choice (Option 1-7)

 (Armada Resort's 2 days 1 night package from http://magalawaislandresort.com/rates/)

(Armada Resort's 3 days 2 night package from http://magalawaislandresort.com/rates/)

Below are the photos of their air-conditioned and fan rooms. Scroll down. :)

(Air-Conditioned Room)

(Fan Room with CR)

(Kubo, Tree House and their own garden)

Our first day in the island is about to end and we need to do something to kill time so we had our drinking spree. However, bonfire and playing loud music is not allowed in the island. This place is merely for relaxation purposes. For the party people, don't worry the resort offers different alcoholic beverages. Just ask them what you need and they will be very much willing to grant your request. And that is how we ended our Day 1!

Hello, Day 2 (our last day on the island). We had our breakfast in their canteen and stroll around the island after. We were told that their mangroves is a "must see" especially those who love photography. 

The resort includes snorkeling in their package and because of this, they have decided to add their newest so called "love boat" which will be used by the guests. This was made to accommodate large groups. Below is the photo of their love boat.

(Photo grabbed from http://magalawaislandresort.com/gallery/?fbalbum=10152360851711809)

Snorkeling is really not my thing but guess what? I enjoyed it! The view underwater just made me speechless. If you're lucky enough, you'll be able to see different fishes in the corals but please be careful as there are sea urchins too. I'm pretty sure that you will also enjoy this activity! If you are already satisfied with your underwater experience or if you are already hungry, you may ask the staff to bring you back to the resort. After our snorkeling experience, we had our lunch (food again! Love it!) then proceeded to appreciate the island before leaving. As per Ms. Grace Armada, you may enjoy the island until 6 o'clock in the evening. Isn't it great? For photos of Magalawa Island, kindly scroll down. 

Though it hurts me and it made me sad but I needed to say goodbye to this lovely island. The boat of Armada Resort brought us back to Armada Compound. Outside the compound, there are tricycles waiting for passengers. Again, the fare is still Php 75.00/person. Another bumpy ride for how many minutes to finally reach the drop off point. We waited for a bus going to Iba, Zambales but was not lucky enough to find one so we rode an ordinary bus going to Olongapo. The fare costs Php 140.00/person. Our travel time was around 3-4 hours (I know! It's a looooooong trip). Upon reaching Victory Liner's station in Olongapo, we immediately bought a ticket going to Pasay which costs Php 218.00/person. While waiting, we decided to have our dinner. Don't worry, you have many options (e.g. Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, etc.). We travelled for another 3-4 hours and arrived in Pasay at exactly 12 midnight. Though I had a long trip, I must say that I also had the best experience in Armada Resort. See for yourself to appreciate the place and be ready to be amazed.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly getaway, this is the place to go! See the breakdown of expenses below for you to have an idea. 

Breakdown of expenses: (Armada Resort)

Fare:

-          Manila to Zambales                                                              = PHP 391.00

-          Tricycle          (drop off point to Armada Compound)    = PHP 75.00

-          Tricycle          (Armada Compound to drop off point)    = PHP 75.00

-          Bus to Olongapo                                                                    = PHP 140.00

-          Olongapo to Pasay                                                                 = PHP 218.00

2D/1N Package                                                                                  = PHP 2500.00

(accommodation + 4 meals + boat fare + snorkeling gears)

Extra breakfast meal                                                                        = PHP 150.00

                                                                                    __________________________

                                                                        TOTAL:                       = PHP 3549.00

Thank you to Ms. Grace Armada and to the people/staff of the resort. I will surely visit Magalawa Island again and will definitely refer this to my friends. For those who are interested, you may reach them through their contact number. Just look for Ms. Grace Armada (0920-948-3303). Furthermore, you may visit their website for other info.:

 http://magalawaislandresort.com/