Trying out Exotic food at Balaw- Balaw

I’ve been reading a lot of articles about Balaw-balaw and I’m quite curious about their specialties. It was after our long road to Morong when I finally get to meet and greet the restaurant.

After parking our bikes in the vicinity, we called the waiter and asked for the menu. It took us around five minutes to decide what specialty to try since we are not so keen on trying out of this world eats. We initially agreed to try “nilasing na palaka” and “kamaro.” The nilasing na palaka was available however the kamaro was not so we changed it to “uok” tempura.

When our orders were served we initially geared for the “nilasing na palaka” since we knew that the frog meat tastes like chicken meat.

Frog meat

The “uok” was a different story. Initially no one wanted to try the dish but Paul braved himself and took the first bite.

I laughed when I saw Paul’s facial expression. Based from his reaction, it was not so bad but I knew it was not good either.

Uok shell

When it was my turn to eat the “uok” I took the smallest and soaked it in the vinegar together with some siling labuyo. I was skeptical at first but I think the vinegar worked its way to the worm. I just had a taste of the creature at the end part. Verdict? It was like chewing a wood. The worm’s earthy taste was because of its habitat. “Uok” worms live in coconut trees so I think it got its flavor from that.

Will I eat exotic food again? Hmm. Maybe. It depends how they prepared it and who cooked it. =)

Till next time. ^_^

Back on the Road (Taytay to Morong)

It all started when I invited some friends for a Sunday ride near our place. I sent the invite only days before and few responded. No matter how busy my office schedule is, I still would like to spend my weekend doing the things that would make me more productive.

We started the day with "lugaw and egg" (rice porridge and egg) in a restaurant called Scrapyard. I dunno how it got its name so please spare me the questions. =))

After our breakfast we proceeded to our target destination. It was not over 5 minutes when we faced the "wall." It was a grueling 30-45 minutes of my life. My heart was pounding so fast. I was struggling with my breaths and boy we were not even halfway. I ended up pushing my bike. Ha ha.

Mayk checked on the road ahead and told us it will be a very tough one. So we decided to abort and proceeded to Tanay to see Daraitan Falls.

Photo taken at the stop over before we decided to abort

Our way to Tanay was not hard but it was not easy either. It was a series of ups and downs. We have to pass by several towns including Binangonan, Cardona, Morong and Baras. In one of our stops in Cardona, Mayk and Jay asked us if we still want to push. I think we were all tired and hungry so we agreed to visit the Morong church and go back to Taytay from there.

Morong Church

The road home was better because we only had to deal with 2 uphills. And it took us only 1 hour to reach Angono from Morong. Thank God for the nice weather. =)

Thanks to Mayk and Jay for accompanying us. =)
Credits to Kat for accepting the challenge. =)

Till next time. ^_^

Tokyo Bubble Tea - Eastwood Branch

==========================

mlet: kain naman tayo sa labas

paul: oks. kain then movie?

mlet: movie? sige sige. anong movie?

paul: on the job

mlet: ayus. like ko yan. di ba yan ung kay steve jobs?

paul: filipino movie ung "on the job"

toinks!@_@

==========================

We would always prefer dining at home because 1. It’s cheaper 2. It’s cheaper and 3. It’s cheaper. But then again, to end the monotony, we go out once in a while and indulge into something different but worth it.

Tokyo Bubble Tea in Eastwood City [Philippines] just opened recently. Paul and I agreed to try this restaurant since it offers Jap food which happens to be one of our favorites.

It’s cute that they only have few seats inside so the customers would dine al fresco style. The dining area was stylishly designed and feels comfortable. The servers are also fast and courteous our bill was delivered in minutes.

What have we tried?

Paul ordered for a beef ramen while I ordered pork tonkatsu curry. We shared a tall glass of their Japanese green tea.

The verdict?

The Beef Ramen was yum yum. I even had to get some “sabaw” from Paul’s big bowl and slurp slurp slurp.

My Pork Tonkatsu curry was a killer. It was big and I was not able to finish it. It’s also delish. I tried to ask for additional curry toppings but the server said they don’t have extra. [Would have been nice to have some extra toppings.]

