July 2011

Biri: Rock Formations of Biri Island

BIRI, Northern Samar - From above, the rock formations look just like ordinary islets but from the ground, these geological features are one of the most magnificent natural wonders you will ever see in the Philippines.

After thousands or even millions of years of constant beating by the Pacific Ocean, sections of the landmass has eroded, separating these six massive rock formations from the main island. Though not as famous as their distant cousin in Ilocos Norte, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Biri's rock formations (namely Magasang, Magsapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at and Caranas) are slowly gaining popularity.

None of the six is similar. In fact, each of them has its own distinct and dominant feature. Read through our separate post for each of the Biri Rock Formations:

• Magasang Rock Formation (visited August 1, 2011)
• Magsapad Rock Formation (visited August 1, 2011)
• Macadlaw Rock Formation (not yet visited)
• Puhunan Rock Formation (not yet visited)
• Bel-at Rock Formation (visited August 2, 2011)
• Caranas Rock Formation (visited August 2, 2011)

Kamuntaha a Local Delicacy in Biri, Northern Samar

Kamuntaha, or mantis shrimp in English, is neither shrimp nor lobster, and definitely not a mantis. This crustacean is a delicacy in the island municipality of Biri, Northern Samar province, and typically cooked by Birianons by boiling them in Sprite with garlic. This simple dish is usually reserved for special occasions such as birthdays and baptisms.

Punta Beach is located on the north-western side of Biri Island, the area called Sitio Punta. Its is about 10 minutes from the town proper by motorbike plus another 10 minutes by foot. The beach has mocha colored sand with boulders of limestone scattered around. According to our habal-habal driver and guide, the locals would typically celebrate special occations on the beach with grilled fish and beer.

See complete photo album: Biri, N. Samar: Punta Beach Afternoon (July 31, 2011)

Biri: Google Map Maker

image source: Google Map Maker

Armed with my mobile phone with GPS Track Recorder application, I roamed around Biri's town proper to finally map Biri's roads and main points of interest. The following are my contibutions to Google Map Maker:

Local Roads
San Vicente Street
Salvacion Street
San Roque Street
San Isidro Street
Delos Reyes Street
Luna Street
Tubelleza Street
Dadia Street
Araojo Street
Dorado Street
Coastal Road

Features
Biri Municipal Hall
Biri Port
Biri Police Station
Biri Shrine
Biri Central Elementary School
Biri Municipal Auditorium
Villa Amor

Most importantly, I labeled each of the six (6) rock formations found on Biri, collectivly known as the Biri Rock Formations:

Geography
Magasang Rock Formation
Magsapad Rock Formation
Macadlaw Rock Formation
Puhunan Rock Formation
Bel-at Rock Formation
Caranas Rock Formation

Biri: Villa Amor

Our pumpboat ride from Lavezares ended at Barangay Sto. Niño, Biri Island, from where we took a habal-habal (a modified motorcycle that can carry more than two passengers) to bring us to Barangay Poblacion (the municipal capital of Biri). Along the way, we asked our habal-habal driver which resort he could recommend. He immediately replied "Sa Villa Amor, maganda dun." (Villa Amor is a nice one).

The Place
Villa Amor is owned by a Filipina-Australian couple and is the only sea-side resort on Biri Island. It has three fan rooms and one air-conditioned cottage room. They have a spacious lawn where you can enjoy your meals or drinks while admiring the San Bernardino Strait.

Electricity on Biri Island runs for only 12 hours (12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight). This shouldn't be a huge cause of concern. Being a sea-side resort, there is abundance of sea breeze. Just open your room windows and you will surely have a goodnight sleep. We stayed in one of the three fan rooms, the one on the left right next to the patio facing the sea. If you choose to stay in the aircon cottage room, the resort has a power generator that run the aircon at night, though there will be an extra charge for the generator's fuel.

The Rates
Fan Room: PHP600.00 per night
Aircon Room: PHP1,200.00 per night

The Food
The resort doesn't have a restaurant, but the resort staff can cook your meals at a minimal charge of PHP150.00-200.00 per meal (rice & viand) depending on how small or big your group is. They have a small convenience store where you can buy rice and canned goods. You can also walk to the market to buy fresh fish. Just tell the resort staff how you want your food cooked and what time you will eat. Chicken and pork are quite expensive on Biri Island.

