Recipe: Laswa

Because one-third of a kalabasa is too much to add to the ukoy especially that there are only 2 people eating inside the house. Half of that was set aside, and so we decided to have laswa the next day. Laswa is staple in the Philippine culture and every wife is kinda expected to know how to cook it. Since I do not really like okra and talong, here's a version of laswa without these.

Laswa in a Pot

Ingredients:

• Kalabasa (Squash)
• Malunggay Leaves
• 2 Tomatoes
• 1 medium sized Onion
• Saluyot (Jute)
• Dilis (Anchovies)
• Water
• Salt

Preparation:

1. Cut the kalabasa into cubes.
2. Slice the tomatoes and onion into eights.
3. Remove the malunggay leaves from its stalks.
4. Wash the saluyot thoroughly.
   
5. Put 2 cups of water and the tomatoes in a pot  and bring to a boil.
6. Once boiling, add the anchovies (as many as you like) and onions. Boil for 2-3 more minutes.
7. Add pepper and salt, if needed, to taste.
8. Add the squash and boil for 5 minutes or until squash is tender.
9. Add the malunggay leaves and saluyot.
10. Remove from the heat and transfer to serving bowl.
11. Serve with dried fish or fried fish.
    

Fried Dried Squid

Enjoy your meal.!!



Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

I post an article once a week... :D

Recipe: Kalabasa Ukoy

The vegetable peddler sold me one-third of a kalabasa (squash) for only 20 pesos. To not waste it, I decided to cook ukoy or fritters with squash as the main ingredient.

Kalabasa Ukoy

Ingredients:

Vegetables

• Squash (Kalabasa)
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Malunggay
• Kangkong Leaves
• Flour
• Egg
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil

Preparation: Vegetables

1. Wash the vegetables thoroughly.
2. Add 1 tbsp of salt into half a bowl of water.
3. Slice (julienne) the carrots, potatoes, squash into strips not too thinly and soak into the bowl of water with salt.
4. Slice the kangkong leaves into strips and place inside a separate bowl.
5. Remove the malungggay leaves from its stalk and add to the bowl of kangkong leaves.

Julienned veggies with the leaves

Preparation: Mixture

1. Crack the egg, and add half a tsp of pepper into a bowl. Add a dash of salt and beat well.
2. Mince garlic and onion and add to the mixture (optional).
3. Add a cup of flour and mix while adding water (a cup more or less) slowly.
4. If you attained a nice mixture that is no longer sticky but not too watery either, add all the vegetables into the mixture and mix well.

Mixture with veggies

Preparation: Frying

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Once the oil is hot enough, scoop 1 tbsp of the vegetable mixture into the pan, 3-4 pieces should fit.
3. Fry until side is firm and flip to the other side, flip the fritter from side to side until its golden brown or you are satisfied with its color.
4. Do not let it stay on one side for so long to avoid over cooking the vegetables.
5. Serve hot with rice.

Cooked Ukoy

Enjoy your meal!

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

I post an article once a week... :D

Revisiting Gigantes

My first trip to the sleeping giants' isle was a few months after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated a big chunk of the Northern parts of Iloilo. During that visit, Carles is not considered a getaway place for most people. I don't think it was even on the top 20, considering the Philippines has over a thousand other islands to see.

Islas de Gigantes

But here we are 5 years later, Islas de Gigantes has become a social media phenomenon that more and more vacationers flock to this pristine little island to experience authentic island living even if it's just for a few days. I was actually afraid that maybe it was not as clean as it was when I first take a peek. My worries were for naught though as the beaches are still as white as before with only a few pieces of garbage here and there and a cleaning crew combing the beaches for pieces of trash that may have been accidentally left behind.

I am getting ahead of myself, so before I get carried away again, here are the details that you are looking for.

How much did I spend?

For this entire vacation, I spent 3500 pesos including fares and a bit of pasalubong. But this is on the pricey side because there are less than 10 or us. The more people you have, the less money you'll pay.

How did this happen?

I have a friend who knows a friend that offers tour packages. But on Facebook, you can find people who also offer tour packages and even promo packages to Gigantes.

How to get there?

From Iloilo City, ride a jeepney to Tagbak Terminal for 7-10 pesos depending on where you are in the city. If you're from the airport, you can grab a taxi for 350. The fare for the VAN is 150 pesos until Estancia Terminal, and the trip is for 2 hours.

If you have a tour package waiting and you want to get all your money's worth, I suggest you leave for Estancia or Carles early like 4AM (not that you won't get its worth if you'll leave at a later time ).

