The Solitary Dolphin

Batanes Tour Day One: Northern Batan and Mt. Iraya

2014-09-17T16:09:00.000+08:00

Last time I posted about our accommodations at the breathtakingly beautiful Fundacion Pacita. Today I'll feature how the first day of our Batanes tour went. If you plan a similar tour, be sure to wear light clothing and sturdy slipper or tennis shoes, and bring face towel.

We arrived Friday morning in Batanes. Day One of the Tour--covering the northern half of the main island of Batan where the airport and our hotel is located--started at 2 pm. The sun was at its peak and having forgotten to bring sunblock, I gradually took on a darker shade by the time we returned to Manila.

The first stop: the charming Tukon (Mount Carmel) Chapel located in the hotel grounds. This is where Julia Abad got married.

Next stop: the Basco PAGASA station. School textbooks during my time describe Batanes as typhoon-ravaged, but per our guide this is no longer the case. Many times Batanes remains sunny despite being classified under typhoon signal number 3.

We also took time to visit a network of passages which sheltered the Japanese during World War II.

Our next stop was the Valugan Boulder Beach' located east of the island. The beach is not apt for swimming. We returned here on the third day to witness the sun rise.

The artist community is alive and well in Batan. Below is the Yaru Nu Artes Ivatan (Ivatan Cooperative Gallery).

I scored some neat souvenirs here, where I got to meet the artist who made them. She shared with us that Ivatan houses are traditionally painted blue and some have no doors.

Below is one of the many paintings displayed in the gallery. Flying fish is mainstay of Ivatan cuisine.

We managed to squeeze in a short stop at the Hall of Justice of Basco.

At the town center is a statue of Kenan, a datu of Sabtang Island, who was executed by the Spaniards for defending his people's rights and freedoms

The artistic community is alive and vibrant in Batan, as shown in the murals along the streets of the capitol.

We also dropped by the first church in Batanes, the Santo Domingo Cathedral (Basco), dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. It is named thus in honor of the patron saint of the capital of Batanes, Basco.

Our penultimate stop took my breath away: the Rolling Hills of Vayang.

Out here the carabaos and cows reign, sure-footed as they traipse along the steep hills.

Mt. Iraya is everywhere in Batan, customarily cloaked in its cloudy veil.

Another view of Mt. Iraya and the hills, this time with the sea.

Our last stop was the Basco Naidi Lighthouse to view the sunset.

This is where we had dinner, just in time for the approaching dusk.

At this point Mt. Iraya lets loose her veil of clouds.

Our dinner view. After a bit we call it a day.

Amazing Batanes: Our Rooms at Fundacion Pacita

2014-08-07T20:51:00.000+08:00

Going to Batanes has always been part of my travel wishlist, so when my friend invited me to tag along with her, I readily said yes. This is the first part of my series on Batanes, the smallest province of the country and located at its northernmost tip. Being constantly ravaged by typhoons, travel by sea and air is quite a challenge, thus its relative isolation for some time. Of the ten islands comprising the province, three are inhabited: Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. I was able to visit the first two. Basco, the capital, is located at Batan.

Mt. Iraya greeted us shrouded in clouds upon landing in Basco Airport. Mt. Iraya, a dormant volcano, reminds me of Legazpi's Mt. Mayon.

We arrived in this teeny airplane, just a few months after the resumption of Philippine Airline flights to Batanes. I was worried strong winds would prevent us from taking off in Manila, but the flight to Basco was uneventful.

The excitement won't let up when we landed. I've been quite to a few airports in the country, and the Basco airport has its own distinct charm.

The arrival area was abuzz with people, but civilians were there to greet and assist us.

Relics of the not-too-distant past provided us a peek of how the Ivatans, the people of Batanes, lived.

We passed through a narrow, winding trail for our ride from the airport to our hotel, Fundacion Pacita, owned by one of the prominent families of Batanes. I'll write about the hotel grounds later. For this post I'll focus on our beautiful hotel rooms.

We got the Mountain View Family Suite at Fundacion Pacita which has a private porch with swinging bench.

I love how the owners made sure there are plants all over the grounds, some with lovely blooms.

We had this picture-book pretty cerulean blue bench all to ourselves.

This is where we waited for the sun to rise.

Time to enter the suite.

This is where my friend slept. The suite featured two queen-sized bed.

We shared a toilet and bath. Note the wooden toilet seats.

This served as our informal dining table.

I spent two nights here on this bed.

I woke up to this awesome view.

Room 4, aka Terrace Suite Garden, was my favorite. I love the contrast between the salmon pink cabinet with the avocado walls.

I wanted to take these pillow cases home. Beautiful!

I love the attention to detail evident in the suites.

Wooden chairs in the same shade of blue in every suite.

I enjoyed my stay at Fundacion Pacita, the only drawback being the lack of TV or phone signal, but this is only minor for me. I could stay a week here, truly an escape from the madding world.

I'll post pictures of the our tour next.

Quick Tour: The Churches of Naga

2014-07-24T17:31:00.000+08:00

Aside from the CWC Watersports Complex and the food, what struck me most about Naga is its churches. A quick search at Wikipedia yields the nugget that the city is the religious center of the Bicol Region, known for its fiery cuisine and the people's religious devotion, the area having the most number of followers of Roman Catholicism as well as of seminarians and nuns. Naga City is home to the largest Marian pilgrimage in Asia, that of the Our Lady of Penafrancia, gathering more than 5 million devotees a year. On the map Bicol is located at the southernmost tip of the major island of Luzon, and Naga is at its center.

A quick tour is all you need to see the churches of the city. The Naga City Church, also known as the Nuestra Senora de (Our Lady of) Penafrancia Shrine, was formerly home of the image of the our Lady of Penafrancia before the construction of the Penafranacia Basilica.

In its premises one can also see the monument of Padre Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, the first diocesan priest of Naga, who attributes his recovery from a serious illness while still a young man to his devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia. It was he who commissioned the sculpting of the image of Our Lady of Penafrancia.

Our Lady of Penafrancia Shrine is my favorite because of the pastel ceiling murals.

Our next stop was the Basilica Minore de Penafrancia, where the image of Our Lady is enshrined.

Our last stop was the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, aka Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, done in Spanish-Romanesque style. Construction of the church began in 1575.

