Turista sa Sugbo

I've been to Cebu so many times over but I've never really explored it turista style till last time when i went there with my officemates. We had an event so it still cannot be considered as a pure RnR trip but we managed to make the most of it somehow.

We stayed at Crown Regency right smack in the middle of Fuente, Cebu. There was an on-going promo so the rates were comparatively cheap plus we got a corporate rate so that just sealed the deal.

After our event we were able to visit the beach, yes, the beach!!

There's a good number of beaches around the entire island of Cebu but the best ones are located 2-3 hours away from the city. We opted for the nearest and the cheapest which is around Mactan area about 30 minutes from the hotel. We went to Porto Fino in Lapu-lapu and paid 90 per head, it was a weekday. And added 350 pesos for 2 tables and 6 chairs for our group. A tent would cost an additional 1000 pesos but we were able to seek some shade near a huge tree so we saved a lot there, teehee!

The white sand wasn't really fine but it was good enough, and the waters clear and cold and blue. Good enough for a quickie beach thirst quenching.

We didn't stay long since people starting pouring in droves and it became unbearably hot and crowded.

We dropped by Mactan Shrine before heading home.

Oh, that's the ahem, rear view. :p

The following day, before our late afternoon flight home to Manila, we went on a day tour around some of Cebu's attractions. Our first stop was at the Taoist Temple, then lunch at Zubochon. I had to go there because Anthony Bourdain touted their lechon as best tasting pig EVER!!

After our rather heavy and delectable lunch, our driver, Manong Tony took us to the different sites in downtown Cebu.

By the way, we rented a van for our group, the rate for the 8 hour tour was at PhP2,500 and I appreciate it much that our driver is very polite and good natured and the SUV van that was assigned to us was rather sleek and new. You may want to call/text 0917-622 3225 if you will be needing transportation services in Cebu. ;)

Our next stop was at Casa Gorordo. I didn't go inside since I'm not really fond of museums. Entrance fee is at P40 and 15 if you can present a student ID.

Then we dropped by at Yap-Sandiego Ancestral Home and the Cebu Heritage at Parian Park, Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, and Santo Nino Church stopping only for picture taking.

Our last stop was at the Taboan Market for danggit and pusit shopping.

We made a quich trip to Shamrock for otap and freshly baked bread before Manong Tony brought us to the airport in Mactan to catch our flight.

It was a rather interesting trip albeit short but fun-filled. When i could go back there again maybe I could try and make it more leisurely somehow. 

Salamat, Sugbo!

Discovering Daraitan

Mang Mario said his hometown in Daraitan, Rizal is just about 2 hours from Antipolo, Rizal.  He initially wanted us to meet near the Antipolo Church at 6AM and we could all just go to Daraitan together. But it was a Sunday and I'd still be coming from Katipunan and my colleague is from Montalban so 6AM was just too early, eek!

So we met at Starbucks in Antipolo though i had my breakfast meal of longganisa at McDonalds, yey! From Antipolo we hailed a tricycle to take us to the sakayan ng jeep to Gate 2 in Cogeo. We got on the jeep and the ride of our life was about to start. And apparently that ride took us two hours! But it was a smooth ride and the scenery was just breath-taking. 

I spotted a few cyclists and bikers, the air was cold and fresh. It's my first time there and as time passed and we went farther I felt like Baguio was just within reach, lol.

After about two hours we finally reached Sampaloc in Tanay, Rizal. The town of Daraitan is still much farther ahead and we could opt to get on another jeep which happens to be alas-puno. Or we could ride a habal-habal which accomodates only two persons per bike (in Mindanao, habal-habals could accommodate 6 persons per ride hehe), or we could ride on a tricycle which i felt was much, much safer. I have once met an accident somewhere in the mountains of Leyte aboard a habal-habal, nah, I'd get on a different mode of transportation if I could help it. At last we were able to negotiate with a tricycle driver who gave us a good enough deal. We first dropped by a gas station for him to fill-up, and a vulcanizing shop for his tires to be checked. Looked like we were in for another adventurous ride, eh!

Mang Mario said the tricycle ride could take about twenty minutes, the driver said it would take us an hour, naku!

It was a good thing that it did not rain. The road towards Daraitan was pretty rough it made me feel like we were actually traversing on a dry riverbed. I realized why the driver said it was gonna take us an hour, he had to inch slowly on the road I felt like we were almost tiptoeing on rocks and soil.

