Buying pasalubong going home from Baguio

We took a  250 plus km road trip to Baguio riding on my Yamaha FZ. Let's charge it to the adventurous side of us, not having enough time, yet took the plunge and stayed overnight, then went back as we're bound to our int'l flights to what -- yes, you got it right, to work as we all need to.
Passing along Marcos highway was exciting as we find lots of stores for last minute shopping (you know how it is to enjoy the place so much you forget to buy pasalubongs? Nothing to worry about it, the stores are everywhere!

Now, for the tidbits of what we chose to buy and what we found as well; first: the items, what are they? They have peanut brittle, lengua de gato, Ilocos cornicks, among others. You'd find a lot more like vegetables and fruits, some key chains and other memorabilia but our family have the sweet tooth so we opted to focus on food.

Never underestimate the stalls along this highway, it's basically a one stop shop and you'd find almost every pasalubong that'd suit your family and friends' taste.

So the next time you happen to visit Baguio, do indulge in the moment. Experience the sights and take lots of pictures; feel and breath the fresh spring air breeze, and don't forget to check out the stalls along the highway just in case you got carried away and missed some pasalubong for your loved ones! Don't worry, be happy, because life is too short not to be, blessings!

Lobster meal in Camden Maine

My last assignment working as an RN in a skilled nursing facility was in Camden, Maine USA. It's famous for its lobsters; and enticed with the restaurant slogan, I just had to have a taste of Maine - and lobster it is!

I treated myself  in one of the local restaurant that serves whole-steamed lobster - freshly taken out of the aquarium - nice! 

After satisfying my growling stomach, this is my honest review.

The price: It costs around 25 dollars, served with your choice of side dish. I had french fries and freshly-baked bread. It's reasonable enough considering how lobsters are priced these days. Taste: I am always honest in all the reviews that I make, an obligation to the readers who may plan, at one time or another, to visit Maine and taste their famous lobsters. i think cooking lobster is an art. Whether it be boiled or steamed, timing is everything to be able to bring out their best taste. Am not to judge as I haven't seen the process of how they cooked it, so, let's just say it wasn't my lucky day (or the cook needed more inspiration). It tasted average,not as I expected it to be. I'd give them a tip: lobsters have harder shells during the winter, requiring more time for cooking, and softer shells in summertime which requires less time of cooking.Overall,  I gave it a 6/10 rating. 

Best Tonkatsu ever...

Eating authentic Japan gourmet was like shooting the moon; until this day, when I was able to visit the country and have my wish granted , one I thought would take like forever. Finally, it has become a reality, yes!

Tonkatsu is a Japanese dish of pork cutlet coated in flaky panko or breadcrumbs then deep-fried. It is usually served with yellow mustard and a thick tonkatsu sauce. It has a sweet and tangy flavor.

Tonkatsu is a Japanese dish with astounding international appeal, primarily because of its use of high-quality japanese ingredients. I was in awe watching the chef prepare and cook the food right in front of you. Tea is served while you wait for your order. You may also request for water depending on your preference.

Savoring a  few bites of the pork, and heaven! The meat literally melts in your mouth, so tender and very tasty. Add that with a very warm and friendly atmosphere. 

This is so far the best  Tonkatsu dinner I have ever had. It just costed me 20 dollars for the meal. Hopefully I can get to try out some of the other restaurants there the next time I visit.   

What can I say with the whole experience? I would vouch that it's worth your travel and your money to visit Japan and realize for yourself how their dishes really taste like. The courteousness of everybody serving you is the reason why the Japanese "Omotenashi" word came up. As for that one, it's another story hahaha! Put this on your bucket list! It's worth every penny I assure you!

Hotel Veniz in Baguio

Driving from Manila to Baguio on two wheels is one of the essentials in my bucket list. And finally, I was able to do it! You read it right, I did it using my Yamaha Fz 16 motorcycle. It was a 200 plus km ride which I will be posting soon.This is just parts of  what we've encountered in the journey. And one is a place to stay as we arrived in Baguio. We chose this hotel called "Hotel Veniz", located in the heart of the city.

As we approached the information in the lobby, we were told of the available rooms they have at the moment. They said that they can show us the rooms first to help us in deciding which one suits us.

We finally chose a twin bedroom. It's originally priced at 1,700 pesos but they offer a discount of 300 pesos that week, so we just paid 1,400 pesos for the night. 

The room was spacious and we were satisfied with its price. We joined the beds and it's like having a queen-sized bed as their bed size is wider than the usual single beds, it was a treat!  The parking was wide enough and was located at the basement of the hotel.

a view of the city

A buffet complimentary breakfast is served from 6am till 10 am. The food was very good and satisfying, it'll surely make you full and ready for the busy day of sightseeing!

And just to inform you, rooms are all non smoking rooms. They have a fine of php 500.00 for cleaning fee if the room smells of  cigarette smoke upon check out.

a restaurant is open to serve you onnthe 2nd floor

Hotel Veniz is a small but decent hotel in the heart of Baguio. I would definitely recommend it and would personally go back here again, not only for its price but also for the good service this hotel provides.  I give it a 7/10 score!

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!