JOTAN23

ATELIER VIVANDA MANILA: Michelin-Star French Bistro Restaurant in BGC by Chef Akrame Benallal

noreply@blogger.com (Jo Tan) — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 21:52:00 +0800

Marco Lobregat happy to be holding Atelier Vivanda's Holstein Bone-In Beef

The famous Michelin-star restaurant by Chef Akrame Benallal is finally opening its doors to Manila this February 2, 2016. Atelier Vivanda is going to offer full set course meals which will be at Php 2,300 per head, vat inclusive, complete with one starter, one meaty entree, an all-you-can-eat potato side dish and one sumptuous dessert.

Soft-boiled egg with cottage cheese mayonnaise, sauteed mushrooms and woods perfume. This is the newest creation by Chef Akrame. Do not forget to ask for some bread to wipe your plate with :p

Look at that! Mmmmm good!

Potato all you want.

Atelier Vivanda offers unlimited potato side dishes

This one's my favorite: Pommes Dauphines. These are mashed potatoes mixed with Comté cheese and butter, rolled into a ball of wonderful treat.

The line chefs preparing our rib eye and holstein beef

Custom-made Atelier Vivanda steak knife with the famous pepper-olive oil in a bottle that is the best condiment for the Vivanda steaks.

What people are going here for: The Atelier Vivanda Rib Eye

Custard with Lemongrass Ice Cream (tastes like light egg pie with a refreshing twist)

Grand finale: THE BEST Crème Brûlée ever!

Look at the generous amount of vanilla specks!

You may also order and enjoy the following on top of the full set course meal:

BRVT seasonal cheeses from France

Holstein Bone-In Beef, aged 50 days, that is more than enough for two to three pax. (tastes like roast beef to me)

Look at that meat!!!

Read the full review here:

http://www.wheninmanila.com/atelier-vivanda-michelin-star-french-bistro-by-chef-akrame-benallal-to-open-in-bgc-this-february-2016

ATELIER VIVANDA MANILA

U-A8 Forbes Town Center, Forbes Town Road, BGC

Contact Numbers: 0918-848-2632 / 848-2632

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Atelier-Vivanda-Manila-160032004362152/

Instagram: @ateliervivandamanila

ATELIER VIVANDA MANILA: Michelin-Star French Bistro Restaurant in BGC by Chef Akrame Benallal

TAGS: Atelier Vivanda, Atelier Vivanda Manila, Atelier Vivanda Philippines, Chef Akrame, Chef Akrame Benallal, french bistro in manila, french restaurants in manila, french restaurants in the philippines, grace lee, Khristine Gabriel

WAGYU BGC: Best, Authentic and Highest Grade A5 Japanese Wagyu Beef

noreply@blogger.com (Jo Tan) — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:51:00 +0800

Did you know that A5 is the highest grade given to the finest Japanese beef?

WAGYU BGC serves only A5 Japanese Wagyu (Ohmi, Hida, Kagoshima, Saga). Yes, only the best for their customers. You don’t have to travel to Japan to satisfy your wagyu cravings. WAGYU BGC is supplying certified and documented wagyu beef imported from Japan. Okay, going back to the different kinds of wagyu beef served at Wagyu BGC: Ohmi has a sweeter taste and lower melting point. Ohmi and Hida are like the “Hermes” of Japanese Wagyu beefs while Kagoshima and Saga are “Louis Vuitton.” All of these have a low melting point so never leave them at room temperature because they will literally melt due to its beautiful marbling.

Chateau Briand: more expensive, best part, less fat but still very tender

They don’t offer frozen beef since this affects the color and texture of the meat, also the quality. All of their wagyu beefs are chilled to the perfect temperature. You can buy and take these home or you can also opt to order and dine at their second branch in BGC. (First and original branch is in Sunvar, Makati).

TIP: When purchasing wagyu beef for home consumption, they will give it to you using cold Japanese okra as “ice packs.” These healthy okras are wrapped around your chilled wagyu beef which you can also cook and enjoy. Please remember: DO NOT FREEZE YOUR WAGYU BEEF.

