Lutong Pinoy Resort: A Quick Escape

Place: Lutong Pinoy Resort, Waling Waling Drive, Tugbungan, Zamboanga City
Date: May 11 2012

Lutong Pinoy Resort

It was last April when I started hearing the name of this newly opened resort in Zamboanga. At first, I was in doubt with its name since it does not coincide with its type. I mean a resort with a name related to food? But anyways, let us set that aside and leave it to the owners. There were  just few informations of the resort on hand but I got several positive feedbacks. At first, I just knew it by word of mouth of my several co employees who went there and gave me great stories about it. They do also have a facebook page and showcase their resorts and it looked stunning. And lastly, I found Angelique a co-blogger from Zamboanga on her blog talking about the resort. And so this made me so wanting to get to the place.

Just in time for our off schedule, we made arrangements together. Since none of us went to the resort before, we decided to make a call but the phone number they provided on their facebook page was not working. Good thing, they responded by PM and Angelique gave as well some directions. We decided to reach the resort by commute to serve as a guide for fellow middle class readers who wants to visit the place.

Directions:

This is a newly opened resort in Zamboanga. It is located at Waling Waling Street, Tugbungan, Zamboanga City. The resort is just about 10minutes ride from downtown by a private vehicle and is also accessible by a public utility vehicle. The jeep routed to Tugbungan is located at the back entrance of Southway Square just between Caltex Station and Mang Tinapay Bakeshop. The fare is Php 8. Just tell Manong driver to drop you off at the Tugbungan Elementary School and/or Tugbungan Police Station. A huge signboard of the resort along the highway is also a landmark. There are padjak drivers (Fare Php10 per head) aligned along the street which you can transact with to bring you to the entrance of the resort (since the resort is still a few walks away from the highway).

Lutong Pinoy Entrance Fee and Cottage Fee

I have to agree with what Angelique mentioned in her blog. The resort's entrance fee is a bit pricey. They should have lowered its entrance fee than the present resorts in Zamboanga (since they are still starting its operation and since most amenities are non-operational yet at the time of writing). Their cottages were perfectly built on the resort making the two pools as the centerpiece and accessible (if you are going to check the resort on google map, the resort's structure looks very interesting). But then again, like what my friends commented, it is a bit expensive.

Cottage 10

On their pools. Just plain conventional pools like what other resorts have. The main pool near our cottage had four (4) to five (5) meters depth and obviously, it is for adults. I have to comment that their pool handrails were too unstable. I mean, at some point, my friend thought that it might give up and lead to accidents. The kiddie pool is located near the entrance but I have not tried it there since there was a birthday party being held at that part. I also noted several lifeguards on post around the pool which is a plus point for the resort.

They were really strict when it comes to the pool rules and regulations especially on your swimming attire. They do not allow street clothes, only white t shirts and no buttons/zippers. They even have a sale of white t-shirts on their entrance booth (price Php 100). My friend mentioned that it is reasonable for several reasons she explained. So a tip for those who wanted to visit the resort and use their pool, read the above Resort's policies.

Man Made Fish Pond (I believe)

On their Boat Ride. I haven't tried this yet since it was way too dark to do such (we arrived pass 7pm). But the boat ride (priced at Php 100 for one (1) hour) maybe exciting. It is done on their man-made lake (more of like a fish pond) and it is huge, so there are plenty of space to move the boat and enjoy paddling.

On their comfort rooms. Their comfort rooms/dressing rooms were huge. I mean, it can accommodate at most 15-20 persons inside with a separate rooms for the females. It was clean and a commendable good water supply.

But what is best about the resort is their restaurant. I have to mention that their foods are all delicious. And one thing that stands out is their bagong gata. Promise, one must try the said delicacy when in the resort.

What I also love about the resort is the perfect cool breeze and sunset view it offers. The resort is located on the marshland part of the city and it is skillfully converted to a very nice resort.

I heard that in the future, they will be opening a new activity (fishing on their fish pond). That will be great since it will be a lot fun if the fish being serve on your table is what you have just catch on their nearby pond. A few commendable constructions were ongoing near the entrance booth for those who wanted to stay overnight on the resort. 

