Why go to Vigan and Japan when you can go to Laguna?

One of the highlights if you avail a Vigan tour is the chance to view ancestral houses and old churches preserved in the City. But Vigan is quite a long drive from Manila. Almost a year ago, a friend invited us to visit him in his house. It's located in Pila, Laguna. The province is just 2 hours away from Manila. To date, I have been there thrice. And it never ceases to amaze me. If someone's up for a road trip, I recommend this place.

This is the famous duck statue that represents the province's pride. Duck eggs and the duck itself are the delicacies you can try if you visit Pila. We are also toured around the province. I was like WOW! when I first saw the vintage houses and the old Church. Somehow, I feel like I am in Vigan. The fresh air gave me an inner peace and a sense of freedom (away from home). He also told us that there is a local ordinance for the residence prohibiting the owners from changing the physical feature of their homes. The reason for this I think, is for them to preserve the "Vintage" aspect and culture of the town.

 

 

We ate in a local resto in Pila and we ordered Sisig and kare-kare. The food was great. And by the way, the very first time I went to Pila, I got to taste some exotic delicacies like Adobong Frog legs and Fried duck. (I wasn't able to document it then)

Christmas spirit around the Town's Church. I was in the plaza sitting in a bench across the church and I find the view very relaxing. 

The next time we visited Pila, we went straight ahead to this over-looking kitchenette in Pagsanjan, Laguna. The food we ordered were also delicious. The price is okay. The staff are nice, I even asked permission to connect my charger since my mobile phone was running out of battery, and they did allow me :)

 

(Photo credit to Dean Angelo)

After lunch, we were brought to a park called "Japanese Garden" it was actually a few meters away from Caliraya Lake - a man-made lake famous in Laguna. As far as I can remember, there is a 10 pesos entrance fee you need to pay before entering the park. Again, I was amazed. The place looks so  fresh and peaceful. The blue-colored skies matched the green leaves of the trees and grass inside the garden. For a person who really needed a quiet time, this place is perfect. We were a group of seven, so "Me time" is very impossible. We killed our time by walking and picture-taking. And we did have pretty cool shots inside the garden

 

 

Info I got from the Internet: The Japanese Garden is a shrine created by Philippine-Japan Friendship Society in memory of the Japanese soldiers who died during the encounter between the Japanese and Filipino-American troops at the close of World War II. Also to symbolize the amity and friendship that exist between the Philippines and Japan.

We were lucky for having a private vehicle to get to these places. But for those who wanted to use public transportation to go there, here's how:

Getting to Pila:

From Alabang Terminal (or any terminal in Manila) ride a Sta Cruz-bound bus. From Alabang I think the fare is not more than a hundred pesos. The bus will pass by the town's plaza, you may want to ask the driver to drop you off there.

\Getting to Japanese Graden:

Same bus (Sta.Cruz-bound bus) Ask the driver to drop you off the jeepney terminal going to Lumban until you get to the public market, lastly, ride a tricycle bound to Caliraya/Japanese garden.

The search for the best buffet in the Metro - Yakimix, Vikings and Buffet 101

Filipinos love food. And as years go by, our passion for food has evolved. We actually have unsolicited adaptation of international cuisines in our taste buds. I want to share my dining experiences from the most popular buffet restaurants in the Philippines. If you are a little confused where to eat, I hope this post will be of help.

Yakimix All-you-can-eat Buffet 
Greenbelt 3

3/F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St.Ayala Center, Makati(02) 475-5153 to 54(02) 964-9931, (0917) 880-9980

Mon- Fri Lunch 520Php (Drinks included)
Mon-Fri Dinner 620Php  75Php bottomless drinks
Sat and Sun and Holidays Lunch/Dinner 660Php  75Php bottomless drinks

I haven't experienced eating in this Restaurant until my very close friend invited me for dinner. We actually wanted to celebrate a good news and that date was a mini baby shower :)

When we arrived at Yakimix Greenbelt, we had her name listed for reservation. We grab some smoothies in a different place while waiting. (But I think that's a bad idea for someone who really wanted to eat a LOT.)

Being a Japanese food lover, I headed to the area first and pick different kinds of maki and sushi. I skipped the soup :)
They have a variety of Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Filipino food. And everything tasted good! :)

There is a fresh meat/seafood area. Wherein you can get raw (half-cooked) meat, mushroom and seafood. Each table has a grille so you can enjoy cooking your foods in the comfort of your own table.