FYI: By June 2016, Wagyu BGC is targeting to supply imported Japanese beef that is from other parts of the cow, which will be more affordable for all. (more choices for consumers).

Below is our awesome WAGYU BEEF BGC experience:

Wagyu Tataki: Seared wagyu beef

Add a dash of crushed garlic then dip in the ponzu sauce.

Chew and enjoy (sooo good. I love garlic so I truly enjoyed this.)

Wagyu Sushi

Don’t dip the whole thing in the soy sauce. Use the pickle to dip in the soy sauce and dab it on your wagyu sushi. Don’t worry, they only serve fresh wagyu beef so you’re safe.

Steamed Wagyu (one of the best sellers)

Eat it as soon as you open the lid to best enjoy this.

We all know that the sesame sauce is a favorite but we highly recommend dipping the wagyu beef in the ponzu sauce and use the sesame sauce for the steamed vegetables instead. Also, you may order the sirloin for this (it’s a great choice for the steamed wagyu)

Kagoshima Sirloin Wagyu on stone plate

Ohmi Sirloin Wagyu on stone plate

Cooked to perfection!

3 kinds of salt used: salt & pepper, yuzu (Japanese lime), ume (plum)

TIP: DO NOT rub it on the beef during cooking. DO NOT dip your sliced beef in the salt. Instead, please use your fingers to sprinkle salt on your wagyu to taste. All three are really good but I like mine plain and simple.

My personal favorite: WAGYU SHABU SHABU

TIP: Chuck roll is a perfect choice for this

Taka of WAGYU BGC cooking the most delicious Japanese shabu shabu

The secret is in the crystal sugar and their special sauce as these coat the meat for a tastier treat.

…and the beaten egg makes the shabu shabu experience more exciting. It’s a delight in the taste buds. It’s a totally different gustatory experience. I was never a fan of Japanese shabu shabu but this one’s awe-mazing!

Also, it is recommended to cook the meat first, and serve it while it is pinkish in color before cooking the rest in the pan and pouring it in your beaten egg bowl.

Looking for value-for-money wagyu set? Then you should try their lunch specials.

This Wagyu Yasai Itame lunch special is only Php 600, complete with rice and soup. (the serving is pretty big, enough to be enjoyed by two)

If you will be sharing with someone, I suggest ordering a cup of Wagyu Beef rice on the side because it is MFEO (made for each other.) Believe me, it was love at first bite.

WAGYU BGC

G/F Burgos Park Building, Forbestown Road, BGC

(Beside Tipsy Pig)

For reservations, please call/text: +63-916-243-8221

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wagyubgc/timeline

Instagram: @WagyuBeefBGC

Tags: wagyu beef,wagyu,japanese wagyu beef,japanese wagyu,wagyu beef BGC,wagyu BGC,chuck roll,ohmi beef,omi beef,Japanese Kobe beef,Japanese Beef,beef restaurant, wagyu beef from Japan, kobe beef from Japan,shabu shabu set

JENSEN KINDER FARM: Organic Farming Adventure For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Jo Tan) — Mon, 5 Oct 2015 18:12:00 +0800

“Jensen Kinder Farm is an organic backyard farm that offers training on practical urban farming for children and adults.”

Stacy Borromeo, owner of JKF, wants to help promote organic farming through her mini-farm by opening her backyard to the public. With Jensen Kinder Farm, she can now educate people by teaching farming methods and techniques to children and adults for their urban houses. She aims to raise awareness about organic farming and hopes to inspire people to become organic consumers so that there will be more demand for organic products and support organic farmers in return.

Below is a photo-blog of the fun farming adventure we had last weekend :)

Kids and adults got to tour the farm and the kids experienced some of the things farmers do every day such as feeding the chicken, collecting eggs, watering the plants and harvesting. The kids also learned how to use farming tools (and actually try using them).

Furthermore, the kids learned how to grow plants through cuttings. They also designed their own planter, which they used for the herb that was given to them to take home.

