THAILAND

THAILAND

Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing 

That is what these monkey statues in Thailand represents. 

I would never forget that feeling. Because up until now, that is what most Filipinos are doing. We pretend that we hear nothing, see nothing and we end up not saying anything at all.

SHEPHERD'S GALLERY

SHEPHERD'S GALLERY

The heat is unbearable nowadays.  Our electric fans at home is always on because of the heat of summer.  

Solution? Go visit Baguio City where the weather is much cooler.

No wonder, people from Baguio is more kind.  Oh, this is my own observation so don't feel offended. Maybe, because they're more tolerant because of the weather condition there, 

One place we've visited the last time we were in Baguio is the Shepherd's Gallery inside the Good Shepherd compound. In the picture, I was standing at the viewing deck, where the view is breathtaking.  The view there made me appreciate God's beautiful creation. It is nature at its finest.

You could also see different work of arts at Shepherds Gallery. 

Admission is FREE.

#Travelonshoestring

ASIN, BENGUET: Bencab Museum

ASIN, BENGUET: Bencab Museum

One of the reasons why I love to travel is the art and culture of the places I visit.  I am a frustrated artist. I love to draw people and things when I was a small child. But my parents told me not to pursue my love for drawing because artists are generally poor. 

Sigh, to date, I am still poor and I am not even an artist. I should have followed my heart's desire and hone my drawing skills. Because if  am an artist and poor at least I got to do what I wanted to do in life.

Nowadays, Vloggers or video bloggers are the in thing to do. I still couldn't imagine myself talking to my camera every time I travel. Thus, the pose. What if I try to be a vlogger? Would you watch my youtube channel?

DO-IT-YOURSELF BORACAY

DO-IT-YOURSELF BORACAY

Yes, dear! It is doable. No need for you to pay more when you go on a trip to Boracay. This is what we always do whenever we visit the paradise island of Boracay.

Aircon Room accommodation for 3 days and 2 nights is only around Php800 per night per room located in Station 1. This very safe and clean inn is stone's throw away from Willy's Rock and just across Holy Rosary Church.

Two persons in one room 800 divided by two = Php 400 per night x 2 nights (3 days and 2 nights) Php 800.00

Andoks, Mang Inasal, etc., offer meals between 45 pesos to 102 per person. That means you can save a lot if you bring or cook your own food.

It is doable. Travel agencies always assure you that you got the best deals but the truth is, they got a lot of profit from your travel money/ fund. :-)

Airfare: Seat sale- Php 2,171.84 divided by 2= Php1,085.92 + 800= Php1,885.92 per person. (Fare is based on a mock booking for this year 2013 with no check in bags.)

NOTE: I am not connected with any hotel or sponsor.  This is based on my personal experience. This is the way you do it to save money.  

EBIKE: Budget Travel For Only Php10

Tricycles used to be the poor man's preferred mode of transportation.

Here comes ebikes or electric bicycle. The revolutionary bicycle change the now expensive trike fares in the country today.  

My fearless forecast : Soon, every Juan and Maria in the country would own one.

Not only because it doesn't need maintenance nor lubricants nor any expensive gasoline it cost only Php10 to charge it to its full capacity of around 80 kilometers. That is to and from Manila to somewhere in Cavite. Just imagine the savings you'll have. Recently, the different manufacturers were outsmarting one another by coming out with more features such as silent and hassle free features coupled with speed.as fast as 100 km/hr.  These recent models easily sits well in the different market across Europe. I hope they'll offer it here locally. I couldn't wait to try 'em all. 

PASIG FOOD TRIP: Kuya J Restaurant's Summer Sizzlers

Kuya J Filipino Restaurant has a newly opened branch just across Banco de Oro (BDO) at the ground level of SM Center Pasig which is near Tiendesitas.  Upon the invitation of a friend, my Kuya (brother) and I decided to check out this branch. It is good thing that the invitation came at a perfect time when I was craving for some Filipino food and cool dessert because of the scorching summer heat. 

