/**/ February 2018 - Travel + Decor + DIY

Where I stayed in Cebu: Bai Hotel

As a first time traveler to Cebu ( one of the Philippine’s most developed provinces) I was very excited to see what the city will in store for us. I heard so many beautiful stories about Cebu and I sure that we’ll not be able to do all of them on a single trip, but an introduction is worth the few days that I will be flying out of Manila.

Along with 2 blogger friends, Mark (@lakwatserongtsinelas) and Darwin (@thetreasuretracker) we hopped on an AirAsia flight to Mactan Airport. There were already a handful of bloggers who left early that day, so YEY to new friends.

BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION

For this trip, we were invited by Bai Hotel to try their 5-star hospitality. I was privileged (naks) to experience it along with some of the bloggers who were part of Indonesia’s #TripOfWonders batch 3, I was part of the 1st batch so it was my first time to meet most of them. I was so happy that for the first few minutes alone to be with the group, I already felt welcomed and belonged. Most of them also, I‘ve been following already in social media so somehow we know each other’s lives (creepy but understandable, it’s 2018 already! haha).

Ok enough about us. Let me tell you about Bai Hotel Cebu.
BAI HOTEL CEBU

Bai Hotel Cebu is a new hospitality development located in the middle of Cebu City and Mandaue City and within short distance from ports and business districts (25 min from Mactan – Cebu International Airport -- which is important considering how Cebu traffic jam can rival the one in Manila.)

Once it finished all construction, it will house a total of 668 rooms, 12 conference and event venues and over 8 dining options, making it VisMin’s biggest hotel up to date. It is also a proud member of Worldhotels which is an exclusive group of independent hotels around the world.
ROOM

I got the Deluxe Room which I shared with a blogger (now) friend Rodel (@rodelflordeliz), I can’t wait to finish my vlog as I had a whole scenario of sneaking inside our room on our first night because our group arrived pretty late.

[caption id="attachment_5584" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Enjoying this bed![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5562" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION We had a Two-bed Deluxe Room[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5583" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION ROOMIES! Sharing my room with Mr. Nognog in the City! The Piolo Pascual of Philippine Blogging World, Rodel Flordelize[/caption]

Anyway, the room is spacious enough to be shared with a friend,  if you are a couple on a needed R&R trip or If you are on a business trip, this room is a perfect retreat after a very busy day.

BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION

Guest room is equipped with:

  • Complimentary Daily Newspaper (Executive Club Floor Rooms)

  • Complimentary Wifi

  • Designer Toiletry Set (Executive Club Floor Rooms)

  • Electric Iron and Ironing Board (I am giving them 100 points for this)

  • Individual Climate Control

  • Individual Refrigerator

  • In-room Electronic Deposit Box

  • Internet Protocol Television


DINING

I mentioned a while ago that the hotel offers 8 dining experiences. I got to try 5 of them and each one offers a unique experience.

TWILIGHT ROOFDECK

[caption id="attachment_5560" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Twiling Roofdeck Lounge Bar[/caption]

Because our flight got delayed, our group arrived a bit late (12 midnight to be exact). We got pretty hungry and initially we thought of checking out the nearby Jollibee located at Park Mall in front of the hotel. We were so happy when the reception informed us that the roofdeck bar, Twilight was still open and offers dinner (also pulutan). So our first meal was in a bar, not too bad right? We got some welcome drinks and a number of dishes that definitely satisfied our hunger.

[caption id="attachment_5574" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Chicharon bulakalak and gambas. Super satisfied belly![/caption]

Twilight Roofdeck Lounge Bar is an exclusive members-only al fresco lounge and bar located at the 23rd level. It is open on Tuesdays – Sundays at 6:00 pm – 2:00 am

EXECUTIVE LOUNGE

Early in the morning, we saw a little note slipped from our door saying that we are invited to have breakfast at the Executive Lounge. This was also the first time that I will be meeting the bloggers from the first group who arrived.

