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FEATURE STORY

Starbucks Domicillo Design Hotel

"A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent." While there's a lot of Starbucks out there each offering the same coffee, as far as location and view are concerned, no one offers a view so panoramic, heavenly, dreamy and divine that is Starbucks Domicillo Hotel. Imagine sipping your favorite Chocolate Cream Chip Frappucino overlooking the ethereal Taal Volcano, how dope must that be? Today me and my friend decided to have a quick one-day-only getaway to escape stress in the nearby Tagaytay City. Adulting can be very tiring so we both needed to replenish before we get consumed by exhaustion. A friend of mine recommended this new Starbucks and upon seeing pictures online, I died. The superb view is something poets would draw inspiration! The exterior looks so mundane and quite appalling at some point. Inside is just another Starbucks with tables and chairs and couches and as go further, Taal is already waving at you and i...
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Masasa Beach | Rediscovering Tingloy, Batangas


At long last, after more than two years of working in Dubai, an escapade with few of my favorite people has been realized. After all the canvasses, paints, and brushes put into waste, it's finally "drawing no more" from a set of friends who has an undisputed reputation of planning, just pure planning. Since all but one is just around the metro (big shout out to Dawn who travelled from Bicol to Batangas just to prove that she, too, is drawing no more), we agreed to disturb the silent town of Tingloy, Batangas and frolic in its waters particularly in the Masasa Beach.



This is my first time in Batangas. I usually just pass by the province each time I go to Manila from Bicol and vice versa. Perhaps Laiya is quite popular when it comes to beaches, whose name is so common for team buildings or company outings, but me and my friends always prefer the less explored and popular but boasts something peculiar that leaves you asking "Why this place isn't popular?"


All of us are now working professionals. All are too caught up in their respective jobs and are on the brink of being drained so everyone needs to unwind and relax a little bit and forget about papers or reports at least for a weekend. So, with so much enthusiasm, our plans have progressed and off to Tingloy we go!!!

Things we did

 1. Island hopping- As soon as we arrived at our transient house, a lady, perhaps the coordinator of the place, had offered us their island hopping service which includes snorkeling (with a great chance of seeing huge pawikans), fish feeding, and a generous boat ride of four hours. We were eight but the two decided not to do it for medical reasons and we were offered a price of PHP 350 each.



The time alloted for us is 1PM. We were given a life jacket (of course) and a pair of snorkeling gears and the fun started. Lush mountains, turquoise waters, and just the plain seas are a sight to behold. We spotted several islands and islets, rock formations, and other beaches all throughout. Waves were gentle at first but a moment after, it became rough and we found ourselves braving the huge waves only an experienced surfer would enjoy. It is both scary and extra fun at the same time. Our boat was bursting with "ooohhhs" and "aaahhhs".




2. Snorkeling- I did enjoy this one too much as it was my first time. I have had difficulty  in breathing but I learned fast. I can't put  it into words exactly but the view underwater is magical. Seeing the life and the vast ecosystems under is so surreal. If it can't convince you how great our Creator is, then I don't know what will. To my disappointment, pawikans didn't come across me when it was my turn to snorkel but my friends were lucky to see one or two. Sad.


3. Fish feeding- We did a bit of fish feeding too but the location of it wasn't really the actual one deemed by our bangkero as the best spot suited for it. En route to the fish feeding area, the waters became rough and the waves grew monstrous so for safety reasons, our boat turned around and headed to a safer place. I suggest you do the whole island hopping experience in the morning as the sea is more calm at this time.

4. Sunset gazing- Shortly before 6PM, we headed to The Lagoon and witnessed the sunset to which I can only describe as pampering.


5. Walwalan- The term may sound so kanto but for me its more than just few liters of alcohol to fuel things up but its the idea of gathering round and talking and laughing at anything under the sun. After all, we missed each other a lot. Nothing really beats the quality time you spent with your friends and the memories you created that you'll all glad to recall as time goes by. We pitched tent outside our kubo and we did the inuman there. But we are responsible enough not to be so disturbing to nearby houses.

Where did we stay?

 1. Pat Kubo- We were in contact with Nanay Rosie Transient but ours is named Pat Kubo. It was designed to accommodate 3 groups of people but we were lucky that we're the only group during our stay. It has two double-decker with queen-size beds with pillows and blankets. There are comfort rooms, electric fans, barbecue grill, gas and stove, and almost all kitchen stuffs. Note that the kubo is not right in front of the Masasa Beach but is few minutes walk away. You may contact them at 09959863780.



2. Nida's Kubo- This is the house beside ours where we used to buy stuffs like ice and other cooking essentials and we were so glad that the owner is a fellow Albayano. Her name is Nida Llagas. She was so accommodating and friendly. You may contact her at 09482688663.


3. Tatay Pepe's Kubo- We've also met Tatay Pepe, the owner of the boat we used for island hopping and he was so happy to give his number to us as his place is also up for rent. You may contact him at 09163656405.


 Sample itinerary and cost

 How to get there?

 Reminders
Time to go home 🤗
It was super worth it. Tingloy is a haven. It was never a bad idea to hang out with your friends. Masasa had us rejuvenated and prepared back to work. Until then! 

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