Definitely PINOY!

Epifania's Beach Resort, Marabut, Samar

2018-06-28T20:31:00.005+08:00

SUPER AFFORDABLE WHITE SAND BEACH RESORT THAT YOU DON'T NEED TO RIDE A BOAT TO GET TO. PLAIN SIMPLE.

Located in the natural wonder-rich municipality of Marabut, Samar; Epifania's Beach Resort is only one of the many nature adventures you can experience this summer, or any time of the year.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Tacloban City
Board any van/bus bound for Guiuan, or Borongan, Eastern Samar. These PUV routes traverses the town of Barangay Amambucale, Marabut, Samar. Ask to be dropped off at Jasmin Beach Resort in Marabut (side story: this resort is just beside what used to be Jasmin Beach Resort which was destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda; and this is more known to locals in case you go ask for directions). Travel time from Tacloban to Marabut will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour. AND, you get to pass through the ever majestic San Juanico Bridge.

SUMMARY

✔️ Entrance fee: Php 20.00 per head.
✔️ Zero corkage fee, and reasonably priced bottled drinks.
✔️ Cottage rental: Php 500.00 for the day.
✔️ Super friendly and accommodating staff.
✔️ Powdery white sand beach.
✔️ Rich marine biodiversity ideal for scuba diving, and didn't I mention that most parts of Marabut's coastline is a protected marine sanctuary?
✔️ Relatively quiet environment, it's as if you own the place, especially on off-peak season.
✔️ They also have rooms for overnight stays.
✔️ The sea floor is quite rocky, so better wear 'em #aquashoes.

OTHER SUGGESTED STOPS AT MARABUT, SAMAR

📍Caluwayan Palm Resort
📍Marabut Extreme Adventure
📍Saob Cave
📍Kandongos Falls
📍Ban-awan Falls
📍Marabut Rock Formations

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#SparkSamar #Marabut #Summer2018 #SummerGoals

An-an Beach and Rock Formations, Hinundayan, Southern Leyte

2018-06-28T19:14:00.000+08:00

Ever been to San Pablo Island, in Hinunangan, and wondered what those gigantic rock formations in mainland Southern Leyte facing the sea, looked up-close?

Discover a virtually untouched paradise, filled with white sand beaches, rock formations, and snorkeling sites, that only the locals know...for now.

GETTING THERE

Barangay An-an is a mountain-beside-the-sea village located in the town of Hinundayan, Southern Leyte, just next to Hinunangan. To get there from Tacloban City, board any PUVs bound for San Juan, Southern Leyte via Silago (Tip: Grand Tours, at P150.00 per head).

There are two ways to get to An-an Beach, the first is to ride a motorcycle taxi from the town proper (called locally as habal-habal) thru a mountainous terrain, or by renting motorized bancas/boats.

The best way to get there is the second option. Riding a boat to get there not only is faster, but also gives you the chance to see all the seaside rock formations in the area.

There are no regular boat trips to get there, so you'd have to rent a private boat. We got to Hinundayan Public Market, and went to see Manong Landoy, who has his own banca. We rented it for P1,500.00, all-in, which carries around 8-10 people.

The boat ride there will take around 15-20 minutes. In just your first 5 minutes, you'll immediately see some of the beautiful rock formations carved by the sea thru millions of years.

THINGS TO DO THERE

Although An-an Beach is located in the mainland, the scenery at the place is out of this world. Think of mini El Nido, and a bit of Marabut, Samar. The turquoise waters, the rock formations, the diverse marine life filled with corals, and colorful fish, would already good be enough, but to think that you're at a paradise all to yourself, that's the cherry on top.

☑ Swimming
☑ Snorkeling
☑ Rock Jumping or Diving
☑ Relaxing at the Beach
☑ Barbecue
☑ Camping

NOTES

📌 An-an Beach is basically remote, so best bring your travel essentials.
📌 There are spots/areas of the rock formations great for rock jumping.
📌 During low tide at the farther side facing San Pablo Island in Hinunangan, an underwater cave can be accessed for a mini-exploration.
📌 Don't forget to bring your snorkeling gear.
📌 An-an Beach is just facing San Pablo and San Pedro Islands in Hinunangan; may be you can get your "bangkeros" to make a stop there as well, if you have more time.

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#AnAnRockFormations #Hinundayan #Summer2018 #SummerGoals

San Pablo Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

2018-04-14T16:56:00.000+08:00

SAN PABLO ISLAND, HINUNANGAN, SOUTHERN LEYTE 📌

Just 15 minutes off the coast of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, this island is part of a twin set of islands, with the other equally beautiful, #SanPedroIsland (guide here: https://tinyurl.com/pongdaku). This little escape offers a white sand or coral beach experience, turquoise and crystal clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity for scuba diving, among other things.

HOW TO GET THERE 🚩

From Tacloban City

🚐From Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for southbound vans or buses traveling to St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. Ensure that it is passing through the town of Silago, because some St. Bernard-bound PUVs traverses Sogod town, which is a long way around. Ask to be dropped off at Brgy. Canipaan, Hinunganan, Southern Leyte, at the jump-off point to San Pablo and San Pedro Islands. Travel time from Tacloban takes around 2 hours.

From Canipaan Jump-off Point

The pump boat ride to San Pablo Island takes around 10-15 minutes from the shores of Canipaan. You can rent a whole boat service which is a round-trip, price ranges from Php1,000.00-1,500.00 depending on your haggling skills. You can also take a one-way trip at only Php20.00-30.00, but this works like any other public transport, meaning you'll have to wait until it gets full to leave.

I also have a "suki" that you may contact; Angelo Zoilo (+639058242330), "sukis" come in handy because you can contact them before you plan your trip.

WHAT TO DO THERE 🚩

GO SWIMMING, the greenish blue hue of the crystal clear waters in the island will surely entice you to jump off the boat immediately! 💦
RELAX & ENJOY THE VIEW, take a selfie or a groufie, and appreciate God's wonderful creations. 📷
SEAFOOD, whether you brought your own or just bought the freshest of fish from the islanders, beach will always be equals seafood! 🐟
SCUBA DIVING, San Pablo Island's reef is so rich you'd be amazed, you can see crabs, colorful fish like clownfish, starfish, corals, and even small sharks! 🐠🦀
SKIM BOARDING, at the pacific side, a good ratio of fine white sand and medium sized waves await the skim boarder in you. 🌊
GO CAMPING, no island adventure is ever so complete without spending a night there, pitch a tent and explore the island! 🌞

OTHER MUST VISIT SITES AT THE PACIFIC SIDE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE

Whale Skeleton Display (at Silago, So. Leyte)
Tubod Rocky River (at Brgy. Tubod, Silago, So. Leyte)
Silago Rainforest (at Silago, So. Leyte) 🐗🌳
Tal-ay Ridge (at Hinunangan, So. Leyte)
Calag-itan Fish Sanctuary (at Hinunangan, So. Leyte) 🐚
📍Mainit Hot Spring (at Anahawan, So. Leyte)
📍Cabalian Lake & Volcano (at San Juan, So. Leyte)
📍An-an White Beach & Rock Formations (at Hinundayan, So. Leyte)
📍Hindag-an Falls (at St. Bernard, So. Leyte)
📍Molopolo Beach (at Liloan, So. Leyte)
Tagbak Marine Park (at Liloan, So. Leyte)

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Travel Guide: Hanginan, Maasin City, Philippines

2017-12-08T22:11:00.000+08:00

A friendly community 400 meters above sea-level, this quaint Barangay offers breathtaking views of Maasin City & the Bohol Sea, great Bibingka (rice cupcakes baked in tin can ovens), & of course, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Eastern Visayas; will give you a wonderfully soulful experience as you enter the shrine of St. Francis Xavier, whose image is sought by many as it is told & witnessed to have healing effects when touched, & he is said to intercede our most sincere prayers to the Lord Almighty.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Tacloban City

From Tacloban City Bus Terminal, board a bus/van bound for Maasin City, Southern Leyte, disembark at their bus terminal; travel time takes around 3.5 hrs, fare at Php220.00.