Contact Details
+639056804699

See complete photo album: Biri, N. Samar: Villa Amor (July 31-August 2, 2011)

Like them on Facebook: Villa Amor

Lavezares: Jeepney Ride from Catarman

The Ride
From Catarman Airport, we hired a tricycle (Php100.00) to bring us to Catarman town proper where we could take a jeepney then going to Allen, a town located on the extreme west side of the province of Northern Samar. These jeepneys pass through the town of Lavezares, our destination. On the way from the airport going to the town proper, we came across a half-filled jeepney bound for Allen. Our tricycle driver gave a sign to the jeepney driver to stop so we could transfer to the jeep. The fare was Php60.00 per passenger and the duration of the trip was one and a half (1.5) hours. The jeep would stop to pick-up or drop-off passengers.We got-off at the Lavezares town center, in front of the municipal hall and police station.

The Road
Allen-Catarman Road is in very good condition and is surprisingly better than most roads in Metro Manila. It is well maintained and there was hardly any potholes. The 46km road connects Northern Samar's provincial capital, Catarman, to its western port town of Allen.

The People
Each passenger tells a different story: a woman catching a ferry at the port of Allen, men going to work, merchants transporting their goods, a teenager visiting a friend in a neighboring town, and tourists heading to Biri Island (that would be me). One scene that grabbed my attention was a mother traveling with her child (see image above). It reminded me of my childhood when my mother used to bring me with her whenever she would travel to neighboring towns.

The Destination
Lavezares is a town located on the north-western side of the province of Northern Samar. It is the jump-off point to Biri Island.

Manila to Catarman Flight via Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 711

Seven hours after we arrived in Manila from Iloilo, we were back again at NAIA Terminal 3, this time for a flight to Catarman, capital of the province of Northern Samar.

It was the height of TS Kabayan and we were already expecting that our flight would be cancelled. Despite the heavy rain that morning, we were called to board the aircraft at 5:30am. We were already losing hope, and thought that this trip would just go to waste.

There was no sign of the weather condition getting any better, the rainfall even got heavier as we boarded the plane. When we took off, we told ourselves, "there is no turning back now," while staring at the thick rainclouds outside the window.

We arrived at the airport three hours before our flight, enough time for us to roam around the terminal building and admire its beauty. There are three characteristics I love about Iloilo Airport: modern, clean and efficient.

An hour before our flight, we had a quick snack of pancit molo in one of the restaurants at the departure area, a perfect way of closing this revisit to Iloilo before going back to Manila.

See complete photo album: Cabatuan, Iloilo: Iloilo Airport (July 30, 2011)

See related blog post:
Cabatuan: Iloilo International Airport

Iloilo City: Coffee Break (the Avenue, Smallville)

Even before the opening of Starbucks in Iloilo, the city already had its "coffee shop culture." One of the most prominent coffee shops in Iloilo is Coffee Break. From online forums I read that Ilonggos actually prefer Coffee Break over Starbucks.

It was 1:00am and Smallville was still alive. From Smallville21 Hotel, we crossed the street to the nearby the Avenue to see what Coffee Break has to offer. It is the usual self-service cafe with warm lighting, comfy chairs and couches, ultra-cold aircon and relaxing background music.

In addition to coffee, tea juices and soda are also served. They also have a wide selection of pastries, sandwiches and pasta dishes. We tried out four different pastries (butterscotch white choco crunch P40.00, butterscotch peanut butter bar P40.00, passion brownie P40.00, cappuccino dreams P45.00) to match our usual iced latte P65.00. Of the four, we picked out butterscotch peanut butter bar and cappuccino dreams as the best.

