The Playfield Food Park At The Main Park: Pasig City's Tasty Secret

June 27, 2017, 10:57 pm

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Food parks come and go. Some have thrived beyond their expiration dates by evolving in different locations and with upgraded food choices. In Pasig City, a homegrown food park near the city proper in Brgy. San Miguel has found its calling to serve only the most unique options that a foodie can find in one location. Operated, run, and participated in by novice and experienced food business individuals who are residents in the area (most of them are), the Playfield Food Park at The Main Park is basically an inventive outdoor food court where no one stall is exactly the same. There's one selling Japanese ramen. Another has a Western-Japanese fusion for its menu. Next to it is a nook for Italian-American delights (ribs and pasta) and the stall thereafter is an underrated coffee nook that serves one of the best cupcakes in Metro Manila. At the far corner of the park is where foodies go for their flavored wings fix. Across them all is a stall that serves Korean desserts called bingsu and a Mexican-oriented stall that's sought after for its taco bucket.

Unlike other food parks where participating food stall owners are from different locations, The Playfield Food Park knows what this side of Pasig City really needs. And, it's a whole lot of unique options in one space. Plus, quality food that any member of the family can enjoy.

Check out the following seven reasons why you can find yourself dining at this newly-opened food park in Pasig City:

Collide.MNL

1. Collide.MNL

Combining Western and Japanese flavors in its dishes, Collide.MNL is only for those who are hungry for the inventive. It's not easy to pull off fusion-oriented dishes, but this stall's treats somehow work well, especially the Schnitzel Tonkotsu (think German and Japanese) that's served with Yakimeshi (Japanese fried rice). Its Pulled Pork Roll is savory and interestingly crunchy for having a Pinoy twist via its chicharon toppings.

Bravissimo Gourmet Bistro

2. Bravissimo Gourmet Bistro

For those who have eaten at another food park in Kapitolyo, Bravissimo Gourmet Bistro is deliciously familiar. The owners -- a young couple -- are already successful in their other venture which is catering and attending to their new baby is basically just a walk in the park (pun intended). This food stall is known by its patrons for its top-notch ribs and pasta flavors. Its Hickory Glazed Babyback Ribs and the Beef and Spinach Lasagna Roll-ups are a must-order. The lasagna version is a modern take on Italian cuisine in that it's a balanced taste of sour and sweet. Plus, it has an intense creaminess to it thanks to the inclusion of spinach cream.

Binzu

3. Binzu

Bingsu is what Koreans call their shaved iced desserts. It's kind of like the Filipino halo-halo, only less to the letter when consumed. One doesn't really have to mix it all to taste the whole thing. Binzu is named after this Korean dessert and its owners have seriously upped the ante regarding its quality by making their shaved ice flavored depending on the main dessert flavor that you order. Case in point: their Salted Caramel Binzu is caramel-y, for lack of a better term, down to its shaved ice! As a result, everything in the bowl is creamy and definitely not forgettable. I loved that they are using whipped cream instead of ice cream so as to make the treat less overwhelming. I absolutely loved the inclusion of cereals in the mix because it gives the cold dessert a complimenting crunch that's sweet and dry for a change. Other must-orders are the Taro and Green Tea flavors.

Baso't Tasa

4. Baso't Tasa

There's something about underrated cafes that lure the coffee-lover in me and this unpretentious coffee and snack stall definitely has it all going on in that area. The owner is a serious coffee drinker and has long graduated from drinking Starbucks. As a matter of fact, she had been to a lot of places in search of the best way to prepare coffee at this new venture of hers called Baso't Tasa. You need to order the Aero Press coffee that's a blend from Mindanao called Black Magic to really believe that there's more to your average mall cafe. Also, pair it with a beer cupcake or any cupcake flavor that they have at the stall (peanut butter, double chocolate or red velvet) because all flavors are fantastic anyway! Take my word for it.

Sgt. Wings

5. Sgt. Wings

What food park is complete without a stall that serves flavored wings? So far, I'm yet to see one and The Main Park is making sure that foodies who are into flavored wings can have their fix at the park. Here, they have Sgt. Wings. Must-try for those who have a penchant for anything spicy is the Korean-flavored wings. You can also try the buffalo-style wings which is the Classic flavor.

La Loca Mexican Cantina

6. La Loca Mexican Cantina

Co-owned by Chef Fara Pakdamanian, La Loca Mexican Cantina is not your ordinary taco nook. If anything, it serves a hefty taco that's as big as a person's face via its banner treat called La Loca Special. The monster taco is fantastic for sharing by three people. It's amusingly served as a crispy tortilla bucket filled with savory layers of Mexican rice, beef corn carne, cheddar cheese, beef carnita, cajun chicken, the signature La Loca sauce, cheese sauce, cajun-buttered corn, cabbage, pico de gallo, pickled chilli and camote chips. You can also go loco for Soft Taco, Quesadilla, Elote en Vaso, Burrito, Burrito Rice Platter and Nachos!

Read more about La Loca Mexican Cantina.

Roke Ramen

7. Roke Ramen

Unlike some Japanese cuisine-oriented stalls that can be found in many parts of the city, Roke Ramen is ideally where it's supposed to be -- with an assemblage of other food stall brands that serve quality but affordable treats out of their food park-designed menu. The list of ramen flavors is short at three choices but they're all available to appeal to unique tastes of the Japanese dish. The Black Garlic Shoyu (Php200+) is the best-seller for having a distinct taste. The Tonkotsu is what anybody new to ramen wants to order first because it's more neutral in taste. The Spicy Miso is the most flavorful of all the three even after minutes of letting the broth cool down. All of them are consistently filling as they're served in big bowls enough to be shared by at least two diners. The secret to authentic ramen, however, is not in the hefty serving but in the broth which Roke Ramen definitely gets right so far with every bowl served.

Read more about Roke Ramen.

The owners of the Playfield Food Park

Having fun at the park

The food park opens at 4:00pm daily

How To Get There

From Crossing:
Ply the Shaw Blvd.-Pasig Blvd. route all the way to C. Raymundo Ave. past Vargas Bridge. Turn right at Mercedes Ave. and turn left later on at Luis St. The entrance of the food park is just near the corner of Luis St. and Mercedes Ave.

From Rosario:
Ply the C. Raymundo Ave. route all the way to Sta. Clara Montefalco Church. Once there, turn left at Mercedes Ave. and turn another left later on at Luis St. The entrance of the food park is just near the corner of Luis St. and Mercedes Ave.

The Playfield Food Park at The Main Park just opened early this June, 2017 and had its test-run last May. You can expect to have an immense improvement in the menu as the months go by, especially before the Christmas season. Try it while it lasts. You never know if one of them is going to be a full-fledged restaurant soon, so you better be the first few ones to have sampled their delicious creations at this level.

Photography by Josua Chan

The Playfield Food Park at The Main Park

Official Facebook fan page of The Main Park

Location: The Main Park, next to East Raya Gardens, along Luis St., near the corner of Mercedes Ave., Brgy. San Miguel, Pasig City
Food Park Schedule: 4:00pm-12:00am daily

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Discovery Shores Boracay Celebrates 10th Anniversary

June 30, 2017, 3:39 pm

≫ Next: Falafel Yo!: Where You Can Have Your Healthy Falafel Fix In Makati City

≪ Previous: The Playfield Food Park At The Main Park: Pasig City's Tasty Secret

Day 1 (L-R) The Discovery Shores Boracay Pioneers: Jose Baldisimo, Cris Pimentel, Joey Florito, Theo Frio, Wildie Villorente, Mina Monteras, Philip Bolano, Jun Parreno, Julius Alegre, Erwin Lopez, Susan Tan, Lourdes Olarte, Dharryll Sanchez, Girlie Ochosa, JR Pabustan, Gervie Nacabuan, Joan Mamburam, Wong Ginoy, Rosbell Igat (not in photo)

Erwin Lopez, Hotel Manager of DiscoveryShores Boracay and Jun Parreno,

COO The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc.

It was ten years ago when Discovery Shores Boracay opened its doors along the island destination’s famous Boracay white beach. The luxury resort in Boracay soon became the benchmark for tropical hospitality with its exceptional facilities that include 88 contemporary and well–appointed suites, outstanding food and beverage outlets and a highly personalized guest culture that has earned for it high marks as well as international acclaim such as No. 1 Hotel Spa and No.1 Hotels for Families in the World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure magazine.

The top resort in Boracay recently held a 2-day celebration to mark a decade of success with the theme “10 wonderful years of service with a heart” which was very fitting because the resort team’s service culture is rooted on thoughtful, heartfelt hospitality and is the reason for the resort’s popularity.

The colorful dinner set-up

A gathering of top Discovery executives led by The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Jun Parreno and Discovery Shores Hotel Manager Erwin Lopez welcomed VIP guests that included pioneer employees, travel industry partners, repeat guests, Boracay hoteliers and media personalities on the first night of festivities. The event kicked off with a fun and high-spirited display of Discovery friendliness and spontaneity as the resort staff paraded and danced their way into the party venue accompanied by lively island music. A highlight of the evening was when the 18 pioneer employees who were part of the Discovery Shores team pre-opening team were honored with a surprise trip to Osaka, Japan. Adding a sense of nostalgia was the presentation of a video montage showing the unforgettable moments of the men and women who have built lives, careers, friendships in Discovery Shores through the years. Like their eagerly awaited New Year’s Eve parties, Discovery Shores lit the evening sky with a grand fireworks display. The crowd cheered as they watched the burst of light and colors accompanied by the lively beats courtesy of club favorite DJ Ron Poe. It was a grand and memorable way to cap the first night of this 2-day celebration.

Top Producers of Discovery Shores with the management team of the resort

Jun Parreno, COO, The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc., Eileen Fajutag, Operations Manager, Club Paradise Palawan, Erwin Lopez, Hotel Manager, Discovery Shores Boracay, Marietta Yusingco, Asst. Operations Manager, Blue Horizons, Marjorie Aquino, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Blue Horizons, Doris Wu, daughter of Daphny Chen, Performance Travel & Tours International, Daphny Chen, Vice General Manager, Performance Travel & Tours International, Arlene Gianni, Operations Manager, Asiaventure Tours and Travel, Lonie Lagayao, Reservations Associate, NJK International, Mary Rose Perez, MICE Specialist, Intas Destination, Sheryl Anne Saguiguit, Market Manager, Gullivers Travel Associates Limited, Joyce Ong, Site Services Manager, Pearl Energy Philippines Operating Inc., Connie Kao and children, wife of Roger Kao, Faithfully Travel & Tours, Roger Alejandro, Online Reservation System Manager, Uni Orient, Tony Tan, Operations Manager, Diamond Global Travel & Tours Inc., Eric Wu, husband of Daphny Chen, Performance Travel & Tours International, Sylvain Gianni, husband of Arlene Gianni, Asiaventure Tours and Travel, Ray Kim, Operations Manager, Fun Travel & Tours, Jang Deok, Inbound Manager, Hanatour Manila, Inc., Eric Acapulco, Director, Account Management, Net Suite, Roger Kao, President/Owner, Faithfully Travel & Tours, Mark Ranada, Director of Sales, Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan

Day 2 of the festivities was the time to recognize the contribution of travel industry partners. On a cool, moon-lit evening, Discovery Shores’ Director of Sales Mark Ranada honored their top producers with an outdoor dinner featuring dishes from the resort’s soon-to-open Forno Osteria at Estate XI. Then it was on to the awarding ceremony where every valued partner was presented with a true work of art - individual brass and glass trophies by artist Ferdinand Cacnio depicting a woman with her hand pressed to her heart, echoing the gesture and service philosophy of the Discovery group - “Service That’s All Heart.” Aside from recognition and tokens of genuine appreciation from Discovery Shores, the Top Producers were showered with additional gifts from event partners Discovery Primea, Discovery Suites, Banana Republic, Beach Hut, Oster, The Foreign Post and Corporate International Travel and Tours.

The 10th anniversary of Discovery Shores Boracay continues with special offers and activities for valued guests. As a special offering, guests can enjoy a special rate of PHP 10,500++ per night in a Junior Suite inclusive of breakfast and round trip Caticlan Airport transfers.

Book now for stays in June to November 2017. Check out the full details of this exciting offer here.

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Falafel Yo!: Where You Can Have Your Healthy Falafel Fix In Makati City

July 1, 2017, 4:57 pm

≫ Next: Agos River: The Currents of Life and Death In The Sierra Madre

≪ Previous: Discovery Shores Boracay Celebrates 10th Anniversary

What vegetarian sandwich tastes good as it looks and where in Metro Manila can you have one? Only a falafel in Makati City can be this real. Israeli siblings Guy and Yuval Mann officially opened Falafel Yo! this July at the cinema level of Greenbelt 3 for moviegoers and foodies alike to finally have a quick source of fresh, healthy, and yummy falafel sandwiches. It's just two floors up from Greenbelt Park for health buffs who desire a guiltless pleasure in the form of an overstuffed pita that they can grab a bite of on their way home or to the workplace.

Israeli Comfort Food

Considered a comfort food in Israel, the falafel sandwich is distinctive for having chickpeas or garbanzo beans that have been grounded and blended with herbs and spices. They're best consumed while they're hot or fresh out of the fryer for that crunchy exterior and fluffy texture inside. The resulting taste is creamy and not overwhelming.

Yuval and Guy Mann of Falafel Yo!

Grab a bite at the cinema level of Greenbelt 3 in Makati City

Falafel, finally!

The Ties That Bind Us

If you're a Filipino and a falafel seems totally foreign to you, you may be correct in thinking that way because Israeli cuisine is not that fully embedded in our way of cooking. Philippine history, though, is witness to the crucial vote that Carlos P. Romulo (Philippine representative to the United Nations) cast in 1947 along with 32 other nations. It comprised the majority vote for the resolution of Palestine that led to the birth of the state of Israel the year after as prophesied in the book of Isaiah 66:8. The Philippines also took in Jewish Holocaust refugees from 1937 to 1941, thereby sealing the sacred relationship that we have with Israel.

How Falafel Yo! is prepared

Soft pita

Movie Screening Grub

Fast-forward to 2017, Falafel Yo! is finally in Metro Manila and it doesn't come as a surprise anymore to those who know the ties that bind both countries. As I've tested recently before a last full screening of "Despicable Me 3", the hot falafel hockey pucks tasted great along with the chopped salad, sumac or pickled onion, sour cabbage, coriander, garlic, parsley and Mediterranean spices.

