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Cheap Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City – Win Min Transient Inn

Posted on November 20, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Cagayan de Oro City is the capital city of the province of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao region of the Philippines. Cagayan de Oro City is a famous for its white river rafting. It also serves as a gateway to several tourist destinations in Mindanao such as Bukidon, Iligan and Camiguin island. If you are visiting Cagayan de Oro City and is looking for an affordable hotel, Win Min Transient Inn is the perfect hotel for you.

Good Location

Win Min Transient Inn is located in Agora Bus Terminal. This affordable Cagayan de Oro hotel is perfect to those who are traveling to nearby cities and provinces. It is located right in the heart of Cagayan de Oro city’s largest integrated bus terminal. Win Min Transient Inn is also few minute taxi away from various malls such as Limketkai and Centrio. If you are going to Laguindingan airport, there are also vans just few steps away from Win Min Transient Inn bound to the airport.

Check-In at Any Time of the Day

Apart from its location, what sets Win Min Transient Inn apart from other hotels in Cagayan de Oro is that you can check-in at any time of the day. Unlike in typical hotels where check-in is at 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM, you can check-in as Wes Min Transient Inn at any time of the day. Check-out depends on your check-in time and hours of stay.

Win Min Transient Inn Cagayan de Oro City Philippines

Affordable Room Rates – Win Min Transient Inn

Win Min Transient Inn offers affordable room rates. The hotel is ideal to backpackers and travelers as they offer short-time room stays. They offer a per hour rates with a minimum of 3 hour stay. They also offer 24 hour stay at affordable room rates.

[table id=8 /]

For some reason, Wes Min Inn Transient’s published room rates are already discounted.

Tip: Get huge discounts if you book your Wes Min Transient Inn HERE.

Standard Room

After enjoying my 2 day stay in Camiguin island, I immediately headed to Cagayan de Oro. I arrived in Agora Bus Terminal at 8 PM and had to look for the nearest and cheapest accommodation in the area. Luckily, Wes Min Transient situated within the terminal. Since I’m leaving Cagayan de Oro City the next day and found out that there are vans bound to the airport just outside Wes Min, I did not hesitate to check-in in the hotel.

Since it was past 8 PM and my flight to Manila the next day is 9 AM, I opted for a per hour rate. The receptionist advised that the per hour basis is more expensive than their 12 hour rate. I then availed for their 12 hour room rate.

I must admit that I did not expect something grand about Win Min Transient Inn. Firstly, it is located right in the bus terminal. Second, it offers short time rates like motels. And third, I did not experience warm welcome from the receptionists and the staff.

I was surprised that the room was very clean. The ambiance was good and a bit cozy for an accommodation within a bus terminal. The bed, pillows and linens were okay. There is a small television with cable channels. There is also a mini work area in the room. The air-conditioning unit works perfectly. The big surprise is the rain shower in the spacious toilet and bath. I just felt like the room and the entire hotel is a bit old but the cleanliness compensates the rusty feeling. As for the security, there is a guard manning in the entrance.

Highly Recommended Cheap Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City

Overall, I would highly recommend Win Min Transient Inn. If you are coming from or going to nearby Cagayan de Oro provinces, you will definitely see Win Min Transient Inn within the Agora Bus Terminal. This cheap Cagayan de Oro hotel is perfect for backpackers and budget travelers who are always on the go!

Win Min Transient Inn Cagayan de Oro City
Contact Number: (088) 856 8043
Online Booking HERE

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Affordable Resort in Camiguin Island – Marianita’s Cottages

Posted on October 24, 2017October 24, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Marianita's Cottages Camiguin Philippines

If you are planning to visit the beautiful Camiguin province, there is a number of resorts and accommodations in the island. For luxury travelers, there are high-end but expensive resorts such as Balai sa Baibai and Guerrera Rice Paddy Villas. On the other hand, for budget travelers, you may stay at GV Hotel Camiguin or The Yellow House in Camiguin. There are also mid-range resorts if you want comfort and convenience, one of which is my highly recommended resort – Marianita’s Cottages.

beachfront rooms at Marianita's Cottages — beachfront rooms at Marianita’s Cottages

Peaceful and Quiet Location

Marianita’s Cottages is situated along Camiguin Circumferential Road, Mambajao, Camiguin. It is ideally located in the center of Yumbing bay ad just across Camiguin’s white island. The resort is 7 kilometers away from Mambajao proper which makes its surroundings more peaceful and quiet.

