Sunday, November 27, 2011

Side Trip: Tagaytay, Mushroom Burger, Green ATS

Jai and I celebrated our pre-valentine and monthsary in advance in Tagaytay. It’s our first time to go out of town via public transportation. We decided to meet in Starmall where there were shuttles bound for Tagaytay, we paid 120.00 each and left around 11:00 am (I think) and arrived around quarter to 2:00 pm. The shuttle dropped us off in a public market where there are jeepneys going to Picnic Grove. I asked a fellow passenger if it would take long before we reach Picnic Grove, he told us it will only take a while. When we finally reached Picnic Grove we were surprised that he got off with us too and told us “ako bahala sa inyo”, usually you have to pay P50.00/person upon entering Picnic Grove but we got in for FREE because he told the guard that we were his nieces, he turned out to be  a horse taker. Although it was cheating, it was nice of him to help us out. We were very lucky that day. Strolling inside the park was nostalgic, I and Jai used to have field trips in Tagaytay. I clearly remember the first time I rode a horse, the horse’s name was Benetton #08, I tried to look for him but he wasn’t there. The reason why we went there was to try the newest attraction – the zipline. It gave a little adrenaline boost while both holding hands gliding over trees and feeling the cool breeze. I think it was a bit expensive for P300.00/person (one way) and comes with a souvenir photo but it was worth the experience. I now look forward to riding longer ziplines (with Jai of course).

Another trip we took was to People’s Park in the Sky, I think we only paid 10.00-20.00/person. It was relatively cheap for the nice view and great photos we got. There were a lot of people that time and all were enjoying the view. You can see Tagaytay Highlands and Taal Volcano from there. An unusual sight was the pineapple cave that looked like spongebob’s house, I felt like I was in bikini bottom. You can also have a massage by the overlooking view, but we didn’t avail of this because we were both very ticklish.

Now, for the interesting part…FOOD TRIP!

Three Sisters Halo-Halo
The sun was up that day and despite the cool breeze the heat of the sun was burning and making us uncomfortable. We knew it was time to eat HALO-HALO! We passed by Three Sisters and bought one for P50.00. Yummy! The perfect refresher! Budget: P50.00/person

Mushroom Burger
A famous burger joint in Tagaytay because of its unique burger made from fresh mushroom and beef. I ordered the Mushroomburger Royal while Jai had the Mushroomburger King, prices were reasonable. I liked my order, I can taste the mushroom mixed well with the beef. Jai wasn’t satisfied with his burger; it lacked taste and was not “sulit”. Budget: P100.00/person                                      
Green ATS Bulalo
Jai’s friend, Ian, recommended this place. He claimed it to be the best bulalo in Tagaytay (based on Jai’s story). It was raining around dinner time and the timing for hot soup was just right. We find the menu a bit expensive for us because we were a little short on budget but nevertheless we did not pass up the chance eating here. We ordered Bulalo, Inihaw na liempo (one of Jai’s favorite), 4 cups of rice, 2 softdrinks and the adventure dish - Lumpiang Buko. It’s obvious that we enjoyed our meals; both of us had to order extra rice! The lumpiang buko was delicious, at first we hesitated ordering this because it’s kinda weird and unusual but we definitely made the right choice. Our total bill was P700.00 plus. Quite expensive but definitely worth it! Budget: P200.00-P300.00/person

We went back to Manila via bus and found out that it was cheaper and faster. Only P70.00/person to MRT Taft. We'll definitely ride a bus next time. 


This was an adventure to remember. I recommend Tagaytay as an easy-getaway day trip for couples who have a limited budget and want to enjoy the countryside.