The treat is high in fiber and a great source of protein. It's perfect for those with diabetes. It's also recommended for foodies who want to keep a healthy heart and set of bones.

Lemongrass Juice

Affordable Treats

The standard Falafel Yo! only costs a little over Php150, but it's quite filling. Should you opt for a less hefty version, the Falafelito (Php99) is what will satiate your quick craving. It's also a great match in terms of size for the appetite of kids and can be a healthy alternative to the usual popcorn and pizza. For those who can't live without meat, though, there's the aptly called Falafel Beast which is stuffed with beef and costs a little over Php180.

Quick. Healthy. Yummy.

Guy Mann describing where mangoes grow in Israel

Saucy Options of Tahini and Amba

Once your order arrives, you can have options of their homemade sauces -- the Tahini and Amba -- to put on your sandwich. Both have distinct tastes. Subtle in flavor, the Tahini is a dense sauce made from crushed sesame seeds, lemon juice, cumin, water and other Mediterranean spices. The Amba sauce is tangy and visibly yellow for being made from fermented mangoes that have been grown in the northern part of Israel. And to be full-on healthy, pair your order with Falafel Yo!'s Lemongrass Juice.

You know where you can have your falafel fix in Metro Manila and it's at Falafel Yo!.

Photography by Aubrey Gacer

Falafel Yo!

Official Facebook fan page of Falafel Yo!

Location: Cinema level of Greenbelt 3, Makati City, Philippines
Phone: (02) 720-5963

Where To Stay In Makati City?

Check out this list of hotels in Makati City for staycation, layover or long stay.

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Agos River: The Currents of Life and Death In The Sierra Madre

July 9, 2017, 10:35 am

≫ Next: Grissini Ristorante: A Must-Visit For Italian Cuisine In Marikina City

≪ Previous: Falafel Yo!: Where You Can Have Your Healthy Falafel Fix In Makati City

Laundry hour on Agos River

I once almost drowned in Agos River. I was about 10 and it was during a summer excursion where a whole clan of my relatives gathered at a shallow portion of the river in Infanta. Given that I couldn't swim, I waded just a feet away from the nearest person. When I suddenly felt that my left foot could no longer touch the river bed, I panicked. The unexpected depth surprised me so much that my right foot slipped from the rock that it was standing on. I recklessly tried to float for a few seconds but to no avail. I was sinking and no one knew it was happening! My screams were being muffled underwater and my reach was not long enough to tap the back of the nearest person I could see. The same person (probably one of my uncles), though, miraculously turned around and lifted me up to save me.

Unforgettable Flash Flood

Agos River can be that unforgettable to a lot of people. Case in point: the 2004 flash flood that claimed roughly 1,200 lives of residents in the neighboring towns of Real, Infanta and General Nakar. The river could only take enough volume of water after 20 days of persistent rain from four consecutive typhoons -- Unding, Violeta, Winnie and Yoyong. Worse, the water came flowing with mud, logs and other forest debris from the Sierra Madre due to widespread illegal logging. The damage to property was so massive that it took months before this part of Quezon Province was able to bounce back to normalcy.

A young Dumagat takes a dip while her mother does the laundry

Reaching Tutulakan that's part of Agos River

Kaybagbagan is just a 30-minute hike away from Tinipak Spring

Youngsters trying to catch tilapia

Long and Winding

The river's expanse through the Sierra Madre is long and winding. It flows from Infanta, parts of Rizal, and all the way to General Nakar, encompassing Tinipak River, Tutulakan River and other attractions like Kaybagbagan.

Life-giving In Different Depths

Where it's shallow, locals bathe and do their laundry. From using gugo before the advent of Western influence, they have now come to patronize today's shampoo, soap, and detergent. It's also where kids are usually seen catching tilapia with nets, so the modern products are clearly tipping the natural balance.

Carp fish (karpa) fresh from Tutulakan River

Tutulakan and Kaybagbagan courtesy of Google Earth

Where it's deep like in its part of Tutulakan, locals fish for the common carp because it's where the waters can be a bit turbid for the freshwater bonefish to thrive.

Idyllic Rock Formations

What lures most tourists from Metro Manila isn't just the clear water of the river. It's also the variety of rock formations that jut out from the banks and in the middle of the river itself. They only manage to appreciate the pristine water once they run out of their own bottled water in the middle of their hike or overnight camping and had to get directly from the springs that flow from the Sierra Madre for drinking supply.

Locals on a laundry grind

A youngster running an errand across the Agos River

The clear waters of Agos River

Check Out This Short Video of Agos River:

Whether we like it or not, Agos River is where God made her to meander. It may be through the remoteness of the Sierra Madre that makes the hearts of flash flood survivors skip a beat. Or it may be through villages and camping sites that end up depending on it for sustenance. What's certain is that it can be a source of both life and death.

Hiking in General Nakar to reach Tutulakan River

Special thanks to Zander Bautista for the assistance

Interested to visit Tutulakan River?

Contact Joel Astoveza of General Nakar Cablao Outdoor Guides Association (GENACOGA) at 0926-933-4286 or 0915-595-9988. For hike guides, visit the GENACOGA Facebook fan pagehere.

More Photos Below:

Where the river's shallow, locals gather to do laundry.

A female Dumagat chewing betel nut or "nganga" at the banks of Agos River

A remote part of the Sierra Madre called Kaybagbagan

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Grissini Ristorante: A Must-Visit For Italian Cuisine In Marikina City

July 14, 2017, 12:08 am

≫ Next: 3 Reasons Why Tutulakan River Is 2018's Must-Visit Attraction In General Nakar

≪ Previous: Agos River: The Currents of Life and Death In The Sierra Madre

Potato chips-topped bacon and cheese pizza called Patata E Pancetta

Penne Salmone, a healthy pasta dish that foodies on a diet can appreciate

From leather shoes to clean neighborhoods, Marikina City is known for a lot of things. For the past decade, it has also seen a rise in consumers who dine out. Whether they're residents or foodies from neighboring cities, the visits continue, especially now that the types of restaurants operating in the area have diversified a lot. Grissini Ristorante is one such dining place that attracts hungry customers regardless of the day, rain or shine. For the past two years, diners here have appreciated the presence of a casual dining restaurant that serves delicious Italian food at reasonable prices. As one of its Facebook review states: "Love the food and the authenticity in which it was prepared. The ambiance of the place is quaint and laid-back. Really good dishes with the right amount of flavor to them."

Top-notch Service

Service at Grissini Ristorante is top-notch from the time that one orders because every table is served a complimentary grissini and focaccia bread. The dining area is spacious enough to accommodate couples, families and groups of friends. They even have al fresco dining which can be romantic on a chilly night or perfect for those who smoke.

Capriciosa

The easy-to-spot restaurant facade

Farfalle Tartufo

Green Apple-flavored Italian Soda

Fresh Bread and Hand-rolled Pizza Dough

They have an in-store bakery that serves freshly made and baked goods. Choose from a panoply of bread varieties like Carrot and Herb, Walnut, and Honey Oat. This also guarantees that your pizza order at the restaurant has freshly made dough that's hand-rolled. Diners can also spot at the side of the restaurant a garden wall that supplies the kitchen with fresh garnishes and herbs which makes any dining experience unique and healthy.

This also guarantees that your pizza order at the restaurant has freshly made dough that's hand-rolled.

Totally Tiramisu

The restaurant also offers a variety of cakes and other desserts to make your meals extra-fulfilling because anything that's ended on a sweet note is always memorable.

Tiramisu

To test this out, I culminated my meal of Grissini Ristorante one weekend afternoon with a slice of tiramisu. The dessert is a fitting order to have an authentic taste of Italian cheese because it's where the classic tiramisu's mascarpone historically originated, particularly in Lombardy which is a region in Northern Italy. The slice is a creamy perfection of such cheese, chocolate sponge, honey-made lady fingers and the infusion of marsala, a sought-after wine in Sicilly.

The slice is a creamy perfection of such cheese, chocolate sponge, honey-made lady fingers and the infusion of marsala...

Appetizing Salad

What I started my meal with was a hefty salad plate of Insalata Dello Chef, an appetizing set of mixed greens, fresh fruits and roasted nuts. Perfect for the health-conscious. Normally raspberry vinaigrette is used, but during my visit I opted for the strawberry since the former was not available.

The spacious dining area

Insalata Dello Chef

Penne Salmone

Farfalle Tartufo

Truffle and Salmon-based Pasta

For pasta, I made sure I tried the new truffle dish called Farfalle Tartufo. It's a long plate of bow-tie pasta with mushrooms in truffle cream sauce. Any truffle dish is usually unattractive both in pictures and on site and this one's no exemption. However, they are always a must-order when available because of their remarkable taste that's almost intoxicating. It's no wonder why a comune in Italy (Acqualagna) has its own truffle festival. The revered ingredient is that unique and delicious!

It's no wonder why a comune in Italy (Acqualagna) has its own truffle festival.

I also had the Penne Salmone, a healthy pasta dish that foodies on a diet can appreciate. For sure, any seafood lover will have a hoot tasting its sauteed salmon.

Capriciosa

Patata E Pancetta

No Ordinary Pizza

For pizza, I ordered one of the restaurant's best-sellers -- the Capriciosa. The thin crust pizza is loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bacon, bell pepper, onions, anchovies, capers, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. After having a couple of slices of it, I can definitely recommend it to pizza lovers who have long graduated from abusing their lips with fast food pizza because this specific flavor absolutely tastes good as it looks. It's worth finishing even to the last rolled up dough edge.

It's worth finishing even to the last rolled up dough edge.

Since I was having fun already, I went all the way with second my pizza order. I tried the thin crust Patata E Pancetta, a thin crust pizza that's loaded with bacon, onions, cream and mozzarella and topped with the restaurant's homemade potato chips. You can tear into the pizza and toss the chips in your mouth separately or you can try it like I did -- eating the potato chips-topped pizza slice altogether for that cheesy and crunchy mix.

Porchetta Con Patate

Insalata Dello Chef

Porchetta Con Patate

Green Apple-flavored Italian Soda

Filling Roast Pork Loin

Lastly, I also had the Porchetta Con Patate which I recommend to anyone who's game for a roast pork loin. This one's stuffed with basil and served in a creamy plate of herbed gravy and marble potatoes. Definitely filling and something that hardworking adults on a cheat day will love.

Grissini Ristorante may have started in Bicol almost a decade ago, but it's definitely making its mark in Metro Manila via its Marikina City branch. Go ahead and taste what it has to offer and you'll find yourself revisiting it every week.

2nd Anniversary Promo on Facebook

To celebrate Grissini Ristorante's 2nd anniversary in Marikina City, the restaurant has an ongoing promo. You can enjoy one (1) 14” pizza (choice of Quattro Formaggio or Alla Diavola) and one (1) Spaghetti Maremonte for only Php499. Simply "like" Grissini Ristorante Marikina on Facebook and show its promo post when you dine-in from July 12 to 16, 2017 at the restaurant.

Join the Grissini Ristorante Marikina GC Giveaway:

Turista Trails is also giving away P1,500-worth of Gift Certificates to use at the restaurant in Marikina City. To join, simply share this Facebook post that you can find here. Make sure to use the following hashtags:
• TuristaTrails • grissiniristoranteGC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grissini Ristorante

Official Facebook fan page of Grissini Ristorante

Address: Mayor Gil Fernando Ave., Marikina City, Philippines
Hours of Operation: 11:00am - 10:00pm

Phone: (02) 275-8578

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3 Reasons Why Tutulakan River Is 2018's Must-Visit Attraction In General Nakar

July 15, 2017, 2:15 am

≫ Next: Make Your Cove Escape At Playa La Caleta In Morong, Bataan

≪ Previous: Grissini Ristorante: A Must-Visit For Italian Cuisine In Marikina City

Most of the terrain of the Sierra Madre in Quezon Province are still in a preserved condition. Secluded by nature via localized storms and typhoons, there are still spots that remain untouched by modernization. Unintentionally kept off-grid by decades of NPA rebel insurgencies, there are still areas where tourists have not gone except for mountain-dwelling members of the native tribe of Dumagat. The Philippines' longest mountain range has become an elusive paradise in mainland Luzon and for a fortunate reason. It's highly remote in Quezon Province except for a few national roads that pass through it. Its most accessible natural attraction from Metro Manila is probably Tutulakan River which is located in General Nakar, past the border of Rizal in Brgy. Daraitan.

Tutulakan River is roughly a two-hour drive away from Quezon City or Pasig City, plus an hour of hiking through Daraitan for the next village of Pagsangahan in Quezon Province. It's part of the long and winding Agos River where the tourist-favorite Tinipak Spring and rock formation can also be found. It's actually just a thirty minute hike from that tourist destination where most visiting hikers camp out.

Simply trek the first few meters of the trail for the hamlet of Cablao and veer down the bifurcation after a steep ascent. A few more minutes of walking through a rocky and muddy trail will reveal a pebbled riverbank that locals call Kaybagbagan. The next five minutes of more trekking will let you see rock boulders in different sizes and a massive rock wall where the river becomes as deep as 30 feet and appears to look emerald green against the sun. There, tourists can hop on a balsa (bamboo raft) and steer their way to where the Mainit Hot Spring begins.

There, tourists can hop on a balsa (bamboo raft) and steer their way to where the Mainit Hot Spring begins.

The secluded river is what some locals who live in the far-flung mountainside communities of General Nakar tackle as their shortcut from Rizal aboard a bamboo raft instead of hiking longer on foot. It's also where some of them fish for freshwater carp (karpa in Tagalog).

Here are three reasons why Tutulakan River can be the next natural attraction to possibly capture the fancy of tourists -- local or foreign -- from Metro Manila this 2018:

1. Its Remote Beauty Deserves The Short Hike

Chances are, if you're into hiking, visiting rivers and seeing rock formations, you've already reached Tinipak River. It's actually part of General Nakar and is actively being promoted by local guides from Rizal's Brgy. Daraitan. To see Tutulakan River, though, you will need to coordinate with General Nakar Cablao Outdoor Guide Association (GENACOGA). The association has a set of tour guides to safely take you there for reasonable rates. Check out its contact information at the end of this article.

