Luxury Staycation at Mövenpick Mactan Cebu (2025) | Room Tour + Beach Walk 🏖️🌴

Are you planning a beach escape in Cebu and wondering if Mövenpick is worth the hype? Let me take you inside one of the most luxurious and relaxing staycations I’ve had recently — complete with a room tour, walk-through of the resort, and all the little surprises that made it extra special.

🌴 First Impressions

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with refreshing welcome drinks — a small detail, but it instantly made us feel relaxed and pampered. The check-in process was smooth, and the staff were incredibly warm and accommodating.

🏨 Room Tour: Spacious, Fresh, and Insta-Worthy

Listen, my husband and I couldn’t stop gushing over how nice the room was — and honestly, it smelled really good, too! The room had a modern coastal vibe, complete with a stunning view of the ocean. Everything was crisp, clean, and curated to make you feel like you're truly on a break from the hustle.

Fun fact: I didn’t even realize there was a welcome basket in the room until the next day! 🎁

🚶‍♀️Walk Tour: Beachfront Bliss + More

We took a casual walk around the property and wow — the beachfront, the pool area, the garden paths, and even the lobby were all designed with elegance and relaxation in mind. Mövenpick knows how to balance luxury and comfort.

🍴 Dining + Treats

While we didn’t go all out with dining in this vlog, Mövenpick’s restaurant options are definitely worth mentioning — especially for those who want a gourmet experience by the sea. You can even grab some Mövenpick ice cream (a must-try!).

💬 Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a luxury getaway that's just a few hours from the city (or a quick flight if you're coming from outside Cebu), Mövenpick Hotel Mactan is an excellent choice. It’s great for couples, families, and even solo travelers who want a relaxing, beautiful space to unwind.

📺 Watch the Full Vlog

Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Mövenpick or are planning to go! And if you’re looking for more travel tips, staycation ideas, or budget-friendly escapes in the Philippines, hit that follow button or subscribe to my channel!

---

Suzuki S-Presso vs Toyota Wigo: Why We Chose the S-Presso (And Never Looked Back)

 

Back in January 2025, my husband and I made an exciting decision—purchasing our second car, the Suzuki S-Presso. After dealing with the headaches of previously owning a second-hand car (our first vehicle, which came with constant repairs and unexpected expenses), we vowed to go brand-new this time around. Now that we’ve had some time to experience the S-Presso, we finally decided to share why we picked it over another popular choice—the Toyota Wigo.

Both the S-Presso and Wigo are great budget-friendly hatchbacks, but after test-driving and comparing features, the S-Presso won us over. Here’s why. 

1. Bold and Unique Design

The S-Presso stands out with its SUV-inspired design, giving it a more rugged and youthful look compared to the more conventional styling of the Wigo. Its high ground clearance (180mm) and upright stance make it appear more substantial on the road, almost like a mini-SUV. The Wigo, while sleek, looks more like a typical small hatchback, which didn’t excite us as much.

2. More Spacious and Comfortable Cabin

Despite being similarly sized, the S-Presso feels more spacious inside, especially for taller passengers (hubby is 5'11" tall). The seating position is higher, providing better visibility, and the cabin layout is surprisingly roomy for its class. The Wigo is comfortable too, but we found the S-Presso’s interior to be more practical for daily use.

3. Better Ground Clearance

The S-Presso’s 180mm ground clearance gives it a slight advantage over the Wigo’s 160mm, making it more capable of handling rough roads and occasional floods without worry.

4. Fuel Efficiency That’s Hard to Beat

Both cars are fuel-efficient, but the S-Presso’s 1.0L K10B engine delivers an impressive 22.05 km/L (as per ARAI), slightly edging out the Wigo’s figures. For city driving and occasional out-of-town trips, this was a big plus for us.

5. More Affordable with Great Features

The S-Presso offers excellent value for money. Even the mid-variant (GA MT) comes with features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For budget-conscious buyers who still want modern tech, the S-Presso was the clear winner.

6. Suzuki’s Reliability and Low Maintenance Costs

While Toyota is known for reliability, Suzuki is no slouch either. The S-Presso’s engine is proven and durable, and maintenance costs are very affordable. Spare parts are readily available, making long-term ownership hassle-free.

