Eating Halfway

Our Halfway Eatings & Meeting Places

2020-06-04T17:48:00.001-07:00

Halfway Manila PhotoWalks (Street Photography)

2020-05-22T19:26:00.001-07:00

VCQ - ECQ - GCQ: MY COVID 19 PANDEMIC EXPERIENCE

2020-05-16T01:39:00.001-07:00

Forever in Puerto Princesa Underground River and El Nido?

2020-05-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to have been able to visit the Puerto Princesa City Underground River during my first time to visit Puerto Princesa City, Palawan in 2006. Limestone cliffs welcomed us as our boats ferried us ashore to the entrance of the river that goes through a cave under the mountain. Aggressive monkeys and monitor lizards seem not to be bothered by tourists in their natural habitat. Inside the cave, the smell of guano from the bats droppings filled the air in the dark as we made our way through the water and wander at the stalactites and stalagmites in all its shape and sizes.

The second time to the place was in 2008 and the weather went bad on our way back. Our boat's engine died midway going to Sabang. We prayed for dear life and God heard us.

On the third time in 2010, a monkey stole the food of one of our companions. We should have just taken our lunch at Sabang Beach.

As the gateway to Palawan, Puerto Princesa takes pride in being THE City in a Forest. Going in and out of the city towards other municipalities, you are covered by the shady canopies of trees which is so cool and breezy at daytime and makes one enjoy the shadow play at nighttime.

Aside from Puerto Princesa City, other towns are equally worth visiting like Brooke's Point in the south where the world's largest pearl called the Pearl of Allah or the Pearl of Lao Tzu was found measuring 240 millimeters or 9.4 inches in diameter in Brgy. Oring-oring and Taytay in the north --- the capital of Spanish Palawan in 1818, and an island ahead of El Nido --- Coron in the Calamianes Group of Islands.

El Nido has been on my bucketlist along with Coron since 2012, and in this blog let me take you to this island hopping boat ride around the municipalities islands and islets. El Nido Island Tours consists of four types, each with five stops. For this 2016 tour, we chose Tour A which goes around the Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu, Secret Lagoon and Seven Commandos.

While on the boat and surrounded by the islands, all I can think of is pray and thank The Lord for blessing us with this nature and allowing us to witness the same at least this once in our lifetime.

As expected, lots of picture taking from the time the boat is about to park up to when we set our steps in the islands.

Coconut juice can be bought from vendors who operate like a convenience stores in the waterworld.

Then, it's time for the beautiful and sumptuous lunch prepared by the tourist boat's crew. Quite skillful and what a sight it is prior to tasting --- one you wouldn't want to destroy but just look at, however hunger wins the game and we all enjoy the food preparations.

In the afternoon, we get to enjoy halu-halo for snacks to cool ourselves from the sun, sand and saltwater.

Widely known as a sight to behold, El Nido never failed and made us experience nature at its best, the competitive advantage why "It's more fun in the Philippines!" We would love to know that the same conservation is observed in the town proper where touists take their first glimpse of El Nido. First impressions last, may it already impress future visitors (which will most likely take time before it happens again due to the Pandemic that is still awaiting to be dealt with accordingly) hopefully in terms of zoning so that as they venture into the sea and the islands, the tours only need to just further surpass expectations through hospitality, service and the clean and green environment.

Right now, I am following two couple-bloggers stranded in El Nido, so shout out to Delightful Travellers and Jumping Places. Your daily vlogs help us, your followers, maintain our sanity and cope up to the current situation. I hope you stay safe there in El Nido while you are there!

As we approach the mainland, (and hopefully the control if not cure to this Pandemic), may all of us keep the faith and be optimistic that we will meet soon, eat together, halfway our journeys!

Welcome to EatingHalfway on YouTube!

2020-04-26T01:17:00.001-07:00

After 182 blogs from 2008 to 2015, we are taking the first step to vlogging. Please click the link and watch our channel intro; like, comment and tell us what you wanna see in this channel, subscribe and press the notification bell. Although travelling is not encouraged in the time of Coronavirus, there is hope that soon it'll all be over and we shall meet and eat with people in the journey called life in places as beautiful as a rhyme!

CORONicling Mt. Tapyas

2015-06-20T08:10:00.001-07:00

When in Coron, the islands and the sea are the must-see and experience. But within the island, there are two attractions: the Hot Spring and Mt. Tapyas which are accessible by land. And finally on my latest return to this paradise, an afternoon was spent to sweat out and Boom, Pawis! we went our way up the 724 steps of Mt. Tapyas, all in pursuit of height and the sunset!

As mentioned in my previous CORONicles, Mt. Tapyas looks out to the sea with the full view of the Coron town and harbour…

On our way up and going down, we met a variety of people. From the very enterprising little girl vending water at the starting point, to the athletic types who outruns everyone on the ascent then demonstrating push-ups when already at the top as if he was a show required to do so, the lonesome tourists finding peace and tranquility on the view and the dusk and the friendly local girls who were doing the “groufie” (so I interfere and take them this photo and I hope it reaches them) to the accomplished senior citizens who made it through to the top, they’re all here, in many dialects and languages.

Though the goal maybe simply to reach the top, see the cross and these letters which spell the town’s name, there is more. From taking one’s time, careful at each phasing, maximizing rest, by hydrating and breathing in each stop towards saying a little prayer by the cross, it is made even more meaningful by marveling at God’s creations, apt for one to sing: “How great, thou art!”

Reaching the top, I also get to be taken this photo of the sunset. Though it may be given, it is the sunset which I always find amazing, always like a movie scene.

So this ticks one off from my bucket list just before Holy Week for now. More reasons to return to Coron for the Hot Spring and its islands/islets!

Loving Lubang

2015-06-07T04:38:00.001-07:00

After two months of hiatus, I am now fulfilling my promise to follow-up the look I took of Looc, Occidental Mindoro with the municipality that carries the name of the entire island it belongs to- Lubang, Occidental Mindoro. This is one of the reasons this municipality is more identified when discussing Hiroo Onoda, the last Japanese soldier to realize that the Second World War is over.

