Batac Empanada Festival 2012 | Float & Street Dance Parade
Balay da Blas, Traditional & Modern Accommodation in Laoag
Balay da Blas Pensionne House is a 13 room bed & breakfast located in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte province. The property features both traditional and modern Ilocano inspired accommodation suitable for both tourists and business travelers. We first stayed at Balay da Blas back in August 2011 followed by another trip in June 2012 to attend the Empanada Festival in Batac City.
Free Shuttle Service from Airport to Downtown Laoag (Centro)
When we were about to board the plane in Manila for Laoag, I received a good news from Mr. Sam Blas of Balay da Blas via text message saying that there is a free shuttle service from the airport to hotels in Downtown Laoag.
Laoag International Airport
We're back in Ilocos Norte to attend the 2012 Empanada Festival in the neighboring city of Batac. During our first visit back in August 2011, we were not able to take photos of the airport since the flight was scheduled at night. This time, our flight was scheduled at noon time and we arrived at Laoag International Airport at 1:20pm. The clear sky also allowed us to take aerial shots of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the town of Paoay and the Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte.
Aerial Photography: Paoay and Sand Dunes
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| Aerial photo of the town of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, taken on board Cebu Pacific flight 5J 404 (Manila-Laoag) June 23, 2012 1:03pm |
Aerial Photography: SM Mall of Asia
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| Photograph taken on board Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 404 (Manila-Laoag) June 23, 2012 12:28pm |
Batac Empanada Festival 2012 | Schedule of Activities
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| image source: www.facebook.com/cityofbatac |
Pasig City: Ika-151 Taon ng Kapanganakan ni Jose Rizal
The original grey statue was facing the Pasig City Museum and was pointing northward. In 2011, it was replaced with a white and bigger statue as dedication to the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. The new statue is now facing the church (Pasig Cathedral) and is pointing eastward.
This year, the 151st Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal (ika-151 Taon ng Kapanganakan ni Jose Rizal is among the many events in celebration of the 439th Araw ng Pasig.
The monument is located in Plaza Rizal, Barangay Malinao.
Iloilo City: Breakfast at Madge Café
In a modern world dominated by coffee machines, espresso machines and instant coffee, it will be a feast in your eyes how they prepare their coffee, the traditional way. When ordering coffee, you will be asked how you want your coffee. This is because they have three coffee intensities: mild, regular and strong (may be served black or with milk).
We ordered the strong blend with milk (Php25.00) and suman for breakfast. The first sip of this Ilonggo coffee was pure heaven. It is definitely arabica, with earthy tones, but the overall flavor is very unique which I couldn't compare with the other coffee variants I tasted before. According to the owner, Mr. Peter de la Cruz, they source their Arabica coffee beans from the highlands of Iloilo as well as from Guimaras Island.
As you drink your coffee, you will notice a constant stream of customers coming in. Some even bring their own cups, probably owners or workers from the nearby market stalls. The patrons would simply seat on their favorite spot, reading the newspaper while waiting for their "usual" coffee served in a cup personalized with the patron's name.
Madge Cafe is located inside the La Paz Public Market. The entrance to the market is right in front of the Grand Dame Hotel. From the entrance, turn right on the second alley. Madge Cafe has been here for decades and is here to stay, says the owner. So if you have the chance to visit Iloilo City, do drop by Madge Cafe for a truly Ilonggo coffee experience.
Iloilo City: Museo Iloilo
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo - Museo Iloilo is a uniquely designed building structure compared to majority of museums in the Philippines. The architect behind the trapezoid prism shaped building is Iloilo-based Sergio Penasales.
On the building's façade are images of the province's most famous landmarks, including the Miag-ao Church, the Molo Church and the Cemetery Chapel of San Joaquin.
During our visit, we were not able to enter the museum as it was closed due to the celebration of the national holiday of Independence Day.
Museo Iloilo is located Bonifacio Drive, right in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol of Iloilo, in Iloilo City.
Iloilo City: Iloilo Provincial Capitol
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo - This six storey building replaced the Old Provincial Capitol of Iloilo as the seat of the provincial government of Iloilo when the later was damaged by fire in November 1998.
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| back entrance of the building |
Today, the Iloilo Provincial Capitol is considered one of the most modern capitol buildings in the Philippines. Highlight of the edifice is the view of the Capitol's dome from inside. Under the dome is a rotunda with a fountain as centerpiece.
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| view of the dome from inside the building |
The Iloilo Provincial Capitol is located along Bonifacio Drive, right at the back of the Old Provincial Capitol of Iloilo, Iloilo City.
Iloilo City: Arroyo Fountain
Located in front of the old Provincial Capitol of Iloilo, the fountain stands in the middle of the road serving as a roundabout for vehicles coming to and from the different districts of the city.
At the centerpiece of the fountain are four caryatids supporting a circular entablature, on top of which is the fountain basin. Both the base of the fountain and basin feature mythical sea creatures.
The Arroyo Fountain was named after Senator Jose Maria Arroyo (1919-1928). He was the author of Act No. 3222 of September 16, 1925 establishing the Iloilo Metropolitan Water Works.
According to Explore Iloilo, the current site of the Arroyo Fountain is where the original flagpole of the old Provincial Capitol used to stand. The building, also called Casa Real, is undergoing renovation aimed at restoring the building to its former glory. To be called Casa Real de Iloilo, it is one of the most anticipated heritage conservation projects in Iloilo today.
It will be surely be a marvelous sight to see the Arroyo Fountain with the completed Casa Real de Iloilo at the background. Yet another reason to keep coming back to Iloilo City.
Iloilo City: Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo - Iloilo is one of the many cities in the Philippines with the highest population of Filipino-Chinese and their presence is most evident in downtown Iloilo, particularly along J.M. Basa Street and Iznart Street.
Iznart Street, also referred to as Calle Real, features Spanish and American era buildings making it Iloilo's counterpart of Manila's Escolta. At present time, it is dominated by business owned by Chinese-Ilonggos, most of which are general merchandise and construction supplies and hardware stores.
In the beginning of 2012, the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch was erected at the corner of Iznart Street facing Plazoleta Gay, serving as a new landmark of Iloilo's local China town.
During our visit, we made a walking tour of Iznart, Aldeguer and J.M. Basa Streets. It was like walking around the streets of Santa Cruz, Manila, only the streets are wider and there are less people.
Unlike Ongpin in Manila, we only spotted one Chinese restaurant in the area. It was along J.M. Basa Street which we will try on our next visit to Iloilo. We hope that more Chinese-Ilonggos would establish Chinese restaurants in Calle Real. They will not only appeal to the food-loving Ilonggos but will surely draw more tourists to the area in search of new culinary adventures.
This visit to Iloilo's China Town adds to our appreciation of the rich history, culture and heritage of the city. With this we say 我們愛伊洛伊洛 (We love Iloilo City).
This post is part of the new Chinoy series, and is a joint post between Pinas Muna and Chinoy Edition.
Davao City: Monument of Peace & Unity and the Legislative Building
Among the works of Millan is the Commemorative Monument of Peace & Unity located right in front of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (Legislative Building) and across the San Pedro Cathedral.
The monument celebrates the peaceful and harmonious coexistence between the indigenous and migrant people of Davao.
Unveild during the 1998 celebration of the Centennial of Philippine Independence, the monument is also dubbed as the Centennial Monument of Peace & Unity. Since then, it has become an important landmark in the city.
Today, the 14th year anniversary of its unveiling concides with the celebration of the 114th year of Philippine Independence.
There is truly no better way to conculude our first visit to Davao than to stand in front of this monument on a June 12. We have fallen in love with Davao and will surely revisit this city in the months and years to come.
Malipayong Adlaw sa Kagawasan.
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| Legislative Building at the background |
Davao City: Durian Mousse Cake of Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee
DAVAO CITY, Davao del Sur - If you find the taste of the durian fruit too strong, then you should try this durian mousse cake.
The cake has real durian flesh but it is not overpowered by the durian flavor. This well balanced mousse cake is best paired with coffee.
The Durian Moouse Cake is available at Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee, located within Jack's Ridge Resort and Restaurant.
Davao City: Jack's Ridge
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| at the entrance of Jack's Ridge |
Upon entry to the complex, visitors will immediately find a choice of dining options. The most prominent of which is the Taklobo Restaurant. The restaurant got its name from the Tagalog word for giant clams, taklobo. It specializes in seafood dishes including grilled tuna and kinilaw. Chicken, beef and pork dishes are also available. Make sure that you seat by the overlooking area to enjoy the view and cool breeze of the evening.
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| Taklobo Restaurant |
After dinner, head to Karlo's Gourmet & Coffee for dessert. We highly recommend their Durian Mousse Cake. They also have a selection of coffee and fruit based beverages. If you are feeling adventurous, try their durian coffee and mangosteen coffee.
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| Karlo's Gourmet & Coffee |
If you prefer a relaxing and quiet place to cap off your evening, you will surely enjoy Jack's Ridge.
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| Davao City Nightscape |
Jack's Ridge Resort and Restaurant
Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City 8000
Telephone: +63.82.2978830 to 31
Telefax: +63.82.2976535
Website: www.jacksridgedavao.com
Email: info@jacksridgedavao.com
Lake Agco Eco-Park of Kidapawan City
No, this is not a Hollywood set for a Jurassic Park sequel. Welcome to Lake Agco. This boiling mud lake is located some 4,200 feet above sea level, on the foot of Mt. Apo. Around the lake are fumaroles emiting steam, giving a smell of rotten eggs around the place.
