Of Haunted Houses and True Ghost Stories
31 October 2010
On the days before Halloween, all you can watch on TV are horror films while themes of documentaries, magazine programs and even comedy shows revolve on a Halloween motif that's getting boring really.
In the Philippines, almost everyone has his/her own tales of true ghosts. One of the more famous places of sightings is Balete Drive in New Manila, Quezon City that Tutubi sometimes drive by at night on his way home with not even a trace of the famous "white lady" of Balete Drive.
On the Island of Corregidor, ghost hunting activities at night used to be promoted at the ruins of Corregidor Hospital. The "ghost hunting" tour guides reportedly allows the tour participants to take pictures of ruins using flashlights and just look at the resulting image for hazy, ghost-like impressions on "film."
the ruins of Corregidor Hospital is the site of "ghost hunting" tours on the fortress island (look closely at the picture, there's an impression of an unidentified person on the other side of the door, click the picture for a larger view)
Perhaps the most compelling evidence and documented "true ghost stories" happened some time ago at the Manila City Hall where several employees were caught in a conspiracy of padding the payroll of the city government and themselves pocketing the salaries of non-existing staff.
True ghost story indeed!
How about you, do you believe in ghosts? Do you have your own true ghost story to tell?
In the Philippines, almost everyone has his/her own tales of true ghosts. One of the more famous places of sightings is Balete Drive in New Manila, Quezon City that Tutubi sometimes drive by at night on his way home with not even a trace of the famous "white lady" of Balete Drive.
On the Island of Corregidor, ghost hunting activities at night used to be promoted at the ruins of Corregidor Hospital. The "ghost hunting" tour guides reportedly allows the tour participants to take pictures of ruins using flashlights and just look at the resulting image for hazy, ghost-like impressions on "film."
the ruins of Corregidor Hospital is the site of "ghost hunting" tours on the fortress island (look closely at the picture, there's an impression of an unidentified person on the other side of the door, click the picture for a larger view)Perhaps the most compelling evidence and documented "true ghost stories" happened some time ago at the Manila City Hall where several employees were caught in a conspiracy of padding the payroll of the city government and themselves pocketing the salaries of non-existing staff.
True ghost story indeed!
How about you, do you believe in ghosts? Do you have your own true ghost story to tell?
Labels: Halloween
posted by GingGoy @ 10:55 PM,
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Babang Luksa: 1st Death Anniversary Prayers for the Dead
When death of a loved one strikes a family, there are prayers offered for the dead that includes the pasiyam, 40 days, and the so called babang luksa offered on the first death anniversary of the departed.
With the pasiyam and forty days prayer for the dead, there are conflicting traditions on the actual start of counting of days reckoned from the actual date of death but for the babang luksa, no debate is necessary as it's celebrated one year from the date of departure.
In Tutubi's place in Quezon City, the babang luksa is celebrated similarly to the forty days where prayers for the dead are recited then food is offered to the image of the departed loved one followed by meals shared by the family and the "prayer warriors."
If the pasiyam is intended to make the departed aware of his death, the forty days prayers to mark his spirit leaving this world, the babang luksa signals the end of mourning for the bereaved, thus the name babang luksa, when family members can now enjoy, be happy and move on.
The three prayers for the dead are part of Filipino Catholic tradition. They're recited by "oldies" in town who happen to hold a monopoly of the "trade" and you can't question their authority on the subject as they also inject lots of superstitious beliefs in the process.
Tutubi just went with the flow...
Related Post:
Burial Traditions and Superstitions
With the pasiyam and forty days prayer for the dead, there are conflicting traditions on the actual start of counting of days reckoned from the actual date of death but for the babang luksa, no debate is necessary as it's celebrated one year from the date of departure.
In Tutubi's place in Quezon City, the babang luksa is celebrated similarly to the forty days where prayers for the dead are recited then food is offered to the image of the departed loved one followed by meals shared by the family and the "prayer warriors."
If the pasiyam is intended to make the departed aware of his death, the forty days prayers to mark his spirit leaving this world, the babang luksa signals the end of mourning for the bereaved, thus the name babang luksa, when family members can now enjoy, be happy and move on.
The three prayers for the dead are part of Filipino Catholic tradition. They're recited by "oldies" in town who happen to hold a monopoly of the "trade" and you can't question their authority on the subject as they also inject lots of superstitious beliefs in the process.
Tutubi just went with the flow...
Related Post:
Burial Traditions and Superstitions
Labels: Culture, Filipino Traditions
posted by GingGoy @ 9:58 PM,
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SM Mall Hours on All Saints Day (November 1)
29 October 2010
For those planning to proceed to SM and other malls on All Saints Day after visiting dear departed at cemeteries (which should be during All Souls Day), here's the operating hours of malls on November 1 with information supplied by Tutubi's friend working at SM.
SM Mall Hours on All Saints Day:
SM Malls will open at 12nn and close at 10pm
Here's an updated list of SM shopping malls as listed on their official website:
SM City North EDSA, SM City Sta. Mesa (formerly SM Centerpoint), SM Megamall, SM City Cebu
SM City Southmall, SM City Bacoor, SM City Fairview, SM City Iloilo, SM City Manila, SM City Pampanga, SM City Sucat (formerly SM Supercenter Sucat), SM City Davao, SM City Bicutan, SM City Cagayan de Oro, SM City Lucena (Quezon), SM City Baguio, SM City Marilao (Bulacan), SM City Dasmariñas (cavite), SM City Batangas, SM City San Lazaro (Manila), SM Center Valenzuela, SM Center Molino (formerly SM Supercenter Molino), SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Clark, SM Mall of Asia (MOA), SM Center Pasig (formerly SM Supercenter Pasig), SM City Lipa, SM City Bacolod, SM City Taytay, SM Center Muntinlupa (formerly SM Supercenter Muntinlupa), SM City Marikina, SM City Rosales, SM City Baliwag (Bulacan), SM City Naga Camarines Sur, SM Center Las Piñas Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, SM City Rosario Cavite, SM City Tarlac, SM City San Pablo Laguna, SM City Calamba Laguna, SM City Novaliches Quezon City
Upcoming SM malls under construction/planning:
SM City Masinag (SM City Antipolo) Rizal, SM Center Commonwealth Quezon City, SM City Taguig Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, SM Center Pagsanjan (Laguna), SM City North Davao (SM City Lanang) Davao City, SM City Santiago Isabela, SM City General Santos South Cotabato, SM City Tagaytay, SM City Dagupan
Ayala Malls Schedule on November 1, 2012:
Malls will open at 12:00nn and close at 10:00pm
Trinoma Mall, EDSA, Quezon City
Ayala Center Makati: Glorietta 1-5, Greenbelt 1-4, Park Square 1 & 2
Ayala Center Cebu
Alabang Town Center (ATC), Muntinlupa
Marquee Mall, Angeles City
Market! Market!
Bonifacio High Street
No information yet on mall schedules of Starmall, Walter Mart, Robinsons Galleria, Forum Robinsons (Pioneer), Robinsons Place Malate, Ever, Eastwood City Mall, The Podium and the PNR, MRT, LRT 1 and LRT 2 et al
MMDA Number coding scheme is suspended during All Saints Day, a national non-working holiday. Number coding also lifted in the so called Republic of Makati.
