Metro Pilipinas

Bonifacio Global City

2012-01-20T05:33:00.000-08:00

Just some shots near Serendra and Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). I'm still a newbie in photography and I am NOT an aspiring photographer. But I want to take nice pictures to capture the essence of the moment I'm experiencing. Hopefully, I do improve over time. =)

In the meantime, here are very few noob shots with post-processing by yours truly. I'm using a Fujifilm S4000 bridge camera. Please feel free to leave some advice and tips on how I can improve. I really hope to maximize the usage of my camera.

This is in Serendra, but if you cross that street, you'll be in Bonifacio High Street. While I was there, I was really, really shy to take out my camera and mag-Feeling photographer haha. So I had to steal this shot and act as if I weren't there for a photo-walk even though my original plan was to be in one. Social norms, nowadays. So stressful.

This is also in Serendra, Just a close up of one of the very unique streetlamp. As you can see, my model is quite uncomfortable with what we were doing, and so I took this shot in haste and left hastily.

I was experimenting on taking shots of moving objects (i.e. cars) in this picture, but since I'm a newbie, I really don't know what settings to use. =/ Panning shot, fail. But I'm a bit satisfied that *at least* I got a light trail. Haha.

Pilipinas, Tara Na!

2012-01-09T02:01:00.000-08:00

The Philippine Department of Tourism reveals this year's tourism campaign: Pilipinas, Tara Na! (Philippines, Let's Go!). This is in line with the recent ad campaign "It's More Fun in the Philippines."

Enjoy!

It's More Fun In The Philippines

2012-01-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is the latest tourism slogan coined and launched by the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) to kick off the year. It has been trending worldwide, and there have been a lot of positive and negative feedbacks about this. There was even an article that this is another non-original slogan, since the Swiss have already used this 60 years ago.

Personally, I like this one compared to last year's slogan. It gives me the impression that the Philippines is a fun place to go to. Doesn't matter what you do -- shopping, sight seeing, camping, or going extreme. Every little thing you do can be fun. Heck, even haggling in Divisoria stalls is fun. The design is also very simple yet modern.

Last year's slogan, "Pilipinas Kay Ganda," which had an issue of plagiarizing a Polish slogan, was terrible. I actually forgot about it for a couple of months haha. It just didn't leave a good impression. For me, the best slogan would still be WOW PHILIPPINES. Not because I am a Dick Gordon supporter, but because of the impact it gives. It's simple, yet captivating and very attractive.

Here is a list of other tourism slogans of our neighbors in ASIA.:

Singapore: "Your Singapore"
Thailand: "Amazing Thailand"
Malaysia: "Truly Asia"
India: "Incredible India"
Indonesia: "Visit Indonesia"
Brunei: "A Green Heart of Borneo" or "A Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures"
Cambodia: "Kingdom of Wonder"
Laos: "Simply Beautiful"
Myanmar: "Mystical Myanmar"
Vietnam: A timeless charm.
Philippines: "It's more fun in the Philippines"

2012 Philippine Holidays

2012-01-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Another year, another opportunity to go out and visit places! The list of holidays has been released and declared by PNoy, so plan your trips ahead of time and watch out for those Fare promos!

January 1 (Sunday) - New Year's Day

January 23 (Monday) - Chinese New Year

February 25 (Saturday) - EDSA Revolution Anniversary (Special Holiday for ALL schools)

April 5 (Thursday) - Maundy Thursday

April 6 (Friday) - Good Friday

April 9 (Monday) - Araw ng Kagitingan

May 1 (Tuesday) - Labor Day

June 12 (Tuesday) - Independence Day

August 21 (Tuesday) - Ninoy Aquino Day

August 27 (Monday) - National Heroes Day

November 1 (Thursday) - All Saints Day

November 2 (Friday) - Additional special (non-working) day

November 30 (Friday) - Bonifacio Day

December 25 (Tuesday) - Christmas Day

December 30 (Sunday) - Rizal Day

December 31 (Monday) - Last Day of the Year

Happy Holidays 2011

2011-12-26T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone! I'm sure by now your pockets are either (1) empty -- if you are the one giving gifts; or (2) full -- if you're the one receiving. I'm guessing most of us in the workforce belong to category (1).

It's Christmas and one of the traditions of the Filipinos when they celebrate this season is abundance of FOOD. Food symbolizes blessings, and the more blessings you have, the more you have on your dining table. Noche Buena is never complete without Ham or Queso de Bola. And of course, some booze to toast to Christ's birth.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Let us forget our diet for this month, and start again next year. Cheers!

Manila Restaurants: Ajisen

2011-12-19T00:47:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend, Marc, and I rarely visit Robinsons Place Manila because it's a bit far from where we both live, so we decided that we'd eat at a place we don't normally see in the malls near us. After going around in circles for a couple of minutes, we finally settled for this little ramen place near the corner of the 3rd floor.

The first time I saw the place, I really got curious. Marc and I are both fans of Japanese food, especially the shake sashimi (Raw Salmon slices) and various, out-of-the-box rolls. But when we stepped in Ajisen, we didn't immediately go to the Rolls and Sushi page, but our eyes were fixed on their Ramen menu. And so we did order ramen, and we tried some of their rolls.

First let me tell you about their rolls. They were okay. Nothing special, not extra-ordinary, but above the passing mark.

But the ramen? Now that's a different story. I don't want to spoil to spoil this for you, so I suggest you try it yourself. =^.^=

Here are some pictures of the place:

Their very friendly staff

Marc and Pats

Davao (Part 4)

2011-11-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

We spent our last day in Davao just touring the city some more and meeting up with friends. Upon going back to the city, we checked in at the dormitel once more and prepared for the rest of the day's activities. Our friends brought us to the Crocodile Farm that afternoon, and we really enjoyed the place. We were lucky that we were able to make it in time for the Animal parade, the Crocodile show, and of course the Cultural and Fire Dance show in the evening. Here's how our afternoon went:

1:30 PM - Lunch at the Crocodile restaurant. We tried their exotic dishes such as the Crocodile Sisig and the Ostrich Curry. Actually tasted good!

L-R: Crocodile Sisig, Sizzling Bangus, Ostrich Curry, Chicken Inasal

3:00 PM - Tour the farm. The farm was like a zoo -- it had lots of animals from the birds to the mammals to the reptiles to the insects. It was an adventure!

The Philippine Eagle showing off

4:00 PM - Start of the Animal Parade and Crocodile show. The birds were the star of the show, and they showcased their talents by showing off several tricks and treats for the audience. The final scene stealer was Pangil, the 21-foot long crocodile. Prepare to get wet!

Pangil, the 21-ft Crocodile

They made a replica of the Crocodile swarm. Can you spot the lurking Crocs?

6:00 PM - Cultural dance and fire show. Totally WICKED! You cannot miss this show. I haven't seen anything like this before, and I was truly amazed.

The awesome cast and crew of the cultural dance show

The dancers showing off the Singkil

Finally! The Fire Show! Truly wonderful!

Before going back to the hotel and preparing for dinner, we stopped by the famous pasalubong place, Aldevinco to buy some pomelos, pearls, and souvenirs.

That night, we decided to have dinner at Jack's ridge, the famous night spot for tourists similar to Luzon's Antipolo. The view is just spectacular, Davao at night is magical. Our friend, Dabaw, even shared his story of how he proposed to his wife in that place. A very romantic place, and also a very nice place just to hang out.

Davao at Jack's Ridge

Jack's Ridge

View from the top (Jack's Ridge)

But our Davao trip had to end. After hitting the sack, we woke up the next day just in time for our flight back to Manila. I will definitely be back, Davao!

Today's expenses:

Php 500.00 - Accommodation

Php 200.00 - Taxi (all day)

Php 0.00 - Crocodile Farm (But the entrance fee is Php 150.00 -- our friend treated us)

Php 0.00 - Lunch (Our friend also treated us to lunch. Average cost is at Php 200.00)

Php 300.00 - Pasalubong

Php 0.00 - Dinner (Again, our friend treated us to Dinner, but average cost is at Php 300.00)

-----------------------

Total: Php 1,000.00

Davao (Part 3)

2011-10-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

Wow! It actually took a while before I wrote about our Davao trip. I know this is really long overdue, but things have been crazy recently at work that I haven't found the time and the resources to write about it. Anyway, without further adieu, I am now going to share with you our third day in Enchanting Davao -- and how we spent it at Samal Island.

Originally, our plan was to check in at out chosen resort, Blue Waters, and then proceed to Maxima Aqua Fun to enjoy the rides and the attractions. Unfortunately, the weather really wasn't cooperating with us that we decided to just sleep the entire afternoon. LOL. I know, our Samal trip was pretty useless if you ask me. But personally, I thought it was perfect. Our trip to Samal was actually a major relaxation getaway: eat, sleep, get drunk, sleep, and be lazy.

Ain't that what we all want to do? Hahaha. We were able to swim and try their pool and beach, but we didn't last long because it was freezing! What better way to warm up than to have some alcohol. Hahaha. What's funny is that at night, the resort attendants would actually leave the resort to go home. So basically no one was there but us guests!! At 9PM, we were alone and we couldn't order any food or drinks anymore, so back to sleep it is!

Anyway, here's a breakdown of our expenses that day. The next day, we went back to Davao City for another city tour and some time with friends. I'll write about that again next time. =)

Expenses:

Php 67.00 - Samal Island Boat trip (Php 200 per trip divided by 3 of us)
Php 50.00 - Drinks (Shakes)
Php 600.00 - Accommodation (Standard Room is Php 1,500.00 for 2 pax, Additional Php 300 for 3 pax = Php 1,800.00 divided by 3)
Php 180.00 - Lunch
Php 180.00 - Dinner
Php 200.00 - Beer / Drinks
Php 50.00 - Cooler Rental (We rented a cooler because they closed their bars at 9PM)
Php 150.00 - Breakfast
Php 67.00 - Boat trip back to the City (Php 200 per trip divided by 3 of us)
------------
Php 1,544.00 TOTAL

On our way to our boat ride -- we thought it would be the speed boat (left), but it was the other one (right) that brought us to the island.

That's already Samal Island beyond the waters. That's how near it is.

The resort's greeter -- the fisherman statue

Welcome!

View from the resort -- yes, that's Davao mainland across the waters. The resort has a swimming pool as well. See how the clouds are dark? =(

Entrance to the resort

The beach isn't as lovely because of the corals and rocks. But the water was crystal clear.

Weather definitely isn't cooperating.

Our cottage -- where we were most of the time LOL.

Davao (Part 2)

2011-08-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

On to the second day of our Davao adventure!

