Lunch Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

New Palate Gems at Crystal Jade Shanghai Delight

April 29, 2014 by Janey

Their restaurant frontage can barely be seen in 2010 with the long queues outside that wait to get seated. Flocks of families and foodies have trooped to Crystal Jade for their famed Xiao Long Bao and authentic Chinese dishes. You cannot spell authentic any less with the Chinese expats that are rebased here to head and run the Crystal Jade kitchen to ensure quality standards.

Crystal Jade is one of the largest restaurant chains and is just about everywhere in Singapore. They have established a strong presence in San Francisco and across the Asia Pacific region –in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Qingdao, Guangzhou among numerous places. The successful opening in Manila added to that portfolio, bringing in that passion of dishing out the finest delicacies served contemporarily.

We usually think of comfort food in the form of burgers, fries, and wings but when I want to eat a little more stylishly minus the grease and the common taste of diner items, I find my comfort at Crystal Jade.

Whenever I’m in the Greenhills area, there’s a magnetic pull to eat at Crystal Jade. I’ve been a long fan of their original Xiao Long Bao, Cantonese barbecue meats and noodles. In fact, I don’t order outside my usual of two orders of Xiao Long Bao, Noodle with Beef in Chili Oil (P228) and my all-time favorite Noodle with Dried Shrimp and Peanut in Spicy Sauce (P328 for sharing and P198 for snack portion).

I have visited again some weeks ago and noticed that they have renovated their interiors. It has maximized their seating capacity to serve more patrons and have shifted to vibrant welcoming hues of purples and pinks. I’m happy to report that their menu still retained their classic dishes and happier to tell that it has expanded to add more dishes that are surefire imminent bestsellers. Cuisine has delved into an authentic mix of Cantonese and Shanghai offerings that get your palate incessantly interested.

On the Table

Crispy Eel in “Wu Xi” Style P288

Prior to the recent visit, someone has made me try this before and it’s an appetizer that’s a staple on the table. It’s wonderfully crunchy that it cackles biting into it. The crispy eel has a dark sweet soy coating leaning towards a barbecue taste.

Wine Bar 1771, Where Good Food and Good Friends Meet

April 2, 2012 by Janey

Last March 13^th, my friends from my Poi group and I trooped to WineBar 1771 for dinner. We always see each other on Sundays during fire dance class at Valle Verde and it’s also a group who loves and appreciates good food every after each class scouring restaurants within the area. I’ve eaten at Café 1771 numerous times and enjoyed its quirky whimsy eclectic ambience perfect for Sunday brunches and days where you want the feel and calmness of a Sunday brunch.

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Café 1771, Just Too Many Repeats

Invigorating Flavors and Interiors at Café 1771

Wine Bar 1771 has always been on my restaurant radar since it’s also part of the Chateau 1771 Group of Restaurants and it’s apparent in its top notch service and menu offerings. It’s my first time at Wine Bar 1771 that evening, I can’t count how many lunch and dinner meetings I’ve had in Café 1771 but WineBar 1771 looks like a good alternative too.

The bar-restaurant interiors are inspired by upscale bars in the SoHo area of NYC. It has that classy rich dark wood tones yet roughened up with faded brick walls for a rustic counterpart. Walls are embellished with Provencal paintings of Phyllis Zaballero while crystal chandeliers hang lavishly from the ceiling. They have function rooms on the sides of the big dining room for private functions or to hold intimate meetings with executives or gatherings.

Our group nestled cozily in the chairs while waiting for the appetizers to arrive. The chit chats started and soon stories are spitting out from our long table –which soon became buzzed with excited energy coming from tasting the initial dishes.

On the Table

Oyster Rockefeller PHP 550

8 Baked Aklan oysters topped with creamy spinach, bacon and cheese

Tagged as an aphrodisiac, there’s just something sexy about oysters. It’s smooth texture sliding down without much resistance. Whether served fresh with lemon on the side or as we had it that evening, baked Rockefeller style, oysters are great in starting the mood right.

Café 1771, Just Too Many Repeats

February 25, 2011 by Janey

I’ve been to Café 1771 more than a few times. The quirky and modish interiors really come to mind when I look for a relaxing place to talk and enjoy hanging out. More than that, it’s their invigorating dishes that draw me in. Last February 1, 2011, that’s where I had my birthday lunch.

On the Table

Popcorn – Free

While waiting for your orders to be cooked, they serve you with lightly salted unbuttered popcorn to snack on.

Fried Squash Flowers PHP 280

Stuffed with anchovy and kesong puti and deep fried

I wanted to order the Pig Ears Pepperconcino but it was so elusive. Again, it wasn’t available. While we were perusing the menu on what appetizer to order, the wait staff highly recommended Fried Squash Flowers. I was quite intrigued and decided to go for it.

It was quite an interesting dish, amply original. It was the first time I tried squash flowers. It had a good partially crunchy texture that released the delicate and mild tasting kesong puti inside. There’s a faint saltiness that comes from the anchovy which gives flavor alongside the fresh tomato puree at the base of the dish.

The dish had a beautiful color of green, yellow and red and was appetizing visually and in the palate with its simple subdued taste. Definitely a must-try!

Lacquered Salmon PHP 680

Grilled Salmon steak painted with soy sauce honey reduction, smashed potatoes, with parmesan

Before a reader/commenter gave us a day of higher learning, informing us that salmon is high in fat, we thought we were doing ourselves a healthy justice by ordering the Lacquered Salmon. CW really enjoyed this dish and wiped his plate clean.

The tenderly forked salmon tasted fresh yet tasty with the savory sweet soy drips. The barbeque-like marinade tasted almost similar to how grilled unagi taste like. The smashed potato was not as mashed as we initially expected but it was still a good starchy accompaniment to the moist fish.

Pasta Chorizo PHP 390

Spaghetti tossed in chorizo sauce reduction and parmesan cheese

One of Cafe 1771’s signature dishes is the Pasta Chorizo. This is the second time I’ve ordered this and even if CW looked for more chorizo in the pasta, the chorizo taste in the sauce that well-coated the al dente pasta was enough for me.

Korean Ribs in Guava Glaze PHP 650

Tender cross-cut beef short ribs marinated in ginger, garlic and rice wine and finished off with a barbecue guava glaze

Every single time I dined at Café 1771, I never fail to order their Korean Ribs in Guava Glaze. This beef stew dish has good contrasts of sweet and salty and a rich flavor shines. The ribs were perfectly tender, almost removes any chewing on your part. It also had a good amount of fatty parts to enjoy.

Whenever eating this, I can only sigh in contentment… whether I partner it with white rice, or weirdly, Café 1771’s pizza.

Cafe 1771 has really etched a “comfort dish” space in my heart. At times though, I examine if the prices are a bit on the high side with the Korean ribs and salmon almost at a tag of PHP 700 each. Despite that, I cannot deny the fact that Cafe 1771 dishes tempt the palate.

Café 1771

El Pueblo compound, ADB Avenue,

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

(632) 631 7340

Café 1771 Album

Invigorating Flavors and Interiors at Café 1771

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Invigorating Flavors and Interiors at Café 1771

October 19, 2010 by Janey

Dee Boss treated her one-downs again for lunch and she assigned me to pick the restaurant. Karen piped in that she wanted to go Café 1771 which I was actually eyeing to try too since I read Richard entry about it and have made a mental note to order Pig Ears Pepperconcino. I’ve been here once but it was during the Intellipen event. I wanted to try it on a non-prescribed casual dining.

Café 1771, part of the Chateau 1771 Group of Restaurants, has one of the daintiest dining interiors in town. The dining area is divided into three sections. One is what they call The Lounge located on the left side as you enter the main door, that has a library slash living room vibe to it from the numerous shelves on the wall that are filled with books. The Lounge has an inner private room that can accommodate twenty people.

Towards the right side is the area they call The Whimsy which should be a stylish semi-self service deli-café that has a fancy counter that even sells Beansprout products (I got a shoe bag as a gift to my mom). Décor for The Whimsy is fun, charming and as the name suggests, whimsical.

