Sidlakang Negros' Bamboo and Nipa Huts

I again dropped by Dumaguete on my way to Siquijor island.

Here's a glimpse of the environment friendly huts of Sidlakang Negros and eateries by the sea.

I so love the vibe of the place and the sea breeze at Rizal Boulevard.

Did you know that, of all the provinces in the Philippines, Negros island comes close to Cebu in terms of topography, ICT facilities, creative bent, geographic location and potential for economic success ?

If there is going to be a newly emerged BPO destination after Cebu, it will be Negros Island.

An afternoon at the Bohol Bee Farm

I tagged along with a group of retirees, female senior citizens,  on tour at Bohol Bee Farm. I found their enjoyment of life infectious. They joked about their short memory, arthritis, their sexual atrophy and I laughed along with them  :-)

These are the moments when I am glad I'm not married with children or I'd have ended up like Elizabeth Gilbert in her memoir "Eat, Pray, Love." She cried every night because she didn't want to be married anymore. What people call a conventional married life felt like a trap to her.. Thank God I don't have her problems...

Thank You, God, for what I have now :-)

Busay's Columbarium

It's almost All Souls' Day so I might as well talk of the columbarium. 

I ambled down this morning from Tops for my morning exercise and saw this in Busay. Considering how beautiful the place is (architecture and landscape included), I decided to walk around. It certainly is clean, breezy, and peaceful there and definitely environment friendly.

A columbarium is a place for the respectful and public storage of cinerary urns (i.e., urns holding a deceased’s cremated remains). The term comes from the Latin columba (dove) and originally referred to compartmentalized housing for doves and pigeons.

Cremation of the dead and the columbarium are not very popular in the Philippines. However, it is currently an acceptable interment for Christians. Being a pragmatic person, I prefer the columbarium over the cemetery.  Cremation is not just cheap, it is also hygienic.

Home for the weekend

I’m staying home today to avoid unnecessary expenses. I guess I should stay home on weekends for the rest of the year (except December, of course).  I’m saving up for something big.


To entertain myself, I reread my books…most of which are non-fiction. These are the kind of books that make me appreciate the comforts I am currently enjoying. I get this warm, fuzzy, secure feeling while reading the sufferings of the protagonists in the stories. In some pages, however, I get agitated or feel gagged and suffocated from reading a graphic description of a painful experience… it often induced me to get out of the house and travel or indulge myself.

The main characters in these true stories lived in intolerant, narrow-minded societies and went through physical, emotional, and mental torture. Yet, because of the strength of their spirit and faith, they survived unimaginable violence and atrocities. 

It is interesting to discover how these protagonists overcame their miserable situation. Common tactic applied by these people is to stop or numb “feeling” in order to lessen their pain whether physical, emotional or psychological. I didn’t know you can do that just by using your mind.  This is used effectively by the characters in the book “This Blinding Absence of Light” and “Stolen Lives.”

These stories remind me of a study made by a group of psychologists on why people have vices. They said that they can easily pinpoint people who are unhappy with their situation by their answers to these five questions: Do you take drugs?, Do you drink (alcohol)?, Do you smoke?, Do you binge? How often?  Their explanation is that the first two vices numb our feelings and blunt our senses. The last two vices fill a void or try to replace something unpleasant. It is a way to escape.

”If you truly enjoy or find pleasure in your present situation you would want all your five senses sharp and alert in order to fully savor the experience.”

More than Balamban's Pork Liempo

You didn't think anyone would blog about Balamban's Pork Liempo did you?  What makes this piece of meat taste heavenly is its added spices and seasoning. It just tastes delightfully different than the pork liempo offered in Cebu City.

Succulent cuts of pork liempo are sold in a nondescript stall beside Balamban's new municipal hall. Contrary to expectations, this unpretentious food stall boasts of plenty of loyal customers.

As you can see in the photo, my favorite pork liempo (that's the one to the left inside my tupperware) goes well with vegetable soup or our very own "Utan Bisaya" and a bit of Pipino Salad... really delicious!

It must really be that good since some people in Cebu City would brave the precipitous turns and blind curves of the transcentral highway to get to Balamban town proper to eat pork liempo.

My sister was saying last weekend that I should have my head checked since going all the way to Balamban to have lunch is to her completely insane.  Well, that would include some people I know who go all the way from Manila to Cebu just to eat lechon...ha..ha..ha...