SM Mall Hours on All Saints Day:
SM Malls will open at 12nn and close at 10pm
Here's an updated list of SM shopping malls as listed on their official website:
SM City North EDSA, SM City Sta. Mesa (formerly SM Centerpoint), SM Megamall, SM City Cebu
SM City Southmall, SM City Bacoor, SM City Fairview, SM City Iloilo, SM City Manila, SM City Pampanga, SM City Sucat (formerly SM Supercenter Sucat), SM City Davao, SM City Bicutan, SM City Cagayan de Oro, SM City Lucena (Quezon), SM City Baguio, SM City Marilao (Bulacan), SM City Dasmariñas (cavite), SM City Batangas, SM City San Lazaro (Manila), SM Center Valenzuela, SM Center Molino (formerly SM Supercenter Molino), SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Clark, SM Mall of Asia (MOA), SM Center Pasig (formerly SM Supercenter Pasig), SM City Lipa, SM City Bacolod, SM City Taytay, SM Center Muntinlupa (formerly SM Supercenter Muntinlupa), SM City Marikina, SM City Rosales, SM City Baliwag (Bulacan), SM City Naga Camarines Sur, SM Center Las Piñas Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, SM City Rosario Cavite, SM City Tarlac, SM City San Pablo Laguna, SM City Calamba Laguna, SM City Novaliches Quezon City
Upcoming SM malls under construction/planning:
SM City Masinag (SM City Antipolo) Rizal, SM Center Commonwealth Quezon City, SM City Taguig Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, SM Center Pagsanjan (Laguna), SM City North Davao (SM City Lanang) Davao City, SM City Santiago Isabela, SM City General Santos South Cotabato, SM City Tagaytay, SM City Dagupan
Ayala Malls Schedule on November 1, 2012:
Malls will open at 12:00nn and close at 10:00pm
Trinoma Mall, EDSA, Quezon City
Ayala Center Makati: Glorietta 1-5, Greenbelt 1-4, Park Square 1 & 2
Ayala Center Cebu
Alabang Town Center (ATC), Muntinlupa
Marquee Mall, Angeles City
Market! Market!
Bonifacio High Street
No information yet on mall schedules of Starmall, Walter Mart, Robinsons Galleria, Forum Robinsons (Pioneer), Robinsons Place Malate, Ever, Eastwood City Mall, The Podium and the PNR, MRT, LRT 1 and LRT 2 et al
MMDA Number coding scheme is suspended during All Saints Day, a national non-working holiday. Number coding also lifted in the so called Republic of Makati.
Labels: Shopping
posted by GingGoy @ 10:07 PM,
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Avoid EDSA Balintawak Traffic, Take Mindanao Avenue Exit to NLEX
28 October 2010
For those looking for alternate route to NLEX to avoid the usual heavy traffic on EDSA Balintawak leading to NLEX, you can take the (quite) newly-opened Mindanao exit of NLEX that leads in/out of Baesa and Novaliches, Quirino Highway in Quezon City
To take the faster, alternate route to NLEX from Makati, you can get there from EDSA via Quezon Avenue, left to Aghan Road, left to North Avenue then right to Mindanao Avenue. Drive all the way to Quirino Highway then take the tunnel that leads to NLEX Mindanao avenue exit.
A faster route but less easier to remember is actually via NIA road, the first road after going down EDSA Kamuning viaduct (corner is K Zone under construction), left to BIR Road, cross Quezon Avenue to Agham Road, left to North Avenue (near Veterans Memorial Hospital) then right to Mindanao Avenue (where you'll see Trinoma mall). Still alternate routes are via Tandang Sora, Visayas Avenue (via Quezon Circle) or Congressional Avenue.
Here's an Interactive map of NLEX Mindanao Avenue with EDSA and Quezon Memorial Circle in the frame for your reference (map brought to you by OpenStreet Map folks):
This new route can also get you to Valenzuela faster by taking NLEX Mindanao Avenue exit, NLEX northbound, next take Valenzuela exit, left to Maysan Road leads to MacArthur Highway in Maysan, Karuhatan and Malinta, Valenzuela (think SM City Valenzuela too). This alternate route bypasses traffic of EDSA Monumento and MacArthur highway thus effectively reducing travel time to the northernmost city of Metro Manila.
The next phase of the Mindanao Avenue clover leaf will add a new way to North Harbor on Radial Road, Tondo, Manila.
To take the faster, alternate route to NLEX from Makati, you can get there from EDSA via Quezon Avenue, left to Aghan Road, left to North Avenue then right to Mindanao Avenue. Drive all the way to Quirino Highway then take the tunnel that leads to NLEX Mindanao avenue exit.
A faster route but less easier to remember is actually via NIA road, the first road after going down EDSA Kamuning viaduct (corner is K Zone under construction), left to BIR Road, cross Quezon Avenue to Agham Road, left to North Avenue (near Veterans Memorial Hospital) then right to Mindanao Avenue (where you'll see Trinoma mall). Still alternate routes are via Tandang Sora, Visayas Avenue (via Quezon Circle) or Congressional Avenue.
Here's an Interactive map of NLEX Mindanao Avenue with EDSA and Quezon Memorial Circle in the frame for your reference (map brought to you by OpenStreet Map folks):
This new route can also get you to Valenzuela faster by taking NLEX Mindanao Avenue exit, NLEX northbound, next take Valenzuela exit, left to Maysan Road leads to MacArthur Highway in Maysan, Karuhatan and Malinta, Valenzuela (think SM City Valenzuela too). This alternate route bypasses traffic of EDSA Monumento and MacArthur highway thus effectively reducing travel time to the northernmost city of Metro Manila.
The next phase of the Mindanao Avenue clover leaf will add a new way to North Harbor on Radial Road, Tondo, Manila.
Labels: Roads and Highways
posted by GingGoy @ 9:05 PM,
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San Pablo's El Mare Buko Pie and Chicken Empanada
25 October 2010
If you're coming from Quezon province or even Bicol region going to Manila, a popular pasalubong can be El Mare Special Buko Pie or the famous chicken empanada that can be bought at El Mare along Maharlika highway (left side if going to Manila).
Price of PhP135.00 each, El Mare Special Buko pie similarly costs like its counterparts in the famous Buko Pie strip in Los Banos, Laguna
El Mare Buko Pie has tender strips of buko, with thickness of about 1.5 inches, is the best buko pie in this side of Laguna rivaled only by the ubiquitous Collete's Buko Pie which also came from San Pablo City. It has better packaging than the Original Buko Pie of Los Baños, Laguna but personaly, Tutubi still prefers the latter, followed by G&B Buko Pie of Nueva Vizcaya, Letty's Buko Pie and Sheila's Buko Pie both from Los Baños.
El Mare chicken empanada though, at PhP20.00/piece is a winner and perfect pasalubong to friends and family with its slightly crunchy shell and tasty filling. (The problem here's that Tutubi and friends gobbled up the chicken empanada in the car before he can take even sloppy pictures of them like the buko pie.)
El Mare Buko Pie has thicker crust that makes it less attractive to Tutubi
Will post something about the best buko pies in the Philippines one of these days along with GPS coordinates very useful for those with GPS or if you want to know the exact store locations via Wikimapia or Google Earth.
El Mare Special Buko Pie (The People's Choice)
Address: 71 San Rafael, San Pablo City, Laguna
Telephone Number: +63.49.562.9584
Branches:
Checkpoint, Paciano, Calamba, Laguna
Barrio Halang, Calamba, Laguna
Barrio Pansol, Calamba, Laguna (Tel. No.: +63.49.545.0237)
Products: Buko Pie, Tropical Pie, Macapuno Pie, Ube Macapuno Pie, Pineapple Pie, Ube Pie, Buko Bibingka, Ube Bibingka, Macapuno Bibingka, Cassava Cake, Crema de Maiz, Mango Pie, Banana Cake, Chicken Empanada, and other special pasalubong
Opposite El Mare Special Buko Pie is Kusina El Mare Special Bulalo
Contact Number: +63.49.562.4489
Related Posts:
The Original Buko Pie
G&B Buko Pie
Price of PhP135.00 each, El Mare Special Buko pie similarly costs like its counterparts in the famous Buko Pie strip in Los Banos, LagunaEl Mare Buko Pie has tender strips of buko, with thickness of about 1.5 inches, is the best buko pie in this side of Laguna rivaled only by the ubiquitous Collete's Buko Pie which also came from San Pablo City. It has better packaging than the Original Buko Pie of Los Baños, Laguna but personaly, Tutubi still prefers the latter, followed by G&B Buko Pie of Nueva Vizcaya, Letty's Buko Pie and Sheila's Buko Pie both from Los Baños.