The itinerary I made for the day was to focus all activities on the city tour. Wake up time should be 7am, but unfortunately we were just too lazy and too tired to go out. In the end, we left the dormitel at around noon time. All the activities I've planned for TOTALLY changed haha. Just a tip to all planners out there -- this might disappoint you -- but not all things go as planned. It really depends on everyone's moods so better have a back up plan or just be plain spontaneous. Don't go dwelling on the disappointment because you won't enjoy. =)

Anyway, here's how our day went. No more Eden Park or Philippine Eagle Sanctuary. Hello, Malls. LOL!

11:00 AM - Left the dormitel. Since the sun was in its peak, we decided to cancel the trips to the far places. We needed to grab lunch, and the best place to find that is --- yep, at the mall. When we got to the cab driver, we asked Manong what the newest, most celebrated mall. And brought us to Abreeza, an Ayala-owned mall newly opened with ambiance similar to Greenbelt and Trinoma. We looked for a restaurant that we didn't see in Manila, and so we had lunch at Mooon Cafe. I remember having dinner in Cebu, also at Mooon Cafe. I wonder why they don't have a branch in Manila.

Hindi sila kuripot sa cheese. =D

1:00 PM - After malling, we continued our "city tour." I really wanted to go ziplining, but it was still to early so we decided to just visit the nearest tourist spot. Thus, we arrived at The Gap Farm. I searched the internet for this and I've seen positive reviews. Unfortunately, it just didn't serve our interests.

Don't get me wrong. The place is lovely, green, and very educational. But it's not for a group of adults who want to explore fun, adventurous stuff. Well anyway since we were already there, what the heck. We just went on with the tour. (When we talked to our Davaoeno friends about visiting Gap Farm, they just laughed at us, saying that the only time they were there was probably during their 2nd Grade field trip. LOL.)

The famous Land of Promise

That Carabao is forever urinating!!!

The gang at the Land of Promise

The Cyclops under the "Japanese Shelter House / Cave"

My first time seeing a kasoy fruit

Conference of Filipino folklore

Conference of Heroes and Presidents. I learned that Davao was once the place where everyone held meetings / conferences. That's what Gap Farm was trying to tell us.

OMG his "you-know-what" thing is too distracting!!

Better pray!!

Anyway, after the Gap Farm tour comes the most exciting part of our trip. Zipline!! Woohoo! Next to White Water Rafting, Zipline is probably the next most adventurous experience in Davao City. Of course we had to try it.

2:30 PM - Zipline. There were two courses: one very steep, very tall fall -- you have to cross a cliff; and one accelerating very fast. It was definitely worth it!! It was drizzling that time, and it was very scary but things went well and I had one heck of an experience. Luckily, the rain just started to pour heavily right after we finished the course. The Gods truly love us. =)

This is the view from the cliff -- where the zipline all starts

That's the cliff where we started the zipline adventure. See how tall it is?

This is the second part of the zipline -- faster speed!

7:00 PM - Our friend (the guy who got married yesterday) treated us to dinner. We were supposed to go to Jack's Ridge, but the rain was really heavy and he said that the place isn't too good when it rains. So we settled for the next best thing -- Lyndon's Worst Ribs and Awful chicken. Crazy name, but it's actually opposite of what their food tastes like. Buurrp. Too bad I wasn't able to take photos of the actual ribs, I was too hungry to think of taking pictures. =P

We finished the night having a one-hour massage at a nearby spa. What a day! Tomorrow it's Samal Island. Wait for my next post!

Here are the day's expenses:

Php 150.00 - Lunch
Php 30.00 - Gap Farm Entrance
Php 10.00 - Gap Farm "Cave" Entrance
Php 500.00 - Zipline adventure
Php 300.00 - Massage
Php 300.00 - Taxi
---------------------
Total: 1290.00

Davao (Part 1)

2011-08-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

They say it's the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. Well, they're right. The moment I stepped foot on Davao, I immediately noticed how clean the streets are compared to Metro Manila. They have proper places for garbage, and people just don't spit around. I guess it's because of the city ordinances implemented by their city officials. I'm not sure if the Davao Death Squad (led by their Mayor) rumors are true, but I'm pretty sure their politicians are doing something to make the city better.

Welcome to Davao!

We spent 5 days in Davao to attend a friend's wedding. We arrived on June 8 and left on the 12th via Cebu Pacific. I had already planned an itinerary for us to follow so that we'll know where we're going and we'll be able to maximize our stay there. Here's the itinerary I've prepared:

Please click the image for full view.

I've prepared cases where we might want to spend maximum, or spend with the lowest possible cost. I assumed that our cost for accommodation for Day 1 is Php 0.00 because our friend said that he'll be covering that expense. But when we got there, we were too shy to ask him so we shouldered the cost instead.

The planned itinerary actually just didn't go as planned LOL. Let me share with you my experience during my 5-day vacation.

Day 1: Arrival and Friend's Wedding

10:00 AM - Just Landed! Hello Davao!
11:00 AM - Checked In at the Dormitel
12:00 NN - Lunch Time (also at the Dormitel)
2:30 PM - Went to Church for our friend's wedding
6:00 PM - Reception
9:00 PM - Chillax Night

Basically we didn't do anything for sight-seeing today. The main focus of our day was on our friend's wedding day. We saved up the tours and the adventures for the coming days. We did, however, tried their local version of Starbucks, and we went out for videoke that night. At first we wanted to try the local bars just beside the videoke place and see how Davao parties, but we kind of figured that we're too old for that haha. And we were wearing a bit formal clothes, so we just wouldn't fit in.

Anyway, we did have a couple of beers, but we went home early because we figured that we'll be up and running early the next day. But we were wrong haha. I'll share that with you next time, but for now, here's a summary of our expenses:

Php 100.00 - Taxi to NAIA 3
Php 200.00 - NAIA 3 Terminal Fee
Php 50.00 - Taxi to Dormitel (There were 4 of us, we shared taxi costs)
Php 450.00 - Accommodation at Green Windows Dormitel (Php 1,800 for Double Twin)
Php 70.00 - Lunch
Php 50.00 - Taxi to Church
Php 50.00 - Taxi to Reception
Php 100.00 - COffee at Green Coffee
Php 300.00 - Videoke and beer and pika-pika
-------------
Total: 1570.00

A bit expensive for a first day without any activities, huh? Check out my next posts on our activity development!

The giant durian just outside the airport. Davao is famous for its durian products -- candies, preserves, etc.

Our lunch at the Dormitel. Nothing special, Php 55.00 for one rice and one viand. Not bad.

The dormitel was just awesome. Styling, technology-friendly, and NEW.

Even the bathroom is very nice.

Green Coffee: Davao's version of Starbucks. Their bathroom is just spectacular!

Summer Destination: Camiguin (Part 2)

2011-08-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Woohoo, here comes the juicy part of the Camiguin trip! I mentioned in my previous post that it took us half a day to travel from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin, but I swear, it was worth it. We spent the whole day of Day 3 in Camiguin -- beach bumming and touring around the island. Here's how the day went.

Day 3: Camiguin

8:00 AM - Breakfast

Just a few meters away from where we stayed at is the port. It's where you'll find boats that you can ask to take you to the famous white islet of Camiguin for a particular price. Also there's a small tiangge in the area, as well as a couple of turo-turo eateries. It's called turo-turo because you simply have to point which dishes you'd like to eat and they'll prepare it for you (turo is tagalog for to point). We had breakfast at the eateries there, under the shade of the coconut and mango trees. Refreshing and appetizing with the sea as our view.

That's the beach in front of the boat port. That's our view while having breakfast. Crystal Clear, and very clean.

9:00 AM - Trip to White Islet

We negotiated with one of the local boat operators to take us to the famous Camiguin White Islet and back. We had to book two boats because we were 11 in the group, and one boat can only accommodate up to six passengers. Also the locals informed us that we needed goggles or snorkel gear for us to enjoy the corals there. Quite excited with the idea, we did rent snorkel gear for Php85.00 -- good for the entire trip.

To our dismay, upon our arrival at the white islet, there were also a couple of locals who offer snorkel gear for rent --- at a cheaper price! If you didn't bring any snorkel gear with you, don't worry because you can rent their gear for Php 50.00 when you get to the White Islet. Don't rent from the port (lesson learned).

Yes, that's how small the White Islet is. View from our boat on our way to the White Islet.

9:15 AM - Tiny Paradise

Wow. Major Wow. The white islet was more beautiful than I had imagined. Just a small island of white sand with crystal clear water and a very healthy marine ecosystem to boot. With goggles, you'll clearly see the corals, the schools of fish, and we even had the chance to meet a coral snake. LOL. Camiguin White Islet is simply beautiful.

We're finally here!

Simply Beautiful!

View from the island: Mt. Hibok-hibok in all its glory!

White sand, crystal clear waters

See how clear the water is, you can see fishes swimming with you!

Woohoo, enjoy the sea and sun and sand!

12:30 PM - Back to Camiguin Main Island

High tide was coming up and the islet is starting to disappear. Yes, literally the white sand slowly became engulfed by the sea, and what used to be sand on my feet became water. After going back to the resort, went out again to tour the island. We negotiated with the multicab driver who drove us to the resort last night to also take us around the island.

One of the views we got to see while on our way to the Sunken Cemetery.

We decided to have a late lunch at the Sunken Cemetery. There was a restaurant on a hill overlooking the cemetary, but we were too lazy to go to the cemetery -- I think probably because we were so full, and that the sun was just at its glory. We've been tanned enough already.

The Sunken Cemetery

3:00 PM - Old Volcano and Station of the Cross

Another popular hotspot of the island of Camiguin is the Old Volcano and the Stations of the Cross. During holy week, the locals would climb the steps of this old, inactive volcano and visit each station of the cross. This is an old Catholic tradition. Fortunately, when you reach the top, you'll have a breathtaking view.

Stations of the Cross

View from the top!

5:00 PM - Ardent Hot Springs

Another hotspot of the island you cannot miss is the hot springs of Mount Hibok-Hibok. This mountain is the volcano at the center of the island, probably shaping the island as it is right now. There are several "pools" you can check out: the lukewarm, half-cold half-warm (at first you'll enter the pool assuming it will be hot, but cold water actually settles below. So you'll get half warm water and half cold water below). Also there's the really hot spring water with 39 degrees C in temperature. Amazing, really. And crystal clear too.

They also have massage services for Php 150.00 for those who want a total relaxation package.

Hot Springs -- see how clear the water is?

7:00 PM - Dinner

After the hot spring, we went back to our resort, changed into dry clothes and had dinner. We had dinner at the Terrasse International Ristorante just a couple of meters away from the resort and the food they serve there is really really good. A bit pricey, but definitely good.

Day 4: Trip back home

The trip back home is a struggle -- knowing that your vacation is about to end makes me depressed. Our flight back to Manila is at 4PM, so we had to leave Camiguin early in the morning so we can check in at the airport at around 2:00 PM.

