Travel . Food . Finds

Poland | Auschwitz & Birkenau.

2012-01-30T23:50:00.000-08:00

I woke up at the sound of my alarm clock. It was only 5am but I had a 6am train to catch. I showered quickly and rushed to the Warszawa Centralina (Warsaw Central Train Station). The air was a cool 15c that day. I was excited, and a little nervous, because I was going to make a 297-km train ride to Krakόw. I didn’t have any breakfast yet, but I wasn’t a bit hungry. My Adrenalin was high. I just had a small backpack stuffed with essentials for an overnighter. In my hands, I had my trusted guide -- Lonely Planet’s book on Poland. I didn’t have any hotel reservations, and I didn't know what to expect.

The 2.5-hr train-ride to Krakόw was pleasant. I drifted off to sleep since I was tired from a 3-day business conference in Warsaw. I actually almost gave up on the idea of travelling to Krakόw due to the distance. But I knew I had to seize the opportunity since I was already in Poland.

The train arrived at exactly 8:30am at the central station of Krakόw Glόwny. Almost immediately, I spotted the terminal where the buses bound for Oświęcim (pronounced ‘osh-vyen-cheem’ in Polish while the Germans called it Auschwitz). Since the next trip was another 30 minutes away, I decided to find something to eat.

The bus left Krakόw central station at exactly 9am. On the way to the Nazi death camps, I marvelled at the very picturesque Krakόw countryside and wondered how a very quiet, peaceful, and beautiful place like this could have become the site of so much atrocity during the last world war.

Walking from the bus station to Auschwitz.
The 60-km distance from Krakόw to Oświęcim took around 30 minutes. Upon arriving, I was greeted by a beautiful garden walkway. I had to walk a distance before arriving at the entrance to Auschwitz. There is no longer any trace of the war. It was just all green and beautiful.

Entrance to Auschwitz.
Auschwitz is already developed. There are a lot of people visiting this place, most of whom are young students from all over Europe. Entrance is free, and you can easily book a tour guide for a group. Since I was travelling alone, I decided to just go throughout the camp at my own pace, occasionally chipping in at groups with English speaking guides.

Court of Death.
When I got inside, everything became so real. Even if the place is already clean and fixed-up, you can still feel the sadness, fear, and horror that once were there. Even the stench and smell of torture and death somehow still pervaded the air.

St. Maximillian Kolbe's cell.
While walking through the different bunk houses, and the only standing crematorium left, I tried to picture out the faces of the people during those days when this death camp was still in full operation. As I passed by the cell of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan priest who volunteered to exchange his life for a total stranger, I said a prayer for world peace.

Inside Auschwitz.
As I ended my walk around Auschwitz, I thought to myself that the place wasn't really that big. But I was informed, while I was at the souvenir shop, that the real death camp was not this place, but in what is known as Auschwitz II, or Birkenau (Brzezinka in Polish) -- just 2 kms west of Auschwitz. There are buses that frequently shuttle tourists to and from Auschwitz at regular intervals.

Perimeter of Birkenau.
When I arrived in Birkenau, I immediately noticed the massive gates. That was what was featured in “Shindler’s List” (although the movie was not really shot there). I was overwhelmed at the vastness of the complex of Birkenau. It has a land area of 175 hectares.

Memorial Stone.
It was actually at Birkenau that the extermination of large numbers of Jews took place. There were four huge gas chambers -- now ruins since the Nazis destroyed them all as they were fleeing from the Russian troops -- complete with crematoria which could accommodate 2,000 people each.

Bunkbeds in Birkenau.
I tried to find my way around this camp, snapping my small and trusted digital camera at every nook and corner. Most of the time, I was alone, and although the barracks were very eerie, I wasn't really afraid. I only felt sadness and respect for everyone who lost their lives here.

Walking back to the bus station and reflecting on my whole-day tour, an elderly man walked beside me and asked, in English, “did you enjoy your tour of the death camps?” That took me by surprise as I hardly talked to anyone the whole day. We engaged in a very lively conversation. He introduced himself as Henry Rzkonars, a retired history professor at a university in Krakow. He now keeps himself busy by being a tour guide for Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakόw. He is fluent in Polish, English, and German.

Prof. Henry (he told me to call him by his first name since it’s harder to pronounce his last) was a very good conversationalist, and was a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take a picture of both of us. As he was nearing his stop, he wrote down his contact details at the back of my train ticket (which I have kept until this very day). He told me he would readily accompany me around Krakow the following day, if that would please me, and also, he was looking forward to visit the Philippines if and when he would find the chance and opportunity.

For more information on Auschwitz and Birkenau, please visit: http://en.auschwitz.org/m/

My trip to Auschwitz and Birkenau was something I will always treasure and remember. (I bought a lot of literature and videos about them.) I have always wanted to visit Auschwitz and I am glad I decided to take this trip. Today, I still wonder how the holocaust has happened in the not-too-distant-past. (It’s sad that there are people who claim the holocaust was just a creation of some historians, and that, it has never happened.)

A one day trip at Auschwitz and Birkenau wasn't enough. I have missed many other details, most of which I only found out as I read literature about them.

Jan 27 was World Holocaust Day. I wish and silently pray that the holocaust, or something similar to it, will never happen again.

Someday, I still hope to return.

. . . . .

Wall of Death. A lot of Jews were shot here indiscriminately.

Signage at the crematorium.

Furnaces inside the crematorium.

Officers' kitchen.

Damaged crematoria in Birkenau.

Latrines.

. . . . .

This entry was written by CBB. He took this trip in May 2003.
CBB is guest-posting in my blog upon my invitation to share his travels.
More stories from him in the coming weeks!

Blooms and Tides.

2012-01-24T00:10:00.000-08:00

I got this from the email today and I could not NOT share this with you. You see, I know Karina. My friend Mary introduced her to me some years back because I was looking for someone who could frame my paintings. Karina has a framing business and she was my go-to person when I needed something framed. She's so nice and talented. And like Mary (they're bestfriends), she's incredibly intelligent, too. She's an Architecture graduate of UP and was top 1 of the 2004 architectural board exams. I think she deserves all the success she's getting. And although she and I haven't been in touch for a long time, I am mighty proud of what she has achieved.

A Preview Magazine feature of Karina in 2007. Photo credit: Art Matters.

. . . . .

Here's the press release I got from the email today.

KARINA BALUYUT PRESENTS ‘BLOOMS AND TIDES’ SHOW OF NEW WORKS AT GLORIETTA AND PODIUM

Welcome the New Year with the brilliance of colors and the subtle energy of nature with new works by one of the country’s foremost abstract expressionists, Karina Baluyut. Juxtaposing the tabula rasa effect of the incoming tide (albeit with the multihued usage of fuschias, purples, and oranges) with the continuation of her acclaimed series of tropical flora, the architect-turned-painter indulges in a technique that emphasizes emotion over mimesis, surrounding the viewer with an aura of a calming vigor that no doubt echoes the best of our hopes at the start of the year.

Baluyut is an Architecture graduate of the University of the Philippines and has topped the architectural board exams in 2004. This background in non-linear abstractions that architecture represents enabled her examination in the junction of emotion and the merge of color, shapes, and forms. With the eye of a skilled draftswoman and the sensitivity of a poet, Baluyut constructs new visual realities within the realm of abstraction and reveals the depth of her emotional resonance in works that carry the weight of dissonance, memory, and the awareness of the passage of time.

Her new show, “Blooms and Tides” absolutely revels in this sensibility. Opening on January 25 at 6:30pm at Galleria Nicolas in Ayala Center in Makati, the show will stay there before moving to Galerie Joaquin Podium on February 1 to 7, 2012.

Galleria Nicolas is located at the 3/F Art Space of Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City. They may be reached through their landline at (632) 728-0124 and email at gallerianicolas@gmail.com. Galerie Joaquin Podium may be reached at (632) 634-7954 or email at podium@galeriejoaquin.com. Please visit www.galeriejoaquin.com for more information.

The tide is an appropriate starting point. Representing the smoothening of the old, it is a telling sign of the new direction of Baluyut’s oeuvre, particularly focusing on the usage of water’s primary characteristic of flexibility. Water surrounds and penetrates, and the calming consistency of the tide belies the fact that the coast, in time, bends to its will. The presence of color invigorates this process, and the normally monochromatic tones employed by Baluyut gives way to the vibrancy of hues, recalling her recent experimentation with flora.

The juxtaposition of the tidal representations with blooming flowers is a natural one—the overarching idea is one of nature. And her new works in the series, originally inspired by a trip to Japan, displays the effervescence of tropical flora and all the tonal values. Blending well with the tide, Baluyut’s strong sense of the beauty of nature as a metaphor for one’s emotional experience is a powerful trope.

“Blooms and Tides” promises to be a show that shouldn’t be missed.

Harbour City Dimsum House.

2012-01-10T02:33:00.000-08:00

One of the restaurants I never miss when I'm in Cebu is Harbour City Dimsum. I always crave for their pork steamed rice. It is comfort food to me. Every spoonful tells me that I am home. It was my Mom who introduced chinese dimsum to me when I was a young girl and I fell in love with it. In college, a Ding Qua Qua branch (sister company of Harbour City) was just beside my school and I would dine there at least once a week.

Anyway, after my visit to the Cardiologist about two weeks ago, I had lunch at Harbour City Dimsum with my aunt, cousin, and sisters.

Pork Steamed Rice.
I always order this. It has shrimps, pork, peas, and a really tasty sauce.
It is a meal in itself, but you certainly wouldn't want to miss other dimsum favorites.

Plain Siomai. They serve so many varieties of siomai.

Egg roll. Delicious, but I only took a bite because I gave space (in my tummy) for my fried favorites. *grin*

Shrimp Toast. Crunchy outside and soft inside. This is love!
And even though I am allergic to shrimp, I still order this everytime!

Garlic Pork. Simple dish but incredibly delicious.
Sweet and Sour Pork. Another favorite. Perfectly seasoned.
And I love that it doesn't have too much sauce.

Fried Lumpia. Light and crispy. This is how fried lumpia should be.

Other favorites from Harbour City Dimsum include Fried Shrimp Balls, Empress Roll,
Bacon Shao Mai, Steamed Hakao, Buchi, and Mango Float.

Carts of food go around the restaurant and all you have to do is stop a cart when it passes by your table
and then point the food you want. The service here is quick and friendly.

And this is my family who gorged all these -- from left to right:
my sisters Binky and Dionne, aunt Dr Viray, and cousin Jenny.

. . . . . .

Harbour City Dimsum House
2/F Ayala Center-Cebu

For delivery (in Cebu), call 234 6786 or
234 6786 to connect to Ding Qua Qua, Harbour City, and Dimsum Break

Everything Yummy [ food + love ]

2012-01-04T01:53:00.000-08:00

Some months back, my friends M & K recommended to me Everything Yummy [food+love] and said that their ribs are a must-try. Since I am a shameless carnivore and I love pork ribs, I promised myself that I will give Everything Yummy a try when I go home to Cebu for the Christmas holidays. It was one of the things I actually looked forward to during my quick Cebu vacation. Mom, my sisters and I decided we'd have our pre-New Year's Day lunch and girl bonding at this charming little rib place.

The owner, Mel, via twitter advised me to make reservations beforehand, so I did.
I like the simple, personalized touch.

Their famous ribs! (Full Slab: Php700 | Half Slab: Php425 | Rib Quarter: Php185)
It is tender (falls off the bones!), smoky, and has lovely lingering flavors.
I swear I could eat three of these in one sitting! And I love their honey barbecue sauce!
I hope one day they'd sell their sauce in bottles! I would love to take some home.

Spanish Chorizo Meal (Php95). This is delicious, but I will not trade the ribs for this. Haha.

Adobomb Meal (Php95). This has really rich intense flavors which I love, but Mom found it a bit salty.
Still, Mom happily consumed it. We all loved what we ordered and we have plans of going back
to try their Lemongrass Inasal and Singaporean Pepper Prawns!

See these happy faces? That's my sister Abbie, Mom, and my sister Dionne.
And our table looked like it was hit by a tsunami! :D

Everything Yummy has this huge mirror on one side of their restaurant, so we took this
mirror photo of us as remembrance of that day.

Everything Yummy is a tiny place (could only sit 12) but it is incredibly charming.
And I hope that their space will grow as big as the love and flavors they put into their food.
Everytime I go home to Cebu, there are places I always go back to. Like Harbour City for some dose of dimsum, like Titay's for masi, like Larsian for some puso and barbecue. It has become a tradition for me to go to these places. I am adding Everything Yummy to my list.

And I dare say, this restaurant has been appropriately named. :)

. . . . . .

Everything Yummy [ food + love ]
Piazza Elesia
Talamban, Cebu City
Phone: +63917 8998669 | +6332 4065678

Like them on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter

The Stock Market Cafe.

2011-12-15T03:04:00.000-08:00

Last October, my Jakarta-based friend S was here in the country to attend a meeting and to have a quick vacation. And whenever she's around, we always try to have a little get-together. The timing was awesome as our globe-trotting friend R who just came back from Africa was also in town. It was also R's birthday dinner.

We agreed to meet at Bonifacio High Street, have dinner at The Stock Market, and then have coffee and dessert at Starbucks inside Fully Booked.

It was our first time at The Stock Market. I personally loved the simple, spacious, elegant interiors. There's a homey vibe to this place, too.

Salmon and Spinach Dip with chips, pita, and tuscany bread. (Php350)
This set the tone of the meal. Delicious, creamy, and well-seasoned. We knew immediately that the food here will be delicious.

I think this is chips and fried mozzarella. I can't remember now.
I can't even remember if I liked it or not! Haha.

Stock Market Harvest Salad. (Php 325)
I love the combination of greens, pineapples, bananas, grapes, apples, and caramelized walnuts in this salad. I could eat an entire plate of this. I just found the serving a bit small for its price.

Country-style Pork Ribs. (Php425)
Succulent, tender, and incredibly delicious. I'd go back to The Stock Market for this. I also really like the vinaigrette they use with their salads.

Pork Tenderloin Madness (Php390)
We had too much pork that night because my friend S had pork cravings. This one is absolutely good, too. Tender and grilled to perfection. The turmeric rice was a perfect pair.

Seafood kebab, right? I totally forgot its exact name. But the grilled seafood was fresh. Love all the mixture of spices in this.

Happy to see each other again. We've been friends for more than a decade now. They are my family here in Manila and they are also my constant travel buddies. That's me in green! :D

We had such a pleasant experience at The Stock Market. Service was fast and wonderful. I would love to go back and try other items in their menu.

. . . . .

The Stock Market
B3 | Bonifacio High Street
Bonifacio Global City
Phone: +632 8566300

Kate Spade Flicker Sophie.

2011-12-14T03:45:00.000-08:00

You know that moment when you see something and you know immediately how perfect it is for you? That was what ran through my head when I first saw the Frances Sales Satchel. I wasted no time getting it. No regrets. The satchel is beautiful and the more I use it, the softer the leather becomes. I am going to travel with it one day. Although I am a big bag kind of person, the Frances Sales Satchel is my bag of choice when I do not lug around my camera or my laptop.

But for days that I need to carry my camera and my laptop around, I prefer big, roomy bags. Most of my bags are huge, I always look like I'm carrying my fridge with me. Haha.

Anyway, the moment I saw this Kate Spade Flicker Sophie, I knew immediately that this was perfect for me! This is an ideal bag to carry during city tours. Fabulous as an everyday bag, too!

Dimensions: 9.5" high | 15" wide | 4.5" deep | 5.5" shoulder drop | Strap drop: 7"

While I can carry it as a handbag, it can also hang on the shoulder comfortably.

See how roomy it is? It has enough space for my camera, laptop (not in pic), makeup kit, wallet!
It has one zip pocket and two cellphone slots. I love the polka-dot printed twill lining.

It is made of crinkled patent leather with rolled vachetta leather handles.

I like that it has a magnetic snap tab closure in the middle.
So it is easy to open and close during airport and mall bag inspections.

Awesome craftsmanship. 14-karat light gold plated hardware.

It has protective leather/metal feet.

And you know what else I love about Kate Spade?
These random notes written on their product tags.

And how beautiful is this message from their paper bag?

Even their dustbag has a little something printed on it!

It's a long story why and how I ended up with this lovely Flicker Sophie. But I'm truly happy I did.

Kate Spade Flicker Sophie retails at Php 15,200.

. . . . . .

Kate Spade

G/F Greenbelt 3
Makati City
Phone: +632 7574570

3/F Powerplant Mall
Rockwell, Makati City
Phone: +632 8981471

2/F Rustan's Makati
Glorietta 4
Makati City
Phone: +632 84000730

Shangrila Plaza Mall
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Phone: +632 6320100

Lili and Nana.

2011-12-12T00:54:00.000-08:00

I'm panicking. I barely have two weeks to tick off all the items in my Christmas list (because I'm flying to Cebu soon). I was able to buy a few gift items over the weekend. Yey! But I have a long way to go. Funny though, I bought Christmas wrappers even before I bought gifts. Oh, I love wrappers! And I love wrapping gifts! It just makes me happy!

Last year, I wrapped my gifts in black and white Lili and Nana wrappers and tied them with red ribbons. I have long stopped using red, green, gold, and silver wrappers on Christmas.

I remember, there was one Christmas that I wrapped my gifts in dark blue crepe paper and red ribbon. Another Christmas, I wrapped my gifts in newspaper. Some years back, my gifts were in yellow and orange japanese paper.

This year, I am going for super happy colors! Look at these fushia and orange wrappers! I absolutely love the patterns!

I have so many ribbons at home you'd think I live in a gift shop. I'm just going crazy combining colors!

I was able to grab some gift items over the weekend for my friends and godchildren, so I've wrapped some gifts last night. This weekend, I shall continue with my Christmas shopping and get everyone in my list a present!

Lili and Nana has a lot of patterns/designs and colors to choose from. They also have adorable gift tags and boxes I'm sure you'll love.

With Lili and Nana wrappers, your gifts will certainly stand out among the sea of gifts under the tree.

. . . . .

Lili and Nana
Available at all Fully Booked branches
Php18.00/sheet

C2 Classic Cuisine.

2011-12-08T02:41:00.000-08:00

When My Paranormal Romance was shown last month at the Shangrila Plaza Mall, my friends and I watched it. Such a hilarious movie. It won Best Production Design and Best Editing during the Cinema One Originals 2011 Awards. I heard it will be shown in Cebu come February. If you live in Cebu, do catch it then.

Anyway, it was also my friend Bambi's birthday, so after the movie, we headed off to C2 Classic Cuisine for a late lunch. We were famished, so we ordered three main dishes, two of each! Plus, we ordered too many desserts!

C2 Classic Cuisine is one of my favorite filipino restaurants. I've been here many times before and had memorable meals in this resto. They serve our favorite pinoy dishes but with a little bit of a twist. For example, their version of bibingka? Bibingka Souffle! Light, delicious, and just delightful. They also have Champorado Mousse (which I will certainly try next time) - dark chocolate rice pudding layered with spanish chocolate mousse and then served with crisp otap cookie.

We tremendously loved everything we ordered, well, except for the Pastillas Panna Cotta because we found it too sweet. Special mention to their Durian Creme Brulee because it was absolutely divine! And I don't even like durian!

I love the ambiance at their PowerPlant branch, but I think they should improve on their Shangrila Plaza branch. I couldn't say much about the service because I was too happy that afternoon to even notice if they were attentive or not. Haha.

It was such a lovely day. Happy birthday again, Bi!

Adobo Rice.

Fried Tilapia fillet.

Crispy Kare-Kare.

Fried Chicken and Pork.

Leche Flan and Pastillas Panna Cotta.

Durian Creme Brulee.

Bibingka Souffle.

Kapeng Barako.

And this is the happy group that gorged all that. :D

. . . . .

C2 Classic Cuisine

2/F Archaeology Section
Power Plant Mall,
Rockwell Dr. cor. Estrella St.
Makati City
Phone: +632 8978113

The Ledge
6/F Shangri-la Plaza Mall
Mandaluyong City
Phone: +632 6361510

3/F Atrium, SM Megamall
EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave.
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Phone: +632 4701152

G/F Midtown Wing
Robinsons Place
Pedro Gil cor. Adriatico St.
Ermita, Manila
Phone: +632 5672402

287 Katipunan Ave.
Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Phone: +632 4266681

18 Missouri St.
Northeast Greenhills
San Juan City
Phone: +632 7232347

Cherry Mae Maning | TV Anchor.

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Part of the original plan of this site was to actually feature people. I have, in all my years of travel, met so many incredibly awesome human beings. Most of them have been a great inspiration to me. And just like the places I visit, I would love to put the people I meet (and eventually become friends with) in this space so I will never forget.

But it is not only the people I meet in my travels that I would like to write about here. I would also like to feature the many awesome people (travel bloggers included) I've met off and online. And I know that their stories are certainly worth sharing.

I met a fabulous young lady during my Davao-Samal Island trip. We were both reviewers for the Samal Island PopTalk episode. And the entire time we were in Samal, she and I shared rooms, thoughts, and stories. Her name: Cherry Mae Maning. She's the second child of Hermogenes, an EA of the Governor of Compostela Valley, and Anna Liza, a stay-at-home Mom who raised all her children well.

I found Cherry fascinating. For someone so young, she seemed quite self-assured. She's a celebrity in Davao but she's very down-to-earth. She was, in fact, game to whatever we were told to do during the shoot.

Cherry is news anchor for Flash Bulletin of GMA5 Davao. And why not? She's beautiful and articulate. But she's certainly more than just a pretty face. Cherry is a registered nurse, graduated Magna Cum Laude (at 19), and is currently taking her master's degree in nursing. She grew up reaping honors since elementary. But it was not only in academics that she excelled. She was also leader of many orgs when she was in school and won beauty contests. So it wasn't a surprise when she joined Mutya ng Dabaw 2010. Although she did not take home the crown (and only landed 2nd place), she garnered the most major awards.

I sent Cherry a couple of questions for this feature. Read on and know this charming 23-year-old a little bit more.