A cool dessert always served as a sweet ending to hearty meal. This is a twist of the original Buco (Young coconut) Pandan recipe. Kuya J's refreshing twist of the infamous buco pandan dessert is called Creamy Mango Pandan which has an intense mango flavor. An order would only cost you Php80. This well-rounded dessert is good for 2 to 3 persons. Mango-Pandan #goodforhealth #foodporn #flavor #dessert #pastry 

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Well, that belief changed late last year when my brother and I encountered the delicious combination of coffee and cocoa-infused chocolate dessert at Kuya J Restaurant here in the Metro.

You could not deny the fact that coffee and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven. In an ode to the classic combo, Kuya J food development team created a unique dessert called Tablea Coffee Flan (Php85). 

This Batangas tablea-flavored flan with coffee caramel is topped with dried coconut meat and pieces of barquillos (crispy egg wafer sticks), which happened to be my childhood favorite snack!  Wonderfully delicious!  I'll definitely come back for more.  It comes across as eating something sinful but I super duper love it!  

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The traditional cooler Halo-halo (a popular Filipino dessert with mixtures of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans, jello and fruits) comes with a unique twist - the Fried Halo-halo (Php135) a la mode. 

Kuya J's version has ube (purple yam), white beans, young corn, nata de coco (a chewy, translucent, jelly-like foodstuff produced by the fermentation of coconut water), lanka (jackfruit) and butter beans stuffed in pastry wrapper and deep fried to give the halo-halo a warm take. Then it is topped with whipped cream and Vanilla Ice Cream.

A must try! 

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When it comes to Pinoy food, my barometer is the restaurant's version of Crispy Pata (deep fried pig trotters or knuckes). Crispy pata is one of the all-time favorite Filipino dishes served on special occasions in some Filipino households or even everyday in authentic Filipino restaurants.

Kuya J's Crispy Pata is crispy outside and very tender inside. The attendant sliced our crispy order in front of our very eyes. I think that is a cool idea because it gives somewhat a sense of assurance that your order is really one whole crispy pata, not less. When you hear it crack while being cut, you'll feel more confident that it is really freshly cooked. Its mouth-watering Crispy Pata is a must try! Outstanding in every sense of the word.  #PerfectPata #TheBestPataInMetroManilaToDate

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Sick and tired of the usual plain rice served in most restaurants? 

Don't worry! Kuya J has a lot of variations to the usual plain rice. 

I was so happy when they served us the very delectable Humba Binagoongan Fried Rice (P175), topped with bell peppers, red onions,  green mangoes and chopped binagoongang pork. Humba is a Visayan stewed pork dish similar to adobo while bagoong is a fish or shrimp paste condiment 

Bagoong rice is what I always ordered whenever I am in Thai restaurants. I love how the acidity from the strips of green mango cut through the saltiness of the shrimp paste. Filipino cuisine not being too far off from Thai, Kuya J's version is sneaky, the humba touches home base as the pork fat melts in my mouth.

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I am a picky eater when it comes to stews and braises. After eating a piece I am sure this is sure to appear on most if not all the tables of diners in Kuya J.

Beef Pochero Tagalog is a Filipino Stew similar to that of “Nilagang Baka“ (Beef Stew). This dish is complimented by the sweetness of saba banana. The unique sour blend and color is brought-in by the yummy tomato sauce. Aside from the tomato sauce and banana, the chorizo de Bilbao and chick peas are also part of the ingredients. Beef Pochero Tagalog brings out the delightful taste of our Spanish influence.

Kuya J's Beef Pochero is a very enticing dish. I enjoyed eating its pochero because of its yummy taste. It is best eaten warm along with white rice. 

Try Kuya J's version of Beef Pochero Tagalog and let me know what you think.

For appetizers, the Chorizo Dinamitas (stuffed chili pepper with chorizo), Lumpia Presko (fresh lumpia), Tokwa't Baboy (tofu and pork), Baked Scallops were laid out on our table. Whew! And that's just the appetizers.