Just before leaving Camiguin island, we bought our pasalubongs. Camiguin is famous for its Pastel, bread with creamy custard filling. The prices of one big box of Pastel is only Php 130.00, whereas you can buy them for Php 180.00 in Manila. We hoarded A LOT of boxes as pasalubong for our friends, and families.

we arrived in Cagayan de Oro City at around 11:30 AM, and so we decided to have lunch at one of its famous malls -- Lim Ket Kai mall. It's one of the first and biggest malls in the city. Rumor has it that everytime SM CDO makes some upgrades to its mall, Lim Ket Kai Mall will also do the same.

At around 2:30 PM, we checked in at the airport and at 6:00 PM, we were back in the jungle (Manila). Hello again, world.

The plane to take us back home. Huhuhu :(

So here's a summary of our expenses for Days 3 and 4:

Day 3:

Php 100.00 - Breakfast
Php 100.00 - Boat Rental (Php 1100.00 for two boats roundtrip)
Php 85.00 - Snorkel Gear
Php 200.00 - Lunch
Php 5.00 - Entrance Fee to Stations of the Cross
Php 30.00 - Entrance Fee to Hot Springs
Php 200.00 - Dinner
Php 100.00 - Multicab rental (Php 1000.00 tour, includes transport to port the next morning)
-----------
Php 820.00

Day 4:

Php 50.00 - Breakfast/Coffee at the Port
Php 500.00 - Pasalubong (Pastel)
Php 150.00 - Pasalubong (Keychains, etc.)
Php 150.00 - Ferry Fare
Php 140.00 - Bus Fare
Php 7.00 - Jeepney fare from Bus Terminal to Lim Ket Kai Mall
Php 200.00 - Lunch
Php 100.00 - Taxi to Airport
-----------
Php 1297.00

The total expenses of my 4-days in CDO and Camiguin:

Day 1: Php 1134.00
Day 2 (AM): Php 900.00
Day 2 (PM): Php 968.00
Day 3: Php 820.00
Day 4: Php 1297.00
--------------
Php 5119.00

Not bad at all!

Summer Destination: Camiguin (Part 1)

2011-07-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after our white water rafting adventure in CDO, we decided to visit one of the most popular beach destinations in the Philippines -- Camiguin. It has always been a dream to visit this small island, ever since I learned in Grade 3 that there's a small islet that disappears with the high tide, and again reappears with the low tide. I have carried that curiousity for more than 10 years already, and I really felt blessed to have been able to visit Camiguin in my lifetime.

Before I get too dramatic with my Camiguin experience, let me first warn you that the trip to the island is not as pleasant as I thought it would be. My friends and I thought that Camiguin would be like Boracay or Puerto Galera, where after you take a boat ride you'll reach a big shore with hundreds of resorts to choose from.

We were wrong, unfortunately. The trip to Camiguin was exhausting. But for what it's worth, Camiguin was definitely worth it.

Let me start with where we left off in our White Water Rafting adventure. Upon our arrival at the hotel, we immediately left for Camiguin. You see, from Cagayan de Oro city, there are two ways to get to Camiguin:

1) Fast Craft (PaSeaCat): A fast craft that travels from CDO to Camiguin. Travel time usually takes around 2-3 hours.

Why we didn't travel this way:
Pricey (A ticket costs around Php 580.00 one way!)
Schedule Conflict: The PaSeaCat only has two schedules for the CDO-Camiguin route. The ferry leaves CDO for Camiguin at 8:30 AM, and back at 4:00 PM. No other schedules. So since we were leaving for Camiguin in the afternoon, there were no more trips via the fast craft.
2) Long, hard way: From CDO, bus ride to Balingoan Port, then Ferry ride to Camiguin. As you might have guessed, we travelled this way.

Now, onto the details. We took a jeepney from the hotel to the Bus Terminal located at Agora Market. Buses for Balingoan usually leave every hour, and we were lucky to be just in time, a bus was about to leave. Don't mind the barkers, just look for an airconditioned bus bound for Balingoan at the soonest possible time. The bus ride usually takes around 2 hours.

At Balingoan, we took a tricycle that took us to the port. Honestly, the port was a walking distance away from the bus terminal, and you can get there by foot. But, we were bakasyonistas back then and we didn't know how to get around and we got convinced by the tambays to take the trike... So there.

Top: Balingoan Port; Bottom: Departure Terminal

Upon arriving at the port, we bought tickets to ride the "roro" ferry bound for Camiguin. Ferries leave for camiguin every hour, I think. We were again lucky to be just in time for the ferry bound for Camiguin. The ferry ride was about an hour, and luckily it was around 5PM, so the sun wasn't too harsh. We stayed at the deck of the boat.

Top: Balingoan The Roro that would take us to Camiguin; Bottom: We stayed there during the 45-minute boat ride.

To our horror, it was already dark when we arrived in the town of Mahinog, Camiguin. And it wasn't what we expected. We didn't see a vast shoreline of white sand and numerous resorts anywhere near. Instead, it felt as if we were in a ghost town. It was dark, mountains were behind us, and we didn't know anyone! Worse, we didn't know where we'll be staying that night! We thought we'd select a resort upon arriving, but we couldn't see any resorts at all!

Luckily, we know of one popular beach resort in Camiguin, and that's Paras Beach Resort. We were pretty unlucky that time because when we called them, there weren't any available rooms! So what we did, we consulted one of the locals and asked where else we can stay. And Manong said there are other resorts near Paras, we can just take a look.

And so we did. We rented a multicab to Paras resort -- and it took us another 45 minutes!! OMG. By the time we reached Paras, it was around 7:30 PM already and we were tired, hungry, and sleepy. We walked around the block to look for a place to stay, and fortunately, there were a lot. Since we will be staying for 2 nights, we decided to get the cheapest place: One big room good for 12 people. Hahaha! Sardinas in one big can. At least it was air-conditioned, and it had a tiny Tv. That's good enough. =P

We had dinner in nearby eateries. You can eat at Paras but you have to pay Php 150.00 entrance fee (consumable). There's also an Italian restaurant nearby. But the best food for me would probably be in Terrasse International Ristorante. They serve really good food, and you can go there by foot (it's a bit dark in the towns of Camiguin, so better bring some flashlights).

Okay, the day finally ended and tomorrow our Camiguin adventure will begin. I'll continue again in another post, so stay tuned!

As a summary, here's how the rest of the afternoon of Day 2 went:

2:30 PM - Leave for Bus Terminal in Agora (via Jeepney)
3:00 PM - Bus ride to Balingoan
5:00 PM - Arrival in Balingoan
5:15 PM - Ferry Ride to Mahinog, Camiguin
6:30 PM - Camiguin Arrival
7:30 PM - Arrival at Paras Resort
7:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Looking for an alternative resort
8:15 PM - Settled Down
8:30 PM - Dinner / Ikot ikot
11:00 PM - Lights Off

And as for the expenses:

Php 7.00 - Jeepney Fare
Php 140.00 - Bus Fare
Php 6.00 - Tricycle Fare
Php 100.00 - Snacks at Port
Php 150.00 - Ferry Fare
Php 50.00 - Multicab Rental (Php 500.00 / 11pax)
Php 150.00 - Dinner
Php 365.00 - Resort Accommodation (2 nights at Pabua's Cottages -- In front of Paras Resort)
--------------
TOTAL: Php 968.00

For more information on other ways to get to Camiguin, please visit:
http://camiguinguide.webs.com/gettingtocamiguin.htm

Summer Destination: CDO (Cagayan De Oro) - Part 2

2011-07-13T02:13:00.000-07:00

OKAYYYY! Here comes the juicy part! Last time, I talked about our first day in Cagayan De Oro City. Today, I will share our experience during our 2nd day at the City of Golden Friendship. And this is the reason why we came here -- White Water Rafting!

Which was actually quite funny, because when we got to the site, the water wasn't white AT ALL. We called it Chocolate Water Rafting instead, because the river was muddy in color. The Rafting guide told us it was probably because of the rain that occurred the day before. Whatever color that river is, we are all set to conquer it -- As Beginners of course. =P The Beginners trail has 21 Class 1 and Class 2 rapids. Sounds pretty scary, but in actual, it really was FUN!

So here's how the day went:

Day 2

6:30 AM - Wake up / Breakfast (included in hotel package)
7:30 AM - Bugsay Rafters picked us up from our hotel and brought us to the site.
9:00 AM - Arrival at starting point of the White Water Rafting adventure
11:30 AM - Arrival at end point
12:00 NN to 1:00 PM - Lunch time at the end point. Food is okay, you'll spend around Php 200 per meal per person
2:00 PM - Arrival at the hotel.

We decided to head straight to Camiguin that afternoon. I'll talk about our Camiguin trip on a separate note. For now, please do enjoy our Water Rafting Adventure.

Also just a little background on the rafting guide we got, Bugsay is quite satisfactory. Their gears and equipment were okay, and the guides were fun and informative. They had a separate rafter solely charged with taking pictures (and his name is Shadowman). Unfortunately, the photos aren't part of the package so you'd have to buy them for Php1000.00. Also you can't pick it up right away because they have to transfer it to a CD. We didn't have time to get the CD because we were headed straight to Camiguin that afternoon, so I asked my cousin who lives in CDO to pick it up for us and send it to me via mail. When the pictures arrived, I wasn't very satisfied with the photos. All photos had these black thingamagigs at the bottom. I had to post-process to remove them. Tsk.

Other than that, the photos were pretty fun to look at. Here are some photos we've enjoyed, and hopefully you'll also enjoy and inspire you to visit CDO and experience White Water Rafting. =) Please do click the photos to enjoy their full sizes.

The rafting guide explaining the basics to us. If you are conscious of your color, I would advise you to wear Rash Guards because you'll be under the sun (if the sun cooperates) for about 2-3 hours.

First Raft - The noobs. Mostly the singkits and the patpatins. Do you recognize our guide (rightmost)? Can you spot him HERE?

Our raft, near the hanging bridge. Marissa is our muse (sitting at the front of our raft).

One of the rapids we had to overcome. This is the second raft -- Team Bigatin. Lahat sila mabibigat nyahaha!

Our guide intentionally made us head for that rock!

We passed by one of the mini-waterfalls. We thought it was probably the drainage of some bathroom atop the mountains.

We got off the raft!! Crazy and fun and scary at the same time! We also went through the rapids without our rafts. You gotta try it.

A snake decided to show up while we were passing the Snake Wall.

Success!!! Next White Water Rafting trip -- Extreme!

The Beginner White Water Rafters -- who had an awesome adventure conquering the rapids of CDO.