The most amazing thing was their Japanese green tea. We really liked it a lot. As in we were raving about it even after we got home. I hope I can copy their recipe and have my own fix at home. J

Ratings:

Food – 4/5

Drinks – 5/5 [for the Japanese green tea]

Ambiance – 4.5/5

Comfort Room – N/A

Staff – 4/5

Secret Garden – A quick chill

After getting copies of our marriage certificate, I walked from T.Alonzo to Wright Park passing by Baguio Center Mall, Session Road, Hill Station, 50’s Diner, the White House, PNKY, Botanical Garden and Ketchup Community. You would think I am crazy but let me tell you, walking along the roads of Baguio city is a must. J

I thought I’ll be passing by South Drive Rd but I think I really need to consult “the map” on my next visit because I did not see South Drive Rd during my long walk. Hesitantly, I hailed a cab and told the driver to drop me off “Secret Garden” along South Drive.

The restaurant is situated beside South Drive Manor. I thought the restaurant inside South Drive Manor was the Secret Garden. The waiter must have known that I was not expecting a high-end dining place so he asked me whether their restaurant was my choice or the Secret Garden. I told him “Is this not the Secret Garden?” He replied “No Ma’am. That restaurant upstairs is the Secret Garden” So that’s it. I thanked the waiter and grabbed my backpack. I walked out of the fine dining restaurant and went to this tiny way up a cozy place.

I really would like to impress myself with the ambiance. That’s not on the negative side please. But I guess the gloomy weather made its way inside me. In fairness to the servers, they greeted me with all smiles when I entered.

It was a bit early when I visited so I am not surprised that I was the only customer. I chose to sit by the window to savor the wonderful view of pine trees less the BENECO cables.

I ordered chicken sandwich together with ripe mango shake since I was not ready for a pasta meal. I ate heavy breakfast that’s why.

While waiting for my food, I grabbed my camera and took pictures around. It was a tiny restaurant but my lens has a lot of things to play with especially because it was made cozy and homey at the same time.

cozy setup

Counter Details

After a few minutes, my mango shake was served. I took a sip. Hmmm. Good!

A few minutes passed and my Chicken Sandwich was served. I looked at it and said to myself, “Doesn’t look like a chicken sandwich after all.”

not so impressive Chicken Sandwich

I want to rant because I am going to pay a few hundred bucks for my chicken sandwich that’s not even good looking. The fries were also bland. Haist! Gloomy weather has something to do with this. L

In all fairness, I tried to chew my meal. That was the first time I ate a sandwich without the bread and I used knife and pork to dissect it. I did not order a salad. I ordered a sandwich. Why don’t they let me eat my sandwich as sandwich? The bread used was a French bread and it was hard. [As in matigas like a bato.] I really appreciate loaf breads when it comes to sandwiches because they are soft and they taste so good with the fillings. I only have French bread as a side to my pasta.

With this not so good review, will I go back? Definitely “Yes”. To give the restaurant a chance to get better ratings from me if in case on my second visit I’ll be satisfied with their food.

Ratings:

Food – 1/5 [This is for the Chicken Sandwich]

Drinks – 3/5 [For the Mango Shake. They lack presentation with their shakes. A little fruit toppings will be nice.]

Ambiance – 4/5 [In fairness they are really homey and cozy. It should have been 4.5/5 if they don’t keep a cobweb on their Entrance.]

Comfort Room – N/A [I was not able to try their comfort room. I will try on my next visit.]

Staff – 4/5 – Good Staff.

The Perks and Irks of traveling SOLO

Read it right!

I traveled solo last September 13-14, 2013. That was a first time! J

Jenny I did it. Kaso I’d be more thrilled if I did it in an unfamiliar place.

It was not as scary because I think my destination is very familiar to me. I lived here for 5 years so it’s very easy and husband allowed it since I have a valid reason to travel alone.

Backpack Backpack!

I rode a Victory Liner bus at around 1am in their not-so-lovely Cubao terminal beside a delusional “artist” who I discovered was a pervert. Okay erase. What is a more subtle term for that? Hmmm. I don’t have a word. Clue: He was the patriarch of a famous show way back in the 90’s. The show had a remake aired today with those three lovely ladies with initials AKN. If you got it, then good. If you don’t never mind. J [irk]

By the way, my facebook post below was for him.

