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 🙂

 

Where to Eat Tidbits: Rai Rai Ken Cubao

If you haven’t heard of Rai Rai Ken yet, I don’t think we’re living in the same planet! Kidding aside, Rai Rai Ken is the forefather of Ramen restaurants here in the country. I have been dining at Rai Rai Ken ever since I was 9! Through the years, the chain has maintained its authentic taste without being distant from the average purchasing foodies! Their equation to  success? Quality Ramen + affordable price = a reign of more than 20 years!

My thoughts:

🍜🥢🍚 Rai Rai Ken’s Ramen is one of the best in town! Their Miso Ramen is so on-point that the richness of the taste is undoubtedly satisfying. Like all their Tonkotsu-based soup, the pork bones broth base amplifies the flavor of the dish…and OMG the size of the serving! You can actually share this with a friend! Not bad for a Ramen ranging from 250 to 400 Php!

🍜🥢🍚 If you are fond of challenges, you ought to try their Garlic Chili Ramen. This is best eaten during cold weather. It has ox tripe and shrimp which are the ideal grubs to pair with hot Ramen!

🍜🥢🍚 Rai Rai Ken is not only all about Ramen. They also serve Bentos (Japanese lunch box consisting of rice, vegetables, and meat) and Donburis (Japanese rice bowl dish with fish, meat, and vegetables). They are all promising and sumptuous!

🍜🥢🍚 What is a Japanese Restaurant without sushi and maki? They have it here! Just don’t expect the exotic ones, of course. But if you’re looking for the timeless classics like salmon, kani, and tuna, you will not be disappointed!

Rai Rai Ken can still be found in several locations in Metro Manila. I am very to lucky to be living so near it in Cubao! Try their Ramen today and find out why they are standing strong in the market for more than 2 decades!

🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜🥢🍚 🍜

You can find Rai Rai Ken at the Second Floor, Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City! They are open from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. Here’s how you find it:

 

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:

Where to Eat Tidbits: Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar

If you are tired of the usual chicken joints, you have got to try Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar! What sets this place apart is that they do not only showcase their signature chicken (which is, by the way, the richest, mouthwatering chicken I have tasted in a long time! You can tell how wide the variation of herbs they’re using as rubs and how they slowly grill their food to goodness!), they also have a number of dips or sauces that will cater everybody’s taste buds.

My thoughts:

🐔🍗🌶️ The dips/sauces are refillable! You have 8 options to choose from, ranging from the oriental Sweet Soy to the daring and fiery Chili Peppa’, which is my favorite!!!

🐔🍗🌶️ At first glance, food may seem pricey but boy are the servings abundant! I had trouble finishing my Chicken and Rib Plate!

🐔🍗🌶️ The interior of the restaurant is Instagram-worthy! I love how they recycled bottles to wall decors. The lighting and fixtures were also beautiful, giving that whole Tex-Mex vibe.

🐔🍗🌶️ They have friendly and accommodating staff. You know how rowdy family dinners turn out! They were patient and enduring to our never ending (and at one point unreasonable) order changes and requests.

🐔🍗🌶️ If it’s your birthday, all you need to do is present a valid I.D. with your birthday stated on it and they will give you–get this–one whole chicken!!! OH MY LORD!!! I couldn’t hide the fact that I was ecstatic over this surprise. It wasn’t my birthday, though. It was my brother’s! When the box was handed to him I just knew that tomorrow’s breakfast will be phenomenal!

🐔🍗🌶️ You have got to check out their desserts! Their El Fuego is a must try! It’s chocolate fudge topped with vanilla ice cream, which were all wrapped inside a cloud of torched marshmallow!

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar is best for lunch outs and dinners with your family and friends. They have a bar as well where you can give their Beergarita a go and celebrate life and what-not with your amigos!

🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️🐔🍗🌶️

You can find Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar at the Third Floor, Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City! They are open from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. everyday!

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!

Lampara Cafe & Restaurant: Cubao’s Home-cooking Heaven

Tired of your usual fast food and to-go meals?

Nestled in the heart of Cubao, Quezon City is a small, familiar shack that calls out to those who seek culinary goodness. Lampara, though, is not your typical carinderia. It promises you not just savory meals, but a home to consume your order. I have been fan since 2010 and for an eatery to not lose its magic through the years, you might be curious how they do it.

