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Costa Pacifica; Baler's Premier Resort Destination!

Writer's picture: Clarence InsoClarence Inso

Updated: Feb 13, 2018




Nestled in the town of Baler in Aurora Province is Sabang Beach the surfing destination east of Metro Manila. I’ve recently visited this small town thanks to the generosity of Genesis Transport Services Inc. Management headed by Ms. Riza Moises. After my post about the new Genesis Premiere Class went viral, they invited me for dinner and offered to visit their hometown of Baler – I’ve wanted to visit this destination for a long time. My Mom, cousin Dolly and her husband Don joined me to explore the province of Aurora; we travelled to Baler via Cubao aboard the JoyBus De Luxe Class – 28 seater bus with a 2 x 1 configuration and a toilet inside.


Our bus tickets we’re covered by the management which was already kind enough but it didn’t stop them by providing us the utmost comfort and relaxation during our trip. We were scheduled to stay at the Costa Pacifica the premier resort in the small town of Baler compliments of Genesis Transport Services Inc. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

At the bus stop we were welcomed by a van to transport us to our hotel.


THE LOBBY

As you enter the lobby you are greeted by a HUGE bonsai tree – No, it doesn’t talk but it’s hard to miss. The lobby offers a relaxing atmosphere with a stunning view of the pool overlooking the horizon. Like any other resort nowadays white is the dominant colour with modern and classic furniture, high ceilings and its glass panels help illuminate the room giving it a bright ambiance. The lounging chairs are so wide it can accommodate two to three people and it is very relaxing – I could sleep there all day!

Hotel entrance featuring a HUGE ASS bonsai tree

The front desk agent Marisa who was so welcoming and accommodating helped us get to our room right away. She even suggested activities to do within the day and was very informative on the resort facilities. We were assisted by their bellman Joseph.

Queenie the front desk in the afternoon was also very helpful too, she assisted with our transportation to the town proper.






THE BEACHHOUSE

The restaurant boasts elegance and sophistication, and the service was excellent! The breakfast buffet was on point! They had everything you’d expect from a buffet breakfast in the Philippines and more! The common selections are as follows:


  • Salad Station

  • Plain / Garlic Rice

  • Breakfast Potatoes

  • Grilled Tomatoes

  • Arroz Caldo Station (they sometimes have Bagnet as accompaniment)

  • Champorado Station

  • Omelette and Egg Station – what I mean by Eggs station is Fried Eggs and Scrambled didn’t want to elaborate but okay.

  • Cheese Selection (we had Halloumi Cheese! I was craving for that for a long time!)

  • Breads

  • Cereals

  • PIZZA STATION – yes this is not a drill!

  • Dilis and Tuyo

  • Sausage and Bacon

  • Waffles and Pancakes

  • Fresh Fruits and Suman – the suman was delicious!

  • Coffee and Juice Bar


Arroz Caldo Station! Delicious!

Salad Station

Champorado Station

Pork Tocino, Pork & Beans and Beef Hofan (these vary everyday)

Grilled Tomatoes, Baked Potatoes and Garlic Rice

Pizza Station! - I KNOOOOOW!

Bacon, Tuyo, Dilis and Sausage Station

Carrot Bread (Delicious!) Waffles and Pancake

Halloumi Cheese

Certain food items change daily they could either have longanisa, pancit and a vegetable dish – it varies. The lunch and dinner menu covers western and Filipino cuisine adding twists and surprising us with their presentation. We had lunch on our last day before heading to the bus stop and everything was delicious! I had the Baby Back Ribs (the Poke Bowl wasn’t available, but the Ribs did not disappoint!). Kuya Don had Loco Moco and Ate Dolly had the Beef Callos (it had a lot of shoestring potatoes on top); Mom had spring rolls which I didn’t get to taste because I was too invested on the my ribs. Everyone enjoyed their lunch!


Beef Callos and Baby Back Ribs

Our favorite breakfast spot

(L-R) Mom, Kuya Don and Ate Dolly


Because PIZZA IS LIFE!




THE BAR


I had some afternoon drinks while working on this blog. Their Bartender Ace – I believe he was a supervisor or a team Leader – was so accommodating and did a great job on the Mojito. On our last night I saw a bottle of Cachaca and immediately asked the lady at the bar if they could make one of my favorite cocktail – CAIPIRINHA! After a few minutes of consulting her colleagues, Ace came by and I asked him immediately, he dropped what he was doing and immediately worked on the drink I asked for – being a bartender myself I know that some people do not know what a Caipirinha, I myself struggled with it when a guest asked for it when I was tending a bar back in Georgia, USA – it was fortunately the last shot of Cachaca and I enjoyed every bit of it! The Classic Cuban Mojito is what I always go for after a tiring day nothing beats a refreshing glass of Mojito.



ALCOHOL

A glass of Mojito by the pool

They also have a local beer brewed at Charlie Does, light with a hint of fruity flavors.


CAIPIRINHA BABY!


THE ROOM

We stayed at the Junior Suite – a 38 sq m room with a private veranda overlooking the garden and a glimpse of their pool. Complete with bathroom amenities, a mini bar, flat screen TV, Two Single Beds, a sofa bed and an extra mattress to accommodate us four. The room was wide enough for everyone and it was overflowing with amenities too! Shoutout to the housekeeping team! You guys are amazing!



BATHROOM AMENITIES

Their amenities are from Island Breeze – a brand from Hotel and Spa Essentials who provide specially formulated products for those who want to venture under the sun, their products are made to hydrate your skin to keep you feeling fresh and moisturized! Their amenities include:

  • Bath Soap

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Shower Gel

  • Body Lotion

  • Dental Kit

  • Vanity Kit

  • Shaving Kit

  • Sewing Kit

Their packaging are treated with Eco Pure, an organic additive that accelerates the bio-degradation process of plastic products and plastic packaging in a biologically active landfill and enhances the environmental sustainability of these products in their end-of-life. Kudos again to the Housekeeping department for providing their guests top line amenities!


Hello there

Bathroom Amenities




AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Thought that’s all? This hotel is full of surprises! At about 5:00 P.M. or say around 5:30 the housekeeping team goes to every room and personally deliver a bag of sweets – I believe these are made in house. Packaged in small plastic bags (hopefully they change soon, something more biodegradable?) these treats give you the energy you’d need to get through the afternoon. Our first treat was a couple of Peanut Butter Balls – rich and smooth peanut butter covered in milk chocolate; Mmmmm just imagine that. The next day they gave out Red velvet cookies – don’t need to explain that, it tasted good; perfect for the afternoon coffee. This place knows how to treat their guest!


Joyce from housekeeping delivering our afternoon snacks!

THE POOL & GARDEN

The large L-shaped pool is the perfect retreat after a tiring day or after an hour of surfing. Equipped with pool chairs a towel and water station. They also have a kiddie pool just across from the main pool. The sunrise view at the pool area is astonishing!



View from the top... well rooftop that is

Kiddie Pool


A shed for two or four

Fire pit by the garden


Overall, our experience in Costa Pacific was Amazing! The staff, the facilities and everything in between deserves a 5 star! I would like to thank Ms. Patricia Moises-Afuang and Mr. Carlo Moises of Genesis Transport Services Inc. for this vacation!




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