Pampanga| Cafe Fleur

happened on September 17, 2016


We intendedly left the best for last.  Our last stop, dinner, is in this homey, heritage home coverted restaurant in Angeles City.  It's one of the most highly recommended dining places so we are curious what's the rave is all about.

the facade

Interiors is a combination of old and new pieces.  Kitchen facilities are new but the setting is of the old country home.

outdoor setting - kinda malamok 

Pampanga| Banh Mi - Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery

happened on September 17, 2016

While searching for the best dining places in Angeles City, this place was featured in Our Awesome Planet blog.  I immediate asked our friend C to include it in our itinerary.

We had our super late lunch here which is in time for a light meal of pho and banh mi sandwich.  Going to this place is easy as this is where all the vehicles passed going around the town proper.  The problem for this quaint resto is the limited parking space.

Pampanga| Clear Water Resort

happened on September 17, 2016

the view of the manmade lake

It seems I'm the only remaining Kapampangan who is unaware of this resort in Clark, Angeles, Pampanga.  Boo me!  I can't promote my province for I'm not well familiar of its attractions; just food hehehe.

Luckily, this was our "killing time" stop during our food tripping here before having super late lunch.  The staff are kind enough to give us a tour of the whole resort.  We were even provided with a golf cart and driver to roam around.

the entrance logo

reception area

kids area

Pampanga| My Lola Nor's

happened on September 17, 2016

the facade with ample parking space

It's a long planned food trip down North with dear friends for the whole day.  One dear friend C is from Angeles City so she's familiar with the "must dine" places.  Fortunately this plan finally came into reality after a year of planning and unfortunately the person who is so keen for this was unable to join.  Destiny has its own way.

It just took us 1.5 hours from NLEX to Mabalacat for our first destination. 

We started with a late breakfast in My Lola Nor's.  C is so excited about this place since the owner is her friend and they have transferred to a new location.  The place is on-going renovation while still open for business.  It is an old home converted to a dining area.  Most of the decor here are memorabilia.

First agenda is to roam the whole place and the owner is so gracious in accommodating and touring as around.  The owner is a master of many sorts - designing, decorating and even planting.  There are lots of healthy wild plants.  The can instantly calm the senses.  The interiors is an eye candy.

We started with the rooms, the back garden and 2nd floor.  The owner has an eye for details and art.  Each room was divided and named after colors - blue, green, pink and brown.

the pink room

the blue room

the brown room

There is also a private room for rent in the ground floor, which can accommodate at least 10 people.

The back garden is an alfresco setting with lots and lots of plants.  They are planning to turn this garden into a wedding garden reception.

The second floor is still a work in progress also.  We enjoyed this little corner where you can sit like a queen. We also have a demo of how sansrival cakes are being prepared.

lobby on the second floor

how to prepare the sansrival

the queen and julalays

ready for freezing

Then we ordered some of their best sellers.  The owner left us when the order arrive.  Here they are:

super affordable food

a must - batirol shake

batirol cheesecake

I love everything on the table.  It instantly reminds me of my grandmother's cooking, who is also a Kapampangan. The food and the way they were cooked  brought back childhood memories. 

He also gave as a sampler, the empanadita, a tart with yemma filling. 

I'm giving three thumbs up for this restaurant - the ambiance, parking space, food, service and price.  I'm looking forward in coming back with the family when it's completely renovated.

Leyte| Still Dreaming of Kalanggaman Island

happened on Aug. 22, 2016

How can I ever describe this island?  I'm simply speechless and still in awe with its beauty till this time.  What more if I'll see you during the summer?  I'm sure you are more stunning.  Till now, I can't get you out of my mind.  I'm just so in love with you.

please take me back

There are two ways to reach this amazing island:
1.  1.5 to 2 hours boat ride from Malapascua Island (which we did)
2. from Tacloban, ride a van going to Ormoc (1.5 to 2 hrs), travel to Palompon (1 hr), then rent a boat going to Kalanggaman Island (another 1 hr)

our ride

We joined a group tour for Php800.00/person inclusive of round trip boat ride and lunch.  It's a big boat that can accommodate up to 40 passengers.

Amidst the crazy weather, our trip pushed through.  We were picked up by motorcycles from our hotel and took us to the port.  I thought we were already late when we arrived but we still have waited for some "pasaway" guests.  We were able to leave the port past 9:30AM.

The journey is a nerve wrecking one as we sailed against big waves.  TG! our boat is quite big that it was able to sway with these waves.  I was praying all throughout our journey while thinking of my kids back home.

After two hours, we safely arrived in this awesome island.  From afar, you can already marvel at its stunning beauty (to think it's still typhoon season by this time).

Malapascua Island| Kokay's Maldito Dive Resort

happened on August 22, 2016

inviting facade

Since we were stuck in our hotel for the past two days due to bad weather conditions, we planned to stay for dinner in the main town to try other restaurants.

We were dropped off at this side so we just stayed in Kokay's as we have seen it is a nice place with a nice ambiance.