THE TOUR

At the terminal, we were met by the tour guide and he has tricycles waiting for us, so that's 15 pesos for the tricycle ride to the Port of Estancia. Then we paid 10 pesos for environmental fee and off we go for Gigantes.

We left the Port at around 1 PM and arrived at the resort that we will be staying at around 3PM and waiting for us is Mr. Crab asking to be eaten.

Eat me! -Mr. Crab

One of the things that I was really looking forward to in this vacation was the food and it never failed to deliver from the lunch we ate upon arrival until the breakfast we had right before we left.

We delivered our bags to our room and dig right in.

So we had sinigang na isda, crabs and some shells for lunch and unlimited rice :D.

Sinabawang Fish

After resting a bit, we went on to our island tour because we requested for a night swimming activity.

The first stop is Cabugao Island, the "selfie capital" of the Philippines. I think this was more fun than when we first went because now they have stairs and railings to hang on to while going to the top, and they also have barricades and warning signs so that you won't accidentally fell down.

Cabugao Island

The island also has Buddhist stone stacks arranged around creating a nice view on the ground.

While there, we observed locals cleaning up the island, they were combing the beach for trash, fallen leaves and sticks and other pieces of stuff that had fallen on the beach.

A reminder to our fellow travelers, please pick after yourselves.

Buddhist Stones

Next, for the night swimming activity, we were ferried to Bantigue Island, where the Sand Bar is.

It was a very long beach and all you can see is white white sand. The locals were even asking our ferrymen to attend the bonfire party for later that night. :D

Sand Bar, Bantique Island

They definitely have the place for it. Some people were already pitching tents on the beach when we get there. But we were there to swim, so that was what we did until the sunset turned to dusk and the night settled in.

Sunset at the Sand Bar

Then we were deposited to our room for cleanup and dinner.

Dinner was laswa with crab meat, grilled squid, squid adobo, calamari, and some scallops with eat-all-you-can rice.

Delicious foods, eat-all-you-can

After dinner, we stayed at the beachfront talking and playing with the fine white sand until bedtime.

2ND DAY

For the second day, the day started with breakfast. The breakfast consisted of fried dried fish, sunny side up and shells, I forgot the specific shell and lots of rice. Rice is the staple food for Filipinos.

The view during the climb.

The tour started with mountain climbing for the caving. I was excited at first, because the first time I went here for spelunking, it was inside a very magnificent cave with stalactites and stalagmites everywhere, though a bit of a hard work to squeeze through gaps to reach the other end. The cave this time was also good but it was small compared to the first one and it did not have any mineral formation. There was a very huge space though that can enclose a large building.

Caves

Then we went on another island hopping.

The first island was Antonia Island for snorkeling and swimming. If you come here, bring your own snorkels and lifesaver if you do not know how to swim. The corals are wonderful to see if you can hold your breath long enough especially in the slightly deeper areas near the beach. they also have jet skis for rent and banana boat rides available.

Antonia Island for Snorkeling

The next stop was the Tangke, this is a natural saltwater lagoon or pool found on the island. But for some environmental reason, it was close to tourists, so we had to content ourselves to having our picture taken and left. You can also cliff jump here.

Tangke - Saltwater Lagoon

Some of our companions are leaving ahead because they have a flight to catch early the next day, so after visiting the Tangke, we head off to the resort so they can clean up and leave with the other guests. We cleaned up also and eat lunch.

Lunch was crabs, calamari, and squid. The food is really delicious.

Delicious lunch :D

After lunch, we told our guide that we will rest a bit and explore the islands some more afterward. We went to our room for a bit to siesta and ended up sleeping until evening.

We messed up on our tour but still sleep is also part of taking a vacation :D

But we were not able to visit the lighthouse :(

So, we were woken up to eat dinner.

Dinner was squid adobo and sinabawang isda (fish soup). The fish was fresh as the soup was slightly sweet. Perks of being on an island.

Dinner :D

After dinner, we watched the lightning storm some distance away. And we were also told that we had to leave with the passenger boat because the boat was not available for the next day.

Lightning

There was also a masseuse who offered massage services after dinner but failed to show up after.

The next morning, our breakfast was fried dried fish, dilis and tapa, and scallops.

Then we were lead to the passenger boat and its Goodbye Islands.

Bye Islands

Before leaving Estancia though, we passed by the market to buy dried fish as pasalubong since we really loved the tapa we ate for breakfast.

So that ended our tour, it was not as fully packed as what was promised during negotiations. Some of it, our fault for delaying and arriving at the islands late and sleeping off half a day. But all in all, it was a relaxing trip and a memorable one as it was spent with friends you do not see on a daily or even monthly basis as they live so far away.