Upon arrival from Looc to Lubang, we first checked in to our accommodation and after taking our snack of suman sa lihiya went to the Municipal Hall for official business. Then we roamed around the two burger stores nearby, ate and went towards the direction of the Catholic Church were graduating students from Stella Maris school were practicing for their baccalaureate mass and graduation. Behind the church was the very calm beach where we tried to unwind for a while before heading back for our homestay for lunch.

Tiya Amen (short for Carmen) was the owner of our homestay. These types of accommodation are common in the area and ours could have been a pioneer as her business was prompted by the need of the municipal government to provide board and lodging for visitors. The place is a family home that got converted as the sons and daughters of the owner has migrated to as near as Manila and as far as Australia for greener pastures. But Tiya Amen cooks very well, for lunch we had prawns and an assortment of vegetable, meat and fish for our earlier and later meals. Board and lodging (air-conditioned plus a traditional Filipino house ambience) as this cost PhP850.

That afternoon, we were able to visit the public market in town. A few stalls were selling fresh fruits, vegetables and dried fish. The fresh sections were already empty mainly due to the time of our visit (they close early). Garlic is the one town, one product of the municipality.

We also visited the home of the family who makes baskets out of their garlic produce. Their product, a great and unique souvenir item sell fast during trade fairs in Manila. Good for hanging in your Lola’s or your kitchen for the native foodie effect.

That afternoon road trip and loving Lubang’s views brought us to snack time where the Municipal Agriculture Officer treated us to a native snack of cassava cake. The next day, off we go home via Tilik Port. This is the gateway to and from Nasugbu, Batangas.

A long time ago, I had the opportunity to daytrip Lubang from Manila via ro-ro boat. Had seen some markers of the Onoda story. We left the same day and I remember it was a low tide then and a group of dolphins were exposed in a deeper but small part of the waters left by the tide and they were goofing around jumping with us viewing only from the railings of the boat. These parts of Philippine waters are very rich as they’re covered by the Verde Island passage considered the center of the center of the world’s marine biodiversity.

A Look at Looc, Occidental Mindoro

2015-04-05T17:33:00.001-07:00

I call myself a traveller by luck simply because it comes part of my job, making me love it more. I love it because I get to know people and places in and out of MIMAROPA Region. On the first week of March, I and a colleague were lucky enough to visit for the first time, Looc, Occidental Mindoro.

Accessible via Calatagan Port in Batangas, we took an hour or more drive from Manila to Sto. Tomas, Batangas to pick up supplies for our official business and then another two hours to Calatagan. I never knew Calatagan Port was just a beach away from Burot Beach where apparently, a friend was bumming around that day we departed.

It is new knowledge to me that came just when I posted a picture of this yacht named Adastra as we saw it docked in Calatagan (me and the friend who was at Burot Beach) on the same day. The friend commented on my facebook post, that’s why and how. This yacht according to my research has had sightings in Lubang Island where Looc, our destination is located.

Calatagan is the gateway to Looc due to its cove which protects boats from the open sea. But once the boat has went out of that protective cove, waves are sure to swing the boat from different directions. But one need not worry as the boat we boarded is big enough for this type of sea condition and the crew know just what they are doing. The best time to travel according to friendly locals are April to May when winds are calmer. Midway to the three-hours bumpy boat ride, a view of Mt. Ambil, situated in one of the island barangays welcomed us.

Looc is a fifth class municipality in the province of Occidental Mindoro with a population of about 9,780 people (2010 Cencus) scattered in 9 barangays (Agkawayan, Ambil, Balikyas, Bonbon, Bulacan, Burol, Guitna, Guitna, Kanluran, and Talaotao) and 10 sitios (one per barangay except Ambil which is composed of two – Tabao and Tambo). The municipality encompasses the eastern part of Lubang Island, as well as Ambil, Golo and other minor islands.

From Agkawayan Port, our first stop is at Looc National High School of Fisheries, the only school of fishery in the Province of Occidental Mindoro and one of the two fishery schools in MIMAROPA Region, the other one being in Coron, Palawan. While educating and training the youth of the municipality and the island in fish capture, culture and processing, one cannot deny that the campus provides a good view of nature, including Mt. Ambil, Looc Bay and the sky lined by trees.

When in Looc, one need not look at Cebu for shell craft. The handicraft which, mind you, are only school project of students as a break from their focus of study are already of good quality. We discovered two-classrooms full of these shell chandeliers. A promising pasalubong (personal give-away) item for the benefit of both the skilled makers and visitors of the town.

On our way to the town center, with no less than the good Mayor Benjamin Tria guiding us, we got a view of Mt. Ambil from the road by the mountain. Although priorities as of the moment are infrastructure development like the ongoing roads being constructed, tourism development is targeted by 2016. However tourist spillovers from Batangas and neighboring islands are already discovering Looc. Mayor Ben takes pride in having irrigated all farmlands through an elevated irrigation system looking like a miniature skyway by the roadside at some point of our journey (sorry, no pics as were mobile!).

We were accommodated at the municipal compound that provides quite strong breeze which calms very early in the morning and provides this silvery view made by the sea and sun. The municipality also boasts of salt production which was their One’Town, One Product (OTOP) and is very apt for fish drying which we had a good taste of during our stay (especially dried flying fish). Yummy!

Looc, Occidental Mindoro is relatively a small town with warm and friendly locals to expect. Almost everybody knows everybody so they easily identify a visitor. One only need to pre-arrange accommodation with the locals as we hardly noticed a commercial business that provides homestay services, please do comment if you know otherwise. Just be nice and good and you need not worry as the places we went to are relatively peaceful, beautiful and virginal if you need just a natural hideaway.

Return trips are via the same port of entry but we had to go to Lubang town where we exited during this trip. Lubang, Occidental Mindoro coming up next!