I particularly like the oversized lamps over the dessert display. Tone is clean colors of white, pink and blue that exudes a happy relaxed ambience like how you wish all your Sundays would be. But there are other elements that make the place visually striking and elegant.

On the Table

Popcorn – Free

Others have breads but Café 1771 charmingly serves you with popcorn while you wait on your orders

Salad PHP

Dee Boss was deliberating to get the Tomato Cheese Fondue which is supposed to be one of Chateau 1771’s signature dishes. I was curious about their Raclette on the other hand. In the end, we opted for a healthier starter and went with the salad.

Pasta Chorizo PHP

Spaghetti pasta with bits of chorizo –simple yet the noodles themselves taste quite like the chorizo and I like it.

Korean Beef in Guava Sauce PHP

It’s similar to a Korean stew with a shade of sweetness. The meat is so tender, there’s barely any chewing left to do. I like that it had enough segments of fat that added such a sinful pleasure to it. This would be perfect with a steaming bowl of rice to soak in all the flavor from the stew. We didn’t have rice with this but we were content to consume it on its own.

Pizza PHP

Very thin crust pizza that has a nicely toasted crust. I would probably order this again next time and I’m sure Bubba would like!

Spanish Paprika Chicken with Tomato Rice PHP 320

This was my order and I was pretty happy with my choice of paprika chicken with tomato-flavored rice. The moist breast was appropriately flavored with piquant paprika and it’s perfectly paired with the tangy tomato rice and topped with soft baby asparagus that gives a crunch to the dish.

Chateau Signature Coffee Pie PHP

Not overwhelmingly strong taste of coffee but the essence of coffee flavor is there in this mousse type of pie.

Cheesecake PHP

Fluffy cheesecake that tastes light. The strawberry slices give a tart-y contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Service at Café 1771 is adequate and fast. Even when Dee Boss and I were eyeing the Beansprouts products at the counter, they readily answered questions and helped out with the purchase.

The Café 1771 lunch that Friday was quite a lovely break from the office monotony and charmingly opened up the weekend tone with delightful food, appealing interiors and shared conversations.

Café 1771

El Pueblo compound, ADB Avenue,

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

(631) 7340

Café 1771 Album

Thanks to Dee Boss for the lunch treat! 😉

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3 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, address, Beansprouts products, best, blogger, Cafe 1771, Cafe 1771 review, Chateau 1771, Chateau 1771 Group of Companies, date, dinner, discount, event, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, how much, location, Lunch, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, office, ortigas, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, price, Promo, restaurant, restaurant review, review, shoe bag, SKY, Sky Cable, spanish chicken paprika tomato rice, Taste Manila, where

A Weekend Getaway at Summit Ridge, Tagaytay

August 4, 2010 by Janey

Bubba and I drove to Tagaytay last Saturday and checked in at Summit Ridge Hotel around 3pm. Right before we reached Summit Ridge, we noticed the low lying clouds from the other side of the hills and the road started to be really foggy. Not long before I got worried about road visibility, Summit Ridge was within sight.

(from Summit Ridge website)

Robinsons Land Corporation opened the doors of Summit Ridge Hotel in June 2009 and guests who visit Tagaytay for its picturesque view of Taal Volcano and its refreshing surroundings and want the modern convenience of a hotel have been welcomed since. It perfectly sits atop Tagaytay Ridge that’s actually 2,000 feet above sea level –the very incentive to take a short drive to Tagaytay, cool climate.

Right beside the hotel is the Summit Ridge Promenade, which is a commercial complex that has quite a number of interesting restaurants that include both the new and the familiar. The roster of dining venues includes Classic Cuisine (C2), Giligan’s restaurant, The Sizzling Pepper Steak, Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy (perfect for cold weather) and The Coffee Beanery. I was wondering where Sanctuario restaurant was since it wasn’t in its location near the Rotonda. I’m glad to see that it has moved to a better location at the Summit Ridge Promenade.

They also have a few stores for shopping and Fun Time amusement center for the kids or kids at heart. What’s wonderful about this hotel and promenade being owned and managed by the Robinsons group is the fact that they also built a Robinsons Supermarket right next to it, which makes it so convenient to buy necessities that you may need while traveling.

Hotel staff welcomes you by the drop-off point at the car lobby. Step into the sprawling hotel lobby of Summit Ridge that swiftly spells hotel elegance. If only the personnel by the reception is as welcoming and friendly as the ones that greet you by the door, EVEN with a warm smile from ME and a quick pip about the weather outside, I would have definitely felt right at ease. But no. I’ve had friendlier and more accommodating reception from two different lodging places in Tagaytay. I’m happy to note though that that was the only hiccup from our wonderful and relaxed stay at Summit Ridge last weekend.

Our room reservation for that day was for a Twin Classic but since that room specifically offers two single beds, we asked to be upgraded to King Classic that has one King size bed –which is more ideal for vacationing couples.

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The difference in the rates between a Twin Classic and the King is only PHP 600. You can also get 64sqm suites at PHP 12,000 – PHP 14,000 a night with two balconies, kitchen implements, dinnerware set-up, microwave oven for your leftover food and reheating needs and a built-in kitchen hub –a complete set-up for those who travel and want to play cook or house whichever is the case.

Room Rates:

Twin Classic – P6, 550

King Classic – P7, 150

Twin/ King De Luxe Room – P7, 550

Two-Bedroom Suite – P12,000

Summit Suite – P14,000

The 32sqm King Classic room looked bigger than its actual size. The room is suitably equipped with 32-inch LCD TV with cable including a channel guide, in-room coffee and tea facilities, a safety box, a spacious shower, telephone, personal fridge, and split-type AC! Best of all, which is really a come-on for folks like me who want to be connected online or do some work on the side, Summit Ridge hotel has in-room Wi-Fi Internet access! And connection is gooooood. *nods*

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Bubba enjoying the Wi Fi and plurking

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Squeaky clean bathroom with no moldy smells! 😀

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I like that they provisioned for a bag rack

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As mentioned, every room has a balcony overlooking the beautiful and scenic Taal Lake, which is especially lovely in the morning. Bubba spent a good time by the balcony Saturday afternoon as well as Sunday morning.

Another thing that rocks about Summit Ridge is the 24-hour gym!!! I actually brought gym clothes including my iPod and work-out gloves but incidentally, I left my new running shoes! Bubba brought everything from head to toe for workout but guess what, the bed was too cozy that he slept in and ignored his alarm the following morning. Folks who are gym buffs or those who have incorporated working out in their everyday lifestyle need not worry even if they stay out too late exploring Tagaytay –the gym is open anytime if you want to break out a sweat.

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View of the pool deck from our floor

During that weekend, I think there was a wedding ceremony in Tagaytay (probably Chapel on the Hill) and they decided to do the wedding reception at Summit Ridge. Bubba and I saw the wedding car at the parking lot and guests that were dressed in the nines. Summit Ridge also offers ballrooms for your birthday, wedding and other celebrations, as well as training and functions rooms for business seminars, conferences and team building sessions. What better way to throw a party or an event than in the cool and breezy Tagaytay City, a natural escape from the city.

(from Summit Ridge website)

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That evening, we were tempted to go to Antonio’s like last time but we decided to try something new. Bubba and I headed out to dine at Taj of Tagaytay (more on this on a separate post) and had a wonderful dinner of Mutton Biryani Rice and Chicken Vindaloo. After stuffing ourselves silly, the comfort of our room was suddenly heavily missed that we decided to head back right after dinner.

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Summit Ridge Promenade offers live acoustic nights every Saturdays in its open-air lifestyle center from 7pm to 12mn. We caught a bit of the music on our way back to the hotel. The Sky Lounge on the roof deck is also worth a look.

Wine and Coco Bella Chocolates 🙂

That evening, Bubba and I mused whether to read our own books while drinking wine or watch a movie on his laptop. As usual, the latter won and we were immersed with the movie, Uncertainty, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt (who I think is as deep of an actor as Heath Ledger, with deep penetrating eyes and facial expression) until midnight. Movie somehow reminded me of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sliding Doors.