We arrived at Baguio city at 6:30AM. Since I am very familiar with the place, I went out of the terminal and proceeded to my favorite place to eat Filipino breakfast. I ordered my usual Hotdog Meal with hot choco and ate silently. I observed that parents together with their children went to the counter with their lunch boxes and ordered the breakfast steak. The crew happily placed the order inside the lunchboxes. I was able to count 6 parents and children do the same. I don’t know if it was a promo or something. I just thought it was cool.

After getting what I needed from Baguio, I was ready to explore [again].

[perk] I walked from T. Alonzo to Wright park passing by Baguio Center Mall, Baguio Public Market, Session Road, SM Baguio, White house, Botanical garden, Saint Joseph church and Ketchup community. Wondering how far? Hmm. I walk for about 2 hours. That's all I can give.

The whole experience was relaxing because walking along the roads of Baguio city was bliss. It was cold, comforting, warm to the heart and uber relaxing. I have a very good attachment to nature ever since I started climbing mountains. If you’re not on that side DON’T TRY THIS. J

I chanced upon a good place to eat in front of Wright Park. It is called Ketchup Community. I think I read about this in one of the blogs and it is gaining popularity in the blog world. I must try this on my next visit.

Meantime I hailed a cab and told the driver to drive me to South Drive. My goal for the day is to visit the Secret Garden.

Full review is posted HERE. 

I keep on discovering new things/places in my favorite place. Thanks to the creative businessmen, it keeps on going and going and going.

After my lunch I went straight to the city market to buy some fruits for my family who are waiting for me at home. [perk]

Conclusion:

Paul will always be my favorite travel buddy. But because of some unavoidable circumstances, there are times [and will be times] when we need to take separate routes.

Being alone means I can control my time. [perk] I can be anywhere I want to be [perk] and I can eat anywhere I fancy. [perk] I can buy things I want without the usual side comment “Mahal yan.” [perk] I can walk kilometers without hearing any complaints. [perk] I can be at the same place twice and eat the same thing over and over again. [perk]

On the other hand, I don’t have somebody to ask where would be the nicer place to eat. [irk] No comments whether my new slippers are pretty or not. [irk] No one there cheer me up when I’m feeling down. [irk] No one to laugh with. [irk] No one to carry my bags. [irk] And no one to talk to over a cup of coffee. [irk]

I guess I just need to find the balance. I want to explore more things and do more things alone and with company.

Tara byahe tayo!:)

Couple’s Date

We’ve been biking lately and I’m proud to say that my bike reached its first 100km last Saturday night (September 7, 2013). Thanks to Paul who is actually having fun on our recent escapades.

I purchased my bike few weeks ago and we’ve been going out every week to hit the road and explore things old and new.

My bike’s first ride was when we went to Kapitolyo, Pasig to have dinner and try out the road there. It was a 6km breezy ride at the heart of Pasig City. The streets were silent and we enjoyed the night until it was a little past 12 midnight.
Our second ride was a tour in Binangonan. Paul calculated it to be around 6km (12km back and forth) from our place. We went there to explore our way to our upcoming long ride to Jala-Jala. The place was good however I expected more so I’m kinda disappointed. I thought it would have the country feel. But to my dismay the town was also crowded.
We went to my sister’s place on our third ride. It was a rough 20km route via C6 which is by the way not good for vehicles and bikers. We reached our destination after 2 hours of pedaling. Much to my surprise, the Laguna lake view was awesome! J

With cutey Catalina

Last Saturday we went to UP Diliman via Floodway. The way to Manggahan was not cool so we went to Eastwood to ease up a bit and went to Katipunan all the way to UP Diliman. The sun is about to set when we arrived. Thanks to Paul’s camera phone he was able to capture this sight.

A trip to UPD is not complete without some cravings. We initially planned for Mang Lary’s isaw but there were lots of people lined up for the food stall. We decided to have some fishballs instead.

After satisfying our stomachs, Paul told me to try another route. It was via Marikina. I think the route was better because of the bike lane and we arrived at our destination earlier than expected.


Should this be the start of our biking dates? I dunno. But I hope we will continue to ride our bikes and hit the road together.

