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!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
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.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
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.



Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila, Philippines.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Paradise fit for a Princess: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
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
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.
Our tour group was able to convince our guide to stop at the Viet Ville for a quick merienda of their famous noodles.
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.
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.
Day 4
Flight back to Manila.
Another wonderful adventure. Till next time…

Thursday, September 25, 2008
An Afternoon of Pampering at Relaksasi



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!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Figaro’s White Chocolate Mocha
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.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Comfort Food: Mom and Tina’s Bakery Café

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.
The serving is good for two.
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