Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave-Cotmon, Camalig, Albay

Our family loves to travel and explore a place, that’s why every time we see opportunity we always include side trips. One of our recent trips was in Hoyop-hoyopan Cave, which is located in Barangay Cotmon, Camalig, Albay.

The name of the cave was derived from the word Hoyop which means blow or blowing of air/wind. The air can freely pass though inside the cave. There are many entrances and exits, these passage ways will test your skill in squeezing and kneeling to get through the other chambers. Although in my case I didn’t have any problem passing through, lol I am petite that’s my advantage. One of the opening will lead the tourist to the stunning view of the Mayon Volcano, but sad to say we didn’t see it because it was cloudy and raining at that time.

Inside the cave, there are beautiful and stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites, like dinosaur, angel and a lot more. A pond and a dance floor can be found inside it too. The dance floor is still being used during fiesta.

the Dance Floor

Fruit bats and other living organisms are can be found. There are still jars inside the cave were dated from 200 BD too 900 AD, some of these artifacts are now in National museum and Camalig Church. According to a Franciscan priest and archaelogist, Fr. Cantius Kobak, the cave is as old as 3000BC to 4000BC.

Fruit Bats

It withstood the test of time, been one of the witnesses of our colorful past, served as sanctuary during difficult times and even up to now it does to the local specially on strong typhoons hitting the place.

Dinosaur formation

Hoyop-hoyopan cave has an approximately 32 square meters of land area. The path way now is concrete different from the last time I was there and there are bulbs serve as the light instead of the flash lights that we used before. It is being maintained now by a clan, Soriano, Nieva and Nuylan Families. The tour fee was 500.00 pesos for eleven persons as payment for the lights and tour. Parking fee is 25.00 pesos. Outside the cave there are native souvenirs that can be bought. We bought hats as souvenirs.

The opening where the Mayon volcano supposedly can be seen clearly during Sunny days

The opening where one person can pass through at a time

Hoyop-hoyopan cave is definitely a place worth to visit.

Marina * Oyster * Seafood *Grill - Mall of Asia

We wanted to go out but we didn’t know where and when. Our coworker found a deal from Metro Deal a 50% of voucher for Marina. They offer Filipino foods specializing in Ilonggo Cuisine, a place from the Western Visayas, southern part of the Philippines. We chose the table inside the restaurant; the ambiance is cozy, relaxing and cool.  Our order were Marina Soup (bouillabaisse), blue marlin sisig, garlic rice, crab and aligue rice and crispy platter, which consists of crispy kangkong, chicken lollipop, calamares, crispy crablets and fried lumpia. Personally I love the crispy platter, garlic rice and blue marlin sisig.

Blue Marlin Sisig

Crab and Aligue Rice

Crispy Platter

Garlic Rice

One of the attractions in the restaurant was the three man band, the Combacheros. They were serenading the diners and that added to the fun while dining. It’s a great experience and great time.

Cow’s Ice Cream Bar-Mall of Asia

While we were walking after our dinner in Marina * Oyster * Seafood * Grill we saw a booth called Cow’s Ice Cream Bar. We checked and asked what the best sellers in the store; I noticed that the ice creams are from a well known brand of ice cream. So I asked why the name of the store didn't follow from the brand, the sales representative said that those flavors coming from a well known brand are just additional. The store has its own ice cream, then offered the best seller flavors, which are avocado, white chocolate, choco mint. I tried the avocado flavor; it was softer than the usual ice cream that can be found in the grocery, flavorful, the avocado fruit can be tasted. The sweetness is just right for me, not too sweet. One of my companions chose the white chocolate flavor. He said he liked it because not too sweet and softer. It  is fun trying  new things.

Combacheros in Marina Oyster Seafood Grill, Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines

It’s been a while that I and my coworkers didn’t have a night life. We are the ordinary employees, work and home route everyday. Then one of my coworkers was browsing a discount website called, Metro Deal, a discount Vouchers and Coupons. She saw a deal for Marina Oyster Seafood Grill at the Mall of Asia. One of the things that we enjoyed most was the three-man band, which called them as Combacheros. They accept requests and of course a tip depends upon the diners. I personally requested classic Filipino songs from VST & Co and boyfriends. It was fun watching them perform to the tune of our not so popular genre of song. When you have time come and visit the restaurant to enjoy the ambiance, food and live music.

Prestige Lounge in the Mall of Asia

There are freebies that I don’t know as a member of PrestigeSM advantage. I just use my card to earn points that can be used to purchase from SM stores or sometimes if I reached the required amount for “buy me” products I can have instant gift. That’s the usual I do with it.  Sometimes I take advantage of the gift wrapping services especially on Christmas time because the line for the members is usually short. In SM Department stores there are exclusive fitting rooms for members too.  

Every time I will renew there is a booklet, which shows the directory of privileges accompanied with the card, unfortunately I don’t read it much.

Last night while I and my friend shop in the Mall of Asia, it took time for the sales clerk to get the new bar code of an item. My friend roamed around, she happened to see the prestige lounge then we were told by the cashier to rest in there first as we wait for the bar code. We know that there s a lounge for SM Prestige members but we didn’t know what’s in it, so we decided to check and experience to be in the lounge.

It’s a nice resting area, clean, cozy and relaxing place. Few people, less noise and there are drinks serve for the guests and members. The bathroom is clean, that’s the most important of them all. Over all the experience was great. Now we know what their lounge is for.

There are house rules to follow:

• Prestige members must present their valid SM Prestige Card upon entry into the lounge.
• Members may bring a maximum of  two (2) guests only (children included in count) and shall be responsible for the behavior and conduct of their guests
• Pets are not allowed inside the lounge.
• Children 12 years and below must at all times be accompanied by an adult. Prestige members must ensure that children behave properly inside the lounge.
• Bringing in food and beverages, sleeping, taking pictures are strictly prohibited, smoking, gambling and consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited
• Complimentary use of landline phone is for important calls only and should be limited for three (3) minutes.
• Members and their guests are not allowed to conduct business or practice their profession inside the lounge.
• Merchandise items which have not been paid for may be deposited at the package counter.
• SM Prestige management reserves the right to ask members guests who violate prestige lounge house rules and/ or terms and conditions of the prestige program to leave the lounge and/or revoke their membership.