I like the freedom of anonymity in Balamban.  I'm not afraid of bumping on someone who recognizes me. I can arrive there disheveled and wear the most unfashionable clothes or the most unbecoming shoes and nobody takes a photo of me to post on Facebook or someone else's blog like I'm some kind of over-the-hill celebrity. 

Oh yes, if you happen to be my admirer, you would've been disappointed seeing me in that corner of Balamban's carenderia eating pork liempo and dressing like a bag lady with nary a care in the world (So what? A love that hinges on my looks is stressful...ha..ha..ha).

Speaking of celebrity, did you know that when I was in elementary, my bedtime prayer went something like this: "Lord, I'm not asking much. I don't want to be famous nor powerful ..... (pause)... but I definitely want to be very rich so I can buy anything for my baon."  Yes, I know, I wasn't your regular kid. But I knew back them that, with more means, my choices in life widen.

My definition of "rich" these days, however, has stretched to include enjoying the company of friends, having travel opportunities and the simple pleasures of life....like eating pork liempo. So, God, if You are reading this, this was what I really meant years ago.  Thank You for all Your blessings;  I'm still enjoying it... really.  This is what people call LIFE !  Please keep it coming, Lord  :-)

Jose Rizal's Dapitan

I visited Dapitan last weekend and immensely enjoyed the place and its people.

I suggest you read Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere before going to Dapitan or read the English translation called "Social Cancer". You'll be more than ready to appreciate the person that is Rizal and marvel at what he has done for Dapitan.

Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte is a charming, bucolic town at the northern tip of Mindanao.  It is historically significant as being the place where the national hero, Jose Rizal was exiled in 1892 by the Spaniard. There he built a school, a hospital and a water supply system. He taught and engaged in farming and horticulture.

Near the end of his exile he met and courted the stepdaughter of a patient, an Irishwoman named Josephine Bracken. He was unable to obtain an ecclesiastical marriage. He nonetheless considered Josephine to be his wife

Note that the frist photo was taken along Sunset Boulevard, across Fantasyland, a theme park similar to Enchanted Kingdom.  The second photo was taken at the Rizal Shrine, a pocket forest.

Cadi Shack Diner

In a quiet residential neighborhood is a 60's style diner. Part of the fun is knowing that many people have yet to discover this place, an ideal setting for an intimate conversation with close friends.

Cadi Shack serves up western comfort foods such as choco fudge brownie with ice cream and burgers. They also have some delicious surprises like the white fish in tomatoes and basil.

This diner is in Mabolo, Cebu, just before Sarrosa Hotel, a bit off the route of public vehicles.

Strolling through Asiatown IT Park

I went to Durhans White Beach Resort in Tabuelan, Cebu last Sunday. I usually visit the beach during the rainy season when the sun is more merciful. I took the short route on the way back.  That gave me a chance to finally head to Asiatown IT Park in the afternoon for my brisk walk.

Conceived as an integrated special economic zone and modern trading center, Asiatown IT Park now vibrantly brings together top-class talent and technology in a community that was master-planned as a convergence of Asian architectural warmth and efficient Western functionality. Asiatown IT Park strives to preserve its beautiful environment through well-maintained landscape and greenery to complement the high-rise infrastructure of its global locators. It has become a lifestyle destination in Cebu City which integrates dining, recreation, wellness and retail outlets widely accessible to the employees inside the park.

Cebu Regal Pension House

In my quest for better produced news features, I again decided to get myself booked in one of Cebu's many pension houses to give me a fresh perspective 

Located in a nondescript but safe neighborhood, Regal Pension House is probably one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest budget accommodation in Cebu. 

It seems to have gone past its majestic days --- looking old and a bit frayed. But for a minimal amount, it provides the essentials.  You only get what you need. There are different rates for aircon and fan-rooms, as well as rooms with or without television.  At least, you are assured of getting only what you need. I paid only Php 500.00 for an aircon room with TV.

Although there is a bakeshop near the pension house, there are no decent restaurants within the area.  So I do a lot of walking to get to jeepneys going to Ayala or Asiatown IT Park.  I don't mind the hike in the mornings as long as there is not too much heat.

For those interested, Regal Pension House is located at Junquera extension and may be reached through telephone numbers 255-6758 or 255-6759.

Cordova Food Park

In my search for good food options, I stumbled across the Cordova Food Park in Pilipog Cordova.  I tasted their Talaba (baked oyster with butter and cheese), sinigang tangigue, and cucumber salad and these were delicious. In fact, it's a good alternative to the overpriced, hyped-up Sutukil food in Opon.

I know that Sutukil in Opon is in a tourist area so the high food prices aren't really surprising. But for locals looking for value for money, I believe Cordova Food Park is a place that people should check out. 


