Food Place Review – Funnside Ningnangan (San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga)

This is our current go to place whenever we go to San Simon Pampanga to visit Tatay in his resting place. Apparently, this is the flagship branch and they now have branches in Angeles City, Pulilan in Bulacan, Tarlac and Apalit.

Here’s what we got last January 25, 2015:

Lumpiang Ubod for Nanay.

Didn’t get to try the lumpiang ubod but since Nanay liked it and I didn’t get to hear her complain, that would be a 4/5.

Bistek Tagalog

This was a big hit. From my brother to my two sisters. It was that good that we have only started to eat and our eldest sister decided to order right away two servings of this for take out. 5/5

Pork Asado

This wasn’t such a hit with the family. Not because it wasn’t good. It’s just that we (I) can and have cooked this one. 3/5

Grilled Hito (Catfish)

I love this one. The fish was fresh and it was grilled to perfection. I think I ate half of this. 5/5

Lechon Macau

We ordered this cause Nanay wants to but nothing out of the ordinary. Wasn’t that crisp too. 3/5

Butter garlic shrimps

I requested this to be cooked chili garlic style but I guess the cook doesn’t know how. 3.5/5

Funnside Crabs

These crabs are cooked in salted red egg. Was good! Just can’t eat that much cause you gotta take card of your blood pressure. 5/5

Miki Bihon

This was a token order cause it was my birthday. Gotta keep up with the tradition. 3/5

All of the items above excluding the noodle dish but including 7 cups of rice and two 1.5 liters of soda, I only have to pay Php 1,800++. Way below my budget for that food trip. :) We also bought some Maja at Php 120 each. Was good. It was like a cross between a maja and a leche plan.  Those with sweet tooth would love it.

Location – 4/5

Ambiance – 4/5

Cleanliness – 5/5

Food – 4.5/5

Service – 4/5

Value for money – 5/5

Will definitely go back again and again and again.

Trip to Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban Quezon

2015!

First month of each year – January – is also my birth month. As it had been my custom for the past few years, I have rewarded myself with a solo trip. This time, to Lucban Quezon to visit Kamay ni Hesus.

Around 6:30, I was already in Gil Puyat, ready to take the bus. But first things, first. Claimed my free breakfast meal at McDonalds courtesy of my credit card spending. :) I took a JAC liner bus going to Lucena Grand Terminal. Fare is Php 209.50. Bus got off the terminal at 7:22 AM. When all the fares were paid, I was surprised when the bus conductor started asking if we wanted to order Jollibee meals. Weird! Turned out they have this contact in Jollibee and the orders are to be picked up when we stop at Turbina.  We got there at around 8:25.  It was a long trip!! I kept on looking at this picture that I took off the website of JAM liner so I would have an idea how much longer the trip is. We arrived at Lucena Grand Terminal at exactly 11:11 AM.

List of all places to pass thru (partial list, mind you..)

At around 10:13 AM, we were already in Candelaria. At exactly 11:11 AM, our bus stopped at the Lucena Grand Terminal. Lucena Grand Terminal is a transpo hub wherein you can get ride to different parts of Quezon. This is the same place where my sister and I took the bus going to Padre Burgos when we stayed at Tamarind Resort to visit Borawan. First thing I did when I got off the bus is to rush to the paid wash room. Good thing it is well maintained. No flush but at least you get some running water. After freshening up, I decided against having lunch. I really wanted to reach Batis Aramin which is the place where I would be checking in for the night. At Lucena Grand Terminal, I took a jeepney ride going to Lucban. Fare is Php 30.00. Good thing the driver did not wait for the jeepney to fill up. It was a long jeepney!

This might easily be a 20 seat (each side) jeepney

If you also plan to visit on a cold season like I did, better wear a long sleeved shirt or a jacket when you take the jeep. It was so cold! We had to put down the side shields of the jeepney (trapal) that is normally reserved when it rains.  It was that cold.

