Angono Rizal : Art and Food

Nemiranda's House

Angono Rizal is home to a number of artists, great food, and festivities. It also was a home to me when I was a kid. It was just on the recent years that I have appreciated my hometown. I would talk about my recent trip here to the famous, talk of the town art gallery and restaurant, Balaw Balaw.

Balaw Balaw Facade

Balaw Balaw is known as a specialty restaurant and an art gallery as well. The place is rustic, cozy, air-cooled and very antique. Many forms of art decorate the whole place. Colorful masks made from paper mache, large  sculptures of various religious personalities and different concepts and styles of paintings creates an artistic atmosphere where you may say that Filipino artists especially in Angono are undeniably talented.

Sculpture in Balaw Balaw

Sculpture in Balaw Balaw

Balaw Balaw Menu

Not to forget that Balaw Balaw is a specialty restaurant not just an art place or simply a work of art. Balaw Balaw is known for its exotic Filipino dishes. There are food made from frog legs, bayawak (monitor lizard), and snake. If you're not into these kinds of dishes, normal Filipino foods are also being served. Food are served w/ true Filipino ambiance, on banana leaves, and palayoks (clay pots). My recommendations are sinampalukang manok (chicken in a tamarind soup), Halabos (buttered shrimps), and bicol express (pork with extracts of coconut milk spiced with red and green hot pepper). Taste surpasses and justifies the price, normal dishes costs at an average of Php250.

Ensaladang Mangga & Halabos

Nemiranda's Gallery & Restaurant

Right around the corner, another famous art gallery / house now converted to a restaurant owned by Nemiranda greets us with the higantes (giants) on their front gate. These higantes are used during the higante festival on the 3rd week of November. I admire how Nemiranda designed his house/place thru his art. Walls and posts screams his artistic sculptures. He has his own gallery which displays his craft in painting. The entrance is converted to a restaurant called the Atelier Cafe. Food served are also somewhat exotic. Price and ambiance are no different with Balaw Balaw. It's a just a matter of choice on where to eat in these "artistic" restaurants.

Higante

Atelier Cafe

Atelier Cafe's K Shop

Nemiranda exhibit

Inside Nemiranda exhibit

"Small" Higantes

I bet that there are a dozen or more places to see aside from these art galleries in Angono. The well known Thunderbird resort is also found in the area. The place itself is very rural. Weather is humid but the winds are fresh and the whole atmosphere is very laid back. This place will always be a part of me. The place known as "Arts capital of the Philippines".

Hongkong Getaway

Bell Tower

Marco Polo Gateway Room

I was very fortunate to be rewarded with an all expense paid trip to Hongkong. It was a four day trip, and when we were looking at the itinerary we thought that it wasn’t going to be as fun as we thought but we were proved wrong. We were in a group of 15 people coming from mixed groups. We were able to mingle with them and eventually enjoyed ourselves in the tours and especially the meals and night life. Call it the rich and famous life, we were in a luxurious hotel Marco Polo in Kowloon and we did not eat in your average Chinese restaurant. We enjoyed the meals from day 1 to day 4 and the eating experience is close to fine dining. Much fun ensues during the night life, as we went fine clubbing. Of course, it will not be complete without the shopping. Shops were actually everywhere you turn your head, from the cheapest unbranded store to most lavish designer brands.

Outside Marco Polo Gateway

Marco Polo in Kowloon if I would say, is the most convenient place / island in Hongkong. Most of the sought after shops / brands are located within the area. Food or restaurants are also found almost everywhere. These stores and restaurant are found inside and as well as outside the malls. Though, some say that stores and food here are pricier compared to Hongkong island. Transportation is also not a problem. There are 3 main transportation system I know of in Hongkong. First is the MTR (Train) which is the 

Citygate outlet mall

cheapest and fastest means of transpo if you're going island hopping. Ready your, Hongkong dollars, your change and your coins for most payments here are in absolute monetary value. Though money changers and "bill breakers" are located mostly inside the train stations. The two transportation are taxi and bus ride. I suggest you try the double decker bus and the trams just for the experience and fun. 

Ngong Ping Mountain Top

On our first day of arrival, we went straight to Citygate Outlet store to eat in Federal Place. It was lunch time, and the weather is very hot and sticky, though I believe Philippines is more humid. We ate peking duck, some dumplings and shanghai lumpia as called in the Philippines. After the lunch, we window shopped in the area and planned to go to Ngong Ping cable car. This is the cable car that will bring you to the big buddha located in the mountains. The view is spectacular. You will see the gigantic Hongkong aiport from above while the cool winds breezes you inside the cable car. 

