Mount Gulugod-Baboy Climb

Mountain: Mt. Gulugod-Baboy

Location: Anilao, Mabini, Batangas
Length of Climb: 2 hours

Gulugod-Baboy means “pig’s spine”. If you expect to see pigs and wild boars roaming in this mountain, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one. You will, however, come face to face with plenty of goats and cows all the way to the peak. So why is it called Gulugod-Baboy? PinoyMountaineer says that the mountain is so named “because of the contours of [its] hills”.

With that in mind, nine beginner climbers set off to conquer the spiny path to the top of Pig’s Spine Mountain. The first part of the climb is on cemented road. When you see a sari-sari store, that’s your cue to take a turn on a narrow dirt path to begin the second, more exciting part of the climb. The winding trail is alternately rocky, muddy or loamy. One minute you’re walking on pastoral hills, the next on steep cliffs. The scene keeps changing with every step.

After an hour of climbing, we were exhausted. Good thing there’s a bahay-kubo where trekkers can rest and buy iced candy! As we continued our ascent, the air became perceptibly cooler. Then the narrow path opened up to wide, rolling hills. We were almost at the peak!

When we finally reached the top, the wind came at us full force. Clouds began to envelop us and the cold seeped through our bones. Just as suddenly as the clouds appeared, they went away…revealing a stunning view of Batangas Bay. It was an exhilarating first climb.

Lessons learned:
*Stretch your muscles before climbing.
*Wear thick, cotton socks to avoid foot sores.
*Bring trail food for energy.
*Hydrate!
*Wear loose, lightweight pants to prevent scratches from rocks and plants.
*Bring trekking pole for extra balance and support.

Dayrit’s Roast Beef & Burger

Heavy traffic and chilly holiday weather really worked up my appetite for red meat—Dayrit’s Roast Beef to be exact. I must say, they have the yummiest roast beef I have ever tasted. The sirloin beef is tender, juicy and marinated to perfection. Just pour some of their mushroom gravy and you’re all set for a delicious dining experience.

The Roast Beef Plate comes with baked potato in creamy sauce, a small portion of veggies and rice or rolls all for P290.

Another favorite at Dayrit’s is their Big “D” Cheeseburger (P175). It is meaty-licious and juicylicious! Though I wouldn't label their burger as "big", I'd say it's just the right size to satiate a mildly hungry person's appetite. (And I do wish they have better buns.) Nevertheless, it’s a helluva a good burger.

Dayrit’s is located at 31st-2nd St., Bonifacio Stop Over, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Lola Abon's Delicious Durian Candies

If you find yourself in Davao, be sure to taste one of the city’s sweetest delights—durian candy. Not many people appreciate the stinky durian fruit, and I was one of them...until I tasted the delicious confections from Lola Abon’s. Now I'm a fan of the King of Fruits. They have everything from durian-flavored yema and tart to polvoron and macaroon. Nevertheless, their bestseller continues to be the specialty that put Lola Abon's in the map some 60 years ago—durian-flavored pastillas de leche. Their new durian ice cream is heavenly as well!

What Happened to Gumbo?

I was craving for Gumbo’s Seafood Spaghetti but when I finally got to taste it, I was a little disappointed. For some reason, it was not like how I remembered it to be. There was too much pasta but too little seafood. And their complimentary appetizer of bread and roasted garlic keeps getting smaller and smaller with every visit. The only thing consistent is their Classic Caesar Salad and it’s not even that extraordinary.

Classic Caesar Salad (Petite) good for 2 to 3 P225
For a petite serving Gumbo’s Caesar Salad is hefty.

Seafood Spaghetti (Petite) P275

Gumbo is located at 2/F Stall 229, The Block SM North EDSA, Quezon City.

A Visit to Manila Ocean Park

The Philippines is blessed with wonderful beaches and some of the best diving sites in the world. So when I heard that our very own Manila Ocean Park is now open, I was excited. For a non-diver like me, I’d also like to get a glimpse of the underwater world of the Philippines. And I felt that it’s about time we had our own ocean park that would rival the ones in Hong Kong and Singapore.



Off we go, my uncle, cousin and I, to visit Manila Ocean Park. Entrance fee is P400 per person. True, there was a lot of interesting sea creatures on display but it pales in comparison to the Ocean Park in Hong Kong. I was expecting to see dolphins, more sharks, and maybe a whale. But there were none. It was not yet fully complete during the time we went there. Hopefully, when it’s 100% done, Manila Ocean Park will leave its visitors breathless.

Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila, Philippines.