Cordova Food Park is located right after the bridge in Cordova. 


The restaurant has its own fish pond, so I suggest ordering fresh seafood. They actually have a menu.

For advance orders, you can call tel No. (032) 412-3783

Cinnamon wheat bread and soya milk fresh from the hospital

I've heard patients around the world complain of bad hospital food. But H.W. Miller Memorial Sanitaium and Hospital is an exception. 
 

Miller hospital's cinnamon wheat bread and soya milk is worth the plaudits.  There are not many hospitals in the Philippines that can boast of producing among the best cinnamon wheat bread and soya milk in the country.
 

Not only do they produce bread and milk, they also cook healthy budget meals for guests or non-patients.

This is actually the only hospital I know where non-patients go out of their way to eat lunch or buy bread and milk. Their food is good for vegetarians, hypertensives, adventists (sabadistas), and health conscious.

I recently tried their gluten steak (which is cooked like beef steak for those who can't seem to wean themselves away from meat), chopsuey, egglant and soya milk.

Miller hospital is located at 400 Tres de Abril Street, San Nicholas, Cebu City with contact number 262-2100..

Bethel Guest House

Yes, it's an old inn but still remains one of the best in Dumaguete.

This lodge is just along the Rizal Boulevard and, because of the locals' familiarity with the place, it has also become a landmark.

Because of its squeaky clean image and its set-up, Bethel Guest House reminds me of a hospital.  Nonetheless, it is a comfortable place for sleeping and writing.

I like their cafeteria. It has a good selection of delectable dishes. They currently have this dinner buffet every Friday, Saturday and Sunday which I took advantage.

Hanging-out at their restaurant has been a pleasurable experience since this overlookI like their cafeteria. It has a good selection of delectable dishes. They currently have this dinner buffet every Friday, Saturday and Sunday which I took advantage.

For travelers interested in the staying at the Bethel Guest House, you can book a room through their website at: http://www.bethelguesthouse.com/   or you can call them at tel no. (035) 225-2000.  The studio room where I was in was worth Php 850 for one night.

Walking around Dumaguete

Why Dumaguete?  Why not?!  It's near Cebu and is not as overdone as Bohol with regards to tourism promotion. I'm assured that there won't be hordes of visitors when I arrive at the seaport.
 
I was not disappointed. Dumaguete's Rizal boulevard is a welcoming sight.  Its attractive promenade is immediately visible when the Cokaliong vessel which I rode arrived at the port.   From the white lamp posts lining up the stretch and trees swaying in the sea breeze, I was quickly taken in by this provincial charm.

I actually liked riding the tricycle down the boulevard towards Bethel Guest House where I was billeted at 3:50 in the morning. Despite being a medium-sized city, Dumaguete has none of the frenzy of Cebu or Iloilo. The city remains peaceful thoughout the day.

I especially liked taking my breakfast at the cafeteria overlooking the acacia trees and the sea. There is something consoling about watching early morning joggers while sipping cold tea and soya milk.  It feels like everything is right with the world.

Forest Camp Resort

I was in Valencia, Negros Oriental the other week and went straight to the Forest Camp Resort via tricycle.  I went there at the spur of the moment.

I originally went to Negros for Dumaguete. I wanted to experience its laid back charm and delicious cuisine. I needed a quick vacation and Dumaguete seems to fit the bill.  But when I dropped by the tourism office and read one of their brochures, I got curious about the camp which is in nearby Valencia.

I called the proprietor asking for directions and inquired about transportation.  And before 7:30 in the morning I checked out of Bethel Guest House and hopped on a tricycle outside the hotel to Forest Camp Resort. I paid Php 150 to the driver for the one way trip.

The camp is just around 2.5 hectares; smaller than Cebu's Kan-irag Nature Park. But this relaxing hideaway makes the most of small area's natural charm with its river fed pools, hanging bridge, brooks, farm animals (geese, birds etc), and quaint cottages for rent.

If you happen to be living or visiting oriental Negros, try dropping by the camp. I do encourage nature tripping for everyone. It is definitely better than malling.

Getting to Dumaguete is easy: You can either take the plane, fast craft or the slow boat. I prefer the slow boat which leaves at 7:00 in the evening and arrives early morning.   Not only is the slow boat cheap (I took the economy which costs Php 300.00), it also allows me to sleep throughout the trip.  Moreover, pier 1 docking area is just near my office.  So after office hours, I can immediately sail away.