Overall, the resort is an exciting addition to the booming tourism industry of the city, especially if they will open their future plans on fishing. Though there were few hitch-backs I mentioned, but they were all just minors that can easily be remedied. Anyways, the resort opened its doors to the public just earlier this year so we expect a lot of improvements in the coming months. Till we meet again. Lutong Pinoy Resort!!!!

July 8 2012

I had the chance to revisit the resort last July as I was invited by the Youth Christian Fellowship. This time, I had better photos taken at daytime.

Signage to look out for while on the highway

Near Police Station Office, Barangay Hall and Elementary School

The resorts entrance

The huge parkway

Floating Cottages

Pond for boating

A pond with full of Tilapia (?) and other fingerling fishes

Boat Ride

Floating Cottage: Close Up

Our Jovial Rio de Abong Abong Journey

Its More Fun in Abong Abong!!!!

Place: Pasonanca Natural Park, Canucutan, Upper Pasonanca, Zamboanga City.

Date: March 8 2012

Checkpoint

I never thought that there such a haven spot existing in this area. I mean this is not new anymore to zamboangueno trippers but for me as a home buddy before, this is something an exciting discovery. I have seen some photos of my colleagues at work on their tripping in this area and thought of going there but certain circumstances occured that it did not happened. For the record, this is my first time to be in the area. I remember way back during ASSP days, we spent our nature tripping on some river in Lower Pasonanca. Though, it had the same water temperature but the stream here (Upper Pasonanca) is way much clearer. 

How to get there? Just ride the PUJ Upper Pasonanca near Puericulture Hospital and ask the driver to drop you at the checkpoint (Picture 2). Look for the sign Castro Drive so you will not get lost. Ride Cost Php 12. Upon entering, you will be ask to register at their booth and pay their Php 5 fee.

Hanging Bridge

Once inside the park, it now depends on your preference as to where you would like to settle. At first, Des recommended the spot where they had their trip but there was a loud blast heard(more of a Gunshot but no Des said its a firecracker) that taken us aback. So we opted to go further and pass this hanging bridge. We thought of taking some snaps thinking that were in Sevilla, Bohol (except for the fee) but when were on the middle, a group of children from the other point was running towards us that made our balance a bit trembling and gait wobble. 

Unfinished? or Wrecked?

Finally, we found a perfect spot. It had several cottages free of use and some local residents also having their fun.

Clean and clear river!!!

After that tiresome search, we finally set our feet to rest on this sensational clear river stream. Be careful though, because there were some parts of the river that are totally slippery plus the strong water current. I remember Bibay was pushed by this current while she was trying to have a photo shot. Also, there are some parts with different depths like what I asked for Yet to check out first a certain portion of the river before i plunged in.

Water Bender

we love the freezing stream Bbrrr!!!

Sore feet!!! 

Overall, it was a worthwhile trip. I love going back to this place and rest our tire muscles. What I also love about this place is the serene atmosphere truly away from buzzling city. You can only hear the sounds of a chirping birds, brushing of the trees due to some air current, and the gushing water flow; all in all made the place an ambiance perfect for nature lovers and a stress-reliever tripping.

till next tripping.....   :)

Kintaro Mandarin Gate 10th high

Place: Kintaro Mandarin Gate 10th high, Sky Park Hotel Rooftop
Date: August 08 2011

Kintaro Mandarin Gate 10th High, as the picture says, is on the topmost of Sky Park Hotel, the tallest hotel, located on the central business and commercial district of Zamboanga City. Its exact address is German Tower corner Antonio Orendain Street, Zamboanga City, near Shop-o-rama and ABC Bakery.

This is not actually my first time to be in this restaurant, I reckoned wayback in college that I and my co Lhao uy friends dined here and had a very good impression not only on the superb taste of their foods but as well on the nice scenery offered outside the glasses and the accomodating staff who rendered great service. 