Budget: P2, 000.00 for 2 people
Travel worthy: Yes
Walker Repeat: Yes 




Friday, November 25, 2011

MUNCH MONSTER raid: Mad Mark's Sandwich and Frozen Desserts


Today is FRI-DATE! Well...not really, Jai and I didn't plan on anything special because we were both preoccupied with things to do plus he has football training too (boo!). Anyway, I was feeling hungry that afternoon and I suggested that we try Mad Mark's Sandwiches and Frozen Desserts. We availed a voucher prior from Cash Cash Pinoy, P180.00 for P300 worth of food from Mad Mark's - we got 2 vouchers for P360.00 only (good deal right?).


freshness guarantee wall

Mad Mark's is one of the new hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. They offer man sandwiches such as the Lumberjack (certified Angus Beef baby!) and Mariner (fish fillet w/mariner sauce), buffalo wings, rice meals and frozen desserts. We arrived around 5:30 p.m. ready for our early dinner pig-out. Jai and I ordered 1 whole Lumberjack Sandwich (split in two) with  sides of Cajun and Herb Parmesan Fries, Zing wings (4 pcs.) and a scoop of Madagascar Walnut Fudge for me and Chocolate on Chocolate for Jai.

The Verdict:
LUMBERJACK

I had the Lumberjack with Herb Parmesan Fries while  Jai had his with Cajun Fries. We loved the Herb Parmesan Fries but we think it would be better if they served it with garlic mayo or sour cream dip. The Cajun fries was ordinary tasting, I think it needed a bit more salt & pepper to taste. The Angus Beef was juicy  and blended well with the mushrooms although we should have added mozzarella cheese. Overall it was ok but I wouldn't pay P250.00 for this (sandwich alone).


HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
As you can see in the photo on the right I was almost done eating my ice cream when I realized that I forgot to take a photo. It looked so good when it was served that I had to eat it right away. I don't have a photo of Jai's ice cream, he finished his ice cream first.
Madagascar Walnut Fudge: the name doesn't give it enough justice, it must be named "Best Madagascar Walnut Fudge that makes you wanna do the I love to move it, move it dance". I love it so much that I look forward to eating this again. Chocolate on Chocolate: Jai's comment,"chocolate na chocolate" (so obvious eh?). I tasted his ice cream, it was like eating frozen chocolait, yummy too but I liked mine better.


ZING WINGS
smoky zing wings
4 pcs. @ P170.00











This was Jai's favorite! He liked it  so much that he even said that he liked Mad Mark's Buffalo Wings better than Sunshine Buckets, Charlies and Buffalo Wings & Things. I think the spiciness of the wings was just right and not overpowering the taste of the chicken. Two thumbs up for zing wings!

  
Food Bill: 
Lumberjack (whole): P250.00
Add-on sides: +P30.00 Cajun Fries, +P50.00 Herb Parmesan Fries
Homemade Ice Cream P68.00/scoop
Zing Wings: P170.00/4 pieces
Total: P636.00 - our total shell-out P396.00 (thanks to our CCP voucher)


Bite Cost: P150.00-P200.00/meal 
Munch worthy: Yes 
Walker Repeat: will go back for the 
homemade ice cream, herb parmesan fries and zing wings

Hurry down to Mad Mark's
Located at 23 East Capitol Drive Kapitolyo, Pasig city
Facebook page: Mad Mark's














