My Puerto Princesa Palawan

Grocery Shopping

2011-12-29T03:55:00.005+08:00

When I first published my blog there was only one supermarket in Town, NCCC in city center. More often than not they are blasting religious music so loud you can't even hear yourself think though! They have recently opened a new location at the newly built 168 Building in San Jose outside of town off the National Highway going north. This is handier for me since I live in Luzviminda. So far they don't have a meat counter, but it's close enough to the San Jose New Market to make it handy for most goods you will need. They do carry fresh vegetables, but of course more expensive than the open air market on weekends, starting on Friday through Sunday, although the enclosed section of the San Jose Public Market does carry vegetables all week, and they are behind the meats and fish.

There is also another supermarket downtown by the Old Palengke or Native Public Market called Unitop. There is parking in a basement lot with a ramp leading upstairs to the market and the dry goods department. There's even an LBC office in that building for sending packages from. The Unitop Supermarket often has goods that NCCC doesn't carry and they do have a good meat counter as well. I like the ground beef meat there better than NCCC which has two kinds, one of which has too much fat and the other is too lean, whereas Unitop blend is somewhere in the middle. The fresh chicken is also cheaper at Unitop.

I buy my eggs at the San Jose New Market in
trays of 24 for 150 PhP per tray. If any of the
eggs are bad, my "suki" always replaces them
on my next visit, whereas the supermarkets
have not ever done that. They do sell eggs
at the downtown Public Market as well.

If you do live outside of City Center, in the San Jose Public Market bus terminal area there is also a grocery store called Goland. It's in back of the bus terminals and a little obscure and hard to see, but it's on the same side as the Caltex Gas station just a few meters down. They don't have fresh meats but they do carry the normal variety of canned and dry goods and the aisles are nice and wide and looks more like a warehouse inside recently since they expanded. It's a little harder to find parking because the tricycle drivers usually block the driveway, but I do go there more often of late.

I go to the San Jose outdoor market for fresh fish other seafoods and vegetables as well as pork and chicken. Don't wear good shoes or you'll muck them up at the Public Markets! When it rains it's usually muddy and they wash down the meat and fish counters so the floors are usually wet even insdie. You can also buy rice at either of the Public Markets. More varieties than I even knew existed actually!

Fresh meat, poultry, fish, crabs
and vegetables can be found at
the Public markets downtown
and the San Jose New Market
off the National Hwy.

The traffic in city Center of late has put me off, so I am very grateful there are more choices outside of town. Now I am just wishing for a quality bakery so that I don't have to get stuck in traffic jams just to feed my sweet tooth!

Blue Ginger Bar and Restaurant

2011-11-03T16:34:00.008+08:00

Blue Ginger Restaurant and Bar Open for Lunch and Dinner

Blue Ginger is on Rizal Avenue not

far from the Capitol Building on the

opposite side of the street.

Just had lunch at the newly opened Blue Ginger Bar and Restaurant on Rizal Avenue, just a little bit from the corner of the National Highway and Rizal Avenue, approximately 30 meters after the Capitol Building on the opposite side of the street. The menu contains a variety of seafood cooked in Asian Fusion style with Chef Tim's personal touch, and happily the best American Hamburger around. The menu says there's a hoisin, pineapple and Vietnamese pesto on the Signature Blue Ginger Burger, but we asked for ours to be done the American way, plain with the basic onion, lettuce and tomatoe.

Togarishu Crusted Yellowfin Tuna Salad - My
personal favorite!

Chef Tim Freeman made me the Togarishu Crusted Yellow Tail Tuna Salad.......OMG!!! The freshest of yellowfin tuna was crusted in 7 Japanese herbs then seared to perfection, sliced and placed on a bed of slivered sour green apple, fresh Thai basil, coriander and mint. HOLY Moly! I am definitely going back for this dish!! The combination of the herbs, the sour apples and fresh Thai herbs made my mouth feel like it was in heaven. I asked for it to be spicy, but if you aren't into the hot spicy, then ask for it without the heat.

My hubby Dave, had the Classic American Hamburger. The best!!! Seems simple enough right. Not so in Puerto! Most places put fillers, onions and what not into the meat. Not Chef Tim. The meat was juicy and the best and smokiest, grilled flavor we have had in Puerto! (of course I had to have a bite so I would be able to judge for myself).

We recently went back in this Dec. and tried the Texas smoky BBQ! Falls off the bone and has a smoky goodness that delighted my palate. We ate every bite and I wanted more! The side of peppered grilled corn was also very tasty with crunchy fries on the side as well. This is now my favorite dish along with the Crusted Salmon salad.

It is a tiny, cozy and unpretentious establishment with only 6 tables. They have a full bar as well. It's a nice comfy spot to hang out in with some friends.

We will definitely be back.

The prices are reasonable for the quality you get.

Blue Ginger outdoor dinig.

Blue Ginger Restaurant and Bar facade.