When and how did you start as tv anchor?
I guess I’m just so blessed. I won a lot of hearts during the competition (Mutya ng Dabaw) including that of the media. One day, I got a call from the Executive Producer of Una Ka Bai, a morning show in GMA ch5 Davao. She asked me if I’d be willing to host their program and I said “yes”. June 3, I started as a guest host for 3 days. The following week, I was welcomed as segment host to appear twice or thrice a week. In less than a month, I signed a contract as a GMA Talent. And soon after, I appeared everyday on TV. Then I was offered the position of being the news anchor for Flash Bulletin.

I understand you are taking your post graduate studies. What are your plans after?
I plan to go abroad and pursue my dream of being an instructor. I want to practice my profession.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Hopefully, in Canada, working as a nurse. Or I could also be here in our country managing my own business.

Any hobbies?
Photography! And I love to cook. I also love singing and surfing the internet.

Is there anything about you that other people (in Davao, especially) do not know yet?
A lot of things. I am very afraid of reptiles esp. lizards and snakes. Well, many people don’t know that I have good acting skills. ☺ I honestly love acting. I was in the theater arts group in high school before I became the president of the math club. I also dreamt of being a dancer. I wanna be a good dancer pero kaliwa talaga both feet ko. I can't dance. I just can’t. I also wanna be skinny! Pero impossible, American size ako. Iba ang built ng katawan.

And believe it or not, I am a shy person. Nauunahan pa din ako ng kaba and stage fright at times, but I manage them well. Off cam, I am a friend to everyone. Kahit janitor o security guard friend ko. Simple lang talaga ako. I can ride the tricycle o magbaktas, ok lang. People admire me and my dresses in UKB … generally, they admire the way I appear in public because I always get a compliment re that. But I am very practical. I don’t buy expensive dresses or things. Para sa akin, nasa pagdadala lang yan. I only invest in shoes and bags and a few gadgets. Another secret that im going to share… when I have a goal, I write it in a piece paper to post on my wall so that I am reminded everyday to work hard to achieve my goal.

What are the things you value, words you live by?
What I value: love, individuality, responsibility, respect, dedication, excellence, courage, wisdom, compassion, optimism, and flexibility

I believe that life is short. Let’s make the most out of it. We should not be afraid to take risks. It’s better to try and fail rather than regret the things you haven’t done. In the end, mistakes don't count only lessons learned. And never waste an opportunity to touch lives and make others happy even through simple ways.

What's your definition of beauty?
"The standard of beauty is not definite, we define it." - Shamcey Supsup
For me, beauty is radiance. Like a ray of light, it catches the eye and warms the heart.

What's your beauty regimen/secret?
A good rest, positive outlook or optimism that radiates, and here’s the ultimate secret: always wear a smile.

What's your favorite travel destination?
Madami! ☺ But my favorite travel destination so far is Singapore! Talagang super happy ako sa mga amusement parks and rides doon. I wanna bring my loved ones there. Of course, there's The Flyer where you get a perfect view of the entire island especially at night. I love to watch city lights. But my greatest dream is to travel and ride on a taxi boat in Venice, Italy. I find it so romantic. In the Philippines, I would love to visit Vigan.

What's your favorite food?
Simple lang din ang gusto ko na pagkain. Tinolang isda… I love fish. I love the combination of salt and konting anghang. Lalo na pag mainit na mainit ang sabaw. I also love grilled tuna, pork and chicken barbeque. I love chocolate mousse and leche flan.

What's your favorite find?
Shoes, Dresses and accessories ☺ I confess! I’m a shopaholic. When I travel, I travel lite. So when I go to places, I look for dresses or shirts that would not only suit me but also define the place I visited. Most of the time though, I come home with a new pair of footwear. Mas madalas, yon ang nauuwi ko kesa dresses and accessories. Every time I look at them they would remind me of the places I’ve been to.

. . . . .

Thank you for answering my questions, Cherry! Wishing you the fulfillment of all your dreams! More power to you!

The Art of Touring in Style.

2011-11-25T04:59:00.000-08:00

Rajah Travel Corporation recently held the Insight Grand 2012 Brochure launch at the Manila Polo Club. The Insight Grand 2012 Brochure is the brochure of Insight Vacations, Europe's premier escorted tour operator. The Art of Touring in Style is this brochure's tagline. And why not? Insight Vacations offer luxurious journeys to Europe, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Egypt, USA, and Canada.

For people like me who love to travel, these packages are truly awesome. And it helps that the tour packages and these brochures are well-thought out, with the comfort and enjoyment of the traveler in mind when they created them.

The tour packages of Insight Vacations are certainly the type of tours my friends will love. And I am pretty sure we will do one of the tours one day. Greece, anyone? :)

These are the 2012 brochures that they launched and distributed during the event -- very informative and beautifully laid-out.

Every page has this quick information guide on places you visit, strategically placed on the right side of the page.

The brochure also has descriptions of the itinerary of the places you'll visit. It has awesome photos, too! And I would love to visit Italy someday. Next year would be perfect, right? :)

The brochure features six touring styles you could choose from (taken from the brochure) --

Select Choices (City Breaks)
Select Choices is a unique series of linked city-stay itineraries bringing freedom, choice and flexibility while avoiding the hassles, headaches, and unforeseen costs normally associated with traveling on your own.

Insight Gold (Luxury)
With Insight Gold, you'll travel on a leisurely, small group journey of incomparable style and comfort. You'll stay in luxury hotels, dine in stylish restaurants and enjoy unforgettable private tours and exclusive sightseeing. Choose from ten delightful European tours.

Easy Pace Tours (Premium)
These extra leisurely tours have been perfectly planned to provide three or four nights stays in each city throughout your itinerary. There is plenty of free time for relaxation or in-depth exploring at your leisure from your central or scenically located hotel. (This sounds perfect to me!)

Country Roads Tours (Premium)
Enjoy our special range of exclusive in-depth tours that take you off Europe's highways and on to the enchanting country roads, through picturesque villages and towns. (Oh, I like this, too!)

Discovery Tours (Premium)
These exciting tours allow you to experience a 'snapshot' of Europe. They range from four to 34 days' duration, with many relaxing two and three-night-stays.

Regional Tours (Premium)
These in-depth tours concentrate on towns, cities, and scenic areas in a specific region or country. The majority of overnight stays are two nights or more, and are leisurely paced, often with shorter traveling time between exciting destinations.

Etihad's President Roberto Hukom gave a short message during the launch.

Insight Vacations' John Boulding presented their services included in the new brochure.

Rajah Tours Corporation's Aileen Clemente also gave a short message.

The brochures were then presented to everyone.

And then they raffled off a round-trip ticket (to somewhere).
You bet I prayed I'd win! :D

Everyone went home with a loot bag. Inside it were brochures, a toiletry kit,
pens, post-it, and a DVD version of the brochure.

. . . . . .

For rates of the tour packages and for more information, contact

Rajah Travel Corporation
Manila Office
G/F GLC Building
A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw Sts.
Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Phone: (+632) 523 8801
Fax: (+632) 522 0570

Makati Office
3/F Gercon Plaza
7901 Makati Avenue
Makati City, Philippines
Telephone: (+632) 894 0886
Fax: (+632) 817 7903

E-mail: reservationsmnl@rajahtravel.com

Samal Island | Maxima Aqua Fun.

2011-11-24T04:33:00.000-08:00

The third resort we went to in Samal Island was Maxima Aqua Fun. But before we tried Maxima's water adventures, we dropped off our things at the Maxima Vacation House where we stayed overnight.

The Maxima Vacation House is an exclusive fully furnished, two-storey, four-bedroom beach house just about a minute by motorboat to Maxima Aqua Fun. It is also a hike away to Haguimit Falls, which sadly, we weren't able to visit.

Maxima Adventure Package (8pax)
US$959

Inclusions:
Overnight stay (entire house is exclusive to you)
Three catered meals
Waterslides with lifevest
Kayak
Boat Transfer
Housekeeper and Chef
Cooking facilities

We stayed practically the whole day at Maxima Aqua Fun and tried some of their most awesome adventures. Unlike most resorts in the island, Maxima Aqua Fun does not have a stretch of white sand where you could sit and get a tan. This is not the place for slowness and solitude. Maxima is where you have fun, shout your lungs out, dive, snorkel, risk life and limb.

The first thing we tried when we got there was the Canopy Walk. It was both scary and fun! I was with the ~~craziest~~ happiest people who shook the canopy like crazy while I was walking on it! :D

We also tried Maxima's Giant Tarpaulin Slide. This was my favorite! It was so exhilarating, I couldn't help but shout my lungs out while sliding!

The slide is about 40 meters long. It's highest end is mounted on a hill and then it goes down to the sea. The giant slide was such an adrenalin rush. So much fun! I wanted to do it over and over. But we had a shoot to do, we moved on immediately to the next adventure -- the banana boat ride. And if you watched that PopTalk episode, I fell off the boat twice! *grin*

Day Tour Packages

Package A : P200
Free use of lifevest
Free use of tables and chairs
Unlimited use of Giant Slide
Unlimited use of Trampoline

Package B : P250
Free use of lifevest
Free use of tables and chairs
Unlimited use of Giant Slide
Unlimited use of Trampoline
15 mins marine orientation + use of mask & snorkel
Eagle view canopy walk

Children's rate (10 years old below) : P150
Eagle View Canopy Walk (Sat & Sun only) : P50

Jetski : P3,500/hour
Jetski with Banana boat (6 pax) : P250/head/15 mins
Kayak : P300/2 pax/hour

Maxima Aqua Fun provides accommodations to those who want to stay overnight (or more nights). Really, one day is not enough when in Maxima. There's just so much to do, so many adventures to try!

Camping-Overnight : P350
Tent Rental : P300

Aquafun Close Cottage (overnight) : P1,800
Bigote Dorm (overnight) : P500/head

Many people visit this place and thankfully, there's enough space for everyone. Maxima has a lot of lunch tables for day trippers. One thing they should improve though -- comfort/bath/changing rooms.

They also have a little restaurant where the souvenir shop was also located. We had a sumptuous lunch there.

Some artists were doing henna tattoos and selling handmade accessories and souvenirs in one of the tents. We stopped by and grabbed some. :)

Transport options (max of 10 pax):
Round trip from Sta Ana wharf to Maxima : P6,500
Round trip Penaplata to Maxima : P3,000

In the evening on weekends, Maxima has drummers and fire dancers to entertain their guests. I tried swirling the fire poi and guess what? I burned my hair. Haha. Anyway, it was such an awesome experience.

In terms of amenities, service, and value for money Maxima Vacation House and Maxima Aqua Fun got perfect scores from me. Everyone in this resort was absolutely wonderful and nice. And when I go back (because I certainly will), I will tag my family along. This is a perfect place for some family adventure.

More photos over at Facebook!

Big thanks to all the nice people of Maxima!
And big thanks, too, to Martine and to PopTalk's Tonipet, Joni, Jane, Richelle, Luz, Joanna, Nino, and Jepoy!

PopTalk airs every Tuesday, 10pm over at GMA News TV

Related Post
Leticia by the Sea
Hof Gorei
Wonderful Six Days

. . . . .

Maxima Vacation House
Central Information Department

Phone: (082) 300 - 8636, (082) 286 - 8883
Mobile: +639228569792 / 09236593725
Email: booking@davaocrocodilepark.com

or visit their booking office at
Dizon Farms, club 183, Rizal St, Davao City

Maxima Aqua Fun Resort
Brgy. Cawag, Penaplata
Island Garden City of Samal
Phone: (082) 282-23-39, 271-26-26

Samal Island | Hof Gorei.

2011-11-15T00:49:00.000-08:00

Another resort we went to in Samal Island was Hof Gorei. I love this resort. It was incredibly charming and rustic. There was something so relaxing about this place. Maybe, it was the beautiful view of the sea or the soothing water in the jacuzzi or the familiar sound of roosters in the morning. Whatever it was, Hof Gorei certainly captured my heart.

This is Hof Gorei from a distance. It has a white sand shore, a beautifully-made port, and huts scattered all over its hilly terrain.

What I will always remember about Hof Gorei is their awesome service. Staff members were always around to take care of our needs. They were quick and friendly. They are obviously committed to make every guest happy.

I like Hof Gorei's unassuming entrance. You wouldn't feel intimidated here.

The resort has a pool carefully tucked between coconut trees. It also has a jacuzzi, about 205 steps up on a hill. I swear I lost 10 pounds that day we went to dip in the jacuzzi.

This is the view from our room. I love how it seems like everything is randomly placed -- trees, huts, flowers.

We stayed in this room and I think this is called the Gorei Junior Suite. This could fit in 6 people. All of us girls stayed here. The rooms are clean and quite charming. It has aircon, fan, ref, and a tv. Although the bathrooms are small and basic, but they are very clean.

Rates:

Hillside Round Huts 1,2,3: starts at Php3,300/room/night
Leaning Hut Room (non-aircon): starts at Php2,700/room/night
Gorei Guest House (Junior Suite): starts at Php3,850/room/night
Gorei Guest House 1,2,3: starts at Php3,850/room/night
Pinzgau Chalet | Rooms 1,2,3: starts at Php3,850/room/night
Beachfront Bungalows: starts at Php4,400/room/night
Buddy House (good for 10): starts at Php11,000/room/night

For more information on Hof Gorei rates, click HERE.

Hof Gorei serves the most delicious food! Everything is organic. They grow their own fruits and vegetables. Food is cooked and served with so much thought and love. Check out more photos over at Facebook for all the food that was served to us on our last night at the resort!

Did I already say how much I love the rustic feel of Hof Gorei? One of the things I love about this resort is that the animals are free to roam around. And oh, they have a fish pond, too. Tilapia, anyone? :D

Activities/Services at Hof Gorei
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Fishing
Island Hopping
Nature Excursion
Massage and Beauty Treatment

Hof Gorei gets a perfect score from me for amenities, service, and value for money. I would love to go back someday. This is the perfect place to catch up on my reading or my sleep. :)

Boat Schedule:

From Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City to Hof Gorei Resort:
11:00AM and 2:30PM

From Hof Gorei Resort to Sta.Ana Wharf, Davao City:
9:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Big thanks to Hof Gorei's Tita April!
And big thanks, too, to Martine and to PopTalk's Tonipet, Joni, Jane, Richelle, Luz, Joanna, Nino, and Jepoy!

PopTalk airs every Tuesday, 10pm over at GMA News TV

Related Post
Leticia by the Sea
Wonderful Six Days

. . . . .

Hof Gorei Resort
Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal
Davao del Norte, Philippines 8120

Phone: +63 82 2860238
Smart Mobile: +639204686180
Sun Mobile: +639228646814
Email : info@hofgorei-resortdavao.com
hofgoreiresortdavao@yahoo.com

Talicud Island | Leticia by the Sea.

2011-11-09T02:17:00.000-08:00

Let me start this entry by thanking everyone who watched last night's PopTalk episode. If you saw an overweight, oily-faced, bungisngis person whose tagalog was kinda wonky, that was me! What a fun episode that was! Thank you! :)

PopTalk airs every Tuesday, 10pm over at GMA News TV

Now that the episode has been aired, I am free to write about the resorts we visited. First off: Leticia by the Sea. It is an incredibly beautiful oasis with lovely rolling gardens. The rooms and even the bathrooms are tastefully decorated. Everything in this resort is well-thought out. And the service, impeccable.

Just behind the resort's perfectly manicured garden facade is a secret paradise, tucked carefully between groves of coconut trees.

Amenities:

Two open cabanas with its individual private bath and toilet room.
Two air-conditioned Cottages: Room A can accommodate 4 persons; room B can accommodate 2 persons.
One family room that can accommodate 6 persons with two toilets and two bathrooms.
Two air-conditioned Villas; room A can accommodate 4 persons; room B can accommodate 2 persons.
A pavilion that serves as entertainment area.
A Function room that can accommodate 30 to 40 persons.
Sets of beddings, towels and toiletries will be provided.
Free use of kitchen with complete cooking facilities, refrigerator, freezer and dining wares.
Water dispenser provided.
TV with DVD player and sound system.
Smart broadband connections.
Free use of kayaks for the whole duration of stay.
{grabbed from their website}

This is the room where Cherry and I stayed. How charming is this room? There's a ceiling fan, an aircon, a huge bathroom, a day bed which serves as an extra bed for one additional person, and a veranda with a spectacular view of the sea.

The rooms and bathrooms are decorated with antiques and heavy wooden furnitures which makes staying here feels luxurious.

The bathroom is the first thing I check whenever I stay in a hotel. I was glad that our bathroom was big and clean! And I love the pretty little details in it!

The family room is equally charming. It has huge sliding windows which reminds me so much of my grandparents' house. The room is airy and perfect for a family (or friends) of six.

This is one of the two open cabanas with a wonderful view of the garden and the sea. This certainly spells romance. It also has an open bathroom. Imagine taking a bath under the sun or the stars. That is quite magical.

This is just one corner of the pavilion. Like the villas and rooms in this resort, the pavilion is decorated with old lovely things that would remind you of the comforts of home.

There are so many quiet corners in Leticia by the Sea. Here, you can sit and sip fresh buko juice and stare at crystal blue waters.

This is a perfect spot for coffee, tea, and conversations. Or maybe, bananacues, soda, and lots of laughter.

How fantastic is this open dining and kitchen? Nothing more wonderful than being surrounded by nature while dining!

The people behind Leticia by the Sea are also restauranteurs, so you can be assured that the food here is delicious.

Leticia by the Sea is a perfect place to retreat from the urban jungle. But this is also an awesome place for those who love some water adventure. They offer kayaking, diving, and popparazzi and banana boat rides.

Rates:

PACKAGE A. Overnight Stay (with full board meal)
Php 3,500/ head for a minimum of 4 persons

PACKAGE B. Overnight Stay (without meal)
Php 2,000/ head for a minimum of 8 persons

PACKAGE C. Day tour
Php 1,400/head for a minimum of 20 persons

PACKAGE D. Day tour
Php 1,750/head for a minimum of 10 persons, maximum of 14 persons

PACKAGE E. Php 30,000 Overnight Stay (good for 20 persons)

For details/package inclusions, click HERE.

Following PopTalk's criteria (amenities, service, and value for money), I say, Leticia by the Sea gets a perfect score. Oh, I would love to go back with my family and friends. And when I do, I will linger in bed in the mornings, go scuba diving in the afternoons, and stargaze in the veranda at night.

More photos of Leticia by the Sea on Facebook!

Thank you, Mr. Raymond dela Paz!
Thank you once again Martine, Tonipet, Joni, Jane, Richelle, Luz, Joanna, Nino, and Jepoy!

Related Post:
Hof Gorei
Wonderful Six Days

. . . . .

Leticia by the Sea
Talicud Island, Samal
Phone: +63 82 2240501

Chef Jessie Restaurants.

2011-11-05T01:12:00.000-07:00

Last night, my friend Ces invited me to her house for a very special dinner prepared by Chef Jessie Sincioco. Ces' beautiful kitchen (by Miele) will be featured in a magazine, there were photographers that night, too. Needless to say, it was such a wonderful evening. I met so many fabulous people and Chef Jessie prepared mouth-watering dishes.

This is Chef Jessie teaching us how to do her delicious dishes.

Rolling dough for the quiche.

Chef Jessie's special dip.
This is love, magic, and dreams in olive oil. I kid you not.

Cheese, Spinach, and Mushroom Quiche + salad.
The salad was fresh and crunchy. The quiche was light and lovely. Yes, food could be lovely. :)

Steamed Tranche of Norwegian Salmon.
Another light, beautifully seasoned dish. The dill-Hollandaise dressing was absolutely fantastic.
It was served with Linguine a la creme.

Plating the steak. I enjoyed watching the entire process of cooking and plating! Quite inspiring.

Roasted US Black Angus Beef Au Jus.
This was served with Lyonnaise potato and sauteed french beans.
I am not a big fan of beef or anything cooked rare, but I tried this. I believe in trying everything once.
Delicious! But I couldn't eat much because I was already too full by the time this was served. :)

Warm Chocolate Pudding with Raspberry Puree.
A perfect ending to an incredibly awesome night!

And oh, this is my friend Ces in her beautiful home being interviewed by Miguel (one of the nicest people I know).

. . . . . .

Chef Jessie Restaurants

Top of the Citi by Chef Jessie
34/F CitiBank Tower
Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Phone" +632 7505810-11

Chef Jessie Rockwell Club
G/F Amorsolo Square
Rockwell Center, Makati City
Phone: +632 8906543

Pepper and Peppers.

2011-11-03T03:57:00.000-07:00

Our last lunch in Davao found us in Pepper and Peppers. The Iberian Chicken is the most popular item in their menu and the moment I took my first bite, I understood why.

Tender, moist, and beautifully seasoned, this chicken is a must-try. I get terrible allergic reaction when I eat chicken, but I could not NOT try this. Thank God for anti-histamine! In fact, I kept coming back to this dish because it was so delicious!

I think this is called Crispy Steak. I have vague memory of this dish because I can't get my mind (and fork) off the Iberian Chicken. Haha.

Oh, but this, I remember perfectly well -- Deep Fried Pork Belly -- crispy, tender, and deep fried to perfection. This is Pepper and Peppers' version of the bagnet. And this version is certainly more delightful. Any shameless carnivore (like me) will love this!

Pop Talk's Tonipet Ongpauco Gaba with Pepper and Peppers' Chicqui (left) and Casa Leticia's Gelot (right).
Chiqui was so nice and wonderful. She entertained us the entire time we were there, answering our questions and talking about her fabulous dishes.

When I have the chance to go back to Davao, I will certainly visit Pepper and Peppers again. The restaurant is clean, minimally but tastefully decorated, and there's enough parking space. And the service? Two thumbs up.

For more information and to see their menu, visit them on Facebook.

Thank you once again Chiqui and to the awesome people of Pop Talk - Joni, Richelle, Luz, Jane, Joana, Tonipet, Nino, and Jepoy. Pop Talk airs every Tuesday, 10pm over at GMA News TV.

. . . . .