Forever Young

The controversial stem-cell therapy

Saturday, November 12, 2011

HAPPY ZOMBII TRAVELS to Enchanted Kingdom

Last October 30, 2011 (Saturday) my boyfriend and I was supposed to go somewhere, he told me the night before that he planned out our date for Saturday. I was really upset when he told me to re-schedule the thing he planned for Sunday because he had errands to do. Being so excited and looking forward for our date I started blabbering about how he ruined our day and how disappointed I am. We decided to stay at their house and watch movies. Lucky for him, I liked the movie and it relaxed me a bit. He eventually told me that he planned a trip to Enchanted Kingdom. I gave in and helped him research and suggested that we go there via public transport. At first he was reluctant but after computing on how much we were going to spend for the toll fee and gas he gave in and agreed to my suggestion.
At around 11:00 am we boarded a shuttle van at Starmall Edsa-Crossing going to Balibago for P70/person and after 45 mins. we passed by the Coca-Cola company, we reminded the driver to drop us off at Waltermart Balibago. Feeling a little hungry, we decided to eat at Mang Inasal trying to avoid buying food at EK (because it’s a bit pricey) and for P49/per meal we were good to go.
We headed off to the tricycle terminal, the barker told us to take the special trip which costs P36 (for 2), we told him that we would just wait for other passengers and take the regular trip which only costs P9/person. In about 3 minutes we were at EK already. There were a lot of people, families, friends, literally long lines at the ticket booths. Jai lined up as I moved around and took pictures. The weekend ride-all-you-can ticket costs P500/person.
Being in EK was nostalgic. It brought stories, memories, experiences spent with friends and family and now it’s our turn to build our own memory. Jai even mentioned that Ek feels a bit smaller compared to when he was a kid. We’ve wanted to go there ever since we became a couple, originally planning it to be a group thing but going there by just the two of us made it special. Our time to just chill and not be pressured by riding scary rides. We didn’t think of any stress and enjoyed our time together. We rented a locker for P75/whole day so we won’t have to worry about carrying our bags.


EK has new attractions like:
Game Booths: Filipinos love playing games and winning prizes. This is a great attractions for kids and specially for couples (this is where the guy tries to impress us girls haha).


EKSTREME: For the daring and adventurous. A ride reminiscent of the condor, it hoists you up and drops you free fall. (This is not included in the ride-all-you-can ticket, you have to pay P80/person extra).


4D Theater: The featured movie was Yogi Bear.
Shell Karting: 400+ for 12 mins. (you can double check with EK)

Eldars Tent: This is where show performances are held such as the Enchante Broadway and the Magic Show by Simon and Silver. The Magic Show was FUN! Simon and Silver were great performers. Jai commented that they were illusionists and he was satisfied with the show. It was a great deal for P50/person. The announcer claims the performers were also doing shows in Vegas and is currently on tour, well we don’t know if this is for real but nevertheless they did a good job.
And many more…
We enjoyed our day trip adventure. To top off the night we watched the grand fireworks show, cuddling while under the magnificent play of lights. We felt that we’re riding on our wheel of fate- we are destined to go on different adventures together. My goal for the both of us is not to live a mediocre life. 
We went home around 9pm. We were lucky to get a tricycle immediately. We were dropped off the gasoline station beside Waltermart and crossed the street. We waited for a bus going to crossing ibabaw and didn’t hesitate to ride on the first bus we saw. Jai sat beside the driver (on a small chair) while I took the free seat. After about 30min. we were in crossing already, riding a bus is much faster and cheaper for P67/person.
The Magic is truly at Enchanted Kingdom.

Travel Worthy: Brain Happy (if you're into rides) 
Budget: P2,000 all-in (2pax, inclusive transpo, food, extras)
Walker repeat: Yes 
Located at San Lorenzo South, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna
Contact Details
Tel . No. : (02)584-3535 
Tel . No. : (02)584-4326 to 29 
Fax No. :  (02)584-4332 




MUNCH MONSTER raid: Skew-U Skews & Sizzlers

photo from their facebook account
Another food spot in the infamous Barrio Kapitolyo in Pasig City (my favorite place for food trip). From its name Skew-U, they serve skewered meat such as angus kebab, stewed pork skewer and chicken kebab. Other food items can be seen on their menu posted below. Their best seller is the Angus Kebab served with biriani rice- a must try!

I learned about SkewU through facebook, a schoolmate of mine from Miriam College Isa Sevilla posted photos of the soft opening on her wall or maybe a friend tagged her- hmmm…anyway as a curious foodie, I had to see the place. After work, I called up my boyfriend (who conveniently lives in Kapitolyo) to see the place, this was Tuesday. We walked going there (very accessible if you live in Kapitolyo), we browsed through the menu and although was practically drooling my boyfriend and I had to leave because of his football game and we didn’t have time to eat. So my cravings were put on hold. Boo!

So the next day (Wednesday) he made it up to me by taking me to Skew-U. I ordered the USDA Tapa and my boyfriend tried the Angus Kebab, too bad we weren’t able to bring a camera, the food looked well prepared. Instead I got these photos from their facebook account. 


