The Worst Travel Buddy

Mark Twain once said that, “There ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” From the time we have ventured to uncertainty, I had my answer…But no, readers. This is not your typical sappy blog entry. I do not intend to make you “kilig”.

Our first trip was filled with hopes: I am a self-confessed wanderlust. I veer away from plans and conformity. You, on the other hand, needed a solid ground to start from. The budget should be precise…and no to hoping that there will be a place to crash. According to you, a warm bed is a necessity. So, without any choices left and after a few heated arguments, I compromised and bid farewell to times when I slept on airport floors.

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That trip was seasoned with mishaps…as all our future trips came to be. It ranged from times when we couldn’t locate the booking office, moments when we could not find a place to stay (my carpe diem does not work when I am with you); losing the last money we have (biggest at stake is 2,500 Php and this is overseas); to extreme moments of sheer terror when our bus was almost subjected to a heist (and funny we were both ready to fight); missing our flight, and losing direction in the middle of a foreign country’s freeway.  Did I mention the supernatural? Yep. Ghosts too.

It was always a concoction of some kind of misfortune that I have not encountered in my years of living–consistently–unless I was indulging myself on a series of sarcastic literature. Travel can really teach you a thing or two about life. The lessons it taught me were intensely broadening and having you as its co-facilitator was not a big help. Honestly.

I was annoyed with the idea that you have to always have a plan. I called you out plenty of times until you switched to being as carefree as me…and that was a further disaster. Remember when, from a 30-liter-backpack, you suddenly shifted to a stroller-type bag? You hurled it across the beach. On the sand. While people looked.

And with reference to bags, how we threw out our stuff at the airport since my bag was overloaded because I packed it in my most “liable” state of mind?! I cannot be the responsible one…yet, I had to.

From that time on, when you shifted, I had to assume another role. The lesson life taught me this time is not to change people you are travelling with. Travel creates a better version of themselves…and I have no right to interfere.

Travelling with you also made me realize that if I needed to take better photos, it will not come from you. The delusion of Instagram boyfriends should clearly go in flames. Not that you are not a good photographer. Your degree in Multimedia Arts served you well but, hey, you suck sometimes. Besides, photos are meant to have the two of us or else I could have just traveled with a tripod or selfie stick, conversing with it intermittently about life over coffee. No. It doesn’t work that way.

Hence, I do not have the mandatory blogger shots.

In the course of travelling, we also learn a skill. Mine was swimming. You almost killed me. But I learned how to swim. Consequentialism-wise, I got what I wanted. This is disregarding the premise that I could have sunk into the depths of Anilao and went home in a body bag. Bottomline, though, I know now how to swim and I can cliff-dive because of this.

Arguments are also our own special way of releasing stress from the toil of the trip. We squabble about the pettiest things: food, baggage, sleep, walking, sleep-walking, cigarettes, or even how you are in a good mood and I am not because I am tired! It’s also not a good compatibility with the ability we have of coining out the most creative forms of verbal aggression. It can be a trying lot most of the time.

So what am I trying to say? Mark Twain was a genius. He clearly defined what we have as travel companions. Through these trips I have learned that I loath you, whichever version or form you are in. I detest the catastrophe our partnership can conjure. But I like it when you encourage me to try new things. I appreciate it that we can be gluttons without being judged. I abhor that this partnership can bring so much calamity in our well-beings but I am grateful that it is you that I share it with. I cannot find anyone to travel with who is as reliable and as compatible as you are to me.

I’ll end this by quoting you: “Just be prepared. We are bound to be unlucky.“

Masinloc, Zambales: Keeping Its Beauty Distant

While everyone is heading to Zambales to experience social beacheneering, I wanted to discover what’s more to the province. I mean, sure, watching a movie on the beach, buffet meals, glamping, and acoustic nights are great but as you grow older, you sort of want the laid-back kind of escape. This is why Masinloc attracted me. I wanted to see Zambales and discover what’s more to the province than surfing, partying, and events.

The road was long. Reaching Masinloc meant hours of driving, passing through several towns. Thank God we have Waze and we were able to dodge several vehicle build-ups. If you are planning to bring your own car, stock up on food and drinks to avoid unnecessary stopovers which can consume more time.

Once we reached the town, we headed straight to the city hall where the town’s tourism office was located. The office was closed and there was no one to greet us. The day before we headed to Masinloc, I was able to get the tourism office’s number and asked if their eco-tour is still being offered to which they replied yes. The price for the tour is 610 Php per head inclusive of snacks, boat rental, lunch, environmental fee, and gear rental fee. Please note that this price is applicable only to groups with a minimum of 10 people. Since we already ate lunch on our way to Masinloc, we took advantage of just the tour which is priced at 410 Php (minimum of 10). We were just 5 in the group so our bill was slightly higher than 410 Php to which we understood since the gas for the boat is expensive. If you are also wondering if you can join any group to fill the group of 10 pax and pay the published rate, their default answer is “no” although we saw another group on their way back to the shore as we were leaving. I am not ultimately sure if they want every tour exclusive to avoid untoward incidents, but in good faith, this is what I assumed.

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The eco-tour started with snorkeling and the viewing of giant clams along the area of San Salvador Island. We hurriedly jumped off the boat to see these for ourselves. There were a lot of giant clams on the sea bed but most of them were already dead. The bangkeros told us that there were typhoons that washed the land from the mountains to the sea and the impact overwhelmed the ecosystem below. In spite of the fact that it is recovering, the phase can be slow and can take years. The community is currently taking care of what’s left of the life below.

