A short work trip to Bacolod — full of work, but also so food.
It wasn’t my first time in Bacolod, but it always a good experience still. This is a short trip for work, but at least was able to try some good food with colleagues after work and during lunch break with some of our officials.
Bacolod Chicken Inasal
A must-try if you are in Bacolod City! One of the things Bacolod is known for. It is best paired, of cours, with Chicken Oil and of course, Cansi (not in photo as I forgot to take).
Bacolod Batchoy
The best batchoy is debatable, I know, I know. But this one’s from 21 Bar & Restaurant is the best for me. This Special Batchoy only costs ₱180, also good for sharing if you do not have a big appetite.
Bacolod Cakes
Calea Pastries & Coffee is a go-to cakeshop in the City of Smiles. Good food in very affordable price points! They have a full array of cakes and pastries to choose from.
Calea’a best-seller is the Chocolate Mud Pie. I ordered this Frozen Mango Chiffon cake—not too sweet, good for a tita like me. After Batchoy, at 21 Bar & Restaurant, this should be the next stop.
Of course, seafood!
Gina’s Seafood Restaurant has value for money especially if you are traveling in groups. If you are familiar with Dampa, this is a bit similar. You’ll choose your preferred seafood and have it cooked the way you like ‘em.
Purple Cake
Everything purple at Purple Cake! Located at the new SM Bacolod North Block, Purple Cake is one of the best desserts I tried! It gives a unique vibe from our often consumed cakes in the Metro. Each day passes, I prefer ube cake more and more. 😅
Lechoneria specialties. Lechoneria also has some branches in Metro Manila. Too many sinful food for my last day in Bacolod. And to top it all of,
A quiet merienda vibes at the Palm Veranda before the flight back to the hustle and bustle of Manila. This chocolate cake is good—moist and flavorful for its price—and we only thought that it’s just a slice we’re getting.
I share these photos and experiences to my family and I cannot wait to go back again, this time, hopefully, with the whole fambam! ✨
Explore Chinatown’s history through Chinatown Museum.
My maternal grandparents were hailed from Manila. My late grandfather, Papa, as we call him Luis A. Lim, a master electrician, had several clients in the said city. Since I grew up with my grandparents, they take me wherever they are. One remarkable one for me was the Gocheco Building in Binondo. I was maybe five or six years old when he started bringing me to Gocheco where my ninangs are (who are pure Chinese and Chinese-Filipino or Chinoy), and we often attend the building administrators’ Christmas Parties, Chinese New Year parties, and many other gatherings. Once or twice a week, Papa would take me to Gocheco and I would play with his colleagues there or other friendly residents while he checked electric wires and other sections of the building that needed tending to.
Since we usually commute (this was probably before the owner-type jeep of Papa), I was exposed to walking along the streets of Binondo, Tondo/Abad Santos, and Sta. Cruz, Manila. All credit to Papa for making sure I become street-smart, especially growing up. While my grandparents grew up and studied in Manila, Papa already bought land in Valenzuela (where I was born and raised) during his years of being an OFW in Saudi.
Sidenote: If you can imagine an OFW wearing a maong or denim jacket, gold necklaces, gold rings, a Seiko watch, with matching Ray-Ban eyeglasses, that’s how Papa was once. Hehehe.
But he continued other electrician-related jobs in Manila since he already built his network before he officially went full-time at the Quad Alpha Centrum Building in Mandaluyong as a Building Administrator for 20 or so years until he retired at age 65 and became a consultant until age 72. My memories in Gocheco and the streets of Binondo weren’t as vivid as the ones I have in Valenzuela and Laguna (where I also lived and studied for 2 academic years) but I have become more familiar with the streets of Manila and its history when I attended college at the Far Eastern University (FEU) in the 2000s and when I started working in the same city and transferred residence permanently in 2014.
A decade since then, living in Manila has been a delightful experience for me. It’s near everything. If you are like me who was from quite far north of the Metro, you know that it is a bit challenging if public transport is not available or accessible. You also need to travel far to get access to good hospitals, malls, and other amusement parks, and other specialty stores; hence, in another story, the reason why I am proud of how Valenzuela City has become now—it has been developed to be one of the nicest cities to live in Metro Manila. I found myself enjoying Manila more since it has many great places to visit like the National Museum, the National Library, Intramuros and Fort Santiago, the Metropolitan Theater, Luneta, and many others. I have always liked exploring museums since I am keen on knowing history. I’ve read so many history books and even banned books about the lives of people, cultures, and other related materials. I have always been fascinated by the works of Ambeth Ocampo, Nick Joaquin, Leon Ma. Guerrero, and other historians, novelists, and authors.