Here is a closer look to our food choices. Drinks are not included in the buffet rate. (during that time)                  

 Half-full half-conscious while munching the last batch of food we got. The cooks, servers and staff were very friendly too. A server actually volunteered to get this shot.

The chandelier matches the fancy-looking plates and the food warmers  A staff approached me and said that taking pictures is not allowed. You can only take a shot of your food when it's on your table. Well, at least I captured this before knowing it.

 All-in-all, My buffet experience here is very good. And if only we skipped the smoothies, I would have had eaten more.

For a complete set of menu you can check on this site: http://www.munchpunch.com/yakimix-greenbelt-3/menu

You can contact them for inquiries but not for reservation. I believe you cannot get a reservation through phone so if in case you plan to have a dinner at Yakimix, You might want to be a little earlier so you can put your name on their list. And take note: If your name is called and you are not actually there, they will proceed calling the next person and you need to have your name to be listed again because they will definitely skip if you didn't arrived on time.



Vikings Luxury Buffet MOA
Bldg B, By the Bay, Seaside Blvd. SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
846-3888, 846-4888, 846-5888

Mon-Fri Lunch 688Php +5% service charge = 722.40Php (with drinks)
Mon-Fri Dinner 888Php = 5% service charge = 932.40Php (with drinks)
Sat, Sun and holidays Lunch/Dinner 1,088Php + 5% service charge = 1,142.40Php (with drinks)

It was a rainy Tuesday afternoon, when my sister told us that she had a reservation at Vikings MOA. Who am I to decline the invitation? :) I skipped breakfast that day, so eating in buffet is a nice idea.

Here is a variety of food I got from the buffet. I like how they presented the sushis and makis. It was placed in a viking ship-like food platter. 

They also offer unlimited drinks - coffee, tea or draft beer.

It was after our last plate when we learned that we can order a hot pot from the server (our own choice of ingredients). So when the hotpot arrived, we were too full but we still managed to consume it all since our dad won't allow us to leave with foods on the table.

The Vikings buffet was great. Indeed, it was a luxurious experience. The chandeliers are so beautiful and the ambiance inside the restaurant is also nice.

Buffet 101 MOA
Bldg K, Seaside Blvd, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
556-2888
buffet101pasay@gmail.com

Robinsons Magnolia
961-2291

Mon-Fri Lunch 699Php (with drinks)
Mon-Fri Dinner 950Php (with drinks)
Sat Lunch 799Php (with drinks)
Sat Dinner/Sun Lunch/Sun Dinner/Holiday 1,050Php (with drinks)

My brother was the one who made the reservation. It was a Friday, and he was surprised that there are lots of reservation made that dinner time. It took 2 hours before his name was called. We were just around MOA area so he informed us to get there when it's ready.

Since there are lots of guests. Many people were patiently waiting at the couches placed outside the restaurant. I find it generous on their part when I learned that they offer drinks to guests in the waiting area. 

What I cannot forget in their menu is the hot soup with pastry bread. It's so delicious that I tried it twice :)

They also serve different kind of japanese treats - loads of different makis and sushis. 

For desert, there are different kind of cheesecake which I really like. Plus, You can actually order a crepe of your choice. 

They also offer unlimited draft beer and fruit juices.

Wine is also served along the buffet area.

I had a great experience except for the coffee. They only have one coffee maker and during that time it was a bit nonfunctional. 

Their reservation on lunch is 11-11:30 am while on dinner is 5:30-6:00pm. They have a grace period of 15 minutes and if you didn't arrived on time, they will let the next name on list to get your slot. But just like what happened to us, we knew we will be late since it was raining so hard. We called them about us being a little late and they gave us consideration.

To see a complete set of menu, visit this site: http://foodalphabet.blogspot.com/2011/12/buffet-101-dine-in-5-star-luxury.html


In choosing the best buffet in the metro, you need to consider 4 pointers:

1. Budget - The price per head is a bit pricey because of the food choices you can get to eat. And I suggest you need to try them all to get your money's worth. You need to be a great eater to enjoy this kind of buffet.

2. Variety of food  -  You will enjoy this kind of buffet if you love international cuisines. (If you are really into Pinoy cuisine, I recommend you trying cabalen,, kamay kainan or the like kind of buffet restaurant)

3. Time - Remember, dining in a buffet restaurant requires a reservation and a time allotment. So, I suggest you have to spare a "special" time to enjoy the buffet.

