Sambo Kojin @ Megamall

 First time trying out Sambo Kojin , a mix of Japanese and Korean dishes, I also noticed some Filipino food being served, So if you are a big eater try out their buffet packages at a discounted rate

The one I went to is at the 3rd floor of the Atrium in Mega Mall. 

To prepare myself,  I did not eat breakfast coz I was planning there to go there by lunchtime . My first order of business is to dig right in the sushi station. And got me some fresh tuna and salmon

Salmon and tuna sashimi as a warm-up for me before digging into much heavier dishes. 

More Japanese foods

Cuts of ham and lechon bely

Beverage station

Kare-Kare

For some Filipino foods, Beef caldereta, kare-kare, Lechon belly are some of the dishes that I tried.

Sadly I wasn't able to take a picture of the Korean foods, I was too lazy to fire up the grill. Overall the experience is ok but not that impressive in my book. But considering the price. It is a bargain.

Aling Lucing Sisig

Featured in Anthony Bourdain's show No Reservation,  I always wanted to try out the so-called original  Sisig from Aling lucing's. I had the chance when we did a road trip going to Clark airbase. 

It is about lunchtime and many hungry diners are flocking in groups. Parking would be a problem since there is no designated parking area, you will be parking your vehicle by the roadside. 

Aling Lucing modified the local dish Sisig, which gave birth to the modern-day Sisig, her version took advantage of the pig's head that Clark airbase used to throw back then. So we can say that this is the birthplace of the Sisig we know and loved.

The original version does not have a fresh egg on top, most of us are familiar with having an egg mixed with the grilled pork face. We ordered 3 servings of Sisig, pork barbeque, grilled catfish, and tofu with pork( tokwat baboy). 

I can say that the food is worth the long travel, Sisig is so good and I like all of the dishes we ordered.  Food though is a bit expensive, but reasonably priced.

 

The verdict, I would definitely come back for more, Would I recommend it?  A big yes. So when in Pampanga please do give it a try and experience eating the original Sisig.

First time trying out Balbakwa

 I was at Don Antonio Quezon city, specifically at Holy Spirit drive, I arrived early for my 9:30 am appointment. So decided to get something to eat, noticed too many riders at one corner, what's the fuzz all about and did see a small makeshift eating place and the name is Mami heat.  Serving different broth made up of cow  innards.

Being  fan of the "Matang baka" (Cow's eye) and so decided to order one, but sadly it is still being prepared and still cooking. Intrigued by the name itself " Balbakwa" , I ordered one.

A mixture of beef fat,  chopped innards and a spicy broth to complement the mixture

For only Php 80, you get a serving of rice and a bowl of Balbakwa. A must try in my book, overall I really did enjoy the eating Balbakwa , the gritty environment being at the side of the road , makes the overall experience a kind of an adventure. 

Tamashii nation at Festival mall featuring Voltes V

 

Tamashii recently had an exhibit at the second floor Festival mall Alabang, featuring Voltes V and other Japanese character. 

A life size figure of Voltes V as the main attraction

It displays Voltes V robots that can be ordered online, These are collectible items and are expensive

Click on the link for the full video

Boso Boso old church

 

One of the most visited place in Tanay is the old Boso Boso church that was built in 1669. It survived the test of time it was destroyed during the Japanese occupation and was restored in 1995. Going there is to go through Marilaque highway.  

Then passing through the entrance going to Boso Boso road, during the time we went there several road constructions has been ongoing . 

The church is roughly 1 to 2 km from the main highway.

You can feel the rich history of the place, a local told me that the church is a frequently visited by tourists.

Food vendors are found within the vicinity

So when in Antipolo, try to visit this old historic church. 

Hinulugang Taktak

One of Antipolo's iconic destinations, the curiosity brought about by how it derive its name, ("taktak" pertains to a bell that was thrown "hinulog" into it), and it being included in the song "Tayo na sa Antipolo") took me to this place.It is about 1.7 kilometers from the Antipolo Cathedral and can be  accessed through the Taktak road.  This was how it looked like when we arrived at the spot. This recreationalarea has been under rehabilitation for years and due to the oils spill in 2015.

The government exerted extra effort to protect and restore this important piece of history.It was evident though that there were problems with the trash and nearby waterways but the falls itself was a sight to behold. It will definitely take years to totally restore it to how magnificent it was before. 

The overall area is nice but not as spectacular and I'm hoping for better improvements in the years to come. The water still have this pungent odor and I think that's the biggest problem they have to deal with. I also wish that, aside from being in awe with the sight of the raging falls, it will be a great idea to put other activities in for children and adults to enjoy. As for now, it is still worth the visit as still is one of the most peaceful and relaxing place I have ever been, a wonderful oasis in Antipolo. 

Daranak falls in Tanay Rizal

Rizal province has been known for spectacular attractions and leisure activities ready for their guests to ; an adventure they will never forget. And since it's just 20 kilometers away from Manila, local and foreign visitors alike would flock the array of nature spots in Rizal. They have an an art museum for art enthusiasts, enigmatic caves, historical dams, and amazing falls. One of them is this famous Daranak Falls.

Daranak Falls is positioned at the foot of Tanay mountains. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and cascading rivers and ponds. Entrance fee is P50.00 (as seen above) and they offer picnic sheds and picnic tables for family gatherings and barbecue get-together parties.

You can take a dip, swim and bond with your family and friends in their majestic waterfalls. For nature photo enthusiasts, there is a trail that leads to another waterfall. This is where the Filipino sitcom "Okay Ka Fairy Ko" had their shoots for their program. 

They have a small canteen inside where you can buy food but it's better (and cheaper I think, specially for groups) to just bring their own food.

When you need a quick getaway, have a cool dip to save you from the heat, or to simply have a chill time, I'd still say Daranak Falls is one of the nice places to go.

Taal Volcano, 1/19/2020

Visited Tagaytay again to catch glimpse of Taal volcano. Bellow is an image I got imaging at Picnic groove.

Double Rainbow while travelling at Theresa Rizal

I got this beautiful image while travelling going to Lucban Quezon, used Samsung S10 plus to capture its beauty

Going to Tagaytay to image Taal Volcano venting ash

A day after the initial venting of steam and ash from Taal volcano, me and my friend decided to go to Tagaytay which is a safe distance from Taal volcano. So the plan is to take some images of this volcanic activity. Having sub 400cc motorcycle , we took the Aguinaldo highway route. Travelling is bit difficult brought about by volcanic ash, making visibility hard.

A view of Taal volcano spewing ash and steam

Arriving in Tagaytay, we can't find any open restaurants. No electricity and no water supply in the whole city, almost as if it is a ghost town literally.

Angkas riders giving free surgical masks

Ash deposits

A video of the road condition in Tagaytay

more ash deposits along the road

We found a good vantage point to take pictures, arriving at around 4 pm and sunlight is at its low. We still able to get descent enough images to post. We are planning to try to take better pictures next week  and try to arrive much earlier, Taal Volcano is best to image early in the morning.

dusty and tired but worth the travel