turista trails

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With the glut of fast food brands that serve fried chicken in the Philippines, Manang's Chicken stands out as a unique flavor that's distinct from market leaders. And, don't we love to experiment with our taste buds from time to time? I know I do, especially after being accustomed to the taste of popular brands that are starting to taste less and less home-cooked.

Manang's became popular with its signature glazed chicken and has continued to attract Filipino foodies that prefer its home-cooked goodness over the usual chicken fare. As a result of its success in the business, it recently introduced a new flavor variant which isn't glazed but is still flavorful on its own. Called the Crunchtastic Fried Chicken, the all new flavor reacquaints the Filipino family with chicken that's down-home in taste like it was prepared fresh at one's own kitchen. It's made more delicious with a 10-spice blend that definitely sets it apart from other chicken flavors that are out in the market today.

I had a bucket delivered to my house for lunch one weekend to celebrate the timely addition of a new pet dog in our house. With family members preparing spaghetti, the arrival of Manang's Crunchtastic Fried Chicken was on spot and a tasty complement to the revelry. I've ordered the brand's signature glazed chicken flavor in the past for dine-in at their branch in Ever Gotesco-Recto, so I somehow anticipated this new flavor to be less commercial in taste because I know that the company that owns and operates the business is 100% Filipino-owned. It's less of redefining the taste of chicken for Filipino homes and more of simplifying how it should taste. It's easy to tear into and hefty in chicken meat. No unnecessary gimmickry. Just pure home-cooked goodness in a bucket.

Manang's menu items can be delivered without a minimum food order. There's just a fixed P40 delivery fee and it's available at selected Metro Manila areas only.

Go ahead and try Manang's Crunchtastic Fried Chicken to know what you're missing out on.

Manang's Chicken

Official website of Manang's Chicken

Delivery Hotline:
661-1111 - Metro Manila
(082) 285-8954 - Davao
(046) 416-6038 - Cavite

Branches:

Ortigas
AIC Gold Tower, Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (near Emerald/ former NU107)

Katipunan
G/F One Burgundy Plaza, Katipunan, Quezon City

Taft Avenue
One Archers, Taft Ave., Manila

Dapitan
Perpetual Building, V. Concepcion cor. Dapitan, Manila

SM North EDSA
Upper Ground Floor, The Annex, Quezon City

Puregold Cainta-Junction
Puregold Bonifacio Avenue, Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Cainta

SM Dasmarinas
2/F SM CITY Dasmarinas, Cavite

Ever Gotesco-Recto
Claro M. Recto Ave., Manila

SM Fairview
Ground Floor, Main Building, SM Fairview, Quezon City

Fairview Terraces
1st Level, Fairview Terraces, Quezon City

Davao
4th Level, Gaisano Mall Davao, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City, Davao Del Sur

San Mateo
3rd Floor, SM City San Mateo, Rizal

White sand beachfront in Sta. Ana

C A G A Y A N

D E T O U R

Escaping Metro Manila to have a week-long vacation in Cagayan wasn't easy. I had to contend with a 12-hour long bus commute from EDSA to Tuguegarao City for a necessary layover and endure three more hours of commute on the highway aboard a passenger van to the coastal town of Sta. Ana. I was already feeling fulfilled with cave visits and farm views along the way, plus the windswept view of the Babuyan Channel from Country Inn By The Sea in Sta. Ana, but it seemed that an island resort located past the San Vicente Port of the town still attracted my attention.

White Beach Island Resort

Called Jerolynda White Beach Resort and Restaurant, it's a quick boat ride away from the end of the long Dugo-San Vicente Road. Just when I thought that there was nothing more fancy to see in the area, the island resort with its white sand was like a wicked outro to a song that's on loop. I didn't expect Cagayan to be this surprising!

Crocodile Island

Where boats dock at the island resort

One side of the island where picnic tables dot the beachfront

Jerolynda White Beach Resort and Restaurant is owned by former Vice Mayor Jeremias Costales and is being run by his sister. A portmanteau of the names Jeremias, Romulo, Lina and Dadiluz, the resort is also a little of many things. It's separated from the mainland, but it's just 5 minutes away by boat from it. Surprisingly, its beach isn't as nondescript as the fishing coastline of the province although it's not as fine as the sand of Anguib Beach.

Overlooking Palaui Island and Crocodile Island

The ultimate charm of the place is its location -- just a good distance away from the town proper but not as remote as Palaui Island. Guests who have stayed at the island resort found it pleasing to be overlooking the latter as they know that it's just another short boat ride away for a more intrepid adventure past the fish port.

On one side of the island, guests can also spot an islet that appears to be visible regardless of the tide. Called Crocodile Island by locals, it's an island cliff atop a sandbar that's visible in most of times of the day. Its attractive lure is not based on the assumption that it's inhabited by the ferocious reptile after which it's named, but because the rock formation resembles one. What tourists enjoy doing there are snorkeling and catching oysters.

Great For Kayaking

Guests at Jerolynda normally take advantage of how semi-remote the place is, but they also enjoy kayaking on a good weather as the resort has a kayak rental for P300 per hour. Guests in large groups usually entertain themselves with a game of beach volleyball at the inland expanse or a crazy videoke fest at the rustic session hall.

A closer view of Crocodile Island

With resort owner former Vice Mayor Costales (left) at the San Vicente Port

No Shortage of Decent Rooms

The resort has three structures for guests rooms that have varying interiors, plus picnic tables lined up at the beachfront. It also has its own restaurant and its operator encourages prearranged meals for the tropical getaway to be devoid of unnecessary worries.

If there's anything that I've learned to appreciate in Cagayan, it's the affordable seafood! This means that any guest can delight from a boodle fight of such delights and not the typical dreary seafood-oriented meals that are available in Metro Manila.

It's been a favorite venue for beach weddings and even GMA-7 reporter Kara David has stayed at the resort for a few days in the past for a special work assignment, proving that the location is blissful for uninterrupted activities.

The next time you're visiting Sta. Ana and aching to visit Palaui Island or Anguib Beach on your second day, surprise yourself with a detour to Jerolynda White Beach Resort and Restaurant. It will be worth your long vacation in the province, especially if you've chosen to reach it by plane via the Tuguegarao Airport which is less of a hassle for anybody who's not keen on a crazy road trip.

Jerolynda White Beach Resort and Restaurant

Official Facebook fan page of Jerolynda White Beach Resort and Restaurant

Address: Mapurao, Brgy. San Vicente, Santa Ana, Cagayan, Philippines 3514
Mobile: 0915-516-1584 and 0927-322-5769
Email: vanillehs@yahoo.com.ph

Check out other Cagayan-related attractions:

• Duba Cave of Baggao
• Laglagto River and Rock Formation of Baggao
• Country Inn Hotel and Restaurant in Baggao
• Country Inn By The Sea in Sta. Ana
• Palaui Island: Cape Engano Lighthouse, Baratubot Falls and More
• Nangaramoan Beach of Sta. Ana

• Matara Beach and Costa Carina Beachfront Resort
• Tales of Fishing In Aparri

Glamping with a twist at the banks of the clean Angat River

Glamping at San Rafael River Adventure

R I V E R S I D E

G E T A W A Y

For my revisit of the rural town of San Rafael that's almost an hour away by private car from Metro Manila, I made sure to experience the clean Angat River that flows through it in an interesting way. And what could be more interesting than pitching a tent at its banks to have an up close whiff of its river breeze?!

Actually, there's more. Called glamping, a portmanteau of the words glamorous and camping, it's a new accommodation package at San Rafael River Adventure (SRRA) where I chose to book myself for an overnight stay. As it connotes, the getaway consists of camping inside a tent but with luxurious perks of mattress and pillows, electric fan, butler-set meals and assigned electrical lighting at night to go with the usual bonfire setup next to the tent. This means that there is an available socket for charging gadgets. All these come with priceless views of the calm Angat River, a few grazing horses, and an expansive vegetable farm.

Glamping with a bonfire setup

Crispy Pata and Tilapia dinner

I woke up fresh in the morning inside this 2-dome camping tent.

Delicious meals (dinner and breakfast) for glamping

I finally got a break from the intense heatwave I was being exposed to in Metro Manila when I boarded a Baliwag Transit bus from EDSA in Cubao to have a reboot in nearby Bulacan. From the town proper of Baliuag, I chartered a tricycle ride from the old municipal site to SRRA which added 30 more minutes to my short commute.

The first time I checked in at this riverside resort in 2015, I arrived in a new car with a friend who was doing a test drive of it. Both ways to reach the place, though, are equally convenient but each can have its own advantage depending on your schedule. Since I wanted to arrive early in the evening, I endured the God-forsaken heat outside during my commute for this revisit. However, compared to reaching the place in a private car, the commute was shorter because I didn't make any snack stops along the way anymore which is also the case whenever I'm renting a van.

The river-view infinity pool of San Rafael River Adventure

Back when I first visited SRRA, it still had a lot of undeveloped property which was being used to grow vegetables. This 2016, I finally entered the same resort extension that's already designed as a camping site and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track. Since this swath of land is still next to the river, the rural charm of knowing that there's a massive body of water nearby is appealing to any urban getaway such as this. Anywhere I was inside the 2-person dome camping tent and regardless of what I was doing, the magnetic view of Angat River always managed to fall on the disc of my vision. The rest of the refreshing view were of bamboo trees and the pastoral plains of San Rafael.

Here are three exciting reasons why this glamping experience is fulfilling in this side of mainland Luzon:

1. Awesome
Glamping Perks

As I've mentioned, the intrepid way of staying next to Angat River inside a tent has glamorous perks that a guest normally doesn't have to worry about bringing to one's trip. The resort is going to prepare everything for the guest from tent-pitching, bedding details, light installation, access to power outlets, dining setup, cooked meals (upon request), including bonfire setup. As for bathroom access, there are a lot of restrooms located in the resort property for the glamping guest to choose from. Just the same, he or she won't have to rent an expensive room at the resort just to have access to its available amenities.

Stand Up Paddle Board

2. Resort Access To Amenities

A guest on glamping mode is no different from an SRRA guest booked at its luxurious glass houses. He or she has the same access to the river-view infinity pool, the resort garden, and other idyllic spots in the area.

During my revisit, I didn't just stay inside the tent during the day. I opted to try some of the resort's river-based activities that include riding the Jet Ski, the banana boat, kayak and paddle boat. I had fun watching other guests tackle the wakeboard and a new ride called Zoom. I also spent a few minutes riding the ATV for fun.

SRRA's Day Tour Glamping Package actually includes the free use of the kayak and paddle board while a Night Tour Glamping Package includes a bonfire setup. An Overnight Glamping Package includes both aforementioned set of extras. For more details, check out the glamping packageshere.