Paradise fit for a Princess: Puerto Princesa, Palawan

World-renowned underground river, pristine white beaches, exciting cuisine and great adventures—these are just a few of the things Palawan has to offer. This is one destination that every travel-enthusiast must visit. So pack your travel bag, book a flight to Puerto Princesa (Cebu Pacific and other local airlines offer promo fares), and head on to this majestic archipelago located on the western side of the Philippines. Here are some of the things we did on our visit to Puerto Princesa, Palawan:

Day 1
Hired a tricycle to tour us around Puerto Princesa City. This is a cheaper and more thrilling way to visit attractions that are just minutes away from the city proper. My friend and I paid our tricycle driver-slash-tourist guide P500 plus P100 tip for a half-day tour. We went to…

Crocodile Farm
Formally known as “Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center”. From baby hatchlings to mature crocodiles, this place is perfect for reptile lovers. Best to go there during feeding time to see the crocs in action. The conservation center also has a mini-zoo featuring some of Palawan's endemic animals.

Palawan Butterfly Garden
Butterflies fluttering around. Butterflies resting on flowers. Butterflies everwhere.

Mitra's Ranch
Ranch with a view. Hilltop residence of former speaker Ramon V. Mitra with a bird’s eye view of Honda Bay Islands. A nice place for a picnic.

Day 2
After touring the city proper, it’s time to explore the world-renowned Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Since the underground river is an hour and a half drive, plus a 15 minute boat ride from the city proper, we booked a tour with a travel agency. Tour package cost us P1,200 per person, which includes van transportation, boat ride, lunch and a guided tour.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
You must not miss this world heritage site! Palawan’s underground river is said to be the longest in the world—an 8.2 kilometer-long lagoon within limestone and marble cliffs. Riding a paddleboat, a trained boatman who also serves as your river guide, navigates through the placid waters of the river while pointing out the unique rock formations inside the cavern.

Vietnamese Village
Our tour group was able to convince our guide to stop at the Viet Ville for a quick merienda of their famous noodles.

Wood Worm Dare
A whole day of exploration worked up our appetite for fresh local fare. For those who are brave enough, you have to try their local delicacy: “tamilok”. A dish of wood worms steeped in vinegar and various spices. Some say it tastes like oyster. You be the judge.

Day 3
Palawan is known for its pristine white beaches and great diving sites. It’s only fitting that we end our Palawan experience by swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the gorgeous Honda Bay islets. Tour package was P800 per person including van transportation, boat ride and lunch.

Honda Bay is comprised of several islets, some of which are privately owned. Our tour guide brought us to three islets: Pandan Island, so named because of the pandan plants that thrive in its shore; Starfish Island, known for its crystalline waters studded with multi-colored starfishes; and Snake Island, named for its long, powdery white sandbar that’s shaped like a snake.

Day 4
Flight back to Manila.

Another wonderful adventure. Till next time…

An Afternoon of Pampering at Relaksasi

Every once in a while, you deserve to indulge and pamper yourself so you can recharge your tired mind and body. And that’s exactly what my best friend and I did one lazy weekend. We headed to SM North EDSA for an afternoon of pampering and relaxation at Relaksasi.

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised with the Balinese style of the spa. It will make you forget that Relaksasi is located inside a mall! It transports you to a serene and exotic place. The treatment room also has the same warm and luxurious Balinese feel, enhanced further by ambient lighting and the sweet scent of essential oil.

If it’s your first time at Relaksasi, I recommend you try their Javanese Lulur Body Massage and Salt & Oil Scrub. For P950, you will get a 15-minutes steam bath, then an hour of whole body, deep tissue massage plus a skin-smoothening salt and oil body scrub. My masseuse, Rowena, was very skillful and applied just the right amount of pressure. After my treatment I felt revitalized and my skin felt soft and silky-smooth. To cap it all off, you get a choice of hot or cold house-blend tea. I could get addicted to this kind of pampered lifestyle!

Figaro’s White Chocolate Mocha

White Chocolate Mocha (P105)

Favorite caffeine fix for the time being. Honestly, though, I think the serving is too small for its price. Still, this hot concoction is a delicious pick-me-up.

Comfort Food: Mom and Tina’s Bakery Café

My interest was peaked when I saw dozens of people queuing up during lunchtime outside Mom and Tina’s Cafe. I have to see and taste for myself what the buzz was all about. Since it was impossible for my officemates and I to get a table, I just ordered a Chocolate Mousse Pie (P110) to go. As soon as I got back to my work desk, I took a bite of the choco mousse pie…then another…then another…It was sooo good. I’m not fond of desserts and I have to say, it was one of the best choco mousse that I have tasted. The flavor is rich but not overly sweet. With dessert this yummy, what more
their entrees!

So when my best friend asked me where I wanted to have lunch one weekend, I immediately suggested Mom and Tina’s. We arrived way past lunch hour, which was good because by that time there were no more long lines. But the café was by no means empty. With its homey atmosphere, dainty wallpaper, warm lighting and cozy tables and chairs, it’s a great place to bring your family, partner and/or friends for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The price is quite reasonable too.

Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken (P240)

The serving is good for two.

Shepherd’s Pie (P140)

The quintessential comfort food! I’d go back again, if only for this dish. Smooth mashed potato with ground beef in creamy mushroom and tomato sauce. At the end of the meal, the dish bowl was scraped clean. Served with garlic cheese rolls.

Seafood Pasta with Sun Dried Pesto (P200)

Disappointed with this pasta. I could only eat one bite of it. The fishiness of the squid was overwhelming.



Mom and Tina’s Bakery Café is located at Perea corner De La Rosa, Makati City

Finio: Modern Filipino Cuisine

Craving for a hearty Filipino meal one Sunday afternoon, a friend and I went to Finio in Tomas Morato. Finio serves modern Pinoy cuisine. The same contemporary style in cooking is evident in the modern design of the resto. This will be a sure hit for your balik-bayan relatives who are craving for Pinoy food with a twist.

Pinakbet Lechon (P148)
A pinoy favorite with a twist. Good ole’ pinakbet topped with crispy lechon strips. The bagoong sauce is both sweet and salty. The vegetables were cooked just right, except for a few under-cooked kalabasa.

Boneless Tilapia Strips (P168)
Deep fried tilapia strips that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. But what makes this dish such a success is the soy vinaigrette!

Finio is located at No. 220 Tomas Morato Ave., cor. Dr. Lazcano, Quezon City. Telefax: (632) 415-1278

Dazzling Zambales: Anawangin, Capones and Pundaquit

I needed a vacation, and luckily, a friend mentioned a convenient get-away destination for the weekend—Anawangin Cove in Zambales. To get to Anawangin Cove, one has to ride a boat from Brgy. Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales. Armed only with a road map, my travel companion and I left Manila at 3:30 a.m. and arrived in San Antonio by 7 a.m. Just 3.5 hours travel time. Not bad considering we made several stops to eat and gas up.

Upon arrival we checked out different resorts in Pundaquit. One resort called Wild Rose Inn caught my eye. Its red watchtower and white picket fence made it very picturesque. The owner, Tita Tess, was at the entrance of the inn warmly welcoming her guests. Their airconditioned rooms with toilet and bath are clean and comfortable. And for less than P1,500 per night, it’s a good deal. Chatting with the owner, I learned that Tita Tess was based in Canada and the Wild Rose Inn started as a private vacation house for her family. About a year and a half ago they decided to open their doors to vacationers.

We were supposed to go island hopping by noon but since it started raining and the sea was too rough for a boat ride, we searched for a good place to have lunch instead. Sadly, there were hardly any eateries to choose from. The locals recommended Nora’s so we tried it. We ordered sinigang na lapu-lapu and rice. The serving was good for two and quite tasty. The sinigang had a kick to it minus the “lansa” or fishiness. Total bill for lunch was around P350. The food in Pundaquit is quite expensive considering it’s a province, so if you want to lessen your expenses, do bring baon.

For the rest of the afternoon we just walked along Pundaquit beach, watched the surfers ride the waves (Note to self: Learn to surf) and went to the waterfalls.

The next morning there was a light drizzle but it was manageable. Our boatman, Mang Caloy, agreed to take us to Anawangin and Capones Island for P1,200. The 20-30 minute-boat ride to Anawangin was really scary. Waves were crashing on our small bangka from all directions. I was gripping my seat and praying the whole time that our boat would not topple over. But the view was spectacular. The waters became relatively calmer when we were at the mouth of the cove, and all my fears disappeared as we got closer.

Anawangin is a breathtaking place. On one side is the great roaring sea, on the other is the calm river, and all around are pine-like trees and white sand. One option for budget travelers or adventurers is to camp in the white sand beach. There’s a toilet and a hut where the caretaker of the cove lives. The sea was rough the day we went there, more suitable for surfing than swimming. The river was calm and crystal clear, however, perfect for a cooling dip. I have been told that one can also trek to Anawangin from Pundaquit proper and that the view from the top is amazing. Would love to try trekking next time.












Next stop: Capones Island. It will take a 15-minute boat ride from Anawangin to Capones. We passed by one side of the island where people were swimming in calm, crystal blue waters. But that was not my agenda in Capones. What I really wanted to see was the old lighthouse that was built during the Spanish colonization period. Our boatman dropped us off at a rocky part of the island and we started our climb from there. The trail was slippery and rocky with lush vegetation surrounding and shielding you from the sun. I learned the hard way that you should wear appropriate footwear for the trek up. What could have been a 15- or 20-minute climb became 30 minutes because my slippers kept sliding from my feet. By the time we reached the gate to the lighthouse, my feet were bleeding from scratches from branches and rocks. Still, the view that greeted me at the top was well worth the effort. It was pretty amazing. =)