The sea of Masinloc is rich and we saw different kinds of starfishes around. I initially thought they were fake because of the good quality they are in until they moved their arms as if to say “hey sucker bring us back to the water!” (hahaha sorry). The current was a bit strong (even underwater) because of the typhoon but on good days, the bangkeros mentioned that the sea is blue and sparkling! I would love to see that one day!

After battling the tide and viewing the underwater paradise, we then headed to Yaha Island or the mangroves. We were provided kayaks to roam around the area and it was sheer fun playing kayak tag. My friends and I were also briefed as to which flower is male or female. The male mangrove is planted while the female is the fruit (that is if I remember correctly. I was not able to take notes because of the excitement I was feeling that time :P). We were also given the chance to plant new mangrove seeds. Although this isn’t as grand as you might imagine it to be, knowing that the tour included this part, and considering the number of people participating in every tour, it’s a huge effort in conserving these mangrove areas!

The last stop of the tour was the Bacala Guesthouse. It was raining hard by the time we were approaching the island that it looked like we were in some franchise of Silent Hill!

The Bacala Guesthouse was originally put up to shelter tired fishermen seeking refuge after hours of working. It is situated on a sandbar that manifests itself during low tide. We were there when that happened. After having lunch at the Bacala Guesthouse, the tide slowly calmed and we found ourselves on a white-sand, absolutely enchanting sandbar, adorned with sea urchins, shells, and sea cucumbers! It was almost magical! Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch if you will be choosing the same package as ours. You also have to remember to take your trash with you! Sadly, among the sea creatures lying around the sandbar were plastic wrappers and even a consumed bottle of alcohol. I was turned off by this. We took the initiative to pick up the trash other tourists left behind.

After frolicking around Bacala Guesthouse, we had to leave and head to our accommodation. We thanked the kuya bangkeros and apologized for arriving late. When we visited, there was still no bathroom to change to dry clothes on. It was still under construction and cannot be used to shower. Thankfully, we found a small space to change clothes on.

We then headed to DFarm and Park which was around 10 minutes away. We were stunned by how beautiful the place was even from the outside. It was adorned with colorful and blooming flowers and it was just as it was shown on TV, probably even better! The best part about the resort is that it is very affordable for a quality place such as this! We stayed at the Guest House for 3,000 Php. It can house 4 people comfortably. We had our own bathroom, a television, a fridge, and a second floor where 2 people can stay. It has a porch where we had our meals and lounged about assessing how beautifully our trip turned out.

The main feature of DFarm and Park probably was their infinity pool that is overlooking the South China Sea. You can also admire the wondrous blue while in their jacuzzi, right beside the infinity pool. For those addicted to Instagram, this place is something you’ll undoubtedly enjoy. But aside from those features, the highlight of the place for me is the serene atmosphere that sort of welcomes you out of the clutches of the city. DFarm and Park, that day, was my oasis.

Masinloc, Zambales is many wonderful things. It may be far but its distance is its charm. The Zambales I knew was crowded and knocking towards toxic tourism. But Masinloc was different. It still belonged to the locals and to nature.

**Contact Information:

• Masinloc Tourism: (0915) 4518246 or (0912) 4905877
• DFarm & Park:
  • Address: Km 3, BaloganonMasinloc, Zambales
  • Facebook Page: CLICK HERE
  • Mobile Number: (0939) 5386117

How to Go to Masinloc, Zambales:

By Commute:

1. From the Victory Liner Terminal in Sampaloc, Manila, take the bus to Sta. Cruz Zambales (500 Php – 600 Php, depending if it will pass through SCTEX)
2. Inform the bus conductor to let you off at Masinloc, Zambales.

Alternative Commute Route:

1. From Victory Liner Terminal in Cubao, take the bus to Olongapo (300 Php)
2. Get off at Olongapo Terminal which is the last stop and ride a UV Express van to Sta. Cruz Zambales
3. Alight at Masinloc

By Private Transport:

1. Take NLEX and SLEX and exit at Subic, Olongapo.
2. Drive through the long path of Castillejos, leading to several Zambales Towns. Here’s the map below:

***Masinloc, Zambales is part of our independently-arranged Luzon Backpacking Adventure in hopes that we finish Project 81 (Or visiting all the 81 provinces of the Philippines)!!!

Guimaras: Beyond First Impressions

Guimaras intimidated me. I usually stay away from touristy places because of the stress. I hate it when barkers call for you relentlessly despite refusing their offer for the hundredth time. I am also afraid of being ripped-off by my fellow kababayans. Upon setting foot at Jordan Port, Guimaras, there were swarms of people and my anxiety level rose. Thank goodness my impressions were nothing but. The port of Jordan had a system that is convenient for everyone! Imagine how relieved I was!

Jordan Port! The gates of Guimaras!

We began our journey at 7 in the morning by heading to the Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo. We were lucky because it was just a jeepney ride away from the Centennial Plaza Hotel where we were staying. It was the last day of our Panay Island adventure and we just couldn’t leave not seeing Guimaras. My worry began when we reached Ortiz Wharf where we met a flock of people from all walks of life, all waiting to get a ride to the other side. Some were students, others are employees in uniform—you can’t even distinguish locals from tourists because everyone had this busy look on their faces. “This may be a good sign because the province is progressive”, I thought to myself. Then a pang of worry hit me. I’ve seen tourism-progressive places and it was scary!