From Maasin City

There are two ways to climb Hanginan, for adventurous travelers, you can hike it up, down from the foothill at Brgy. Isagani (Option A), or you can ride/drive a concrete paved road up from Brgy. Sorosoro (Option B).

Option A (via Brgy. Isagani)

From the terminal, board any motorcab-for-hire and ask to be dropped off at Brgy. Isagani, Maasin City, at the foothill of Hanginan, fare's at Php15.00.

Hike up Hanginan will take around 45 minutes, on a steep 3-kilometer trail, which is worth it considering the calories you burn, & the spectacular views that is Maasin City from 400 meters up.

Option B (via Brgy. Sorosoro)

From the terminal, look for green colored motorcabs (their route is Brgy. Sorosoro, Maasin City), & ask to be dropped off at their local Habal-habal (single motorcycle taxis) terminal, fare is Php11.00.

From Brgy. Sorosoro, the Habal-habal ride will only take you around 5-10 mins. to reach the stairway up to the Shrine, fare is Php60.00, or Php120.00 back and fort, & the driver will wait, & then bring you back down Brgy. Sorosoro after.

There is still a small climb up the stairs worth a few drops of sweat before you reach the Chapel, it'll take around 10-15 minutes.

WHAT TO DO THERE

Say your prayers, light a few candles, and never miss a chance to touch St. Francis Xavier's image at the Chapel.
ENJOY THE VIEW, take a selfie or a groufie, and appreciate God's wonderful creations.
Try their BIBINGKA, get them while they're hot, at only Php5.00 each (Php60.00 a dozen + freebie).
Take home a few souvenirs, a printed shirt, or just a few keychains, it's up to you.

OTHER MUST VISIT SITES AT MAASIN CITY AND NEARBY TOWNS

Monte Cueva

Mama Mary Shrine

Maasin City Zoo and Forest Park

Cagnituan Falls

Tangkaan Beach (at Padre Burgos, So. Leyte)

Limasawa Island

Canigao Island (at Matalom, Leyte)

Wanna know a little more about Hanginan, check out my blog post!

http://definitelypinoy.blogspot.com/2013/09/hanginan.html

Travel Guide: San Pedro Island, Hinunangan, So. Leyte

2016-03-22T23:51:00.000+08:00

San Pedro Island is one of the twin set of islands off the coast of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. Although not as famous as the other white-sand islands in Leyte like Kalanggaman and Canigao, San Pedro Island also has its fair share of a beautiful white pebble beach, crystal clear waters, rich marine life, and picturesque views of sunrise and sunsets.

How to Get There

Aeroplane from Manila or Cebu

There are passenger flights from Manila to Tacloban, or Cebu to Tacloban, every day. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and fifteen minutes. If you're from Cebu, it takes about forty five (45) minutes. After touchdown, head for the Tacloban City Bus Terminal. You can rent a taxi or a transfer service from the airport.

Tacloban City

At the Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for southbound vans or buses that are traveling to St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. Make sure that the PUV (Public Utility Vehicle) traverses through Silago municipality, because some PUVs bound for St. Bernard, go the other route via Sogod. Travel time to the town of Hinunangan spans from two (2) hours to two (2) and a half. You'll have to tell the driver to be dropped off at Brgy. Canipaan, this is the jump-off point to either San Pedro or San Pablo islands.

The pump boat ride to San Pedro or San Pablo Islands ranges from 15-25 minutes. You can either rent the whole boat for a two (2) way service or you can take a one (1) way ride to the island, but you’ll have to wait until the boat gets to max capacity before it leaves, and that’ll take a while.

You can rent any boat service to the island, but I highly suggest you look for Angelo Zoilo (+63-905-824-2330), not only is their service fast and friendly, but you can also ask for a discount, on account you make them your “suki”, (Filipino for person/s you prefer to do transactions with, frequently).

Cebu City via Ormoc City

Assuming that you’re going to Leyte through boat, you’ll have to board either a fast-craft or a ferry liner via Cebu City Port. Large ferry ships take about seven (7) hours to get to Ormoc City, Leyte, but just three (3) hours when you take a trip using fast-crafts. The Bus Terminal of Ormoc City is just beside the City Port, you can directly board a bus named Ms. Canipaan bound for Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, which takes around four (4) hours to travel.

Vista Beach Resort

What to Bring

San Pedro Island, or politically known as Barangay San Pedro, Hinunangan, has a sustainable community of less than five hundred (500) people. Because of the influx of tourists, visitors, and for the consumption of the locals, the island has small convenience stores (Sari-sari stores in Filipino), that sell items for immediate needs such as canned goods, liquor and beer, preserved food, rice, soap, shampoo, some other toiletries, and spices if you want to cook food yourself.

Although there are Sari-sari stores in the island, you have to remember that these are only limited, so it’s better to bring the things that you need and buy them from the mainland, and it is relatively cheaper this way too! They also have cottages that you can rent that have its own Abuhan, where you can cook food using charcoal or firewood. Down below is the list of things I’ll advise you to bring.

Food and Beverages

Do remember that you have to bring food that can easily be prepared and cooked in the island. This includes marinated meat for barbecue, seafood, etc. This also means you’ll either have to grill or stew your food. You can also buy fresh fish from the local fishermen. If you’ll be cooking food in the island, bring your own cooking utensils such as casseroles, knives, etc. Bring charcoal and a lighter as well. The usual utensils for eating must also be present; plates, spoons and forks, glasses, etc. Also bring at least two (2) liters of potable water per person, per day. To keep your drinks cold, and your food from getting bad immediately, I suggest you bring a cooler and fill it with lots of ice.

Clothing and Toiletries

The amount of clothes you should bring depends on how frequent you’ll have to change. I suggest you bring at least three (3) sets of fresh clothes, per day. One for bathing at the pristine and cool beach, one fresh set after taking a dip, and another in reserve. I also suggest you double the amount of underwear, just to be sure. Girls, don’t forget to bring your own napkins or tampons, just in case they don’t sell it in the island. If you plan to stay at a resort, you can use their toilet and shower for free. We went to Vista Beach Resort, where they have concrete cottages and rooms for rent. They also sell toiletries such as soap, etc., in case you weren’t able to bring any. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to bring a first aid kit, sunscreen, and mosquito cream.

Camping Equipment

Like all other nature excursions, you have to at least bring tent/s. This is to keep your food, clothing, and other items inside safe, assuming you leave camp and explore the island. I also suggest bringing picnic mats, and for those who don’t like to stay inside the tent, bring a sleeping bag. You can also bring rechargeable lights and portable powerbanks for use at night. Some resorts on the island offer rooms for overnight stays. The island has limited electricity which is turned on at 6:00 PM and then turned off at 9:00 PM, you can have your electronic gadgets charged at the resort or you can rent electric outlets from the residents’ homes. Also keep in mind that these resorts offer basic accommodations only.

Sports Gear

San Pedro Island offer medium sized waves good for skim boarding or surfing, on the Pacific side. They also have good underwater biodiversity if you want to go scuba diving or snorkeling. If you want to catch fresh fish, you can bring your fishing equipment. All these water sports activities can be done, but you’ll have to bring them all yourself as there aren't any on the island.

Budget and Expenses

The most important part of the trip’s planning; BUDGETING! Tabulated below is list of the expenses you will individually make. This estimate is supposing that you’re traveling from Tacloban or Ormoc City, you’re with a group of ten (10) people, and you’re staying overnight.