 The Angus Kebab was cooked just right (meat-easy to chew) and the sauce blended well with the meat, as for the USDA Tapa I love its salty-sweetness mixed with the curry like taste of the biriani rice (a little biased here cause I love curry) with fried egg on top plus the sauce that complemented the whole dish. Jaipot and I were so satisfied with our order that we want to go back and try other food items such as China Town (which is the liempo, I think…) and Salpicao.

The place can accommodate 20-30 people inside (the non-smoking area) and 20 in the smoking area. The restaurant is equipped with air-conditioning, it was so hot inside when we arrived but it was a relief that they turned on the aircon- whew, there’s also a flatscreen tv to keep the customers busy while waiting for their food, takes about 10-15 minutes to serve. I think they can improve on their menu/brochure to make it look more inviting.

If you’re looking for a place to chill with you’re friends and drink a little booze, Skew-U is a good place. Plus, beer is less expensive compared to other restos that charges 4x the price.

So Skew-U if you don’t try this.
Bite Cost: 89 to 170 php
Munch worthy: Yes
Walker repeat: Yes


Hurry down to SkewU
Located at 56A East Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City 
Facebook page: SkewU Skews Sizzlers










Thursday, November 10, 2011

Accounting Shizz: Magalawa Island

TRANSPORATION
To Palauig, Zambales 
Bus Edsa-Crossing to Victory Liner Terminal - 30/pax (x2)
Victory Liner Caloocan to Pangolingan Veritas, Zambales - 386/pax (x2)
Tricyle to Luan (Ruiz Port) - 150 (2pax) 
Boat Ride from Luan to Magalawa Island - 50/pax (x2)
TOTAL: P1,082.00 


To Manila 
Boat Ride from Magalawa Island to Luan - 50/pax (x2)
Tricycle from Luan to Veritas - 150 (2pax) 
Mini Bus to Victory Liner Iba, Zambales - 20/pax (x2)
Victory Liner Iba, Zambales to Victory Liner Caloocan - 342/pax (x2)
Bus Caloocan to Edsa-Crossing - 30/pax (x2)
TOTAL: P1,034.00


FOOD
Grocery (for packed lunch, good for 4 meals plus snacks) - about 300
Drinking water (Absolute) 6L - 68 + 10 fare = 78
Lunch at Magalawa - 30/viand (x2) + 17 per 1/4 bigas + 20/paluto charge = 97
Snacks inside the Bus - about 200
TOTAL: P675.00


ISLAND ACCOMMODATION
Camp Fee (Own Tent) - 100 (2pax) 
Entrance Fee - 100/pax (x2)
Cabana (eating area) - 200/day 
TOTAL: 500.00


An overnight trip to Magalawa for 2 (ALL-IN) would cost about P3,291.00 :D 


You might want to: 
Rent a KUBO 
500/night (3pax) 


Get a package
P1,500 for 2
-with 4 meals
- Kubo 
- Boat Ride
- Entance Fee 
(don't know if this includes the eating area and snorkling) 


Go Snorkling
Rent of Snorkling gear - 100/pax
Boat - 50/pax (I think they also offer it at 100/boat) 


For Inquiries: 
Contact Raymond Tordillo at 0922-2688111







Wednesday, November 9, 2011

HAPPY ZOMBII TRAVELS to Magalawa Island


Long weekend hang-over! 

There have been consecutive holidays this October and November. Taking advantage of the long weekend, my boyfriend and I planned on making the most out of it by going on an adventure trip- backpacking style. Having a limited budget to spare we decided to look for places within Luzon that is accessible by land. We thought of camping at Nagsasa Cove, Zambales but the 2,000php boat ride going to the island didn't excite us that much. Our budget to spare was only 3,000php-5,000php max for the two of us and that should include our meals-literally all expenses must be accounted and within that budget. 