Till next time. ^_^

Bliss Café body mind soul

It was few weeks before our [not-so-grand] wedding when Paul and I went up to Baguio to finalize some details. The preparation was in full swing and we had to finish everything before lunch time so that we can get our lunch and go home to Manila as early as possible.

In the midst of a chaotic environment, I asked Paul if we can try a new restaurant in the city. It was as if he felt my longing to go to a quiet place and agreed even if we only had a few hundred bucks to spare. Mahal magpakasal noh. Hindi basta-basta ang paggastos sa mga panahong naghahanda. :P

So we rode a taxi from Upper Session Road and went straight to Hotel Elizabeth which houses the Balinese inspired café. The view inside was a feast in my eyes because of the bright orange wall contrasted by wooden furniture together with some silver and brass ornaments. It was bright! It was refreshing! It was uhm…. something new.

I researched about the café before we headed to the city so I know that it serves vegetable based food. We ordered plant-based adobo and the plant-based sisig. Since we were seated in front of the kitchen, we knew that our orders are prepared just after we placed them. Talking about freshness here! :D

We were immersed in wedding details discussion so we were not so keen on looking around. But if opportunity will knock twice then I’ll probably take lots of pictures of the place.

After a few minutes, our orders were served warm. I can smell the adobo overpowering the sisig. Hmm… delish delish delish!

No Quack Duck

Veggie Sisig

The adobo was a bit salty for our tastes but it was good still. They tried to mimic the taste of a duck and I must say “Bravo” to that. On the other hand the sisig was a little bland. Sorry but I did not find anything special on it. Hey people, honest opinion here.

After our lunch, we had a quick talk with the servers. There are really lots of warm people in a cold place like this. After few more Q&A’s we paid our bill and went out. Another place to cross out in my list!

Inside Bliss Cafe

Till next time. ^_^

Bliss Cafe facebook page is here.

Ang New No Arts.Design.Café

Being at the suburbs means only one thing for me. That is to explore cafes and restaurants with unique design and good tasting chow. And being near the art capital of the Philippines, some of the qualities I look for are the artistry of the place and location location location.

It was when a facebook friend posted pictures of Ang New No Café that I got curious about it. I told myself I should try this because it’s just near our house and somewhat new.

Since I was working on night shift and got up relatively early, I asked Paul if we can have our early dinner at the café. We did a quick search on google and decided to give it a go.

We ordered their creamy alfredo and tinapa pizza.

I was expecting something different since this seemed to be a specialty café but I think my expectation was too high. Their creamy alfredo was like my usual pasta in our house and the pizza dough was just like the dough you get from the supermarket. 

I think they also need to work out their customer service because we were billed incorrectly. The bill said Tinapa Pizza but the price indicated was for another pizza dish. We told the waitress about it and she promptly said sorry and corrected the error.

On the other hand the ambiance is cool with all the paintings hanging on the wall and the novelty items scattered around.

PS: It is located at the side of the highway so expect noise when seated outside.

What will make you stay and what will make you leave?

Epic question of the night! Whew!

When someone asked you that question, what will be your answer?

Anyhow, let’s get to my story.

I was out last Saturday-Sunday July 20-21, 2013 together with my friends to climb a mountain in Batangas renowned for its grassland peaks and not so friendly terrain. Or should we say, we are getting old for this kind of past time? Na-ah! Kalabaw lang ang tumatanda!

We met at KFC-Cubao at around 9:30AM. Armed with nothing but the will to have a great outing, we boarded an ALPS bus headed to Lipa, Batangas. We alighted at Tambo Exit and went straight to an eatery to fill our tummies with yummy goodies. After which, we hired a jeepney for 1800Php to take us to the jump off point. It was a total of 5 hours commute to the jump off. We were tired even before we started the climb.

It was already quarter to 5Pm when we started to ascend. It was steep and I was breathing like a horse 15 minutes after. I think this is the effect of working 12-14 hours a day without exercise and eating crap. Hello company! Thanks for the time off. :D

It was already getting dark when we reached the humble abode of our guide – Mag Zac. Majority decided to just spend the night at Mang Zac’s because some of us are not well prepared for the rain. It was good that we bought roasted chicken in San Juan because we were able to save time in preparing dinner specially that we only had 1 cook set and 1 burner. Dinner was fabulosa nonetheless. BUSOG!