[caption id="attachment_5572" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Executive Lounge at the 22nd Floor[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5569" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Oooh always a favorite. Proscuitto and several cold cuts variety[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5567" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION ...also loads of different cheese!!! Is the plural of cheese cheeses? hmmm[/caption]

The Executive Lounge exclusively serves complimentary buffet-style breakfast, afternoon tea and liquors to Executive Floor guests. Just being there made me feel special haha. They told us that the selections at the lounge is “almost” the same as the one at the Café Bai (the hotel’s All-day buffet restaurant), only that the place feels more intimate and of course --- EXCLUSIVE!

[caption id="attachment_5563" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Our blogger table! Lilliane (@wanderlass), Seph (@sephcham), Trice (@tricenagusara), Darwin (@thetreasuretracker), Mark aka Attty (@lakwatserongtsinelas), Ruth (@ruthilicious)[/caption]

Located at the 22nd Level. Open only from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm

MARBLE + GRAIN STEAKHOUSE

[caption id="attachment_5566" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION One slab or medium rare please![/caption]

During lunch we tried the hotel’s resident steakhouse, Marble + Grain. Aside from its fine custom aged USDA prime beef (which I want medium rare--- YASSS), there is a buffet spread as well to compliment your mouth watering slice of beef. We can’t believe that we can actually get as many slab of steak as we want, because we can’t even finish one. SHAME ON US!

Located at the Ground Level. Open on Tuesdays – Sundays from 11:30am – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

UME JAPANESE CUISINE

[caption id="attachment_5573" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Ramen and tempura at Ume[/caption]

Another place where we had lunch (of course not on the same day!). JAPANESE!! YAASSS QUEEN!! I am a sucker for Japanese food and the moment I stepped in Ume, I feel at home already. I was sharing a table with my favorite blogger couple Seph and Trice and we ordered a spread of Japanese goodness. Sushi, sashimi, ramen…name it, we had it!

Located at the Ground Level. Open on Tuesdays – Sundays from 11:30am – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

BAI CAFÉ

[caption id="attachment_5585" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Dirty Icecream stand. Photo c/o @Ruthilicious[/caption]

Bai Hotel’s All-day buffet restaurant. A bit crowded during breakfast (well, it isn’t the biggest hotel in VisMin for nothing right?) but brushing away the crowded aspect, the buffet selection is amazing. From signature Filipino dishes and delicacies (including a big taho tub—unli syrup!!) to other continental options.

Located at the 2nd Level. Open on Mondays- Sundays from 6:00am – 10:00pm

POOL BAR

[caption id="attachment_5571" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Overlooking the overlooking pool bar[/caption]

Though we really didn’t use the pool bar when we went up and had a dip, it is still convenient to know that your pinacolada is just a snap away when you feel like lounging at the hotel’s overlooking infinity pool.

BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION

The Pool Bar offers light drinks and snacks beside the hotel’s 25-meter infinity pool overlooking Cebu’s skyline.

Located at the 21st Level. Open on Mondays – Sundays from 7:00am – 10:00pm
OTHER DINING OPTION (WHICH I WASN’T ABLE TO TRY)

LOBBY AND LOUNGE

Serves light meals, desserts and pastries, signature drinks, cocktails and a variety of liquors.

Located at the Ground Level. Open on Mondays – Sundays from 7:00am – 12:00 am

WALLSTREET COFFEE BAR

Offers all the signature selections of a traditional coffee house alongside assorted bakes goods made fresh daily

Located at the Ground Level. Open 24/7

 
SOME OF THE THINGS TO DO AROUND BAI HOTEL

To experience a bit Cebu’s finest (even for the short time we had), Bai Hotel arranged a shuttle service for us to freely go around the city. Our group ended up deciding where to go and what to do.