After a long prayer for both our families, sleep beckoned us and we were off to dreamland. A long satisfying, uninterrupted and restful sleep followed and we stretched out our arms to a beautiful sunny morning around 9am.

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Breakfast that gorgeous Sunday was spent at Annie’s/C2 at the ground floor of Summit Ridge Hotel. There was a lean breakfast buffet set-up awaiting the morning people such as us.

Bubba had a plateful helping of longganisa (local pork sausage), garlic rice, 2 sunny side-up eggs, ham, danggit/tuyo (dried fish) and a bowl of milk and cereals. I wasn’t in a big mood to eat so I had something light –omelet and 1 slice of wheat bread. Bubba had mango juice and hot chocolate while I had pineapple juice.

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After breakfast, we went to check out the pool area and still spent some quality time lounging in our room before heading out for lunch. Lunch was spent at the enchantingly charming Marcia Adam’s Tuscany (more on this on a separate entry).

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Having been to Tagaytay countless of times, I thought that I’ve already combed Tagaytay to the grits but there is still so much to discover in the city on the hills –even lofty accommodations in a hotel category such as Summit Ridge Hotel as well as fantastic restaurants around the bend. Tagaytay still never fails to exude that harmony of natural beauty with a bit of urban style. The Summit Ridge Hotel and Promenade is one of the best Tagaytay bets for any weekend warrior. Room accommodation is quite sufficient.

Summit Ridge

Km. 58, Maharlika West

Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Philippines

(632) 240 6888

(63) 922 852 6800

reservations@summitridgehotel.com

Summit Ridge Album

Marcia Adam’s Tuscany Album

How to get to Summit Ridge/Directions:

Via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)

Take the Sta. Rosa exit and turn right after the tollgates. Keep following the path and you will see signposts along the road directing you to Summit Ridge.

Via Aguinaldo Highway

Go straight towards the Rotonda, then turn right towards the direction of PAGCOR Casino. The hotel is located in front of Josephine’s Restaurant beside Robinsons or Summit Ridge Promenade.

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Tahanan ni Aling Meding and Outdoor Lunch at Lake Pandin

April 6, 2010 by Janey

We were out of the country only a week ago and I didn’t expect that we’d have plans for the Holy Week. I was really thinking of staying in but was pleasantly surprised that Bubba had something up his sleeve for me.

Although it’s been on my Things to Do/Visit list for quite some time, it was Bubba who managed to pull off the Ugu Bigyan-Tahanan ni Aling Meding-Lake Pandin trip. It was probably the best local trip he ever planned!

Casa San Pablo was Bubba’s first choice to reminisce our first trip together to San Pablo Laguna in early 2008. However, I opened the idea of trying a new place –my choice in mind, Tahanan ni Aling Meding.

Wake up to the soothing view of Sampaloc Lake from the balcony of your room and relish the feeling of living at a mansion. This house was built initially to be the rest/vacation house of the Borja family, whose whole family (11 siblings) is already based in the States. The hotel serves as their own mansion for relaxation and family reunions and other events when they fly to the Philippines.

Tahanan ni Aling Meding opens up their big gates for folks who are visiting San Pablo City, it’s your secret hide-away residence in Laguna.

Type of Rooms:

1 Family Room PHP 5,500

(5 beds for 6 persons)

1 Honeymoon Room PHP 3,500

(1 queen-size bed)

This is the room Bubba got.

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Closet

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There’s computer desk for your laptops.

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2 Superior Rooms PHP 3,500

(2 beds)

4 Executive Rooms PHP 3,000

(2 beds)

2 De Luxe Rooms PHP 2,500

(2 beds)

Amenities:

*Wi-fi Zone

*Aircon

*Cable TV

*Swimming Pool (7am-10pm only)

*Hot and Cold shower

*Refrigerator

*Telephone

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At breakfast the next day, we noticed a table of foreign guests and a lot of families staying in Tahanan ni Aling Meding. Two families enjoyed swimming at Tahanan’s pool. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wilson Borja and sharing a breakfast conversation with him –reminiscing how the whole Mansion started.

Tahanan ni Aling Meding

Dagatan Blvd., Sampaloc Lake,

San Pablo City, Laguna

Manila Line: (632) 520 6089

Laguna Line: (049) 562 5951/ (049) 562 5855

Email: admin@tahanan.info

How to Get There:

(From Tahanan ni Aling Meding Brochure)

Coming from Manila, after San Pablo border, stay on the Maharlika Highway. You will see a Caltex station to the left, immediately before a fork in the highway. The right side of the fork leads straight to Lucena, the left leads to San Pablo City Proper. Take the left road. At the junction to Calauan, take the main avenue to your right. This is Rizal Ave. Turn left at the corner of San Pablo Central School. Follow the road beyond the City Hall. As soon as you see the lake, turn left on the perimeter road (actually more of a sharp U-turn). Tahanan will be to your left.

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Reminiscent: Jay’s Kinabuhayan. Elusive: Kusina Salud. Revisit: Palmera’s.

During this trip, we fought the urge to drop by at Jay’s Kinabuhayan Café to just say hello. We remembered our fantastic time at Jay’s eating that delicious spiced chicken and greens/flower salad of his. After that lunch in 2008, we also had some bonding time with Jay and his trustee aide and friend and some of his pet animals over some smooth lambanog –yes we were drinking at 3 in the afternoon! After which, we had a short trip at Kubli Springs and took an energizing dip while playing some guitar music. Good times, yeah.

We missed to try Kusina Salud last time we were in town. Bubba has been trying to contact Kusina Salud since Tuesday that week to no avail. Nobody seems to answer the phone or maybe we have the wrong or an old number. It was included in the plans to have dinner there that evening. Unfortunately, since we weren’t able to place our reservations, we hesitated to walk-in.

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Palmera’s restaurant was again recommended to us. When it was being described, I felt that I knew the place. And I was right. We dined there in 2008. We were supposed to go to Jay’s Kinabuhayan Café for dinner that day but ended up going to Palmera’s instead because of fear of getting lost and rebel attack (?).

Bubba couldn’t remember that we ate there until we walked inside the place. Palmeras’ has its own appeal as a grill-resto-bar that offers live music on certain nights. Bubba ordered Crispy Tilapia slightly recalling that he liked it the first time we were there. My order was grilled liempo and hot calamansi juice.

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Before Shot

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He massacred the tilapia

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A sweet smug smile.

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Whatta really large snake!!!

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He in fact did like it and finished the three tilapias. We drove back to Tahanan ni Aling Meding to retire for the night. Bubba’s plan didn’t end there. The next day after checking out, we headed straight to this “secret” place Bubba has been keeping under wraps.

I was very much in the know about the Ugu Bigyan and Tahanan ni Aling Meding plans but he cooked up something special for me –a simple outdoor lunch at Lake Pandin.

Lake Pandin

Lake Pandin is one of the seven lakes, called Pitong Lawa, in San Pablo, Laguna. We reached the gateway point and parked our car. Aling Siona, the wife of Mang Tano, who Bubba corresponded with regarding our reservation that day, welcomed us and guided us in the trail.

It was a 10-15 minute trail walk to Lake Pandin. Bubba asked me if the trek feels like the Kabigan Falls trek we did in Ilocos Norte. I said it was a bit the same but there were more scenery in the previous trek I think. He knows I have my qualms on trekking but I like it better than hiking. I’ve never hiked in my entire life.

Mang Tano and wife are part of the group (“samahan” in Filipino) who escorts the visitors –they are the same group that live nearby the lake and make a living out of fishing and the Pandin Lake tours. Nowadays, it’s all ladies who paddle the raft because the “men” felt a bit awkward in the past when foreign guests wear only their skimpiest.

The idea is they serve your lunch on the bamboo raft and the lady paddlers will take you across the lake at a quiet corner with shade. Enjoy nature’s breeze in Pandin Lake while eating your lunch made by the locals.

