Back to Boracay....

It's Boracay, not Bora, as the sign in Red Pirates Pub said. Surely, Boracay is one of a kind and should not be confused with any other island. Boracay is unique, it has its own culture, customs and traditions. Not quite Pinoy, with a mix of European, American and lately a smattering of Korean influence, but definitely Pinoy.

Boracay has always been magical to SH and me. Her first plane ride was to this place, to celebrate our 15th year of being together. The kids' first plane ride was also to this paradise. And memories of this will forever be etched in our minds as a loving, gentle and tranquil place.

Boracay Beach during habagat season. image courtesy of SH

Had the chance to visit again early this month. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative. Habagat was in full swing and strong gusts of wind and occasional rain showers in the afternoon made the most popular aqua activities an unattractive activity. But still, it did not diminish the beauty of the place. In fact, it made for a more adventurous ambiance for the island instead of the traditional tourist trappings. Luckily for us, we were billeted in a great hotel in Station 3, Boracay Sands. The staff were really friendly and accommodating and the facilities were nothing short of first class. It really made our stay in Boracay worth it, notwithstanding the uncooperative weather.

Facade of Boracay Sands in station 3.

nice room. 101 Boracay Sands

Pool/courtyard of Boracay Sands

We also got to experience the different experiences that the island had to offer. SH and I purposely avoided the traditional tourist traps as much as we could and tried to create the unique island experience. One such place, which is a lore to bloggers, is Red Pirates Pub.

Pubs Signage

the bar @ Red Pirates

Located on the far reaches of Station 3, here one could still enjoy the non-commercial Boracay nightlife and if you are lucky enough (such as we), find yourself in an impromptu acoustic jam session.

Besides this, the main reason why we came back was for me and SH to rediscover and nurture our love.So in spite of the uncooperative weather, we made the most of what was given and savored the experience together. Truly, Boracay will  always remain special.

Entangled legs by Boracay beach

*photos and lay out courtesy of Kathy Sulit

Dinosaurs in a digital world...

We are riding the crest of another schism that will forever change the way our species exist in our planet. The internet has changed man's lifestyle in such a short span of time that what our kids take for granted now would seem impossible a couple of years ago. If you would tell me ten years ago that I could not go out of my home without my phone, I would tell you then that you must be out of your mind! or that bringing along a camera and taking pictures of almost anything would seem the normal thing to do.
Such is the wonders of technology that  camera film (whats that?)  is becoming obsolete and keeping in touch with family and friends are now only fingertips aways. The web has surely made our world a smaller place and the ease of communication it brings has trashed age old business models. Why pay costly long distance charges when you can chat or skype?  who now remembers the telex and shortly in the future, the fax machine? Broadcasting has taken a new form and streaming is slowly becoming the norm. The name of the game is adapting and as is usually the case, established giants and the bureaucracy are the ones who don't want to step out of their comfort zones.
I unfortunately, work for one such organization. I work in a computerized and web enabled environment, but we have failed to fully realize the potential of it. One example is that  we do not have an in house email system where communications such as memos or drafts of reports would be sent electronically via mail .Only final outputs should be printed, anyway the soft copy or digital records will always be stored.  I could just imagine how many trees would be saved if only we did this.  Unfortunately, we walk among dinosaurs who pay lip service to the language of technology but has not yet  grasped fully its potential. We have automated our systems and made it online transaction capable in compliance of the e commerce act but at the expense of sacrificing the efficiency of service that we provide. What good is technology if the end result is an inefficient organization that increased red tape? Even with the most expensive machines, what previously took 1 day and 7 people to accomplish now takes 3 days and 20 plus people and has virtually spawned a cottage industry of service providers within the vicinity of the office. So much for competitiveness.
Technology and change should be embraced and learned so as to know how best to utilize it in order to make  things easier. It sure is great to sound impressive with technocratic lip service and flashy statistics but ultimately, the proof of the computing is in the using.

AMBULA....lalala...