El Mare chicken empanada though, at PhP20.00/piece is a winner and perfect pasalubong to friends and family with its slightly crunchy shell and tasty filling. (The problem here's that Tutubi and friends gobbled up the chicken empanada in the car before he can take even sloppy pictures of them like the buko pie.)
El Mare Buko Pie has thicker crust that makes it less attractive to TutubiWill post something about the best buko pies in the Philippines one of these days along with GPS coordinates very useful for those with GPS or if you want to know the exact store locations via Wikimapia or Google Earth.
El Mare Special Buko Pie (The People's Choice)
Address: 71 San Rafael, San Pablo City, Laguna
Telephone Number: +63.49.562.9584
Branches:
Checkpoint, Paciano, Calamba, Laguna
Barrio Halang, Calamba, Laguna
Barrio Pansol, Calamba, Laguna (Tel. No.: +63.49.545.0237)
Products: Buko Pie, Tropical Pie, Macapuno Pie, Ube Macapuno Pie, Pineapple Pie, Ube Pie, Buko Bibingka, Ube Bibingka, Macapuno Bibingka, Cassava Cake, Crema de Maiz, Mango Pie, Banana Cake, Chicken Empanada, and other special pasalubong
Opposite El Mare Special Buko Pie is Kusina El Mare Special Bulalo
Contact Number: +63.49.562.4489
Related Posts:
The Original Buko Pie
G&B Buko Pie
Labels: Calabarzon, Food Trip, Laguna, Pasalubong, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 8:43 PM,
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LRT Roosevelt Station is Now Open!
23 October 2010
At looooooooooooonnnnnnnngggggggggggggg last, Tutubi can heave a sign of relief when he passed by EDSA Munoz yesterday and saw the banner at the long "under construction" LRT Roosevelt Station finally open. He waited about a year for the station to finally open after getting tired of the government's LRTA "praise releases" that it was to open last January then March until this latest news.
Last October 1, Tutubi rode the LRT from Buendia station up to LRT Balintawak station which was opened a few months ago but had to take taxi from there to get home. Before he went home, he asked LRT personnel on the scheduled opening of the station to which he got the reply that it going to be on October 15, the skeptical Tutubi didn't believe it that's why he didn't blog about it and correct he was until this official announcement.
Note that LRT Roosevelt station is a mere stones throw away from Tutubi's home (at least you get the idea of where he's living) and though he has a car, the backpacker in him still prefers to commute around Metro Manila. From his Quezon City home he can now visit Raon and Hidalgo, in Quiapo, Manila in just a few minutes via Carriedo Station, Recto, Arranque Market and Divisoria via Recto Station, Luneta (Rizal Park) and Manila Ocean Park thru U.N.Avenue station, CCP Complex via Vito Cruz Station, SM Mall of Asia thru EDSA station and Baclaran Church via Baclaran station.
The best part of it all is that he's saying goodbye to the MRT, of which 9 years under PGMA had turned from bad to worst, something he endures on Thursdays (his number coding day) or whenever he's too lazy to drive to Makati.
Pictures and comments will be posted once available as well as information on food stalls present. Note that the station is directly in front of Walter Mart North EDSA, Muñoz Market and provides access to Project 7 (Veteran's Village), Bago-bantay, Frisco via Roosevelt Avenue and Project 8 via Congressional Avenue. LRT fare from this station to LRT Baclaran station is PhP20.00 with travel time of approximately 40 minutes.
Just keep your fingers crossed on the opening of LRT North Avenue station, to fully interconnect with MRT North Avenue station. It will really take some time for this as the plan has to be modified to already take into consideration a mega-station that will connect LRT to the MRT and the proposed MRT-7 that links them to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.
For now, all he can say is: goodbye MRT, Hello LRT! :P
Last October 1, Tutubi rode the LRT from Buendia station up to LRT Balintawak station which was opened a few months ago but had to take taxi from there to get home. Before he went home, he asked LRT personnel on the scheduled opening of the station to which he got the reply that it going to be on October 15, the skeptical Tutubi didn't believe it that's why he didn't blog about it and correct he was until this official announcement.
Note that LRT Roosevelt station is a mere stones throw away from Tutubi's home (at least you get the idea of where he's living) and though he has a car, the backpacker in him still prefers to commute around Metro Manila. From his Quezon City home he can now visit Raon and Hidalgo, in Quiapo, Manila in just a few minutes via Carriedo Station, Recto, Arranque Market and Divisoria via Recto Station, Luneta (Rizal Park) and Manila Ocean Park thru U.N.Avenue station, CCP Complex via Vito Cruz Station, SM Mall of Asia thru EDSA station and Baclaran Church via Baclaran station.
The best part of it all is that he's saying goodbye to the MRT, of which 9 years under PGMA had turned from bad to worst, something he endures on Thursdays (his number coding day) or whenever he's too lazy to drive to Makati.
Pictures and comments will be posted once available as well as information on food stalls present. Note that the station is directly in front of Walter Mart North EDSA, Muñoz Market and provides access to Project 7 (Veteran's Village), Bago-bantay, Frisco via Roosevelt Avenue and Project 8 via Congressional Avenue. LRT fare from this station to LRT Baclaran station is PhP20.00 with travel time of approximately 40 minutes.
Just keep your fingers crossed on the opening of LRT North Avenue station, to fully interconnect with MRT North Avenue station. It will really take some time for this as the plan has to be modified to already take into consideration a mega-station that will connect LRT to the MRT and the proposed MRT-7 that links them to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.
For now, all he can say is: goodbye MRT, Hello LRT! :P
Labels: Public Transportation, Railways
posted by GingGoy @ 12:27 PM,
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Centris Weekend Market Food Trip, Anyone?
20 October 2010
A new weekend market in town held every Saturday morning at Centris Walk organized by Sidcor, the same minds behind the Lung Center Sunday Market that's been attracting well-heeled shoppers to the Lung Center of the Philippines compound, the Centris Weekend Market is still on infancy stage that when Tutubi checked it out recently, there were only a few food stalls, a native handicraft tents and the usual tiangge you'll find in the metro.
Centris Walk with a little help from Photohop blur tool. That's the problem with point and shoot cameras, you can't set the aperture to add bokeh
On closer scrutiny and interviews by Tutubi with the stall keepers, they're the same stores you'll see at the Lung center the following day and some also have concurrent presence down south in Makati's Salcedo Weekend Market (but not much in Legazpi Sunday market due to it's more upmarket clientele).
What can you find at Centris Weekend Market? Tutubi bought kakanin (puto, sapin-sapin and kutsinta), asked around for some cordillera coffee (sagada, benguet and kalinga) at Republika de Kapay plus some healthy finds at Uncle George's gourmet breads.
price list of cordilerra coffee at Republika de Kapay
Madam Q's Empanada Ti Ilocos with Ilocos delicacies including empanada, bagnet and vigan longganisa
Centris Walk has the potential to develop in time as it has lots of FREE parking slots available (even stall rentals for those with entrepreneurial spirit), something it has to its advantage over the Lung Center Sunday Market and probably the looming Christmas season when Christmas bazaars sprout all over the place.