The resort’s proximity to various Camiguin island tourist spots is also an advantage. The port going to Camiguin’s famous white island is just 2 minute multicab/tricycle away from Marianita’s cottages. Marianita’s Cottages is also close to many restaurants and food places in Mambajo. It is also 10 minutes away from Camiguin airport.

Very Clean and Well-Maintained Resort

Surprisingly, Marianita’s Cottages is very clean. The resort’s real estate may be limited but the location of rooms, reception and the beachfront area were artistically and carefully planned. Each room has its own balcony with a dinette set. Cool signages can be seen pointing to the cottages and the beach. The beach front cottages are just few steps away from the mini bar and beach beds.

Superior Room at Marianita’s Cottages

simple and homey room

The spacious rooms are very clean, simple yet stylish. I personally loved the bed and pillows. The lines and pillow cases are very clean and are of high quality. They’re very comfortable and can be at par with that of high-end resorts. The flooring is also something unique and special. The air-conditioned rooms also comes with a cable LCD TV, free WiFi, mini sofa, dresser, basic toiletries and personal refrigerator. If you want some snacks or drinks, the refrigerator is packed with snacks, bottled water, juices and beers. The stylish toilet and bath is also very clean and comes with a hot and cold shower.

Marianita’s Cottages Room Rates

Marianita’s Cottages room rates are very affordable. Below are the published room rates of this Camiguin resort:

Standard Room (fan) for 2 PAX- 1,200 Php (24 USD)
Superior Room (Air Conditioned) for 2 PAX – 1,500 Php (30 USD)
Beach Front Room (Air Conditioned) for 2 PAX – 1,800 Php (36 USD)
Front Beach Suite (Air Conditioned) for up to 4 PAX – 2,100 Php (42 USD)

Tip: Rates are cheaper if you book online HERE. I was able to book the Superior Room (non-beachfront room) few hours before checking-in at 1,400 Php instead of 1,500 Php. Rates are cheaper if you book ahead of your Camiguin visit.

Highly Recommended Camiguin Resort

I would highly recommend Marianita’s Cottages to anyone who is visiting Camiguin island. The rooms and the entire resort are very clean and well-maintained. The receptionists Bem-bem and Jen along with the owner are very friendly and accommodating. I had my Camiguin island tour during my second day in the island. I had to check-out before 12 PM, left my backpack in the resort and continued with my tour. When I returned to Marianita’s, they were so kind to even offer me free use of their shower. They truly know what customer service is!

Marianita’s Cottages

Contact Number: +639171045304

Address: Purok 2- Yumbing, National Highway 9100 Mambajao, Camiguin

Online Booking HERE

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5 reasons to stay in Gold Sky Seaview in Siquijor Island

Posted on March 25, 2017March 26, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

When Jen and I embarked in Siquijor port, there were tourism accredited tricycle drivers offering cheap Siquijor island tour (Related: Cheapest Siquijor tour package). After touring the island, our tricycle driver/tour guide was kind enough to help and show our options for our accommodation during our stay in Siquijor. We visited a number resorts and accommodations and decided that Gold Sky Sea View Guest House is fairly priced for a beach front accommodation.

Gold Sky Seaview Guest House

1. Good location

Gold Sky Sea View Guest House is located in San Juan municipality. Compared to other municipalities, San Juan is the nearest to Siquijor Port. Gold Sky Seaview is also few meters away from popular restaurants in Siquijor – Baha Bar & Restaurant and Marco Polo Pizza & Pasta. It is also literally few steps away from Czar’s Place – a popular drink and party destination of locals and tourists in the island.

2. Beach front cottages

There are many resorts and accommodations in Siquijor Island. If you have budget, you may want to stay in White Villas or Coco Grove Beach resort. On the other hand, for budget travelers and backpackers, there are cheap accommodations. Tori’s Paradise has a 300 Php a night rate in a mixed dormitory. Das Tratum Guesthouse also has a 250 Php a night rate.