During times when we are tired or just plain lazy to cook, take out food is the solution to my broods needs. Luckily for us, restaurants and take out counters are a plenty in our vicinity. After many misses and near hits, my honey and i chanced upon this restaurant which was almost always full during dinner time.Surely they must be doing something good to attract such a number of loyal customers. So one day, we tried it out.

Ambula is a typical pinoy eatery with ready to eat viands ala turo turo style. What sets it apart is that they also offer ala cart  selections. So one has the best of both worlds, in a rush, just point to a viand that you like and your meal is there in a flash. Want your food hot sand freshly cooked? no problem, just order from the many choices in their menu.

food choices @ Ambula food cart

One item that has caught me and my honey's fancy is the sinigang na ulo ng salmon. We almost always order this from them. Although both of us are not really fish eaters, we found this perfect when craving for hot soup specially during rainy nights.personally, I found this better than the original ulo ulo at the back of Veterans Hospital and the price is just right for the budget.  We always pair our order of this with their lechon kawali. This sets makes a perfect meal for us.

While waiting for our food, I saw some of the other ala cart choices and I found most of it interesting and worth trying like thier freshly cooked katsudon and other rice toppings. I have also had the chance to order their kare kare and found it ok. Not great but also not so bad. But hey, for 50 bucks you wouldnt expect barrio fiesta. Located along Maginhawa St. in Teachers village, which is slowly becoming a food strip for the neighborhood and UP campus, Ambula satnds out and  provide a no frills value for money dining experience. It is worth coming back to.

backwards incompatability!

Our office just recently put restrictions on internet access.The reason cited was that open access was taking up valuable bandwidth thus resulting in less than favorable performance of our in house application systems. But even  after restrictions were put into place, there was no noticeable improvement in the performance of our systems. What does that tell us? That there are no shortage of idiots in the office? A simple study of our IT and network infrastucture would show that our systems passes through a dedicated line (leased line) different from our internet which passes through a different one. So theoretically, one line would not have a bearing on the other. There goes the bandwidth defense.
Knowing this basic set up, a competent network manager would study other points of traffic to solve the congestion. And it is almost always not about the bandwidth, it's the "throughput" stupid, the ease in which data transfer occurs. We can have the biggest bandwidth available but if our internal network is full of fault points, congestion will always be the end result.
Putting restrictions on internet runs contrary to the very concept of it. The net is the new global arena and social networking sites such as facebook and twitter are some of its biggest players. These sites may have started as social interaction pages but has evolved into a global marketplace of sorts. It is now being used as a business, political and marketing tool even by some government agencies such as dti and pnp and even by our President. I am glad that they realized its potential but doubly sad that our office do not. Change is the only constant in this world, and adapting to change is a must, lest we go the way of dinosaurs, extinct. I just hope that our bosses wake up from their jurrasic slumber and see the light, not drag the whole office towards it.

bloggingcaloy: straight from the mouth of babes...hoping for a better Phils. for them...

bloggingcaloy: straight from the mouth of babes...hoping for a better Phils. for them...

straight from the mouth of babes...hoping for a better Phils. for them...

Yesterday, while driving home from mass, we chanced upon a traffic accident. It was fairly recent and the police has just arrived. When my youngest daughter, Fiona, saw the policemen, she told me to hurry up because she was afraid of policemen. To say I was surprised by this is an understatement. At a young age of 6, she already has a negative impression of our supposed protectors of society. It hit me that the symbols of government in the Philippine streets have such a tainted image that kids don't want anything to do with them. In fact, upon further reflection, I also don't want anything to do with them of for any other people in uniform for that matter. And I work for a national government office!
I remember being out on the streets of Quezon City when (typhoon) Ondoy struck. And the most distinctive impression I had then was that at that time, there was no government. It was the people helping each other. No road signs, no advisories, no MMDA personnel to direct traffic. What we had was the citizens helping other citizens cross flooded streets, rescuing trapped people, offering food and shelter to less fortunate people. Where were the people in uniform?
Yet in every heinous crime or gruesome accident, the people in uniform take center attention.It does not help that it is very hard to distinguish on sight who is the criminal and who is the authority. Seeing a traffic enforcer of the Metro Manila Development Authority or any local government does not bring the comfort of a thought that the traffic will move smoother but evokes memories of predators waiting for prey. Of them waiting for someone to make the slightest infraction so as to make a buck.
These people have their work cut out for them. It would take generations to correct this image. I just hope that this thoughts reach them and start to affect them. That deep inside there is still a glimmer of idealism that the dream to put on the uniform was not motivated by the need to make a quick buck but to be a protector of society. I still believe, for the sake of my kids....

bloggingcaloy: Re-discovering the City of Pines....

bloggingcaloy: Re-discovering the City of Pines....