The association has a set of tour guides to safely take you there for reasonable rates.

The river may be close to Metro Manila, but it's something unspoiled that tourists normally have to fly thousands of miles for to some distant province in the country just to see. Here, the accessibility is surprising because you don't have to fly on a plane and you won't instantly believe that you can be in the middle of the Sierra Madre's less explored part until you've reached it and experienced it for yourself. Next thing you know, you're back in Manila with your Wi-Fi access and apps.

2. It's A Well-Preserved Paradise In The Sierra Madre

Visiting Tutulakan River today is similar to how long-gone locals have seen it before World War II. This is because everything here looked the same back then except for some boulders that have been moved by decades of typhoon-induced flash floods. The water may be more shallow today, but it's as pristine as it was in the early 1900s according to locals.

The water may be more shallow today, but it's as pristine as it was in the early 1900s according to locals.

One Dumagat mother even recounted how her father once saw a large snake in the river which the natives call "ruaroy" although the last time it was seen there was before the 1940s. She believes that the noise from the explosions of the war prompted the creature to disappear forever.

3. Your Visit Can Help Dumagat Locals Live A Better Life and Preserve The River

Not all tourism efforts result in a sustainable development for an area's local community. When it's not controlled, the tourists arrivals can even hurt the attraction and eventually the habitat of the residents. Problems can range from waste management issues to the actual preservation of the flora and fauna of the destination.

By coordinating with the licensed guides of GENACOGA, the locals of General Nakar can have a steady source of income to provide for their families and even organize themselves more to protect where they live which is the attraction that more tourists are bound to see in the future.

Instead of independently setting out on an outreach program, regulating the tourism efforts in Tutulakan River can ultimately erase the unfortunate reputation that it's a bastion of communist NPA rebels, a black market territory for mining foolish gold, and an area that's off-limits to tourists.

It is, after all, still the Philippines. Maybe it's time you finally see what most Filipinos have been taught to ignore.

How To Commute To Tutulakan River From Cubao:

• Board the Cogeo-bound jeepney in Cubao, Quezon City. Get off at Cogeo's public market.
• Board the Sampaloc-bound jeepney at the Cogeo public market. Get off at Sampaloc where tricycles and motorcycles can be chartered for Brgy. Daraitan.
• Get off at Brgy. Daraitan and hike for the border of Brgy. Pagsangahan where you can meet your hired tour guide.

Tutulakan River

Official Facebook fan page of GENACOGA (tour guide association for Tutulakan River)

Location: Brgy. Pagsangahan, General Nakar, Quezon Province, Philippines
Tour Guide Contact: Joel Astoveza of GENACOGA
Mobile: 0926-933-4286 and 0915-595-9988

More Photos:

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Make Your Cove Escape At Playa La Caleta In Morong, Bataan

July 18, 2017, 7:46 am

≫ Next: Off-Grid Adventure In General Nakar: Turista Trails E-Zine Issue 5 For Download

≪ Previous: 3 Reasons Why Tutulakan River Is 2018's Must-Visit Attraction In General Nakar

Bataan is always considered by a lot of beach-loving tourists for quick getaways. Because it’s a peninsula, any traveler is bound to have access to a generous coastline. Some are fishing villages and bird sanctuaries, but there are definitely a lot of coves to choose from. Morong’s Playa La Caleta is one aptly named eco-tourism resort where a random escapade can become a memorable one regardless if you’re on a solo, romantic or group travel. Photographer Aubrey Gacer experienced such a vacation here one weekend and even enlisted for the Playa La Caleta Waterfront Estate’s first Beach Cleanup.

Forest Boodle Fight

Aubrey joined an adventurous group of travelers for this Playa La Caleta getaway which commenced with a back-to-nature meal at a part of the 100-hectare cove where a stream generously flows from the mountainside to the beach. Designed to capture the natural experience of dining in the forest -- water-soaked feet and all, the delicious lunch was a buffet-style boodle fight.

The meal location can’t be more perfect knowing that the whole resort gives the impression of being remote and secluded. And it somehow is both of those qualities because it’s not just a space of lush mountain forest that has access to three waterfalls, it’s also a kilometer stretch of beachfront, plus a one-hectare islet called Miguelito.

Beach Cleanup Effort

To ensure that the cove is rid of the industrial detritus that we know as garbage (with some coming from Vietnam that’s facing the West Philippine Sea), Playa La Caleta also invited Aubrey’s group to support the resort’s first beachfront cleanup effort. As with any environmental advocacy, the act of enjoying nature is always greatly enhanced with small acts of caring for it like picking up trash at the beach. The collective effort is always both humbling and inspiring.

Back To Nature

The worthwhile activity definitely rendered a unique relevance to Aubrey and his group’s getaway. As a result, the necessary relaxation that followed became more meaningful. They were able to appreciate more the way the whole resort was designed from the rustic materials used in the beachfront cottages that are equipped with a mattress, fan and mosquito net to the hammocks that dot the stretch of sand per cottage.

The presence of white curtains in the cottages serve as a wonderful addition to the simple accommodation which also gives guests access to a communal area where books and bamboo mats are available for making good use of their idle time at the resort. Guests with a lust for the intrepid can kayak, hike to the waterfalls for forty minutes or trek to the nearby Miguelito Islet to see its natural pool.

Guests with a lust for the intrepid can kayak, hike to the waterfalls for forty minutes or trek to the nearby Miguelito Islet to see its natural pool.

How To Get There

Bataan, in general, is always a favorite vacation spot for those in Central Luzon. For tourists coming from Metro Manila, it is also accessible especially since Morong is just a bus (Manila-Balanga), jeepney (Balanga-Bagac Public Market), and tricycle (Bagac Public Market-port of Fajardo’s Beach Resort) ride away. Guests of the resort will just have to contend with a 25 to 30-minute boat transfer (Php1,800 for 10 persons) from the port of Fajardo’s Beach Resort which is always necessary when traveling to a semi-remote and secluded destination where nature is still well-preserved.

Air conditioned accommodations, a bike trail for biking enthusiasts, and a more enhanced resort restaurant will soon be opened just in time for the rainy season and next year’s summer vacationers, so there’s a reason to revisit the resort on a good day for those who’ve experienced it before. If you haven’t visited this side of Bataan, then it’s time you plan that near-Metro Manila getaway soon.

Photography by Aubrey Gacer

Playa La Caleta

Official website of Playa La Caleta
Official Facebook fan page of Playa La Caleta

Address: Matikis, Morong, Bataan, Philippines

Phone: +632 637-9147 +632 637-9148
Mobile: +63908-888-7668 and +63916-766-0111
Email: playalacaletabataan@gmail.com

Want to know more about Bataan?
Check out the Turista Trails E-Zine issue about Bataan here.

More Photos Below:

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Off-Grid Adventure In General Nakar: Turista Trails E-Zine Issue 5 For Download

July 19, 2017, 10:29 am

≫ Next: First Look At The Newly-Opened Rizal Park Hotel Manila

≪ Previous: Make Your Cove Escape At Playa La Caleta In Morong, Bataan

Attractions to discover in General Nakar: Agos River, Tutulakan River, Maktang Beach, Maktang Falls, Lulumnan Beach, Lulumnan Falls, Masanga Coves and more.

Browse and download other issues of the Turista Trails E-Zine:

• Turista Trails E-Zine Issue 4: Beyond The Bataan You Know
• Turista Trails E-Zine Issue 3: Cagayan Calling
• Turista Trails E-Zine Issue 2: Albay-Bound
• Turista Trails E-Zine Issue 1: Come To Quezon Province

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First Look At The Newly-Opened Rizal Park Hotel Manila

July 20, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Top Antipolo Getaways: Luljetta's Place, Loreland Farm Resort and Camp Tipolo

≪ Previous: Off-Grid Adventure In General Nakar: Turista Trails E-Zine Issue 5 For Download

Just when I thought that nothing new and remarkable could come out of Manila these days, Rizal Park Hotel proved me wrong. It has so far managed to restore its historical relevance in Ermita as I've experienced staying there less than a month after it formally opened. The structure used to house the Army and Navy Club that started more than a century ago when Filipinos and Americans actively cultivated relations and, as a result, several important events were held to ascertain them. It was also the venue where Manila's social life thrived.

National Historical Landmark

Rizal Park Hotel is definitely a historically-inspired space. Declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on April 26, 1991, the structure is now a 110-room hotel that captures the opulent urban living in Manila. Whether you're a traveler who has a penchant for nostalgia or a diplomat who's in town for critical business meetings, it has enough grandeur that exudes elegance, luxury, sophistication, and comfort for any guest.

What I loved the most about my stay came as early as my Grab ride drove past the hotel premises' entrance. Having seen the row of century-old acacia trees that dot the property's iron fence, I immediately fell in love with the place upon arrival.

How It Was Back Then

The Army and Navy Club was an integral part of the thriving social life of Americans in Manila for several decades. As a matter of fact, the illustrious lineup of club presidents included Adm. George Dewey, General Arthur MacArthur, Jr. and his son Douglas MacArthur. The venue had banquet and social halls, dining and drinking facilities, rooms to accommodate guests, swimming pools and other entertainment facilities.

During World War II, it was used as a bomb shelter and evacuation center. It might have survived the war, but the site slowly transformed into a crumbling mansion that eventually became a city hall warehouse.

Having seen the row of century-old acacia trees that dot the property's iron fence, I immediately fell in love with the place upon arrival.

Filipino-Colonial Guest Room

Since the hotel is yet to open its infinity pool that will have guests get soaked with a view of the Manila Bay, I decided to just focus on its other amenities like the dreamy courtyard where I lingered in the afternoon. I also spent most of my stay at its Filipino-Colonial guest room that seems to be designed for comfort, luxury, and nostalgia. It was not an easy combo to pull off, but it worked even with the juxtaposed wallpaper and floor tile design. My booked Deluxe Room definitely felt all those things and more. If anything, it was a lavish living space. What's more, it offered me a spectacular view of the Manila Bay.

Complimentary Wi-Fi access was strong. The bed was plush. The mini-ref was adequately supplied with just about every basic beverage and snack I could think of. Plus, the bathroom was both spacious and functional, although I would have wanted the presence of a bath mat in the shower because I tend to be clumsy when I'm wet.

Extended Room Rate Promo

The hotel currently has an Introductory Offer for as low as Php4,800 per night for two guests, inclusive of buffet breakfast. The room rate promo is extended till September 30, 2017.

Topnotch Buffet Breakfast At Cafe Rizal

The buffet breakfast at the hotel's affiliate F&B, Cafe Rizal, was topnotch. There was a lot of buffet selections to try from dim sums, pastries, salads to a variety of viands, although I was not able to do so only because I just recovered from a headache a day prior and I was not in the mood to indulge on food. I did try the basic ones like the breakfast staples -- hashbrown, bacon, longganisa and fried rice -- just to get a sense of the food quality.

Just in case you're in the area for a cheat day, Cafe Rizal has an ongoing Introductory Buffet Offer: Breakfast at Php850 nett (6:00am-10:00am), Lunch at Php1,250 nett (11:30am-2:30pm) and Dinner at Php1,500 nett (6:00pm-10:00pm).

Restored to its former grandeur, the historical structure that is Rizal Park Hotel is truly iconic. It now beckons travelers like you to experience its 5-star boutique hotel service while you fantasize about how it was like walking the same floor surrounded by nothing but opulence more than a century ago.

Photography by Aubrey Gacer and Karl Acepcion

Rizal Park Hotel Manila

Official website of Rizal Park Hotel Manila

Address: South Road Drive, T.M. Kalaw Extension, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Phone: (02) 804-8700
Email: reservations@rizalparkhotel.com.ph

More Photos Below:

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Top Antipolo Getaways: Luljetta's Place, Loreland Farm Resort and Camp Tipolo

July 26, 2017, 1:59 pm

≫ Next: My Choice of Shoes and Bags By Salvatore Mann For Modern Travels

≪ Previous: First Look At The Newly-Opened Rizal Park Hotel Manila

It's rare to find a near-Metro Manila getaway that really defines a venue fitting of an urban escape. Accessibility is just one of its facets. The destination also has to disarm a guest of one's inhibitions to the point that a Wi-Fi access or Netflix subscription is something that can be set aside for a day or two. In Antipolo City, a cluster of such attractions are giving local and foreign tourists a variety of reasons to schedule those quick romantic retreats, company team buildings, and family excursions.

Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa, Loreland Farm Resort and Camp Tipolo Adventureland are three properties that make this spot in Rizal worth the one-hour drive or commute from Metro Manila. Before heading to a more remote destination in the Philippines, most foreign backpackers can also find it as a satisfying layover from the nearest airport in Pasay City which is just a couple of hours via C5.

The charming Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa

Hinulugang Taktak Falls in Antipolo City

Casa Corazon of Loreland Farm Resort

The scenery at Camp Tipolo Adventureland

Located at the foot of the Sierra Madre, all three brands stand next to each other. Residents of Antipolo City consider Loreland Farm Resort an institution when it comes to local outings since it started operation in 1996. Its cliffside was soon developed into a charming resort spa called Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa and has since become a reputable wellness facility and special events place. As for Camp Tipolo Adventureland, it's been attracting a lot of team building events and group reunions since it first opened. Anywhere you go here, you're bound to see a lot of trees in different shapes and sizes.

Beyond the cluster of destinations, Antipolo has other attractions to offer from its homegrown restaurants, the Antipolo Cathedral to its massive waterfalls called Hinulugang Taktak which can be found in the city's national park. The province of Rizal also has a lot to offer an intrepid tourist who wants to explore the terrain while booked at any of the aforementioned properties. Simply book a tour with Bienvenido Travel and Tours and the adventure can be arranged with ease. See its contact information at the end of this article.

Jacuzzi soak with fellow travelers at Luljetta's Place

Boodle Fight at Camp Tipolo Adventureland

A view of the three properties in Antipolo City

Just how distinct Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa, Loreland Farm Resort and Camp Tipolo Adventureland are from each other? Each is definitely unique and can appeal to a select type of traveler who's out of Metro Manila's range for a purpose. Check out how:

1. Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa

Going to a spa in a congested city normally happens at high-end facilities and for an expensive cost. A guest may feel robbed of his hard-earned money but he's willing to trade it for the elusive rejuvenation that his tired mind and body demand.

