Halo Halo de Iloko Balay, San Fernando, La Union

Having a really hot, humid weather in La Union calls for a cool and delicious merienda (that meal taken in the afternoon/brunch, which fills in the meal between breakfast-lunch or lunch-dinner).

Ate Jean hooked us up on a tight schedule of visiting beautiful local destinations as we hopped from one awesome activity to another and dined at the best local food spots there. The choice for the afternoon is Halo Halo de Iloko Balay, a quaint place to to enjoy that merienda we so fervently deserve. Yes, we do!

Fun Baler Itinerary: Jampacked 2D1N Stay!

Let the surfing frenzy begin! It's true what they say, you can't brag that you've been to Baler unless you've danced with the waves! If you don't already know, the best time to surf is before or after every storm when the winds and current are strong.

Oasis Pub & Maranao Grill, Angeles City, Pampanga

I've long recommended restaurants in my city, but then while pondering a while ago, I realized I haven't posted one of my favorite pubs yet. That feel-good bar and, a perfect place to cap down a busy week.

Tugawe Cove, Caramoan Peninsula, Camarines Sur

For my 2014 year end post, I thought I'd share the best resort we recommend you should visit for the year (and years) ahead. This is not a place for loners, but romantically designed for lovers...and friends. A big shout-out to Coco for hooking us up in heaven! Love you :)

This is for the semi-adventurous, beach lovin', walks on the beach, sunrise, sunset, romantic breakfast/lunch/dinner type of people. If you find yourself saying yes to all I just mentioned, then go ahead and scroll down... get jealous! haha kidding :)

Historic Camalig Restaurant, Angeles City

This year's valentines was a wee bit cold but memorable nonetheless. I believe I spent more than two valentine dates here during high school, college and now as a working professional. A place I'm fond of visiting over and over again 'cause of it's laid back and historical atmosphere. "Historic Camalig Restaurant" It speaks for itself.

Eat 'till You Drop at Vikings

What more can one say when full? Buurp!! Hmmm, technically not a word but pretty much says it all. That was us after more than an hour of leisure eating just two days after Valentines day. Oh what a happy day ^_^  

It was a lovely sight to see hearts floating around here and there. They gave warmth in the cold, spacious restaurant. 

Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings, City Golf Plaza, Ortigas

That restaurant you randomly tried out once as it recently opened and you've always revisited since then whenever you're near the area, stressed out need a cold beer, need to chill or simply a lazy night in the city. That restaurant which satisfies the flavors your tongue longs to rekindle. That exact amount of relaxed vibe that never fails to soothe your senses but still good enough to keep your mind going. Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings! Those buffalo wings served in different variety of flavors!

La Bella Teodoro: Italian Restaurant (Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar)

Just another feel-good afternoon, fresh from a historical morning tour at Las Casas. It was a bit of an exhausting tour, just because it was hot and humid plus my eyes wandered nonstop enjoying and savoring the views. Even after the tour ended, I was still so excited to be in Las Casas. 

There were two main restaurants offered in Las Casas: Spanish and Italian. Our taste buds craved to go Italian this trip, and so we chose La Bella Teodoro.

This was the rest of the restaurant, us being seated at the middle of this thoughtfully designed restaurant from ceiling to floor. Vintage items are also seen everywhere. My mind blasts away, so quaint this restaurant fits perfectly suits me!

Yakimix with DnK

Ready for some mouthwatering experience yet again? I know I am! I know, a lot have tried this before, but you gotta taste this the way we did. Give us a chance! It was my first time at Yakimix, and so did most of my friends! 

Serene River Cruise at Loboc, Bohol

One of the things worth spending the time in Bohol is definitely a river cruise in Bohol. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. A lunch date coupled with a romantic cruise is all we needed to relax from the busy schedule we had for the day.

Experience Asian Buffet Dinner at ABC Hotel, Angeles City

Another get together night celebrating the Christmas season in 2012. This particular night, we chose to put on some casual clothes and dine in a lavish hotel at Angeles Beach Club Hotel, more commonly known as ABC Hotel for locals.

Note: Vari Asia isn't usually packed but you might want to make a reservation if you're planning to dine here on holidays, else you might end up frustrated. Be sure to have your second option if plan A doesn't work out. 

Green Ats Bulalohan, Tagaytay

Tagaytay is well known for serving the best tasting Bulalo (Filipino Bone Marrow Stew) in the whole of Philippines. It might have even originated in Tagaytay, no one really can say where this dish started but definitely it's from the south, either Batangas or Tagaytay.

To end our merry day, Ian took me to a good Bulalo Restaurant, Green Ats. A comfortable indoor/outdoor dining experience where you can have a beautiful view of Tagaytay and overlooking the roadside (Aguinaldo Highway) on the other side. 

Romantic Garden Lunch at Sonya's Garden: TBS 3 of 7

Before anything else, I would suggest you come here on an empty stomach if you're planning to dine in this heaven of a place. It is not for the half-hungry tummies ladies and gents, but for people having-nothing-for-breakfast-this-morning types. You wouldn't want to waste dressings and garnish as much as possible in this lunch affair. Might I also warn you, you may want to bring your pills if not used to softer diets.