I was taken by the calming beauty of Pandin Lake. The sun was out but we didn’t feel the heat –just the cool wind whispering softly in our ears. We had the view of the lush greens at every corner.

Lunch was simple but tastes good. We loved the little shrimps in coconut milk (gata). And despite having tilapia the night before, Bubba was able to finish the 3 tilapias on the table again -this time grilled instead of deep fried. 🙂

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After lunch, Bubba and I relished the calmness of the scenery and stillness of time. We look out at the “docking port” where we came from and felt so on our own. Our minds were very relaxed… while my body was such in a tranquil moment.

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Our Fun Rapid Shots (Neoprint style photo sesh haha)

*WARNING*

Might be too cheesy for those with strong gag reflexes.

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Our “Pose Ode” to Madz *salute*

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More Photos:

In his own time.

Bubba with the pink paddle.

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Thought-bubble: “This is just so nice.”

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Yea, I have a tummy.

I tried to exercise but with my eating habits…

there will always be a happy bump there in the mid-section.

Sexy ain’t in my dictionary.

Never mind, I’m happy.

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The lady paddlers resting as we were resting.

A coconut suddenly fell, almost on the head of Marlyn. We all laughed.

Out of relief.

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Bubba and Boozie-la

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At peace with nature.

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Back to the roots.

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“Initiation?”

“Baptism of Fire?”

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Oh no!

I wasn’t trained for this. 😀

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After a couple of hours in this peaceful setting, we decided to head back. If only I didn’t promise “Moms” that I’d be in Manila for dinner-out, we’d be staying until past 5PM. Bubba helped in paddling back to shore.

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The Baranggay Tanod who makes us feel safe.

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It was a short 20-minute paddle, where we bonded with our raft paddlers, Marlyn, Malou and Nik.

Ate Marlyn, Ate Malou and Nik

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The Other Lady Paddlers

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The Baranggay Tanod who protectively watched us from afar and helped us trek back to the parking lot.

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You can opt to take the ride at PHP 180 and with lunch, an additional PHP 180. We enjoyed the afternoon so much that Bubba gave PHP 500 as extra. If you plan to visit and you enjoy it tremendously, please feel free to leave an extra for the community locals. They earn here through integrity and hard work that it’s so easy to give from the heart.

The Afternoon at Lake Pandin

It’s one of those afternoons I will long remember. Tranquil. Serene. Rural. This was the part where we most felt recluse from the world.

Bubba and I shared varying moments here. There were moments we talked. Moments we took photos. Moments we look out to the world… …even moments where we each had our own thoughts, devoid of the other’s presence.

Being enclosed in the rural surroundings is a humble reminder that life started out simple. And in simplicity, we are in touch more with our inner selves.

Lake Pandin

Baranggay Santo Angel

San Pablo, Laguna

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A Potter’s Paradise at Ugu Bigyan

April 5, 2010 by Janey

Our recent Bali trip introduced us to an area there called Ubud, an artist village that is a foodie haven as well. This Holy Week, I didn’t have to travel that far to get both hunger for artistry and gastronomic finds filled. At the heart of Tiaong, Quezon, Ugu Bigyan sends me to another memorable journey.

It’s Maundy Thursday. We set out for San Pablo, Laguna at 8AM. It’s been a while since we traveled South on a holiday. I’m not really big on traveling southbound since they started that road construction that’s been ongoing for years. It’s good to know that all lanes are now passable in SLEX. Nevertheless, we didn’t escape the heavy holiday traffic.

I was quite excited to finally visit Ugu Bigyan. I remember in 2007, I called and inquired about getting a reservation for four because I was planning a weekend trip with Chai and her Mr. Big then. That didn’t push through but never did Ugu Bigyan leave my mind as one of the places I want to go to. I read somewhere about their delicious Filipino dishes –like Kulawo, Lato Salad, Sinigang na Baboy, Adobong Chicken and Pork, Grilled Tilapia and mussels with vegetables. I’d imagine that Sinagang na Baboy to be really sour, a bit creamy/milky (from the gabi or taro) and oily from the pork fats –just how I would make it if I knew how to cook it myself.

It took us 4 hours and 30 minutes to get to Tiaong, Quezon. The plan was to drop by Tahanan ni Aling Meding first and check in, but decided to go straight to Ugu Bigyan. It is 12:30pm after all, time for lunch. That long drive is not the best way to start anybody’s morning. It made us feel so tired and prickly.

The car entered the red clay house one won’t fail to spot on the left side of the street. As soon as the car got parked, limbs stretched out to the open sky. Walking inside, our fatigue seems to have abandoned us and stayed with the car.

Augusto “Ugo” Bigyan, is a celebrated pottery artist who opens the door of his house-cum-workshop to the rest of us looking for a relaxed getaway with a bit of ceramic artistry.

My Photo with Ugu

Stepping into the world of Ugu is like stepping into an old world. Earthy. Unpretentious. Al-fresco. Makes you feel that Metro Manila is hundred hours away… and your mind also leaves behind whatever occupies it in bustling Manila.

We meet Ugu’s sister(?), Haidee and her son Kim at Ugu’s clay-crafts gallery. There was another group ahead of us, scouring the area where Ugu’s hands have shaped some fine pottery arts and crafts. The shop displays his original dinnerware sets, furniture and house décor.

We look around and bathe ourselves in fresh air. The unpolluted air revives our tired spirits making us feel like we only woke up a few minutes ago, ready for the rest of the day.

Ugu’s pottery garden composes of different dining areas, each bedecked with its own artistic slash native charm.

While waiting for the food to be served, Bubba and I relaxed on our seats. We see more people coming in. A familiar face entered my view and I waved hello. It was Anton of Our Awesome Planet and he shared some of his discoveries in Quezon, particularly Cagbalete Island (which I’ve been meaning to visit as well after reading it on Jen’s site). Anton has a big project coming up (amidst a lot of his other ongoing projects) but this is a first of OAP and it’s pretty exciting! 😉 You gotta watch out for that!

I also saw Liza, formerly from the Star group with some of her friends. They are staying at Casa San Pablo, Bubba’s first picked when he planned this trip but I suggested trying a new place so we opted to go for Tahanan ni Aling Meding near Sampaloc Lake.

The wait staff, all in white shirt and board shorts (very summery), arrived and placed the starters on the table. One apologized that the dishes will come in one at a time because it’s being cooked personally by Ugu fresh in the kitchen. We didn’t mind at all since time seems to be irrelevant when you are in an exceptionally comfortable and relaxed setting.

On the Table

Halaan Soup

The warm broth with big clams (Pacific clams?) was very soothing, and ideal calmer for my sore throat.

Ensaladang Pako (Fern Salad)

The fern salad tasted fresh with a faint hint of citrus –the bits of green apple slices add a natural and easy sweetness to the dish.

Both starters were good openers. Quite simple in taste, cleansing the palate for a story of flavors to come.

Tortang Tahong

“Torta” is the Philippine version of omelette. This particular torta was made with mussels and onions. It’s not an immediate leap from the taste of the earlier starters but a first for me to try.

Kulawo (Puso ng Saging or Banana Palm Heart)

One taste of Kulawo and Bubba and I were both impressed. The smoky flavor emerges on top of the flaky dish. The grilled (tad bit tangy) taste is very delish and we couldn’t quite get enough of it.

Calamares

Big squid rings very lightly battered with sweet and sour sauce on the side

Sauteed Shrimps

Lapu Lapu with Mango Relish

Clean and light fish meat accompanied by sweet and slightly tangy mango relish

Barbecued Spareribs

Interestingly, each dish builds a different layer of flavor and ultimately, the smoky barbecue ribs reconnect the taste of the Kulawo, linking the overall taste. There’s a thick sheet of fat accompanying the chunk of meat and it melts in the mouth almost surreptitiously. The barbecue sauce coating is lip smacking that you’d want to scrape off the charred BBQ sauce and nick the bones with your teeth. Or maybe that’s just me *shrugs*

Cold Coconut Juice

Refreshing with shards of coconut meat

Ginumis

With a smorgasbord of food in front of us, Bubba asked me what my favorite was.