The instructions I got from Batis Aramin where I had a reservation is that I should go to the town proper (Bayan) and then take a tricycle going to their resort. Around 45 minutes of travel, I think we have already reached the town proper. And then the jeep conductor (yes, there is one) said that they will already be going back to Lucena. I asked where they could drop me so I can get a tricycle ride to Batis Aramin. Turned out we already passed the place. He said I can just ride along and they will just drop me off.  No extra fare. :)

After like 5 minutes, I was dropped off along a highway. On the side where I got off is Kamay ni Hesus and on the other side is the way to Batis Aramin Hotel. It was a minute walk going to the gates.  At the gate, I just told the guards my name and I went to the reception area which is located a couple of meters away from the gate. The staff was accommodating. I paid the fee at once and got my room key. They accept credit card by the way. :) Here’s what the resort looks like.

This is where the reception area and restaurant is located.

I stayed in Pretty Paw room which is good for two person. Rate is Php 2,000 per night which already includes breakfast for two. You may ask for a twin bed or a queen sized bed. I of course requested for a queen size bed. This is Pretty Paw.

Pretty Paw. I had the downstairs room.

The room was clean and quite comfy. Best of all, the hot shower works! :)

 

My Bed for that Night. Quite Comfy.

 

Old School TV but with Cable. So all is good.

 

CLEAN Comfort room and a hot shower that works!

I immediately unpacked and called for room service.  I was famished! I checked in at almost 2 PM! The thing is most of the items in the menu are good for 2 to 3 person. I had to settle with some crispy fried chicken which serves one. While waiting for my food, I roamed a bit and sent this picture to my colleagues who are at worked at that time. Rubbing it in. :)

This scenery on a Friday. :) Best!

This is just a few feet from my room. See the ripples in the water? That’s how windy it is at 2 PM.  Finally, my chicken meal arrived with some ripe mango shake. Cost is only Php 220.

Chicken!

After the meal, I was actually torn between going to Kamay ni Hesus or to roam in the town proper. I decided to rest a bit and then decide what to do. Unfortunately, it started to rain. And since we are almost at the foot of Mount Banahaw, it also became foggy. So I just stayed at the room.  At around 5:00 PM, the thought of having dinner inside my room made me decide that it is okay to get wet in the rain. So off I go to visit the bayan. See how rainy and foggy it was.

Even the guards were wearing raincoats.

 

Foggy and no soul in sight. Creepy. A bit.

I was only supposed to take a jeep going to bayan but none was passing thru. So I decided to cross the road and go to the tricycles lined outside Kamay ni Hesus. I asked one to bring me to Ground Zero where I plan to have my dinner. Manong said since I would be the only passenger, cost is Php 50. No problem with me. As long as I get out of the rain and get to my dinner.

Ground Zero Pizza place is well recommended in most of the blogs that I have visited. No wonder. Food was good and serving is quite big. Took a while though to get my food. Ordered at 5:40 PM and got served at 6:15 PM. I guess coz they prepared the food from scratch. I ordered Kalissa Almama (Php 108) and Ravioli (Php 120). When the order came out, I knew I won’t be able to eat all of it. I at once thought of the guards and just asked that the Kalissa be boxed so I can give it to them when I get back to the hotel. The ravioli, I demolished. Quite good!

Kalissa Almama. Ordered but not tasted. Next time. :)

Ravioli. Very Good! (And heavy)

I was actually eating a bit faster than normal cause when I looked out the window, the rain did stop but it was already dark. I got a bit anxious that I’d be passing the highway in a tricycle plus of course the fact that I am not familiar with the place. After gobbling my food, I hailed a tricycle and asked to be brought to Batis Aramin. I gave the Kalissa to Manong and Manang guards and went to my room. Took a hot shower and rested for the night.

Dark highway going back to the resort

The following morning, my first agenda was to tour the resort. See this pics. I’m sure it would be uber crowded in summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After touring the resort, I went to the restaurant to have my complimentary breakfast. What else? Lucban longganisa. :)

 

After breakfast, I just crossed the street and visited Kamay ni Hesus. Saturdays, the healing mass is scheduled at 9:3o AM. I got there at around 8:30 AM. I have enough time to go to the top. Along the way, there’s a lot of signs saying one must observe silence as it is a place for reflection. Unfortunately though, it was quite loud. I just busied myself appreciating how good the scenery is.

 

 

 

The Church as seen half way from the stairs.

