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| Apparently Farm Tomita is founded in 1958 |
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| Interesting ceiling decorations |
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| is this bonsai or what |
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| apples! |
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| hiropi taking photos |
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| flower bands |
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| The lavenders inside the greenhouse |
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| This is me trying to look taller |
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| Lavenders |
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| well… these are pears! |
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| green apples |
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| blue berries |
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| at the parking lot |
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The PTT gas station in SCTEX Bamban, Tarlac is the perfect pit stop on your way north. Not only will you be getting all the items and services you need for your trip, but you’ll also be getting some much-needed rest.
A pit stop isn’t just a place where your car can refuel. It’s where you can fuel up your mind and body as well. Imagine sitting in a comfy armchair as you sip some premium coffee while watching the vehicles zoom past. PTT SCTEX Bamban, Tarlac is host to Café Amazon, which serves some great pastries and coffee!
Café Amazon is one of Thailand’s biggest café chains, famous for its sustainable business practices. They serve a wide variety of products, from tea, coffee, and juices to various treats. An even more remarkable concept is “Restroom 20”. This is a pay toilet, where you have to shell out PHP for each use. But before you gripe about the price, wait till you hear about what’s inside.
These restrooms have top-of-the-line facilities, including individual cubicles that open out to a garden view! The whole restroom is also very environment-friendly, with a solar roof that saves around 1.5 megawatts (enough to power a house).
Even better, Restroom 20’s proceeds go directly to PTT’s partner charitable institutions. Here in Clark, that includes reforestation and the support of ethnic tribes. A similar Restroom 20 in Lucena support the projects of its local government.
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| PTT restroom 20 |
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| toilet and sink of PTT restroom 20 |
Of course, there are also regular toilet facilities available for free. It’s also clean and comfy, as are all PTT facilities. But after you’ve used Restroom 20, trust me, paying PHP 20 would be a pleasure!
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| Karla and cute Godji, the PTT mascot |
PTT Philippines is a subsidiary of Thailand’s largest oil company. PTT markets its products to both retail consumers and commercial companies. They have been in the Philippines for over two decades, and they have opened more than 100 branches throughout Luzon and Central Visayas.
Aside from the proceeds of its Restroom 20, PTT also has several social responsibility projects which include the support of educational and environmental advocacies. They also help in sustaining the health of various communities through outreach and livelihood programs. It feels really heartwarming when you know that you’re not just getting top-notch service, but the money you pay is also working for the betterment of the world.
We all need a pitstop on our way during road trips, whether it’s to grab food or to gas up or to take a restroom break. But there are some like PTT SCTEX Bamban, Tarlac that desires to give us so much more and succeeds in doing it. It’s a station with a good cause, and it’s one you’re sure to visit again and again!
If you are looking for a well-manicured hotel near Changi Airport with free shuttle transfer, a cozy fragrant room that could purge the stress of a long-haul flight or exhausting travel preparation, try the Capri by Fraser in Changi City, Singapore.
Our flight to Singapore from Manila arrived almost midnight so Hiropi and I agreed to stay near the airport.
I don’t know about other hotels but we’re pretty sure Capri by Fraser in Changi City has a free shuttle transfer to and from the airport for its guests. I initially confirmed this via email and even received a pdf file of their airport shuttle bus arrival schedule. (You can email them for the file:
It would be easy, I thought, to find the shuttle bus once we arrive but contrary to that thought, we had a little difficulty figuring things out… I won’t bore you with the details though. Let me just leave you with this important note: Capri by Fraser bus is PURPLE not blue and it arrives every 30 minutes.
It’s purple right?!!!!
Anyway, we were relieved to find the shuttle. And in 40 minutes we arrived in the hotel. It was a bit longer ride because the shuttle needed to pass through other terminals and wait for hotel guests.
My camera setting failed me in most of my captures here. . .
I felt like it didn’t take 3 minutes for us to check in. Hiropi just went to the counter, showed his passport and voucher from Agoda and then got the room key card.
And while waiting for him, I snapped some photos…
The smell of the room is very relaxing. It kind of reminds me of Acacia Hotel maybe because of the citrus scent, I really like it.
Another thing that impressed me is the orange accent on the bed, the couch and on the walls. I guess using orange or red in small doses for bedrooms is not a bad idea after all.
Two power outlets in this room are compatible with our gadgets but the rest aren’t. So if you plan to stay here longer, it’s just smart to bring along adapters.
There are bathrobes inside the closet behind me, iron, complete toiletries, hair dryer, towels in all sizes, slippers, weighing scale, transparent shower cubicle, and shaver.
The room is also equipped with a mini-kitchen that has all the basic utensils you need for light cooking.
This is a good room for a family staycation then!
The hotel is adjacent to shopping centers. Parks around the vicinity maybe good for children and elderly. Again, I feel like this hotel is a good staycation place for the whole family.
The MRT station is 5-minute walk away. . .
Truth be told, we only stayed in this hotel for about 9 hours but I had a lasting first impression.
I was very pleased with the smell of the room, the modern ambiance in the hallway, the friendly staff in the front desk and the comfortable shuttle transfer that we badly needed the night of our arrival when the rain graciously poured in Changi City.
Hopefully next time, we could stay longer and try their gym or outdoor swimming pool to give justice to the 158 SGD room price that we paid…
All in all, I believe Capri by Fraser in Changi City offers a good balance of price and quality. I wouldn’t hesitate staying here again. My senses would be delighted to stay here again!