In the church's premises is the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, the oldest Christian higher educational institute in the Philippines, having been established in the early 18th Century.

It was declared as a National Historical Landmark on January 29, 1988.

That's it. Until the next post.

Solo Traveler's Pick: Cagayan de Oro's Seda Hotel at Centrio Ayala

2014-07-21T21:07:00.000+08:00

Those who are familiar with my blog would know I love fancy hotels. I am not afraid to eat like the locals, but at night I want the comfort that my means could afford--tasteful interiors, snazzy lobby, working wifi, and comfy bedding. On a working trip to Cagayan de Oro I fell in love with Seda Hotel. It has all the things I expect of hotels, plus it's within the premises of a mall. And the muted color palette is soothing. There are Seda Hotels as well in Bonifacio Global City, Davao, and Laguna, and they all look pretty much the same, although BGC has a life-sized giraffe statue in its lobby, one I want to snap a selfie with.

It was love at first sight with my room, here in all its Instagram glory.

Comfy linens is always a plus.

This chair at the lobby also caught my eye.

The staff were quick and efficient. We requested a last-minute photo op at the lobby, and they obliged.

The week we stayed a trouped entertained us with an assortment of folk dances.

Of course, a stay at Cagayan de Oro is not complete without stocking up on Slers longganiza and bacon.

We also made a pit-stop at La Vetta.

For what we ate, click here.

Seda Hotel-Centrio Ayala
CM Recto cor Corrales Avenue
Cagayan de Oro City
(+63) 88 323 8888

Quick Trip: Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort

2014-07-13T09:45:00.001+08:00

I rarely go further south of Cavite and so it was a treat when we were invited for a day tour to a former boss's resort at Calatagan, a three-hour car drive from Manila via Cavitex and the Centennial Highway. We left Manila before 8 am, passed by Tagaytay, and arrived before lunch at Calatagan, known for its cream-colored sand beaches.

From the resort's website: "Set amidst 24 hectares of rolling hills and white sand beaches, Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort is a place to enjoy life's simple pleasures--beautiful beaches, comfortable cottages, flower-filled-gardens, golden sunrises and breathtaking sunsets, happy moments and special celebrations."

This post is pic-heavy. Hope you like it.

After alighting from our car, we passed through a walk-way covered with flowering vines and flanked by manicured gardens.

Quotes painted against wooden boards are placed strategically all over the resort.

The turquoise waters of the pool near the reception hut beckoned.

The dining area was sandwiched between the reception and the floating cottages.

Cabanas on stilts! Staying for a week in this type of cottage is up there in my wish list.

We stayed at this floating cottage, dressed in the colors of summer.

The all-white bedroom is so inviting. Imagine the sound of the sea breeze and the roll of the waves lulling you to sleep.

Note the clear waters

View from the cottage:

I could hide from the sun in the cottage and stroll along the beach when gentle times roll in.

It's refreshing to be at a beach teeming with life. Many of them blend in well with their surroundings. Can you spot some of the critters pictured below?

We left Stilts a few hours before sunset, hoping to return.

Batangas City's Pontefino Hotel and Residences

2014-07-01T18:54:00.005+08:00

I was fortunate to experience staying in Pontefino Hotel during one of our out-of-town seminars held in Batangas City, three hours by car south of Manila and one of the fastest developing cities in the country.

The hotel website says most of its furniture were sourced from the province of Batangas, and from what I saw in my room, I was pleased. My room was airy and bright and located on the first floor. I had to make sure to close the curtains by my bed, since just outside was a heavy-traffic area. Other than that detail, I had no problems with my room.

Part of the dining area.

The lobby, quite modest but lovely.

At the background is Robusta Cafe. I wasn't expecting much from the restaurant, but I was pleased with what I ate there. Here's a link to my dining experience review.

I thought Cafe Robusta was named after the beans that make up Kapeng Barako, but research yields that the latter is made of Liberica coffee beans. During breakfast, I had the obligatory Kapeng Barako, one of the key products of Batangas.

Our function room, the design of which was more appropriate for a wedding reception.

Obligatory photo-op by the pool. This was taken a year ago, during my lean phase. I was all dressed up since most of our stay coincided with work. We were too pressed for time to go swimming.

Perhaps in my next visit, I'll linger longer and take a dip.

Hotel Pontefino and Residences

Pastor Village, Gulod, Labac

Batangas City

(+63) 02 631 8310

Pasalubong Options 6: Cagayan De Oro and Tuguegarao

2014-06-13T22:16:00.004+08:00

For today's edition of noteworthy products from country's different provinces, I'm featuring a city from Mindanao down south and an area in the northern tip of Luzon.

1. Cagayan de Oro City

Frequent visitors to Cagayan de Otro and the nearby island province of Camiguin are familiar with Vjandep Pastel, a coffee bun with custard filling. This version incorporates malunggay / moringa in the dough.

I've been to Cagayan de Oro countless times, but it was only recently that I tried their Baked Siopao. I was expecting it to still retain its character as a steamed bun, but this is what you get when you have the dough baked.

2. Tuguegarao and Cagayan

The Buco Roll of Tuguegarao's K's Bakeshop's and Delicacies is a winner. The dough was soft and it had real coconut filling. Not too sweet--just right.

I always look forward to devouring a pack of Alcala Milk Candy, made from carabao's milk.

Speaking of carabao, have you tried carabao chicharon? Don't knock this. It's quite addicting. It comes in a variety of flavors. The Onion and Vinegar variant has the unmistakable tang of vinegar.

Lingayen's Capitol and Governor's House

2014-06-09T17:24:00.001+08:00

I'm excited to feature Lingayen, the capital municipality and seat of government of my home province ,Pangasinan. Lingayen is derived from the Panagasinan word "lingawen," to look back, and a recent trip to Lingayen afforded me another glimpse of the capitol.

We were given a quick tour of the provincial capital grounds upon our arrival, and what a sight it was. It was heartening to see money and attention was poured in to spruce the place up. It looked better than the last time I visited decades ago. I just wish they do something about the capitol resort hotel.

We started the tour at the back entrance.

The provincial seal, pictured above. Notice the cauldron with billowing smoke? The two triangular figures beside it represent pillars of salt, one of the main products of the province. In fact Pangasinan is derived from the word "asin", which means salt.