At Luljetta's Place, though, the high-end facility is not an opulently decorated building that has no windows. The rejuvenating result is the same and, perhaps, even more meaningful because the venue is the well-manicured cliffside of a mountain resort, just next to Loreland, where the view of the Laguna de Bay is enthralling and the rest of the Sierra Madre is relaxing.

The infinity pool with the enthralling view of Laguna De Bay

A relaxing spot at Luljetta's Place

One of the swimming pools at Luljetta's Place

Fish Spa; Photography by Jherson Jaya of LonelyTravelogue.com

Surrounded By Nature

You'll know you're in the right place for a massage, fish spa or afternoon soak when similar facilities in toxic Metro Manila mimic how nature designs its entirety all-year round. If back in your area of daily grind a spa always felt like a tour of a haunted mansion, Luljetta's Place is anything but. With several trees, plants and flowers surrounding its spa amenities at a cliff of Brgy. San Roque, you will certainly imbibe the natural healing process of having a massage where it matters -- in the company of nature.

Antipolo's Best Suman at Luljetta's Cafe

The spectacular view from Luljetta's Cafe

Luljetta'sCafe

Luljetta's Cafe

Guests can also enjoy snacks at Luljetta's Cafe, its affiliate F&B where a dining view is quite romantic any time of the day. Make sure to order the special suman for tasting topnotch what with its cashew nuts, bits of ripe mango and coconut sauce. Pair the delicious snack with a hot cup of coffee and you're set for the afternoon.

Accommodations

The property also has various accommodations for overnight stays via its Garden Suites.

The facade of the Mykonos accommodation

Inside the Mykonos accommodation

Our booked room

Friends lounging at Luljetta's Place Garden Suites

As I've recently tested staying there with a group of friends, our booked rooms were well-appointed with no-frills features like air conditioning, flat screen TV, plush bed and bedding, bathroom essentials and complimentary mineral water. It even has extra features like a coffee and tea-making facility, bathrobes and extra pillows!

The newly-opened accommodation called Mykonos is definitely something that I'll try with my relatives soon. The design is Greek-inspired and it has an exclusive access to its own pool.

The variety of swimming pools at Luljetta's Place

Experiencing the Signature Massage at the spa before dinner

One of the several pools at Luljetta's Place

The way to the Jacuzzi and sauna

Room Rate Inclusions

Room rates are inclusive of access to the spa facility for five hours with snacks and additional access to Loreland Farm Resort but without a signature massage. To experience the latter, a guest simply has to request for one for a specific add-on cost of Php750 (massage good for one hour).

Fish Spa

Massage Hut

A couple relaxing at Luljetta's Place

The view of the Jacuzzi from the sauna

During our stay, our group tried the massage which is a combination of Thai (stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques), Shiatsu (applying pressure using thumbs, hands, elbows, knees or feet) and Swedish (muscle-kneading with long gliding strokes). We also had fun having a Jacuzzi soak after trying the newly-installed sauna. Along the way, we stopped for some relaxing moments at the fish spa and had a quick dip at the infinity pool.

2. Loreland Farm Resort

Since my booked room at Luljetta's Place allowed for an additional access of Loreland Farm resort, I had the chance to take a stroll at this neighboring property which is considered as a hospitality institution in Antipolo.

Nostalgic Treat

Having visited it countless of times in the late '90s as a teenager, I know how far the resort has gone in terms of maintenance and improvements. My early morning walk of the place was a nostalgic treat for me as it let me remember old memories with high school friends at the pool, its restaurant called Verde, the secluded chapel and its many cottages. I distinctly remember staying at one of its long-gone cliffside lodging and waking up to a foggy morning in this side of Rizal with a hot cup of choco in one hand.

New Favorites

My new favorite part of this farm resort is the Casa Corazon for being next to an age-old tree and the dreamy Loreland Villa which has its own exclusive cliff-side swimming pool. I also loved the addition of a more decent playground for kids, especially since a lot of those who check-in at Loreland are families with children.

3. Camp Tipolo Adventureland

Our group also tried visiting the nearby adventure grounds called Camp Tipolo Adventureland where most team building sessions are booked. Located within the 12-hectare property of Loreland Farm Resort, the camp exists to inspire visitors with team spirit ideals and extreme love for nature. The way to it alone is enough to pump one's adrenaline because the long and winding path down can be a workout on its own.

Camp Landscape

The camp's landscape is teeming with lush greenery and cleverly designed with pockets of challenge-oriented obstacles like the Lagoon (Tight Rope, Balancing Log, Tarzan Jump and Mud Crawl), Low Ropes Course (Tight Rope, Monkey Bars and Spider Web), Low Ropes Extreme (Bossom Bridge and U-Bridge) and Mud Slide.

Half-Day or Full-Day Team Building

The whole property is perfect for a full-day team building. Since it's just an hour away from Metro Manila, it can also work for a half-day session or even a conference break venue where getting playful and rugged is necessary. It has a team of event designers to tailor-make a program of activities for any type of client regardless of the size of participants.

Package Inclusions

Its Pure Team Building Package has specific rates for corporate and student clients. However, both sub-packages are inclusive of meals (AM Snacks, Lunch and PM Snacks), vanity kit for participants, a facilitator and the use of the facilities. The other package -- Team Building + Swimming -- has all the similar inclusions but with the additional access to the resort's swimming pools and cottages.

Antipolo City may well be like that interesting sight that falls off the disc of your view. It's nowhere next to you but it's attractive. And once you find out that it's within your reach, you can't stop gazing at it until you finally get hold of it and see it up close.

Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa
More about Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa
Spa Operating Hours
Monday-Friday and Sunday: 10:00am-9:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-11:00pm

Book Thru Bienvenido Travel and Tours
Official website of Bienvenido Travel and Tours
More about Loreland Farm Resort
More about Camp Tipolo Adventureland
Address: Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines
Phone: (02) 570-2532, (02) 695-1965
Mobile: 0917-544-4432, 0928-627-8897
Email: wecare@bienvenidotours.com
and ramon.marinas@bienvenidotours.com

Bienvenido Travel and Tours at the The 28th Philippine Travel Mart

For more info about its tours, visit the booth of Bienvenido Travel and Tours at the upcoming 28th Philippine Travel Mart on September 1-3, 2017 at Halls 1 to 4 of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City!

More Photos Below:

The view from Luljetta's Cafe

Buffet breakfast at Luljetta's Place

A special events venue at Luljetta's Place

To see this waterfalls in Antipolo City, book a tour with Bienvenido Travel and Tours.

The compelling view of Metro Manila from Antipolo City

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My Choice of Shoes and Bags By Salvatore Mann For Modern Travels

July 28, 2017, 11:31 am

≫ Next: A Must-Have Mandal By Tribu For Gentle Trails

≪ Previous: Top Antipolo Getaways: Luljetta's Place, Loreland Farm Resort and Camp Tipolo

I used to be a "one bag man". I'm that guy who liked to streamline his life with just one backpack for a variety of trips. The getaway could be in the middle of the Sierra Madre in Quezon Province or the posh lobby of a hotel in Manila. My choice of bag was a dull-looking one that could easily pass for a schoolboy's. I was a cheapskate. And I still am -- cheap and dull -- when it comes to personal stuff that is. However, I managed to recently evolve as a single guy in my early 40s when I got stranded at a mall one evening. Without anything else to do, I discovered at the department store of SM that local brand Salvatore Mann sells the type of bags that appeal to my sensibilities as an artist and travel writer. What's more, it's pricing items at a cost that doesn't hurt my freelance career-funded wallet.

The Problem With Owning Just One Bag

The problem with owning just one bag for different types of travel is that I'd have to keep it clean every single use. I've experienced bringing my trusty backpack in business meetings after hiking in an off-grid terrain of General Nakar and I had to hide it out of shame because it looked disgusting. It turned out that there's a thin line between looking weathered and worn out and my gear was definitely looking like the latter.

Must-Have Messenger

Owning a Salvatore Mann messenger bag served me well in client meetings where I had to make a good impression. It also worked great for me in hotel staycations where I can stay classy indoors after roughing it out in outdoor tours. Most importantly, my seven-year-old laptop fits in the bag just right.

In Pursuit of Black Shoes

The same satisfaction goes for my pursuit of a comfy pair of black shoes which our dads tell us to own at least one pair of. I don't have a problem with those who go crazy collecting more than one style or brand, but it's always noble to have your personal favorite. In my case, I simply have to choose the best pair that's a combo of classy and affordable and stick to it regardless of the venue.

Fortunately, Salvatore Mann also makes black shoes for formal occasions. My personal choice is the lace-up Derby pair that's square toe. It's perfect for both casual and formal events like weddings and trade show exhibits because of its open stitch design. Also, it's easier to put on and remove because of its construction unlike the Oxford type which can be strictly formal.

Man Purse Shame

For guys who still frown upon owning a so-called man purse, fret not. Manhood is not diminished with what you own. You are who you are by the decisions that you make in your life. In my case, I decided to ditch the one-bag policy and choose to own something nice that won't set me back too much.

I'm just glad that I can turn to Salvatore Mann for shoes and bags that keep me moving no matter what the occasion is.

The Salvatore Mann items were shot at the newly-opened Rizal Park Hotel in Manila.

Photography by Aubrey Gacer

Aubrey Gacer is a Manila-based freelance photographer. Check out his work at Gacer Photography.

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A Must-Have Mandal By Tribu For Gentle Trails

July 31, 2017, 11:21 am

≫ Next: Mount Purro Nature Reserve: A Doze of Antipolo's Rural Reality in Rizal

≪ Previous: My Choice of Shoes and Bags By Salvatore Mann For Modern Travels

My travels are not always of the extreme scenery. I sometimes find myself in between a luxury resort suite and an unforgiving rock formation. When a pair of comfy slippers or a hiking shoes won't cut it, a footwear that exists for what's in between will work. My choice of sandal -- or mandal (sandal for men) -- is what will take me farther in gentle trails where my feet deserve to breathe and be protected at the same time.

Needed: Breathable Footwear

There will always be locations where a guy will need to wear a pair of breathable footwear to have a real sense of what's in the outdoors, humidity and all. Thankfully, Tribu has a nifty pair of sandals that I can call my own. I'd like to think that it called out to me from the store display in Megamall because it matches my sensibilities as a traveler.

Curved Sole and More

I love my pair of Tribu sandals for being comfortable and supportive to walk in because of its unique curved sole which reflects the overall identity of the brand -- laid-back and in tune with the environment. Whether at the beach or at the hillside dirt road, it's also made to last in rugged terrain without sacrificing style. There are a variety of designs with different straps to match your personal taste anyway.

Tested In Boracay, Talisay City and Baggao

Aside from its unique design that you won't find in more popular brands, a pair of Tribu sandals is quite durable. It just won't quit like me. In retrospect, I had a hoot strolling at the beach in Boracay for sunset and was satisfied doing a short hike of a remote hillside community in Talisay City a few weeks later. I was even able to push the footwear against the strong currents of a river in Baggao, Cagayan. The straps were incredibly tough and the outsoles were designed for capable traction underfoot to defy the unexpected outdoors.

Buy Local

Buying local is another personal advocacy of mine when it comes to my travels, so ending up with an item by the brand that originated in Davao was an easy choice for me. If anything, it's a snug fit inside my trusty Bulacan-made backpack!

If there's any brand of sandals that I will always walk in and walk with, it's Tribu. It's a must-have mandal for gentle trails.

Tribu

Official website of Tribu
Official Facebook fan page of Tribu

Check out the list of outlets here.

Check out more of my gear reviews:

• Atunas Aqua Shoes
• Salvatore Mann Messenger Bag and Shoes
• Columbia Ventraila Hiking Shoes

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Mount Purro Nature Reserve: A Doze of Antipolo's Rural Reality in Rizal

August 6, 2017, 5:21 pm

≫ Next: Forest Trail To Malvar's Peak: An Easy Hike At Mount Purro Nature Reserve

≪ Previous: A Must-Have Mandal By Tribu For Gentle Trails

Perennially laid-back Antipolo City is still rife with rural cliches -- especially at the foothills of the Sierra Madre where nature is thankfully unharmed by modernity's excesses. In Barangay Calawis, a family-run nature reserve is on its first year of operations as a mountain resort complete with a swimming pool, special event facilities and native-inspired lodgings for couples, families and large groups of guests. Called Mount Purro Nature Reserve (MPNR), the property is an emerging venue for vacations, team building, private meetings, planning seminars, conferences, corporate events and parties. Here, nature is preserved as a variety of trees drape the whole property. As a result, visitors tend to forget the time which is always good for the necessary retreat that led them to escape to this secluded part of Rizal in the first place. And the best part? The getaway is less than two hours away from Metro Manila.

Freeze Time and Embrace Delays

As a recent weekday guest of Mount Purro Nature Reserve, I had the chance to leave my diet of social media back home and embrace a much needed respite from work deadlines. MPNR was where I calmly welcomed delays and shunned the guilt of having to think about it.

My booked Loft Cottage

Outside my booked lodging

The Mount Purro view from the swimming pool

The enchanting Forest Trail to Malvar's Peak

How the Dumagat cook meals with wood and bamboo

Easy Commute From Metro Manila

Commuting to the resort was quite easy and fast. I simply boarded a Cogeo-bound jeepney from Cubao and got off after 40 minutes at the junction to the public market where the jeepney terminal for commutes to Paenaan is located along the highway. I eventually boarded one of those rides and got off at Kanto Veterans after only 20 minutes because this part of Antipolo City is interestingly devoid of heavy traffic. The total of both commutes cost me no more than Php60. All I had to do next after getting off at Kanto Veterans was cross the highway to board two short tricycle rides (Php75 and Php70, respectively) to finally reach the entrance of MPNR.

I happened to find out on the resort's website that one of its owners, Toto Malvar, is a grandson of General Miguel Malvar. I found it interesting to know that the fruit doesn't really fall far from the tree as the late Filipino general was also known among his peers to be an environmentalist. At MPNR, Toto manages to fulfill his family's advocacy for the environment, including sustaining the heritage of the Dumagat tribe whose members are part of the community where the resort is located and some of them are even employed within the property.