Below the steps to Budhha

Buddha with Swastika Symbol

After the very tiring walks and steps, we chilled down and was brought down back to citygate outlet mall. We went to the hotel to refresh and prepare for our sumptuous eat-all-you can japanese food. I forgot to take the name of the restaurant but I can still remember the food it offered us, from it's fresh seafoods to the aromatic grilled beef and chicken. The place is very small, but is filled with locals and foreigners such as us. It was located in a building that you'll ride an narrow elevator to reach the restaurant. You will be choose from a number of menus with categories. Food will be brought to you one after another. I can't forget the experience. It was a pleasure. It was delightful. It was satisfying. 

Seafood platter

Ladies Market

We went to shop in the ladies market. It was like the ukay-ukay in Baguio or in Divisoria but has more branded shops. Shops were opened until 12midnight. People are literally found everywhere in the streets, it was really busy. There are street performers; stalls selling magazines, shirts, bags to souvenirs; restaurants and many more. If you're a shopaholic, you will definitely enjoy this place. Designer and branded clothes have big discounts on them. Bulk buying is also encourage to have more discounts. This place is a treasure. A haven for shopping addicts and people like me who is on a budget. 

The second morning comes and we just went around kowloon and enjoy the Hongkong diverse culture. We were told that we'll be having lunch in one of the most recognized chinese restaurants in Hongkong. Yung kee greeted us with delicious chinese dishes. I just found it weird, water in Hongkong seems to be an expensive necessity. They don't offer tap water, you have to buy water from them. We ordered evian as our drink, tried it for experience and found out that it no differs with any bottled water except for the elegant premium glass bottle packaging. 

Painted Street Signs

We rode the MTR going back to the hotel and went to the Avenue of stars in Kowloon. The area is filled with street performers, people who want to ride the star ferry and all the rest who just want to enjoy the scenic urban landscape of Hongkong. 

Fine clubbing @ SOSO

We rested and dressed up for our fine dining and fine clubbing experience. We had our dinner in Le Fauchon near the hotel. We had steak that oozes tenderness and juiciness and fine wines from france. We went straight to SOSO club, and got drunk and partied our night away.

Ocean Adventure

We spent our last day of stay in ocean park adventure. I love rides. If I would compare this to our Enchanted Kingdon or our very own star city; ours will be minuscule. Ocean adventure is huge and even requires you to ride a cable car or a train to go to the other side of the island. I recommend that you participate on all the rides, but be mindful if you have heart ailments and the likes.

The flash in Ocean Adventure

Busy street of Kowloon

We had the time of our lives. We got a chance to live a life of the Rich and Famous. We worked hard, but played harder. It won’t stop there. Success will find its way for the dreamers, but will always be given to those who work hard on it.

Bye Hongkong - Outside Marco Polo Gateway

Unfolding Tagaytay

View from Taal Volcano

If you want a near vacation spot or just a chill out place away from work and stress, Tagaytay is an ideal place to go to. It is approximately 56km from Manila and a steady 2-hour drive. Just take SLEX highway and take Sta. Rosa exit and then turn right after the toll gates.

Tagaytay Night Life at the Ridge

Before going to Tagaytay, you can stop by at Paseo de Roxas. Paseo de Roxas has outlet stores that sell cheaper merchandise in adidas, nike, speedo, dockers / levis and the likes. Dine in cafe breton or try the famous crispy dinuguan in kanin club. Don't forget to bring your windbreakers or your sweaters especially during cold seasons for Tagaytay brings chilly winds and weathers. 

Serenity on top of Taal Volcano

Tagaytay is almost no different from Baguio. Both almost have the same weather, things to do, even places to go and stay in. If you're on a tight budget, you could stay in cheap hotels scattered all around Tagaytay. There is one called Little Falls Inn. Rooms are simple but neat, it has air-condition and cable tv, and have heated showers.  There are hotels nearer to the Tagaytay Ridge where almost all the food chains are located. Try the Rivera hotel across Max's and RSM restaurants. The place looks a little old, but it does make your overnight stay A-OK, complete with big beds, big televisions, and big rooms. I recommend staying in Magallanes Square Hotel, just near the Rivera hotel. A little pricier than the two mentioned, but has the works, it includes free breakfast, LCD televisions, cozy modern rooms and bathrooms. 