Pepper and Peppers
F. Torres St.
Davao City
(Beside Phoenix Gas Station)
Phone: +63 82 221 1396

Wonderful Six Days.

2011-10-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

Hof Gorei
The six days I spent in Davao and Samal Island have been the most wonderful, I don't regret giving up the Masskara festival (but I certainly would want to go to the festival next year). It was a crazy-happy six full days filled with conversations, stories, laughter, and adventures worth telling.

Imagine this -- three resorts in three days and three buffets in one day! It was absolutely awesome!

Maxima Aqua Fun
We tried the water sports available in the resorts. We walked on narrow hanging canopy, too, (that's me in the picture!) and trekked 205 steps just to dip in a jacuzzi. There were also so many interesting events in between these activities and in between takes.

And I should confess now -- I fell off the banana boat twice! But that was not the embarrassing part. The embarrassing part was climbing back up the banana boat with so much difficulty because my butt was too heavy! Haha. Note to self: must lose weight!

And oh, I burned my hair while trying the fire poi because I was feeling fire dancer that night. Big mistake. Haha. But it was worth the fun and experience.

Leticia by the Sea
I will write about this adventure here right after the show is aired so as not to preempt anything. After all, I will be Pop Talk's expert reviewer for the episodes we shot on the island and in Davao. Yes, two episodes! How lucky can I get? :D

I am utterly grateful for this experience. Grateful, too, to everyone who trusted I could do this -- my family, my friends, Martine, and the awesome Pop Talk producers/researchers/crew and host (Joni, Jane, Richelle, Luz, Joanna, Nino, Jepoy and Tonipet) who all made me feel comfortable and loved. Those who know me enough know I am painfully shy and agreeing to appear on tv is a brave step for me. I shall always remember this experience with pride and gratitude.

PS.

My favorite part about this trip? Meeting people, gaining friends.

Published | Just two things.

2011-10-13T03:26:00.000-07:00

Just two things today.

One, big thank you to everyone who grabbed a copy of CDN last Saturday. Part 2 of my Bali story was published there.

And two, wish me luck. I am going on a trip to Davao tomorrow. I know I have so many backlog travel stories (there's Paris, Switzerland, Jakarta, and Legaspi), plus I also want to write some more details of the other trips I've already blogged about. But I certainly will share my Davao adventures when I get back.

You all take care while I'm away.

And if you have a bit of time, check out these dive entries I wrote months back. These make me happy each time I read them (and also because I terribly miss diving) --

Cabilao and Gilutongan.

Or you can visit some of my favorite blogs:

Travel : Nomadic Experiences

Web & Graphic Design : Fancy Girl

Mommy Topics : Dainty Mom

Portrait Photographer : Absolutely Tuesday

Food : Canelle et Vanille

Design: Making It Lovely

Personal Blog : The Nevergirl

Have the most awesome weekend!

In My Gratitude List Today.

2011-10-03T04:26:00.001-07:00

The first part of my Bali story came out last Saturday.
I haven't gotten my copy yet, but CDN's NM emailed me a PDF copy.

The second part will be published on Saturday (8 October).
Show me some love, please grab a copy! :)

Super grateful!

Where do we go next? :)

Royce' Nutty Bar Chocolate.

2011-09-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

This is last weekend's happiness. :)

I received a box of Nutty Bar Chocolate from J last weekend. It is one of my favorites from Royce'. Like the Potechi, I could consume this in one sitting. Disturbing, I know. :D

But this really is yummy. It has the right sweetness and all the nutty texture makes each bar a pleasure to munch.

One box has ten bars.

Like most japanese packaging, this one is easy to open, too!

Each bar has almonds, pecan, cashew, macadamia, nutty puffs, and praline. How wonderful!
My other favorites include: Nama, Potechi Crunch, PotatoChip Chocolate, Chocolate Wafers, Pure Chocolate in Creamy Milk.

Price List:

Nama Chocolate All Variants: Php 580
Pure Chocolate (Creamy Milk & White, Sweet & Milk): Php 540
Pure Chocolate (Caramel Milk & Creamy White,Venezuela Bitter & Ghana Sweet, Mild Bitter & Extra Bitter): Php 580
Nutty Bar Chocolate (Small/Large): Php 540/Php 900
Potechi Crunch Chocolate: Php 540
Potatochip Chocolate (Medium/Large): Php 540/Php 990
Baton Cookies (Coconuts, Hazelnut & Cacaonibs): Php 540
Chocolate Wafers: Php 540
Bar Chocolate (All Variants): Php 250
Truffe (Orange, Kirsch, Praline): Php 450
Kurumaro Chocolate - (Milk, White): Php 820
Macadamia Chocolate: Php 690
Criollio Chocolate (Sweet, Bitter, Milk): Php 450
Coffee Bean Chocolate: Php 690
Karintoh Chocolate: Php 570
Prafeuille Chocolate (All Variants): Php 540
Marshmallow Chocolate (Milk & White): Php 420

. . . . .

Royce' Chocolates
are available at the

4th Level, Powerplant Mall and at the G/F, Greenbelt 5.

Chili's.

2011-09-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

This isn't my first time at Chili's but I never got around to blogging about it. I've spent so many celebrations there -- from birthdays to anniversaries -- and enjoyed their food everytime.

Last August 1 was my 13th year anniversary of the day I left Cebu and started my life here in Manila. It may sound funny to some, but I do celebrate my anniversary. My journey was not easy, that's why I celebrate in gratitude for all the blessings, lessons, adventures, and friends I've met along the way.

J and I celebrated last weekend. We went to Chili's Rockwell to satisfy some cravings.

I first tasted these Classic Nachos with melted cheese, jalapenos, chicken (or beef), queso, pico de gallo and sour cream last year when we celebrated Mom's birthday at Chili's. My sister D ordered it and assured us it was really delish. She was right, I totally fell in love with it. It was so good, it lingered in my memory. I promised myself that when I go back to Chili's, I'll order it. So I did!

I have been craving for Baby Back Ribs for a week, so I grabbed this chance to order some. I had the barbeque sauce on the side because I do not like my ribs too gooey. Haha. This truly satisfied my cravings. Smokey, tender, and just delicious!

J had Classic Bacon Burger. Don't be fooled by the picture, it was a big burger. I think it passed J's standards because he consumed it without saying anything. Silence means it got his seal of approval. And I tell you, he is very hard to please when it comes to food.

Of course, when in Chili's order bottomless drinks!

Price Range: Php450-600/meal
Operating Hours: 11am-12mn (Sun-Th), 11am-2am (Fri & Sat)

It was a good meal and it made my 13 year-anniversary quite special. Service was fast and friendly. I wish though that Chili's had a bigger space in Rockwell.

. . . . .

Chili's Bar and Grill

Power Plant Mall
Rockwell Dr. cor. Estrella St.
Makati City
Phone: +32 6596527

2/F Greenbelt 5
Ayala Center
Makati City
+632 7293022

Greenhills Shopping Center
Missouri St. cor. Nevada St.
Northeast Greenhills
San Juan
+ 632 7272959

199 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Sct. Fernandez
Quezon City
+632 3725007

Mr Jones.

2011-09-12T04:33:00.000-07:00

Had lunch meeting last Saturday with E and Angela at Mr Jones. I love this place mostly for their Classic Chocolate Malt shake. Angela ordered Wicked Truffled Mac n' Cheese which she loved. E and I tried it and we both loved it, too! When I go back to Mr Jones, I shall order that one. E had Smoked Bacon and Eggs. I had fries and chocolate malt.

Mr Jones is a concept resto decorated like an old diner (imagine big red and light blue leather chairs, jukebox, old toys). They serve comfort food like fries, burgers, steaks, pancakes, and milkshakes.

On my birthday last November, my friends and I had dinner there. We all enjoyed our food -- unhealthy, oily, and calorie-loaded (haha). What's not to love? :P

Price Range: Php250-500
Operating Hours: 11am-12mn daily

A bucket of fries. Love this. I could consume a bucket!

Seafood Bites and Chews.
Just ok. Nothing spectacular.

Big Smackin' Slow Roasted Southern U.S Beef Ribs.
I'm not very fond of beef, but this one's a winner!

Grilled Bone on Maple Glazed Pork Chops and Apple Sauce.
Loved this, but it was a bit rare for me. I want my food overcooked. LOL.

Melted "Old Bay" Crab and Dory Thermidor.
Creamy and absolutely delicious.

The Classic Chocolate Malt.
My favorite. Thick and creamy and definitely a must-try!

. . . . .

Mr Jones
G/F Greenbelt 5
Makati City

Phone: +632 5013682 to 83

4th .MOV Film, Music & Literature Festival.

2011-09-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

My friend Chin invited me to the Opening of the 4th .MOV International Film, Music and Literature Festival at the Podium last night. The festival was established by filmmaker Khavn De La Cruz in 2002. This year's festival will run from September 1-6, dedicated to film critics Alexis Tioseco and Nika Biohinc. It will feature films from Southeast Asia, music and works from the best Philippine songwriters and literary figures.

During last night's ceremony, Silvershorts finalists were presented. And a short film dedicated to Alexis and Nika was shown. The DVD Cinema is Love: The best of .MOV was also launched.

Music Night will be held tomorrow, September 3, Saturday. 6pm to 11pm.
~~GREENBELT 3 PARK (outside Havana)~~ moved to Piazza Musica, Podium.
RSVP on Facebook

Tomorrow's complete schedule of activities (grabbed from .mov website):

The album launch of
SONGS FROM THE END OF THE WORLD
Philippine Singer-Songwriters

Guest of Honor: RYAN CAYABYAB

KAT LOPEZ
ROBERTO NICOLAS
HANNAH & GABI
TAO AVES
ENRIQUE DE DIOS (of Brigada)
ALDUS SANTOS (of The Purplechickens)
FANDO & LIS
ACE CADA (of Bagetsafonik)
DAN GIL (of Chillitees)
TOI
VIN DANCEL (of Peryodiko)
ELY BUENDIA

With the special participation of
JESSE GRINTER (USA)

Featuring various song adaptations of the poem “Kundiman” by MIKAEL DE LARA CO
(from UNDER THE STORM: An Anthology Of Contemporary Philippine Poetry)

Hosted by Jeanie Sison & Bob Lyren

Free Admission.

Also:
SILVERSHORTS AWARDING
Screening of the 2011 Grand Prize Short Film

. . . . . .

Schedule of events for the entire week:

September 1 – Opening Night, The Podium Activity Center, 7:00pm

• DVD Launch: Cinema is Love: The Best of .MOV”

September 2 – Literature Night, Ayala Museum, 6:00pm

• Book Launch: Under The Storm
• Poetry Reading: 24 poems, to be read by 12 poets and 12 celebrities

September 3 – Music Night, Piazza Musica, Podium, 6:00pm

• Album Launch: Songs From The End Of The World
• Singer-Songwriter Shindig: Musical performances by 12 singer-songwriters

September 4 – Film Workshops, Mogwai Cinematheque, Cubao Expo, 1:00-9:00pm

• Free Workshops by Vanja Kaludjercic and Joel Shepard

September 2 – 6 – Film Screenings, UP Film Center, 1:00PM – 8:00pm

And here's sharing some photos from the launch last night.

. . . . .

For more information, visit the .MOV website or their FACEBOOK page.

Kitch Cafe.

2011-08-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things is finding charming little cafes located where you don't expect them to be. It is like receiving a gift you've always wanted. Well, that's how I felt when I found Kitch Cafe tucked in a small street between Amorsolo and Pasay Road. It is a few steps away from where I live.

Kitch Cafe is all kinds of wonderful. It is tastefully decorated in white and pastels. There's something about it that's very welcoming.

There's a corner sofa that's quite comfortable. Although the cafe is small, it is absolutely pretty. The cafe has a second floor space where you can hold parties.

I tried their Adobo Pasta. It was good, but it was just too creamy for me. I am not a pasta person and if I ever order pasta, I prefer light sauces.

I heard though that their pan de sal pizzas are super good. This (pan de sal) pinoy favorite was reinvented by Chef Eugene (I met him last year during the RP-UK Friendship Week Dinner for a Cause) and Chef Mark. Remind me to try the pizza on my next visit!

I love to try creme brulee in every new resto or cafe that I visit, so I tried their cappuccino creme brulee. I love how light this is. And there's this lovely, gentle hint of coffee.

Also tried the Mango Cheesecake (cheesecake with mango syrup topped with cashew nuts). Light and delicious!

I super love their Lemongrass Tea. Very refreshing. It tasted like summer and reminded me of amazing vacations in Bohol Bee Farm. :)

The service was wonderful. Everyone was friendly and accommodating. They all made me feel quite at home.

I love this place and I already know that I will be spending many afternoons there.

. . . . .

Kitch Cafe
Unit G-14 Sunvar Plaza
Pasay Road corner Amorsolo
Makati City
Phone: 02 8433620

Also visit their FACEBOOK page and BLOG

Chewy Junior.

2011-08-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

My current favorite sin these days is this chewy cream puffs from Chewy Junior! Quite delectable and addicting. I first tried these delicious pastries when my friend Jingjing and I went for a movie and found the Chewy Junior's little stall in GB3. And whenever I am in Greenbelt, I always grab a box of 3.

I super love cream puffs but Chewy Junior is different from all that I've tried. This is baked (not fried), and its pastry is soft and chewy.

Plus, it has generous amounts of fillings and toppings! And unlike most cream puffs, this one is definitely bigger in size. This Chocolate Almond Crunch is my favorite! Just divine!

Chewy Junior has many different kinds of fillings -- chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, and banana-flavored cream. They also have so many different cream puff flavors. According to their website, the Deluxe flavors are mainstays and are available in all of their stores worldwide, while the Premium flavors are tailor-made to suit local taste buds and are unique to each market.

Deluxe Flavors

Blueberry Cream Cheese
Almond Sweetheart
Peanut Butter Crunch
Chewy Ensaymada
Coffee Raisin Crunch
Chocolate Madness
Chocolate Almond Crunch
Chewy Original
Cheese Lover
Cookies N' Cream
Strawberry Cream Cheese

Premium Flavors

Java Chip Cookie
Kiddie Rocky Road
Kiddie Strawberry Sprinkle
Nutella Ella
NY Cheesecake
Strawberry Shortcake
Tre Tutti Frutti
Banoffee Overload
ChocNut Twist
Chocolate Crunch
Dulce de Leche Swirl
Mango Delight

Price

Single Puff: Php45
Box of 3: Php119
Box of 6: Php229
Box of 12: Php439

This is definitely worth all the calories. So far, I've only tried the chocolate flavored ones. But I certainly want to try the rest of the flavors soon.

Chewy Junior is available in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, United Kingdom, and Qatar.

In the Philippines you can find them at

SM Megamall
Lower Ground Floor, Bldg. A
SM Megamall
EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave.,
Ortigas Center

SM Mall of Asia
2nd fl, Entertainment Mall,
SM Mall of Asia
Pasay City

TriNoma
2/F Trinoma Mall,
North Avenue Cor. EDSA
Quezon City

SM Cebu
3rd Floor (Beside IMAX)
SM City
Cebu City

Greenbelt 3
3rd Floor (near the Cinema ticket counter)
Makati City

. . . . .

For more information about Chewy Junior,
visit their WEBSITE
or their Facebook page.

Earle's Deli.

2011-08-09T03:27:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I went to the Ortigas area to meet up with my friends E and V. They introduced me to their friend Grace (one of the nicest human beings on the planet). We all went to see Grace's new condo unit.

I am so excited and happy for Grace. Her new unit is very pretty! All four of us were giggling like highschool girls while checking out every space and nook. Each of us had opinions about what she should do with her space (like we owned it. haha).

We grabbed a quick lunch at Earle's Deli after that, just a walking distance away from Grace's new home.

Earle's Deli serves sandwiches and sells different kinds of sausages, cheese, ham, and party platters.

V, Grace, and I had Smoked Chicken Roast with Canadian Bacon (Php128) each. It had think slices of chicken and bacon, plus greens, cucumber, tomatoes, honey mustard, white onions, and cheese. Delicious and filling!

You can choose to have your sandwich in healthy bread (whole wheat) or in a bagette. They also serve soda, iced tea, and coffee.

E had BLT (Php146) -- double smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce, and mayo.

Eearle's Deli Sandwiches (in case you want to know what else they serve):
Black Forest
Capicollo Ham
Meat Trio
Beef Pastrami
Roast Beef
Classic Italian

Sausage Sandwiches
European Weiner
Frankfurter
Bavarian Smokies
Cheese Frankfurter
Bavarian Cheese Smokies
Thuringer Bratwurst
Hungarian
Pepperoni
Kielbasa (Half)

I wasn't allowed to take pictures (sigh), so let me just say that they have a little corner where they sell frozen sausages, bottled sardines, gourmet tuyo, and Van Boutte Coffee.

. . . . .

Earle's Deli
G/F Wynsum Corporate Plaza
22 Emerald Avenue,
Ortigas Center

G/F The Columns Condomminium Tower 2,
6821 Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Makati
Phone: 02 9003354

G/F Alfresco Area
South Supermarket
Westgate Center, Alabang
Phone: 02 7713354

ClawDaddy.

2011-08-05T06:28:00.000-07:00

My dearest friend Mecielo celebrated her birthday last weekend. We had an early dinner at ClawDaddy right after their weekly family run at Boni High.

The first time I tried ClawDaddy was during my friend E's birthday last year at the Shangrila Mall.

I actually really like the food at ClawDaddy. The nachos (Php265) were wonderful. It was smothered in delicious barbeque sauce and topped with melted cheese. I am not a soup person, but I loved the Clam Chowder (Php159)! It was creamy and seasoned well.

But this Oysters Rockeffeler (Php345) was my favorite that night! This is a must-try.

The salad (Php338) was fresh and crunchy. The mixture of all the flavors were wonderful, as what salads should be.

The kids requested for Buffalo Wings (Php335). Simply hot and delicious!

We had some pasta, too. I think this is called Shrimps Etouffee (Php385). Rich, creamy, and divine. And of course, we had crabs. A visit to ClawDaddy is not complete without ordering crabs. Their crab dishes are a must-try!

It was an awesome evening. Amazing food. Even more amazing company.

. . . . .

ClawDaddy
Bonifacio High Street
The Fort, Taguig City
Phone: 02 8564785

6/F Shangri-la Plaza Mall
EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd.
Mandaluyong City
Phone: 02 6365679

Daraga Church.

2011-07-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

Nuestra Señora de la Porteria or Our Lady of the Gate Parish (commonly known as Daraga Church) was our next stop after the Cagsawa Ruins. Daraga Church is an 18th century baroque church, its facade carved from volcanic stones. This is one of the most visited places in Albay and we were quite lucky that there were very few people when we got there.

It sits on a hill with a beautiful view of the valley and the slopes of Mt. Mayon.

This was Edeena's second visit to Daraga Church and she was shocked to see the Church painted white. It looked far better when it looked old. But its facade is deteriorating. It is currently undergoing restoration.

In an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer (20 April 2011), Angel Bautista, chief of the cultural properties division of the National Museum explained the whitening phenomenon: 'lime coating containing chemical ingredients turned it white while restoring and protecting the structural image.' The Church was built 238 years ago and has been exposed to the elements and that terribly eroded the architectural design. Bautista, in the same article, assured the parishioners that the church will be back in its original form in a year's time.

When Mt. Mayon erupted in 1814 and killed almost 2,000 people, survivors relocated to Daraga.

I like old churches not only because of its architectural design but also because of its long history. And just as I always do when I visit a new church, I said a little prayer for all those I love. I prayed for my country, too.

How to get there:

From Manila: You can fly through Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air.
Check out their websites for schedule.

Or you can take a ten-hour bus ride --
Cagsawa Travel & Tours Inc. (QC: 02 9131514 . Ermita: 02 5259756)
Philtranco (Legaspi City: 52 8202794)
RSL Transit (QC: 02 9137127)

From Legaspi City: Daraga Church is about 6km or about 15 minutes by tricycle or jeep. The best way to go there is by tricycle, like what we did. If you decide to take a jeep, take a Daraga-bound jeep. Go down at Novo Jeans near Jollibee Daraga. This is the corner going to Sta. Maria Hill where the church stands.

For more information, visit, call, or email them at

Parish Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria
Sta. Maria Hill, San Roque
Daraga, Albay 4501
Philippines

Telefax: 063 52 4834416
daragaparish@gmail.com

or visit their website at
http://daragaparish.tripod.com

Related Posts:
Legaspi: Villa Amada Hotel
Legaspi: Small Talk Cafe
Legaspi: 1st Colonial Grill
The Majestic Mt. Mayon

Mt. Mayon (Cagsawa Ruins).

2011-07-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

I always admired Mt. Mayon from the photographs. But photographs never do her justice. She is majestic and beautiful and absolutely breathtaking! There's something very graceful about her -- a silent grace that spellbinds everyone who visits her.

It was in February 1814 when Mt. Mayon erupted and killed 1,200 people, all of whom sought refuge in the nearby Cagsawa Church. Unfortunately, lava reached the church and everyone inside died. Only the belfry now remains -- a reminder of the sad past and at the same time, a symbol of strength of the people of Albay.

Today, the site of the Cagsawa ruins is now a park and is perhaps the most visited and most photographed site in all of Albay. It is managed by the municipal government of Daraga.

My friend Edeena and I visited the site in the morning. We were told that it is best to go there early because the volcano usually shows herself in the morning. And true enough, when we went back in the afternoon, Mt. Mayon was all covered in clouds.

There were very few people when we got there. Tourists started pouring in in the afternoon. It was absolutely worth waking up early on a summer day.

There are restaurants, stores, and hawkers inside the park. There are a lot of guides, too, willing to take your pictures or tell you the history of the ruins.

Rows of souvenir shops are located at the entrance of the park. You can find so many beautiful souvenir items and colorful handmade products made from indigenous materials.

How to get there:

From Manila: You can fly through Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air.
Check out their websites for schedule.

