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private resort in san rafael, bulacan san rafael resort san rafael river adventure san rafael river adventure promo 2022 san rafael river adventure price san rafael river adventure owner san rafael river adventure cafe san rafael river adventure address

A relaxing getaway under 2 hours away from Manila!


If you're looking for a private villa with a nature vibe and a huge swimming pool, look no further! Conveniently situated in San Rafael, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options in Bulacan.


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WHAT TO PACK FOR CASA LINA

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

It was Sunday when we traveled to Bulacan. I brought my family who came from Laguna. It took us roughly 1 hour from NLEX Balintawak.

Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by one of their staff, Rose and guided us to the private villa (bungalow) we booked for 1 night stay.

Billiards

I went straight to our accommodation which was wide (very wide) and has own billiards, kitchen and dining areas.

Here's a quick room tour:

The living room of the villa is has its own ac, couch and KTV (videoke). It also features THREE (3) bedrooms with beds that can accommodate up to 15 persons at once. 

The airconditioned living room

All three bedrooms have their own ac and bathrooms. The 4th bathroom can be seen in the kitchen area.

Kitchen free to use!

Casa Lina's villa is perfect for family outing (like what we had) and barkada trip since it can accommodate big group of guests. Plus, you don't have to worry about your social media, Casa Lina is Wi-fi ready, too!

Watch my vlog for Casa Lina here:


On our first day at Casa Lina, we just chilled after unpacking our things. My brothers went straight singing with their KTV. The kids were enjoying the cozy beds. Others already flaunted with their swimsuit to the pool.

The 2-8 feet deep swimming pool

We surprised the family with a boodle fight dinner! We want to enjoy the stay and don't want to worry about cooking and grilling. My wife and I inquired prior our trip if they offer a boodle fight package and so glad they do! They served the food on banana leaves - fried tilapia, grilled liempo, shrimp, salted egg, ensaladang mangga and steamed vegies! We all enjoyed the sumptuous dinner! 

Boodle Fight (available for advanced order)

Then it's swimming time! Their pool has neon lights for aesthetic and to add brightness in the evening. It's the highlight of the night as our families bonded together in the pool. We took lots of photos and shared some good laugh. 

Night swim!

We had a restful sleep that night. Their beds were clean and super comfy. All the aircon are working in each room and we just enjoyed a good slumber after a fun and tiring day. 

The following day, we forgot to bring enough food and coffee. Thankfully, Rose, their staff, was to the rescue. :) She was nice and helped us buy our needs throughout our stay. We cooked our own breakfast with their equipment and utensils. Instead of a usual stove, they also let us use their induction cooker, fridge and water dispenser which was very convenient for us.

Casa Lina's own river dock

Also in the morning, we walk down to the river. Casa Lina has its own dock where you can chill, watch the sun rise and do water activities from. My father took a few minutes of kayaking, too!

My father enjoying the kayak

Before we check out, the kids made sure to dip into the pool one last time and enjoyed the rest of our day at the resort. Of course, we took our last selfies to complete our experience.

These mango trees are 100+ years old

Aside from the amenities mentioned above, Casa Lina has their own basketball court (half), a garden walkthrough, picnic tables, 100-old mango trees, a hammock and a mini chapel. The resort will have more rooms for rental as they currently construct a building beside their first accommodation.

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

ROOM RATES, AMENITIES & ACTIVITIES

Casa Lina Private Villa with 3 bedrooms (up to 15 persons)
  • Day Tour: ₱12,000
  • Overnight: ₱15,000


These amenities are FREE TO USE during the stay:
  • Fully Airconditioned Rooms
  • Kitchen with Utensils
  • Refrigerator
  • Swimming Pool
  • KTV
  • Billiards
  • WIFI
  • TVs

Kayaking in the morning

Here are fun activities you may enjoy (at a price) while you are at Casa Lina:
  • Jetski – ₱1,500 per 15mins
  • Kayak – ₱500 per 60mins
  • Basketball – ₱200 per 60mins

Casa Lina living area (My Home Is Your Home)

HOW TO BOOK A STAY AT CASA LINA PRIVATE VILLA

There are a few ways to book a stay at Casa Lina. Here are your best options:
  • Book thru Agoda (get the best deal!)
  • Book via their website
  • Reserve a booking thru their social media accounts (see contact details)



HOW TO GET TO CASA LINA

The best way to get to Casa Lina is by bringing your own vehicle (like what we did).

The resort is roughly an hour drive away from NLEX Balintawak. Exit to Balagtas and take the Plaridel Bypass Rd. until you reach the access road to Brgy. Caingin which will take you to the town proper of San Rafael. Take the road ahead to Maronquillo until you see a signage for Casa Lina. Take the  adjacent narrow road for you to reach the resort.