Kidapawan City Hall and Town Proper
Kidapawan is the capital of Cotabato and is the only city within the province. It is geographically located at the foot of Mt. Apo, the tallest peak in the Philippines at 10,311 feet above sea level. Kidapawan got its name from the Manobo words "tida" meaning spring, and "pawan" meaning highland, thus giving it the nickname The Spring in the Highlands.
Is the Province called North Cotabato or just Cotabato?
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| image source: Lakbayan |
There appears to be an ongoing confusion about what the correct name of the province is. Is it North Cotabato or simply Cotabato? Let's trace the history of this province through a series of Legislative Enactments:
Davao City: Puto Maya & Sikwate for Breakfast
For Manileños like us, the word puto maya only forms part of the childhood expression Gaya-gaya Puto-Maya (English: Copycat!). The word puto-maya does not actually add meaning to the expression, rather it is just added to the end to rhyme with Gaya-gaya.
To finally give meaning to the word, we went to Bankrehan Public Market in Davao City to try puto maya. We found a carinderia near the fruit section that serves this delicacy.
The puto maya was served by scooping a portion using a saucer and molding it into a disk using another saucer. Each serving costs Php8.00. Compared to similar rice cakes such as suman, biko and bud-bod, puto maya has a distinct gingery taste. It may be eaten plain or may be sprinkled with sugar.
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| steps in preparing sikwate |
Sikwate is then prepared fresh as you order. Tablea is boiled in a pot and mixed using a batirol (a wooden whisk). Milk is then poured into the cup (optional) and followed by the freshly made hot chocolate mixture. You can add sugar to the drink depending on your taste. A cup of sikwate costs Php15.00, add Php3.00 to have milk with your sikwate.
Halfway through our cup of sikwate, more and more locals arrived and sat at the carinderia and ordered puto maya & sikwate. We must have brought luck to the store :-)
Green Windows Dormitel, Davao City
Green Windows Dormitel is a budget hotel hotel in Davao City, with a total of 88 hotel-type rooms and dorm-type rooms. The hotels markets itself as a luxury dorm-hotel because of its tastefully designed rooms and dorms. Here are four reasons why we chose to stay at this dormitel:
First Time to Eat Durian in Tagum City
For countless times already, friends and family in Manila have offered us to try the durian they brought home from a vacation in Davao region. We constantly declined such offers, not because we weren't interested, but because we were reserving the experience of eating durian for the first time when we would finally get to visit Davao.
Tagum City's Night Market
Construction of the New Tagum City Hall
One of our main reasons for visiting Tagum City is to check the progress of the construction of the New City Hall. It is said that once completed, it will become the most modern city hall in the Philippines in comparison with the traditional Greco-Roman buildings of most government units in the country.
Sweet-Chili Soft-Shell Crab at Punong Restaurant, Tagum City
You've never been to Punong Restaurant if you haven't tried their specialty, soft-shell crab. These crabs are basically regular crabs which have molted their outgrown shell, leaving the crustacean with a new softer shell. Hardening of the new shell is then retarded to keep it soft. These crabs are then cooked and eaten whole, including the shell. From the restaurant's menu, you will see the different options you can have the crabs cooked. We chose the sweet-chili version.
Punong Restaurant in Tagum City
We made a side trip to Tagum City before checking-in at our hotel in Davao City later in the evening. From Davao International Airport, we boarded a Bachelor Express bus with signage Butuan, which will pass by our first destination in the city, Punong Restauant, located along the national highway, about 10km before reaching Tagum City proper. The restaurant is Malay inspired: elevated on stilts, with pitched roof and high ceiling.
Davao City: Francisco Bangoy International Airport
DAVAO CITY, Davao del Sur - Touchdown 1:50pm. After a 1 hour and 50 minutes of flight, we finally arrived at Davao International Airport (officially called Francisco Bangoy International Airport) our 15th airport destination in the Philippines and 3rd in Mindanao. This was so far our longest flight within the Philippines.
We were very excited to reach Davao as this was our first visit to this city, considered as the international gateway to Mindanao and as the domestic gateway to southern Mindanao.
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| The Durian |
First time visitors flying in to Davao City should not miss The Durian, a sculpture created by the famous Davaoeño artist, Kublai Millan. It is located along the driveway of the airport terminal's parking lot. Coming from the terminal building, it is located on the left side.
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| Zooz Wooz Café |
Not having had lunch before the flight, we quickly searched for a restaurant as soon as we left the terminal building. Zooz Wooz Café is located right beside the taxi line. The restaurant serves coffee, sandwiches, pasta and all-day breakfast. We tried their breakfast meal (Php150.00) which already came with a drink (choice between iced tea or brewed coffee). Though food was on the expensive range, you get the value out of your money. Breakfast was delish, brewed coffee was perfect.
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