This morning's Damage (per person):
Php 700.00 - White Water Rafting (c/o Bugsay -- includes transpo to/from hotel)
Php 200.00 - Lunch
-------------------
Total: Php 900.00

Summer Destination: CDO (Cagayan De Oro) - Part 1

2011-07-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

CDO CDO CDO!
The first thing that comes to my mind when someone says CDO is White Water Rafting. I've heard a lot of people and a few close friends raving about their adventure against the mighty river, and ever since then, I have been dying to experience that myself. Luckily, last year when my friends discovered the seat sale promo offered by Air Philippines, they booked for CDO immediately. And I have been looking forward to having this vacation for the past year! Ha, imagine the agony of waiting!

Anyway, our CDO trip was for 4 days and 3 nights, and we decided to spend 1 night in CDO and 2 nights in Camiguin. For now, I'll be sharing our CDO trip experience with you. =)

DAY 1
3:30 PM - Arrival in CDO

Upon landing at the airport, we decided to rent a van since we were a pack of 11. We negotiated with the van driver to bring us to the hotel for Php 600, and luckily he agreed. Also by that time, we haven't confirmed reservations for the White Water Rafting yet, but the heavens were smiling at us because the driver (who also became our tour guide) also worked for a rafting company as his 'sideline job.' He brought us first to their office and there, we scheduled our rafting adventure. The rafting guide we booked with was Bugsay.

Bugsay flyers -- the guy 2nd from the right cracked us all up. But we were up for a surprise...

We then checked in at our hotel at Victoria Suites. Not really a 5-star hotel, but okay enough for our needs. Air-conditioned with free breakfast and free wi-fi. Not bad at all. =)

It was a Friday when we arrived, and we were informed by Manong Driver that at night, the streets right in front of our hotel go alive as they hold their weekly "Night Market." Similar to our Banchetto in Manila, this is where stalls and stalls of food and food and food are sold. Plus, there's alcohol. And a live band. And lots of merchandise (toys, shades, etc.). Dinner was no longer a problem. And best of all, the name of the place is DIVISORIA (o ha!). We had dinner at the Divisoria Night Market. =P

Clockwise: Bulalo served at the night market; Our hotel -- Victoria Suite; The night market

Since we were only spending one night in CDO, we decided to explore the city. We rode the infamous Motorela -- a mini-jeepney powered by a motorcycle. Can accommodate up to 8 passengers: 6 at the back and 2 at the front (one sa left side ng driver, and the other sa right side).

Us excited for our Motorela ride!

8:00 PM - Bar

We asked what the nearest local pub was, and one of the security guards we asked answered "____." Tip: never trust the security guard especially when he's a bit old na than your generation. The bar we went to was... old. Haha. The songs they played were old, and one of the performers was... uhm, let's just say, already a Manong. Despite that, we did enjoy and we got to order the city's specialty: Ostrich. Tastes like beef AND chicken.

OSTRICHHHH!

10:30 PM - Coffee and Cakes

We ended the night by visiting a nearby coffee shop, Vienna Kauffeehaus (no idea why they spelled it that way). They serve coffee and cakes, and all oh-so-yummy. Each mini-cake costs only Php 85.00, but they are good for 3 people already. Overall, we had a fun first night in CDO.

Us having coffee and cakes at Vienna Kauffeehaus

TODAY's DAMAGE (per person) :

Php 200.00 - Airfare (Sale, bought last year -- roundtrip)
Php 200.00 - Terminal Fee
Php 55.00 - Van Service to Hotel (Php 600 divided by 11 pax)
Php 250.00 - Hotel (Php 1500 per room, 6 persons per room)
Php 200.00 - Dinner at Night Market
Php 14.00 - Motorela (roundtrip to / from Hotel)
Php 200.00 - Drinks at Local Bar and Ostrich Meal
Php 150.00 - Coffee/Cake at Vienna Kauffeehaus
----------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: Php 1134.00

(To Be Continued -- Part 2: White Water Rafting)

Manila Restaurants: Omakase

2011-05-25T01:07:00.000-07:00

OMAKASE is a Japanese word that means "It's up to you."

This very phrase embodies exactly what Omakase restaurant is. It is a fusion of Japanese and other cultures in one glorious menu. I am crazy about Japanese food, and I haven't enjoyed as much as I have enjoyed my experience in Omakase. See for yourself.

Omakase has 6 branches: Greenhills, Libis, Ayala Alabang, Ayala Triangle, and Tomas Morato.

My boyfriend and I are Buffalo Wings Fanatics. Cannot miss this one. VERY SULIT, I swear!

Ahhh... Mount Fuji in a bite.

Live the American Dream.

Cannot forget about sashimi.

Yes, that's bacon.

Summer Destination: Bonggang Bolinao

2011-05-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

Bolinao is home to several untapped beaches in the Philippines. Although not as popular as other white beaches, Bolinao has gorgeous shorelines with incredibly rich marine species and historical relics that allow you to merge with nature and history in one simple, cheap vacation stint. We had the chance to visit Bolinao, and despite the long travel by road, it was definitely worth it.

I'm not kidding, the travel to Bolinao is really exhausting. You'd need half a day to reach paradise, and it's not that easy to find transportation. When we went there, our trip was tiresome because we didn't travel on a private vehicle. We used public transportation through the local busline, Victory, but it was ultimately a big fail. Apparently, buses going to Bolinao have a very specific schedule per day, and it's either you hit or miss the trip. If you miss it, you'll have to wait the next day.

Unfortunately for us, we missed it. We left on a Friday night, thinking that there will be trips every hour (similar to Baguio trips). But there weren't any trips available, and we would have to wait for another 6 hours. We couldn't wait that long because we would be wasting time. And so we rode the next best trip: a bus to Tarlac, where the terminal for Victory liner is. We planned to just wait for the bus at the Tarlac terminal because the sales representative from Victory informed us that there are buses stationed at the terminal headed to Bolinao. And so we did follow her suggestion...

We took the bus going to Tarlac, and decided to wait for the bus to Bolinao in Tarlac Terminal.

While we're waiting for the next bus. Really exhausting, especially since it's early morning (4AM)

And again, it was another major fail. when we arrived in Tarlac, we couldn't find any buses going to Bolinao. We waited, and waited, and waited, until it was dawn. We've been sitting at the terminal for 2 hours already, and nothing seems to be happening. So what did we do? We were so desperate to get to paradise already, so we decided to rent a local jeepney to transport us to our resort. It was very uncomfortable -- no aircon, no proper seats, no baggage area. But we were so tired that we didn't care. We just had to bear with it.

The jeepney that took us to the resort. No aircon, no comfy seats. Oh well, the pains you must pay for paradise.

Finally -- we reached the resort. The view was breathtaking. All the exhaustion was swept away by the view. It was definitely worth it.

View of Bolinao beach

But of course we just couldn't dive in and take a swim. We had to prepare lunch. Before reaching the resort, we asked the jeepney driver to pass by a local market for us to buy food. I swear, I wanted to buy heaps and heaps of shrimp, squid, and fish because first of all, the prices are waay cheaper than the those in Manila, and second, the sea food are really fresh. It's as if they were caught only a few minutes ago.

Anyway, after cooking lunch and filling our tummies with all the fresh seafood we could eat, the fun began. It was time to hit the beach.

The beach wasn't as lovely as I thought from afar mainly because of the marine life that inhabited the waters. It was an endless plain of seaweeds and greens, and the corals and shells actually made it a bit difficult to swim. But it was okay, the water is clear and clean and lovely so what more could I ask for?

Crystal clear Bolinao beach -- You can clearly see the sea plants. And I can even see the colors on my nails. :)

At night, we asked the resort crew to set up a bonfire for us on the beach where we drank and chatted all night. We were tired from the trip and everything that happened that day, but sitting under the moon and the stars while talking and drinking and having fun definitely gave us a blast.

The gang -- spent the night drinking, chatting.

We didn't have the chance to visit the famous historic lighthouse because we were so tired the next day. Alas, it was time to leave Bolinao, and just thinking about the horrendous trip we might experience made us gloomy. But fortunately, the trip back wasn't as bad. When we went back to town, the bus headed to Manila was waiting there for us, and we had a smooth 6-hour ride on an air-conditioned bus.

Surprisingly, the trip to Bolinao wasn't expensive at all. The biggest chunk would be on the transportation (Around Php 500 per trip), and my group was sharing the rooms and the food (around Php 1000). Overall, Bolinao is great if you want your own private time on a secluded area. It would probably be better if you had private transportation so you wouldn't have to experience the horror we experienced.

Bolinao beach

See the waves? The beach is a loooong stretch of really shallow water. Then comes the turning point where it suddenly becomes deep, and the waves are bigger.

Sunset at Bolinao

Manila Restaurants: Yakimix

2011-04-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Yakimix is probably my favorite eat-all-you-can restaurant. Unlike the Dad's / Kamayan / Saisaki chain, it not only gives me ready-to-eat dishes, but it allows me to cook my food right in front of me. Mainly they serve Korean / Japanese dishes, with a little Filipino menu on the side. What's enjoyable is that it gives you control over how cooked you want your food to be. Some people want it raw, while some love it well done. At Yakimix, you can cook your food to your liking.

The price also isn't that bad. The eat-all-you-can is priced at Php 580.00, and the bottomless drink is at Php 60.00.

What I don't like about Yakimix is that they have schedules for Lunch and Dinner. Their lunch is served only at 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while dinner is at 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Also if you're planning to go there, better be early. Else, you'll be waitlisted and might have to wait for 2 moure hour before you can get seated and indulge.

Yakimix has several branches located at:

BC25, Hobbies of Asia, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.

Pasay City, MM

+63(2)3878120

Tomas Morato

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 332-8073

SM Mall of Asia

Greenbelt 3

Pilar, Capiz

2011-03-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

Pilar, Capiz is my mother's hometown. When we were kids, we used to visit this little town off the coast of Capiz and spend the holidays there together with my cousins and other relatives. Back then, when everybody else had cable TV, the only channel they had was Channel 2, When everybody else had internet, they had party-line phones, when everybody had electricity, several houses are still using lamps and candles.

Revisiting my grandmother's house brought back a surge of memories: the streets where we used to play "Ins" (patintero in tagalog), hide and seek, and Langit Lupa. Nothing much has changed. They have caught up with technology, but they are still far behind. The vast shoreline where we used to gather small shells has now been turned into a fishport. The people. Oh what can I say about the people? Still the same, heartwarming and hospitable, innocent, and oblivious to the world's problems.

Pilar may be a small town, but it has a big space in my heart. It's one of those places where I really feel so secure, as if my own littles world is protected from the harsh truths that the real world is constantly slapping me in the face. If I do have kids and grandkids someday, I would want them to experience the beauty and innocence of this place. It is definitely a treasure.

Lola's house in Pilar.

The (only) catholic Church in Pilar, Capiz

The streets where we used to play at. This used to be all mud and dust and dirt.