Overall, I enjoyed Coffee Break's ice lattee, though I found it a little flat in terms of coffee intensity. I'm sure it is a matter of my personal taste. Their pastries weren't bad as well, a little more improvement would make them close to perfect. Being a Starbucks fan, I don't think I would be able to provide a fair assessment of Coffee Break, but if there is something that made Coffee Break stand out, that would be the warm Ilonggo hospitality. Coffee Break keeps an Ilonggo identity, reason for it to keep its domination over the local market.

See complete photo album: Iloilo City, Iloilo: Coffee Break (July 30, 2011)

Iloilo City: Afrique's (Smallville)

After a tiring day of road-tripping in southern Iloilo and Antique, we were back in Smallville starving and ready to feast for dinner. Afrique's was just the perfect place. They serve pizza, pasta and steak, and the serving size is good for sharing for two to three people. We ordered Sgt. Pepperoni Pizza (Php260.00), Pasta Italiana with Meatballs (Php130.00), and a pitcher of Cucumber Cooler (Php150.00).

We first tried Afrique's back in February 2011 and it was only now that I had the chance to write about Afrique's. It is a restaurant that I always recommend to friends in Manila visiting Iloilo, as Afrique's serves good food at available prices that is perfect for family or a group of friends.

Afrique's opened its branch in Smallville (Red Square area) in 2009.

See complete photo album: Iloilo City, Iloilo: Afrique's Smallville (July 29, 2011)

Like them on Facebook: afrique's gourmet pizza, pasta and steaks

Iloilo City: Molo Church

It was 6:00pm when we arrived at the van terminal at the Molo District of Iloilo City coming from a two hour trip from San Jose, Antique.

Before going back to the hotel, we passed by the famous Molo Church. Officially called St. Anne Parish, the original church was built in 1831 and the construction of Gothic-Renaissance-styled church began in 1869.

Among the visitors of the church was Dr. Jose Rizal during his trip to Manila in 1896 after being exiled to Dapitan.

The Molo Church is part of the Lakbay Jose Rizal @150 travel program, in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.

See complete photo album: Iloilo City, Iloilo: Molo Church (July 29, 2011)

San Jose de Buenavista in Antique

San Jose de Buenavista is the capital of Antique province, Philippines. Antique is one of the four provinces that make up the island of Panay, in Western Visayas region of the Philippines. San Jose de Buenavista is located on the west coast of the island, accessible through a two hour bus or van ride from Iloilo City, the capital of the neighboring province of Iloilo.

From the Molo Bus Terminal in Iloilo City, we took a van bound for San Jose, Antique. After almost an hour of waiting, the van was finally full and ready to leave Iloilo City at 11:00am. It was a smooth ride along the Iloilo-Antique Road (National Highway), passing through sleepy towns of southern Iloilo, with occasional view of the Panay Gulf to the left. We reached the town of Miag-ao at around 12:00 noon. We had a quick lunch at a local cafeteria and went to Miag-ao Church immediately after.

Miag-ao Church, officially called Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, was built in the late 1700's and was included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites as one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.

See complete photo album: Miag-ao, Iloilo: Miag-ao Church (July 29, 2011)

Iloilo City: Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy (Diversion Road)

From Smallville21 Hotel, we took a short walk to Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy along Diversion Road. This branch opened in early 2010, and is among the growing number of branches around the Philippines. Lapaz Batchoy being an Ilonggo original is best experienced nowhere else but in its birthplace, Iloilo City.

For breakfast, we ordered longganisa meal (Php69.00) and omelette meal (Php69.00) both came with free (instant) coffee. The highlight of the breakfast was Ted's special batchoy (Php55.00).

I should say, I haven't tasted any other batchoy as good as Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy. I will never let any trip to Iloilo City to pass without a visit to Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy.

See complete photo album: Iloilo City, Iloilo: Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy (Jul 29, 2011)

Like them on Facebook: Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy

Visit their website: http://www.tedslapazbatchoy.com/

Roxas City: Baybay Seafood Restaurants

From the Tagbac Terminal in Jaro, Iloilo City, we took the 12:00nn Ceres aircon bus for Roxas City (Php 162.00) which left the station 30mins. behind schedule. The 2-hour bus ride along the Iloilo-Capiz Road had a 15-minute stopover at Passi City. Finally at 2:45pm, we arrived at the Ceres Bus terminal in Roxas City.