The boat to Guimaras from Iloilo

The boat from Iloilo to Jordan, Guimaras leaves every 15 minutes from 6 AM to 6:30 PM daily. We were able to depart the port immediately to our delight. The boat ride was smooth, easy, and fast and we arrived in Guimaras in around 10 to 15 minutes. As we disembarked from the boat, we saw men calling the attention of tourists. I thought they were the same as those I have seen and feared before. My instinct dictated that I had to look for the local tourism office to avoid being scammed and I was grateful to see that there is a helpdesk situated right at the entrance of the port. The lady was kind and accommodating and she told us that there is a fixed rate and system for all tours and I can freely approach anyone of the men hailing for us without worrying about being duped.

Like a jeepney, but on water.

True enough, we approached one and he immediately called for a tricycle that was next in line. I thought to myself that I should finally let go of the worry because they even have an organized queue for their transportation. Kuya asked us where we wanted to go so that he can advise us of the tour package rate. Since we were under time pressure because of our flight back to Manila, we told him that we just wanted to see the beach and some tourist locations along the way. He immediately knew where to bring us and off we went to Raymen Resort.

WELCOME TO GUIMARAS!

It was a fairly long drive of around 40 minutes or so to reach Alubihod Beach in Nueva Valencia, the southernmost part of Guimaras Island. While we were headed to our destination, we thought how the trip was worth the price because of the length of the travel. Kuya also talked to us along the way and we had fun conversing with him. He was friendly and very knowledgeable of the best places to go for tourists beating the clock, like us.

Guimaras Mangoes are not only famous nationwide, but worldwide too!

One thing we noticed was how cool the breeze is in Guimaras. It was not just because we were moving along on a tricycle but it has that crisp, provincial air that you never get in Manila, not even during the “ber” months. The roads were also paved nicely. The sun was up and it was just too beautiful. There were Mango trees wherever we looked and all of them cannot look any healthier! We heard that in Guimaras, importing of mangoes is forbidden. This is to prevent any disease or genetic alteration of their very own product. I perfectly understood this rule because Guimaras Mangoes are not only famous nationwide, but worldwide too! It’s exported and revered for its sweet taste and high quality.

Raymen Resort offers affordable Island Hopping Tours!

We immediately arranged our island hopping tour upon arriving at Raymen Beach Resort. For a fair price of 600 Php on our first hour and an additional of 200 Php for every succeeding hour, we couldn’t complain, especially when we saw our boat! I was used to island hopping on a small fishing boat but this was different! It looked like a boat that can transport 15 people! We were delighted! We were also given a copy of our itinerary which included 7 destinations. Unfortunately, again, we cannot stay for a long time because of our flight back to Manila. We asked the captain of the boat and his assistant for their recommendation on the best place to go and they suggested to try Natago Beach Resort. I also noticed the Sea Turtle Sanctuary on our itinerary and inquired about it but they said that there are no longer Sea Turtles around the area. They probably have migrated or it just wasn’t their laying season.

Natago Beach is picturesque! In fact, it has a deck with a view fit for your Instagram whims! The rock formations around the beach is divine and you can tell how the place is meticulously taken care of by the owner. The radiant sun accented the white sand and the cerulean waters were as clear as it can get. The sand is also white and it makes you wonder why people swarm famous, crowded beaches when they can go here. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t leave. It was paradise! I even purchased fresh Buko Juice served right from the fruit!

The buko was just right for the beach vibe!

The co-captain of our bangka can work sideline as an IG Photographer.

After frolicking around, we were reminded of the reality that we had to go home. I took one last look of Natago Beach as we were sailing away and promised to return for a longer stay. We also appreciated the captain’s initiative to at least sail us around where we can view the other destinations even from afar. I guess they had guests like us who had broken hearts because of the little tim ethey had to enjoy Guimaras to the fullest. We saw the cliff-diving site, the island owned by Gina Lopez, the Ave Maria Islets, and many other places which I wanted so much to go back to one day.

HUHU!!! BABAY NATAGO BEACH!!!

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We settled our payment back at Raymen Resort after washing up and met with Kuya who opted to wait for us. I also bought souvenirs at the resort. I love how convenient the shop is! They had key chains shaped like mangoes and shirts that said “Guimaras”.

On our way home we stopped by the Mango Research and Development Center and marveled at the gigantic trees caving in on the field. The main mission of the organization is to develop methods that are economical and environment friendly to sustain the major source of industry of the province. If you ask me, I would say that they are doing a great job at it!

I also had to take an obligatory photo of the word “GUIMARAS” right in front of the Provincial Capitol! I was a bit frustrated at this point because my phone died back in Antique (read about our trip HERE) and I had to use my partner’s mobile phone which was slowly draining its battery life.      

For pasalubongs, we dropped by the Trappist Monastery. We saw everything that’s mango! They have Mango Otap, Mango Piyaya,Mango Barquillos, Mango Tart—I can go on the whole day!!! I also bought a keychain from a wood taken from the miraculous sinukuan trees. It is said that the wood is only gathered during Good Friday and it has a natural cross on its center pith, no matter which direction or angle you cut. It was even demonstrated to us and although I am not Catholic, I find this moving. It’s like a fusion of modern-day religion, animism, and folk beliefs all in one item. Goes to show how Guimaras value their roots despite the massive change brought by time.

