Anawangin Adventure Part1 - Prep

About a year or less, Regi and I usually takes Friday night as time for 2 bottles (sometime 2 buckets for us). One time we invited some officemates and friends to join us.  One of our operations lead (boss Chris) says he’ll follow and ask that we just continue in his place. Elak (Gerald from my previous blog – Fiesta in Indang) also came and he invited his cousin JR.  At that time, JR looks like a playful boy and a newbie in the world of Career. I didn’t get the chance to talk to him since Regi and I usually talk a lot about everything, except maybe for petty conversation like where does he work and the likes.

Just recently, Elak invited JR to come over our place. This time, I had learned things the guy is in to. BTW, JR now looks different; now a little mature, bigger and manly.

As we talk, he suddenly mentions he is into mountaineering, not professional but he has experience.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about Mount Pulag (somewhere Baguio or Mt. Province). I advice him I’m interested joining him as I am targeting Mt. Pulag. Mt. Pulag is Philippines 3^rd highest peak (based on news I heard and if its correct).

Photo Courtesy of www.kellyaustria.com

JR says that I should start with short trek and hike to prepare for Mt. Pulag. Hmnn, I was thinking if me being hardcore in jogging, running and walking couldn’t be able to finish it? But yes, I need training since I’m a newbie with trekking and hiking.

The following week, conversation still continues in email. This time we are now talking about the future and we end up with Anawangin in Zambales.

Anawangin is one of the coves in Zambales where the only way you can reach it is either trek or boat. The place became famous after the showing of Bea Alonzo and Sam Milby’s movie.  Anawangin is beautiful with its Pine trees, secluded ambience, mountains around and the overlooking cove.

I have been to Anawangin 2 times going there by boat. Since I'm not after swimming, trekking is a good idea. I heard the trek is about 4-5 hours.

Before we go to the trekking adventure, here are some photos of Anawangins beauty.

Adventure, Trekking and Cost guide on Part 2. Happy reading!

Fiesta in Indang, Cavite and a drop-off to Tagaytay, Philippines

It was my 3rd year in my company and supposed to be the 3rd time to be invited in a fiesta in Indang, Cavite. Gerald "Puge", my office mate and a very good friend always invites us to attend their fiesta every March, sunday of the 3rd week. This year, Gerald did not bother to invite us. Their barangay chairman postpone the event as their community church is under renovation.

The fiesta in Indang was just a simple and normal fiesta you can see in every town. It's struggling but the people are amazing! Each household prepares variety of food from breakfast to dinner from usuals to extravagant.


2 years ago, we were about 20 who attended the feast. Last year, were only 6. Since I've been to Batangas, Cavite and Tagaytay number of times, I know that the road is terrible due to traffic and I really get bored easily as I don't usually sleep when I'm on the road. I ask my guys that we leave early. We meet in Taft and take the bus 7am (supposed to be 6). As usual, mostly are late.


In our group, Keribells, I was the so called mataray and masungit. So they have all the excuses they could ever have when talking to me. After 5 minutes, everything will be ok as this guys are the best group of friends one could ever have. I was with Jojo, AG, and Rita and John Paul and Ems last year.

Puge is very accommodating and so is his whole family. The moment we get to their place, food is served!


In the afternoon, performers go house to house.

and the parade...

Finishing the feast, we end up playing the palabunutan (yung sisiw yung premyo).

Before we say wrap-up. We had another round of more Kain! Thanks to Puge.


And it's a wrap! Finishing the day, is a drop-off to Tagaytay for coffee. The usual for me, hot grande white chocolate mocha, non-fat, no whipped.


Some pictures, chit-chats and lets call it a day!

Super Jayson and Ilocos Foods...

I grew up in Ilocos and haven't been there for 3 years now. I am working in the BPO Industry and gets assigned to different Projects. In our new project with my best bud Regi, after a tiring analysis, saw this food blog of Ms. Connie Veneracion or the famous blog Casa Veneracion.


Regi and I were both a food lover and we sometimes roam around to look for something interesting. As we browse Ms. Connie's blog, we saw this Ilocos Empanada topic and read thru it. Since Regi do not eat meat, she got so interested with the Vegan (all Vegi) Empanada. I also got exited as the store was just near my place. Scout Tuazon corner Roces Ave. (originally) - Empanada Nation.

Friday on the same week, we agreed to go check it before our shift. She picked me up at 11AM and we head to Timog to give it a try.


Regi had the Vegan, and I had my regular order I am ordering when I'm still in Ilocos (Riverside Batac, Ilocos Norte or Plaza Burgos Vigan, Ilocos Sur) - Seedless.