Specifics	Breakdown / Explanation	Your Cost	Group Cost
Bus or Van	Php 140.00 for a one (1) way ride	P 280.00	P 2,800.00
Boat Ride	Php 1,500.00 for a two (2) way rented service, travels any time you please; or	P 150.00	P 1,500.00
	a one (1) way trip per person, but you’ll have to wait until the boat is on full cap.	P 20.00	-
Cottage	Cottage with seating capacity of 10-15 people, with use of makeshift kitchen	P 250.00	P 250.00
Food	Php 450.00 per meal for 10 people (Fish: 1 Kilo, Meat: 1 Kilo, Rice: 1 Kilo); includes lunch & dinner for the 1^st day, and breakfast & lunch for the 2nd	P 180.00	P 1,800.00
Miscellaneous	Includes other necessary items, for personal use, etc.	P 140.00	P 1,400.00
Entrance & Camping Fee	They’re trusting you to leave zero footprint, so don’t litter, don’t vandalize, and don’t harm local flora or fauna	FREE	FREE
TOTAL		P 1,000.00	P 7,750.00

Notes and Reminders

San Pedro Island community offers the visit to the island for free.
You can set up camp almost anywhere on the island, but please don't litter.
They have clean water safe for drinking and/or bathing, but it is only limited.
Some locals operate Sari-sari stores that sell preserved food, toiletries, and liquor.
Although they have resorts, they're only basic, so don't expect too much.
They have limited electricity turned on at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Don't start a fire over the white sand or pebbles because it'll get discolored, you can cover it with some soil that you can get from further inland.
Some rare birds and wildlife can be seen on the island, they're not doing anything to you, except amaze you, so please don't do anything to them.
Bring a large garbage bag so you can collect the trash of the whole group and dispose of it properly after you get back to the mainland.
Don't forget to take pictures!

There you have it! Your travel guide and tips to spending a day or two at the beautiful island of San Pedro, in the town of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte!

Rafael's Farm: A Tranquil Haven 20-minutes away from Tacloban City!

2016-02-08T20:19:00.000+08:00

Scenic view of the majestic mountains behind Rafael's Farm. November 30, 2015.

You don't have to go far

Rafael's Farm and Garden Restaurant is located in Babatngon, Leyte. It is the next town north of Tacloban City. It can be accessed through Maharlika Highway going to San Juanico Bridge, but instead of turning right to Samar Island, you go straight thru Tacloban - Babatngon Road. Only twenty minutes from downtown Tacloban City, most people that come here look to get refreshed and get away from the crowd and the pollution in the city. You can ride PUVs to get here via Tacloban-Babatngon Jeepneys for a fare of Php20.00 at the New Bus Terminal in Abucay. Although this is cheaper, PUVs in this route don't travel as frequently as southbound PUVs. If you don't have a ride of your own, I recommend you rent a tricycle for a fair of Php50.00 per person. The upside for this is the tricycle will immediately take you there, unlike the Jeepney, where you'll have to wait until the PUV becomes full of passengers.

Rafael's Farm and Garden Restaurant.

Natural Re-connection

Tucked in a quiet, undisturbed location that has scenic views of mountains, Rafael's Farm is the perfect place to relax and unwind. With sophisticated landscaping, a vast lawn my daughter enjoyed running around, and tranquility that resonates through the whole place, staying here for a few hours would certainly re-energize you. They also have a man-made river. You can use their small boat and just row around. They have a tree house to get you a bird's eye view of the farm, unfortunately we weren't able to get up there because there were people already. The soft breeze of air, the relaxing music they're playing, and their posh outdoor living area will reconnect you to nature, where your soul longs to be.

Man-made river.

Tree house.

Covered walkway leading to the old restaurant area that was destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan.

You can hangout under this tree that gives ample shade.

Delicious Food, err Unwanted Visitors

Their food, I have to say, is quite good. My favorite had to be the Baby Back Ribs, it was so tender that it fell off the bones and their signature barbecue sauce went well with it. The grilled tuna was also delicious. My partner ordered tuna sandwich. Among the fine dining restaurants in the city, Rafael's Farm is in the upper echelon. The downside though, was there were so many flies. They literally came out of nowhere. Before our food arrived, it was all good, and then suddenly they came. They destroyed our whole meal experience. No matter how good the food was, the flies just stole the show. With that, they then turned on their industrial fan and pointed it at us to drive away the pesky creatures. I suggest you just eat inside instead.

Outdoor Living and Dining Area.

Baby Back Ribs.

Fried Chicken.

Tuna Sandwich.

Grilled Tuna.

After lunch, we hanged out and roamed about. My daughter especially enjoyed running around their ultra-wide lawn. If there's a place I'd like to go to after a hectic week at work, I'd come here. I just hope they've already solved the problem with the flies.

Rafael's Farm and Garden Restaurant is a tranquil haven that's easily accessible from Tacloban City. If you want to de-stress, just relax and have good food, this is the place.

Source: Rafael's Farm

Other Photos

Pinakbet

Kuting Reef: A Quiet Escape!

2016-02-07T13:56:00.002+08:00

Dusk at Kuting Reef, November 15, 2014. Tucked in a quiet 3-hectare cove property in Macrohon, Southern Leyte, is Kuting Reef Resort and Spa, a 20-minute drive from Maasin City, the capital of Southern Leyte.

Quite the Quiet Escape.

We went to Maasin City to climb Mt. Hanginan, where St. Francis Xavier's Chapel is located. After saying our prayers and thanking the Lord for all blessings, we hiked down the 400-meter tall mountain back to Maasin City. There we rode a PUV to Macrohon, the next town south of Maasin. As we entered the resort, what greeted us were the friendly staff and the rustic ambiance that immediately took away our exhaustion from the long hike at Hanginan. Kuting Reef is a privately-owned resort and spa, that offers water activities like kayaking, scuba diving, etc. It is a 3-hectare property full of coconut trees and a posh landscaping that'll surely get you down to relax. Aside from the very native look and feel of the resort, the place is pretty modern. Their cabanas, are large, and air conditioned. They have a resident masseuse that cater to room service massage or anywhere in the resort. They also have a complete toilet and bath with hot shower. Since we came on mid-November, there weren't many guests, so it felt like we had the whole resort to ourselves. So I'll recommend you visit on non-peak months for that feel of exclusivity and quietness.

View of the pebble beach facing west of Southern Leyte, fronting the island of Bohol.

Paved walkways leading to single cabanas.

Fresh and Flavorful.

They also have a restaurant named Baybayon Seafoods. They offer a variety of dishes from the freshest catch of the day. Their dishes are also affordable that dinner for two will only range from Php300.00 to Php700.00. What surprised me was the Chef was actually a neighbor of my partner in the town of Hinundayan, also in Southern Leyte. For dinner, we ordered their best-sellers which were grilled mackerel (Tangigue in Filipino), grilled pork belly, sisig (finely chopped pork face sauteed in garlic, ginger etc.), and for dessert, turon with vanilla ice cream (banana and jack-fruit spring roll). More of a pork-lover, what I munched down first was the grilled pork belly or in Filipino we call it Liempo. But as I tasted the grilled mackerel, it was so fresh and seasoned well that it became my favorite from the whole meal. They also have complimentary breakfast serving continental and Filipino breakfast dishes. I ordered cheese and tomato omelette, while my gal ordered Daing na Bangus, fried milkfish marinated in vinegar and other spices.

Grilled Mackerel (Tangigue).

Sizzling Pork Sisig. Finely-chopped pork face sauteed in garlic, ginger, and other spices, served on a sizzling plate topped with raw egg and chili peppers for that extra kick.

Turon with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Infinity Pool for Infinitely Relaxing Fun.

What couldn't be more relaxing than an infinity pool? Although relatively small and having a depth of only five feet on the deepest part, the pool still provides an extra unwinding because of the scenic view of the sea and the tropical ambiance. The pool also has water jets to calm you from all the bustle in life. What's also great about their infinity pool is they regulate the temperature of the water. They cool it by the day and make it warmer at night. Now if you'd like to get your fair share of seawater, you can just simply go to the beach that's only a few meters away. But I must warn you that their beach is quite steep. Just a few steps from the shore and it'll already be chest deep. There are also sea urchins that you must be weary of.