Rooftop

Accordingly, it's a Japanese Restaurant but I dont feel like it is a Japanese Restaurant. I dont know probably because all their cuisines on their menu book sounded and look familiar and I was thinking more of like alien names for that type.

This restaurant is considered as one of the best "Japanese Restaurant" in the city and I would have to absolutely agree with that (including my friends). I am not actually an expert in terms of food reviews but definitely I cannot deny the fact that the foods excite our taste buds. 

Recommendation: Definitely a must visit restaurant when in Zamboanga City. Excellent service, good food, best aerial scenery (especially at sunset), and best of all, affordable. Best site for dates and for those who just wants peace and away from paparazzis kunoh.

Remarks: thank you Madwin for the treat!!!

Las Palmas Resort wingding!!!! June 2011

Place:  Las Palmas Resort. A mountain View Resort and Restaurant

           Tala, Barangay Boalan, Zamboanga City

Date: June 25, 2011

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Approximately about 10 kilometers from downtown Zamboanga and another 3 kilometers from the national highway is the resort named, Las Palmas Resort. This resort is located uphill of Barangay Boalan and I believe you won’t get lost as signage’s were seen along the road.  A budding resort that has just recently opened early this year and me and my friends went out and tried to check out their amenities that day. Evidently, the resort has just started its operation because a few constructions of additional facilities were seen around. As told, the zipline will be operational next month and it would cost you Php150. It was like maybe roughly around 50 meters stretch from the top. Exciting it may seem but I think it would be too brief that I will start to feel the thrill of the ride after I reached the ground.

On the entrance, guests will be notified of few restrictions by the on-guard and the entrance fee. They prohibit use of liquors inside and bringing of outside foods. Php 20 for the entrance and additional Php50 for use of swimming pool for adults and if ever you brought along your kids, they will be charged php30.  But entrance will be picked out from the charges if you dined in their restaurant no less than Php1000. 

On their pool. Nothing exciting seen with the pool as what my friends have said. It was just a plain simple swimming pool like the usual resort we visited with a depth variation (2ft, 3ft, 4ft, and 5ft). But the water was clear and clean and what I love was the fact that it has no strong chlorine smell. They do also have a kiddie pool adjacent to the main pool. 

Main Pool

What I love about this resort is their breath taking view of the mountain ridges north of Barangay Boalan. The viewing deck on the upper portion of the restaurant had a picturesque scene of the place. The place was cool and serene, perfect for an escape from hassle city life. I also love the site of birds (Kingfisher as what Mae said) diving with us on the pool.

Inside the restaurant

On their restaurant. Their restaurant is clean and screened. Free wifi can be access inside and commendable nice furniture. The food was served hot but waiting time is way too long. Maybe a tip to those who want to be here, place your order as soon as you arrived or give them a call so by the time you arrived, foods are ready. The taste was good and I love the chicken Kare-Kare and pancit canton for a substantial reasonable amount.

Time to eat

Bilao

screened restaurant

panoramic view of the restaurant from above

On their comfort room. Their comfort rooms were clean and a commendable good supply of water.

There were other attractions noted in the resort. One is the tennis court adjoining the restaurant. You can also opt for renting their mountain bike. Or maybe just relax and hear the water flowing from their man made mini pond near their gazebo. Kids can also have their swing and seesaw seen near the entrance. You can also opt for an overnight stay on their rooms or rent an exclusive lodge inside the resort.

Main drawback. I did not only notice this but we all did notice the fact that flies were everywhere. Probably because of proximity with the chicken poultry south and a considerable distance from the lumbangan dumpsite north.

Recommendation. It is still worth to revisit especially if their zipline is operational. Ciao!!!

Till next tripping!!!!
Photo courtesy by co-FB users : Ibk khasan, Emmie Suriaga

Chinitos' Chocolate mousse cake and Carbonara

Place: Chinitos Restaurant, Southway 2nd Floor Branch
Date: June 12, 2011

Actually I have a bias opinion with regards to carbonara because the first time that I tasted such recipe, it gave me a horrible reputation. So that's why when I went with Aldrin for our food tripping, I chose the other serving but because of persuasion I gave in and the next thing that happened, the Carbonara was on my table. 