Sadly, only the pricey resorts like Coco Grove offer beach front accommodations. Rooms in cheaper accommodations don’t usually have beach front views. Gold Sky Seaview Guest House may not be as grand and high-end as the pricey resorts but all of its three cottages are beach front. So, if you love swimming, you need not to visit other areas in Siquijor as you get to enjoy the beach right outside your cottage.

3. Privacy

If you are the type who loves peaceful and quiet surroundings, you will definitely love Gold Skyview Guest House. The resort has only three cottages. Each of which has toilet & bath and refrigerator.

The cottage is spacious and very clean. Extra beds are also readily available if needed. There is no hot & cold shower, however, toiletries such as bath towels, soap, shampoo and toilet paper are provided. You also get free wifi!

Since there are only three cottages, you get to enjoy your privacy during your stay in Gold Sky Seaview. We learned from the caretaker that the two cottages were occupied for an extended time at a lower rate. Unlike in other resorts, it’s peaceful, quiet and you get your own privacy.

There is also a common area where guests can cook. There is also a cabana right in front of the beach where you can simply relax and enjoy some drinks or a book.

4. Cheaply priced

With its strategic location, beach front cottages, peaceful and quiet surroundings, I should say that for only 1,500 Pesos ($30) is practically cheap. There is indeed cheaper accommodations in Siquijor but you won’t get beach front, spacious and air-conditioned room.

Gold Seaview Guest House’s rate for non-conditioned cottage is 1,000 Pesos ($20).

5. Friendly and helpful staff

A post shared by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on Jan 1, 2017 at 12:34am PST

Me in Gold Skyview Guest House

Throughout our stay, we felt very special with Rose, the resort’s caretaker. She was very welcoming, accommodating and helpful. Rose gave us tips on where to eat in the area and even assisted us on our fastcraft ticket purchase to Dumaguete City. She was very friendly and shared tons of stories about her life in the island.

Overall, Jen and I super enjoyed our stay in Gold Sky Seaview Guest House. We were very lucky that our tour guide showed us the resort. It was perfect for us. I personally love the quiet and peaceful surroundings. Being in a good location, we also get to dine in Siquijor’s sought after restaurants and experienced the island’s night life.

Gold Sky Seaview Guest House
Contact Number: 09169236243
E-Mail: [email protected]

You may check other Siquijor resorts and accommodations HERE.

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Budget Hotel in Dumaguete City: Go Hotels Dumaguete

Posted on January 19, 2017January 20, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

If you are travelling to Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, there are a number of hotels and accommodations in the province. For budget travelers, comfort and affordability are important in choosing a hotel or accommodation. In Dumaguete, there is no other hotel aside from Go Hotels Dumaguete that offers comfort and good service at an affordable price.

Go Hotels Dumaguete Location

Go Hotels Dumaguete is located in Calindagan corner South Road in Dumaguete Central Business District Dumaguete City. The hotel is across various BPO offices and is also few meters away from Robinson’s Dumaguete mall. If you are coming from Dumaguete airport, Go Hotels Dumaguete can be reached via tricycle or habal-habal. Travel time from the airport to the hotel is 20 minutes and fare is approximately 120 Php. If you are coming from Ceres Bus Terminal in Dumaguete City, tricycle fare costs 40 Php.

I stayed in Go Hotels Dumaguete after my short day trip in Bacolod. I traveled from Bacolod to Dumaguete via ordinary bus which took roughly 7 long hours. Since I was not able to anticipate the long travel, I arrived in Dumaguete city at 11 PM and immediately took a tricycle to Go Hotels Dumaguete.

Check-in was a breeze

It was my first time to check-in in a Go Hotels chain. I was very excited as I’ve been reading good reviews about their hotels. When I arrived, I was surprised by its spacious open air lobby and reception area. It was simple and clean.