Batac Riverside

Batac Riverside is located near the Municipal/City Hall. Riverside is perfectly situated at the center of the city. Batac is the hometown of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.




Batac Famous Foods


Empanada


Empanada is a deep fried delicacy in Batac. The crust is made out of rice flour which makes the delicacy not too oily and star anise. The filling has papaya, monggo, egg and the local Batac longganisa. Empanada is best eaten with sukang iloco or even ketchup. 

Miki


Also famous in the city of Batac and even neighboring town is the yummy and delectable MIKI. Miki is easy to cook and ingredients are available everywhere. This contains Noodles (I am not sure if its rice or just flour based), chicken, pork, achuete (annatto) and flavorings.

Batac City is now on its 3rd Year on their own Empanada Festival.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rigvU0G2aso posted in youtube by gametian




Here in Manila, you can try Glomy's Empanada in Banchetto.




Empanada Nation


Talking about Ilokano Foods, Empanada nation is a must try! Located at #26 Sgt. Esguerra Ave. Just in between JTs Manukan and N20 Bar and in front of Chocolat. They also have their take-out kiosk at 8101 Pearl Plaza, Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center,Pasig City.


The Menu:

Besides empanada, Empanada Nation also serves Vigan Longganisa, Bagnet, Insarabasab, Puqui-puqui, Adobong utong... Ahh! As I write, I want to go for a quick meal. See you around.

The Best Adventure: Coron, Palawan, Philippines - Day 3

This is the fourth and final installment of our coron adventure!


As we end Day 2, we had to look for something to bring home. Pasalubong hunt. Unluckily we were not able to find some items we can bring back to Manila. So we just walk around and eat at Lolo's carinderia. Since it was night and I am a super LOMI lover, its a must for me to try coron's local lomi. I ordered adobo, rice and I can't even remember and of course, LOMI. It's just fine and OK. Dinner is done and we need to sleep early for our Early Calauit Island Tour. Our call time is 4:00 AM. 


Some facts in our group, Gerald is the alarm clock. He never fails to wake us all up. True enough! I ask him to set his alarm 2:30 AM so that everyone can take a bath before leaving. It was 2:30. Taking turn for the shower and we are ready for 4:00 departure. We were not told to check our Van in the gate so we just wait for big knock-on-the-door.


It's 4:30 and still no one is knocking. I already send an SMS to our tour coordinator Ate Brenda that our van hasn't arrived yet. I decided to check outside, I realized I should always follow my instinct. Kuya driver is waiting outside! The gate was closed so he just waited outside.


2 Hour Drive


It's still dark, usually I always stay beside the driver. On the passenger's seat, I can see the beauty of night time. Moon, stars and creepy shadows. My guys are sleeping so I just listen to my mp3 and just enjoy the dark highway. Once in a while, I am having some chit-chat with the driver. (sorry, I already forgot the name).  For about an hour of rough drive, AG suddenly talks. "Kuya, wala ba tayong madadaanang pedeng mag-CR?" he asked. Kuya says that about an hour we will be on our destination for our breakfast. After 10 minutes, AG exclaimed, "kuya, wala ba talaga?, di ko na kaya eh." It's dark and we were like in the middle of nowhere. Kuya then stops and find the best Spot! KM35! Paul and Bajoy being Girlscouts, have wet wipes and alcohol. AG doesn't have a choice! He needs to let it GO! AT KM 35! With all the bushes, trees and creeps of night time. Too much for that stomach troubles, let's fast forward...


That's AG!

It's almost 6AM, we were about to arrived our Breakfast drop-off.


DAYON KAMO LODGE and KAREANAN


And were here,

The breakfast was normal! Hotsilog! We also have coffee and pandesal. Honestly, the pandesal is unbelievable! It was yummy. This is the kind of pandesal I'm longing to taste.


After the breakfast, Nene the Dog is playing with us. She is the sweetest dog I've ever seen.

I'm gonna see you on lunch Nene, we're now going to our Calauit Island Tour!


More rough rides, malubak, maputik, maiksi... It's really a hard drive and an unbelievable road!

Since I was on the passengers seat. I had a lot of talks with kuya driver. I learned about the history of Calauit Island and how it was put-up.

It was during the Marcos Regime, when President Ferdinand Marcos volunteered the country to be the home of the Kenya Animals like giraffe, gazelle, zebra and elands. As per our driver, only President Marcos raised hands when president of Kenya ask a favor to transfer some of their wildlife to ensure continuity of wildlife due to the diminishing animal population. Learn more about Calauit Island.