This weekend market will form part of Tutubi's routine as Tutubi Jr. loves to walk like a drunkard under Centris Walk's giant mushrooms, wander in the playground, ride the train and carousel. The bump cars and laser extreme are not yet operational.
Centris Walk weekend market is open from 6am til 2pm every Saturday. Lots of restaurants are also already open at Centris Walk: Shakeys, Pho Hoa, Tutti Frutti frozen yoghurt, Coffee Bean and tea Leaf, Jack's Loft, Italiannis, Pancake House, Zong, Claw Daddy Crab House and American Grill, Asya, My Thai Kitchen et al to satisfy your food trip curiosity.
How to get to Eton Centris Walk:
Centris Walk is connected to MRT Quezon Avenue station via Centris Station mall. For those commuting, it can be reached from Quiapo via Fairview-bound jeepneys. For Makati, any northbound bus on EDSA can be taken (e.g. Monumento, Novaliches, Malanday except those going to Fairview (they turn right to East Avenue and won't pass by EDSA corner Quezon Avenue).
Other weekend markets in Metro Manila for your food trip in one place urges:
Salcedo Weekend Market, Makati (Saturday)
Legazpi Weekend Market, Makati (Sundays in San Lorenzo Village, visited many times but unposted here)
Lung Center Sunday Market, Quezon Avenue, QC
Banchetto on Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (Friday Night to Saturday morning)
Manila Shopping Guide
Centris Walk with a little help from Photohop blur tool. That's the problem with point and shoot cameras, you can't set the aperture to add bokehOn closer scrutiny and interviews by Tutubi with the stall keepers, they're the same stores you'll see at the Lung center the following day and some also have concurrent presence down south in Makati's Salcedo Weekend Market (but not much in Legazpi Sunday market due to it's more upmarket clientele).
What can you find at Centris Weekend Market? Tutubi bought kakanin (puto, sapin-sapin and kutsinta), asked around for some cordillera coffee (sagada, benguet and kalinga) at Republika de Kapay plus some healthy finds at Uncle George's gourmet breads.
price list of cordilerra coffee at Republika de Kapay
Madam Q's Empanada Ti Ilocos with Ilocos delicacies including empanada, bagnet and vigan longganisaCentris Walk has the potential to develop in time as it has lots of FREE parking slots available (even stall rentals for those with entrepreneurial spirit), something it has to its advantage over the Lung Center Sunday Market and probably the looming Christmas season when Christmas bazaars sprout all over the place.
This weekend market will form part of Tutubi's routine as Tutubi Jr. loves to walk like a drunkard under Centris Walk's giant mushrooms, wander in the playground, ride the train and carousel. The bump cars and laser extreme are not yet operational.
Centris Walk weekend market is open from 6am til 2pm every Saturday. Lots of restaurants are also already open at Centris Walk: Shakeys, Pho Hoa, Tutti Frutti frozen yoghurt, Coffee Bean and tea Leaf, Jack's Loft, Italiannis, Pancake House, Zong, Claw Daddy Crab House and American Grill, Asya, My Thai Kitchen et al to satisfy your food trip curiosity.
How to get to Eton Centris Walk:
Centris Walk is connected to MRT Quezon Avenue station via Centris Station mall. For those commuting, it can be reached from Quiapo via Fairview-bound jeepneys. For Makati, any northbound bus on EDSA can be taken (e.g. Monumento, Novaliches, Malanday except those going to Fairview (they turn right to East Avenue and won't pass by EDSA corner Quezon Avenue).
Other weekend markets in Metro Manila for your food trip in one place urges:
Salcedo Weekend Market, Makati (Saturday)
Legazpi Weekend Market, Makati (Sundays in San Lorenzo Village, visited many times but unposted here)
Lung Center Sunday Market, Quezon Avenue, QC
Banchetto on Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (Friday Night to Saturday morning)
Manila Shopping Guide
Labels: Food Trip, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City, Shopping
posted by GingGoy @ 10:42 PM,
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Tart Little Mangoes Called Paho
18 October 2010
Tutubi has this post in Drafts for quite some time since summer then simply forgot about it. He remembered this post when a friend of his commented in an email that ayungin (silver perch) paired with paho as sawsawan [dip]. Instead of waiting again for next summer to post this, herewith are those delectable, mouth-watering little mangoes called pajo in tune with Tutubi's series on food recently (something like Laguna Food Trip).
a bunch of paho from Batangas costs about P30.00
Pajo can be eaten raw with rock salt or made into an ensalada (enchilada) with onions, tomatoes and perfect as appetizer to liven up whatever dish, fried or not, seasoned with patis (fish sauce).
paho enchilada with tomatoes and patis
Where to buy Paho? Tutubi requests an officemate every year to buy him paho in Batangas whenever he sees them. Price is around PhP for a small bunch (tumpok) at Tanauan Public Market but you can buy them in Manila. Paho season is around February to April so be on lookout always or you may have to wait another summer to sample it's heavenly sourness craved for by many.
paho with a 5 peso coin to add scale
If any reader can leave information on the scientific name of paho, it'll be gladly appreciated. Tutubi will remind you again about this small wonder of an appetizer/dip the next time he gets of them.
a bunch of paho from Batangas costs about P30.00Pajo can be eaten raw with rock salt or made into an ensalada (enchilada) with onions, tomatoes and perfect as appetizer to liven up whatever dish, fried or not, seasoned with patis (fish sauce).
paho enchilada with tomatoes and patisWhere to buy Paho? Tutubi requests an officemate every year to buy him paho in Batangas whenever he sees them. Price is around PhP for a small bunch (tumpok) at Tanauan Public Market but you can buy them in Manila. Paho season is around February to April so be on lookout always or you may have to wait another summer to sample it's heavenly sourness craved for by many.
paho with a 5 peso coin to add scaleIf any reader can leave information on the scientific name of paho, it'll be gladly appreciated. Tutubi will remind you again about this small wonder of an appetizer/dip the next time he gets of them.
Labels: Filipino Food, Fruits
posted by GingGoy @ 10:32 PM,
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Victoria's Secret Kinulob na Itik (Fried Duck)
11 October 2010
The Laguna town of Victoria's junction along the national highway is dotted with various stores selling duck eggs, balut, penoy, abnoy, itlog na maalat (salted eggs or sometimes called itlog na pula due to the red color) and the town's specialty-- kinulob na itik.
A favorite of Tutubi's younger brother now living in Malabon, kinulob na itik is a deep-fried duck recipe in Victoria, Laguna, a town with duck raising as main industry that was visited by the contestants of Amazing Race 5 where they chased ducks in their muddy shelters to get the next clues of the popular reality show.
Tutubi eats kinulob na itik not on his own initiative but mostly due to his brother's "addiction" to the Laguna delicacy. While in Victoria, he asked some locals around that led him to some sort of "victoria's secret" on the best kinulob na itik in town: Rollyesmer's Kinulob na Itik, deep inside the town center of Victoria, kilometers away from the main highway, in a hidden location yet sought after by locals and people in the know, bypassing the numerous stalls on the highway, including one that boldly proclaims itself as the "original" kinulob na itik, mimicking the highly successful original buko pie of Los Banos marketing ploy.
