Capiz, the Center of Seafood Trip Tourism in
the Country, was not an immediate destination in my list of places to see in the Philippines.
I’ve been allergic to crustaceans for as long as I could remember, so I delayed the idea of traveling to the province. But when an opportunity to visit the seafood
capital was offered to me, I just couldn’t say no. And it was one of the best
decisions yet, as exploring parts of Capiz showed me so many interesting places
and eats, several of which I would’ve missed if I overlooked the chance to explore the booming region.
Places with stories have always fascinated me. At Al Fanar Restaurant Seafood Market-Al Barsha, you will learn about the history of their design inspirations and feel the narrative behind it. Their Jazirat Al Hamra themed space, which shows a defined coral-stone architecture all around, gives you a peek into the origins of seafood culture in the United Arab Emirates.
Capiz isn't named the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines" just for nothing. It's a must-visit local destination, as the province has a never-ending supply of prawns, mud crabs, and shellfish. You name it, they surely have what you're craving for!
One of the things that I looked for when I relocated to Dubai was Filipino food establishments. There are quite a few here that already cater to the Philippine market. But nothing beats the kind of authenticity and consistency, in terms of ingredients and taste, that Max’s Restaurant provides to its customers. This homegrown brand is truly one of the best Asian restaurants in the emirate. And it has been our go-to eatery whenever we long for legit Philippine food. I’m glad that we no longer need to travel back home to satisfy our cravings, as Max’s Restaurant is now offering some of the most sumptuous meals from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Allow their exclusive menu to take you on a tour of the Philippines in seven delectable dishes.
While I was sifting through the rolls of indigenous textiles at Easter Weaving Baguio, my brother suddenly whispered into my ears "gutom nako.." (I'm hungry). I actually asked him to buy something to eat from the nearby store, but he immediately declined. And since he wanted me to finish my 'textile shopping', he waited until I was done. He's such a supportive brother, right? So as a reward for being such a good companion (and since I was the only one who benefited from this specific travel), I treated him to a sumptuous lunch at Cafe by the Ruins.
It feels different when you've been to a place that you've passed by a few times, yet you never really took the time to appreciate it. That's what I felt towards Libis and nearby Eastwood City. Now, regardless of these two areas being located in Quezon City (my hometown), I still never made the time to explore much of either, as it was a far commute from where I lived. But when I was recently given a chance to stay at Microtel by Wyndham - Acropolis, I realized how much the locale has changed since the last time I was there.
Photo courtesy of Microtel |
Vietnamese and Thai food are some of my favorite cuisines in Asia. So when my friend mentioned the Papaya Salad Restaurant in Dubai that served an Asian menu, I knew I had to try it.
I love how some locally owned restaurants continue to offer Filipino cuisines in their menu, particularly those that solely serve native dishes. I do enjoy eating international foods and global cuisines. But nothing beats munching on homegrown meals that are infused with interesting twists, like what Braska does. Braska is a cozy restaurant that serves Filipino comfort food in Bohemian Malate.
A food trip around Manila was my first, all out adventure after my foot injury. I almost didn't make the DIY Walking Tour since both my feet hurt days before. I could barely walk. But I really wanted to join so I got myself some gel insoles and a pair of comfy socks that same week. I just told myself that I would brave the streets of Manila, and just go with the pain. I guess, that's what travelers go through when they really want to journey off real bad.
There are only a few things that make me remarkably excited, and one of those include out-of-town trips and hotel stays. I just love a nice getaway that provides a delightful bed and breakfast setup. To have the opportunity to dwell in a cozy and quality accommodation truly helps restore one's mind and body. So imagine yourself savoring all these and more at a redeveloped hotel that's resting on a hilltop, amidst a very tranquil and green setting. Want to know where to find such a place? Visit the Oriental Bataan in Mariveles, and discover why it's a destination of its own.
I already tried reaching the cellphone number of Raymen Beach Resort, months prior to our trip to Guimaras. But since I wasn't getting any response from them, I tried looking for an alternative. That's when I found Alobijod Cove on Facebook. I sent them a message on both Facebook and through SMS, and was able to get a response on the latter. There weren't many photos to convince me to book. But I felt like I had no other option since we really wanted to stay by Alubihod beach. Anyway, the booking was settled after a few days. I was able to reserve 2 nights, and wasn't required to put in a downpayment. Great, right?
When we arrived in Alobijod Cove, we went straight to the resort's small tindahan (store). There we met this lady (probably in her 50's) who we introduced ourselves to. Odd as it was, she still had to ask me what room I had reserved. Although she read from the guest list that I was to be expected that day. Anyway, I told her that what we got was a Fan Room (Php1,000/night).
Construction site -- building new cottages. |
The Invitation
Meeting the awesome team behind Meet Manila was an enriching and humbling experience. Getting invited to their launch party was to me, by a long shot. I've never considered myself to be well-known in the travel blogging community just yet so I was surprised. But I owe it to my amazing followers who've been supportive of every journey that I've made.
Meet Manila's Launch Party - 'Tertulia Night'
The launch of Meet Manila introduced the 'Tertulia Night'. I actually had no clue as to what a Tertulia meant, all the more what transpired from such an event. And as I've been enlightened of its true meaning later on, I suddenly felt real excitement for this 'upcoming social gathering'. Now, it wasn't your typical 'party'. The 'Tertulia' itself meant more like an evening affair or a soiree of sorts. So you can just imagine a festive occasion where some of the most inspiring Filipino individuals come together to share their personal views and to meet for the same causes.