Re-discovering the City of Pines....

BAGUIO STRAWBERRIES!

Baguio City has long been considered the summer capital of the Philippines. Many a childhood summer memory is reminisced with carefree days in Baguio, taking in the cool air and pine fragrance that permeates the place. Who would not remember going "boating" and biking in Burnham park or horseback riding in Wright park, and visiting mines view park? But unfortunately, due to the development of other tourist destinations and overdevelopment, the city has slowly lost its standing as the country's summer capital. Or so i thought.

Session rd. after an afternoon downpour, cleansing

Got a chance to go up to the mountains recently to do some soul searching and came back with much more than my soul. To truly appreciate Baguio, one has to lose sense of time, to think of carefree days and appreciate the laid back pace of the place. When going up, think of Zen, of breakfasts at 1 pm or coffee at 1 am. Forget about the beer (it will only make you pee) and think about the wine or much stronger spirits.

piping hot sinigang na bagnet served with steaming rice

Session road is the lifeline of the city. While the development of SM  Baguio shifted much of the commercial activity there, Session still perseveres and its nook and crannies still offers pleasant surprises. It boasts of a wide array of restaurants that contributes to a unique experience. During a stroll, me and my honey chanced upon a restaurant with a unique name, Solibao Restaurant. The menu had a lot of sizzling choices but one dish caught our eye instantly. We ordered it without hesitation and found it be as good as we hoped it to be. We found Solibao's sinigang na bagnet perfect food during a chilly and rainy Baguio afternoon. Other establishments abound that is unique to the place and is as much as an institution there that Session would not be  the same without it.

Pizza Volante going head to head with an industry giant. 

yummy pizza!

Going up Session, a fairly new landmark has created an impact on the city, SM Baguio is unique as it is the only SM mall that does not use airconditioning but instead blend an architectural design to fully maximize the strengths of its environment. Its viewdeck offers a spectacular panorama of the city.

Baguio cathedral as seen from SM

                                      

My Honey and I opted to forgo the usual tourist thing and decided to explore the city by foot and by jeep. Off we went to Baguio market to have a feel of the city. It's vegetable and flower sections are truly amazing and affords one a vibrant feel and unique perspective of upland life.

going up Baguio market

whatta beans!?

Vegetables galore!

Baguio brooms

This trip not only provided a refreshing break but also provided a unique perspective on the city of Pines. It may have lost its standing as the summer capital to bora.  but to Me and my Honey,  Baguio offers a truly relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and will always be our sanctuary. We will surely come back.

How to  get there: Victory liner cubao offers hourly trips from Cubao station to Baguio. Once there, taxis abound so its easy to get around. Most of the drivers are honest and charge only by the meter. Accomodations  is also not a problem as there are many choices available ranging from Five star accomodations to transient houses. 

bloggingcaloy: food tripping in the city of smiles!

bloggingcaloy: food tripping in the city of smiles!

food tripping in the city of smiles!

Had a chance to visit bacolod again last weekend and again returned gastronomically satisfied. My brother, moved there a couple of years ago and is truly at home there. He served as our guide as we experienced the culinary experience that is Bacolod.

First stop was lunch at Lord Byrons. Here they serve pound per price the best baby back ribs in the country. Succulently tender, roasted just right and with his own special sauce. Byrons ribs could surely put some of the supposedly high end ribs place to shame. Every order, which costs 110, comes with atchara and java rice. This is a must try for every visitor to Bacolod. Too bad my camera's battery had run out and I was not able to take a picture. The restaurant itself is  nondescript, just a hut tucked in a corner of a quiet neighborhood but it adds to the experience. Also, in my opinion bbq ribs should be served and eaten hot and al fresco so that di "magsebo" and maumay". This makes its location ideal.  Byrons is located in Homesite,Bacolod City.

