Yey, I Cooked!!!

Me, slaving in our kitchen is such a rare sight. Lucky me, it is dear HB who cooks for me and our girls. Last night, on no special occasion, I did putter in the kitchen and produced this treat for my family:

Sukiyaki

I scoured the internet for the easiest recipe for this and was slightly disheartened to see that my ingredients were not complete. Most of the recipes I found called for mirin (Japanese cooking wine) and celery. But HB had already bought the meat and the green onions and he had Kikkoman in the cupboard. Another dash to the grocery would have made my feet cold in spite of the hot and dry clime we are currently experiencing. Postponing the cooking to another time until I get the ingredients complete was out of the question as I would find other things to do then and HB would have no recourse but to cook it. Such was the cycle of my "attempts" to cook something for my family.

So last night, I made do with what was available and cooked. And it was an easy task! I did have a stumbling moment when I didn't know what to do with the vermicelli noodles (whether to soak it first in water or submerge it directly on the stew) and HB sneaked out to buy beer so I couldn't ask him. Thank goodness for Google, I got my bearings back. 

I'm happy to say that I managed to elicit good reviews from my brood. Now I am inspired to try a few more easy dishes. Suggestions, anyone?

Henna Tattoos

After a few hours in Boracay, my eldest daughter turned to me and asked permission if she could get a henna tattoo. In my attempt to be a cool mom, I acquiesced and said I wanted one too!

We scoured the stalls offering henna tattoo services from Station 3 to 1,  in search of the design we wanted. After much thought, we settled somewhere near Station 1 and had ourselves inked:

mother and daughter bonding with henna tattoo

I had a difficult time choosing the design. In the end, the artist drew a freehand design on my back:

my tattoo up close, cost: PhP 100

As soon as my two younger girls saw us, they wanted to get inked too! The next night, they chose their own designs and happily paraded their tattoos:

Zoe's demure tattoo, cost: PhP 70

7-year old Fiona's tattoo, cost: PhP 70

The henna tattoos lasted a good two weeks before they completely faded. When we got the tattoos, we were instructed to wait an hour to dry the ink, wash it with soap and water, and blot the ink with tissue. I did exactly that and found some ink on the tissue and I had to wash it again with soap and water. After the second washing, there were no more traces of ink on the tissue which made it stain-proof on the bed sheets and towels.

The experience of getting temporary tattoos left us not only with souvenirs on our skin but more so, it made us feel the carefree vibe of Boracay. 

Glorious Sunset in Boracay

The Boracay sunset is truly a picturesque and must-see attraction. As the sun goes down on the horizon, an orange glow is cast over land, sea and sky. 

Sunset cruises aboard the paraw (sailboats) are offered and I could just imagine being in the midst of the sun, sea and sky seemingly afire.

As twilight beckons, people revel on the shore, savoring that last luminescence of the sun.

The Casa Pilar Beach Resort in Boracay

beach front facade of Casa Pilar

The Casa Pilar Beach Resort in Station 3, Boracay was a welcome respite to the summer crowds of the island. The resort is mostly composed of native structures but did not lack modern amenities. Guests may choose from a variety of room types ranging from Fan rooms, Standard, Superior and DeLuxe. A total of 69 rooms are sprawled across the vast property, giving guests ample space and privacy.

serenity a few steps away from the beach

cottages

structure which houses the Standard rooms

row of Superior rooms

During the time when we made our reservations, we were told that the DeLuxe rooms were fully-booked, so we "settled" for a Superior room. We were assured that the room and bed sizes were similar and that the only difference was a refrigerator in the DeLuxe room.

interior of a Superior room: 1 single and 1 double sized beds

basic comforts of the toilet and bath 

While it was a tight squeeze for our family, having 2 adults and kids ages 15, 11 and 7, we more than managed with the room. We were quite contented with the air-conditioner, cable television, hot and cold shower and WiFi internet (shameless plug!). What was a bit of a hassle though was the absence of room service as there were no house phones inside the rooms so we had to walk all the way to the restaurant at the entrance of the hotel for our morning requisite cup of coffee. We took our cups back to the porch outside our room (which was about a 3 minute walk) and enjoyed the serenity of the resort. 

I must say that the staff's courteous and friendly demeanor, not to mention their patience with us, was commendable as our girls left the key inside the room on 2 instances.  

the resort's beach front bar and restaurant

Breakfast was basic, with Filipino and Continental types to choose from. We loved the tocino (cured pork) which was on the sweet side and perfect for our girls. 

The bar and restaurant was open until about midnight, and the staff set up tables and chairs by the beach at night where local artists played the acoustics to entertain some of the guests.