Pier Cuatro Hotel

As the name says, it's near Cebu's pier cuatro. It has affordable rooms that range from Standard at Php 980 to Superior Room at Php 1,860 a night.

Their location is convenient for travelers who plan to proceed to other islands the next day via ship. This is also convenient for those participating in one of the trade fairs at SM City Mall in North Reclamation area.

They have a function room for meetings. However, in this period of frequent brownouts, their generator was not adequate to run the aircon and lights during our office conference / meeting.  Food served was generally OK but sometimes soup was too salty or the dessert bland.

My officemates said that the rooms were OK but could be hot during a brownout since the generator cannot carry much of the power requirements in teh hotel.  They feel insecure outside the hotel at night considering that the pier area is known for hold-ups, especially in dark corners.

The Gustavian, a local favorite

There’s a blog that says one would know a city has achieved global hub status when even the most uncommon of international cuisines is adopted wholeheartedly by both natives and expats alike... that explains the success of The Gustavian in Cebu.

An upscale restaurant and delicatessen that specializes in Baltic, Scandinavian food and French style cooking, The Gustavian is the inspiration of Chef Robert Lilja a renowned master Chef and Saucier who was previously named as the No. 1 in customer satisfaction for the Marriott Hotel chain and was one of their star chefs. Chef Robert has risen through the ranks at some of the finest restaurants in Europe.

Lhuillier owned, you may be unaware that The Gustavian now isn’t as expensive as it used to be, food prices now appeal to ordinary mall goers in Ayala, Marina and Paseo Saturnino in Cebu. 

For more adventurous palates, the restaurant has this eat-all you-can lunch and dinner buffets at only Php 490 – 500 which are at par with those offered by hotels.

The Gustavian bakes its own bread. You can also find jams and chocolates from Switzerland and Belgium. For balikbayans who hate lugging all the pasalubong, maybe they could purchase some items here.
 
Now with its own farm, this Euro restaurant caters to expats, tourists who are homesick and locals. 

The Gustavian recently opened branches in Metro Manila.

A pension house downtown

I hadn't thought of checking-in at a pension house downtown.  The grime alone in that part of the city turns me off.

But its seems Pacific Tourist Inn has its own attractions. First of all, the aircon rooms are cheap (it probably are the cheapest in Cebu). More on the plus side, you only pay for what you need.

The inn is just a few steps away from restaurants and is within the shopping district.  It is near Metro Gaisano, Colonnade, and Unitop  (Ayala and SM is just a jeepney ride away).

I ate breakfast at the Manila Foodshoppe / restaurant which is a stone's throw away.  I had early dinner at the La Fortuna bakery and restaurant which is across the street.

It may be look a bit scruffy outside, but the Pacific Tourist Inn is relatively clean.  Moreover the area is not dangerous, there are always working class people outside the inn.  Its location is ideal for those who have been going overtime at the office and find it inconvenient to go home or for those locked out of their house.

The cheapest rooms at the inn have no windows and no television.

Pacific Tourist Inn also has a wifi facility and a cafeteria called East Cafe.

For reservations, Pacific Tourist Inn contact numbers are: 256-2796 or 253-2151 to 57

International Food Galore

If someone asks me about my favorite foods, I'd say anything edible and interesting to my taste buds.  I get bored easily so the more variety and creativity goes into the cooking the better. Of course, good, rich flavor should also be a major part.

Filipino food will always be close to my heart, but I'd rather go for an international menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  My relatives actually think that maybe I live to eat but what the heck. I love eating.

So whenever I go to some place new, I check-out their delicacies and specialties.  It's part of cultural learning. I also look at their buildings' architecture and infrastructure, but food is always number one for me.  

I can't understand tourists who go to a foreign place and expect to have their own comfort food which usually includes hamburger, french fries and fried chicken, not that I have anything against these edibles. But, c'mon, there's a big world out there and a humongous variety of eatables.  Why settle for the usual. 

Still, most tourists spend several dollars to go outside of their country yet expect foreigners to cook food the way they do back in their own country ?!!  Preposterously insane. 

There is wisdom in getting out of your comfort zones once in a while.  It will not kill you unless the food has Salmonela. Remember that tourist who refused to eat native food? Well, he got food poisoning from, of all things, lettuce.  So, eat native but insist on recently cooked food to be on the safe side.

When I was in Bangkok, I had Phad Thai, Tum Yum soup and melon-mango shake.  Here in Cebu, I visit restaurants that serve international food such as The Gustavian, Persian Palate, Krua Thai, Nonki, etc.