Water Activities.

They offer a lot of water sports activities like scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat, and snorkeling. But at the time we went there, barely a year after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) ravaged through the Philippines, most of their water sports equipment were damaged and only the kayaks were deemed usable. The unavailability of the other equipment though, didn't stop us from having fun. We paddled our way farther from the shore, the water was very clear that we saw fishes and corals below us. This made me wanted to try out scuba diving, but hey, first I have to learn how to swim.

My partner and I tried their kayaks.

This was the first time I tried kayaking.

They also have function rooms, scuba gear rentals, and did I forget to tell you that they have Wi-Fi in public areas? You can also rent the whole resort for virtually any event or gathering you can think of. Most people use the resort as their venue for weddings, training, and seminars.

Kuting Reef Resort and Spa is your ticket to a refreshing weekend. It is a three and a half hour drive from Tacloban City. An escape that doesn't punch a big hole in your pocket, and would certainly satisfy your cravings for Filipino cuisine.

Other Photos below

Receiving Area and Lobby.

They have a small honesty store where you get what you wanna buy and then leave your payment on the drawer, all by yourself.

Dusk at Kuting Reef Resort and Spa.

Cabanas where we stayed for the night.

Paved walkways leading to single cabanas.

Cabanas where we stayed for the night.

Right end of the cove resort.

Closer look at the right end of the cove resort.

Left end of the cove resort.

Baybayon Seafoods.

Grilled Pork Belly.

Cheese and Tomatoes Omelette.

Fish and Chips for lunch.

View from the pool.

Still water that mirrors the tall coconut trees.

Kayaking fun!

Kuting Reef Resort and Spa. November 16, 2014.

Source: kutingreef.ph

Warrior Spring Resort: Soldiers' Backyard Jacuzzi!

2015-08-02T14:51:00.001+08:00

Burauen, Leyte Catholic Parish and Plaza (Photo Credits to I love Burauen Facebook page). The town is just 45 minutes away from Tacloban City through Tanauan - Dagami - Burauen Road.

©ChikenQube 2015.

The land of springs.

Burauen, a town landlocked at the heart of Leyte island, derived its name from the word burabod which means spring in the Waray-waray dialect, where water flows freely from the mountains. Abundant with bodies of fresh water, it was called Buraburon meaning "with many springs" which later evolved into Burawon and then into Burawen.

Warrior Spring Resort at Barangay Abuyogon, Burauen, Leyte. The place can be reached through Burauen - Albuera Road from the town center of Burauen.

Behind an army camp.

Barely ten minutes from the center of the Municipality of Burauen, on the way to the town of Albuera, in Barangay Abuyogon, the 802nd Infantry Battalion camp of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is located. Behind it is where a spring with clear and cool waters perpetually flow. Warrior Spring Resort isn't actually a resort that you'd usually go to. It is just a rocky river with some make-shift huts on the banks where you can camp along with your buddies, you will also have to bring your own food and other needs. Because of the boulders and rocks, it can also be quite hazardous to bring kids along. The current though is not that strong, just enough for you to sit on the rocks and let the water rush on your back and give you somewhat a massage and/or Jacuzzi. Something our soldiers need after some action with insurgencies etc.

Went with High School friends on April 9, 2015, National Day of Valor Holiday.

Cool and relaxing.

Aside from the dangers of having to jump along the rocks to go further, the place is all calm and peaceful. What you can only hear are the birds chirping and the river flowing. Small natural pools just about chest-deep are also there, you can go for a cool dip and just relax. The water is cold enough to make your bottle of soda icy cold. Some tourists, would bring cases of bottled soda and would submerge them for thirty minutes or so, that's a natural refrigerator if you ask me.

A friend having a great time with the natural Jacuzzi.

Many people were already there when we arrived, so we went further upstream to get own secluded chill-spot.

Warrior Spring Resort is also called the summer capital of the town as mentioned by I love Burauen Facebook page, a natural Jacuzzi where you can relax with nature. If you want to beat the summer heat, God Almighty has given you this great option to loosen up your grip on life and just have fun!

From left, Jeffrey, Dennis, Joejen, and Me. Aled took the photo. Warriors Spring Resort, Burauen, Leyte, April 9, 2015.

San Pedro Island: Unadulterated Island Paradise!

2015-07-26T22:26:00.001+08:00

Also called Cabugan Grande by Antonio Pigafetta in his accounts during their travels with Ferdinand Magellan in the 1500s, San Pedro Island is one of twin islands locally famous for their beautiful white sand, crystal clear waters, and marine biodiversity. It is also called Pong Daku (big island) in Visayan, while the smaller one, San Pablo Island, is called Pong Gamay (small island) in Visayan, and Cabugan Chico by Pigafetta.

Getting there.

This year alone, I went to the island twice, exactly two weeks apart. One in May and one in June. The road to the island is a two (2) hour drive south, from Tacloban City traversing the Abuyog-Silago Road a national highway cutting through mountains with a scenic view of the lush green forest in the town of Silago. As you reach near the town proper of Hinunangan Municipality, you will see a signage on the left side of the road captioned, "This way to San Pedro and San Pablo Islands". You will have to make a left turn on a gravel road leading to Barangay Canipaan, the jump-off point to the twin set of islands, San Pedro, the larger one, and San Pablo, the smaller one. These two islands are under the sovereignty of the town of Hinunangan. There, you'll have to leave your car, if you brought one, (there's a fenced parking space where the owner asks about Php50.00 for the the day's stay) because you have to go on a 15-minute motorboat ride to get to either of the islands. Getting to the island alone is an amazing journey. I saw fishes jumping out of the water and the spectacular views of the sea and the Hinunangan skyline makes you thank the Lord for providing us with his wonderful creations.

View from Brgy. Canipaan, San Pedro Island on the left, San Pablo Island on the right.

A whole different world just minutes from the mainland.

As we arrived, I immediately jumped off the boat to the knee-deep part of the coral beach. The water was so cool and crystal clear, something we don't see in the hectic urban city of Tacloban. The change of scenery can also be a little overwhelming. In the city, you'd have to work at the office to eat. You have to input data into spreadsheets, make phone calls, and then answer to your boss when you've made mistakes on your monthly report. That's what you have to do to buy milk for your children and provide for your family, well that's the typical scenario. But on the island, it's a whole different world. Here, you'll have to get physical in all you do. You have to fish your own food, fetch your own drinking water from the tubod or spring (thank God they have this on the island), and grow your own rice, yes they have rice fields, Carabaos (water buffalo), cows, the whole lot. Although 50% of the food is taken by boat from the mainland, they also produce rice during rainy seasons. They also have a thriving community mostly comprised of fishermen bringing in the freshest catch of fish and other seafood that is then sold at the other Barangays in mainland Hinunangan. With a population of less than 500 hundred people, everybody definitely knows everybody. They have a complete primary education system from nursery to sixth grade. One local told me that some teachers were from mainland Hinunangan and then married folk from San Pedro Island, a win-win situation, provided that they don't have to cross the sea everyday to work anymore because they now live on the island.

Top Left: Catholic Chapel, Top Right: View of Basketball Court / Town Square, Middle Left: Gravel road lined with bushes, Middle Right: Wider Gravel road near Centro of Barangay, Lower Left: Rice Field, Lower Right: Pebbles at the beach.

Laid-back lifestyle, with a smile.