Dalandan Beer

I also had a sample of their Dalandan Beer. I honestly don't like beer but this was a unique conconction that I don't want to pass up.  The dalandan provided a refreshing, zesty sensation with a hint of sweetness and apparent taste of beer. It's actually a nice match to the Sinuglaw and fried dishes.

Kuya J Restaurant serves delicious traditional Filipino dishes, so you're a complete disgrace to your own culture if you don't try its food offerings. Kuya J, just like my reliable Kuya, adapted regional local cuisine and added a different take on each dish. Cool, eh! 

The food is delicious and presented well at Kuya J's. Every item on the menu are well thought off by its Food Development Team (FDT) and approved by its stockholders. 

The orders are very large and very much worth the price. They also provide huge servings of rice and trust me it's more than enough to fill you up!  Service is always super friendly! All of their employees are quick, polite, and professional. The restaurant is well lighted and has a modern Filipino design plus comfortable seats.  I salute Kuya J restaurant for considering all the important details in the industry. 

FPJ'S ANG PROBINSYANO : The Escape Room Experience

ANG PROBINSYANO: The Escape Room Experience

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

There is a new business sweeping the Philippines called “Escape Room” that’s all the rage. I’ve been hearing about for a couple of years now. And finally I was able to try Left Behind Escape room earlier this afternoon. Thanks to Abs-Cbn Corp Communication for the invitation and for giving me a chance to experience the "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano"escape room.

As the name itself suggest, you have to escape from a room. There is a series of consecutive clues that will eventually lead you out of the room by entering a code or finding a key.

Intense. That's the word that best describes our "FPJ'S Ang Probinsyano" escape room experience earlier this afternoon, Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at the third floor of Vertis North Ayala Mall.

Byx, Jude, Richard, FPJ, Kate and I tried the latest escape room theme of "Ang Probinsyano". The first ever local theme escape room in the Philippines.

A total of 30 minutes were given to our team to escape and solve every obstacle inside the facility.   We had to act fast and act smart to solve and encode the correct password in order to escape from each room inside the facility.

Teamwork is the key to achieve the most coveted success. It is crucial to understand the instructions. We had to read and understand the clues as quick as possible. Each team member must cooperate and help one another. So every team members must follow instructions to the letter.  We had to race against a thirty minute clock. There is literally just too much information, numbers, and visual stimuli there to sort through it all in the time. They do that on purpose to lead you off track.

Sometimes, the answers are just simple and out in the open but people tend to complicate things. So what I can say is keep it simple. It’s a human tendency for us to overfocus entirely in one area of the room where all the ostentatious stuff is happening and miss the other parts.

Time flies when you're having fun.  The "Ang Probinsyano" Escape room experience is really fun that you would be wanting to come back for more.  

Guys and gals and all of you in between, you ought to try the "Ang Probinsyano" escape room theme with your family or friends real soon so your picture could be displayed on the wall as one of the 30% who succeeded in this game. And who knows, Cardo Dalisay might surprise you and cast you as one of his crews. Lol.

Do you want your whole gang's (barkada) picture hanging on that wall of the groups who succeeded? Go for it, try the new theme offering of "Left Behind."

Birthday celebrants get to enter for free as long as you're accompanied by 3 to 5 full paying guests.

Weekdays Php350/head
Weekends Php450/head

Left Behind the great escape
3rd Floor
Vertis North Ayala Mall

There are a ton of fun stuff about the "ang Probinsyano"Escape Room that I’d love to tell you but I would spoil parts of it if I do. Should I write another article with Spoilers? What are your thoughts on this whole thing? Let me know in the comments below.

Create Memories: Win a free trip to Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Tokyo!

Join the BIC Amazing Asia Getaway!

Much can be said about Asia. Prosperous and diverse culture, sprawling fields and oceans, glorious feasts of sumptuous food…but let’s talk about three of the most popular destinations this continent has to offer.

