Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point

For a little slice of heaven just a joy ride away, visit the Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point.

Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point, La Union started welcoming guests in 2007. Led by the new General Manager, Mr. Yves Remondeulaz, this huge establishment is brimming with beauty, serenity and luxury.

If you are up for an approximately 6-7 hour long drive (provided you do not get lost like my sister and I did on our way there), then this place is definitely worth a visit. The directions are pretty simple and easy to follow. If you’ve been to Baguio before, then finding Thunderbird Poro Point will be even more of a breeze. I left Manila about 6:30 AM and reached my destination by 2:30 PM (brunch stop in Matutina’s Pangasinan included).  

Upon entering the Poro Point Zone, which was historically a US Military Base, I was greeted by vast landscape spotted with blue and white villas and buildings. The residential villas called “The Point Residences” is to accommodate not just vacationing guests, but private home owners looking for investment returns. Upon reaching the resort proper, I am unashamed to admit that my breath was taken away.

The contemporary Mediterranean architecture and design, combined with immaculately maintained facilities, reminded me of beautiful Greece; and even with its discreet lavishness and extremely prompt service, I felt like I was in Sex and the City 2, living the good life. Thunderbird Resorts offers a choice among Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Room Plus, and Deluxe Suites. Each room has its own private balcony complete with weave table and chairs. I was lucky enough to have a view of the beach complete with an exclusive display of the sun setting on the horizon.

Other Room Features Include:

• LCD Television with Home Theater Surround System
• In-room Safety Deposit Box
• Coffee & Tea Making Facilities
• Mini Bar
• Free WiFi Access
• Private Balcony
• Air-Conditioning
• Jacuzzi Bathtub and Microwave Ovens (Deluxe Plus & Suites)
• Furnished Living Room, Kitchenette and Dining Area (Suites)

Deluxe Room with 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite Bathroom

Suite Living and Dining Room Area

Kitchenette with Stove and Refrigerator

Hallway Details

Ground Floor Balcony

Thunderbird Resorts has three main restaurants: Olives Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner, buffet breakfast and is open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Santorini Bar & Lounge is a relaxing open-air bar that provides live music every Friday & Saturday evenings. The Pool Bar allows you to enjoy a cold beverage or snack by the pool.On my first evening I enjoyed the fresh and colorful flavors in Olives. It was filling, satisfying, and surprisingly affordable. On my second evening I enjoyed the ambiance and cool night air, while sampling Santorini Bar & Lounge's signature drink "Thunderbird Blue". It was strong and fruity, just the way I liked it.

Greek Salad

Olives Restaurant

Complimentary Foccacia with Mediterranean Salsa & Olives to Start

Devilled Chicken w/ Green Olives, Chili Flakes, Tomato, Red Wine & Celery Leaves

Steamed Dory Fillet on Creamy Spinach w/ Creamy Dill Sauce --- I highly recommend this dish!

Santorini Bar & Lounge in the Afternoon

Thunderbird Blue & a Pineapple Based Drink called "Acapulco"

Tapas

I spent almost an entire day lounging by the huge pool with a book in one hand, a Frozen Mojito in the other with tasteful beach-worthy music playing in the background. The lazy quiet and sense of isolation makes one feel like being a world away from the very busy city life. A short walk away lies the rocky beaches of La Union. Although La Union is famous for great surf spots, this is definitely not one of them. Should the brave decide to take a little swim or frolic about the waves, I will recommend booties for protection.

If you are the type to go a little crazy with too much R&R, then drop by the Thunderbird Fiesta Casino which is just a short drive away. It houses Vegas Café and Cabana Bar, which serve huge portions of international cuisine and are both open 24/7. Thunderbird Resorts also has Cliffs Golf Club which is 9-hole golf course for the avid golfers, and those in need of a little more exercise. For water sports and tours, the Front Office Staff will be ready to make arrangements.

View from the Beach Boardwalk

How to get there: From NLEX (North Luzon Express Way) and SCTEX (Subic Clark Tarlac Express Way), take the National Highway going to San Fernando, La Union. You will pass by the provinces Tarlac, Paniqui and Pangasinan. Once in San Fernando La Union, take a left to Pennsylvania Avenue. Your landmark is the Monument of the Unknown Soldiers (a statue with lions, army helmets and rifles). Keep going straight until you reach the gate of Poro Point Freeport Zone. Less than a kilometer from the gate is Thunderbird Resorts.