Untouched by urban development, the island does not have a constant supply of electricity. What they have are generators that run on diesel. Electricity is only turned on at 6:00 PM until midnight . That's only for charging cellphones, rechargeable lights, and for some, to catch up on the prime time television shows aired through satellite TV. Some have solar power electricity that suffices their lighting needs throughout the night. Some have transistor radios powered by batteries to keep up with the news. The pace here though, is a bit slower. Because when fishermen are done for the day, maybe at noontime, they virtually have nothing else to do. To get around the island faster, you can do it with a bicycle. As I roamed around the island, what I saw were groups of islanders seated around tables drinking tuba (a type of coconut wine famous in the Visayas region), children frolicking around, and some elderly folk sitting on a porch just having a relaxing day with a view of the white sand beach and hearing the soothing sound of the birds chirping and some waves lightly crashing on the shore. This sight alone made me jealous of the life they have on the island, because even though they don't have the things that we're used to in the city, like electricity, Wi-Fi, automobiles, air-conditioning, and the like, I see contentment in their eyes and joy in their smiles even through the simplicity of the lives they're living.

Powdery white sand at the beach facing the Pacific.

Rich marine life equals freshest seafood you can find.

I'm not the type of person who loves to go diving or snorkeling. Heck, I don't even know how to swim. But it would definitely be wrong if I don't say that San Pedro Island have world class dive spots that are abundant with marine life. Coral reefs, colorful fish, crustaceans, sea urchins, clams, mussels, small sharks, you name it. But as for me, rich and diverse marine life means bountiful seafood, and cheap too. The first time I got there, we weren't able to buy fish from the locals because they told us that you have to give them a day's notice to reserve your order. But the second time we went there, a local fisherman told us he had some leftover from his early morning catch and he'd like to sell the variety of fish for Php160.00. The bonus had to be the crayfish, they were calling it lobster but I'm pretty certain it was not. My partner's father stewed some of the fish on lemon grass, tomatoes, and onions, and the crayfish went straight to the grill. Fresh seafood always tastes mildly sweet, and that's what we got. As you sever the crayfish's head, the gap in its head contains juices that you should suck out. It's definitely brimming of cholesterol but it's full of flavor and it is sometimes called the liver of the sea.

Beautiful fish near the dock at Vista Beach Resort in San Pedro Island.

Crayfish. Yum!

One island, two beaches.

San Pedro Island has a neighbor called San Pablo Island, a smaller but has a taller hill than the former. In San Pedro alone, are two textures of beaches. One side, facing mainland Hinunangan is a beach with crushed corals and pebbles. Although hard to walk on, the pebbles remind us of how rich Philippine marine life is. And with clear waters that don't seem to be disturbed by winds during summer, it looks like it is made of glass. The other side facing the Pacific is different. Powdery white sands reminiscent of flour is what you'll tread on as you walk along the beach facing the ocean. They also have a lagoon called Lelang Lagoon from Facebook page Cabugan Grande/san pedro island that is said to be twelve meters deep in the middle. This gives you two beaches to choose from. Some would bring tents to camp out in the island. For the typical tourist like you and me, the island is teeming with resorts that have huts and cottages that cost around Php200.00 for the day. They also provide abuhan (similar to BBQ grill).

Still waters. Beach facing mainland Hinunangan and nearby town Silago.

Lelang Lagoon facing the Pacific Ocean with pulverized coral sand.

San Pedro Island, is an escape that'll quench your thirst for nature. An adventure in itself even when it is only two and a half hours away from the bustling city of Tacloban. A refreshing experience that breaks you loose from all the frenzy in life, reconnecting you to your roots, to mother nature, God's marvelous creation, God's breathtaking gift to humanity.

San Pedro Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte (May 23, 2015)

My daughter and my loving partner. (June 7, 2015)

Corioso! (Butter Cookies from Samar)

2013-09-30T10:51:00.002+08:00

Ever had butter cookies? You may have tried some from different varieties sold in stores. A well-known local patisserie named Charito's Delights in Catbalogan City, Samar has their own version of these buttery treats that is best paired with coffee, tea, milk, or whatever beverage you'd like. What they're known for are their pastries made with Pili Nuts, but they also have other delicacies that'll surely make you buy for your folks at home.

Corioso Cookies transferred to a tupperware bowl for storage

Corioso or butter cookies is a crunchy pastry made from flour, eggs, lard, milk, sugar, butter, and baking powder. These crispy confections are actually moist when you sink your teeth into it. That's probably because of the butter. Nonetheless it's good for a morning, afternoon, and/or midnight snack.

Pastillas de Leche of Carigara, Leyte!

2013-09-27T11:28:00.001+08:00

Pastillas de Leche is a sweet savory candy made from milk and sugar. Some provinces famous for their versions of this are Bulacan and Nueva Ecija. It is a Spanish term that if translated to English means "milk pads" or more commonly, milk candies. It is by far one of the most revered of the Philippine desserts because it is sweet, milky, and velvety in texture.

A town here in Leyte also have their version of this sweet concoction. Their pastillas has been a trademark of their town for many years now because it's really good. Made from fresh Carabao's (a type of water buffalo) milk, this type of milk has more distinction and flavor than of cows', goats', and others.

Pastillas de Leche bought from Charito's Delights, Robinsons Tacloban at P140.00

Making Pastillas de Leche is actually quite easy. You can make this in even under an hour and at minimal cost. To make authentic and original Pastillas de Leche from Carigara, Leyte, the ingredients are fresh Carabao milk and sugar, oh wait, you also need cornstarch for that velvety texture.

Procedure

1. Pour Carabao's milk and sugar into pan (Ratio, 1 Liter Milk=3/4 Cup Sugar). Turn the flame into Medium Heat.

2. For the velvety yet gritty texture, add cornstarch. Let everything set, making sure no lumps remain.

3. Stir slowly until it thickens. Then lower the heat.

4. Continue stirring until it solidifies and can be lifted from the pan.

5. Retrieve from pan and let cool for 15-20 minutes.

6. Take portions, and form into your desired shapes and sizes.

7. For the authentic Carigara, Leyte Pastillas de Leche look, cut into small logs and wrap it in Japanese paper (papel de hapon).

9. That's how you make original Carigara, Leyte's Pastillas de Leche!

Pastillas de Leche opened from the packaging

Bibingka at Hanginan, Maasin City!

2013-09-26T16:30:00.003+08:00

The pilgrimage for St. Francis Xavier's image was indeed Holy and fulfilling. After that came the food trip, my most awaited part. Because we saw a lot of stores that sell this delicacy we just had to take a bite and witness its taste on our own.

Bibingka by the way is a rice cake composed of rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk. Some other recipes include topping it with shredded cheese and a slice of salted egg. It is baked over banana leaf (instead of parchment paper for cupcakes) which give it its distinct flavor when fully cooked. Unlike most modern bakers, the Hanginan's version of bibingka is still baked on a 'Pugon' which is a small clay oven or kiln. This way of cooking maybe old and traditional, but I think it is still the best way to cook it.

Freshly baked batch of Bibingka on the Cafe that we visited

The small Cafe we visited had a great view of Maasin and other towns below. The star of the show though, was their Bibingka. It was really good, it was buttery and sweet. Unfortunately, we had to stick with just one for ourselves because we didn't have enough money anymore. But overall, the trip was great and so was the Bibingka. So if you're gonna trek your way to Hanginan, try their bibingka too!

Hanginan, Maasin City!

2013-09-26T15:49:00.003+08:00

Last June 14 of this year, we went to Maasin City. The capital of the province of Southern Leyte, PH. What we came for was the 1300 ft hike to Hanginan. A village on top of a mountain just a few kilometers from downtown Maasin City. We came there to visit a religious image of St. Francis Xavier inside a Chapel of the same name that is said to have performed miracles and have heard prayers.

It was actually because my partner was having a bad case of staphylococcal infection and we were hoping that the pilgrimage may help stop that through trekking the steep trail and praying at the place.

We booked our tickets the day before at a local Van station in Tacloban City (Duptours) which costed P 220.00 each. And at 5:00 AM the next day, the almost 4-hour trip took off. We arrived at Maasin City's bus terminal at around 9:00 AM and had a quick breakfast at Metro Hyper, a local mart in Maasin City. And after catching a few breaths, we headed straight to the foot of the hill to Hanginan on a tricycle with a fare of P10.00 each.

