Pampanga| Abe's Farm

happened on Nov. 21, 2015


Abe's is one of the famous restaurants here in Metro Manila.

the very cozy restaurant

After our outreach activity, we had our lunch here.  I made reservations two weeks in advance.  I love that the staff are so friendly and helpful in every inquiry.  They will even reach out just to ensure that everything will be OK.  We had a few exchange of calls before the day of our visit.  I highly commend this kind of service.

On our way to this restaurant, I called them for an advance order of food since we are hungry already and travel time is around one hour.  When we arrive there, everything is already set.  We had a very long table for 26 persons.

Pampanga 2015| Munting Tahanan Ng Nazareth

happened on Nov. 21, 2015

 

"Be a blessing to others"

 

with the residents and the Jollibee crew

A member of our Windangan Group suggested to conduct an outreach to have a meaningful Christmas last year.  Due to time constraint we were not able to do it last year.  This year I was so stressed looking for an orphanage.  There are a lot of orphanages but we wanted one that has not much sponsors already.

 

I love conducting outreach.  In fact, I was able to join a few already.  These gave me a different kind of fulfillment but organizing it is a very different thing.  It simply is stressful.  Just looking for an orphanage is not an easy task.  Added to this is the raising of funds.

 

It was only in October that I was able to find one.  I forgot that my sister in law is working in one in Pampanga. Silly me!  It was a last minute planning again.  Next step is the available schedule since Christmas season means hectic schedule.  Even with our chosen schedule, the person who suggested this was not able to join.

 

Anyways, with God's guidance and help from our group, we were able to pull it off successfully.  Everything just flowed smoothly.  We even have additional benefactors during the event.

Alabang 2015| Staycation in Parque Espana

happened on Nov. 17-19, 2015

 

Due to APEC event, the kids have a week long vacation and we employees have two days off.  Upon learning this, my eyes twinkled with delight and tinkled my laptop quick and went to Agoda website for hotel booking for a nearby staycation.  As early as September of this year, our half dozen family was already booked.  I also invited my dear friend L who is living nearby to join us.  Once she agreed, I promptly booked them for a room.
 

 

My initial plan is for an Oakwood staycation since I fell in love with this place when we held my eldest daughter's debut there last January.  When I checked the price, it will cost me P24,000 for 2 nights and as much as I love it here, I can't with my limited budget (over quota already for all the travels I had this year).  Thankfully, I found this residential hotel in Agoda.  I searched for blog reviews and convinced that it is ok to give it a try and we have never been in Alabang area so it's a great choice, plus the price is just half of Oakwood's.

 

APEC has its advantage and disadvantage.  For one, it will bring good economic future for our country.  The worst part though is the heavy traffic it created for us working and living here in the metro.  My friend was stuck in Makati for almost 8 hours so she was able to arrive in the hotel at early dawn next day.  We were not able to spend the first night with her as previously planned.

It's a miracle that our travel to Alabang is a breeze though.  I can't believe that this is Nagtahan bridge.  In less than an hour, we are in Alabang already.  Since check-in time is at 2:00PM, we had our lunch first in S&R.  But since we are already in this place, I can't forego of doing my grocery.

Is this really Nagtahan bridge on a Tuesday???

Bacolod 2015 Trip| Affordable Accomodations

happened on Sept. 18-21, 2015

 

 

For our four days stay in Negros, I booked our hotels through Agoda.  It's way cheaper to book in advance.  I booked for Go Hotel and GT Hotel.  We were supposed to stay a night in Mambukal so I have two hotels booked but when we were there, I had a change of plan and just had a day tour in Mambukal so I just extended our stay in Go Hotel.  I still  booked through Agoda for this extension because it is still cheaper to book online and I don't understand why.

 

 

arggg.. those telecom cables

Our first two nights were spent in Go Hotel for only P1,959.00 and a night in GT hotel for P1555.50, with complimentary breakfast for two. 

Bacolod 2015 Trip| Last Day Tour

happened on Sept. 21, 2015

Our last stop for this trip are the town attractions beginning with the Provincial Capitol, the Lagoon Park, Negros showroom and Negros National Museum.

the Provincial Capitol

There's nothing much to see in this area.  The lagoon is big but with dirty water though there are fishes in it.  They could have properly maintain this one.

Completing this trip before leaving Bacolod, we headed to the Museum for our last stop.  Museums are a great venue in learning history and culture.  It's Negros history this time.  Entrance fee is P100.00.  It's quite pricey so I'm expecting a nice museum here.

Bacolod 2015 Trip| It's Definitely a Food Haven

happened on September 2015

Being the sugar bowl of the Philippines, you are assured of the wide array of desserts being offered in Bacolod.  There are coffee shops, bakeries and cafes in any corner in downtown.  However, being situated near the coastline, Bacolod also offers a variety of fresh and affordable seafood.
 

yummy and affordable macaron

Every person who had been here will surely suggest that you must not forget to try all the foods being offered here.  So I came prepared with a list of "must visit" restaurants and cafes but unfortunately our time is not enough to complete the list so we just chose the famous ones.