Since the last trip back to Iloilo City would leave at 5:00pm, this visit to Roxas City, the seafood capital of the Philippines, had to be a quick one (unfortunately). From the bus terminal, we arranged a round-trip tricycle ride to the Baybay Beach and back to the Ceres bus terminal for Php200.00. The trike drove through the town proper, passing by the city hall and the provincial capitol, and along Arnaldo Blvd. leading to Baybay.

At 3:15pm, we reached the seafood restaurants along Baybay Beach. We ordered scallops (10 pcs. @ Php 140.00), squid (2 pcs. @ Php50.00) and pork liempo (Php50.00). While waiting for our late lunch to be cooked, we strolled along the grey sands of Baybay Beach. There was nothing much happening other than local kids playing by the beach. Lunch was served around 3:30pm. I wanted to order for grilled fish but I was already full, so I will just reserve the grilled fish for my next visit. By 4:00pm, we were ready to go back to the bus terminal.

For my next trip to Roxas City, I will surely make time to visit the town proper, the Libas fish port, the Pan-ay church, and hopefully spend a night in the city to sample its night life.

See complete photo album: Roxas City, Capiz: Baybay Seafood Restaurants (July 28, 2011)

Passi City: Baye-Baye

Baye-Baye is an Ilonggo delicacy made of rice flour, sugar, coconut water and grated young coconut. It is similar to the espasol of Laguna, sans the toasted rice flour coating. I find it perfectly paired with hot coffee.

I bought two packs of Baye-Baye at the Passi City Central Bus Terminal, en route to Roxas City (Province of Capiz). Ilonggos claim that the town of Pavia produces the best Baye-Baye, something I have to check for myself on my next visit to Iloilo.

See complete photo album: Passi City, Iloilo: Baye-Baye (July 28, 2011)

Iloilo City: Starbucks Iloilo (SM City Iloilo Southpoint)

Right after dinner at Plazuela, we went straight to Starbucks Iloilo, located at SM City Iloilo Southpoint (between Plazuela de Iloilo and the main building of SM City). The café occupied two floors with most of the seats located on the second floor. Unfortunately, the branch didn’t have an Iloilo City Tumbler yet.

Starbucks opened its first branch in Iloilo City last April 2011, making Starbucks Iloilo its third branch in the whole Western Visayas region (Starbucks Boracay being the first and Starbucks Bacolod being the second).

Whenever I travel, I always make sure I visit my favorite coffee place, Starbucks.

See complete photo album: Iloilo City, Iloilo: Starbucks Iloilo (July 27, 2011)

Iloilo City: Peppy Thai Deli (Plazuela de Iloilo)

How could the Thai people afford Thai food if they are as expensive as they are in Manila? I always believe that Thai food shouldn't be expensive, especially here in Asia. Iloilo City's Peppy Thai Deli makes authentic Thai food that everyone can enjoy without spending a fortune.

Though the cuisine is definitely Thai, the restaurant set-up is very Pinoy. You look at the food display and point which ones you want to order, turo-turo style.

For dinner, my group (of three) ordered 3 pieces of Pandan Chicken (Php 40 each), 3 sticks of Thai Pork BBQ (Php 30 each), 1 serving of Red Beef Curry (Php 80 per serving), 3 cups of Plain Rice (Php 20 per cup), and 3 canned sodas (Php 30 each). Our total bill did not even reach Php 500.

Peppy Thai Deli openned its newest branch last January 2011 in Plazuela de Iloilo, a commercial complex located right beside SM City Iloilo. I will surely try their other dishes on my next visit.

See complete photo album: Iloilo City, Iloilo: Peppy Thai Deli (July 27, 2011)

Like them on Facebook: Peppy Thai Deli

Iloilo City: Plazuela de Iloilo

Plazuela de Iloilo is another commercial development situated along Diversion Road, right next to SM City Iloilo. Establishments in this mall strip include mostly restaurants and cafes, plus a number of retail stores. The second floor of the building is occupied by BPO companies. There are parking spaces available along the Diversion Road and at the parking lot behind the building.