Almost Sinulog in the Queen City of the South

2015-03-21T02:28:00.001-07:00

Just before the Grand Sinulog Festivities, I was lucky enough to make a return to Cebu City from January 13 to 17, 2015. Billeted at a luxury business hotel brand, we checked-in after the quite long taxi ride from Mactan Airport (longer on our return trip due to traffic which everybody knows especially during Sinulog season but that doesn’t spoil our love for Cebu, just always be very early, hehehe!), ensured photos at the lobby, then at the rooms. After a while, went out to have dinner and beer.

From the hotel, a short taxi ride (after waiting a while) brought us to a Filipino restaurant named Manggahan. Located at 30 Wilson St., Apas, Lahug City, the place offers affordable menu which we dubbed ‘student priced’ but tastes good as well.

We enjoyed some barbecue, pork/fish kinilaw in Tagalog or sinuglaw (ceviche) in Cebuano, sizzling sisig and sizzling squid. We stayed long enough here, hence, we were able to enjoy the acoustic band that night who passionately performed “Thinking Out Loud” among others which everyone in the house seemed to enjoy. One of us actually jammed with them a song (not me, I’m quite shy singing in public these days).

The next morning, we experienced the luxury buffet breakfast that was part of our package. My plates the whole stay show that I usually had fruits and vegetable salad and then explored the wide array of selections from the noodles, dumplings, smoked Tuna, kimchi, some seaweeds, and the more usual staple longganiza, corned beef, eggs and homegrown danggit. My meals were so complete and satisfying I never needed rice anymore (how I wish I could sustain that ‘no rice’ in real life, lol!).

It is after one of the days after work on January 15, 2015 that the Pope, His Holiness Pope Francis arrived in Manila. We switched on the TV to witness this historical and momentous event to the Roman Catholic Church and the country as a whole. My instagram post on welcoming the Pope from the Queen City of the South and with an image of Sto. Nino since Cebu is celebrating Sinulog was regrammed by the @vaticanolasantasede on the same night. That makes me happy!

We completed our side trips in the city by dropping by ZubuChon for the first time. To my taste, it is more tasty and not as salty as the one I am more familiar with. Must be the spices and coconut water, plus the skin is crispier as it was pricked before cooking. We enjoyed the lechon with beer. After the session, we requested for water, peed and each had 100% pineapple juice for prevention is better than cure!

Falling in Love at First Sight in Binucot Beach

2015-03-01T06:45:00.001-08:00

Who wouldn’t fall in love in a place like this? It’s the perfect place to meet the one you’ll love at first sight and for a lifetime. It’s like no matter how long the walk’s going to be, you’ll never get tired. Yes, in a place like this…

We drove from Odiongan town proper for about 20 minutes before reaching Binucot Beach Resort in Ferrol town of Tablas Island, Romblon. We arrived through those rows of coconut trees on the right side of the photo above. What immediately caught me is this small island on the left which is connected by a quite wide sandbar that you see in the first photo in above. We walked back that way, hence, I was able to take that shot and more. It took me out of breath strolling but the view took my breath away as it was truly breathtaking.

The drive continued towards the left side in this photo right where a boat is parked along the shore. The resort is quite busy at the time with a group of foreign tourists who are having a grand time seemingly after a swim. We requested for a merienda of pancit and soft drink for our group in a cottage as we were not really there to eat, nor swim. Well, a little boy named Solo immediately changed to his undies upon smelling the sea for a swim. Only one thing, we adults wanted a beautiful sunset to cap off our day if not our trip for the week just right before Valentine’s day.

On our way back from the sandbar, we took the road our car passed by earlier. There I saw Bunsoran Pawikan Hatchery which helps protect the sea turtles. According to the signboard, major threats to sea turtles are poaching for meat, shells and leather, drowning in shrimp and fish nets, destruction of nesting beaches such as this one we just walked by, pollution of the oceans and exploitation of turtle eggs. The signs also name five out of seven species of turtles all in the edge of extinction: Loggerhead, Green Sea Turtle, Olive Riley, Hawksbill and Leatherback. Imagine, all this can be found in this place? Now, its beauty is explained and now all clear to me. Nature at its best!

And as we arrived back to the cottage and after chatting to a balikbayan former colleague of our colleagues (hehehe!), the sun is just about to set. The sky’s still blue with just a few strips of clouds. The sun dimmed itself to add drama as it went down the horizon from across the sea. Its rays sparked here and there as if waving goodbye to a day that was, ready for a night of romance under the moonlight.

As the foreign tourists were starting their amazement to the newly cooked lechon with chicken cooked same style on the side, we bid goodbye to Binucot Beach while borrowing Mac Arthur’s famous line: “I shall return”. And sure we will, in a place like this…

Late Welcoming 2015

2015-01-31T00:33:00.001-08:00

“… rather late, but I am here…” ~ Pope Francis

The first month of 2015 is almost over and I have yet to come up with a write up about the continuation of last year’s affair with Taytay, Palawan. Nor have I summed up yet my 2014 which should have been done right after ranking that years’ top posts. I intentionally set aside blogging as I was trying to focus on other aspects of my life. Today, just realized that the very thing I put aside is so much a part of me, it just comes out naturally. I needed to do this.

This month started with my family welcoming the new year in Batangas City. I wrote in a journal my thoughts about this trip from December 30, 2014 to January 3, 2015. Here are some which I think matters most for families travelling and eating together halfway:

During peak season, the choice of schedule and bus terminal is very important. It was December 30, a day before New Year’s eve and Alabang Central Bus Terminal was a better choice for being not too populated than Buendia which according to our Manong Taxi Driver was still packed with waiting passengers.
Taxi apps came in handy the time we left home for the bus terminal to the time we returned. That made us avoid what seems to be a modus-operandi of taxis parked near Star Mall Alabang and the smaller bus terminals near said mall. The taxi drivers there seem to choose passengers – you need to offer additional price or accept their offered contract price which is usually double of what the taxi meter would compute.
Bus companies who recognize the Senior Citizen’s Act by providing upfront-no IDs asked-discounts should be patronized. My parents and I as payor of their (hehe!) bus fare, I appreciate such a gesture (of a law abiding bus company)!
The tricycles in Batangas City are “lowered” and the vertical clearance inside the side car body is a little cramped for healthier people like us maybe more for taller ones. Even the back ride seats has this case. Prepare to get a little tired when taking this public transport or opt for a jeepney if only our elders could take the few transfers to our destination.