The resort is becoming popular for budget travelers who want to enjoy nature via a daytour. Since the property's less than two hours from Metro Manila, guests appreciate the package called "Hike, Eat, Swim" which they can experience from 7:00am to 6:00pm. It's inclusive of a buffet lunch and the use of facilities like the Mess Hall, swimming pool, hiking trails, the Asian Lounge, shower facilities and cabanas. The package rate is Php750 for adults and Php550 for children three to seven years old. Children below two years old are free of charge.

The rustic front desk of Mount Purro Nature Reserve

Fancy a ride on this horse?

The camping area for pitching tents

One of the lodgings at the property

Here are three tested reasons why Mount Purro Nature Reserve deserves to be your next memorable getaway in Rizal:

1. Pleasant Farm-Style Lodgings and More

Inside my booked Loft Cottage, going barefoot and lounging around felt the most natural thing to do. TV sets would just be a terrible distraction from all the rustic vibe anyway, so I was right in expecting that the place doesn't have one assigned in the guestrooms.

Loft Cottage details

Loft Cottage

(top left and right) Loft Cottage; (bottom left) Pavilion Hostel; (bottom right) Basic Cottage

Loft Cottage Details

Constructed from materials that were sourced in and around the highly vegetated area, the countryside lodging is inspired by the traditional Filipino bahay kubo where space is palpable. Unobstructed views of the woodland outside seamlessly create the feeling of being outdoors indoors where natural light is a resulting feature. It has a couple of bathrooms with hot shower.

The Loft Cottage (Php5,000) is great for five people but it can accommodate a total of 12 guests. There are extra mattresses for additional guests and an extra person can set you back an additional Php450.

Other Farm-Style Lodgings

The farm-style inspiration extends to the other lodgings that dot the property. MPNR's Casita is perfect for for romantic couples. Smaller than a Loft Cottage, the Basic Cottage can accommodate up to eight guests. As for the most expensive Suite Home, it's great for four guests, especially those with kids. It can accommodate up to six guests if necessary.

Budget Lodgings For Small and Large Groups

Guests on a budget can settle for the decent Bamboo Cabin that can fit five people although it can accommodate a total of 10 guests if needed. Should the booking demand a bigger lodging, the Pavilion Hostel (Php500 per head) with its trusty bunk beds and shared toilet and bath can work for a total of 20 guests.

Go Camping

Should you have a heart for camping, you can bring your own tent and pitch it at the property's Garden Tent Area (Php500 per person) for your overnight stay. Simply bring your own sleeping bag for convenience or you can rent the resort's bedtime set (mattress, pillow, blanket) for Php200. You can also rent a tent that's good for four people for Php500 only if ever. There's a common toilet and bath for campers at the resort anyway so restroom breaks won't be a problem.

Reaching Malvar's Peak to see an expansive view of the Sierra Madre

The resort swimming pool

One of the gazebos for lounging at the resort

2. Plenty of Activities To Enjoy

Beach-goers normally frown upon mountainside destinations because of the preconceived notion that there's not much to do especially when it drizzles at an odd hour of the day. At MNPR, however, this is quite the opposite.

Spend Idle Time In Gazebos

I absolutely loved the presence of rustic gazebos that dot the property next to a variety of trees (mostly santol or cotton fruit). It's where guests can read a good book or meditate for solitary moments or simply chill out with another guest to spend some idle time.

Try The Game Room

Guests with kids or the kid-at-heart can fancy working the Game Room where they can play billiards, table tennis, foosball, mahjong and board games. It also has an LCD TV and a couch for those on long stay and just want to have a quick break from all the nature-trippin'.

Learn The Dumagat Culture

Since the resort is an ideal venue for promoting the culture of the Dumagat tribe, you can also opt to know more about them by availing of the Get-To-Know-The-Dumagats package (Php2,000) which lets guests learn about the tribe members' experiences, including being taught how to build a fire and cook using nothing but wood and bamboo.

Proceeds from this package benefit the Dumagat community to build programs.

Cooking rice, Dumagat-style

Choose Your Own Adventure

The more adventurous ones can set up a bonfire to cook smores or hotdogs at night or hie off to the 4-kilometer forest trail that ends at Malvar's Peak where the trek can reward them with stunning views of the surrounding Sierra Madre.

Based on my experience, the trail wasn't difficult. I recommend it for beginners who are seeking a bit of a thrill outdoors but want an easy hike to a peak for no more than an hour. Just make sure to hydrate prior to the activity.

Read more about my hiking experience of Malvar's Peak soon on the blog.

If you desire a massage after the hike, MPNR also has spa services wherein you can be pampered for one hour with a traditional hilot massage, a relaxing experience that can enhance your senses in the middle of rural Antipolo.

Splendid Soaks With A Mountain View

The swimming pool is set at a far stretch of the property away from all the lodgings where my morning and afternoon soaks offered me the same spectacular view of the nearby Mount Purro. If anything, it served as a great space for me to kill time before and after my hike of Malvar's Peak.

Night swimming is allowed till 9:00pm

The view of Mount Purro from Malvar's Peak

Bonfire time

The scenery of the Forest Trail

Kiddie guests can safely go into the pool with their parents as the amenity is designed to have a shallow part for the young ones. Night swimming is allowed till 9:00pm and guests can swim as early as 6:00am before they even take their hearty breakfast.

Should you want to experience the outdoors more, you can opt for a Horseback Riding activity that you can enjoy for two full hours. If you're with a group of friends or other family members, it's recommended that you try the 30-minute River Trek which culminates with a dip at a river outside the property. It's good for 10 people for a package rate of Php500 only.

Loli's Kitchen at The Mess Hall

Buffet Dinner of Taco Salad, Pork Loin, Creamy Dory and Pasta Carbonara

Crispy Turon for afternoon snack

3. Home-style Cooking By Loli's Kitchen

The rate of my overnight stay was inclusive of an afternoon snack, a buffet dinner, and a buffet breakfast. And at the Mess Hall of MPNR is where Loli's Kitchen operates to serve guests as the property's F&B facility for daily meals.

Dining Facility

Dining at the Mess Hall felt cozy for me as it reflected the same rustic design as the resort's lodgings. There was plenty of natural light during the day and the venue felt romantic at night.

It's nothing short of communal as it lets guests stroll around the space to freely view the variety of ornaments and other knick-knacks on display.

Hearty Meals

Food at Loli's Kitchen tasted great. It definitely reminded me of visits I did in my mom's hometown of Infanta in Quezon Province where my relatives would always cook for me as a child. The crispy turon was a delight to have for an afternoon snack and the pork loin and creamy dory were both memorable for dinner. I also loved the inclusion of the filling Pasta Carbonara in the dinner set along with the Taco Salad. As for breakfast, I was really glad that they served champorado with dilis, a heartwarming starter for the day for me. I remember having three mini bowls of it more than I had servings of the dilis rice, sardines and longganisa.

Champorado with dilis for breakfast

The view outside from the Mess Hall

The facility can accommodate a total of 150 diners and it operates from 7:00am to 9:00pm by reservation only, although walk-ins are accepted but subject to the capability of the kitchen and the availability of ingredients. It offers a buffet-style meal package for Php400 per person which includes three specialty dishes, a soup or salad, a dessert and unlimited rice. Kids below 3 years old are free of charge and those between 3 and 11 years old are 50% off the regular price. A favorite offering among daytour visitors who simply want to scope the expansive garden of the resort and swim at the pool is the merienda which costs Php100 per person only and includes the snack of the day and a beverage.

For wedding packages, check here.
For team building packages, check here.
For resort rates, check here.

Mount Purro Nature Reserve is more than a mountain resort. It's a destination in Antipolo City that makes getaways meaningful regardless of the location, rain or shine.

Photography by Aubrey Gacer and Karl Acepcion

Aubrey Gacer is a Manila-based freelance photographer. Check out his work at Gacer Photography.

Mount Purro Nature Reserve

Official website of Mount Purro Nature Reserve
Official Facebook fan page

Address: Brgy. Calawis, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines
Email: reservations.mpnr@gmail.com
Front Desk Phone: 542-3005

More Photos Below:

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Forest Trail To Malvar's Peak: An Easy Hike At Mount Purro Nature Reserve

August 7, 2017, 12:28 pm

≫ Next: 10 Essential Hotels and Resorts To Book In Rizal

≪ Previous: Mount Purro Nature Reserve: A Doze of Antipolo's Rural Reality in Rizal

It's almost impossible to have a quick getaway from Metro Manila what with the lack of appealing attractions to choose from. There are only a few weekend destinations that are both easily accessible and impressive if you're working the daily grind from Monday to Friday. Even those on freelance schedule or vacation leaves on weekdays are finding it hard to find a suitable venue for impromptu adventure and relaxation. In situations like these, Antipolo City's Mount Purro Nature Reserve (MPNR) is literally a breath of fresh air.

"Hike, Eat, Swim" Package

Nestled at the foothills of the enduring Sierra Madre, MPNR is the perfect unhurried escape for people who hustle hard. Such vacationers are starting to appreciate its native-inspired lodgings, special event facilities and secluded swimming pool. Most importantly, its day tour package called "Hike, Eat, Swim" is giving them the best value for their hard-earned money because communing with nature is actually a priceless experience. It's something that they're surprised to find less than two hours from the metro in this rural side of Rizal.

Loft Cottage

Pavilion Hostel with bunk beds

The swimming pool with a view of Mount Purro

Resort guests lounging at the property

Experiencing The Forest Trail As An Overnight Guest

I had the chance to hike the short Forest Trail within the MPNR property as part of my overnight stay while booked at the rustic Loft Cottage. My short trek was both easy and difficult in that it only took me an hour to reach the trek culmination called Malvar's Peak, but it was also a bit challenging on the way up where the elevation gain was obvious.

Get A Hike Guide

The steady and winding ascent of the four-kilometer trail to the 420 MASL-summit can easily wear down the unfit which is why a hike guide is required to make the experience safe and satisfying. In my case, my guide during my hike (as coordinated at the front desk) was a female Dumagat named Pipoy who proved to be as tough and quick on her toes as those I've seen in the Dumagat community of Maktang in General Nakar.

Pipoy was a hoot to chat with. She had a lot of stories to tell about the folklore of her tribe and how she would fix her tooth aches as a kid using the burnt fiber from a coconut husk and other natural remedies that she learned from her Dumagat parents.

The highly-vegetated scenery along the Forest Trail

Finally reaching the breezy summit with a stick and mineral water in tow

The view from Malvar's Peak

Picking ripened avocado along the trail for snacking

Tibig

The Well-Trodden Trail and Steady Ascent

The hike started on a well-trodden trail with little elevation gain. After passing some impressive boulders, I braced for the ascent. From a certain elevation past the set of buho (bamboo) and anahaw-dotted trail where the avocado tree is located, I expected to make 270 steps more to reach the summit. Once there, the expansive views of Mount Purro and the rest of the Sierra Madre looked impressive on a clear day. I was so glad I postponed my original plan to do the hike a day prior due to an afternoon rainfall. The morning hike after a hefty breakfast of champorado, sardines and longganisa at Loli's Kitchen of MPNR was so worth it!

Recommended For Beginners

The Forest Trail is highly recommended for hiking beginners as the reward of reaching the summit doesn't demand much effort and time to achieve. Hikes can be scheduled at different times of the day (5:30am or 7:30am or 9:30am or 4:00pm). It's incorporated in MPNR's limited time Rainy Day Promo packages like the Family Forest Getaway, Barkada Nature Trip, and Tree Hugger's Escape. Check out the details of these promos here.

The kid-friendly swimming pool of Mount Purro Nature Reserve

The steady ascent of the Forest Trail

The expansive view of the Sierra Madre from the summit

Pipoy, my Dumagat hike guide

It's better to try it with friends or family members to make the experience more memorable and fun. See tibig or sacking trees along the way. Walk past a garden of gabi. Take your time to rest at the breezy Malvar's Peak and pick a ripened avocado for snacking on your way down. Lastly, remember to give a decent tip to your hiking guide.

Watch A Short Video of Malvar's Peak:

How To Commute For Mount Purro Nature Reserve From Cubao:

• Board a Cogeo-bound jeepney or van. Get off at the commute culmination, along the highway at the corner of the street to the Cogeo Public Market.
• Board a Panenaan-bound jeepney along the highway where the jeepney terminal is located. Get off at Kanto Veterans.
• At Kanto Veterans, cross the highway to board two succeeding tricycle rides for Barangay Calawis. Tell the drivers that you're bound for the resort. The last tricycle ride will drop you off at the resort entrance.
Note: Upon check-out or after your day tour, you can coordinate a tricycle ride out of the resort with the front desk officer.

Read more about Mount Purro Nature Reserve.

Buffet Lunch as part of the "Hike, Eat, Swim" day tour package

Rivo, the resort's pet dog at the summit

Photography by Aubrey Gacer and Karl Acepcion

Aubrey Gacer is a Manila-based freelance photographer. Check out his work at Gacer Photography.

More Photos Below:

Santol-picking at the resort

The start of the Forest Trail

The enchanting anahaw-dotted scenery along the Forest Trail

View of Mount Purro from Malvar's Peak

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10 Essential Hotels and Resorts To Book In Rizal

August 8, 2017, 2:05 pm

≫ Next: 5 Historic Hotels and Inns To Book In The Philippines

≪ Previous: Forest Trail To Malvar's Peak: An Easy Hike At Mount Purro Nature Reserve

The province of Rizal is blessed to have stunning vistas of the Sierra Madre and Laguna De Bay in specific locations. Where there's such a view, you can expect a hotel or resort operating nearby. With its close proximity to Metro Manila, the area has become sought-after for quick getaways that are truly attainable. This means that you don't need to justify a two-day vacation leave to your boss and then book a plane just to reach your desired destination. That's just too much work for someone who's evading the office in the first place. Thanks to the booming hospitality scene in this side of mainland Luzon, you only need a short road trip from the metro to recharge and relax. Some even prefer the amusing commute to have a genuine whiff of the local scenery and make necessary stopovers in tourists spots like the Pinto Art Museum, Hinulugang Taktak Falls or Regina Rica.