See complete photo album: Iloilo City, Iloilo: Plazuela de Iloilo (July 27, 2011)

Where to Stay in Iloilo City | Smallville 21 Hotel

Smallville 21 Hotel opened back in October 2010 making it one of the newest hotels in Iloilo City. It is located within the Smallville Commercial Complex along Diversion Road in Iloilo's Manduriao District. It is conveniently accessible from anywhere in Iloilo City.

We were expecting to arrive in Iloilo at 12:15pm. Due to heavy rainfall, our plane had to circle the airport for 40 minutes, waiting for the weather to improve. After two attempts, we finally landed at Iloilo Airport.

As it was already 1:00pm and we were hungry, we passed by SM City Iloilo for a quick lunch before checking-in to Smallville21 Hotel.

We instantly chose Green Mango, a fast growing fastfood chain in Iloilo. I don't know exactly how many branches they have, but Green Mango does have branches all over Iloilo City. The restaurant is described as The Best Filipino Fastfood, according to their website (http://www.greenmango.ph/). As far as Iloilo is concerned, I think I will agree. In addition to their traditional Filipino dishes, they also offer innovative versions of some of the famous Filipino desserts, which I yet have to try.

For lunch, we ordered the Green Mango Feast (Php95.00) a set meal that comes in two versions:

Choice 1 - Fried Chicken, Fish Escabeche, Canton Guisado, Plain Rice
Choice 2 - Beef Caldereta, Chicken Barbecue, Canton Guisado, Plain Rice

Here is Green Mango's menu.

See complete photo album: Iloilo City, Iloilo: Green Mango SM City Iloilo (July 27, 2011)

Quezon City: Starbucks Corinthian Hills

Revisiting this branch of Starbucks brought back so many memories, especially the good ones. This was one of my favorite branches when I was still working at Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City. I used to bring work with me on a Sunday night at this store. I'm glad those days were gone. Now, I am happy to enjoy Starbucks Corinthian Hills without having to make Excel reports and Powerpoint presentation on my laptop.

See complete photo album: Quezon City: Starbucks Corinthian Hills (July 17, 2011)

Angono: Balaw-Balaw Specialty Restaurant

It was in 1999 when I first visited Balaw-Balaw as part of an educational trip organized by our Humanities professor in college. I am happy to revisit Balaw-Balaw for the second time after 12 years.

The restaurant has been serving exotic dishes, which include lizards, insects and frogs (to name a few), long before the terms "food adventure" and "food trips" started appearing online. We ordered adobong baboy sa gata and nilasing na palaka (fried ricefield frogs). As the saying goes, lasang manok lang (they tasted like chicken).

The restaurant also houses an art gallery showcasing paintings and sculptures by local Angono artists. Dominating the restaurant are miniature human figures made of papermache. The giant version, called higantes, are used during the street parade in Angono held every November 23 in celebration of the feast of San Clemente, patron saint of Angono.

From Angono Petroglyphs Museum, it only took us a 15-minute downhill drive to reach Balaw-Balaw. This concludes our day-trip to Angono, Rizal.

See complete photo album: Angono, Rizal: Balaw-Balaw Specialty Restaurant (July 16, 2011)

Binangonan: Angono Petroglyphs

This weekend, we had a rather different travel theme, which we fondly called an "educational trip." This time we visited a museum, the type which is not housed in a building, rather a museum on a rock shelter found on the portion of the Sierra Madre mountain range near the boundary between the towns of Angono and Binangonan, in the province of Rizal -- The Angono Petroglyphs Museum.

What are petroglyphs? The word comes from the combination of the Greek words petros meaning "stone" and glyphein meaning "to carve". Thus petroglyphs are basically rock engravings.^[*]

The Angono Petroglyphs were accidentally discovered by Filipino National Artist, Carlos "Botong" Francisco in 1965, while on a field trip with a group of boy scouts. Engraved are 127 figures of human, frogs and lizards which are said to date back to 3000 BC, making the Angono Petroglyphs our oldest link, as Filipinos, to our ancestors. At present time, there are no other petroglyphs yet discovered aside from the Angono Petroglyphs.