Tio Rods Restaurant

2011-10-12T16:02:00.002+08:00

Tio Rod's Restaurant on Rizal Avenue

Asian Fusion food and Tio Rod's has a long Happy Hour from 1 to 7 PM!
It also can be reserved for weddings/birthdays, conventions,
and other special occasions

Telephone numbers - Landline - (048) 434-2101
Mobile: 0917-504-3314

Asian Fusion Food

They have a full bar with diverse wines, liqour and beer

I recently had lunch at this restaurant and I just loved the Pomelo Shrimp Salad with a piquant and refreshing dressing. The fried seafood tempura sushi roll was also excellent.

I definitely will go back. The service was good and so far, I've loved what I tried.

The restaurant is on Rizal Avenue towards the airport and not too far from the Capitol building. It's definitely worth trying and I personally will be back to try the other dishes on the menu.

They also can be viewed on Trip Advisor and they may also have other reviews if you wish to check them out there. They have a website at http://palawantravel.info/tiorods/index.php so check it out.

The owners also have a budget hotel One Rover's place nearby http://palawantravel.info/oneroversplace/index.php The guests can dine at Tio Rod's restaurant and they open for breakfast at 6am. They also offer tours so if you contact them, you may be able to get a good package rate for board and tours!

Irawan Forest Canopy Zip Line

2011-08-25T06:34:00.002+08:00

Irawan Watershed, Palawan Flora-Fauna & Watershed Area, Bgy. Irawan, 5300 Puerto Princesa City, Philippines: Check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ForestCanopyAdventure

The 3000 hectare Eco Park is located off the National Highway going south. It's 3,000 hectares of the Flora and Fauna Protected Area of the Irawan Watershed. You can also take in the Crocodile Farm while out in that area. They have recently added horseback riding in the pristine Irawan forest. Pretty good price at 250.00 0php per hour.

The Irawan Forest is one of my very favorites as it is accessible to non hiking persons like myself! Even if you don't want to take the Zip lines, it's well worth a trip up to the Eco Park just to have a cup of coffee at the check in building and walk along the river.

You do always have to check in at the main building below the watershed, as the zipline is in a protected area and has checkpoints to go through to preserve the pristine beauty from spoilers!
They have a beginners run, 1/2 Kilometer and 1 full Kilometer run (as of Sept. 1, 2010)!!

They opened the 1.3 Kilometer Zipline last November. It's a quick flight through the beautiful Irawan Forest and above its river.

They recently added horsebackriding in the Irawan Forest as well.

Nice relaxing waiting area with a great view of Irawan forest.

Click the link below to view their packages and rates. https://www.facebook.com/ForestCanopyAdventure#!/notes/forest-canopy-adventure-irawan-zipline/irawan-canopy-zipline/182481545144082

This is the building where you check in. There is an Art Café which serves food as well.
This is the cafe area.

The reception area has lots of space to relax in while you are being checked in.

This is where you end up after the 1/2 Kilometer ride and this also is the beginners run where you can take a short Zip to get the feel of the harness.

After you check in you are driven to the higher watershed area to be harnessed up and shown a map of where you will be flying through the trees.

Tree house where you land after the Zip line ride and the line to go off onto the beginners zip route.

This is where guests are given orientation, and are harnessed up and also given hard hats for safety.

Happy zip line guest!!

About:
Forest Canopy Adventure - Irawan Zipline is Asia's longest zipline at the 9meter level of Mt. Tagaod, Bgy. Irawan, Puerto Princesa City

The Zip line is located in the Puerto Princesa Watershed area. It's a pristine and beautifully relaxing area with the river running beside the park. We like to go up there just to have coffee and enjoy the views and the walk along the clear clean waters of the river.

Hotel Centro Puerto Princesa Palawan

2011-05-05T07:41:00.004+08:00

Inside the lobby of the Hotel Centro. Quite lovely actually.

The newest large Hotel to open recently (April 2011) is Hotel Centro which is located in Bgy. San Pedro near the junction of the North and South National Highways.

My brother and his family occupied 4 rooms recently; 2 honeymoon suites and 2 deluxe rooms. They found the prices reasonable since they were offering a 50% off sale at the time. However, if you were to pay the rack rates, they found those too high. The deluxe rooms are tiny! Especially for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. The Honeymoon suites which they occupied were sufficient, but also at rack rates quite high for a small city such a this.

Decorative and useful staircase at Hotel Centro.
The hotel also has an elevator, though only about
3 to 4 people at a time can ride in it.

If you need to use the internet, they do have a small computer room in the lobby. There is WiFi but we couldn't get our laptops or iPads to connect. So if WiFi is crucial to your stay, this isn't going to work for you unless you bring your own SMART or GLOBE stick.

They do have quite a nice large pool, where locals can take their kids for swimming lessons this summer!

If you are looking for larger rooms at the same quality and pricing, then you are better off with the Asturias Hotel which is just up the road by 1 minute.