Or you can take a ten-hour bus ride --
Cagsawa Travel & Tours Inc. (QC: 02 9131514 . Ermita: 02 5259756)
Philtranco (Legaspi City: 52 8202794)
RSL Transit (QC: 02 9137127)

From Legaspi City: Cagsawa Ruins is about 15-minutes by tricycle from Villa Amada Hotel where we stayed. We hired a tricycle to take us there and to two other places that day. If you decide to take a jeep from Legaspi Central Business District, take a jeep going to Camalig or Guinobatan or Ligao or Libon or Polangui or Oas. Go down at the junction of the highway and the road to Cagasawa in Barangay Busay. At the right side of the road, there's a big signage going to the ruins. It is about 8 kilometers from Legaspi City.

Things to bring and remember:
Bring your camera, enough cash, water. And remember, tread softly. This is not an amusement park. Many people died on this site.

On your way out grab some souvenir items and local products.

Grab some pili nuts, too!

That's me, happy and spellbound in equal proportion by Mt. Mayon.

. . . . .

For more information, please visit
Wow Legaspi

Related Posts:
Daraga Church
Legaspi: Villa Amada Hotel
Legaspi: Small Talk Cafe
Legaspi: 1st Colonial Grill

Silk Soyamilk.

2011-07-18T02:53:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I have decided to stop drinking milk and drink soyamilk instead. I had been planning the switch for months now, but had difficulty finding the soyamilk that I like. Until I tasted Silk and discovered that it doesn't have the soya aftertaste (except perhaps, the unflavored one). Above all, it is cholesterol, lactose and dairy-free!

A little family trivia: My youngest sister D had fresh soyamilk when she was a toddler. She was breastfed as an infant and when she turned about one year and a half, Mom gave her fresh soyamilk. I remember bottles of hot soyamilk delivered to us every morning from Miller Hospital. And among the four of us (siblings), D is the healthiest. She doesn't have allergies, she has the most beautiful skin, and she's not (never was) overweight.

Silk® is a perfect choice for your healthy lifestyle. Every drop of our soymilk begins with natural beans grown without genetic engineering right here in North America. Try them in a shake, as a substitute for milk in recipes, or straight up on their own.

{grabbed from the Silk website}

I usually take Silk Chocolate with peanut butter sandwich and banana slices and Silk Vanilla with banana topped with peanut butter and chocolate syrup. Some days, I eat my cornflakes with Silk Chocolate. Just perfect!

Silk comes in 946ml and 240ml tetra pak and in different flavors you could choose from -- Original, Vanilla, Very Vanilla, Chocolate, Pure Almond, and Organic Vanilla.

Since drinking soyamilk, I've been feeling a lot lighter. Now, if I could just bring myself to exercise and run again! :D

. . . . .

Visit the Silk Website for more information & health benefits.

You can get Silk from leading Supermarkets in the country.
It is also available in all Starbucks stores.

Published | The Danao Adventure.

2011-07-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

My Danao Adventure Park article was published last Saturday, 9 July 2011. Cebu Daily News.
Got my copies today. Thanks, Mom.

. . . . .

CDN Asst. Lifestyle Editor, NM left a comment in my FB:

Keep 'em coming, Ai. We ♥ you and your stories.
And the photos are just as beautiful. :-)

I'm a big ball of gratitude today.

Small Talk Cafe.

2011-07-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places to eat in Legaspi is Small Talk Cafe, a cozy house-turned-restaurant in the heart of the city. It is known for their pasta and pizza dishes with local flavors. E and I ate there twice during our two-day stay in Legaspi City.

The entrance of the cafe is filled with happy welcoming colors. I absolutely loved it!

The interiors are simple in dark brown tables and chairs. It is spacious & comfortable, charming & homey.

On our first visit, we had late lunch of pasta and pizza.

We ordered Bicol Express Pasta (Php80). Spicy and delicious!
When you visit, you may also want to try their Pasta Mayon, Pasta Pinangat, and Pili Basil Pasta.

Combination Pizza: Cappriciosa and Pizza Bicolana (Php225)
Cappriciosa: pizza with generous toppings of pepperoni, black olives, bacon, mushroom, and capers.
Pizza Bicolana: laing with mushroom, mozzarella, green pepper, and pineapple chunks.

We went back for dinner the following day.

We had Laing. When in Bicol, must order laing!
This is good. But I've actually tasted yummier laing than this.

Grilled Pork Spareribs (Php150). Tender and perfectly seasoned.

Crispy Tilapia (Php105). Fresh and crispy. Simple but absolutely delish.

Bicol Express. I think this comes with one of the dishes. Too salty for me.
We enjoyed every second we spent here. The service is quick and we loved the food. I know that when I visit Legaspi again, I shall drop by Small Talk Cafe and try their other dishes.

Check out their MENU.

. . . . .

Small Talk Cafe
51 Dona Aurora St. Legazpi City, Albay, Bicol
Phone: +635 24801393
Open from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Related Posts:
The Majestic Mt. Mayon
Daraga Church
Legaspi: Villa Amada Hotel
Legaspi: 1st Colonial Grill

Body Shop Tea Tree Line.

2011-07-11T02:16:00.000-07:00

My skin was in terrible condition the past two years. Pimples kept popping on my face. My entire forehead, most especially, was filled with ugly zits and dark zit marks. I couldn't blame my hormones because my menstrual cycle is non-existent (ok, too much information. haha). Still, I tried the contraceptive pill Diane 35 (known to decrease acne) prescribed by my OB. But my zits did not go away.

I blamed my lack of sleep. I survived on 2-3 hours of sleep every night for many years. I blamed so many things for it -- my allergy medicines, my facial soap, stress at work. I even blamed my bangs. I went to the derma, but nothing seemed to work until I read in a health magazine that Tea Tree oil is good for the skin.

About a month ago, I grabbed some Body Shop Tea Tree products and hoped it would work. I got a bottle of Skin Clearing Facial Wash, Skin Clearing Toner, and Tea Tee Oil.

Fortunately, the products actually worked! I noticed the difference in a matter of one week. My zits dried out.

I still survive on 2-3 hours of sleep, I still have bangs, my days are still as stressful, and my hormones are still going bonkers but my skin has cleared up. And those dark ugly marks are fading.

I use the facial wash and toner twice a day, and then I moisturize my face with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock in the morning and YSL Top Secrets Sleep-Restoring Skincare Palette (a gift from Normita) at night.

Body Shop's Tea Tree line also has Blemish Fade Night Lotion and Clearing Lotion I would love to try soon.

The Bundjalung aboriginal tribal group have known about tea tree oil's healing properties for years - around 40,000, give or take. More recently they established the Bunjum Co-operative to market their fantastic tea tree oil and protect their rights. Their aims of restoring pride and vitality in the community are already being met, and the young now have work opportunities without having to leave for the city. {grabbed from Body Shop's website}

When I started using these products, I dabbed the tea tree oil on fresh zits. I did it before I slept at night, and in the morning, the zits are all dried. Now that the pimples are gone, I am using the oil on dark spots/zit marks.

I lived with a clear skin all my life, so when the pimples came like a plague, I felt horrible. The Body Shop Tea Tree line is a fabulous find and I'm grateful these worked for me.

. . . . . .

For price and other information,
visit any Body Shop stores in the country
or their website at www.thebodyshop.com.ph

Batangas Leather The Frances Sales Satchel.

2011-07-07T04:54:00.000-07:00

Today's happiness: receiving my ~~Batangas~~ Frances Sales 11" leather satchel through mail!

I have been wanting to own one for years but never found the one that I really liked. Until, of course, the fabulous Frances started her bag business. The moment I saw pictures of her bag in her blog, I knew then that I must own one. But I had a little problem -- I ~~was~~ am quite shy about writing celebrities. The only time I sent a note (a thank you note) to a celebrity was when Paulo Coelho left a comment in my old wordpress blog.

Despite my shyness, I emailed Frances because I really want this pretty leather sathel.

She was quick to reply. The entire process of ordering was quite easy and simple. And the bag arrived to me nicely-wrapped with a note from Frances. Thank you, Frances!

Such a joy to finally hold the bag today. It is absolutely beautiful! It is pure leather, handmade, and made entirely in the Philippines.

Things I love about this bag --

Magnetic snaps.

Impeccable workmanship.

Adjustable straps.

Pockets! There's a zipped pocket inside, a pocket infront, and this secret pocket at the back.

This bag is actually too small for me because I am a big bag kind of person.
BUT, I've decided that I need a small bag to use on days
when I don't carry around my DSLR or my laptop. :)

One day though, I would love to own the 14" version of this bag.

Happy.

. . . . .

For orders or inquiries about the bag,
send Frances an email at
frances@topazhorizon.com
She's super nice, I promise.

Old Vine Grille.

2011-07-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

Last Christmas, my friends and I spent our annual Christmas dinner at the Old Vine Grille at Mckinley Hills. We reserved the function room and we really liked that we had the entire space to ourselves. It was cozy and beautiful. I loved their brown comfortable chairs and brick walls. We spent almost the entire night there -- talking and laughing and taking pictures and exchanging gifts. Oh, we loved the food, too!

We had Tessie Tomas Salad (Php235 single, Php550 family). It had creamy balsamic dressing and loads of prawns, shitake mushrooms, salmon, and crunchy greens. It was delicious. Note to self: find photo of the salad.

Barbequed Baby Back Ribs (Php420).
Tender, smoky, and falls off the bones. A must-try.

Chef's Quarter Steak. (Php420 single, Php575 family).
US Beef Steak marinated in chef's special blend. I'm not a steak person, but my friends absolutely loved this!

Stir-fried Seafood Paella (Php250 single, Php430 family).
I've had better paella, but this one's not so bad either.
We ordered so many other entrees that night. We had fish and another pork dish. What I'm trying to say is that we all loved Old Vine Grille. The service was fast and awesome. The staff were friendly.

We had desserts, too!

Banana Langka Crepe Samurai.

I've totally forgotten what this was called, but I do remember this was leche flan with crispy crepes in between.

Last Christmas, a group of people were in costumes roaming around piazza venice. It almost felt like we were in Italy or in a masquerade ball. Their presence added to the ambiance. My friends and I had our pictures taken with them. But these girls asked a photograph with D. Their costumes were fantastic! It was such a lovely enchanted evening.

We ended the evening exchanging gifts. Here, my friends + D posed with my gifts for them. :)

I love Christmas. And I always look forward to our annual Christmas dinner. There's always a lot of laughter and gifts and hugs and food and love to go around.

. . . . .

Old Vine Grille
The Venice Piazza
McKinley Hill
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Phone: +632 8364966

Published.

2011-06-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

This post is super late. I've been wanting to share this here but never got around to doing it. Maybe because I already posted this in my photoblog. But I think this deserves a space here. After all, this is my travel blog.

Ever since CDN Life's Asst Editor N invited me to write my travel stories for them to publish, I have been feeling more grateful about being able to travel. It has also become an exercise of reminiscing for me because I have to go back to old trips and write them. Browsing through all those old photographs are also making me extra happy.

The articles I write for CDN are entirely different from the ones in this site. Here, I write very short stories and focus on information that could be helpful. In the articles I pass, I focus on my travel story.

I first wrote about my magical Coron trip. I was, of course, quite nervous because I am not a travel writer. And I haven't written anything before this (save for school papers, my blogs, and super big bosses' speeches).

My Batanes article was published next. Batanes was one of my favorite travels. Just looking at the photos makes me want to go back.

I have been studying on how to write a travel story. The past weeks, I've been doing many travel writing exercises and it has been such an amazing learning experience for me. I hope my next article will be better than the last one.

Speaking of another article, one is on its way to print. :)

. . . . .

When I told my friends that I was invited to write, they said: It's high time. I am grateful to everyone who unceasingly believes in what I can do. Grateful, too, to all my travel buddies, to all those who visit this blog, and to CDN's N for the opportunity and trust.

Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Folk Art Museum.

2011-06-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

It was one of those spur-of-the-moment weekend trips, many years ago, when my friends and I decided to drive to Angono, Rizal. We didn't have a plan, well, except to have lunch at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Folk Art Museum.

Angono Rizal is known to be the arts capital of the Philippines. It is the home of national artists Carlos Francisco (for arts) and Lucio San Pedro (for music). The town is filled with art museums, galleries and shops, murals, and sculptures. Agono is also known for its Higantes Festival. These higantes are giant mascots made of bamboo and paper mache.

Balaw-Balaw Restaurant has been featured in both Anthony Bourdain's and Andrew Zimmern's food/travel shows. And I totally understand why this restaurant made it to these shows. It is known for its bizarre menu as well as delicious filipino cuisine. It is also one of the famous pit stops in Rizal.

For the brave of heart, you can order Nilasing na Palaka (frogs marinated in wine and cooked as adobo), Soup #5 (cow butt and balls), Uok (larva of beetles steamed in tamarind or cooked as adobo), Kamaru (cricket dish), Palos (freshwater eel cooked as adobo).

We were not that brave, so we ordered the traditional food. We had sinigang and a huge serving of Minaluto. It is served in a big bamboo container lined with banana leaves. It has a little of everything -- shrimps, pork and chicken adobo, vegetables, fish, crabs, tahong, tomatoes, itlog maalat, and rice. It could serve 6-10 people.

These musicians/singers serenaded us while we had lunch. It was very nice.

Balaw-Balaw is quite charming as it used to be an old house turned into a restaurant. It is also an art gallery. Both the first and second floors are filled with artwork -- from paintings to sculptures. Truly a feast to the senses!

We all loved Balaw-Balaw, we left the restaurant happy. We toured around Angono after a really long lunch and were amazed at how much talent this town has. I swear to go back someday and perhaps, try Balaw-Balaw's rose petal tempura. :D

How to get there:

Take Ortigas Avenue Extension and pass through the towns of Cainta and Taytay. Turn right at Manila East Road. Drive straight towards SM Taytay. Just drive straight until you reach a fork road. Take the road on the left leading to Binangonan. Dona Justa Village is just a few meters away from there.

. . . . .

Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Folk Art Museum
16 Don Justo, Dona Justa Village
Angono, Rizal
Phone: +632 6510110

Opens from 10am-10pm
Monday-Sunday

Mom and Tina's Bakery Cafe.

2011-06-16T02:20:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, I went to Ortigas to check out my friend E's new condo unit. She asked me to help her decorate. And since I am a frustrated interior designer, I said yes. Her new unit is beautiful, what with all its big windows. She has an amazing view of the city.

After transferring some things from her old unit and planning what to do and where to put things, we went to Mom and Tina's for a late lunch.

We had Mango Kani Salad (Php245). Crunchy and fresh. Every flavor mixed well together. I think they used japanese mayo in this and it was just perfect. :)

E ordered one of her faves -- the Shepherd's Pie (Php175). This pie has ground meat, potatoes, and cheese. It almost tastes like lasagna without the tomato sauce and pasta. You eat this with bread rolls. And Mom and Tina's has really yummy rolls. This is so good! No wonder E loves this.

I can't imagine drinking something blue, but this is good. It taste like lemonade, but it's blue. But of course, it is called Blue Lemonade. :)

We grabbed some dessert, too. E had Mango Walnut Torte (Php95) and I had Toblerone Walnut Torte (Php100). Delectable and divine!

Mom and Tina's is a bakery/cafe. They sell a wide variety of pastries, cakes, and breads. I love their cinnamon rolls!

So many cookies to choose from! They actually have amazing choices in their MENU.

I love the interiors of this cafe. It reminds me of a country home. Cozy and comfortable. I love all the flowers and blues and yellows and pinks. Quite charming.

I hope they'd improve their service a bit. We had to wait too long for them to get our dessert. But this cafe is certainly a must-go place. Everything is wonderful.

. . . . .

Mom and Tina's Bakery Cafe
Perea corner De La Rosa, Makati City
Phone: +632 8943598

106 E. Rodriguez Jr
Avenue Ugong, Pasig City
Phone: +632 5711540 to 41

Sins.

2011-06-09T03:08:00.000-07:00

What could a red little store called Sin be selling? What else but chocolates! I could not not drop by. So after our lunch at Sweet Pea, we made a quick stop to grab some of these sinful chocolate concoction.

And oh, they do sell red roses, too. What better pair, right?

Tried the Bombshell. The combination of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate is just divine! This is like eating my favorite crepe dessert (minus the crepe).

Not very fond of dark chocolate, so I didn't get this one. The girl at the counter said though that this is one of their bestsellers. You might want to try this when you drop by Sins.

Bombshell and milk chocolate with chocolate ganache (I hope I remembered it right). I've tasted yummier chocolates, but hey, a chocolate is a chocolate and I love this just the same.

Their chocolate comes in pretty little boxes. You can also buy per piece (without the box, that is) at Php50 each. They also sell Mojo Melts and Sugarfree chocolate bars. Visit their shop for more praline flavors.

I love all the reds and blacks and golds and browns in this shop. The boxes are pretty, too.

. . . . .

Sins
Ground Floor, Venice Piazza
McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City

Sampaguita Ice Cream.

2011-06-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

My friend Chelo twitted some days back that it's Ice Cream Week. What perfect time to have some ice cream, right? Not that I need a reason to grab some. So after a little window shopping, we went to have quick merienda at Cafe Ilustrado. CBB had dinuguan and puto, while I had miki-bihon guisado. And then, of course, we had ice cream.

Cafe Ilustrado has interesting ice cream flavors. We ordered what for me was the most interesting -- sampaguita and nilagang mani.

When people ask me how the sampaguita ice cream was, I tell them that it was like eating the real flower (not that I've tasted sampaguita flowers before). Every teaspoonful smelled like sampaguita. Quite disturbing. Haha. So I gave it to CBB because the scent/flavor was just too strong and too much for me.

CBB has a funny description of it: "It's like eating a funeral parlor." Haha. He said that the scent of sampaguita reminds him of a funeral parlor. "It's an acquired taste," he added, finding himself liking the ice cream in the end.

The nilagang mani was delicious. It tasted like cold masareal with tiny peanut bits. But unlike the masareal, this ice cream isn't very sweet. And because I love peanuts (and crazy over masareal), I love this ice cream flavor!

Cafe Ilustrado Homemade Ice Cream
Flavors: Sampaguita, Pandan, Pinipig, Nougat, Ginger, Nilagang Mani
Php 80.00/serving of two scoops

Miki-Bihon Guisado with Mini Monay. Php 165.
Beautifully-seasoned and the shrimps are fresh! Loved this!

Dinuguan with Puto. Php185.
A must-try. One of the yummiest dinuguan I've tasted.

. . . . .

Cafe Ilustrado
4/F SM Makati (beside Prestige Lounge)
Phone: +632 8186760

Ilustrado
744 Calle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna)
Intramuros, Manila
Phone: +632 5273674

Met Café by Ilustrado
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
BSP complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila
Phone: +632 5273674

Legaspi: Villa Amada Hotel.

2011-06-03T01:59:00.000-07:00

After our awesome Butanding Encounter in Donsol, E and I headed off to Legaspi. It was a one and half hour trip from Donsol to Daraga through jeep.

We stayed at the Villa Amada Hotel, just about five minutes to/from the Legaspi airport, about five minutes to all the major malls and other interesting places, about 10 minutes to the Grand Central Terminal, and about 20 minutes to Cagsawa Ruins. You can also walk from the hotel to the Bicol University, that is, if you want to see it.

This hotel is classified Economy and is a good place to stay for travelers on a budget.

Rates:
Standard Room (1-2 pax): Php 1600 with one complimentary breakfast
Deluxe Twin (2 pax): Php 2000 with two complimentary breakfast
Family Room (2-4 pax): Php 3600 with three complimentary breakfast

The best part about it is that there's Bikol Blends Cafe (they serve delicious pili bread) and 1st Colonial Grill (they serve tinutong and sili ice cream!) on the ground floor. The owners of this hotel and the Cafe and the resto are siblings. Fantastic business partnership! :)

Everyone was very helpful, too -- from the lobby staff to the security guard.

The picture on the left is the small space you see upon entering from the ground floor.
The stairs lead to the second floor main lobby

The rooms are small and pretty basic -- aircon, tv, towels.
But it is clean and the beds are comfortable.
And oh, free WiFi!

The comfort rooms are small and basic, too. Gladly, it is very clean.
Toothbrush, soaps, and shampoo are provided. There's hot and cold water, too.

Every floor has this mini-lobby. Quite homey and welcoming.
We did feet at-home in this hotel.

How to Get There

From Manila to Legaspi
You can fly to Legaspi through --
Philippine Airlines . Cebu Pacific . Zest Air
(check their website for schedule).

Or you can take a ten-hour bus ride --
Cagsawa Travel & Tours Inc. (QC: 02 9131514 . Ermita: 02 5259756)
Philtranco (Legaspi City: 52 8202794)
RSL Transit (QC: 02 9137127)

You can then take a tricycle from the airport to the hotel.

. . . . .

Villa Amada Hotel
Rizal Street, Daraga
Legaspi City, Albay
Phone: +63 52 483 4251 . +63 52 245 5243

Related Posts:
The Majestic Mt Mayon
Daraga Church
Legaspi: Small Talk Cafe
Legaspi: 1st Colonial Grill
Legaspi: Sili Ice Cream

Inday's Dried Mangoes.

2011-06-01T04:52:00.000-07:00

Jinky and Yana brought me these Inday's Dried Mangoes as pasalubong when they came over to Manila two weeks ago for a conference. I really love dried mangoes, so I was very happy when they handed me packs of these yummy goodies during our dinner at Amici. It's one of my favorite snacks (it comes in close second to cornflakes and popcorn).

Inday's Dried Mangoes are quite a lovely surprise. It's sweetness is just right. And unlike other brands, Inday's is not moist or sticky or gooey. Each slice of mango is perfectly dried. And there are no fibrous pieces! Every slice and every bite is a delight.

The packaging is quite easy to open (no scissors needed!). :D

I tried to leave a pack of these dried mangoes for CBB (operative word: TRIED). But about two days later, I told him: "The dried mangoes I left for you winked at me." Haha. It was just so good, I couldn't resist it.

And when you are ever in Cebu, grab some Inday's Dried Mangoes. You'd love it, too. :)

Price per pack (100 grams): Php 47.00
Available in supermarkets and pasalubong centers.