As part of the farm tour package, each kid was given a farm kit that they can practice on when they get home.

Jensen Kinder Farm is conveniently located in Quezon City – location is so close, making it a perfect weekend bonding activity for the whole family.

Boots, aprons, hats and name tags for kids

Planting 101: Introduction to different methods for urban farming

Stacy teaching the kids and adults some trivia and facts about farming.

Kids lining up for the activities

We love how organized the tour was.

Collecting eggs from the chicken coop

Fish feeding

Chicken feeding

Rabbit feeding. The rabbit poo goes directly to the vermicompost below their cage.

Learning about stingless bees

Little girl farmers enjoyed the feeding activities.

Learning how to use the farming tools

All the kids were excited to fill their containers to water the plants.

They also learned how to harvest monggo

Tea time for the adults. Each kid also gets to bring home one Sitao farming kit home.

Each kid trimmed a tarragon and planted it in their pail

Decorating their plant containers to take home

Transplanting some thai basil leaves to his decorated container

The kids were very happy with their new plants

Thank you, Ms. Stacy B., for a wonderful fun-filled weekend!

TIPS:

1. Farm tour duration is usually around 2 hours and it can get hot, depending on the weather so please bring water.

2. Best attire: closed shoes, pants and comfortable shirts.

3. Bring extra clothes.

4. Apply sunscreen.

5. Book a private tour (minimum of 10 kids only) and choose a morning slot.

JENSEN KINDER FARM

“Our advocacy is to help and inspire families to start organic urban farming.”

39 Jensen St., Filinvest 2,

Baranggay Batasan Hills, Quezon City

Contact Numbers: 0928-552-0155; 294-6527

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jensenkinderfarm

FARM FEES as of September 2015:

Kids: Php 180

Adults: Php 50

Please book at least 3 days before your chosen date.

JENSEN KINDER FARM: Organic Farming Adventure For Kids

Tags: jensen kinder farm,organic farming,fun farm sta elena,fun farm,jensen farm,organic farming for kids,urban farming

BATANES: Celebrating The Joy of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Jo Tan) — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 00:46:00 +0800

There are no words to describe Batanes and its beauty. More than the breathtaking scenery, I was even more impressed and amazed by its people, the Ivatans. They have shown me how easy it is to find joy in life: the simpler, the better.

Ivatans value Honesty and Integrity more than the material stuff. They value education. They value hard work and perseverance. Did you know that there are no out-of-school youth in Batanes? I commend the local government and the teachers in Batanes. There are no beggars and no street children. Everyone gets to eat and live in a comfortable way. They live an honorable life.

As of the moment, there are only a few places in Batanes that have an internet connection, and I hope it remains this way to preserve what they have. I believe in the power of social media and its ability to influence people and at times, its tendency to make people crave for more “wants” in life. For now, let us treasure the peace and serenity of Batanes – because with the contentment of a simple life, they have found the joy of life.

When In Batanes, make sure to book BISUMI TOURS and ask for Sir Arthemus Castillejos for an unforgettable trip. He’s REALLY good with cameras, especially panoramic shots!

Sir Art of BISUMI TOURS

NORTH BATAN ISLAND

MT. CARMEL CHURCH

Perfect venue for a church wedding with a fantastic view: West Philippine Sea on one side and Pacific Ocean on the other.

PAG-ASA “TUKON” RADAR STATION / FUNDACION PACITA NATURE LODGE

There’s a shed outside PAG-ASA station and it’s the perfect place to sit, unwind and have a picnic (with a nice view of Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge)

WWII JAPANESE TUNNEL

Japanese hideout during the WWII. It has about 5 exits but the walk is fairly short to the tour exit. If you have back problems, I suggest for you to stay in the car or meet them at the exit instead because you will have to go out through a small opening of the tunnel. (FYI: Unaccredited tour guides are not allowed to enter the tunnel)

This is the exit I was talking about

these are the vents of the tunnel that’s why it feels cold inside

BOULDER BEACH IN CHANPAN VALUGAN

Learn the Zen Art of “stone-stacking” at boulder beach.