The place prides itself with newly prepared meals. No matter what time of day you drop by, there is something just-cooked to eat. Their serving is generous and they are always ready to answer you should you ask their recommendation.

I would always order sisig and lechon kawali. Their sisig is a play of flavors. It is moist, creamy, and a play between saltiness and zest. Their lechon kawali is not to be outdone. The crisp of the pork rind is just commendable. It is dry and does not swim in oil. What fascinates me is that the meat of the lechon kawali does not lose its elasticity no matter what time of the day it is served. As you bite through it, you will wonder how did they manage to crispy fry the rind but maintain the meat tender.

Lampara is not an enclosed venue. It has a good ventilation and perhaps that’s the reason why dining here is more appetizing. The place is like a reminiscent of those lunches you took in the province. You might get the impression, though, that since it is located in one of the insets of Aurora Boulevard, pollution is terrible. Honestly, no. It’s as tranquil as it can get. Lampara is located at the backdoor of Cubao Expo and since it is a dead end, there is a very minimal crowd and vehicles around.

There is so much to love about the place. Something that I might just actually want to suggest is to further beautify the front of the eatery to attract more customers. Making it more noticeable will definitely lure more passers-by to have a taste of this treasure. Aside from this, I am in love with Lampara: good eats, relaxing ambiance.

How to go to Lampara Cafe & Restaurant

1. Ride the MRT3 and alight at Cubao Station.
2. From Farmers Plaza, walk your way through Cubao Yale.
3. Walk pass Sogo Hotel until you see Angel’s Burger at the end of the street. You will soon see Lampara Cafe and Restaurant just after Mariposa Hotel.

Budget of a Typical HUNGRY Wanderlust (Public Transpo + Tipid Tips):

MRT3 fare from North Ave to Araneta Center Cubao Station =  16.00 Php x 2

A typical meal + Rice = 50 – 70 Php

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Total: 66 Php – 86 Php + the unparalleled goodness of home-cooking! 

**Lampara Cafe and Restaurant is located at 28 Stanford st. Cubao, Quezon City

 

Little Tokyo: Nihonjin Desu!

In this day and age of Food Trucks and Food Parks, it is quite a challenge finding something out of the ordinary. However, it is such a sweet comfort knowing that we can always return to where it all began. That’s right, folks. Before Maginhawa, Xavierville, and Fairview, there’s Little Tokyo at Legaspi Village, Makati.

No, this is not your traditional food park where everything goes. The place is exclusive for the palette of those who seek the oriental taste: everything is authentically Japanese! From the set-up to the ingredients, it’s like a portal that will bring you to the Land of the Rising Sun.

It’s such a sad lot that we went there early. According to one of the staff, life usually begins at 6:00 P.M. What we can do for the meantime is watch one of the chefs clean his blades. The chef is an elderly Japanese man  who wore a traditional kimono. He was very meticulous and I can definitely tell that he takes his craft seriously. Just like the other restaurant owners, they’re mostly Japanese who migrated to the Philippines.

We went about, snapping away and hoping we’re not that much of a bother. It was too early for beer and too humid for a Ramen. I guess this blog post is just an introduction to our next visit. Not all foodies get their way all the time. Hahaha! Of course, I’ll give you directions to the place and hopefully, we get to meet there! A useful tip: food starts at 200.00 Php. To enjoy Little Tokyo, please bring a loaded budget! ♪~♪ d(⌒o⌒)b♪~♪

How to go to Little Tokyo:

1. Take the MRT and alight at Magallanes Station. From Cubao Station, fare is 24.00 Php

2. Exit at the Northbound side and head to the Jeepney terminal near Home Depot.

3. Take any Jeepney with the signage PRC, Washington, or Ayala and ask the driver to disembark you at Little Tokyo. (7.00 Php)

4. You are not to miss the place! Look for the ever-famous Little Tokyo Arch!

Budget of a Typical Wanderlust (Public Transpo + Tipid Tips):

MRT – 24.00 x 2

Jeepney fare – 7.00 x 2

Miso Ramen at Yamazaki Bento – 206.00

Gyoza – 106.00

Coke – 55.00

——————————————————-

Total: 429.00 Php

**Little Tokyo is located at 2277 Chino Roces Ave, Pasong Tamo Corner Amorsolo Street, Makati, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Puerto Galera: Discovering Inland Galera Part 1

The majority sees Puerto Galera as an island of booze, party, and finding destiny. This was the reason why we challenged ourselves to look at it at a different light. Last Summer, we tried staying at  Galera, but this time away from the renowned White Beach.