The province used to cover the old town of Pasig which is now a full-fledged city and I happen to be a resident of the latter which makes visiting the former an endearing experience for me every single time. My countless revisits as a travel blogger for the past five years have enabled me to compile a list of hotels and resorts that I can recommend for Metro Manila vacationers and those on layover in Manila. This is because Rizal is no longer a place that one can easily ignore. It has become both a meaningful stopover and weekend destination to most tourists.

Check out this list of essential lodgings to book for your next visit of Rizal:

1. Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa
Location: Antipolo City
Essential Feature: Cliff-side pools and topnotch spa (massage, fish spa, Jacuzzi and sauna)

The infinity pool of Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa

The fish spa

Trying out the Jacuzzi with fellow travel bloggers

Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa is popular among wellness aficionados for its well-manicured cliff-side facilities where the view of the Laguna de Bay is enthralling and the rest of the Sierra Madre is relaxing. With several trees, plants and flowers surrounding its spa amenities at a cliff of Brgy. San Roque, it will certainly let you imbibe the natural healing process of having a massage by an expert masseuse where it matters -- in the company of nature. The property has various accommodations for overnight stays via its Garden Suites. Guests can also enjoy delicious meals at Luljetta's Cafe, its affiliate F&B facility where a dining view is quite romantic any time of the day.

Book a room.

Read more about Luljetta's Place Hanging Gardens Spa.

2. Momarco Resort
Location: Tanay
Essential Feature: Secluded Casitas and regular sightings of rainbows in odd hours of the day

There's almost always a rainbow at Momarco Resort

The hotel and front desk of the resort

Casitas

Momarco Resort is a secluded destination in Tanay where nature lovers can truly be at home because of the variety of age-old trees that dot the property. Its most attractive lodging is the set of modern Casitas that are located at the far stretch of the resort. Equipped with the basic guestroom features like a bathroom, flat screen TV, plush bed and air-conditioning, each Casita also has expansive windows that let the natural light in during the day. It also has a hotel that's located right above the property's F&B facility and front desk. Its charm goes beyond its obvious banner amenities. A close inspection during my stay enabled me to see a tennis and basketball court, a mini-zoo and koi pond, an indoor sports hall for billiards, table tennis and darts, plus an events place. It’s definitely ideal for recreational activities by large groups or as a romantic getaway by couples.

Read more about Momarco Resort.

3. Mount Purro Nature Reserve
Location: Antipolo City
Essential Feature: Native-inspired lodgings and tree-draped grounds

The rustic cottages of Mount Purro Nature Reserve

The swimming pool for guests; Photography by Aubrey Gacer

The inspirational Loft Cabin

Mount Purro Nature Reserve has been getting rave reviews from both mainstream and hardcore nature-lovin' tourists because of its well-rounded approach to maintaining a secluded getaway. It's both attractive and nurturing at the same time for having unique facilities that's worth one's hard-earned money and employing locals and Dumagat natives as part of its staff for a meaningful stay. The rustic lodgings are native-inspired but impressively constructed with the careful consideration for preserving the Filipino way of life. Most of all, farm-to-table dishes at its restaurant -- Loli's Kitchen at The Mess Hall -- are delicious and healthy. The owners have managed to pull off not paving the property grounds with cement and opted to keep them well-trodden and manicured with rocks that can be found in the area for that full-on natural look. If there's a resort with a local vibe that's authentic enough to impress foreign tourists, it's this one!

Read more about Mount Purro Nature Reserve.

4. Punta De Fabian
Location: Baras
Essential Feature: Cliff-side infinity pool overlooking Laguna De Bay

Sunrise at the infinity pool of Punta De Fabian

A guestroom at the resort that has a viewing deck of the Laguna De Bay

The scenic view of Laguna De Bay from the resort

This hilltop resort in rural Baras is nothing that you'd notice from the nearby road where a local community can be found. Once you're past Punta De Fabian's gates and its steep driveway to the resort's front desk, you will still not appreciate that you're at a high elevation with stunning views of the surroundings. It's only when you walk further all the way to the infinity pool or to your booked room's viewing deck when you can truly be astounded by the location of the resort. Should you book for an overnight stay, it has its own F&B facility for sumptuous meals.

Read more about Punta De Fabian.

5. Sierra Madre Resort
Location: Tanay
Essential Feature: Viewing decks next to pine trees, overlooking the Sierra Madre

The view of the Sierra Madre

Pine trees everywhere

The viewing deck here is also a dining deck

You can overlook the dated guestroom design and garden ornaments at this highland resort that's located along the winding part of Marcos Highway. Beyond the obvious mediocre elements of the property, Sierra Madre Resort is sought-after for its location where expansive mountain views can be had. What's more, there are a lot of pine trees to see and you don't have to go to as far as Tagaytay or Baguio for such views. The place is actually a favorite snack stopover by riders of motorcycles and bicycles. Should you decide to commute to reach it, make sure to be patient leaving the place because jeepney rides tend to pass by the property only every 15 minutes which is the standard waiting time in the area.

Read more about Sierra Madre Resort.

6. Cafe Lupe Hostel & Restaurant
Location: Antipolo City
Essential Feature: Viewing deck overlooking the metro for spectacular sunsets

The best guestroom at the hostel because it has its own viewing deck

The stunning sunset view of nearby Metro Manila from the hostel and restaurant

The cozy restaurant of the property

Just an hour away from Quezon City, up the hillside of Antipolo City's long and winding Sumulong Highway in Barangay Mambugan, Cafe Lupe Hostel & Restaurant continues to attract party-goers, nightlife-lovin' professionals, and foodies who love Mexican and Ilonggo cuisines. This getaway is a dining destination, budget hotel, and party venue all in one. The location affords guests a stunning view of the Ortigas Center skyline at any time of the day and KTV rooms to belt out favorite tunes. They can also be entertained with live band performances on special nights over inventive dishes such as Kadyos and Inasal. Its restaurant's outdoor lounge is perfect for both romantic dates and solitary moments with a cold drink. By night time, those who may feel spent can check-in at OneA Building's bed and breakfast which has a hostel-type or communal ground floor to lounge in and hotel-quality rooms for restful sleep.

Book a room.

Read more about Cafe Lupe Hostel & Restaurant.

7. Thunderbird Resort Rizal
Location: Binangonan
Essential Feature: Topnotch facilities set at a valley along the Sierra Madre

The attractive resort grounds

One of the resort guestrooms

Apart from sharing its brand name with its other property in La Union, Thunderbird Resort Rizal is a gem of a getaway in Binangonan on its own. It's totally different from its 5-star counterpart in Poro Point that's inspired by Greek architecture. This resort and casino in Rizal is inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture and has a well-manicured garden to match it.

Book a room.

Read about Thunderbird Poro Point.

8. LeBlanc Hotel and Resort
Location: Antipolo City
Essential Feature: Exclusive resort amenities for special events

The swimming pool of the hotel

One of the hotel guestrooms

LeBlanc Hotel and Resort just opened this mid-2017 and yet it's already creating enough buzz among vacationers and wedding suppliers who find its modern design appealing for overnight stays and special events. Its resort can be booked exclusively for parties as it has its own swimming pool, guestrooms and other amenities. It's just a stroll away from Robinsons Place Antipolo for shopping and dining and the natural attraction of Hinulugang Taktak Falls.

Book a room.

9. Loreland Farm Resort
Location: Antipolo City
Essential Feature: Family-friendly amenities

Some of the accommodations at Loreland Farm Resort

The restaurant of the resort

The various resort amenities

Loreland Farm Resort is a vacation institution in Antipolo City which is known to be replete with resorts in different forms and styles. With this kind of reputation, it has managed to sustain its brand among its patrons, most of whom are families with kids and large companies that regularly hold summer excursions. New guests can find the Casa Corazon attractive to book for being next to an age-old tree and the dreamy Loreland Villa which has its own exclusive cliff-side swimming pool. Young ones can expect to be amused at its playground and the variety of pools with slides.

Book a room.

Read more about Loreland Farm Resort.

10. Camp Tipolo
Location: Antipolo City

Essential Feature: Team building facilities surrounded by nature

Camp Tipolo grounds

With fellow travel bloggers for a team building session; Photography by Billy Palatino

Boodle Fight!

Located within the 12-hectare property of Loreland Farm Resort, Camp Tipolo is often booked for team building sessions. It exists to inspire visitors with team spirit ideals and extreme love for nature. The way to it alone is enough to pump one's adrenaline because the long and winding path down can be a workout on its own. The camp's landscape is teeming with lush greenery and cleverly designed with pockets of challenge-oriented obstacles like the Lagoon (Tight Rope, Balancing Log, Tarzan Jump and Mud Crawl), Low Ropes Course (Tight Rope, Monkey Bars and Spider Web), Low Ropes Extreme (Bossom Bridge and U-Bridge) and Mud Slide.

Read more about Camp Tipolo.

Special thanks to Bienvenido Tours
Book a getaway with Bienvenido Tourshere.

↧

5 Historic Hotels and Inns To Book In The Philippines

August 13, 2017, 1:57 am

≫ Next: Pasig City Food Trip: 15 Craving Spots Beyond Kapitolyo

≪ Previous: 10 Essential Hotels and Resorts To Book In Rizal

Not all vacation lodgings need to be fully modern. There are some that take you back to a forgotten time. Although equipped with modern features for borrowed time's sake, such accommodations make for interesting homes away from home. They are usually structures that people can't ignore. They frighten the naive, but they also make curious guests ogle at vintage details. If anything, they're irresistible.

In the Philippines, I've managed to stay in four lodgings that can be considered historic in many ways. I've listed them here as recommendations for your next amusing stay wherever they're located. Three are luxury hotels in Metro Manila that used to serve a different purpose before they were restored to their former glory. One is a highland home in Baguio City that's now an inn. I included one more lodging that's a bed and breakfast which I'm yet to visit. It's worth adding it here because it's located in my favorite province of Albay.

1. Rizal Park Hotel
Location: Manila
Former Use: As Army and Navy Club

Rizal Park Hotel

A historically-inspired space as the former Army and Navy Club, Rizal Park Hotel is declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on April 26, 1991. It was a venue where Manila's social life thrived before World War II. The iconic structure is now a 110-room hotel that captures the opulent urban living in the city. Whether you're a traveler who has a penchant for nostalgia or a diplomat who's in town for critical business meetings, it has enough grandeur that exudes elegance, luxury, sophistication, and comfort for any guest.

Book a room.

Read more about Rizal Park Hotel.

2. Peredo's Lodging House
Location: Baguio City
Former Use: Family home of the Peredos

Peredo's Lodging House

Beyond its evident resilience, the Peredo's Lodging House was once home to the Peredo family. The lot on which the heritage house stands is the fruit of Roque Peredo's hard work and perseverance as a draftsman at age 29. Built in 1915 by Japanese craftsmen under his supervision with Mr. Hashiguchi as contractor, the century-old highland home has endured a lot of challenges. From a global depression to a couple of world wars, it came out unscathed. It also survived the destructive 1990 earthquake that damaged more than 30 establishments in the city, making it an expedient sanctuary for the owners' friends and relatives whose homes were destroyed.

The whole house can be rented or guests can opt to just rent a room or two.

Read more about the Peredo's Lodging House.

3. Luneta Hotel
Location: Manila

Luneta Hotel

Luneta Hotel was envisioned by its Spanish architect and engineer Salvador Farre to be a model of the Belle Epoque influences that thrived in Europe toward the end of World War I in 1918, the same year the structure was erected. It was finally completed the year after. Decreed as a National Landmark, the elegant six-storey hotel was considered as one of the world's most romantic spots by hotel aficionados during its heyday. The now 27-room hotel also served as a brothel for American G.I.s in the liberation of Manila during World War II when it still had more partitions for lodging. Now with bigger guestrooms, each floor only has its narrow hallways as a present reminder of its scandalous past. Its present restored state of elegance makes every guest relive the grandeur of old Manila when the city's elite, foreign dignitaries, and respectable merchant marine officers used to grace its opulent lobby.

Book a room.

Read more about Luneta Hotel.

4. The Henry Hotel Manila
Location: Pasay City

The Henry Hotel Manila

The Poptalk "staycation episode" shoot at The Henry Hotel Manila

As a guest travel blogger, I was able to shoot a staycation episode for Poptalk with fellow guest reviewers Bettina Carlos and Rafa Siguion-Reyna at The Henry Hotel Manila in 2015. Encompassing five two-storey houses that are interconnected by a covered walkway, The Henry Hotel Manila is a vintage gem of a bed and breakfast in congested Pasay City. Within the compound where the hotel is located, the ambiance is laid-back and seems to be frozen in 1950 when the structures were originally built. Guests are assured to have an authentic whiff of post-WWII Manila aesthetic inside the property because the period is well-preserved from the architectural details down to the nitty-gritties of the guestrooms' interior design.

Book a room.

Read more about The Henry Hotel Manila.

5. Casa Simeon
Location: Bacacay, Albay
Former Use: Home of the Alparces

Casa Simeon; photography by Roaming Rome Knows Travel on Facebook (@roamingromeknowstravelPH)

Casa Simeon (courtesy of Casa Simeon's Facebook fan page)

Considered as an icon of the town of Bacacay, the 97-year old Casa Simeon is more than a bed and breakfast that Albay vacationers can book. The 9-bedroom house was built in 1920 and served as the family home of Don Simeon and Beatrice Alparce. It's been restored with a restaurant, function rooms, library and mini-museum. The restaurant is called Cucina Beatrice and can be the venue of any special event in the area. Its library is decked with interesting books written in Bicolano.

It's located near the public market, the town's gymnasium and 20 kilometers away from the Commercial Business District of Legazpi City. From its spacious veranda, guests can view the majestic Mayon Volcano.

You can book a tour of it and other Bacacay attractions with Roaming Rome Knows Travel on Facebook. Check its fan pagehere.

Book a room.

The next time you're staying in the Philippines, try booking a room at a storied hotel or inn. It's when the vacation can become meaningful as it lets you connect with the past to appreciate the present.

