Ramen kuroda

I was with my niece at SM City. After a few hours of strolling, got tired and yep, got famished; so we decided to  have something to eat. She suggested that we try Ramen Kuroda.

Nothing fancy about the restaurant, just a typical ramen fast food which you find in malls.  Staff would greet you in Japanese, as they guide you to the table.

We tried the Bari Kara Ramen and some chicken karage. 

Serving is decent for the price, the ramen I would say is not as authentic, it tasted average for my tastebuds. You have options if you want to make your ramen as spicy as you want it to be. The chicken karage is not that great too, it's too bland for me.  I would give a grade of  5/10 for the taste, and 4/10 for the price. 

Simple joys in life

I stayed in America for 3 years. well if you ask me if I liked it, I would say not much! Working overseas is just taking it as it is, all work. You would be missing the simple joys of life. One thing that I didn't like is the food, too bland for me, it's all the same for the most part. I can't blame them for that though as we have different taste buds.

So, when I got back home, the first thing I did was  to eat at a local carinderia or local eatery and enjoyed locally cooked filipino dishes! I finished it off with a favorite filipino dessert/snack.

The famous Banana Cue - fried bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar!

Most of the times,  we are too busy working and thinking big. And often, we miss smelling the flowers and enjoy the beauty that's right before our very eyes.The simplest things are sometimes the great things, don't let it pass you by.

Kultura, everything Philippines

I was at Megamall and the Kultura brand caught my attention, Can't resist checking out the store

It's all Philippine souvenir items and memorabilia, "I love Manila "or "Philippines" logo are printed on shirts, cups etc. 

Filipino native songs are constantly played in the store, making the experience really Filipino!.

They also have pearl-studded jewelries in their glass estantes. Philippines will always be the Pearl of The Orient, that's why. 

They also sell T-shirts with Philippine logo print, available in different colors and designs.

It's a must stop for Balik Bayans alike, bring back a piece of home for pasalubongs  for loved-ones abroad!

New tires for my Yamaha Fz

     I bought a Yamaha FZ in 2016. And, despite it being 3 years old now, I only used up 9 kilometers (this is due to my work stint overseas, depriving me of my passion to do road trips in 2 wheels, which was a sad reality.)


And that time of the year came again, when I finished my contract, and would have some time again to go back to my country and take a break, rest my mind, and yes, do a road trip or two, yes!

I have been thinking of a road trip in my bucket list for a long time -- Baguio in 2 wheels. Why not try it now when I still have the chance? And I indulged.

In preparation for a long ride going to Baguio, I decided to change my rear tire, to 150 x 17 size one.

My choice is getting the Pirelli 150 x 17, which is a bit thicker than the stock tire which is just 140 x 17. And I had a go for it. 

It's done, and yes, you'd find me having the time of my life doing my road trip to Baguio in one of my posts am sure. Changing the tire to a thicker one will add more stability and more control when you maneuver cornering as you drive. It made me feel more confident as well, believing my 2 wheels would get me safely on my destination. 

Now what are we waiting for? Let's go to Baguio, yes! (you'll see it in my post!)

Toilet seats in Japan

    As I go back home to the Philippines (I finished my work stint in the US), I chose a ticket that would allow me to have a layover in Japan (just making my money's worth and to input some refreshing things to do in the humdrum of long flights) . Why Japan? I have heard so many good things about this country. after satisfying my taste buds by having an authentic Japanese dish as soon as I landed, my stomach complained with my being a glutton (lol). I had to use the restroom, in Japan! I wonder how it looks like.. Is it similar to the ones we use in the US, or maybe in the Philippines.. Or am I going to have a culture shock because of overthinking about what? a restroom ,whew! Anyway, my needs can't wait, so I let myself in one of the nearest restrooms I could find.

Tadaaaaaa! Aren't they spectacular?? They're so neat! Everything is automated; from the time you finish and need a wash, to the time you need some drying up after washing ( I felt so royal hahaha!), You just then have to place your hands on a sensor and it'll flush by itself, not much effort is needed wow! Amazing!            

Japan public restrooms are so clean! It looks so simple, but they have everything you need to keep you and the space you use as clean as it was before you came in. The bar that you see on the tissue side is for the elderly users who may have been lacking some balance when they sit (because of their age). They even have that in mind so, these people can hold on to that rail to regain some balance as they sit, and when they need some effort to stand as they finish. Public service at its finest! That's how Japan makes life comfortable for their people. They even have a special restroom areas for mothers with babies in tow who needs diaper change (they have that compact baby bed in the restroom where the baby can be laid and moms would find it easier to change their babies' diapers or clothes).

It was just a simple thing I did today but I've experienced Japanese "omotenashi", their unparalleled, incomparable way of serving others in a way that would make life easier for the people. It's a thing to beat, and I'll never forget their toilets ever, they made me feel like a royal, even for a few minutes. Just wowww!!!

Tropical hut

Tropical Hut sandwiches has been one of my comfort foods when I was in our country; didn't have this for a long time and I have considered it luxury because it's when I know I'm home, when I get to eat it.

I visited one of their branch here in Ever Gotesco Commonwealth when I got the chance.

My favorite is the clubhouse sandwich so I ordered it as my mind went to memory lane, the times when I can eat it as often as I could because you'd always find a branch nearby when you're in our beloved Pilipinas. This combo meal comes with small fries and a medium sized soda, priced at  Php150.00. 

I really miss eating foods that I grew up eating...