Photo from https://www.webuildvalue.com/en/global-economy-sustainability/seoul-a-megacity-on-a-human-scale.html

Our neighbor and a top-of-the-mind choice for quick weekend getaways, Hong Kong is a small but adventure-packed country that attracts travelers all over the world. Of course, there are the favorites—Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, and the breathtaking view at The Peak—but there is also something to be said about the richness of their culture. Temples are copious in this country, so go on a mesmerizing trip to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery, home to hundreds of life-size, gilded and unique Buddha statues. Then, visit the locals’ go-to place for bargain hunts, Mong Kok Ladies’ Market, a haven for cheap clothes, gadgets and souvenirs. Come nightfall, take a stroll down Temple Street Night Market where you’ll find a lively street bazaar with hundreds of pop up stalls selling all sorts of things and a dizzying array of local street food. And if you’re up for it, party hard at Lan Kwai Fong, which boasts of over a hundred bars, restaurants, and nightlife joints. Whether you’re up for stylish wine pairings of ludicrous jelly shots, the steep street will ensure you a good time.

Photo from https://www.roadaffair.com/best-things-to-do-in-bangkok/

They may be known for traffic jams, but the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, is an opulent and incredibly fascinating destination. Explore the Bangkok via the city’s iconic 3-wheel ride, Tuk Tuk. They say the best place to find the best food in Thailand like Pad Thai and Tangy Som Tam is on the streets where all locals eat. The most popular attraction here is the Grand Palace which was once the king’s home. Travelers must also not miss a visit to Wat Pho where the world-famous Reclining Buddha can be found. Experience the renowned Bangkok Puppet Show that tells a classic folk tale backed by live orchestra music, made more magnificent by the skilled craftsmanship that went into the making of the props. Bangkok is also known as a shopping haven- with Chatuchak Market leading the roster. It houses over 8,000 stalls and 27 acres of space, making it one of the largest markets in the world. Every item imaginable can be found here at bargain and local prices. And where else can you experience a traditional Thai massage as done well as the country that it originated from? There are many parlors and local spas that could renew your energy and relax your body after a day well-spent traveling.

Photo from https://japan-magazine.jnto.go.jp/en/special_toto03.html

Last but definitely not the least, a place that is probably on top of everyone’s bucket list, the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan. Others would prefer to walk Tokyo’s streets and feel as though they’re in a video game, always buzzing with activity and running into animated characters. Others prefer the calmer side of Tokyo—its temples, museums, and serene gardens. Either way, the city has a place for every type of traveler. Revel in the madness of Shibuya crossing; eat at the best and first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant in the world, Tsuta Tokyo; catch the latest trends and indulge in style at Harajuku; snap a photo with the beautiful cherry blossoms; stand upon the city’s tallest tower, Tokyo Skytree, and see through its glass floors; take a trip down history to the Imperial Palace, home to the Emperor of Japan; and, if you have time, make your way to Osaka and get lost in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Already dreaming? Don’t fret! All of these wonderful destinations can be within your reach with the BIC Amazing Asia Getaway Promo! From now until November 20, 2018, all you need to do is buy BIC lighters at any 7-11 convenience stores and you’re already on your way to scoring round trip tickets for two to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Tokyo! Also up for grabs to make your trip more memorable are four heavy-duty Samsonite luggage and ten Grab vouchers worth Php 5,000 each.
This promo is available in 7-11 stores nationwide so don’t let time pass you by! Grab BIC Lighters’ once-in-a-lifetime promo, now!

To join, just purchase any two (2) BIC Lighters at any 7-Eleven store and have your CLiQQ Card or App Barcode scanned before payment. For every 2 pieces bought of the same items, you will earn on (1) or two (2) e-raffle entries. Winners will receive round trip tickets for 2 to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Bali, Taipei, and Seoul, plus more exciting prizes! For inquiries and full promo mechanics, you may contact customercare@7-eleven.com.ph or visit www.facebook.com/BicLighterPhilippines