We stayed at the house of my Tita Leony (Tatay’s sister) and Tito Nestor. The house serve as our halfway home to Isla Verde every time we visit our Lola Lapaz in Mahabang Buhangin. It is where we had one of the best family Christmases where Tatay’s siblings once reunited. It is where tragedy shook all of us when their only son, Morries passed away due to a car accident. Some family members may have had falling outs but this house remains the same for us, its story, just like the extended family its owners have, has yet to see the test of times.

So there goes my new year’s welcome post. Up next, my return to Cebu City due to an official business trip which, as always, I try to maximize by eating with and meeting people halfway as the title of this blog try to say!

2014’s Most Viewed Blog Posts

2014-12-26T07:49:00.001-08:00

This year, I was able to add to my travel accomplishments Davao City, Coron (twice) and Taytay and Rio Tuba, Palawan and returned to my home town, Marikina, Marinduque (2), Puerto Princesa City, Brooke’s Point, and ~~San Vicente~~ (cancelled due to Typhoon Ruby), Palawan. Some of them made it to the most viewed posts while some didn’t (at least not yet for those linked above), but below are this years’ this years top 14:

I wish you had great fun and meaningful celebrations last Christmas and here’s to more travel in 2015!

TOP 14 as of 2014

2014-12-09T07:44:00.001-08:00

For 2014, I have the following 14 posts and/or pages on this blog which earned the top views from the time I took travel blogging to a weekly commitment in 2011 (which on some occasions I still fail) up to now. I am doing this as an annual tradition for Eating Halfway in faithful recognition of your taking time to drop by and see my work and passion.

Agua Caliente Resort in Pansol, Laguna still tops this year’s list. Continued thanks to our Latino friends who keep coming back at this post due to its name. In my experience, the hot spring water is a relaxing treat at night. During sunny days, use a good sunscreen or be safer by staying in that nook/roof where the hot spring falls freely from a lion statue.
Immersing in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro is still at second place which speaks of me getting to know a community, its resources, and its people. I hope those that have read my observations and comments about this specific immersion get some valuable inputs for their professional, personal and community development.
Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro is a new entrant at number three and tells about the municipality’s pristine eco-tourism which features natural and man-made resources such as channels, long white sand beaches, islands, coconuts, mangroves, corals, fresh seafood, seaweeds, shells and salt.
Stairway to Mt. Sabrina Mountain Resort, General Santos City from placing third in 2013 is now at fourth. It boasts of its Tuna-shaped pool and the Santorini-inspired hotel rooms. Likewise, its garden and Asian style resto-building, cool ambience being on hilly side of GenSan and its hospitable owner are among the strengths of this destination.
9 Waves in San Mateo, Rizal from number four is now at the fifth position. I believe it earned such a number because of many people searching for the resort name as it boasts of nine different kinds of waves to give visitors that real seawater experience.
Revisiting my Hometown, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, my birthplace made it to the sixth spot from being top five last year. I hope to come up with an itinerary/more information to visit this place plus more recent updates in my future posts in preparation to developing a tour program to showcase its winning edge.
Eating-All-You-Can in Davao City, a new entry at number seven and happened only in 2014, talks particularly about Kuya Ed Bahay Kainan, an affordable Filipino homecooked eat-all-you-can spot at Pichon Street, Davao City.
The now unupdated alphabetical summary of travel blog entries called Places is now at number eight from being last year’s number six. It is like the table of contents of this blog and an easy reference of where I’ve already been.
At least some viewers took time to know the blogger behind the blog, that’s why my About page stood at rank number nine two years in a row already. Speaks true of my desire to meet people halfway on the journey called life.
What Else to Do in General Santos City? This post is a new entry to my all-time top posts at number 10. Published in 2013, it talks about the Pacquiao’s, shopping for local products such as Tuna of GenSan and food and crafts of the region.
My Unfolding 2014 planner reached out and placed eleventh from being 2013’s seventh. It spoke of my 2014 holidays and the wish list of travels for the year. This year, I was able to add to my accomplishment Davao City, Coron (twice) and Taytay, Bataraza and San Vicente, Palawan and returned to my hometown and Brooke’s Point, Palawan.
Pinoy Travel Bloggers (PTB) is still at the twelfth spot. I became part of this virtual community through the encouragement of The Pinoy Explorer, allowing me to see beyond my own travels thereby making me learn and see our similarities as well as differences through sharing, commenting and joining blog carnivals.
I am glad my Contact page is still at number thirteen from being last year’s top ten. I’ve already had my fair share of contacts with some more useful than the others. I would be happy to say yes to event invites, I hope. Thanks also to users of this page where I was able to get business and hopefully, more businesses in the coming days and years.
360 View from Cloud 9, Antipolo City is our last and also a new entry to this list. Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club has been featured in the GMA News TV show Pinay Beauty Queen where contestants were challenged to walk its hanging bridge as if on a catwalk while being photographed. Aside from being challenging, it provides you a 360 view of the Metro Manila skyline which is very good to look at especially at night.

Next time, I hope to come up with the most commented posts and this blog has hopefully achieved a community status of some sort. I hope you help me in reaching that goal just as you did by adding to the number of pageviews we have acquired through the years.

So there goes my list as of 2014! Watch out for my next feature on Fourteen of the Year 2014!

CORONicles 2

2014-11-16T05:21:00.001-08:00

As promised on the first CORONicles, this second part would feature accommodation, food and pasalubong from Coron.