3. Glamping With A Twist Afloat the Angat River On A Bamboo Raft

Should you find the basic glamping packages of the resort still a bit tame to your intrepid taste, you can opt for the glamping packages that come with a twist -- afloat the Angat River on a bamboo raft. It's something that romantic guests have been eyeing since I first posted a photo of it on Facebook. The whole setup is firmly tied to contraptions along the banks of the river anyway so there's nothing to worry about being set adrift in the rivers of the distant Sierra Madre.

The options include a day tour, night tour, and overnight package. What sets it apart from the rest of the rooms and camping types at the resort is that it doesn't have access to electricity, so the area will be lit at night by a standby torch while the breezy area makes for a relaxing getaway, perfect for honeymooners on the cheap or lovers who want extra privacy away from the resort grounds.

Curb your craving for the luxurious and the extremely intrepid. Try something in between for a change. Go glamping in San Rafael, Bulacan via the San Rafael River Adventure!

San Rafael River Adventure

Official website of San Rafael River Adventure

Address: Brgy. Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines
Mobile: (63) 917-924-4546 and (63) 917-885-6761

Check out my other Bulacan-related blog posts:

• The Glass House of San Rafael River Adventure
• Essential Ways To Enjoy San Rafael, Bulacan

More Photos Below:

Delicious food at San Rafael River Adventure

Fun river-based activities at the clean Angat River

The rustic reception area and restroom at the resort

(top) The 2-dome camping tent is spacious; (bottom) Access to power outlets

Wakeboarding at the clean Angat River

The view of the clean Angat River from my glamping site

The glamping setup at the banks of the clean Angat River

A nifty torch for lighting setup at night

A Banana Boat ride at the clean Angat River

Kayaking at the clean Angat River

The new Zoom ride at the clean Angat River

The Glass Villa of San Rafael River Adventure

The resort's river-view infinity pool

R U R A L

R E T R E A T

In Bulacan where the clean Angat River flows, an ideal relaxation is basically the art of being idle. It's bliss that constituted hours of doing nothing to achieve. From a veranda, you stare into the compelling view of the calm river as it reflects the picturesque sky on a pleasant morning. The resort butler interrupts your blissful moment with his arrival and you nod to acknowledge the breakfast setup. It's a few steps away from your booked Glass Villa's entrance where your own private garden cocoons your presence at this riverside resort called San Rafael River Adventure (SRRA).

It's the exact scenario I once had the pleasure of experiencing in the rural town of San Rafael where the resort is located. Roughly an hour away by private car from Metro Manila, this idyllic getaway is truly a quick escape from the urban coma of endless deadlines and manic Mondays. Here, I did stare at the sunrise from the veranda and enjoyed the view. I also enjoyed a tasteful breakfast of danggit and filling dinner of lechon manok, tilapia, and grilled longganisa next to lush greenery.

The morning view of Angat River from the resort

Danggit for breakfast

A room at the resort's Glass Villa

The Glass Villa

Ideal Resort Layout

The other glass cottages were far from sight anyway so I basically stepped out of the bedroom to the front porch in my boxers. No one was watching even with whole scenery outside being visible from inside the glass villa. The one-way glass panels of the sexy structure ascertained that privacy anyway. Inside, I was able to appreciate the grassy parkland with distant views of age-old trees. Outside, I could only marvel at how the same scene was reflected by the whole shebang.

At night, a simple lifting of the blinds transformed the guest house into a garden installation. From the outside, it was like seeing a lantern on display. It's a pretty fancy sight to come home to from a day-long soak at the resort's infinity pool.

The Glass Villa

Glass Villa and Glass Cottage

The glass villa can fit as many as twenty guests while a glass cottage is great for at least four guests (maximum of six guests). Whichever you choose to book depending on your entourage, the blissful experience is the same. What's more, booked guests have a free use of either the kayak or the paddle board at the nearby Angat River. When you think that there's really nothing to do but to relax, you can enjoy such river-based activities in this side of the province.

Glass House Rates

At the glass villa, check-in is made flexible with options for a day tour stay at P12,000, a night tour stay for the same rate or an overnight stay for P24,000.

The same options are less for the relatively smaller glass cottage. A day tour or night tour stay costs P5,000 while an overnight stay can set you back for P10,000.

The living room of the Glass Villa

The Glass Villa bathroom

The Glass Villa at night

The resort infinity pool

For those who have extra energy to spend for more river-based activities at the resort, check out this post.

For more photos of the glass cottage, check out this post.

For more of the guestroom rates, check out the resort website.

Commute Tip

SRRA is accessible via commute. Simply board the Baliwag Transit but in Cubao, Quezon City. Get off at the town proper of Baliuag and charter a tricycle ride to Barangay Talacsan where the resort is.

Make your next rural retreat worth your time away from work or whatever it is that you do. San Rafael River Adventure has all the elements of a getaway that can satisfy anybody who simply wants to leave the demands of the city and be a recluse for a few days.

San Rafael River Adventure

Official website of San Rafael River Adventure

Address: Brgy. Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines
Mobile: (63) 917-924-4546 and (63) 917-885-6761

Check out my other Bulacan-related blog posts:

• 3 Exciting Reasons To Go Glamping In Bulacan
• The Glass House of San Rafael River Adventure
• Essential Ways To Enjoy San Rafael, Bulacan

More Photos Below:

The Floating Bridge Challenge for groups on team building mode

The resort's reception area

The morning view of Angat River

The Glass Villa by night

Riding the banana boat at the clean Angat River

Dinner of grilled longganisa, tilapia, and lechon manok

The Glass Villa living room

Angat River

Waking up from the Glass Cottage

The Glass Villa

The Glass Cottage

The Glass Villa

Angat River Cruise

L O C A L

S U R P R I S E

Most city dwellers in the Philippines know that rivers where they live are not attractive anymore. The few ones that are still pristine are in semi-remote locations in the country where less people reside. In Bulacan, though, Angat River is considered to be one of the few ones that are in close proximity to Metro Manila that is still pleasant to wake up to if you happen to be living next to it. Unlike other rivers in mainland Luzon, it's not repugnant in smell and people still actually bathe in it. As a result, the new riverside resort called San Rafael River Adventure has come up with a river cruise to cater to local and foreign tourists who seem to be gravitating toward the province because of the remarkable body of water.

Lunch Buffet On Board

Dubbed as the Angat River Cruise, the amusing experience is not just a rural ride afloat a massive raft to view the pleasant scenery in the area. It's actually the only existing river cruise in mainland Luzon that serves lunch buffet to booked guests. The two-hour voyage on the clean river also makes for a blissful time to relax viewing the resort's river-based activities of paddleboarding, wakeboarding, kayaking and more.

Grilled Cuisine Served Fresh

I managed to join a scheduled river cruise of a large group of guests one random weekend at the resort. On the raft, every guest had a table and seat to relax in for the exciting lunch buffet that was set up by the staff. Most of the local dishes were prepared ahead of time but the staff could still be seen grilling for the first few minutes of the voyage to ensure that the grilled delights were served hot and fresh.

Cruise Details

Although there isn't the typical live performer on board yet for any intimate entertainment, the guests themselves can actually sing their hearts out during the cruise as there's always an available videoke machine. For their convenience, they can also use the raft-installed restroom.

The water-based activities at the clean Angat River

Guests can also opt for the cruise that doesn't include the resort's lunch buffet package which means that they will have to bring their own food for the affair. Even if they're not booked at any of the resort's luxurious glass villa or glass cottage, they can book a river cruise any lunch schedule of the week. Since the resort location of San Rafael is just an hour away from Metro Manila and other key cities in the region, it's convenient to experience it even on weekdays.

It was my second time to hop in the Angat River Cruise and I still found it to be safe and kid-friendly. The rural breeze was still the same relaxing one when I first experienced it.

At a time when the industrial effects of progress have put the country's rivers in neglect and, worse, abuse, Bulacan goes back to basics. Nurture nature and it will give back with great benefits. This is probably how locals in San Rafael see the beauty of life -- in the simplicity of a rural retreat.

San Rafael River Adventure

Official website of San Rafael River Adventure

Address: Brgy. Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines
Mobile: (63) 917-924-4546 and (63) 917-885-6761

The Glass Villa of San Rafael River Adventure

Check out my other Bulacan-related blog posts:

• The Glass Villa of San Rafael River Adventure
• 3 Exciting Reasons To Go Glamping In Bulacan
• The Glass House of San Rafael River Adventure
• Essential Ways To Enjoy San Rafael, Bulacan

Check out other nature-related posts in the Philippines:

• Daraitan River of Rizal
• Laglagto River of Cagayan
• Wawa Dam of Rizal
• The Mighty Agos River of Quezon Province

Glamping next to Angat River

The reception area of San Rafael River Adventure

Deep-fried Longganisa Pizza called Eva Longgaria

Muhammad Ali...gue!

P I Z Z A

A N D

P A S T A

Deep-fried pizza was not a turn off at all. The description basically just put me off for a minute with nothing to opine about because I did not understand why someone would want to fry dough when one can simply bake it. After learning more about the technique, though, I found out that it was the original way the pizza-obsessive Neapolitans have been doing for generations in Naples to have a slice of -- make it thin and crispy. Pizzerias in London and New York caught up with the tradition years ago and so did Dondon, the owner of PiPA House in Marikina City.

New In Marikina City

The idea of PiPA, a portmanteau of pizza and pasta, came to the young entrepreneur after he left the Kapitolyo restaurant business scene to go on a solo venture. In Marikina City's village of San Roque, he found Dela Paz Street to be promising as an emerging dining strip where residents have long-recognized Boyong's, a neighborhood eatery, to be an institution. It's about time that a new delicious player serves the hungry locals.

Tinapa Aglio e Olio called Isla Fisher

Tinapa Pizza called Sealena Gomez

Unique Pizza In Every Way

Aptly called PiPA House, the pizzeria is everything that Dondon stands for when it comes to the featured food selections. All pizza flavors come in an 11" x 14" size which isn't square to begin with. If anything, one can assume that customers automatically are in for an extra treat, value-wise. Also, each costs no more than P99 which makes the deal even more attractive! At roughly less than 30 sq.m., the restaurant effectively utilizes the space even at the storefront where diners can hang out in the late afternoon or in the evening.

For starters, a customer needs to choose the base and then proceed to choose from a list of tweaked celebrity names to culminate the order. Streamlined to be ordered either as a conventional thin crust or a deep-fried crust, the pizza flavors are enticing as their names go. From flavors with names like PineAPL.DE.AP (Hawaiian Pizza) to Whiteney Houston (White Pizza in Creamy White Sauce), the options can make dining at this newly-opened pizza and pasta place quite memorable.

One Eva Longgaria, Please!

I certainly remembered my order of Eva Longgaria (named after the Desperate Housewives actress), a Longganisa Pizza that consisted of the restaurant's Signature PiPA Sauce (special herbs for taste enhancement), mozzarella, parmesan and longganisa. The kitchen puts fried egg almost in the middle of the whole shebang for accent unless a customer requests that it won't be necessary. A few bites off of it instantly made me a deep-fried pizza convert! It definitely tasted light and crispy, almost like a potato chip, which Dondon attributes to the type of oil that he uses. Surprisingly, its crust was almost greaseless and still chewy. For P99, this was basically a steal.

