Southern Chronicles: B Hotel Alabang

I've been curious about B Hotel ever since I've dined in its Quezon City branch a few months ago. The quite under the radar hotel chain by Bellevue delighted me with its delectable dishes and I got excited when I got an invitation to attend the menu reveal of its Alabang counterpart (which I will blog separately). It may have been a crazy long travel given the Manila traffic, but I decided that it must be worth the trip.

Hello, B Hotel Alabang.

I got to the hotel a bit past 5, quite late from my target of 4 p.m., an hour past check in time.

When in Bataan: The Plaza Hotel

I love being surrounded by fascinating (and old) architecture. I have been eying Vigan for the longest time but the long drive to the "blast from the past" scenic cobblestone road isn’t too appealing, especially to R. We then considered going to Bataan instead to check out some old infrastructures in the area. Luckily, The Plaza Hotel had a promo in Deal Grocer and we quickly nabbed it before it gets sold out. Soon, we found ourselves on our way to the historic place that marked the perseverance and bravery of Filipinos. 

Hello, The Plaza Hotel.

We were a bit iffy turning to the small road leading to the hotel. We thought that the well-established hotel is located in a sinister looking place. But to our delight, it is a pretty good location. It is sandwiched in between Balanga Public Library and Galeria Victoria Mall. It is also across the historical Balanga Cathedral which was once used as an artillery emplacement during the Japanese invasion. 

Parking could be hellish as The Plaza Hotel does not have its own parking area. You have no choice but to park in front which is shared with the other establishments nearby. We were fortunate to get one though in front of the hotel.

The 2012 List

Pessimists say that 2012 is the end of the world but optimists like me think that this is the year full of food, laughter, and just about anything that would make you think of double rainbow (remember that YouTube video?).

Every year, I plan my New Year’s Goals similar to a bucket list but with a shorter time frame. It thrills me every time I get to cross out some of the goals. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to accomplish a lot last 2011. I only managed to get rid of about 5 or 6 only from my list of 25. But this year, I am more determined to cross out at least half of what I will be mentioning below. 

MORE KALESA RIDES

Ever since my first ever ride last November, I can’t help but gush for more! This means more Binondo and Intramuros trips too. I hope to get to ride it 20 times this year!

EAT AT LEAST THREE DIFFERENT EXOTIC DISHES

I failed to eat lamb parts last time I went on an exotic food trip. I will not give up and visit Manila again for exotic dishes. I have already crossed out uok (larva of beetles), frogs, crickets, turtle and crocodile.

WATCH THE DISNEYLAND FIREWORKS 

I think this is the most magical moment… ever.

Blogs.

It sometimes frightens me how easy it is for most people to say, “I’m a blogger.” True, anyone can become a blogger. All you have to do is go to any site that offers free blog services such as blogspot and ta-da, you now have your own blog where you can write absolutely ANYTHING.

However, only a few can say “I’m a credible blogger” or “I’m a responsible blogger” without having their noses grow an inch or two. It saddens me whenever I read blogs that have incorrect information, messed up mechanics or stolen content.

Since I try to be sensitive on this matter, I will not disclose any of the blog sites but I would like to share how irresponsible some bloggers could be.

First, there was a site that promoted the Philippines; Manila to be exact. Hey, there’s nothing wrong about promoting the country. In fact, it was pretty noble of the “blogger” to do so. But if the topic PLACES TO GO TO IN MANILA included places such as Taal Volcano and Clark, then there must be something wrong.

This “blogger” failed to realize that his or her site can be accessed by ALL and by ALL I meant everyone with access to the internet… yes including foreigners interested to visit MANILA… and perhaps even Taal and Clark (without knowing that these places are not in Manila).

There were also issues of some bloggers getting content such as write-ups and photos from sites or fellow bloggers. Well, there is nothing wrong with using another person’s photo IF and only if that person allows you to do so (and acknowledging him or her as the owner). Reposting content though seemed to be a different matter as blogging is about sharing your own thoughts. If you use another person’s experiences or thoughts, I am not sure if such act is still considered blogging.

Carelessness. I find it very upsetting that there are some bloggers who would just write about anything to get “hits” to attract more advertisers and get money.

I read another blog that was promoting this bazaar. As a bazaar fanatic, I got interested and read how to win as the heading was screaming PRIZES. Upon clicking… I got a severe headache. I couldn’t understand what the “blogger” was talking about. Every sentence was poorly constructed… truly beyond repair! The mechanics even seemed to be a riddle without an answer. The “blogger” mentioned, “1 online winner + 3 + 1 raffle winners.” Yes, he or she said 1 raffle winners! And 3 what? Three friends of the online winner? I just don’t get it.

I guess some “bloggers” got so excited to sharing the latest news they heard but it doesn’t hurt to read the entry again before clicking the POST button.

Please save us readers from headaches, heartaches, and yes, disappointment.

I am not saying that I am a great blogger. I couldn’t even confidently say that I am a blogger as I am still new to this and my entries were not as much and as exciting as the entries of established bloggers. But I try to be careful and make sure that what I post are true, acknowledged or are 100% mine.