4. Ambiance - Not all the buffet restaurants are nice-looking. There's nothing like dining in an elegant and  well-presented place. It may be crowded due to popularity, but the way they showcase their restaurant is the way they like to showcase their food. Make some internet image search if you still have time.

Happy Eating! :) 

Goto trip with friends - Paranaque

We were about to call it a night and my friends were sending me home when all of a sudden, one suggested to grab some midnight snack, particularly a hot soup. Lugaw 101 is famous but we didn't notice it on our way. Goodah is another choice (if you are living in Betterliving) but we didn't feel like eating something cleaner. lol

What we really had in mind was something like a gotohan on wheels (which is very common in the streets of Manila) But we ended up just a few blocks away from Shell Gas Station (Russia Street) If you are from Soledad Ave, you can find this little gotohan (I actually forgot the name).  If my memory serves me right, we passed by Eletista Bar and the police station.

Surprisingly this is the menu. Cheap and very inviting :)

This is their famous goto. As you can see it includes rice porridge, pork intestine, spring onion and toasted garlic. Ah! How nostalgic! Way back  in college, I used to eat along the streets of Pasay just to have this yummy delicacy. Yes, even on skirt and girly outfit. I didn't mind giving any damn at all. 

 The aftermath. All was satisfied, except for one. We made him believe that, soy sauce, calamansi and other condiments have charges so he needed to pay higher than what's in the "menu". But actually, it's free. Of course :)

Any food will taste better when you share it with special people :)

Shopping has never been this cheap - Trip to Baclaran

The last time that I went to Baclaran (not the Church) was I think few years ago. One morning, my sis, mom and I agreed to go to there for the main purpose of buying Christmas decors, table mats and rags. But of course at the back of my mind, I wondered what else to be bought from there. We first grab some snack before shopping. We were surprised to see that there's already a mall built just beside the LRT (Baclaran station). We felt very comfy and secure eating in a fast food located inside the mall (the security guard keeps on roaming around, passing each and every table.. nice job)

Just an ordinary day for vendors. Wednesday is the day for Baclaran (Church) goers. Luckily, it was a Thursday.

Look what I found! :) Ate gave a very reasonable price for a set of these bangles. Who would not spend P100 for 6 pcs per set?

I find this summer dress really cute. I saw the same design at a mall with a much higher price. I am planning to go to a swimming next weekend so buying one is a need rather than want. Well, enough of the reasoning, Mom bought one for me. A different style and color though. We got this for P230. Not bad.

I didn't get the chance to go inside the Redemptorist Church. But basically, this is the side view of the Church. Surrounded by Sto.Nino's and other religious items for sale.

As for our purpose, we have bought all the things we needed to buy.  All in all, the Baclaran experience was really great. Cheaply great :)

Just Remember: When going to Baclaran or any crowded places. just dress as simple as possible. Don't wear any jewelries or bring fancy bags, high-end phones and other gadgets. Most importantly, be very vigilant. 

How to get there:

From Edsa-Rotonda: Ride an LRT from Edsa station to Baclaran. P12

There's a link going to the "airconditioned mall" and downstairs are the stalls.

or

From Edsa-Rotonda: Ride a jeepney going to Baclaran. P8

Going out of Baclaran: You can walk from there going to Edsa or wait for a jeep Taft-bound and ask the driver to drop you off Edsa (LRT/MRT). P8

Heaven on earth. Orphans at Concordia Children's Services

Yes. Angels do exist. And just by looking through the angels' eyes, my heart melts. Every time, I see the pictures of these abandoned and neglected kids, I cannot help but cry inside and out. 

Christmas is coming. If you cannot think of anything to give yourself, why not spend at least one day to lend a hand. I am 100% sure it will make you feel lighter, you will feel more blessed and you will feel happier seeing those Angels' smiles.

Concordia Children's Services is an organization that protect less fortunate kids. They offer temporary home for these kids until they are placed in permanent homes.The children in the center are well taken cared of by volunteers and social workers. They ensure that the kids are well-loved and raise them in a Christian Filipino culture. They also have an Urban Poor Children Program wherein they assist street and urban poor children from ages 7 to 16. They give educational assistance and scholarship programs. Alternative programs are also offered to some out-of-school children and youth. Personally, as a volunteer, I can say that these kind of organization is very vital to the growth of these children. That even though they were less fortunate for not being raised in a normal environment and not having a family, I believe that by raising them in a natural environment like Concordia, the kids will learn to value life and still have hope that one day, they will be put in a permanent home. 

