The Old Man from Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

11:30:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 4 Comments


STORY: During my last expedition to Java, the biggest island of Indonesia, i found myself so enamored and bewildered by Bandung. Strangely enough, it's my most favorite city in the the region. It has that cosmopolitan flair that's not too commercialized, and the historical alleyways and side streets are enough lesson for me to know that the Dutch once ruled this side of the planet. 

But this story is not about the history of the Dutch East India Company, nor the magnificent structures still standing in Bandung. It's about the side streets i chanced upon on my walking tour of the city. 


You see, Bandung isn't as popular as Surabaya or Jogjakarta. Yet, there's something about this place that i can't seem to forget. 

It was a very humid afternoon when i checked in at my hotel in the heart of Bandung. After hitting the shower, and delivering my soiled clothes to laundry, it was time for me to stroll around and discover Bandung. 

You know the feeling when you just can't move anymore - when you just have to stop because your heart started beating so fast. It's this one. 

So, there i was, obviously unfamiliar to the place, sitting on a bench together with a merchant, a street sweeper and this old man from Bandung. Up until now, i still can't explain why i gravitate towards the old man from Bandung. When i started chatting with him, he won't answer me in complete. He would nod, and smile but never answer. I am guessing he doesn't understand English as he looks friendly enough to welcome a stranger in his small space. He puffs a smoke from his cigarette. He would watch people pass by him. He would take a sip from his water, which he asked from the merchant. He would not look at me. 
  

While seeing people hurry going somewhere, i was there nonchalant and trying to figure out why i suddenly stopped from my exploration and sat beside this man. For the love of God, i don't know why.


My memories of tall buildings and quaint cafes around Bandung may fade but this old man from Bandung will remain in my heart forever. Later on, i gave him the remaining cigarette from my pack. I wanted to hug the old man from Bandung. But that would look really weird, and i am guessing he would be weirded out, too. I am still trying to figure out my fascination for this man. 

I wanted to ask him so many questions. Where is your family? Are you alone? Where do you live? What are you doing? But none of that is really important during that moment. All i could ever think of was making sure this man feels taken care of. 

I didn't chicken out and asked the man if i could take his photo. Not because of anything, but simply so i could remember his face forever. He was still quiet, and reserved. He puffed his cigarette again, as i slowly fade from his vision. I told myself not to look back once i left. I looked back, and he's still looking at people passing by. 

Later that day, i called home and talked to my family, especially my father. The man from Bandung may not have shared with me his story. But this story i am sharing with my old man. 

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An Open Letter to the People of Nepal / #PrayForNepal

2:10:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

An old charismatic man poses for the camera in Bungamati

 I know it has not been easy. I try to imagine how it feels to lose everything you posses - the house you've lovingly made into a home, the farm you've tended for so long, and the people you've loved all of your life. 

The past few weeks are bad dreams for all of you, i know. Losing everything you have will make you feel sad. And sometimes you will ask God why make you suffer through all of these hardships. These are normal reactions, most especially, since you've been through so much in very little time.

I cannot imagine myself in your shoes for i cannot imagine the day i lose something really important to me. I will also regret the day that it will come. 
म यो सजिलो छैन थाह छ। म यो तपाईं posses सबै गुमाउन महसुस कसरी कल्पना गर्न प्रयास - तपाईं मायालु एक घर मा गर्नुभयो घर, तपाईं त लामो समय को लागि tended गर्नुभएको खेत, र मानिसहरूले तपाईं आफ्नो जीवन को सबै प्रेम गर्नुभयो। 

पछिल्लो केही सप्ताह तपाईं को लागि खराब सपना हो, मलाई थाहा छ। तपाईं सबै खोने तपाईं दुःखी महसुस गर्नेछन्। तपाईं यी कठिनाइ सबै माध्यम ग्रस्त किन बनाउन र कहिलेकाहीं तपाईं परमेश्वरको सोध्न हुनेछ। तपाईं धेरै साना समय मा धेरै माध्यम भएको छु देखि यी अधिकांश विशेष गरी, सामान्य प्रतिक्रिया हो।

म मेरो साँच्चै महत्त्वपूर्ण कुरा गुमाउन दिन कल्पना गर्न सक्दैन लागि म आफ्नो जूता मा आफैलाई कल्पना गर्न सक्दैन। म पनि यो आउनेछ भन्ने दिन पछुतो हुनेछ। 
My gracious family hosts from Tansen

My friends, Nepal is very precious to me. You don't know how happy I was traveling back to your country a few months ago. I came back to Nepal in less than a year because i found home in your country apart from my home here in the Philippines. 