. . . . .

Inday's Dried Mangoes
Cabancalan, Mandaue City
Phone: +63 32 346 9065

Sweet Pea.

2011-05-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

My friends and I spent our traditional new year's dinner at Sweet Pea. We grabbed the chance to gather while Shadie was in the country for her Christmas break. I loved the food so much, I was already planning to go back even while still dining with my friends that night. Sadly, I never got the chance to visit the place again.

Two weekends ago, CBB and I decided we'd have our little anniv lunch at Sweet Pea.

We had this Sweet & Spicy Schublig with Peppers and Onions (Php 195).
Love all the deep, spicy flavors in this.

I had Pork Belly with house salad (Php 295).
I ordered this the last time and I loved it. But this time, I found it a bit bland.

CBB had Crispy Beef Tapa with house salad (Php 275).
He loved it although he said he prefers the tapa in Max's. *insert rolling eyes here*
I personally love this tapa version. It was well seasoned and I love that it's crispy and dry.

Sweet Pea has a lot of items in their menu. I had a hard time choosing because everything looked absolutely delicious! They've taken comfort food into the next level. And I am loving the homey cozy ambiance. The service was quick and friendly.

Oh, I would love to go back and try their baby back barbeque! :)

Cuisine: American, Filipino, Mexican
Budget per person: Php 300-500
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am-10pm.

. . . . . .

Sweet Pea
Ground Floor, Venice Piazza
McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City

Donsol: Giddy's Place.

2011-05-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

We heard a lot about Giddy's Place, so E and I decided we'd have a late lunch there after our Butanding Encounter. It is about five-minute tricycle-ride from AGM Beachfront Resort where we were staying. It is located in the center of town and is a few steps away from the market.

Giddy's Place is a hotel. It looks quite charming from the outside, what with its pink walls and pretty little packets of garden infront. Their resto has an entire wall of a picture of a butanding, wooden tables and chairs, and a bar.

It has a dive pool and is open for diving lessons. Their rooms have WiFi and cable TV. And just beside the resto is a spa.

Hotel Rates:
Family Room (2-4 pax): Php4500
Deluxe & Standard Rooms (1-2 pax): Php2500
Backpacker Rooms: Php600/head

Services:
Dive lessons
Whale Shark Interaction
Firefly Tour
Manta Ray Scuba Diving
Night Shrimp Catching
River Kayaking

E and I had such a hearty lunch at Giddy's. The food was delightful and delicious. Although this shrimp dish wasn't what I expected, it was a pleasant surprise.

E ordered this Thai chicken and she loved it. We both had fresh mango juice which we both liked. E had coffee and we shared a plate of mango crepe.

Sadly, I didn't like the mango crepe. Too much gooey mango syrup. And a strawberry ice cream with it was just too weird. Apparently, they ran out of vanilla ice cream.

We spent almost Php1000 for this meal. Some people say it's quite pricey. Others say it isn't so bad. I don't know. What I know is that E and I don't mind paying for things that make us happy. :D And we did enjoy the food (except for the crepe) at Giddy's.

Giddy's Bar and Resto opens at 6am and closes at 1am the following day.

. . . . .

How to Get There

From Manila to Legaspi
You can fly to Legaspi through --
Philippine Airlines . Cebu Pacific . Zest Air
(check their website for schedule).

Or you can take a ten-hour bus ride --
Cagsawa Travel & Tours Inc. (QC: 02 9131514 . Ermita: 02 5259756)
Philtranco (Legaspi City: 52 8202794)
RSL Transit (QC: 02 9137127)

From Legaspi to Donsol
Take a tricycle from the airport to the Legaspi City bus terminal (php50).
Then take a passenger van (one hour trip . Php150/person) to Donsol.

. . . . .

Giddy's Place
54 Clemente Street
Donsol, Sorsogon
Phone: +63917 8488881
Email: info@giddysplace.com

Donsol: Butanding Encounter & Firefly Tour.

2011-05-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

I ticked off one item in my Life List -- swim with whale sharks.

It was definitely one of the most exhilarating, most unforgettable experiences!

E and I started our journey with a funny incident -- we almost missed our flight. We were not late, but the check-in counter closed way too early. Fortunately, the universe was on our side and the PAL staff was quite helpful, so we were able to board on a plane to Legaspi.

Upon arrival, we decided to go directly to Donsol. We took a tricycle from the airport to the terminal and then we took a van to Donsol. The van stopped at the Donsol town center and from there, we took a tricycle to AGM Beachfront Resort where we stayed.

PAL Airfare (Manila-Legaspi-Manila): Php3000
Tricycle (Legaspi Airport-Terminal): Php50
Van (Legaspi-Donsol): Php150/person

A Hundred Thousand Fireflies

Our first day in Donsol was spent eating, sleeping, walking around town, and in the evening, firefly watching.

AGM Resort arranged our firefly tour for us. We headed off to the boarding area at about 7pm (just a 5-minute tricycle ride from AGM Resort). The firefly tour took place at the 100 meter-wide, 100 kilometer-long Donsol river. We were assigned to a boat with a local fisherman and a guide who was wonderful in answering all our questions. It was pitch black, drizzling, and cold. It was exciting! We stopped by three mangrove sites, lingered, and watched in amazement as hundreds and hundreds of fireflies lit up trees like christmas lights. It was truly magical!

Firefly Watching: Php250/person (6 pax per boat).
You will be provided with life jackets.

Butanding Encounter

A lot of people come to Donsol for the Butanding Encounter. And I totally understand why. As I already said, it is exhilarating, breathtaking, amazing. After all, it is not everyday that one can actually see and swim with these gentle giants. And I have a heart for big animals. If only it was possible, I would love to have a whale shark, an elephant, and a lion for pets. Haha.

Remember: Start early. There are more butanding sightings in the morning.

Before hopping into a boat for the Butanding Encounter:
Register at the Visitor Center (just beside Vitton Beach, 5-min tricycle ride from the town center)
Pay required fees
Watch briefing
Proceed to boats assigned to you
Discuss your trip with your spotter or Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO)
Make sure you have your things with you: snorkeling gear, sunblock, water, and food
Fees
Php 3,500/boat (maximum of 6 pax per boat)
Php 100 : Registration
Php 150 : Fins (you can rent fins & snorkel at the Tourist Center or your resort)

We were seven in the boat -- four shameless tourists (haha), a BIO, a spotter, and the boat captain. We had loads of fun, laughter, and conversation. It truly was a fabulous three hours. We all found the experience quite amazing and worthwhile. We were also all grateful because the weather was beautiful that morning. It rained the day before and a few hours after our butanding encounter.

I swam with two whale sharks that day. My first jump was perhaps, the most memorable. It was surreal. It was exciting. It was pure joy. When I got back to the boat, I told E: "I wanted to hug the whale shark." Haha. But really, I can't find the right words to describe how utterly extraordinary the experience was.

Remember: When your BIO or guide says JUMP, you jump! :D That means, he got the signal from the spotter that there's a whale shark near you.

Code of Conduct (grabbed from their brochure)
Do not touch or ride the whale shark.
Do not restrict the movement of the whale shark or impede its natural path.
The recommended distance from the whale shark is 3 meters from the body and 4 meters from the tail.
Do not undertake flash photography.
Do not use scuba, scooters, jet skis, or any motorized underwater propulsion.
A maximum of 6 swimmers per whale shark is allowed.
There must only be one boat per whale shark.
Whale sharks are wild animals. Respect safety regulations.

Whale sharks, known locally as Butanding are known to grow to lengths up to 18m, weight up to 40 tons, and live up to 100 years. They are highly migratory. Their movement may be guided by food availability, water temperature, quality environmental factors. Where they go during the off-season is still not known. They typically feed on plankton.

We must remember that we are visitors to the whale sharks' natural habitat. And our primary responsibility is to ensure that our actions do not disturb or upset their natural rhythms. {grabbed from their brochure}

Walking Around Town

Since the Butanding Encounter was done in three hours that Sunday morning, E and I agreed we'd go back to the town center. We had a late lunch at Giddy's. Since we ate too much, we decided we'd just walk back to our hotel. It was a long walk, but a good one. We checked out the market, the school, the bakeries again, and breathed in all the simplicity of this beautiful place.

We particularly love this school! How happy are those colors?

This is the St. Joseph Parish Church. We dropped by and said a little prayer. This Church has beautiful, airy interiors.

Young people playing basketball at the Church yard -- quite a familiar scene to me. I am, after all, a small city-small town girl.

E and I loved the market! Bustling with people of all ages and filled with many fresh produce, childhood favorites, and lots of colorful knick knacks!

One of the joys of traveling is meeting people. We met these kids when we arrived at the bridge (Donsol River) while the sun was setting.

Where to Stay in Donsol

AGM Beachfront Resort
Dancalan, Donsol
Phone: +63917 3813404
Email: agmresort@gmail.com

Amor Farm Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol
Phone: +63919 7998637
Email: rasyl_r_amor@yahoo.com

Elysia Beach Resort
Pangpang, Donsol
Phone: +639264759762
Email: jazlizriz@yahoo.com

Shoreline Beach Resort & Resto
Dancalan, Donsol
Phone: +63917 8610231
Email: shorelinebeachresort@yahoo.com

Casa Bianca Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol
Phone: +63907 2999915

Santiago Homestay
Poso, Donsol
Phone: +63939 3108758

Giddy's Place Dive Resort Hotel
Clemente St., PWWD, Donsol
Phone: +63917 8488881
Email: info@giddysplace.com

Vitton Resort Development Corp.
Dancalan, Donsol
Phone: +63927 9126313
Email: vittonwoodlandresorts@gmail.com

Aguluz Homestay
Awaii, Donsol
Phone: +63918 9420897
Email: razomarilyn@yahoo.com

We left Donsol on Monday morning but before we finally said goodbye, we walked towards the Tourist Center, took pictures along the way, had breakfast at Vitton Beach, and stopped for quick dose of caffeine at Pinay Coffee Lady. The Tourist Center, by the way, is about 15 minutes by foot from our hotel (AGM).

This is the view just across our hotel. More rice fields line the road to the Tourist Center. It is beautiful! I don't know why, but ever since I was a little girl, I've always loved rice fields. There's just something so peaceful about them. How perfect is this place? Whale sharks swimming in the blue open ocean on one side and green rice fields on the other.

This is a trip I will not soon forget.

How to Get There

From Manila to Legaspi
You can fly to Legaspi through --
Philippine Airlines . Cebu Pacific . Zest Air
(check their website for schedule).

Or you can take a ten-hour bus ride --
Cagsawa Travel & Tours Inc. (QC: 02 9131514 . Ermita: 02 5259756)
Philtranco (Legaspi City: 52 8202794)
RSL Transit (QC: 02 9137127)

From Legaspi to Donsol
Take a tricycle from the airport to the Legaspi City bus terminal (php50).
Then take a passenger van (one hour trip . Php150/person) to Donsol.

Donsol to Legaspi
Tricycle from AGM Hotel to the town: Php20
Jeep from Donsol to Daraga: Php60 (one and a half hour trip)

. . . . .

Municipal Tourism Office
Donsol, Sorsogon
Phone: +63919 7070394
Email: nenitapedragosa@yahoo.com

Dept. of Tourism
Regional Center Site
Rawis, Legaspi City
Phone: +6352 4820712
Email: mariaravanilla@yahoo.com.ph

Also visit their WEBSITE for more information.

Legaspi: 1st Colonial Grill.

2011-05-19T04:37:00.000-07:00

Our first meal in Legaspi was in 1st Colonial Grill. We were starving from our long journey from Donsol, so after dropping off our bags in our hotel room, we went to look for some delicious food. Since my friend E read about 1st Colonial Grill and their famous sili ice cream, we decided to have lunch there. We had pinangat, lechon kawali, and plain rice.

The pinangat was okay. I personally liked it. We found the lechon kawali quite bland though. We were halfway through our meal when we realized we weren't very happy with it.

So we ordered this tinapa fried rice -- a delicious mix of fried rice, tinapa, itlog maalat, green mangoes, and tomatoes. It was tasty, hearty, garlicky, and it certainly added some magic into our meal.

Many people would say that if you're not happy with something, change it. In this case, order more food! :) Ah, you should see how much ice cream E and I consumed that day!

Service in 1st Colonial Grill needs a lot of improvement and perhaps, staff training. Other than that though, this restaurant is a must-try when in Legaspi.

. . . . .

1st Colonial Grill
Old Albay District
Rizal Street, Legazpi City
Phone: +63 52 4831212

Pacific Mall and SM City-Naga
Legazpi City
Phone: +63 52 4811213

Related Posts:
The Majestic Mt Mayon
Daraga Church
Legaspi: Small Talk Cafe
Legaspi: Villa Amada Hotel

Donsol: Pinay Coffee Lady.

2011-05-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

We saw the Pinay Coffee Lady signage when we went to the Donsol Tourist Center on the day we did the Butanding Encounter. My friend E who is a coffee addict, wondered where this coffee shop was. The following day, while we were walking back to our hotel from breakfast (at Vitton Beach), look what we found? :D

Pinay Coffee Lady serves:
Caffe Americano: Php50
Espresso: Php50
Double Espresso: Php80
Macchiato: Php80
Con Panna: Php60
Caffe Latte: Php80
Caffe Mocha: Php80
Hot Chocolate: Php60
Iced Coffee: Php80
Iced Espresso: Php80
Iced Cappuccino: Php90
Iced Latte: Php90
Iced Choco: Php90
Iced Mocha: Php90
Extra Espresso Shot: Php35

We dropped by so E could have her dose of caffeine. According to E, the coffee was good. "For someone who likes real coffee, it is worth going there," she said. We both found this little cafe by the road quite charming.

Pinay Coffee Lady is just a few steps away from the Donsol Tourist Center.

Go, grab some coffee. :)

Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates.

2011-05-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

I found these bars of chocolates on the shelves of Team Manila last weekend. And I'm really glad I did. For chocoholics like me, Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates are a wonderful addition to my must-have chocolate list. They have the prettiest packaging and the most interesting flavors.

I grabbed a bar of Green Mango & Sea Salt and a bar of Pili & Pinipig. I loved the Pili & Pinipig. The sweetness of the chocolate is just perfect. Rich and robust, nutty and crunchy.

The Green Mango & Sea Salt was in dark chocolate. And since dark chocolate is bitter, the flavors were kind of clashing each other. I think green mango and sea salt would be wonderful in milk (sweet) chocolate. You know, sweet-sour, sweet-salty? That would be an awesome combination. There's just something so sexy and heavenly with sweet-salty, sweet-sour combination.

Dear Theo & Philo, how about making Green Mango & Sea Salt in sweet Milk Chocolate? :)

Theo & Philo is proudly Pinoy. Their cacao is sourced in Davao and sugar, from Bacolod. And the quality of their products could compete with many imported chocolates out there. Every bite of these chocolates is a joy.

And I love their packaging. Tasteful and luxurious.

Products:
Siling Labuyo (Dark chocolate with chili spice)
Kape Barako (Milk chocolate with organic Barako coffee)
Milk Chocolate (Dense, creamy, and not too sweet)
Green Mango & Sea Salt (Dark chocolate with dried green mango & sea salt)
Pili & Pinipig (Milk chocolate with glazed pili and pinipig)
70% Dark Chocolate (Earthy with notes of cherries & tannic)

Price: Php 95/bar.

Where to get these lovely chocolates:

Team Manila Store: Powerplant Mall, Rockwell
Echo Store: Podium and Serendra
Ritual: the Collective, Malugay Street, Makati
JojiBerry: Crossroad 77 Plaza, Mother Ignacia Street, QC
The Coffee Ministry: Royale Place Building, Amsterdam Ave., Diliman, QC
Cafe Antonio: 2/F Spanish Heritage Bldg., Sta Catalina Street, Dumaguete City

. . . . .

Theo & Philo
Mobile: +63 920 4315650
Fax: +63 2 2424093
e-mail: hello@theoandphilo.com

Donsol: AGM Beachfront Resort.

2011-05-07T03:15:00.000-07:00

It has been a week since my trip to Donsol, but I am still thinking about it. I loved every bit of that trip. Donsol has a way of capturing one's heart.

We stayed at AGM Beach Resort, a 15-minute walk to the Tourist Center and 5-minute tricycle-ride to the town. One side of the resort faces rice fields and the other, blue waters of Donsol.

It has an open dining area, rows of rooms, and a parking lot.

Room Rates:
Standard Room : P1,900.00/ night
Family Room : P2,200.00 / night

Check Out Time – 1:00 PM

FUNCTION ROOM RATES
Can accommodate 100 people.
Function Hall : P5,000.00 / 8 hours

The rooms' amenities are pretty basic -- bed, towels, hot/cold shower, aircon -- no TV or cable or phones, which I do not mind at all. I love how the rooms are so clean and spacious.

My favorite part about AGM is their outstanding service. The owner even personally arranged our Firefly Tour and Butanding Encounter. They were all so wonderful and nice. The cook even stood at the dining area stairs when we left to wave us farewell. Heartwarming.

AGM offers a wide variety of dishes in their restaurant. The food is delicious and affordable. We tried their Happy Family -- shrimps, squid, chicken, and pork sauteed with spices and veggies -- and we absolutely loved it!

They provide customized tours and adventure activities. Here's a sample package of their tours (grabbed from their website):
Accommodation
Food
Transport to and from Legaspi City airport and other destinations in Albay, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur Provinces
Whaleshark interaction
Firefly watching
Island hopping in San Miguel and Ticao Islands
Diving in San Miguel and Manta Bowl
Native shrimp fishing

This is the sunset at AGM's shores. Stunning. Many of us (guests of AGM) stayed on the shoreline while the sun was setting. We took pictures and marveled at the beauty of it all.

When I visit Donsol again, I am sure to go back to AGM.

How to get there:
From Legaspi, you can take a van or jeep from the terminal.
It is about an hour trip to Donsol by van and about an hour and a half by jeep.

. . . . .

AGM Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol
Sorsogon, Philippines
Mobile: +639173813404 / +639196882264
Email: agmresort@gmail.com

Sili Ice Cream.

2011-05-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

E read an article about Sili ice cream while we were in Donsol and that got us really excited to try it. When we arrived in Legaspi just before noon, and after checking in at our hotel, we headed off to lunch. It was quite perfect that 1st Colonial Grill, home of the Sili ice cream, is located on the ground floor of Villa Amada Hotel where we were staying.

The Bicol region is known to use Siling Labuyo (bird's eye chili) in most of their dishes, so I guess, there's no better place to try a chili flavored ice cream than here.

This ice cream looks like strawberry ice cream except that it is garnished with red and green chili on top. It tastes innocently sweet. But then, as soon as it melts in your mouth, hot chili flavor explodes in your mouth. Disturbing at first, but the explosions of hot chili spice becomes a really nice surprise at every spoonful.

Two other must-try flavors are the Tinutong and Pili. Both these flavors are really delicious and creamy. Tinutong (burnt/toasted rice) has this toasted/smokey taste that's an absolute pleasant surprise. The Pili is really good, too - milky and nutty. :D

A serving of three small scoops: Php79.

. . . . .

1st Colonial Grill
Rizal Street, Daraga
Albay
+63 52 4811212 or 4811213

Related Posts:
The Majestic Mt Mayon
Daraga Church
Legaspi: Villa Amada Hotel
Legaspi: 1st Colonial Grill
Legaspi: Small Talk Cafe

Italianni's.

2011-04-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

Shadie's birthday is always a signal for me that summer is here. As soon as her birthday comes, I know that the following weeks will be filled with sunshine, get-togethers, and vacations. For me, her birthday is the beginning of summer fun and exciting adventures.

She arrived from Indonesia last Thursday, so we met up for lunch at Italianni's in Boni High to celebrate her birthday. We spent the whole afternoon talking and laughing. Her actual birthday was the week before Holy Week. She was still in Jakarta then, still, E and I celebrated her birthday over pasta and pizza at Cafe 1771.

We had a grand time at Italianni's. Everything we ordered was a gastronomic delight.

Spinach and Artichoke Formaggio.
Serving Size: Abbondanza: Php 695, Regular: Php 475, Piccolo: Php 250.
This one is a must-try. Really glad E ordered this. The creamy blend of cheeses with spinach and artichoke was perfect with the toasted garlic bread. When CBB and I had quick lunch at Italianni's last weekend, I ordered this! Really good!

Caesar Salad. Serving Size: Lunch: Php 295, Regular: Php 605.
My ultimate favorite salad in Italianni's is their Sicilian Chicken. It has chicken breast, crispy romaine, mangoes, red grapes and pine nuts tossed in a creamy lemon-dijon dressing. I've never tried their Caesar salad before and I was surprised how delightfully delicious it was. It has foccacia croutons and big slices of bacon. Yum.

Sea Bass Mediterraneo. Php 795.
This angel hair pasta sauteed in butter, olive oil, black olives, capers and tomatoes, crowned with a pan-fried sea bass fillet is simple yet really light and utterly delicious. The bass was well-seasoned and the pasta, truly al dente!

Quatro Formaggio. Php 450.
An excellent mix of four cheeses -- romano, parmesan, mozzarella and gorgonzola. Good, deep flavor with all those cheeses. And the crust was perfect.

It goes without saying that their service is excellent. Italianni's is known for that. They are always attentive and fast.

My friends and I were quite happy with our food. We were happier to see each other. We lingered a bit and spent a lot of time catching up, laughing, and making travel plans. Shadie is back in Jakarta and is probably in the safe comforts of her beautiful home as I am typing this. And I miss her.

. . . . .

Italianni's Restaurant

The Fort: Bonifacio High Street
Quadrant Bldg. 5 1E14
Bonifacio High Street
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City
Phone: +632 8564094

SM Mall of Asia
2/F South Wing Entertainment Mall
SM Central Business Park I, Bay City
Phone: +632 5560549

Greenbelt 2
G/F Greenbelt 2
Makati City
Phone: +632 7280283

Glorietta 4
2/F Glorietta 4
Ayala Center
Makati City
+632 7571323

Gateway Mall
G/F Gateway Drive
Araneta Center
Quezon City
+632 9131563

Trinoma Mall
EDSA cor. North Ave.
Quezon City
+632 9153582

Sentro 1771.