The beach in front of Lola's house -- Low Tide and gorgeous sunset

One of the popular twin caves that mark entry to the town of Pilar

The fishport, built recently.

Pilar, Capiz market

Three musketeers in the sunset

Playground at the park in Pilar, Capiz

Restaurants: CNT Lechon

2011-03-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

If you're in Cebu, you CANNOT miss CNT Lechon. They have the most mouth-watering, scrumptuous, and best tasting lechon I have ever known. Dine in or take home. Your choice. You just CANNOT miss it.

Affordable na, yummy pa! I've known some people actually ordering lechon all the way from Cebu even if they are in Metro Manila. Trust me, It's Just That Good.

Manila Restaurants: The Green Tomato

2011-03-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Green Tomato is home to the best pesto in town-- well at least for me. I have no idea why I am so addicted to their Chicken Pesto. Maybe because the olive oil is just oozing, and that their pasta is cooked just right. And the serving size is also enough for two (but usually only enough for me). The sauce isn't creamy, the way I like it, and has less nuts -- also the way I like it. It's just heaven for me. And it's affordable too. For less than Php 200.00, you can have one of the best pestos in town.

As an Italian restaurant, they also serve pizzas and other pastas all good for sharing and more or less at Php 200.00. The prices aren't bad, right? A great alternative to the more expensive Italianni's. =)

They are located at the 6th floor of the Shangri-la Plaza Mall at EDSA Mandaluyong and can be contacted through: (02) 633-5348.

Manila Restaurants: Icebergs

2011-02-24T01:54:00.000-08:00

Icebergs = Ice Cream with Cherries on Top. Yep, that's what I would call my experience here. People enjoy the Icebergs experience especially when they want to have their favorite desserts. They serve milk shakes, sundaes, parfaits, humongous bowls of different flavored ice cream, and they also serve the local dessert Halo-Halo.

But wait, there's more! They also serve other meals: Pasta, Sandwiches, Soups and Salads, Rice Meals, and all the usual meals you normally crave for. Truly, Icebergs is not just a dessert place.

They have different branches here in Metro Manila, but each branch may have differences when it comes to cleanliness. I remember the Metrowalk branch is not as clean as compared to the Robinson's Galleria branch. Try and experience Icebergs in their branches HERE.

Restaurants: Mooon Cafe

2010-08-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

Located at the heart of the Ayala Mall in Cebu City, Philippines, Mooon Cafe (Yes, with three O's) offers Mexican-Filipino dishes that would make you go "OOOh-la-la." Their menu consists of classic Mexican cuisines and refined Filipino dishes served by waiters and waitresses dressed up in traditional Mexican clothing. The ambiance is inviting, with orange lights surrounding the restaurant and large dining sets for those with big appetites. In addition, you get what you pay for: the quality of the food you're paying for is worth every coin you'll spend.

Please click the image to see full image

You have to be early though, because if not, you'll end up getting stuck in a long line other customers wanting to go to the Mooon.

* Price: A
* Serving: Medium
* Food: A
* Ambiance: A
* Service: B+ (the place gets too crowded sometimes)

La Mesa Ecopark, QC

2010-04-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that the next best thing to a nature trip can be found right at the heart of Quezon City, Philippines?

I've always heard La Mesa Ecopark on television for donations and other nature-related activities, but I haven't actually visited it yet. I've always thought it was just another one of those boring nature trips where you plant trees, get sweaty, and that's it. But how wrong I was! The La Mesa Ecopark is actually much more than that. It is a great place to spend time with your family, friends, and loved ones and have fun while being environment-friendly. It's got everything you need -- picnic sites, trekking paths, biking grounds, colorful gardens, and clean, fresh air. Plus, you'll get to take a peek at the famous La Mesa dam. =)

Please click image to enlarge

The park is free for all Quezon City residents, while an Entrance fee of Php50.00 is charge for those who aren't. It also has its own biking grounds, wall climbing area, and paintball arena. Rental of bikes also costs around Php50.00 to Php100.00 depending on the type of bicycle you'll get. And of course, there's a swimming pool nearby for those who want to get wet. All in all, it's everything you've been looking for in one great package.

La Mesa Ecopark has been a haven for photographers, a venue for pre-nuptial pictorials, and a venue for fitness and lifestyle. And it helps promote a clean and green environment! Not only are you having fun, you're doing something good for Mother Nature as well. I must say, La Mesa Ecopark is a must-try destination for one of your summer trips. It's cheap, but it's got everything you need!

For more information, you may visit their site at: http://www.lamesaecopark.com/

Vacation Spot: Anawangin, Zambales

2010-03-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

Summer is here once again! And if you're looking for a quick, low-budget, ultra nature trip, then Anawangin is the best spot for you. There are three main reasons why I love this place.

First, it's cheap. You'd only need to spend for the transportation to and from Pundaquit, Zambales. If you're with a group, it's better to rent a van because it's much cheaper. The next expense would be for the banka ride. You need to rent transport services using small boats from the mainland to Anawangin cove. You can also negotiate with the banka owner to tour you around the nearby islands (Capones and Camara). Be warned, though. You'll be riding really small boats, and the waves can sometimes be too strong. I advice you to put all the items that you want to remain dry in a plastic bag before putting them inside your bag. Your bags might get wet with the water splashes. Also don't forget the island entrance fee.

The biggest expense you'll have would be the food. There aren't any restaurants there (although there's a small sari-sari store now), so you would need to bring your own food, or cook your food there. Either way, you have to carefully plan this out. Make sure you use sealed containers because the ants will flock your tents.

Please click image to enlarge

Second, it's camping. Just bring your tents, camping gear, and you'll do fine. Also there's no electricity there, so make sure all your batteries are fully charged (even better if you have spares). Cellphone signals are also very weak, so your phones are practically useless. In other words, when you're in Anawangin, you should be tech-free. Well, maybe except for cameras. :)

Please click image to enlarge

There are public comfort rooms for taking a shower or taking a dump. There's also a common area for washing dishes. This is probably what the entrance fee is for. :)

Finally, it's simply enchanting. A close encounter with nature. The perfect life of a bum: Beach, sand, sun, hammocks, and a good old book to keep you relaxed. Stars shine more brightly at night. It's the perfect place to forget all your worries and problems.

Please click image to enlarge

A couple of things you also need to bring:
- Toiletries
- Slippers
- Socks (it might get cold at night)
- Lighters / Matches
- Plastic Bags (to keep your clothes dry, and also for your garbage)
- Swim Wear
- Small Pillow / Small Blanket
- Dishwashing Soap
- Utensils / Plates / Cups
- Snacks
- WATER

All in all, a budget of Php 2000 is okay for this trip. Maybe cheaper if you're in a group. =)

Manila Restaurants: Aussie Cafe (Promo)

2009-10-22T01:52:00.000-07:00

Aussie Cafe has a new promo this month. Read below:

We would like to invite you to partake in Aussie Cafe's October Events!

Octoberfest

DRINK-ALL-YOU- CAN Beer for only P295! This promo is from 6pm to 10pm (San Miguel Beer Pale and Lite products only)
Plus, ladies get an special 10% Off on cocktail drinks for the month of October from 6pm to 10 pm

Halloween Treat or More Treats!

Invite your children to spend a morning of fun at Aussie Cafe! On October 31, 2009 10:00am to 2:00pm, Aussie will be having a Halloween Special for kids. For an entrance fee of P295.00, kids can partake of: face painting, balloon twisting, halloween games, loot bag, plus Aussie's Special Halloween Kiddie Meal!

For reservations, please call Celine Choa at +639176308800 or at 659-2558.

Aussie Cafe & Resto
BCGroup Center, Filinvest Ave.
659-2658
www.aussiecafe@ multiply. com

Vacation Spot: Puerto Galera

2009-08-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Puerto Galera has become the next best summer destination for students, yuppies, families, locals and foreigners alike. The famous White Beach is one of the most happening places in the Philippines come March to June. White sand + Crystal Clear waters + Sun + Friends + Booze + Party = Puerto Galera.

Please click the images to enlarge.

Last summer, ee and my friends decided to spend the weekend here. It was one heck of an adventure. Here's a short summary of our stay:

Saturday:
6:00 AM - Bus ride from Cubao to Batangas Port - Php 150.00
9:00 AM - Arrival at Batangas Port
9:15 AM - Boat Ride to White Beach - Php 120.00
10:15 AM - Arrival at White Beach

Accommodations weren't difficult to find. When you reach the shore, hotel room vendors will come flocking at you. We chose the nearest, biggest (because there were 9 of us) and cleanest place at a fair price. It wasn't difficult to find -- there are lots of options. For first time visitors, I would suggest you choose your accommodations when you arrive, and avoid making reservations online or prior to your trip. You'll get to save a whole lot more. =)

12:00 NN - Lunch - Php 100.00
1:00 PM - Rest time (especially for those who weren't able to sleep)
3:00 PM - Beach time!
4:00 PM - Snorkel Trip - Php 250.00
7:00 PM - Dinner - Php 100.00
8:00 PM - Party! - Php 300.00

Don't forget to try their famous Mindoro Sling!

Sunday:
9:00 AM - Breakfast - Php 100.00
10:00 AM - Banana Boat Ride - Php 200.00
12:00 NN - Lunch Time - Php 100.00
1:00 PM - Buy Pasalubongs - Php 300.00
2:00 PM - Boat Ride to Batangas Port - Php 120.00
3:00 PM - Bus Ride to Manila - Php 150.00
6:00 PM - Arrival

-------------------------------
Accommodation Cost: Php 200.00

All in all, we spent around Php 2000.00 each. Not too bad, right? Maybe next year we'll visit this place again. :)

Manila Restaurants: Hooters

2009-08-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, the ever-famous restaurant chain in the US is now in the Philippines! Hooters, made popular by their exceptionally "voluptuous" waitresses, opened last 2008 at the SM Mall of Asia at the edge of Manila bay. It created a lot of buzz among the locals, especially the males who want a sneak peek of the scantily-clad waitstaff, called "Hooters Girls". A few weeks ago, me and my friends got curious and tried it out! Below are a few snapshots of what Hooters - SM MoA is like.

According to Wiki,

A Hooters Girl (informally, "Hooter Girl" is commonly used) is a waitress employed by the Hooters restaurant chain. The girls are recognizable by their uniform of a white tank top with the "Hootie the Owl" logo and the location name on the front paired with the famously short orange runner's shorts.

Indeed, their girls looked darn sexy with that uniform on. All of them had long, straight hair with itsy bitsy waistlines and extremely round boobies. With their super short shorts and tiny tank tops on, Hooters is indeed a haven for male testosterone overload.