Can you see the cross?

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Our last stop was at The Pitstop (no pun intended, it’s really the name of the restaurant!) to try the Mango Pizza! We ordered to go and headed back to Jordan Port where we thanked Kuya for his personalized way of touring us, for making us feel comfortable and at ease, and for waiting for us because he knew our time was really cutthroat. We paid our tab and bid him farewell. On our way back to the city, I recalled telling my partner how I appreciated Guimaras despite of my initial fears. I felt bad for thinking of the province that way when they received us with open arms, providing us an unforgettable experience in a very short time, and showed us paradise that need not a whole day to appreciate. The townsfolk were all friendly and loved their place greatly. I was the evil, outsider doubting their intentions. Guimaras taught met hat there is more than meets the eye. Sometimes, getting a closer look will help you discover the true beauty of things.  

How to Go to Guimaras:

• From Iloilo, proceed to Ortiz Wharf and ride the sea shuttle or Bangka to Guimaras. (14 Php)

Tricycle Tours: The tricycle land tour has a standard rate of 1,200 Php to 1,500 Php. This is the complete, all-in tour. However, if you are like us who are working under a tight schedule, you can coordinate with your trike driver on which places you would like to see and they will give you a very fair price. This is because they are regulated by the local tourism office.

***Guimaras is part of our independently-arranged Panay Backpacking Adventure in hopes that we finish Project 81 (Or visiting all the 81 provinces of the Philippines)!!! You can read our adventures around the Panay Island by clicking the links below:

Antique: La Escapo Mountain Resort

La Escapo Mountain Resort: Tibiao’s Pleasant Surprise

10 years ago, I would have gone backpacking without any plans. However, as I grew older, I realized the perils of my old ways. Being the 30+-year-old tita that I am now, I hate unexpected turns. I spend days before my trip planning my day-today activity. La Escapo Mountain Resort in Tibiao, Antique was different. It’s the living proof that the best moments are those you didn’t plan at all.

The best, unplanned turn!

I initially intended to stay at another resort in Tibiao. I was grateful though that we had a slight miscommunication with the owner of the resort and we ended up not having a place to stay that night. If it weren’t for our van driver at the time, we wouldn’t have met the wonderful people of La Escapo Mountain Resort. We were received with open arms regardless of how hesitant we looked on staying at the resort at first (yes, yes, because it was unplanned). But the moment we were lead to our cottage, all my doubts were gone. The kubo was huge and to think that it’s only 250 Php per person, per night! We had a dining area, a spacey bathroom,and a room equipped with a kulambo and blanket. We were told by Ate Mary Ann that it can get really cold at night and she wasn’t lying! The air was fresh and crisp. Imagine a virgin rainforest…that was what we had. We had trees around us and we can hear the crickets rendering a delightful symphony. We had a good night’s sleep at the resort. I couldn’t be more relieved that the city was miles away from me.

Pure nature!

Steps to the river

LaEscapo Mountain Resort serves food! We tried their La Escapo Inasal meals which was very generous. Their Chicken Inasal was savory to the very bone and it’s with unlimited rice! Their Grilled Pork was just as delectable and pleasing. We didn’t have problems deciding if we were just starving that’s why the food tasted great: it was really delicious. We even ordered the same meals for the rest of our stay!

Photo Credit: milkahandrea.com (BECAUSE MY PHONE BROKE AND I LOST ALL THE PHOTOS HUHU)

With the help of the resort staff, we had our plans laid right from the morning the next day. We started with the trek to Bugtong Bato Falls through the trail in Mount Bandirahan. The hike took around 20 to 30 minutes with the beauty of nature as your backdrop. Our guide is an old woman named Nanay Menen who astonished the living hell out of me. She trod the path with ease while sharing stories about the community of Tibiao. I appreciated her constant reminder for us to take care of our steps and her resolute offer to carry our bags to which we refused almost as determinedly.

The trail easy at first…

Nanay Menen is strong!!!

Upon reaching Bugtong Bato falls, we were informed by Nanay Menen that the falls is 3 tiers high. The way to the second tier was dangerous because the steps were steeper and slippery. We all agreed we should go regardless and I was worrying about Nanay the whole time. As it turns out, I should be more worried about myself because she didn’t need any help at all! Upon reaching the second tier,we saw the way to the third tier to which we dared (again). It was a scene right out of Indiana Jones. The path was dangerously vertical and we were holding onto ropes. According to Nanay, the path used to be descending through the falls but it was dangerous so they changed it. To tell you the truth, the new trail scared me. It looked thrillingly similar.  

The falls and the plunge basin of all 3 tiers were a sight to behold. We decided to take my phone to the third tier because it took clear photos. Sadly, all of the photos were gone now. 

I was able to retrieve this one photo. Yep, that’s how far we climbed.

We stayed longer on the 1^st tier because the water is shallow enough for you to lounge but deep enough to swim on. We were the first visitors of the day and it was a warm thought having shared it with someone inspiring as Nanay Menen. Our way back was a breeze. We made an effort to greet everyone we came across with. For me, this is the least I can do to express my gratitude to the townsfolk: for taking care of this natural wonder and also for sharing with me,an outsider, the beauty of their town. We settled our payment for the environmental fee and guide fee as soon as we were back at the jump off point and gave a little extra to Nanay Menen for being thoughtful the whole trek. We also saw her picking up the food wrappers left by other tourists while waiting for us (there weren’t many, thank goodness!) (we helped, of course!!!) and this further touched our hearts.