Left: Entrance to the trail, Middle: Concrete Steps near Hanginan proper, Right: Habal-habal (Motorcycle-for-hire) treading the rough trail

We were fortunate that it was a cloudy day. It wasn't hot and it didn't even rain at all. I have been climbing Hill 522 every Good Friday in Palo, Leyte for already six years now but I was surprised at how steeper and farther the Hanginan trail was. Just a few meters up, I was already sweaty, and so was my partner. We would stop and take a breath every now then because we weren't used to this kind of thing. After almost two hours of slow paced hiking, we finally reached Hanginan. The tiresome hike was rewarded by this scenic and fulfilling view.

Different views from above Hanginan

When we arrived, I was surprised at how many the houses were. I didn't think that many people lived there because of the remoteness of the place. I was wrong, they even have electricity, and televisions too.

Left: Hanginan signage, Middle: Souvenir Shirts for Sale, Right: Bibingka

What I saw mostly were stores that sell Bibingka, a type of rice cake. It was like every store have their own bibingka to sell. So I thought, maybe it's a local specialty. At the far end of the upper village is where the San Francisco de Javier chapel is situated. We entered the chapel and prayed.

Left: Paved Walkway to the Chapel, Middle: The Chapel's facade, Right: Interior

After making a short prayer, we had to kneel in front of the altar. The minister /caretaker then got the small image of St. Francis Xavier and lightly stomped it over our shoulders and then on our heads. It was a ritual that is said to make a connection between us and St. Francis, for him to hear our prayers and let God answer them. The experience was both physically and spiritually exhilarating. It wasn't just a simple visit but a hard-earned pilgrimage for the Glory of God.

We also bought souvenir shirts and then visited a small café that sold Bibingka to try it out. And a 45-minute tread down Hanginan and back to Maasin City.

Calle Z Café!

2013-09-22T15:07:00.001+08:00

This place is a staple in the Tacloban City food scene. Located along Independencia Street, near the Leyte Normal University is a local bar and restaurant named Calle Z Café, famous for their Bulalo (Beef Shank Stew), their diverse music, and their casual yet night-out gimmick-y ambiance. The store opens at 6:00 PM and closes at 4:00 in the morning. Calle Z (Zaragosa) Café got its name from its former St. name Calle Zaragosa from the Spanish colonial period.

What makes this Café a must-try is really their Bulalo. Why? Because the meat is so tender it falls off the bones while you can sip out the marrow from the bones easily, an Anthony Bourdain favorite. Aside from the desirable texture, the Bulalo's broth is rich in taste and you can either dip it in soy sauce with lime or not.

Left: Cheese Sticks, Right: Fried Chicken

They also serve liquor, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. Maybe an after-dinner drink with your buddies would fancy you here. Together with straight-from-the-grill dishes and some other pulutan (food taken with alcohol) and along with good music played all through out your stay, you'd be leaving with a happy tummy and good vibes.

Upper Left: Photographs taken by Owner Gerry Ruiz (Photographer), Upper Right: Chopsuey, Lower Left: Grilled Pork Belly.

A favorite of a friend of mine is their Fried Chicken since it is served heftily and really affordable. Their Crispy Tenga (crispy fried pork ears) has to be my personal favorite because it taste a whole lot like Lechon's crackling skin.

If you're hungry, wanting to hang out with your friends, or simply chill with good music, try visiting Calle Z Café because they serve not just food, but a great experience. Visit their site at CalleZaragosa.com.

Tadyaw Beach Resort and Grille!

2012-11-12T02:10:00.005+08:00

Bored and tired of staying home for three weeks, two friends and I turned into a consensus to go get some air and embark on a one-day vacation on a resort or simply a park before classes resume. With only a few hundred pesos on our wallets and with the power of the mighty internet, we stumbled on a locally famous (yet foreigners flock in, too) beach resort that is a 30-minute drive away from Tacloban City, PH. Personally, I have not yet gone to the place but I have heard from my friends that got there that the place is quite an experience. Now, I wanted to get in touch with that experience that they were talking about. We rode a Jeepney (Route: Tacloban-Dulag) to get there, the fare is about twenty five pesos (Php 25.00).

We arrived at around 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon. Entrance fee is fifty pesos per person but if you will eat at the restaurant or rent a cottage, you don't have to pay for the entrance fee. Just a few feet into the resort, and I immediately felt nature grasping me into her sweet arms. At the heart of the resort is the big Tadyaw which means earthen jar in English. With a beautiful garden landscape, coconut trees only feet away from each other, and the scenic view of the Pacific beach, the resort blends modern and rustic styles perfectly. Because we did not have lunch yet we decided to eat at the resort's restaurant, Tadyaw Grille.

A semi-fine dining restaurant, Tadyaw Grille boasts its oriental-style cuisine and an array of fresh seafood dishes. What greeted us was a very friendly attendant and an ambiance resembling a restaurant in a cruise ship. Told by the attendant herself, the house specialty is Nilasing na Hipon (Drunken Shrimp) and Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly) so that's exactly what we ordered. The 20-minute wait wasn't noticed because my friends and I chatted along. Compliments to the chef, the food was great. Not really a fan of shrimp, but the sauce it was cooked on tasted good. The grilled pork was cooked the way I wanted it to be, medium-well done. And with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, and chopped onions, the pair with Liempo was hands down flavorful. After the meal, we waited a little at the sofa at the restaurant's porch because the rain began to pour. When the rain subsided we immediately began to go around and explore the five-hectare resort. Walking around the place wouldn't be as tiring because of the relaxing environment and the soft grass as the pavement. Your stay at Tadyaw wouldn't be boring either, with many amenities to keep you in pace. They have fully-furnished modern cottages for overnight stays that fronts the Pacific, kiosks, and a pavilion for big gatherings. To my surprise, they also have a mini Zoo comprised of Philippine birds, monkeys, and a horse. Roaming around the place can also be done by riding the caddie cart.

They also have sports amenities like badminton, volleyball, golf, and for water sports are skim boards, kayak, airhead tube n' go, pedal boat and to mention a few. When we finished roaming around, we headed to the beach to get our fix of sea soaking. Unlike most beach resorts here in the Philippines, this one, although not white sand, was outstanding. The beach is clean, free from garbage and other impurities that spoil your beach experience. Whenever a guest goes to swim at the beach, a lifeguard will be on his post to ensure the safety of the swimmer in case something bad happens. After bathing at the beach we headed to the showers to rinse off the salty sea water off our bodies and when we finished changing our clothes too, we headed back to the restaurant to get some a snack. We ordered Halo-halo (tropical fruit melange). At ninety pesos each and served in tall wine glasses, this cool fruity dessert hit the soft spot on my taste buds because the ingredients were fresh and doesn't taste like the ingredients were just left hanging in the fridge. When we were done with the snack, we headed back to Tacloban City and went home.

If you want to visit a wonderful destination here in Leyte, why not try Tadyaw Beach Resort and Grille because it is Definitely Pinoy! Facebook page: HERE.

Surprice!

2012-10-27T23:26:00.002+08:00

To Filipinos, rice is not a side dish it is the star. Without rice, a meal is not complete. Some would rather have rice alone than the main dish that is meat or vegetables. A true Pinoy meal is consisted of rice then meat and/or vegetable follows. A slightly different way of eating is being introduced by a local restaurant in Tacloban City, PH. Rather than serving meals on plates, they're serving it on bowls. This style is similar to the Japanese Donburi, rice on the bottom of the bowl and the main dish on top.

Along Burgos St. and on the avenue of restaurants (Burgos St-Sto Niño Intersection) as I call it because on the place are many restaurants and bars side by side, stands a new fast food restaurant named SurpRice. Opened only in April of this year, Surprice have lured many customers already. Due to their signature 'Rice Bowl' style of serving food, it resulted into a unique dining experience. With a somewhat vintage ambiance and pop music accompaniment, it is quite certain to have a hearty meal at the place. And even with the great environment already, the food is still the star of the show.