Of course, I am one of those who research the famous streets of Manila, their history, and other stories enveloping them. Hence, it was a great experience for me that we were able to explore Chinatown, through the Chinatown Museum, which we have learned that we are still part or resided in even though we are not in Binondo per see.
Map of Chinatown, Manila
According to the friendly museum tour guide, Kuya Rey, who by the way also great at taking photographs, this map depicts the whole of Chinatown. Nowadays, we only believe that Binondo = Chinatown. So, whether you are from Tondo, San Nicolas, or Sta. Cruz, and Quiapo, you belong to Chinatown, Manila.
We also saw some remarkable stores in the town, especially during the 1800s and the early 1900s since Manila was the center of trade and commerce. They are incredibly educational especially if you have children below 10 years old as they can also see and explore other old/vintage items that Filipinos used in the past like typewriters, flat iron, ceramics, stereograph (which my son believes it’s an old VR-like tool), old Chinese-Filipino newspapers, telephone, radio, and other essential household items.
Tobacco Factories / Tobacco of Historical Chinatown Manila
It was a great sight to see the collections and other galleries that depict the old Chinatown. It takes you back to how it was before and how rich the history of old Manila was.
Depiction of Tobacco Factories and Rum Distillery in Chinatown, Manila
Depiction of old Panaderia (Bakery) showcasing hopia, siopao, mooncake, etc. in the old Chinatown, Manila
The old Polland Hopia Factory
It was kind of nostalgic to see displays and other delicacies that we also enjoy today like Polland Hopia. It was extra delightful to know that we were all able to survive the pandemic, may it be the business or the people.
Tranvias de Manila
We were surprised to discover what public transportation in Manila was like before. We still see kalesa in Luneta and Intramuros these days but this tram or Tranvias de Manila is a first for us to see and it can carry at least 20 people (sampuan like a jeep). Nice to see how our public transportation has grown and eventually got stuck. Charot! According to Chinatown Museum, many of the trams were destroyed in World War II (WWII). Instead of rehabilitating, the trams were replaced by other modes of transportation like the jeepneys we still have today.
There is just so much more you can discover in the Chinatown Museum, take time to also read the information given in the collections and galleries. Your friendly tour guides like Kuya Rey can give you more details, especially about the items in the available collections. Through him, we were able to see that the vintage typewriter is still working, and its ribbon hasn’t been changed since 1945! He also let us try the stereograph and see its wonder; we were also able to smell herbs and spices like the cinnamon harvested in 2019 versus the one in 1910. Amazing how the aroma of the latter is stronger than the one from five years ago. Do not touch or try the items without proper guidance or authorized personnel.
Tickets are available on-site:
Regular: Php 150.00
Senior Citizen or PWD: Php 120.00
Student: Php 100.00
The mode of payment can be through Cash or GCash (I’m not sure if they accept Credit/Debit Card payments). The Chinatown Museum is located at the 4/F Imperial Wing, Lucky Chinatown, Reina Regente Street, Binondo, Manila.
Café Inggo 1587 is a Dominican concept restaurant in Quezon City, located in the compound of Sto. Domingo Church. The place crafts cozy and elegant vibes that you’d be glad to be in after a long day.
Café Inggo 1587 is a Dominican concept restaurant in Quezon City, located in the compound of Sto. Domingo Church. The place crafts cozy and elegant vibes that you’d be glad to be in after a long day.
Café Inggo 1587 located at San Pio V Bldg., Sto. Domingo Church Compound, Biak-na-Bato cor. Quezon Avenue, Quezon City | (c) Shainne Hostalero, May 2022
I knew this resto because my son was baptized in Sto. Domingo in 2018; it was probably on construction or soft-opening at that time, I couldn’t duly recall, but I only just tried it this 2022 after 2-3 years in the pandemic and booster shots from the COVID-19.
The place is clean and well-sanitized, and people don’t flock inside. Surprisingly, the place isn’t crowded–with the quality of its food, scrumptious servings, and service, this is just unbelievable. Though I really haven’t gone during weekends or after church, but I frequent on weekdays’ dinner time, after work hours.
