Conquer Corregidor Island

After my Siargao Trip, my friend Jeff invited me to go along with him together with the other friends to discover the Corregidor Island. Indeed, this island is one of the places that I want to visit. Of course, I didn't refused for his invitation.

The day after my Siargao trip, I met them at Taft avenue in Manila. Then, headed to CCP complex and got our reservation tickets.

The tour is actually FREE. Yes! Jeff won a tickets good for four person and I am the one he choose to go along with him.

Corregidor Island is an hour rides from Manila, it’s the entrance of Manila Bay in the Philippines. Its called “The Rock” because of its rocky landscape and the fortifications of fort mills. The shape of the island is look like a tadpole. It is 6km long and about 48km west of Manila and Corregidor Island is a part of the municipality of Cavite. The other side of the island is Bataan.

Upon arrival at the port, the tour guide waited us and the tranvia – is a major transportation around the island. And our tour guide named Mang Carlos, with his driver Jun, welcomed us and to the other visitors. They’ll guide us and tour us for the whole day tour.

Our first stop was the Light and Sound Show at Malinta Tunnel; its called Malinta Tunnel because during that period there are many leeches but as of today, no more leeches in the area. The show inside the tunnel is all about the World War II, how people struggling during that period. However, this is an optional, if you don’t like to go inside the tunnel then you can stay at the tranvia and wait until the show ended. But for the first timer visitor, this is a must-see show.

Second stop, the original port where Douglas McArthur says “I shall return!” Then, we had our early lunch at La Playa Restaurant in Corregidor Inn, the only hotel in the island.

the original port

Malinta tunnel

view from the La Playa Restaurant, Corregidor Inn

Third stop, headed to the barracks from Bottomside to Middleside to the Topside. Bottomside is located at the neck of the island that connects to the head and the tail of the island.

Fourth stop, Memorial Park, you can even see the eternal Flame of Freedom.

Fifth stop, Topside, this is the upper part or the head of the island where you can see the tail of the island. After 10 minutes, we’re headed to the next stop of the tour…the Spanish Light House. There are also souvenir items there.

the ruin barracks

Flame of Freedom

Corregidor Inn, the only hotel in the island

Next stop is the Japanese Memorial Park, after 10minutes of stay. Finally, we headed to the tail of the island where you can see the La Monja, Caballo (Fort Drum) and scenic view of the coast of Mariveles, Bataan. Afterward, headed back to the port where Sun Cruises waited us. Then, back to Manila.

Spanish Light House

the group

It was a great experienced and learned about the historic Corregidor Island where our Kababayan struggled. 

More photos here...

The Beauty of Siargao Island

Siargao Island is also known as the Surfing Capital in the Philippines. It is a tear-drop shaped island in the country and in the province of Surigao Del Norte. The best month to go Siargao to do surfing is from August to November because it has excellent surfing condition.

So, if your purpose is to surf then Gen. Luna is the best place to be as this is the place where you can catch the best waves.

Our trip to Siargao Island was so tiring and yet so much fun. The tiring trip was worth the pain of our butt on different rides because the places are breathtaking.

Our Day 1 was a long ride which includes van, boat, and habal-habal. From Manila to Butuan via CebPac, from Butuan to Surigao City via van, from Surigao City to Sta. Monica via ferry, from Sta. Monica to Gen. Luna via habal-habal (motorcycle). We’ve been travelling almost 12hrs so our itinerary for day 1 was ruined.

On our day 2, we woke up early had breakfast in our lodge which Ate Anita prepared for us. Then, we rode a pump boat going to Bucas Grande Island, our first stop. We need to accomplish our itirenary for day 1 and day 2 in one day since we’re not able to do it on our day 1.

SOHOTON CAVE

This is quite far from Gen. Luna but the 2-3hrs pump boat ride was worth the tiring. Indeed, Sohoton has a natural beauty which similar to the other island in the Philippines. You can access this lagoon or cave during low tide because it submerged under water during high tides.

Before heading to the cave, we went first to the stingless jellyfish and touch it. According to our tour guide, there’s a white stingless jellyfish and they only appears during summer season. Then, we explored Hagukan Cave, it was called hagukan cave, from the root word “haguk” –means “snore” from bisaya word. As Manong guide told us, the cave produces a sound similar to a snore during high tides.