I love the design of the capitol building, done in art deco style, if I'm not mistaken. Art deco is more streamlined than art noveau.

Above is the facade of the capitol building, and below is the view from the front entrance.

We then went back inside to tour the upper floors.

Goofing around.

I tried on the governor's table for size.

Below is the legislative hall.

We went another flight of stairs leading to the rooftop, and we were afforded the view of the governor's official residence, pictured below.

Roof detail.

More minutiae.

After the capitol building tour, we headed towards Urduja House, the official residence of the governor. The house is named after a mythical warrior-princess.

Strong Southeast Asian influences are incorporated in the design of the house

A portrait Urduja, legendary Pangasinan leader.

Last look of the view from Urduja House

I do hope the provincial government continue with the improvements in the capitol grounds, and beyond.

Pasalubong Options 5: Bulacan and Dipolog

2014-06-09T16:24:00.004+08:00

For this edition of food gifts from different provinces, I'm featuring a province north of Manila and a northern city on the southern island of Mindanao.

1. Bulacan

I love peanut butter, so this is a no-brainer for me. I love the packaging--I thought at first that Bhern's Creamy Peanut Butter was an imported brand. I'm happy someone made an effort to make their product presentable. This is gooey, spreadable peanut butter, and like many local peanut butters, it is quite oily.

Bulacan is also known for chicharon, and Boy Iwa's Chicharon is quite good.

2. Dipolog

I already featured bottled fish from Dipolog. Here are two more from the historic city. Many swear by Nam Namm Spanish Sardines, pictured below, saying it is the better brand.

Day Trip: Camayan Beach Club

2014-02-12T11:03:00.002+08:00

December was chockful of get-togethers, with some activities bleeding in to the other. The holidays could be exhausting, but when it comes to being with friends, you make time. My law school classmates and I decided to ditch the usual Manila venues and go on a day trip to Subic's Camayan Beach Club instaed.

We left Manila before 7 am and we handily reached our destination in less than 3 hours. The travel time included a detour to one of the gas stations along the expressway for a quick breakfast.

The place was not overrun by people, which I like, and there were lifeguards posted nearby the cabana we rented. We brought snacks and drinks to last us the whole day and had lunch in the resort restaurant which served food that was more than decent.

Ready cash for entrance fee and cabana rentals.

A Visit to Roxas City, the Country's Seafood Capital

2014-02-09T18:45:00.001+08:00

Last September I was fortunate to visit Roxas City, touted as the seafood capital of the county. Any doubts as to its renown was laid to rest when we were presented with our breakfast, pictured below.

Note the coconut trees reflected in the spoon. How I wished our trip was
non-work related, but you make do with what you have

I did not post this right away, because when I was about to, typhoon Haiyan swept through the Visayas. I hope things are on the mend in Roxas. Please note that this was a couple of months before the storm, and I'm really hoping things are already okay.

When in Roxas, a trip to the Seafood Court at the People's Park in Barangay Baybay is a must.

The Seafood Court is where you get fresh seafood at ridiculously low prices. The baked scallops were divine. the place reminds me of Iloilo's Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood.

If Cebu has Taboan Public Market, Roxas City has Banica for danggit and other dried fish and seafood.

At Banica dried fish section, the danggit and the kraken are cheap compared to similar items at the mall or supermarket. Aside from producing dried fish, similar products from Bicol and the Visayas find their way in Roxas

For fresh fish and seafood, the Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center is the place to go.

My colleagues had their fill of scallops, shrimps, and crabs.

Our event took place at the El Circulo Convention Center in Pueblo de Panay, a mixed used development located at the southern part of the city.

teenagers dancing the tinikling greeted us as we approached the seminar hall

At the tiangge, I scored these assorted cinnamon rolls from Cinnamonhauz. The bestseller is the ube variant (center of photo). They are located at Stall 43, Capiz Government Business Center, San Roque Extension, Roxas City. You can reach them at 0918-437-3819.

In my next trip, I plan to visit the island of Olotayan, Panay's mini-Boracay, pictured at the background. Olotayan is from the ulo (head) and tayan (torso) of a mythical giant that once roamed Capiz. And speaking of Bora, it's only a few hours bus ride from Roxas.

'Til my next post

Pasalubong Options 4: Bulacan, Negros Occidental, Cebu

2014-02-05T20:43:00.002+08:00

Today's edition of pasalubong options are either travel souvenirs (the lechon) or gifts from fellow travelers.

1. Bulacan's Dolores Special Pork Chicharon

If you want your chicharon (fried pork rinds) with bite, this one's for you. It has just the right saltiness, with a slight spicy aftertaste.

2. Negros Occidental's Er's Special Peanuts

These salty, non-greasy, garlicky peanuts are addicting.

3. Cebu's Ayer Lechon

Bought this from the Cebu airport. Some say this is better than Zubochon lechon. as Cebu lechons go, this one is very tasty--you can eat it without the usual liver-based sauce. Another plus is the thin layer of fat.

Bora Dispatches Day 3: Ending on a High Note

2014-01-24T13:50:00.002+08:00

This is my third travel post on my recent holiday trip to Boracay. For the earlier installments, go here and here. For my resto review, go here.

Bora, Day 3: Unlike yesterday, this time I woke up earlier, 6 am to be exact. From the hotel, I jogged towards Station 1. I was having the runs so I had to cut my jogging short. Just as I passed the Marian grotto, my stomach acted up.

Bora in the morning is a sight to behold, and well worth the effort to wake up early for a jog, although to be truthful, I had to stop now and then to take a picture of the scenery and the places where I ate. I dropped by at Jonah's to check if they have the elusive avocado shake. They told me to return by 9 am.

My tummy calmed a bit, so I proceeded to the 24-hour Smoke Restaurant located at D'Mall. I ordered their bestselling pork kaopad. The resto is quite difficult to find, since it is along a narrow alley behind Andoks.

I then proceeded to nearby Lemoni Cafe for something sweet. I've been here before in my first solo leisure travel. I love the refreshing interiors done in citrusy yellows and greens. I wanted to try either the lemon muffin or cheesecake, but these were not available, so I settled for Mango Madness instead. It was quite good. I highly recommend it.

before arriving at bora i was expecting it to be crawling with the holiday crowd,
but traffic was light

I proceeded back to my hotel because I felt my stomach was acting up again. I rested for an hour, and then checked out at 11 am. I don't think I'll be coming back at La Carmela Hotel, unless I'm penny-pinching. Yesterday i woke up to the chatter of the staff, the people manning the front desk, except for a few, were not attentive enough, and I can't access my mobile data plan inside my room.