Why Not the Wigo?

The Toyota Wigo is a great car—it’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and has a trusted badge. However, we felt that the S-Presso offered more personality and better ground clearance at a lower price point. The Wigo’s design felt a bit too plain for our taste, and the higher variants were slightly more expensive for similar features.

Final Verdict: The S-Presso Won Us Over

At the end of the day, the Suzuki S-Presso gave us everything we needed—style, space, efficiency, and affordability—without compromising on quality. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hatchback that stands out from the crowd, the S-Presso is definitely worth considering over the Wigo.

Have you driven both? Which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments!

---

#SuzukiSPresso #ToyotaWigo #HatchbackComparison #BudgetCar #PhilippineCars

🌴 Staycation at Savoy Hotel Mactan + Mactan Newtown Beach: Affordable, Chill, & Near the Airport!

If you're looking for a quick getaway in Cebu that’s near the airport, affordable, and Instagram-worthy, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown is a solid choice. We recently stayed there and explored the nearby Mactan Newtown Beach, and here's the full scoop!

🎥 Watch our full vlog here:

👉 SAVOY HOTEL Mactan Room Tour 🏨 | Mactan Newtown Beach + Walk Tour | Cebu Travel Vlog 2025 🇵🇭
 

---

🏨 Savoy Hotel Mactan: First Impressions

Located in Lapu-Lapu City, just 15–20 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Savoy Hotel is ideal for both locals needing a staycation and travelers with early or late flights. It’s also within Mactan Newtown, a modern mixed-use development filled with restaurants, shops, and a beach—yes, a beach!

---

💸 Affordability

What surprised us the most? The rates were very budget-friendly considering the quality of the hotel. For around ₱2,500–₱3,500 per night, you get a clean and cozy room with good amenities. Perfect for couples, solo travelers, or even digital nomads looking for a work-friendly space with WiFi.

---

✅ Pros

• ✅ Near the Airport – Around 15–20 minutes away, depending on traffic.

• ✅ Great Location – Inside Mactan Newtown: restaurants, 7-Eleven, cafes, even Jollibee within walking distance.

• ✅ Access to Mactan Newtown Beach – Guests get exclusive access for a small fee (around ₱150–₱200).

• ✅ Good for Remote Work – WiFi is decent and the lobby has chill coworking vibes.

• ✅ Affordable Luxury – You get clean rooms, a pool, gym, and friendly staff without breaking the bank.

---

⚠️ Cons

• ❌ No direct beach access from the hotel – You’ll need to walk or take a shuttle to the beach area.

• ❌ Some construction nearby – Typical of a developing area, but not too loud during our stay.

• ❌ No breakfast included in the base rate – You can order from the café or eat nearby.

---

🏖️ Mactan Newtown Beach Experience

This private beach isn’t the most pristine in Cebu, but it’s still a nice spot to unwind. The water is clean enough for a swim, and there are beach huts, tables, and even some food stalls during weekends. It’s not a resort-style beach, but for the price and convenience? Worth it!

---

📌 Final Thoughts

If you're on a budget but want a hotel that feels a little more upscale, Savoy Mactan delivers. The combination of location, affordability, and beach access makes it a great spot for a weekend escape or even a first-night stop after landing in Cebu.

No Credit Card? No Problem! Travel Now, Pay Later with BillEase ✈️

Let’s be real — we all need a break sometimes. But what happens when your dream getaway is just within reach... and your wallet says “not today”?

Picture this, you're craving a quick trip, spotting great hotel deals online, but your budget isn’t ready and you don’t have a credit card. You are about to give up but what if I tell you this OLA called BillEase can make it happen for you?

And yep — I tried it myself.
Spoiler: it worked.

---

💡 What is BillEase?

BillEase is a buy now, pay later (BNPL) app in the Philippines. It lets you shop or book services (like flights, hotels, and even gadgets) and pay later in easy installments — no credit card required. You just need to download the app, sign up, and wait for approval. Once you're approved, you can choose from several partner merchants or even use vouchers for travel-related sites.