We entered also to Mangkukuob Cave which we need to jump from the platform to the water as it is a way to exit the cave. We took our lunch after exploring the Bucas Grande Island and then, we’re off for our island hopping.

Naked Island

We don’t waste our time because there are lots of things to do. We were off to Naked Island as our 2^nd stop for Day 2 in Siargao Island. It was called Naked Island because this small island is accumulated of fine white sand, no trees and shrubs. You can just walk around the island in just a few minutes.

Dacu Island

Then, we headed to Dacu Island, its nearby Naked island a few minutes pump boat ride. This is island is a better ambiance. It has a bright emerald color of water, fine white sand and of course, the romantic sunset.

Guyam Island

Just a few minutes again and we’re already at Guyam Island – it is also a small island but compared to Naked Island, this island has trees. I’m in love in this island! 

It was already 4pm, after taking pictures; we headed back to the resort and a few minutes after, we’re off to Cloud 9 for surfing!

We had dinner at Ronaldo’s Bar and then, back to the resort to get some rest because early in the morning on our Day 3 we will back to Surigao City to meet a blogger friend and then, back to manila at 3pm.

It was very tiring trip but definitely unforgettable and so much fun trip! Until next trip co-explorer! 

Expenses:

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Where to stay? You can stay at JadeStar Lodge where Ate Anita is very accomodating and friendly. They offers group & long stay rate, boat rental, island tour and home-cooked food.  Contact Number: 0919-234-367

More photos here...

KK for Kabab Korner

Pork Loin Chops

Food trip – this is what my friend declares each time he requested me to hang out. One night, I go along with him for a dinner. He continuously requires to consume food that we never been attempted before for a reason that every time we go out we end up eating pizza and pasta (italian pasta) which we both like. But now, we want to try new.

Keema with Eggplant

We headed to Matalino street in Diliman, Quezon City searching for a resto. I saw a resto that looks unfamiliar and enthralling to me so I suggested to try it. Fortunately, my foodtrip buddy agreed.

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Yogurt Drink

We went to the resto and the waiter assist and gave us the menu. Anyway, the place are nice and uncovered that if you are a smoker then I guess, this place is fit for you yet but I don’t know if they allow to smoke inside. 

Fish Pan Kabab

I ordered Fish Pan Kabab while my food tip buddy ordered Pork Loin Chops and keema with eggplant for the two of us. I tried their yogurt drink and I love it. The food was good enough for my hungry tummy. The place is nice because its along in the street so if you’d love to try you will never lost in the area. We end up our food with full tummy and a smile! Thanks for reading!

Bonding Time with Friends at Sharmila

In the Philippines, there’s always a gathering if a family member or a friend will migrate to another place or if they'll go to abroad. There are foods, drinks and sometimes a party. And that's what we called “Despedida”. 

Last Sunday, me and my friends get together because one of our friend will go to abroad for one year. And he treated us for a dinner at Sharmila Ihaw ihaw in Seaside, Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City. He, actually, planned it during our overnight at Sun City Resort. 

Sharmila served Filipino cuisine. We had Sinigang na hipon, Inihaw na isda, and baked tahong. We also ordered one bucket of San Mig. All foods are very delicious especially the baked tahong. So yummy!

Here's are the photos:

Sinigang na Hipon

One Bucket of San Miguel

Inihaw na Tangegi

Yummy baked Tahong

Sharmila Ihaw Ihaw Paluto is located at G/F Seaside Market, Macapagal Blvd., Brgy. 76, Pasay City.

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Bistro Ravioli: Tasty Pasta

I played bowling with my two friends. It was my third time to play bowling and first time for my friend Tolits. The player, Doc Joey. I wish you good luck for the tournament. My first and second experienced was awesome, I got a high score. But this time, I am the loser. I got low score compared to the first timer Tolits. I was so disappointed. LOL!

After that, Doc Joey and Tolits went home and me heading to another mall to met a  friend. We decided to take our dinner. He introduced me to another eating place which called Bistro Ravioli.

