We were in Puerto Princesa, Palawan and it was the morning of Akira’s sixth birthday, he was so ecstatic on how the day would turn out. While we’re having our breakfast at Anibong—Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel’s in-house restaurant—the staff brought a birthday cake for our son while singing him a happy birthday. He was speechless with surprise, so he just made a wish and blew his candle. He whispered to me, “Nanay, this is the best birthday ever!”
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A Puerto Princesa Vacation
It was September, and my boys were celebrating their birthdays—one day apart. And because the days fell on a weekend, I thought of a birthday trip for them—a surprise one for Akira.
We were at the airport—right after Akira’s field trip—for what he thought was a birthday dinner for his tatay. He sensed that something was going on when we stayed longer than usual after the meal. He asked if we were flying out, and we both just laughed. He then asked us if it’s a local or international trip. We were all giggling and teasing when our flight started to board. He slept throughout the flight and woke at midnight when we reached Puerto Princesa.
A Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel Puerto Princesa staff greeted us when we got out of the airport terminal. A complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport is provided for hotel guests.
After around five minutes, we arrived at Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel and were immediately assisted at the front desk.
Hotel Overview
I got the chance to stay here at Best Western Plus the Ivywall Hotel Palawan in 2016, and I can see that they have preserved the beautiful modern Filipino design of their furnishings and décor. The rattan pieces, capiz accents, and wood parquet details, along with the marble-tiled floors, create a chic yet unintimidating atmosphere.
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel is strategically located along Rizal Avenue, where you can find most of the famous restaurants and cafes in Puerto Princesa. The location is perfect, as it’s near the airport, the Palawan Provincial Capitol, and other major landmarks in the city.
They have a spa, outdoor pool, gym, poolside bar, restaurants, business center, meeting rooms, and a ballroom.
Premier Room
We were ushered into our room by a staff. Meanwhile, I was carrying Akira, who still donned his P.E. uniform. I immediately laid him on the bed.
I took a much-needed hot shower for an eternity and headed back to the bed where I found my boys knocked out, and joined them in slumberland.
It was seven in the morning when I woke up and noticed that the two were still asleep. I went to the window and parted the sheer curtains and noticed the sun shining through the thick foliage outside. I covered the room with the blackout curtains to keep them from being awakened by the morning sun passing through the glass windows.
There’s a long table that serves as a workstation and a space for the TV. We don’t usually bring work while on a vacation, so I used the chair, lamp, and mirror on the workspace as my vanity area—vanity, meaning where I put our beach essentials such as shades, sunscreen, and insect repellent spray.
This was my second time staying in the Premier Room of Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel and it was as I remembered years back. The queen-sized bed was comfy, with its warm duvet and pillows of different levels of softness.
There were side tables on each side of the bed with a floating night lamp. A lounge chair rested near the window, and while waiting for my boys to wake up, I picked that as my place to check emails on my phone.
When it seemed that my two boys were not gonna wake anytime soon, I quietly unpacked and hung our clothes on the wardrobe. It felt like we had so much time, even though we only had three nights in Puerto Princesa, I neatly folded my stuff and put it in the drawers.
I heard a faint voice calling “Nanay,” so I immediately went back to the bed and snuggled back to my area on the bed—we co-sleep with our son up to now. He was confused at first about how he got in the room, but I relived what happened the night before, and we were soon giggling about it.
After our morning routine, we went straight to Anibong Restaurant—Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel’s in-house restaurant. Our room came with complimentary buffet breakfast.
Anibong Restaurant
The overall theme of the hotel is reflected in Anibong Restaurant. The use of locally sourced materials such as capiz, rattan, and wood parquet was very evident. In the middle of the restaurant was a pocket garden with flowing water enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
We settled near the garden and checked the breakfast options.
I noticed the bacon-and-egg station immediately, as it was the one nearest the entrance. Akira ordered a fried sunny-side-up egg while Christian asked for an omelet with everything on it.
Akira also saw the cereals and other grains, and although he doesn’t usually go for cereals, he asked if he could have some with fresh milk.
We then checked the fruits, salad, cold cuts, cheese, and appetizer stations, where Akira immediately scooped some olives, tomatoes, and corn kernels. He also got some watermelons—both the yellow and red ones. I tried the different canapés, which were all yummy. The cheese slices were equally good.
The bread and dessert station were all in the same section, and I got an assortment of cakes and puddings, while Akira asked for a pancake with chocolate syrup on top.
The main course section was complete with rice, noodles, soup, veggies, and meat dishes. I love how diverse and inclusive the dishes were, especially for those who have strict dietary needs. I loved their pork menudo and pansit sotanghon guisado, as well as the parmesan-crusted fish fillet. Akira loved the Korean fried chicken, while Christian liked their chao long and crisply-fried bacon.
For the drinks, they have fruit juices, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.
Outdoor Pool
We didn’t have a fixed itinerary during this trip. We’d wake up around eight in the morning, enjoy the breakfast buffet, then hit the pool afterwards. We’d stay there until around lunchtime.
Kuya Orly was the resident lifeguard during our stay. It didn’t take long for Akira and kuya to get acquainted. It was when Akira told kuya that it’s his birthday that they became friends.
Akira then showed off his doggy paddling skills to kuya, telling him that it was an accident how he learned to swim during our trip to Guimaras some months back. Kuya then applauded and told him that he’s brave. He then proceeded on teaching him a few proper swimming techniques.
Final Thoughts
Since we started traveling in 2013, Christian and I both love to feel the vibe of a place instead of ticking must-dos and where-to-gos. We’d rather find a good spot to have some coffee while watching the morning goings-on rather than spending it checking off an itinerary. Those were the memories that truly stayed with us. And with our trip to Puerto Princesa, what always stays with us, aside from the food, are the nice people and the joy of watching the people quietly doing their thing in the country's "Last Frontier."
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel ►BOOK ONLINE
Address: Rizal Avenue Extension, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Email: reservations@bwplusivywall.com
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