First stop is Zuric Pension House located at National Highway, Brgy. 3, Coron, Palawan. With homey/laid-back ambience and amenities if one needs time for reading/working while providing a good view of the community around it which you will will not be able to resist exploring.

The room we got is good for three, with air-conditioning, cable TV, hot and cold shower and free breakfast. Room rates start at PhP800-1,500 for fan room and PhP1,500-4,000 from standard to deluxe to family rooms. Except for the restrooms’ defective door knob, I have no other qualms regarding this simple accommodation.

The pension house ha s a restaurant on the ground floor where our free breakfast were served. The usual fried rice, egg and a choice between processed fish or meat is their offering while in the afternoon, barbeque and grilled fish are being cooked right outside its door. Fresh fish were from peddling vendors in the morning while a local friend of one of our colleague also treated us with grilled fish and baked shellfish.

Also at the ground floor is the Pasalubong Center, where local products such as souvenir items, woodcraft and honey as well as those coming from neighboring towns/islands are sold.

Next is Coron Westown Resort located at Sitio Dapulao, Brgy. Poblacion 6, Coron, Palawan. This place already caught my eye the first time I passed due to its seeming grandeur. It boasts itself as one of the premier resorts in Coron, just 5 minutes from downtown and 25 minutes from Busuanga Airport. My eye and then all my other senses proved me right when I finally got the key to this beautifully appointed room.

The views and amenities provide a captivating blend of Filipino Culture and contemporary sophistication. With uniquely landscaped gardens both inside and outside, sprawling swimming pools with nearby pool bar and KTV bar and restaurant where our good food came every meal.

Upon arrival, I ordered my first meal and had it delivered to the room. Quite costly but not having to go out is quite a return already. But an accommodation as lavish as this has its weakness which is my weakness, it doesn’t want me to go out. Yes, while I’m in Coron!

These local distinct tasting cashew products were sold at the front desk while my other souvenir, a sawali (woven bamboo strips) conference kit was provided by the organizers, made by Guadalupe Sawali Weavers Association (GUSAWA) of Brgy. Guadalupe, Coron.

Weaving through Taytay, Palawan

2014-11-08T02:17:00.001-08:00

The beautiful coastal town of Taytay used to be the capital of Palawan during the Spanish-colonial years.

I arrived in Taytay, Palawan on a rainy afternoon after four-hours travel from Puerto Princesa City. From the terminal, I took a tricycle to Polaris Pension House but without being taken to another Polaris which is an event place version of where I needed to go. A tip, be specific with saying business names as locals might get confused like the first tricycle driver. After another tricycle ride I arrived at the right place.

Polaris Pension House is located at Sitio Rodriguez, Poblacion, Taytay, Palawan. Its tagline: “A place inspired by nature, a place so warm and peaceful”. Room rates, if I remember right, start at PhP 450, each room could have two or more beds while some room have attic feature for more people in a group.

I arrived while a training for buri and pandan leaves weavers on bag making is ongoing. These skilled women from at least five barangays are able to do beautifully a bayong or bag from simple to more intricately colored designs. So when in Taytay, be sure to visit the Biritbiten Center at the Municipal Compound for local pasalubong items such as banig (mat) or bayong.

After their session that day, I joined them for dinner which coincided with the culmination of their training. We enjoyed the spaghetti, chicken adobo, grilled fish and vegetables and a little videoke after.

I enjoyed the night inside the room assigned to me, with the cold weather and just right lighting to bring you to sleep and with the protection of a mosquito net (kulambo). It would be one of my well-rested nights of sleep.

On my last day in Taytay, I had a chance to visit Fuerza de Sta. Isabel (named after Queen Isabella of Spain), a battle fortress which dates back to 1662. Inside were dungeons, an old chapel, and some canons. It has been developed now into a park and a museum. This fortress deserves a post on its own and worth another visit!

At the background is (what seems to be a hut by the mountain) is Casa Rosa where I had my second dinner of pizza and pasta in Taytay. The place, which is accessible through the Municipal Compound provides a good view of the bay in Taytay where I first saw the fortress that I fell in love with.

Before leaving, we had a breakfast of lamayo (semi-dried fish), egg and rice in this native restaurant which also has a pension house just across the public park fronting the fortress. Their lamayo was one of the best!

Can’t wait to visit Taytay again!

City in a Forest, City of Lights

2014-09-13T04:00:00.001-07:00

Isn’t it enchanting to see Puerto Princesa City, dubbed as the “City in a Forest” in all its bright light glory? Well, aside from the tour of the fireflies that locals and visitors alike do in the city, old acacia trees near the Provincial Capitol and in some other intersections are a sight to behold when strolling around at night.

Also, the park in front of the City Coliseum is adorned with these flower lights at night. These lights around the city are romantic for dating lovebirds and good to look at for the others.

Another feature at the City Coliseum park, if I may call it that, are these foot massaging stones that we enjoyed in one of the circles near the roadside. Some portions are arranged according to size and are lighter to the touch (pressure) while the bigger and more irregular stones provide the harder pressure on your foot at time achy already but some like that type of feeling. In the morning workers provide the proper maintenance of the park and the foot massage area for us to enjoy.

I have done a feature on Chicken Inato which offers similar menu as the one we visited this last tip to Puerto Princesa City. Aside from food, their wide array of drinks are refreshing and pretty at the same time. Also, they are now offering buffet breakfast meals from 6AM to 10AM at PhP175, if I am not mistaken.

One discovery also on this last visit are these found on the fist page of they menu. It was very cheap so I tried to order two: Ka Inato leg and Ka Inato Gulay as the waiter told me they were kiddie size. But when served, it was for adult. So there you go order and save!

Another information, they employ some deaf or mute staff that is why some simple sign language guides are posted in one corner. Don’t forget to send a subtle flying kiss to say thank you for their service!

Another very affordable discovery is this grill at the building where PureGold is also located. Just across the City Coliseum and named Cafeliza, good food and air-conditioned too!