Sta. Clara Bacon & Mushroom Café Inggo’s carbonara pottage
I’m very picky in terms of white sauces in pasta. Previously, I only prefer Mary Grace’s and my own cooking (by default, love your own hehe), but I tried their Sta. Clara Bacon & Mushroom, their carbonara pottage, and it did not disappoint. It is savory, creamy pasta, served with garlic buttered biscotti/bread. It has big servings, even good for sharing.
I had the remaining pasta to go because it was worth keeping the remains. It was still good when I heated it the morning after. It is definitely, automatically, added to my favorites.
Champorado Malagkit’ rice from Cabanatuan boiled in fresh Spanish tablea served with fried danggit
They serve all-day breakfast, too! Their Champorado is perfect for the rainy season. It is not too sweet and even served with the best fried danggit I ever tasted in the most recent times. It also has the perfect balance of mixed fruits–in the photo: ripe mangoes, grapes, and kiwi.
The place is cozy with various artworks and books. Since it is a Dominican-themed café, salt and pepper condiments are served in ceramic canisters like these:
Payments are very convenient, too. They accept debit/credit cards, GCash, and Cash. The service staffs are also very accommodating, very friendly, and approachable which makes the experience perfect. The place is also very solemn/peaceful/quiet–a great place to unwind within the Metro after a stressful day.
I prefer Café Inggo when I only want to talk about positively-entertaining things or good news. Hehehe. I just felt rants do not give justice to the place, to the food, and to their service, so I unwelcome thoughts of any of those.
They also serve coffee and Filipino favorites, breads and pastries, too. They also see delicacies at the resto. If you are looking for an intimate place to enjoy delicious food and quality service, Café Inggo is perfect.
The pandemic has brought us a lot of anxieties, but truth be told: I didn’t have so many things to adjust in terms traveling because I am the only person I know who is not fond of going places. However, it was also frightening going to and from work because of the danger this health crisis poses.
Early December of 2021, when we think COVID-19 cases were decreasing, I finally gave in to have lunch outside the City hehe.
Taken at Balay Dako at Antonio’s
We left Manila at around 8:30-9am-ish and arrived at Tagaytay at 11:30am. It was Monday so the restaurant opens exactly at noon, unlike weekends that they open earlier at around 11:00 am. I was expecting lesser people since it was Monday, but still the place was full.
When we arrived, we have given a number (since we do not have a reservation because the trip was spontaneous). The guard checked our temperature as well and we fill-out an online contact tracing form. We were instructed to just wait in the car and not to roam around while waiting for the restaurant to open.
The weather was cold since it was December. When we got in and ready to order, there was an online menu you may look at and it can be accessible via the in-house internet connection exclusive only for viewing the said menu. Globe signal wasn’t good also, so you won’t be able to use your Globe mobile data; on the other hand, SMART mobile internet has a good reception.
Taken at Balay Dako
Since there were a lot of people, roaming around wouldn’t be an option plus you also want to keep a social distance because of the current health situation.
We ordered their Sinigang na Baboy (good for 3 to 4 persons) and Calamares (good for 1 to 2 persons). The food gets easily cold because of the weather. The area was clean, and open so less anxiety because the airflow is good. The sinigang was good and its pork is tender. The calamares isn’t crunchy like the ones in Dencio’s, Gerry’s Grill, Kuya J’s haha sorry those were my comparisons since I don’g usually go out of the city or eat in areas where it merits to stay long (for the past three years) — hotels, formal dine-ins, etc.
We didn’t stay long in Tagaytay because it also good to not be caught in traffic when late afternoon came. We were in Manila at around 2:30 PM (yes, went to Tagaytay just to eat hehe) and went to Ayala Malls Manila Bay to continue Christmas shopping. It was nice, very few people as well because it was a Monday.
To cap off the day, we went to Harbor Square in Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay to get a glimpse of the sunset to make the most of the day that I had the time to go out.
Taken at Harbor Square, Pasay City. #nofilter
These places are still open despite of the lockdowns and changes in quarantine classifications here and there. Make sure that you wear your face mask, keep your social distance, and better to dine out and choose places with good airflow.
A 15-20-minute ride from Commonwealth, Quezon City, Montalban Waterpark and Garden Resort is one of the nearest relaxation spots where you can swim and enjoy peace and quiet time (given that it is not peak season).
Entrance fee is P250 and they allow guests to bring their own food and drinks. There’s also a convenience store near the entrance that sells everything from charcoal to rice and other things you might need to grill, cook, or eat; and of course, toiletries, most importantly.