Dessert: Nutella Pizza with Choc Nut

Is that you, Eva Longgaria?

Dondon of PiPA House

I would have loved my other pizza order of Tinapa Pizza to have been served on a deep-fried crust also as a result. Unfortunately, I had it in the conventional thin crust which some actually prefer according to the owner. Call it a bad habit but I enjoy myself that way. When I like something the first time, I tend to repeat the experience. Coincidentally, the pizza flavor is called Sealena Gomez, named after a singer who can't keep her hands to herself.

Pasta Specials

What made my palate bounce back was a few forks of my order of Aligue Pasta which did not only look enticing. It also tasted smooth on the tongue. The creamy crab fat on the fettuccine is sourced from Pampanga where the restaurant owner originally hails from. Even without the tasty crab sticks, I'm sure it would have still made a lasting good impression apart from how it's playfully named -- Muhammad Aligue.

Full-house at the PiPA House in Marikina City

I also enjoyed my order of Isla Fisher, not the actress of Confessions of a Shopaholic fame, but the Tinapa Aglio e Olio. The olive oil-based pasta had just enough dried fish flavor to it that it was not too overwhelming to the taste. It's something that I can always order when I'm feeling spent, pun intended.

Sweet Pizza, Anyone?

Lastly, for dessert, I skipped on the chance to have ice cream and instead went for the restaurant's sweet pizza offering called NUTalie Portman which is basically a Nutella Pizza that has the local infusion of Choc Nut for nostalgia. And, like the actress it's named after, the dessert's cute and extra sweet. It's definitely something that kids can have fun pretending to chew like a pizza with a sweet ending.

Believe that a deep-fried pizza is delicious. I did. Let my delicious enlightenment show you the way to PiPA House in Marikina City.

PiPA House

Official Facebook fan page of PiPA House

Address: #59 E. Dela Paz St., Brgy. San Roque, Marikina City, Philippines 1801

Phone: 0917-520-5653

Check out my other Marikina City-related posts:

• The Book Museum Cum Ethnology Center
• Dining at Greg & Sally Tree Garden Cafe
• Snacking at Bubba Lab
• On Foot In Marikina City
• Dining At Yohel's Bagnet Station

More Photos Below:

With Dondon of PiPa House

Negros Occidental: (L-R) Silay City, Bacolod City, Talisay City and Sipalay City

Jamont Hotel in Sipalay City

N E G R O S

T O U R

Visiting Negros Occidental for the first time and Bacolod City seems to sum up all that you think you know of the province?

You're in the right direction anyway because it's the neighboring city where you'll deplane from Cebu or Manila. It's also where the Port of Bacolod is located for tourists who opt to travel by sea from the Port of Manila or Port of Iloilo. The city is the capital of the province after all and it's where the provincial museum called Negros Museum is also located for that time capsule experience. If your date of visit doesn't coincide with the city's annual Masskara Festival that's held every third weekend of October, the place is really just good for a hotel layover and food trip of Chicken Inasal at the Manokan Country. What you need to do is to weave through the countryside to extract the sweet juice out of the terrain like how the locals have been crushing sugar cane for decades to filter and treat the collected juice at the Sugar Island.

Beyond Bacolod

Beyond Bacolod City's famous festival lies other cities and towns that you can visit on a tight itinerary or even on a whim. Check out the following attractions I've personally experienced when I toured the province for 5 days:

Balay Negrense

Cinco De Noviembre

Teodoro Morada Ancestral House

Get Inspired By Silay City's Old Houses

Although pockets of sugarcane fields can be seen in parts of Bacolod City, the more vast ones are located in the neighboring city of Silay where the Bacolod-Silay International Airport is. If you arrived by plane, it's the perfect welcome you'll receive -- the dulcet sound of rustling grass from scattered plantations.

At the city proper, though, sits a charming neighborhood of more than 30 ancestral dwellings, most of which are well-kept. There are some crumbling ones but they only add an authentic texture to the gloss. The upkeep entailed in freezing time for these old houses come naturally to the locals as they're aware of the value of tangible heritage. As a result, strolling this place is a quaint experience while munching on tasty products from the city's 1920-built bakery called El Ideal.

Hofileña Heritage House

Have a walk tour that starts from the landmark called Cinco De Noviembre at the street corner of the same name. It's where the elite of old Negros secretly planned the bloodless uprising against the Spanish forces in 1898. Just a few steps from it is a well-preserved two-storey structure known as the Teodoro Morada Ancestral House, a heritage house of neo-classical inspiration declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Make the Balay Negrense (also known as Don Victor Gaston Heritage House) your next stop. It's an odd 12-bedroom Spanish-American stone house that has a charming facade. You can also visit the Hofileña Heritage House which has interesting displays of art works and vintage trinkets. If you still have time, drop by the so-called Pink House which is actually the Don Bernardino Lopez Jalandoni Heritage House, a 1908-built home that's now a museum of Silay's rich past.

Melba's Farm

Hiking in Talisay City

A guestroom at Melba's Farm in Talisay City

Reset With Nature In Talisay's Cabatangan

Thirty minutes from Bacolod is the city of Talisay which doesn't only have its own version of sugar mills and plantations. It also has a rural hillside where the fruit-growing hamlet of Cabatangan sits. Should you want to linger for more than a day, spending the night at Melba's Farm is the most ideal way to go.

Melba's Farm

The idyllic and breezy woodland of the village veils this destination where one can be intrepid. I actually sipped a hot cup of coffee in my skivvies from the private veranda of a cliff-side cabin while booked at the resort which also has a swimming pool.

During the day, I had a fulfilling 30-minute hike surrounded by bamboo and mahogany trees. The same route can also be an interesting ATV trail if ever Melba's Farm decides to have that add-on to its guests' wilderness experience.

A river in Sipalay City

Jamont Hotel's La Veranda Suite

En route to Sugar Beach in Sipalay City

Linger In Sipalay City's Laid-Back Beaches

A good three-hour commute from Bacolod City is the underrated destination of Sipalay City. Next to Dumaguete, it's fast becoming the alternative place to retire in the Philippines by foreigners because of its laid-back beaches, 22 islets for island-hopping, and shipwreck sites for diving. It has the tourist-thronged Tinagong Dagat which can feel timeless because the serene cove is naturally tucked away from the harsh waves of the sea. Most foreign tourists who have grown tired of Boracay hie off to the more relaxed Sugar Beach which is just a few minutes from the city proper. It's also where the quirky Takatuka Lodge Beach & Dive Resort is located with its odd-themed rooms that are Instagram-worthy. An interesting side trip is a visit of the Maricalum Mines which is a few minutes from the coast.

Sugar Beach

Should you wish to stay at the city proper, highly recommended is Jamont Hotel. Located at a vast beachfront, it has its own swimming pool and restaurant. It's also where I spent a luxurious night at its sea-view La Veranda Suite that offered me great sunset views from the bed.

Negros Occidental is worth a revisit if 5 days can only accommodate that much destination in one's itinerary. Heck, I was not able to visit Sipalay's caves during my overnight stay. I will definitely check out Mount Kanlaon next time and even explore the town of Cauayan where the marine sanctuary of Danjugan Island is located. For sure, the province can be sweeter the second time around.

Check out my Negros Occidental-related blog posts:

• Melba's Farm in Talisay City

• Jamont Hotel in Sipalay City

• Sipalay City: An Attractive Jewel of Negros Occidental
• Sipalay City Beaches

• Hiking In The Woods of Talisay City's Cabatangan

• Exploring The Maricalum Mines of Sipalay City

• Best and Worst of Bacolod City
• Where To Stay In Bacolod?

More Photos Below:

Aida's Chicken Inasal at the Manokan Country in Bacolod City

Silay City sugarcane plantations

Balay Negrense in Silay City

The scenery at Sitio Cabatangan in Talisay City

El Ideal Bakery in Silay City

Tinagong Dagat in Sipalay City

Hofileña Heritage House in Silay City

Pink House in Silay City

Felicia's ensaymada and sans rival

Bacolod City

The beachfront of Marikit-Na

Ungab Rock Formation of Mongpong Island

T R O P I C A L

G E T A W A Y

Enjoying a Marinduque getaway for two days is possible if you happen to live near the heart-shaped province of the Philippines. For Metro Manila residents like myself, it entailed me to set aside at least four days considering the mainland Luzon trips to and from two optional ports in Quezon Province. And, I'm one to linger in my pursuits so I have the tendency to lose track of time. To reach it, boarding a RORO vessel from Dalahican Port in Lucena is the established route. With Maniwaya Island being always the last destination in one's itinerary, riding the passenger boat from the island barangay to the port in Quezon Province's town of General Luna is the preferred route for the home-bound trip. Most guests seem not to return the same way. In between, it's one blissful vacation of old town charm layover, island-hopping, and tropical nights at the beach.

Beyond the annual festival of Moriones, the province is an ideal destination for intrepid travelers who don't mind the complex journey for as long as the experience is enviable enough to rid one of ennui. The journey's bus and boat fares may be cheap but the views are certainly golden.

Here are a few essential ways to ascertain that you enjoy your visit of Marinduque:

Palo Maria De Sanctuary Beach of Maniwaya Island

At the vanishing Palad Sandbar

Marikit-Na Beach Resort

Book The Most Unique Stay on Maniwaya Island

If you know what you're in for, you will ignore the slightest provocation to cancel your trip. A random beachfront property may not be the crowing jewel of the destination but it certainly is a necessary complement. Any iffy details about it can easily ruin one's vacation. You don't want to be perplexed thinking about unsavory meals or prison-like guestrooms while sunbathing at the beach, right?

My best recommendation for an inspiring stay on Maniwaya Island is Marikit-Na Beach Resort. Named after the city of Marikina where the owner used to reside, the resort is stylish from the entrance at the beachfront and ridiculously unique starting with its villa's facade. Inside the guesthouse living room, it even gets more charming! It's nothing that you will see anywhere near the island as its owner's penchant for style and everything attractive is palpable in the choice of construction materials, furniture, fabrics, and other details. The bathroom designs are sexy at best but, most of all, the over-all ambiance is like home.

(left) Sinugba for lunch; (right) Danggit for breakfast

The interiors of Marikit-Na Beach Resort

(top left) Chicken Cordon Bleu; (bottom left) Tocino and Tinapa; (right) Blue Marlin

Marikit-Na Beach Resort offers full-board meals with its bookings which is something that backpackers normally stay away from thinking that there's good food nearby. However, the island village may have a rural community but it's not keen on having eateries and the like. This is where having your meals prepared at the resort by the kitchen staff comes in handy. The food is fresh and the variations for long-stays are remarkable. It even has a bar for access to kooky drinks to make your moonlit nights at the beach interesting.

It's also an ideal stay for families as it has a mini theater where teens and kids can watch their favorite movies after spending the whole day outdoors.