Chili Shrimp Spaghetti, Php220

Bistro Ravioli first started out as a small kiosk in the foodcourt of a bustling mall located in the Ortigas Business District.  Simply called “Ravioli”, the kiosk put the spotlight on this traditional Italian dish of stuffed, savory pasta pillows, inviting hungry mall-goers to try “the goodness of fresh pasta”. The kiosk rapidly gained widespread acclaim for its delicious and refreshing take on specialty pasta, and less than a year after it served its first ravioli to the public, a bistro was born. - bistroravioli.com

Even though, I had skin allergy if I eat shrimp but I still tried their Chili Shrimp Spaghetti. My friend had Italian Sausage Ravioli in Romesco Sauce. They served fresh pasta which makes the dish more tasty and pleasurable because of its softer and more absorbent texture immerse all the flavors of the sauce. 

Italian Sausage Ravioli in Romesco Sauce, Php220

My friend says that it was really taste Italian which I believe in him because he was used to live in Italy way back. And for me, it was really yummy. I tasted my friend pasta and it was excellent with  a very reasonable price. Delicious! For sure, I will be back here to taste their pizza.

To Bistro Ravioli, Congrats! Your pasta tickled my tastebuds! :D

Branches:

Bistro Ravioli Robinson’s Place Ermita
Second Floor, Midtown Wing

Bistro Ravioli SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
Ground Floor, New Arcade (Hypermarket side)

Bistro Ravioli Glorietta

Second Floor, Glorietta 3

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The Walking Tour 2

I was invited again to participate the Heritage Walking Tour. My first Heritage Walking Tour held last March 2012.  My friend and I are one of the participants of the said event, we also invited our other friends to join us but unfortunately they’re not willing to come along.  It was raining that day but the tour is still going on.

The tour started at the Philippine Postal building and it ends at Metropolitan Theatre. Due to the weather condition of that day we can’t go around the area but still it was a fun experienced. There’s an auction inside the Philippine Postal where you can buy stamps and more.  Other participants took photos inside the building.  

One afternoon at Friuli Trattoria

It was  raining that day when my friend and I are craving for pizza. And we wanted to try new resto. I suggested him to try in Friuli Trattoria nearby my place. It was also my first time to eat in the resto that’s why I am excited to taste their pizza.

So, we headed to the area where the restaurant is located. There are lots of student inside the resto; chatting and laughing. The waiter provided us the menu.

Pizza: Antonio’s – tomatoes and mushroom (Php185), All meat – beef, pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage (Php240), Bacon – bacon and cucumber (Php205), BBQ Chicken – chicken, bbq sauce and wansoy (Php235) and more. They also serve pasta like; Pesto, Puttanesca and carbonara. 

But before that, we had coffee first. My friend tried their café latte and I’d go for cappuccino. And we ordered all meat pizza. 

A few minutes after, our all meat pizza was delivered. I must say, it was just like an ordinary all meat pizza but it’s good unlike the other pizza that we have been eaten. And he also agreed! We enjoyed our pizza. Oh, he just ate two slices of it and the rest was mine. Haha!

Friuli Trattoria is located at Maginhawa St, Quezon City.

Cost:
All meat pizza - Php240
Cappuccino - Php55
Cafe Latte - Php65

Dinner at Mesa Restaurant with friends

The Laing served in two option; the one has chili.

It was a Friday night that Zai and Anne invited me on a dinner and a quick EB. Good thing was I don't have any date at that night. Well, I really don't have a date on weekend. So, please invite me. Kidding aside! After office, I met them at Mesa restaurant which serves Filipino Cuisines. I thought it was just me, Zi and Anne but NO! I met Lori, their good friend. Honestly, I was so nervous when I learned that their friend was there. I don't know why! My hands was shaking, I hope they don't noticed. Hahaha! They teased me while waiting for the foods.

So, there you go.... the MESA Filipino cuisine.

The Pork and Chicken adobo is not tasted as adobo. I can't figure it out what the taste was.

Seafood Bean Curd Soup, I ate the shrimp and thanks God there's no allergic reaction. Yahoo! Meaning, I can ate shrimp already. But no! Hahaha! I still have medicine to fight the allergy  just to make sure. :D

Do you think it's through? No! The dinner is not complete without the dessert. So, we went to chewy junior and Joanne claimed her voucher and treated us to a box of mini cream puffs. After that, we still not contented...we had another round of dessert at DQ.

My Friday night ends with smile and full tummy! Thank you, guys! Until next food trip!