The owners of Rollyesmer's Fried Duck, Rogelio Ramirez and Esmeralda, both in their 60's, developed their own kinulob na itik recipe that still lures customers to their humble home, lighted only by a simple, slightly damaged sign outside their home. On talking with Mang Rolly about his secret fried duck recipe, he also narrated that he has relatives in Paete, Laguna that Tutubi's father also knew, unlike Tutubi who's now virtually unknown and knows less people in his hometown. Tutubi also asked around for bibingkang itlog (puro), related to the stinking bibingkang abnoy of Pateros.
The secret of the fried duck recipe? Mang Rolly first removes the duck feathers and internal organs before boiling the duck in water for about three to five hours. Garlic, onions and secret ingredients are then added, until the duck’s own oil starts to appear. Then the duck must be deep fried until it becomes crisp. The secret ingredients, in right amounts during the boiling process, removes the smell and pungent taste that turns off most people to ducks.
the wood-fired stove where the ducks are boiled for hours
The result? Tutubi's new kinulob na itik specialty discovery was also eaten by family members who don't normally eat ducks, in any form. Note that most fried duck dealers serve their product with sauce, but Rolly's fried duck don't need the sauce.
Victoria's Secret kinulob na itik, served without the usual sauce. Price is P140 each. Note the lettuce only added by Tutubi to add color.
It's by their special fried duck recipe that keeps them in business, selling about 30 fried ducks a day, in a hidden location somehwere that's called Victoria's secret...now in the open!
---
Rollyesmer's Kinulob na Itik
Barangay San Roque, Victoria, Laguna
Contact Number: +63.915.547.7356
Coordinates: N14 13 28.2 E121 19 30.8
How to get there:
Commuting to Victoria, Laguna is easy. Take a bus to Sta. Cruz (either
HM Transport on EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City or a Green Star bus on Taft Avenue near corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia, near LRT and JAM bus terminals) and request the driver to drop you off in Victoria's Poblacion (Landmark: Petron gas station and a Victoria poblacion arch, the bus conductors call Balite (probably a balete tree used to be there) a few kilometers from the giant ducks statues in Masapang. Transfer to a
tricycle and ask to be taken to San Roque specifically at Rolly's Kinulob, locals know the place.
Driving Directions to Victoria, Laguna:
If you have a Garmin GPS navigator, the easiest way to get there is to use Open Street Map with the map of Victoria, Laguna updated by Tutubi that shows the actual location of Rollyesmer's Kinulob na Itik deep inside the town :P If you don't have one, just drive down to the town of "Mighty Ducks," enter the main road to the poblacion, a right turn followed by a left turn going to San Roque (a basketball court at the end) then left when you the San Roque arch then a right to an unknown road. Ask for Rolly's kinulob there and you won't get lost.
A favorite of Tutubi's younger brother now living in Malabon, kinulob na itik is a deep-fried duck recipe in Victoria, Laguna, a town with duck raising as main industry that was visited by the contestants of Amazing Race 5 where they chased ducks in their muddy shelters to get the next clues of the popular reality show.
Tutubi eats kinulob na itik not on his own initiative but mostly due to his brother's "addiction" to the Laguna delicacy. While in Victoria, he asked some locals around that led him to some sort of "victoria's secret" on the best kinulob na itik in town: Rollyesmer's Kinulob na Itik, deep inside the town center of Victoria, kilometers away from the main highway, in a hidden location yet sought after by locals and people in the know, bypassing the numerous stalls on the highway, including one that boldly proclaims itself as the "original" kinulob na itik, mimicking the highly successful original buko pie of Los Banos marketing ploy.
The owners of Rollyesmer's Fried Duck, Rogelio Ramirez and Esmeralda, both in their 60's, developed their own kinulob na itik recipe that still lures customers to their humble home, lighted only by a simple, slightly damaged sign outside their home. On talking with Mang Rolly about his secret fried duck recipe, he also narrated that he has relatives in Paete, Laguna that Tutubi's father also knew, unlike Tutubi who's now virtually unknown and knows less people in his hometown. Tutubi also asked around for bibingkang itlog (puro), related to the stinking bibingkang abnoy of Pateros.
The secret of the fried duck recipe? Mang Rolly first removes the duck feathers and internal organs before boiling the duck in water for about three to five hours. Garlic, onions and secret ingredients are then added, until the duck’s own oil starts to appear. Then the duck must be deep fried until it becomes crisp. The secret ingredients, in right amounts during the boiling process, removes the smell and pungent taste that turns off most people to ducks.
the wood-fired stove where the ducks are boiled for hours
The result? Tutubi's new kinulob na itik specialty discovery was also eaten by family members who don't normally eat ducks, in any form. Note that most fried duck dealers serve their product with sauce, but Rolly's fried duck don't need the sauce.
Victoria's Secret kinulob na itik, served without the usual sauce. Price is P140 each. Note the lettuce only added by Tutubi to add color.It's by their special fried duck recipe that keeps them in business, selling about 30 fried ducks a day, in a hidden location somehwere that's called Victoria's secret...now in the open!
---
Rollyesmer's Kinulob na Itik
Barangay San Roque, Victoria, Laguna
Contact Number: +63.915.547.7356
Coordinates: N14 13 28.2 E121 19 30.8
How to get there:
Commuting to Victoria, Laguna is easy. Take a bus to Sta. Cruz (either
HM Transport on EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City or a Green Star bus on Taft Avenue near corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia, near LRT and JAM bus terminals) and request the driver to drop you off in Victoria's Poblacion (Landmark: Petron gas station and a Victoria poblacion arch, the bus conductors call Balite (probably a balete tree used to be there) a few kilometers from the giant ducks statues in Masapang. Transfer to a
tricycle and ask to be taken to San Roque specifically at Rolly's Kinulob, locals know the place.
Driving Directions to Victoria, Laguna:
If you have a Garmin GPS navigator, the easiest way to get there is to use Open Street Map with the map of Victoria, Laguna updated by Tutubi that shows the actual location of Rollyesmer's Kinulob na Itik deep inside the town :P If you don't have one, just drive down to the town of "Mighty Ducks," enter the main road to the poblacion, a right turn followed by a left turn going to San Roque (a basketball court at the end) then left when you the San Roque arch then a right to an unknown road. Ask for Rolly's kinulob there and you won't get lost.
Labels: Calabarzon, Delicacies, Frugal Food Find, Laguna, Laguna Food Trip, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 10:22 PM,
,
NCCA Dia Del Galeon: No Brain Power in Events Management
10 October 2010
Just another example of lack of brain power exhibited by most government agencies was this just finished Dia Del Galeon Festival at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila.
Tutubi got wind of the coming replica of the Spanish Galleon Andalucia to dock at Pier 13 much earlier but his tight schedule and work load won't permit him to take a leave of absence on a weekday to visit and board the galleon and instead tried his luck on the last day, a Saturday, where he expected many people to also try their luck in boarding the galleon.
He was right! There were too many already queued as early as dawn, including a friend who lined up at 8am and yet the utter lack of system in entertaining excited guests, many of them children, who dared not to break the line just to ensure they'll get a glimpse of the ship made of wood and sails made of cloth woven in Ilocos, left the venue without even a glimpse of the galleon.
Tutubi merely took a few pictures of the tarpaulin banner with the galleon on it and the crowd at the gates of Eva Macapagal Super Terminal, then went to Quiapo to eat at Globe Lumpia House on Raon (now Gonzalo Puyat St.) as well as buy electronics parts, tools and stuff.
The long queue of people waited for hours just to see the galleon, many of them went home, hungry, tired yet no galleon in sight, thanks to the (dis)organizers
To the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and other (dis)organizers of this event, "Kudos" to you! Just to affirm how really good you are in handling events like this. No system was used in managing the expectations of the crowd, particularly on the last day, when it's expected people to come in droves and yet you never thought of contingency measures, merely did nothing...nada...none!