Puerto Princesa Palawan growing growing

2011-05-05T06:18:00.002+08:00

It will be two years this October 2011 that we moved to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The amount of new buildings going up is astounding. The Robinson's mall on the National Highway North is going up pretty fast as well as another mall called 168 Mall, which is already advertising office space, even though it's not quite done. I actually am getting excited about the fact that I won't have to drive to city Center to shop at the lone supermarket when Robinson's supermarket opens.

We live in San Jose, which is off the Natl. Highway North and there is very little traffic on this part of the highway, but at the junction, where North and South Highway split, it now takes me almost 15 to 20 minutes to get to my bank in San Pedro where it used to take about 5 minutes!! The traffic is due to the over abundance of gas tricycles and now, more and more gas motorbikes are showing up, clogging the road even more. If this keeps up, our streets will be filled with as many motorbikes as Vietnam! I hate going downtown anymore to shop at the only supermarket NCCC, the traffic is so horrid.

I am so glad we bought a property out of town. Out there, there is no traffic to speak of at all. Soon we will be building a home to live in so we can get out of our rental. The countryside is so lovely and green.

I can't wait to begin experimenting with sustainable farm practices once we move out there.

Erichs Swiss Restaurant-Bar-International Food

2011-04-03T14:20:00.004+08:00

Erich's Swiss Restaurant, Bar and International Food- Aplaya, Bgy. Tagburos, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan - at kilometer 9.7
Cell: 0999-449-5343 or 0906-375-3037

Open Daily from 11 AM to 10 PM

Off the beaten track off the National Highway North, in Puerto Princesa, on the way to Honda Bay, you will spot a small white sign that on Highway says Erich's International Food with a Swiss Cross. Turn into that dirt road and go in about 1.4 kilometers, it's a native place on the right side of road,

It's a family run hobby business and not commercialized. A very different experience from the restaurants in town. They made us feel right at home and the breeze almost put us to sleep. If you are looking for a quiet out of the way spot out of the noisy town center, this is a place of fresh air and relaxation.

There is a lovely breeze which cooled us down and made the wait
for the food so relaxings and enjoyable. Our 3 year old was
taken in a rubber boat around the fish pond as a little treat for her
by owner Erich.

We have been there twice and Dave loves the breakfast of eggs, and hash browns with bacon. The breezes coming off the adjacent pond are so refreshing and a nice break from the heat. Of course everything is cooked to order, so don't be in a hurry. The owners are convivial,very nice and accomodating. We also had the mushroom soup it was good too and enough for two.

Erich is Swiss and his wife Beth is an enterprisisng Filipina, who operates an organic farm in another town. We had a lot in common to talk about since we are in the process of building our own sustainable, organic home and garden.

The menu contains, meat, fish, chicken, and various salads as well. They grown their own basil.

I'v seen photos at night and it seems a cozy, private space with cool and
clean sea air. Away from the noisy downtown area, it's a treat to my ears
to not have to listen to the sounds of the motorcycles and trikes in town.

Erich's pizza oven.

Important Phone numbers in Puerto

2011-03-09T05:42:00.000+08:00

Here are some phone numbers you might need when in Puerto Princesa:

Airport Tourist Information and Visitor CenterTourism Bldg, Airport Compound, Rizal Ave.
Tel no: (63 48) 434-4211

Patrol 117 (Emergency number equivalent to 911 in the US) Tel No: (63) Area code (048) 433-5322

KAAC/Kilos Agad Action Center: Tel No. (048) 434-9426

City Police Station: DIRECT- 166 or Tel no: (048) 434-9890

Immigration Office: (048) 433-2248

Provincial Police Station: (048) 434-7053

Police Maritime: (048) 433-3262

Fire Department: Dial direct -160 or (048) 433-3262

AFP Western Command: (048) 433-2311

HOSPITALS:
Palawan Adventist Hospital - (048) 433-4666

Ospital ng Palawan - (gov't run) (048) 433-2621

MMG Cooperative Hospital (048) 434-5580

Taverna Luna Restaurant and Bar-Review

2011-03-07T00:06:00.009+08:00

To make reservations or inquiries, call 0917-577-7513.

Taverna Luna Restaurant and Bar with live
music starting March 2011-Click
photo to enlarge

Taverna Luna is located on Rizal Avenue Extention on the right coming from the Puerto Princesa Airport or on the left side of street if coming from City Center. A delightful native design and island atmosphere. Good native and continental food. We really love the Chicken Inasal. They are open for lunch and dinner.

Night life in Puerto just got better as Taverna Luna has started live entertainment nightly. The music is really good too! So if you are looking for somewhere to hangout and have a beer in the evenings and wholesome yummy food...this is the place for you.

Very yummy Bacolod Chicken Inasal and other native Filipino dishes as well as other continental fare. Click photos to enlarge.

Live music nightly at Taverna Luna as of March 2011

Lechon Kawali, fried to perfection and chicken Binacol..which is cooked in coconut water or Buko juice!