After almost an hour, a few photos and video shots, and a lot of murmured prayers we finally, finally reached Daraitan.

And what a sight indeed! There was a cool blue-green pool, okay it was a river. A few people were frolicking in it I felt like i wanted to dive in as well. It was hot and the waters seem cool and very inviting.

Ahh, but we had work to do and and we need to get across the river.

After about a couple of minutes, we saw ourselves setting foot on Daraitan soil. And what actually greeted us was a well-kept community with paved roads, a church, a barangay hall and a multi-purpose hall where people in the community could gather and even spend time for recreation.

I tried googling more about the area and found out that it is actually trekking destination and I saw more inviting photos about the place. Too bad we were there to work.

After quick interviews and taking a few video shots of the area and the people we had to head back home. Because home was still several miles away...

Mang Mario invited us to go back hopefully in summertime so we could go around more and finally get to dip in their cool blue rivers, nice thought, nice thought indeed. Kahit malayo, salamat talaga, Mang Mario! :)

Baguio in a Heartbeat

Went up to Baguio for a work assignment, the initial plan was to make it a Baguio-Banaue trip but the rest of Ifugao was still in a state of calamity after the recent typhoons that most roads were still impassable. 

For some quick description, my job is to look for individuals, groups, families in the different parts of the country who exhibit heroic qualities. This is mainly the reason why I've been to most provinces in the country and even around Asia Pacific. We get to meet and interview these good people scattered within our reach, yey!

Travel by bus took almost 7 hours since most areas were still flooded that some detours were implemented. Good thing that there is now wi-fi on the bus at Victory Liner, yes and it's free. I just hope that they install power outlets next time in case we need to charge our batteries. ;)

It was already cold when we finally arrived in Baguio at about 5pm. We checked in at Benguet Pine Tourist Inn which is conveniently located near the Orchidarium at Burnham Park. I like this place, a room costs 850 pesos and already includes continental breakfast. There is hot water in the shower at a scheduled time. And i love it's proximity to the city center the most. Bayanihan, where there's so many cheap ukay outlets is just a stone's throw away. And there's a quick shortcut towards Burnham Park.

After some preliminary interviews of our subjects, we brought them to Botanical Gardens to continue with our shoot. It's really for a more Baguio feel of our videos, and we get to go around as well hehe.

After our shoot, we went to the Philippine Military Academy. This is actually my first time there even if I've been to Baguio so many times already. It was nearing noon time and it was really hot and sunny. It's like Baguio in summer when it could feel as warm as Manila, yikes.

But I enjoyed touring the place and taking photos. A cadet was even game enough have a photo taken with us. And it was more than enough to cap my first PMA visit. ;)

Our second day was spent wrapping up our shoot and interviews, and we went to this place where we can see rows and rows of houses atop the hills around the city. I remember way back, there used to be trees in lieu of these houses, what happened???

I always say that Baguio is no longer that cool, refreshing place that i once knew. There's just so many people and cars everywhere that one has to carefully look for a spot to enjoy nature and one's solitude. And we can never go wrong with Burnham Park.

I always love it here, the flowers and plants are always very calming like some nice balm soothing our souls now weary of urban distractions. And i enjoy the play of lights and colors in the water as the sun sets and the air becomes too biting. And the lovers, yes, it's nice spying and eyeing on lovers taking their own sweet time and oblivious to the world around them, noh? hehe

After sitting and walking around Burnham, i went to Session Road, ahh the happiest street in the world for me. That is of course before I've experienced the night markets of Hongkong, the crowded lanes in Shibuya and Shinjuku  and the forever busy streets of Times  Square in New York. But Baguio's Session Road remains to be the coolest, busiest, happiest street for me in the country. :)

It is so easy to get lost in the crowd here and i find it more exciting when there are hawkers everywhere peddling those pirated goods which makes you feel like you are committing a crime even at just by looking at their wares hehe...

I walked around the streets enjoying the sights and sounds, relishing the cool weather and saying a little prayer of good bye. It was a short visit and I was gonna leave again that night, back to the chaotic, temperate air of Manila.

The quick trip have been a bit meaningful and other than the sights that I enjoyed, I have also savored some awesome dishes in my short food trips, uhm, I should write about it too. :)

Benguet Pine Tourist Inn 

Chanum Street

Tel. No. (074) 442-7325

good morning!

it was just about 9am on a Sunday morning, i was still sleepy since i had a late night gimmick the previous night but i had to head off to Antipolo to work. yes, work on a Sunday morning.  I was running late (as usual) and could not think of anything but my bed and catching more zzzzs

then my officemate sent me a text message,

  "hintayin ka namin dito sa Starbucks".

ahh, that just jolted me up.