Having been to the place for just three times, I have only tried their Breaded Chicken (Php 59.00), Fish Nuggets (Php 59.00), Mongolian Rice (Php 74.00), Arroz ala Cubana (Php 49.00) and Jambalaya (Php 74.00). Their food is definitely worth trying. I for one, became their fan already because their food are delicious. My personal favorite has to be their Arroz ala Cubana, its ground pork or beef I think is full of flavor, and with vegetables it adds a playfully crispy texture to the dish. Their fish nuggets with sweet and sour sauce is also great. For a new dining experience and an authentic Tacloban City food adventure, you got to try Surprice and well, be surprised!

Porbida Burger House!

2012-06-09T00:07:00.000+08:00

A hamburger is a sandwich consisting of a cooked meat patty placed between a sliced bread roll or bun. It is said to have originated from Hamburg, Germany and then adopted and popularized by Americans. And when it got its way to the Philippines, bliss happened.

Located right in the heart of downtown Tacloban City stands a local hamburger shop that adopts an American-style recipe with a Filipino twist. In a world or would I say a crowded market selling different kinds of hamburgers, Porbida Burger can comfortably sit on the Top 3 list of the best hamburgers locally.

Operating for over four years now, Porbida Burger House originally resided a twenty-minute drive away from downtown Tacloban, in the Talipapa (Small Market) of V & G Subdivision. They first served Cheese burgers which eventually led into the boom of a business they are today, with a branch in Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome).

They now serve various burgers from the regular (pork) menu, the tangy (with coleslaw), and the meaty which weighs almost ONE-HALF POUND. Also on their menu are combo meals that are served with UNLIMITED RICE and UNLIMITED ICED TEA, and the rest of the menu are some sides like French Fries and other beverages.

Every restaurant got to have a specialty. Now with sheer luck, I did not know that I ordered their house specialty which is the Porbida Supreme. Sandwiched on the buns is the 200-gram (0.44 lb) pure-beef patty seasoned with their secret blend of spices. Also on the sandwich are tomatoes, coleslaw, mayonnaise, ketchup, and three, yes THREE kinds of cheese. On the side are corn chips.

Living up to its name, Porbida Supreme is definitely supreme in taste and texture. The burger is a whole meal in itself as it is also supreme in size. And the patty, totally flame-grilled in flavor. It is very smoky and peppery exactly the right trait to be called a barbecued burger. And although it is made locally, the taste is ultimately international class. This proves another reason why It's More Fun In The Philippines!

Binagol!

2011-11-13T19:45:00.001+08:00

Eating something out of a coconut shell, but instead of the coconut meat, it is something else. It's a Filipino or would I say authentic Leyte-style (Leyte, one of the islands in the Phils.) pudding made out of taro root, yam and coconut milk among others. A friend of mine lives in Dagami, a municipality in Leyte. Dagami is best known for their export quality Binagol. Even though I never got the chance to go there, I asked him some of the "what to know" about it. Although Dagami is almost an hour from the city, rest assured almost all towns in Leyte have it, because Binagol is a local favorite. To be more specific, the root crop used in the recipe is Talyan which is exported from the neighbor island of Samar. Other ingredients are sugar, condensed milk, nuts and egg yolks. All of the above ingredients are processed and combined accordingly.

But what is it that makes it Binagol? For your information, "bagol" is the Waray-waray (Leyte & Samar) dialect for coconut shell. Now that you know it, the sweetened taro pudding mixture, to what most bloggers say, is placed on one half of the shell. Then it is covered with wilted banana leaf and tied with string to make sure none of the pudding gets exposed from other elements upon steam cooking in the deep casserole.

Binagol has two distinct layers. The chewy one and the sweet and nutty. The first layer as you open up a Binagol is moderately sweet but definitely chewy. This playfully elastic texture will give you an almost hard time finishing the whole layer if you eat alone. The core made of softer taro though, is to die for. It is very sweet and with pounded nuts, it gives you a sugary and nutty roller coaster inside your mouth.

The Philippines, with its 7,107 islands boasts different food and adventures each island you come over.

Monastery of the Holy Eucharist! (Birhen sa Simala)

2011-11-04T20:30:00.000+08:00

The main reason why we came to Cebu was because my mother and her office mates had to attend a 2-day meeting from October 25-26. My father then decided for the two of us to barge in and have our vacation. But since the meeting was already over by 25, they decided to visit the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist or colloquially known as Birhen sa Simala. Located in Simala in the municipality of Sibonga, Cebu, it took us a two-hour trip using their office's bus. I have already seen the church in picture from a friend in Facebook and I got excited about it because it is gonna be a great add-on to this blog, which you are (if you are) reading now. As we arrived I took pictures immediately. I even had a video documentary but they got deleted. Sorry for that. Below are select pictures of the famous castle-like church.

This Cebuano Cathedral looks like a castle in Europe. It has a pond below that acts like a moat. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary who was the mother of the human incarnation of Jesus Christ.

The gargantuan facade of the Holy Eucharist monastery. The Cathedral has been famous as their image of the Virgin Mary has been said to perform miracles of all sorts for their Catholic followers. It is managed by monks and due to the insistent number of donations they posted that donations should be given to monks directly to avoid swindlers.

Each of the candles' colors has each meaning. I lit green which means petitions for study and career. While some who lit red meant they needed help in their love life. My mother en kindled Gold that meant petitions for Healing.

After praying with our candles for the Lord, we attended the mass which is held everyday at 12:00 noon usually but10:30 AM on Saturdays.

The ceiling of the Cathedral got its inspiration from those of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican, with beautiful paintings and stained glass art.

A turn right from the chapel is a gallery of testimonials and thank you prayers placed in glass cabinets. Some were badges, IDs, crutches, wheel chairs and letters where these devotees witnessed the miracles and answered prayers of the Lord through their prayers to the Virgin Mary. Access to the gallery though has some restrictions. Shoes and other foot wear, well except socks of course, are not allowed and should be left on the racks placed outside. There is also a dress code. Sleeveless shirts, short skirts, and other revealing/informal attire are prohibited.

A few steps further and there you'll see a staircase that will take you to the second floor. That is also where the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary is located. The statue is placed behind the Cathedral altar. As seen in the picture the line of devotees can span from a few tens to even a hundred.

This is the actual statue said to perform miracles including the shedding of tears, change in facial expression and hearing prayers. Since there are a lot of testimonials already, tourists and locals alike visit the image and say prayers to the Virgin Mary.

As you leave the statue of the Virgin Mary of Simala you will enter another gallery now for different images of Mary. From the Lady of the Guadalupe, Lady of Mt. Carmel, Niña Maria among others, the place looks more of a museum than a typical veneration chapel. Statues of Swiss Guards looks to protect the gallery.

Placed in each statue of the different images of the Virgin Mary are the framed document of the stories of each of the apparition or miracle works.

On the ceiling of the second gallery are also paintings reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel.

As we leave the pristine and solemn place, I remembered my prayers and offered them to the Lord Almighty. If you are in need of a different place where you can reflect and strengthen your faith, the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist is not a tourist spot but a spiritual destination.

Going to Simala from Cebu City.

1. Go to the South Bound Bus Terminal, maybe through Taxi, Jeep, or tricycle.

2. Take a bus going to the municipality of Sibonga and ask to be dropped at corner to Simala.

3. You can ride a tricycle or a motorcycle for a fare that will take you to the monastery.

Abuhan's Pochero of Cebu!

2011-11-03T21:08:00.004+08:00

When it comes to authentic Filipino food, Cebu can be sorted as one of the best. When I got the chance to go there with my parents, I immediately grabbed the opportunity and got myself ready for a food escapade like no other. Yes, like no other because most of my food trips are done only here in Tacloban and some neighboring towns.