Go Hotels Dumaguete Reception area

Go Hotels Dumaguete Lobby

The check-in process was a breeze. Since I booked online prior to my trip, I just presented my Travelbook booking confirmation to the receptionist. She quickly verified my booking and immediately handed me the key card for my room.

Go Hotels Dumaguete room rates

Unfortunately, Go Hotels do not have published room rates. Their rates are more expensive if you will book closer to your check-in date. The below rates were generated via Go Hotels site as of this writing.

Room rates if you book via Go Hotels site 3 days prior to check-in date:

twin bedroom – 1220 Php
queen size bedroom – 1220 Php

Tip: Alternatively, hotel online booking sites such as Agoda and Travelbook offer cheaper Go Hotels Dumaguete rates.

Travelbook had this last-minute booking promo for twin room for only 710.12 Php instead of 900 Php. It was even cheaper than a queen size room. Being a budget traveler, I immediately booked the 710.12 Php promo rate.

Go Hotels Dumaguete twin room

I was assigned to a twin bedroom on the second level, just right beside the stairs. I should say that I did not really expect anything as I only paid 710.12 Php. Surprisingly, the room is spacious for a budget hotel. It was very clean and well maintained. The bed and pillows did not disappoint. It was good for the rates Go Hotels Dumaguete offers.

Room amenities include air-conditioning unit, cable TV, WiFi, soap and shampoo, in-room safe and hot and cold shower. Being a hotel for travelers and backpackers, the room does not have any work area. Nonetheless, if you are bringing work in Go Hotels, the fast internet connection will compensate the lack of work area. As for the toilet and bath, it was very clean. Aside from the soap and shampoo, bath towels and mats are provided.

The interior is simple and has this hip and cool vibe.

A photo posted by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on Jan 19, 2017 at 8:12am PST

If you are a food lover or a smoker, eating inside your Go Hotels room is not allowed. There is this note in the room that eating areas are available at the hotel’s common areas. For smokers, there are designated smoking areas outside the ground lobby. If you dare to eat or smoke inside your room, prepare for a 1,000 Php cleaning charge. I do not have issues about these rules as these are for Go Hotels to maintain the quality of their rooms.

My Take on Go Hotels Dumaguete

Overall, I enjoyed my stay in Go Hotels Dumaguete. The receptionists were very accommodating and welcoming. I should say their approach and service are at par with receptionists of high-end hotels in Manila. For Go Hotels Dumaguete room rates, the room exceeded my expectations. It was spacious and clean. Dumaguete’s Go Hotels is indeed a budget friendly hotel in city!

Go Hotels Website: http://www.gohotels.ph
Cheap Go Hotels Dumaguete online booking: Agoda / Travelbook
Contact Numbers.: +63 (35) 5221100 | 5221102

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BRBlock Boutique and Residences Makati Review

Posted on July 3, 2016July 9, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

BRbock Boutique and Residences is one among the few affordable boutique hotels in Makati City. Situated in the Philippine’s central business district, BRBlock hotel is strategically located as it is just few minute taxi ride away from various shopping malls, bars, restaurants and offices. What sets BRblock apart from other Makati boutique hotels is that it is located in the heart of Santiago village, a peaceful and quiet Makati neighborhood.

Distance of BRblock Boutique & Residences from various landmarks:

SM Jazz Mall – 650 m
Century Mall – 750 m
Glorietta Mall – 2.9 km
Bonifacio High Street – 3.6 km
Ninoy Aquino International Airport- 7 km

Unique and Remarkable Minimalist Boutique Hotel in Makati

Opened in June 2015, BRbock Boutique and Residences building is fairly new. Not like any other boutique hotels in Makati, its facade is gray and humble but its architecture is carefully designed and truly remarkable. It is in fact one of the best boutique hotel facade I’ve seen in Makati.

This 4-storey Makati boutique hotel has an elevator. Each floor has a foyer where guests can hang-out and simply relax. The open-air industrial minimalist themed hallways are very clean and spacious for such a small hotel. From BRblock’s entrance up to the room, everything is unique and pleasing to the eye.