Next time, if the schedule won't permit at least the whole weekend, at least try to make the galleon dock at a location where people like Tutubi, if boarding it is impossible, at least the public can see and take pictures of the galleon say Manila's Baywalk, or the CCP complex. Isn't that hard to do or your brains just don't have the capacity to process or come out of ideas like it? Last Saturday's crowd also would've appreciated it if they're allowed to come near the galleon...
Tutubi's conclusion is indeed true, people in government are just too "brilliant" for events like this...
Tutubi got wind of the coming replica of the Spanish Galleon Andalucia to dock at Pier 13 much earlier but his tight schedule and work load won't permit him to take a leave of absence on a weekday to visit and board the galleon and instead tried his luck on the last day, a Saturday, where he expected many people to also try their luck in boarding the galleon.
He was right! There were too many already queued as early as dawn, including a friend who lined up at 8am and yet the utter lack of system in entertaining excited guests, many of them children, who dared not to break the line just to ensure they'll get a glimpse of the ship made of wood and sails made of cloth woven in Ilocos, left the venue without even a glimpse of the galleon.
Tutubi merely took a few pictures of the tarpaulin banner with the galleon on it and the crowd at the gates of Eva Macapagal Super Terminal, then went to Quiapo to eat at Globe Lumpia House on Raon (now Gonzalo Puyat St.) as well as buy electronics parts, tools and stuff.
The long queue of people waited for hours just to see the galleon, many of them went home, hungry, tired yet no galleon in sight, thanks to the (dis)organizersTo the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and other (dis)organizers of this event, "Kudos" to you! Just to affirm how really good you are in handling events like this. No system was used in managing the expectations of the crowd, particularly on the last day, when it's expected people to come in droves and yet you never thought of contingency measures, merely did nothing...nada...none!
Next time, if the schedule won't permit at least the whole weekend, at least try to make the galleon dock at a location where people like Tutubi, if boarding it is impossible, at least the public can see and take pictures of the galleon say Manila's Baywalk, or the CCP complex. Isn't that hard to do or your brains just don't have the capacity to process or come out of ideas like it? Last Saturday's crowd also would've appreciated it if they're allowed to come near the galleon...
Tutubi's conclusion is indeed true, people in government are just too "brilliant" for events like this...
Labels: Rants
posted by GingGoy @ 10:10 PM,
,
Latest SLEX Toll Fees, No Rate Increase For Now
09 October 2010
Latest SLEX toll fees for your information
UPDATED December 2014
SLEx Toll Fee and Exits Skyway
SLEX exits: Bicutan, Sucat, Alabang, Filinvest, Susana Heights, San Pedro, Southwoods, Carmona, Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton City - Greenfield, Cabuyao, Silangan (Batangas), Calamba
You may also be looking for: latest SLEX toll rates, SLEX toll fee increase, toll hike et al :P
Skyway toll rates and TPLEx toll fees to follow
UPDATED December 2014
SLEx Toll Fee and Exits Skyway
SLEX exits: Bicutan, Sucat, Alabang, Filinvest, Susana Heights, San Pedro, Southwoods, Carmona, Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton City - Greenfield, Cabuyao, Silangan (Batangas), Calamba
You may also be looking for: latest SLEX toll rates, SLEX toll fee increase, toll hike et al :P
Skyway toll rates and TPLEx toll fees to follow
Labels: Roads and Highways
posted by GingGoy @ 9:18 PM,
,
The Art of Eating Ayungin: Jose Rizal's Favorite Fish
07 October 2010
One of Tutubi's fondest childhood memories were the days he spent fishing at dawn in Laguna de Bay with his late maternal grandfather, Dada Julian, where they collected shrimps trapped in simple contractions made of small plants and bushes as well caught the small, tasty yet pricey ayungin (silver perch), using improvised fishing rods with small shrimps as baits.
Ayungin (Scientific name: Leiopotherapon plumbeus), a freshwater fish species endemic in the Philippines, is omnivorous and has a silver color and small scales. It used to be plentiful in Laguna Lake and other freshwater bodies but overfishing by local fishermen coupled with the slow demise of the once pristine lake have now made it scarce. It is said to be the tastiest freshwater fish in the Philippines (the most expensive fish is the ludong, caught in the shores off Cagayan) is endemic to Laguna de Bay and was introduced to San Pablo City's Sampaloc Lake in the 1950s, then later to Taal Lake in the 70s.
Today, seeing ayungin in the public market of Paete is a rare sight, Tutubi buys them as they're unloaded fresh by fishermen on the shores of Laguna de Bay, a place locals call Wawa, at the point where Paete River (creek) meets Laguna Lake.
In Rizal province, particularly in the town of Binangonan, silver perch is caught commercially then made into dried fish (daing na ayungin) whose taste can rival the famous danggit of Cebu. It costs about P200/kilo in Rizal and Laguna and can go as high as P500 per kilo in Manila.
How to eat Ayungin, kamayan style:
Hold the fish with one hand then remove the upper and lower fins. Using your fingers, rub both sides as if you're pinching the fish from tail to head to remove the scales and expose the meat. Partake of the meat and roe, if present. Be careful of small fish bones (para di ma-tinik)
Jose Rizal Trivia:
The ayungin is the Philippine national hero's favorite fish where Jose Rizal reportedly partook the fish, served in different ways, with hefty servings of rice. This was also narrated in his acerbic novel Noli Me Tangere where he wrote "the ayungin is good for sinigang; leave the biya for the escabeche, the dalag and the buan-buan for pesa."
Rizal has a very good reason why the ayungin is his favorite fish!
Related Posts:
Utak Biya
Big Head Carp
Ayungin (Scientific name: Leiopotherapon plumbeus), a freshwater fish species endemic in the Philippines, is omnivorous and has a silver color and small scales. It used to be plentiful in Laguna Lake and other freshwater bodies but overfishing by local fishermen coupled with the slow demise of the once pristine lake have now made it scarce. It is said to be the tastiest freshwater fish in the Philippines (the most expensive fish is the ludong, caught in the shores off Cagayan) is endemic to Laguna de Bay and was introduced to San Pablo City's Sampaloc Lake in the 1950s, then later to Taal Lake in the 70s.
Today, seeing ayungin in the public market of Paete is a rare sight, Tutubi buys them as they're unloaded fresh by fishermen on the shores of Laguna de Bay, a place locals call Wawa, at the point where Paete River (creek) meets Laguna Lake.
In Rizal province, particularly in the town of Binangonan, silver perch is caught commercially then made into dried fish (daing na ayungin) whose taste can rival the famous danggit of Cebu. It costs about P200/kilo in Rizal and Laguna and can go as high as P500 per kilo in Manila.
How to eat Ayungin, kamayan style:
Hold the fish with one hand then remove the upper and lower fins. Using your fingers, rub both sides as if you're pinching the fish from tail to head to remove the scales and expose the meat. Partake of the meat and roe, if present. Be careful of small fish bones (para di ma-tinik)
Jose Rizal Trivia:
The ayungin is the Philippine national hero's favorite fish where Jose Rizal reportedly partook the fish, served in different ways, with hefty servings of rice. This was also narrated in his acerbic novel Noli Me Tangere where he wrote "the ayungin is good for sinigang; leave the biya for the escabeche, the dalag and the buan-buan for pesa."
Rizal has a very good reason why the ayungin is his favorite fish!