With Chinitos, it gave me a total knocked out and I enjoyed this delicacy and was just cheap, worth Php60. It had a thick creamy real meaty sauce. The pasta was cooked well, the sauce was thick and nice and there was plenty of meat throughout. 

Carbonara

This cake caught my eye when we were ordering for pasta along the display near the counter. I love chocolates (that's where I got my name 'Crazy over chocolate' Chokoloko) and I was tempted to try this Chocolate Mousse cake from this restaurant. And it even look amazing when it was already brought to our table, I cant help but fall in love with this recipe. It retailed Php75 and was very cheap but with superb taste, PROMISE!!! 

The cake was made with real cream and real chocolate, quite heavy, but lightly whipped and fresh milky chocolatey taste. I will buy this mousse more often and recommend really to my fellow food trippers and critiques.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Allow me to say...OH EM GEE!!
Where has this treasure been all my life and why have I ignored this before? I must mention that I ate this delicacies slowly, eaten piece by piece, to savor each nibble. Not just it's taste but I love as well how it satisfied our sweet tooth. Truly a Knock out!!!

Alavar SeaFood House

Topic: Seafood Rice
Place: Alavar SeaFood House, Paseo del Mar, Zamboanga City

I got entice with the sight when I saw the display of this seafood rice in Alavar Restaurant, Paseo del Mar branch. That was my first time to know the existence of this particular version of rice style of cooking and so I ordered for it together with my friends, P35 per scoop. The display was so tempting ( color orange rice with lots of shrimps and clams) that I couldn't resist not to nimble. And so I ordered for a scoop just to have a taste of it.

But I got dismayed when the order arrived on my table. The one given to me was slightly different from the one being displayed. There was only one shrimp and one clam with a scoop of the orange rice. The rice was served cold and that it was overcooked. (Who would have thought that way, when it is overly displayed) I felt dumbfounded when I saw the serving maybe it was due to the sudden rush of enzymes on my stomach that I failed to think that I am getting just exactly proportionate with the amount paid.

Had the chance of returning it and exchanged for something else, I would grab it with no doubt. I don't know what happen, but I had some good experiences with this restaurant, in fact one of my favorites is their Kuracha.

 

Summer Hullabaloo: Virnell Farm May2011

May 15, 2011..... Virnell Farm.... Barangay Cacao, Cabaluay, Zamboanga City

Northeast of Zamboanga Peninsula

Virnell Farm and Resort

The Resort's different amenities and activities

Roughly around 17 kilometers from downtown Zamboanga and an additional 4 kilometers from the national highway, is a haven called Virnell Farm. Located at Mangura, Barangay Cacao, Cabaluay, Zamboanga City. The rode was rough and tough, in the sense that lumps and bumps were met along the way (worsen by my full bladder), steep as it is located overviewing the scenery of the northeast of Zamboanga and harsh as we travelled by motor in the middle of the day.

Virnell Farm is an eleven hectares of land that is converted into a mountain resort. There were lots of bearing fruit trees scattered around the resort, animals freely roaming around, and a beautiful mountain sceneries.

The entrance fee is just cheap amounting Php40 per person and you can already swim on their pool and wander around the resort.

about 6 feet pool

on the right hand, is the kiddie pool with slide

You can also rent on their cottages at an affordable price. We opted for a screened cottage named Bougainvilla amounted Php250. We could safely leave our things while we stroll around the resort because it is   locked and the key is provided.

Private Villa in the resort, with own pool

Al mchale in Bougainvilla

our cottage

After munching on our food for lunch, we right away availed all their attractions available.

ok hold on tight

higher higher pa daw abla si jen

Al and jen on the weird structure

First stop, was their weird structure found on the back of our cottage. We couldn't figure out was that structure was and what for. So we decided to have a ride on it, until we knew that it was somehow like an improvised ferris wheel. We didnt realized that it was broken not after the day when the tour guide said so. Good thing no one got injured.