 

After attending the mass, as I usually do when I visit a church for the first time, I light up candles for all my family and friends.

Each color represents a different intention.

A prayer when lighting the candles.

What each color means.

After this, I of course went pasalubong shopping. I was hoping to do this in Bayan but I really don’t have enough time. The mass finished at around 10:15 AM not including the healing activity. I just bought some items within the grounds of Kamay ni Hesus. Got some Budin ( a kind of cassava cake), merengue (better than the ones bought in groceries), broas (in the can so it don’t get crushed on my travel back to Manila), and of course some longganisang lucban. All in all I paid Php 800. :)

Hauling my purchases, I again crossed the highway to go back to Batis Aramin. It was already 11:15  and I know I won’t be able to check out at 12:00 noon which was the official check out time. What I did is talked to the reception and told them that I might have to leave on a later time. I was willing to pay if there is a need. Well, no need as per the receptionist. I’m sure it would be a different story when this happened in the summer. So off again I go to Bayan to have lunch at Mustiolas.

It really is just like a carenderia with a very clean and cute set up.

The Claim – Best Carinderia in Town!

 

Heavy lunch for the long ride back home. Only costs me Php 140!

Fish wrapped in mustasa leaves.

Some pork dish I really don’t what it is called. Good though. :)

Facade of Mustiola’s

Food was good! Only thing I noticed is the rice isn’t that good. It’s the same to what was served to me at the resort. Wonder if Quezon doesn’t have that good of a supply of rice?

After lunch, I went back to the resort to pack.  As with most of my travel, packing my things plus the pasalubongs are always harder. Specially since I would only be commuting back to Manila. Anyways, one body bag, one re-usable bag and one (very) heavy backpack after, I was on my way out of the resort. Jeepneys going to Lucena Grand Terminal are lined up opposite Kamay ni Hesus. After an hour, we arrived at the terminal. Going back took longer than usual cause I noticed that the driver didn’t use much gas. We are on our way down and he just let gravity do its work and not try to go faster by stepping on the gas. :) From the terminal, there would be a lot of buses you can  choose from to go back to Manila. Those going to Cubao, Alabang and my ride, going to LRT-TAFT.

That was the end of my first trip for the year. Really really hope to get more.

So we work, work, work so I can travel, travel, travel. :)

Legazpi Trip 2014

News for the past two months is the impending Mayon Volcano eruption. So my friend and I was a bit hesitant to continue our Legazpi trip. I was kinda okay with not going since I’ve already been there but my friend really wants to go. So this week, we went on our 3 day trip to Legazpi.

We got our plane tickets via Cebpac’s piso fare. We paid around Php 1,000 each. I was the one who booked our hotel and I chose Ellis Ecotel which is the same place where I stayed back in 2012. The cost for a twin bed room for 3 days and 2 nights is only Php 3,000 which already includes airport transfers and two breakfast.  Ellis Ecotel is in Embarcadero De Legazpi in the port area. Here’s the room that we got:

I was actually suggesting to my friend that we get separate single bed rooms but she wasn’t sold with the idea. The reason why I want to have separate rooms is because the wall of the comfort rooms are made of glass so you kinda see the silhouette of the person inside. Easiest solution is to turn of the lights inside the CR and just open the ones outside. :)

When we arrived at Legazpi, the sky was clear and Mayon showed her regal self.

And I think due to the drop in the number of visitors, they make an extra effort to welcome those who decide to come.

Upon reaching the hotel via the van sent by the hotel, we just tidied up and decided to go outside. Unfortunately, it started to rain. So instead of roaming the city, we went directly to one of the recommended foodie place – Small Talk Cafe.

The food there was just as good as I remembered it. We tried their recommended dishes minus the pasta coz I’m just not really into pastas.

Oriental Salad

Pinangat (SARAP!!)

Kandinga (their version of bopis) and Bicol Express (SARAP!! HOT HOT HOT!)

Pili Nut

Small Talk is really like a house that was used as a restaurant. It has this homey feel with it. It opens 12 noon ( we were actually the first customer) and the place can sit around 20 person. Just make sure that you are not yet famished when you come here as it usually takes 10 to 15 minutes for your food to be served.