Sometimes, i often ask myself why i love your country so much. My friends and colleagues would wonder why i keep on coming back to a relatively poor country. I can travel to other rich countries, yet a flight to Kathmandu is always a plan for me. I stayed in Nepal for two months, too short for other travelers, but ultimate very long for normal people. For me, the time i spent there felt like forever. For now that i am away in Nepal, is just temporary. 
मेरो मित्र, नेपाल मलाई धेरै बहुमूल्य छ। तपाईं म केही महिना पहिले फिर्ता आफ्नो देश यात्रा थियो कसरी आनन्दित थाहा छैन। म फिलिपिन्समा यहाँ मेरो घर अलग्गै आफ्नो देश मा घर फेला किनभने म भन्दा कम एक वर्ष पछि नेपाल आए। 

म यति आफ्नो देश प्रेम किन कहिलेकाहीं, म आफूलाई अक्सर सोध्छन्। म एक अपेक्षाकृत गरिब देश फिर्ता आ गरिरहन किन मेरो मित्र र सहकर्मीसँग आश्चर्य हुनेछ। म अन्य धनी देशहरूको यात्रा गर्न सक्छन्, तर काठमाडौं उडान सधैं मेरो लागि एक योजना छ। म सामान्य मान्छे को लागि धेरै लामो पनि अन्य यात्री लागि छोटो, तर अन्तिम दुई महिना लागि नेपाल बसे। मेरो लागि, म त्यहाँ खर्च सधैंभरि जस्तै लाग्यो। अब म दूर नेपाल हुँ भनी लागि, बस अस्थायी छ। 
Playful kids from Kapilvastu

It may be because of the romantic air at Patan Durbar Square at night, or the quiet atmosphere at Bungamati before dawn. Up until now, i can still imagine the delicious Dahl Bat i eat almost every day in Tansen, or the fried momos i order in Sauraha. It may also be that afternoon glow of Machhapuchare in Pokhara during winter, or the mighty Himalayas in Kakani. I also think it might be the Maha Shivaratra festival i was blessed to go to in Pashupati, or the Tuesday that i went to Dakshinkali.

I will run out of words in expressing the many different things i can never forget about Nepal, same as how much i am in love with your country.

I know during the past few weeks, you feel sad that all that you have worked for are all gone. It's not easy saving money to build a house, nurse a child, and feed the family. My friends, look at the bright side of things. You may lose all material possessions you have, but you're still blessed to be alive. Life is a blessing that you have but others have lost. Today as you read this, smile because you've overcome the great tragedy for you're still breathing. Many people are dying around the world, and i know that you may have lost a friend, a family member or even someone from the village. Always remember that the gift of life that you still have is what will make you feel in the long run. 
यो किनभने राती पाटन Durbar स्क्वायर मा रोमान्टिक हावा, या प्रारम्भ अघि Bungamati मा शान्त वातावरण को हुन सक्छ। अब सम्म, म अझै पनि म तानसेन मा लगभग हरेक दिन खाने स्वादिष्ट Dahl चमेरो, या म Sauraha मा क्रम तला momos कल्पना गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ। यो पनि हिउँदमा समयमा पोखरा मा Machhapuchare को दिउँसो चमक, या Kakani मा शक्तिशाली हिमालय हुन सक्छ। म पनि यो म Dakshinkali गए कि म पशुपति मा जान आशिष् थियो Maha Shivaratra चाड, वा मंगलवार हुन सक्छ लाग्छ।

म नै म आफ्नो देश प्रेम मा हूँ कति रूपमा म नेपाल, को बारे मा भूल कहिल्यै गर्न सक्छन् विभिन्न कुरा व्यक्त शब्दहरू सकिएको हुनेछ।