Second stop, Cable car. Amounting php10, you can now have the ride of your life. Although the ride was a bit short but truly, it is so exciting.  I didnt dare to ride on it only jen and yet, I was in doubt whether it could safely land me on the opposite pole but that was the greatest regret I did that day. Sigh....

Accordingly, the guide said the cable car can withstand a 100kg capacity, which is true because I witnessed a customer that weight an estimated maximum capacity.

yeti on the ride

me, jen and al on the opposite pole of the ride

jen on the cable car

Third amenity, the BAT CAVE!!! The walk to the cave is very steep and tough, plus the excoriating heat of the sunshine on the stroke of 12 noon. Thats why if you want to witness the cave marvels, please dont forget to use sunscreen, long sleeves, shades and water. An estimated 50 meters walk is the length of the cave. The cave I believe is dead since stalactites and stalagmites were all cut unlike the cave in Siquijor where the cave is wet and animals are seen living inside. But it was really a thrill! Inside the cave was a warm temperature where we all got ourselves dripping with sweat, bumpy and challenging as we have to hurdle the big stones and small crevices along the cave. 

the cave exit

OMG thats me on the exit with yeti

now, there's the exit point of the cave

kosa tiene jen alyi?

Yao trying to get inside

Yeeha!!!!!

posing!!!!

stalactites and stalagmites were purposely cut accordingly for safety reason

kasya ka yao??

uy may signal sa loob ng cave!!

thats the cave , alright!!!

inside the cave

marvelled with the interior of the cave

hahaha mukha siyang kulungan!!! ng mga NPA at Abusayaf

the green team!!!

an example of a cut stalactite/stalagmite

Fourth, Horseback ride that amounts Php45 per person for 10 minutes. We didn't have the chance to ride on the horse because we lacked time. Well the last time I rode a horse was when I was still 4 or 5 years old in Negros Oriental with my Uncle Heraldo while wandering the forest of Ilithon to Lipayo. Going back, we only took a photo together with the horse from afar because the guide told us not to get near as the horse might kick us. LOL

BLUE TEAM, yao, yet and jr with the horse

GREEN TEAM, al, me and jen

upclose, hehehe mukhang donkey ang horse!!!

Bonus site!!! picture witht he cute shitzu dog of someone. We all love the dog's hair, friendliness and charm. Very super cute!!!

me, princess and the dog owner

Princess shitzu!!! cutey!!!

upclose with princess

Fifth, the terrain and the hiking activity!!! Jayr once said" If you are looking for a great place to hike with the best scenery in town this is the place!!". Just a tip, again, dont forget your sunscreen like 50 spf, long sleeves, huge hat, umbrella, shades and water!!! because the place is just wild!!!

yeti and me, gikapoy na siguro

yan ang sinasabi kong makitid at matirik, grabe!!!

to the cave

smile pa rin kahit papano

the Blue Team

Good thing, i brought my towel and the sunscreen!!!

Wait for us!!!

Of course, who could ever forget the seesaws, slides, trees and camping. Virnell Farm is a great place for camping and we spotted some hikers at their teens on their camp. We sneaked for some photos.

Extra Photos....

me on the Private Villa

Yeti and me back to back witht he green flag

the mango tree, MANGO FARM

hahaha.... buti na lang may tuwalya!!!

duyan duyan

sa entrance to ng resort, sensya na!!! excited lang!!!

hahaha!!!! papuntang cave na! ready na kame!!!

sneak peak sa camping site!!!

feeling bata pa rin ako!!!

wala kasing plato at baso dala kaya yun bumili kame hahaha

nag survey ang donya

Overall it was a worthwhile activity. Virnell Farm and Resort surpassed my expectation. I first thought that it was just a plain resort with the usual pool and cottages, but, there were lots of activities and amenities that can be done in the said resort. Our harsh ride to this resort and the duty schedule we had the night before, all paid off as we were awed by its beauty. HASTA LA VISTA VIRNELL FARM!!!!!!!

bye na kame!!