I wanted to eat at Truefood Indian Cuisine for lunch before proceeding to my next hotel but it was still closed. While walking, I didn't notice that my phone falling out until I was approached by some good Samaritans, boatmen who offer rides to tourists, with my phone in tow. This was the second time this happened to me--leaving my phone and someone returning it to me--and I was feeling blessed, despite yesterday's letdown. Perhaps not all is lost to creeping commercialism.

For lunch I went to Epic. The meal was not remarkable but their happy hour is--it starts at 12 noon. After having my fill of margaritas, I proceeded to The Tides Hotel, a little woozy from the drinks. During check-in I arranged an airport transfer to Kalibo, and at P750 it was a good deal.

this greeted me while i was lying on bed

unfortunately, i had no secrets to hide

I love the clean, modern lines of the Tides. Three years ago they gave me a red room. Now my room is in black and white. If yesterday I felt laid-back now I can say I can say I wanted to stay in, which I did. Around 4:30 pm I stirred. At this time Bora has come alive--it is teeming with people. I proceeded to Jonah's, but still there was no avocado shake.

From Jonah's I proceeded to Discovery Shores, where I tried the crab fat noodles. It was a nice touch that they gave me some chocnut while waiting for my order. Their mojito is excellent, and I was just in time for the happy hour, which is from 5 pm to 10 pm. I hope next time I'll be staying at the hotel. Order the classic lime mojito--the watermelon was not as good.

At quarter to 7pm I went to Truefood Indian Cuisine and ordered an excellent lamb dish with naan bread. This was an fitting end to my Bora resto run. Tip: as in elsewhere, the priciest restos do not guarantee good food.

I then went back to the Tides for my complimentary drink at their rooftop bar Solstice. With margaritas on hand I checked my Facebook wall and worked on my blogs. I was the first one to arrive, but pretty soon the crowd trickled in. Around midnight I felt queasy from all the drinks I had all day, and so I called it a night.

The next day I woke up at 5:30 am, had an early breakfast, and checked out at 6:40 am. I was the lone passenger in the 7 am hotel van. The driver assisted me up to the raft going to Caticlan. At 8:05 am I boarded a minibus bound for Kalibo airport.

And that was how my holiday Bora trip went. I'm happy I was able to go to most restos in my list, and many of the meals I sampled were good. There's no stopping commercialism, but some people can surprise you with their generosity and good spirit. Well, until the next trip.

Credits: For some of my leads, I'm grateful for these two bloggers: onewayticket and philippinebeaches. Aside from sources online, my friends clue me in on places to eat, going out of their way to point where the good stuff are.

Pasalubong Options 3: Iloilo City, Cebu, and Cagayan

2014-01-15T19:43:00.000+08:00

If you happen to travel to Iloilo City, Cebu, or Cagayan, or if you know someone coming from these areas, here are pasalubong options from the said places.

1. Margec's Cream Horn from Iloilo City

This is one memorable pastry. I first tasted this in Davao from someone who brought this all the way from Iloilo City. If you love custard, this is for you. This is similar to Camiguin's Vjandep Pastel, but the filling is more subtle, but addicting nonetheless.

2. Danggit from Cebu

Leyte might be gaining a reputation for this dried fish variety, but the original danggit from Cebu is still the main standard. Just make sure you buy the special danggit, for these are the ones that are less salty.

3. Cagayan Peanut Candy

For fans of Chocnut, this ones for you. Nutty, milky, and creamy.

Marcia Adams: a Touch of Tuscany in Tagaytay

2014-01-06T12:37:00.003+08:00

spur-of-the moment dinner. posing for posterity at the Sunset Room

I first visited Marcia Adams in 2011, and for almost three years I wanted to go back and have a Mediterranean meal prepared by the excellent home cook Marcia Adams. lst year, out of the blue I asked a colleague to reserve dinner there. Let's just say we were charmed by the whole experience. The restaurant is at the border of Tagaytay and Alfonso, near Residence Inn Zoo. For what we ate, go here.

I love establishments that put time and effort to adorn their place with fresh flowers.

I love the attention to detail. Curiously, Marcia Adams did not make an appearance, but her husband said she cooked every meal.

I have a soft spot for antique chandeliers.

I first went to Marcia Adams on May 28, 2011. After attending a wedding in Tagaytay, a friend suggested we go to Marcia Adams, which she described as Tuscany tucked away in a corner of Tagaytay. I first came to know about the restaurant in Daphne Osena's blog, but the only thing I can remember is that it's like Sonia's Garden. We didn't have reservations, but the owner, Mr. Marcia Adams, welcomed us still, as my friend asked him for directions over the phone. It was out-of-the-way, and there was no signage by the gate, but it was love at first sight. The place was overrun by vines and bushes and curio plant holders, an explosion of green--not too studied, but charming nonetheless.

Pardon the askew pictures. I tried everything to set them right, but this is beyond me.

Mr. Adams entertained us on both occasions. He was solicitous, very warm and welcoming.

This is my favorite--the vine-covered facade of the restaurant. He said they'll be selling furniture soon.

You can choose to eat indoors with a breath-taking view of the garden.

This is a good outdoor option, but bring some Off Lotion. The restaurant has hosted some small wedding receptions.

The restaurant has re-used antique bricks.

Fans of gardens will enjoy it here.

Marcia Adams's Tuscany
JP Rizal Street, Tagaytay City
0917-8011456 (tip: just text for reservations)

What I Did in Davao Last Year

2014-01-03T16:40:00.003+08:00

Before I give the last part of my Bora diaries, here's a breather. This is my 2013 post on Davao--you can see my earlier posts here and here. Here are the highlights of my trips down under.

1. Hotels. I went to an old favorite, and I got the opportunity to try a new one.

I paid my own way for the Marco Polo Hotel Davao leg. This was my base when I went there solo.

photo credit: Joseph Cruz

I love the cabanas. I can stay in the whole day if I want to.

I was happy with the susyal hotel room swag.

Later that year I hanged out by the pool. Lovely. For what we ate, go here.