---

🏨 How I Used BillEase to Book My Trip

I used BillEase to book a hotel online — something I honestly didn’t know was possible without a credit card. They partner with various platforms (like Agoda, Booking.com via merchants like ShopBack, and more), and I was able to complete the whole transaction within minutes.

✅ No swiping a card
✅ No awkward bank loans
✅ Just simple, fixed monthly payments

---

📹 I Made a Video my Experience

Since I know a lot of people are also looking for budget-friendly ways to travel, I filmed my experience and shared my honest thoughts in this video:

👉 BillEase | Travel Now, Pay Later with This Online Loan App!

Whether you're planning a quick weekend escape or a longer trip, this could help you travel smarter without breaking the bank.

---

🎒 Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who:

• Doesn’t own a credit card

• Needs a bit more flexibility with payments

• Wants to book travel without waiting for your sweldo...

Then BillEase might just be your new best friend.

Let me know if you’ve tried it too — or if you have questions about how it works, feel free to drop a comment on the video. Don’t forget to subscribe while you’re there! 😊

A Day at Simala Shrine: A Spiritual Pause in the Middle of Life’s Chaos

Life gets loud sometimes. There are weeks when everything feels like a blur—deadlines, worries, and the constant pressure to keep going. That’s probably why my visit to Simala Shrine felt so different. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a pause—a deep breath for the soul.

I’d always heard about Simala Church in Sibonga, Cebu. Some call it miraculous, others describe it as majestic. But honestly, nothing quite prepares you for how it feels when you finally see it in person.

The first thing that caught my eye was the castle-like structure sitting peacefully atop a hill, surrounded by lush green. It looked like something out of a storybook. The architecture itself already pulls you into a sense of reverence. But the real beauty lies in the quiet moments you spend there.

I walked around slowly—no rush. Inside, people were praying, lighting candles, and writing down their petitions. The walls were lined with testimonies—letters of healing, passed board exams, restored relationships. You can’t help but feel something stir in your chest. Hope? Maybe. Gratitude? Definitely.

I said a little prayer, not just for myself but for everyone I love. Sometimes, that’s all you can do. And in a place like Simala, that simple act feels powerful.

---

📍 How to Get to Simala Shrine, Sibonga, Cebu

If you're coming from Cebu City, here's how to reach Simala:

1. By Bus

   • Go to South Bus Terminal

   • Ride a bus bound for Bato via Oslob

   • Tell the conductor you’re getting off at Simala Church or Lindogon, Sibonga

   • Fare: Around ₱100–₱130

   • Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours

   • From the highway, you can ride a habal-habal (motorbike) to the shrine (₱20–₱40)

2. By Private Car

   • Use Google Maps or Waze

   • Search “Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, Sibonga”

   • There's parking near the church, but it can get full especially on weekends or holy days

---

🙏 Planning Your Visit

• Dress modestly – long pants/skirts and covered shoulders are encouraged

• Bring a candle – or choose one there. Each color has a symbolic meaning for different prayers

• Go early – weekdays are quieter and give you space to reflect

• Stay hydrated – and bring a fan or umbrella, especially during hot days

---

🎥 Watch My Simala Shrine Experience

If you're curious or planning your own trip, feel free to watch and journey with me here:

📌 Watch my YouTube Video Here – My Simala Shrine Visit

Don’t forget to like, comment, or share your own experience if you’ve been there too!

---

I didn’t expect much from this trip, to be honest. But I came home with a quiet heart and a strange sense of peace. And in this crazy, fast-paced world, that’s a blessing in itself.

If you ever find yourself needing a reset, go visit Simala. Let your spirit breathe. 🌿

Digyo Island: Last Hurrah for Summer

Summer trips are fun when you travel with the fambam... It's almost like an annual tradition of the gang to go on a short yet sweet summer escapade to my mother's hometown in Inopacan Leyte for the feast of their patron San Isidro Labrador that's celebrated every 15th of May. It's something that we have always looked forward to when summer months unfold. This tradition has been an awesome opportunity for us to visit and bond with our relatives whom we only get to see once a year --- not to mention the good food and the beautiful white beaches everyone including an oddball like me would love. 