Finding a place was difficult at first since the World Wide Web would dictate about 340,000 results in 0.51 seconds rooms located in White Beach and at Sabang Village. We wanted something serene and far from the merriment. It was difficult at first until we chanced upon Bamboo Beach Resort.

Located at Dalaruan, Puerto Galera, the vacation spot was made for those who value tranquility and seek peace in the waters of the island. The place was strategically built far from the hustle and bustle of the city so you get to appreciate the rawness of the island and the real beauty it can offer.

When we arrived at Muelle Port, we were delighted that the owners were waiting for us with the whole family. Turns out, we would have to ride another boat to the resort. It was such a thrill! Everyone said their hellos and we didn’t feel like we were mere guests. The initial experience made us feel like we’re home.

Once we arrived, they served us coffee and juice to our hearts’ content. The owner, Ms. Cherrie, sat with us and shared with us how they were able to establish the resort. She was very warm and accommodating and she made sure that whenever we would need something, all we had to do was ask.

The room was very cozy. If you are looking for air-conditioned, top of the line rooms, this is not for you. Bamboo Beach Resort was made as a getaway from the overly urbanized city. Part of the package is for you to breathe fresh air. However, if you fear mosquito bites, they have that taken care of with the mosquito nets and electric fans in every room.  This does not compromise the comfort, nor the beauty of the place, though.

Come morning we had our quick breakfast and headed out the road to see the rest of Puerto Galera. We went to Tamaraw Falls but were deeply disappointed as it has been swarmed by tourists. The falls was already blocked from public access but you can still bathe in the river on the other end.

We decided to just go to AJ Lomi House which is a ride from the location. I must say that the view there is breathtaking! We sat on the bar facing the beach and the height provided such wonder. It was heavenly! For 50.00 Php, their Lomi is worth every munch. We also tried their Chicken Finger with Mozzarella and were pleased as well.

You can really tell how the place had become a tourist attraction! People from different races and walks of life would come and enjoy what the shack had to offer.

A few bottles of Coca Colas and jump shots at their viewing deck after, we decided to just discover what this side of Puerto Galera had to offer. We rode another jeepney until we saw a group of people heading towards another beach. The beach had rock formations on it so we decided it must be worth the visit.

The name of the place is Aplayang Munti. We payed around 10.00 Php entrance fee to get to roam the area. It was filled with beach goers to the point that it was chaotic so we decided to climb the grotto and go to the other side of the rock instead.

It was a different story altogether. The surrounding was again serene and as we walked farther, the fewer people were hanging about. Here, we met 3 quirky kids (Heart, Julia, and Billy) playing with their Labrador Retriever best friend, Shamcey. We were astonished how well the dog took care of these young kids that we stayed and played with them longer. The kids’ mother were also very nice to us and introduced us to more furkids, Balbon and Shiny. It was a very good and fulfilling encounter.

Just before sunset we bid our farewells to our new found friends. We thanked them graciously for being nice to us. My partner and I soon hailed a jeepney on the main road and headed to the city.

We talked about how people fail to see the simplicity and beauty of the real Puerto Galera. We realized that there is more to the place than a big rave fever. The locals were not greedy as some people find them, taking advantage of tourists. A lot of them are hospitable and trustworthy!

While it is true that Puerto Galera had become a major tourist destination, the responsibility and love of most of the people residing in the island is evident. I would like to take this chance to express how happy I am to have met the Ghosn family of Bamboo Beach Resort, the kids of Aplayang Munti, and few other locals we met.

Our inland adventure did not end here, though. Please read the next part by clicking this LINK. ♪（*●´▽）ノ

**For more information about Bamboo Beach Resort, you can visit their WEBSITE or like their FACEBOOK PAGE.

Park, Rest, and Dine: Nature’s Canopy

It was around 2 years ago when I first read about Park, Rest, and Dine at the border of Antipolo and Baras, Rizal. I couldn’t say if it was curiosity or the thought of an all-day unlimited coffee that caught my attention, but I swore to visit the place as soon as possible! Sadly, it took me a couple of years to make it happen. Yes, with all the changes in my professional standing (NUKS!) it was only now I got the chance to see the place myself.