My early 2013 Davao trip allowed me access to the penthouse, where I enjoyed afternoon tea, with a view.

At one work-related function, we contracted Park Inn Hotel. It was sleek and modern, but with vibrant colors, it didn't appear aloof.

Park Inn is part of the SM Group, meaning shopping is just a hop away.

We had durian cheesecake for dessert! I give Park Inn high marks for their food. They do good steak.

2. Restaurants

Travel tip: read the resto recommendations in your planes' in-flight magazine. This was how I discovered Belito's Vineyard, which is tucked away in a residential compound. For my menu recommendations, go here.

The resto was quiet when I went there Sunday. There was only a couple there, aside from me, having early lunch. I found the menu printed on a chalkboard, and the antique ceiling fan, charming.

I already wrote about D' Farmers Market in my earlier post.

In our last visit we tried the D101 durian variant. It tastes like avocado: subtle, delicate, with a slight bite

3. Purchases

I'm a creature of habit, as you might have noticed in my early posts on Davao. If you happen to be in Aldevinco, I recommend you make a beeline for Coralyn's for good buys.

This is where I bought my snazzy table-cloth.

I also dropped by American Surplus for pre-loved items:

A trip to Davao is not complete without scoring mangosteen and pomelo.

I could finish a tray of mangosteen all by myself.

Despite a week in storage, these pomelos remained juicy.

For those who can't stand fresh durian, Lola Abon's durian ice cream is a good bet. You can also smuggle it into the hotels without raising an alarm.

That's it for now. I'll post more this year.

Boracay Dispatches--Day 2: Muddled Middle

2013-12-31T20:30:00.002+08:00

the blues, creams, and grays that make bora such a sight for sore eyes

It was my second day at Bora, and I wished I woke up earlier (you can read about the first day post here ). I stirred at 6:30 am, missing the opportunity to jog. Anyway, I consoled myself with the thought that there's still tomorrow.

Skipped hotel breakfast. I was placed in a room near the buffet area, and the hotel breakfast greeters were chatty while waiting for guests to come in, creating quite a cacophony. I decided to go to Real Coffee and Tea Cafe instead.

Real Coffee is now located at the beachfront at the second floor of Sea World at Station 2. They moved last September. The staff are, as usual, low-key and solicitous. The nipa-style bar is still there.

They tried to replicate the old look at their new setting, but I find the older one more charming, hidden away in a narrow alley.

I ordered the real coffee (brewed coffee with a shot of espresso) and Marty's omelette. I'm not a breakfast person, making it hard for me to finish the generous plate. Tip: if you're a serial coffee drinker, order the starred items in the menu--they come with brewed coffee, and you pay P50 for refill.

Halfway through my meal the lights went out. The server did warn me about this, when she switched on the fan near my table, saying we should make the most out of it before the blackouts. Apparently power supply is below capacity, an effect of Typhoon Yolanda.

view from the second floor of sea wind

I wanted to go out and do another resto run, but the weather was sultry (earlier there was a slight drizzle) and I felt like mellowing out. I'm feeling the island vibe.

I proceeded to Jonah's, but the avocado shake is still out of stock. I settled for the mango-banana shake, which was quite good actually.

On my way back from Jonah's I went to Zuzuni for the Mati Choco Sin, another Bora must-try.

By this time it's nearing 11 am, and I need to duck to escape the sun. I tried buying slippers (one of the things I forgot to bring) but the cheapest were at P150 and they can go up P350 a pair at D'Mall. Oh me and my forget self. Glad I espied Kirsten's Souvenir Shop, which was just a few meters from my hotel, and bought flip-flops that were not knock-offs.

I then proceeded to my hotel room and stayed there from 11 am to 2 om. I was having hives all over my shoulders, chest and stomach despite applying sunblock. Oh I should remember to reapply every often since I perspire way too much.

At around 3 pm I decided to set of to do some blogging. I attempted writing in my hotel room but the data connection is poor. I went to Caruso Restaurant for pasta and some blogging--they offer free wifi for 2 hours. I ordered the seafood pasta but it was just okay. I was expecting much from Caruso: I've been to their Reposo branch (recommended by the then Italian Ambassador himself) and the dinner I had one there was truly memorable.

I was on my way to Jonahs for the elusive avocado shake, but I decided to try Mañana first. Like many beachfront restos in Bora, I noticed that most foreigners prefer to sit along the street or nearer the beach, while I sought comfort in the confines of the airconed room or the shade. I had the soft tacos, which was good. Unfortunately, I could not focus on what I was eating because I found the service wanting: the waiters should be taught to treat their customers promptly and with courtesy. The waiter who served me was more solicitous to foreigners. Hello, I'm a paying customer and I'm more likely to come back. I was willing to let it go but then he ignored me when I said I'll be moving tables after smoke from their kitchen made my eyes water (they should invest in a more efficient exhaust). I was supposed to proceed to Jonah's but I returned to report the incident to the manager, who was out. I instead complained to one female staff who, to the resto's credit, was courteous and solicitous. Still not satisfied, I messaged the restaurant in their Facebook page. To this day I haven't heard from the aptly named Mañana.

As I'm mentioned in my earlier post, this early in my vacation I'm already inspired enough to consider giving my travel blog another go, having remembered why I created it in the first place--an inspiration and resource for solo introverted travelers like myself. Good thing I only wrote few to-do things for this tip, otherwise I would feel too swamped to do anything productive. I've also done some reflecting: like being grateful for the things I thought were drawbacks about myself, realizing that if people were meant to be in my life, indeed they'd stay.

Tune in for the last installment, coming out soon.

Boracay Dispatches--Day 1: Auspicious Beginning

2013-12-26T23:30:00.004+08:00

Always happy to be in Bora. I'm here at Jonah's Fruit Shake, one of the must-visit
restos for, what else, shakes, but especially avocado shake, which was
out-of-stock, so I settled for banana-choco-peanut

Forgive me for the long absence. For a time I was uninspired--I lost track of why I created this blog in the first place, which is to chronicle my solo travels and, hopefully, inspire fellow introverts who love venturing out, alone. And so I start anew, with this piece on Boracay, where I am right now.

Before you dive in, I must warn you that this is the most unvarnished I will be. I won't hold back where things should be said. I think I owe you guys to be upfront and real.