Angono continues to uphold its name on being the Art Capital of the Philippines, as it’s brimming with noteworthy artworks, outstanding talents and more. The inspiring town will certainly give you a walk that's worth remembering, as the city is filled with museums and galleries that display impressive paintings and sculptures, and of streets lined with murals that pay tribute to its local artists. Best of all, Angono is also the home of the Oldest Artwork in the Philippines, the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs.
Rubel and I visited Vigan a few weeks ago. And it was a trip that consisted using different modes of transportation. We flew to Laoag for almost an hour. Road the bus from the airport to Laoag city proper. Took the tricycle towards the Partas Station. Then rode a bus that was bound for Vigan, which took 2 hours. We were only able to step foot on the Heritage City of the Philippines at exactly 2 pm -- which was the exact and allowed time for checking-in at our accommodations: Grandpa's Inn. Great timing, right? :)
Since we were really running on empty, Rubel and I no longer wandered off the streets to explore the best restaurants nearby. We just went straight to Grandpa's Inn's signature restaurant, which was Kusina Felicitas.
Since we were really running on empty, Rubel and I no longer wandered off the streets to explore the best restaurants nearby. We just went straight to Grandpa's Inn's signature restaurant, which was Kusina Felicitas.
Now, a brief background on Kusina Felicitas (taken from Grandpa's Inn's website) |
Angono isn't just the Art Capital of the Philippines. It's also a gastronomic destination that prides on a great list of local eateries in Rizal. In between our visits to museums and galleries, we were treated to mouthwatering food and drinks, some of which I continue to dream and drool over up to this day.
{October 2009} I forgot to mention that I was also able to book two whole day tours when we arrived in Puerto Pension. So Ate Bel, the nice receptionist, took care of our itinerary and payments. We had the Underground Tour and Honda Bay Tour booked for the succeeding days.
Complimentary breakfast was also provided in Puerto Pension, just as long as we filled-up their form a day before (just so they can prepare what we wanted to eat ahead of time). Breakfast was served as early as 6 am, at the Tribu Deck. So we made it a point to wake up just as early. Anyway, the waiters of Tribu Deck were very nice and accommodating to us; and we really felt like vacationers as we were wholeheartedly welcomed that morning. It was also lovely to eat breakfast at the restaurant since we had a lovely view right outside the window (there was a view of the mountains and the bay).
It's rare for me to write about restaurants here in the Metro, as I often blog about the ones that I dine at when I'm traveling out of the city. But when I was invited and introduced to this restaurant in Mandaluyong, something in me had to say, "YES! GO RSVP!" And so I did, and I sincerely loved the experience thereafter.
For a Budget Biyahera like me, it pays to know where money is going, especially if I'm saving up for a trip. So affordable yet quality-made meals in the city will definitely help me with not spending too much. And let me just say that St. Nicholas was certainly a great find!
[April 2008] Just a week after my trip from Boracay, a few friends invited me to go with them for a 3-day getaway. It wasn’t completely planned. So it wasn’t something out of impulse either. And since Puerto Galera was only 1-2 hours away by boat from the Batangas Pier (add 2-3 more hours via bus from Manila to the pier), we decided to hit the beach with just some money in tow. We brought with us about PHP4,000 each. Besides the fact that I was already burnt by Boracay’s golden rays, I still obliged to this beach adventure.
DAY 1
My boyfriend and two of our friends met up at the JAM Transit station in Kamuning at around 1 am. We bought our tickets at the terminal, which cost us PHP150 each. After settling on the bus, we went for a quick CR break. Word of advice, breathe in as much clean air before using the facilities! It was a grueling and stinking experience!
We left the terminal by 2 am, and was able to arrive at the Batangas port around 5 am. Unfortunately, for us backpackers, we only got a boat ride after 1 ½ hour, due to a delay in their transportation services. But the day was still young, and we were still very early.
My boyfriend and two of our friends met up at the JAM Transit station in Kamuning at around 1 am. We bought our tickets at the terminal, which cost us PHP150 each. After settling on the bus, we went for a quick CR break. Word of advice, breathe in as much clean air before using the facilities! It was a grueling and stinking experience!
We left the terminal by 2 am, and was able to arrive at the Batangas port around 5 am. Unfortunately, for us backpackers, we only got a boat ride after 1 ½ hour, due to a delay in their transportation services. But the day was still young, and we were still very early.
By the time 6:30 am clocked in, an available yellow-painted boat arrived. By 8 am, we were already checked-in at the South of the Border. This inn was about 2-3 minutes away from the shores of the famous white beach. We then went straight to this location since my guy friend already stayed here on his previous vacation. A funny thing came up though. When we were reading the ‘house’ rules posted on our room’s door, I noticed a certain phrase that stated “Chick-Out!” Imagine that! Sorry for the bad grammar. But it was just hilarious!
We recently visited Hong Kong, a food outlet located in Oasis Centre’s food court in Al Quoz. My husband and I had an early dinner here and ordered five delightful Asian dishes. Check out our selections below.