We slept at past 12 midnight and woke up not so early the next morning. Thanks to 3 Emperador Lights and a small bottle of Lambanog we slept like a baby. :P PS: I only drink with Team Injury and Team Injury alone. And if my husband is around.

We scaled the last half of Mt. Daguldol in about an hour passing by lots of fruit-bearing trees like Avocado, Atis and Guava. I was so happy I took some. ^_^

It was like a playground in the sky at the top of Mt. Daguldol. The grass is so lush and the wind is so cold. The view is peaceful and the water is calm. I’m so happy I indulged myself in this kind of leisure. I really need the calmness of nature.

After savoring the freshness of everything, we decided to descend and pack our things. It was again an epic getaway to remember. Lucky for me I have some fruits to bring home. As of writing I have not eaten any of them yet. Maybe tonight.

Side Trip

On our way to the carinderia, we walked along the beach (lakad sa aplaya as they say) and passed by La Luz beach resort. I sat for a moment and took this picture which reminds me of Bohol Beach Club. Description: Cool^_^

Till my next adventure folks. J Need to boost my savings first. Oh Lah!

My 100Km Bike Ride Experience

(Super late post)

As I type this blog I can still feel slight numbness on my right arm from the very long distance it endured last March 28, 2013 in the very roads of Mc Arthur highway going to Angeles, Pampanga all the way to Mabalacat Terminal.

So how do I describe thee? It was a long, enjoyable, hot ride from UP Diliman to Mabalacat, Pampanga. (Yes! As simple as that.)

Aside from excitement bubbling inside me, I had a little bit of nervousness inside my stomach because it was just my second bike ride and my first serious bike ride.

Paul and I woke up at 2AM (Freakin’ 2AM!) and prepared for the bike ride in about 45 minutes. We were already outside the house before 3AM and we were already at the meeting area before 3:30AM.

We left UP Diliman at 5:10AM and started our 12-hour bike ride to Pampanga. Like what we do in the mountains, there was the team leader who was very kind to recite the rules for the newbie (newbie = that’s me!), the members who lined up behind the leader, and the sweeper who patiently waits for everybody else when they stop for a rest. (Funny thing was I acted as the sweeper several times before the team leader gave up his position and became the sweeper.) Uh huh?! Who’s the newbie now? :P

We had breakfast at one of the carinderias somewhere in Quezon City. Unfortunately I am not well versed on that side of the city so I don’t know where the place is. They have nice presentations with their food though. Thumbs up on that!^_^

After the sumptuous breakfast we headed to SM Marilao for our first stop over. I didn’t know SM Marilao was so near Quezon City until that blessed Thursday afternoon. I actually enjoyed the Patintero-ride with all the buses, jitneys, tricycles and bike riders. One thing I learned from this leg was bikers are like joggers and mountaineers. They greet each other by ringing their “bells”.

The ride from SM Marilao to Malolos, Bulacan was the beginning of my adversary. It was a hot Holy Thursday and I’m starting to notice the heat from the road. When we crossed the Bulacan mark, I was hoping that Malolos is just around the corner. Unfortunately we had to bike a few more kilometers to the church with all those vehicles piling up for Visita Iglesia. Nonetheless we reached the magnificent Barasoain church just when the clock strikes 10AM. (Just in time for mirienda!)

Oh! Mind you. The church is our landmark for 50Km. Halfway there!^_^

After our brief stay in Barasoain church we went straight to Bulacan Capitol. The capitol reminds me of the Cagayan Capitol. Hmm. I wonder if they have the same architect.

Bulacan capitol up - Cagayan Capitol down

Fast forward…………….

The ride going to Apalit, Pampanga was more of a challenge. It was really hot and I can feel my sore butt and my arms are beginning to numb. Every time we stop for a break meant (uhhhmmmm) just like h3!l.^_^

It was a relief when we  finally stopped for lunch. (Angels singing Halleluya.)

I had no more strength to take pictures of our food but I reserved some energy to take this.

After 45mins of rest, we hit the long and winding (and please can I add “super HOT”) road to Angeles, Pampanga. At one point I thought we were just as crazy as those taong grasa who were roaming around with just a helmet for heat protection. I really thanked myself for stopping by this section of the road. I had the time to appreciate the mountain from afar.