After going around enjoying and eating halfway around Puerto Princesa City, dessert brought us to a bakeshop named Baby Joy in Brooke’s Point. Though we didn’t eat bread, we enjoyed their halo-halo. So go drop by and get one when you are around Brooke’s Point, Palawan!

CORONicles

2014-08-30T06:52:00.001-07:00

We flew on a cloudy day from Manila after suffering the consequences of trusting traffic in the metro. Checked-in just right in time and then proceeded to the Boarding Gate of NAIA III. (This same thing happened on my second time to fly to Coron, I almost did not make it to boarding thereby needing assistance from the airline staff as I make an amazing race to the flight) We were among the last passengers to board the plane and on flight encountered some turbulence. The window seat I chose allowed me to enjoy the island views though it wasn't sunny, thanks to the formatting tools of Windows Writer that provided the picture effects as I blog this. Yes, this is my first time to be in Coron, ticking it off my list, ;-]

Our flight arrived at Francisco B. Reyes Airport and as we took our carry-ons from the storage bin, a beating of the drum is heard from outside. As we step out of the exit and approach the arrival area, a band of native drums were playing a sound so ethnic playing welcome music for the visitors of Busuanga and Coron. While waiting for the checked-in luggage of a colleague, we pass by a gallery of brochures for accommodations and tour packages of the town and the island. Outside the airport, hotel service awaiting for booked guests line up with passenger service vans for locals and those that have yet to check-in or book their stay in the island. We took the latter at PhP150.

The day of our arrival is a working day, with a tricycle hired at PhP500 for the afternoon (from 1:00-5:00pm) we went around town and observed even more the daily life of the local people, landscapes and pet animals in the places we visited. Red clay sand is very much notable on the first photo, a quarry/mine on the side of the mountain on the second, lush greeneries next and a talking bird I know as Martinez in one of the places we went in. Sadly no island hopping yet on this visit.

The next morning, we walked our way to the Lualhati Park, named in honor of the mother of the former mayor of Coron and former Governor of Palawan for some photos and sightseeing. The park features a garden with seats, basketball court, bay walk, tour boats docked nearby and a zip line spanning the entire length of the park.

Looking out to the sea is the Mt. Tapyas which is said to have 724 steps and with a full view of the Coron town and harbor. We walked through the walkway by the green grass and passed by the boats, buildings and then the public market where my colleagues stopped by for some more fresh fish to be frozen and taken home to Manila and Batangas.

On Nutrition Day, a parade of vegetable mascots, municipal government employees and musical band gave us a taste of the coming town fiesta of the 28th of August.

Our flight back to Manila was sunnier, hence, these bluer photos. Next, accommodations, food and pasalubong from Coron, coming right up!

Reimagining History at Sta. Cruz, Marinduque Church

2014-08-24T00:00:00.001-07:00

Aside from looking out to the Elephant Island, my Marinduque escapades earlier this year brought me back to Sta. Cruz Church. That’s what’s good about working on the field, some lunch breaks like this one (technically, after lunch) can be spent in the oldest church in this beautiful province.

Sta. Cruz Church is located 30 kilometers east of Boac town, just an hour jeepney ride. The church in this municipality was erected in 1714 and has 1.5 to 2-meter thick walls. The church has underwent renovation except the still original bell tower.

At the doorway, I loved the framing that the archways provided to the world outside of the church. Much like the altar, there are three directions to look at, the front arch which looks directly to the gate and the street outside the church’s compound, the left side where the Blessed Sacrament and new convent are located and the right side which looks out to the parking space and an old convent farther left.

Old paintings especially on the ceiling and sculptures are the main features of the church that is said to be the oldest church in the province.

It houses an altar in not one, but three retablos, a unique kind of woodcarving where the images are directly carved at the main frame. Retablos, aside from the main altar are located on both the left and right sides. Natural light is brought from the unique ceiling feature which allows light to enter as if coming from the heavens above, and it really does. On the right side post fronting the main altar, a feature where priests stand to do their sermon in the olden times, I supposed, can be seen and its history reimagined.

More of Cloud 9 at Hotel 360

2014-08-16T08:08:00.001-07:00

It is where I had a 360 view of the metropolitan skyline and found Nirvana at the same time. This week, let me take you to another location where I took some of the night sky shots in one of the abovementioned posts and where we had our socials of karaoke. Pluto Hall is located on an elevated area near the restaurant and fronting the museum/front desk area. A screen projector was setup for our purpose and finger food and drinks were served.

Food served during our stay at the hotel were mostly Filipino, with a lot of vegetables (steamed or pinakbet), fruits for dessert and native delicacies (suman and chocolate) with fish or poultry to complete the healthy menu. On our lunch upon arrival, we were served a leche flan looking dessert which turned out to be gelatin, some non-gelatin lovers didn’t buy the idea but I liked the creativity and pun whether it was intended or not.

We were billeted three in a room and I chose the extra bed beside the air-conditioning unit which turned out to be a bad idea. The extra bed were two single thick beds layered together so when I moved (with my size), they misaligned. Plus being beside the air-con and trying to avoid the cold gave me a perspiring sleep or not at all. I do not take it against the hotel but my decisions/choices. Lessons learned the hard way.

Nevertheless, the stay is worth way more than these two selfies.

Eating Halfway on a Foodie Melting Pot

2014-08-02T10:19:00.001-07:00

Our Makati City office is situated very near a condominium development at the corner of Jupiter and Nicanor Reyes (a.k.a. Reposo) Streets and at the ground floor are lots of shops and restaurants to choose from, hence, we frequent that place for a walking distance of food and very rarely, shopping.

It is where I had my first taste of crunchy pretzel bacon cheeseburger (you could easily guess that fast-food chain, I know!). The crunchy (quite not that soft bun claim) warm pretzel bun is the difference in my taste. It sandwiched 100% US beef patty (wow), melted cheddar cheese, smoky honey mustard and some vegetables. It is delicious nevertheless and filling enough making us ready for the Holy Mass in the nearby Church then back to work after.

Before Valentines Day, I had the chance to have dinner in one of the restos inside the mall ground floor of the condo complex.