Related Posts:
Utak Biya
Big Head Carp
Labels: Cuisine, Flora and Fauna, Jose Rizal, Laguna
posted by GingGoy @ 10:32 PM,
,
How to Get to Pier 15 Manila South Harbor
06 October 2010
For those people wishing to get to Pier 15 to board SuperFerry (Now 2Go Travel Ferry as their ferries are docked at Pier 15) or to Manila South Harbor's Pier 13 (to see the Galleon Andalucia for the on-going Dia Del Galeon Festival)
Manila South Harbor is home to odd-numbered piers e.g. Pier 15 (the former home of the presidential Yatch that Tutubi was able to board many years ago) now the terminal of SuperFerry, Pier 13, Pier 11, Pier 9 with most piers used for commercial shipping companies. Pier 1 is not there though, that popular watering hole :P
Manila North Harbor, on the other hand, is host to even-number piers: Pier 2, Pier 4, Pier 6, Pier 8, Pier 10, Pier 12, Pier 14 and Pier 16 et al
Map of Manila South Harbor with Pier 13, Pier 15 and Manila Hotel (as landmark). Pier 15 is sometimes called Eva Macapagal Terminal
map from wikimapia with corrections on the locations of Pier 15, Pier 1 Pier 11, Manila Hotel, Rizal Park (Luneta) and Roxas Blvd.
How to get to Pier 15:
Commute to Pier 15: take the LRT and get off at Carriedo station, walk past towards SM Carriedo towards Quiapo Church, Hidalgo St and Plaza Miranda then board a jeepney with signboard Pier. Request the driver to drop you off on the street entrance of Manila South Harbor (Landmark: Manila Hotel) then walk towards Pier 15, Pier 13, Pier 11.
From Quezon City and Espana, Manila, just board any jeep with signboard Pier (sometimes Pier 15) to get there.
other jeepney routes to Pier 15 South Harbor, Manila:
Paco - Faura (Taft Corner Padre Faura, near LRT UN Avenue Station), Roxas Blvd
Retiro - Blumentritt (LRT station) - Sta. Cruz - Pier 15
Directions to Pier 15 and Pier 13:
From Makati, drive towards Roxas Boulevard all the way to Anda Circle to make a U-turn then turn right to 25th St. and before Manila Hotel.
From Espana, drive to Lerma then Quiapo's Quezon Boulevard, cross Quezon Bridge (then follow the Pier-bound jeeps inside Intramuros) or drive to Burgos St past Manila City Hall, right to Roxas Boulevard, U-turn at Anda Circle then right to the street of Manila Hotel. Not much parking space there so you may park your vehicles in front of Manila Hotel (it's a paid parking)
related posts:
Cebu Ferries Promo Fare, Negros Navigation, SuperCat,
Manila South Harbor is home to odd-numbered piers e.g. Pier 15 (the former home of the presidential Yatch that Tutubi was able to board many years ago) now the terminal of SuperFerry, Pier 13, Pier 11, Pier 9 with most piers used for commercial shipping companies. Pier 1 is not there though, that popular watering hole :P
Manila North Harbor, on the other hand, is host to even-number piers: Pier 2, Pier 4, Pier 6, Pier 8, Pier 10, Pier 12, Pier 14 and Pier 16 et al
Map of Manila South Harbor with Pier 13, Pier 15 and Manila Hotel (as landmark). Pier 15 is sometimes called Eva Macapagal Terminal
map from wikimapia with corrections on the locations of Pier 15, Pier 1 Pier 11, Manila Hotel, Rizal Park (Luneta) and Roxas Blvd.How to get to Pier 15:
Commute to Pier 15: take the LRT and get off at Carriedo station, walk past towards SM Carriedo towards Quiapo Church, Hidalgo St and Plaza Miranda then board a jeepney with signboard Pier. Request the driver to drop you off on the street entrance of Manila South Harbor (Landmark: Manila Hotel) then walk towards Pier 15, Pier 13, Pier 11.
From Quezon City and Espana, Manila, just board any jeep with signboard Pier (sometimes Pier 15) to get there.
other jeepney routes to Pier 15 South Harbor, Manila:
Paco - Faura (Taft Corner Padre Faura, near LRT UN Avenue Station), Roxas Blvd
Retiro - Blumentritt (LRT station) - Sta. Cruz - Pier 15
Directions to Pier 15 and Pier 13:
From Makati, drive towards Roxas Boulevard all the way to Anda Circle to make a U-turn then turn right to 25th St. and before Manila Hotel.
From Espana, drive to Lerma then Quiapo's Quezon Boulevard, cross Quezon Bridge (then follow the Pier-bound jeeps inside Intramuros) or drive to Burgos St past Manila City Hall, right to Roxas Boulevard, U-turn at Anda Circle then right to the street of Manila Hotel. Not much parking space there so you may park your vehicles in front of Manila Hotel (it's a paid parking)
related posts:
Cebu Ferries Promo Fare, Negros Navigation, SuperCat,
Labels: Manila, Public Transportation
posted by GingGoy @ 10:37 PM,
,
Dia Del Galeon Festival: Reliving the Manila - Acapulco Galleon Trade
05 October 2010
While in Hong Kong a few years back, Tutubi tried to board the Duk Ling, an authentic Chinese Junk in Victoria Harbour that made him wish there's alsoan authentic galleon anchored in Manila Bay that can be boarded someday.
That day came true when news of the coming of the replica of the galeon Andalucia, a 17th century Spanish galleon, visited Manila for a few days and will be staying at Pier 13 in Manila's South Harbor. Herewith is the schedule and other information for those interested in seeing and actually boarding a galeon in order to get a feel of how it was like in those days.
THE GALEON ANDALUCIA (OCTOBER 6-9)
WHERE: PIER 13, SOUTH HARBOR, MANILA (Next to Manila Hotel)
ADMISSION: FREE
DATES
October 6 1:00 pm - 4:00pm
October 7 9:00am – 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm - 4:00pm
October 8 8:00am – 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm - 4:00pm
October 9 8:00am-12:00pm
DAILY SCHEDULE (except october 6,9)
9:00am-12:00pm – LARGE GROUPS
9:00am-4:00pm PUBLIC
For Groups of 30 or more, email your information and desired time between 9:00am-12:00pm.
INDIVIDUAL GUESTS
There is no need for reservation for individuals and groups with less than 30 people
AGE LIMIT
Children under eight years old are not allowed due to safety reasons. Children under twelve need to be chaperoned
PARKING
There is no ample parking at the pier, however there will be some at Quirino Grandstand.
FOR RESERVATIONS
E-mail Abi Portillo at diadelgaleon@yahoo.com with your information including: day, time, number of guests, contact information.
The Galeon Andalucia is a replica of the 17th century Galleon. Guest can hop on-board and jump into history!"
---
How to get to Pier 13, Manila South Harbor:
from Quiapo, you can board jeepneys with signboard Pier, alight near Manila Hotel then walk towards the Pier.
That day came true when news of the coming of the replica of the galeon Andalucia, a 17th century Spanish galleon, visited Manila for a few days and will be staying at Pier 13 in Manila's South Harbor. Herewith is the schedule and other information for those interested in seeing and actually boarding a galeon in order to get a feel of how it was like in those days.
THE GALEON ANDALUCIA (OCTOBER 6-9)
WHERE: PIER 13, SOUTH HARBOR, MANILA (Next to Manila Hotel)
ADMISSION: FREE
DATES
October 6 1:00 pm - 4:00pm
October 7 9:00am – 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm - 4:00pm
October 8 8:00am – 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm - 4:00pm
October 9 8:00am-12:00pm
DAILY SCHEDULE (except october 6,9)
9:00am-12:00pm – LARGE GROUPS
9:00am-4:00pm PUBLIC
For Groups of 30 or more, email your information and desired time between 9:00am-12:00pm.