To go here from Ellis, you just have to walk outside where the Legazpi-Daraga jeepneys passes. But since it was raining, we opted to take a trike for Php 60. Here’s a tip. If you plan to hire a trike instead of going walking to where the jeepneys are passing, ask for the help of the guard on the side of the hotels elevator.

After lunch, the rain still have not stopped and actually rained harder. So we have no choice but to go back to the hotel and just rest. It was almost 4 PM but the rain still won’t stop but we were getting bored inside the room so I suggested we go bowling in the mall.

This bowling and billiards place is located inside Embarcadero, just take the elevator down to the ground floor and take the stairs going up to the second floor where the place is located. The place was a bit dusty and seems to have some slow business. Still, we managed to enjoy two rounds of bowling. Enough to make us hungry for dinner.

Since it is still raining, we decided to eat at Biggs Diner. Another popular foodie place in Legazpi. We had a solo serving of their buffalo wings and a serving each of their ribs. Both are sooo good. :)

Ribs!

Spicy Buffalo Wings

After this meal, we went back to our rooms hoping to sleep early as we were scheduled to have our ATV tour the following day. We just hoped that the rain would stop so we can enjoy the tour.

I have contacted Your Brother Travel and Tours for the ATV tour. We were initially just scheduled to do a 45 minute ATV tour using a 150cc vehicle but my friend and I was convinced to just take the two-hour tour going to the lava wall using a much bigger and powerful 350 cc ATV. This costs Php 2,500 and it was worth it! I won’t be posting pics of it here coz it always includes me. But the trip was really worth it. Got a bit sunburned though cause I did not put on any sunblock thinking the sun won’t be shining.

Sun kissed. :)

We ended the tour after 9 AM and we were brought back to our hotel. Before we left, we have already asked if they also offer a city tour. We were offered Php 600 per head for the city tour and we agreed. After all, the staff were friendly and we were treated like V.I.P.s. We were fetched by a Toyota Hilux! :)

After taking some rest, taking a shower and choosing where to have lunch, we went out of the hotel, paid a trike for Php 40 to bring us to Sibid Sibid Restaurant. This is another must visit foodie place in Legazpi. We had their sizzling seafood platter, kilawing tanigue and ensaladang gulay. All was sooo good and so cheap! We only paid Php 600 for these spread plus a soda and buko juice.

We just asked Kuya Ben, our guide in ATV trail to fetch us in Sibid Sibid so we can start our city tour. Instead, we were fetched by Cyrel who is the son of the owner of the Your Brother Travel and Tours.  We started off by visiting Lignon Hills. Here you can go and visit the man-made Japanese tunnel which was used by the soldiers during the world war. Here we met Idol – the guide- who I noticed was wearing a shirt that says Stop Mayon Volcano Eruption. When I inquired about it, he said that he and the other guide used their own funds to have this printed because they are against the misleading reports on Mayon volcano eruption. They say the city is perfectly safe but due to the news, the tourism industry is suffering. True enough, when we went to do the ATV trail, we only get to see another group and they only availed of the 45 minute trail. They didn’t go to the lava wall.  Personally, I think it is safe to go and travel in Legazpi even this time. Oh well.

In Lignon Hill, you can have a vast view of the city.

 

Here, you can take a zipline for Php 200. My friend tried it out but not me. I’ve already ziplined when I visited here in 2012.

After Lignon Hills, we went to Cagsawa Ruins. Here some locals offer their services to take some trick shots. I don’t think it has a fixed price they just rely on tips.

 

 

 

When we were roaming around the ruins, a light rain started so we headed for cover and ordered some fruit shakes. Afterwards, we bought some pasalubong from the vendors outside the ruins. I of course got a ref magnet for Nanay’s collection. Some native slippers and a body bag. Body bag goes for Php 100-Php 125. Slippers at 3 for Php 100.

We then proceeded to Daraga Church. I wasn’t able to get here on my first visit so I was glad to do it this time.

 

From here, we proceeded to Albay Pilinut to get some pasalubong. The items here are a bit pricey compared to what you get to buy in other places but if you want to get some good quality pili pasalubong, this is  a good place to buy. Items vary from Php 70 to Php 120.