Cottage rental amounts to P700-P1000; if you are a group of 20 or more people, there’s a pavilion available for rent that can accommodate that much. They also have an area where you can conduct seminars and other events such as debuts, weddings, birthdays, etc. You can also use the videoke for P900 (or if you can haggle, you can only get it for P700) and it is good for use during your entire stay, so you better get your songs ready and lined-up.
Their restrooms and shower rooms are impressively clean and it is located near the grilling station where you can use free of charge.
Some might find it weird about how we juggle up on our interests. Some would say that there’s always so much going on and some (might) find it interesting, too. Nonetheless, we just do what we love, what we are interested and passionate about and even the things we don’t even know at hand hence trying out and its conversion.
Interests, passions and talents turn to ‘work’ and eventually to crafts (well, whichever comes first). And same goes as what Tina Fey once said, “Your work is your craft and your craft is your art.” How we care and hone our given skills and talents, as well dig into the deeper process on the things we are interested about (and even with those we are not totally into); then learning goes along with it.
Speaking of interests and different approach to ideas, medium and overall art… art galleries and/or museums are the best places to see the various aforementioned accessions.
I’ve visited different art galleries and museums before; occur whenever I travel or whenever I roam around the city for work, for personal reasons and for other errands.
In line with this (after so many attempts), we finally set foot in Pinto Art Museum. It is situated on a 1.3 hectare property along Sierra Madre Street in Grand Heights, Antipolo, Rizal; figuring the way to the museum was kind of a challenge because we didn’t even know how to follow directions from our alive and kicking GPS – one of our closest friends who resides in Marikina; seldom yelling at us with forthrightly distressing words because we usually turn right to roads we should turn left to and go straight ahead instead of waiting for further instructions. Mehehe.
Eventually, we made it to the museum after 1 1/2 hour travel from Quezon City.
Gallery 1 Subject: Rara Solitario
Uyayi kay Paraluman Artist: Karen Flores
Kubli (Shelter) Artist: Elmer Borlongan Acrylic on Canvass
The Pinto Art Gallery
Holy on Sundays Artist: Geraldine Javier Oil on Canvass
In search of the Miraculous
Pinto Art Garden
Uterus My favorite among all the artworks in Pinto Art Museum
The right kind of wall
It couldn’t get any better than this
At Usapang Babae gallery
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Ticket prices:
P180 for Adults
P150 for Senior Citizens and PWD with valid IDs
P100 for Children and Students with proper school IDs
“Your work is your art and your art is your craft.” As Tina Fey rolled it. I couldn’t agree more. When I finished my Bachelor’s Degree, of course, I have to identify what will come right after and I have to say that planning all of these wasn’t easy. We always wonder what we need to do next and next and next. You just have to keep going and getting stuck wouldn’t be your option. *deep breath*
Blessed enough, I could say, well… maybe, I’m one of those people who can practice their craft having way too fun and loving every detail of it. It was a choice to pursue Marketing and Communication, and somehow between that, the universe luckily threw that option to me, shove it in my face and I went for it. Of course, there are so many things going on for me aside from that – additional academic units, writing, journalism, and many other things.
The perks of work are fascinating and working with intelligent people is one of those, traveling comes next and the list goes on and on. Well, depending on how you can see ‘what’ the perks are. We all have our own conversion when it comes to these things. Stressing it enough, what works for you might not for me and vice versa.
Confident and disciplined as I am (naks!), I always try to look at things in a positive light which I think we must do. If you’re having a hard time converting some of the negatives to positive ones, try to indulge yourself into sports! It can be football, triathlon or simply running. Sports can discipline and affect you in all unexpected aspects. You will be surprised that sports can really serve you well, more than just being fit and healthy.
Going to places for work is fun because you can explore and learn more about your colleagues. You will discover a lot of things about them, too.
Veranda View
Imagine waking up to this view everyday? In addition, the Tagaytay weather is perfect; too far from the hotness of Manila.
Veranda view
Morning view. Priceless.
One of the most beautiful Starbucks branches I’ve visited
The coffee run. Very rare to have survived the day without it.
Estancia Resort Hotel reception area
Estancia Resort Hotel view
The morning after
Truth be told, I don’t usually comb my hair but the view needed some capturing so I opted to have the shot in lieu with the beautiful scenery.