Day 3, after a spiritual journey to Simala and a quick walk around the mall at SM Cebu. My parents, their friends and I went to the casino at Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City. It was my first time there and I was awestruck of the exhilarating ambiance. The money they spent just to get chances of getting more was to me, very overwhelming. As my father told me, some chips were worth a hundred pesos and some were from a thousand, to ten thousand and a hundred grand. After there, my parents decided to have a snack first or would I say, early morning meal, before heading to the hotel. But at 2:30 in the morning, we didn't know if there were restaurants that are still open this late. Told by the taxi driver, he took us to Abuhan.

I had no idea what Abuhan was serving, then as we enter I saw a lot of stickers on their glass walls with I ♥ Pochero, so definitely Pochero had to be their specialty. Pochero is basically the Cebuano translation of Bulalo from Tagalog which is beef shank stew with bone marrow. Since it was already 2:30 AM I was sleepy already and when they asked what to order I just nodded as the waiter suggested Pochero. I didn't know that Abuhan was said to be the best restaurant in Cebu that serves Pochero as described in other blogs I read lately.

Now as we took our bowls and had our share of Pochero, I noticed that the meat was so tender that it almost fell off as I pulled out the bones. Now that buffed up my appetite. Yum! Yum! I said to myself as I dig in on my first sip at the soup and first bite on the meat and it was so tender, mouth watering, scrumptious, delectable, lush, savory and tasteful - enough with the adjectives eh? Over all, it was a great meal, at almost 3:00 in the morning - yes you never get to have that kind of meal too mundanely right? We headed back to the hotel after it and slept as we prepare to go home in the afternoon. I'm craving for more of Cebu because I never got the chance to explore it the way it should be. You can check Abuhan Restaurant's website at http://abuhanpochero.com/.

Max's Fried Chicken!

2011-11-02T11:29:00.003+08:00

If there was an authentic Filipino restaurant chain that I could be proud of all through out the world, it should be Max's. Max's Restuarant is a Filipino fine dining restaurant serving up authentic local dishes especially their fried chicken. Since it started franchising in 1998, the mainstream Filipino market and some other countries had enjoyed their quintessential Filipino cooking. From a wide array of soups, vegetables, pastries, salads, desserts, seafood, pork, beef, and chicken, you wouldn't have to go anywhere else if you want to experience real Filipino cuisine.

As meat lovers ourselves, me and my father ordered a whole fried spring chicken with fried sweet potatoes and lechon kawali (deep fried pork). Although we both looked like we can eat a lot, we never finished the whole meal so we asked the waitress to wrap it up instead.

One slogan of Max's is "The house that fried chicken built." This one really speaks for itself because fried chicken is the heart of this business. Their fried chicken is so tender that one touch could make the meat fall off the bones. And as you sink your teeth into it, a medley of flavors will play inside your mouth until it makes its way to your stomach.

Late after the Second World War, 1945 to be exact, American soldiers who were assigned in Quezon City made friends with Maximo Gimenez, the genius behind this thriving restaurant. These soldiers came by to his house to have some drinks and later insisted to pay for those drinks. This gave him the idea to open up a café that first served chicken, steak and drinks. On his support was his wife Mercedes, sister-in-law Felipa, and their niece Ruby with his husband Claro. Ruby's the one who took care of the kitchen, and the original cook who concocted the fried chicken that we thankfully enjoy up to this day. Ruby would later open a branch in Baclaran and would name it Max's after his uncle's nickname. Today, Max's has over 120 branches just in the Philippines and some dozen in other countries. This success had helped in the contribution of the enrichment of the Filipino cuisine throughout the world. More of Max's Restaurant information at their site, http://www.maxschicken.com/.

Carcar City, Cebu's Chicharron!

2011-11-01T15:19:00.001+08:00

On our way to a monastery in Simala, Cebu we stopped by in Carcar City, which is one of the cities making up Metropolitan Cebu. We took out lunch at Jollibee. In front of Jollibee is a store that sells Chicharron, which is deep fried pork rinds. They sell it by the Kilo for Php 500.00 or you can also buy them half the kilo or even a quarter. I never had the chance to go to the store personally, but father did. He bought half a kilo so we can bring it home after our vacation in Cebu.

What makes Carcar City's chicharon different from the others is its distinct salty flavor that combines with the dried fat from the pork rinds. Their chicharon also has small portions of meat attached that adds up to a medley of crispy texture. If given the chance to go there again, I will not hesitate to but at least 2 Kilos of their famous chicharron. This is again, one definitely pinoy experience by yours truly.

Buko con Hielo!

2011-10-29T19:55:00.000+08:00

It was one literally hot afternoon about a month ago, June 16 to be exact. Since I had to refrain from exposing myself from radiation when using the computer, I had no choice but to bore myself outside of the house - sitting and laze the day away. As the temperature kept rising and the wind blows only by little, I had to treat myself with something cold to cool my sweating head and body. Then I remembered about preparing buko juice with milk. We usually enjoy this treat during summer with family and friends, and obviously it was just at the tip of Summer.

The recipe for this Icy treat is as easy as one two three.
1. Mix evaporated milk (about one 200ml can) with 1/4Kg of brown sugar.
2. Mix in about 2 liters of the coconut water you got from opening the fresh coconut. (Add crushed ice for more texture, or ice cubes just to cool it)
3. Pitch in the grated coconut flesh and for extenders add crushed cracker biscuits.

Maiz con Hielo!

2011-07-25T19:53:00.000+08:00

Since it's my ONLY post for July, I just wanna say, I'm very very very sorry for being inattentive with the blog. I admit that I had virtually no time for it - I was busy at school, and if not I enjoyed watching movies. Missing out on the food action around the locality, I confined myself with leaving my lunch money at home and starved myself during lunch time hoping I'd lose weight - which I didn't FYI.

Only this Saturday, my mother gave me an extra Php 100.00 as my lunch money. I told her that I had money (but I actually didn't, because I don't wanna have lunch), but because she insisted I accepted it. When classes was over, my and my friend Hero decided to have a 3PM lunch at Andok's. We ordered fried chicken and three servings of rice, and for dessert we had Maiz con Hielo. Maíz con hielo (literally corn with ice in Spanish language, translated as mais con yelo in Filipino) is a kind of snack in the Philippines. It is a mix of shaved ice, corn kernels, sugar and milk.

Since its recipe is just a mix and go, here's a 3-step recipe to enjoy one.

1. Mix shaved ice, milk (any milk will do), and sugar.

2. Then add in the corn kernels (I used canned corn).

3. Place them on a glass, then mix and enjoy!

Mami and Lugaw at Downtown Tacloban!

2011-06-20T10:24:00.000+08:00

Three days ago even when I still had headaches, I went to Downtown Tacloban. One of my first banks, Banco Filipino went for bankcruptcy and refunded our deposits. It was a great time for that because I was in need of money, well I just wanna buy new jeans, that's all. I got the refund from the post office and after that I went straight to buy the jeans on the store. After that, had a bite of Kwek-kwek at a kiosk fronting Dynasty Square. Then I noticed my hair was already long and just had to cut it. I, then had a hair cut and after that I saw this food cart selling Mami and Arroz Caldo. Mami is the traditional noodle soup while Lugaw is the Filipino version of congee.

They serve their food hot on a small bowl which you can handle with a cloth on the bottom, to insulate the heat. The thing that I love about their food cart is, they assemble their food by putting on the noodles, topping it with beef tripe, the broth, then the condiments which is very convenient to look at. At Php 13.00 each, you can add Php 7.00 for the boiled egg.

Because their servings are already Meal Sized, I didn't order Lugaw because I was already full. Next time I go there, I'll try their Lugaw which may be as good as their Mami. The food cart is mobilized by a bicycle on its side but it is usually located in P. Gomez Street just a few steps outside Highway Supermart.

The food spot is on the star. Try the place out for a Tacloban Street food experience.