Right after, we headed to the river to experience the Tibiao River Tubing! I honestly underestimated the current. Here are 2 friendly, but important reminders:

1) No matter how good you are in holding on to your stuff, never trust yourself.

2) The current seems calm from where you will be starting but once you reach the middle part of the course, prepare for some drops and twists.

Right after the calm where the raft is at, is one hell of an adventure!

I had to learn the hard way.  The resort staff were all discouraging me from bringing my phone. I told them I can manage. Since they saw that I couldn’t be deterred, they gave up and handed me a mobile phone bag/protector. To make the long story short, I found myself totally wet with my phone dead. Damn it. No regrets, though. The experience was gold! I was in a fit of uncontrollable laughter because it was thrilling and it excited me to no end. I had fun being dragged along the river! Our guides warned us for any sharp falls and curves. We survived the fury of Tibiao, River and ended in a stable stream where locals were having their picnic. They were all happy to see us and we were too! Some congratulated us even and offered us shots! It was so cool in its own little way!

Don’t be fooled. It’s not really this calm throughout!

It’s getting hot in herrr

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It was finally time for some rest and relaxation after the river tubing! We watched as the La Escapo Mountain Resort staff prepared our Kawa Bath. The fire blazed as the water was itching to boil. They placed flowers and herbs in and as soon as it was well-heated, the pleasant smell filled the area. We stayed in the Kawa Bath for almost an hour. It couldn’t get any more relaxing than this. The cold, rainforest air contrasting the warmth of the bath was heaven. The Kawa Bath also came with a free, full-body massage. I was jumping in and out of consciousness at that point. It was so relaxing that I was dozing off! The oil they were using was minty and it was a good choice especially for those who just had a maddening adventure around Tibiao.

After the message, as much as we wanted to stay, we prepared to leave. My heart ached. Being in La Escapo in Tibiao, Antique became, indeed, an escape for me.We never intended to stay here but this was where we ended up in. La Escapo is a place where we learned all about Tibiao. The warmth of Nanay Menen, Ate Mary Ann Marcelino, and Kuya Larry Felipe, to name a few, was unparalleled. I didn’t want to leave and return to the road.   

“Mamimiss namin kayo!”

Ever since that day, Antique held its grip on me. It was my unexpected turn. It was an unplanned adventure. But of all the things that I never saw coming, La Escapo and Tibiao, Antique in general, was the most pleasant surprise that I am willing to submit to again. Just like Kuya Larry’s parting words “Mamimiss namin kayo!” Asta sa liwat, Tibiao and I will be back!

Howto go to Tibiao, Antique:

• From Iloilo International Airport, ride a van toSM City Iloilo (70 Php)
• Take the jeepney bound to Molo Terminal then ride a van bound to Tibiao, Antique. Travelling via van is suggested as it only takes 4 hours without traffic. When you travel by bus, expected travel time is 6 hours minimum. Van Fare is 200 Php while Bus Fare is 110 Php.
• Asked to be dropped off in Tibiao and ride a tricycle to the resort. You can coordinate with La Escapo so that they can pick you up.

Contact Information:

La Escapo Resort
Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique
Tibiao, Antique, Philippines 5707

Mobile Number: (0977) 470 8784 and (0926) 237 6136

***Please be very patient when it comes to their reply to your text messages. There are no stable mobile phone signal in Tibiao, Antique regardless of the resort.

Room Rates: 250 Php/pax

Kawa Hot Bath with massage: 299 Php/pax

River Tubing: 399 Php/pax

Bugtong Bato Falls: 150 Php Guide Fee

***Prices are subject to change. But restassured they are one of the most economical yet quality resorts in Tibiao!

***Antique is part of our independently-arranged Panay Backpacking Adventure in hopes that we finish Project 81 (Or visiting all the 81 provinces of the Philippines)!!! You can read our adventures around the Panay Island by clicking the links below:

Guimaras: Trike Tour and Island Hopping

Sing U Me Restaurant: Hide n’ Dine

(We only spent 3,000 Php on our Brunei trip! Find out how HERE!)

One of the best thrills of travelling is eating! You get to know a country’s characteristic better through their food, and I can attest to that. However, during our visit in Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei we were not able to indulge to the fullest. It was Ramadan and though we were not Muslims, we had to comply out of respect.

Good thing our host referred us to Sing U. Me restaurant. It is located in Warisan Complex in Jalan Gadong, right beside our homestay. They serve breakfast and we were very lucky to have found it since we had a long day scheduled ahead.

Warisan Complex

Upon arriving, we noticed that all the windows were covered with newspaper that day. According to our host, this is to hide the people inside, not because they’re breaking the rules but to not tempt those who are fasting. Sing U Me Restaurant’s patrons were all Chinese or those not fasting that day.

The morning after Raya!

Before Raya, all the windows were covered with paper!