Dalahican Port in Lucena, Quezon Province

The mesmerizing ocean view from the RORO vessel

Maximize The Journey

The journey to the province may be a bit complex for first-timers but it's basically about anticipating the risks and settling on what you can appreciate. With RORO vessel rides, you have to expect that it won't leave exactly on time and you'll be on board different types of people. A nifty takeaway there is a chance to meet new faces. They may be locals who can offer useful tips where to eat and what to see once you disembark at the Balanacan Port in Mogpog.

In my case, the ride was useful in terms of having ocean views on a good day. It's not everyday that I get to be out to sea surrounded by nothing but cerulean waters and the expanse of blue skies. As a city dweller, it allowed me to take a gander at the pleasant scenery even before I got to change to my swimming attire.

Aboard the RORO vessel

Once you're at your layover in Sta. Cruz, which I highly recommend that you include in your itinerary, take a stroll around town. Set aside a few hours to check out the 1760-built church called the Holy Cross Parish and visit the plaza. Along the way, you'll spot a lot of old houses.

From the port of Buyabod in Sta. Cruz, you can find the pleasant scenery extended. Regardless if you're on a passenger or chartered boat ride for the island village of Maniwaya, the idyllic views are the same -- tree-filled hills and mountains set against the expansive sea.

Holy Cross Parish (old church in Sta. Cruz)

Sta. Cruz scenery: (left) Moriones landmark (top right) view of the town; (bottom right) Municipal Hall

The bend in the long stretch of Palo Maria De Sanctuary Beach

Sunbathing at Palo Maria De Sanctuary Beach

Explore Maniwaya Island and Mongpong Island

Since Marikit-Na Beach Resort is on Maniwaya Island, it's the first area you can explore upon check-in. The resort's beachfront alone is worth a satisfying mid-day soak, but it's highly recommended that you hie off to the island's White Beach which locals call Palo Maria De Sanctuary Beach. It's a long stretch of fine white sand which bends in the middle leading to the island's pier. It's also where the other beach resorts are but they pale in comparison to Marikit-Na's delicious meals and guestrooms.

To reach it, you either hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) for commute inland or avail of the resort's island-hopping package which includes a stopover at the strip of beach.

A Maniwaya Island beachfront resident

Maniwaya Island dusk

The Ungab Rock Formation of Mongpong Island

With fellow travelers, Paolo Ruel and Paula O.

Doing a brief stroll at the beachfront can also reward you with memorable conversations with locals. Most of them are there anyway as a fishing community and not yet driven away by conglomerate businesses. During my recent visit, I got the chance to see how parts of a big boat were assembled and I spotted a peddler of bamboo-made cages called "bobo" which residents allude to the foolishness of the fish that enters them.

Marikit-Na is also the closest beach resort to the vanishing sandbar called Palad, so it's best to schedule a visit of it in the early morning when it's low tide.

Should you get fortunate to view it, you can then proceed to visit the nearby island of Mongpong where the sand is also as fine and white. However, what many tourists spend time briefly leaving Maniwaya Island for Mongpong is its rock formation in the village of Ungab with the same name. The attraction is a natural bridge that's massive to behold at one side of the island's beachfront where smooth pebbles of rock fill the shallow waters. Under the cathedral-like rock formation, young locals are known to bathe during the day. Some of them even effortlessly scale the rock walls to eventually dive down below.

A peddler of "bobo" on Maniwaya Island

Sunset on Maniwaya Island

Scenery on Mongpong Island

You can have your Marinduque getaway on a shorter schedule of three days, but that will mean that you'll be on a hurried mood which does not befit a vacation. Plan your trip well and zero in on the things that matter -- a unique accommodation, memorable stopovers, and the destination itself.

Marikit-Na Beach Resort

Official Facebook fan page of Marikit-Na Beach Resort

Address: Sitio Central II, Barangay Maniwaya, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines 2490

Phone: 0927-878-9782 or 0921-978-5565

More Photos Below:

Marikit-Na Beach Resort

Relaxing at the resort

The dining area at the resort

The kitchen (left) of the resort

Boat-makers on Maniwaya Island

The beachfront scenery at Marikit-Na

(left) Dessert of Leche Flan; (top right) The resort bar; (bottom right) Dinner of Chicken Tinola

(left) Barkada Guestroom; (bottom) A sea-view suite

Arriving at the vanishing Palad Sandbar

More rooms at the resort

Club Paradise Palawan

Discovery Suites Ortigas

A N N O U N C E M E N T

Continue the quest for new experiences and enjoy a liberating city or island escape with The Discovery Leisure Company’s Discover Independence deals. The homegrown hospitality Group helps you travel just the way you want to. Book online here and use the promo code: FREEDOM from 12 to 19 June 2016 and get as much as 50% savings on room rates for stays until October.

For cosmopolitan vacations, break free at either Ortigas or Makati, perfect for foodie adventures and retail therapy. After a day of shopping at the nearby Megamall, retreat to any of Discovery Suites’ rooms for half the price, starting at PHP 5,214.75 nett in a Junior Serendipity Suite. Delight in Filipino delicacies as a welcome treat and quench your thirst with a carafe of fresh pandan drink. The offer comes with buffet breakfast for two at Restaurant 5.

Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay

Discovery Primea in Makati, the Group’s newest hotel, stands across Glorietta and is a short walk from Greenbelt. After shopping, retire to your Primea Suite or take a plunge in the 20-meter heated infinity pool overlooking the city skyline. Simply book two nights and enjoy as much as PHP 5,000 worth of credits, which you can use in any of Discovery Primea’s restaurants including room service, Terazi Spa or even for rooms.

Discovery Shores Boracay

Let loose and be carefree in peaceful Tagaytay. Relax and have a lazy day in any of Discovery Country Suites’ seven uniquely themed rooms. Great deals start at PHP 6,904.69 nett in a Deluxe Suite, inclusive of exquisite wine and cheese platter at sundown, milk and cookies at bedtime, country breakfast at Restaurant Verbena, and a rejuvenating traditional hilot massage for two.

Set yourself free amid Boracay’s world-famous sunsets and velvety white sand. Savor plush accommodations in the island by staying in a Junior Suite for only PHP 12,810 nett. The stay comes with full buffet breakfast in Sands Restaurant and roundtrip Caticlan boat and land transfers for two.

Hailed as the World’s Best Island by Conde Nast Traveler, Palawan never ceases to amaze with its turquoise waters and powdery white sand. Stay in a Garden Suite at Club Paradise for the amazing price of only PHP 8,296 nett. The offer comes with sumptuous breakfast for two in Ocean Restaurant.

Discovery Primea Makati

Discovery Suites Ortigas

About The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc

The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc. is a Filipino hospitality group that manages a collection of hotels and resorts in exquisite locations around the Philippines. Its distinctive destinations inspire authentic experiences for every traveler, from Discovery Suites Ortigas, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan, to the newly-opened Discovery Primea Makati. The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc.’s portfolio of award-winning properties is known worldwide for its signature Filipino hospitality, marked by genuine and personalized “Service That’s All Heart.”

Read more about my splendid Discovery stays:

• Discovery Shores Boracay
• Discovery Suites Ortigas

Tutulakan River

Cliff-side jumpers

C L I F F - D I V E

A N D

M O R E

Paradise so idyllic that only a few tourists know about it. That's what Tutulakan River is. Roughly three hours of commute from Metro Manila, General Nakar's attractive secret is neither frequented by those in Quezon Province or by neighbors from Laguna and Rizal. Veiled by a swath of the Sierra Madre in the village of Pagsangahan, it's so secluded that even the daily throng of camped out tourists in Tinipak River don't know that it's just a 30-minute hike away. It's an emerging attraction in the sleepy hamlet of Cablao where the locals are friendly and peaceful.

As part of TuristaTrails.com's outreach project and in support of a movement to save the Sierra Madre from the threat of destruction known as the Kaliwa Dam Project, I set out with two environmental advocates to this Quezon Province destination. With a vat of cooked binagkat, we had neighbors get the word out to kids in the community that there was a tasty merienda and sets of of bath essentials (collected from various hotels and resorts) to be given away. The real agenda, however, is to empower the local guides by letting them know that in their backyard lies a gem of a getaway for weary city dwellers and they can be its effective custodians.

Relaxing at a raft cruise stop

Getting ready for the bamboo raft cruise of Tutulakan River

Where cliff-dive jumpers end up

The hike trail to Tutulakan River

Off-Grid Not For Long

Tutulakan is actually part of the mighty Agos River that runs through General Nakar, a town that once was a bastion of the New People's Army (NPA). The latter's insurgency in the '70s, '80s, and '90s had the area get caught in frequent misfires with the military, pushing away any form of development like roads, bridges, and livelihood.

As a result of the entry fee being agreed upon by Rizal's Daraitan-based tour guides and the General Nakar Cablao Outdoor Guides Association (GENACOGA), a cemented pathway next to Tinipak River has been built by residents of Cablao to make their daily grind easy since the neighboring village of Daraitan is a convenient passage way for them to various commercial districts in Rizal and Laguna. The new development is also making the previously rock-studded pathway an easier hike for less agile tourists of Tinipak Spring and Rock Formation.

Local kids of Sitio Cablao receiving sets of bath essentials and a tasty snack of binagkat

The scenery at Tutulakan River

How To Reach It

Reaching Tutulakan River from Rizal is done through the same route to reach Daraitan. Once you're in Tinipak Spring, simply follow the hike trail that Cablao residents also tackle on a daily basis. A good 5 to 10 minutes of the hike will lead you off the trail for 20 more minutes to another one that descends to a woodland terrain all the way to the Kibagbagan River. This winding river that flows directly from Tinipak River is shallow and boulder-filled in scattered places, but once you notice the rocks piling up, you'll also see the massive rock wall that serves as a cathedral-like entrance to Tutulakan River.

What To Enjoy

The river's exact depth is currently unknown but GENACOGA guides peg its deepest portion at roughly 26 feet which makes it calm at the surface. Since the water is pristine, the emerald blanket easily makes the tourist bamboo raft pop out regardless if it's sunny or raining.

The hike trail to Sitio Cablao

Kibagbagan River which flows from Tinipak River

The more adventurous visitors find the area spectacular for cliff-diving. I, however, had to challenge myself in another way to experience its beauty. Since I don't know how to swim, I tested one of the pair of life jackets donated by a sponsor that supports the Save The Sierra Madre Movement. I got on top of the raft and took my time gazing at the pleasant surrounding. As the guides hustled their way through the short span of river in the effort to move the raft from one spot to another, I jumped off onto the deceptively calm water and held on to the side of the moving balsa.

At one spot of the short cruise, we stopped and I had the chance to just relax while floating in reckless abandon of deadlines, bills, and heartaches. With my back slightly submerged underwater and my face against the afternoon sunshine, I realised that having such a blissful moment was possible without having to fly to distant regions in the Philippines.