We were on our usual backpacking adventure, me and my partner, to Palo Alto Falls and I thought that the best place to take five would be this ever-longed place. We were so ecstatic when we saw the sign outside, you could just imagine! According to the write-up on one of the blogs I read, Park, Rest, and Dine is an ideal place should you wish to commune with nature. Having breakfast or lunch under the canopy of trees, amid the melodic orchestra of birds and insects, is one paradise for the nature lovers.

Kuya Dodong greeted us as soon as we climbed up the restaurant and although I could sense that he was busy, he made sure we feel right at home. He offered us a good seat and gave us the menu. We also asked politely if we can smoke, considering that the place is environment friendly, he answered yes as long as we throw our cigarette butts on the ash tray (thank you for understanding!!!).

When the food arrived, I was a bit overwhelmed as the servings were huge! I thought that every dish was good for just 1-2 persons and was taken aback on how generous it was. I ordered Bulalo while my partner ordered Lechon Kawali. The Bulalo was exceptional! It was even on a gourmet level with the variations of vegetables in it. It was nothing like your typical Bulalo with cabbage. It has potatoes, carrots, onion leeks, corn, and others which I don’t know the name of, but extremely delightful to the pallet. If you think that this could have been a marketing technique wherein there’s more veggies and less meat, you’re wrong! The beef was anything but quaint. I tell you, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth!

The Lechon Kawali is also something to rave about. Here in Manila, Lechon Kawalis are fatty, oily, and super salty. At Park, Rest, and Dine, their Lechon Kawali practices moderation to the dangers of cardiac arrest. We enjoyed it very much since it comes with potatoes which you can wolf on when “umay” comes knocking at your intestines.

Our stomachs were filled with the good food and our senses were pleased. We also adored how Kuya Dodong took care of us whenever ice would run out, he would come along and bring us some and water without being hailed. He even told us stories about the place and how their visitors were allowed to go around the lot and harvest vegetables and fruits. The place was comfortably home!

If it couldn’t get any better, we were greeted by their resident fur babies! Four cute doggies came and said hi and we knew that they were the owners’ beloved by how nice they were. We gave them vegetables and promised to return with vaccines to help out.

As we were about to leave, a woman came by and greeted us. We were pleased to know that she was one of the owners. Her name was Meludy Sayaman and she was very welcoming. She thanked us for dropping by and the small talk escalated to a friendly chatter. We told her how beautiful the place was and she mentioned that they valued the place very much, she and her family. She said that the place started out simple but through time, they were inspired to beautify and enrich the nature surrounding it. Visitors would drop by and they would treat everyone with trust and the hearth of home, and it simply brought success to the business.

Below are the lovely owners of Park, Rest and Dine ♪~♪ d(⌒o⌒)b♪~♪

Ms. Meludy

Ms. Ruth

Ms. Meludy also mentioned how grateful she was with Kara Santos (she is the blogger we learned Park, Rest, and Dine from! ❤ You can visit her blog HERE ) as she had given the place a chance to be discovered by the travelers and foodies alike. I, for one, was thankful as well!

Park, Rest, and Dine is as glorious as it can get. With the rural feel paired with bohemian interiors and furniture, everything was well thought of! The place was an inspiration and a refreshing idea that not just because you’re nestled in the mountains, you can’t share your craft (arts and cooking) to the world. In fact, celebrities has crawled up their wonderful place. Talk about Sonny Parsons and various famous motorcycle and cycling clubs!

Visit the place and know exactly what we are talking about and I kid you not, you will be raving like us!

How to go to Park, Rest, and Dine:

1. From Cubao, ride a jeepney or FX to Cogeo and alight at Gate 2 = 35.00 Php (FX)
2. Once at Cogeo, cross the street and walk to CMA Market and ask where to ride the Sampaloc, Tanay jeep.
3. Take the said jeepney and asked to be alighted at Park, Rest, and Dine. Fare would vary from 20.00 – 35.00 Php. Don’t worry, it’s not a rip off. It’s just that it’s really far! (^○^)／

**Park, Rest, and Dine is located at 4 Provincial Road, San Jose, Antipolo, Rizal. You can check their FACEBOOK PAGE for inspiration and information ♪♪