Bubba was surprised that I rated the ribs my #1 because he would suppose that Naughty Nuri’s has raised the bar high in terms of ribs experience. It’s hard not to really like Ugu’s version of smoked spareribs, with its rich, barbecue flavor… and the sinful fat!

I told him, “You already know by now, me and fat… are this close (crossing my index and middle finger).”

Bubba’s favorite was surprisingly the sautéed garlic shrimp, which he would not normally touch in an ordinary day.

We both agree on our second favorite –the smoky and quite tasty banana palm heart.

Service was great –efficient and very affable. Ugu is a multi-faceted artist that can whip up the most delicate pottery inside his workshop and the most delectable dishes from his kitchen.

There’s so much to remember on this wonderful lunch at Ugu’s 🙂

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Escape into this beautiful countryside home that showcases pottery artwork and clayware that contains scrumptious food… Leave with a satisfied tummy and relaxed mind. It reminded me of Bali, but it is definitely a class of its own.

Ugu Bigyan

Brgy. Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon

(042) 545 9144

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How to get there:

(Directions from http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.php?wpt=ugu)

To Tiaong Quezon:

From Manila, take the South Luzon Tollway all the way to the south end. At the end of the tollway, after the toll plaza, take the exit that points to Lucena and simply drive along this national road until you reach the Sto. Tomas junction. Sto. Tomas has two junctions, and one of which (the second) does not have any road sign when we passed by. Anyway, on both juctions, take the road to the left (southeastward) toward Lucena. This will take you through Alaminos then San Pablo Laguna. At San Pablo junction, just follow the highway, veering to the right and bypassing the city. Do not enter San Pablo proper. Next town after San Pablo would be Tiaong.

From Tiaong: From the Tiaong market, continue further southwest along the national road. After about 240m, the road will turn sharply to the left. Continue down the road southeast. About 480m from the turn you will see the Tiaong Municipio on your right. Continue travelling for another 2.4km from the municipio until you see the Tiaong Rural Bank on the left side. If you prefer looking at kilometer posts, this rural bank is a few meters after KM98. Turn left at the small street just before the rural bank. 600m into the street, after crossing a rail road halfway, you will see a sign ‘Alvarez Village’. Turn left, and barely 90m from the corner, you will see a distinctly different house constructed from bricks on the left side. This is Ugu’s workshop-residence.

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Crustasia Thai Shrimp House

January 20, 2010 by Janey

From the folks that brought you the highly successful Red Crab chain, Crustasia Thai Shrimp House is a go-to-restaurant in Shangri-la Mall for the freshest crustacean dishes and seafood cooked in famous Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese cuisines.

Crustasia has a welcoming vibe with its white hue motif and orange and red ceiling lamps.

On the Table

Grilled Shrimp Salad PHP

Greens with grilled shrimps, pineapple and friend vermicelli noodles

Thai Chicken Satay PHP 245

Chicken skewers with Thai sauce

Crab by the Bucket –Maritess PHP 795

To save the fuss of ordering the crabs by the grams, Crustasia makes it easy with their “crabs by the bucket.” Choose either 300g male crabs for PHP 795 or 500g crabs for PHP 895 (about 3 pieces of crabs). I was torn between having it cooked Maritess, Sze Chuan or Fidel’s Black Pepper style.

I decided to go with Maritess and requested if I could have a Szechuan sauce on the side. They gladly obliged.

Crustasia’s Pork Ribs PHP 365

Thai BBQ, Salt and Pepper

Seafood Paella in Bamboo PHP 195

Asian style paella topped with shrimps, squid, fish, green mango strips, and egg served in bamboo

Service is fast and efficient. Crustasia is definitely worth another visit for its reasonable priced seafood fares.

Thanks Mama Love for this treat!

Crustasia

6/L, EDSA cor. Shaw Boulevard

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

(632) 910 4096

Crustasia Album

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Singapore in Lights

November 19, 2009 by Janey

Our jovial group headed to Makasuntra Glutton Bay for dinner in two separate cabs. Good thing we were sharing cabs, which means we were able to split the cost too. In Singapore, the cabs usually charge (lawfully) extra during peak hours –the meter will show how much extra you need to pay for. Our cab fare came out pretty cheap because 4 of us split it.

Makasuntra Glutton Bay

Makasuntra Glutton Bay is also a hawker place –prices are more upscale than the one we tried the day before. It is an al fresco food center where stalls gather in one row offering different fares –Indian food, Hainanese chicken rice, bah kut teh, chicken satay, nasi lemak, chili crab, dimsum treats, prawn mee, char kway teow, laksa, curry fish, and a whole lot more hawker specials. The price ranges from $3.90 for a plate of BBQ wings to $25 for one chili crab.

It was tough to decide on what to order because everything looked so appetizing. Jen had an easier time. Jen’s goal in this Singapore trip is to finally try Singaporean chili crabs –the thing she wasn’t able to do during her last trip here. She was hesitating because the crab’s price was a bit expensive. I agreed to split the crab and the price with her. We were both happy campers.

That night, Jen happily scratched off that item on her “must do” list.

Everybody ordered ample dishes I think, except for me. Before I left, Kate recommended that I try the fried baby squid (SGD 10.00) at Boon Tat BBQ Seafood. I ordered that plus seafood rice (SGD 4.00). The spicy baby clams were eyeing me seductively, but with great effort, I refused to be seduced 🙂

I also ordered Buffalo chicken wings (SGD 1.30 per piece –minimum of 3 pieces) from Huat Huat, which tasted soooo good. They served it surprisingly with “calamansi” –I have no objections since I love calamansi.

Jen requested if she can split it with me since there’s a minimum order –honestly, I can finish the whole plate myself but I didn’t mind splitting it with her. I love Jen’s appetite –she eats a lot and I wonder how she maintains her sexy figure. With her likable appetite, I think she’d be a good food trip buddy –even in the Philippines or maybe Malaysia. She and I discussed possibility of going together to Sinulog in January or to Malacca (Kate’s Malacca stories prompted me) in February or March. Like me, Jen also loves to travel and her bouncy spirit adds positive energy to the scene.

Chrissy ordered Mee Goreng and a plate of the grilled chicken wings as well. Being the brain behind the website Kitchen Cow, it’s so easy to trust Chrissy’s taste as well. Jonel ordered Bah Kut The, as recommended by Chrissy. Ivy and Yoshke both shared their shrimp omelette and ordered Fresh Coconut juice.

Every plate on the table was delicious! We all tried each other’s dishes. The group gave a thumbs-up to Kate’s recommended fried baby squid that I ordered. Chrissy joked that I should carry in my conscience the death of “baby” squids –how babies died because of me. It was seriously yummy –better than the ones my family had at Xin Tian Di at Crowne Plaza.

We simply couldn’t step on the breaks of eating. The group was teasing me that my food occupied half of the table. Haha, I deny that allegation. Ivy claims my rice is good for three people. Am I that obvious? 😉

Merlion

After all that food, we decided to walk it off. Chrissy led the way as we traversed the Glutton Bay side and strolled to the Merlion spot.

Before the walk, we enjoyed the glittering lights of Shenton Way and took some group photos. We had quite a number of funny shots –dramatizing the Lee ad and doing all sorts of staging (I think the photos were in Ivy’s and Chrissy’ cameras).

Yoshke meanwhile drops a bomb or two –funny remarks that can catch you off guard at first, stunned at the absurdity and candidness. We were having a ball and we laughed all the way to the Merlion area.

We paused for a while and watched a cultural dance. Ivy and I reconnected again with our cameras and perspective shots.

Individually, paired, threesome-d, grouped, the long, simple, leisure walk was truly enjoyed. Spurts of laughter here and there.