I've been to Bora several times, like Singapore. I can't get enough of Bora--I'm a Pisces, and perhaps it speaks to the water element in me. You can see my earlier posts on Bora here, here, and here. Funny thing is, I get hives after a long exposure under the sun, so I stay away when the sun is at its peak, or put on loads of sunscreen.

Anyway, I booked my trip to Bora late last year through Cebu Pacific, and I purposely timed my trip on Christmas Day. Tip 1: join their email list for updates on promo fares. Try also PAL--lately they're getting really competitive, even offering lower fares than CebuPac. Anyway, Cebu Pacific now allows online check-in 48 hours before the flight, and so I did, not knowing it would serve me well later.

Tip 2: booking hotels online is also a breeze, thanks to Agoda. If you're a member, they'll notify you regarding great deals, such as half-price off every Friday.

the print-out of my boarding pass after checking-in online; the Caticlan port terminal
fee stub (orange) and the environmental fee stub (Blue), the fees of which you have to
pay before entering the port; and the boarding pass of the Southwest fast-craft, which
formed part of my fare when I boarded the van from Kalibo

Come the day of departure NAIA Terminal 3 was swarming with people. Good thing online check-in made getting to the boarding gate a breeze. Hurdle 2: we were 2 hours delayed. Tip 3: bring food with you, like some energy bars or peanuts, especially in Cebu Pacific flights--no complimentary snacks, sorry. Luckily I bought some apples to stave off the hunger, and while waiting, I did some research on where to eat at Bora. A few clicks later, I was psyched--I now have a list of places to eat. Tip 4: plan ahead, especially when traveling solo.

Eventually we did fly, and after an hour's trip we arrived at 2:15 pm to an overcast sky, threatening rain. The airport is under construction, obviously to address the onslaught of tourists. I hope they beef up aesthetically as well, since it's the first thing visitors see when going to Bora. Our edifices should be as beautiful as our smiles.

This looks new: the van transport pay (P250) includes access to the fast-craft. We arrived at the jetty port after 1.5 hours. Every time I alight from the van things turn chaotic. You are supposed to pay a terminal fee of P100 and envi fee of P75. I wish there was better visitor assistance when you arrive at Caticlan. If you are a first timer this can be bewildering. Anyway, I shrugged it off and just followed the line ahead of me. We were like cattle being herded. Just have your fast-craft boarding pass handy. Tip 5: stash important documents together: passports, boarding passes, hotel reservation, etc. At 4 pm I was seated at the fast craft.

Upon disembarkation, you could go direct to your hotel transfers, or take public transport. I always take the tricycle to the hotel, and thank goodness the people manning the line had an orderly system. They even quote the price before you board--solo is P100.

Arrived at La Carmela at 4:50 pm, a little disoriented from hunger. Below are pictures of what my room look like. Yes, I don't scrimp on lodgings. They have to be decent, at least.

After dropping my things i headed out. It was starting to get dark and there was a slight drizzle going on. I headed out to D'Mall for my first decent meal.

Two things I noticed: One, Bora's getting more commercialized--it now has Manila-based restaurants: Subway, Mcdo, Cinnabon, Reyes Barbecue, Army Navy. It's not really a bad thing, just as long as they don't crowd out the good homegrown ones. And two, Real Coffee has changed address; it is now right smack in the middle of Station 2.

Bite Club Grilled Burger's Burgerella: hefty and filling

I ordered Bite Club Grilled Burger's Burgerella with wasabi mayo and teriyaki sauce. The place was nondescript and it takes time for the order to come in, but it was worth it. (For my food reviews, go here and here).

Savory meal done I wanted something sweet. I espied next door Lemoni Cafe, which looked inviting (read: some tables were empty), but I wanted to try the fruit shakes of Jonah's.

Haggardo Versoza lang ang peg. I was hoping Aria's potent margarita, one of my
favorite vacation drinks, would work wonders. It did

On my way out of the D'Mall Complex, I saw Aria and I impulsively ducked into a table. I chatted with the waitress while waiting for my order, and she said they start filling-up at 7 pm (I dropped by at 6 pm, just the the sweet spot for unhurried, uncrowded eating). Unfortunately their service, despite a wonderful meal, was wanting. I was still at my table, I haven't even finished my meal, and I was waiting for my bill, yet one waiter was so in a hurry, he placed a reserved sign on my table. The Bite Club Burger staff treat their customers way better.

To cap the night I did go to Jonah's for their avocado milkshake, but they ran out, so I settled for banana choco peanut, which was so good I can't recommend it enough.

A familiar sight at Bora: the sand-castle, Christmas edition

Bora Christmas Day was sweltering hot. I wished I had chucked off my shoes earlier and wore a fresh shirt, but research beckons, and I realized I forgot to bring my slippers and shades. I hope being forgetful does not turn out to be a habit.

Happy to be back at Dos Mestizos, nursing my other favorite vacation drink.
Three years ago I celebrated my birthday herwe with Manila friends. And I look
better in this pic--it's either the lighting, or the magic of alcohol

Dos Mestizos is open from 11 am to 11 pm

I was beyond full, but since Dos Mestizos is just near my hotel, I dropped by for a mojito, which was followed shortly by a platter of chorizos. And what excellent sausages they were.

And what a day it was. Four restaurants offering good food in a span of three hours. I'm happy and content. I set out to recharge, reflect, and be inspired, and I' can say I'm inspired this early in the vacation.

More in the next installment.

Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2013

2013-08-06T13:13:00.000+08:00

There are few things I look forward to eagerly, and one of them is this:

I've been attending the Philippine Fashion Week for three years now as guest of my good friend, fashion designer June Pugat. Thanks so much, amigo! This year's edition is special because my niece joined me. I used to babysit her during breaks from law school, and look at her now.

my niece all dolled up for the show

Like me, she went the traditional conservative academic route, but has many friends who are into the arts, who sometimes make her their fashion muse.

souvenir shot while the backstage crew prepares for the next show

Pieces from my friend's collection are featured below. June Pugat went metallic and shiny for this edition. Click here to see his past collections.

Bravo, June!

Below are select pictures from the other designers featured in the Grand Allure Show.

Until the next Fashion Week.

Singapore's Chinatown and Clark Quay

2013-05-29T12:28:00.002+08:00

This is my concluding post on my Singapore trip. For my earlier posts, go here, here, here, and here.