Aside from the staff, Hooters is also about FOOD. Their menu consists mainly of hamburgers, sandwiches, steaks, appetizers, entrees, and their ever-famous chicken wings. They also serve alcoholic drinks in their liquor bar. And if you want to remember your Hooters experience, you can also purchase exclusive Hooters shirts and various souvenirs.

Our Hooters experience was absolutely F-U-N! We got to see the Hooters Girls dance to the tune of YMCA, and perform hoola-hoop tricks in front of the mostly-male audience. Their service was also top-class, with each Hooter girl ever-ready to cater to their customer's needs wearing a warm smile. We even took a couple of pictures with them (I think these girls are already used to getting their pictures taken!).

I wasn't too crazy about the food, though. I thought it was overpriced and bland -- just like any other American restaurant there is. The price didn't really justify the taste and texture of the food. I guess you're paying for the over-all Hooters experience (the girls, the ambiance, the name), and not really for the food. I'd say I won't be coming back here for a long time, unless absolutely necessary. :)

Here's my rating of Hooters - SM Mall of Asia:

Price: Each meal costs around Php499 - Php1000
Serving: Medium
Food: B
Ambiance: A
Service: A

If you're lucky with your finances this month, then you should visit Hooters at the SM Mall of Asia. If not, there's always a next time.

Vacation Spot: Sabangan (Laiya, Batangas)

2009-04-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! And what better way to spend it than at the beach! One of things I'm happy about being in the Philippines is that it is a home to thousands of amazing beaches! When you're in Metro Manila, you only need 3-4 hours of travel time to reach paradise. And you need not spend a fortune to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea.

One good summer vacation spot if you're in Manila is in Batangas. Batangas also has a lot of good beaches and dive sites. More specifically, if you're looking for a laid back, sun-kissed beach with calm waters, one good resort is Sabangan at Laiya, Batangas.

Please click the image to enlarge.

Sabangan boasts of near-white sand and cool waters. It also has a relaxing ambiance: trees and flowers and plants everywhere; a hammock nearby; playground for the kids; a guest lounge for anyone who wants to play billiards, a very accommodating staff to attend to your needs; and of course, the huts that give you a warm shade when you want to be kissed by the sun. Their cottages are fully equipped with air conditioning, a kitchen, a bathroom, a dining area, and of course, a living are for your group to just chillax while you drink and chat away all the worries and stress of work or school.

Sabangan resort is truly one of those places where you'd want to spend your summer (or even non-summer!) vacation. To know more about the resort, you may want to check out the following:

Website: http://www.sabangan.com/
Location: Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
Email: info@sabangan.com
Manila Number: +63(2) 914-0848
TeleFax: +63(2) 667-3997

Manila Restaurants: Gumbo

2009-03-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Gumbo is a stew or soup originating in Louisiana which is popular across the Gulf Coast of the United States and into the U.S. South. It consists primarily of a strong stock, meat and/or shellfish, a thickener, and the vegetable "holy trinity" of celery, bell peppers and onion. The soup is traditionally served over rice.
- Gumbo Wikipedia

At least that's what Wiki has to say. But here in Manila, Gumbo is actually redefined into something else. It's A Taste of New Orleans in Manila, where you can experience not only its wonderful cuisine, but also the amazing ambiance of Jazz, French, and Mardi Gras combined.

Gumbo is the only restaurant in Manila that takes pride in serving the famous New Orleans' Cajun and Creole cooking. Their menu offers an assortment of interesting dishes cooked the cajun or creole way such as the jambalaya, smoked sausages, shrimp and oysters. More than that, the large servings of their dishes make it ideal for sharing for groups and families. And the price is just right, too.

Moreover, Gumbo gives its guests a meal to remember because of the restaurant's overall ambiance and their wonderful service. The cozy, old fashioned furniture gives you the feeling of nostalgia. The energy of the music and the ornaments displayed are vibrant enough to keep you interested and looking forward to what more they can offer. Their polite and eager to help crew are there to make sure you get the best of what they have to offer. And it's not just the smile on their faces, but the fact that they want to make sure you get what you truly deserve.

Overall, Gumbo is a must visit! Try their branch at the SM Mall of Asia where you have a scenic view of the Manila Bay.

Here's my rating of Gumbo:

Price: Each meal costs around Php200 - Php400
Serving: Large
Food: YUMMY! (Must Try: Seafood Jambalaya)
Ambiance: A
Service: A

Restaurants: Deco's

2009-03-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

La Paz Batchoy is one of the the trademark, specialty dishes of La Paz, Iloilo. It has been commercialized by a few noodle companies but nothing truly beats the original. The true essence of Ilonggo Batchoy can be found here: Deco's.

Although the chain of batchoy stores has not reached the shores of Manila yet, it is a must-visit when you come to Iloilo. You cannot miss the taste of the noodles (called MEKE) with garlic, pork, liver, and chicharon, mixed together in one aromatic soup. Pair it with fresh pandesal or puto for an even more satisfying experience.

Each bowl of La Paz batchoy costs from Php45.00 to Php75.00. You can also order 4-pcs of puto for only Php20.00.

To satisfy your cravings visit any Deco's branches or call Deco's La Paz at 3201079

Manila Restaurants: Curry Curry House

2009-02-22T18:51:00.000-08:00

Just recently SM Megamall has renovated a section of their mall to make way for the posh place now know as the Mega Atrium. It is located at the center of SM Megamall A and B, 2nd floor up to the 5th floor. Most shops here are those from The Podium, and the restaurants are a bit classier than the usual.

There, we discovered the Curry Curry House. It's a Japanese restaurant specializing in -- yep, you guessed it -- Curry. The interior is similar to any other Japanese restaurant, with wallpapers of some Japanese figure like a ninja, or samurai, or a woman dressed in a kimono, or the like. But the food is totally different.

They serve their food in a special curry sauce, which is terribly addicting but can be too "curry-ful" after one cup of rice. Oh yeah, their rice is also unlimited. More than that, each meal only costs Php 100 - 200 per rice meal, and that's not a bad price at all considering the size of their servings. It's one of those restaurants where you really get a good value for your money.

But then again, you can never get too much curry in a week. I'd say, I'll have curry once a month, but I can't have it more than once in a week. It'll be too much for me. But that's just me. :)

For more information about this restaurant, you may contact them at: (63 2) 631-8470
Or you may visit them at:

3rd Level
SM Megamall Atrium
SM Megamall
EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Avenue
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

Also just a few reminders:
- Budget range is Php 200.00 and below per meal
- Credit Card payment not allowed YET
- Eat-all-you-can Rice

Restaurants: Allan's Talabahan

2009-01-27T01:26:00.000-08:00

You can't leave the province of Iloilo if you haven't visited this place yet. Not only do they serve absolutely delicious and mouth-watering talaba, they sell it at a cheap price too!

Welcome to Allan's Talabahan in Oton, Iloilo City. They serve the biggest and juiciest oysters in town.

Here, you'll find that you just can't get enough of those oysters. You can also add other grilled dishes to complete your meal. They have the uber-tasty, grilled pantat (or hito in Tagalog, catfish in English). I don't know where they get their fish, but I'm grateful because the fish they serve is meaty and tasty to the bone. They also have the classic grilled liempo, chicken, BBQ, and other seafoods. You can never go wrong with the food they serve.

And more than that, you get super value for your money! The small bucket of talaba (oysters) only cost Php25.00. Beat that! And their oysters are HUGE! Here in Manila, you'll get it at around Php100.00 already. Imagine this: there were 7 of us, we ordered 7 buckets of talaba, 5 orders of liempo, 4 orders of pantat, 7 bottles of softdrinks. But we only paid a total of around Php800.00. Hah!

Allan's Talabahan is a bit far from the city proper, but I promise you, a few minutes of travel isn't enough for the satisfaction you'll get.

Nothing But Desserts

2009-01-22T20:28:00.000-08:00

At the heart of Iloilo's sizzling night life is a shop where you can get all the sweets your teeth are craving for. After a night of partying, drinking, karaoke-ing, and food tripping, the perfect way to end the night is simply by having a taste of desserts at Nothing But Desserts.

They offer mousses, cakes, and trifles. All their desserts are prepared intricately and delicately, as if they were wonderful pieces of art. From chocolates to caramel, to coffee, to fruity cakes, they have it all. Prices for their cakes-in-a-glass (I like to call it this way because most of their signature cakes are served in a small glass) are at a standard Php110.00 -- Not bad for a fully-loaded sweet experience. They also have square cakes that range from Php 500.00 ++.

Nothing But Desserts is located at The Avenue, Smallville, Iloilo City. Oh I do hope they'll open one here in Manila real soon! If you happen to visit Iloilo, you MUST visit this place. =)

Vacation Spot: Potipot Island

2009-01-11T22:01:00.001-08:00

Potipot Island is one of those islands that can be called "paradise." It is a small island surrounded by white sand, calm clear waters, and trees that provide shade along the beach and on the water. To get there, you would need to 5-minute banca (small boat) ride from the mainland shore of the Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales.

The crystal clear water, warm sunshine, and cool sea breeze will give you the feeling of peace and serenity. Potipot Island is the perfect place to relax after a stressful week at work. It's the perfect place to be in touch with nature and with yourself. It's the perfect place to enjoy with your friends, family, and loved ones.

The island itself is quite small that there are no resorts on it. You can easily walk the island's shores for only a few minutes. Visitors bring their own towels, food, and other beach paraphernalia and set up their "camp site" somewhere around the island. They usually stay at the resorts on the mainland, and just hire bancas (small boats) to take them to Potipot island.

One of the most popular resorts in the area is Dawal Beach Resort. They offer decent accommodation and also a package for a roundtrip boat ride to and from Potipot Island for onyl Php 400 (good for 6 guests). To know more about the resort, please visit: www.dawal.com.ph.

Manila Restaurants: Fuzion Smoothie Cafe

2009-01-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for the perfect place to sip a nice, cold, refreshing drink made of fresh ice-cold fruits on a terribly sunny day, then Fuzion Smoothie Cafe is the perfect choice. They offer an array of natural fruit smoothies to quench your thirst, and they also serve a variety of food which include rice meals, pizzas, pastas, chips, salads and desserts, etc.

One of the nice things about the drinks they serve is that they guarantee an "all-natural" fruit smoothie: No Ice, no sugar. The fruits are kept frozen, and are only blended upon ordering. This is to keep the natural sweetness and coolness from frozen fruits at their peak of ripeness. Today, they have expanded their menu and now offer a full range of coffee, chocolate, and tea lattes.

Fuzion Smoothie Cafe also makes your stay more pleasant because of the very cozy ambiance of their stores -- perfect for your families and friends to hang out. They have large, comfy chairs and stylish tables to make your stay even more relaxing and refreshing. Fuzion stores can be found at popular hang out areas such as Greenbelt, Eastwood, and Greenhills. (Note: Image grabbed from their site.)