The sound of water was so relaxing…

The Esplanade and the skyscrapers gleam wonderfully against the night sky. It was great to just take a breather and get drowned in the dance of lights.

Coming up: Singapore Day 3 in IKEA…

Noemi’s Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards Video Coverage

Ivy Baldoza Multiply Album

Singapore Day 1 Album

Singapore Day 2 Album

Singapore Day 2 Afternoon Album

Singapore Day 2 Night Album

Singapore Day 3 | IKEA Album

Related Post

Singapore and Nuffnang Blog Awards

Day 2: Tour de Singapore Lah!

Xin Tian Di Restaurant

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Day 2: Tour de Singapore Lah!

November 17, 2009 by Janey

After all the glam and recognition during Nuffnang’s Asia Pacific Blog Awards the night before, it was time to do the Singapore tour sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Image Source: Miss Noemi

But first, much love and thanks to Pringles and Nuffnang again for sponsoring the Singapore trip with my fellow bloggers. Nuffnang’s first international blogging award event was a complete success. Cheers!

Royal Selangor

Day 2 started with a trip to Clarke Quay –we visited Royal Selangor. Royal Selangor is the largest Malaysian pewter manufacturer and retailer of different tableware and gift items made out of pewter. It is a big Malaysian brand icon that offers handcrafted pewter objects initially from Kuala Lumpur but eventually branched out to 40 shops worldwide. With its excellent craftsmanship, now it exports to more than 20 countries with big retail outlets in London, Toronto, Melbourne, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore.

That morning was spent being crafty, we first learned how to mark a circular pewter plate. My design was crisscrossing the words “Bubba Love” “Jane Love” in a square and with an end tag of Between Bites.

Judd was having as much fun as I was 😉

After that “engraving” activity, the instructor taught us, her apprentice in the Royal Selangor Apprentice Pewtersmith workshop, how to make our circular plates into bowls. Everyone kept hammering away. I was having a tough time making my tin disc to obey. Everyone’s plates started to shape into a bowl –Jonel’s, Erica’s and Chrissy’s, except mine.

I even tried to channel negative energy and bring out the angst hidden somewhere in me to help me muster all the strength to hammer hard. With all the noise, I kept screaming, “I hate you!!! I hate you pewter!!!”

Err, no help there. The plate was still not forming. Not enough hate.

Thank goodness the lady instructor went over to our table and assisted me. I whispered jokingly in her ear, “I had a very happy childhood you know.” She got it immediately and laughed heartily. I was so relieved. Nobody laughs at my jokes –not even Bubba. I blame it to comic timing –but now I’m rethinking and it must have something to do with culture. If my career doesn’t work out here in Manila, I’m going to do stand up in Singapore.

(See, that’s a joke. Are you laughing? 😉 )

Finally, her intense hammering formed my disc into a bowl. YAY! It was such a stress-relieving activity for most –I remember some years ago, when I get stressed at work, I go to Timezone and find that game where you pounce on the bugs –it was my perfect stress reliever then.

Best thing was they let us take home our personalized bowls and the “School of Hard Knocks” apron. We were ecstatic!

Next stop was the Singapore Flyer.

The Singapore Flyer is an iconic landmark in the country, with its 28 glass capsules in the skies. With its slow movement, it gives one unique aerial views from every altitude and angle from a high altitude of 165 meters –the highest in the world.

(SPREAD THE L-O-V-E… LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Even altophobic or acrophobic people like me would not have a problem riding the Giant Observation Wheel. Getting a bird’s eye view of the city skyline of Singapore, everyone couldn’t help but take photos.

Turning Chinese at Chinatown

Lunchtime, the bus took us to Maxwell Center –where the best Hainanese chicken in Singapore is supposed to be –according to Kitchen Cow.

True enough, the line in that specific hawker stall was pretty long. But Chrissy stayed on and didn’t mind waiting in line for 15 minutes. If it were in the Philippines, I wouldn’t have waited, but since we are already in Singapore and the newspaper clippings and awards attest to Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice being the best, I waited patiently with Chrissy, Paul and Jonel.

Thinking about that specific Hainanese Chicken Rice is making my tummy grumble now. It was seriously yummy and at a reasonable price.

After lunch, we headed to Chinatown. This was where Ivy and I truly bonded over our cameras. We were each other’s designated photographers and we just spoke each other’s language in terms of composition. She was so fun to be with and I truly enjoyed taking her photos. I hope I got her some really good shots.

It was really fun visiting the Chinatown museum as we explore how the Chinese live so simply and swim deeper into their culture.

Mint Museum of Toys

Except at the work place, I’ve always maintained to be a kid at heart. Life is too short to be serious all the time. The best moments in our lives are the ones where we have looked at the world with so much exuberance, love and hope –full of whimsical dreams. It was at that time where heartaches were fleeting and simple joys were abundant.

One way that reminds us of the moments that passed is through items from our childhood.

“Whether you are a child at heart or an avid toy collector, The Mint Museum of Toys has something for everyone. Housed in a contemporary five-storey building, it boasts a rich mix of nostalgia, education and inspiration”.

We were lucky enough to meet the owner. He claims that he who has the most toys at the end of life’s journey is the richest. Richest in spirit.

To Go Orchard Road or Not

After the toy museum, there was an option to go to Orchard Road or return to the hotel. Most people went to Orchard Road, while I opted to return to the hotel and rest. I wanted time to rest and freshen up after that long day. Sweet sexy Jen and my PBB line buddy Jonel were supposed to go to Orchard but at the last minute decided to join me in my plans to explore the city in the evening with a revived energy.

Before returning to our rooms, the final group to explore the cityscape during nighttime included Ivy, Yoshke, Jen, Jonel, Chrissy and I. I was happy to retreat to my room and rest –was happy to see my pleasant roommate Kate home already –and by home, I mean the hotel room. She deviated from the group to meet with her Singapore friends just before lunch.

Carlos paid our room a quick visit and we bonded. He left a few minutes later so he could accompany Maki who wanted to check out the camera stores.

After showering, I felt so refreshed and revitalized –water really works wonders. I was raring to go and enjoy dinner with the group. I was the designated caller of the group so I phoned everyone to meet at the lobby.

Needless to say, the food trip at Makansutra Glutton Bay was as fantastic as the company. We barely noticed that it was almost 12 midnight laughing, bonding and strolling the streets of Singapore.

Stay tuned for Day 2 Night Time and Day 3: Shopping at IKEA…

Noemi’s Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards Video Coverage

Ivy Baldoza Multiply Album

Singapore Day 1 Album

Singapore Day 2 Album

Singapore Day 2 Afternoon Album

Singapore Day 2 Night Album

Singapore Day 3 | IKEA Album

Related Post

Singapore and Nuffnang Blog Awards

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5 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: affordable hotels, Anton, best blog, best Travel blog, blogging community, cheap, Chrissy, dinner, En Route, Filipino, Frances, Fredz Decena, Hotel, in the Philippines, ironwulf, Ivy, Jen Juan, kate, Link Hotel, Little India, Lunch, Mad Manila, Makansuntra Glutton bay, meowbykate, Mombloggers, money exchange, Mustafa, Noemi, Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards, OAP, OK Magazine, Our Awesome Planet, Pan Pacific Hotel, Pasalubong, region, Singapore, Singapore tales, Topaz Horizon, where to stay

Singapore and the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards

November 10, 2009 by Janey

Almost Missed Singapore

October 22, 2009 –the clock just struck midnight. It’s Thursday –one more day to go and I’m off to Singapore… but here I am tossing and turning in my bed. My stomach is churning and I’m curled in a ball of pain. A soft dump (do not visualize) was already deposited a few minutes ago –how come my tummy is still twisting in painful knots. My mom heard me moaning in pain and suggested that she take me to the hospital.