Tagaytay - Taal View

After you choose your place to stay in, a rewarding lunch is deserved. You have a dozen of restaurants and carinderia to choose from. Try the fatty, sumptuous hot soup of bulalo in Green Ats located at the end of Tagaytay (the way to Nasugbu). Not only that you'll enjoy the bang for the bucks food here, but also the serene view of the Taal Lake. There are also a number of restaurants along the ridge where it's actually nice to chill, sit back and relax.  You also have options to do some leisurely activities like ride the zipline in picnic grove, horse back riding etc.

Taal Lake

Caleruega Church

Going to Tagaytay for a vacation will not be complete without going up the Taal volcano to see it's beautiful crater and a wonderful view from the top. The way to go to Taal is to drive down have to the Taal lake for half an hour. You need to rent a boat for about Php1,000 for four people to bring you back and forth. Upon arrival in the foot of Taal, you will pay for the toll of going to the crater. Locals will welcome you and offer horseback ride for Php600 / horse but if you have negotiation skills may bring it down to Php300. The journey to the top of the Taal mountain is roughly 5km. You will be needing a face mask because of the dust and stinky horse poops but I'm assuring you a peaceful feel when you get to the top.  If you're into seeing beautiful churches, you could do a visita de iglesia in Caleruega, The church is rustic, brick and stained glass made church. 

Sunset in Tagaytay

There are still much to say or share about Tagaytay. Best is for you to experience the journey. So fasten your seat belt and drive to Tagaytay. Enjoy! 

Summer Capital of the Philippines : Baguio City

For whatever reason, Baguio is called the "Summer Capital of the Philippines" maybe because of the sweet, cool, breezy weather or probably the wild palette of summer colors scattered around of greens and floras. All I know, Baguio is a place where you could cool off, relax and get those lost childhood memories back where everything was all about fun.

Baguio Sunset View @ the Manor Hotel

Baguio is located up north in Benguet Province approximately 260km from Manila. You could take NLEX whether from Balintawak exit or Mindanao Ave exit. Go straight to Dau exit and enter SCTEX then take Tarlac exit and follow the signs going to Baguio. You have 2 options going up from Urdaneta, either you take Kenon Road or Marcos Highway. Kenon road is a faster option but expect steep and narrow mountain roads. A Lion's Head is at the end of Kenon road where you could take photos and around 10-15mins you'll be in Baguio city proper. On the other hand, Marcos Highway has wider roads but might give additional 20-30mins in reaching the town proper. In my opinion and thru experience, I recommend taking Marcos Highway for less traffic and a safer trip.

Here are some of my tips on , Where to go,What to do, Where to eat and Where to shop in Baguio.

Baguio Manor Hotel

Baguio offers a lot of places to stay in, to visit and to chill around. You have options to choose places where you could stay that would fit a wide budget range. There are houses for rent or better known as transient houses where costs range from Php1000 and up. If budget permits, hotels are scattered around the town proper, namely Microtel, Igorot lodge, and many more. If you want premium, rustic, homey, and lodge feel place to stay, choose the Manor hotel located in Camp John Hay. Budget for the accommodation alone is around Php5,000 and up, so ready your pockets for an expensive stay.

Baguio Manor Hotel Restaurant

Wright Park

Lotus Flower in Chinese Temple

There are a numerous things to do when you're in Baguio. I would name a few that I know of and have been to. There is the Mansion and wright park where you could take photos as a souvenir and buy the most sought after strawberry taho. Take beautiful photos of floras, and scenic locations in the area.

You could spend an afternoon by boating or biking in Burnham park. And the experience would not be complete without shopping. You can shop your heart out in the famous ukay-ukay shops in the dry and wet market of Baguio central. Whether it would be 2nd hand usable and fashionable clothes or super cheap vegetables  and walis tambo for your home.  

Burnham Park

Walis Tambo in the Palengke

To top it off, make your vacation in Baguio worthwhile by helping the less fortunate by buying sweets in Goodsheperd, just a few steps away from Mines view park. Variety of sweets are offered by Goodsheperd Convent, from ube, strawberry jam to sweet supple crinkles. Not only will you help yourself unwind but also help a lot of less fortunate people. 

Enjoy the pines, the view, the weather and don't forget to HAVE FUN!