Do you remember what the world was like before Waze or Google Maps? We surely wouldn't have been able to explore many places if navigation relied solely on reading printed maps and using a compass.

Anyway, we had a quick getaway to Thunderbird Resort which is in the highest part of Binangonan, Rizal I believe. We were having some second thoughts on how great this trip will be since none of us or anyone we know has ever been there. Reviews we've read and pictures we saw revealed that maybe it's as good as advertised so what the heck, right? Oh we're all glad we went, would've been nicer if we were able to stay for another night though.

What we loved about Thunderbird Resort:

• Two-hour drive from Manila. Easy to reach because Waze and Google Maps didn't screw us up. 
• Isolated. We loved and hated that it was far up the mountains. It was far from where people, vehicles, and buildings dwell. Air is fresh and clean. 
• Rooms were spacious and neat. 
• THERE'S A TUB IN THE BATHROOM. 
• The bed's my absolute favorite. You kind of just melt into it but you don't get the drowning feeling. There were lots of equally yummy pillows, too. 
• Breakfast was plated, unlike the usual buffet style we're used to, but the serving was hefty. 

View going in to the resort. Took this before six in the morning.

Seriously thought this was an infinity pool.

Super relaxing view.

Bakit kaya Thunderbird?

Lobby area

We didn't explore this area. Those stairs are supposed to lead to the Casino.

View from my room.

High in the sky.

Spacious room!

All rooms have a small receiving area.

One of the comfiest bed I've ever slept in.

Receiving area of other room.

Two people can sleep comfortably in those beds.

Small area for coffee and fridge.

TV's pretty small though compared to the size of the room.

Shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, and shower gel are provided.

One of my favorite spots in the room.

• They provide shuttle service if you need to go "down" but you'll have to wait for the schedule. 
• Food choices are limited but we super loved their grilled liempo (pork belly) and crepe. 
• Minor issues in the rooms include: hot water in the shower was not working, broken shelf doors, no floor mats in the bathroom. When I called the reception about the shower, they sent someone in immediately and it took them 15 minutes to get it running properly. 

• No eating in the room. You’ll be charged a certain fee if they see traces of food. We snuck in pizza one night then one slice slipped out of the box and left small stains on the comforter. We carried the comforter to the bathroom and washed the affected area. We didn’t want to pay the 1, 000 peso fee. 
• The rain shower malfunctioned and instead of spraying water in one direction (downward), it worked like a sprinkler and sprayed brown water all over.
• No cabinets. I don’t like keeping my stuff in bags and in the luggage.

• Cheap. Not really bad for 700 pesos a day. You can also get a discount if you’ll stay for more than 7 days. Their rooms are good enough for two with a (semi?) double-sized bed, a small dining area (with two chairs), cable TV, WiFi, hot and cold shower, towels, phone, air-conditioning, large mirror, built-in cabinet, and a small table (where the phone is).
• Convenient location. It’s right beside RCBC bank, Mercury Drug is right across the street, it’s near Mang Inasal, a wet market, inasal (MUST TRY!), parlor, grocery store, gas station, eatery, Mc Donald’s dessert take-out, bakery, Bong-Bong’s pasalubong, and money transfer establishments.
• Comfortable bed! It’s so comfy you can lie in bed all day!
• Quiet area.

• Water pressure in the shower’s awful. Not to mention the several times I had to ask them to fix the hot and cold shower. Toilet flush was powerful though.
• WiFi connection was slow and often times intermittent. Not that I needed it but of course most people consider fast Internet connection a basic necessity these days.
• Cockroaches everywhere! It wasn’t so bad in Room 1 but Room 5 was like a den of cockroaches, the small ones? I came home one day (this is in Room 5) and cockroaches were all over the bed! I couldn’t transfer since the other rooms were booked. I had to ask for their housekeeping service every other day. Good thing I always bring Lysol with me.
• Poor drainage. Experienced this on my few last days. I showered one morning and noticed that my feet were deep in water after. It didn’t bother me that time since I thought it’d be okay by the time I get back. It stayed that way until I checked-out.
• Room service badly needs improvement. They’d only change the sheets and towels, empty the trash bin, and sometimes sweep the floor. They never bothered cleaning the bathroom, mopping the floor, wiping the surfaces, and deodorizing!
• No common kitchen or dining area. If you need hot water (for your drinks or food), you’ll have to ask them to boil water for you. There’s a small nook near the front desk with a sink, rice cooker, and electric pot. I’m not sure if guests are allowed to use them though. Didn’t try asking if they have utensils I could borrow.
• No comforter or fleece blanket. You’ll have to ask for a better blanket since they’ll just give you a thin sheet. What they gave me is a comforter cover? I think. Good thing I brought my own.

Winbelle Pension House: 2nd Floor, Winbelle Homes Arcade, Rizal Street, Silay City, Silay City, Philippines 6116

I think this is their standard room.

Nice lighting, too. Lamps gave a soft yellow glow.

Weird place for a pillar?

I love that they have face towels.

• Spacious room
• Super comfy bed, pillows, and beddings. When I say super comfy bed, it's not too soft, it's firm not hard. 
• LCD TV and mini fridge
• Towels and toiletries
• Heavy curtains. Pogi points because I like the room dark, super dark if possible. 
• Paco Park is just right outside. 

• No WiFi at the 3rd floor
• No elevator
• Our room's AC was probably not working properly because it was a little warm in our room
• There was a pillar in the middle of the room
• TV was small