"The Big House is one of the oldest homes in Matina Subdivision, the first subdivision in Matina, Davao City. Built in the early 1950s and located on the main street of the Subdivision, before the advent of gated communities called ‘Villages’, the architecture of the house shows the design features of that period which include a hexagonal ceiling design with moorish influences. The home showcases the furnitures and decors collected by the matriarch of the family from the early 1960s."

I heard of The Big House before but I thought it was just a small hotel. I read in some comments on Tripadvisor that they also have restaurant so I asked if they are open for breakfast as I was looking for a new place to have my breakfast. Fortunately they open early. 

There were no other people in the restaurant when we went there so it feels like the whole house was ours. Feeling rich lol! As we were waiting for our food I roamed around to see the place and take pictures.

Entrance

Reception Area

Restaurant

Living Room

Restaurant

Dining Room

Restaurant

We ordered bacon sandwich, pancit and seafood paella. The food was great especially the sandwich. I think it was the best sandwich I ever had. The price was reasonable ranging from Php 80.00 to Php 350.00 though the serving is quite small. 

Seafood Paella

Bacon Sandwich

Pancit

This place might be a good choice if you want to have a garden wedding but I am not sure if the place can cater 100 person. It looks like the place is only good for 50-70 person,

I have never tried sleeping in their hotel so I can't give my opinion about their room but you can check the photos in their website. Though I never tried sleeping in their room I would like to recommend this place for tourists who are looking for a place to stay in Davao City since this hotel is just located  conveniently in the city and you will feel you are just at home.

The Big House Room Rates:

Php 1500- Php 2000 with free breakfast 

The Big House Location

Address: 12 Juna Ave, Matina, Davao City, Philippines.

Contact Number: (082) 285-7665 / +63917-500-0543 / +639925-882-4601

Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/thebighousedavao/?fref=ts

Website: http://thebighousedavao.com/site/

By: Doris Jamoner

Last week we had our long weekend so we grabbed the opportunity to relax but we don't feel like crossing the sea and go to Samal Island. We tried looking for an Inland Resort but most of them were quite far from the urban area,what we wanted was just 5-10 minutes away from home however we been most of the resorts nearby. As I was surfing in the internet I found out about Domicilio Lorenzo Apartelle. This is not a resort but only an apartelle but they have pool, garden, a very nice rooms and it is just 5 minutes away so I said to myself  "Perfect!"

I booked a room through email but you can call/text them. Agoda.com is also an option . When we went there I was so amazed because it feels like I was being teleport from a very busy city to a very peaceful place. Outside the Apartelle, for just about 50 steps you will see the main road, lots of restaurants, and the NCCC Mall but inside Domicilio Lorenzo it is so peaceful because of its garden with trees and different plants. Their garden is also a good venue for wedding and other occasions.

One of the thing that I love here is their pool. I love the relaxing feeling that it gives me. Unlike in other hotel/apartelle their pool is big and deep. Well... I don't like the deep part because I am not a good swimmer and I am not tall. I am just 5'1 ft T.T  The most shallow part of the pool is already in my chin level and the kiddie pool is in my shoulder level. Good thing we still managed to swim and enjoyed the pool. FYI Pool is only for hotel guest.

Domicilio Lorenzo Apartelle was apparently a private family mansion for decades no wonder it feels like home staying here. The place was so clean and smells good. The rooms were spacious with desk, hot and cold shower, cable tv and good wifi connection and most of all very affordable! They have public living room, dining room and kitchen where you can cook food.

This place is good for tourist who are looking for a place to stay here in Davao City. Rather than staying in an expensive hotels why not here? Also a great place for locals who just want a short break from a busy world. 

Domicilio Lorenzo Apartelle Room Rates:

When I asked for their room rates this is what they emailed me:

Executive twin room Php 2,000

Garden view superior Php2,200 

Poolside deluxe double Php2,300

Poolside executive room Php2,500

But when I arrived there I thought I'm suppose to pay Php 2,000 but I only paid Php 1,700. I don't know why and I didn't bother to ask since it is better to pay less haha.

Pool and Garden Venue Rates:

Pool Venue - Php 4,000 for 20 pax for 4 hours. Extra person is Php200

Garden Venue - Php 2,000 for 20 pax for 4 hours. Extra person php80

Domicilio Lorenzo Location and Contact Info:

113 Camia St. , Juna subdivision, Matina Davao City, 8000, Philippines (Across Nccc Mall, at the back of Shell)

Telephone number: (082) 296-2505

Mobile number: (0922) 847-8149

Email ad: domicilio.lorenzo@yahoo.com

Fb Page: https://web.facebook.com/Domicilio-Lorenzo-187312284645075/

Website: domiciliolorenzoapartelle

I been to lots of beaches here in Philippines and most of them are white sands. However, Mabua has its own kind of beach. It was really surprising to see a different kind of beach in Surigao del Norte. A Pebble Beach!

After our Bucas Grande Adventure we went straight to Mabua Pebble Beach. We arrived at Mabua almost 6:00 pm. There is no entrance fee in Pebble Beach but there are lots of hotel or resorts where you can check in for accommodation.  We chose Mt Bagarabon Beach Hotel and Mountain Resort. This is an ideal place to stay for it is located near Mt Bagarabon where you can hike going to Looc Pebble Beach.

Since it was already 6:00 pm when we checked in we availed  the 25% discount. From Php1300 per room we only paid Php975. Though the room was not so luxurious but it was so spacious for a price of Php1300. That bathroom was very clean and big as well.They even have an award of Best Bathroom.

The next day we wake up early to climb up Mt Bagarabon. It is not really a mountain but a hill slices the shore in half. It was tiring to hike the established trail but a good morning exercise though. 

View from the top of Mt Bagarabon

Descending on the other side, we found a big rock formation where we spent time swimming and taking photos. The Pebbles here in Looc Pebble Beach were smaller compare to  Mabua Pebble Beach. The water was so clear that you can see the pebbles under the water. The water was so refreshing it feels like I am swimming in a river.

We went back to the hotel when it was already time for our breakfast. I must say they are very generous with their free breakfast. The best free breakfast I had so far. 

Breakfast choices and Inclusion

We enjoyed our remaining time swimming in the beach. The people who live in this area are very lucky that they have this clean and amazing beach to enjoy.

We had our lunch in Gaisano Mall because it is just a walking distance from the Bus Terminal. It was already noon time when we were looking for a Bus going straight to Davao but only NonAir were available so we decided to ride a bus bound to Butuan City and from there to Davao City.

Surigao Del Norte is such an amazing place and we just experience I guess only 10% of what this place can offer. There are so many places to see like Siargao and other islands. I bet one week is not enough to see all the interesting places in Surigao del Norte. We are looking forward to be back here again someday!

Mt Bagarabon Beach Hotel and Mountain Resort Room Rates:

Mt Bagarabon Contact Details:

Address: Mabua, Surigao City Philippines 8400

GPS: 9.813915830067799, 125.43864096564562

Telephone +63.917.851.0978

Email: contact@mtbagarabon.com

Web: http://www.mtbagarabon.com

Prior to Mabua Pebble Beach we had our Bucas Grande Adventure Feel Free to check it out Here

Doris Jamoner