Deluxe Room at BRblock Boutique & Residences

The rooms are simple and very spacious. I love the minimalist but practical design of almost everything. Right after the room entrance, on the left is a mini bar with a couple of items and snacks for sale at a minimum price. Yes you heard it right! Minimum price! Unlike other boutique hotels, it was such a surprise that their snacks are quite cheap for an upscale boutique hotel.

The minibar also comes with an electric kettle, 2 coffee cups, sachets of coffee, creamer and sugar. If you are a coffee lover, BRblock Boutique & Residences offers unlimited coffee! Just call the reception and coffee sachets will be delivered right in front of your hotel room. Below the minibar is a personal refrigerator with 2 complimentary water bottles and sodas in can for sale. There is also an open closet with a vault to secure your money or valuable items. If you are bringing work to your BRblock hotel room, there is a long shelf with a mirror and a stylish lampshade that serves as the room’s work space.

Clean and stylish white linens and pillow cases cover the very comfortable bed and 4 pillows in BRblock hotel rooms. I should say that the quality of the bed and pillows can match that of expensive 5 star hotels in Makati. There is a huge cable LCD screen TV facing the bed. All rooms also come with a free Wifi.

Unlike a typical hotel, the curtain in BRblock are white roller blinds. This is perfect for the floor to ceiling sliding glass door which separates the room from the balcony. If you are a cigarette smoker, the balcony serves as the smoking area.

The simple and practical toilet and bath is very clean. The overall design complements to the minimalist theme of the hotel. Fixtures are stylish and look new. The hot and cold shower works perfectly and there are no issues with the water pressure. The toilet and bath come with toiletries such as soap, 2 toothbrush with toothpaste, cotton buds, bath shower and gel. I personally love the small soap wrapped with a BRblock branding.

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Room Rates

Compared to other Makati boutique hotels, room rates at BRblock are more affordable.

Deluxe Room for 2 persons- 1,989 Php (approx. $43)
Family room for 3 persons – 2,574 Php (approx. $55)

Tip: Room rates are cheaper if you book HERE (Agoda).

Security and Safety

As for the security, there is a security guard on duty 24/7. The entire BRBlock building is also equipped with cameras. Being in a peaceful and quiet environment, we felt very safe during our stay at BRblock.
Due to its limited real estate, BRblock boutique and residences can accommodate maximum of 6 cars and its parking space at the ground floor.

Exemplary Customer Service

Customer service is exemplary! The security guards, concierge and the rest of the staff are very welcoming, friendly and courteous. Steph, the front desk personnel welcomed us with a huge smile and even assisted us to our room upon check-in.

Other Services

24-hour front desk
luggage storage
laundry
fax/photocopying

If you are visiting Makati for a vacation or business, I would highly recommend BRblock Boutique and Residences. With its exemplary customer service, simple yet upscale atmosphere, minimalist and clean rooms, security and safety and most especially its affordability, BRblock is the best boutique hotel there is Makati.

How to Get to BRblock Boutique & Residences

Since BRblock is relatively new, most of the taxi drivers are not aware of the place yet. So make sure to have your Google map or Waze ready or just simply tell the below directions to the taxi driver.

From Kalayaan Avenue in Makati, turn left to Pililla Street. After a block, turn left to Baler Street and turn right on Penafrancia St.

BRblock Boutique & Residences Map

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Address, Contact Number and Online Booking

Address: 1631 Penafrancia St., Baranggay Valenzuela, Makati City
Contact Number: +63 2 8335121
Online Booking and Reservation: Unfortunatey, BRblock Makati does not have an official website. Alternatively, you may book your room HERE.

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Cheap Accommodation in Davao City: Iron Inn

Posted on March 20, 2016March 23, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Iron Inn Lodge is one among the many backpacker budget accommodation in Davao city.

After enjoying Glan in Sarangani Province, I immediately headed to Davao City. I arrived at Ecoland bus terminal around 8:00 PM and asked some locals where is the cheapest accommodation in the area. A street vendor pointed me to Iron Inn Lodge.

Iron Inn Lodge Location

If you are travelling by bus to General Santos, Tacurong, Bukidnon, Koronadal, Cotabato, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro or Matim, this budget accommodation is a perfect place to have a quick rest as it is just few meters away from the Ecoland Bus Terminal.
affordable inn in davao city

From outside, Iron Inn’s facade looks like a boutique hostel accommodation. The colorful stained glasses makes this affordable Davao accommodation more appealing.