We arrived at Medical City’s emergency room and after filling up a form found myself lying on a hospital bed with only a white curtain for privacy. I don’t like hospitals. It makes me nervous –traumatically nervous. 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with dengue that had me confined in Cardinal Santos for weeks –5 critical days in the ICU. My platelette count was extremely low that I had to undergo blood transfusion. In 2004, I also had regular visits to the hospital due to my mom’s health issues that time. The year that followed saw me again frequenting the hospital –a memory that still breaks my heart. In recent years, ER situations with my two sisters and my mom contracting Dengue contributed in my hospital trauma.

2009, I smell again that familiar cheerless sanitary odor. An ER attendant took blood sample and strapped me up with IV for loss fluids. Medical City attended to me efficiently and that eased me a lot. They were very thorough, courteous and well organized.

Acute Gastroentiritis –I think it’s more commonly known as stomach flu. I filed a sick leave that day. If I didn’t feel better by 6pm, the plan was to not go. I’m taking a bigger risk if I do. Singapore will always be there anyway.

I felt better in the afternoon. God is good. I was probably meant to go.

I need the weekend break because I have been under a lot of stress at work the past few months.

Singapore Day 1

It was an early start that day –we checked in at 430am. What a stunning coincidence that my roommate Kate who I’ve never met before was the one behind me at the entrance queue. I handed Kate the chocolate carrot cake from the newly opened Chocolat I brought for her as a “room-warming gift.” We checked in and paid for the airport tax (which is by the way inconveniently at the far side of the terminal). After Mica picked a dress from the bag, Kate accompanied me to the Exit area so I can hand the bag off to CW.

The whole group had breakfast c/o Nuffnang. Both Kate and I had the Spanish sardines –I know I should be careful ordering fish with my condition but I couldn’t help myself.

We boarded the plane and I was seated next to Ivy, who I also met for the first time. We both dozed off during the flight. The plane was terribly quiet, which probably meant everyone was knocked out as we were.

The plane landed safely in Singapore. A private coaster took us to Link Hotel –where all the delegates are comfortably billeted.

Image Source: Sexy Nomad

Jen, Jonel, Chrissy, Kate and I walked in the neighborhood and found a hawker place at the Central Plaza Mall. Jen and I both got the chicken rice, Kate had lemon chicken and Jonel and Chrissy got a delicious duck rice from another place. Dessert was the chocolate carrot cake that everyone shared except Chrissy and I. By chance, Kate really likes carrot cake!

Image Source: Sexy Nomad

After lunch, Chrissy strayed to run an errand while our foursome visited Little India with Kate as our guide. Kate was based in Singapore for 1-year for work and just came back home 3 months ago. We visited the temple but unfortunately it was closed from 12:15 PM to 4 PM.

Image Source: Sexy Nomad

Biting Jen’s Hat

It was quite an interesting visit to Little India. We went around the stores and took a refreshing break at Kaaraikudi restaurant. The colorful food looked so scrumptious and if I weren’t so full from lunch, I would have ordered a couple dishes. The cold milk tea was a good break from the afternoon sun.

Image Source: Sexy Nomad

We headed to Mustafa Center, which is a 24-hour mall –it would be great to have a 24-hour mall in Manila.

Whenever I am overseas, my interests always include buying their local junk food. Junk food like chips and knickknacks also says a lot about that country’s food culture. There was quite an array of interesting food finds in Mustafa –Papa Dum in tube cans and of course, I couldn’t help but buy Pringles! Pringles in soft shell crab flavor caught my attention. I bought a few for myself and some for “pasalubong.”

We headed back to Link Hotel and settled in. Kate and I bonded while resting on the bed. Around 5pm, we started to prep for the Nuffnang Blog Awards.

Right before leaving our room, the front desk called and said I had a package there. Somebody sent a bouquet of beautiful white roses with a sweet note.

Nuffnang Blog Awards

Every single one looked astonishing in their attires. This perfectly suits the evening because the Nuffnang Blog Awards is the biggest blog awards in the Asia Pacific region. Delegates from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and, of course, the Philippines were really stunning in their outfits. Venue was at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

Image Source: Sexy Nomad

A 4-course dinner was served and every course was delightful –from the appetizer to the dessert.

Nuffnang Co-founders Ming and Tim welcomed everyone and shared with the guests Nuffnang’s journey from the time it started. Amazing Race Asia’s host Allan Wu hosted the event. There was a magic show act by JC Sum and Magic Babe Ning while Electrico provided the evening’s rock music. Electrico’s lead singer said that it’d be a wish come true if he sees the whole crowd in cocktail dresses and suits mosh pit to their music.

Table 35 includes Noemi, Anton, Fran, Paul, Jen, Ivy, Alodia and Ashley.

Several Philippine bloggers were finalists in different blog categories including Jehzlau, Chrissy, Bryanboy and Ironwulf. Ironwulf’s En Route bagged the Best Travel Blog in Asia Pacific (congrats Ferdz!!!).

Photo source: Ada Lajara

Best Blog Shop: Bonito Chico

Best Food Blog: I Eat, I Shoot, I Post

Best Fashion Blog: Lady Melbourne

Best Parenting Blog: Childhood 101

Best Travel Blog: En Route

Best Celebrity Blog: A Jolly Affair

Best Entertainment Blog: Kenny Sia

Best Geek Blog: Mr. Gadget

Best Hidden Gem: The Doodle Blog

Best Original Blog Design: Xia Xue

Most Influential Blog: Xia Xue

Region’s Best Blog: Xia Xue

On the Table

Marinated Smoked Tuna with Feta, Herb Salad, and Balsamic Olive Oil

Light Cream of Asparagus and Green Peas, topped with Chive Mousseline

Rosemary Marinated Chicken Breast with Saffron Cheesy Mash Potato and Balsamic Reduction Mediterranean Vegetable in Mango Coriander Salsa Sauce

Praline Hazelnut Gateau with Raspberry Jelly

The Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards was a huge success. It was great to be part of Nuffnang’s blogging community.

Image Source: OAP Anton Diaz

Noemi’s Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards Video Coverage

Stay tuned for Singapore Day 2… 🙂

Ivy Baldoza Multiply Album

Singapore Day 1 Album

Singapore Day 2 Afternoon Album

Singapore Day 2 Album

Singapore Day 2 Night Album

Singapore Day 3 IKEA Album

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Uniquely Singapore Experience

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Spread the Love

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15 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: affordable hotels, Anton, best blog, best Travel blog, blogging community, cheap, Chrissy, dinner, En Route, Filipino, Frances, Fredz Decena, Hotel, in the Philippines, ironwulf, Ivy, Jen Juan, kate, Link Hotel, Little India, Lunch, Mad Manila, meowbykate, Mombloggers, money exchange, Mustafa, Noemi, Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards, OAP, OK Magazine, Our Awesome Planet, Pan Pacific Hotel, Pasalubong, region, Singapore, Singapore tales, Topaz Horizon, where to stay

Manila News Today: August 10, 2009

August 10, 2009 by Janey

$20,000 Gone in New York Minute

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her entourage allegedly dined at Le Cirque in Manhattan, a prestigious French restaurant in New York City during her recent US trip, New York Post online’s “Page Six” wrote,

“Philippines President Maria Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was at Le Cirque the other night with a large entourage enjoying the good life… Macapagal-Arroyo ordered several bottles of very expensive wine, pushing the dinner tab up to $20,000.”

Theoretical Breakdown of the Bill

Image Source: Spot.ph

Renato Reyes, secretary general of the militant group, Bayan, said that it is inappropriate for a Third World country president to wine and dine in such lavish manner given that the rest of the country is in the midst of a crisis. He asserts that the NY dinner certainly leaves a bad taste in the mouth, at least for the rest of the Filipino people. The $20,000 is equivalent to almost 1 million pesos, an amount that can probably supply one township a year’s supply of rice or nourishment.

PGMA’s camp claims that the report was exaggerated and that no taxpayer’s money was used.

Flash Your Age at HEAT

This is the celebration that won’t break your bank or catch the ire of Bayan group.