Estancia Resort Hotel Zone II Brgy. San Jose Tagaytay City, Cavite Philippines estanciatagaytay.com.ph
May 31 – June 1, 2014; Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines
June 7 – 8, 2013; White Beach, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines
I am somehow a Puerto Galera kind of girl, even those time that it wasn’t that too mainstream yet. Exploring the beach life, getting sunkissed tan skin and salty hair are the things I love whenever I set foot on the beach.
Puerto Galera, is by far, the nearest white beach and accessible beach I can go to whenever I feel like it or whenever I feel like I needed some place to cool my mind.
This 2014 (and 2012 and 2013), I went to a series of heartbreaks. Every year it seems to have something achy though I am still thankful. Not everytime is a heartbreak to endure, there are still times that I feel I’m on a cloud 9, happiness that are bound to last forever or something to that effect if there’s really none.
I am not afraid to travel alone. I love it, actually. It makes me know myself more. My mistakes, weaknesses, and strengths made me explore places alone and meet a lot of new people who sometimes shares the same vision as I am or the total opposite.
Now that the year is soon to be over, I finally found time to blog about my 2014 adventures. I know that these might not be glamorous like the others but these adventures made me see myself and how life should be despite of the challenges, sadness and all negativity. Amen!
Banaue – Sagada -Benguet tour could be one of the most unforgettable trip I had in my entire life. I spent it with awesome friends and of course my bestfriend included. This trip was meant to be enjoyed and somehow forget – nature is indeed the best answer and a remedy to cure a broken heart! Hahaha! It made me realized that there was more to life than visions of how things you want them to be. Because somehow, what we want is not always what we need. You just have to take it all in!
We left Quezon City around 6:00 or 7:00PM then on with the road. The travel lasted for 16 hours, stops included. Then the next day, we dropped by in Banaue to see the Rice Terraces. It was kinda foggy because it rained; the weather was so nice though roads were kind of slippery.
Anne, Rara and I (Photo by Carlo)
Right after Banaue, we went straight to Sagada. It was the main destination for the trip and I tell you what, Sagada is really really beautiful. It felt like a dream! The people were nice and very accommodating; the weather was colder than Baguio and everything felt like a scene from a certain movie. We went caving (until our bodies ache), went trekking (more sore came up) and went to see the Hanging Coffins. Sagada is actually rich in tradition, and it was good to know that they still keep those traditions up until today.
What a wonderful way to repent, enjoy and seek adventure last Holy Week.
Day 1:
View from our Hotel! Who wouldn’t love to see that kind of beauty everyday?
Sagada
I remember he asked me if we can have a picture together because he was wearing a Banaue/Sagada traditional wear and followed it through by telling me that he was not charging or looking for a payment. He was nice! He told us that he just want us to have a memorable vacation even if it is just in a photo because he can’t give us anything as a souvenir.
My faith in humanity was restored. That was one of the main reasons why our Sagada tour was so memorable to me. I don’t need any souvenir, His kindness and hospitality were more than enough.
On our way to do some caving. We didn’t know what body soreness was coming up! Hahaha!
To Sumaging Cave
On the way to Sumaging Cave
Coffins inside Sumaging Cave – not us! The ones behind!
The Cave Adventure begins!
Stop over!
Going through holes!
Finally! We spent almost 5 hours to reach the end of the Cave.
All wet and tired but happy! We made it!
Day 2:
Trekking all the way to Bomod-ok Falls with our van mates!
Trekking with out resident tourist guide who seemed to be 50+ years old but treks way better than us!
See that way?
It was 12 noon, the sun was up but it was so cold in Sagada
With the bff!
Glimpse of how the water in Sagada was like. The falls supplies the water in Sagada!
Hanging bridge all the way to the other side of the world! Hahaha!
Happy looking people!
Finally! The Bomod-ok Falls!
Hanging Coffins! Traditionally, they used to bury their their dead loved ones and hang their coffins on the cave. The higher the position of the coffin, the higher their place or rank in the society.
Up until now, others still practice this kind of burial to preseve their tradition.
After trekking and Hanging Coffins spree at the Sagada Lemon Pie House
It’s the famous Lemon Pie!
Day 3:
Highest Point at Kiltepan Viewpoint! It was so foggy!
2011 is about to end, so I think this is the right time to upload some Enchanted Kingdom photos. I really want to go back to EK – I will pursue it this coming 2012.. I hope I could find time! 😀 Alrighty, photos! Happy New Year, everyone! All photos (c) Shainne Lim (That’s me. Teehee!)
Shainne Hostalero 