INDIVIDUAL GUESTS
There is no need for reservation for individuals and groups with less than 30 people
AGE LIMIT
Children under eight years old are not allowed due to safety reasons. Children under twelve need to be chaperoned
PARKING
There is no ample parking at the pier, however there will be some at Quirino Grandstand.
FOR RESERVATIONS
E-mail Abi Portillo at diadelgaleon@yahoo.com with your information including: day, time, number of guests, contact information.
The Galeon Andalucia is a replica of the 17th century Galleon. Guest can hop on-board and jump into history!"
---
How to get to Pier 13, Manila South Harbor:
from Quiapo, you can board jeepneys with signboard Pier, alight near Manila Hotel then walk towards the Pier.
Labels: Festivals
posted by GingGoy @ 10:31 PM,
,
WAPS' Vegetarian Pizza in Siniloan, Laguna
03 October 2010
A food discovery of Tutubi suggested by his adventurous but "misinformed" sister who directed him to drive to the town of Famy, but wary of his sister as direction-challenged, opted to ask around at the junction of the highway Siniloan and Famy and discovered it's near the poblacion of Siniloan.
On going to the former Pandeño Bakery, reportedly owned by a foreigner from the US of A, Tutubi even got lost (deep into Halayhayin St.) while avoiding a one-way street sign at the corner of Pandeño Street and Salubungan only to find out later that it's a misleading sign that should be corrected by town authorities.
However, getting lost has it's reward as Tutubi discovered the map of Siniloan he's using is full or errors and thus was able to correct them. (Will post the interactive map of Siniloan, Laguna one of these days)
Tutubi's ate ordered two family size pizzas (about 18" in diameter): a pepperoni (price: P260.00) and a vegetable pizza (P200.00), plus a burger with fries (P115.00, about the size of two regular hamburgers of Jollibee).
WAPS Vegetable Pizza around 18" in diameter (family size) for just P200.00
Don't be fooled by the ordinary brown carton as packaging while the hot sauce is really hot, not just another sauce pretending to be chili hot
Tutubi prefers the vegetarian pizza with these ingredients that he was able to identify: tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, pineapple, sweet potato (camote), and mushrooms. The crust is not like popular commercial pizzas (Pizza Hut, Shakey's) and the taste is tuned more to the Filipino palate-- more like Greenwich sans pepperoni, sausages and other meats. It's price at P200 is unbeatable, suited for a small town, that can feed a typical family.
WAPS Burger is super-sized, with two patties, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and cucumber
In the future, some sort of Laguna Food Trip itinerary featuring various Laguna delicacies complete with directions and GPS coordinates.
---
WAPS Burger Restaurant (formerly Pandeño Bakery)
Address: #3 Pandeño St., Siniloan, Laguna
Coordinates: N14 25 16.2 E121 26 43.6
Location: near Siniloan Municipal Hall, St. Peter and Paul Parish (Siniloan Church) and Jollibee Siniloan.
Telephone Number: +63.49.813.1474
Parking is a problem there as Pandeño St. is where public utility jeepneys bound for Siniloan pass by, too narrow as a two-lane road. You can park at the church patio for P20.00 parking fee if you don't want to risk your vehicle with scratch marks later.
How to get to Siniloan, Laguna:
Commute from EDSA crossing, board a jeepney to Tanay, Rizal then transfer to a Siniloan-bound jeepney at the Tanay terminal. WAPS is walking distance (or a short tricycle ride) from Siniloan Public Market that doubles as the jeepney terminal (you can also ride jeepneys going to the towns of Infanta and Real in Quezon province via Famy) or to Laguna's capital town of Sta. Cruz (to pass by towns of Pangil, Pakil, Paete, Kalayaan, Lumban, Pagsanjan. Jeepney fare from Paete to Siniloan is P19.00 per person)
On going to the former Pandeño Bakery, reportedly owned by a foreigner from the US of A, Tutubi even got lost (deep into Halayhayin St.) while avoiding a one-way street sign at the corner of Pandeño Street and Salubungan only to find out later that it's a misleading sign that should be corrected by town authorities.
However, getting lost has it's reward as Tutubi discovered the map of Siniloan he's using is full or errors and thus was able to correct them. (Will post the interactive map of Siniloan, Laguna one of these days)
Tutubi's ate ordered two family size pizzas (about 18" in diameter): a pepperoni (price: P260.00) and a vegetable pizza (P200.00), plus a burger with fries (P115.00, about the size of two regular hamburgers of Jollibee).
WAPS Vegetable Pizza around 18" in diameter (family size) for just P200.00
Don't be fooled by the ordinary brown carton as packaging while the hot sauce is really hot, not just another sauce pretending to be chili hotTutubi prefers the vegetarian pizza with these ingredients that he was able to identify: tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, pineapple, sweet potato (camote), and mushrooms. The crust is not like popular commercial pizzas (Pizza Hut, Shakey's) and the taste is tuned more to the Filipino palate-- more like Greenwich sans pepperoni, sausages and other meats. It's price at P200 is unbeatable, suited for a small town, that can feed a typical family.
WAPS Burger is super-sized, with two patties, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and cucumberIn the future, some sort of Laguna Food Trip itinerary featuring various Laguna delicacies complete with directions and GPS coordinates.
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WAPS Burger Restaurant (formerly Pandeño Bakery)
Address: #3 Pandeño St., Siniloan, Laguna
Coordinates: N14 25 16.2 E121 26 43.6
Location: near Siniloan Municipal Hall, St. Peter and Paul Parish (Siniloan Church) and Jollibee Siniloan.
Telephone Number: +63.49.813.1474
Parking is a problem there as Pandeño St. is where public utility jeepneys bound for Siniloan pass by, too narrow as a two-lane road. You can park at the church patio for P20.00 parking fee if you don't want to risk your vehicle with scratch marks later.
How to get to Siniloan, Laguna:
Commute from EDSA crossing, board a jeepney to Tanay, Rizal then transfer to a Siniloan-bound jeepney at the Tanay terminal. WAPS is walking distance (or a short tricycle ride) from Siniloan Public Market that doubles as the jeepney terminal (you can also ride jeepneys going to the towns of Infanta and Real in Quezon province via Famy) or to Laguna's capital town of Sta. Cruz (to pass by towns of Pangil, Pakil, Paete, Kalayaan, Lumban, Pagsanjan. Jeepney fare from Paete to Siniloan is P19.00 per person)
Labels: Laguna Food Trip, Laguna Restaurants, Vegetarian Food
posted by GingGoy @ 10:59 PM,
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Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants Video is Just a Demo
A Cebu Pacific Airlines dancing flight attendants video was posted on YouTube recently and already viewed a couple millions of times and now probably an Internet sensation? The short video clip features flight crew dancing to Lady Gaga's dance hit.
Cebu Pacific Flight Attendants goin' Gaga:
In a country where flight stewardesses are still looked at as "eye candies" instead of professional flight attendants, do you think it's amusing or a distraction to the soporific demonstration of flight safety features and emergency procedures? No news yet if this would be permanent fixture of Cebu Pacific, whose in-flight games is a favorite of Tutubi.
Cebu Pacific Flight Attendants goin' Gaga:
In a country where flight stewardesses are still looked at as "eye candies" instead of professional flight attendants, do you think it's amusing or a distraction to the soporific demonstration of flight safety features and emergency procedures? No news yet if this would be permanent fixture of Cebu Pacific, whose in-flight games is a favorite of Tutubi.
Labels: Airlines, Cebu Pacific
posted by GingGoy @ 9:16 PM,
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