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)