Overall, I am surprised that Poro Point Thunderbird Resorts has not been so quick to rise in popularity as with other hotel resorts popping around the country. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, a destination wedding venue, an escape for soul-searching, or even a nice, quiet family vacation --- Poro Point Thunderbird in La Union can be your home away from home in the Philippines.

Photos courtesy of Therese Galindo.

InterContinental Manila

Experience the famous “intercontinental Lifestyle” at InterContinental Manila where rich Filipino culture and modern elegance is celebrated. Chef Concierge and PR Officer of the prestigious Les Clefs D’Or Philippines, Mayumi Hayakawa entices us to make ICM our home away from home.

Hotel Facade

Built in 1969 by National Artist Leandro Locsin and fully renovated in 2006, InterContinental Manila has been considered a landmark and a legend in its own right. This 5-star deluxe hotel has been home to several dignitaries, and a venue for major events for over 40 years. 

With the prestigious address of #1 Ayala Avenue, the hotel is a mere 30 minute drive from the Ninoy International Airport. InterContinental Manila is also conveniently located across premier shopping centers Glorietta and SM Makati. For recommended sights and activities, stop by the Concierge desk; the Concierge team is dedicated to provide each guest an authentic and enriching “in the know” experience. 

All 332 guestrooms and suites are stylish and contemporary in design; equipped with high speed internet and flat screen TVs, as well as other modern-day amenities found in full service hotels to assure your every comfort. For added space and exclusive ambience, business and leisure travelers alike are encouraged to stay at their Executive Rooms and Suites which come with access to the Club InterContinental Lounge. 

Club InterContinental

The Lounge provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, personalized butler service, private reception area, complimentary internet access, breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. 

Private Nook

Breakfast, Afternoon Tea and Evening Cocktails Area

Artwork by Fernando Zobel de Ayala

Private Meeting Room

Exclusive Check In and Check Out Desk

Guest Rooms    

Deluxe Rooms - (28 sqm)

Executive Rooms - (38-39 sqm)

Executive Club Rooms - (38-39 sqm)

Junior Suites - (49-54 sqm studio type with living room area)

Premier Suites - (77 sqm one bedroom suite with connecting dining/meeting area, refrigerator, and bar)

Executive Suites - (77 sqm one bedroom suite with connecting living room)

State Suites - (126 sqm one bedroom suite with living room area, Jacuzzi, sauna and massage table)

Presidential Suite - (170 sqm large master bedroom with 4 poster bed, kitchenette, conference/dining room, living room and master bathroom with Jacuzzi, walk in closet and sauna.

InterContinental Manila also a dedicated team of professionals who handles meetings & events requirements for their 9 meeting rooms with natural lighting, and a grand ballroom that opens to a terrace overlooking the pool.

Restaurant Outlets

Prince Albert Rotisserie – French and Continental Fine Dining

Café Jeepney – Casual Dining with International and Filipino dishes served buffet style or a la carte

Gambrinus – Bar Lounge setting overlooking the pool with nightly live entertainment

Sol Y Sombra – Poolside restaurant that serves a la carte snacks and refreshing drinks

RATING    4 out of 5

InterContinental Manila, with French General Manager Christian Pirodon at the helm, lives up to its promise of service excellence and a sophisticated yet friendly ambience. Attention to detail has obviously been part and parcel of the hotel’s strategy to draw in their visitors; from their beautifully decorated lobby, care of world renowned floral architect Rachy Cuna, to the personalized attention given by their staff as soon as you step onto the driveway. Stop by during the Christmas Season and when the hotel annually transforms itself into a wonderland.

Accommodation: All guestrooms and suites are lovingly decorated in charming earth tones. Considering that the hotel has been around since before Makati became the Central Business District, the quality of maintenance is quite impressive. However, for more space and added comfort especially for long staying guests, I would most definitely recommend staying at Executive or Suite Rooms.

Food & Beverage: Prince Albert Rotisserie has earned its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the Metro, and rightly so. Legendary PAR Restaurant Manager Francis Felipe personally ensures that each diner gets only the best of the best service; it is no surprise that people go out of their way to dine at the Prince Albert. 

Service: Service is friendly and genuine; even the security team will take the time to greet you by name. Their knowledgeable Guest Services Center team can answer anything and everything for you from the comforts of your own room.