After a day of touring Tarlac (post here), our group traveled two hours farther north to the city of Cabanatuan, the Philippines' Tricycle capital with over 30,000 registered 3-wheeled vehicles. I was joined by Argie from Philippine Star, Paolo from Hospitality News Philippines and Dandi, our host, Microtel's Marketing Communications manager.
Sweltering heat, the sun’s last hurrah for summer welcomed us when we arrived in Microtel, our base for a half-day travel around the city's tourist spots. There was some wind but with the overbearing heat, I won't be surprise if the temperature was at 40 C.
Our visit was very timely. Microtel Cabanatuan was recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence (2015) by travel site, Trip Advisor. Other branches that received the same distinction are Tarlac and Baguio; the latter, consistently awarded since 2011. :)
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| The lobby, a cozy place to hang-out outside your room |
Ms. Lita Budomo, the amiable Resident manager handed us card keys for a quick look at the hotel's facilities. I was sent to one of its 50 rooms, suite 106. It's at the ground floor with a good view of the pool at the back.
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| Suite room (Photo from Microtel) |
All suites have a queen size bed, mini kitchen & sink, microwave oven, refrigerator, sofa sleeper and a tub. The rest of the room types sans these amenities also has a flat screen cable tv, dryer, telephone, radio clock and a seat by the window, a nice set-up for this scenario in my head - a quiet morning with a cup of coffee in my hand. :)
Although we're not spending a night here, I know from experience with their two other branches that their beds are magnetizing, queen sized chiropractor approved mattresses, the type that's so comfortable, it makes you just want to stay indoors. I'm not exaggerating, unless of course you have the same bed at home :P. It makes you feel so refreshed even with just a few hours of shut-eye.
Although we're not spending a night here, I know from experience with their two other branches that their beds are magnetizing, queen sized chiropractor approved mattresses, the type that's so comfortable, it makes you just want to stay indoors. I'm not exaggerating, unless of course you have the same bed at home :P. It makes you feel so refreshed even with just a few hours of shut-eye.
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| The pool at the back of the hotel. Photo from Microtel |
There are two complimentary water bottles in every room and if you need more, there is a water dispenser in the lobby where you can get a refill. There is also free flowing coffee and tea in a nook beside the vending machine where you can purchase snacks.
After going around, we stepped out for lunch at Liquid Bar & Restaurant, a partner establishment located just beside the hotel. The dining area is dim and cozy - for me, a nice set-up for business mixed with pleasure type of gatherings.
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| Liquid Bar & Restaurant (Photo from Microtel) |
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| Caldereta, Crispy Pata & Longganisa |
Their menu is a combination of Filipino and Western dishes catering to the varying palettes of its clientele. Dishes are beautifully plated and taste as good as it looks. If you love coffee, I recommend trying Darker forest, a blended drink that has a shot of espresso, dark chocolate and caramel, topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and a cherry. It's a fitting dessert after a heavy meal.
Microtel offers value for money without sacrificing comfort, a mid-priced, no frills hotel that offers a bit of luxury. Carrying the branding of Wyndham, one of world's largest hospitality companies, Microtel promises to deliver consistent service across all its branches nationwide, something that I witnessed on this 3 day media tour.
Traveling around the Philippines? Check out their website to locate a Microtel branch.
Microtel by Wyndham
Website
Sta. Arcadia, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
Rates : Start at 2,300 PHP for a room with 2 Queen beds
Places of Interest in Nueva Ecija :
Aquino-Diokno MemorialMicrotel offers value for money without sacrificing comfort, a mid-priced, no frills hotel that offers a bit of luxury. Carrying the branding of Wyndham, one of world's largest hospitality companies, Microtel promises to deliver consistent service across all its branches nationwide, something that I witnessed on this 3 day media tour.
Traveling around the Philippines? Check out their website to locate a Microtel branch.
Microtel by Wyndham
Website
Sta. Arcadia, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
Rates : Start at 2,300 PHP for a room with 2 Queen beds
Other room types :
1 Queen Bed
1 Queen Bed Suite
Other facilities : Wifi access, Massage (on-call), 24-hr vending area, photocopy, fax and mailing services, safety deposit box at the Front Desk and ample parking space
Other facilities : Wifi access, Massage (on-call), 24-hr vending area, photocopy, fax and mailing services, safety deposit box at the Front Desk and ample parking space
Places of Interest in Nueva Ecija :
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| Group shot with ms. Cely Ollero (lady in glasses, wearing an ID) , our tour guide and the cook at the time senator Benigno Aquino and Pepe Diokno were incarcerated in Fort Magsaysay |
Here, they endured mental torture. Between their rooms is an empty room which prevented them from directly talking to each other. I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas was played throughout the day and it was summer! Visits by their families were limited and they can only see each other through a screen with a few feet of space that prevented them from touching each other.
Our tour guide Ms. Cely Ollero was a former admin staff and cook at the facility during the incarceration of Benigno Aquino and Jose Diokno. She interacted with them directly! She's such a pleasant woman and enthusiastically answered all our questions.
Although there was not much to see, I found our visit very enriching. Sans the political aspect, learning about what kept them busy during their capture was amusing. I cannot imagine being confined in a little space with not much to do. How they stayed sane with meditaion and exercising is admirable. (just last year, I had chicken pox and could not go out for nearly a month. I had internet access but not being able to go out whenever I wanted was torture for me).
Fort Magsaysay
Palayan City, Nueva Ecija
Visiting Hours :Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
*Group tours and weekend visits can be done by coordinating in advance
Museo Novo Ecijano
The provincial capitol in Palayan city houses a museum filled with artifacts and an exhibit of tourist spots and festivals around Nueva Ecija.
Minalungao National Park - a recommended destination for outdoor lovers. More travel information on Kirk Anatomy.
Lakewood Golf & Country Club
Location : Km. 111 Maharlika Highway, Sumacab Este
Cabanatuan City
+63 44 806 1722
Facebook Page
Find out about other tourist spots in Nueva Ecija on Lakbay Nueva Ecija blog.
If you only have 3 hours in Cabanatuan, here's a helpful post from Pinoy Adventurista - 3 Hour Tour Around Cabanatuan.
Acknowledgment :
This trip was made possible by Microtel by Wyndham. Thank you! :)