Calaiut Island is now a sanctuary for Wildlife. Local animals together with the transported animals from Kenya are local Palawan wildlife. Among the Palawan local wildlife were Mouse Deer, Peacock Pheasant, Palawan Deer, Palawan Bearcat, Wild Boar, Crocodiles, Alamid Cat, Monkeys, Eagle, Porcupine and Turtles. 

By the way we finally reach our destination, we will be transferring to the Calauit Island Proper using a motorboat. The boat cost PHP 400 back and forth.

Calauit Island


We reached Calauit Island. Entrance fee is Php200 per head and PHP1000 for the truck/rover. We waited for the firs group to finish since we arrived a little later. As a usual thing, we took pictures around and we had some pack snacks so we make used to the time to chill and talk.

As we are posing and playing on the swing and seesaw, we were introduce to our guide Kuya Ruben/Robin. 

While waiting on the hut, our driver bring in the Ice cream of the giraffes. Leaves of a locally grown tree in Calauit. I can't remember the name but the leaves is like minty in smell and it looks like leaves of balete. haha, I'm not even sure with my description.


Suddenly, the giraffes are coming nearer to the hut. They might have smell the leaves brought by our driver.


And so...

3 Giraffes came into the hut. It was enough for us, but of course we do want to see the herd. Kuya Robin was saying there were about 27 new island born/breed of giraffe from the original 11 from Kenya. 


We then boarded to the rover to check out the zebra, deer, gazelles and other animal.


Zebra

Giraffe

Crocodile

Monkey

More Giraffe

Gazelle

When we are in the middle of our tour, Joseph feels the same feeling he feels yesterday! Yes! The forest this time. He says baboons were looking while he is doing the did! hahaha


Alamid Cat

That was like 2 hours of roaming on the wild and we had enough. It was indeed a memorable experience.


That's the final leg of the trip. We are now going back to Coron. But before that, we will still have lunch at Karaenan, Dayon Kamo Lodge. It's the same way back, rough road!




Lunch Time


Lunch is almost ready when we reached Busuanga. 

Earlier that morning, we were ask what do we like for lunch. As they claim that seafood is fresh in their place, so we go for seafood. I ask for shrimp and fish for everyones benefit. I was not actually a seafood lover but due to my guys, I have to think of what they like. (the kindness in me. lol)


Lunch is ready and were ready to dig in.

Sinigang na Hipon and pinaputok na isda (not tilapia). Isn't that lovely? This time I was able to enjoy seafood! The shrimp has this sweet taste, one character of a fresh seafood! I really enjoy the lunch. After we got so full from that beautiful lunch, we had some spare time to spent and the owner Ate Violy gave us their calling card. She also tour us around their lodge and have a good chat to us. 


Ate Violy is a Manila girl. She is a midwife at her time, she was assigned for Busuanga for 2-3 months. She admit, she fell-in love to the place and of course to the love of her life. They have 3 kids. I remember her youngest is now 28 if I recall it correctly. Her eldest is now a police woman, the second (32y/o) is the manager of the restaurant and lodge (saw him in breakfast, meztiso at pogi) and her youngest is in abroad. It's a long and a really good story! If you will plan to go to Calauit, make sure to drop-by this place. Learn more about Dayon Kamo by visiting their Facebook account. 

We enjoy everything. Ate Violy really knows how to entertain. See you soon!


After the good talk, we were now on our way to Conception falls. We will just drop-off to see the place. 

Did I say we will just see the place? hahaha, Yes, we did. Hit the water! How can you resist the clear, cold and refreshing water? We don't actually bring some extra baggage so for me I had to hit the water in my briefs. lol. Don't worry, I don't keep pictures and you will not see any! hahaha


It was over, the mesmerizing water shortly relieves us. Back on the road.


At about 4:00 in the afternoon we reach Amphibiko.


Since I ask them to visit the church, we immediately took the shower and go for dinner. About to get dark, we go to their church and say a little prayer. Thank you Lord for this very wonderful experience.


In our group, I am Mr. Congeniality so I was able to had a good talk with tricycle drivers, guides and some locals. AG and I asked our Trike driver on Day 1 what's the best place to have a night out. So we go to Kawayanan Grill Station.

The food was fine. So we decided to have to end the night with a drink. We had red horse and sanmig Lights. It was all fun. and ohh BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our dearest BAJOY!

We got to sleep early since our flight back to Manila is 9:00 AM. We still need to do some pasalubong shopping.

That is the end of our Coron Adventure! All-in-all I spent Less than PHP 8500 (including seat sale, pasalubong and everything).

For those planning to go for a Coron Adventure, don't hesitate. For me it is "The Adventure". Enjoy!