Birthday celebrants can enjoy great discounts at HEAT during their special day. Enjoy a dining discount equivalent to your birthday age during HEAT’s “Flash Your Age” promotion. It’s valid only on the exact date of the celebrant’s birthdate and will run from August 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009. A total of eight persons will be entitled to the dining discount. The celebrant must present a valid ID (i.e. Driver’s License, Passport, SSS ID only) with the birth date clearly shown to avail of the discount. This promo is not valid on public holidays and in conjunction with other promotions and privileges including Club Edsa, credit card discounts, rewards redemption vouchers, complimentary dining vouchers and special promotions. Prior reservations are required.

Image Source: Shangrila website

HEAT is also throwing in a complimentary birthday cake to the occasion. Share this privilege with family and friends. After all, what is a birthday without them? Flash It! Flaunt It! Age is no longer meant to be kept a secret at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila.

Vilma Santos Plays Cory in FilmBio, MMK Features Cory’s Bodyguard

Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, the Star for all Seasons, is being eyed to portray the role of former President Cory Aquino. Vilma is running for reelection and is not allowed to have a movie shown or appear on TV longer than the permitted time setforth by the COMELEC. The launch of the movie would probably start after the elections next year if Vilma were tapped to play the role.

Image Source: Abante.com

Maalala Mo Kaya, hosted by ABS-CBN’s President, Charo Santos-Concio, will do an episode on one of the two bodyguards of Tita Cory. The bodyguard, who delivered a touching eulogy during the necrological services at the Manila Cathedral, will have his story in the long running drama anthology.

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Omakase

June 27, 2008 by Janey

Karen, Kring and I suddenly had the impulse to go to Libis and eat lunch at Omakase today. With her dependable car, Karen zipped our way to Libis with ease and I wondered where the Friday traffic is? Her car’s name by the way is Herc, short for Hercules. How cute. When you see her car, you’d know why.

I wasn’t really excited to eat since I’ve gained a significant 5 lbs over the past 2 weeks. I have been eating so much for a month now and I don’t get full at all. I keep on eating and eating right after eating and eating. It doesn’t help too that I’d be going to Calaguas Island in 2 weeks time. But I’ve heard so much about Omakase that when Karen picked Japanese cuisine, I just blurted Omakase.

It was a pretty busy restaurant at 110pm even right when we left at 2pm.

On the Table

Yasai Itame (JC’s order) PHP 95

Yasai means vegetable in Japanese. It is your regular stir-fried vegetables. Presentation wasn’t appetizing but I finished it. I like vegetables anyway. It was a mixture of bean sprouts, onions, cabbage, string beans and green bell pepper.

Kakiage (still JC’s order) PHP 130

Trying hard to be healthy, I ordered another vegetable dish. You have to take note that trying to be healthy, I disregard the fact that one is stir fried while the other is deep fried with flour. Healthy? Who am I trying to fool?

Dynamite Roll (JC’s order) PHP 260

I’ve placed an order for two vegetable dishes already. I asked the waiter what their bestseller in sushi is and he said Dynamite Roll without batting an eyelash. I said ok without batting an eyelash.

The Dynamite roll had in it, salmon and spicy tuna topped with salmon skin and roe. It was served with garlic mayo dip in kikoman soy sauce. Although it had too much going on, I enjoyed the dynamite roll a lot.

Cold Soba Noodles and Soup (Karen’s) –I remember eating cold soba noodles in Japan… ooh yum!!! I had to finish all of my food that I didn’t get to try Omakase’s version.

Omakase Soup (Karen’s)

California Crunch (Kring’s) –I like Red Kimono’s California Crunch better.

What a refreshing lunch that made me realize Libis is not too far away. Haha, what am I saying? I’d go all the way to Makati to eat at Elbert’s!

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/489

2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: Eastwood, Echo, Japan, Japanese Cuisine, Karen, Kring Manalo, Libis, Lunch, Omakase, Soba Noodles, Zabaljauregui

The Farm at San Benito

March 24, 2008 by Janey

March 31, 2007. My first all Vegan lunch occurred at the famous Farm of San Benito in Batangas. 85% of the food served in their Vegan restaurant is actually raw (read: not cooked). They use several methods of blending, soaking, dehydration and culturing in preparing the veggie dishes in order to keep as much of the enzymes as possible. The lunch felt so enriching because even if I ate 3-4 plateful of salads and different entrées, I felt so light afterwards. For some reason, it was an internal body-cleansing feeling.

We chose to have our lunch at the open-air veranda amidst the tall trees and pseudo-jungle. Fresh food and fresh air go hand in hand as we completely felt a surge of natural energy while chomping away the greens. We were served four kinds of dishes with buffet trip to their salad bar. I remember the opener as my favorite Segafredo appetizer –Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil drizzled with olive oil. The Farm’s version is less salty and fresh.

The Farm at San Benito, a 6-year old facility in the city of Lipa, was awarded as the Best Retreat and Best Holistic Healing Program by regional publication of Spa Asia. The Farm deserved that award in it’s entirety because it is a retreat where one can breathe freely, the eyes satisfied with relaxing colors of abundantly green and tasty healthy food that cleanses the body and mind.

After lunch, we took a stroll around the huge multiple hectare land. We took a dip at their mini-waterfall pool and enjoyed our privacy since there were only the two of us.

They offer different kinds of rooms that ranges from USD 98.00 ++ to USD 750.00 ++. The Anahaw Terrace is the one that I particularly liked. The room rate is USD 175.00.

Even if it was a short visit, I felt a surge of new energy as my body restored balance and vitality through a short stay at The Farm at San Benito.

The Farm at San Benito

Office Address: G/F, Shop 10, The Peninsula Manila Ayala Ave., Makati City

Resort Address: 119 Baranggay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines.

Tel No: 884.8074

Info@thefarm.com.ph

The Farm at San Benito Album

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3 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: Batangas, laguna, Lunch, San Benito, Spa, The Farm, The Farm at San Benito, Vegan, Vegan Buffet, Vegan Diet, Wellness

Food to a T-house!

October 27, 2007 by Janey

T-House Album

Intro: Soup

The soup was served as shooters. It was a weird way to take in soup but I’m up for anything new. We can order 2 choices of soup each. Although I suggested that Bubba get the Wild Mushroom as a safety starter, we decided to try all four. I had the Tomato and Wild Mushroom, while he had the Carrot and Coriander and Broccoli and Almonds. Tomato soup tasted like smashed tomato without the skin –it needed a little more flavor. Wild mushroom was the best among the four soups. The Carrot and Coriander probably comes in second only because Bubba likes anything that tastes curry –the presence of the Coriander made this possible. The Broccoli wasn’t bad but it tasted like a nutty Broccoli puree.

1^st Stanza: Salad Bubba sang Tuna Citrus Salad while I duet with the T-house Signature salad. We both enjoyed our salads, which saved our palates from the not so impressive intro.

Chorus: Entrée I immediately ordered the Spiced Chicken on Grilled Vegetables with Pesto dressing and Pesto Pasta, leaving the problem of ordering another worthwhile entrée to Bubba. The Spiced Chicken is the specialty of the house so how wrong can I go? I suggested that Bubba orders the Salmon since the Wasabi Mash that goes with it was intriguing. Unfortunately, it was well-ordered the night before so they were out of it when Bubba ordered. Bubba made me choose between a Rack of Pork Sauced with Caramelized Onions served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes or the Fish dish.

The Spiced Chicken was tender but kinda lacked more spice flavor. We are biased because nothing beats Jay’s (Jay’s Kinabuhayan Café) Spiced Chicken. We have only eaten 1/3 of the Entrée when we looked at each other and called it quits. I guess we shouldn’t have eaten a huge breakfast back at my place.

Extro: Dessert

Banana-Nangka Crumble was served on a small ceramic container where Crème Brulee is usually served. Bubba was not much fun of Langka but I loved Langka. Too bad it played a very small part in the dessert. We liked the crumble on top, same texture as the crumble crust atop an Apple Pie. The Banana Nangka was not too sweet.

T-house is a great escape nestled in the hills of Tagaytay or what I better call Yagatyat.