Starbucks. 

in Antipolo.

WOW!

Starbucks in Antipolo opened a few weeks ago and is located at this new mall right in front of the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or simply known as the Antipolo Church.

My current favorite drink- a hot cup of creme brulee macchiato...what a good morning indeed!

ACEd anew!

i am no longer an Ace Water Spa virgin since i've been here twice already a couple of years back. this is however the first time that i was able to experience their Pasig-Pioneer branch, thanks to a groupon promo a friend got for us, yay!

Ace Water Spa is definitely a perfect venue where we could rejuvenate and at the same time bond with friends and family. This branch has exactly the same features as they have in their Banawe branch. And i appreciate it more that they are stricter as far as following the dress code is concerned. Everyone is in their swimsuits and trunks, although a few still get away with wearing shorts even on top of their what look like a pair of cycling shorts, duh!

Boasting of 25 massage systems, a lazy river, water falls, saunas, steam rooms and mint pools, a floor fountain, etc, etc...one is never left with nothing to do or explore in the facility. and since it is indoors we can all enjoy this rain or shine or stormy.

Regular rates for 4 hours of spa service is P550 for adults and P250 for kids. Check out their promos though who knows you might be able to get a good enough deal. ;)

Ace Water Spa is at:

399 Del Monte Avenue, SFDM, Quezon City

and at United Cor. Brizton Sts., (near Pioneer) Pasig City 

A Boy's Baler Adventure

this trip took place last summer making this post long overdue. but i miss my little boy and i miss traveling i just have to post this now. 

it was rainy in Manila when we traveled to Baler. we left around 4 am aboard a luxurious Genesis bus with its lazy boy-like chairs. the trip took about 7 hours, arduous yes, but we slept the entire time. 

ever since he was a baby, my boy has been so used to traveling long distance that i never had a problem taking him to different places. now at 5 years old, i could not count anymore the number of places he has been to. he's been to Davao, Dakak in Dapitan, Bantayan in Cebu, Baguio, Tagaytay, Zamboanga, even Vigan in Ilocos. i have a wanderlust of a son just like his mommy.

we checked in at Bay's Inn, Sabang around 11am, ate our lunch and rested till afternoon. by late afternoon, we got on a tricycle to take us to nearby spots we could check out.

Baler is actually a very idyllic town, quiet and charming with its very inviting beaches and other attractions. although this is also a surfing town, this little boy is afraid of rough seas he never bothered setting foot in the beach just across the hotel in Bay's Inn, in Sabang where we stayed. But he gladly waded on the sand and shallow waters at serene Digisit Beach a good 15 minute tricycle ride form Sabang.

Baler Church

On our second day, we started with a day tour around  Baler and the nearby towns of Aurora, also aboard the tricycle. We first passed by the Baler Church near the town plaza. 

In the Siege of Baler, this is the church where the remaining Spanish soldiers hid for months. I remember watching the local movie Baler when i got back home in Manila only to reminisce most of my trip there.

ayan na pala ang ating bida, parang naka snatch lang ng bag hehe...

this was the stage when the little boy is still in his Thomas the Train obsession. that is supposedly his school bag we just bought from Greenhills. he never wanted to part with it even as we toured around Baler. the get-up consisted of course of his Thomas shirt and flipflops. inside the bag is his toy train, a Thomas pencil case, among others.

while we looked around and took photos of the church, we left the little boy here playing with the local kids. i wonder how he got that empty seat, eh!

from the church we proceeded to this long expanse of pebbly beach near Maria in Aurora. It was almost 12 noon, the sun was glaring brightly and the little boy didn't really like it. and he detested walking on pebbles and bits of sand but mommy still wanted to check out the place and take photos!

after having lunch at some nearby carenderia, we proceeded to the big balete tree and i mean BIG! this 600 year old balete tree has been designated as the Millenium Tree. 

the little boy's face lit up when he saw an ice cream vendor. he then gladly posed for photos. 

i'm in Baler and i have ice cream, bleh!!

next stop was the Ditumabo Falls. i was hesitant at first upon learning that there will be a 15-20 minute trek passing through rivers and rocky, unpaved roads. but i remember this little boy has gone to Katibawasan Falls in Camiguin when he was about a year old and he walked along with us. without complaint as always.