2011-04-26T04:36:00.000-07:00

Sentro 1771 is my favorite restaurant to go to when I want comfort food. Been here many times, I could no longer count. I have so many good conversations and laughter here with both family and friends. Spent many important occasions here, too.

Sentro 1771 serves modern Filipino food. Their food always reminds me of home. I love their branch at Serendra -- opulent -- what with the high ceiling, huge artworks, and beautiful tables and chairs. The service is excellent. I like how their staff is attentive to your needs but at the same time respects your space.

This restaurant serves so many delightful dishes, and here are a few of my favorites --

Crispy Drunken Shrimps. Php320.
These are crispy and sweet and definitely a good way to start the meal. But if you are not fond of shrimps, you can try their Deep Fried Kesong Puti.

Vegetable Spring Rolls. Php250.
Lovely flavors. And very crispy at every bite! Dip in vinegar for more surprises. There's Sizzling Tofu you could also try.

Sinigang na Corned Beef. Php595.
This is the house specialty -- chunks of corned beef stewed in tamarind broth. When you order this, a staff will give you a sample broth so they could adjust the sourness according to your taste. It's quite a surprise that corned beef is actually wonderful in sinigang. Delicious! An absolute must-try.

Lamb Caldereta. Solo: Php480. Sharing: Php880.
I am not a fan of lamb or caldereta, but this one is a winner. The meat is tender and the sauce is perfectly seasoned. You can also choose to have it a bit spicy.

Crispy Pork Ribs. Solo: Php440. Sharing: Php630.
This is my absolute favorite in Sentro -- tender pork ribs with mayo and tamarind sauce. All the garlicky, sweet (from the mayo), and the sour (from the tamarind sauce) just mixes so deliciously together in your mouth. I order this everytime. :)

Catfish Adobo Flakes. Solo: Php350. Sharing: Php360.
This is my second favorite. I never imagined catfish could be this delicious. Such crispy goodness. Light, peppery, and quite good for the soul. :)

Fried Suman with Mangoes. Php180.
I always end my meals in Sentro with this all-time pinoy favorite. Love the crispy parts of the suman (it's fried!). This always reminds me of childhood and of many wonderful memories of home.

. . . . .

Sentro 1771 Serendra
Piazza Serendra
Bonifacio Global City
+632 8560581

Sentro 1771 Greenbelt
2/L Greenbelt 3
Ayala Center
Makati City
+632 7573941

Gilutongan & Nalusuan.

2011-04-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

A trip to Cebu is never complete without diving in Gilutongan and Nalusuan Marine Santuaries in Cordova, Cebu. When my friends from Manila made a quick vacation to Cebu twice, we also dived in these areas twice.

Gilutongan Island Marine Sanctuary was established in 1999 to protect the waters of Cordova and its coastal and marine resources. The community has been quite active in reef monitoring and the number of fish has increased over the years. A school of batfish are regulars in this sanctuary.

Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary is located about 30 minutes by motor boat from Mactan island. It has the healthiest coral reefs in the Olango area. Nalusuan has crystal clear waters and it has visibility up to 35 meters. The wall dive here is ideal for beginners.

Gilutongan and Nalusuan are among the best diving spots in Cebu.

For diving trips to Gilutongan and Nalusuan, contact
Daniel Elemia
+63 916 3414724

Expect to see a barracuda (or a school of these amazing fish), stingrays, turtles, nudibranchs, and gardens of colorful corals in these sanctuaries.

Expect to encounter a wide variety of fish, too. Simply, simply fantastic. If you don't dive, you can also swim and snorkel.

How to go to Gilutongan and Nalusuan:

From Cebu City, take a jeepney (or cab) to Kontiki Mactan.
From Kontiki, hire a motorized boat.
Travel time: About 30-45 minutes.
Travel time from Gilutungan to Nalusuan (and vv): about 10 minutes.

Or you can let your dive master or your resort arrange a boat for you.

Boat rentals: Php3,000 - 5,000.
Sanctuary Fees (Divers): Php300/person; (Non-Divers): Php150/person
Divers with camera: Php500

Diving equipment rentals vary. Please ask your resort, dive master, or Daniel (if you decide to hire him for your diving trips).

*Diving gloves are not allowed. They discourage touching, holding corals and other marine life.

My friends and I had the grandest time in Gilutongan and Nalusuan. We all had amazing dives and we were quite happy about how clear the visibility was. Daniel was quite an excellent dive master and we all felt very safe with him underwater. He was very efficient, considerate, and fun!

It was, all in all, one of the best diving trips we had.

PS. The people of Cordova are trying their best to protect their marine resources, please be a responsible diver.

Headware.

2011-04-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

I received an awesome gift from CBB over the weekend -- Headware in three different designs. I super love them! They're fabulous companion during travels and shoots. I do not know how to do bandanas and I do not like fixing my hair all the time when I'm shooting or traveling. So this is absolutely perfect (for my long unruly hair, that is).

I love the idea that I can wear this in many different ways. I can also use it underwater! I can't wait to use them on my Donsol trip. And I think my friends will love this, too.

They come in many different colors and lovely prints. Php245 each.

. . . . .

Headware
1852 Asuncion St.
Bgy. Valenzuela
Santiago Village
Reposo, Makati City
Phone: +632 8993226
Mobile: +63917 2580040

Also available in

Planet Sports
Powerplant Mall
Rockwell, Makati City

Cafe 1771.

2011-04-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Shadie turned a year older last Thursday. Since she's based in Jakarta and even though we couldn't be with her, Edeena and I celebrated her birthday with pasta, pizza, and dessert at Cafe 1771.

We ordered mushroom and smoked salmon pizza (Php440), spaghetti with sardines and fried capers (Php290), and coffee pie (Php185) and valrhona chocolate ganache tart (Php225). We found the food a bit bland, E and I had to sprinkle both pizza and pasta with salt and pepper. Still, we loved what we ordered. They also served us complimentary buttered popcorn while we waited for our food.

We absolutely adored the coffee pie. It was soft and buttery with hints of caramel. Loved the valrhona chocolate ganache tart which had deep, rich flavor and is a must-try for all chocolate lovers. Their coffee had our seal of approval, too.

It was a night of good conversation. I always enjoy E's company. And we both love celebrating the lives of those who are dear to us.

Thank you, E!

I totally love the interiors of Cafe 1771 -- whimsical, charming, and cozy. The restaurant, I learned, is divided into three sections: The Lounge, The Whimsy, and The Wine Bar. We stayed at The Whimsy where we were surrounded by whites and blues and deep pinks. The high-back chairs were very comfortable. Everything was well-thought out, even the ladies' room was lovely.

Next time, I will try dining at The Lounge. It has quaint library look with beautiful sofas and chairs and walls filled with leather-bound books. I would also love to try their organic chicken in potato crust. I heard it is yum. :)

PS. Forgive the small photos. All taken from my phone.

. . . . .

Cafe 1771
El Pueblo Real de Manila
Ortigas Center
Pasig City
+632 6317340

SumoSam.

2011-04-14T02:06:00.000-07:00

I was craving for japanese food some weekends ago while in Powerplant Mall. We decided to try SumoSam since we always go to Zaifu whenever we are in rockwell (and craving for some gyudon and sashimi).

Bacon-wrapped Dory. Php258.00
I believe everything is wonderful with bacon, so I ordered this bacon-wrapped dory. *grin* But this dish was very disappointing. It was very salty, I felt my kidneys would collapse.

Crunchy Tuna Roll. Php238.00
Thankfully, the crunchy tuna roll was delicious. It was a bit spicy and sweet. The marriage of all the flavors and textures felt good in my mouth. CBB and I both enjoyed this.

Tonkatsu. Php218.00
This tasted so much like the tonkatsu we've tried in Japan, except that the cabbage wasn't shredded. But the breaded pork and tonkatsu sauce tasted authentic. This got a thumbs up from CBB.

The service was fast but I think that their staff should practice smiling a bit. :)

. . . . .

SumoSam
2/F Powerplant Mall
Rockwell Drive cor. Estrella St.
Makati City
Phone: +632 7296292

Krazy Garlik.

2011-04-12T03:52:00.000-07:00

Chorizo Fried Rice. Php365 (to share) . Php210 (regular)
We have been telling ourselves -- CBB and I -- that we will try Krazy Garlik the next time we were in GB5. We've been to GB5 many times but we always forget. We finally got around to trying it one Saturday afternoon.

I am really not a big fan of garlic. But thankfully, garlic in the entrees are not overpowering.

We normally just order steamed rice, but for a change, we decided to have Chorizo Fried Rice. It was, well, garlicky, salty, and had subtle sweetness from the chorizo. We both loved it.

Next time, I will try their spicy fried rice, Hara Kiri. It has shrimps, bacon, squid, and chili.

Caesar Salad. Php495 (to share) . Php295 (regular)
We ordered Caesar Salad so we won't be too guilty about gorging on crispy pata. The greens were fresh and crunchy. The anchovy dressing was a bit of a pleasant surprise for me.

Garlicky Crispy Pata. Php695
It was good, but nothing really special about it, except perhaps that it was sprinkled with a lot of finely chopped fried garlic. Otherwise, it was just crispy pata -- the kind you can order from other restos. Still, we liked it.

Note to self: Try the Sweet & Sour Calamari, Krazy Garlik Crab, and Rouge Seafood Coconut Curry next time.

Krazy Garlik also serves shakes, healhty quenchers, pasta, pizza, and dessert. We had dessert at Caffe Ti-Amo, so please remind me to try Krazy Garlik's Crema Catalina (spanish style creme brulee with a twist of garlic) on my next visit.

Check out Krazy Garlik's MENU.

. . . . .

Krazy Garlik
2/F Greenbelt 5
(at the border of GB1 & GB5)
Phone: +63915 8596235
Email: gmkrazygarlik@bistro.com.ph

Sumilon Island.

2011-04-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

One of my Dumaguete travel buddies, Imee -- happy in Sumilon.
It was our dive master, Glen, who suggested we include Sumilon Island in our itinerary while in Dumaguete. From Dumaguete (Silliman beach, if I remember it right), our trip to Sumilon was about 45 mins by motorboat. Since we dived in four different places -- Apo, Dauin, DuCoMi, and Sumilon -- we booked Glenn to be our dive master in all dive adventures. His package included transpo from Dumaguete and back, motorized banca, air tanks, weight belts, and BCDs. It was hassle-free.

Dive Worx
Glenn Carballo
333 Real Street, Daro
Dumaguete City,
Oriental Negros
Philippines 6200
Phone: +63 35 422 6715
Mobile: +63 917 7003483
Skype: diveworx
MSN: g_carballo@hotmail.com
Email: diveworx@gmail.com

Sumilon is known to be the country's first marine reserve. In 1974, it was declared a marine sanctuary under the guidance of Silliman University Marine Reserve. Large beautiful corals abound under its pristine waters. It is also home to many marine species.

Our dive in Sumilon was one of the best I had. The current was a bit strong at that time, but the visibility was very good. We saw so many colorful nudibranchs, schools of fish, and coral gardens.

There are four interesting dive spots in the island: The Garden Eel Plaza, Coral Landscape, Nikki's Wall, and Julie’s Rock.

These are not black tip sharks (they're my dive buddies! :D), but there are occasional sightings of black tip sharks in Sumilon. We were not quite lucky to see one.

Sumilon is under the administration of the municipality of Oslob and is also close to the nearby island of Dumaguete.

To Get There:
Get a bus or v-hire going to Oslob at the South Bus Terminal. The trip is about three hours by land from Cebu City. From the port of Oslob, motorized boats travel to Sumilon.

Where to Stay:
There's only one hotel in the island -- the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort.

We stayed in Dumaguete, though, at Hotel Palwa.

Hotel Palwa
Dr. V. Locsin St., Dumaguete City, 6200 Neg. Or., Philippines
Tel. Nos.: (035) 422-8995/9595 (035) 226-2775
Mobile No.: +63917-720-1081
E-mail: hotelpalwa@yahoo.com

After our dives, we stayed awhile to enjoy Sumilon's beautiful sandbar. It is said that the sandbar here shifts in location depending on the season. We had so much fun swimming because the water was so clear. I would love to visit, swim, and dive again in this beautiful island.

Other Things to do in Sumilon:

Visit the natural lagoon and caves
Check out the lighthouse and watchtower
Swim
Snorkel
Have picnic with family or friends
Go bird watching

Marciano's.

2011-04-08T03:13:00.000-07:00

My friend Jane was here in Manila yesterday to take her certification exams at the Ateneo Business School (which she passed, of course). Prior to this exam, she was here for straight two weeks for her classes, but I wasn't able to see her. I was down with flu and had to stay home. But I'm better now, so we met up yesterday for dinner and dessert.

She wanted some pasta, so I decided to take her to Marciano's.

The first time I tried Marciano's was when I met up with a couple whose wedding I covered in Tagaytay last year.

Jane and I had Donnie Brasco Calamari for starters. The calamari batter tasted so much like pancake. I expected it would be crispy, but it was too thick and soggy. Still, Jane and I both liked it although I think that my Mom's calamari tastes better. :)

Jane was craving for pasta, so she ordered Serendipity Seafood Marinara, which was absolutely delicious. I particularly loved the smokey, salty, garlicky flavors that were all mixed into one awesome dish. The seafood was fresh and there was enough shrimps, mussels, squid, and slices of olives.

And since I have been craving for pizza for the longest time, I ordered West Side 4 Season Pizza -- a combination of four pizza flavors (because we didn't know what pizza flavor to order). What I really liked about their pizza was their crispy thin crust!

The entree here pays homage to Hollywood. Dishes are named after Hollywood stars and characters. Pizzas, for example, are named: Adam Sandler Four Cheese, Seinfeld Pepperoni, When Harry Met Sally, etc. And pastas are named Kate and Leopold Parmigiana, Legally Blond, Tony Soprano's Seafood and Pesto, etc.

Price Range: Php300-500/meal
Note: Serving size is big.

They also serve salads, seafood, and steaks.

The interiors are tastefully decorated in red, silver, and black. It feels very rich and elegant (and maybe intimidating to some). The open ceiling is covered with lighted photos of Hollywood movies and stars. Beautiful chandeliers also hang on the right side of the resto. Really nice ambiance.

The service was fast. However, their staff was not very friendly. I didn't see anyone smile at all. Then again, we did not go there to make friends, did we? Haha.

Overall, Jane and I loved our food. We ended the day with coffee (for her) and gelato (for me) and continued our conversation at Caffe Ti-Amo. We talked mostly about life, love, and work. And then we'd burst into laughter in between.

It was such an enjoyable day. I always look forward to spending time with Jane. She's such a delight to be around.

. . . . .

Marciano's
2/F Greenbelt 3
Ayala Center
Makati City
Phone: +63 7290467

Sonya's Garden.

2011-04-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

It was March last year when my friend Ces and I drove up to Tagaytay. She was joining a photo contest organized by Tagaytay Highlands. Weeks before this trip, I was mentoring her on photography and postprocessing, and I knew she would win this contest. She's a very talented photographer to begin with. Smart and amazing, too. I am so proud to say she did win First Place.

After a sumptuous big brunch and after taking pictures at the Highlands almost the entire day, we headed off to Sonya's Garden for an early dinner.

It was my first visit to Sonya's Garden and the moment I walked into its pathways, I was in awe. I instantly fell in love with the lush gardens, colorful lamps, eclectic furnitures, and romantic little corners.

The dining area was dreamy and homey at the same time. It was truly a feast to the senses. It almost felt like dining in a secret oasis, except that Sonya's Garden is no longer a secret.

I will not try to put into words how amazing the set meal was or describe what exactly was served to us. Instead, I will grab the description from their website --

She lets her guests start off with a salad of greens—dill, nasturtium, oxalis and arugula leaves handpicked from her garden—mixed with edible flowers in season. She then advises guests to sprinkle it with a variety of garnishing that includes fresh fruits, crispy broad beans, green peppercorns soaked in olive oil, and grated parmesan. Then there’s her secret salad dressing that is her own recipe, one that she developed from her days as an expat in Europe.

This is followed by warm servings of freshly baked wheat bread hot from the oven of her Panaderia, which are enjoyed with a variety of dips. {from their website}

Then there’s pasta with two choices of sauce, one made from sun dried tomatoes and another creamy ensemble of chicken bits and mangoes that is a favorite of those with a sweeter tongue. {from their website}

To say that Ces and I loved the food is an understatement. We both were so full and happy and satisfied. We promised we'd take our Moms here. I know Mom will love this place.

Rate: Php610 net per person/set (eat all you can)
Inclusions:
Green Salad
Bread
Pasta
Dessert
Drinks

We also had the privilege of meeting Sonya that day. Ces bought a copy of Sonya's book and it was very gracious of Sonya to sign it.

Sonya was the nicest. She spent a bit of her time with us, gave us seeds to plant, and invited us to check out the Bed and Breakfast area.

The sun was already setting when we walked around the compound, checking every corner and snapping pictures of flowers and cottages and each other. The bright orange glow of the setting sun was a perfect companion as we walked through beautiful pathways towards the B&B area.

A big part of every journey, I think, is defined by the experience and memory we share with the people we meet along the way or with people we travel with. And that day at Sonya's Garden will always be special. Ces is one of my favorite people on the planet and she ~~was~~ is an awesome travel companion. She's so fun and grounded and quite a free spirit.

We had a long drive back to Manila and we left Sonya's Garden renewed and ready for what lies ahead of us -- terrible traffic on a Tuesday night.

. . . . .

Sonya's Garden
Barangay Buck Estate
Alfonso, Cavite (near Tagaytay)

For reservations: call or text +63 9175329097 or +63 9175335140
Email: info@sonyasgarden.com

Sweet Bella.

2011-04-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

My friends and I were looking for a dessert place after our dinner at Cafe Juanita and our feet led us to this charming cafe called Sweet Bella. We instantly loved the place. We were awed by all the pretty cakes. Sweet Bella's cakes are artworks you can eat.

We had Chocolata -- chocolate cake layered with chocolate ganache. This is probably the holy grail of desserts. It is moist, chewy, and its sweetness is just perfect. It is delicious, every bite is like a divine experience. I kid you not. We also had Banoffee Pie which we all loved.

The weather was beautiful that tuesday night. We dined outside the cafe and spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing and enjoying our desserts.

The cafe is tastefully decorated -- just the right je ne sais qouis. Every person would be drawn into its pink, brown, and white interiors. The entire place is quite charming and friendly, much like the owner, Chef Cristina, who we had the honor of meeting when we were there.

I gushed about Sweet Bella to CBB and suggested we visit the place together. We did, last weekend. This time, I tried their Caribbean mini cake: banana mousse layered with milk chocolate mousse. It was absolutely divine! Even CBB who is not a dessert person loved it.

We had coffee, too. We lingered and talked and laughed. We both loved the ambiance, the service, the music. It was an easy, relaxing afternoon away from the crowd.

Sweet Bella also sells french macarons. And they come in pretty boxes.
I will try this on my next visit.

These are the macaron boxes and I wonder if the mini cakes could fit into them
because these would be nice gift boxes (with mini cakes in them).

Before we left, we grabbed a box of sugar-free Cheese Rolls. I told CBB that it is delicious and that he should bring some home. When I had dessert there with my friends, Chef Cristina gave us complimentary cheese roll and ensaymada to try. My friends and I loved them. I personally loved the cheese roll more, though.

I want to go back to Sweet Bella. I want to try their Mangotier and their Mango Charlotte. And when you ever find yourself in Burgos Circle for dinner with your family or friends, go to Sweet Bella for a perfect ending.

. . . . . .

Sweet Bella
Forbestown Center
Burgos Circle
Bonifacio Global City

For inquiries, please call : 0928-5025027
For orders, please call: 844-0680 or 392-7571
Email : sweetbellacakes@yahoo.com

Caffe Ti-Amo.

2011-04-02T23:52:00.000-07:00

Caffe Ti-Amo is one of my favorite places in Greenbelt 5. I simply love their gelato. And although their gelato has less cream and less fat (compared to ice cream), it still maintains a creamy consistency which I really like.

This is a happy place for me and for many dessert and gelato lovers out there. Caffe Ti-Amo has a lot of flavors to choose from. My favorite would be the Milk Cheese -- a must-try! They also serve waffle gelato and honeybread gelato.

Yesterday, after a good lunch at Krazy Garlik, we grabbed some medium-sized gelato here. CBB had strawberry and melon while I had milk cheese and vanilla pretzel. I have tried their Affogato some months back and I loved it. The coffee was too bitter for my taste, but was perfect when mixed with vanilla gelato.

I love the interiors of Caffe Ti-Amo. The walls are made of warm brown bricks and the ambiance is very welcoming. They named one corner 'Anything Area.' And I absolutely love their rocking chairs. A lot of people linger here to spend time with family and friends. And Wifi is free!

Cafee Ti-Amo also serves coffee and tea.

. . . . .

Caffe Ti-Amo
G/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center
Makati City, Metro Manila
Phone: +632 5013785

Hecky's Lechon.

2011-04-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

I was missing home and was craving for food from home when I found Hecky's lechon stall at the Rockwell food bazaar one weekend.

Hecky's lechon claims that their lechon is Cebu-style and in fact, pairs their lechon with vinegar (because that's how we do it in Cebu) instead of lechon sauce (or Mang Tomas). But I tell you, it's sooooo good, you won't need sauce or vinegar.

This is probably the yummiest lechon I've tried in Metro Manila. The skin is very crispy and the meat is so deliciously seasoned and very tender, it melts in your mouth. I consumed a lot in a one sitting! It was a total cholesterol catastrophe!