My friend and I after looking at the stretch of places to dine, chose the one very near the doors that lead outside to the driveway and then the elevators of the condo. The receipt says Ya Kun and its posters shout Uniquely Singapore! Time for a study on some food from this melting pot city-state:

We ordered chicken sa po fan (clay pot rice), bah kut teh (pork bone tea soup), kaya toast ((a local spread of egg and coconut) with egg, iced tea and extra rice, hehe.

Claypot chicken rice is cooked in the claypot: rice first and cooked ingredients like diced chicken and typically served with Chinese sausage and vegetables that are added in later. It is an ancestor of our present-day and very common rice toppings, seems to me like chicken brisket, if there is such (I only know beef, LOL!, or pork).

Bah Kut Teh is a Chinese soup dish infused with herbs such as Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica, an aphrodisiac for women, I read, LOL!), Cinnamon, Star Anise, and loaded with pork ribs, dried Shitake mushrooms, tofu puffs, and heaps of garlic. For me, it was verging on the sweet side maybe due to the star anise balanced by the tea soup. The meat left in the pork bone is soft and yummy, I wish there was more meat clinging on those bones!

Kaya is made from a proprietary recipe comprising eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and natural fragrance extracted from pandan (screwpine) leaves. It had the right sweetness to it although pairing it with egg is kinda weird for me as we ordered it for dessert whilst it is popular breakfast and has its roots from Malaysia.

There you go, quite a lot! BTW, we have tried the food stalls at the hypermart and loved the lechon in hot and spicy and regular serving. Liked to try the beef versions in another stall but they run out of stock!

Cheapskates in Occidental Mindoro

2014-07-27T01:47:00.001-07:00

If you’re travelling to my province, Occidental Mindoro and looking for a cheap way to stay or eat, this post could be of help to you.

Occidental Mindoro could be reached through two of its towns. The first town is San Jose, the commercial center, if you’re arriving via air from Manila or if you’re coming from Oriental Mindoro (by land) or via sea from Batangas once the Caminawit Port operates once again. The other town, Abra de Ilog, very near the capital of Mamburao and Paluan, if you’re arriving from Batangas City via boat.

Most stay in Mamburao for business as we were during our visit, however, there are a lot of attractions in it and in the neighboring towns as can be seen in the links. We stayed in Mindorenos Hotel and Restaurant along San Jose Street and took this air-con room at less than a thousand pesos. We were two in the room which had two beds, a big enough restroom and TV.

In Sablayan, we stayed at another hotel downtown with features like that of Mindorenos in Mamburao but with wifi. However, for cheap and delicious lutong-bahay, we prefer Emily’s Hotel very near the public market, where you may opt to buy fresh seafood and vegetable ingredients for your paluto. It is also fronting the port for very small sea boats in the municipality, surrounded by a beautiful view which is very good to look at anytime of the day.

In San Jose, my hometown, I recently had the chance to stay at the Sikatuna Town Hotel, at the center of downtown, unlike other stay choices which are mostly very near the beaches. It is popular for most people doing business in town and I was surprised to see tourists checking in as we arrived. I presume they’re going to or just came from an Apo Reef visit in Sablayan. Almost all gimmick places are reachable by foot as we did that night.

Finding Nirvana

2014-07-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

I like hotels and resorts that have either a chapel or prayer room. It is a value added service that not all may appreciate but a place like this brings back inner peace to us all. After the storm calmed just last week, going back to God, immediately came to mind. Where else can we find Him but in prayer and in places of peace and quiet like the one featured in this post.

Aptly named Nirvana which is synonymous to paradise or heaven, this nondescript place inside Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club caught my attention while we were there. Nirvana in Buddhism is a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism.

Upon entering, this quiet place, one can’t help but look up at the murals depicting Adam and Eve with animals in Paradise and appearance of the Virgin Mary to a family. Likewise, wall paintings and carved images of the Holy Mother can be seen.

At the center of the chapel is the Crucified Christ in an altar just below the ceiling with murals. Natural light flows from the roof as if Heaven shines down on this place.

And right below the cross, is a rock where it is planted, behind it, a table with images of saints and what I think are cherubim (quite creepy though, but never mind), And facing the cross are seats and kneeler. for that perfect, idyllic place for one to find bliss, joy, peace, serenity, tranquility and enlightenment while having alone time and talking to God in prayer and meditating on what He has to say by just listening to your heart.

The Closest To Elephant Island (Bella Roca Island Resort & Spa)

2014-07-12T20:33:00.001-07:00

It is my rolling wish since 2012 to get a chance, even just a daytrip to Elephant Island, now more popular as Bella Roca Island Resort and Spa in the province of Marinduque. Yes, the heart shaped island who also claims the title Heart of the Philippines due to its location, is also known for this luxury resort aside from the more masa Moriones Festival that makes it the Lenten Capital of the country.

And this is the nearest I got there so far, a stop over from a trip in Buenavista town last may 2014 very near the mini-port where resort guests are fetched and brought to the island. I remember watching Trip na Trip travel show before where Kat de Castro commented that the said mini-port does not seem like a proper portal to a “luxury resort and spa” and needs improvement.

And this place where we stopped over seemed to need cleaning too. It is a grazing ground for cattle but as you can see, garbage seemed to be thrown very near the seashore. This could be a good spot to do sightseeing of the Elephant Island, not to mention that the beaches on this side of town and province have their distinct character worthy of tourism opportunity.

A Day at the Museum of the Filipino People

2014-07-05T07:36:00.001-07:00

It was a Saturday and I was supposed to be going to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) along Taft Avenue to get my NBI Clearance. Upon arrival, I discovered that the agency does not open during weekends anymore. So to make my travel time useful despite not accomplishing my purpose for that particular morning, I decided to try my luck at the National Museum by crossing T.M. Kalaw Avenue towards Rizal Park which I've been wanting to visit for a long time already.