More than 20Km more and we were finally done with the “Century Ride”. It was one heck of an experience for a newbie like me. I enjoyed it and endured it. It was one thing I can be proud of myself worth telling my grandchildren to be. ^_^

We rode Victory Liner bus on the way home. Funny thing was, we biked for 12 hours to reach a point where buses would only take it an hour and a half to travel to our meeting place.

Till next time^_^ uhmmm. pwede mountain bike naman.^_^

Pinatubo 2010 vs 2012

I was in Pinatubo last 2010 and 2012. I can’t help myself from commenting about the differences I noticed in just 2 years.

But before I go in details let me remind my companions about what happened in 2010 and in 2012.

Pinatubo 2010

We had an arranged tour courtesy of our friends from Kaladkad Tours. It was an easy breezy tour since the pressure was not on my shoulders. We availed their 1600Php travel package for a day tour excluding food.

Pinatubo 2012

We found vouchers that only cost 999 each so we grabbed the opportunity and booked for 24 people. But upon reaching the area the group buying site’s representative wanted us to pay additional 300 each for the “environmental fee”. We asked DOTC about it but they told us they have no knowledge on the said “environmental fee.” So much for group buying sites. I really don’t recommend their tour packages. I should have made it on my own instead. (Next time.)

Thee Distinct Differences

Commercialized

I noticed that Pinatubo has been highly commercialized from my 2012 travel. Lots of tour packages were offered online and onsite that proved to be not worth it because they can’t seem to manage the number of tourists pouring in. They can’t present us a detailed receipt as to where our money went. And their “environmental fee” was not clear to us.

Back in 2010, no group buying sites were there and only a small number of people toured with us. Our 4x4 rides were arranged pretty fast and the tour began after boarding the vehicle.

No more Aeta Community

The Aeta community was not a part of the tour anymre since there has been a flash flood between 2010 and 2012. They had to change the route and tourists had to walk for about an hour and a half to reach the crater.

Back in 2010, we had a side trip at the Aeta community where people gathered and greeted the tourists. Of course there were the usual donation for their welfare and I was fond of them because in their little ways they know how to make a living from their almost barren soil. We reached the crater after 15-20 minutes of walk from the jump off.

Warmer

The weather was somewhat the same when I went there in 2010 and 2012 but the air was cooler back in 2010. I needed a jacket during my first time while I just wore a shirt on my second time. I guess that’s climate change is affecting our dear Pinatubo.

What Stayed the Same?

Remember the 300 steps going down to the lake? Well that stayed the same. Still 300 steps and nothing changed. I hope it will not forever. Because that one thing reminded me that once in my life my feet got sore and my body almost numb from pain.

Till then. ^_^

Cliff Jumping Anyone?

I have to redo this blog because my PC was re-blasted. Oh don’t tell them I used my lunch time to come up with this blog. :D

No camera day. (Promise NG ung kuha ng camera.) Mahaba naman ung kwento ko alalahanin nio na lang guys.:)

The feet are itchy but the wallet is empty. That was what I felt back in February. Luckily my friends wanted to have a so-so climb not so far away from Metro Manila. So through the expertise of dear friend M, we headed to San Miguel, Bulacan to explore the not so famous Mt. Manalmon.

At 8am in the morning of February 16, 2013 we boarded a Baliuag bus headed to Cabanatuan. I thought M would be late for the 8am call time cause it seems the Trinoma Mall was so big he was in front of it for 20-30 minutes. Praise the sun he was actually on time. :P (Ha ha ha! Perstaym!)

After 2 hours we arrived at our destination. I was hungry that I immediately went inside a “karinderia” that sells unlimited lugaw for 25Php. In my thoughts “Ten pesos lang to sa Davao ah!” but hello mlet, wake up. You are in Luzon. And while in Luzon everything is expensive. To my dismay they have not cooked the “lugaw” yet. Yan, nakakarma!

After haggling with the drivers we boarded 4 tricycles and off we went to the market place near the jump off area. We bought bangus, tilapia, mangoes, tomatoes and pancit that apparently (I don’t know how it happened) I cooked (almost all of them). Inang-ina lang ang peg?!