Chicken Binacol. Chicken which is cooked in coconut water or Buko, and ginger. Very tasty!

Google Map of Location of Taverna Luna

View Larger Map

Lotus Garden Restaurant and Suites Palawan

2011-01-02T00:28:00.038+08:00

Lotus Garden Restaurant - 371 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Phone: +63-48-434-1132

Lotus Garden Restaurant and Suites is right on Rizal Avenue down towards town from the Puerto Princesa International Airport. It is a little pocket of tranquility with beautiful water gardens filled with lush vegetation and gorgeous lotus blooming most of the year. We love the relaxing atmosphere and the Sweet Sour Pork on the menu. They do have a buffet at lunch and dinner and it's a great deal, all you can eat for only 250. PhP.

They also have very nice suite rooms with airconditioning, Cable TV and hot showers. The rates are quite reasonable.

Irawan Forest Canopy Zipline
They have a 1.3 kms zipline through
the pristine forest canpoy and river

The dishes range from Japanese Sushi to nouvelle Filipino dishes with some Chinese dishes as well. It's quite a mixed menu. They also have a full beverage bar.

You can also book a ride on several of the ziplines at their new venture. At Irawan Forest Canopy Zipline in Irawan, PPC. They have a 1.2 Kilometer zip line which takes you tree level and above the Irawan watershed, which supplies the water to the City of Puerto Princesa. It's not far from the Crocodile Farm so try to include this great eco adventure on your City Tour if you take it.

The outside water gardens...most of the year the lotus flowers are in bloom!

There are Suites in back of the restaurant. You can ask to see the rooms if you want to check them out before renting one. But be warned, there are only 8 suites and almost always fully booked, so if you want to stay there, I do suggest contacting them in advance of your trip.

Photos were taken with my GoPro Hero HD cam which takes stills as well as HD videos. It's got a 170 degree viewpoint which is how I was able to get so much of the restaurant into each frame.

Need for property zoning in Puerto Princesa

2010-12-31T04:20:00.010+08:00

This swampy place is right next to our GT Eco Center

We have since closed, and moved on to EV consultancy, but this blog is still pertinent as nothing has changed with the lot or neighbors.
Why property Zoning is needed in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. Rex Trading lumber yard and saw mill, with a lovely swampy, cesspool is right next to our Green Tech Eco Center. Can someone say, what is wrong with this picture.

The mosquitoes breeding in this swampy area are a possible dengue haven and the sound from the buzz saw is so counter to the purpose of having a lot out here in San José! Plus their latrines leach into the waters and the smell at night is indescribably horrid.

If you scroll you will see the lot we have the Eco Center on. This lot had to, by law somehow, put in 4 feet of fill dirt.
The Eco Center Lot and the restaurant both had to put in 4 feet of fill dirt to rise up and meet the highway as the properties here tend to be boggy.

As of March 31, 2011 We have moved the Green Tech Eco Center to our farm. Just got tired of the uphill battle with zoning. We are moving into Electric Vehicle consultantcy and continuing our research and development of eTrikes with large manufacturers all over the world.

Makeshift latrine on left....swamp and trash with native hut far right built over the swamp

Saw mill on left with swamp on right

Our Green Tech Eco Center with the swampy saw mill right next to us. The mosquitoes coming out of there in clouds. In fact while filming the video below, I was attacked and am still itching from the bites as I write this blog.

The saw mill somehow didn't have to fill in their lot and it's now become a swampy cesspool breeding countless mosquitoes. I took a video because just writing about how the mill is disruptive to our business and why there is a dire need for proper commercial zoning isn't enough. You have to experience what I am saying and I think the video illustrates what we have to deal with.

I am just very glad we didn't opt to put a restaurant as for sure the clientele wouldn't stand for such a racket during a meal. The photos tell some of the story but if you watch the video, you will hear the saw going.

Feb. 18, 2011 In all fairness, since I posted this blog, they have since moved the saw to another side of the lot and the sound is actually tolerable. The swamp,mosquitoe and latrines leaching intot he swamp are still and issue and have not yet been resolved. I have written to the City Health Officer to inspect the lot today. We shall see if there is a resolution to this issue.

Yoga Classes and Retreat schedules

2010-12-20T15:36:00.009+08:00

Monica Eleazar Manzano is a local treasure. A certified Yoga instructor right here in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. She hails from Manila but moved here to raise her son and experience a more holistic and closer to nature life for her and her family. She's been featured many national magazines for her user friendly and non threatening teaching style.

Join the three-day Yoga Dance Retreat in Bahay Kalipay on February 25-27, 2011 or April 22-4, 2011.

The Yoga Dance Retreat is about finding your union between sacred movement, stillness and your mind-body-spirit connection.

The Yoga Dance Retreat holds space in Bahay Kalipay Retreat Center in Palawan. Situated in a permaculture vegetable and fruit forest 5 minutes from the beach, it is home to the Inner Dance Community, which is committed to training people to live with personal ecological ethics, to add more life force to their foods and to raise consciousness through a powerful energy system called the Inner Dance.

