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…