My booked Luneta Hotel room

Eager for more travel recommendations? Check out the following posts:

• Essential Metro Manila Hotels For Staycation Part 1
• Essential Metro Manila Hotels For Staycation Part 2
• Essential Metro Manila Hotels For Staycation Part 3
• 10 Essential Hotels and Resorts To Book In Rizal
• 12 Pasig City Hotels To Book, Rain Or Shine
• Where To Stay In Makati City: From Luxury To Budget Hotels, Plus More Lodging Types
• Must-Book Hotels In Quezon City
• Where To Eat and What To Order In Quezon City?
• Baguio City Attractions: Where To Eat, What To See and Where To Stay
• 20 Resorts In The Philippines For Romantic Getaways
• 14 Filipino Cuisine Restaurants To Try In The Philippines
• 14 Restaurants With Unique Dining Views In The Philippines
• 16 Must-Try Offbeat Cafes In The Philippines
• Unique Laguna Resorts To Book, Rain Or Shine
• 12 Offbeat Attractions For Educational Tours In The Philippines
• Farm Tourism Destinations In The Philippines
• Fields of Dreams In The Philippines
• 10 Resorts and Hotels With Attractive Swimming Pool Views
• 7 Charming Resorts and Hotels For Pre-Nuptial Photo Shoots
• 10 Luxury Hotels and Resorts To Book For Pampered Vacations
• 8 Less Explored Attractions In The Philippines
• 10 Extraordinary Resorts and Hotels To Book In The Philippines

• 11 Quick Escapes Near Metro Manila Part 1

• 11 Quick Escapes Near Metro Manila Part 2

• Exciting Beach Getaways In The Philippines, Rain Or Shine

• Essential Adventure Rides To Try In The Philippines

• 8 Essential Wellness Hubs To Experience In The Philippines

• 3 Essential Events Place In Metro Manila For Weddings, Birthdays, and More

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Pasig City Food Trip: 15 Craving Spots Beyond Kapitolyo

August 20, 2017, 1:18 pm

≫ Next: LeBlanc Hotel and Resort: An Exciting Modern Luxury In Antipolo City

≪ Previous: 5 Historic Hotels and Inns To Book In The Philippines

There's more to Pasig City than having a food trip of Kapitolyo. You can extend that gustatory activity on your way to the city proper before you can even reach the city plaza where Pasig Cathedral is. For more than a year now, a lot of Pasiguenos have not been braving the painful traffic to the outskirts of the city for a cheat day or the weekend visit of a mall restaurant. They know better than to get stuck on the road with an empty stomach. They have finally found a satisfying refuge in the inter-connecting villages of Bagong Ilog, Caniogan, Maybunga, Sagad and Kapasigan without leaving their comfort zone. These places are proving to be a cluster of dining joints that foodies can conveniently walk to from one spot to another which is something that you can test for yourself very soon.

From street food, high-end seafood, incredibly cheap bulalo, to a decadent frappe, the choices are varied. This side of the city is where you can choose to get off your taxi cab or ditch your wheels for a food crawl. Finally, local and foreign tourists on layover in Metro Manila can have a tasty reason to get out of their hotels and eat their way to the city's neighborhoods where some heritage houses can still be seen.

To serve as your guide for this outdoor adventure of the delicious kind, check out the Pasig City Craving Spots Map below:

Barangay Bagong Ilog

1. Calderon and Guevarra Gourmet Carinderia

Location: 14 Pvt. Aurellana St., Bagong Ilog
Craving Spot For: Home-cooked meals

Tinola by Calderon and Guevarra Gourmet Carinderia

Adob-U by Calderon and Guevarra Gourmet Carinderia

Calderon and Guevarra Gourmet Carinderia is a boggle for the uninitiated dining aficionado. How could a carinderia even serve anything that's close to what is perceived as gourmet? It's like watching Kim Kardashian walk down the runway in avant-garde. Most of the time, it doesn't work. In this case, however, it just makes sense. Filipino comfort food dishes can be served with compelling flavors in inventive ways. And it can be done in a venue that's not intimidating. Here, what's odd is the affordable price that makes you think you just consumed something out of a seasoned chef's inner circle. Must-orders are the tinola, the chicken pork adobo called Adob-U and the Ube Cheesecake.

Read more about Calderon and Guevarra Gourmet Carinderia.

2. Kalderetang Itik Ng Bagong Ilog

Location: Sgt. Pascua corner R. Valdes St., Bagong Ilog
Craving Spot For: Kalderetang Itik

Kalderetang Itik Ng Bagong Ilog

At a corner across the Bagong Ilog village hall, the humble two-storey eatery is testament to how small town charm is translated into infectious meals served without pretense and at an affordable price. With extra rice now costing more than Php20 per cup in giant fast food joints, Kalderetang Itik Ng Bagong Ilog manages to still effortlessly sell kalderetang itik at less than Php100 per order. No peddling whatsoever. Food lovers even cross city borders just to taste the aromatic dish that the Arboledas and their staff traditionally cook in a pugon. Local celebrities who have a penchant for neighborhood treats are known to travel from posh city enclaves to get to the eatery just to sample the savory itik (duck).

Read more about Kalderetang Itik Ng Bagong Ilog.

3. Aging's Food Delight

Location: M. San Buenaventura St., Bagong Ilog
Craving Spot For: Original Suman with ube and leche flan fillings

Aging's Food Delight (photo courtesy of Aging's Food Delight Facebook)

It's easy to miss Aging's Food Delight when you're not from Pasig City and you're plying the normally congested Pasig Blvd. To make it easier for you, make the Total Gas Station your landmark when getting off a jeepney or FX ride. Across it is where the store can be found next to an overpass. As for residents, they know that it's where delicious assorted suman flavors can be had as early as 6:00am. The best-seller is the original suman with ube and leche flan fillings. Patrons love it for being a two-in-one delicacy.

Barangay Caniogan

4. Chabelita's Bulaluhan At Tapsihan

Location: Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave. (across 3 Bayani, past Rizal High School), Caniogan
Craving Spot For: Bulalo

Bulalo by Chabelita's Bulaluhan At Tapsihan

Chabelita's Bulaluhan At Tapsihan

Pasig-Rotonda is where Barangay Caniogan starts after Barangay Bagong Ilog and it's where several internet shops have found it lucrative to serve young and old online gamers. Guess what happens when they go hungry and start looking for alternatives to the usual instant noodles? They head to the 24-hour Chabelita's Bulaluhan At Tapsihan! However, some residents know it to be a go-to eatery for affordable bulalo. For just Php165, a group of three people can already share a big serving of the beef dish over a few cups of rice depending on their appetite. One thing's for sure, it doesn't have the weird after-taste that some eateries' selections tend to have. That can be a sign that food preparation at this joint is usually clean.

5. Tapsishop

Location: Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave. (across the old Montefalco Church), Caniogan
Craving Spot For: Tapsilog

Tapsilog by Tapsishop

Tapsishop

Having transferred from its original food park venue in another side of the city, Tapsishop has managed to keep the growing momentum going for it in terms of receiving patrons. It even has successfully welcomed new diners in Caniogan where there are a lot of hungry residents, including small churches of several religious sects that regularly dine out. And why not? Food is affordable and serving is hefty. That combo is a big draw to any local dining scene. Plus, its Tapsilog (tapa, sinangag and itlog combo) is tasty and authentic on the sweet side which some Filipinos truly love.

6. Saniboard

Location: Pag-asa St. (near Arellano University), Caniogan
Craving Spot For: Lugaw with Tokwa't Baboy

Lugaw by Saniboard

Tokwa't Baboy by Saniboard

Pag-asa St. is daunting to tackle whether on foot or aboard a vehicle because it's just too narrow to be a bustling strip of commercial establishments that include a university, internet shop, and several eateries. One eatery that you need to consider here, though, is Saniboard. Beyond the seemingly ghetto neighborhood, it stands out for serving different types of people. Don't let its resto bar-like dining area fool you. It serves one of the best lugaw with tokwa't baboy in the city and the variety of diners -- rich and poor -- is proof of that. For only Php35 per order of the Pinoy-favorite congee, you can go home satisfied. And nothing beats that feeling, especially on a rainy night.

7. Buffalo Swing Cafe

Location: Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave., corner Liwayway St. (near the corner of Pag-asa St.), Caniogan
Craving Spot For: Flavored wings, pizza, pasta and desserts

Pizza by Buffalo Swing Cafe

Spicy Salted Egg Wings by Buffalo Swing Cafe

Just a 20 to 30-minute drive away from Kapitolyo is a community in Caniogan where Buffalo Swing Cafe can be found. It's conveniently accessible from Sandoval Bridge and near the new Ugong-Caniogan Bridge (formerly P. Conducto). The neighborhood restaurant serves all-American favorites like pizza, pasta, flavored wings and a variety of desserts. It's just past the Riverfront Residences if you're coming from the direction of Rizal High School. From Rosario or Ugong, it's easily a 10-minute drive away. Patrons consider it as their dining venue for different kinds of comfort food from the Mac 'N' Cheese to the new Gourmet Tuyo Pasta. The roster of flavored wings are also sought-after with the best-seller being the Spicy Salted Egg Wings. A close second is the Butter Parmesan Wings. On weekends (and surprisingly even weekdays), groups of diners show up for bonding over pizza whether it's the classic Pepperoni and Cheese or the inventive Ranch Buffalo.

Read more about Buffalo Swing Cafe.

Barangay Maybunga

8. El Hombre Fil-Mex Cuisine

Location: Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave., Maybunga
Craving Spot For: Chicken and Beef Burrito

Beef Burrito by El Hombre's

There's no full-fledged Mexican cuisine restaurant yet at the city proper of Pasig. And the nearest one I know that comes close to it is a food stall based in a food park which has a limited life span. However, with the opening of El Hombre in early 2016, the Fil-Mex eatery void is officially nonexistent. Residents can regularly have their fill of burritos, enchiladas and tacos any day of the week. What's more, it closes at 1:00am for those who hustle hard at work. Unfortunately for those who have cravings in the morning, it opens as late as 4:00pm.

9. Don Benito's

Location: Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave., Maybunga
Craving Spot For: Cassava Cake and Pichi-pichi

Pichi-pichi by Don Benito's

The long strip of Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue finally has a stellar merienda spot in the form of Don Benito's. It's popular for being the source of the Pinoy favorite snack called pichi-pichi. The cheese-topped gelatinous treat is basically made of cassava and sugar. This version of the delicacy easily rivals that of Amber's.

10. Gordo's Crispy Pata

Location: Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave., Maybunga
Craving Spot For: Crispy Pata

Gordo's Crispy Pata

Crispy Tenga by Gordo's

Gordo's Crispy Pata is fast becoming a household name for crispy tenga, bagnet and its banner product of crispy pata. In just a few years, it already has several branches in different parts of Metro Manila, including one along Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue near Capri Oasis and Sandoval Bridge. There's no doubt that this business can soon expand into an eatery or a full-fledged restaurant.

Barangay Sagad

11. Calle Preciousa Seafood Dampa Palutuan

Location: Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave. (next to RCBC and near Meralco-Pasig), Sagad
Craving Spot For: Grilled Salmon Belly and Buttered Garlic Shrimp

Grilled Salmon Belly by Calle Preciousa

Calle Preciousa Seafood Dampa Palutuan

Calle Preciousa Seafood Dampa Palutuan is a Filipino-oriented dining destination that's also a special events venue. Formerly called Sophia's Villa Seafood Dampa Palutuan, it has now continued its tradition of serving only the freshest products prepared using its owners' precious family recipes at the city proper which is 5 to 10 minutes away from most city landmarks like the Pasig Cathedral, the city hall, Vargas Bridge and Pasig City Museum. What the owners started in another village in the city (Oranbo), they are now maintaining in this new location that's visible to more local residents.

Read more about Calle Preciousa Seafood Dampa Palutuan.

Barangay Kapasigan

12. Eskinita Street Food

Location: Along A. Mabini St., next to Mercury Drug, Kapasigan
Craving Spot For: Inutak

Malou Buensuceso's specialty called inutak

Malou's other street food options

Every December, residents flock to this interior pathway or eskinita in Kapasigan next to Mercury Drug for the most affordable holiday toys. For the rest of the year, though, the same spot is where a certain Malou Buensuceso sells street food options like lumpiang sariwa, biko, palabok, ginataang mais, turon, and many more. Her best-seller is the inutak, a creamy native delicacy made of glutinous rice flour, fresh coconut milk, egg, sugar and coconut cream.

13. Panaderia Dimas-Alang

Location: A. Mabini St., Kapasigan
Craving Spot For: Brazo De Mercedes

Brazo De Mercedes by Panaderia Dimas-alang

Along the busy A. Mabini Street that leads to the public plaza and Pasig City Cathedral is where Panaderia Dimas-Alang is located. It's the century-old Filipino bakery that represents Kapasigan and the whole city more than anything else. The pandesal there may not be the softest in the country, but it's one for nostalgia because the structure that houses it has been there since 1919. Also, the enduring favorite product of choice by residents is the Brazo De Mercedes.

14. Lumang Palengke

Location: A. Mabini St. (across Fashion Circle), Kapasigan
Craving Spot For: Chicharong Bulaklak and Chicharong Bituka

Chicharon

Chicharon stand in Kapasigan

Across the local shopping institution of Fashion Circle in Kapasigan, the city's old market still stands in its narrow interior pathway format. And at its opening is usually where a chicharon stand can be spotted being manned by a guy who seems to be in his 40s. What it lacks in attractive signage and design, the stall makes up in product quality. Ask residents nearby and it's most likely that they've bought a chicharong bulaklak or chicharong bituka there once or twice already. Some locals have even sent their purchases abroad knowing that it's only there where craving relatives can get their chicharon fix.

15. Chef John Cafe

Location: Jacinta Place, Industria St. (across Child's Hope and near PLP), Kapasigan
Craving Spot For: Dark Chocolate Frappe and Sizzling Pork Sisig

Dark Chocolate Frappe (left), pasta flavors and Franfurters Sausage (right) by Chef John Cafe

Sizzling Pork Sisig by Chef John Cafe

Where there's a school and a hospital, dining joints are bound to open. Case in point: Chef John Cafe. Located at the ground floor of the newly-constructed Jacinta Place, the air-conditioned restaurant is just small but it packs a wallop when it comes to the quality of food selections. The Sizzling Pork Sisig is flavorful. The milk tea and frappe flavors taste remarkable. The roster of pasta flavors are both filling and tasty. Items are often great for sharing and pricing is affordable. There really is nothing much to complain about at this new restaurant that's near the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig (PLP) and Child's Hope. With a catering pro at the helm of operations and the kitchen, residents are finding this dining spot more satisfying to spend on than repeat visits of the typical fast food.