With the chirping Palawan birds, the swaying trees and the gentle wind as your backdrop, witness your yoga practice evolving as your learn more about advanced healing techniques, live enzymes, and the Inner Dance perception.

Retreat inclusions-
*Shared Accommodations & Live Foods in Bahay Kalipay
*Yoga sessions with Monica Eleazar-Manzano
*Inner Dance with Pi Villaraza
*Sound Healing with Djotay Soluta
*Raw Food Classes with Daniw Arazola
*Yoga Journey at Nagtabon Beach
*Mountain Trek in the future Earth Village of Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Energy Exchange: P8500 per pax
Early bird: P7500 per pax (until Jan 31 or Mar 31)
*Itinerary will be emailed upon registration.

The next Inner Dance Yoga retreat will be held this coming April 22-24, 2011 at Bahay Kalipay.

She has regularly scheduled Yoga classes at Bahay Kalipay on Tues 530pm-630pm and Thursday 6-7pm

Photo of Monica by Kat Jack

Classes at La Terasse Restaurant, events room on the 2nd floor, every Wedneday morning 9am-10am. That is, when she is in town.

Best to call or text her for her schedule and class fees. Cell# 0915-2943441

She does travel to other cities with the FLOW Surf Yoga Samba group. The next Flow Surf Yoga Samba retreat will be in La Union, Philippines, April 29- May 2011

Yoga class at Bahay Kalipay

One of the many magazine articles on Monica and her yoga classes.

Raw Cucumber lasagna salad from Bahay Kalipay raw food retreat.

Mushroom miso soup from Bahay Kalipay

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 2010

2010-12-03T11:49:00.009+08:00

The Christmas tree at dusk. No guests yet.

Every year, Mayor Edward Hagedorn,Vice-Mayor Bayron, and PPC City Council host a tree lighting Ceremony at the public park at the Baywalk on Puerto Princesa bay. This event is the begininng of a jolly time in Puerto Princesa. Even the Palawan Government Capitol Building area is decorated in Christmas attire with food and vendor stand during the day and open till late in the evenings.

Puerto Princesa City celebrates its Fiesta on the 8th December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Fiesta activities begin during the first week of December with the series of religious activities. The celebrations extends towards the Christmas season laced with nightly cultural presentation, yuletide activities topped by the lighting of the giant Christmas tree and fireworks, as well as ago-industrial, tourism and food fairs. The combined month-long activity is dubbed as "Pista Na, Pasko Pa".

The Opening Prayers.

Before the tree lighting, there's an opening prayer by representatives of 6 Religious organizations and groups, after which choirs from many of the local schools and churches sing. Even some white robed priests and other seculars did a fun song in Tagalog to a hip beat, although no Michael Jacksons, it was fun to watch them in their adorable semi-self consious dance stances. You know, if you looked closely, you could tell they were having a good time and getting into it.

One of the many school or Church choirs for entertainment.

Mayor Edwarad Hagedorn greeting Jordan Klow of Lotus Garden Restaurant and Suites

The last song is sung by a very loved Mayor Ed with his wife and helpmate Ellen Hagedorn, or Mam Ellen, as best she's know to the locals. The Mayor has a deep raspy but smooth, country westernish voice. At the end, the long time power couple sing in duet. Clap, clap, clap, clap!

The Hagedorn Power Couple singing a duet before the tree is lit.

While they are singing, the lights on the tree illuminate the massive handmade ornaments to reveal a giant Santa on a sleigh with reindeer, fireworks exploding in founts and expanding bursts behind it! Each ornament is wrought by the hands of local talent that Ellen Hagedorn has nurtured into a trade. For two years I've seen the various phases of the trees' construction. I've watched her people sew the individual flowers, create Santa et al made of Styrofoam, each hand painted. There must be a thousand at least. (NOTE to self: Get figures from Mrs. Hagedorn), They cut out and re-use buntings, as well as what they can from previous street decorations and last years ornaments. Many times the wind rips through the tree damaging the decorations. It's truly a work of love by Mrs. Hagedorn and her team.

The entire Baywalk Park was covered in a sea of people. Even the road up the hill overlooking it was clogged by the throngs. It was a beautiful night with twinkling stars out. Only gentle clouds breezed past overhead to give a reminder to be grateful for what could be. Mayor Ed ended the ceremony with a touching speech of gratitude to the people for all their support in the previous election. This is his last legal term and he's determined to continue leave lasting positive legacies to the environment and it's people. He then endowed 50,000. PhP to each participating choir on behalf of the City Government of Puerto Princesa.

Puerto Princesa Christmas Tree celebration Dec. 1, 2010 by Bob Ocampo. The man far left in white barong is none other than Mayor Edward Hagedorn. This gives the scale of the tree! Bob, Many thanks for the use of your photo.

Photo by Wine Orlido - Many thanks for the use of your photo!