With this dilemma, I browsed through the net looking for other options. I was reading then a blog about Camara and was considering it (but still we have to spend for the expensive boat ride),better to do this next time with a big group. I always read the comments section of blogs to get a fair view (sorry, i forgot the blog site) and found this comment by Raymond Tordillo about Magalawa Island. I read his blog about how beautiful his island is and saw pictures of coral gardens, white sand, clear waters, etc. but what really caught my attention was the affordable rates listed. I also read a blog by demeter sharing his experience, he even went back to Magalawa, that's how much he liked it. His blog made me want to go there asap. 


The island is located in Palauig, Zambales and can be reached by land so I immediately called my boyfriend and asked him to call Raymond and book our trip, he gave us his tito's number Kuya Mulo and asked us to coordinate with him. Unable to contact Kuya Mulo, we called Junior Tordillo and finally inquired about the rates. All set, he told us to contact Kuya Mulo upon arriving in Luan. P.S. only transact business with the Tordillo Family, they are the caretakers of the island owned by the Ruiz Family. You might encounter a "Magalawa Island" facebook account run by Grace Armada, they offer certain packages that are overpriced, uneccessary charges, they are squatting on the island owned by the Ruiz Family and claiming that they own a certain portion of the island, currently a court hearing is in progress awaiting for the decision.

Before the day of our trip, Jai and I planned to bring "baon" so as to avoid buying food from the island thinking it was expensive. We bought carbonara mix, spaghetti mix, tuna paella and snacks, it costs us roughly 250php-300php. We bought our own tent to save on the accommodation (500php/night for a fan room). 

Nov. 4 - before 11:55 pm bus ride via Victory Liner Sta. Cruz
Jai had some deliveries to do before we were able to go, we left the house around quarter to ten, stressing ourselves out hoping we make it before the bus leaves. 15 mins. before the said departure time we were running on the streets in Caloocan with our heavy backpacks. Low and behold, we made it! There were no seats available so standing ovation for 2 hours until we got the chance to sit, first on the floor then on an actual seat. Whew! Trip Tip: Buy your tickets in advance! 


Nov. 5 - around 5 30am-ish
After a 5-hour trip we reached Pangolingan, Veritas which is the drop-off point and tricycle terminal going to Luan. it was pitch dark that time, luckily there were tricycles already. 





A bumpy tricylcle ride to Luan indeed! The view from the fish port at Luan was magical, as if your reuniting yourself with the wonders of nature. Finally after 30 min. our ride came, Kuya Mulo with his assistant fetched us. Magalawa Island greets you with calm waters and powdery white sand. So lovely, the locals were very accommodating as they greeted us with sincere smiles and offered their assistance. :D 

We were the only ones there that time, we instantly set camp (thanks to my ever trusty bf Jai). We settled the bill - 100php camping fee, 200php entrance fee for 2, 200php for a cabana (eating place), 200php roundtrip boat ride for 2= 700php. Also, there is no strict "check-out" time, as long as there are boats and weather is good you can stay the whole day with no additional charge/s.  Not bad at all. 


After a tiring bus ride and bumpy tricycle ride we took a nap. It was my first peaceful nap after weeks and months of always sleeping late. We woke up at around 11 am and ate our packed food "baon" for lunch sitting on the cabana (if that's what you call a shaded eating place) facing the beach, best way to enjoy your food yum yum!


After eating, we changed into our swim gear and ready to charge the crystal clear waters. Jai is a really good swimmer while I don't know how to (opposites attract :D) , Kuya Mulo's wife must have noticed this and she was kind enough to let me us their life vest free of charge. Fully-relaxed, well rested, recharged and in touch with nature, we fell in love with the place. We swam all day, seeing starfishes and a small jelly fish (polkadot) too bad I don't own an underwater camera boo!. We enjoyed picking up shells and playing with hermit crabs (jai enjoyed this the most I think), we were like little kids, no problems,no stress just FUN. It was around 5pm when we decided to freshen up and stay inside out tent scared of mosquito bites. We had Tuna Paella (the canned one from San Marino) for dinner which we ate inside our tent. It was warm in our tent so we took a walk outside and saw baby crabs, no stars that night and the moon was covered with clouds that suggested that it was going to rain. We headed back to our tent, Jai still couldn't sleep so he went for another walk outside while I stayed in and slept like a baby.  