I was fortunate that the hotel I stayed in, The Scarlet, was located strategically in Chinatown. From the hotel lobby, turn right and as you descend Ann Siang Hill, you would see the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a popular tourist attraction.

If you want to sample hawker-style Singaporean food, Maxwell Food Center is just down another corner form the hotel. This is where I tasted what to me is the best Hainanese Chicken, the Tian Tian Chicken Rice, which I featured earlier.

Pictured below is the Red Dot Design Museum. I wasn't able to visit the building. Perhaps next time.

I love how they reused old buildings, maintaining the facade, and painting them in brilliant hues. Above is the Red Dot Museum, which exhibits the latest trends in the international design scene. I made a mental note to drop by here on my next visit.

Below is the Jinrikisha Station in Tanjong Pagar, the first area targeted for conservation by the city-state in the 80s. This used to issue licenses for rickshaws, but now houses cafes, bars, and restaurants.

old buildings repurposed for modern use at amoy street

On my last day day, a Sunday, another Singapore-based friend treated me to lunch at bak kut teh institution Song Fa located near Clark Quay. This branch has been around for ages, and was packed with the Sunday lunch crowd. For more, click here.

More pictures below of Clark Quay, a historic riverside wharf named after Singapore's second governor. The quay is located upstream from the mouth of the Singapore river, and was the center of trade during the city-state's colonial period. The area has been transformed into a commercial, residential, and entertainment precinct.

This is where my friend's office is located. Imagine walking to this building everyday.

View of the river and surrounding environs from the office.

The Central Mall just across Clark Quay

This concludes the series of posts on my trip to Singapore. My take-away from the experience: say yes to possibilities. I'll be back in Singapore for more adventures. "Til then.

Singapore Quick City Tour

2013-05-27T15:57:00.000+08:00

Earlier in my series of post on Singapore, I wrote about a sexy boutique hotel where I stayed, a quirky gift shop and cafe, and what made me go to Singapore in the first place. I originally intended to go exploring on my own, but when friends learned that I was in the city-state, a couple were kind enough to offer to show me around. One of them was a former foreign language classmate who is now based in Singapore.

I soon discovered that one can cover Singapore in a day, thanks in large part to its very efficient MRT system. I must admit I found traveling by train intimidating, and so it was a blessing to have my classmate guide me along. By the way, this post is full of pictures of me. You've been warned. :-)

Since I was in Chinatown, we first made a pit-stop at the stall-lined streets and the nearby Sri Mariamman temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, pictured below.

Next stop was Sentosa Island, where Resorts World's Universal Studios theme park is located. Frankly, Western theme parks transported in Asia don't appeal to me. I rather spend my pesos on local cuisine and taxi (smile). I posed for the obligatory souvenir shots and bought some candies from Reese's and that's it. We went there by train, and my friend oriented me on the rules for surviving daily life in the city, i.e. keeping to your left.

From Sentosa, we explored Orchard Road, described as the retail and entertainment hub of Singapore. On weekdays there is not much people, but since it was a Saturday the streets were crawling with tourists and weekenders. We passed by Lucky Plaza shopping center, where many Pinoys congregate. Stopping by for a light in front of the building, we were soon joined by compatriots. It suddenly felt like home. I also heard some squawking overhead. Looking up we noticed crows crowding the trees that lined the streets.

We went inside the boutiques of Abercrombie and Fitch and H&M. I particularly requested for the latter, since the first H&M branch I visited was in Toronto, where I had fond memories.

The city was bright with holiday lights, but no one beats Pinoys when celebrating Christmas.

We boarded the train again and after alighting, we walked towards the Central Business District. It was practically deserted.

We then parked ourselves at one of the outdoor tables at Starbucks One Fullerton to get a ringside view of Marina Bay Sands' Wonder Full light and water show, which was on nightly. We were about an hour early, so we killed time exploring the nearby Merlion Park and the exhibits at the Esplanade. Quick note: Singapore was originally a fishing village and its original name, Singapura, means lion city, thus the merlion symbol is apt.

Singapore skyline pictured above. I wonder how it feels like working here. I won't mind doing so.

Starbucks was full when we returned, but we still got a good spot along the water banks. Check the schedule before heading to the area. And come in early to get a good spot.

My friend and I returned to my hotel on foot. Needless to say it's safe to walk around Singapore at night. I'm grateful for my friend for giving me a quick tour of the city, otherwise I wouldn't have covered half as much as we did.

Next post: historic Clarke Quay and the rest of Chinatown

Eating My Way Through Singapore

2013-05-06T17:56:00.002+08:00

I'm not kidding when I said I went to Singapore to eat. While many take the three-hour flight for theme parks and to go shopping, I have set my eyes on sampling authentic Haiananese Chicken from ground zero. The city-state is a veritable foodie paradise, and as you can see from this post, I left with a happy tummy.

1. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken

This is what I went to Singapore for--the Hainanese Chicken. This is not just your ordinary chicken, as this was approved by Tony Bourdain no less. I lucked on my hotel, which is just a skip and a hop away from the Maxwell Hawker Center. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall, which proudly bannered Bourdain's likeness. For a little over P100 (sd 2.50), I was in heaven. The chicken was so soft, flavorful, delicious, unforgettable. The chicken was so good on own its own you can do without the sauces. The rice was infused with so much flavor. The accompanying soup reminded me of good tinola.

Tip: when in doubt, pick the stall in the hawker center with the longest line. That's a good sign it serves good food.

Maxwell Food Center
1 Kadayanullar Street

2. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

pork ribs

fish

offal

chicken feet

fried dough strips

I didn't mind going solo in my first leisure out-of-the-country trip, but with a sizable Filipino population, I got quite a number of invitations to meet up. One was from a Singapore based advertising executive friend who, knowing my passion for good food, promised me good ole bah kut teh. Bak kut teh, Chinese for meat bone tea, is a soup made from simmering pork ribs for hours in herbs and spices. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is a dining institution in Singapore. Their bak kuh teh is of the Teochew variant, which is light in color and uses more pepper and garlic. And how did I find it--the bak kut teh was flavorful and well-balanced. I love the pork and ribs and the fish bak kut teh

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
11 New Bridge Road

3. Hokkien Hae Mee (Hokkien Stir-Fried Prawn Noodles)

Hokkien Mee is a fried noodle dish cooked in the Hokkien/Fujian style. Eating this took a little effort--I was still mastering using chopsticks, and this involved also the use of Chinese soup spoon. But I enjoyed it-- a well-balanced, flavorful squid and shrimp noodle dish, both salty and spicy. Another friend introduced me to this dish, which we bought in a food court in Sentosa.

