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.