Price List:
De Leche (10-15 pax) : Php4,300
Extra Small (20-25 pax) : Php5,300
Small (30-35 pax) : Php6,300
Medium (40-45 pax) : Php7,300
Large (60-70 pax) : Php8,300
Extra Large (80++ pax) : Php9,300

Hecky's Lechon offers Cebu-style Lechon, but is not exactly roasted the "Cebu way". Hecky's Lechons are oven-baked. We are the first to use LPG-based lechon ovens, making our lechon non-carcinogenic. Because our lechons are oven-baked, they are also less fat. Our distinct lechon oven and secret roasting techniques ensure lechons that have considerably less fat, leaving the skin crispier, juicier and tastier even without any lechon sauce. Hecky's Lechons are also organic. We only roast hand-picked native free range pigs that eat the best that nature has to offer, such as coconut meat and corn. {grabbed from their website}

. . . . .

Hecky's Lechon
Total Gas Station
Commerce Ave.
Filinvest Corporate City
Alabang, Muntinlupa

Mall of Asia Foodcourt
Pasay City

Narra Saturday Market
Narra St., Ayala Alabang Village
Muntinlupa

For orders, contact:

heckyslechon@yahoo.com
heckyslechon@gmail.com
support@heckyslechon.com

Phones: +632 8626379 . +632 8070329
Mobiles: +63922 8703737 . 63918 9211584

ManilaQ's Bagwang.

2011-03-31T01:25:00.000-07:00

When Mecielo and I went to Mercato two Sundays ago and tried Bagwang, it became an instant favorite. It was love at first bite! Super crispy and utterly delicious! I crave for this moan-inducing slices of deep-fried pork almost everyday. I'm probably going to Mercato over the weekend just for this. And oh, for some Lollicakes, too!

Grabbed from ManilaQ's little signage --

Bagwang:
Use of pork jowls instead of ordinary liempo. Lines of fat underline interchangeably with lean meat making it more manageable for marination process.

Marinated with ManilaQ's secret blend of spices instead of just plain salt.

Tenderized via high pressure cookers instead of just plain pan boiling.

Prepared with ManilaQ's secret process which provides the meat with "Crisp Retention Property' while keeping its savoury taste.

Bagwang is served with egg and rice over at Mercato. A perfect meal for shameless carnivores like me. LOL. I consider it a comfort food since it reminds me so much of Mom's lechon kawali (or pisik-pisik, as we call it at home). :)

Price: Php160.00 { a cup of rice, fried egg, and a generous serving of bagwang }

. . . . .

ManilaQ
Veteran's Village
Quezon City

For delivery, call:
Foodie Delivery
+63 2 87878

or visit them at
Mercato Centrale
Bonifacio Global City
8th and 34th Streets
(beside MC Home Depot)
Opens every Saturday and Sunday
7am-2pm

Cafe Juanita at The Fort.

2011-03-30T04:19:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to go to Cafe Juanita at The Fort since they opened in 2009. You see, I really loved their branch in Pasig (before they transferred to the new building) because apart from their delicious food, they had such magical, romantic ambiance.

So when my friend Bambi called that we will have dinner at Cafe Juanita with Ate Rachel, I was very excited. I was, above all, looking forward to seeing Ate Rachel. She arrived from the US for a short vacation in the country. And I miss her!

Maya-maya sa Miso. I'm not a soup person, but this I love! The sourness is just perfect.
Cafe Juanita at The Fort is not as magical as the one in Pasig, but it is pretty nonetheless. We dined at the second floor dining area and I totally loved all the colorful chandeliers and chair covers.

The food was excellent, just as I remembered it when I first visited Cafe Juanita in Pasig.

Their famous two-way-adobo, a favorite among my friends -- adobo topped with adobo flakes.
It is really as good as they say it is.
I will give their service three stars (out of five). They missed one guyabano shake and forgot to give us table napkins. Other than that though, they were really nice and friendly.

The yummiest laing I've tried in the metro.

Price Range
Entrees: Php400-1,000
Desserts: 90-150

Business Hours: 11am-10pm Daily

Deep fried tilapia. Another must-try.
We stayed until they closed at 10pm just catching up and laughing and opening pasalubongs from Ate Rachel. It's always a happy occasion to be around these people. Wish the other girls were around.

Bagnet with tomatoes and shrimp paste. Lovely combination of flavors.
Cafe Juanita is perfect for romantic dates, family dinners, and night-out with friends. They serve one of the best filipino dishes in the metro. Dining here is a gastronomic delight.

Happy, satisfied, full -- hearts and tummies.
From left: My sister D, Bambi, ako, and Ate Rachel. Chris took this picture.
. . . . .

Cafe Juanita at The Fort
Unit WS-2 Burgos Circle
Forbestown Center
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Phone: +632 4031952
Email: cafejuanita@yahoo.com

Cafe Juanita Pasig
#19 West Capitol Drive, Barrio Capitolyo
Phone: +632 6320357

Ubud, Bali.

2011-03-28T03:40:00.000-07:00

Ubud is known to be the center of art in Bali. Museums and independent art studios and shops abound. It remains the cultural and spiritual center of this island. Dance is being performed almost every night and Hindu-Balinese ceremonies are performed here almost everyday during the summer months.

My friends and I rented an AUV and set off to Ubud on our last day in Bali (we flew back to Indonesia that same day). It took us about an hour to reach Ubud from Seminyak. It was an easy trip. We passed through picturesque little towns and we stopped by art studios along the way.

There are so many places to see in Ubud. Unfortunately, we barely had a day to spend. So we figured, we'll just try their babi guling and then go shopping.

Just beside the Ubud Tourist Information Center is Ubud Market. It is a two-storey maze filled with colorful arts and crafts, souvenir items, shirts, woven bags, and just about anything. My friends and I were able to buy pasalubongs which our families and friends loved.

Things to remember:
Bring enough cash. They do not accept credit cards.
Take care of your belongings. There are multitudes of people here.
Use your best bargaining skills. Haggle. :)
Tourist buses arrive from 11am-2pm, if you do not like the crowd, arrive early.

Things to do/ Places to see in Ubud
Before reaching Ubod, drop by Tagalalang Rice Terraces. We saw it on our way to Ubud. It is nothing like our Batad Rice Terraces, still, check it out.
Visit the museum and learn about traditional Balinese Art. Check out the Neka Art Museum, ARMA, Seniwati Art Gallery, Blanco Museum.
Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest.
Visit the Ubud Botanical Garden, a lush sanctuary located in the village of Kutuh Kajah. (8am - 6pm daily)
Check out Ubud Palace where the Ubud King lives with his family.
Try local delicacies and local restaurants. I have read many good reviews about Cafe Wayan over at Monkey Forest Road. Of course, do not miss Ibu Oka's Babi Guling.

Where to Stay in Ubud

There are so many hotels in Ubud and since we didn't stay there, I can't recommend one. Here's a list of hotels instead (with their addresses).

How to go to Ubud from Kuta or Seminyak

My friends and I rented an AUV and I think that it's the most practical thing to do especially if you want to go around Ubud when you get there. Most hotels can arrange your transportation for you.

There are many AUVs or mini vans for rent in Bali. I found this Bali Drivers link and you may want to check it out. But we have not tried their service, so I can't exactly say if they are good.

I certainly would love to visit Ubud again. My friends and I promised we would. There is an amazing creative and spiritual energy about this place that is so calming. I would love to linger here one day and just be consumed by its art and culture.

Ibu Oka's Babi Guling.

2011-03-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

Ubud is the center for art and culture in Bali and there's a lot to see in this charming town. It was quite unfortunate that we barely had a day to spend there. BUT we all promised we will go back and stay there and immerse ourselves in its beauty and culture.

One of the reasons we went to Ubud was to try Ibu Oka Babi Guling. It was quite funny that we had to go that far to eat lechon (suckling pig), but hey, we wouldn't pass up the chance to try another version of this well-loved delicacy.

Babi guling is roasted pig, much like our lechon. And Ibu Oka has been serving babi guling for more than two decades and is already an institution in Ubud. It is known to serve the best babi guling in the island.

Prior to roasting, the pigs are stuffed with balinese herbs and spices, and then roasted to perfection for about five hours.

One serving -- slices of suckling pig, crackling (skin), balinese vegetable (with herbs and spices) and rice would cost Rp20,000.

Did I like it? A bit. It wasn't really bad. The suckling pig was okay, but the vegetable/herbs they poured on top of it is an acquired taste and my tongue needs some education to like it. Besides, I'm from Cebu and is there better suckling pig than the ones we have in Cebu? Anthony Bourdain once said about Cebu's lechon: "Best pig ever." :D

I still encourage you to try Ibu Oka's babi guling if you ever find yourself in Ubud one day. :)

Go early though because they close as soon as they sell out (and they sell out fast)!

. . . . .

Ibu Oka Babi Guling
just across Ubud Tourist Information Center
Ubud, Bali

Muncheez.

2011-03-25T02:56:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a break again from my Bali entries to share this delectable cereal bars I found in Mercato Centrale last weekend. It is buttery, chewy, and crunchy at the same time! And its sweetness is just right.

And how pretty is that packaging? I adore it! It reminds me so much of my friend Patricia (who makes the most lovely web designs).

1 Layer Box: Php140.00
2 Layer Box: Php 275.00
Bag of 6 individually-wrapped bars: Php150.00

I love cornflakes. I eat it plain, or with milk, or with ice cream, or with chocolate and potato chips. When I trekked the mountains of Batad, I brought cornflakes for baon instead of chips. I'd pick cornflakes over any kind of chichiriya. So imagine my happiness when I found Muncheez. I consumed an entire box in one sitting!

It is delightful. It is happiness in a box.

. . . . .

Muncheez
Phone: +63 905 504 5555
Email: muncheez@hotmail.com

Mercato Centrale
Bonifacio Global City
8th and 34th Streets
(beside MC Home Depot)
Opens every Saturday and Sunday
7am-2pm

Lazumba/The Breeze Homemade Grill & Cafe.

2011-03-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Our first dinner in Bali was in Lazumba/The Breeze Homemade Grill and Cafe in the bustling district of Kuta. We all loved the laid-back atmosphere of the place. Perfect for an easy, relaxed night-out with friends.

This resto serves coffee, fresh fruit shakes, and delicious set meals.

Their version of Nasi Goreng.

Chicken satay.

Pork ribs for shameless carnivores like me! :P

Grilled fish with vegetables.
Everything was delicious. We were satisfied with every dish we ordered. It almost felt like we ate at our favorite pinoy restaurant, except that these dishes had subtle hints of curry or spices they usually put into their food. But everything was seasoned well. And our tummies were happy.

The food servers were very friendly and helpful, too. We bombarded them with questions about the items in their menu, and they were very patient in answering each of them and in fulfilling all our requests.

If you ever find this place when you are in Kuta (sadly I wasn't able to get their address), order their fresh fruit shakes! Very refreshing! I don't drink, but my friends liked Indonesia's bestselling beer, Bintang. You might want to try that, too.

Kuta, Bali.

2011-03-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

This must be one of the most recognizable pictures of Kuta in recent years -- the Ground Zero Memorial. It was October 2002 when a bomb blast killed more than 200 people (locals and tourists alike) and hundreds of others got injured in the tourist district of Kuta. We visited the site when we had the chance. We said our prayers, took pictures, and hoped that nothing so violent would ever happen again to this place (or anywhere else for that matter).

Browsing through all my Bali pictures, I just realized that the two trips we made to Kuta were all at night. That means, I did not see Kuta in broad daylight! It was because we spent most of our time in Seminyak since there were too many things to do and places to see there.

And even at night, Kuta was bustling with people. The traffic was bad the first night we went, it reminded me so much of Colon (the oldest street in the country), pre-*CITOM days. Still, it was a fascinating sight for me. Then again, I easily get fascinated by many things, big and small. :D

I loved the energy in Kuta. Everyone seemed to be so alive and happy it almost felt like people were celebrating something. People were laughing and talking and shopping and eating.

Kuta has endless rows of shops and restos and clubs and spas. There is no idle time in this part of the island.

Things to do in Kuta
Surf!
Or if you do not know how to surf yet, get a Bali Surfing Lesson.
Get a massage from any spa in the island!
Have fun at Waterbom Waterpark (the kids will enjoy!).
Go to Slingshot Bali (and scream your lungs out!).
Visit Ulu Watu, a temple located on the edge of a cliff dedicated to the gods who guard the sea.
Wait for the sunset.
Try balinese cuisine.
Shop, shop, shop!
Grab some gelato (I know! I know!)
Sign up for a Bali Adventure Tour.
Or just relax, breathe, slow down.

My friends and I did a little pasalubong shopping in Kuta and had massages two nights in a row. We also checked out Kuta Beach, tried balinese cuisine, grabbed some gelato, and had great conversations in between.

We tried Lazumba and Made's Wadung, two highly recommended restos in the island. I will blog about these restos in the coming days.

You will never go hungry in Kuta. It is swarming with so many restaurants and clubs.

Here's a list of restaurants in Kuta you might want to check out.

When to Go
Bali has two distinct seasons: Wet (October to March) and Dry (September to April). And although it is okay to go there anytime, it is still best to visit Bali during the dry season.

The peak season in Bali is July, August, and September. The island is crowded at this time, so you may want to travel to Bali in April, May, and June. The weather is as pleasant and the island is less crowded.

What to Wear
Wear light clothing -- shorts, tank tops, sun dresses. And don't forget your swimsuits and sunblock!

Important thing to Remember
Only go to legitimate money changers.

. . . . .

* CITOM: Traffic enforcement arm of the city of Cebu.

Seminyak, Bali.

2011-03-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

My friends and I stayed in Mutiara in the charming district of Seminyak when we went to Bali. It is about 15 minutes by cab to the bustling and more famous Kuta. Seminyak is famous for its beautiful sunsets and is the high-end spa capital of Bali.

Where to Stay in Seminyak

Mutiara Bali
alan Braban No.77 Br. Taman Seminyak
Kuta Bali 80361 - Indonesia
Telp. +62361 734966
Fax. +62361 735375
Email : Booking@mutiarabali.com

Pelangi Bali Hotel & Spa
Jl. Dhyana Pura, Seminyak Beach - Bali 80361
Tel: + 62 361 730 346 Fax : + 62 361 730 947
Website: www.pelangibali.com
Email : reservation@pelangibali.com

Artemis Villa & Hotel
JI.Camplung Tanduk, Gg-Puri Kubu 63F, Seminyak,
kuta, bali, Indonesia
TEL: +62(361)736136 FAX: +62(361)736873
Email: artemisvilla@yahoo.com

Puri Saron Hotel Seminyak
Jl. Camplung Tanduk, Seminyak
Kuta-Bali
Tel. : +62 361 731 007
Fax : +62 361 730492
Email : info@purisaronseminyak.com

Sun Island Boutique Villas & Spa
Jl. Raya Seminyak 188, Bali Indonesia
Telephone +62.361.733779
Email : info@sunislandboutiquevillas.com

According to wikitravel: "The atmosphere in Seminyak is much more sophisticated and laid-back than Kuta, and the beach in particular is quieter during the day. Nowhere is the upscaling of Bali in recent years more obvious than here."

It has beautiful beaches, too. Some people surf in Seminyak, although the surfing here is not as good as that of Kuta.

The day we visited Seminyak Beach, a ceremony for children was being held. I think the ceremony is called Odalan. Children's birthdays are celebrated ritually every six months.

Seminyak is also the center for hip boutiques and designer stores. Check out all the pretty boutiques and restaurants in Jalan Laksmana.

You have the option to go around by foot or by renting motorcycle/bicycle.

Where and What to Eat

Seminyak has a lot of restaurants and bars, I will not recommend one. All I can say is that try authentic balinese cuisine. You will probably like it. Or not. But at least, you can say you've tried it. Go to a local warung, eat in the street and chat with locals. But if you are afraid to get bali belly, Seminyak has a lot of upscale restos and warungs that serve balinese food you could try.

One of our favorite boutiques in Seminyak. Joy sells very pretty silver necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. There are a lot of interesting finds, handmade stuff, and original art in this area.

It is also home to so many art galleries. Local and foreign artists showcase their art here. We did check out some when we were there.

What to do in Seminyak
Relax

Surf and swim
Eat and drink
Get a balinese massage
Check out all the art galleries
Shop for original, handmade stuff
Did I already say relax?

Or you can go farther away --
Visit Kuta, just about 15 minutes by car/cab.
Visit the temple of Tanah Lot (famous for its sunset), about 40 minutes by car/cab.

Getting to Seminyak

Seminyak is about 30 minutes from the airport and costs Rp60,000 by fixed-rate cabs.

One important thing to Remember
Change your money to legitimate money changers. Do not get fooled by money changers who will take you to back doors or isolated areas. Legitimate money changers are usually in easy-to-find places with glass walls and doors. And count your money carefully before you leave.

The Lollicake Factory.

2011-03-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

Before I continue with my Bali entries, I would like to write about Lollicakes -- those melt-in-your mouth goodness baked by the awesome LJ Moreno. The theme last weekend was Angry Birds and I certainly didn't want to pass the chance to grab some. So off I went to Mercato Centrale with my good friend Mecielo yesterday morning.

Mercato Centrale
Bonifacio Global City
8th and 34th Streets
(beside MC Home Depot)
Opens every Saturday and Sunday
7am-2pm

Those ball cakes on stick come in four different flavors (if I remember it right) -- red velvet, buttercream, chocolate, and carrot. LJ's lollicakes are not too sweet (just perfect) and moist, they actually melt in your mouth!

They come in many pretty designs and themes, too. LJ can also make lollicakes with your own design or logos for your parties and events.

Price range
Php45-55 each

For orders
Call: 09997774443
Email: lj_ricafort@yahoo.com

Minimum order: One dozen.

LJ and one of my closest friends, Mecielo yesterday at Mercato Centrale.
I first met LJ during the Hothouse Wedding Photography Workshop last year. I truly admire how nice and friendly and down-to-earth she is. If you know me, you'd know how much I really admire people who have a lot of humility in their bones.

Yesterday, I asked LJ how her Lollicake Factory began. She said, she first tasted a lollicake in the US and when she got back to the country, she was craving for it. So she decided to make these yummy treats herself. Her family and friends loved it, too! And as they say, the rest is history.

. . . . .

Lollicake Factory
Visit their Website
Follow LJ over at Twitter

Mutiara Bali.

2011-03-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Our villa.
Mutiara Resorts and Villas is a charming place located in the upscale Seminyak district. It has 29 rooms and 17 private villas every guest will love and enjoy. The resort is about 30 minutes from the airport, about 15 minutes to Kuta, and about 10 minutes to the white sand Seminyak beach. It is also about 5 minutes by foot to all the trendy boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Each villa has its own pool, manicured garden, a kitchen, airconditioned rooms with tv, dining area, and open-air bathrooms. Mutiara also has a spa, a gym, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a big pool.

Published Rates:
One bedroom suite villa: $365 net/night
Two-bedroom suite villa: $580 net/night
Three-bedroom suite villa: $726 net/night

Two-bedroom deluxe villa: $484 net/night
Four-bedroom family deluxe villa: $799 net/night

Jacuzzi Room: $164 net/night
Deluxe Room: $145 net/night
Family Room: $133 net/night
Superior Room: $115 net/night

For special rates and peak season rates, visit the Mutiara website.

We were greeted with fresh mango juice and warm towelettes when we arrived.
We were quite satisfied with Mutiara's service. The staff were all friendly and helpful. They also arranged transportation for us as we toured around Bali and when we went to Ubod. They made sure we were comfortable and happy.

The upstairs room of our villa.
We stayed in a two-bedroom villa and we were very pleased with it. The rooms and bathrooms were clean and beautiful. We loved the privacy most of all. Since we had our own space (and our own pool), we had the freedom to laugh out loud, talk our hearts out all night, and swim whenever we wanted to.

One of the open-air bathrooms in our villa. Yes, you take a shower with the sky as your roof.
There is something very liberating and relaxing about taking a bath under the sun or the stars. It is almost spiritual. And I think that this is exactly what every place and corner in Bali is all about -- a spiritual, peaceful, happy experience.

My travel buddies who make every trip special and fun and memorable.
Mutiara is a little piece of paradise within a paradise that is Bali. It is beautiful. And if I ever return to Bali in the future, I would certainly want to stay here again.

. . . . .

Mutiara Bali
Jalan Braban No.77 Br. Taman Seminyak
Kuta Bali 80361 - Indonesia
Telp. +62361 734966
Fax. +62361 735375
Email : Booking@mutiarabali.com

Diving in Apo Island.

2011-03-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

After roaming around Dumaguete, my friends and I headed off to Apo Island. The day before, we went to DuCoMi, Dauin, and Sumilon Island to dive. I will blog about these dive sites in the coming days.

We booked our diving trip with Glenn Carballo, an amazing dive master who owns Dive Worx. His package included transpo from Dumaguete and back, motorized banca, air tanks, weight belts, and BCDs. We were happy costumers and at the end of our dive trip, Glenn became our friend. For current rates of dive packages, contact:

Dive Worx
Glenn Carballo
333 Real Street, Daro
Dumaguete City,
Oriental Negros
Philippines 6200
Phone: +63 35 422 6715
Mobile: +63 917 7003483
Skype: diveworx
MSN: g_carballo@hotmail.com
Email: diveworx@gmail.com

Getting There:

We drove to Zamboangita, a town about 45 minutes from Dumaguete. From there, we took a motorized boat to Apo Island.

You can also take a bus from Dumaguete that travels to Bayawan. Get off and enter Malatapay Market and walk towards the bay where you can rent bancas to Apo. Rent starts at Php1,500 - 2,500 (round trip) depends on the size of the banca. Trip from Zamboangita to Apo Island is about 30-45 minutes. It's a wet ride, so make sure you put your things in dry bags.

Upon arrival, go to the registration office, register, and pay sanctuary fees.

Apo Island Fees:
Php 100/adult
Php 10/children
Php 10 (Dauin residents)

Docking Fees:
Php 50 : Motorized Boat (Apo Residents)
Php 250: Other motorized boats
Php 500: Yacht

Php 300/person/dive : Apo Island Marine Sanctuary
Php 200/person/dive : Diving outside the sanctuary
Php 50/person : Snorkeling within the sanctuary

We dived at the Sanctuary and it was breathtaking! We saw so many wonderful things -- turtles, colorful hard and soft corals, clown fish, nudibranchs, and different kinds of fish.

