VISIT Cobadonga

A true English pub in a sleepy Philippine town? Not quite what you�d expect to find, probably. But that is exactly what the Cobadonga Inn in Palapag, Northern Samar is.

Entrance

The Cobadonga has the wooden floors and cushioned seats you�d associate with a typical English watering hole, but the attention to detail goes even further than that. The carved timber bar boasts two real old beer pumps, with pewter tankards hanging above and lots of brassware all around � plates, horsebrasses, candlesticks and other decorations. Even the brass menu holders are genuine English antiques.

Created by its owner to remind him of his home, the pub is themed on the 18th century naval battle between the 60-gun Royal Navy ship H.M.S. Centurion and the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Senora de Cobadonga, which happened just a few miles offshore from Palapag. The 1743 incident was the culmination of Great Britain�s last royal buccaneering expedition, where the Cobadonga was relieved of its huge load of bullion, bound for Manila from Acapulco. Several engravings in the pub, as well as a stunning stained-glass window in the lobby, illustrate and explain the historic event, which took place during Palapag�s heyday as the landing point of the galleons trading between Mexico and the Philippines.

But the Cobadonga is more than just a place where you can relax, listen to cool music and think about England; more than just a place to learn about the wealth of history of Palapag (which was established in the 1580s). It�s the town�s premier location for people to meet, eat, and do business and it offers the only quality accommodation for visiting tourists and business people.

The three hotel rooms upstairs are inspired by the Filipino style. Paneled with local narra wood, beautiful old wooden flooring and with capiz windows, the Cobadonga�s rooms ooze Filipino charm and hospitality. Backed-up with a powerful generator, guests need not be concerned about power-cuts which generally plague the region.

The food is excellent, too. The chef prepares the best dishes available locally, from a great menu, and all can be enjoyed with local beers, soft drinks and even wines and spirits to order.

We are delighted to invite everyone to visit and experience the Cobadonga Inn!