The museum is located very near the Thunderbird Resort Rizal. When entering the gates of Eastridge, just ask the security guards on duty for directions. To reach the museum, visitors will have to walk through a tunnel and the footpath (curving to the right) will lead you to the museum office. Vehicles are no longer allowed to pass through the tunnel as the vibrations may cause damage to the man-made structure. Viewing decks were constructed to protect the petroglyphs from vandals. No visitors are allowed beyond the viewing decks.

According to Ms. Esperanza T. Jacob, officer-in-charge of the museum, the Angono Petroglyphs Museum is open from Monday to Sunday (except holidays) from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Entrance fee is P20.00 for adults and P10.00 for students/senior citizens (with valid IDs).

See complete photo album: Binangonan, Rizal: Angono Petroglyphs (July 16, 2011)

Tarlac City: Starbucks Luisita

After our lunch at Isdaan in Gerona, we were supposed to visit the Aquino Center. Unfortunately, the museum closes at 2:00pm on Sundays. Before heading back to Manila, we stopped by Starbucks Luisita for a much needed dose of coffee.

The baristas instantly noticed that we were from out of town. Coincidentally, one of the baristas used to work at a Starbucks branch in Ortigas Center, Pasig City (my hometown). What a small world. They also served free samples of the Black Sesame Green Tea Cream Frappuccino. Yum-yum!

See complete photo album: Tarlac City, Tarlac: Starbucks Luisita (July 10, 2011)

Gerona: Lunch at Isdaan

It's hard to miss Isdaan in Gerona, Tarlac en route to Baguio City. We never had the chance to stop by, as we usually travel by bus going to Baguio. This time, we planned to have a road trip to Tarlac to try out what Isdaan is all about. I limited the info I read online about Isdaan to keep the excitement. All I knew was that Isdaan is a floating restaurant with a Thai-inspired theme. I also read that there is a wall where visitors can smash plates and glasses as a way to vent out anger or stress. That was just about it.

From San Fernando, Pampanga, we drove to Gerona via SCTEX and Luisita. It took us 1.5 hours to reach Isdaan. As we walk into Isdaan, the first thing we noticed were the massive Aztec-looking statues holding fishes. The restaurant is not actually floating in its real sense; rather, pools of water (6-feet deep) surround the huts. In the pools were fishes freely swimming around. Guests can ask the staff for pellets should they wish to feed the fishes.

See complete photo album: Gerona, Tarlac: Isdaan (July 10, 2011)

San Fernando: Old Train Station

An hour drive from Malolos, Bulacan, we reached the city of San Fernando in the province of Pampanga. We made a quick stop at the Old San Fernando Train Station, built in 1892 as part of Manila Railroad Co.'s Manila-Dagupan Line. Dr. Jose Rizal disembarked on this station when he visited San Fernando in 1892 to recruit members to the La Liga Filipina.

The Old San Fernando Train Station is part of the Lakbay Jose Rizal @150 travel program, in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.

See complete photo album: San Fernando, Pampanga: Old Train Station (July 10, 2011)

Malolos: Women of Malolos Marker

From Barasoain Church, we drove to the Kamestisuhan District in Malolos to visit the Women of Malolos Marker, the site of the night school established by the women of Malolos to learn Spanish. Their perseverance earned Dr. Jose Rizal's praise through a letter address to the Women of Malolos.

The Women of Malolos Marker is part of the Lakbay Jose Rizal @150 travel program, in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.

See complete photo album: Malolos, Bulacan: Women of Malolos Marker (July 10, 2011)

Malolos: Barasoain Church

En route to Tarlac, we made a side trip to Malolos, Bulacan to visit two Philippine hostorical sites. The first stop was the Barasoain Church.

Barasoain Church, officially called Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church, housed the Philippine Revolutionary Congress which convened in September 1898. It was in this same church where the Malolos Constitution was passed and the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated in 1899.

Because of the vital role it played in the revolutionary history of the Philippines, the church earned the title Cradle of Democracy in the East.