म विगत केही सप्ताह समयमा, तपाईं को लागि काम गरेका छन् कि सबै सबै गएका छन् दुःखी महसुस थाह छ। यो, एक घर निर्माण एक बच्चा नर्स, र परिवार खुवाउन सजिलो बचत पैसा छैन। मेरो मित्र, कुराहरूको उज्ज्वल तिर देखो। तपाईंलाई सबै सामाग्री सम्पत्ति गुमाउन सक्छ, तर तपाईं अझै जीवित हुन अनमोल छौं। जीवन तपाईं तर अरूलाई गुमाएका एक आशिष् छ।तपाईं यस पढ्न रूपमा तपाईं अझै सास हुनुहुन्छ लागि ठूलो त्रासदी हटाउन गर्नुभएको किनभने आज, मुस्कान। धेरै मानिसहरू दुनिया भर मर्ने छन्, र म तिमीलाई एक मित्र, एक परिवारको सदस्य वा गाउँमा देखि पनि कुनै गुमाएका हुन सक्छ भनेर थाह छ। सधैँ अझै छ कि जीवनको उपहारलाई तपाईं लामो रन मा महसूस हुनेछ के छ भनेर नबिर्सनुहोस्। 
Holiday hike with teenagers in Ramkot

Mourn and grieve now, but stand up and work hard to come back. You will feel more alive than ever. Like a spinning wheel, life is like that. Sometimes, you're up but sometimes you're down. You've been down the past few weeks, i know. But after this, the wheel will go up again. There is no way for your life to go but up.

As i write this, i think i am starting to understand why i love Nepal so much. Old historical buildings and places of worship may have crumbled, and brick houses may falter, trekking season to the mountains may stop, but your country still have something that nobody can take away. No earthquake can shook the people of Nepal. 
शोक र अब शोक, तर खडा र फिर्ता आउन कठिन काम। तपाईं कहिल्यै भन्दा बढी जीवित महसुस गर्नेछन्। एक कताई पाङ्ग्रा जस्तै, जीवन जस्तो छ। कहिलेकाहीं, तपाईं छौं तर कहिलेकाहीं तपाईं तल छौं। तपाईं पछिल्लो केहि सप्ताह तल पुग्नु भएका, मलाई थाहा छ। तर यस पछि, पाङ्ग्रा फेरि जानेछु। आफ्नो जीवन जाने तर माथि लागि कुनै तरिका छ।

म यो लेख्न, म म यति नेपाल प्रेम किन बुझ्न शुरू छु लाग्छ। पुरानो ऐतिहासिक भवनहरु र उपासनाको ठाउँमा crumbled हुन सक्छ, र ईटा घरहरू रोक्न सक्छ पहाडहरू गर्न मौसम Trekking, falter सक्छ, तर आफ्नो देश अझै कोही होइन दूर गर्न सक्छन् भन्ने कुरा छ। कुनै भूकम्प नेपाल मानिसहरूलाई shook सक्छन्। 
Eager babu's first time to see a camera in Bandipur

The Nepalese people are truly the most inspiring people i have ever met. The days i have spent there in your country have been memorable. Where every person i have met have touched my heart like no other. Back where i live, i would often smile in admiration whenever i talk about you all. I never fail to laugh when you all nod at a stranger, someone you don't know. That someone is me. Yet, i've never felt like a stranger. Whenever i set foot in another district, in each place i visit, i never fail to make friends because you've opened your hearts to me. In a very small village or even a huge district, i've never felt in danger because i know you keep even strangers safe. 

It's all of you that is the real treasure of Nepal. It's your faith that will lead you towards making the right decision from hereon. It's your innate value of giving that will make all the hungry eat. It's your wisdom that will surely make you recover from this tragedy faster. It's your love for one another that will make Nepal come back from all of this.
नेपाली मानिसहरूलाई साँच्चै म कहिल्यै भेट गरेका छन् भन्दा प्रेरक मानिसहरू हुन्। म आफ्नो देश मा त्यहाँ बिताए गरेको दिन अविस्मरणीय रहेको छ। म कहाँ भेटे छन् हरेक व्यक्ति कुनै अन्य जस्तै मेरो मन छोयो छन्। म बाँच्न कहाँ म तिमीलाई सबै कुरा जब फिर्ता, म अक्सर प्रशंसा मा मुस्कान थियो। म तिमीलाई पराई सबै टाउको निहुराउनु, कसैले तपाईंलाई थाहा छैन जब हाँस्न असफल कहिल्यै। त्यो कुनै मलाई छ। यद्यपि, म पराई जस्तै महसुस कहिल्यै गर्नुभयो। म भ्रमण प्रत्येक ठाउँमा, अर्को जिल्ला खुट्टा सेट जब, म तिमीलाई मलाई आफ्नो हृदय खोल्न गर्नुभएको किनभने मित्र बनाउन असफल कहिल्यै। म तिमीलाई पनि सुरक्षित अपरिचित राख्न थाहा किनभने धेरै सानो गाउँमा वा एक विशाल जिल्ला, म खतरा महसुस कहिल्यै गर्नुभयो। 