A local en route for Daraitan past the Tinipak Spring

Where To Stay and Guides To Contact

Visitors of Tutulakan River can opt to stay at Kuta Bungliw Eco Camp or arrange homestays with residents of Cablao which has rustic homes that rely on solar energy for power.

Since the area is located in General Nakar, guides from GENACOGA are the only ones advised to take tourists for a visit of the attraction. They are also the ones who will accompany travelers who will choose to camp out at the site for convenience. As of this writing, a restroom at the site is being planned for campers and day tour visitors.

The Threat of The Kaliwa Dam Project

The future of Tutulakan River is an enigma for now. It's shrouded in mystery as to whether it will still be there or not when the questionable Kaliwa Dam Project is not discontinued by the incoming Philippine administration. Advocates of the Save The Sierra Madre Network contend that it will be submerged in dam water as with all the areas past it from General Nakar, including Daratian and other rural towns in Rizal and Laguna if the Aquino-signed project is pursued. Sand from the mountains may also eventually affect the quality of beach sand in the coastlines of Quezon Province should the project be in favor of energy generation.

One's adventure in this remote mountainside attraction has value to the future of a generation of Filipinos. Your visit can spell a bright one for the community and create a spark of goodwill across the CALABARZON region. You just have to be there and see it for yourself.

Commute Tips To Sitio Cablao From Metro Manila:

• Option A - Ride a Tanay-bound van or jeepney. From Tanay, continue the trip aboard a Sampaloc-bound jeepney. Hire a tricycle ride from Sampaloc to Barangay Daraitan.

• Option B - Ride a Cogeo-bound van or jeepney. From Cogeo, continue the trip aboard a Sampaloc-bound jeepney. Hire a tricycle ride from Sampaloc to Barangay Daraitan.

Special thanks to Zander Bautista of the Save The Sierra Madre Network

A guide of GENACOGA at the site

Tutulakan River

Official Facebook fan page of GENACOGA

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

More Photos Below:

Tasty binagkat with langka for breakfast

A makeshift solar lamp post in Sitio Cablao

Joel of GENACOGA testing the donated life jacket

The stairs leading to the cliff-diving spot

With environmental advocates in Sitio Cablao

E A T

A N Y W H E R E

As a frequent traveler of local destinations in the Philippines, I'm always on the go. Most of the time, I find myself caught between annoying hunger pangs and a ridiculous place to make it stop from happening. It can be in the middle of a long bus commute to a provincial attraction or, worse, while hiking at a remote trail somewhere in the mountains of the Sierra Madre. When it's time to eat and there's no eatery around, sometimes a cracker just won't cut it. The Pinoy in me always craves for a home-cooked meal of a favorite viand and rice.

My most recent adventure in the country took me to as far as Marinduque. Having arrived the day before on a semi-remote island called Maniwaya, I was fortunate to have had access to meals at my booked resort. The island, though, is big and deserves exploring like any other island that's why a long stroll at the beach for sunrise-viewing figured in my morning schedule. The resort's cook was still asleep and so were my travel mates. As a result, I hied off to a shoreline of the island on an empty stomach in my lonesome.

After half an hour of lingering at the beach for a whiff of the island's tropical breeze and the sensation of sand on my skin, I started to get hungry. It was time for breakfast anyway. Fortunately, I had three variants of the new 555 Tuna Rice in my trusty backpack to choose from. They didn't take that much space along with my other beach essentials because their stand-up foil packaging was designed to sink in to the tightest of space even when bundled unlike typical canned brands.

To complement the rainbow that suddenly showed up in the sky, I chose to open the 555 Tuna Afritada. Suddenly, I was in the mood to snack in the middle of nowhere! I honestly feel that the other variants of Adobo and Sisig will go well in my future riverside hike and mountain trek, respectively. No heating needed, the durable pack was easy to open which worked for a no-fuss snacking.

Here are three reasons why 555 Tuna Rice deserves to be your baon in your next adventure outdoors:

1. Rice and Ulam In One

When biscuits or fruits won't satisfy your hunger pangs in a remote destination, 555 Tuna Rice is a great substitute for a home-cooked meal that you can't possibly get in the middle of nowhere. The combo of rice and a traditional ulam is definitely a fulfilling treat. With three variants to choose from, you can snack depending on your mood. What's more, it's rich in protein!

2. Affordable Rice Meal

The rice meal is affordable at a retail price of Php 27.50 which lets any budget traveler save on food cost when en route to far-flung destinations. This is because people tend to eat more frequently on long commutes which is why stopovers are necessary.

3. Available In Leading Groceries

Worried that the 555 Tuna Rice is only available in mall groceries where the daily traffic makes it hard to access them? The good news is that you can also grab as many as you want at any Super8 and Puregold branches which can be found in numerous communities in Luzon.

With all the exciting reasons that make the 555 Tuna Rice a nifty baon anywhere I go, it's truly living up to its promise of ‘Ka-Eat saan, Sarap!’

(top L-R) Palaui Island, Cagayan Premium Coffee and Laglato River
(bottom L-R) Callao Cave, Anguib Beach and Duba Cave

At the old hanging bridge over Laglato River of Penablanca

C A G A Y A N

T O U R

If you happen to live somewhere in the Northern Philippines, a Cagayan getaway is easy to be had. There are a lot of destinations in this tip of the Luzon landmass where you'll be surprised to know as tourist-friendly. They may not be the usual kind of attractions found elsewhere in the country, but they're certainly unique. Most of them are windswept, almost rough on the edges. Their beauty lies in how idyllic they look because most travelers can't afford to stay long enough to change the landscape which is the great paradox of their locations. It's like seeing a guest stay for the stunning sight and have them leave in a heartbeat only because they're accessible to return to. The emotional effect, however, is a different story altogether.

I actually found it easy to reach from Metro Manila. A 12-hour bus commute was enough to make it happen. It was from my first layover in Tuguegarao City where my other nights in the province started to look like a whirlwind of a vacation. The other layovers began to unfold like they were my target destinations themselves. Each town I stayed in had something spectacular to show me. Leaving the place from Aparri to endure the non-stop 14-hour Deluxe Trip of Victory Liner was sort of heartbreaking. It was easy to do, but Cagayan was just hard to leave behind.

Should you decide to see it for the first time, here are six destinations in the province that I personally visited and recommend:

The lobby of Hotel Joselina in Tuguegarao City

Having a cuppa of Cagayan Premium Coffee and more at Barako Boy in Tuguegarao City

Hotel Joselina's guestroom with bathtub

Dining in Tuguegarao City

1. Have A Layover In Tuguegarao City For Pancit Batil Patung and More

Most travelers from Metro Manila prefer to fly to Cagayan and deplane at the Tuguegarao City Airport to skip the grueling 12 hour-long bus commute. It's actually highly recommended because it will save you energy enough to make you scope the city on foot where most of the eateries selling the famous Pancit Batil Patung are located.

In my case, I opted for the bus ride and settled to ease down my travel nerves with a cup of Barako Boy's Cagayan Premium (Syphon Coffee), a vacuum-brewed coffee that's served with milk. I had one next to my booked layover crib at Hotel Joselina.

From Tuguegarao City, one can simply ride a van to nearby towns like Sta. Ana (3 hours away) for white sand beaches and Peñablanca (less than an hour away) for a visit of an epic-looking cave and a pristine river with an old hanging bridge. The city also has a terminal with vans that go directly to Baggao which is a less explored town by tourists.

The opening of Duba Cave in Baggao

Country Inn Hotel and Restaurant in Baggao

Laglagto River

Crossing a rock-studded river in Baggao

2. See The Wow Factor of Baggao's Caves and Cornfields

Baggao used to be in the news for being a stronghold of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels. As a result, the place is left unexplored by outsiders.

What travelers are missing out on by skipping this town are spectacular views of cornfields and visits of the enchanting Duba, an underground cave, and a host of other caves where intrepid guests booked in the town's only decent hotel called Country Inn Hotel and Restaurant are expecting to see the circadian flight of bats.

Baggao is also the best access route to the next town of Peñablanca's charming river and riverside rock formations called Laglato where one can frolic in clean, flowing water and traverse an old hanging bridge that's built over it. Being there is actually like still being in Baggao as the river runs through the border of the two towns.

Read more about Baggao.

Callao Cave's series of chambers

The mighty Cagayan River runs next to the cave

Callao Cave can be this epic

The cemented steps to the entrance of the cave

3. Have A Callao Cave Side Trip In Peñablanca

Most tourists visit Callao Cave while on layover in Tuguegarao City because the natural attraction is highly accessible from the Cagayan capital. One can hire a tricycle or jeepney to reach it for roughly an hour, but a habal-habal is the fastest way to reach it in 30 minutes via the Peñablanca-Callao Cave Road.

The cave may be considered biologically dead but its remnants expose a historic part of the province's landscape that's worth seeing up close. It's where the fossilized remains of the so-called Callao Man was unearthed in 2007, a discovery that shines a spotlight on the ancestry of the mountain-dwelling Aetas of the country.

Inside the seven-chamber cave that spans two villages, the spectacle of light and darkness shape the chiaroscuro of the cathedral-like attraction. The first chamber, as a result, has been transformed into a chapel where masses are heard on special occasions.

Viewing the grassland of Cape Engano on Palaui Island

Anguib Beach of Sta. Ana

Palaui Island's Baratubot Falls

Country Inn By The Sea in Sta. Ana

4. Linger In Sta. Ana For White Sand Beaches and A Hike of Palaui Island

The coastal town of Sta. Ana is where Cagayan can be the most windswept. It can be uncomfortably breezy at its white sand beach attractions of Anguib and Nangaramoan, but its remote island called Palaui is where the windy conditions become epic. The same island also offers two distinct hiking trails -- one easy and another challenging -- to reach the 47 ft.-high Cape Engaño Lighthouse that accentuates a picturesque grassland of the island. Along the way, one can make a side trip to the area's secluded Baratubot Falls.

While in Sta. Ana, you can stay at the Country Inn By The Sea for wonderful meals at its rustic beachfront dining decks. Or you can try the white sand island resort charm of Jerolynda for seafood-oriented boodle fights.

If you want to check out the neighborhood dining scene in Sta. Ana, the highway restaurant called Binching is a great spot to start. It accepts "paluto" or seafood that you purchased at the market or straight from the pier for cooking. Simply wait for your fresh meal to be served while en route to your next destination.

Read more about Palaui Island.

Binching in Sta. Ana is a great highway restaurant to have your seafood cooked and served.

The exotic Matara Beach in Gonzaga

Sta. Ana's Costa Carina Beachfront Resort

Matara Beach

5. Check Out Gonzaga's Exotic Matara Beach and Reefs

To see where most locals get their seafood diet, the town of Gonzaga has Matara Beach where residents are known to fish for a living. Their fresh catch are directly sold to beach-goers for roasting. The area is also studded with exotic rock formations at the beachfront.