Here are some of the places we went

TEMPLE OF LEAH

Dubbed as “Cebu’s Taj Mahal,” is symbol of love from a husband to his late wife. Just the thought of it makes you want to saw awwwwww.

BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION

The temple serves as a shrine in memoriam of Leah Albino – Adarna, the late wife of Teodorico Soriano Adarna, the grandmother of the Filipino actress Ellen Adarna. The Adarna family owns a famous hotel chain in Cebu and opened this temple to the public 2 years ago. (note: you need to pay 50 php entrance fee).

[caption id="attachment_5589" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Vloggers in action. Photo c/o @Ruthiliscious[/caption]

Though it is still under construction, it is now becoming one of Cebu’s most visited attractions. Aside from its lavish décor and architecture, reminiscent of a Roman temple, it is also located on top of a hill, providing an overlooking view of the whole city. This alone is worth the 50 php entrance fee in my opinion.

CEBU’S ORIGINAL LECHON BELLY

[caption id="attachment_5581" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION I know you want it![/caption]

LECHON!!! A Lechon (roasted pig) is what this city is known for. So I will not say no for a good hearty lechon belly. Just a walk away from Bai Hotel at the Park Mall you will find Cebu’ Original Lechon Belly. They didn’t put the tag ORIGINAL for nothing. They are the initiator of all lechon bellies you’ll find around the Philippines (even in other parts of the world).

[caption id="attachment_5582" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Photo op with the owners of Cebu's Original Lechon Belly[/caption]

My favorite is the spicy belly. Oh my YES please! I think I finished almost a plateful of this tasty treat. You can also buy this to take back to Manila.

OCTAGON BAR

Though Bai Hotel has its own rooftop bar, the hotel’s manager, Mr. Albert, insisted for us to try and very Octagon Bar. He said, “for us to see a different side of Cebu”…hmmmm.

[caption id="attachment_5570" align="alignnone" width="800"]BAI HOTEL CEBU PHILIPPINES REVIEW TRAVEL BLOG STAYCATION Octagon Bar![/caption]

Fresh from our cozy lounge at Twilight, we were ushered out of the hotel and found ourselves in the crowd of mostly Korean millenials. Hahaha. It is clearly diferent from the Twilight crowd. My tito self is screaming, get me out of here but the young at heart version of me wanted to dance and be with the crowd….right @Ruthliscious?

Note: if you bring your Bai Hotel rook key card, you don’t need to pay for the door fee to enter the bar. (wink***).

Though I didn’t see a lot of the famous sites in Cebu, I can say that my first Cebu experience is very memorable. It is just enough for me to love the city and to make me want to come back and experience more.
So will I book at Bai Hotel Cebu again? DEFINITELY!!!!


Bai Hotel Cebu
Address: A1 Ouano Ave, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu
Visit http://baihotels.com/


 

kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines

Where I stayed in Boracay: Ferra Hotel Boracay

I have been in Boracay numerous times but whenever I thought that I had enough of the Philippines most famous island getaway, I always find myself back in its arms and lounging under the sun and working on that tan.

As I needed to be in Boracay for a wedding, going out partying (with the backpacker crowd) wasn’t really on top of my priority list, let’s say I was a tito (uncle) of Boracay on this particular trip .

I stayed in a backpacker hostel (more of like a party hostel) on my first day, though, I am a hostel enthusiast whenever I go outside the country backpacking, I wasn’t that eager on staying a few more nights sharing a room with strangers on a supposed to be an R&R trip.

[caption id="attachment_5506" align="alignnone" width="800"]Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip A sweet room welcome[/caption]

Good thing, Ferra Hotel is just around the corner from the hostel I initially stayed in. I moved to Ferra Hotel and was really glad I did. Located at a walking distance from Bulabog Beach and the crowded touristy D’Mall, it is in good proximity away to mask the busy and chaotic party beach scene but also close enough to enjoy the White Beach without paying a transport (tricycle).