Nov. 6 - I woke up around 6 30 am-ish and it was raining, good thing we didn't get soaked inside our tent although the sides of our sleeping bag were wet already. I looked outside and saw Kuya Mulo in his boat, he just came back from fishing, the locals hurriedly gathered around the boat checking out freshly caught seafood. Fresh seafood are available every morning, you can choose from the fresh catch and ask them to cook it for you or you can cook it yourself "ihaw-ihaw" style. I think it's around 50php-100php. Around 10am we transferred our things in the kubo that they let us use for free and went swimming again. After swimming we fixed up the tent and ate lunch, we ran out of packed food so we just ordered there, for a measly 30php per viand, 17php 1/4 kilo of rice and 20php paluto fee we were so full = solb! After eating, we swam again on the crystal clear waters and lay down on the powdery sand infused with crushed shells (all by nature's work). It was around 4 pm when we finished packing up, I felt like canon balls were chained on my feet, that's how hard it was to leave Magalawa, this is with no exaggeration. I loved the place, it may not be as prestige as other beaches but its rawness and simplicity made it beautiful and unique. Upon alighting the boat it started to rain again, it was a bumpy boat ride going back to Luan, Port. We had a hard time waiting for a tricycle that would take us back to Veritas due to the rain and muddy pathways. After 30 min. or so our ride arrived, and true indeed the pathways were muddy and slippery. 

Upon reaching Veritas, we rode a mini bus to Victory Liner Iba, Zambales. We bought our tickets going to Victory Liner Caloocan--- after a 5-hour ride we reached Caloocan then rode a bus to edsa crossing , a jeep to Kapitolyo and a tricycle to west capitol. This is the downside of our supposedly stress-free island getaway. Nevertheless, it was an adventure I'll truly remember. Now missing Magalawa Island. :D 


I highly recommend this place. Good for couples, family and groups. 

Travel worthy: Brain Happy (10/10)
Budget: Worth your Pay (abt. 3,000-4,000php for 2, cheaper if by group) (9/10)
Walker Repeat: Definitely

>>> please see a separate post on expenses 

How to get there: 
Via Victory Bus Liner (you can try Cubao or Pasay too)
1. From EDSA-Crossing, ride a bus going to munoz-novaliches, tell the conductor to drop-you off at Victory Liner Terminal Caloocan. Landmark: Andres Bonifacio Statue 
2. Walk to Victory Liner Terminal. 
3. Ride a bus via Sta. Cruz, Zambales.
4. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Pangolingan, Veritas. 
5. Ride a tricycle to Luan Port (Ruiz).
6. Wait for the boat ride going to Magalawa Island. (contact Kuya Mulo) 





Tuesday, November 8, 2011

HAPPY ZOMBII walks your way

Happy Zombii: A delighted corpse brought back to life by mystical means.

This is my layman’s term version for my phlegmatic-melancholic personality.

I am the type of person who’s often seen as shy, weird and serious, But what you don’t know about me is that I easily laugh at things people usually don’t laugh about and understand--- yes, I am weird and so is everyone. :D Wait, let me re-phrase that... we’re all unique and special ... in some way right?

I care for the environment and hate people who litter, let me give you an example,those darn hypocrites who say they love the beach and brags about how beautiful it is but does’nt clean up their mess leaving plastics, tetrapacks, cigarettes, bottles, etc. those people who think they’re oh so cool--- well you’re not.

I like exploring new places (I’m a walker right), a new restaurant, a thrift shop, beach,  etc. So I’ll tour you to some of my new discoveries.

I am very thrifty, so I usually look out for discounts and promos, good things in life does’nt always have to be expensive.

I love to eat a lot! But I'm a cutting down a bit on fried foods (cholesterol overload).

Join me as I give you a crash course on the different adventures and issues of a phlegmatic –melancholic person, a.k.a Happy Zombii.

So you don’t care? Then why continue reading?