Regina Rica

Driving along Marilaque highway, We happen to come across Regina Rica, a sacred place of pilgrimage devoted to the Virgin Mary.

It's a common destination for tourist and bikers, we came across people  coming from different parts of the country/globe.  it was a rainy day when we drove along Tanay, Rizal.

Entrance is free, you just have to pay the parking fee of 20 pesos. No worries as they have wide parking spaces to accommodate large number of guests.

Souvenirs are on display and for sale at a reasonable price. There are rosaries, bracelets,holy figures that can be a worthy pasalubong to our kababayans overseas or to our families back home.

It's open from 8:00 to 5:00 pm. everyday. It has a great scenery of the mountains too, a wonderful place of prayer and reflection when you want to take a break from the noise of the city.

You can either enjoy the long walk on the elevated path leading to the giant statue of the Virgin Mary or take a shuttle (you only have to pay a minimal fee of 5 pesos per head) to reach the peak of statue. 

This is the shuttle that comes every 5-10 minutes to fetch the guests and take them to the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the mountain.

The statue of the Virgin Mary in all its splendor! There's a deep feeling of calm and serenity once you reach the top of it. Well, taking pictures would always be a part of our every trip but take time to indulge in the peace this place has, a great place for contemplation. 

This is the church where they hold their masses and recollections. If you feel it's time to refresh your spiritual life or there's a need for soul-searching, this is one of the best places to visit.

A view of of the church taken from the top of the statue of the Virgin Mary.

As we drove back home, we came across a rice cake vendor. I'm not so familar with the names of the rice cakes she sells, the suman looks deli as well but we chose to buy the one that's wrapped in banana leaves (suman with latik I guess). 

All in all, I would definitely recommend that you visit the Regina Rica. There will come a time in our lives when we need to reflect, soul-search and contemplate, forget the chaos that we encounter from the busy city, and clear out the confusion we have in our minds. Remember, if you feel lost, it's because the heart and mind are not working in harmony, when they work together, you will find peace. And this place will bring you just that. Happy Trip!

Coco mountain resort

If you are looking for a weekend getaway, try going to Coco mountain resort in Montalban Rizal. Being in the country for almost a month now, I was invited by my girlfriend's family to join them for a family outing.

The place has great views of the Montalban mountain ranges, entrance fee is php 150.00.

It has a total of 3 pools, a videoke room and a function room. It has a great back drop of the mountains, very scenic place as you take a dip on the pool. It's even worth to take a selfie, considering the dramatic nature for a background!

The resort is relatively new, there are a lot of room for improvements. But the wide space, the picturesque landscape that it already has right now is worth a peek. We just enjoyed the dips, drank and had fun conversations about how everyone else is doing. If you want a relaxed moment with your friends or family, as you beat the scorching heat, I would definitely recommend that you go and check out this Coco Mountain Resort!

First time to try Pares!

My friend asked me to try the famous Pares. Got intrigued about what's special with that food. He said I should try it before I leave for the US, so, off we went to Concepcion in Marikina straight to" Everybuddies".

My friend told me that the Pares they make here tastes fantastic. Well, let's have a bit of a taste check!

So what is exactly is Pares? I don't know why it called a Pares ( a pair) . It is braised beef, with a kind of flavor similar to asado, and is served with garlic rice.

Hhhmmmmm, it tasted great! My friend had 2 servings of Pares and 4 bowls of garlic rice!. They sure filled satisfaction to my demanding taste buds.

The place has no air conditioning, which can add up to your experience. The food was great but it's a bit uncomfortable because of the open space. It's air-cool but the air ain't going to be as cool when you're in the Philippines, right?

Overall I liked the taste of Pares, and would never hesitate to try it again, given the chance.The place ain't fit for the meticulous elite but for others who doesn't mind and is just up for good tasting food, Everybuddies is worth writing on your wish list, or, don't waste time, visit and check out their branches near you! 

Kowloon House

I never had siopao for some time now since I was out of the country. And, while doing a bike ride to Wawa dam in Montalban Rizal, it caught my attention, a nearby Kowloon House branch.

 I always love the Kowloon Jumbo Pao. But the Jumbo Pao they have on sale now is not as big and chunky as before, am disappointed with the amount of filling in it as well. Considering the price didn't go up dramatically, a serving costs php 65.00. The bun is  served with hot sauce or sweet sauce and is enough to satisfy your craving, even if it's kinda smaller and half-filled.

In spite of the changes in its volume, I think the taste is a great factor why a lot of people still chooses to buy in Kowloon House. It might not be as big or as filled as what we used to have before, the taste remains the same. And admit it, we miss and love its distinct taste!

So what are you waiting for? Have a grab for some Siopao when you pass by  some Kowloon house outlets! You know you want it!

Taho and Kutsinta for breakfast

I been out of the country for sometime now, and now I am back to have my Christmas vacation. How I have been missing Filipino street foods!. And while doing our morning walk with Malou,the Taho vendor caught my attention.

Taho is a  streetfood that made from soybeans and it is what Filipino's love to eat for breakfast and snacks.

The Taho is mixed with a sweet concoction mixed with Sago. Served in disposable plastic cups and cost about Php 10.00. Aside from the Taho, Kutsinta and Puto (Made from Rice) and is also being sold

Tahoo mixed with a sweet syrup

Kuntsinta

These food brings back memories, the simple joys of childhood. How I wish we could also bring us back to our youth when we eat it lol!  That's our comfort food right there, sells cheap but tastes great! Buy some when you can.