***photo credits to Zai

Scrumptious Donuts and Yogurt of J.Co

According to their website, J.CO was first opened in Indonesia on the 26^th day of June, 2005. They offer numerous flavours of their donuts and beverages to the customers just like they’ve never tasted before. They only uses the best ingredients such as; Belgian Chocolates, Californian Almonds, Japanese Matcha Green Tea and Italian Roasted Coffee, from all over the world. 

 Anyway, I got new friends here in blogosphere. Two weeks ago, they invited me to a meet-up. I am excited because after a year I will meet a fellow bloggers again and I think they’re fun to be with.

During the meet-up, I am shy because I didn’t know how to make a conversation to them and it was our first meeting. I know how they look because I saw their photos online but they’re great in person. Or I must say, pretty? Hehehe!

We went to J.Co Donuts and Coffee; they ordered Frozen Yogurt and mini unique flavour donuts.  We chatted and took pictures. We stayed  for an hour.

Unique name of their donuts; why nut, choco nuttzy, oreology, monapizza, forest glam, snow white, and berry spears (please refer to the photos below.)

photo credit from Zaizi

The yogurt with fruit is good and healthy. The mouthwatering donuts is tasty. It was fun meeting fellow bloggers especially if they became my friends. Nice meeting you, guys!

Location:

• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Shanghai

Branches:

• SM Megamall
• SM Mall of Asia

Soon to open:

• Green Belt 3
• Trinoma
• Alabang Town Center
• SM Fairview
• Eastwood Mall

You Should Try Tsoko-Nut Batirol

It was Thursday afternoon that a friend of mine invited me to join him for a coffee break. But first and foremost, he asked me if I already tried tsokolate in Tsoko-Nut Batirol. “Not yet,” I replied. So, my buddy introduced me to the Tsoko-Nut Batirol. As usual, I told him that he will be the one to choose for me because I believe he knows my taste. 

Just a little bit trivia about Tsokolate:

Chocolate or tsokolate has been known in the Philippines; it is during the time of Spanish missionaries who first brought the “Cacao” plants over to be cultivated here in the Philippines. It was a sign of influence to drink tsokolate-eh, a thick, almost syrupy brew often to served with churros, they used batirol for mixing the beverage.

I remembered before, my parents made us tsokolate, they have mixed milk in it and for us, it was so good.

Our food delivered in just a few minutes, The tsokolate and bibingka are smells good. And, it was mouthwatering. The Napoleones was so good and the bibingka as well. While chatting, we ate the food and commenting in it. I asked my friend if what he can say about it. He just answered, I have nothing to say, but it is delicious!

The price is very cheap;

Tsokolate with Napoleones -  99php.

Tsokolate with bibingka -  155php.

See, very affordable! 

Location:

Tsoko Nut Batirol, Eastwood Excelsior
G/F, Eastwood City Cyberpark, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Bagumbayan, Libis
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 489-4617

Tsoko Nut Batirol, SM Makati
2/F SM Makati, Ayala Center, EDSA
Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 816-4305

Food Trip at Banchetto

photo from ely

Banchetto is a perfect place to hang out. If you guys loves to eat. When it comes to food tripping, Banchetto is the right place for you and your officemates and friends. But always keep in mind that alcohol is prohibited. So, keep it balanced with just a whole lot of excellent foods.

For me, I called it as Food Feast because you can choose what do you like to eat, it is not just only isaw, barbeque, hotdog, squid ball, betamax but there are a wide range of dishes, from Philippine barbecues, Japaneses food, and Shawarma, desserts, pastries, and a lot more. Whatever you want to eat, they have it all! 

If I hang out with my other-half before, we’ll always drop by in the place and find something new to try. We love to explore the place and try foods that we never eat before. But both of us always love the cakes and pantries. It is so scrumptious!

If you want to try, you can check the Banchetto schedule below:

BANCHETTO – Shopwise

Tuesday nights (7pm – 4am)

Along C5 Road, Barangay Bagumbayan

Near Libis Quezon City

BANCHETTO – Forum

Wednesday and Thursday night (8:30pm – 6am)

At back of Cybergate, Robinsons Pioneer

BANCHETTO – Meralco Avenue

Friday night (5pm-4am)

Meralco Avenue, Ortigas

Between DepEd and Renaissance Towers

BANCHETTO – SM Cubao

Saturday and Sunday night (4pm – 12MN)

At the 6^th level parking area inside SM Cubao

Dinner and Laughters at Igmaan Restaurant

Foods! Foods!