Have fun on your upcoming food trip of Pasig City!

Book a hotel room in Pasig City.

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LeBlanc Hotel and Resort: An Exciting Modern Luxury In Antipolo City

September 10, 2017, 3:21 pm

≫ Next: Art-Inspired Dining At Cafe Rizal In Antipolo City

≪ Previous: Pasig City Food Trip: 15 Craving Spots Beyond Kapitolyo

Antipolo City is no longer full-on bucolic. It's more than the rural scenery that your grandparents used to tell you about back when its famous waterfalls called Hinulugang Taktak was still so pristine. Although it still has a lot of trees, this city in Rizal is now highly urbanized and has gone through major changes being that it's just next to Metro Manila, thirty minutes away from it to be exact. Aside from its enduring locals, it now has upscale inner city communities and high-end malls to match them.

After a brief period of a surge in modernization, residents have learned to examine their ways and consider the environment as they move forward to 2018. Even its aforementioned waterfalls had to be rehabilitated for 15 years just to set things right at a time when lifestyles are evolving but beauty is still highly regarded. The recent opening of LeBlanc Hotel and Resort couldn't be more timely now that the city is ripe for a stylish lodging and events place that's normally only seen elsewhere. It's right along Taktak Road, so it's hard to miss.

As a guest during its dry run operation, I had the chance to personally experience just how chic this new boutique hotel is. From its modern exterior to its whitewashed interior, the 16-room hotel is a breath of fresh air in this side of the city. Any guest is bound to feel fresh upon check-in. Its overall design is expected to drown out the toxicity of one's outdoor hustle that includes regularly dealing with the ubiquitous traffic and localized weather. Inside, I was able to imbibe the simplicity of the establishment's minimalist decor from the lobby, the guestroom, all the way to the poolside. Apart from an age-old tree fronting the hotel, the pristine color palate convinced me that it was possible to have a relaxing retreat an hour away from Pasig City where I live.

The Sky Garden for special events

The hotel hallway

The hotel parking space for guests

The kid-friendly pool

As for Antipolo residents, they are fortunate to finally have a modern venue for special occasions. The hotel's so-called Sky Garden at the roof deck is perfect for intimate ceremonies, banquets, and parties. Up there, the view of the city's vegetated mountains is sensational on a good day.

Cozy Guestrooms For Relaxing Stays

Booked at its cozy Deluxe Room, I had the view of the busy Taktak Road and was just a few steps away from the lobby, the hotel's restaurant, and swimming pool. I'm assuming that the room amenities were designed to be basic to keep them aligned with the overall design -- no-frills and accessible. The spacious bathroom, open cabinet and easy-slide table drawers were all evident of this. Thanks to the room's many switches for ambient lighting, I had the chance to set the mood of my stay depending on the time of the day.

My booked Deluxe Room

Spacious bathroom

Chic Dining at The Bistro

The hotel's F&B facility called The Bistro is just next to the lobby. The bar and restaurant is seamlessly connected to the front desk, so any guest can immediately sit down, relax, and take advantage of what's on the menu upon check-in. Or one can have something delicious to end one's stay before check-out.

In my case, I had the restaurant's memorable version of Pork Binagoongan for dinner. The hefty plate of thinly sliced crispy pork belly in bagoong seemed great for two or three people, but I had it all for myself. It's that good! To seal the meal, I paired it with a refreshing glass of Ube Shake.

The Bistro

Pork Binagoongan for dinner

Ube Shake at The Bistro

The Bistro is also the venue of my stay's buffet breakfast which is inclusive of the room rate. It's not exactly a 5-star spread in terms of quantity, but it had enough of each selection from the main viands, bread and cereals, omelette, to fruits.

What I enjoyed the most, though, was the garlic fried rice for tasting the right kind of dry because sinangag is not meant to be soggy in my opinion. One should be able to tell the level of expertise of a hotel's F&B in the most basic items including such part of the meal.

My buffet breakfast plate

Buffet breakfast at the hotel

Sleek Pool For Morning or Afternoon Soaks

The hotel swimming pool is not much to look at if you're after dated designs. It's meant to be sleek and simple to match the modern vibe of the establishment. Once soaked, though, you will realize that there's a nifty add-on at one end of the pool -- an elevated portion where you can stay seated or relaxing on your belly half-submerged underwater. Push your back against the wall and you can have a rainfall massage. The kids have a separate pool that's just next to the main pool so interaction can still be had between adults and young ones.

There's a shower and changing rooms for male and female guests next to the pool and guests can request from the front desk for towels to be brought at the poolside.

Should you be needing a quick and stylish retreat from Metro Manila, LeBlanc Hotel and Resort is an ideal venue for such a getaway. It's new and modern, a different side of Antipolo City that's worth experiencing.

LeBlanc Hotel and Resort

Official website of LeBlanc Hotel and Resort

Address: 3 Taktak Rd., Antipolo, Rizal
Phone: (02) 509 1840
Mobile: +63 917-504-7086
Email: reservations@leblanc.com.ph

More Photos Below:

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Art-Inspired Dining At Cafe Rizal In Antipolo City

September 16, 2017, 5:00 pm

≫ Next: City Garden Hotel: A Great Value For Money Stay In Makati City

≪ Previous: LeBlanc Hotel and Resort: An Exciting Modern Luxury In Antipolo City

Thanks to Antipolo City's stunning cliff-side views, there's no shortage of exciting dining spots in this side of mainland Luzon. Tourists can easily make stopovers on their way up the city proper from Metro Manila or eventually linger for hours at a restaurant that has spectacular views of either the Laguna de Bay or the Sierra Madre. However, not all restaurants in this capital of Rizal can be found in such a mold. Tucked away from the busy streets inside a 1.3-hectare art sanctuary is the aptly-called Cafe Rizal. It's where visitors of the Pinto Art Museum take delicious breaks from all the indoor and outdoor strolls of the property's well manicured gardens, cobbled pathways, and Cycladic-inspired galleries. Because of its unique location, it can be considered as one of the most unique cafes in the Philippines.

Cafe Rizal is as quaint as its surroundings. Since its Ilocano owner Dr. Joven Cuanang is an art patron, nothing inside looks repulsive, not even the most intense art installation or painting on display. Every piece of art is balanced by the presence of trees which is something that art aficionados back in Manila usually find it hard to experience. Here, it's possible to have a whiff of various artists' compelling output, commune with nature, and be satisfied by inventive dishes from its restaurant's menu. A visit of this attraction is truly enriching for the soul, the mind, and the tummy.

Access To The Cafe

To access the restaurant, one only has to pay a reasonable entrance fee (Php200 per visitor) at the museum gate. Once registered, you can leave your stuff at a luggage counter or simply start exploring the sprawling property if you don't have anything on you that will unnecessarily drag you down. If there's anything that you need to bring along with your camera or smartphone, it's a hat or a cap to protect your head from being directly exposed to the sun. Since the area is filled with trees, you'll probably only need it when your stroll happens to extend after lunch.

Open As Early As Brunch

During my revisit of the museum while booked at the newly-opened LeBlanc Hotel and Resort, I easily had to take a break at its restaurant which is located at the center of the whole attraction. I was the first customer when it opened at 10:30am which meant brunch for me. I found my cozy spot inside the cafe where it still felt breezy thanks to the structure's expansive windows which also let the natural light in for that laid-back ambiance. By the time I was decided on my orders and feeling refreshed from my glass of Raspberry Iced Tea, some visitors were already taking their own quick breaks for salads and appetizers at the cafe's al fresco dining area.

Appetizing Dagupan

Raspberry Iced Tea

Tasty Dagupan As Starter

My order of the cafe's eight-piece Shanghai called Dagupan was appetizing for all its worth. It's a set of tasty lumpia filled with smoked milkfish and ground pork which I dipped one too many times on the accompanying Saigon sweet chili. It was a perfect appetizer to start my meal.

Tribeca

Creamy Truffle Pasta

As I was halfway in my set of spring rolls, my order of the cafe's pasta carbonara called Tribeca was served. Its Tyrolean bacon and mushroom definitely cut through the overwhelming taste of the truffle oil, making the dish just right to have in small portions. The hefty plate of pasta was actually good for two to three people, but I just had to sample it and decided to have the rest to-go.

Green Chicken Curry

Green Chicken Curry For Spicy Contrast

To complete my meal, I ordered the cafe's Green Chicken Curry which is an interesting bowl of diced chicken, Thai green curry and eggplant. It was served with steamed rice and was a great semi-spicy contrast to the creamy pasta.

For a fulfilling finish, I had a hot cup of Cafe Latte. It was exactly what I needed to perk myself up for another hour of strolling the rest of Pinto Art Museum.

Curious to see what the rest of Pinto Art Museum looks like? Check out these photos:

Cafe Rizal at The Pinto Art Museum

Address: #1 Sierra Madre St. Grand Heights, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines
Cafe Opening Hour: 10:30am
Museum Operating Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm, Tuesdays to Sundays
Phone: (02) 697-1015

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City Garden Hotel: A Great Value For Money Stay In Makati City

September 21, 2017, 10:13 am

≫ Next: LeBlanc Hotel and Resort: A Must-Book For Special Events In Antipolo City

≪ Previous: Art-Inspired Dining At Cafe Rizal In Antipolo City

It's sometimes overwhelming to book a hotel in Makati City for a layover or long stay, whether for leisure or business, even if you've already tried some of the most popular ones. City Garden Hotel Makati makes it easy for mindful travelers like me to choose it over a glut of options because it's just one of three hotels in Metro Manila I know that doesn't have service charge in its room rate. At the same time, a stay at this 160-room high-rise feels like it's first class when it's actually just mid-range. As a result, guests are rewarded with wonderful surprises from useful room features to elaborate service when least expected. And because there's adequate staffing for its mid-range coverage, staff members are highly responsive and guests tend to feel secure in its home-away-from-home ambiance. If that's not enough balance between affordability and luxury, I don't know what is!

Centrally Located In The Metro

Apart from being strategically located in Makati City where the quirky Poblacion district is just a stroll away, it's also accessible from various points of Metro Manila's essential spots. It's less than an hour from NAIA International and Domestic Airport. With Greenbelt, Glorietta, Power Plant Mall & Rockwell being less than 30 minutes away, shopping for supplies is quite convenient. No wonder a lot of foreign tourists on business and backpack mode prefer it over other hotels in the area.

Booked Executive Deluxe Room

Room essentials

Queen Bed

The view of Makati City from my booked room

Room Types To Choose From

Room rate is inclusive of access to a roof deck swimming pool, gym, plus spa and sauna. It also comes with access to high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary valet parking. Guests can choose from a variety of room types -- Superior Room, Executive Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Superior Room and Executive Deluxe Room. What's more, check-in is allowed as early as when the guest is available to do so even before the standard check-in time. As long as there's an available room, hotel staff members guarantee that they will make it possible for a smooth early check-in.

The hotel lobby

Sunset view from the hotel room

The hotel lobby

Hotel front desk

Upgraded Look

After learning that the hotel recently finished renovating all of its guest rooms to keep up with the City Garden brand's modern and upscale look, I finally booked myself an Executive Deluxe Room for a weekend stay. The room type was an easy choice for me because all of the rooms have bathtubs anyway, so the space and view of my chosen type seemed to be perfect as add-on value to the rate.

15 floors up in Makati City

(top left) Foot spa at La Famosa Wellness Spa; (bottom right) Welcome fruits

The roof deck swimming pool

All room types at the hotel have a bathtub

My booked room was unexpectedly spacious that it even has enough area at the foot of the bed for an accent carpet. Ideal for two guests, it's interesting in layout in all its 35-square meter space. Since I was on a solo stay, I requested for a queen bed instead of the usual 1 double bed and 1 single bed availability.

Nifty Room Details

I loved that the room has an available flat iron and ironing board, extra pillows, extra blanket and bath robe which are normally the stuff of first class hotels. For room view, I had a stunning sight of the Makati Business District, a part of Bel-Air Village and the rest of the city 15 floors up.

City view from the pool

Buffet breakfast at Bistro

Buffet Breakfast At Bistro

The room rate was also inclusive of a buffet breakfast for two guests at Bistro, the hotel's F&B facility that's located at the second floor. The buffet spread, as I've tested, was adequate and the ultra-cheesy omelette is a must-have twice regardless if you're feeling greedy in the morning or just on a cheat day. Guests can even request for unique orders like danggit or other seasonal food that are not readily available on display if they have a particular diet to maintain and for as long as the supplies are in stock.

For other meals in other times of the day, guests need not step out of the hotel. It has Encima, its roof deck restaurant that's located next to the pool. It opens as early as 4:00pm for afternoon meals up to nighttime for dinner.

(top left) Bathtub moment; (top right) Foot spa; (bottom right) In-room massage

City view from the hotel gym

Rejuvenated At La Famosa Wellness Spa

To calm my nerves of stress, I tried the hotel's spa service via its La Famosa Wellness Spa. I had my relaxing massage inside my room instead of the actual massage bed at the spa (a few floors up from my room at the 15th floor) although I know a friend of mine who'd do it otherwise if he was booked at the hotel. This is because the spa is right next to the gym which is of great convenience after a workout. I found out about the gym and its spectacular city view when I decided to have a foot spa at La Famosa an hour before my check-out.

All in all, both my in-room Swedish massage and foot spa gave me the relaxation that I needed during my stay. The massage therapists gave impressive service in that they managed to clue me in on some of my body's needs health-wise from the typical dos and don'ts to the interesting pressure points in my body that correspond to certain health conditions. I've been to more than a dozen of wellness centers all over the Philippines (mostly Luzon and Visayas) and it was only here where I actually had a massage session that also felt like an engaging doctor consultation which was a great thing for me.

On you're next layover or long stay in Makati City, drown out the hype of luxury and consider the authentic value-for-money quality of a satisfying stay at City Garden Hotel. You won't regret it.

City Garden Hotel Makati

Official website of City Garden Hotel

Address: 7870 Makati Avenue corner Durban St., Poblacion Makati City, Philippines
Phone: +63-2-899-1111

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