NOTE: if the maps or Waze directed you to take F. Viola Hiway, do not follow it. That road was full of craters and paddles. The road to San Rafael town proper is better.


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Casa Lina

Address: Daang Mina, Barangay Maronquillo Rd, San Rafael, Bulacan
Contact Numbers: 0906-445-4106, 0975-238-2254, 0917-439-6907
Email Address: casalina2019@gmail.com
Facebook: CASA LINA


Acknowledgment: Special thanks to the owner and the management team of Casa Lina for very accommodating service for me and my family.

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


ALSO IN BULACAN



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please leave your comment down below.

IMFWJ IS NOW ON YOUTUBE!
WHERE TO STAY IN BULACAN
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CASA LINA: Riverside Private Resort with Pool in San Rafael, Bulacan (Room Rates & Amenities)


This is your complete comprehensive guide for DFA NCR East Satellite Office.



Filipinos anywhere in the country may set an appointment at their preferred DFA branch when applying for their passport for the first time or renewing an old one. 

DFA NCR EAST at SM Megamall

For those who haven't got a passport, read my guide for NEW PASSPORT APPLICATION.

If you are renewing your passport, go to - PASSPORT RENEWAL APPLICATION PROCESS

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Travel Essentials

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

Where to Get a PH Passport

For those who are residing in Metro Manila like me, there's at least 6 DFA offices in the region where you can apply for a new passport or a renewal.



One of those office branches is DFA NCR East which is located inside SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

To see all other branches, I have a complete list of ALL DFA BRANCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES.


DFA NCR East Services

DFA NCR East accepts the following services:


Before Going to DFA NCR East

You are required to get an online appointment before you can go to DFA NCR East.




How to Get to DFA NCR East

If you're using public transportation: get off at the Megamall bus bay terminal beneath Bldg C, and take the elevator to the 7th floor.

If you're using private transportation: enter carpark building C and park at the 7th level parking lot.
To get to the carpark C entrance, enter Julia Vargas Ave. as shown by the blue arrows below, turn right at bank drive, turn left at the dead end, turn left again to go to carpark C.

SM Megamall Parking Map

Parking options:
  1. 7th level carpark building C
  2. 5th level carpark of building A


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

DFA NCR East Address and Schedule

Address: 7/F Mega C SM Megamall, 422 Dona Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Office Hours: 10AM to 5PM, Monday to Friday



ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA



ABOUT DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs is the executive department of the Philippine government tasked to contribute to the enhancement of national security, protection of the territorial integrity and national sovereignty, to participate in the national endeavor of sustaining development and enhancing the Philippines' competitive edge, to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Filipinos overseas and to mobilize them as partners in national development, to project a positive image of the Philippines, and to increase international understanding of Philippine culture for mutually-beneficial relations with other countries.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.


DFA NCR EAST: Passport Appointment Schedule at SM Megamall

Bulalo Recipe tagalog How to cook bulalo pata Feedback original bulalo recipe bulalo ingredients and procedure bulalo origin bulalo ingredients pork bulalo ingredients tagaytay bulalo recipe

No need to go to Tagaytay just to have a sip of this famous Filipino dish!



Bulalô is a beef dish from the Philippines. It is a light colored soup that is made by cooking beef shanks and marrow bones until the collagen and fat has melted into the clear broth.

Bulalo at Leslie's Restaurant in Tagaytay

Bulalo is native to the Southern Luzon region of the Philippines. One of my favorite bulalo spot in Tagaytay is the one from Jaytee's Restaurant. They serve hot with a nice amount of meat and vegetables.

READ: 10+ Best Places (Restaurants) to Eat Bulalo in Tagaytay

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LOOKING FOR KITCHEN OR DINING NEEDS?

Here are the best options to shop for your kitchenware and dining essentials:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

In this guide, you will learn how to cook bulalo in 3 easy steps!


Bulalo Ingredients

Here's a list of ingredients you need for cooking bulalo (good for 4-6 persons)
  • 1 kilo beef shank, chopped
  • 1 big onion, diced
  • 4 stalks onion leeks, chopped
  • ¼ cup dried banana blossom
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • Water
  • Patis
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 2 pieces calamansi
  • 2 pieces hot chili pepper



Cooking Instructions


STEP 1. Boil beef shank and throw away the water then boil again in medium heat for about 2 hours.

STEP 2. Add onions, leeks, and banana buds then season with salt and pepper then patis.

STEP 3. Serve hot with soy sauce, calamansi, and hot chili pepper.


Although the steps are short for cooking bulalo, it would take you at least 2-3 hours depending to your preferred tenderness of the beef.





ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com
 Bulalo Recipe tagalog  How to cook bulalo pata Feedback original bulalo recipe bulalo ingredients and procedure bulalo origin bulalo ingredients pork bulalo ingredients tagaytay bulalo recipe

PINOY RECIPE: How to Cook Bulalo in 3 Easy Steps! (Ingredients List & Cooking Steps)

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Unspoiled beach with white sand and pristine blue waters - Cagbalete Island is your next getaway in the Philippines.



It was mid-May when we visited this beautiful island in Mauban, Quezon Province. We visited Lucban for Pahiyas Festival prior to traveling to the island. (See our Pahiyas experience in video HERE.)

It was late in the afternoon when we were able to get to the tourism office and booked a boat ride to the island.

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You have two options in crossing to the island: you can wait for the public commuter boat to be full or if you are 8 or more, you can just take a private boat. In our case, we took a boat and it was less hassle.


BEFORE GOING TO CAGBALETE ISLAND

Here are the things you must consider before visiting Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon:
  • Have enough sleep prior to the day of the trip.
  • Ready you backpack with your travel essentials.
  • Bring a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Full charge your gadgets (phone, camera, GoPro, powerbank, etc.)
  • Don't forget to bring enough money for the whole trip and pasalubong.
  • Cagbalete is an island. Although some of the locals sell groceries, it still better to buy them at least at Mauban Public Market before going there. Budgetwise, the price is cheaper.
  • If you are a group of 8-10 or more, you can just book a private boat for faster and convenient travel to the island.


WHAT TO BRING FOR CAGBALETE ISLAND

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

WHERE TO STAY IN CAGBALETE ISLAND?

There's a lot of resorts in Cagbalete Island. Once you are already in the Local Tourism Office, you can select from the resorts that can accommodate you.

Or if you have your own tents, no need to reserve for rooms or cottages. Almost all resorts offer villas, huts and camping grounds, catering to different group sizes and types of tourists.

Our choice was MVT Sto. Nino Beach Resort. See full details of this resort HERE. Instead of staying for a night, we decided to have it at least 2 nights here. :)


Here are other resorts and accommodation in Cagbalete Island:



MY CAGBALETE ISLAND EXPERIENCE (Activities & Itinerary)

That first night, we just took some rest, prep for dinner and relax by the beach.


The next day? MVT Sto. Nino Beach Resort is facing the Pacific, so we were able to witness a golden sunrise that morning.

Cagbalete Island 2015
Mornings in Cagbalete

Next thing to do is to eat breakfast and took some photo ops to the beach.

The girls enjoy the beach

The weather was perfect! The sea was at very low tide (or no tide at all haha).

Sand riffles during low tide

Cagbalete Island is known for having these beautiful sand riffles.

Grilled liempo and chicken for lunch

Lunch time! We cooked our food we brought with us. We bought our needs from Mauban Public Market before going to the island. 

Afternoon chill time. We spent some time swimming in the beach. Then dinner.

Bonfire and music by the beach

That second night, we sat down around bonfire, chit chat and jam with some acoustic songs we sang and play.

Third day, we ate breakfast and left the island at noon.

Team Basti

Here's a video clip I made for our Cagbalete experience:


THINGS TO DO IN CAGBALETE ISLAND


  • Wake up in the early morning to gaze at the sunrise or don’t go on too much beer drinking just yet just so you could gaze at the beautiful sunset.

  • Go on an island hopping to see the infinite bar of white powdery sands.

  • Explore the secluded mangrove forest

  • Paddle your way through a canoe or kayak

  • Snorkel and see the surviving ecosystem of the world underwater.

  • Chill with a bottle of beer with friends over some overdue catch up conversation or jam session.

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

HOW TO GET TO CAGBALETE ISLAND


Via Private Transportation

  1. Take Calamba Exit in SLEX and go straight to Los Banos.
  2. From Los Banos, follow the National Highway passing through the towns of Pila, Santa Cruz, Pagsanjan and Luisiana.
  3. Just before Lucban is a fork, one leading to Lucban Town Proper, and another leading to Mauban Port. Take the latter.
  4. Mauban Port is around 20-30 minutes away from the fork.
  5. Taking private transportation to Mauban, Quezon means faster travel time, flexibility in schedule and quick food trip stop-over in the quaint town of Lucban or other neighboring towns in Laguna. Groups of more than 6-8 people can save more compared to public transportation due to Mauban’s proximity to Manila.


Via Public Transportation

  1. Ride the JAC Liner bus straight to Mauban Port for P270. Note, however, that there are only limited trips every day so we advise that you book beforehand. Travel time is 4-5 hours. Another option is to ride a bus from Cubao or Buendia to Lucena. Manila to Lucena via bus takes around 3-4 hours. Bus fare is P200.
  2. From Lucena Bus Terminal, ride a mini-bus to Mauban Port for P60-70. Travel time from Lucena to Mauban Port is around 1-2 hours.
  3. Upon arriving in Mauban Port, register in the tourism office, pay for the environmental fee of P50/person, and ride a passenger boat to Cagbalete Island for P50. There’s a regular schedule of public boats to Cagbalete Island; however, waiting time varies depending on the number of tourists. On low season, they can limit the trips to two/day. On peak season, waiting time for boat can reach up to 3 hours. Alternatively, you may rent a private boat directly to your resort for P3,500, good for 8-10 people.