I would certainly recommend Apo Island to every diver who has not been there yet.

This small eel was quite friendly.
We had three amazing dives. Every time I browse through all the underwater photos we took that day, it makes me want to dive again. It fascinates me everytime -- the beauty, the peacefulness, the grand work of the One who created it all.

We took lunch at one of the houses in the island. Glenn, our dive master, arranged lunch for us as part of the package. We were served fresh seafood and vegetable. It was one delicious lunch!

Right after lunch, we walked around the island to immerse ourselves a bit to the life of the locals before diving again. We went to the public school, talked to locals, and visited Ciano's Art Craft Shop.

What else to do in the island:
- Sunbathe
- Drift Dive and meet school of Jacks
- Visit the Clown Fish district
- Dive and take photos with turtles
- Chill out with friends

Things to remember:
- Put enough sunblock
- Do not touch anything underwater
- Do not wear gloves when diving (not allowed)
- Do not bring home stones or shells from the island
- Buy crafts from locals (if you want to buy anything at all)
- Let the locals guide you

Where to Stay in the island:

Apo Island Beach Resort
Phone: +63 35 2255490

Liberty's Lodge
Phone: +63 35 321 1036
Mobile: +63 920 238 5704

The best time to go: It is okay to go all year round, but it's the summer months when most people go -- March, April, and May.

And this is me, just outside someone's home in the island,sun-kissed and happy to be near the sea. :)

Titay's, Lilo-an.

2011-03-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Titay's is already an institution in Lilo-an, Cebu. It has been there since 1907 and it has become a pitstop for all buses and tourists traveling north. Titay's was established by Margarita 'Titay' Frasco who made the famous Rosquillos. She was 21 years old when she first baked her first batch of these delicious egg cookies.

Rosquillos is a cookie that looks like a ringlet (with a whole in the center). It was Sergio Osmena who named the cookie Rosquillos (referring to the Spanish word 'rosca.') Over the years, the recipe of this well-loved cookie has been handed down to the next Frasco generation.

Titay's store has been in the same spot for more than a century. The place is bigger now. They've added a dine-in area, a bread counter and a pasalubong counter. At the dine-in area, they have this beautiful mural of old pictures of its history. I took this picture from that wall.

This is how the store looks like now. It changed a lot over the years. But they've maintained the quality of their products. And that is a good thing.

I love Titay's rosquillos, their pinato, and bao-bao. But the reason I keep going back is the masi. It is made of 'pilit' stuffed with ground sweetened peanuts and formed into a ball. It is heaven at every bite! Perfect for dessert or snacks. This has been a favorite since childhood. And I'm really glad that my nephews and nieces love it, too! Clark, my constant Titay's companion, loves masi as much as I do.

If you ever travel up north or just go to Lilo-an to see its heritage sites, grab some rosquillos and masi. Go in the morning though because all the masi will be gone before noon.

Not to self: Get a recipe for masi.

. . . . .

Titay's
Brgy. Poblacion
Lilo-an, Cebu
(less than a kilometer from San Fernando Rey Parish Church)

Lilo-an, Cebu.

2011-03-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Because I am in Cebu right now, it is just right that I feature my favorite places in my beloved hometown. One of those places is Lilo-an, a peaceful town about 19 kilometers from Cebu City. Lilo-an holds so many wonderful memories because I used to go to this place with my paternal grandparents when I was a young girl. We used to play table tennis at a friend's house or just hang out at my grandparents' farm.

Whenever I am in Cebu, I visit Lilo-an to go to Titay's. But that is for another blog entry. :)

Places to see in Lilo-an

The San Fernando Rey Parish Church
This is one of the oldest standing heritage structures in Lilo-an, established in 1844. There's an interesting story about this church. According to the town's official website:

"Told from generation to generation of Liloan families is the story of how a giant sea creature guards a treasure of gold in a cave under the altar.

Supposedly proof of the cave existing underneath the church, according to the elderly, is the hollow sound one will get upon tapping the altar. Depending on whose version or who’s telling the story, the giant sea creature could either be a huge red-eyed octopus, a giant fish, or a large half-fish half-human. Also, there are claims that a local fisherman was brave enough to go to the cave, the opening of which is supposedly a few meters from the seashore."

Trivia: This is the only Catholic Church in the entire Cebu island that is facing the west.

{grabbed from their official website}

The Bagacay Point Lighthouse (or Parola, as the locals call it)

This coral stone lighthouse stands proudly and beautifully over a cliff facing the Camotes sea. The Americans built this parola 104 years ago and today, it has become the town's landmark. Both locals and tourists visit the place. It is also one of the favorite places for engagement shoots. I actually did two shoots there and the place is just amazingly photogenic.

Engagement shoot of Chelo and Daniel in 2009.

Engagement shoot of Dee and James in 2010.
Other places to see:

Bantayan sa Hari. It is an old watchtower facing the Mactan chanel built during the spanish era.

Silot Bay. This is where the town got its name because 'lilo,' or a whirlpool of seawater made by strong currents has been found in the mouth of the bay. This is a 100 hectare shallow tidal lagoon surrounded by mangrove swamps teeming with marine life.

Suba Bridge. The bridge is found at the entrance of Silot Bay. It is standing on this bridge where you can actually see 'lilo' under it.

River in Mulao. This river connects to the neighboring town of Compostela and is said to be one of Lilo-an's pleasant surprises. This is a nice place to visit for those seeking eco-toursim adventures or for those who just love nature. Like most historical sites in Lilo-an, this river holds a fascinating tale that has been passed on from generation to generation.

"...a huge boulder, shaped like a boat anchored in the middle of the river, appeared to have turned into a real boat at night. “Complete with lights and crew,” some elderly attest, the boat cruised the Mulao river in what looked like an act of delivering loads of cacao somewhere." {from Lilo-an's official website}

Titay's. This is already an institution in Lilo-an. They make the famous rosquillos. So grab some on your way home.

Getting there:

From SM, you can take a jeepney to Lilo-an (take Compostela/Danao route) or a V-hire that goes to Danao. Or you can take a cab.

Festivals:

The town fiesta in honor of St. Ferndinand is celebrated every May 29 and 30.

Rosquillos Festival is celebrated every August.

Lilo-an has changed a lot in recent years. Development has reached this town. The famous Amara is in Lilo-an (pictured above), a beautiful, high-end real estate property. Although this town is changing, I love how they have so much respect for their own story and heritage. It has kept it's small town charm. And this will always be a happy place for me.

. . . . .

For more information, visit Lilo-an's official website.

Into the Rapids: A CDO Whitewater Rafting Adventure.

2011-03-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

After an awesome time in Camiguin, we all headed off to Cagayan de Oro. Our only reason for going to the City of Golden Friendship was to scare ourselves silly by whitewater rafting. So we contacted Kagay, CDO's premiere whitewater rafting outfitter, to be our guide.

Kagay
21 Pres. Aguinaldo Street
Cagayan de Oro City
Mobile: +63 917 7122323
Phone: +63 88 3104402
Email: dankaamino@yahoo.com

Rates:

Beginners Course: Php700/head
3 hours actual river run, 14 rapids
minimum of 6 people

Advance Course: Php1,000/head
4 hours actual river run, 24 rapids
minimum of 6 people

Inclusions: City transfers and provision of helmets, paddles, and life vest.

You can have a CD copy of your photos at Php250.

Things to Remember:
- Dress for rafting. A rash guard would be good.
- Wear sunblock.
- Bring food and water. I tell you, with all the paddling you'll be doing, you'll go hungry!
- Put your valuables into a dry bag. You can leave your non-valuables in the jeepney.

It rained heavily that day so our adventure had extra drama to it -- the weather was so cold. Imagine being wet for 3 hours in a cold weather. But we tremendously enjoyed it. We shouted our lungs out at every rapid (just because we wanted to, not because we were really scared. haha). But I must say that there were few really scary rapids. Don't worry though because before you actually paddle away, there's a short briefing about safety and how to paddle correctly.

Kagay will provide two guides and both our guides were really good. They entertained us with their stories about the river and about rafting.

My friends and I had a blast! We enjoyed the whole experience. I would love to do it again, maybe, with my family next time.

Someone recently asked me if this was my ~~scariest~~ craziest adventure. I said that the Plunge in Danao Bohol was still the craziest, so far. :)

We went back to Mallberry Suites extra happy having conquered the rapids of the CDO river. We washed up, had dinner at Cafe Laguna, and ended the day with a massage at Nuat Thai.

Mallberry Suites
Florentino Street (adjacent to Robison's and Limketkai Mall)
Cagayan de Oro City
Phone: +63 88 8557999 . +63 88 8549999
Email: info@mallberrysuites.com

Rates:
Standard : Php1,980.00
Superior : Php2,200.00
Deluxe : Php2,400.00
Junior Suite: Php3,300.00
Mallberry Suite : Php3,700.00
Superior Executive : Php2,780.00
Deluxe Executive : Php2,980.00
Junior Executive : Php3,900.00
Presidential Suite : Php7,500.00

Cafe Laguna serves the finest filipino food. They are quite affordable, too. Their crispy pata is really good.

Cafe Laguna
G/F Big R Building
Limketkai Center
Cagayan de Oro City
Phone: +63 88 8582999

My friends and I love Nuat Thai. Everytime we visit Cebu, we all go to Nuat Thai! Imagine our excitement when we saw a Nuat Thai signage near our hotel.

When you are in CDO, drop by for some foot and body massage.

Nuat Thai
Papa Juanito Square
Just a few steps from Limketkai Mall

Camiguin Island.

2011-03-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

It was two summers ago when my friends and I decided to do a CDO-Camiguin-Bukidnon trip. We almost didn't make it to CDO that day because Cebu Pacific canceled our 4am flight without actually letting us know. The airport was filled with angry people (doctors mostly) who were all going to CDO for a convention. And we were worried because we already made hotel reservations and rented a van from CDO to take us directly to Balingoan Port.

How to go to Camiguin:
From Manila or Cebu, take a flight to CDO. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flies to CDO daily.

From CDO, hire a van for the two-hour trip (approximately) to Balingoan Port, it is more practical especially if you are in a big group. Or take a cab or van (about Php300) to Agora market. From the market, you can catch a bus (Php90) or van (Php100) that travels to Baligoan Port.

From Baligoan Port, take a ferry (Php70) to Camiguin. The trip takes about two hours.

We arrived in Camiguin late in the afternoon. After settling in Caves Dive Resort, we decided to go to Ardent Hot Springs, my favorite part of this entire trip.

Ardent Hot Springs has a four-tiered pool with water that reaches up to 40 degrees celsius. The waters in Ardent come from Mt. Hibok-Hibok and it is said to have therapeutic effects. Entrance Fee is Php30.

There are rooms and a restaurant in Ardent, so you can actually stay there if you want to dip into the hot springs everyday.

It is about two kilometers north of Mambajao and a quick tricycle-ride from our hotel.

We spent the following day swimming and eating and and diving (at least, Bambi did) and just being silly at White Island. It is an uninhabited sandbar that disappears during high tide. We could actually see it from our hotel's restaurant. It's a 10-minute banca-ride from our hotel. But on our way there, we got stranded for about 15 minutes in the middle of the sea (which felt like forever) when our banca's engine died on us.

Our hotel arranged for our banca to the island. You can do the same thing, too -- have your hotel arrange the banca for you if you want to go to the island.

It was definitely worth going there despite the banca incident. The water was clear and the island was beautiful! There were a lot of vendors so you won't go hungry. We tried their halo-halo and it was really good.

Where to Stay in Camiguin:

Mambajao
Mambajao Beach Resort
+63-88-3871059

Casa Grande
+63-88-3870077

R.J. Pension House
+63-88-3870089

Cabua-an Beach Resort
+63-88-3872103

GV Pensione House
+63-88-3871041

Tia’s Pension House
+63-88-3871045

Agoho
Caves Dive Resort
+63-88-3871044

Camiguin Seaside Lodge, Tel. 63-88-3879031

Benoni
Eagle’s Nest Guest House
+63-88-3874020

J & A Fishpen & Resort
+63-88-3874008

Balbagon
Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin
+63-88-3871057

Enigmata Treehouse (Tarzan’s Nest Resort)
+63-88-3870273

Tapon
Shoreline Cottages
+63-88-871091

Tia’s Beach Cottages
+63-88-3871045

Yumbing
Paras Beach Resort
+63-88-3879008

Camiguin Beach Club
+63-88-3879028

Secret Cove Beach Resort
+63-88-3879084

The next day, we found ourselves on land, discovering interesting places. We went to the Guiob Church, or what remains of it after the volcanic eruption in 1871. Of course, we must have a group picture infront of the signage, right? *grin*

We hired a multicab (about Php1,500) to take us around the island. Again, we let our hotel arrange our transpo for us. You can also rent a van (about Php2,500).

This is the Sunken Cemetery. The cemetery submerged in water during the 1871 volcanic eruption. A huge cross was erected to mark the spot.

A boatman will take you to the cross for Php50 per head. Many people visit this place to swim, snorkel, or dive. Dive depth is about 20 meters. Expect to see many corals and different kinds of marine life.

And then we went to Katibawasan Falls, a 250 feet high beauty with waters that cascade down to a rock pool. The entire place is surrounded by big rocks, trees, and flowers. There are picnic areas/huts ideal for families and friends who want to spend time there and just be graced by nature.

My friends and I took a dip and the water was extremely cold! It was such a crazy idea! But then, it was quite refreshing, too. This place will be perfect for summer outings.

It was already dark when we got to Katibawasan, so we only had a few minutes to enjoy the place. Before we left, we were treated to a wonderful surprise -- firelflies started appearing, lots and lots of them! It was truly magical!

But go early though if you plan to visit this place because if I remember it right, they allow visitors only until 6pm.

Here's a list of other places to visit in Camiguin.

What to wear:
Light, comfortable shoes and clothing. Don't forget to bring your swimsuits, hats, or dive gears if you plan to dive.

Don't forget:
Sunscreen and water. And since you are already in Camiguin, grab boxes of the famous Vjandep Pastels for pasalubong!

Chicken Bon Chon.

2011-03-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have read rave reviews about Chicken Bon Chon from all the food blogs I ~~stalk~~ follow. I'm a chicken lover and I've always wanted to try it but never had the chance or time to go to a Bon Chon branch. But hurray, they opened in GB 1, just a good 15-minute walk from where I live.

So off we went to try this Korean foodie favorite last weekend. Bon Chon offers two flavors -- Soy Garlic and Hot & Spicy. I ordered a combo of six-piece chicken wings just so I could try both flavors (and the wing is my favorite part of the chicken). It's the soy garlic that I personally love. Servings come in Small (Php185), Medium (Php365) and Large (Php720).

CBB ordered Bulgogi Rice (Php125) and Kimchi Coleslaw (Php45). He found the Bulgogi too sweet, but I really liked it! I might order it the next time I visit Bon Chon.

They also serve Ginger Tofu Salad (Php125) for the healthy eaters.

The interiors are tastefully decorated. I love the use of white, clean lines, and metal chairs. It looks like a high-end fastfood restaurant.

The staff are friendly and the service is fast. Two thumbs up.

Over all, it was a good dining experience for me. I loved the flavor and the crispiness of the chicken. I am actually craving for it right now. And I am certainly going back.

. . . . .

Chicken Bon Chon
Greenbelt 1, just beside Starbucks
+632 5198438

Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City
Opens everyday from 11am to 10pm
+632 6216188

Bohol Bee Farm.

2011-03-09T00:44:00.000-08:00

Organic, quaint, and absolutely charming. This is Bohol Bee Farm. I have been in and out of Bohol many times in my life (even lived there almost an entire summer), and I could say that Bohol Bee Farm is one of my favorite places in this beautiful island.

There's a zen-like atmosphere to this place. It is quiet and relaxing, perfect for those moments when you want to take things slow, or when your idea of vacation is listening to the chirping of birds, the sound of waves and wind, and long restful sleep.

My friends and I stayed there when we decided to go to Danao for a crazy-awesome adventure.

Every little corner is well thought out and beautiful in its imperfections. I love the mismatched furnitures and old things scattered all over the resort.

It is open for day tours. Both in-house and day tour guests are treated to a quick tour of the premises.

The resort has a livelihood program and your guides can take you to the crafts, sewing, weaving area. You can actually help them by buying their products. So grab a basket or two.

The resort has two dining areas -- one is facing the ocean, the other is at the pool side (where breakfast is served). Wherever you choose to dine, you will enjoy colorful table settings, relaxing ambiance, good service, and delicious food.

Did I already mention they serve delicious food? They do. Try their organic garden salad. And their honey mustard dressing is just wonderful! I love their honeyed putomaya with tsokolate, too. And I absolutely adore their fresh lemongrass juice. Very refreshing. It's a must-try. They serve fresh juices, shakes, tea, and coffee.

Other must-try specialties:
Squash muffins
Corn muffins
Carrot muffins
Camote Pie
Ube fries and honeyed latik
Camote Bread
Honey Spread (my favorite!)
Homemade ice cream!

Speaking of ice cream, we all grabbed a cone each! Creamy and heavenly! And look at those interesting flavors! When you go to the Bee Farm, do not miss this.

How to go there:
From Manila, Philippine Airlines flies to Bohol daily. Check out their site for schedule.

From Cebu, OceanJet and Weesam Express travel to Tagbilaran daily. Fares usually start at P800/one way. Check out their sites for updated rates and schedule of trips.

From Tagbilaran to Bohol Bee Farm:
There are many metered taxis or vans for rent at the airport or pier. Bohol Bee Farm also offers free shuttle to/from the pier/airport. Just contact them ahead of time.

. . . . .

BOHOL BEE FARM
Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol
+63 38 5022288
+63 917 3041491
vickywallace@boholbeefarm.com

Toast Box.

2011-03-07T00:34:00.000-08:00

When my friend Ces told me about Toast Box's thick bread with malted milk, I got really curious and excited. I love malted milk. I mix it with my milk and coffee and chocolate drink. So last weekend, CBB and I decided to try Toast Box in Greenbelt 5.

I loved the interiors -- clean and whimsical. The service was fast.

I ordered Nasi Goreng, which I absolutely loved. It was rich in flavor and every ingredient was just perfect. CBB got a ham sandwich which he also loved. He had coffee with his sandwich and said: "This is very good."

For dessert, I wanted to try their Peanut Butter toast, but I remembered I went there for the Horlicks Malted Milk toast -- thick toasted bread with condensed milk topped with a generous amount of Horlicks malted milk. Oh, it was absolutely divine!

It somehow transported me back to childhood -- those lazy afternoons when we'd have bread topped with condensed milk for merienda or those special chocolate horlicks candy treats on summer days.

I also ordered Horlicks Dinosaur -- iced Horlicks malted milk topped with a heap of malted milk powder. It was heaven!

Toast Box also serves Kopi, Teh (Milk Tea), Kaya Toast, Horlicks, Nonya Laksa, Noodles, Haianese Chicken, Mee Siam, Nasi Goreng, Nasi Lemak, Kaya Toast, sandwiches, and more toasts.

You can find Toast Box in

Trinoma Mall North Triangle
EDSA, Quezon City

3/F Greenbelt 5
Ayala Center
Makati City

Diving in Cabilao.

2011-03-04T01:51:00.000-08:00

Cabilao is a small island west of mainland Bohol. It has one of the most beautiful reefs in the country. I made two diving trips there -- In 2007 with Bambi, Daniel, and Daniel's family (his entire family dives); and in 2008, with Edeena, Angela, and Imee. Daniel's friends joined us, too!

I was told that the road trip + banca-ride from Tagbilaran was long, so we opted to leave from Mactan, Cebu. The trip from Mactan was only two hours by motorized boat. It was more convenient than leaving from Tagbilaran. We rented a boat, brought our own food, and rented air tanks from Aquadive.

Aqua Dive Inc.
Hadsan Cove Resort
Brgy Agus, Lapu-lapu City
Phone: +63 32 5181155
Email: info@aquadive.com.ph

You have an option to go to the town of Argao, north of Cebu, and have a banca take you to Cabilao. That's about an hour trip to the island. I'm not sure though if there are bancas already waiting in Argao. But to be sure, contact any of the hotels in Cabilao and have them arrange a banca for you.

Look at those colorful, huge corals! Cabilao will remain my favorite dive site. It is an underwater piece of heaven. Not a lot of people or divers go there, so the place is peaceful, clean, and undisturbed. We saw so many kinds of fish and corals, all colorful and beautiful. It was absolutely awesome!

We only did a day-trip to Cabilao which was quite enough to satisfy our curiosity of this island's underwater beauty. The downside of a day-trip is that the two-hour trip back to Mactan would seem too long when you are already very tired.

I suggest staying in the island overnight so you have more time to explore and get enough rest before traveling again. There are three resorts you can choose from --

La Estrella Beach Resort
Cabilao Island, 6327 Loon, Bohol, Philippines
Phones: +63 38 505 4114 . +63 38 505 4151
Email: info@laestrella.ph
Website: http://www.laestrella.ph/

Cabilao Beach Club
Cambaquiz, 6327 Loon, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 917 4545 897
Email: cabilao@skyinet.net
Website: http://www.cabilao.com/

Polaris Beach and Dive Resort
Pantudlan, Cabilao Island, 6327 Loon, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 505 4118
Mobile: +63 918 903 7187
Email: info@polaris-dive.com
Website: http://www.polaris-dive.com/

If and when you do decide to stay in the island longer than we did, visit Lake Lanao, Bohol's only natural lake. It is about half an hour walk from the resorts. It also serves as a bird sanctuary, so expect to see birds when you go.

And please, let the locals show you the way, be it on land or underwater.

More photos of that trip:

That's me, trying to take a picture and holding on to a rock because the current was too strong.

Our happy group during lunch!

. . . . .

For dives to Cabilao from Cebu, contact
Daniel Elemia
+63 916 3414724