The design of the hotel is geared towards modern minimalism. A perfect Instagram backdrop I must say. It gives a vibe of a boutique hotel which is bordering on intimacy. If you spend a few days in the hotel, you will know all the staff by name already (even some of your neighbors. )

[caption id="attachment_5512" align="alignnone" width="800"]Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip Hotel's reception area[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5501" align="alignnone" width="800"]Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip Modern Asia Restaurant[/caption]
ROOMS

I got the superior room which is good enough to fit 2 people. An ideal room for someone who’s going solo and want a retreat from the busy island or for a couple looking for a cozy place to relax (or express their passion—oops TMI).

I found the room just enough to cater my needs. Complete with a cable tv, dvd player, mini fridge, mini bar and a wifi (YES). In total, the hotel has 37 guest rooms including a loft type room perfect for group parties (note: this room has its own kitchen). Check out my friend Gael’s post about this room.

Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip

[caption id="attachment_5514" align="alignnone" width="800"]Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip Ferra Hotel's Superior Room[/caption]
DINING

My room included a buffet breakfast at the Modern Asia Restaurant located at the ground floor. There are selections of a typical Filipino breakfast, longanisa, tapa and at one point even a danggit (dried fish). The interior fits the whole feel of the hotel. Modern-Minimalist! It also has an access to the hotel’s cute pool, which I didn’t pass dipping in.

Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip

Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip

Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip

If you feel tired going around the island’s gazillion restaurants, you can get a little down time on it’s rooftop bar, The Ruf Resto Bar. I had a privilege to try out their mouthwatering menu. Note that I was practicing a Ketogenic diet/lifestyle during this visit, but I think it was worth the additional sugar and carb consumption for the day.

Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip

Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip

 

All in all this hotel is a refreshing addition to the ever growing hospitality experience in Boracay. A perfect place for young professionals who want to experience the island in style, yet don’t want to miss out on all the action that the island can offer.

Will I got back? Definitely!!




This post is in collaboration with Ferra Hotel Boracay. All opinions, editorials and photographs are my own. 
BOOK A STAY AT FERRA HOTEL BORACAY

Ferra Hotel Boracay Review philippines blog travel trip

Sitio Bulabog, Balabag, Bulabog Beach, Boracay Island


(+63)(36)2881177 to 79


Official Website


 

kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines

Birthday Month Giveaway!!!

BIRTHDAY MONTH!! YEY! I also consider this as my blog anniversary (hitting 2 birds in one stone). So, to show my appreciation for all your support, I asked some of my favorite brand partners to throw a little giveaway for all of you guys!

Just follow the instructions below to get a chance of winning one of these amazing prizes.

BEACHBORN

1 winner of Sea Salt Spray + Bam Balm (For Philippines and Dubai Only)


BIRDAY GIVEAWAY KENNETH SURAT BEACHBORN

a Rafflecopter giveaway


If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat and @beachbornph account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

 
KKDAY

5 winners of 1000 php Trip Voucher from KKDAY (For Philippines only)


BIRDAY GIVEAWAY KENNETH SURAT KKDAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway


If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat and @kkdayph account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

 
DEUTER 

1 Winner of Deuter Adventure Belt Bag  (For Philippines only)


BIRDAY GIVEAWAY KENNETH SURAT DEUTER

a Rafflecopter giveaway


If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat  and @deuter_ph account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

 
NOORD

1 Winner of Noord Personalized Travel Wallet (For Philippines and Dubai Only)


BIRDAY GIVEAWAY KENNETH SURAT NOORD OFFICIAL

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat and @noordofficial account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

 

SURAT JOURNAL(For Philippines and Dubai Only)

2 Winners of Surat Journals Artisan Bi-Fold Wallets


BIRDAY GIVEAWAY KENNETH SURAT JOURNALS

a Rafflecopter giveaway


If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat and @suratjournals account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

All winners will be announced on the 25th of February 2018. Good luck guys!


kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines