Basilica de San Martin de Tours in Taal, Batangas

"Basilica de San Martin de Tours is a minor basilica in the town of Taal, Batangas. It 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."

Tagaytay's Mushroomburger

Mushroomburger attracts many visitors and considered as one of Tagaytay's icons. Its name is a derivative of the main ingredient of the burger patty - mushroom. Two other branches have been opened in front of Ateneo de Manila University and in 91 West Avenue, Quezon City.

Price of burgers range from 30pesos for the Pinoy mushroom burger to 94pesos for the king-sized mushroom burger (in picture).

The mushroom burger steak with adobo egg is super-yummy (96pesos).

The gravy is superb.

This one's Sweet Mushroom Drink, aka mushroom-y gulaman (29pesos).

Buddy's Pancit Habhab

Branches are in Market! Market!, Taguig and in Jupiter St, Makati. You can contact them at telephone numbers 8867711 and 8867722.

My 12 Picks for 2012 Travels

The photo above was taken in 2005 just before the sun takes its route over the ever-mysterious Mt Pulag in Benguet, northern Philippines. Tara! Balikan natin ang Mt Pulag!!

This is my travel wishlist for the coming year:

12. Kadayawan Festival. I would like to experience the "King of Festivals" this year. Let us all set our eyes down south in the middle of the year. Attractions include the feel-good streetdancing competition.

11. Baler, Aurora. I would like to see their church and their huge waves (though not as good as those in Siargao).

10. Masungi Rocks. One of my friends told me that he saw the rocks featured in a local television channel. When I searched for it in the Internet, I saw images of magnificent rock formations.

9. Apo Reef, Mindoro. White sand, clear water and biodiversity? I definitely would like to see this place.

8. Sumilon Island. This is also an island in central Philippines. I just want to see if the mesmerising beauty of the island is for real.

7. Sohoton. I would like to see the cave and the arch that formed a passageway for people.

6. Mt Sicapoo. They say that this mountain can only be reached through eight mountains. That means, you have to pass through eight peaks before achieving the ultimate success over this mountain.

5. Salomague Island, Cabugao. The website of the municipality says that the island has been privatised and drove the people who previously lived here out of the island. They say it is a move for environmental concerns but I can see a private island for tourism patterned after Bellaroca in Marinduque and Amanpulo in Palawan. This was the same island that served as gateway for Ilocano harvesters who moved to Hawaii in the early part of the previous century.

4. Intramuros. The walls are always on everyone's favourite list. Touted as the nation's cradle of history, you should never leave the Philippines without even touching the very walls of this old city.

3. Panglao. Panglao offers serene beaches with white sand that could beat the rest of Boracay. Plus, the tarsiers and Loboc River are very good additional sights.

2. Mt Apo. This is every Filipino's dream - to climb the highest earth in the country.

1. Batanes. This province remains to be the jewel of Philippine tourism. Everything in the province is a gem - seascape, landscape and people. It is by far the most beautiful place in the country, with zero crime rate!

Gertes Resort in Laoag City

Gertes Resort is located at Balatong, Laoag City.

Standard room (good for two) is 900pesos inclusive of airport transfer, breakfast, air-conditioning, hot and cold shower and TV. You can also use the swimming pools for free. Videoke sessions can also be done at the bar. And the best thing about Gertes Hotel? Personalised service from the owner, Mrs Fely Gertes. She welcomes you to the hotel and even cooks your meals. And I can truly say, her pinakbet, sinigang na hipon and bagnet are truly gems.

If you are planning for group package, then you can call her at her mobile number 09291646863. The hotel has rooms that can accommodate up to 15 persons. There is also a function room with a capacity of 300 people. For seminars and conferences, the speakers or resource persons can be given free rooms. There is also an area for wedding ceremonies. For tour packages, discounted rate is 2500pesos per day (fuel is shouldered by the group).

No need to worry of going to the hotel because they can pick you up at the airport or bus terminal.

For more information, check the website.

Ilocos Empanada: How To Prepare

1. Get the wrapping material made from rice (please do not ask me how to turn it into something like in the picture). It’s ORANGE!

2. Flatten it.

3. Put the uncooked cabbage and cooked mongo sprouts. Take note of the placement.

4. Put the longganisa (Ilocos sausage) and raw egg. Take note that they are placed in the inner side of the semi-circle formation of the fillings.

5. Lift the other side of the wrapping material to close. Press the edges. Smoothen the edges. Deep-fry!

Thanks to Ms Revie dela Cruz of Angela’s Empanada, located in front of the public market of Pagudpud.

Pagudpud Public Market

Angela's Empanada (located in front of Pagudpud Public Market)

The Wonders of Ilocos Norte

In the Philippines, provinces are grouped into regions with the National Capital Region comprising the focal point. Region I, or more commonly known as the Ilocandia, is composed of four provinces in Northern Luzon: Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. However, Ilocos is only commonly referred to Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, with the UNESCO Heritage City of Vigan as the frontliner. Ilocos is a major tourism hub for its centuries-old churches (prime examples are those that can be found in Sta Maria, Vigan, Paoay and Bacarra), old Spanish houses in Vigan and even contemporary structures like the windmills of Bangui and Malacanang Ti Amianan in Paoay. Other tourist sites include the homes of patriotic heroes like Juan Luna in Badoc, Diego Silang, Leona Florentino and Father Burgos (one of the three martyr priests) in Vigan, Artemio Ricarte in Batac. Even the houses of former presidents of the country have attracted massive number of visitors like that of Elpidio Quirino (or the Syquia Mansion) in Vigan and Ferdinand Marcos in Batac. Natural wonders include the beaches of Pagudpud and Cabugao (which is good for surfing), sand dunes and the magnificent lake of Paoay and Tirad Pass in Cervantes. Delicious foods are also popular like the pinakbet, bagnet, longganisa, sinanglao, chichacorn, soft biscocho, balicutia, bibingka, empanada and okoy.

How to enjoy Ilocos Norte with a tight budget?

1. Buses are cheaper modes of transportation from Manila than planes. But you have to spend 10-12 hours travelling. Planes can only consume 1.5 hours. For those who cannot afford to buy plane tickets, they can take the bus. The most expensive bus fare is 962pesos with Partas (deluxe type). Partas terminals are in Pasay and Cubao. Other options include the Farinas Trans (green buses), Autobus (orange) and Florida Liner (pink).

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CebuPac) fly from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 2 and 3, respectively. PAL flies to Laoag at 1745hours, while CebuPac is either 1240 or 1800 (both airlines fly only once everyday to Laoag International Airport). From the airport, one can take shuttles or trikes to the city proper. You can ask your hotel to pick you up at the airport. Just a caution though, not all hotels offer free airport transport. Better ask the hotel before making a reservation to save money.

2. For local accommodation, it is best to plan very wisely. There are hotels within the city and in nearby towns (which can be 30 minutes away from the airport at most). If you are planning to roam the city at night, it is best to stay in one of the hotels in the city proper. But there are also good finds at the outskirts of the city, such as the 5-star Fort Ilocandia in Paoay and Gertes Hotel in Laoag (via San Nicolas). You can also opt to stay in Playa Tropical in Currimao or Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud.

3. For tour packages, you can ask your hotel for tour packages or contact James through mobile number 09083088131. Rate ranges from 3500 - 4000pesos. Some offers 2500pesos, but customers shoulder the expenses for fuel. Driver and van is, of course, included. You can go to any part of the province or even Vigan. Some drivers even suggest good itineraries to maximise your visit to the place.

4. Take the early evening CebuPac flight (1800hours) from Manila and arrive in Laoag at 1920hours. If you are planning to include a one-day swimming in Pagudpud, you can go directly to this town. This will give you the time to rest for the night and wake up to the scent of the ocean breeze. Homestay is popular in this town wherein you can avail really low rates. Cottages in the municipal beach cost 300pesos for overnight stay (plus 20pesos entrance fee). There are buses that ply from Laoag to Pagudpud (I do not know though the time schedules for buses, so for you to be assured of the bus, better take the early afternoon CebuPac flight). Fare should be minimal as there are only four towns in between. Pagudpud is two hours away from Laoag by private vehicle.

5. After a day of swimming in Pagudpud, you can visit the other tourist spots. It is better to rent a vehicle to visit as many places as possible. From Pagudpud, the first stop-over is Bangui Windmills. A windmill ref-magnet costs 25pesos. The sand in the area is fine but black.

6. The lighthouse of Cape Bojeador in the town of Burgos can accompany you in viewing the entirety of the place. This is on the left side of the road. You can buy gamet seaweed (nori) in this town for 400pesos per bundle (ganta).

7. Kapurpurawan White Rocks Formation is one of the natural wonders in this part of the country. As the name suggests, there are white rocks in magnificent formations.

8. You can buy soft biscocho in the Pasuquin Bakery (the name of the town is Pasuquin) for 70pesos. The toasted biscocho is 75pesos.

Pasuquin Bakery is the lone maker of the soft biscocho.

9. One of the popular churches in the country is the Bacarra Church and Bell Tower Ruins. The domeless belfry has attracted a lot of tourists.

The domeless belfry of the Bacarra Church has attracted a lot of tourists. (Photo credit: http://worldtourist.us/ilocosnorte/laoag.html)

10. In Laoag, you can visit the Sinking Bell Tower, Tobacco Monopoly Monument and the museum where you can buy loom woven clothings.

11. In Batac, you can visit the Marcos Mausoleum and Mariano Marcos State University. Ask the locals where you can buy bagnet, longganisa, and empanada. A kilo of bagnet costs 350pesos. A kilo of pure meat longganisa costs around 220pesos, with taba is 190pesos. A piece of empanada (wrapping material made from rice, with cabbage, longganisa and egg as fillings) is 40pesos.

12. In Paoay, you can visit the Paoay Church, eat pinakbet pizza in Herencia Cafe (in front of the church) for 330pesos, sand dunes, Malacanang Ti Amianan near Paoay Lake. Chichacorn factory is in this town. Loom woven clothing factory is also located in this town.

The massive structure of Paoay Church makes it not susceptible to earthquakes.

Herencia Café in front of the Paoay Church is home to the popular pinakbet pizza.

13. From here, you can go directly to the airport for your flight back home. You do not need to go back to the city proper.

Suggested duration of visit: 2 days and 1 night (excluding the first night of travel from Manila and the last night of travel back to Manila). If you are planning to include Vigan in your itinerary, just add 1 day.

Suggested month / time to visit: February to coincide with the Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag, July for the Empanada Festival of Batac, or summer months to enjoy swimming in Pagudpud.

Paniquian Falls in Mariveles, Bataan

It was one of those trips which I failed to commence with full enthusiasm. I was a bit half-hearted when I woke up at 0100hours to proceed to our assembly location (Mini-Stop Bicutan). We left Bicutan at around 0210hours but the bus took more than an hour to Cubao (fare is 26pesos). We left Bataan Transit’s terminal at around 0345 hours. Regular fare from Cubao to Alasasin, Bataan is 267pesos (if you have a valid student ID, fare is 214pesos).

I shared 140pesos for three meals (ampalaya with egg, fried milkfish, corned beef, sausage, sinigang) plus 2 litre of gin. Registration fee at the barangay hall is 40pesos. We commenced the hike at around 0830 hours. While walking, they were talking about their Mt Arayat Traverse. Oh well, I was out of the box because I was not with them when they had that itinerary. By the way, I was with Kiko, Dave, Mar, Rey and Van.

We soon reached Nanay Daldalita and the same routine went on. You know what happens here when you reach this place. There was another group (composed of girls dressed in skimpy shorts, as if they were headed to the mall). Their presence was good because they acted as magnets that kept Mar on track. We even joked about not proceeding to our goals but instead, divert to Papaya River where all the girls were heading. We later found out that they were working at a bar, according to one of the guides.

One of the guides also told us the way to the summit from the falls. When we reached one of the falls, we started looking for a trail to the summit. They had lunch, but I did not. I just wanted to test my survival capacity if I could reach the campsite without eating lunch. And yes, I reached another waterfalls – this time, the Paniquian Falls. And my sanity literally went over the edge when I saw the crystalline water and felt its cold nature. It was good Kiko and Rey were literally energetic to find something beyond the falls. With Dave, Van and Mar, we took pictures as if the sun was at its last course.