Sometimes, it feels good that you are surrounded with people who truly care for you, who can laugh with your corny jokes, and for a while, you can forget what bothers you when you are with them. It’s Mom's idea to have a get-together, we planned this a year ago but it will never happen. Ever! But last week, thanks to God, after almost 2 years (I am sure about that) I met them again.

My schedule last weekend was really hectic I supposed to attend training. But my time schedule was really conflict so what I did was I skipped my “GETTING FIT” training just to have time with Mom R, Nyz and her hubby, and Ver. Honestly, I miss them!

So there! We met at the south in the Metro.

Mom, where did you park your car? Lol!

Mom R decides where we going to have our dinner but before we found the place, we got trouble because...first, Mom forgot where she parked her car. Second, we lost around the area. We never know where the restaurant that Mom talked about. She is the only one knows the restaurant and we have no idea about it. Hahaha! Mom’s really not good in direction but fortunately we found the place after an hour.

Anyway, we have dinner at Igmaan Restaurant. They served sea foods like Chef’s Crab Special (slightly spiced), Congrejo de liz (Crabs in olive oil) or their bestseller Adobong Pusit and more. And according to their website, guest may want to request for their own style of cooking. 

We ordered: Shrimp, Crabs with coconut milk, Spicy and butter chicken, fresh buko and Seafood soup. While waiting for our orders; we were exchanging stories, updating our life, laughing, laughing, and laughing. I have allergy in Shrimp but I still ate it!

Seafood Soup

Shrimp (I just forgot the name...)

Crabs with coconut milk

Fresh Buko

By the way, Nyz asked the waiter “what’s IGMAAN means?” then, waiter replied with a big smile “a place to have lunch”.

Igma means lunch in “Karay-a” – a dialect of Iloilo, a province in the Western Central part of the Philippines.

The Igmaan Restaurant foods are very scrumptious especially the Crabs with coconut milk and the Spicy and Buttered Chicken. Yummy! The place is very fine with the aircondition dining area accumulated up to 70 guests. In the outdoor, there’s an elegant tent and garden al fresco dining areas which also can accumulated 100 guests and the band, too!

Igmaan Seafood Restaurant is located at Seaside, Diosdado Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City, and telephone #: (02)5561830.

Follow me on Twitter: @thesoulexplorer

Bellini’s Italian Fast Food & Restaurant

Tartufo Funghi Con Prosciutto

Are you a food lover? Do you love to eat? Yes! Some people liked to explore where to eat food, experiment and restaurant that have good quality of food and the food that will satisfy the tastes. There are various restaurant offers exotic foods that you will love and will never forget.

I am into food tripping and seeing this photos in my memory box made me realized that I missed food tripping along with my food buddy. 

I didn’t know anything about Italian food, but Italian pasta and pizza. Poor boy! Well, glad that my buddy introduced me to the Bellini’s Italian Fast Food and Restaurant where I learned something about Italian food or even the name of the Italian food. I am such a loser! Lol! By the way, during that time I’m so excited to try the foods in the menu especially when I saw the cakes and pastries, but my stomach doesn't have the capacity to load plenty of foods. 

So, here are our orders…

Focaccia

Mixed Salami

Historically, salami was popular among Italian peasants because it can be stored at room temperature for periods of up to 10 years, supplementing a possibly meager or inconsistent supply of fresh meat. Varieties of salami are traditionally made in Italy, France, Hungary, Germany, Belgium and Spain.

However, focaccia bread is one of the most popular and ancient types of flat household machines available. Often baked with herbs, cheese and other ingredients are added to the dough, focaccia can be seen as one of the modern pizza predecessors. The name of this bread is taken from the Roman Phrase "panis focacius", which referred to the flat bread baked on fire load or under the ashes of the fire.

Bellini's Special Pizza

Orange Cake

I'm so love the Tartufo Funghi Con Prosciutto, it’s creamy! The special pizza is great, orange cake so yummy and you can also try Tiramisu al Limone that according to my friend, it's popular Italian dessert. Okay, I am so full that time! But wait, there's more, after eating all that the waiter gave me one shot of Italian wine. The staff are very friendly and accommodating, the places are so clean and the table arranged accordingly.

So, this is my unforgettable experience. How about you? Do you have any memorable experience in a restaurant?