VAYANG ROLLING HILLS

Best to come here late afternoon for photos, especially at sunset.

LIGHTHOUSE AT NAIDI HILLS

Another perfect place to watch the sun set.

FYI: Roads in Batanes are narrow but they are very courteous and considerate in driving. If you need to back up 100 meters, they will do that without any hesitation. (And with a SMILE!) I just looooove Ivatans!

A normal street in Basco, Batanes (narrow road, peaceful and clean)

SOUTH BATAN ISLAND

WHITE BEACH

Bring your towel and extra set of clothes if you wish to enjoy the beach.

HOUSE OF DAKAY

This is the oldest surviving stone house in Batan Island. You are allowed to enter the house because they are also selling souvenir shirts. (just leave your footwear outside)

“The House of Dakay was built by Luisa Estrella in 1887. On September 13, 1918, a strong earthquake hit the island. Most of the town of Ivana was leveled to the ground. The House of Dakay was one of the few houses that remained standing and one of the 5 that have survived to this day. Estrella eventually bequeathed the house to her favorite nephew, Jose Dakay Estrella, from whom the name of the house is taken. The house is now the residence of Florestida Estrella, known as Lola Ida, who is the only living descendant of the family.

Most of the original parts of the house have been retained and kept in good condition, including the shutters and the floors. The thatched cogon roof of the house, however, has been replaced completely every 30 years since 1917.” – Wikipedia

HONESTY STORE

There are no staffs manning the store. If you want something, pay the exact amount and drop it in the money box. Trust and honesty are something that Ivatans have that I truly look up to and respect. It’s lovely to know that even tourists do not take advantage of an Ivatan’s trust and they regard Ivatans with respect that they deserve.

ALAPAD HILLS AND ROCK FORMATION

This is where the famous “i-Dawn-Zulueta mo ako” happened in the movie, “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit.”

MARLBORO HILLS (RACUH A PAYAMAN)
The place has been more known as Marlboro Hills after a photographer claimed that it looked like the place in a Marlboro commercial :)

Even before text messaging was invented, Batanes has already been using these signs on the roads to stress the importance of “YOU” and your responsibility in being a safe driver (especially since there are plenty of blind curves on their roads).

SABTANG ISLAND

It is best to ride the boat going to Sabtang early morning, around 5:30 – 6:00 am to make the most out of your Sabtang adventure. (Usually, it’s either a half-day tour or an overnight trip if you have time).

30-MINUTE FALUWA BOAT RIDE

If you are the type that easily gets dizzy, especially since the ride will not be as smooth sailing as you wish (this is Batanes, after all – imagine WAVES), you should take an anti-emetic like Bonamine (medication that prevents nausea and vomiting). While on the boat (a mini version of Noah’s ark – you may see vehicles and animals on board sometimes), be watchful: enjoy the scenery and check the ocean because you will spot flying fishes and (sometimes) dolphins swimming along with the boat.

BARANGAY SAVIDUG and BARANGAY CHAVAYAN STONE HOUSES (walking tour)

Sabtang is the place where you can see stone house villages that are still occupied by Ivatans. Take time to appreciate the simplicity of life. Stop and talk to the locals and hear their stories.

These stone houses are made of limestones and dried corals. The house is designed to protect against the hostile climate, basically it is "all-weather-proof," able to withstand the strongest typhoons and earthquakes.

CHAMANTAD-TINYAN VIEWPOINT

This is Sir Art’s favorite because it’s comparable to New Zealand’s LOTR scenery, or maybe even a better version of it. Just a warning though, make sure to prepare yourselves for the long hike and for climbing the hill.

This biker even brought his bike all the way from Manila to Batanes!

Can you spot my friend in the picture?

AHAW ARC (Natural Limestone Arc Formation)

Perfect place to sunbathe! Oh, and there’s a restaurant a few steps away that serves really good seafood and Lunyes.