Ikaw cag Ako Cafe and Native gift shop

2010-11-25T16:07:00.005+08:00

On Rizal Avenue on the same side and not too far down from the PPC Int'l airport on the Right.

Ikaw cag Ako translated means You and Me. It's an adorable native restaurant that serves a local favorite rice porridge with different toppings, like beef, chicken, veggies etc. They also serve refreshing and healthy salads and other dishes bought from local organic farmers.

They have a gift shop with items made by local artists such as jewelry, percussion intruments made from seeds, drums on recycle bottles etc.
They make a very refreshing buko, pandan and ginger slushy that I have whenever I'm in town. Sounds weird but it's soooooo very refreshing.

It's not a place for large crowds but for cozy conversations and healthy meals

All the gift shop items are made by local artists. Great souvenirs to take home with you there.

Lawiswis organic soaps, creams, lotions, vitamins and the like. All made in Puerto Princesa
Palawan, Philippines

Paving Paradise

2010-11-13T13:22:00.001+08:00

Up until a few days ago there used to be a large at least 6 hectare grove of wonderful old Mango and Acacia trees along the highway right after the junction where the North and South National Highway splits.

To make way for progress they have felled practically all of the trees. Even those along the highway that could have given off good oxygen and cut down the heat in the city. Even trees that possibly could have given shade for cars to park. I don't understand why developers can't build around the trees like they to in American cities. It's really, really sad.

With all due respect to my new hometown...they really need to put some eco-friendly ordinances in place, like protecting the trees already in place. Trees give us our air! The city is not really a City in a Forest as it's been called. It's a city that used to be in a forest but has gotten paved over.

Reminds me of that old Joni Mitchell song, "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot......"

Discover Amazing Palawan

2010-11-13T08:12:00.026+08:00

Life's a Beach!

Yes. Make it a beach instead of a *#%<^. Get away from the stress of modern city life. Relax, unwind and recharge, commune with nature and have an awesome adventure!

Chill by the beach, swim in a river, go for a hike or ride a bike. If you love nature, come and discover amazing Palawan.

Go to http://www.discoveramazingpalawan.com/ for complete details.

 

Sitting on a beach at sunset, just you, yours with Ernie and staff serving you dinner, is an experience unlike any other.

Tours include food trips with Puerto Princesa's very own culinary wonder, "Tatay" Ernie. Tatay’s Food Adventures is the story of one man’s love for cooking spiced with a dash of adventure. Years of road trips, camping trips has given Ernie, a.k.a Tatay, a wealth of knowledge of all the best places to go outside of town. ‘Tatay‘ means father in tagalog. Ernie Lim is not only an adventurer but a father to 6 children and he has been known to cook marvelous meals for his family and friends for over 30 years.

Ernie started the smoked turkey around 9 am and it was perfect by 6 or 7pm that evening.

Tatay Ernie about to slice the turkey he smoked earlier in the day. Now at sunset you await with great anticipation. You're in shorts or bathing suit feeling like a king or queen as the case may be. It's a rugged affair so don't expect canvas pavilions, but the experience is worthy to experience.

If you want to see paradise and eat like a king, come have a slice of this man’s life. If you love food you will love a Food Fest with Ernie at one of the many beaches, or rivers or hill tops overlooking the bays at sunset. Let him take you on a tour you will never forget!

Dolphin and or whale shark tour that will showcase the gentleness of these creatures.

Puert Princesa, Palawan Underground River, organic and eco related tours are also available.

Discover beach coves not often traveled.

Tatay Ernie in his monster truck leaving ahead of family and
guests to get a head start with setting up and cooking!

One of Ernies surprisingly yummy salads with lato seaweed, tomatoes, mangoes etc. It's something had I not been served, I would never have thought to combine, and yet it was really yummy and succulent.

One of the many rivers available to explore and pic nic by.

Mangrove tour. Learn how mangroves benefit our planet.

Ernie's shrimp with lemon bernaise sauce!

For more information about these tours please use the eMail form by clicking HERE

To check out our other blog click here:
http://www.squidoo.com/palawan-outdoor-adventure-tours

Asiano Wooden Carvings

2010-10-25T12:30:00.012+08:00

"Asiano" - A really good place in Puerto Princesa to get authentic made in Palawan souvenirs. Made with many recycled sticks and objects. Real locals and some indigenous tribes make the wares. The owner, and designer of many handmade items, actually walks several hours to buy the carvings and raw materials for the native tribes.

Asiano has wood carvings and other handmade items made in Puerto Princesa and other tribal places or towns.

It's one of my favorite places to shop for one of a kind carved items or wall hangings. They even have fashion items like cool bracelets, necklaces, earrings and such made from beads, terra cotte, wood carvings etc.

It's just before a restaurant called "Palayok at Bilao" on Rizal Avenue towards the airport from the Capitol Bldg. Every day something new comes in so check it out for unique gifts to take away with you from Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

They carry hand carved bangle bracelets, household items, wooden statues, wooden bowls and really interesting and unique wall hangings. Great souvenirs to bring home with you are at Asiano! You can be assured they are made locally and nothing imported from China!

