As we plan last minute where to spend the long weekend holiday, a friend and I decided to go to Baguio.

We ended up booking Citylight Hotel which is just around 6-7 minutes walk from the Genesis bus terminal. This hotel was what we exactly needed at that time because as growing adults, walking now seems to be the hardest thing to do..queue in 98 Degrees.

Reception Area

Their receiving area is very spacious, clean, and elegant. People behind the reception area are also nice and courteous. Upon check-in, they require a Php 500 cash security deposit, which they will give back once you check out. Make sure to keep the claim stub so you won't have any problems in getting your security deposit back.

The lobby or waiting area.

They have a cozy waiting area. You can actually stay here and enjoy the view after check out and while waiting for your bus to Manila. Unfortunately, there is no TV to keep you entertained while relaxing or waiting. They do have a cafe near the entrance if you want to get some cafe, a small meal, or bread while waiting.

Room

Our original plan was to book the room for one night only, and just walk around or stay near session road until we board the bus back to Manila. We did attempt to ask if we can extend our room stay for a few hours but since it's a holiday weekend, all rooms were fully booked.
Deluxe Room
2 Double beds
No aircon
Inclusive of buffet breakfast
Shower with water heater

Room is very spacious

Address: No. 35號, Section 1, Kaifeng St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

I treated my parents for their anniversary to a short trip to Taiwan last weekend. This is my second time to visit, and because of various reasons (cheap fare, visa-exempt for Filipinos, previous travel experience, cold weather, etc.), I decided to bring them to Taiwan so they can also experience first hand how gorgeous this country is.

As the only young and millennial adult to assist my parents for this trip, I did a lot of research to make sure we don't end up getting lost and lose time. We only have 3 days to spare and explore Taiwan so I had to make sure I'd make it worthwhile. Part of my research was the hotel I  booked from Agoda, and I'd like to share some tips and information I gathered and discovered about this place.

Nearest Taipei Main Station MRT Exit

Single Journey Token

If you are coming from the Taoyuan airport and will be taking the bus (1819) to Taipei Main Station, the nearest exit you can go to is Exit Z10. If you will be taking the MRT express train to Taipei Main Station, the nearest exit is A1 Exit 4.

The nearest MRT lines if you will be coming from Exit Z10 are the Bannan (blue) line and Tamsui–Xinyi (red) line. The red line is quite a few walk and 2 escalators away.

Tip when using the single journey token:
Entry: Tap the token on the turnstile
Exit: Tap the token first before inserting into the turnstile's token slot.

Breakfast

They serve buffet breakfast which starts 6:30AM to 10:30 AM. Their breakfast consists of salads, rice, sausages, buns, porridge, soup, and cereal. They serve coffee but no fresh juice. Instead they have carbonated juice and drinks.

At the counter near the breakfast area, you can see small biscuits or snacks displayed. These are free and you can get them anytime you want.

Room

We booked the Deluxe Triple room and were satisfied with the space and amenities. They replace complimentary water, tea bags, and coffee everyday. Toiletries are also complete. The only complication we experienced was on how to operate the shower. Although there was an instruction manual posted, it would be more helpful if they add a note that the faucet needs to be turned 180 degrees to the right. We had to get some help and call the reception but all is well and the guy was able to assist and help us with the shower.

Instead of the usual paper card that you hand by the door handles, they have a touch screen pad that you can use if you want to have your room made up. Same touch screen for operating the lights.

When turning on the AC, a card is provided for the instruction. Basically, you have to point the remote to red-orange sensor pad located on the ceiling.


Nearby Convenience Store, ATM Machines, Stores, etc.

There is a Family Mart just a few steps away from the hotel. On the other side, there is a 711 store. If you do not have an Easy Card yet or need to reload before you start your Taipei adventure, these two stores are conveniently near the hotel.

ATM machines are also near the hotel. If I remember correctly, I was able to pass by two ATM machines.

Also a block away, there are stores selling a variety of fruits. 

Luggage Service

Check in is 3PM but in case you get to arrive at the hotel before the check in time, you can leave your bags at the reception. People assigned to the reception speak good English so you won't have any trouble in explaining or asking questions. They are also very courteous and helpful.

Nearest Shopping District

The hotel is just10-15 minutes walk to the Ximending Shopping District.

My face is not prone to pimples or acne, but on days when I do get a visit from the pimple fairy, I always grab my Mario Badescu Drying Lotion.

Rewind to a few years back, I was content with using over the counter pimple-drying-spot-corrector treatments. Some work, but the affected area takes time to dry, or if it does dry, leaves dark marks. This I remedy immediately by applying whitening cream, specifically Pond's whitening cream. And so I thought to myself,  "you got this girl! you have a system that works!".

But one day, I saw Kylie Jenner using this Mario Badescu drying lotion in insta. I researched and saw a lot of good reviews about this product. So, I went to Rustan's (which at that time was the only place I knew that sell Mario Badescu here in Manila) and bought this bottle to try. I must admit, at first I was so hesitant to buy because of its price. I mean, really 1,000+ pesos for this small bottle?!

Ever since then, it became my holy grail for fighting acne. I was amazed that overnight, it was able to dry my pimple! Even on days when I was so careless that I let a small bump turn to a cystic pimple, in just 1-2 days tops, it dries it immediately. Holy crap, my 1,000+ was so worth it.






But in cases when you just don't have the luxury to go to the mall, park your car, or book a grab, I am willing to let go of the 80 pesos difference. Their super convenient online ordering system and next day delivery makes the extra charge worth it.


When using Mario Badescu Drying Lotion:

1. Do not shake the bottle. Use a clean cotton bud and dip it well enough that the end touches the pink stuff at the bottom.
2. Dab the pink stuff on the affected area and do not rub. You will feel a slight tingly sensation but just let it dry and do its magic.
3. Depends on the pimple, I usually apply it morning and evening on a clean face.

Before ending the year 2017, I was fortunate enough to take a 6-day vacation to visit Vietnam and Cambodia. We only had two days to spare for Vietnam, one day to cross over to Siem Reap, and three days for a temple run at Cambodia.

First day in Vietnam was spent at Mekong Delta, where we booked our tour via Klook for only Php 684.50 each (inclusive of lunch). Here's our Klook voucher breakdown:

Original Klook Voucher amount: Php 1, 434 (2 pax)
Klook Discount (first Klook booking): less Php 65
Total Voucher Amount:  Php 1, 369

Note: Look out online for Klook promo codes before checking out to save a few bucks!

The meet up location for Klook voucher users for this tour is at 220 De Tham Street. Our hotel (Luan Vu Hotel) was just a few walks away from this location, but since I am very good in following google map directions (queue sarcastic tone), we still went the wrong way and even went as far as crossing a busy intersection. For visual reference, here is where the the Klook meet-up is located:

Landmark: In front of Starbucks Coffee Shop Make sure to arrive on or before 7:45 AM

Once you arrive at their meet up location, they will check your voucher and escort you to where the bus is parked & located. The bus leaves around 8:15 AM, but try your best to be punctual and make the 7:45 AM meet up time at 220 De Tham. In case you miss the Klook representative at the meet up location, try catching up where the bus is parked before they leave.

Landmark: Where all the tour buses are usually parked, in front of a movie theatre, opposite Pizza Hut

First Stop: Vinh Trang Temple