It was also nice to meet fellow Filipinos in the restaurant. Most of Sing U Me’s staff were Pinoys and we were given a bigger serving because of it (I really love how we get to enjoy this treat from our Kababayans anywhere!). We ordered Bah Ku Teh (which has become my favorite food of that trip). Generally, Bah Ku Teh is a pork rib dish in herbal soup usually made of star anise, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and garlic. They add other meat variants to make different types of Bah Ku Teh and at Sing U Me Restaurant, I ordered one with pork intestines!

Bak Kut Teh!!!!

We also ordered a shrimp dish that was to die for! It was coated in garlic and rosemary and was deep fried to perfection! It was served with white rice which is perfect in complimenting the strong taste of the shrimp.

We also ordered 2 sets of dimsums because our appetite was triggered big time! I know this isn’t really something adventurous but we needed to taste something familiar! To top it all off, my partner and I each ordered Kopi C or coffee with evaporated milk.

Overall, we spent 19 BND at Sing U Me. That’s around 900 Php. We went overboard, I know, and it’s because we were very pleased with the experience and the taste of their food. No regrets! Besides, we had to eat to last us the whole day!

Dining at Sing U Me Restaurant was a pleasant and palatable experience. It was different because we had to go in hiding just to eat. It was sort of a thrill. We got to understand Brunei’s culture through this experience. I also had a new found appreciation at how people adapt to each other’s differences in order to leave harmoniously.

Here is how you find Sing U Me Restaurant in Brunei 🙂

 

Ten Cents to Heaven:When It’s Cold, You Gotta Eat

The rainy season can be a bummer sometimes but since we live in a tropical country, we really don’t have any choice but adapt. That’s the good thing about us locals. We can still find good places to travel to regardless of the season. By the same virtue did we end up at Ten Cents to Heaven one rainy morning.

Monsoon rains got nothing on us. We wanted to go on a food trip and we have our sights on the beautiful Marilaque Road. We knew that with the rain, food trips are more meaningful in a place that amplifies the cold weather.

After some twists and turns, and the heavenly sight of Rizal’s mountains, we found Ten Cents to Heaven. The place was more of a resort/recreational facility than a restaurant. We arrived together with a couple of families planning to check-in and indulge on the weather.

We headed first to their admin office to get a brochure and check what more is in store for us. It turns out, Ten Cents to Heaven isn’t just a resort but also a team building venue. They have obstacle courses, zip line, even a hanging bridge! Wait hold it…they also have a rappelling tower! It was just a shame that it was raining that day and some of the activities weren’t available for safety reasons.

Their restaurant, Camp Cafe Resto Bar, is located at the end of the trail on the entrance’s left side. Along the path were beautiful trees which added to the cool, provincial feel. It was as if we were strolling along Camp John Hay in Baguio! If you like taking photos or selfies, then this place is for you too! Everything is just picturesque!

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were pleased with the view! This was exactly how we pictured our food trip session: overlooking the world below, chilly, and comfortable! Their menu is also extensive! From an array of local main courses, down to dessert and coffee!

We ordered Pork Steak and Fish in Soy and Garlic, and we weren’t disappointed! The fish was superb and tasty. It was soft and could seemingly melt in your mouth! The oriental flavor of the soy lingers longer in your mouth and the garlic compliments it without taking the spotlight off the fish! The Pork Steak was good too. I like that it was fried to the core, first before it was cooked in steak sauce. It was crunchy and it has a Filipino-style kind of sweetness because of the sauce. The sabaw, by the way, is great over steamed rice!

After dining, a curious cat approached us and asked for attention. Who are we to deny him of that?! Plus he was clean and super cute! According to the staff, there is someone who takes care of stray cats like him who happened to found home within Ten Cents to Heaven’s premise. The place just got more beautiful in our eyes!!!

Ten Cents to Heaven is indeed a good place to visit with your family. Heck, you can even bring your whole  work department here for some adrenaline pumping activities! If you just needed to relax and take the time off from the busy city, then this is the pill for your weariness. Ten Cents to Heaven can also replenish bonds too with their team building facilities. Or if you’re like us who are just looking for places to satisfy our hunger, then Camp Cafe and Resto should be your next destination!

Camp Cafe is located at Sitio Mayagay II, Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. Below is where to find them on Google Maps!

Tanjung Aru: Filipino Hospitality Abroad

“I quit my job to enjoy better sunsets.”

This is what our Uber driver, Baloo, said as we were heading to Tanjung Aru. It was just sad, though, because we were too late to experience the Kota Kinabalu sunset. My partner and I were too lazy.

This is what you get when you’re lazy!

Tanjung Aru Beach got its name from the Aru trees that adorns its shoreline. The 2-km-long beach is celebrated by the locals as one of the treasures of Kota Kinabalu because of the charm it has that brings families and loved ones together. The place is a little bit similar to our very own Manila Bay, only cleaner. The shore is wider too, giving people a place to fly their and kites or for children to roll and play with the sand.

Since we arrived too late, we just contained ourselves to a hearty dinner. We were taken aback by how the locals would invite us to eat using Tagalog. One man caught our attention when he said, “Kuya, kain kayo dito.” I couldn’t hide my smile in appreciation. He sounded a legit Pinoy! When we talked to him though, he didn’t know any Tagalog words which confirmed that he isn’t Filipino. I find the gesture nice. For me, that’s good customer service–knowing your market.

