Yay to Better Call Saul!

I am completely ecstatic that 'Better Call Saul' is finally airing. I have been waiting for months to watch this series. Obviously, I am one of the many people who was crazy about Breaking Bad and he was my most favorite character. He is the perfect go-to guy anyone could have. He has a solution for every hopeless situation.

It already has four episodes and it airs every Monday US time. So abangers na ng Tuesday! hehe.

I have seen the first 3 episodes and so far I am liking what I am seeing. Familiar faces and places - so nostalgic. So excited for the next episodes...

La Luz Beach Resort & Spa Getaway 02192015

Chinese New Year fell on a Thursday this year and it definitely called for a long weekend. It was a nice time to do a post-Vday celebration as well. 

We went to La Luz Beach Resort and Spa in San Juan, Laiya, Batangas. I have to admit it was a pretty long drive. We left the house (in Sucat) at 8:30am and arrived there at around 11:30am. Thanks to Waze, we were able to get there even though it was our first time in Laiya and given that La Luz did not have any signboards or adboards like other beach resorts in the same area. Also, before entering the long neighborhood of resorts in Laiya, there wass a stop where we had to pay Php20.00 per head as Ecological fee which will be presented to the resort upon checking in.

We booked a room via Agoda.com 2 days before our scheduled date. The annex rooms were the only ones available. It costed like Php3,300 per night tax included so that was what we got. When we arrived there, I am glad that we booked thru Agoda because the transaction was so fast in the reception area. We just filled out like an information form regarding our booking and that was it. We were given an information sheet and we were already endorsed to a staff who accompanied us to our room. The check in time was 2pm but since the room was already available, we were able to get the room way earlier. The people who were also trying to check in that time took a longer time, more talks and a little waiting time before they got their room. That was when I realized we made a good choice booking thru Agoda.

The room was kinda far from the main area, which was kinda expected since it was called annex. Also, it was located at the far end of the resort that we can already see and hear the locals living around the area. The only thing separating them from the resort was a one floor high wall. But it was fine because most likely most of the staff and their families are the ones living there. This may be true or not but regardless, it did not have much effect during our stay.

 The room looked nice. It had a terrace.

The door.

                          

                    Almost everything were made out of Bamboo even the hangers.

The room had AC and Hot and cold shower but did not have TV. Not sure if it was because the annex rooms were new or intentional to make people enjoy the beach instead of bumming in the room. But nonetheless, it was not really important because we did not come to La Luz to watch TV. Also, we noticed that the ceiling of the bathroom was not properly finished. The pipes were visible and were just painted same color as the walls.

Single twin beds

The bathroom. Sink was in the middle. Shower on the right and toilet on the left side.

The place was generally relaxing. It had a lot of trees and plants. There were cabanas and beach chairs available to use. The beach is okay. It was sort of white but it was not sand. It was like broken corals and shells but not painful to walk on barefoot. The water is clear with minimal algae floating and it is biglang lalim.

Cabanas

Trees. trees. Everywhere.

Beach chairs made out of bamboo as well.

Clear water

Blue skies and the beach.

There were a lot of water activities offered in La Luz like Snorkeling, Island hopping, Banana Boat, Jetski and Kayak. We tried the Kayak, which was P200.00 per hour. It was a nice experience. They also have board games for rent for people who just want to chill in the cabanas. All of the payments were made in the office.

Go kayak!

It was a requirement to pay Php1,350 per head for the food which included Lunch (12nn-2:30pm), Mirienda (3pm - 5pm), Dinner (7pm - 8:30pm) and breakfast the next day (7am - 9:30am). Everything was served in buffet. There was nothing special with the food but the replenishment was quick. There were like 5-6 dishes to choose from aside from the appetizers and desserts. I particularly liked the Tuna fish during lunch, Turon during Mirienda, Garlic pasta during dinner and the champorado - dilis combo during breakfast. Sulit na din! Dinner time was something to look forward to because they set up a dining area along the sea shore plus there was bonfire on the side. They also handed out sky lanterns to light up.

Dinner set up.

Bonfire

Sky Lanterning

We also tried the massage offered in the resort. It was P350.00 per hour and the last call time was 8:30PM. The massage was just so-so. I am not sure if it was because of lack of training or they were just tired since we scheduled the last hour. But oh well, we still gave them a generous tip since we fell asleep during the massage and as help na din. 

The next day had a gloomy weather. It rained during dawn and still drizzling during breakfast. Mr. Sun peaked a little bit after breakfast. We explored the resort more. We walked by the shore line and we found a lot of dead fishes and dying jelly fishes. These were cleaned by the staff.

Gloomy beach weather

Waves crashing the rock formation

Overall, it was a nice escape and a quick getaway. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. Always ready to serve with a smile. I also liked the idea that the food was already served in the resort and in buffet style because it made the experience hassle-free. No need to think of where and what to eat.