यो तपाईं को सबै नेपालको वास्तविक धन छ छ। यो hereon देखि सही निर्णय तिर तपाईं नेतृत्व हुनेछ भनेर आफ्नो विश्वास छ। यो खान सबै भोकाएका बनाउन हुनेछ भनेर दिने आफ्नो जन्मबाट प्राप्त मूल्य हो। यो पक्कै पनि तपाईं यो त्रासदी छिटो देखि ठीक गर्नेछन् भनेर आफ्नो बुद्धि छ। यो नेपाल यो सबै देखि फिर्ता आ बनाउन हुनेछ भनेर आपसमा आफ्नो प्रेम हो।
A portrait of myself spending the best time in my second home, Bandipur, Nepal

And it's all of you, Nepalese people, that will stand up again. Wipe your tears dry now, and start fresh. I am very proud of each and everyone of you. Dhanyabad!

Ma Nepal Lai Maya Garchu!

You're number 1 fan.

Jerik Gurung

 ---

 Read the rest of my travel notes from Nepal here.
र यो तपाईं को सबै छ, नेपाली मान्छे, कि फेरि खडा हुनेछ। आफ्नो आँसु अब शुष्क नामेट, र ताजा सुरु। म तिमीलाई प्रत्येक र सबैको धेरै गर्व हुँ। Dhanyabad!

Ma नेपाल लाइ माया Garchu!

तपाईं नम्बर 1 प्रशंसक छौं।

Jerik गुरुङले 

--- 

नेपाल मेरो यात्रा टिप्पणीहरू बाँकी पढ्नुहोस् यहाँ ।

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Hostel from Hell of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

11:00:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 14 Comments

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2008 RE-BLOGGED: Borrowing my good friend's line, let me share with you my story of how, of all the hostels I've stayed in my seven years of traveling, this one sucked balls! Big Time!!! (Pardon me for the word).

Hostels are fun and i always look forward to staying in one, because it's the way to go when you're traveling cheaply plus you meet so many people, those later on will become your friends. Watch out for my future post on the joys of hostel living. 

With no intention, whatsoever, to discredit this business. I am just stating true accounts of what have transpired on my trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in November 2008.

 After two hours of walking back and forth along Bukit Bintang, i found Haven Hostel tucked somewhere near the corner with no sign. Who cares, i'm so ready to throw in my duffel bag and hit the shower! Welcome to Heaven Hostel, where you'll experience sleeping in hell!

When i arrived, there were a couple of Muslim women who were chatting over tea. I thought this would be great so i can chat with them and get to know more about their religion. They left as soon as i entered the hostel. It's business as usual. Some backpackers were inquiring. Some stayed, some left. I never saw those who stayed actually.

It's a big hostel, made of wood and cheeky posters and Americanized displays. The one manning the desk seemed like a local band guitarist, with skin art, dreaded locks and a cigarette on one hand. I showed my passport and paid my stay, for two nights. My biggest mistake. Ever! 

There were not a lot of people when i came inside. A group of Englishmen were ready to leave. And as soon i got to my dorm room, i saw a couple of bunk beds. It's a pretty huge room, with very basic bed, one pillow and super thin blanket. The floors, the ceilings and the walls were all made of wood.There was no one in the room. So off i went to hit the shower and left the hostel a few minutes after freshening up.

After a nonsense night out which composed of drinking a bottle of beer before 11 pm and the bar closing and getting last orders, i was so disappointed so i headed back to sleep.

The next day came the, first reason why this hostel sucked.

The Attack of Bedbugs. For the next two days, i found myself scratching my right arm and seeing myself in the mirror with red patches that looked similar to a victim in one of those Biohazard film. 

The next day came and as i was trying to ignore the dots and patches in my left arm, and eventually in my back. I experienced the second reason why this hostel sucked.

The Most Unfriendly Backpacker I've Ever Met!
The night before i left, i was already dead set in leaving. I was checking for flights out of Malaysia and into Thailand. I was ready to leave this city and head somewhere south of Thailand. I chanced upon this lone traveler beside me. I travel solo, and it's a good place to meet solo travelers, too. You can see in the photo above: I was the one in the left, the bloke was the one beside me. It's quite early to call it a night. A few drinks would be a cool idea so i can doze off and wake up early for tomorrow's flight. So i asked him if he wanted to join me for for some beer. And this is what he answered back, "NO". With no exaggeration or whatsoever, he was very rude and said NO as if i did something wrong. After that, he continued on with his business and tried to ignore me. And i was left speechless.