The Barasoain Church is featured on the obverse of the New Generation P200.00 Philippine Banknote.

See complete photo album: Malolos, Bulacan: Barasoain Church (July 10, 2011)

Quezon City: O'Sonho Portuguese Fusion

O'Sonho is our favorite among the restaurants in the new Eastwood Mall. Not only do they serve one of the most unique cuisines in Metro Manila, Portuguese that is, their food selection is also most satisfying, both in taste and in serving size. Our all-time favorite is their Todos Paella de Carne (all meat Paella) which usually takes at least 30 minutes to prepare. So while waiting, we usually go for the Platter of Fries, served with a special dip, as appetizer. So, if you are tired of the good old comida española, then try out O'Sonho. They have two branches, one is at Jupiter Avenue in Makati City, and the other is at the Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City.

See the complete photo album: Quezon City: O'Sonho Portuguese Fusion (July 9, 2011)

Baguio City: The Old Diplomat Hotel

BAGUIO CITY, Benguet - Looking at this abandoned building, one would not expect that it was once a hotel. The edifice was originally constructed by the Dominicans in the early 1900's as a vacation house making it almost as old as the City of Baguio itself. It was then converted into a schoo,l and later into a hotel after World War II. Diplomat Hotel finally ceased its operation in the 80's and was abandoned ever since.

façade of the building (left), rear of the building (right)

Today, the Old Diplomat Hotel is noted as one of the haunted places in Baguio, very famous for tourist in search of a haunting experience. Locals and even tourists reported ghost sightings and other paranormal activities attributed to the building's past.

outside the building

Walking inside the decaying building, through its dark, damp and narrow corridors and staircases, reminded us of the video game Silent Hill. We had a feeling that someone or something is constantly watching every move we made.

inside the building

On the second floor of the building are where most of the bedrooms used to be. In some of the rooms, you can still see some remnants of the furnishings used in the building. On the top floor you will find the cross that gives this building its distinct character. It is also a good spot to have an overlooking view of Baguio City.

The deserted property located on Dominican Hill is now owned by the local government. In its efforts to erase the image of the area as a haunted place, the city officials has renamed it to Baguio Heritage Hill and Prayer Mountain, or simply Prayer Hill, intended to be a venue for social and recreational events. But everyone today still refers to it as the Old Diplomat Hotel.

The Old Diplomat Hotel is open to visitors from 6:00am to 5:00pm. Entrance is for free as of this date.

How to get there:

from downtown Baguio City: Take a taxi and tell the driver to bring you to the Old Diplomat Hotel.

How to get back:

to downtown Baguio City: At the gate, wait for taxis dropping off visitors. You may also walk downhill and catch a taxi that may pass by.

Hot Spring Resorts of Itogon, Benguet

The town of Itogon, Benguet province is a famous weekend getaway destination among Baguio City residents because of its hot-spring resort. Itogon is primarily a mining town. Majority of its residents work for the mining companies. Hot springs of water were discovered in the Poblacion area prompting the enterprising locals to build hot spring resorts.

BAGUIO CITY, Benguet - Since 2010, we have always been curious about Hill Station Restaurant everytime we would pass in front of Casa Vallejo. This time, we finally took the time to check out what this restaurant has to offer for breakfast.

We arrived early in the morning in Baguio City at 6:00am. As we passed by Casa Vallejo, we asked the front desk what time the restaurant starts serving breakfast. The lady replied, "7:00am po sir." So we checked-in our bags at the nearby Bloomfield Hotel and went back to Hill Station.

From the lobby of Casa Vallejo, we were directed to the stairways leading to the restaurant. The interior of Hill Station has a colonial American feel, with its wooden floor, high ceiling, huge windows and pine trees at the background.

To celebrate the occasion, we ordered Baguio's very own version of longanisa. It was served with scrambled egg and garlic fried rice. And to jumpstart the day, we ordered Cordillera coffee.

Now, that is what we call breakfast.

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Hill Station Restaurant
Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road
Baguio City
Telephone: 424 2734; 423 9100; 423 9558
Website: www.hillstationbaguio.com
Email: info@hillstationbaguio.com