Are you looking for accommodation in Ilocos? Try Laoag Homestay

Laoag Homestay

I have been traveling around the Philippines for many years I have never heard of accommodation where you can stay with the owner of the house. Homestay, as what they call it, is very common among visiting foreign students who are hosted by a local family. And for foreign travelers, this kind of business is booming among other Asian countries like China, South Korea, and Japan. I had tried it once when I was in Beijing with my student for three days. 

In fact, it was Cathy, my frequent traveler buddy who suggested me about Kuya Glenn’s unique type of accommodation in Laoag. Honestly, it was not as bad as what I imagined it. Compared to a pension inn, lodging inn, or a hostel, I felt more at home in a homestay.

The porch at the main door facing his huge garden

Laoag Homestay has the common amenities that all travelers look for. It’s actually a typical house that has a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen. And when you talk about space, it's not a problem. This accommodation has 2 rooms good for 4 persons with one common bathroom while the other room can accommodate more than 6 guests with its own bathroom on the second floor. On the ground floor, there is another room good for 4 persons with one common bathroom. If you’ll be bringing your own car, you won’t be having any trouble with their parking areas. In addition there is a porch by the main door where you can chill and hangout with Kuya Glenn’s tour guides. 

Long winding staircase leading to 3 big rooms on the 2nd floor 

One of the rooms on the 2nd level of this house that can accommodate 4 guests

Sleeping on a mattress laid on the floor was not that bad though

Mr. Glenn Tolentino has been in this kind of business for many years now. He was actually one of the pioneering tour operators who ventured in a homestay. Initially, he owned one van that could only accommodate few tourists. Due to his reasonable deal and a word of mouth as well, his patrons have increased tremendously over the years. Most of his guests don’t just come from Metro Manila, but from various parts of the country. At present, Mr. Glenn owns 2 vehicles to accommodate the increasing number of his guests most particularly during the peak seasons like summer and Christmas vacations. In the past, he used to do this job on his own- being a driver at the same time a tour guide. Right now, he has 2 other drivers who do the same job he does.

Review

Our room had ample space for the four of us. The room had its own oscillating fan with an air-conditioner. The pillows and the mattress were firm with a blanket for each guest. The common bathroom where you get to share with other guests was not that bad though. JG actually enjoyed dipping into the bathtub to cool down everytime he felt hot. Also, he enjoyed watching animated films with other kids in the living room especially when boredome struck him.

The homey living room where JG used to hangout with other kids

One thing that I couldn’t live without is water. I think everyone does. Everytime the tour starts I always make it sure that I have at least a bottle of water with me or anything that would replenish me from thirst. Then I was planning to buy 5 liters of mineral water enough for four days in Laoag. Surprisingly, Kuya Glenn has water dispenser available for the guests without any extra charges. So what I did was I just refilled my water bottle everytime I needed it without limit hahaha. You can boil it for noodles as well. Just ask ate for assistance.

You can ask assistance from ate who is always busy here preparing food for the guests

The breakfast served in a pension inn or a lodging inn is usually plated. At times, the amount of serving is fewer than the usual. In Laoag Homestay, however, they prepared three to four viands, served in separate bowls. More than enough from our typical breakfast. You could even have the rice of your choice: fried or steamed. A cup of coffee was by request.

We usually had  our breakfast here while staring at 

the fish with different hues in an aquarium located on the other side

Kuya Glenn and his very hospitable wife made it sure that we would not miss the best of the best of Iloco's cuisine. They prepared Laoag's very own version of longanisa (local sausage) with its special vinegar, made of sugar cane, plus danggit (dried fish). It was such an awesome combination. Ate makes her own longanisa for the guests, and if you want to bring some home, you can inform her ahead of time. Unfortunately, vinegar is not allowed in the flight even in the check-in baggage for it's highly flammable. 

Our breakfast on the first day

Our breakfast on our last day

Sari-sari or convenience stores are a bit distant in the area, but don’t you worry, this accommodation has anticipated the essentials of its guests. They have some stocks you may need including cup noodles, snacks like cup cakes, brownies, potato chips, crackers, and bread. They also sell liquors like San Miguel and Tanduay Ice with various flavors. And if you want the hard one, they have Tanduay Rhum.

We were glad that Kuya Arman was our tour guide during our 4-day trip in Ilocos. He was so accommodating and was able to feed us many details or trivia of the sites. And what's astonishing about this person? He was so brilliant at capturing our photos. Really way better than mine.

Manong (Ilocano term for kuya or big brother) Arman, one of Mr. Glenn's tour guides 

The only thing I was confused about was the entrance fees. It stated in Kuya Glenn’s email that it was included, but for 3 days of having tour in 3 major destinations in Ilocos both sur and norte, we were the ones who shouldered these fees. So, if you're planingn to book this tour package, verify this concern to Kuya Glenn.

Packagae Rate
P2900/head
- 3days 2nights accommodation with Vigan, Pagudpud, & City Tour

Inclusive:

- two-way van transfer at Laoag International Airport or bus terminal

- breakfast

- entrance fee

Note: To make your reservations, you have to deposit P1,000 through Mr. Glenn's bank account.

Room Rate
P320/head for a night

Other Accommodation

(according to your package)

Night Gerles Resort

Northview Hotel

Tiffany Hotel

Balay d Blas

Evangeline

Terra Rika Resort

Rinnovati

Contact Information

Mr. Glenn P. Tolentino

Address: Laoag, Ilocos Norte
E-mail: luckyguy_joo@yahoo.com

Cellphone #: (+63) 916-334-3432 (Globe) / (+63) 908-810-0827 (Smart)

Kuya Arman (Driver/Tour Guide)

Cellphone #: (+63) 916-523-8056 (Globe)

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Day 1: Vigan Tour

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Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.