We decided to dine at the stall that which served the most colorful shake I’ve seen in my life. They call it 3-Layer-Juice and it’s made of mango, avocado, and dragon fruit. It was as delicious as it looks! The woman who served us was a real kababayan and she gave us an epic discount. She disclosed that here in Kota Kinabalu, locals try and learn Tagalog because a Filipino’s brand loyalty is unparalleled. Filipinos tend to patronize a fellow Filipino’s business. This was nice to hear! Finally, no shade against Filipino tourists!

My partner and I ordered rice toppings with egg and we were given soup because Ate knows how Pinoys adore sabaw. The rice they served was generous too!

Before we left Tanjung Aru, I stumbled upon a stall selling corn kernels sprinkled with cheese powder–just like what we have in the Philippines. This one’s with a twist, though. They put mayo on it!!! Curious, I bought a glass and it tasted glorious! You can never go wrong with mayo, cheese, and butter! LOL!

As we were leaving Tanjung Aru,  realized Baloo wasn’t exaggerating. Places like these are precious and best visited with your family. Work is essential but there are finer things in life like moments spent with your loved ones. Baloo found better sunsets in Tanjung Aru while I found good food and Filipino hospitality in a foreign country.

Here’s how to go to Tanjung Aru Beach in Kota Kinabalu:

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan: An Adventurous Dining Experience

Dining out proves to be a pretty monotonous celebration: we gather our loved ones, decide what to eat, get to a traditional restaurant, eat, and pay the bill. When was the last time a restaurant excited you? Me? I was ecstatic discovering Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Tayabas, Quezon.

From the outside, the place seems like one of those grills showcasing the provincial fee but when you tread further down the stairwell, pass their bucolic pavilions, you’re in for a treat! There were nipa and bamboo cottages ready to receive you for your meal. Get this: they’re not just ordinary cottages…they’re floating on water! It all made sense! The place is called “Kamayan sa Palaisdaan” because you get to experience grilled delights in the middle of a makeshift fishing lagoon!

When the waiter came to take our orders, he mentioned about the possibly long wait time. He explained to us that they only cook and prepare dishes as orders come to maintain freshness and quality. For some, this can be a deal-breaker but we were totally fine with it. We perfectly understood.

While waiting for our food, we explored the restaurant and was even more impressed. We found out that there were actually 3 Kamayan sa Palaisdaan built almost next to each other, each having a slightly different theme and function. The one where we were in is where families usually dine and enjoy the essence of the fishing village theme. Parties can be held here since they have a spacey function area that is picturesque and can entertain a large number of guests.

We were not able to go in the second Kamayan sa Palaisdaan branch that time because of an exclusive event being held in the premise. From what I can see from the outside though is a giant clay pot and a very native-themed site.

Of all the branches, the third branch thrilled me the most. From the roads of Tayabas, you can see the nosecone of an airplane peeking from the inside of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan’s lot. You might be thinking, “Nah…it can’t be a real plane”…but it is! It’s an actual Boeing 737! According to the staff, the Air Summit Gourmet is where Kamayan sa Palaisdaan serve their fine dining course. Sadly, though, it was too late for us to transfer here because we were already waiting for our order. Also, reservation is highly appreciated.

After roaming from one branch of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan to another,  we went back to enjoy our lunch. We ordered Camaron Rebusado, Inihaw na Tilapia, and Sinigang na Spare Ribs. They were all nicely cooked and well-prepared. We just noticed crickets on our fish so we called the waiter who humbly apologized and provided us a new serving of Inihaw na Tilapia. Hey, I’m Ilokano and I know crickets are clean so I wasn’t bothered by it. We eat bugs occasionally. LOL!

The overall experience in Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is a pleasing one. If you are heading to Quezon, it is a must to make this your stopover. Oh, by the way, Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is also a resort and they have rooms and pools, not to mention outdoor activities such as zipline! Bring your family and friends along!!!

Here is how you get to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan! You can also like their FACEBOOK PAGE by clicking the link!

Ethnic Boutique, Tabuk: An Oasis in the Mountains

Tabuk, Kalinga is known to be the portal to the ever so famous Buscalan. Many tourists roam around the town, all excited to their soon encounter with the legendary Whang Od or the country’s oldest mambabatok (traditional art of tattooing using bamboo stick and pomelo thorn. Ash is used as ink). Not known to the public, Tabuk has its own charm.

 

One of Tabuk’s hidden treasure is Ethnic Boutique, located at FF Cruz, Bulanao Centro. My partner and I were looking for places to hang out the afternoon before my cousin’s wedding day when we accidentally stumbled upon the place. We were expecting to have the famed Kalinga Coffee over our usual musings. What we didn’t expect was how beautiful the place is.

Everything was on point. It was Ethnic, alright! In every corner of Ethnic Boutique you will see the customary Igorot tapestry. The lush vegetation enveloping the cafe is a treat to the senses. It made the place an oasis to weary travelers. We arrived just right after lunch and there were no dishes left to prepare probably because of the influx of people dining. We waited for their merienda instead which is all good because the view is stunning.

We stationed at the farthest corner of Ethnic Boutique, closest to the open view of the farmlands. The mountain seemed so near and smelled so near. It was something you would want to hold on to after being in the city for the longest time. The air was the freshest I have ever been exposed to. It was the antithesis to my usual toxicity of Aurora Boulevard.

There were also different variations of native wines displayed. You can opt to buy from them and have it served with your meal. Their specialty wine is the Bugnay Wine or wine made from fermented wild berries. Pineapple wine and Guava wine were also available. We didn’t buy though. There’s a good place near the market that sells them cheaper.