Porn. I was awoken to a noise that seemed only familiar to one of those films your mom and dad wouldn't want you to see. I am not a conservative, I'm actually liberal in most cases. But i know what's right and what's wrong. And i know when something is okay, but i also when something is definitely uncalled for. 

I woke up to two people having sex in front of me. Yes, the graphic kind. I know that this is not new in the history of hostel living but it's not tolerated. And it doesn't look proper. I also think, it shows lack of respect for your dorm mates. Get your own room!!!!

It's worse for that girl who came in a day after i arrived in the hostel. She was alone, and staying in the same room as we are. I knew she was already up, but she was also stunned of what was going on.

With relatively no idea how to ignore this, and my flight to Krabi is leaving in two hours. I just acted as if i was half-awake and tried to look pass them and out the door. Got my towel and took a bath. When i got back, there were there, fooling around under the sheet and cuddling. I thought to myself, "good gracious at least they're done!"  They caught me, still with water dripping over my forehead, and trying to change. We chatted for a bit. Yes, while they were naked. Yes, while the guy was somewhere. They even wanted to shake hands to say goodbye, and i thought that was really unhygienic. So, i tried to ignore and acted as if i remembered forgetting one more item that i haven't packed. I left the hostel with no intentions to go back ever again. 

Notes: Accommodations are actually the least of my worries whenever i travel. Just as long as i have a bed to sleep in, i'm good. If you have experienced hostels like this one, kindly share them so everyone reading would know, where not to stay next time! 

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Do you know about the Total Le Monet Hotel Experience of Baguio City, Philippines?

10:00:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments


STORY: Not so long ago, i had the opportunity to visit Baguio City because of an invite from a very gracious host. With some of my closest travel blogger friends, i went up to Benguet's famous city. It's not my first time in the summer capital of the Philippines, but it felt like that weekend i needed to cool of my mind, and just relax. I've been to Benguet months ago, exploring hideaways and retreats all by myself. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Metro Manila, i found myself enjoying hot cocoa and sitting by pine trees at the park. It was memorable then. Imagine how excited i was to go back. This trip was no exception. I was off to winter dreamland again - where the usual traffic jam has been replaced by unobstructed views of mountain ranges, and where hot humid mornings have now been turned into sunrises where i cuddle in bed tucked in a thick blanket.


I've heard so many good reviews about Le Monet Hotel from friends and colleagues, but i reckoned that to truly immerse myself from the surroundings and fully appreciate the rave views, i needed to experience the place for myself.


I hurried to the bus terminal to catch the 12MN non-stop trip to Baguio City. I arrived soon after, just before dawn, super recharged and ready. What welcomed me as soon as i stepped out of the bus was the cool breeze that enveloped the air of the city . It was such a refreshing experience, most especially since i just came from the hot and humid scene of the capital. The next few days were such a delight to the senses.


The Rooms.
I was billeted in an executive room, with two huge queen-sized beds, and complete with all the little luxuries i am now starting to enjoy. There's flat screen television, spotless bathroom, in house refrigerator, and of course the balcony.  If you read my other journals, i am quite particular with the view. Accommodate me in a spartan room but always make sure i have a good view of the surroundings. Over at Le Monet, i usually spend a quiet hour every day thinking about life and sort of other things i'd like to keep to myself. What's particularly nice about the room is the feeling of comfort. 


To be fair, there are luxury hotels built along the ridge but somehow you feel displaced in a room filled with so many stuff you don't acually need. Here in the room, you will realize that most of the things you see you do need to make your day more worthwhile. That is comfort for me. 


The Food.
To say that i was always full during my stay at Le Monet Hotel is such an understatement. Imagine everything you could ever ask for in a meal, you have it here. I especially love that most of my meals are spent with a good company- my friends who enjoy nothing but to share inspiring stories and utmost laughter with one another. What really made the dining experience extra special are the people i spent time with in my staycation. And i forgot to mention, they include the managers of the hotel.  


Breakfast. 
In a buffet style, several plates of delicious food are placed one after another. You just have to choose whichever you fancy. In Manila, i usually skip breakfast because i wake up late coming from a late night stint at work, and always rushing to go to the office the next morning. 

 Here at Le Monet Hotel, i fancied the warm bread, crisp bacon shreds and sweet pancakes. With a hot chocolate cup on hand and freshly squeezed orange juice on the other, i usually start the day with nothing but sweet experiences. 