Although the attraction is located in Gonzaga's village of San Jose, a recommended lodging can be had at the nearby resort called Costa Carina which is located in the next town of Sta. Ana.

Read more about Matara Beach.

Fishing in Aparri

A fish vendor at the Aparri Public Market

6. Culminate With A Seafood Exposure In Aparri

To intensify your seafood exposure, check out the fishing scene in the town of Aparri. It's where locals fish at the wharf of the town's Punta Pier by releasing fishing nets into the crashing waves below. Some can also be seen fishing in the traditional way of angling.

For the marketing side of the experience, you can proceed to Aparri's public market where a panoply of fresh hauls are displayed next to each other as if there's always a clearance sale.

Victory Liner has a Deluxe Bus Trip (non-stop and with comfy seats) that leaves the town daily (normally after lunch) for Metro Manila, so this is where you can decide to culminate your Cagayan adventure if ever.

Read more about Aparri.

Special thanks to local guide Vhin Cezar for the assistance

Where To Stay In Palaui Island: Nature Village
Mobile: 0935-336-6328 and 0935-122-8553

Boat Rental Contact for Palaui Island: Ariel
Mobile: 0935-122-8545

Check out the Cagayan-related attractions per post:

• Duba Cave of Baggao
• Laglagto River and Rock Formation of Baggao
• Country Inn Hotel and Restaurant in Baggao
• Country Inn By The Sea in Sta. Ana
• Palaui Island: Cape Engano Lighthouse, Baratubot Falls and More
• Nangaramoan Beach of Sta. Ana

• Matara Beach and Costa Carina Beachfront Resort
• Tales of Fishing In Aparri

• Jerolynda: Sta. Ana's White Beach Island Resort

C A G A Y A N

C A V E

Like my mood for love last February 14 when I visited Cagayan, Callao Cave is considered biologically dead. I set foot in the town of Peñablanca where the cave can be found at the most convenient time to be alone -- inside a dark cavern that matched the emptiness of my hollow heart. Spanning a couple of villages in the same town, the seven-chamber cave is part of the Sierra Madre in the Philippines which stretches from Quezon Province all the way to the northern tip of Cagayan.

"Sir, bakit mag-isa lang kayo sa Araw Ng Mga Puso (Why are you alone on Valentine's Day)?"

It was a question that my assigned tour guide at the cave greeted me with. Instead of replying with a decent answer, I asked the young local the same question to which he sheepishly segued about the cave being, well, biologically dead. From that moment on, we both knew that I was not there to muse about my humdrum city life. I was there to be enamored by the cave's past and its remnants of stalactites and stalagmites. I reached the place aboard a habal-habal as a solo passenger anyway so there was no need to fuss over heartaches and regrets. It was faster than a jeepney or tricycle ride for less than 30 minutes from my booked guestroom at Hotel Joselina in Tuguegarao City.

The altar found in the cave's first chamber

A view of Cagayan on the way to the cave

Distant From The World Outside

While tackling the 184 concrete steps leading to the cave's first chamber, I then contemplated with my guide that we were there for a reason and it was to forget the trappings of the world outside. I'm not into festivals and celebrations anyway so the pensive chiaroscuro formed at the entrance of the cave worked wonderfully for me like an over-the-counter pill. I was suddenly in the mood to see more of this melancholic sight.

Cathedral-like First Chamber

The first chamber initially appeared odd for looking like a cathedral which was actually the intention of the ones doing the upkeep in this attraction that's part of the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape. It's where a set of pews decorate a flat space that's accentuated by an altar set naturally against a cave wall. Catholic masses are held there on special occasions and this sacred spot seals this attraction's reputation as a tourist-friendly one right in the beginning of the tour.

A view of the cave's first chamber where occasional masses are held

Gazing at the flowing Pinacanauan River on my way to the cave

More To See

We proceeded to check out the rest of the chambers in the cave system and skipped two more which are considered off-limits to tourists. Inside each chamber, the prevailing feeling of epic sadness was palpable. Size-wise, the interiors were overwhelming. If not for a few crevices that let in natural light from the cave ceiling, the whole place would be less dramatic.

Next To The Flowing River

Outside, next to the cave system, the Pinacanauan River runs through the town's terrain of vast cornfields. The pathway to and from the cave offered that exact view. Leaving the attraction, I can just imagine how ancient humans marveled at the same sight I was gazing at.

After all, it was at the same cave system where the fossilized remains of the so-called Callao Man was discovered in 2007 by Armand Salvador Mijares. Its discovery is said to predate the remains of Tabon Man, the earliest known human remains in the country.

I was not at all surprised that he was found alone. Like myself, he was probably a recluse by choice.

• Matara Beach and Costa Carina Beachfront Resort
• Tales of Fishing In Aparri

• Jerolynda: Sta. Ana's White Beach Island Resort

More Photos Below:

Young locals of Mongpong Island at the Ungab Rock Formation

I S L A N D -

H O P P I N G

When you're in Marinduque and it's not the Lenten Season for the annual Moriones Festival, there's still a lot of attractions to visit in the province to fill your itinerary. Aside from the white sand beach of Maniwaya Island and the old houses of Boac, you can spend a day on Mongpong Island which is just an hour of boat ride away from Buyabod Port. You won't miss the port in Sta. Cruz because it's where most travelers arrive from different parts of the country. The island getaway is a laid-back side trip that I've personally tested to be a complement to my 3-day revisit of the province last summer.

Having stayed at Marikit-Na Beach Resort on Maniwaya Island for the revisit, I made sure to avail of the property's island-hopping package which included stopovers on the vanishing Palad Sandbar and Mongpong Island's Ungab Rock Formation. With the sandbar submerged in crystalline waters during our trip as a result of high tide, we settled to linger in the area for just a few minutes before proceeding to our next destination. It was easy to wade through the waters anyway even if I don't know how to swim. Reaching Mongpong Island became our target to culminate the day's activity.

A young Mongpong Island local that our boat disturbed while fishing at the shallow beach waters

Approaching Mongpong Island

Snacking on Halo-halo near the rock formation

Arriving At Ungab

From a distance, Mongpong looked like any other island in the province. It was even clear from my vantage point on the boat that a beach strip of of the island has the same fine, white sand as Maniwaya. The boatman informed me that there's currently no resort operating there, so the lone resort that I learned to have operated there probably closed down already. Or maybe he's just misinformed.

Beholding The Natural Bridge

We docked at the rock-studded beach of the island village called Ungab which shares the same name of its natural attraction -- a massive rock formation that stands more than a hundred feet above the water. Ungab Rock Formation is a natural bridge that's massive to behold at one side of the island's beachfront where smooth pebbles of rock fill the shallow waters. Under the cathedral-like rock formation, young locals are known to bathe during the day. Some of them even effortlessly scale the rock walls to eventually dive down below.

The clear waters can be deceptively deep

The area that's exactly below the rock formation was intimidating for me to tackle in the beginning because the farther the space was away from the pebbled surf, the deeper everything seemed to become. And, I was not wrong in assuming that because that's exactly the case according to the kids who were swimming there that time.

Where To Eat

Since there isn't any decent eatery on the island that's anywhere near the rock formation, tourists can negotiate with locals living nearby to pay for cooked seafood. Fishing is the chief source of living by the island residents anyway, so the opportunity can benefit both parties.

During the visit, a couple of young locals lured me and my entourage to their humble home for a sampling of their mom's halo-halo. The house stood next to a small sari-sari store which was a stroll away from the beachfront. We didn't expect to snack on thirst-quenching desserts on a remote paradise such as Mongpong because we did not bring any supplies, but there we were taking our time with every sip of that cold glass of milk-mixed melted ice with a pleasant tropical view. The kids shared that if we visited the island a day earlier, we could've witnessed the annual parade of young beautiful residents who took part in the area's Santa Cruzan which is traditionally held at the beach.

Marikit-Na Beach Resort guestroom

Where To Stay In Marinduque?

Marikit-Na Beach Resort
Official Facebook fan page of Marikit-Na Beach Resort
Address: Sitio Central II, Barangay Maniwaya, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines 2490
Phone: 0927-878-9782 or 0921-978-5565

Ask for the island-hopping package to the Palad Sandbar and Mongpong Island.

More Photos Below:

With Marinduque tour mates Paolo Ruel and Paula O

A huge crevice on a rock wall at the beachfront

C L A R K H O T E L

Heads up to travel junkies and vacation aficionados! The newest luxury hotel in Pampanga is finally opening its doors to guests on July 1, 2016. Midori Clark Hotel and Casino will soon be the home away from home for discerning tourists with exquisite taste. It's located in the heart of Clark Freeport Zone and is just less than a two-hour drive north of Metro Manila. The hotel features 111 well-appointed rooms surrounded by the lush greenery of the redevelopment.

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino boasts state-of-the-art facilities and amenities that will definitely satisfy your needs and wants as you escape from the hustle-and-bustle of city life. It's also a fantastic destination for simply enjoying relaxing moments with your loved ones.

Get pampered from head to toe at its in-house fitness and spa center which offers a variety of massage and beauty treatments. Take high-level pleasure at its specially designed amusement space ranging from wines and cigar lounge, open-air gardens, casino, KTV clubs, mahjong rooms and live entertainment during weekends.

Journey to gastronomic adventures over sumptuous dishes with the hotel's five dining outlets that will satisfy your sophisticated palate. Whatever you're craving for, Midori has something for you. Have pleasurable meals at Toscana Dining for a taste of international cuisine that will keep you yearning for more. Sip a glass of your favorite wine in a sophisticated ambiance at Baccus Lounge or sample expensive liquor and world-class cigar collections in the gentleman’s club called Cigar Maduro. Looking for a venue to have your daily caffeine fix? Coffee and tea lovers will definitely appreciate Café Midori which greets guests upon entering the hotel lobby. What's more, it's open 24 hours.

Soar to new heights of luxury and lavishness with Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. Enjoy the high life right in the heart of Clark Freeport Zone and experience modern opulence.

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino

Official website of Midori Clark Hotel and Casino

Address: Kalayaan St., C.M. Recto Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines
Phone: +63 45 308 8888
Email: reservations@midorihotel.com

Glass Noodle Salad

Seafood In Chili

T H A I

C U I S I N E

Not everyone can tour Thailand for a taste of its native cuisine. Should you find yourself longing for one at the oddest day of the week in Metro Manila, there's the aptly named Siam Noodle House in Paranaque City to satiate your sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy cravings. The cozy, decent-sized restaurant serves native Thai cuisine that can definitely remind a traveler of the country that's known for lightly prepared dishes that are both aromatic and spicy. It can also be a good introduction to the authentic side of the country's approach to cooking for those who have not visited that part of the world. With the storied cuisine's origin from an unrelenting culture that's deliciously exotic to the Western palate, the dishes here are the next best thing to experiencing the country that's formerly called Siam.