We had lunch in the jump off area where bamboo trees are abundant and tables were set up for guests. We had inihaw na bangus with mangoes and lots of rice. Thanks to J’s foil we cooked the milkfish well. After lunch they decided to explore the cave nearby while I decided to pass on it since stomach cramps made me feel unwell. But the thing is, I had to endure the ear shocking (sakit sa ulo) voice of the drunk man on the other side of the river. My God! How can he be so proud!

While waiting for the team I had the opportunity to cook rice for dinner. I cooked 4 batches and learned to finally operate their burners. Hek hek hek. I hope wala akong nasira. :D

Exciting part was when we crossed the monkey bridge over the wide river after their spelunking. My hands trembled when I was in the middle because the wind blew hard. The bridge was made out of two guy wires in parallel. The guy wire on top is for the hands while the guy wire at the bottom is for thy feet. When you look at yourself you really look like a monkey holding on for dear life. Then I remembered my niece saying “Hoo Hoo Haa Haa” monkey style.^_^

It was getting dark when we finally decided to climb Mt Manalmon. M told us it was just a 20-30 minutes walk including an [oh so dear good Lord] hell of assault. Tagaktak ang pawis pagdating sa taas!

After pitching our tents we prepared for dinner. Thanks to M’s courage he cleaned our stinky fishy. Yay!:P And Kyeme girls for helping on the ingredients. Since they’ve done their parts it’s time for my cooking career to shine. I cooked while they looked. Sinigang for dinner is yum yum (kahit hindi naman.) Thanks to the hard drinks passed on after dinner they forgot about my dish. (Drinking makes me feel sleepy.) And congrats to me, hindi na ako tumatanggi sa socials. Paul slept while I get drunk. :D MASAYA!:D

After 2 bottles, we finally (as in finally) hit the sack! Sssssnnnoooooooozzeee!

It was 6am when I woke up. People were already noisy. After some sip from B’s coffee (Thanks!) we proceeded to the summit. We enjoyed the view while other groups are still preparing. The sunrise to my right, the river view to my left and friends beside me, wow, what can I wish for? Spell PERFECT! ^_^

When other groups were arriving we decided to give them time to savor the view and ascended. We packed up and went down with the initial plan to cook brunch by the river.

The river was so inviting that we had to decide whether to cook brunch or enjoy the river first. Enjoy the river first wins! (Sinong hindi inggitera? Taas kamay?)

There was a group when we went to the pool area and they were cheering for the man in purple to finally take the plunge from a 15-feet cliff. While waiting for him we practiced at the first and second levels. I thought it would be easy since I’ve done this in Tinago Falls but I shivered when it was my turn. (Iwasan maging over-confident.) It took me courage and trust before I finally jumped. And jumped and jumped and jumped. What life vest?

It was our turn to the 2^nd highest point (15-feet cliff) but the man in violet was still there waiting for I dunno, maybe Christmas? The team cheered for him for 10 minutes or so when he finally decided to jump. (Oh di ba kuya kakaibang feeling? :D)

We climbed the rock behind the cliff and lined up for the jump. We waited for M’s signal before jumping one after the other for the sake of the video he will be publishing in vimeo. When it was my turn I did not stay long at the edge. I stepped on it and without thinking twice I stepped out and splash!!!! That hurts. Hahahaha! The team seemed to enjoy it and they went on for the second jump.

After a few more jumps our tummies decided to call it a day. We went to the river bank and prepared food. They watched while we cooked. And after 30-40 minutes, hello Pancit ala Jiniper. ^_^ Yum yum. I could do this at home with eggs and sausages. :D

Before going home we dropped by the chicharon and pastillas store and bought pasalubong. We also had a chance to sample some of their products for free. Sa dami ba naman po ng binili namin. :D

Congrats to our first timers who took the challenge of Mt Manalmon. Till we meet again ladies.

Thanks to everyone who participated.

To the organizer/tour guide/camera man – salamuch!

Estimated total cost: 650Each

Till next time.^_^

I love traveling but Don’t have enough cash. What to do?

Well I had a blast last 2012 and I must admit 2013 will be more budget-friendly. That means we will limit our travels inside Luzon and concentrate more within Metro Manila and its outskirts.

Being “broke” is temporary while being “poor” is permanent.

