Davao Butterfly House

I love butterflies and I still remember a butterfly pillow embroidery project I made in grade school. It took me loads of time to finish, but I certainly enjoyed the project since I was doing a replica of something I love. 

I was amazed the first time I went to the Davao Butterfly House last March and I knew I had to bring Miguel to see it for himself. I knew he was also going to enjoy taking photos of the animated-colorful creatures. And I was right.

Here are a couple of photos from the two trips I made to the Davao Butterfly House:

Davao Butterfly House (see map)

Riverfront Drive, Corporate City
Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City

Entrance Fee: PhP50 per person

 

Bacolod: Grand Regal Hotel

I thought I wasn't going to push through with my trip to Bacolod, but luckily manage to free up my time so I proceeded with my trip. Ended up staying at Grand Regal Hotel where the event was held. Everyone was billeted there too.

Grand Regal Hotel is located in one of Bacolod's busiest streets. Across the street is Gaisano Mall and just 2 blocks away is the Bacolod Planta Hotel (where I was supposed to stay). Anyway, the room at Grand Regal Hotel was just right and I didn't have to leave the TV on to lull me to sleep.

Cafe Masskara is the resto located at the lobby area of the hotel. I had 3 meals there -

Uber late lunch, spaghetti bolognese -

Breakfast, longganisa -

Lunch, beef stroganoff -

I have a theory, longganisa made in Luzon is made of yum, but the farther you are from the region the worse it tastes, so I guess this is the last time I'm ordering longganisa outside of Luzon. The spaghetti bolognese and beef stroganoff were unexpectedly flavorful and servings were big. I wasn't able to sample any dessert though. Maybe next time :)

Must have: beef stroganoff

Can do without: longganisa!

Food price range: approx. PhP200 (with drinks already)

Room rates: Promo (PhP999), Superior (PhP2,000), Suites (PhP3,500 - PhP10,000)

Wifi access: Free, but don't count on it

The Lakwatsera's Rating: hotel staff were friendly but service was slow, good thing the food made up for the long wait

Grand Regal Hotel (map)

Araneta Street, Singcang,

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

+63(34) 432-2888/433-2276/434-9208/432-0888/708-5888

grandregalhotel_bacolod (at) yahoo.com

Dieting Your Luggage

I used to be a terrible packer. I would pack in everything I want to bring. I'd even have choices for outfits! So I've experienced paying for extra baggage a couple of times already.

My day of reckoning came when I gave my best friend a hard time when she helped me carry my baggage across the street to her flat in Singapore. We were scared that we might get arrested because my luggage was bulging.

Here are some tricks I learned along the way:

1. Just fill up 50% of your bag. Why? So you'll have space for pasalubong and souvenirs. I got that tip from Boy Abunda who mentioned it in one of his shows.

2. Plan your outfits. Know the weather before flying in so you'd know what to bring. Instead of bringing a bulky jacket I just bring around a shawl. Sticking to a color scheme also helps.

3. Try to use only the pair of shoes that you travel in. Extra shoes take up a lot of space especially sneakers/rubber shoes.

4. If you are staying at a hotel find out what toiletries they provide. You definitely don't need a huge shampoo or lotion bottle. Transfer them in small bottles or just bring sachets.

5. Towels take up a lot of space. Only bring one if you are staying with a friend.

6. Bring just one reading material/book, unless you are a speed reader. More often than not you really won't have time to read except in the airport or plane.

7. Try to charge all of your gadgets before your trip so you won't have to bring all of the plugs.

Number 1 Rule is: Bring only what is necessary.

I used to think that it was impossible for me NOT to check in baggage. But I can proudly say that I've done it twice! Wee!

Happy trip!