Siam Noodle House is a world of its own in its semi-secluded spot in BF Homes because it can be accessed by tackling a short but narrow bamboo-accentuated pathway from the main road, right across Pancake House. As a result of being tucked away from the street frenzy outside, the dining area is pleasant for meals any time of the day whether lunch or dinner. It's also open for merienda, so you can just drop by in the afternoon when most casual dining restaurants are closed. Inside, diners can easily lose track of time which can be a good thing when you're indulging in delicious food.

Thai Iced Tea

The wall fixtures and displays complement Thai culture and create a pre-appetizer boost upon ordering your target dishes. You can always ask for the assistance of the friendly waiters should you find yourself in a pickle for not knowing what a specific Thai dish tastes like. I happened to have tested this when I had one attentive waiter recommend the following for my meal with a friend one weekend of June:

Fish Cakes

Fish Cakes and Glass Noodle Salad For Appetizer

Like Filipinos, Thais thrive in a tropical scenery. The love for fish is something that binds both cultures. And this is most evident in having seafood for appetizer.

After warming up to the ambient lighting inside the restaurant's dining area, I tore into my first bite of Fish Cake and had a glimpse of what it was like for Thais to begin a meal that's anticipated to culminate in spicy flavors. The restaurant's Fish Cakes were served with chili, cucumber and peanut salsa for dipping sauce. The patty was incredibly both soft and firm which made it easy for me to focus on my next order.

As a smooth contrast to the savory Fish Cake, the Glass Noodle Salad tasted light. The inclusion of peanuts, vegetables and mushrooms made the dish quite a treat to the eyes. What started as a seemingly tasteless noodle variety, worked itself as a slippery fireball in my mouth. I can imagine myself finishing a bowl of it somewhere that's cold as it's deceptively spicy!

Beef In Red Curry Sauce

Soup Order of Shrimp Paste Surprise

If it wasn't for the Glass Noodle Salad, I wouldn't be ready for how spicy my order of the Shrimp Paste Surprise was. It's a steaming bowl of noodle soup that consistently ends in your mouth the way it starts -- fiery and flavorful. Any meal with this dish is definitely not going to be boring as it begs the one consuming it engaged from the first sip to the point of perspiration which makes it live up to its name.

Servings of Seafood In Chili and Beef In Red Curry Sauce

Before I could recover from the heavy spiciness of the Shrimp Paste Surprise, I proceeded to taste my next seafood order that's called Seafood In Chili. It's basically a sweet and spicy number but it's also versatile enough to have a slight tanginess and saltiness to it.

Bagoong Rice

Shrimp Paste Surprise

Since Thais are also known to have been influenced by Indian cuisine, my order of Beef In Red Curry Sauce was a must. It's definitely a slight departure in spiciness from the Seafood In Chili in that it's creamy and peppery in flavor.

Pad Thai

Orders of Bagoong Rice, Pad Thai, and Thai Iced Tea

Since I had a Shrimp Paste noodle soup, I also decided to have an order of the restaurant's version of shrimp paste or bagoong rice. The Thai version is definitely different from the traditional Pinoy bagoong rice that's mixed with eclectic add-ons. The components of the rice-based salad were first served separately in a plate to distinguish what goes where. After serving it on the table, my attending waiter volunteered to have it mixed in front of me which made for a ritualistic visual foreplay of the dish.

Another elaborate dish of a similar introduction came via my order of Pad Thai. The stir-fried rice noodle dish was first served unmixed. After the necessary ritual of thoroughly mixing the whole shebang, it's supposed to look sludgy and unattractive, but utterly delicious. I'm no Pad Thai expert but my companion who happened to have tasted it a few times in the past reckoned that the restaurant's version had well-seasoned noodles that were remarkably chewy.

We feasted on all of our orders with a glass of the traditional Thai Iced Tea. Made from strongly-brewed black tea, the brew went down smooth and sweet as it was prepared with sugar and condensed milk. If anything, it definitely served as a break from the spicy roster of Thai dishes that we tasted in one entire meal for lunch.

Siam Noodle House is a must-visit for those living in the South of Metro Manila where having Thai food can finally be a weekly or daily routine.

For those arriving in the corner of Sucat and South Luzon Expressway from other pockets of the metro, it's accessible from SM City BF Parañaque.

Siam Noodle House

Official Facebook fan page of Siam Noodle House

Address: Presidents Ave. corner Aguirre Ave., Parañaque City, Philippines
Phone: (02) 776-4280

More Photos Below:

Seafood In Chili

Glass Noodle Salad

Fish Cakes

Thai Iced Tea

Pad Thai

MacGraphics Carranz's LED display along C-5

D I G I T A L R E V O L U T I O N

You let your imagination run wild and you’ve got this amazing idea, the right message, and a big bold graphic that dramatizes the major benefit of your product, but you don't know how to get your message across. How do you develop an ad that is eye-catching, something that will grab your audience at the get-go?

These days, it's all about getting people to pay attention. In this day and age when people look at multiple screens, people also choose the dynamic, the flexible, and the creative.

Watch The MacGraphics Carranz Video:

MacGraphics Carranz brings the same screen to another platform and on one of the busiest places -- along the road -- where most consumer decisions are made! With over thirty years of experience in the out-of-home (OOH) media industry, the company has helped individuals and companies achieve their goals. From painted billboards to photographic posters to spectacular neon signages, it has made immediate impact. Today, MacGraphic Carranz continues to innovate through its LED offerings.

LED, or light-emitting diode, converts voltage to light and is used in lamps and displays. The digital revolution has come and you are invited to be part of it.

MacGraphics Carranz LED display along C-5

You can choose one type from Carranz's LEDs that best fits your brand. A curtain-type LED display can be stretched as high as 200 feet and as wide as 70 feet. With more than 60-millimeter pixel pitch and a thousand nits of brightness.

A cabinet or panel type takes over 90% of all the LED displays produced worldwide. Just like the company's 54-ft sign along EDSA-Magallanes, with its 20-millimeter pixel pitch and 6,000 nits of brightness.

Pixel pitch is the distance of a pixel's center to another's. The smaller the pitch, the closer the pixels, and the higher the resolution and optimal viewing distance. A nit is the unit of visible-light intensity and becomes dependent on the advertising spot.

MacGraphics Carranz LED display along EDSA-Mandaluyong City

Whichever you choose, with LED signs, there is no limit to what you can offer, promote, sell, and advertise. It's efficient because it lets you say more in less time. Show in an LED more of what you cannot tell on a static ad. It's highly effective. Unlike a static ad that will only cause at least 20 people to stop and stare, an LED signage simply cannot be ignored -- rain or shine, day and night! It's also quite versatile. You can be more creative with colorful graphics and magnetizing animations, and be even flexible in changing them quickly and easily. Most importantly, it's interactive. Cut down the boredom and make more impact by customizing your ad relevant to the time of day.

Efficient, effective, versatile and interactive. This is the future and the future is today with MacGraphics Carranz. Be part of the on-the-road digital revolution.

MacGraphics Carranz

Official website of MacGraphics Carranz

Address: 80 Service Road, Francisville Subdivision, Bo. Mambugan, Antipolo City,

Philippines

Phone: 0917-531-4403

Email: outdoorman@mac.com

(left) Pinangat; (right) Chicken Tinutungan, Pinakro and Pili Nut

T A S T Y

D E L I G H T S

A visit of Albay is not complete without a taste of its native and tourist-favorite dishes. It's even impossible to have a stroll in a random street of the province and not stumble upon an unusual snack. Seeing the famous Mount Mayon is simply not enough. Being there demands that you have to get your lips unevenly smeared with coconut cream from a serving of pinangat or aroused by a frozen delight made from chili pepper. The flavors of the province can be both enticing and revolting at the onset. The culmination, however, is almost always a tasty ending. The satiation makes you return and sample more of its exotic variants for dine-in or pasalubong.

Like the volcano that its residents adore, the province has a roster of delicious finds that's beginning to represent the rest of Bicol as must-eat gems. After spending annual vacations in different parts of the area since 2013, I've managed to list down these tasty discoveries that are bound to complement your tour of Albay soon:

Mazapan De Pili

Pinangat at Let's Pinangat

Pili Nut

Pinangat and Mazapan De Pili of Camalig

Camalig is where the locals will point you to for a taste of the delicious delicacy called pinangat, a succulent dish that combines taro leaves, chili, meat and coconut milk. The neighboring town of Legazpi City is rightfully called as such because tucked in this Southern portion of Mount Mayon are century-old Spanish houses that used to stand next to native huts known as camarin that were used by early residents for lodging and storage during planting and harvest time. The side of the volcano is where the vegetable gabi is grown in abundance.

The town's unpretentious eatery called Let’s Pinangat sells pinangat as its best-selling dish over other traditional Filipino viands. Spicy or regular-flavored, it's also considered a popular treat by locals and tourists for brunch, merienda, and midnight snack.

Pasta Pinangat at Small Talk Cafe

A plate of Pinangat

In Legazpi City, tourists can skip tasting the dish in its native form and opt to sample Small Talk Cafe's pasta version called Pasta Pinangat which I recommend with an order of fruit shake.

The inland town of Camalig is also the source of the Bicolano favorite pili nut which is harvested from the pili tree that the region has a lot of. From pulp to kernel, the low-maintenance crop is dynamic. Newly-harvested pili nuts are normally lined up along a main road of the town for easy access by tourists. Those that undergo deshelling are mixed into pastries or turned into Mazapan De Pili as sweet bars or balls of confection.

The town's popular handicraft store called R.A.I.N.S. sells some of it but the tasty ones are actually purchased like contraband drugs from holes in walls of the residential area. I particularly witnessed this when my Bicolano friend got one after stopping at a gated house. After a quick call on his mobile phone, he simply approached a hole in the wall of one residence and out came a hand dangling the sweet treat!

Boneless Chicken Tinutungan at Balay Cena Una

The dining area of Balay Cena Una

Boneless Chicken Tinutungan

Daraga's Boneless Chicken Tinutungan

Another certified Bicolano dish is Chicken Tinutungan or tinutong sa gata and one can be had in the town of Daraga via the dining attraction called Balay Cena Una.

I tasted one for lunch during my 2014 visit of the province and it wasn't because I ordered the dish. Enticed by the order of my friend who sat next to me inside the elegant dining area of the heritage house, I was not able to resist to steal a morsel off of his plate and discover why he decided to have the same dish that he had the day prior. Basked in coconut cream, the rich-tasting chicken was both savory and smokey.

I learned from our attending waiter that there were other local ingredients also tossed in the mix that made the whole thing quite remarkable and an easy choice to re-order.

DJC Halo-halo

Snack of Tiwi's Cheese-Topped Halo-halo

Tiwi in Albay is a reliable destination for the traditional Filipino favorite concoction of halo-halo. However, its version is remarkably creamy for being topped with cheese which the conventional version doesn't have. For that alone, visiting the province is worth a side trip to a store of DJC Halo-halo where this snack is featured.

For nagging cravings that come in odd hours of the day, you can ask locals and they will tell you that the store has other outlets in the area wherever you are in the province.