Sunsets

The food is unforgettable and one of those nice things you always want to have in the house, simple yet delicious. But since fresh is not in our vocabulary lately, so we settle for what we can have.

But if the opportunity arises, please grab it and rise above what is common and make it good.

Go UP!

Until the next adventure.!!!

If you want the number of the tour guide, send me a message or search for persons on Facebook who offers tours to Gigantes.



Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

I post an article once a week... :D

Palawan: Puerto Prinsesa City Escapade Part 2

Part 2 was late because author was busy…. Gomen…

Crocodile Farm – Barangay Irawan, Puerto Prinsesa City, Palawan

Crocodile Farm

top – Rio
middle – Mascot
bottom – Baby Crocs

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is a cab ride away from Sta. Monica.

We arrived there just in time to miss the 2PM tour. So while waiting for 30minutes for the tour to start, we bought our ticket which costs 40pesos each, ate some ice cream and look around the souvenir shops. In the end, I bought lots of miniature crocodiles and stingrays for the fiends back home.

The start of the tour introduced us to Rio, a crocodile who was captured because he ate half of the spear and was injured. He was treated but sadly because of old age, was unable to adapt to the new environment and died of stress. Next were the baby crocs from the newly-weaned to the almost adult ones kept in tubs in ones, twos, threes, fours or fives. There are screens on top of tubs but there are spaces with no covers. Because of this, signs of “DANGER: Baby Crocs may jump and bite. Do not place hands on top of tubs” are placed around the holding area. Then, we went to enclosed area with a bridge on top where the adult crocs are kept. The biggest one is big all 60+ cm semi-hidden in the water but the head and jaws can be seen and the horror you will be experiencing when you fell into the pen to be his meal is beyond my imagination :D.

Crocodile Pen

After this, there is a booth where you can have a picture with a baby croc and have it printed as well for souvenir.

The animal park is a do it yourself tour, we roamed around for a bit. The 1st animal is the bearcat, when we approached he got out from his hiding place to have his picture taken. Lucky us. The 2nd one is the bearded pig, snobbish creature who kept his face hidden all the time as if telling us not to bother him in his mealtime. The next are the majestic serpent eagle, I think. They looked regal all the time sneering at us, mere mortals. Then the lonesome sea eagle who gave a plaintive cry when he was disturbed. His tail was magnificent though. Then we have the hornbills who doesn’t want their pictures taken and kept themselves to the foliage inside their cage. Next, the noisy mynahs. Then, the parrots who rarely made a sound while we were looking at them. There was also a wildcat which has no name plate, so we could not really know what it was. They also have monkeys. But the last animal we went to see is the porcupine and we think it’s dying because its pins and needles are falling off. And the skin is showing, with red pelts.

Bearcat, Eagles, Parrots

After this, we wander back to the crocos for the last time then walk back to the highway to go to the tiangge.

Tiangge-Tiangge – Barangay San Rafael, Puerto Prinsesa City

The Tiangge is a marketplace for souvenirs. We told the driver specifically to drop us off there but he thought that we are not getting off because when he looked at me I did not take that as a hint that he was asking if we were getting off. So, we had to walk back a few blocks to get back there. In there, we added a few more souvenirs. Some pearls and a shoulder bag. We also looked for croc meat for people who requested but we’ll, the souvenir meat shop is closed. So, we left the tiangge behind before we are tempted to buy more.

Kinabuch’s – Rizal Avenue, Puerto Prinsesa City

Kinabuch’s Bar & Restaurant

Kinabuch is a highly recommended place to eat in Palawan, so from the tiangge we rode a tricyle to get there for an early dinner.

We ordered the specialty of the house, crispy pata, baby back ribs, halo-halo and shake, a platter of rice as well. The serving is good for 5 persons for the pata and the back ribs for 2-3. We ate a lot but we couldn’t really finish all of it, so we had those wrapped up to be taken out. It was a very satisfying meal and the place is quiet to as there are a few other guests in the resto. We paid almost 1000pesos for that meal but we had lots of leftovers that we still ate the next day.

Puerto Prinsesa Capitol

After the meal, we bought some soap, shampoo and food for breakfast. There was a funny scene when a foreigner asking why liquor is not sold in that store when it is sold somewhere else even though its banned because of the recall election. He did not insist though.

We also passed by the Provincial Capitol but did not go in because it was already late 

Baker’s Hill – Sta. Monica, Puerto Prinsesa City

Baker’s Hill

Before going back to WPU for the night, we decided to stop by Baker’s Hill to taste the tamilok. The driver finally dropped us off where we want to go and he said, we can walk or ride. We decided to walk, decidedly the longest walk in my life. Two almost uphill climb and stretch of land in between. Poor feet. But we arrived, passing by wagyu beef, mother of steaks advertisement and many other restos along the area. Baker’s hill is aptly named, many stores sell pastries, pizza among them. There is also a massage parlor. After resting a bit, we explored. No tamilok for us, as the resto serving is already cleaning up when we arrived. And as we are not really hungry, we just walked around the park.