4. Iced Jelly with Aloe Vera

Who knew aloe vera could be a very refreshing iced dessert, perfect for Singapore's warm weather? Scored this at Kopitiam food court at Clark Quay.

5. Le Chocolat Cafe's Layered Chocolate Cake

Just the right sweetness, and topped with gooseberry, my first taste of this exotic fruit--sweet and mildly tart. Crunchy sweeter base provided textural interest. Perfect with tea. Very pretty cake, as you can see. For one more pretty cake, go here.

Le Chocolat Cafe
28 Ann Sinag Hill

Quirk Overload: Singapore's Kki Sweets and The Little Dröm Store

2013-04-25T23:46:00.001+08:00

In my last post, I fell in love with sexy and dramatic Scarlet Hotel. I arrived the night before, and I was tempted to stay in, but good thing I had the good sense to venture out. I knew I wanted to go to indie knickknack shop Little Dröm Store, located two minutes away on foot from my hotel at Ann Siang Hill. I didn't know it also shares space with Kki Sweets, a fine pastries purveyor.

my heart skipped a beat when i saw these signs. i scoped out
ann siang hill in my first morning in singapore. the place opens at 11 am

kki sweets share the premises with little dröm store. their cakes are lovingly made, and cute!

exhibit a: the little red riding hood. choco mousse encased in dark choco,
with raspberry center. moist, rich, and pretty

i had tea with my order.
the place has a very scandanavian design sensibility--
blonde wood, clean lines, but with a sense of humor

table top ornament. less is more

quirky knickknacks galore. it was difficult to choose a souvenir. felt like a kid again,
with all these nostalgia-triggers on display

ultimately, this little cherub went home with me from singapore.

i thought my little angel, a kewpie doll, was a girl, until i noticed his
pototoy. kewpies, as they are called, are based on illustrations
by rose o'neill that appeared in the ladies home journal in 1909

For my next post, I'll write about how I stumbled upon the Hainanese Chicken approved by Anthony Bourdain.

Kki Sweets
The Little Dröm Store
No. 7 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore

Traveling Solo: Singapore's The Scarlet Hotel

2013-04-20T17:15:00.000+08:00

I've written about how I enjoyed my first solo leisure travel three years ago here. A handful of similar travels later, I decided it was time for my first solo out-of-the-country leisure travel, using my frequent flyer miles. I was supposed to go last January 2012, but for some reason or another I had to resched to late November.

If you're the handful of people following this blog, you'd know I have a peculiar way of traveling, like most people I guess. I splurge on the things I deem important (like hotels and inland transport), but I'm not above a good bargain (there's not a hawker center I didn't like). I don't feel smug, neither do I feel any less, because of the way I travel. What I can't stand are sanctimonious people who proclaim that their mode of traveling is more authentic than anyone else's. That's probably true, after all what they say reveals more of who they are, and what feels right to them, but I don't give a hoot. I maintain this blog because I want to share my love of traveling, and if this is of help to someone else, then well and good. Now on to the subject of this post.

Smart traveling involves a lot of planning (something I should do more, LOL). In the weeks leading to my departure date I accumulated a sheaf of clippings on the island-state, and one thing that stood out was to book this quaint boutique hotel, The Scarlet, conveniently located at Chinatown, and a hop and a jump away from the Maxwell Food Center and the vibrant bar scene in Club Street, which reminded me of Malate in the 90s.

the morning after. the night before, a friday, my taxi deposited me at this corner.
i had to take a few steps to the left to reach the lobby. this was a quiet corner in a
happening area, but i decided to rest rather than go out. i liked early morning jaunts
when traveling. the less people, the better

christmas was quite upon us, and thus the decor. still, it was all about gothic drama.
one of the receptionists during my last day was a filipina. it's quite a comfort meeting
compatriots in strange places

my room! so excited

what could be gayer than this? my singapore-based told me as much.
what it lacked in size, my room made up in attitude

my welcome drink--blood orange italian soda. thankfully, it
wasn't that sugary at all.

my favorite corner, where i'd scribble the day's events in
my diary and pore over the receipts of my purchases
(not that i did much at all)

this could have been overdone, but they know when to rein in their maximalist tendencies

detail of the bathroom lighting

table lamp situation

muted colors tempered the exuberant details

this is my favorite design element--so witty!

just above the lobby

hotels with fresh flowers are always a plus

Let's just say that in spite of my teeny room, I love this hotel. Many rooms have no windows--luckily, I had one, so ask before booking. The hotel is near a few bars, but I was roomed in the quieter section, and so I slept soundly. Very accommodating staff, fast and reliable WIFI. Try the rooftop bar, if you're into it. I skipped that, opting to stay in my room, instead. Which is not a bad idea at all, staying in.

The Scarlet Hotel
33 Erskine Road, Singapore

A Peek at Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino

2013-04-15T16:05:00.000+08:00

Fort Ilocandia bills itself as the only 5-star resort hotel in the northern Philippines. Sand dunes, a pine forest, black-sand beach, and buildings made of red bricks make this complex unique. It's also quiet and quite secluded. I'm here for work--the hotel can handily accommodate the seminars and conferences I manage. It's really grand, but a little too dark and dated for my taste. Obviously, this is not for the budget traveler.

For breakfast, a must-try is the garlicky Laoag longganiza. For adventure junkies, you can ride the horses or the all-terrain vehicles, let off steam at the shooting range, or go surfing.

the lobby. pictures of VIP guests stare at us from the walls

all i need are colonial-era costumes, and i'm set

what is it with hotels and koi ponds?

this was taken 4 years ago using my camera phone. those bouganvilla vines
are lovely, and they soften the look of the brick buildings

another photo from the archives

my room has a balcony, but i rarely use it. it was so humid outside.

i own a tv set as bulky as this one

blast from 4 years ago: early morning walk along the beach.
not recommended for swimming, though