it was not just a 15-20 minute walk for us though. we must have passed through three or four make-shift bamboo bridges. a few times we had to ask the little boy if he's tired and wanted to be carried but no, he kept on and ambled and was really enthusiastic. my, this 35 year old mommy indeed had a hard time keeping up with the agility and gait of her 5 year old, but of course! i guess he just got really excited when we told him we're going to swim!

the falls was breathtaking literally and figuratively, the water was ice cold but the little boy totally loved frolicking and splashing around. we stayed for an hour and he almost didn't want to go till we told we would still be swimming on the next stop. after the long walk back towards the main street, we let him wade for a short while on the nearby river until he finally bade goodbye to "swimming".

On the way home, while mommy shopped for souvenirs, the little boy had his eyes fixed on Pres. Manuel Quezon's vintage car which was on display. Aw, sorry, son, but we cannot take that home.

we left Baler and the town of Aurora the following day sun-kissed and sated. we had so much fun and the little boy enjoyed himself. now on to more destinations!

New York, New York!

i got here a week ago, i'm still adjusting to everything, the weather, the timezone, the culture, everything. and it doesn't help much that it's getting really cold each day but hey it's going to be winter soon so what can i expect. ahh, there are so many things i want to do and so many places i want to check out and i hope to be able to tick each one out before it gets unbearably cold, weee!

anyway, i found this online:

Top 10 Things to Do in New York
10.) Take in the Customary Historical Landmarks.
While every proud American should visit the historical significance of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, The World Trade Center Memorial and the other national landmarks in New York, there are simply too many to detail on a list of ten. For that reason, the historical landmarks are combined into one section.

9.) Join the Argument for Best Pizza.
One of the longest running debates is not only New York vs. Chicago pizza, but who actually has the best pizza in New York. Tons of New York restaurants serving homemade pizza offer up a voice in the debate. You simply can't take a trip to NYC without adding your input on the matter, and fortunately, there's no tastier debate! Try the classic pies at Lombardi's Pizzeria on Spring Street for a taste of old NY and don't let the line at Grimaldi's Pizzeria in Brooklyn scare you, it moves pretty quickly!

8.) Take it to the Top of the Rock
The newly opened Top of the Rock Observation Deck on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza offers one of the most impressive views of one of the most impressive cities in the world. It's open until midnight for a romantic visage of the twinkling stars above mirroring the glittering lights from the city below.

7.) The Metropolitan Museum of Art
From the early 20th century portraits and sculptures to the steel mastery of Frank Stella, the Met is one of the foremost collections of fine art in the world. The museum is so expansive and visual; you should plan on spending an entire day here. If you've never been, get on a flight to New York City and go see some fine art. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes!

6.) Radio City Music Hall
Is there a more American theater than Radio City Music Hall? This timeless testament to entertainment has captivated visitors since the 1930s and no other dance troupe will ever hold the esteem in the hearts of Americans like the Rockettes.

5.) Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Where else in the world can you have a picture taken with Britney Spears, President Bush and Jack Sparrow? This world-famous wax museum is one of the most visited spots in New York and you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit these stunningly accurate figures.

4.) Broadway
If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. And without a doubt, you should try to make it to a Broadway show! This is the most famous theater district in the world, and you can choose from timeless classic productions like “Chicago” at the Ambassador or a newer stage rendition of “Mary Poppins” at the New Amsterdam Theater. Either way, no trip to New York is complete without some singing and dancing.

3.) Times Square
It doesn't have to be New Year’s Eve to enjoy Times Square in New York City. As the heartbeat of NYC, Times Square signifies everything that the city represents. The excitement, the glamour, the independent free-spiritedness and artistic qualities of New York are all on display in this timeless spot. One of the best places to begin sampling true New York night life.

2.) Carnegie Hall
An entire trip can be dedicated to Carnegie Hall and its collection of delicious restaurants, its enticing gift shop and educational museum. As one of the premiere concert halls in the nation, Carnegie Hall is a national institution.