For budget-conscious travelers who wish to savor the slow and laid-back pace of Station 3, Casa Pilar Beach Resort is a nice and excellent choice as it offers a spacious sanctuary with traditional Filipino cottages combined with the warm Filipino brand of hospitality.

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Casa Pilar Beach Resort Boracay

Station 3, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

Telephone Number: (63 36) 288.3073

Telefax: (63 36) 288.3202

Website: www.casapilarhotel.com (under construction at the time of this post)

Email: casa_pilar@yahoo.com

Island Hopping in Bohol

Back-blog

Date of Trip: April 1, 2011

On my last business trip to Bohol, I was luckily joined by HB. When I found some free time in between meetings, we debated whether to go to the usual tourist spots (Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Bee Farm, etc.) or go island hopping. Hands down, the prospect of setting foot on a couple of islands won.

We rented a banca for PhP 1,300 which took us to two islands a few kilometers off Panglao. About 40 minutes after departing Alona Beach, we got to the first island on our itinerary, Balicasag Island.

shore line of Balicasag Island

corals on the shore amidst the blue sea

Laden with broken corals which were washed ashore, the island boasts of a marine sanctuary which was ideal for snorkeling. For this, tourists would need to shell out PhP 200 more because we were told that the sanctuary can only be accessed by non-motorized boats to preserve the marine life. Since we were pressed for time, we skipped the marine sanctuary and opted to head on to the next island.

The drama with my BlackBerry phone then took place but it didn't stop us from appreciating the magnificent views of Virgin Island.

As soon as the boat docked, we were met by a vendor selling fresh sea catch:

Locally called taklobo, these were boiled until the meat inside these shells were tender. The taste was surprisingly good. I gladly threw away my squeamishness aside and delighted on the new experience.

Next, my palate tried these sea urchins:

The manong (general Filipino term of respect for an older man) opened the urchins in half and poured the soft, yellow liquid contents onto the palm of my hand. He then instructed me to put some pepper-seasoned vinegar and stuff the concoction in my mouth. Once again, I enjoyed this treat and easily "ate" 3 urchins before I even got off the boat. 

As we walked on the shore, I saw these empty shells being dried out. The shells were sold to tourists as souvenirs. I picked a couple to add to my collection at home. 

At the far end of the island was this beautiful sand bar which was bordered on both sides by blue sea.

We were told that this sand bar would be more appreciated at certain times of the year (particularly on January) when the tides are low.

With that, we walked back to our boat for the return trip to the main island of Panglao. If only we were on vacation, we would have stayed longer, packed some food and relax by alternately dipping in the blue waters or lying in the fine sand.

As I looked back with the thought of planning a return trip, this sight of Virgin Island reminded me of how Boracay Island was way before the crowds and the party scene came to be. If the local government of Bohol learns from the success and troubles of Boracay, then Virgin Island will continue to live up to its name.

serenity at its best in Virgin Island

Photo Op: The Alona Kew White Beach Resort

Located in Panglao Island in Bohol, the Alona Kew White Beach Resort lies smack in the midst of Alona Beach. Its ideal front beach location is perfect for vacationers and wanderers alike. 

beach front of the Alona Kew Beach Resort

grand staircase by the resort lobby

the resort's pool

native room types

native bungalows

Villa Catalina building with Superior and Executive type rooms

a different view of the Villa Catalina 

For information on room types and rates, visit their website www.alona-kew.com.

In and Out of Bohol

I got the chance to visit Bohol for the first time courtesy of a business trip earlier this month. My entry to this province was via "back door" as we originally flew in to Cebu (where we stayed overnight) and took the ferry to get to Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. 

There are a number of domestic companies which ply the route of Cebu to Bohol (and vice versa) and we chose OceanJet. We purchased the ticket at an outlet in Ayala Town Center (which came with an additional handling fee) and saved ourselves from the hassle of rushing and lining up at the ferry port. 

It was a bright and sunny day when we crossed the Cebu Strait. The blue sea and sky brought an instant tranquil mood in me. 

The ferry ride took about an hour and a half. As soon as the passengers alighted the ferry, this billboard came to view:

There are cabs and tricycles lined up outside the port, all ready to take passengers to their chosen destination in the province. Tourists usually end up in Panglao Island which boasts of white sand beaches and diving spots. But other must-see spots in the province are aplenty. Taxi drivers entice travelers to go around and set foot in the city's historical Sandugo Blood Compact landmark and Bohol Museum, visit Baclayon Church,  board the floating restaurant and cruise down the Loboc River,  experience crossing the hanging bamboo bridge, pass by the Mahogany-lined road in Bilar, discover their province's famed Chocolate Hills, and finally see the Philippine tarsier. Other noteworthy spots to visit are the Punta Cruz  Watch tower, Mag-aso Falls and the Bohol Bee Farm, which I heard offers a unique dining experience.The drivers may be contracted by the tourists to take them around for a day or two.