When I arrived in the lodge, I was welcomed by an old lady along with their 2 grandchildren. The old lady is the owner of Iron Inn and her grandchildren help her accommodate guests.

Iron Inn Lodge Room Rates

2 hours = 200 Php
3 hours = 350 Php
4 hours = 300 Php
5 hours = 350 Php
6 hours = 400 Php
7 hours = 450 Php
8 hours = 500 Php
12 hours = 600 Php
24 hours = 700 Php

DSCF4296

With their affordable rates, Iron Inn is undoubtedly a motel in Davao city. After my motel experiences in the past, (staying overnight in Iloilo’s Dragon Lodge and Roxas City’s Premiere Inn) the experience was not bad at all. Besides, safety was not an issue as I was in Davao City – the 8th safest city in the world!

For only 700 Php for 24 hours, I did not hesitate to check-in. I was a bit confused as the owner did not hand me the room key. Instead, she instructed her grandchild to open the room for me.

Iron Inn’s common area

The room itself is quite spacious for a solo backpacker. The bed is queen size and the room comes with an air-conditioning unit and a TV. It’s quite odd the room walls are tiles. I felt like I was inside a toilet. Nonetheless, the entire room and the toilet and bath is very clean.

The next morning, the owner offered me to simply add 300 Php for another night in Ironn Inn. Too bad it was my last day in Davao City.

Well, this is the cheapest accommodation I’ve been to during my Lake Sebu-Sarangani-Davao City DIY tour. With only less than 1,000 Pesos a night, the place is generally clean and truly a budget Davao city accommodation! Visiting Davao City? Check hotels HERE

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Cheap Accommodation in Roxas City: Premiere Inn

Posted on January 17, 2016June 2, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Premiere Inn is probably the cheapest and most affordable accommodation in Roxas City. Located in Bangbang st., Premiere Inn is few minutes away from several Roxas City tourist attractions such as the People’s Park and Provincial capitol.

After my 2 night stay at Roxas President’s Inn, I decided to try a budget accommodation. I asked several locals where can I find the cheapest yet decent accommodation in Roxas City and I was advised to check out Premiere Inn.

I tried searching for the rates via Agoda while I was on my way to Premiere Inn. Unfortunately, this budget accommodation seemed to be unlisted in the hotel booking site. I then started to think that Premiere Inn might be a motel. Recalling my unforgettable experience in Iloilo where I unintentionally checked-in in a motel (Dragon Lodge Iloilo), the experience was not bad at all. For the sake of budget traveling, I was willing to stay in a motel for the second time.

Premiere Inn Roxas City

Entrance of Premiere Inn, Roxas City

Premiere Inn Roxas City Room Rates

Single bed (for 2 persons)
3 hours – 300 Php
12 hours – 500 Php
24 hours – 700 Php

Double bed (for 4 persons)
12 hours – 750 Php
24 hours – 1,000 Php

The room rates confirmed my suspicions. Premiere Inn is indeed a motel! Nonetheless, rates are very cheap and affordable! If you are on a tight budget, non-airconditioned rooms are available too!

The entire place is clean. The 2-storey building looked newly painted.

I took a single bed room for 24 hours for only 700 Php. I must say that the room is clean and quite spacious. The vibe is more of a pension house room than of a motel.

The room comes with a cable TV.

The toilet and bath has hot and cold shower. Faucets need some repair though. I was satisfied with the room itself but the toiled and bath is nothing to rave about. Nonetheless, this Roxas City accommodation is very affordable. Well, we at times get what we pay for.

Since this is a motel and most motels in the Philippines are built for short time pleasure, they do not issue room keys to guests. If you are leaving your room to tour Roxas City, once you return, you have to ask the counter to open the room door for you.

If you are looking for a cheap accommodation in Roxas City, Premiere Inn will definitely not empty your pocket. Don’t want to stay in Premiere Inn? You may check other Roxas City hotels here.

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