A Food Trip around DLSU Taft with Avida Land #AvidaFoodHunt

I studied at one of the universities at the northern part of Metro Manila, so Taft Avenue looked like a strange land to me after I graduated. I have always wondered how it would have felt like to study at one of the prominent educational institutions around the Manila area, and I also wondered what gastronomic adventures I would have also experience with a limited budget as a student there. Good thing I was invited to participate at Avida Land's Food Hunt. Together with some of food blogger and enthusiasts, we were taken to some of the best restaurants around Taft that surely to reminded us of our college days. Hayyyy oh college life!

The Seven Falls of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

South Cotabato has proven to be one of Mindanao's best kept secrets that is now aggressively gaining popularity. After our adventure at Lake Holon at T'boli, we were headed for Lake Sebu to see more of what the province has to offer. The mountain town of Lake Sebu, also famous for its three lakes: Lake Sebu, Lake Seloton and Lake Lahit, is also home to the indigenous T'boli community . Aside from that, it also boasts of various natural treasures: lush forests and plantations, placid lakes, rivers and waterfalls that will surely prove to be worthwhile to visit.

One of the seven waterfalls of Lake Sebu, this lovely sight will greet you after a refreshing zipline ride

Lakes of Lake Sebu: Lake Sebu, Lake Seloton, Lake Lahit

While we were doing our itinerary for this trip in Lake Sebu, we encountered something that utterly confused us, why are other we encountering names of other lakes that are in Lake Sebu? Does it mean there are a number of lakes within Lake Sebu? Lake within a lake? Parang na-Inception lang! :P Turns out, there are actually three lakes in Lake Sebu, and that Lake Sebu is not just a lake, but the name of a town. First off, the biggest one which the town is named after, Lake Sebu, the secoond biggest one, Lake Seloton, and last, Lake Lahit. Even though the rain did not show any signs of stopping on our first day here, we still braved to see these wonderful lakes with our trusted skylab drivers.

Finally, sunny morning at Lake Sebu

#Throwback: Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, Quezon

It was my first summer of being a "corporate slave" last May of 2011 and I was itching to go somewhere. After my first solo out of town trip to witness a passion play of Jesus' crucifixion at San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga, I was psyched to do more solo explorations. Being a loyal lurker at Pinoyexchange forums, I joined a big group of travelers who were planning to head there for a day trip. Since there were almost fifteen joiners of the tour, it turned out I will only need to shell out less than 350 pesos for round trip transportation from Manila to Lucban. There was no way in hell that I could turn down this opportunity.

Welcome to Pahiyas... 2011! (Time travel? lol)

Love at first sight at Lake Holon, T'boli, South Cotabato

Our trip to T'boli was something we planned almost last minute. We only knew about this place while drafting our itinerary for Surigao del Sur and Lake Sebu. We would never have seen this beauty if not for those wonderful blog posts and pictures posted around the Internet so we were actually enticed and dared to travel to the remote community of Sitio Nabol. The trek to Lake Holon would be less special if not for the T'boli locals who made sure we enjoy the whole experience and have also shared their culture, home and smiles with us.

birds eye view of Mt. Parker and Lake Holon - define lovely!!! (photo credit: Len Marcelo Jingco ChoosePhilippines)

Traveling to T'boli, South Cotabato and a treat at Sarse's Paradise Resort

After our trip to Surigao del Sur, we were off to our next destination which was South Cotabato. Frankly, going there wasn't the smartest choice. The distance from Surigao to South Cotabato would take us half to whole day of commute, and distance wise, it would have been better if we went to Davao instead. But after seeing pictures of Lake Sebu and Lake Holon, we were determined to go there before year 2013 ends.

pretty lotus flowers in full bloom

Tinuy-an Falls: Pride of Bislig, Surigao del Sur

Our second day at Surigao del Sur was a bit jam-packed, though we had enough time to appreciate the beauty of Enchanted River of Hinatuan and see the passion for toys and food by the married couple Willimans at Ocean View Park at Bislig, we were soon at a habal-habal ride for our last stop at this province, Tinuy-an Falls. It was a bit bittersweet to have our tour of the province end soon as we were juggling with a tight schedule, but I am glad I was able to fit all the highlights of Surigao del Sur within two days.