1.) Stroll through Central Park
Leave your New York hotel and enjoy a stroll or ride a bike through one of America's most famous parks. There are plenty of recreational activities and there's always something special going on in the park, like the Central Park Film Festival. Besides the natural splendor of the surroundings, the best part about Central Park is that it’s free!


http://travel.aol.com/articles/top-10-things-to-do-in-new-york

so help me, God.

free bag tags!

got this from KLM, thanks! thanks!!!

travel tips

read about this and i just want to share it all to you:

You’re not always going to stay at a five-star hotel or have first class accommodation at a highly rated resort. Sometimes, the best trips around the country are the ones off the beaten path. This is where your survival instincts should kick in. The best places are not necessarily the most expensive ones. Nor are they always the safest and most comfortable ones. There are things to consider when exploring the destinations that aren’t on the guidebooks.

1. Security, security, security.

The thing to remember the most is, you’re not in your comfort zone. So safety and security should be your utmost concern. Don’t bring important and valuable things just because. Pack only necessary stuff. Make sure people at home know where you’re going so just in case, they’ll know where to start looking for you. Before you leave, get the contact information of local authorities. Also, take your valuables with you when exploring and touring—don’t leave them in your hotel room.

2. Cash, please!

Your credit is good, but there are many establishments in the country, especially the most rural of areas, that don’t accept cards. You should have sufficient cash with you wherever you go. And have a little extra for emergencies, like being stranded and having to spend an extra night. You might also need to ask a local for favors, like running an errand for you or to help you with a flat tire or whatever. Tipping is recommended.

3. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Don’t expect the rest of the country to be as cosmopolitan as the capital city. There are some really backward communities with traditions and customs we have to respect. When going to these places and mingling with locals, be courteous, respectful and always be self-aware. You never know if you’re already offending someone with words, actions or appearances. If you’re speaking in Tagalog, the usual “po” and “opo” should be used to address the elderly.

4. Very superstitious.

Some communities have superstitions that are outrageous. However, you’re going to their turf and that’s another thing you need to respect. Just because something doesn’t make sense to you, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t make sense at all. In the provinces (and even some households in Metro Manila) believe in bad omens and whatnot. Don’t argue with their beliefs using scientific data or by proving them wrong. The same goes for religious beliefs.

5. One with Gaia.

In the countryside, it’s all about nature. Try your very best not to spoil it. When you’re at a secluded beach or trekking or simply out in the wild, don’t contribute to the pollution with your plastic bottles and cigarette butts. “Secret” places don’t usually have maintenance people to clean after you. Clean as you go.

6. Walk, fashion, baby!

Dress appropriately. It’s a tropical country so being in light fabrics is the best way to go. Wear sensible shoes. You’re not in a fashion show, so leave your couture for your Friday night outs in the city. Also, it’s very tempting to wear revealing clothes since it’s mostly hot and humid. But you have to cover up a little when entering conservative places like churches. And you really don’t want male bystanders whistling as you walk by, so don’t show too much skin.

7. “So dami naman the insekto!”

Another thing to leave at home is your colegiala accent. Not only is it irritating, it also gives the impression that you’re a high-maintenance person. In the countryside, that’s interpreted as a spoiled rich brat that can be taken advantage of. Speaking in your “you think it’s cute” affectation will make people charge you higher for services, like boat rentals. And if bad people are around, let’s just say your parents will have to come up with that multimillion peso ransom.

8. Driving ‘round the mountain.

When going on road trips, it’s important to be all gassed up. You don’t really know where the next gas station’s going to be and you don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a bottle of water. Always be prepared.

9. I’m a survivor!

If you’re visiting exotic places and you really want to experience what the destination has to offer, rough it out and really experience it—even if it means you have to eat local delicacies that you normally wouldn't’t. It’s also a good way to conquer your fears by braving it all—worms for dinner, the rapids, heights, the list goes on. Also, if you’re going trekking, quit complaining about every steep climb or bump. It’s all part of it.. You’ll only really start having fun when you stop being such a big whiner. Just go with the flow and enjoy every minute of the trip.

10. Strike a pose.

The best thing about the countryside experience is the memory of it when you get back home. It’s best if you have remembrances of the trip like souvenirs that you can buy at the destination. And it’s even better if you have the pictures to prove that you were there. Every backdrop is a chance for a photo-op. The Philippines has a lot of magnificent scenery that you simply have to capture. Take lots and lots of pictures and show them all off on Facebook!

by Ed Biado
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com

Japanese Food-ography

this is why i have become fatter

fried meal from 7-11

Mos' wasabi burger

unagi with rice, cold noodles and all those sauces and condiments




some roasted pork dish with potatoes from Wolfgang Puck



yakitori with fresh and crisp shredded cabbage




gyudon which i bought from this vendo machine:






juicy katsudon


meal fit for a queen *burp!*