But with business to do, I passed up on those destinations and  went straight to Panglao Island to attend a number of meetings.

The following day, we were back in Tagbilaran City. It was time to leave for Manila. The airport was just a few minutes away from the city proper. Albeit small, it was bustling with much activity.

My time in Bohol was quite short and left me wanting. I vow to be back for another time to enjoy the different natural and cultural sights and experiences that Bohol has in store. 

Credits:

http://www.bohol.ph for the comprehensive article on What to See and Do in Bohol.

On "The Best and Tastiest"

In last Sunday's issue of the Inquirer Magazine, I read Margaux Salcedo's article called "The Best and Tastiest" which listed our very own Filipino dishes and restaurants found throughout our archipelago.

Cebu's famed lechon (roasted pig) was the first to be mentioned. The last time we were in Cebu, HB and I stumbled upon the Zubuchon stall inside the Banilad Town Center, which is one of only two outlets in Cebu City, with the other stall inside the Mactan International Airport.  

This was the lechon which floored Anthony Bourdain, an American  food and travel author and tv personality. Sinfully delightful, the skin is crunchy and punctured so that it actually resembles that of lechon kawali (deep fried pork belly) while the meat is flavorful and absolutely tender. Another plus point is that this particular lechon is MSG-free.

Next up was Ilocos' empanada (meat turnover pie). While I have yet to taste the empanada from Batac, I am already enamored with the taste of Vigan's empanada. With its deep-fried crisp yellow-orange wrap, this dish is best enjoyed with the famed sukang Iloco (Ilocos Vinegar) which goes well with the flavors of Vigan longganisa (sausage), egg and monggo (mung bean) sprouts.

Vigan empanada and okoy

The famed kakanin (sweet delicacies from rice, root crops and/or fruits) of Bulacan and Pampanga was mentioned next and I must say that I am a true fan of these sweet delicacies from these provinces in Central Luzon. My favorites are those from Nathaniel's and Dolor's.

Ka Laui's Restaurant and the Badjao Seafront Restaurant in Puerto Princesa were cited next. I'm glad to  have dined in both restaurants the 2 times I've been to this renowned cleanest and greenest city in our country. Both restaurants offer fresh seafood fare and unique dining experiences. In Ka Lui's, guests are asked to leave their shoes/slippers upon entering the dining area. Yes, diners eat barefoot in Ka Lui's. On the other hand, Badjao Seafront is in the midst of a lush mangrove and is actually built on stilts atop the water. This restaurant accords guests a fantastic view of the sea and the fresh breeze blowing in truly whets one's appetite. To read my previous blog posts, click here for Ka Lui Restaurant and here for Badjao Seafront Restaurant.

The diwal (angel wing) shellfish from Roxas City was also in the roster. Ahhh, so here is one delicacy that I have yet to taste. If the oysters and the crabs from this city (the oysters, I never fail to have whenever I am in the neighboring province of Iloilo) are any indication of the sweet taste of their sea catch, then that should be a good enough motivation to schedule a trip soon to this famed seafood capital.

Abuhan's Pochero in the "queen city of the south" was next on the list. HB and I had a taste of Cebu's version of bulalo during our trip. I previously blogged about my review of this popular dish and gave good raves.

Ted's Batchoy in Iloilo was the next favored dish. Before setting foot in Iloilo, I always ordered batchoy (noodle soup garnished with pork organs, pork cracklings, vegetables and egg) from Ilonggo Grill, a food stall found in several food court malls all over the metropolis. Upon tasting Ted's Batchoy, I instantly tasted the difference in the broth. Suffice it to say that I now know the authentic Ilonggo taste. And I'm happy to learn that Ted's Batchoy now has a branch in Ali Mall in Cubao so I can easily get another bowl of batchoy when I crave for it. 

Davao's Ah Fat Seafood Restaurant is one that I have yet to try. In the 3 occasions that I've been to Davao, I favored the city's chicken barbecue and tried both Banok's and Penong's. 

Finally, the article rounded up with a mention of the curacha from Lab-as Restaurant in Dumaguete. The curacha is a "sea cockroach" but is actually a cross between a crab and a lobster. During our trip to Dumaguete last year, I knew I had to try it when I saw it listed on the menu and I was not disappointed. 

Lab-as Restaurant offers other fresh seafood dishes as well and is a must-go-to restaurant. Click here to read my previous post about our dining experience.

Hmm, that's a score of 8 out of 10 for me! With my skinny frame, it would be quite a stretch to say that I am a foodie fan. But I love Filipino dishes tremendously, so I urge you now to go out and explore our islands and have a taste of what is called uniquely Filipino.

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For an online version of Margaux Salcedo's article, please click here.