A local artist making beaded items.

A little shop filled with native creations. Many by local tribes.

Butterfly Garden on City Tour

2010-10-13T16:07:00.003+08:00

Situated in Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa. The Butterfly Garden of Palawan is just a small area that is inside a screeded in delightful garden. Butterflies roam freely hatched from cocoons on display in a covered area. It is inconspicuous as you’ll never know it’s there unless you read the signage carefully.

This little guy got attacked by ants.Tried
to save it but too late.

The butterfly garden was constructed to educate visitors through a video on how butterflies develop and survive in a particular environment as well as an exhibit of the pupae. Another objective is to attract tourists and make them aware of the beautiful butterflies that are natural to Puerto Princesa.

Entrance fee is very cheap at just P20 (US$0.50 or less) per person. There are only a few species of butterflies in the garden but they come in large numbers, depending on the season.

There is a little shop that sells souvenir items and house decorations near the exit.

There is a display of humongous black scorpions, usually with young on its back.
Apparently there is a guy that can handle them, but you won't catch me
doing that.

Beautiful golden dragonfly.

A strange and unsual flower at the Butterfly garden

A butterfly pupa

Bird of Paradise they called it the lobster claw.

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

2010-08-15T17:11:00.002+08:00

Also known as the crocodile farm, is both a tourist attraction and a research institute. About 30 minutes from Puerto Princesa city center, the Crocodile Farm also has a mini-zoo, which features some of Palawan's endemic species of wildlife.

Dave messing around with a crocodile statue.

We were taken then last year in 2009 by Mayor Ed Hagedorn and were given a tour inside the rescue facilities. About 300 wild mynah bird and parrot babies had been taken from poachers and brought there. Most of them died because of lack of funding for trained staff. My heart really bled when I saw all the starving babies and I didn't want to leave without feeding them, but we had to dash off with the Mayor and I haven't been back. We were only told that more than 80% of the mynah babies died and so with the baby parrots.

It was just too sad for me to see so many mynah bird and parrot babies starving.

So even though they were rescued, they still perished....what a shame. It was a terrible blow to our eco system to have tham many baby birds removed from our environment.

They do have a rambling park like area where there are enclosures with some of the endemic and endangered species, as well as some like the palawan bear cat whom have bred in captivity and were rescues.

Of course there are lots of crocodiles at the crocodile farm. All stages of development too.

An indigenous Palawan bear cat. This is part of a mated couple that had a couple of cubs in captivity! They are not considered endangered yet though.

The park had some beautiful flowers in bloom when we went there in July.

New Patrol boats for Puerto Princesa, Palawan

2010-08-15T12:24:00.014+08:00

August 15, 2010
Dave and I drove our electric trikes over to Honda bay, Bgy. Santa Lourdes and got a sneak preview of the new patrol boats. The boats to the local government units is a joint project of the governments of the United States of America and the Philippines.

US envoy to turn-over 4 new patrol boats to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Written by admin News, Provincial News Aug 14, 2010

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY NEWS- A representative of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. are expected to lead the turn-over ceremonies scheduled on August 16 of four new patron gun boats (PGB) at the PNP-SBU headquarters in Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City.

The new patrol gun boats (PGB) compliment the expanding force tasked to keep illegal activities off Puerto Princesa City’s waters. FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

Smaller chase and rescue boats as well.

The new US donated PNP chaseboats - PNP Maritime Group

On August 16th, after the patrol boat turnover ceremony at Honda Bay in Sta. Lourdes, we met up with Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Governor Baham Mitra, and US Ambssador Thomas, at Badjao Seafront Restaurant situated in a mangrove forest. We found the new US Ambassador extremely affable and convivial!

At Badjao Seafront Restaurant after the turnover ceremony.
Front Left to Right: US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr., Diana Limjoco, Mayor Edward Hagedorn
Back left to right: Palawan Governor Baham Mitra, Helen Limjoco and EV consultant, Dave Dewbre

We were hoping to take the Ambassador for a ride in the etrike, but the day's schedule didn't allow for it. He said next time he was in town he would try them out.
To the left of the Electric Tricycle: Helen Limjoco and US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr
to the right of the Etrike- Etrike makers Diana J Limjoco and Dave Dewbre of Green Tech EcoCenter, Puerto Princesa

US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. with Electric Tricycle

Raw Food and Yoga Retreat

2010-08-15T05:34:00.012+08:00

Interested in doing a Holistic Raw Food and Yoga Retreat?
A three-day Raw Food Yoga Retreat with Monica Eleazar-Manzano and Inner Dance Healing with Pi Villaraza on September 17-19, 2010. Find the union between sacred movement, stillness and your mind-body-spirit connection, Bahay Kalipay Retreat Center, Puerto Princesa, Palawan and journeys to the beaches, mountains and hot springs of Palawan.