Leyte province is undeniably gaining popularity these days because of Kalanggaman Island and Canigao Island. Local and international tourists have flocked their way to these islands to marvel at nature's finest waters. However, aside from the well known Canigao and Kalanggaman Island, Inopacan Leyte also has its own pride; the "Cuatro Islas" (Mahaba, Himokilan, Apid, and Digyo Island). 

How we transported ourselves to the Island?

We had to go to Inopacan's Baywalk / Reclamation Area  which serves as the docking area for all boats going to the Cuatro Islas.

Rates:

Boat rent ranges from Php 2500.00 - Php 5000.00

Environmental Fee - Php 10.00/pax

Entrance fee: Php 60.00/pax

while waiting for our boat...

with the man - my favorite travel buddy

We have been to the other 3 islands before so we skipped the island hopping and headed straight to Digyo Island for our most awaited swim -- haha!!!

Digyo Island --- is the smallest among the 4 islands hence its called digyo which was derived from the old Cebuano word "digyot" which means small. True enough, the islet's land area is pretty small that we've circumnavigated or literally walked around it in less than 30 minutes. We rented a cottage for Php 300.00 only for the day but you can do away with the cottages if you bring your own tent with you, especially if you plan to stay for the night. 

The island offers inviting crystal clear blue waters, white sandy shores and its own sandbar that glares brightly under the sunlight. No wonder the number of beach hungry tourists have increased overnight. I used to love it here since I get to enjoy the serenity of the island with my family and a few other people who knew about the place but with its soaring popularity, it's now jam packed with a lot of tourists and I fear people may abuse this virgin island and strip off of its beauty.

Take a peek... 
#phonephotography 

the gang en route to Digyo Island :P

3 bananas underneath the big blue sky! lol!

fambam  "ohana"

sandbar :)

happiness <3

On our way back to mainland Inopacan, we had the most amazing experience with unexpected beautiful creatures. Our boat was filled with shrieks of delight as we saw magnificent and playful dolphins swimming alongside our boat. Boy we were in for a treat! The only regret I had, all our cameras and phones ran out of juice. .. :(  Nevertheless, it was one fine summer day... definitely another one for the books! 

Shells on the Shores of Lambug Badian

Beachfront

woke up like this snap! :)

Been looking forward to beach bumming since summer started this year and alas got the chance to crash an outing -- haha! Finally, Lambug Badian is another one that's off my bucket list. Heard about it from people's blog-pages but never really got the chance to see it till this weekend.

Thoughts:

Didn't expect much from this place... It was prolly my way of trying not to be disappointed if it turns out otherwise from the the blog posts I've read.  

Transportation:

We transported ourselves to Badian by taking a bus with Cebu-Bato (via Barili) route from the South Bus terminal. The air-conditioned Ceres Bus only costs php 130.00/pax to get there. Whew! It's a 3-4 hour ride, shout out to the man-friend for the good playlist we listened to throughout the entire trip. We had also taken power naps along the way and busied ourselves in munching on some chips. 

We dropped off the bus and took a motorcycle to get to the resort. Don't be deceived, the motorcycle fare only costs php 25.00/pax. 

Accommodation:

There's really not much to choose from if you're looking for nice and fancy hotels. However, they have cottages decent enough to stay and light on your pockets. 

We stayed at Magic Beach Resort. 

Standard Room Rate: php 1500.00
Air conditioned Room Rate: php 2500.00
Tent: php 500.00
Own Tent: php 200.00

The resort provides plates and utensils for their guests and a dirty kitchen to cook meals out back and a refrigerator too. The shower rooms and toilets were clean even though its common for all house guests.  

Food and Drinks:

Well, we brought our own food provisions to Lambug Badian. Buying drinks and chips was rather easy since they have convenient stores just right beside the resort. The convenient store also offers a Karaoke Machine to sing our hearts out for php 5.00 only and get to have two song choices. Now isn't that a bargain? 

Verdict:

The white sands, the blue waters, and the fine weather made it almost perfect -- But it was his company which made it complete!   

