Sizzling Plate in Baguio

If you happen to visit Baguio try Sizzling Plate. They now have 3 branches; one in SM, one in Abanao, and the main branch right in the heart of Session Road!

My favorite here is their Grilled Porkchop, much like the most affordable amongst the plates in their menu. At 121 pesos (as of June 2013) you get a soup, a big slice of Porkchop, a cup of rice, French fries, string beans, and an optional achara. Free iced water!

Sometimes when I'm really in a budget, I get their spaghetti for only 50+ pesos!

Service, ambiance are also their plus.

Travel Books

I was able to grab a few travel books from BookSale this week. The thick ones are 20 pesos and the booklet type like the one shown above is 10 pesos!

I'm not sure though if they are old old but nonetheless they are good reads and good find for its price.

I hope to visit Peru and the ancient site of Machu Picchu. Maybe a tour of South America! Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires. See Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Macondo. Galapagos!

Ok maybe in my dreams but who know eh!

Fruitshake in Boracay

When in Boracay don't forget to try Jonah's fruitshakes! They're really refreshing. I guess that's because coming from the warm and salty beach, what's better than a cold and sweet drink?

They have lots of flavor available. We have tried the mango-banana, mango-avocado, and banana-chocolate flavors. Also, you get an option to add milk on your shake.

My tip is opt for dine-in because the take out container is just a small plastic mineral water sized container, while the dine-in shakes are serve in large glass.

If you're hunger they have burgers and sandwiches. They're heaven too!

Jonah's Fruitshake is located in Station 1 near the iconic Willy's Rock. Check out the photo.

NAIA Terminal 3

It's my first time to use NAIA Terminal 3. I guess it's newly built judging on its modern design. It's comparable to other airports abroad that I have visited. Sadly, I can't say the same for the domestic airport (the so-called NAIA Terminal 4) nor the NAIA Terminal 1.

Waiting areas are comfortable, with TV screens (and there's a game now between Miami and Indiana), and washrooms have paper towels!

And the much needed AC outlet to charge our battery-draining smartphones while waiting for our flight.

Thoughts: I guess one of Cebu Pacific's selling point is being stationed at NAIA Terminal 3. Next time I'll make sure to booked my flights from Cebu Pacific. I have tried Zest Air before and they fly from the domestic airport. It was a horrible experience, say 5 hour delayed. And there's not much amenities to make my travel convenient. Although flights are a bit cheaper but you get what you paid for. Lesson learned.

Read!

During noontime sunrays could be too painful so it's better to wait until around 4 in the afternoon before resuming your swimming.

What to do aside from eating, eating, and sleeping?

Read.

Here's my current book, Carrie by Stephen King. You'll never go wrong with any of his books. Let's you scape the afternoon heat while bringing you somewhere creepy eh!

And here are the front and back flaps of that book.

I recommend short stories or novellas just so you could finish it without having to literally leave your vacation and go somewhere where imagination will take you.

Always bring a book when going to a vacation. You never know, flight could be delayed. Keeps you company!

Otterbox iPhone 5 Waterproof Case

I received my Otterbox Armor today!

I purchased it online from Tenkie Box for 4900 pesos with free shipping. I got it after 2 days as I ordered last Monday. It was delivered through LBC.

A bit pricy if you asked me but I plan to use it for a few underwater shoots soon. Also just to protect my iPhone5 while in the beach and can't help to take photos using it.

I'm excited to use now. I have tried the water test too twice now just to make sure it's waterproof.

Now I only need to make my phone theft proof!

Family Outing

So I called Riverview Resort to book a room for 2 adults and 4 children. Apparently, Saturdays during Summer they have the most number of guests. I ended up with a room for 7 and is way more expensive. The 6-room costs like 3450 pesos while the 7-room costs 4500 pesos. Yes, a thousand bucks for that non existing companion!

The room has 3 queen sized beds and 1 single bed, air conditioned, had small fridge, TV, private toilet and hot and cold shower. Toiletries are also provided; soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, and towel.

The view towards the swimming pools is great as we got the room on the second floor. The other side of the room faces the river ( hence the resort name RiverView) but there is nothing to see there during summer as the river is dry.

The private pools reserved for hotel guests include one for adults (6 ft deep), one for kids (2-3 ft), and the favorite hot spring tub. This is the kidney shaped pool above.

Tip: Book early specially during weekends or Summer season. There are cheaper rooms for 2 (air conditioned) 1650 and (ceiling fan) 1200.

Overall, the resort is family friendly. Hotel guests are also allowed in the public portion of the resort where there are slides both for kids and grown ups.

Riverview Resort at Asin Road, Tuba

There are hot spring resorts near Baguio City and these are located at Asin Road, Tuba just one jeepney ride from Baguio City. 

One of them is Riverview WaterPark which is the most famous and prominent.  

How to get there?

Take the ASIN jeepney from Baguio City Public Market. Tip: Be there early to maximize the entrance fee.

Travel time will be 3 days and 2 nights, which is a joke as it only means you will go through 2 tunnels to get there.

The resort has rooms in case you want to stay overnight. These are located in the 'private' portion of the resort complex. They also have a restaurant and rooms include free breakfast. They allow guests to swim until 10 in the evening.

The resort also have a public portion. Swimming is from morning until 4 in the afternoon. Entrance fee is less than 100 pesos per adult (as of May 2013). There are 3 main pools each with slides. These pools are on different heights as they are build along a mountain side.

Included in the entrance fee are the cottages. You may also bring charcoal and marinated meat to grill. 

Best time to go there is when the temperature starts to fall. So from December-February. Summer may just be too crowded unless you'll be staying overnight, then you have the early morning and late afternoon to evening without the crowd and the water newly replaced.

So next time in Baguio make a side trip to Asin and enjoy their hot springs!

I say a little prayer

The Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Tip: During summer, always take a tricycle even if GoogleMaps says it's close, near, adjacent, and walking distance.

Bona's Chao Long in Puerto Princesa Palawan

What to try when in Puerto Princesa Palawan?

Chao long is a noodle meal, a Vietnamese influence that finds it way in the streets of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Costs around 65 pesos (as of 18 May 2013). It looks spicy though but in reality it's a bit sweet. Just the right kind of sweet, not like the Pinoy sweet spaghetti! 

Where? 

I only ate at Bona's Chao Long Haus or chaolongan as the locals call it.

How to get there?

Here's a map. Starting point is Tiangge Tiangge (this is a one-stop air conditioned souvenir shop in case you don't know).

Enjoy your meal!

Pristine Beach in Puerto Princesa Palawan

Pristine Beach in Puerto Princesa Palawan is a good alternative for those who do not have enough time and budget but wanting to see nature at its best.

Located just 4 kilometers away from downtown Puerto Princesa City. Its a white sand beach and had shallow waters (good for kids as well). Photos taken 19 May 2013.

How to get there?

Ride a tricycle from downtown Puerto Princesa, it will cost only 8-10 pesos.

Here's a map. 

Starting point is the Legend Hotel Palawan. Total time is 7 minutes and distance is just 4 kilometers.

And here's me taking my selfie!

Enjoy your stay in Puerto Princesa!