A usual tricycle scene in Sabtang Island, Batanes

IVATAN FOOD / WHAT TO EAT IN BATANES

VUNONG: Traditional meal in Batanes that consists of rice and meat wrapped in a breadfruit leaf. This is their own version of “binalot.” The yellow rice is mixed with turmeric, giving it a tastier flavor.

UVOD: Batanes meatballs that are made of banana heart or banana stalks mixed with ground meat. (I think I haven’t tried a really good one yet)

FLYING FISH / DIBANG: Dried flying fish marinated in salt and vinegar. You have got to try this! Perfect with a cup of garlic rice and fried egg. SOOOO GOOOD!

(L-R) VENES, LUNYES, LOBSTERS

VENES: Batanes’s version of Laing (dried gabi leaves)

LUNYES: Pork adobo Batanes style (these are preserved in their owned fat mixed with salt)

LOBSTERS: Batanes is abundant in fresh seafood so it’s a must that you have lobsters at least once in your trip.

UBE CHIPS: Batanes has white ube and they make them into chips, mashed delicacies, and other food items. We loved the chips as it is healthy and crunchy :)

DORADO FISH: This is a very special fish in Batanes. Ivatans from Diura Village have a fishing ritual done before going to the sea. All the dorado fishes caught during the season are collected, cut, salted and dried. Once these are ready, the dorados are shared evenly among the fishermen who participated during the fishing season. They don’t care who caught the most or who caught the least. It’s the friendship, camaraderie and benevolence that matters the most.

COCONUT CRAB / TATUS: What I liked most about this sweet and meaty crab is the CRAB FAT (aligue). Oh my goodness! The whole tail is filled with it! Sadly, cooked or not, it’s illegal to bring home a tatus (I have to go back to Batanes to have another serving of those aligue)

*** I forgot what they call it, we had this Ivatan dessert that looks like turon but instead of using banana, they used a sweet root crop similar to camote (sweet potato) – it was intoxicating in every bite.

RECOMMENDED HOMESTAY IN BATANES

We stayed at the house of the most hospitable and thoughtful Ivatans – Mr. Richard Argonza and Mrs. Leonor Argonza. Their second floor is now converted to a home stay where guests can rent the two rooms, complete with aircon, comfortable beds, cabinet, pillows, fresh linens and towels.

Aside from their kindness, what I like most with staying at the Argonza’s is their home-cooking. It’s like having an in-house chef 24/7. You name it, they can cook it! (if cassava is available, you have to request for Leonor’s cassave cake. I heard it’s one of the most requested dessert in Batanes)

Mr. and Mrs. Argonza (second and third from right)

My (sweetest and best) husband connived with the group and I can’t thank them enough for the surprise birthday dinner that they prepared. (Yes, Leonor baked the moist chocolate cake). It was one of the BEST and most memorable birthday I’ve ever had. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Argonza for making it possible.

Richard/Leonor Argonza Batanes Homestay contact number: 0939-919-3620

BEST HOMESTAY IN BATANES!!!

Other affordable option: Octagon Bed and Dine (this bed and breakfast place has a view of the beach, and is also walking distance to sari-sari stores)
http://batanesoctagon.weebly.com/

WHICH AIRLINE TO TAKE WHEN GOING TO BATANES?

SKYJET, of course! They're flying a jet aircraft! I would always choose a turbo jet plane over a propeller plane.
I believe that their 4-engine jet aircraft is what sets them apart from the other airline that flies to Basco, Batanes. I feel that it is built for safety and speed. I learned that SKYJET aircrafts are specifically designed for “Short Take-Off/Landing,” which makes them perfect and ideal for our country's small island airports with short runways. I felt safer riding their plane than riding a propeller plane especially since you will have to go through strong winds to reach Basco airport. It’s always wiser to choose SAFETY :) Also, you don't want to hear the pilot announcing that due to strong winds, the plane cannot land and has to go back to Manila, right? :p

Book your trip to Batanes now: http://www.skyjetair.com/packages/

TIP: Perfect time of the year to travel to Batanes would be around December to March, when the weather is cold.