We reached the campsite at 1400. We pitched our tents. They started their booze session. And I proceeded to my usual exploration of unique flora and fauna half-naked. When the surroundings were decorated with pitch-black walls, the party started! Do not ask me to describe how the party turned out to be successful…  with some knocked out of consciousness and figuratively went over the top of the fence of existence.

We left the campsite at 0800hours. Twenty minutes after, we reached the Pantingan Falls and we were surprised to see that there is another campsite in the area. If we have found about it, then we should have camped here. After the whirlwind romance with the waterfalls, we then started our dazzling affair with the summit.

After taking pictures with the Historical Tree at the summit, we walked our way through the Ridge to the Papaya River.

(Image credit: Dave Regoso.)

Ms Polly's Chocolate Cake

Do you crave for something but you do not know what it is? Try Ms Polly's Chocolate Cake! It IS the best chocolate cake ever!

According to www.bacontunamelt.com, do not compete for the corner slices as the middle slices have the thickest icing. Branches include their Comissary in Merville and in Robinson's Galleria. One box is for 460pesos only.

Read more about this mouth-watering chocolate cake.

 (Photo credit: www.bacontunamelt.com and Ms Polly's Facebook account.)

Pico de Loro

Pico de Loro is a beautiful monolith stone located in the midst of Mt Palay-Palay in Ternate, Cavite.

How to get there from Metro Manila:

1. Take a bus bound for Ternate in Lawton, Manila. Or go to Baclaran or Coastal (in front of the then Uniwide Coastal mall) and wait for the same buses in the loading area. Fare from Baclaran is more or less 50pesos. The trip only takes a bit over an hour via the newly-built Cavite Expressway.

2. At the bus terminal in Ternate, you can take trikes near the church to the DENR office for registration. One ride can accommodate three passengers. Fare is 75pesos each. You can haggle for a more affordable fare with the trikes near the bus terminal. (Note: Trikes near the bus terminal charge higher fares sometimes. A ride would normally cost only 225pesos.  You can actually rent a jitney all the way to the jump-off point for even more affordable fares if your group is composed of 15 people or more.)

3. Registration fee at the DENR station is only 20pesos. There is another registration station at Base Camp 1 for 20pesos. But I do not see the point why you need to register again at this point. I think of this as a money-making strategy. They should just make it compulsory to pay 20pesos in exchange for a Coke or buko juice. In that way, they could sell and earn from it. Yes, they could earn by asking 20pesos from hikers, but I feel it a bit wrong because they are not doing something for the good of the mountain. They even encourage hikers to leave their wastes in their yard because they can sell the plastics and other recyclables and keep the income for their own use. The DENR station fails to conduct briefing or orientation to hikers. Mountaineers know the rules but the general public does not. Some youngsters were taking a bath at the falls with soap, shampooing their hairs in the waters of the falls. I have also never seen the head of the DENR station, only the old lady and her family face the registrants.

4. The trail is easy. It is equipped with concrete signs (which should not have been nailed to trees) and trailsigns (ie straw, cords, stones).

5. For other notes, check my first ascent to Pico de Loro.

Masskara 2011: The Festival of Smiles

We left Manila for Iloilo early in the morning. I was really excited for the Masskara Festival of Bacolod that I did some itinerary dry-runs while at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport waiting for the announcement to board the plane.

We arrived in Iloilo five minutes late from the scheduled time. But it did not matter because I know that the street dancing is in the afternoon. We still had time to travel from Iloilo to Bacolod. From the airport, take a shuttle service (not the cabs because they would charge you for higher fares) to SM City Iloilo or Jaro (which is located at the centre of the city). Shuttles, just to be clear, are vans that serve as public transportation. Fare is 50pesos.

 

You can get off near the Jaro Church, with Jollibee fastfood establishment on the other side of the street and Ted’s La Paz Batchoy on the corner of the street perpendicular to where the shuttles would normally stop. You can either take a jitney or taxi to the port. Fare is only 7.50pesos for the jitney but you need to walk to the ticketing station of boats to Bacolod. Taxis can take you right in front of the ticketing stations of either the Weesam Express or Supercat. We paid 100pesos to the taxi driver from Jaro to the port.