BUDGET BREAKDOWN AND EXPENSES

Here are some tips to keep your budget under P1,000:

  • Transportation: P250 for a group of 10. This includes gas, toll fees along SLEX and parking in Mauban. Aside from being inconvenient, public transportation is more expensive in total.

  • Boat to Cagbalete Island: P100 round-trip + P50 environmental fee. Though we hired a private boat, roughing it out for the public boat will help you save around P200.

  • Accommodation: P250/head for tent pitching fee. This already includes the entrance fee. By bringing your own tent, you can cut accommodation expenses by half.

  • Food: P300 each for pre-cooked food and food supplies and drinks bought in Mauban Port. Bringing meals and cooking your own food will help you save even more.

  • Extra: P50 each for grilling fee and rental of cooking utensils.



CAGBALETE ISLAND 2D1N ITINERARY

Here's a sample 2 days and 1 night itinerary for Cagbalete Island:


Cagbalete Island 2015

Day 1

2400 Meet Up Jac Liner Kamias Station
0100 ETD Lucena Grand Terminal
0500 ETA Lucena Grand Terminal
0600 ETA Mauban. Register. Breakfast
0700 ETD Sabang Port
0800 ETA Sabang Port
0900 Resort. Check In
1000 Prep/Cook Lunch
1200 LUNCH
1300 Freet Time. Swim. Snorkel
1800 Sunset Viewing
1900 Dinner. Drinks. Socials
2200 Lights Out


Day 2

0500 Wake Up. Sunrise Viewing
0600 Breakfast
0700 Free Time. Swim. Stroll by the beach. Photo Ops
1000 Pack up
1200 Sabang Port
1300 Mauban Port
1400 Grand Terminal
1800 Home




ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

OTHER MUST-SEE ISLANDS IN THE PHILIPPINES

If you love to travel to the Philippines, here are the beautiful islands to visit on your next trip:


ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.

CAGBALETE ISLAND DIY TRAVEL GUIDE: Mauban's White Sand Beach in Quezon Province (Things To Do + Itinerary)


This is your complete comprehensive guide for DFA Consular Office - SM CDO Downtown Premier



Filipinos anywhere in the country may set an appointment at their preferred DFA branch when applying for their passport for the first time or renewing an old one. 


For those who haven't got a passport, read my guide for NEW PASSPORT APPLICATION.

If you are renewing your passport, go to - PASSPORT RENEWAL APPLICATION PROCESS

Loading...

Travel Essentials

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

Where to Get a PH Passport

With an SM Government Service Express within your reach, you can now conveniently process your PH Passport Application. There's at least 10 DFA Satellite Offices inside SM Supermalls where you can apply for a new passport or a renewal.



One of those office branches is DFA Consular Office which is located inside SM CDO Downtown Premier in CDO City.

To see all other branches, I have a complete list of ALL DFA BRANCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES.


DFA Consular Office - SM CDO Downtown Premier Services

DFA Consular Office - SM CDO Downtown Premier accepts the following services:


Before Going to DFA Consular Office - SM CDO Downtown Premier

You are required to get an online appointment before you can go to DFA Consular Office - SM CDO Downtown Premier.




How to Get to DFA Consular Office - SM CDO Downtown Premier

If you are looking to visit the DFA SM City Manila for processing your passport application, here are transportation commute options available for you:


Via Public Commuting

The best way to go to SM CDO Downtown Premier is by taking a bus or tricycle.


Via Private Vehicle

For those who are bringing own vehicle, you can follow directions from Google Maps or Waze. Pay parking is available at the mall.


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

DFA Consular Office - SM CDO Downtown Premier Address and Schedule

Address: 5th Floor, SM CDO Downtown Premier, Claro M. Recto Ave, cor Osmena St, Cagayan de Oro, 9000
Office Hours: 10AM to 6PM, Monday to Friday



ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA



ABOUT DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs is the executive department of the Philippine government tasked to contribute to the enhancement of national security, protection of the territorial integrity and national sovereignty, to participate in the national endeavor of sustaining development and enhancing the Philippines' competitive edge, to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Filipinos overseas and to mobilize them as partners in national development, to project a positive image of the Philippines, and to increase international understanding of Philippine culture for mutually-beneficial relations with other countries.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.


DFA SM CDO Downtown Passport Appointment Schedule

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