Pinakro

Buchi

Street Finds of Pinakro and Buchi

Touring the province via its streets is how you can ideally discover traditional snacks for brunch or merienda. I happened to experience this after scoping Tabaco's city proper when I had the chance to stop by a random eatery that was selling Buchi, a deep-fried snack made of simply rice dough or sometimes sweet potato. It's not entirely unique to the area as my mom used to have one as a child in Quezon Province.

Pinakro, though, is one authentic Bicol snack that residents in Albay still cook. I got the chance to taste the cassava delight when my tour guide prepared one for merienda in Bacacay. It's basically made of kamoteng kahoy that's boiled in coconut milk until cooked and tender.

Guinobatang Longganisa fro breakfast

Guinobatan's Longganisa

The Filipino sausage we know as longganisa is also thriving as a stellar meal banner in Albay's Guinobatan where I once stayed for an overnight experience of a resort called Casa Basilisa. The savory delicacy was a featured breakfast and I couldn't be more happy than when I indulged on it surrounded by the town's age-old trees. It's usually smaller in size than its rivals in Lucban and Ilocos Norte but that's because it's manually made without using meat grinders according to locals.

The next time you visit Albay, skip the mall and weave through its cities and towns' less glossy enclaves. It's where the truly delicious finds are anyway!

Check out the recap of my Albay-related blog posts:

• Essential Destinations To Visit In Albay
• Tiwi's Philceramics

• Bicol Adventure ATV Ride of The Mayon Lava Trail

• Dorotea Resort & Spa

• Balay Cena Una

• Camalig: Home of Old Houses and Pinangat

• A Visit of Vera Falls and DJC Halo-halo

• A Golden Sunrise In Bacacay

• My Infinity Pool View at The Oriental
• Revisiting WW2 Inside Legazpi City's Tunnel

• My Meaningful Cagsawa Ruins Visit

• At The Albay Park and Wildlife

• The Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine

• Second Chances In Daraga Church

• Ellis Ecotel In Legazpi City

• The Legazpi City Harbor

• Ligao City's Sunflower Farm In Bloom
• My Journey To Albay and Back

• Tabaco City: On The Edge of Greatness In Albay

• Hotel Fina of Tabaco City

• The Rolling Quitinday Green Hills of Camalig
• The Modern Comfort of The Apple Peach House
• Guinanayan Island: An Attractive Beach Destination
• The Private Luxury of Casa Basilisa Resort In Albay

Cookie Monster Gelato

Black Forest Gelato

S W E E T

D R E A M S

Dessert lovers are bound to linger at Coolato in SM City BF Paranaque where artisan gelato is the star. From a humble cart in Italy where this type of ice cream was first peddled, the gelato has definitely come a long way in this part of the world. Here, flavors come in a cup which lets dessert aficionados crave for more than one order. Given that it's low in fat compared to the standard frozen fare, it's loaded with more sugar content which makes it impossible to settle with just one cup of flavor.

There is a glut of dessert stores in Metro Manila, but there's only a handful that I've tested to inspire my love for life. Coolato is one such destination where I was able to feel like a kid again. Here are three convincing reasons why it is so and why its flavors are irresistible whether you're a kid or a kid-at-heart:

Green Tea Matcha Gelato

Coolato's Iced Pan

Banoffee Pie Gelato

1. It's A Smooth Palate Cleanser

As I've tested for an afternoon snack right after a heavy lunch of Thai cuisine in the South of Metro Manila, Coolato's set of flavors was a fun way to seal my savory meal. As an effective palate cleanser, each flavor I tried -- six in total -- made sense to replace the taste of the spicy dishes that I indulged in an hour prior to my visit of the mall-based store.

During my visit, I even saw some customers who simply dropped by to have their gelato fix even on an empty stomach. I guess some prefer to switch desserts with the main meal! It's either that or they're on a diet.

Salted Caramel Gelato

2. The Flavors Are Intense

Given that gelato has less cold fat, its direct effect on one's tongue is not as hefty as the standard American ice cream. Each flavor is distinct per taste. It's not easily confused in layers of coating when one is indulging in more than one flavor.

During my Coolato visit, I actually sampled my ordered flavors of Cookie Monster, Black Forest, Banoffee Pie, Green Tea Matcha, Salted Caramel and Fresh Strawberry in one session and I was able to honestly tell each apart even if I ridiculously went from one cup to another.

Customers can even make their ordered cups fancier with add-ons of toppings from chocolate chips, almonds to caramel popcorn!

3. Making Gelato's Fun To Watch

The store of Coolato is decent in size. It allows for dining customers to stay in cozy seats and even lets them watch how the flavors are whipped up on a couple of quick-freezing iced pans.

Watch the following videos to believe:

Making A Black Forest Gelato

Making A Banoffee Pie Gelato

Coolato Artisan Gelato

Official Facebook fan page of Coolato Artisan Gelato

Address: SM BF Paranaque, Cinema Level, Dr. A. Santos Ave., Parañaque City, Philippines

Check out my savory meal at Siam Noodle House:
Siam Noodle House, A Taste of Thailand In The South of The Metro

More Photos Below:

Salted Caramel Gelato

Fresh Strawberry Gelato

Cookie Monster Gelato

Midori Clark Hotel & Casino

A random hallway wall and ceiling design inside the hotel

M O D E R N

S T A Y

If you're a traveler with an aversion for clutter, outdated design, and idle scenery, the high-end quality of Midori Clark Hotel and Casino is definitely going to appeal to you. Located in mainland Luzon's Clark Freeport Zone, the 111-room hotel is not just a modern facility for relaxing stays in Pampanga. Beyond its crisp interior and gargantuan space, attractive sections await every traveler who decides to book an overnight or long stay, whether for business or leisure. Its next-door space of greenery that's accentuated by age-old trees is enough to make a guest preoccupied in the odd hours of the day.

It's also a recreational attraction where guests can amuse themselves at its casino's modern slot machines. Along with its soft opening early this month, its sophisticated Baccus Lounge also opened for mid-day socials, dinner rendezvous, and samplings of wine. Before the year ends, its stylish gentleman's club called Cigar Maduro -- a man's lair for expensive liquor and world-class cigar collections -- is anticipated to lure discriminating sybarites from different parts of the world. Also, a soon-to-be opened aqua park in its 9,900 square meter-property is touted to seal a sensational reputation for the hotel that adventurous tourists can gravitate to.

Penthouse Suite

The spacious bathroom of the Penthouse Suite

My booked Superior Room

The bathroom of the Superior Room

Toscana Dining

Stunning and Impressive Upon Check-In

Having stayed one pleasant weekend of July at the newly-opened establishment, I got to fully imbibe the forward-thinking sensibilities of Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. From its eye-catching architecture to its fluid interior design, it didn't disappoint the Fine Arts degree holder in me. The cozy glow is not at all lost in the impressive high-ceiling lobby as one can still spot remarkable details all the way to the uppermost part of the ceiling from one's minuscule queue. It definitely set the tone for my relaxing stay.

After check-in, I found the mesmerizing blend of old and new to be subtle and effective in the juxtaposed pale and wood-finish walls of the hotel. The spacious hallway's ambient lighting absolutely rendered my arrival with a hint of pomp after a refreshing sip of a welcome drink at Cafe Midori, the hotel and casino's ground level venue for guests' caffeine fix and delectable snacks. And, that's just the first few minutes of my stay!

Lunch of appetizing kimchi, anchovies, and seaweed, plus Beef Brisket at Toscana Dining

Toscana Dining

The hotel's roof deck

Cocooned At My Booked Superior Room

After unpacking my belongings inside my booked room, I lingered in front of the glass window to gaze at the impressive mountain view that was also visible from the room's work desk. In sheer contrast to the scale of the hallway and lobby, the Superior Room felt like home as it's encased in a wood finish that creatively cocoons the whole space. The see-through teak wood wall accent that separates the bathroom from the bedroom made sense to me in that it worked beyond its aesthetic purpose of softening everything. It made me become less claustrophobic which I usually experience as a frequent traveler when staying in new places.

Room Rate Inclusions

The room rate has the expected inclusions of a complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel's F&B facility called Toscana Dining and other host of complimentary inclusions from the mini bar, bottled water, high-speed and wireless Internet access, access to the hotel's fitness center and casino, plus a scheduled shuttle service to SM Clark. Also, access to the swimming pool will be included in the roster once the facility is finally opened.

Welcome drink at Cafe Midori upon check-in at the high-ceiling lobby

The mountain view from one of the suites

The hotel's hallways

International cuisine at Toscana Dining

Getting a soothing massage at the hotel's spa

Exquisite Meals At Toscana Dining

For late lunch, I visited Toscana Dining where I tried its filling Beef Brisket which was served with a tasty set of seaweed, anchovies and kimchi appetizers. With enough natural light coming from the open space outside next to the dining area, the meal was simply exquisite. The same pleasant dining ambiance was to be reliable the next day for buffet breakfast in the same venue where morning sunshine penetrated through the hotel's neighboring trees. Out of convenience, it was also there where I had a delicious buffet dinner of international cuisines.

Relaxing Spa Center

I also tried the hotel's spa where I had a soothing Shiatsu massage which commenced after a relaxing foot scrub in one of the facility's rooms for body treatments. It's also where guests can have the spa's Luxurious Manicure and Luxurious Pedicure which can be considered as attractive services for those who are always on the go from one to destination to another.

Perfect for outdoor events or a personal romantic stroll with your loved one

Buffet breakfast at Toscana Dining

Tasty treats at Toscana Dining

Fabulous For Indoor and Outdoor Events

With Pampanga being less than three hours away from Metro Manila, the hotel is also touted to attract numerous special events from conferences to weddings. For one thing, its garden area is fabulous for romantic "I-dos" while its spacious Festa Hall can accommodate a total of 400 guests engaged in any kind of revelry.

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino is a must-book in the province, especially now that the area where it is -- Clark Freeport Zone -- is being seen as an emerging gateway to various destinations and other essential facilities in Central Luzon. With Metro Manila currently in a tussle with heavy traffic, politics, and the uninspired, the high-end lure of this newly-opened establishment is quite irresistible. It's an attractive character on its own.

Midori Clark Hotel & Casino at night

(left) Festa Hall for indoor events; (right) The hotel's Business Center

Rainy Day Flash Sale!

Take advantage of the hotel's Rainy Day Flash Sale which lets you experience Midori for as low as P4,500 net/night (single occupancy) or P5,000 net/night (double occupancy). Simply book anytime between May 1, 2016 - July 31, 2016 for your date of stay that's scheduled between July 16, 2016 - August 16, 2016 to avail of the promo.

Chillin' at the hotel's Baccus Lounge

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino

Official website of Midori Clark Hotel and Casino

Address: Kalayaan St., C.M. Recto Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines
Phone: +63 45 308 8888
Email: reservations
@midorihotel.com

Read more about Toscana Dining soon on the blog!

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