For inquiries contact Monica at 0915-294-3441

Learn Kirtans and meditation with Clayton Horton

Learn about live enzymes, organic gardening and inner Dance perception.

Lettuce, Arugula, Tomatoes, Carrots, Cucumber, Fennel, okra and mushroom Salad.

Dairy Free Avocado Ice Cream with Chocolate Macaroon topping. Blend avocado, cocomilk and honey. Freeze for a few hours.

Yummy Raw Salad c/o Daniw of Bahay Kalipay

For inquiries about this retreat contact Monica at 0915-294-3441

Read an Article about this Holistic retreat on ABS/CBN:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/08/23/10/retreat-combines-raw-food-yoga-and-inner-dance

Read more about Bahay Kalipay on their website: http://www.bahaykalipay.com/

Read Monica's Blog about her life in Puerto Princesa, Palawan:http://dharmadream.blogspot.com/

For more things to do, visit the Office Puerto Princesa Tourism site: http://www.visitpuertoprincesa.com/

Kamarikutan art gallery café

2010-07-31T10:16:00.004+08:00

Large Koi fish swimming around
add to the soothing vibes.

Kamarikutan, it means "forest" in a local Palawan dialect. It's a little difficult to find on Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa, past the airport, going the opposite direction of city center. Well worth visiting to enjoy the native structure and relaxed atmosphere. The Café is surrounded by a water moat filled with large Koi fish which makes it all the more soothing.

I love the use of native bamboo for the flooring, handrails, furniture etc. Even the display stands for the native goods they sell are made of bamboo.

On display and for sale are paintings by local artists, sculptures and even trinkets to wear made of found and or recycled beads or clay.

The coffee shop with relaxing river rock

water feature filled with large Koi fish

We have never eaten there, so I can't vouch for the food and and no one has recommend the food either. Although I hear the brewed coffee is mighty fine. But if even to just look around, it is still worth the trip to enjoy the truly native touch and feeling.

Native bamboo set as a handrail. I love that.

Royal Oberoi- Off the beaten track

2010-07-31T08:41:00.006+08:00

Pool with the Villa Suites in background

We recently stumbled upon the Royal Oberoi Hotel. Off the National Highway going sout in Puerto Princesa. It is off the Highway enough to not hear the traffic, but close enough to town to make it fairly convinient. It has a huge pool, which they claim is the largest in the area. The grounds are neat and clean. It looks like you can even book online, which makes it handy. We didn't get a chance to look at the rooms, but if you click that link it will take you to photos of the rooms on their own website.

The rates are pretty good considering the breakfast for 2 comes with the rooms and also City Tour, visit to the Underground river with Van! They even have WiFi!

Just a small portion of the pool.

Here's an example of a package rate:
"TOUR PACKAGES: FROM PHP 7,586.30 (DELUXE) NET PER PAX TO PHP 8,286.30 (SUITE VILLA) NET PER PAX. Inclusive of the ff: 4 days & 3 nights Room Accommodation in De Luxe/Suite Villa. Full Board Meals. City Tour; Butterfly Garden; Underground River with van, boat, lunch and entrance fees; Honda Bay with boat rental, lunch, and van inclusions; Crocodile Farm; Iwahig Penal Farm; Mitra Ranch;

2 kids below 5 years old free on meals, bed sharing with parents/guardians. Above rates are subject to 10% service charge "

Here is their contact information:
Palawan Booking Office:

South National Highway,
Esteban Road, Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City 5300,
Palawan PHILIPPINES

Tel:(63)(48)4344920;
Fax:(63)(48)4345502-03;

Email: info@royaloberoi.com

Traffic in Puerto Princesa

2010-07-31T07:55:00.002+08:00

It seems like since we started going to Puerto Princesa last May 2009, and have since moved here, that the traffic in the City has gone from bad to worse.

We live outside of the main traffic areas, and lately I have been trying to avoid driving through City Center just to avoid the traffic. It's bad all day long now...then it gets worse at the end of the day when people get off work. I keep trying to remind myself why we moved here. With two car dealerships now open, I guess more people are buying cars, but the preponderance of the gas tricycle seems to have gone up as well.

The brown outs are not adding the the general enjoyment. There's a brownout just about every day. With the amount of business opening up, semingly every day, it leaves me wondering how this problem is going to get resolved. Yesterday we had a brown out at the office for 6 hours!

We have purchased two hectares in Luzviminda and I can't wait to build our home and move out of the city entirely! Dave brought out two of his electric motorbikes so he can drive around the area and not pollute the pristine air there.

Stop Mining Palawan Forest (Philippines) Petition

2010-07-24T06:45:00.002+08:00

It's not like there aren't more sustainable ways to create jobs for Palaweños. In fact tourism is certainly more sustainable.

Please sign the petition and pass on.
Watch this video if you are not sure http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=414915781516

Stop Mining Palawan Forest (Philippines) Petition