*************************************************************************************************

What made our trip to Batanes extra special is the chance to have worked with the passionate and loving women behind PINK WOMEN ON FIRE. They do not just do outreach programs but they go out there to teach, motivate and encourage children to help themselves, to tell them to never lose hope, and to never stop dreaming. They want to let the children believe that as long as you’re breathing, there is hope. PINK WOMEN ON FIRE is on a mission to help inspire and celebrate the lives of these children. Every outreach program is a “party” for kids to enjoy and have fun!

While talking to the students and asking about their dreams, one innocent SPED student (pictured above, hugging Jean of PWOF) went up and told everyone that he wanted to be a doctor. When asked why, he simply said: “Because I am sick and I want to treat myself.” He was referring to him being a child with special needs. It was heartbreaking and at the same time it was touching to know how happy and confident he is, and that he trusts that there is HOPE.

If you want to be a SPONSOR and help in spreading LOVE and HOPE to children, especially to unreachable areas, please contact PINK WOMEN ON FIRE:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Women-on-Fire
ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED :)

“Smile every chance you get. Not because life has been easy, perfect, or exactly as you had anticipated, but because you choose to be happy and grateful for all the good things you do have and all the problems you know you don’t have.” – Author Unknown

Tags: Batanes,Basco,sabtang island,where to go in batanes,what to do in batanes,what to eat in batanes,lunyes,coconut crab,stone houses,marlboro hills,batanes tours,pink women on fire

15 Things To Do In Puerto Princesa, Palawan

noreply@blogger.com (Jo Tan) — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 01:35:00 +0800

Puerto Princesa: another paradise in Palawan that captured my heart.

Aside from visiting the Subterranean Underground River, below are some of the things we've experienced or wanted to try that I’d like to share with you: food, tours, tips, where to eat and where to stay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

1. CITY TOUR

City Tour usually includes a visit to The Crocodile Farm, Baker’s Hill, Mitra’s Ranch and Butterfly Garden.

If you’re traveling with kids, I recommend Baker’s Hill and Mitra’s Ranch.

Baker’s Hill has a nice park where kids can run freely and take pictures with their favorite characters
Mitra’s ranch offers horseback riding and zipline

Overall, I believe Butterfly Garden was the most special because of the Tribal Village. The owner, Mr. Roy Rodriguez, is one of the kindest man I've met with a heart of gold. He understood the problems of what the tribal people are currently facing. He knew he needed to help them but the challenge was how to still keep their culture and traditions alive.

The Tribal Village in Butterfly Garden is not a show. It is about sharing and educating the tourists on how they go about in their daily lives. It’s actually nice for kids as well. They can ask and talk to the village people, see and touch their hunting weapons, try their musical instruments, etc. The tour was very informative and inspiring.

Mr. Rodriguez gave them their own space to showcase their cultural background, where they get extra income from tips and shares in entrance fee. This is a better option instead of letting them work in the city where they are sometimes made fun of and not paid well.

The tribal people still go home to their villages (weekly maybe?) and are replaced with another family to give chance to others as well. With the help of Mr. Rodriguez in the butterfly garden, these indigenous people can earn extra while also preserving their traditional ways of living.

TIP: City tour can be arranged via tricycle for Php 600 per 4 hours (4 pax) or Php 150 per hour, but some of these places are quite far and it may be a bit uncomfortable to travel by tricycle. Also, you may go through dirt roads. Fortunately, taxi cabs have been roaming the city since February 2015! You might want to ask your hotel for the driver’s contact number. Expect the tour price to be more expensive for a more relaxed trip.

2. HONDA BAY TOUR

I have yet to come back to Puerto Princesa for this because I’ve only been to one destination in Honda Bay: SPLASH HOUSE.

Splash House is “your playground on the sea.” It’s a floating play area where you can relax, chill and just have fun. You may also catch your own fish fresh from their fish farm and have them grilled by the staffs.

Diving board for the daredevils. It’s 10-feet high!

We were not able to snorkel around the island because we didn’t have much time left but we very much enjoyed the sound of the bats flying in the air as they break the silence and peaceful view of the ocean.

Bat Island is just across Splash House, and come sun down, hundreds of fruit bats can be seen traveling their way to the Mango Farm. It was a sight to behold, and while you are enjoying the view looking up, be ready because you will get the occasional heart-pumping surprise of hearing splashes. Sardines can be seen jumping out from the sea to the Splash House platform.

TIPS/FACTS:

A local suggested that if you will be going to Honda Bay Island Tour, it is best that you rent your snorkeling gears from rental shops along the way. These may be priced at 20-50 pesos more, but the gears have been sanitized and are in better condition than using the ones from the boatmen.
You may book tours from the airport as soon as you arrive because Puerto Princesa has a universal rate regulated by the tourism board. The packages may differ with inclusions such as free use of gears, etc. Packaged Honda Bay Island tour usually costs around Php 1,500 per boat (10 pax), inclusive of pick-up and drop off at your hotel (7AM – 4PM).

3. EAT A WOODWORM or TAMILOK a.k.a. “LONGEST OYSTERS”

I’ve tried a fresh one, during our mangroves tour in Sabang Beach. Our tour guide was kind enough to share their “pulutan” when we asked where to find a tamilok.

We learned that the worm dies when exposed to air so don’t worry, it won’t bite. If you could only see the head up close, you’ll think of Tremors, the movie. Anyway, Mang Rudy, the tour guide, cut off the head then used its tail to slice it open. Yes, the tail is so sharp, it’s like a scalpel but worse, because the woodworms have not one, but TWO razor sharp tails. Next, we had to remove the black parts (woods eaten by the worm) so after rinsing it, we finally dipped the fresh worm in vinegar and slid the slimy treat to our mouth. After all those trouble chopping off the rotten wood, finding and cleaning the worms, it was all worth it because these slimy treats were as sweet as a fresh oyster.

The one at Kinabuch is just okay. It didn’t taste as fresh and sweet though :/

4. EAT CHOW LONG (BEEF STEW NOODLE SOUP a.k.a. Pho Bo Kho)

Once upon a time, the Vietnamese sought asylum in the Philippines during the war and they found a new home in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Being the hospitable and caring Filipinos, the Vietnamese were given help until they made their own community, where they shared their culture and love for food. Until now, their cuisine has been etched in Puerto Princesa.

I’ve asked a lot of locals why they call it chow long when it fact it is Pho Bo Kho or Beef Stew Noodles and all of them said that it’s been that way ever since so they just call it chow long, too.

Rene’s Saigon “chow long” is one of the local’s favorite, probably next to Viet Ville’s

But for me, Viet Ville’s is still way better. However, it’s a bit far from the main city. You may ask your driver to bring you here as a stop on the way to the Underground River Tour.

Just to warn you, the place may not be the “cleanest,” but food is good. They are also known for their bread and iced tea.

5. GO TO EL NIDO VIA PUERTO PRINCESA

I haven’t been to El Nido, but I’ve heard great things about the place. I never knew that El Nido can be reached via PP. Whenever someone mentions El Nido, I only think of Miniloc, Lagen and Pangulasian, which have direct flights from Manila.

Just recently, I’ve learned that there are many other places to stay in El Nido town proper that are way cheaper. I look forward to visiting the place soon :)

FYI: Going to El Nido via van from Puerto Princesa is Php 700/ pax (14 pax in a van).

6. STAY AT SHERIDAN BEACH RESORT

If you’re looking for an all-in Palawan Beach experience, Sheridan Beach Resort is the place to be. They offer activities that are kid-friendly and also activities for the adventurous. Sheridan’s property is huge so expect peace and serenity even with the big number of guests checked-in.

What I liked the most is the beach – it’s so nice, comparable to Boracay decades ago, making the place perfect for honeymooners :)

FYI: If you plan on going to the Underground River, best to stay at Sheridan Beach Resort because this is only 15 min away from one of the 7 Wonders Of Nature.

