I half-blindly followed the instructions given to me by L to reach our base of operation in Iligan City for the upcoming Waterfalling Adventure 1.0 and the Diyandi Festival. Fresh from my overnight Cebu-Iligan ferry ride, I boarded a Tubod bound jeepney at the city port and asked the driver to simply drop me off at Rene’s Diner & Pension House (now B & C Pension House).

”Where?!” He brazenly asked me. ”It’s just right after the overpass,” I said. He didn’t say anything further. I sure hope he knows where I’m going.

Sure enough, we passed the overpass and there it was. Rene’s Diner & Pension House—our very orange accommodation for our entire stay in Iligan City. I was a day ahead of the others so I have to pay for a night out of my own pocket. Which really wasn’t so bad, their cheapest room is pegged at ₱350.00. It would’ve been better if I have someone to share the room with me though as it comes with two beds.

►CHECK FOR AFFORDABLE HOTELS IN ILIGAN CITY

The inn’s lobby is located on the second floor of the building, the ground floor being occupied by their café. It’s sunny and spacious with a small television blaring out afternoon shows and telenovelas. A nice place to hang out in especially since the room I got didn’t have a TV set.

And the room I got? Unfortunately their ₱350.00 backpacker non-aircon rooms were all occupied so I have to get their Standard C room which is a little bit pricier at ₱430.00. Although very spartan in appearance, it has its own toilet & bath and is air-conditioned. It has no television, as I mentioned, but who needs one if you have a very strong Internet connection. And it’s free too!

I wasn’t really able to try out Rene’s Diner as their prices, although relatively affordable at ₱100.00++ per meal, is still way off my budget. Good thing there are a lot of cheap carinderias near the pension house where a complete lunch cost less than ₱50.00.

►EXPLORE: ILIGAN TRAVEL GUIDE

Another thing that I liked about the Rene’s Pension House is its proximity to vendors selling fresh durians along the highway. Yes, that infamous funny-smelling fruit that Mindanao is so known for. To be honest, I haven’t really tried it yet, let alone smell it. I’m quite excited to have a taste test in the coming days.

The room I got at Rene’s Pension House didn’t have any good views, which is understandable, with its backpacker price and all. But to compensate, I usually hang out at the fire exit, which was just a few steps away from my door, before the start of the day. A cup of cheap instant coffee goes really well with Iligan’s beautiful sunrise. And that’s more than enough for me.

~ THIS TRIP WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE ILIGAN BLOGGERS SOCIETY

B & C Pension House (Rene’s Diner & Pension House)
Address: Andrada Compound, Roxas Ave. Ext., Brgy. Mahayahay, Iligan City
Contact Number: (063) 221-3701, (063) 221-8360 | Email: renetan1@hotmail.com
Room Rates: ₱350.00 to ₱1,400.00
GPS Coordinates Map: 8.224294, 124.240798

• BOOK TRANSPORTATION ONLINE TO/FROM ILIGAN TO ANYWHERE •