Ethnic Boutique serves unlimited Kalinga Coffee! While waiting for their afternoon serving, we indulged ourselves to the unlikely combination of coffee and cucumber iced tea. I know, I know. We were very hydrated and happy. We also got to meet the dogs and cats in the area. There was even a mama dog with her puppies. All were friendly and tamed.

We ordered their buttered chicken and organic rice. It was so good, in fact, that after finishing our meal, we ordered a round of fries. Our palettes were not disappointed. If it was something about the cool weather that made us extra hungry, or the welcoming scenery, or their meals were just scrumptious to the core, we will never know. All we knew at that time is that Ethnic Boutique made us warm in delight.

Ethnic Boutique is one of the places that gave us the full Tabuk experience. We were fortunate that we’ll always have the comfort of returning since my relatives are from the area. I would suggest that should you visit the cafe when you happen to make Tabuk your stopover or destination, better come on time for lunch. You will be able to choose more from their menu!

Here’s a rough map to Ethnic Boutique. If all else fails, you can ask the townsfolk where Ethnic Boutique is!

 

Kawayan Farm Pililia, Rizal: Dine With Mother Nature

Do you ever miss the simple life? Having to eat a gracious, fulfilling meal with nature buzzing around you; strolling after dining, having talks in between about life and whatnot? How about a literal breath of fresh air that we find so rare nowadays?  When was the last time you’ve given your respiratories a treat? This is the reason why we searched far and wide to have a meal at Kawayan Farm, Pililia, Rizal.

 

Hidden in the picturesque roads of Pililia, Rizal is a restaurant  that promises to remind you the simple joys of life. From the outside, you will be greeted by an array of bamboo and native installments that looks as though it’s stretching its arms in a frenzy of warm welcome. Once you enter Kawayan Farm, you will also be greeted by their resident Philippine Macaque, Muymuy. It was love at first sight for me. The staff allowed us to give him ripe mangoes. According to them, he loves fruits a lot! As a sign of his gratitude, and perhaps excitement, Muynuy bounced in elation and have us an amazed look. This was a heart-warming moment for me.

Muymuy: “Master has given me mango!”

We were given a choice to eat inside the restaurant or in one of their kubos (native hut) outdoors. Definitely, we chose the kubo for a full experience. The hut where we dined in can fit 4 people having a meal comfortably. It has an electric fan and a complete dining set. There was also a lingering tegu inside the net that contained the dried cogon roof. While this can be something that can put customers off, I was honestly glad to see one. Goes to show how healthy the environment still is in this side of Rizal. The air was fresh and had a hint of the faint aroma of burning leaves or “siga” which is a treat to my senses because it takes me back to the good old days in the province.

While waiting for our food to be served, my partner and I wandered around the premise. We found a small bamboo chapel complete with an altar, pews, and stations of the cross along the pathway. It looked serene, solemn, and in touch with nature despite its simplicity. The church is still open and is still holding mass as displayed by the entrance.

Kawayan Farm also has a Bamboo forest which we gladly hiked. Just be careful, though, as the trail tends to be slippery when wet. It will also help to apply a mosquito repellent if you are not used to the great outdoors (just for safety measures). While on the trail, please do not bring food and avoid littering at all cost!

Opposite of the trail is the Viewpoint here you can marvel at the mountain-side view of Pililia. We were taken by the site of Laguna de Bay peeking from behind the ridges of Rizal. Although there was an electricity line running across the scenery, it was just too darn beautiful to be spoiled by that.

Along the path, you can find signs introducing you to the “Kawayan” (Bamboo tree) and how we can benefit from it. According to one of their signage, the Kawayan plays a big role against soil erosion, a major effect of deforestation. This is timely since there are some parts of Rizal where logging is prevalent. The signs also mention the many uses of this sturdy tree. You can create furniture from Bamboo, rafts, and even the house itself.

There were also different kinds of Bamboo which surprised me. All the while I thought there was only one class of Bamboo! Among those I saw at Kawayan Farm are the Australian White, the Thailand Bamboo, and the Pole Vault Bamboo, each slightly different from the other.

Chickens were also free roaming. We saw a huge rooster and even joked about him being the inspiration for Foghorn J. Leghorn of Looney Tunes. Yeah, we’re old.

Our food was served as we were returning from our hike. We ordered Kawayan Farm’s specialty, Bulalo (beef shank stew). The serving was generous just as the staff honestly described. It can feed 3 to 5 people and had we ordered more, we would not have been able to finish it. Such a tragic waste!

I can also tell why Bulalo is their specialty. How do I say this without overly patronizing Kawayan Farm Restaurant? Their Bulalo is the tastiest I had in a long time! The soup reminds me so much of a well seasoned corned beef that was manufactured and sealed to goodness! The beef tasted so fresh and succulent and there was no sign of artificial flavoring!

The staff were nice and caring. Their hospitality is gold. They even instructed for us to clap to get their attention if we need anything to which we did not do. We find it degrading on their end.

The meal at Kawayan Farm was hearty, palatable, and abundant. It was well-worth the drive! It wasn’t just a restaurant but an overall experience going back to basics. It serves as a reminder that it is still satisfying to share a meal with Mother Nature once in a while.

Kawayan Restaurant is located here: