Geox Amphibiox

Geox Amphibiox Chester Boots

This one in particular is the Geox Amphibiox Chester boots model. If you're looking for shoes with great functionality and quality make, I suggest Geox shoes. Geox has the breathable technology that adds to comfort. This breathable technology won't really be felt physically, but I can say that their shoes especially this their U chester boots are a comfort to wear whole day long.

Putting it to the test on a rainy day

Another thing I am impressed with is their amphibiox technology. It is the combination of being breathable from inside but is still waterproof. I've tested it by pouring water, submersing under a puddle, and drenching it on the rain. No leaks, kept my feet dry and comfortable. Not only this shoe is functional, but is made beautifully. Mine came with a brogue design. It is not heavy, the insoles are soft enough to walk on the whole day. Its non slip soles are really "sticky" in their own standards even on wet surfaces.

Me doing the supermarket with Geox Amphibiox

Thought the price you pay is quite expensive at an average of Php8,000, I highly recommend this brand. It's worth its price.

Johnston & Murphy Shoes in Manila

Dapper.

Sleek.

Stylish.

I love this shoe brand mainly because it's trendy and formal and the same time. Mine is the holbrook cap toe two tone oxfords. I bought it in General store in Bonifacio Global. This store carries many designs of Johnston & Murphy shoes from wingtip, boots brogues to penny loafers. I wish that these shoes cost a little lower. Pair averages at around Php9,000. But I must say it's worth the price.

The sole is leather. The insoles are very soft and comfortable. The leather is soft and I believe that the soles are Goodyear welted.

wingtip oxfords vs cap-toe oxfords 

I got torn between a wingtip with a touch of suede but opt to choose the cap toe mainly because it can be worn casually or formally compared to the prior.

me wearing the j&m holbrook cap toe

Visit this store, you can find nice American brands, sledgers, Laco (watch) and men's accessories.

Whale Watching in Donsol, Sorsogon

Cagsawa Ruins view of Mayon Volcano

This is experience is one of the best I've had adventurously.

We took a flight to Legaspi Albay and took a 3 hour drive to Donsol, Sorsogon for the whale watching. Make sure to stop by the ruins to take photos of the perfect cone shaped Mayon Volcano. You can find buses, or rent a van to Donsol in the terminal of Legaspi.


Also try small talk restaurant but make sure you have a reservation before you go. Tricycles is the means of transportation, so basically they know important landmarks within Legaspi. Famous bicolano dishes such as pinangat, laing, and bicol express should really be on your list. But be careful, they have a palate armored for spice. They even made a sili ("chili") ice cream. It's worth a try! Lastly don't forget to try local best restaurant, the sibid sibid.

Sibid Sibid Restaurant in Legaspi

Vitton Donsol Resort facade

When we arrived in Donsol, we checked in a not so pricey resort called Vitton & Woodland. One good thing is that, the resort is about 300m away from the Butanding (whale) registration site.


You have to register and pay an amount for the participation. You also need to rent a boat, which you will ride to dive in to the water to swim with the butanding. Also you have to rent (if you don't own) a snorkeling and fins gear.


One of the best things when you're in a province is that the price of food are really cheaper compared to the metro. Especially if the province is near an ocean / fishing village, the seafood is really a treat. It's fresh and it's more affordable. Indulge.

Super affordable kilos of crab

Of course the highlight of the trip is the whale watching. Butanding is the local term for the whale shark. Whale shark is a harmless plankton eating fish.

Swimming with butanding in Donsol

Dutch Couple we befriended

The first time we did dive, adrenalin rushes thru your body and would make you scream even when your on your snorkels under the water. This thing is huge, but it's hard to notice at first in the murky waters of Donsol. But as soon as it approaches in in meters, you will be amazed by the graceful flap of its tail. We were lucky to have a siting of at least 5 butandings on that day. We just didn't enjoy swimming with the butanding, but also made friends with a dutch couple where we shared our boat with. But the fun did not stop there, we also did firefly watching about 5kms away from the resort into a river. This one is magical for thousands of fireflies light up like green sparkling stars making the ever romantic vibe.

Firefly watching in Donsol

I'm willing to do this again next summer. I won't miss it in a heartbeat.

Watch the video I created -> Donsol Travelogue

Turning Japanese Filipino Style

Nowadays, Japanese food in the Philippines are very accessible. Choices of Japanese restaurants vary from budget, authenticity, and specialty. Now the search for authentic, value for money Japanese restaurant is easier. Below is a list of some of the restaurants I've tried.

KikuFuji Japanese Menu

• KikuFuji - Authentic Japanese restaurant in Chino Roces, beside Makati Cinema Square. Make sure you come before dinner or have a reservation because it becomes jam-packed. Try their large cut fresh sushi dishes and partner it with their home-brewed beer. They have a lot f alcoholic beverages which I can't understand because it's all in Japanese.  Average dish price starts from Php300 but the beer is only Php65. It's a must try if you want to eat the Japanese style.

That's me eating on the floor in Kikufuji Japanese Restaurant =)

• Suzu kin - If you want a delicious value for money Japanese food go here. It is located in Sampaloc Makati. Price starts at P150 for rice meals and you can get tempura for as low as P200. The place is small and has carinderia feel on it but nonetheless a clean place to eat sumptuous Japanese food.

• Little Tokyo - Little Tokyo is inside a chain of Japanese restaurant in Chino Roces. It's actually beside the Kikufuji. Though I haven't tried eating there because we prioritized eating in Kikufuji, the ambiance, feel and the surge of Japanese people eating there makes it authentic enough and worth a try.

Walkway to Little Tokyo Restaurant in Chino Roces, Makati

• Shinjuku Ramen House - It's also within the Japanese chain of restaurants in Chino Roces. This one is pricier than Kikufuji but do large servings (for 2 at least for the Ramens). Price of main courses starts from Php350+. If you're into vegetables or even not, you should try their Kakiage. The best I've tried in all Japanese restaurants in Manila.

• Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen - Their specialty? The names speaks for itself. Price Range from 200-500. I believe that you can find this restaurant almost anywhere from Makati to Quezon City. I love their ramen because of its richness.

• Mangetsu - It's along Jupiter street in Makati when you turn right from Paseo de Roxas Street. It's Japanese fusion which I don't really understand what it means, but I must say that their food is great! The grille of the tempura are fun to take picture at. Pricey mainly due to the ambiance of the restaurant which is quiet and cozy lit date place. 

Grilled tempura

• Wrong Ramen - This one is located in the Fort Bonifacio, Burgos Circle. A must try. You can never go wrong with their weirdly made Ramens. It's rich, it's flavorful and not bad on the pocket. Price starts at Php300 big enough to share one bowl.

• Omakase - A lot of Japanese dishes. I guess this one is also Japanese fusion for it serves their dishes with a twist. Price range if you want a meal is at an average of P350. Try this one in Molito Alabang. 

• Ramen Yushoken - This one's also located in Molito Alabang. I must say that this place really gets jam-packed whether it's lunch time or dinner time. I guess their fatty, rich flavorful ramens keeps people go back for more. I personally love the tantanmen, it's spicy and it's also pricey. Price starts from Php350 for a bowl of Ramen. It's a must try if you're really into Ramens. 

• Saboten - You can find this one in the Fort, Serendra but I believe they have branched out already in other cities. If you're into tonkatsu, sesame seed and unlimited cabbages this one is a must! Price per person starts from Php400.

I know I cant enumerate all the best Japanese restaurants out there. So my tip to you, go out and try every Japanese restaurant that's is worth tasting for. =)

A glimpse of heaven in Tagaytay

"A glimpse of heaven in Tagaytay"

Sunrise in Taal Lake Tagaytay

If you're looking for a place to stay in, and away from Manila and for just 3 hours drive. Try considering Monte Casa Erlinda in Alfonso Tagaytay. It is located  in Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Brgy. Amuyong, Alfonso Cavite

Taal Lake on first light of day

You can contact Romeo at 09236008553 for details and reservations.

This a 2 bedroom house with kitchen and 1 bathroom. It has a garden with hammock and a gazebo. 

I must say that this place really took my mind off work, stress and problems. The cool breeze surely did 

added to the total ambiance of this place.

Stars over Gazebo

When I woke up at around 5am to see the spectacular sunrise, what came in my mind is that I can 

humbly say that this sunrise more amazing than the one I saw in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I was in awe

in the beauty of the landscape display. I almost forgot to bring out my camera and capture the

beauty of golden light graciously rising over the lake of Taal. It was grand, and majestic that left me 

really speechless. The cold breeze didn't bother me for I cannot let this one pass. 

How I really wish you could see what I saw during that one Saturday morning in Tagaytay. It felt like God

was physically beside me showing me a tiny glimpse of heaven. 

Tagaytay Sunrise

Wild Life : Avilon Zoo

"Wild Life : Avilon Zoo"

Far away from Manila is a place or rather a zoo and/or wildlife conservation called Avilon. It is located in Montalban Rizal far beyond expected distance. You’ll pass by rough, dusty and muddy roads to get here. I suggest that you take Commonwealth avenue then turn right to sandigan bayan right after the wet markets. Go straight then turn right to Litex road or formerly known as Payatas road. Take this road up to San Isidro up to the Ultramega supermarket. Just around the right corner of Ultramega is a tricycle terminal where you’ll turn right to this road.  Just follow the road and take mostly right turns and exit the Eastwood Residences. There you’ll find signs of Avilon Zoo and find it until you reach the offroad again.

When you reach the zoo, there will be an entrance of Php400 per person. If you’re bringing you cameras, you’ll have to register it with the guard on duty. You can eat lunch in the area right after the entrance. Pack lunch starts @ Php150 and there are group lunch that costs @ Php1,500. From here you’ll see different kinds of ducks, goose and the infamous supersized fish called the “arapaima” I don’t know if I spelled it right but the mere sight of this fish will definitely make you remember their name. It is about 1 meter long and 1 foot wide big meat eater fish, the ones that you can see in the discovery channel.

Moving on to the inner park you’ll see the big sign of Avilon Zoo with its slogan “Celebrating Life”. You have a choice on what to see first, wheter go to the birds, aquatic animals or the more “domesticated” animals. In my watch, you can roam the whole park in around 2 ½ hours depending on your excitement on each animal you see.

I took some shots of the much known animals alive and wished I had the skills of a wildlife photographer. Though I enjoy taking pictures of them, what I failed to do is list their names / types of families they belong to. Well, I’ll probably go back here since there are places in the zoo that are still being renovated and built for a bigger and more animals to inhabit.

I’m pretty sure that if you love animals or your kids do, you will definitely enjoy going here. Just be sure to bring a big car with plenty of gasoline because it is not your ordinary zoo that’s lying around the corner. What to bring? Water, towel, camera, tripod, and power bars. Enjoy!:)

Northbound : Pangasinan getaways

Beach. Food. Love. Life.

Pangasinan is around 4 hour drive from Manila. Take up NLEX and SCTEX to reach this big province that bridges the way to far north provinces like Baguio, La Union, and Ilocos etc. You can take the Camiling way or the usual highway to Baguio to reach this place.

When I think of Pangasinan, I think of these things: Food trip, Bangus, Puto (rice cake), and Beaches. One of the famous restaurants and personally recommended are Matutina’s and Kuya Max. But to tell you my story what I really enjoyed in Pangasinan are two particular beaches, the one in Lingayen and the other in Bolinao.

Lingayen Gulf is relatively shorter distanced than Bolinao. It’s around 4.5hr drive straight from Manila. We stayed in a place called El Puerto Marina. The resort was very welcoming. It has cottage rooms and cemented rooms both fully air-conditioned with television. Activities are fishing, kayaking, pool, badminton, billiards, ATV, and of course swimming. There’s an available pool if you don’t want to swim in the beach. Besides, the beach is another 300m walk from the resort. When you reach the beach front, large nipa huts are awaiting rooted in the fine light brown sand of Lingayen Gulf. Winds are a breeze and waves are gentler compared to beaches on the farther north. Food and cold beer are also served in the resort. If you want to relax and veer away with the hustles of the city and the parties I recommend this place.

Another beautiful but far place to go to in Pangasinan is the Puerto del Sol in Bolinao. You’ll know you’re in Bolinao if you see welcome signs of lighthouses. This resort is around 450km away from Manila. The resort has rustic designs ranging from Spanish to Italian architectural taste. There are also activity place such as darts, billiards and kayaking. The beach is not so great but don’t worry because there’s a big pool if you don’t like to swim on the beach. With not so much to talk about, you will enjoy the serene atmosphere thru eating plenty of bangus dishes, take lovely sunset photos and relax with the nature inspired ambiance of the place.