I am “broke”. Well as far as my travel fund is concerned, I am “broke”. I have to save a little more for travel this year and I have to put a hold on my Mindanao escapades until December 2013.

But because I love traveling, I can’t let a month pass not exploring places nearby.

Here are some of the places I’d like to see (not included in our official outings/tours with Team Injury).

Mapanuepe Lake – This lake is located in Zambales. According to Wikipedia, “Mapanuepe Lake is a freshwater lake located in the province of Zambales in the Philippines. The lake was created after the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Lahars following the eruption blocked the drainage of Mapanuepe River, south of the volcano, flooding Mapanuepe Valley together with its settlements. Only the steeple of the church protruding out of the water remained on one of the villages.”

Taal Town – Taal is more than the famous Taal volcano. Actually there’s a town named Taal where past is the new future. Visitors will be transformed back to Spanish era because of the structures of the houses and the very big Basilica de San Martin de Tours which is considered to be the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia, standing 96 metres (315 ft) long and 45 metres (148 ft) wide.(wikipedia)

 Las Piñas for their Bamboo Organ – Very near yet so far (and always not included in my tours) is the very renowned Bamboo Organ in Las Piñas. I should include this now since a trip will only cost me less than 500Php.

Mind Museum – The first Mind Museum in the country is just a stone-throw away from Paul’s office but since we were busy going to other places I forgot to tell him I want to go there too. The entrance fee is too pricey that I wish I can be a public school student once again. Nevertheless I want to spend an afternoon here.

Explore Antipolo (Crescent Moon Gallery) – I would like to try another pottery lesson and be able to bring my finished product back home. Since Antipolo is just near our place, I am always reminded that I should go there the soonest. I should also write about their church since it’s one of the most visited churches during holy week.

Staycation in Punta de Fabian (ok just visit it then) – This is I think near our place and I can’t wait to see and experience it this year. I will (and I must) make money for this since this will be nice place to spend a day with a hot chocolate and a book.

Binondo Photowalk – Explore China town and eat delicacies from the place. They say Chinese are weird when it comes to food but let me check if the dishes suit my taste buds. And since it’s a photowalk, I might invite some friends over to shoot. (I don’t care whether you have an expensive DSLR or a tiny digicam. Just shoot.^_^)

Well I guess that’s all I can think of. Maybe 4 out of 7 will give me a good score this year. And I hope I’ll have some friends who can accompany me during these cute tours.

14 Four Café

Garden

I was looking for some interesting places near Metro Manila when I came across 14 Four Café in Facebook. The ambiance caught my interest because it looks nice and seems so homey. Plus it doubles as a showroom for Stick Designs. Since we were looking for some furniture to liven up our still empty house, we decided to give it a go.

The tricycle drivers in “Singer” don’t know where the café is so we just told them to drop us at 144 Magnolia Lane, Gregoria Heights Subdivision It was just actually few blocks from where we rode the trike.

We thought the place was closed because the “stick” designed gate was not open. But after a few moments a man came out and opened it for us with a “Good Morning” look on his face. (Warm)

Side note: The place is located inside a residential area and no sign board was put up to guide people. You really have to find it yourself.

Inside the cafe

We entered the restaurant and were seated at once. One thing I admire about this place is the fact that you need not wait to be seated and served. The server attended to us immediately and took our order. Paul ordered Tapa while I ordered Adobo Rice. We also ordered their cinnamon pancake for dessert.

Adobo Rice

Cinnamon Pancake

I was not able to take a picture of Paul’s food but he told me that the Tapa was alright. He just not fancy sweet Tapa.

The Adobo Rice on the other hand was good. I only wished they put more viand in the meal. Nevertheless their sunny-side up egg was perfect.

The cinnamon pancake was also great. I think my pancake buddies Kathlyn and Katrina will like this especially when served with hot chocolate. (Yum!)

While waiting for our meal, we opted to tour the showroom on the second floor.

I would really like to have this in our house but the price was way beyond what I was willing to pay. Maybe next time. ^_^

After eating, we went out and relaxed. Their garden was very inviting. I just hope I went here in the afternoon so that I can take my afternoon nap under the tree.

For people who are always searching for something new, why not try 14Four Café? It might be one of the best places you’ve ever been.

Till next time.