Next stop was Calea cakes branch beside L' Fisher hotel. Now, this is one pastry shop which does not scrimp on its ingredients and one can really taste the difference. This local pastry/coffee shop should really venture out and conquer the Philippines. They would surely give the more established high end shops a run for thier money.

Now eating in Bacolod would not be complete if you do not try chicken inasal. This is roasted chicken, Bacolod style. Where better to partake of this delicacy than in the aptly named Manukan country. This is a restaurant strip of different joints offering thier take on Chicken inasal. As per the suggestion of my bro, Aida's is the place to go. The norm here is to follow the age old practice of eating chicken by hand. Now who would argue with that. Luckily, the place provided for a hand washing area. One might find the environs basic or primitive but to me it lends credence to the aura of how Chicken inasal, that wonderful chicken bacolod should be eaten!

The next day, I eagerly awaited dinner for Pala-pala was our destination for dining. This is the seafood station of Bacolod. Located beside a market just next to the wharf and the sea, this makes sure that one gets the freshest catch of the day. Again on the recommendation of the bro, we went to Hyksos tulahan and again, there was no cause for regrets.

Hyksos has a friendly and accomdating staff and judging from the patrons, also has a huge following. Now, did i mention earlier that the food was divine? If not, it is. here are some of our orders.

Kinilaw na taniguige sa gata , prawns in chili garlic sauce and (upper) tortang alimango.

steamed fish.

grilled scallops in lemon butter sauce

Sizzling blue marlin

These are just a sample of what the city has to offer. judging from what Iv'e experienced, Bacolodnons really appreciate fine food and I would surely like to go back and discover the rest of what the city has to offer. Namits gid!

Whats Panduquit gotta do with it....

The Capones islets in Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. We went here for our departmental teambuilding last year. The opening of the Subic Clark Tarlac expressway (SCTEX) has opened a tremendous opportunity for tourism for the region. What was previously a 4- 5 hour gruelling  drive over various towns and unkept roads  has been shortened to a 2 1/2 - 3 hour leisurely drive over arguably one of the countrys' best roads.

 Aside from driving, it is easily accessible by bus and tricycle. Iv'e read from other blogs that Victory liner stops by the market of San Antonio and it only takes a tricycle ride to reach Brgy. Pundaquit. There are plenty of resorts to choose from. We stayed at Jim's which is not beachfront but only a short walk away from the surf. Accomodations are basic, no first class stuff but still for the price (2000 per aircon room which accomodated  3 adults and 2 children) is ok enough. The combination of the mountains, the sea and the islets more than makes up for this. Besides we went there not for the accomodation but for the Pundaquit experience and we were comfortable enough.

The next day, we ventured out to explore the islets. We got a banca for 700 pesos roundtrip to and from the Islets. I tried to hide my apprehension since I found the banca a little too small for comfort considering I was with my family then. Iv'e heard that there are more professional banceros with bigger boats to choose from there. Luckily, we went first thing in the morning since the waves were not yet that big

After a brief ride we reached the islet of Capones. Now this is as closest to survivor Philippines as can be. It was quite an experience feeling like having a whole islet to yourself. Again, next time I'll bring more water or juice and some snacks since there are no extablishments on the islet. Just first class nature.

We did a little exploring and had fun at the beach of Capones islet. The other side had a light house that I was hoping to explore but having 3 kids w/me made me think twice. The boatman told me that the waves were rougher on the other side since it faced the open sea. We just enjoyed exploring and swimming in what we considered our own little island .

accomodations for 1 @ Capones island.

An overnight stay was too short a time to explore all that Pundaquit has to offer. Anawangin cove is a different adventure and hopefully next time I will be able to visit and share my experience. Some of my group chose to take that route and luckily was able to snap this picture.