Ferries or boats depart for Bacolod on schedules. In the case of Supercat, it leaves Iloilo starting at 6 o’clock in the morning with 1 ½-hour-difference to the next trip and the last trip is 5 o’clock in the afternoon. I think, Weesam starts at 6:30 AM with the same time difference to the next trip (one boat was leaving when we arrived at the port, so we had to wait for the 7:30 AM schedule of Supercat). For Supercat, fare is 450pesos for the business class (air-conditioned room and at the upper deck); 300pesos for the tourist class (air-conditioned room at the lower deck); and 230pesos for the economy class (non-air-conditioned room at the upper deck, just outside the business class room). We were lucky because the company had roundtrip (two-way) promo fares for the Masskara Festival: 600pesos for business class; 500pesos for the tourist class; and 460pesos for the economy class. Travel time is more or less 1 hour and 45 minutes.

From the Bacolod Port, you can take a pedicab (a three-wheeled vehicle made from bicycle attached with carrier for passengers and moved by pedalling) to the city centre. One ride can accommodate two passengers and costs 20pesos. 

I like Masskara Festival because of the pictures of dancers in colourful costumes and happy masks. I have learnt from listening to people that the festival was borne from economic downturns and natural catastrophes that occurred in the yesteryears. This year’s theme New Icons of Bacolod is all about the new infrastructures and landmarks of the city that gives a cue on the path of progress that the city and its people is taking.

Streetdance competitions for the schools and barangays (villages) were scheduled on the last Saturday and Sunday of the almost-month-long festival. It is best to go a day before the streetdances so you could witness the electric masks and floats competition at night. Arena competition happens in the city plaza after parading and dancing in the streets and usually starts at 3PM. To get the best seat, reserve your place and endure the heat of the sun sitting over the steel benches near the stage. Do not be tempted by the shade of the trees over the benches at the back.

Since we were early in the city for the streetdances, we decided to roam around and through the streets. Big masks made by different groups of people were dangled in trees in the plaza.

 

Different masks were displayed at Robinson’s Place. Life-sized figures in masks were displayed at SM mall. Masks of different features are sold in the streets and several commercial establishments. Price ranges from more or less a hundred bucks.

For great souvenir items like tees, keychains, fridge magnets and masks, you can visit The Negros Showroom in front of the capitol. Tees can cost from 200-300pesos. Keychains and fridge magnets can cost 100pesos at most. Masks made up of clay and those that can be worn could reach up to 500pesos. The popular Bongbong’s piaya can be purchased in the malls and other commercial establishments.

Festival upturns: The city government scheduled the streetdance and arena competitions on weekends. It is a great strategy to attract local and foreign tourists. This could translate to lively economic activities and a great way to make the city popular not only to the country but to the whole world.

Downturns: The city has no schedule announcements placed in strategic locations. Tourists have no way of knowing the activities for a particular day. A tourist information centre is placed in front of the city capitol, which is a bit far from the centre of the activities.

Buenas Dias! Adelante, Ciudad de Zamboanga!

Zamboanga City prides itself as the Asia's Latin City as reflected in its language called Chavacano. It is located at the southern portion of the Philippines, close to Basilan and Sulu, where many believe as the headquarters of Muslim rebels. But do not be scared of its proximity to leftists as the city is impregnated with lots of military headquarters. The local people are also accommodating and very, very nice and they detest violent acts.

From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you can take Philippine Airlines (PAL) at Terminal 2, Cebu Pacific Air and Airphil Express at Terminal 3 (the new one), or Zest Air at Terminal 1 (the old domestic airport). The airlines have early flights, with the PAL coming in at 4:30 in the morning. The flight takes more or less an hour and twenty minutes to the Zamboanga International Airport.

Tourists are welcomed with a not-so-usual sawtooth-styled facade. This makes the airport one-of-a-kind in the Philippine setting, plus the Spanish-sounding language! Buenas dias! From the airport, you can take a cab or trike to your destination. If you are staying in one of the hotels in the city, then they can fetch you at the airport for free.

Some of the places that you can go to:
1. Fort del Pilar Shrine and Museum. The shrine's most exciting piece could be the relic of a saint, which, according to our driver, is respected by the Catholics and Muslims. A mass is held every afternoon (1730hours). The entrance to the museum is at the opposite side. It is closed on weekends (which is not good because they are missing the opportunity for earning additional income for the city). Entrance fee for adults is 20pesos; 10pesos for students and Senior Citizens. The first door contains an exhibit on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country like the Baroque Churches and Vigan. Other worthy exhibits include vinta and other aquatic transportation. It has also a viewdeck with cannons on two sides.

2. Pasonanca Park. You can find here a tree-house, Boy Scouts camping area, Climaco Freedom Park
3. The Way of the Cross at Mt Pulong Bato. There are only fourteen stations. Once at the top, there is a cross overlooking the city and neighbouring places across the sea (ie Basilan).
4. Paseo del Mar. This is similar to the Baywalk of Metro Manila. It is best to go here at night.
5. Barter Market. This is where you can buy affordable items from Indonesia and Malaysia like chocolates, green tea, garments, etc.
6. Yakan Village. Yakans are people from Basilan. They specialise in weaving colourful clothing items.

Going around the city is easy because of the abundance of trikes. Fare is very minimal. Fastfood establishments are also available if you are not used to eating in the side of streets. But there are good restaurants in the city like the Mang Paeng's Inasal and Country Chicken near the Pasonanca Park. Check my entry on these awesome restaurants.

For your spiritual needs, there is a big cathedral near Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

You can stay at Lantaka Resort By The Sea, Grand Astoria, Jardin de La Vina Hotel.

Sabroso: A Backpacker’s Guide To Eating In Zamboanga City

I arrived in Zamboanga City with the sun’s radiance greeting me in its most elegant form. The city is not known for food but wandering around and asking your friends who had been to the city would really help a lot.

Country Chicken

This is actually a group of different restaurants in one compound. The central building is La Oliva that specialises in Italian cuisine. The cook is Mr Ric Manzano, a cousin of the actor Edu Manzano.We were treated to an appetiser named Salsa Diablo and another one with shrimp. Salsa Diablo is made up of shredded turkey meat with olive oil. It was served with toasted baguette. It was so yummy that I never thought of halting myself from eating. I was already full when the main dish was served. But it did not stop me either from getting the best out of my taste buds. The crispy pata was so good and made crispy the way it should be. 

There was also the grilled vanggacious (a Vietnamese catfish) that delighted me not only because of its unique name but also its one-of-a-kind taste. I also made a remark that the pinakbet of Zamboanga is the same as that of the Ilocanos – without squash. The wife of the cook told me that they only ran out of stock of squash. 

The closing set – dessert – was composed of apple pie, extra dark chocolate ice cream and the rare peanut butter ice cream. Take note, home-made ice cream. Location? The restaurant is in Pasonanca, near the Pasonanca Park. You can treat yourself here after trekking and finishing the fourteen stations of The Way of the Cross at the Mt Pulong Bato. You can take any tricycle to take you there.

Mang Paeng’s Inasal

This is under the ownership of one of the sisters of renowned Filipino scientist Rafael D Guerrero III. It was only opened in April 2011 but the quality of the food is reflected on the number of customers flocking the restaurant. Since the city has a lot of restaurants of chicken, the owners needed to find something unique to outstage the other competitors. I must say that they made a jewel out of the chicken panggang and its counterpart, chicken inasal. 

Chicken panggang (Image credit: Promding Chamimay; Related article: here) is a Malaysian-styled dish, with the extraordinary combination of sweetness and exciting spiciness. The meat is superb and the sauce makes everything magical. Every bite to the meat is so overwhelming that you would stop everything that hinders you from eating. Be sure not to leave Zamboanga without trying their version of chicken inasal. The clam soup is also very delicious. The restaurant is located at Brgy Sta Maria. 

Others

Owing to the location of the city, people can always get everything in affordable prices – including the wildly popular curacha! 

This is a crab, a different kind. It thrives in sand so its body structure is very different from the usual crab that we know of. I also saw chicken in a black sauce. Their bananas are super sweet. A friend suggested Alavar and Jimmy’s satti. Another friend also mentioned ube loaf in front of the Fort Pilar Shrine. I will check on them the next time I cast my footprints over the land of Zamboanga City. And as the locals say, “Sabroso!” for foods with good taste.