Afterwards, we proceeded back to the hotel but had a side trip to Legazpi Boulevard which has a lot of foodie places. Our guide recommended Zoe’s which we intend to visit for dinner.  That was the end of our city tour.

We just had a quick rest at the hotel and when we were about to go to Zoe’s, it again rained so we opted to have dinner at Seafood Grille which is located inside Embarcadero. Food was good! We had sisig, seafood platter and Camalig pinangat.

 

After the dinner, we called it a day.

The day of our flight back, we just had breakfast and proceeded to Legazpi market to buy some “regular” pili pasalubong for work. We got those for 3 for Php 100. We also had halo halo at Lana’s halo halo. Another foodie must have. Special only costs Php 50. And yes, as I’ve read, it had a lot of cheese!

 

After this, we went to LCC mall to buy more pasalubong. If you will be buying some T-Shirt souvenirs, go get them at Bicol shirts. There’s a small kiosk at LCC mall and a bigger outlet at Embarcadero. Shirts range from Php 100 to Php 150.

This was our last stop and off we go back to our hotel to stuff our pasalubongs in our bags hoping it won’t exceed our baggage check in allowance. :)

Even before the trip started, we have already identified our next destination.  A toss between Thailand and Cambodia. :)

 

Metro’s Horrible Traffic / Death by Public Transport

The start of the rainy season also means double or triple or at very bad times, quadruple travel time going home from work. During this time do I wish I have already won in the lottery and I could just stay at home or perhaps rent a condo instead of commuting to and from work.

At times, I’d think that it is better to commute, take the bus, train, etc. since it would mean more options for me. Then I have to stay in line for an hour to take an MRT ride or have to hustle to get a bus ride.

Then I decide to take a ride from my sister and we also get stuck in traffic. Worst was two weeks ago wherein we got home at 11:45 PM!

So I therefore conclude. The only way to not be affected by Metro’s horrible traffic / death by public transport is to stay at home. Either win the lottery or be a bum.  :)

Dads, Saisaki & Kamayan (The Comeback!)

Last week, the Boss decided to treat us to dinner. His reason? It’s been a while since we went out to eat. What a boss huh? :)

Our group do love to eat. Specially at buffets. We’ve been to TongYang, Yakimix, Circles and Spiral. When he said that we would be dining at Dads, Saisaki & Kamayan, I was a bit surprised. From the last time I had been there, it wasn’t so good. Granted that it has been two years but I really thought it might be a waste of the boss’ money. But what a pleasant surprise! The selection was good. And when I had a chance to have a bite? Taste was also good! Here’s what I had:

Of course, first on my list is the sushis and makis. :) It was okay. But they could have used a better rice and the wasabi is a bit lame. :) Boss says that’s the usual issues with Japanese restaurants. Their weak wasabi. The kimchi however was really good! :)

Next plate is Chinese and a bit of Spanish. I love the chicken feet!

Third plate (yes, third) is a mixture of Mediterranean, Greek and Filipino food. Their ginataang suso is the best! I also got some mousakka which is just okay. A few of those curried dishes cause it is curry! :)

There was a lot of dessert options. Halo halo, ice creams, cakes, lots! But since I am not a fan of sweets and I really don’t think I can handle any more food, I just got this. Because it’s  marshmallow. Hehehehe

My co workers really enjoyed the dessert. It’s like they had another set of two to three plates of dessert. Really big appetite! For me, after enjoying my last plate, I had like two cups of their tea which helped a lot to lessen the feeling of being too full.

Boss and I concluded that perhaps, due to the massive increase of buffet restaurants, Dads decided to keep up. In fact, I’d recommend Dads over Yakimix specially since the last time I went to Yakimix, their spread seems to be more limited.

Good food! :)

Staycation (test) – Hotel Kimberly

I am having my two week mandatory vacation leave and one of the things I set is to have a staycation with my sister and niece. This is the first time I’d be doing it cause I usually stay in a hotel when I am out on a travel. Deciding where to stay was based on what my companions want…. even if I’m the one to pay. :)

Factors that I had to consider in choosing the hotel: (1) not too far ‘coz we would be going to Pampanga in the morning and would need to go back home before going to the hotel; (2) it should be near some establishments (restaurants, mall, etc.) just in case my companions decide that they would want to go out; (3) it shouldn’t be too expensive since it would only be for a one night stay; (4) lastly, the room should have a bath tub ‘coz my niece wants one.