I hope to come back and spend a little more time in the future. Hopefully the local officials and the stakeholders do it right and develop Pundaquit into a tourist friendly eco tourism zone. Who knows, with its proximity to Manila, Pundaquit will become the newest and hottest vacation spot for the Philippines.

bloggingcaloy: Club Balai Isabel weekend @ Talisay, Batangas....

http://cly088.blogspot.com/2010/03/club-balai-isabel-weekend-talisay.html

Club Balai Isabel weekend @ Talisay, Batangas....

For those who were born in the sign of water and its there that you do your best, and the albatross and the whale they are your brother. When you have that beach urge but the suf is just too far away, the next best thing would be the lake, and the cleanest one near Manila is Taal lake. located at the foothills of Tagaytay in Batangas province,  Taal is famous not only for its lake and island volcano but also for its delicious seafood that abound in the area. I can attest to taals' tilapia as among the best there is. Then there is tawilis and the maliputo, arguably some of the best tasting fresh water fish around.

The nearest jump off point to the lake is the town of Talisay. At first glance, Taal seems like a typical rural town but then first impressions could be decieving. Hidden behind the facade are resorts a-plenty offering some of  the best the lake can offer. Club Balai Isabel is one of the newest resorts in Talisay. It as a membership/time sharing leisure club that is also open to the public (albeit at a higher price I suppose). It offers first class accomodations. The room at the lakeside villa that we stayed in had a 48 " lcd tv w/cable, kitchenette, hot and cold shower, 2 double beds, a/c and a prepaid wifi connection (cards available at the business center).

It has an infinity pool that has a splendid view of the lake.

It also has a lakeside area that is great for outdoor events and perfect for weddings.

The resort also offers amenities such as shuttle service within the sprawling grounds, water sports, lake tours and boasts of a floating restaurant which it calls the moby deep. Unfortunately during our stay, it was under maintenance. 

 During our stay, we opted to sample the local cuisine and found this little restaurant that offers fine food. Milan Restaurant along the national hi- way proved to be a wonderful discovery. This  plus the relaxing ambiance of the resort truly made for a relaxing weekend.

How to get there:

A.) take the south luzon expressway, exit at farthest point and take the Batangas exit. follow the road to star toll way, exit at Tanauan, turn right  then follow the signs along the national hi-way.

B. ) From Tagaytay, right at the talisay-tagaytay road (zig-zag and steep road), at the end of the road turn left to Talisay town proper.  

gastronomic detour

We were on our way to Club Balai Isabel at Talisay, Batangas, but traffic at south luzon expresswat being the way it is turned what was supposed to be a 2 hour drive into a 3 hour marathon of sorts. So instead of going straight to our destination we stopped by Paseo Sta. Rosa for a much needed pitstop. The time being close to lunch hour, we decided to have lunch at KANIN CLUB.. But before that we explored the environs of the place. above is a picture of my three girls posing by the SPEEDO outlet shop there.

by some stroke of luck, we got to kanin club just after they opened, I think we were the third batch of  customers, because by 11:30, the place was already beggining to get packed.  The place must be doing something well in order to get that many customers. We ordered the house specialty, Crispy Dinuguan. This is a take on the classice filipino dish but with a speacial twist, instead of regular pork, they used crunchy lechon kawali as the main ingredient. The texture of the meal changed dramatically although i found the dish to be a a little on the bland side. next time i'll ask for some fish sauce to go with it.
Another of our order was the crispy liempo strips. this makes for a wonderful appetizer or better yet pica pica food. there are 3 different dip choices to cater to one's tastes

The hands down favorite  was the crab omellete. although i  would have preferred it to be a little bit more over easy, it had the perfect sweet and salty combination that makes it perfect partner for a steaming bowl of rice!

Now who says that manila has a monopoly of fine dining to offer.And at around P 850 (hey its not fastfood!)for 3 viands, 3 iced tea (big serving!) and rice. It's not too heavy on the wallet The Kanin Club @ Paseo ( I think they already have a branch at UP Technohub) by itself makes the drive worthwile.