Not seeing the entrance to the museum, I approached a roving guard and asked about the museum, if entrance is still free on Saturdays and I got a positive response, including directions. I had to walk towards from the left side towards the back and then the right side of the Museum of the Filipino People as the entrance looking towards the other building of the Museum Complex where I believe the Spoliarium is exhibited (the National Art Gallery). Also in this photo, the façade, interiors (stained glass windows/staircase, the courtyard) and a Capoeira session that was ongoing inside the museum.

We went floor by floor and around each in exploring the museum. Our exploration started with the San Diego Exhibit: (1) The San Diego Galleon miniature; (2) Mary and Child in wood; (3) Astronomical ring dial with three rings and central compass made of bronze and 22.4 centimeters in diameter, recovered from the San Diego Galleon Wreck.

Burial Jars at the Kaban ng Lahi (Archeological Treasures Gallery). Somehow creepy but I am glad I went in with a newfound friend who was already there when I arrived waiting for the time the museum people to allow entrance as we were way to early. I saw there for the first time the Manunggul jar (as seen at the back of the One Thousand Peso Bill), “one of the most precious jar collections, is a secondary burial vessel excavated from a Neolithic burial site in Manunggul cave of Lipuun, Palawan dating from 890-710 B.C. The two prominent figures at the top handle of its cover represent the journey of the soul to the afterworld”.

Another one was a highlight pala of this gallery, “the unique anthropomorphic burial jars made of earthenware with design and form of human figures recovered in Ayub cave in Maitum, Saranggani (formerly South Cotabato) in 1991 by the National Museum. It has been found to be of the Metal Age period that dates from 500 B.C. to 370 A.D. Here, the head-shaped covers are of three types consisting of plain; with perforations; and those with different facial expressions”.

Mixed photos. (Left to right, in reversed C, please.) (1) The Admiral’s table (table wares that are part of the San Diego Galleon exhibit) (2) Batanes (3) How underwater archeological sites are explored, finds recovered (4) Balangay boats of Butuan – discovered in 1978 as “unworthy wood” found while digging for popular Chinese ceramics and later proved to be primary aide in studying the first Filipino culture of sailing and its participation to the South East Asian region. Eight boats were discovered with three already excavated dating 320, 1250 and 990 A.D. (4) Human figure storage jar (5) Filipino musical instruments.

Pagkaing Filipino, Images of Regional Cuisine is a food photography exhibit of dishes, drinks and delicacies and their stories by renowned photographer, Neal M. Oshima with text by food writer an regional cuisine researcher Michaela Fenix. Presented by the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. in partnership with the National Museum, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Manila Ladies Branch of the International Wine and Food Society (MLB-IWFS) and the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Award from May 2 until August 3, 2014 at the PAGCOR Reception Room of the Museum of the Filipino People. My favorite, though I forgot to take a photo of is the puzzle photo of a lechon from pig preparation until it was ready to eat – yummy!

The front doors and windows of the Museum of the Filipino People is a beautiful location for looking out with the view of Rizal Park, the Department of Tourism (DOT) building, the trees/greeneries or just the blue sky with clouds. The quietness from the museum building seem to keep the past inside it while the present is just right outside and together, they are in natural and perfect harmony. I am just glad to have finally set foot even in just one of the buildings of the growing National Museum Complex. Also a must see – Ang Hibla ng Lahing Filipino (The Artistry of Philippine Textiles), Rice Exhibit, the exhibit of extinct and endangered species and climate change.

A Day in Marikina City

2014-06-29T02:50:00.001-07:00

I’ve always wanted to visit Marikina City due to it’s popular riverbank, famed foodie finds and its status as a clean and progressive city. I only had the chance to have an overnight stay here in 2012 when a friend held their Christian wedding in this place. We stayed in a place just walking distance to the venue, and I had the chance to pass by this Church of the Nuestra Senora de los Desemparados.

First constructed in nipa shingles and bamboo by the Augustinian Recollects in Barangka (formerly Chorillo) in 1572. The church was transferred to Jesus Dela Pena when put under the Jesuits and an inaugural mass was held April 16, 1630. Transferred and constructed again to its current location in 1687, finished and became a parish in 1690. A large part was burnt during the Filipino – Spanish and Filipino – American wars. The bell tower was destroyed during the Second World War, underwent repair and beautification since 1951.

So on our schedule to visit the city and saw the church from across the road, we took the chance get inside and say a little prayer and at the same time see its interiors. It was truly beautiful and heavenly inside. My stay there is comparable to my experience inside the Taal Church. A stone’s throw away from the church is the Marikina Shoe Museum.

As the name suggests, the Marikina Shoe Museum is all about an industry that the City is known for – shoemaking, so it becomes a fitting tribute to Marikina City that is the Shoe Capital of the Philippines. Just before entering the museum, there is a stiletto-inspired garden planter, a shoe kiosk and the ‘walk of fame’ inspired shoe markers of famous people presumably put there in celebration of the Sapatos Festival.

The art of shoemaking is depicted by these life-size mannequins as the museum holds hundreds of pairs of shoes of several famous people including a pair of shoes from each president, vice presidents and senators of the Philippines. Other shoes are those of celebrities, ambassadors, politicians, and traditional shoes from other countries.

In my opinion, the Marikina Shoe Museum could pass as the Imelda Romualdez-Marcos Museum just add there the jewelry, paintings and other collections of the former first lady as the main bulk of shoes for different occasions on display is hers. Entrance costs P50.00, for more information call +632 646-2368/69.

After the Shoe Museum, we still visited the Marikina Shoe Trade Fair for our colleagues to shop for pasalubong. Bargain shopping is held at the East Grandstand of the Marikina Sports Park from (Am to 6PM the whole week except during holidays when it is open only from 9Am to 1PM. However, since I didn’t shop then, I also forgot to take photos as I didn’t think or know it was allowed. As our bus went its way out of this disciplined, with good taste and excellent city; I enjoyed the clean and green views (their waste segregation and recycling can be seen everywhere!) that it offered including this arch.