It was quite hard to find a hotel meeting all criteria. But after all the web search, I came across Hotel Kimberly. It is just in Pedro Gil (near the LRT station). It is also near Robinsons Place Manila. It only costs Php 3,230 for a deluxe accommodation. Most importantly, it has a bath tub :) .

We got there around 2:20 PM but wasn’t able to check in at once. The reception was quite busy assisting others and I had to wait for around 10 minutes before they can accommodate me. I was asked for Php 1,000 deposit and was then given a voucher for the free breakfast buffet for two. I’d just have to pay for my niece’s breakfast.

We proceeded to our room and it wasn’t great but wasn’t bad either.

I only got to take a picture of this on the room since my sister and niece immediately made themselves comfortable. :) Here’s the view from our window.

Our stay there was okay. Nothing memorable. Dinner we had at the hotel wasn’t that good. The soup we ordered, I swear is just knorr soup mix. I know. I’m sure. Breakfast was just okay. At least my niece enjoyed the bath tub in our room. Other than that, I know there’s a lot of other places which would have been better for staycation. And yes, for the same price.

I’d do better in finding a place next time. Much more once I learn how to drive. :)

My Thai / Pho Hoa – Robinsons Magnolia

We usually go out on a weekend for a family lunch. The usual destination is SM San Lazaro. But since that place has slim pickings for restaurants, I have been encouraging the family to visit other malls. We’ve been to MOA but it doesn’t work that much. It’s a tad too far from home and traffic can sometimes be awful. We also tried going to the Makati malls but somehow it doesn’t have that “family friendly” feel. We also tried going to Trinoma but I’m not that keen on spending some time along EDSA. The latest mall destination is Robinsons Magnolia. Works well so far. Traffic going there is okay. Good parking and not too crowded.

First lunch we had there is at My Thai/ Pho Hoa. Here’s a run down of what we had.

This shrimp paste rice is okay. You’re supposed to mix everything before eating but we didn’t since some doesn’t want the chili or the onions. Just get some and mix on your own plate. Taste – 8/10. I had better in one of those Thai place in an Ayala building.

Thai Shrimp Paste Rice

Brother loves anything noodles. So I got him a chicken pad thai.  I always try to introduce him to a new dish. Otherwise, he would always be eating the usual spaghetti. Taste – 7/10. I like the one served in Songkran better.

Chicken Pad Thai

 

Fried spring rolls for appetizer. Though it was served with the rest of the food. Guess they don’t really care much on the sequence of how the food should be served. Taste – 6/10. I can’t remember what this tastes like. Forgettable. Perhaps if the dip is better.

Pow Piet Tod Gai

This one I like! Deep fried squid. The squid was soo soft but not under cooked. I also like the dip. Was good! Taste – 9/10.

Pla Meuk Tort Gratiam Prik Thai

I had to get this one because it’s something that safe. Brother would be pissed off if he can only eat the pad thai. Taste – 7/10. I like the sate served in the Thai restaurants served in Glorietta 1. The one with the purple themed place. Forgot the name of the place.

Chicken Sate

This one we got from the menu of Pho Hoa. And Nanay loves it. So that’s a clear 10/10 for taste. :)

Beef Pho

We ordered this chili shrimps because my niece loves shrimp. We just asked the restaurant to make it less spicy. Yummy. But better if it was atomic but it wasn’t for me. :) Taste – 9/10

Chilli Shrimps

I ordered this fish cakes just because brother pointed at it’s picture in the menu. Gotta give him what he wants. But for taste  6/10. Too salty. Doesn’t taste much. Just salty.

Fish cakes

Last one is this grilled chicken. Again, a safe dish for brother. Taste – 7/10. Nothing special really. Just good that the chicken was soft.

Grilled Chicken

All in all, the dining experience is okay. I’d give 7/10 for the place and 7/10 for the price. Would I be visiting it again? Well, pho hoa, yes. My Thai, not much.  :)