I was really excited to try everything served on the table 'cause I rarely get a chance to eat organic meals in Manila. It was mostly instant food for breakfast, "lutong bahay" for lunch, canned goods and fast food at night time, topped with a cold bottle of beer. Buhay nakikipagsapalaran sa ibayong lugar, over it! hehe :)

relaxed ambiance at Sonya's Garden

Bag of Beans: Tagaytay Blogseries 1 of 7

This is my first entry for Tagaytay Blogseries, a series taking you to exciting scenery, food and adventures in Tagaytay City in one jam packed day! It tops as one of the coolest cities in the Philippines located at the south of Luzon. It envelopes an entirely comfortable and relaxed environment, perfect for romantic getaways or simply a family or barkada trip. There's a bit of something for everyone.

Our first stop: Bag of Beans, an outdoor coffee shop designed and furnished in a way that emanates a private, homey feel, just like sipping coffee in your own backyard.

Big Bad Burgers at the Shack!

Hi guys! I've got another story to tell! This goes out to my fellow Kapampangan foodies
and to travelers spending the night or just passing by me beloved Angeles City! We've discovered yet another badass burger in town. 

It opened March 23, 2013 at the backyard of a simple home in Sampaguita St., in Nepo Subdivision. It is owned by Villarosa cousins, who studied at the top competing schools in the city - Chevalier School, Holy Family Academy and Holy Angel University to name a few. And with that, they're hosting a contest based on the number of alumni participants per week as per school designation. Pretty awesome right! :)

Abe's Farm: A Paradise in Magalang, Pampanga

It makes me happy and proud whenever I feature events and places from my very own state. And one my recent favorite restaurant in Pampanga is Abe's Farm.

Abe's Farm opened to the public in 2008 and has been a favorite of travelers and food enthusiasts since then. The thing I love most about this place is that it gives me a peaceful and tranquil feel - consistently anywhere I laid my eyes on this inland paradise. 

The Capampangan word "Abe" means companion or a friend in English. In Filipino culture, people would call you by how they know or recognize you. The farm is a tribute to Mr. Emilio Aguilar Cruz, father of Larry J. Cruz. In his time, Mr. Aguilar was called "Abe" by his friends, and so, this haven was named Abe's Farm or simply, Friend's Farm.

Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range

One day at the office, I was invited by Ms. Baybee Monce and Mr. Glen Mayhew, Gandiva chef, to come by at the cafe at a certain hour because the Archery Range and Cafe will be featured in Jessica Soho show. I dragged an office mate along too, so there were three of us from our office. 

From right: yours truly, Kristina Bismark, Elijah Bismark, 
Vas Bismark, Ms. Baybee Monce, Roy Vincent Martin

Surprise at Galileo Enoteca Deli

As well all know, special celebrations call for special venues. I had a perfect night planned that night and the place should speak no less. There were a few other choices to celebrate such a date. Of course, as a good partner, I had to consult my partner, Ian as to where he'd like to dine, gave him my top picks and finally, he chose Galileo Enoteca Deli. I must admit, I did put an extra effort convincing him that this is the place to dine that night. I thank the heavens it all turned out to be one of the nights I would cherish so dearly.

About the place:

Galileo Enoteca Deli - translates as Wine Library of Wines. You wouldn't want to miss this place if you enjoy food and wine pairing. They serve superbly prepared authentic Italian dishes, of course, best served with a bottle/glass of wine. 

A Little Binondo Food Trip

In my search for food trip destinations in Manila, I came across the words "Binondo Food Wok" in one of my readings. It was mentioned twice more on other blogs I read that time so I thought, why not give it a try? Seems worth the visit too! And so I did! 'even dragged along my foodie love, Ian with me to satisfy our Binondo craving (I actually endorsed it to him) :p

Before I go back home on one Saturday of July, we drove from Ortigas to Binondo. It was about 40 minutes of wandering around a quiet Saturday afternoon in Manila. It was very comforting and - because there was no traffic :)

As you enter Chinatown, you'll see this arch. It says "Arko ng Pagkakaibigang Pilipino-Tsino" translated as "Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch". We left the car nearby because we decided to do our tour on foot.

Sunrise Buckets, Rockwell

I came across this place during one of my researches as I was listing down choices for my weekly "places to dine-in come Friday in Manila". There were a lot of good restaurants near Ortigas Center to begin with, but one stood out amongst the rest. It was Sunrise Buckets at The Grove by Rockwell, Libis (across Tiendesitas). As its motto proudly boasts "Summer.Beach.Surf" This is the perfect place where you can relive your summer all year round.

You'll never find a dull space here at Sunrise Buckets. It's simply an atmosphere of clean, fun and cool summer vibe!

The lighting and the set-up/detail of the place is sure to blow you away. Perfect for couples hang out, or spending a night out with family or friends to catch up while food tripping and drinking in a relaxed and quiet ambiance.