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur

Surigao del Sur's Britania Group of Islands

It was such a delight of having been able to finally make my Mindanao trip come true. After planning for some trips that did not push through due to work constraints, my 8-day trip to this region this December finally took place. We booked a trip going to Butuan as me and my companions wanted to see Enchanted River, and the easiest way in is via Bancasi Airport. Upon doing some research, I found out that Surigao del Sur has lots to offer other than the pristine river, so I made plans to make our first two days dedicated to Surigao del Sur, and our first stop was at Britania Group of Islands located in Barangay Britania, San Agustin.

Britania, Surigao del Sur

Labor Day Weekend 2013 at Boracay

My first two labor weekends as an office employee has been very menial. I am used to taking long vacations and frankly, one day simply isn't enough. So finally, me and some friends from office booked a four-day trip to the island of Boracay. Everyone on the group admits that it was their first time going to the island so we were all so excited even months before the trip. Labor day = perfect time to get away from the stress from work!

Sunset at Boracay

Jjimjilbang in Manila: Lasema Spa and Sauna

Ever since I posted my jjimjilbang experience in Jeju, I got several inquiries from some Pinoys on how they could see or experience this sauna that has its roots from Korea. I didn’t reply at first because I wasn’t aware if there are jjimjilbangs in Manila, but luckily, one day, as I was browsing on coupon sites for a good deal on Mother’s day, I chanced upon Lasema’s promo in Ensogo priced for 495 pesos that includes massage, jjimjilbang and sauna usage. I snagged a deal for the whole family for a nice relaxation day at this one of a kind sauna.

the jjimjilbang outfit (complete with the "lamb" towel) :)

Baguio City's Panagbenga 2013 Photoblog

I am a big fan of festivals, it shows a lot about the culture of the place and how much effort locals exert to keep it alive. One of those festivals that I have been meaning to see ever since I was a kid was Baguio City's Panagbenga Festival which is being held every February. Good timing that my high school friend invited me to join her friends to experience this one of a kind tradition.

Panagbenga or in English, Flower Festival, is Baguo city's month-long annual festival that features the beautiful flowers being harvested at the Summer capital of the Philippines. The famous point of the festival is during the third weekend of the month wherein there is a street dance and float parade. Both parades are being accompanied by marching bands that plays lively tunes and different sets of colorful costumes and lively dance numbers from the participants. The festival is also being broadcasted on a local channel for those who don't want to exert effort on going to Session Road.

Panagbenga 2013!

Commuting from Trinoma to DMIA Airport and Clark Airport Lounge

I have been meaning to book flights coming from Clark, most especially the international ones, as the fare is usually cheaper and the airport is closer to where I live.

The opportunity came when AirAsia finally "landed" its way to the Philippines. I was able to book two flights that will depart at Clark DMIA, Pampanga and though the airport was close to our city, I never really had the chance to commute going there, so I looked for convenient and cheap ways on commuting to Clark airport.

Trinoma Clark Airport Lounge

Buffet 101: International Cuisine (Review)

My whole family loves to eat. (Who doesn't anyway?!) We always find time to bond together by discovering new restaurants that will fulfill our cravings and satisfy our taste buds. For my parents' 23rd wedding anniversary, I decided to give them (including my younger sister too) a special treat and took them to Buffet 101 for a very sumptuous and special lunch.

Buffet 101 is conveniently located at San Miguel by the bay, just at the back of SMX Convention Center and is also beside MOA's ferris wheel. Vikings, a similar buffet-style restaurant, is also located at the same strip.