Here are some snapshots I took with my phone camera...

with my man! <3

Karaoke at the beach

Karaoke at the beach

Breakfast - shout out to mommy aimee for preparing our meals!!!

Fun on the sandy shores

Strike a pose with mother :)

Just strollin'

Kawasan Falls - #itsmorefuninthephilippines

Oh how I love being spontaneous!

Wearing our I <3 Cebu Shirts :)

Thoughts:

We had an unplanned trip down south one fine day and had the chance to dip in the cold waters of Kawasan Falls. Had absolutely no plans that day when Mama woke me up early urging me to go with them to Kawasan. Half awake, I found myself all packed up for the trip just like that. 

How we transported ourselves to Kawasan:

We took a bus at the South Bus terminal at 3am. The fare was only around Php120 to my surprise going to Badian. It was approximately a 3-hour ride to get there so I was able to catch up with sleep and slept my way through the whole bus ride. Since we left early dawn, we managed to get there at 6am in the morning which was perfect. 

The Experience:

It was my first time to visit the place... I was psyched! I gotta say I was pumped up since I got out of bed that morning! Must have been so pumped we went swimming as soon as we rested our bags at the table we rented for Php 300 which I find affordable though. The water was literally ice-cold, yet the cold did not bother us anyway.... haha! They have tables, bathrooms, toilets, and rooms for those who wished to stay for the night. It's great to know you can witness such a beauty without having to travel far away from the city and you don't even have to spend much.

Verdict:

It was nature at its finest! Will definitely go back one of these days... #itsmorefuninthephilippines

Here are a few snapshots we took with my phone camera (sorry for the low quality photos) :

moi

my love

just look at that bamboo raft!

wearing our buoyancy vests that we rented for php 50.00

Boracay Island - Travel on a tight budget

Thoughts: reminiscing paradise

 Albeit it's a little late, just wanted to share a little bout my sweet escape to paradise...


I bet most people think going to Boracay is quite expensive and would mean draining your pockets. Well, I proved it otherwise. It's a good thing there's Cebu Pacific airlines that constantly offers cheap promo flights so might as well take advantage of it. My sister and I booked our flights 3 months earlier and got a really good discounted price. We thought it would be an awesome birthday gift to our mom and to our aunt -- well, err I guess to ourselves. With the daily stress from work and the busy urban life, we all deserve to getaway right? Alas Boracay is just the perfect place to unwind.

Preparations: there's really not much

• read blogs/reviews about Bora
• checked hotel tariff rates
• compared water activities to try out
• familiarized ourselves with the vicinity maps
• checked out affordable restaurants

Fast forward to 3 months later...

Hooray! It's time to go but wait, we didn't have any hotel reservations. We figured there's going to be a lot of cheaper deals we can find once we get there. To our delight there were a lot of friendly locals who approached us when we arrived. They asked if we have hotel reservations and offered us pretty good deals which was really hard to say no. They took us to Jerome's Lounge which I may say was a very decent place to stay. It was neat and very light on your budget (fyi: room rates starts at Php 1500.00). Plus, it is located in Station 2 which is the life of the party. To top it off, it's prolly just a minute or two walk to the seafront.

Where to Dine?

Contrary to public notions, you can find affordable and cheap places to eat. I sure was surprised to see Mcdonald's and Andok's chicken at the d'mall. Yup, we ate there when we arrived... haha! We also tried other inexpensive restos where you can have a meal for Php 95.00 per person and a dinner buffet at La Carmella Boracay Hotel that only costs around Php 350.00/pax. We also bought food, chips, and other provisions from budget mart convenient store since it was cheaper compared to other commercial establishments there.



Water Activities:

There were a lot of fun activities to choose from depending on your budget though. I like the idea that they were offering cheaper prices to locals. We had parasailing for Php 1,100.00/pax while foreign tourists were charged Php 2500-3000 for the same water activity. Isn't that great? here are some activities you can try.

note: we didn't get to try all of them due to time and budget constraints. haha!