For more information, please visit their site at: http://www.fuzionphils.com

Resort: Eagle Point Resort

2008-11-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

Eagle Point Resort has all the amenities for a perfect getaway: the Main Core, which includes restaurant and bar, a gift shop, two two-level fresh-water pools, a Saltwater Reef pool that where visitors can swim and snorkel to see the turtles, sharks and colorful fishes. It also offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding sea.

The second attraction of Eagle Point is the Sepok Beach center, in Sepok Island, which is accessible via a short boat ride from the Main Core. The island features a white beach, an open dining area, a hiking trail, cabanas, and a beach volleyball area.

Eagle Point Resort can be found at:
Bo. Bagalangit, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines

For Reservation:
rsvn@eaglepoint.com.ph

For more details, please visit:
http://www.eaglepoint.com.ph/

Resort: San Juan Surf Resort

2008-10-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

La Union is one of the havens of surfers in the Philippines. It has become one of the hotspot surfing destinations because of the quality of its waves.

One of the resorts that's quite popular among surfers is San Juan Surf Resort. Not only does it have great rooms and accommodations, it also provides surfing lessons for those interested to join. Other amenities include its bar and restaurant, their famous surf shop, Surf board and accessories rentals. other activities you can do are Scuba diving, snorkeling, and Kayaking.

That's me learning how to surf. :)

Here's a quick peek at their rates:

ROOM RATES
PER NIGHT
STANDARD AIRCON ROOMS
GOOD FOR 2 PERSONS 950.00
GOOD FOR 4 PERSONS 1,350.00

BUNGALOW AIRCON ROOMS
(WITH TV, REF, AND KITCHEN)
GOOD FOR 2 PERSONS 1,200.00
GOOD FOR 4 PERSONS 1,600.00

For more details, please visit their site at http://www.sanjuansurfresort.com/

Resort: Club Manila East

2008-09-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ideal for family trips and barkada outings, Club Manila East (CME) located in Taytay, Rizal is a must visit resort. Just a few hours drive from the city, this 7-hectare resort is one of the best places to unwind, relax, have fun under the sun, and sometimes even do business at the same time.

The resort's facilities are made to suit people of all ages: where the kids can enjoy the mini-slides and the playground on the pool, where the adventurous can get their adrenaline rush from the 3-storey slides and the kayak pool, where the older folks can immerse themselves in the shaded Pools, and where everybody can simply bask under the sun. The best attraction of the resort is its BeachWave pool - a giant wave pool that gradually deepens and produces beach-like waves for everyone to feel as if they were on a real beach. But don't fret, trained lifeguards are stationed near the pool to ensure everyone's safety.

The resort is somewhat strict with the swimming attire. Here are some tips to remember:

Also here are some details about the resort:

Location: Km. 24 Manila East Road Taytay, Rizal PHILIPPINES 1920
Telephone Numbers: (02) 660-2801, (02) 284-4740, (02) 284-4736

For details about their rates, please visit their site at: http://www.clubmanilaeast.com

Iloilo: Angelicum Chapel @ Christmas

2008-09-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Each year, Angelicum chapel has one of the highest electricity bills come December. This is mainly because of the Christmas lights that they set up all over the Lezares Mansion inside the Angelicum campus in Iloilo City. For the residents, this has become an annual tradition, and most visitors who spend Christmas with them are given the chance to visit and marvel at this amazing showcase of lights.

Angelicum started this trend. Now, a lot of towns in Iloilo also adorn their parks and plaza's with lights. Pototan, for example, has their town plaza filled with different lights that wrap the trees and bushes. The Central Philippine University also followed Angelicum's trend and had their campus wrapped in lights.

If you're in Iloilo during the Christmas season, don't miss these spectacular lights.

Cebu Resort: Tambuli

2008-09-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

Cebu is known for its beaches and diving spots. While I had my vacation in Cebu for the summer, we went to Tambuli Resort, in Mactan Island. It has one of the nicest beaches I know. Its waters are flourishing with all the wonders of nature: schools of fish and sea weeds. It is also great for kids as it's very shallow. And there is little risk of stepping on those sharp shells because the waters are carpeted with the sea weeds. The crystal blue waters combined with the fresh sea breeze will definitely make your summer escapade worth it all.

Entrance is Php200 plus Php 150 for an eat-all-you-can buffet.
Visit their site at: http://www.tambuli.com/Cebu.htm

Travel Tips for Business Class Passengers

2008-09-18T00:22:00.001-07:00

I've been traveling on Business Class for company-related trips since I started working for Emerson. The first time was last March, a week after I joined the company, when I was sent to the corporate office in the US to "immerse" myself with the team. Today will be my second time, and I'm traveling again to the US for a planning conference and a minor training on Oracle stuff.

During my college days, my family and I also went to the States to visit our relatives there, and we were on a tight budget so we traveled via Economy class. It wasn't grand, but the airline (Philippine Airlines) provided the basic necessities so we were satisfied. They served lunch/dinner/breakfast, and they provided us with personal hygiene kits and blankets for a comfortable 16-hour trip. For me, it was okay.

However, when I was sent to the US with a Business Class seat, I was overwhelmed. Cathay Pacific provides extra-pampering services to the priority passengers, just as if you were a king/queen. They serve excellent food, and extravagant to boot, and they provide wider, more comfy seats, and a lot of entertainment options. Not only that, the lounges during the stop-over/connecting flights are extremely generous with food, drinks, and entertainment. It's like staying at a hotel for a few hours while waiting for your flight.

And so during travel for the first time with a business class seat, I ended up with a bad stomach, a bigger tummy, and a lot of inconvenience on the airplane. Why? Simply because I ate too much. After all, I wanted to try everything they are serving at the lounges, and I ate up all the food that the airline crew had to offer (appetizers, main course, dessert, snacks - yep, i never leave my plate un-empty). I kept telling myself that I need to finish my food because I just have to experience EVERYTHING that a business class seat has to offer. Wrong choice haha.

So now that I'm traveling again, I've learned my lesson. Here are a few things to note when you have a business class seat:

1. If your flight is early in the morning, it is absolutely OKAY to skip breakfast. You will be served with a complete, healthy meal during your trip.

2. If your flight is near lunchtime or dinnertime, don't bother eating lunch or dinner anymore because, again, you will be served a complete meal. If you're thinking you might not like the food, the airlines always serves two dishes, so you can choose which one you like.

3. If you're too hungry to wait for your flight, there's always free food at the lounge. In HK Lounge, for example, they have this noodle bar where you can order noodles for free. But please note that if you stuff yourself too much, then it is absolutely okay to NOT finish your in-flight meal. Don't be a glutton, eat only what you can.

4. Be careful of what you eat/drink. Improper combination of what you take in can also upset your stomach.

5. Finally, do not be afraid to take a dump at the comfort rooms. I actually prefer airport restrooms over the aircraft toilets because of the space. Airport restrooms are well maintained, especially the ones located inside the lounge. Don't be afraid to dirty it a little. :)

So there, 5 things you need to remember when traveling. Oh and of course don't forget your Passport, Ticket and/or Boarding pass, and of course your credit card or cash.

Iloilo Resort: Isla Naburot

2008-09-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

I've had the chance to visit this wonderful place a few years ago and there's no one word to describe it. It's magical, tranquil, home. My friends and I spent a few days on the island (thanks to Mike, grandson of the Alice Saldaña, the owner of the resort) and we were so lucky to see the island preserved of its beauty. Coral reefs kept the waters alive, the trees made the atmosphere so relaxing, and the food is simply to-die-for. I hope one day I can visit the place again.

This information is taken from their multiply site:

Isla Naburot is small islet just off the western coast of Guimaras island, just 50 minutes by pumpboat from Iloilo's Port San Pedro. The island's white beach is nestled between the mainland and the rest of the island, creating a natural cove. A coral reef is found just meters away from the shore, and when the tide is low, guests can walk around and wade in the surrounding waters, even cross over to the mainland.

The back side of the island, facing the open sea, is where the dock and the well-known "Balay ni Boy" is located. This house has been featured many times in magazines, tourism documentaries and even in commercials. The sunsets viewed from here are amazing.

When not swimming, snorkeling, boating, island-hopping or fishing, one can enjoy lazing on the beach, swinging from a hammock or feasting on the famous Guimaras mangoes. There are six cottages for couples or small families and a big house called the Balay Bato for the larger parties. The island's get-away-from-it-all ambiance is its main draw. No noise, no pollution, no stress, just nature in all her beauty, peace, rest and relaxation. The food here is also unforgettable. Just ask anyone who has visited us.

For inquiries or concerns, contact Isla Managerment at:
islanaburot@gmail.com
0918-9098500 (Dr. Theresa Saldaña Araneta)
Isla Naburot, Brgy. Sinapsapan, Guimaras

Restaurants: Krua Thai Cebu

2008-09-11T00:55:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of our trip to Cebu was the last dinner before leaving for Manila at Krua Thai. We got to experience Thailand food in the middle of Pinas, who'd have thought of that? I haven't seen the restaurant here in Manila yet, so I don't have any basis of comparison. But all in all, here are the things that amazed me about the Krua Thai:

1. Food = Yummy. You have got to try their Tom Yam soup for a spicy, tingly start
2. Restaurant ornaments: from the draperies, to the "big faces" hanging by the wall, to the jewel-studded classic images of Thailand.
3. Inverted umbrellas = one of a kind. The umbrellas hanging upside-down on the ceiling is a marvel to watch.
4. Eccentric Jars & glasses (goblets): The kind usually found in King Arthur movies or during the height of the Knights' reign. Very cool!

If you plan to go to Cebu, don't miss this. Krua Thai is at:
Unit K Crossroad Mall, Banilad, Cebu.
Tel No. : +63(32) 231-8338
Fax : +63(32) 231-8338

Cebu: Philippine Taoist Temple

2008-09-09T21:02:00.001-07:00

If you're in Cebu, you have got to visit their Beverly Hills, home of the Philippine Taoist Temple. Upon reaching the temple, you will be mesmerized with the amazing view of Cebu City and be captivated by the windy, fresh atmosphere. The place is so peaceful and serene that you can't help but feel so holy every time you face the altar.

The Philippine Taoist temple has been one of the many tourist attractions in Cebu. They have a small version of what seems to be the Great Wall of China, and they also have this gigantic dragon structure where lots of visitors take their pictures.

Also don't miss the MA-CHO Temple... a temple for the macho-wannabes in the world, just like my boyfriend Marc hehe:

Restaurants: Kagura Cebu

2008-09-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a good Japanese restaurant in Cebu, then you can't miss Kagura at A.S.Fortuna St. Banilad, Mandaue City. The place itself is very nice, with bamboo floors and bamboo walls with kimonos hanging on the walls and traditional Japanese umbrellas adding a homey feel. You get to experience the Japanese way of eating while kneeling (seiza), but for people who aren't used to this, you can just sit in whatever manner you want to. So take off your shoes, slip on those sandals (provided by the restaurant) and find a comfy place to sit and enjoy your meal.