Bacolod 2015 Trip| Our Scary Adventure in Mambukal Resort

happened on Sept. 19, 2015

Putting some adventure on our trip, I included this place to our 4 days Negros itinerary.

 

at the entrance

Mambukal is a resort owned and managed by the local government.  It's over 23.6 hectares of land and lies 1,200 ft above sea level and serves as a gateway to Mt. Kanlaon.  It was originally developed by a Japanese architect, Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927 as a bath house and picnic garden.  Today, it houses man made swimming pools, sulfur hot springs, accommodations, picnic grounds, wall climbing and zip lining, boating lagoon and the famous seven falls. (information taken from their official website)

 

We rode a cab from our hotel to the bus terminal.  I'm quite surprise to see that it's not a bus but a non air conditioned mini bus type.  One thing for sure, it'll be one hell of a trip.

 

our limousine

For about one hour we endured the bumpy and windy road.  My hair is over my face the whole trip.  The only consolation we got is seeing long stretch of sugar cane plantation. 

 

The mini bus stopped right in front of the reception of the resort.  From here, you have to pay the entrance fee.  Here's a reference for the fees. After paying, the adventure begins by walking to different attractions.

 

there's a fee for everything

 Let's begin with the journey using this map. 

 

huge is an under statement

Bacolod 2015 Trip| The Ruins, Talisay City

happened on Sept. 18, 2015



surviving war and withstanding the test of time

We just left our things in the hotel and after a quick freshen up, we commuted going to the famous "Talisay Ruins" or Talisay's Taj Mahal.  From Go Hotel, ride a jeepney bound for Bata-Libertad route, stop at Rose Lagoon before Pepsi plant, ride a tricycle.  We have asked the tricycle driver for a round trip for a sure service going back.  Round trip costs Php200.00.  He waited for us for about 3 hours.  Entrance fee for this attraction is Php95.00 per person (keeps on increasing every year I think).

 

 

Bacolod 2015 Trip| San Diego Pro-Cathedral Church

happened on Sept. 18, 2015

You must not leave Silay City without visiting this church.  Why?  It's because this is the only pro-cathedral church outside of Manila City.  This also the only church in Negros featuring a cupola or dome.

 

It was formerly known as San Diego Parish Church or St. Didacus Parish Church in the early 20th century.  Its Patron Saint is San Diego de Alcala.
 

This Roman Catholic Church was designed by an Italian architect - Lucio Bernasconi thus, it resembles St. Peter's Church in Vatican City.  Construction was completed in 1927.
 

The church lay-out is in the shape of a Latin cross, with a cupola or dome rising forty meters above the nave.

 

 

 

It's easy to spot this church since it's located along Rizal St., adjacent to old houses. (source Wikipedia)

Bacolod 2015 Trip| Bernardino Jalandoni Museum

happened on Sept. 18, 2015

The last heritage home that we visited before going to Bacolod City is the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum.  This home is easy to see since it's located along Rizal St., near the church and beside the public market.

 

a scale model of the home (sorry I don't have a shot of the whole house)

It is also called the "Pink House" since it is painted in pink.  Its design depicts the typical nipa hut but on a larger scale.  Its structure is made of the local hard iron wood or locally known as "balayong" and had withstood the test of time.

 

even the terrace is pink

Bacolod Trip 2015| Hofilena Mansion, Silay City

happened on September 18, 2015

After almost 2 hrs. in Balay Negrense, we walked for a few minutes going to this mansion.

the still inhabited mansion

We saw some heritages houses along the way, too.  I love the ambiance here, the feeling that you are being transported in time.  I love how fresh the air is so walking is not a hassle at all.

I could imagine how grand this used to be

this is just a grocery store

Bacolod Trip 2015| Balay Negrense

happened on Sept. 18, 2015

After a filling snack in El Ideal Bakery, we are now ready to conquer Silay City.  We started with this picturesque and famous Balay Negrense.

 

the restored Balay Negrense

This heritage house is situated along Cinco de Noviembre, which is also a very significant street during the Spanish regime.  This is where the locals formed a bloodless revolt that informally ended the Spanish ruling in this province in 1898.

the original stairs

the super spacious living room

Bacolod Trip 2015| Silay City - El Ideal Bakery

happened on Sept. 18, 2015


the shuttle terminal which is beside El Ideal Bakery

After two cancelled air flight bookings (TG! our airfare was cheap) , our travel to Bacolod finally pushed through.  Our airfare for this travel is only at Php1,500 per person for roundtrip fare already.  Booking in advance is always the key, guys!

 

If you are not familiar with the Negros province yet, the new airport is located in Silay City which is 30 minutes by land travel to Bacolod.  Yep, you have to pass by this heritage city before reaching Bacolod which I find to be a blessing since you will have the time to tour around this heritage place.