Lunch.
A long table experience is something you would only see in expensive hotels that most of us cannot afford. Here at Le Monet Hotel, it's that feeling of dining in luxury that won't burn a hole in your pocket. 


Like for example, this succulent half-fried chicken good for sharing which is similarly priced with popular fast food chains. Here, it is served lovingly crisp and delicious.


Or this plate of Chinese style chapsuey which is huge in serving that you can share with friends and loved ones. Share the bill, and taste the difference.

 Enjoying every food in the menu was a delight to the senses. Of course, the food served would not be complete without dessert. Here, the chocolate puffs and vanilla caramel slices served to us were simply divine.


My friends could not stop taking photos as each plate served to us were ideally styled to perfection. 


Dinner. 
The lights of the chandelier at the Lobby continuously changes, providing a mood for us to enjoy our dinner. With a wide array of continental cuisine served at the buffet table,  diet freaks will definitely cheat.


As a self-confessed sushi and sashimi addict, i was in heaven.


Skewered meat served hot from the grill will surely whet everyone's appetite.


My third plate, apparently. :)


And another plate of pure indulgence. This is one gastronomic delight for me. 


Heavenly Pinakbet Tagalog


Mouth-watering Beef Kaldereta


Seafood Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Egg


 Unforgettable Bulalo Soup


Extra Fried Chilli Wings

The Malt Room.
After the hearty dinner, we were then lead to the malt room. If you read my other post about Rembrandt Hotel, you know how unfortunate it was that i was not able to visit the malt room there. Well, there's an opportunity now on their sister hotel. 


The joys of traveling with friends. You can drink alcohol in moderation and laugh at each other while trying to belt out high notes. The life. 


For aficionados, you can skip the local beer and head to the premium liquor section. There's a good selection of wine, too. Who says you have to leave your hotel room to enjoy the night?

 Other Amenities.
On my next visit to Le Monet Hotel, i promise to experience the different amenities of the hotel like the Vida Verde Spa, where a touch would be delightful to tired muscles. There's also a fitness center to sweat out while on vacation, Nyamphase Serie Function room,  where meetings could be held in style, and the Roofdeck Tent which is definitely an ideal venue for a night to remember. A few days ago, a couple celebrated their anniversary at the hotel. What happened next? A proposal which the managers of the hotel helped arrange for the guy. While exploring the hotel, i chanced upon seeing the heated indoor swimming pool which i think is only one of its kind in the whole city. The view from the pool was unbelievable. 


The Design and Experience.
I love impeccably designed hotels. Because it makes you think that the owners and management really took time to make the experience of the guests worth their every peso. From the opulent swarovski pendants of the chandelier at the lobby to the floor to ceiling mirrored glasses of the walkway,and to the modern asian inspired bathroom and minimalist Muji-esque rooms, careful attention to details won me over.


I love what the management is doing to promote the hotel. Last Christmas, they've installed machines to dispense faux snow to give kids the chance to experience snow for the first time. That is one brilliant marketing strategy. This season, i am pretty sure the hotel has exciting activities lined up for guests. 


With all the delicious food served by the hotel to us, it is high time to give thanks to the line chef who made our tummies happy. 

 Spending time at Le Monet Hotel makes you feel rich without burning a hole in your pocket. While trying to find fault in my stay, i am now having a hard time to give suggestions on what can be done better. 


Initially, i was thinking of a free shuttle service perhaps since the hotel is located within the compounds of Camp John Hay. But then again, on my second day, a cute white open windowed shuttle service was there waiting at the hotel lobby for us. The rest of the day, we were able to go to the popular spots for tourists. A hot chocolate making demonstration, a quiet visit to a so-called hunted mansion, and a folk dining experience were made possible thanks to the generous people of Le Monet Hotel.  


We would often read in many travel articles how unforgettable a place is. It may sound cliche, but really there are no words for me to describe Le Monet Hotel. To tell you honestly, it's not just about the comfortable room i stayed in or the amazing view i had every morning. It's the whole Le Monet Hotel experience which i hope i can discover in other destinations i will go to. 

 The next day, as my friends were off to Manila, I boarded a bus bound for another new destination on my list. Off to Abra, friends. 

Le Monet Hotel
Address: Ordonio Drive, Baguio, Cordillera Administrative Region
Phone Number: 519-4903 / Manila Office - +632 376 5059
E-mail Address: sales.lemonet@ahmgi.com / rsvn.lemonet@ahmgi.com

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