READ MORE:

THINGS TO DO IN SABANG BEACH, PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN

7. STAY AT BLUE PALAWAN

If you want a place to just chill and spread the good vibes, then BLUE PALAWAN is for you! The moment you step into the resort’s vicinity, you can’t help but dance and groove to the music. There are no words to describe the feeling because you have to be there and experience BLUE PALAWAN to know what I mean :)

FYI: The pool is treated differently and does not contain too much chlorine, leaving your skin soft and your eyes free from redness. The pool is very safe for kids!

And when I say good vibes, I mean it. The place is overflowing with positivity – that feeling of happiness and kindness. Everybody’s just awesome, that even when strangers call you just before you were about to swim, you just can’t help but smile back, retreat from your plan, and spend the whole night away exchanging stories from extraordinary people and being amazed at how the universe works its magic.

8. GO TO SUNSET BEACH RESORT IN SAN VICENTE

Beautiful sunset photo taken by Ditas Hilario

Expect to see the most breathtaking sunset at Sunset Beach Resort in San Vicente. Ditas and April are the loveliest people we've met at Blue Palawan and they showed us their pictures during their stay at Sunset Beach Resort. If I remembered correctly, this was about 3 hours away from the city but the view was worth it.

9. EAT LECHON KAWALI AT BLUE PALAWAN

I have never been fond of this particular dish but after just one bite, oh my goodness! I got hooked! It was the best lechon kawali I have ever had. The meat was cut into BIG chunks but was exceptionally tender and juicy. And the sauce.. whoa.. the sauce is not your ordinary liver sauce. You have to try it to believe it. It was the perfect combination – a match made in heaven!

TIP: We’ve tried a special dessert that was not on the menu: POLVORON CHEESECAKE. It was the bomb! Try asking for it beforehand and maybe the chef might just say YES :D

10. EAT AT KA INATO

Aside from being known for providing jobs to persons with disabilities, they are also famous for their chicken inato (chicken barbeque). The chicken bbq was good but what I would personally come back for are the CHICKEN SKIN and their PANSIT. MUST TRY!

11. EAT HALO HALO AND BOPIS AT NOKI NOCS

When we asked the locals for recommendations on where to eat in Puerto Princesa, all of them have said that we should try the HALO HALO at Noki Nocs.

The secret to the best halo halo in town is in the ice. The milk is already mixed in the frozen ice, which is shaved so finely that makes eating this summer’s guilty pleasure more delightful.

What we have also discovered is that they not only serve the best halo-halo but also the BEST BOPIS ever.

12. STAY AT ONE MANALO PLACE

One Manalo Place is more “hotel-like” with modern rooms and bigger pool area for the kids. Most businessmen prefer staying here since the location is perfectly situated in the city, with a lot of establishments just outside the hotel such as a spa, a Videoke restaurant and a bar. Also, the rooms are priced at very affordable rates.

TIP: Cheaper alternative would be IPIL SUITES: great location, best rates at less than Php 2,000 per night with reliable wifi connection. CONS: no swimming pool and no elevator (the restaurant where you will be having your complimentary breakfast is located at the rooftop).

13. TRY PUERTO PRINCESA’S DANGGIT LAMAYO

Did you know that Puerto Princesa is also famous for their own version of Danggit? They call it DANGGIT LAMAYO. It is not dried under the sun, but is marinated in vinegar then breaded and finally fried before serving.

14. BUY PEARLS

BEST SOUVENIR FROM PALAWAN!!!

FYI: Some of the south sea pearls that you will be buying at LRC (souvenir shop) are at least 50% cheaper than those from Greenhills.

15. GO KITESURFING / KITEBOARDING

Did you know that Palawan is also gifted with good wind and good waves? As a matter of fact, international kite boarders were so impressed when they came for their kiteboarding competition. Some even confirmed that Palawan is one of the best kiteboarding spots in the world.

TIP: Blue Palawan is a great place to stay for kiteboarding.

Things To Do In Puerto Princesa, Palawan | Where To Eat In Puerto Princesa, Palawan | Where To Stay In Puerto Princesa, Palawan

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