Expect to be served with great authentic Japanese food served in bento boxes with matching chop-sticks. Best of all, they serve a WIDE variety of Japanese meals, not just the usual maki/sushi/tempura/rice toppings that *some* Japanese restaurants offer. They also serve Sake (Japanese rice wine) for those who are curious as to how it tastes. All in all, you'll really feel as if you were in Japan.

Unfortunately, when we went there, there was a rodent patrolling the place hahaha. But we were already in bliss after having finished our meal when we found that out so we didn't really mind. Hopefully, the restaurant team does something about it or else their sales will greatly be affected.

So if you're looking for a taste of Japan in Cebu, don't ever miss Kagura.

Flying with Cebu Pacific

2008-09-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

If you're planning to go on a vacation anywhere within the Philippines or Asia with a tight budget, then the best airline for you is Cebu Pacific. They offer really low fares, especially if you make it in time for their P1.00 per ticket promo that's recurring every so often after a few months. Also, the quality isn't all that bad. For a really cheap fare, you get seamless take offs and landings. You'd also be confident with the flight because the planes are in good condition.

If you plan to fly CebuPac, here are some tips to remember:

Buy early, save a lot. When you buy early, there is a big possibility that the fares you will get are the lowest of the bunch. The later you buy, the more people have already bought, and the number of slots for the cheaper fares are already taken.
Bring snacks or something to munch during your flight. Since Cebu Pacific already offers very low prices, it's only logical that they don't serve any snacks on the plane. :) They do offer food and drinks, but you'd have to buy them at quadruple its normal price. Bring some sandwiches or junk food and buy some drinks at the airport and you'll spend less on the plane.
Don't mind the crew attendants. It's surprising how they repeat the safety reminders every flight, but they are also the ones disobeying the rules. During our flight from Cebu, we were seated at the last seat with a bunch of flight attendants listening to their iPods while taking off. They keep telling the passengers to turn off all electronic devices but they themselves don't do that. Oh well.
Be on time. But, expect your flight to be delayed. It doesn't happen always, but it happens 90% of the time.

That's all for now. Just remember, in every trip, treasure the good memories and not the terrible ordeal of getting those memories.

Manila Condo Units

2008-09-02T01:35:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for Condo Units here in Metro Manila or in the Philippines?
Don't fret!

ETON Properties has a wide variety of Condo units up for grabs. ETON is part of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies.

If you are interested, please send a private message to my good friend, Schyler Gan for more details. You may contact him at: http://schyly.multiply.com

Philippines Zoo: Zoobic Safari (Subic)

2008-08-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

If you're going to Subic, please take particular notice of ALL STOP Signs and ALL SLOW DOWN Signs. Because just a little further, there's a bunch of traffic officers lurking who will consider no apologies from first time travelers who have "violated" their traffic ordinances. Apparently, they are pretty strict when it comes to their traffic signs. So if you happen to miss one Stop sign, you're pretty much dead and it'll pretty much cost you a hundred bucks per officer if you get caught.

Also if you're going to Zoobic Safari, DO NOT BE FOOLED by their "accommodation" package. They say that the hotel is NEAR the safari, but in actuality, it's a 15-minute ride by car. If you plan on walking, good luck. It'll take an hour before you reach the actual zoo.

The safari itself is nice. The animals are interesting, the layout of the place is nice, and the ambiance is really relaxing.

Please click the thumbnail to view the image

Here are the rates:

- Php 395 per adult for the day tour (that's approximately 3 hours of walking around the zoo with a tour guide);
- Php 200 for the chicken - so you can feed the tigers and have a much more exciting "close encounter" with them;
- Php 50 for the chicken - so you can feed the crocs;
- Php 240 and Php 540 to have your pictures taken with a tiger on your lap;
- Php 30 for one Magnolia Twin Pops ice cream.

Damn overpricing. Also don't miss their "SCRAMBALLED" Eggs when you plan to have breakfast at the zoo!! Hahaha!

Please click the thumbnail to view the image

But the close encounters with the animals is really something to remember. If you're planning a trip to Zoobic, I suggest not getting their overnight package because you'll be extremely disappointed with their accommodations, and unless you're not doing anything else, you'll just waste time sleeping in your room.

Philippines Zoo: Avilon Zoo (Montalban, Rizal)

2008-08-28T01:41:00.000-07:00

For all animal enthusiasts in the Philippines, visiting the Avilon Zoo in Montalban, Rizal is a must! This 7.5 hectare zoo is the largest zoological park in the Philippines and it lies in the heart of Bo. San isidro, Rodriguez (Montalban) Rizal, Philippines. It will definitely satisfy your hunger for animal sight-seeing and adventure.

Going to Avilon Zoo is quite a pain. There's a part where the road gets rough and it would be best if you brought your 4x4 vehicles with you. If you're commuting, there are tricycles that offer a ride from the nearest town (Total Gas station) to the zoo for Php 40.00. However, don't expect to be squeaky clean once you arrive =). Also it's easy to get lost because there are no road signs that would direct you to where the zoo is. There are a few (and I really mean FEW), and you have to be very sharp to find it because it's VERY small (the sign says "This way to Avilon Zoo" but it's as big as a legal sized bond paper). It's better if you just ask around.

The zoo itself is a nice place. The entrance fee costs PHP 208.00 per person (around USD5.00), and if you want a guided tour, you can "rent" a knowledgeable guide for PHP350.00 only. Guests are allowed to bring their own food (and believe me, it's better if you do so because food and drinks sold inside the zoo are waaaay overpriced), but bringing of commercial goods such as McDonald's or Jollibee or KFC would cost you PHP25.00 per meal.

You can also have your picture taken with some of their animals. They charge PHP50.00 for 2 shots (using your personal camera) with their birds or with the mighty albino boa constrictor. This is a close encounter with their animals, by the way. Also at 2:00 PM onwards, their baby Orangutan is available for cradling. Don't miss this!

Despite the wonderful adventure, Avilon Zoo still lacks Maps and Directions. If you don't have a tour guide, you'd have difficulty figuring out where you are... It's a big place and it's easy to get lost without a map. Also some areas of the zoo are still being constructed. We have yet to see the fully developed zoo.

Bottom line is, the Avilon Zoo is absolutely a great experience for the family.

Bulacan Resort: DJ Paradise

2008-08-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

DJ Paradise is a great place if you're looking for a resort where you can relax, have fun under the sun, and experience the beach without going through the trouble of traveling so many hours just to feel the sand-sea on your face. Yes, it doesn't have the sand, nor the salty smell of the wind, but it does have a wave pool for you to experience the water splashing on your back. And you don't have to worry about drowning too, because the wave pool is only around 5.5 feet deep, with bodyguards positioned on every corner of the pool. Plus, they have several floating devices you can use to better enhance your swimming experience.

Their pools also have slides for the young, the yuppies, and the total adventurers. There are 1-storey high slides, 2-storey slides, and 3-storey slides. Just pick which will give you the best experience.

Also the rates are cheap. The overnight hotel rent for a Standard air-conditioned room with 1 bathroom, 2 queen sized beds, cable television, 2 free breakfast, and 2 free use of the pool is VERY affordable. Just check out their site for the rates.

Food is great. The ambiance is perfect for relaxation, although if you're from the hotel, you'd have to walk a bit to reach the pools. The park is clean and colorful. All in all, you have to book your next trip to this place. :)

For more details, please visit their website at: www.djparadise.com.ph

Manila Coffee Shop: Bo's Cafe

2008-08-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Bo's Coffee Club is a nice coffee shop. It really is, and they serve great coffee as well. But after my experience with them a few weeks ago, I don't think I'll ever step into one of their shops deliberately on my own, not unless I don't have any choice.

You see, after drinking their Cookies 'n Cream iced drink (I forgot what it was called, equivalent of Starbucks' Frappuccino), a few bites of their Lemon Tarte and Bo's Coffee Cheesecake, I had this terrible (Note: T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E) stomachache. Ugh.

The drink was okay. The cheesecake was... well, not what you'd expect but the taste was tolerable. The Lemon Tarte? Avoid it if you can. The lime didn't match well with the sweet icing and the after-taste is something you'd rather forget.

Bo's Coffee Club has shops usually in malls like Glorietta, Robinson's Galleria, The Block. It also has kiosks in some office buildings. For more information on their store locations, please visit: http://www.boscoffeeclub.com.

Manila Restaurants: Cascada

2008-08-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

Cascada is The Classic Cheap Choice.

If you're near Greenbelt area and you're looking for a formal, fine-dining restaurant but on a budget, then you have to visit Cascada located at the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 3, Makati. Cascada offers a wide array of your classic dishes garnished with modern flavors from all over the world: from pasta, to salads, to rice dishes, to steaks. Plus, you get the fine-dining ambiance that's usually felt only at hotels or high-end restaurants. And the good news? It's not as pricey! Price range for a simple meal (without drinks) is at Php 250 - 500. Not bad, right? Especially when the food is great.

Oh and don't forget to get dessert! Try their chocolate fondue!

Manila Restaurants: Cocorama

2008-08-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Cocorama - a cute, retro restaurant at the 6th floor of Shangri-La Mall EDSA (corner Shaw Blvd, Edsa). It has an interesting ambiance: disco balls inside the restaurant, a Wolks-Vagen mini-bus as serving as the counter, and a burst of orange, yellow and pink lining its walls. It kind of reminds you of the hippie days.

The food looks terribly delicious if you check out their menu. Plus, it's quite affordable: Prices range from Php 100 - 200 per meal. Also service is terrific because you are greeting with smiling face and a very accommodating crew.

However, what you see isn't what you get. The Php 175 - pancake with custard filling meal has pancakes that are smaller than expected (it's the same as the circumference of a Wendie's biggie Cup). The filling also isn't that great. As for their steak sandwich, the bread they used probably wasn't fresh because it was so chewy. In the end, you'll end up eating the steak and leave the bread untouched.

Cocorama is a great place to visit if you want to be reminded of the hippie days, or if you want to try something new and groovy. Just don't expect much from the food. It probably won't make your priority list of restaurants.

Welcome!

2008-08-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Metro Pilipinas! Here you'll find restaurant reviews, interesting places to go to, stuff about the sights, sounds, and lifestyle of Metro Manila and other cities in the Philippines based on what I've experienced living in this country for the past 25 years.

The Philippines is not just a group of islands somewhere in the South China Sea. It is also a place of interest, relaxation, and memories. Hopefully, you'll find reasons to visit the country, or to explore all of its corners through this blog.

Happy reading!