 

From the airport, there are taxis and shuttle vans available going to Silay City proper and Bacolod City.  Here are the rates as of this time:

 

Shuttle vans to Silay proper - Php50.00 per person; drop-off is in front of San Diego Church and near El Ideal Bakery

Shuttle vans to Bacolod City - Php100.00 per person

Tariff rate for Taxis to Bacolod City - Php 500.00 one way

 

In Silay City, the first thing that you will notice are the old homes and structures.  It's like being transported back to the Spanish regime.

Manila City| Paco Park

happened on Aug. 30, 2015

 

the tiny park with the tiny church

In my more than 30 years of residency here in the metro, it's quite embarrassing to say that it's my first time to see this little park; to think that it's so near my alma matter - Mapua Institute of Technology.  I'm a late bloomer in travelling!

Last long weekend holiday of August, the family is bored and needed a getaway very badly.  It's has been a very busy school days lately for the kids so they deserved a much needed change of ambiance. 

 

With a limited budget, I thought of just touring around the city since traffic is crazy outside of Manila.  Everyone just wanted to get out of the city for the long weekend.   

 

I've read that entrance fees in the National Museum during Sundays is free so this is immediately on the itinerary.  Then I added this park and an authentic Chinese lunch in Binondo.

 

We started off in this park.  I'm surprised to learn that it's just tucked inside a busy district on General Luna St., east end of Padre Faura St.  Driving to this park made me reminisce of my college days - during flooded days that I have to walk from school to Quiapo to our boarding home.  How time flies!

 

Entrance fee is only 10.00 per person (so cheap for maintenance purpose).  Upon entry, you will already see the whole park.  Again, I'm surprised to see how tiny it is.  Seeing it in pictures for weddings and some shoots made it in a bigger scale to look at.

the marker

at the entrance gate

my precious...

Marikina City| Rustic Mornings

happened on October 4, 2015

You can count through my fingers on how many times I have set foot in Marikina since I live and work in Quezon City area.  I find this quite far for me to check out.  However, watching Kris TV and blog stalking gave me an idea that it is home to a lot of good eateries.

 

It's a good timing that my friends invited me for a house tripping there.  I immediately agreed since I also wanted to check if we can live here someday.

 

how can you not fall in love with this???

After the tiring house tripping (if only I have the money, I'll buy that 3-storey town house right then and there!), we looked for a nice restaurant to have an early dinner.  This will be a treat of one of our friends so a posh dining experience is a must.  Sulitin ang libre di ba?

 

His wife suggested this popular place - Rustic Mornings, which is owned by one of the chefs (Portia) with a Life Style Network program.  Apparently, during mornings this is jam packed so we're glad that there is an available table for our group upon our arrival.  Maybe this is due to the heavy downpour in this city since noon time.

Quezon City| Brazo

the cables are sore for the eyes

I happened to be in our business center last Monday morning for our annual physical examination.  Our office is located in the now "famous Maginhawa St."  twenty years ago, this is purely a residential area.  Nowadays, it's home to lots and lots of hole in the wall type eateries and restaurants.  The construction of our office gave way for some commercial establishments.  I remember that there's a big issue with the home owners on the approval of its construction.  Well, your guess is good as mine why it was permitted to be constructed in the first place.

 

Going back to the subject; my friend and one of my mentors P treated me for lunch since it's my birthday last week.  Due to the heavy downpour we opted to go to this restaurant which is just adjacent to our office.  It used to be under a different management and not doing well - business wise.  Now, under a new name and management, we have to try if its offerings have been improved.

 

It has both air conditioned and outdoor settings.  We opted for the enclosed venue.  The ambiance is just so-so; nothing extra ordinary but clean and cold enough for dining.

the only décor corner inside

There is a wide choices of food in their menu.  The price is affordable and serving for the viand is good for 2-3 persons.

 

 

 Since we are only two, we only ordered their best sellers.

this is lunch

No. 1 best seller - Iberian Chicken (P238 for half) - fried with lots of spices.

Sinigang corned beef for P263.00 per serving

Their best seller - Iberian Chicken is a type of fried chicken with lots of spices and olive oil.  It's a meal by itself since there are potatoes for carbs.  It's tasty on the outside but quite bland in the inside.

The sinigang corned beef is delicious with its thick sauce.  We love this one!

We can't miss the desserts of course.

No. 1 best seller - Frozen Brazo de Mercedes for P75.00/slice

No. 2 best seller - Old-fashioned chocolate cake for P95.00/slice

I prefer the frozen Brazo this time since it's not too sweet. The old-fashioned chocolate cake is made up of our local chocolate.  You can really taste the bitterness of the chocolate in this one.

So what's my verdict?  Honestly, the food is not the type that you will miss and crave for.  It's delicious enough but not that memorable.  *Sorry, I'm just being honest here*