There are ways how you can help:

In kind gifts - Donating toiletries, food, clothing and toys for the kids. Items that can be used in the center, like monoblock chairs, cooking utensils, blankets and many more.

Volunteer Opportunities - By spending time to take care of the children, helping out with the programs in the urban poor and assisting in tutorial sessions. Individually or by group, this is very exciting and self-fulfilling. You can call their office if you want to give a visit 354 6049

Financial Gifts -  You can drop by their office to personally give your monetary donation or make online donation using this link:

http://www.concordiachildrens.org/donate-concordia-childrens-services

Concordia Children's Center is located at

4600 Old Sta. Mesa Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1016

Based on my personal experience, the feeling inside the center is like heaven. (yes I haven't been to heaven) There is a magical feeling whenever I hold a child or feed or play with them. Indeed, these kids are Angels. If not because of them, I wouldn't be able to enter heaven.

Christmas Holiday get-away? Batangas is the answer.

Christmas vacation is coming. If you are planning for a holiday getaway with your friends and family, I have some ideas and a list of resorts you can choose from. This is all based on my personal tour.

 My Batangas tour happened for a purpose. I was appointed to search for a nice and safe resort to hold our company team building. With some colleagues with me, we started the road trip to Laiya, Batangas. Before heading there, I already made some research days before and have set appointment with the owners or representatives of each resort. Thinking that it would make my trip easier and simultaneous. Indeed, it was a hassle-free tour. I was given only a day to finalize the search.  These resorts that I will be featuring are my personal favorites. Guys, start taking notes :)

(Photo credit to Sabangan)

Sabangan Beach Resort - Located in Laiya, San Juan Batangas. The place is so peaceful. Aside from the swimming pools inside the resort, they also have a beach front. An open area where you can spend outdoor activities with friends or family. Here is their contact number :

Laiya, San Juan, Batangas Philippines Phone: (02) 914-9640 TeleFax: (02) 667-3997 E-mail: info@sabangan.com Office Hours: (Monday - Saturday: 8:30am - 5:30pm) How to get there: http://www.sabangan.com/index.php/about-us/map-location

Acuatico Beach Resort

(Photo credit to Acuatico Beach Resort)

    One word: Breathtaking! This is the first time I have entered a resort with infinity pool. Very calming and relaxing. Located also in Laiya, San Juan Batangas I got some pretty cool shots with my colleagues. We were so overwhelmed that aside from the infinity pool, they also have a beach front, Spa, floating bar, outdoor Jacuzzi and yes, Wifi-access.
Here are the reservation numbers:

Mondays - Thursdays (8am to 6pm)
Fridays (8am to 5pm) 
(632) 892-7577 to 79
(632) 408-8383

For inquiries and other concerns, you may email them at:
reservations@acuaticoresort.com.ph

How to get there: http://www.acuaticoresort.com.ph/location.html

                                                                                             (Photo credit to Blue Coral BR)

Blue Coral Beach Resort

Located at Laiya, San Juan Batangas. Of all the beaches I visited, for me this is the most family-friendly. I mean, they offer more family rooms than any other. The tropical ambiance is a breathe of fresh air for families who came all the way from Manila. 

Here's the contact number:

559-9747/ 559-9754

E-mail: info@bluecoralbeachresort.com.ph

How to get there: http://www.bluecoralbeachresort.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=3

(Photo credit to Sea's Spring Resort)

Sea's Spring Resort

Few kilometers away from Laiya. Located at Brgy Mainit, Mabini Batangas. I believe the resort is owned and operated by Koreans. The resort is complete with facilities. The swimming pools are natural hot spring and seawater pools. There's also a natural bamboo sauna. Some of the activities you can enjoy while staying in the resort are Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Island hopping, KTV and billiards. 

If you want to book a reservation. You can contact the resort at:

881-1766/ 881-1499/ 0917-564-8085

Here's the map on how to get there: http://seasspringresort.com/images/map.jpg

I hope this post will help you decide where to stay in Batangas. Remember, you have to consider 3 things in choosing the right resort:

1. The safety and credibility of the Resort. (It may look nice on photos but you need to have a review on feed backs from previous guests. It's a big help, believe me.)

2. Budget

3. Accessibility.

Happy Holidays! :)