• helmet diving
• parasailing
• banana boat ride
• fly fish
• island hopping
• atv and buggy car
• scuba diving

Verdict:

Ooooommmmggeee!!! I sure love it there. I Will definitely visit the place again one day. The people were very friendly and accommodating. I call it a happy place. It's a party where people from different parts of the globe meet and get to interact with one another at the same time enjoying the beautiful white sandy shores and crystal clear waters of Boracay. 

Camotes Islands

Woke up early on a Sunday feeling nostalgic about some good old memories with my dear friends in some of the trips we've made. I wanted to do something out of the ordinary today like go to the beach yet I'm stuck at home with nowhere to go. In the end, I found myself scanning and browsing our old pictures with our last short vacation with my Khaville family in Camotes.

The Camotes Islands are a group of islands that form part of the province of Cebu, in the Philippines. The island group is located east of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island. We went there about a year ago and stayed in some pretty descent resort. It was truly a very nice place and  I even wanted to go back there if only time allows. I remember the endearing white shores, the clear blue waters, the wide calm lake, and my favorite underground lake which was very inviting. I had no plans of swimming in the dark waters but the sight of it just took my breath away and just found myself in the water just in an instant. 

Here are more pictures we took during our stay... :)

 

Once Upon a Time with Shrek

I bet every woman dreams to find a handsome prince charming in their lifetime... and once upon a time, I was one of them! Funny, I thought for a moment. I practically grew up with the Disney Princesses from Cinderalla, to Snow White, to Sleeping Beauty, and the rest of the Disney characters. I think I'd probably sue Walt Disney himself for I was led to believe that every girl will someday find their handsome prince who will sweep her off her feet and carry her away to his castle.

For the longest time, I thought I already found my prince though not that handsome, but someone who would be there for me to love and to hold untill I get old. Sadly, it turned out he was just another slimy bullfrog whom I was kissing the whole time. I should've learned my lesson the the first time I saw one.

Just when I was about to give up with finding my prince, I met Shrek along the way. He smiled at me and made me feel comfortable being with him. We talked often untill such time that I found myself looking forward to being with him and talking to him again and again about things I was never accustomed to. I grew fond of the friendship he has offered me. Little did I know I was slowly falling for this wondrous green ogre who I never thought I would fall in love with. But he is simply adorable, sweet, and caring, and everything I ever wanted my prince would be.

It just dawned on me, I don't really need a pretentious prince in my life and that there is no perfect guy who trully exist. Yet, there is always this one guy who is perfect for me who will love me and take care of me with all of his heart -- My lovely Shrek, and he's all I need!

And so we lived happily ever after... :)

A taste of Singapore

I have always wanted to visit and go out of the country when I was little... Alas, time came when I finally got my chance of visiting a foreign place with one of my best high school chum. I was excited to see a whole new world for the first time in my 25 years on this green planet. In truth, though i tried to hide it, I was looking forward to the whole trip the whole time since we booked the flight months before the travel date. As the days grew near I lost interest with work and other usual stuff that normally amuses me since I can't take Singapore off my mind. 

We left for Singapore on a Saturday, November 10, 2012 full of excitement in our eyes. The high travel taxes and terminal fee from the local airport in Mactan Cebu did not change whatever we felt that night. We arrived in Singapore around 11 in the evening but never felt sleepy at this wee hour. We wandered a bit and was really glad with the hotel where we stayed because of the Filipino folks who worked there. The next day was spent strolling about with our dear friend who's already working there. We went shopping and picture taking here and there and was amazed at how beautiful and clean the entire country was and how disciplined the citizens were. I had sore feet that night but then again, it was all worth it. Our last day was then spent for the city tour which I believe was kinda late to be scheduled since we already saw almost the entirety of the city thanks to our good friend who was our tour guide and photographer. My best memory of Singapore was spent at the Universal Studios where I felt like I was a kid again. We watched all shows from water world, donkey live, to monster rock, and then tried several rides, the best of which was the cyclone vs human roller coaster ride. Indeed, it was the best ride ever in my whole damn life! weeee... ^_^

Here are some photos we took during our short yet memorable vacation  :)

The Travelator in Changi Airport

 Marina Bay View

 Shrek & Fiona

Universal Studios