Shrek Park, Cherry Blossom, Peacock Display, Flowers

It was very dark, and I think we disturbed more than one fowl creature. They had a golden pheasant, peacocks (stuffed and real), and other birds couldn’t recognize because its too dark. There are also over-sized vegetables. I am not sure if all of them are real though. Then there are swings, and see-saws for children. Shrek Park have Shrek, Puss, Donkey, Fiona and the kids and other figures as well. Then there’s the cherry blossom and flowers. After exploring, we decided to call it a day, hired a tricycle to WPU for bed and rest.

As the next day is for the Palawan Underground River adventure.

For the first day of our adventure, aside from the 7200pesos for airfare which is 2-way trip for 2 persons, we spent about 3000pesos for transportation, souvenirs, food and other miscellaneous things we bought as we go.

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

Palawan: Puerto Prinsesa City Escapade Part 1

Booking a ticket several months ahead bound for Puerto Prinsesa, the Princess of Ports (because any kind of sea vessel can take rest on its bay), we finally travelled on May 8-11, 2015. These series of posts will chronicle what we did, what we saw and what we conquered on this summer escapade bound north.

Puerto Prinsesa City International Airport

Leaving Iloilo International Airport at 8:40 in the morning, we arrived Puerto Prinsesa International Airport at 9:45 am. Our accommodation was booked ahead by a friend who teaches at Western Philippines University (WPU), she gave us a recommendation to stay at the university guest house. This allows to save a few bucks as the guest house is only for 350 pesos/pax for an overnight stay. We paid 2100 Php for the 3-night stay. There are also lots of cheap hotels and apartments around the city, you can always google it up ahead or ask the tricycle drivers that are fetching passengers to and fro the airport. The drivers are honest and recommends good places to stay at.

A Different kind of tricycle

Upon our arrival, we hired a tricycle driver to chauffeur us to WPU, Pajara, Sta. Monica; since we don’t know where that is. We paid 100 Php from the airport to WPU. The driver even offered to tour us around the city when he knew that we did not get ourselves a city tour. But we did not take his offer, this is our first time in Palawan and we are planning to tour it on our own. Plus, my friend advised that Puerto is too small to get a tour for it and she gave us a list of recommended places to visit. And so, let’s tick off the list one by one. There are also agencies who offers city tour for 500 to 1000 Php for each person.

Western Philippines University
(inset)Guest House Signboard

We deposited our bags at WPU, after 30 minutes or so of waiting. We arrived at the ungodly day of recall election for Puerto Prinsesa City. It was a holiday and the caretaker was not there to greet us since she was off voting. Good thing, the student residents were helpful and helped us get in touch with the Mrs. Conching. We left our bag, took a key for the room and searched for an eatery for lunch.
After eating at a small eatery just outside of WPU, we asked the ladies how to get to Butterfly Garden, our first stop. We rode a multi-cab to Butterfly Garden and got lost because the driver forgot that we asked to be dropped specifically at the garden. So we got off and rode the tricycle to get exactly where we want to go.

Butterfly Garden

Palawan Butterfly Eco Garden and Tribal Village – Sta. Monica, Puerto Prinsesa City

The Palawan Butterfly Eco Garden houses 10 species of butterflies that are being bred in the garden and by sponsors who helps populates the garden. The entrance fee is 50pesos each person. 

Butterfly Life Cycle
(top)caterpillar (mid)pupae (bottom) butterfly

An attendant informed us that the butterflies are donated by enthusiasts who also sells butterflies to other visitors. She showed us the different stages of butterfly life cycle from caterpillar to pupae to butterfly. She also explained that different species of caterpillars prefers a different plant where to lay their eggs. So depending on what butterflies are found in the garden, they also plant the preferred plants for these butterflies to lay eggs. Then she showed us the chrysalises, most are empty but there are some that are yet to hatch.

Aside from the butterflies, the garden also have other insects and animals under their protection. Scattered around the garden are pens and glass cases that houses the following: millipedes, stag beetles, stick insects, bearcats, a gecko, giant Malay scorpions, a baby croc, a box turtle, and peacock pheasants.

the animals (clockwise) stag beetle, stick insect, gecko, scorpion, pheasant, box turtle, bearcat, crocodile

The Tribal Village is home to the Tribu Palwan when they come down from the mountains to sell their goods. They are given a place to stay here for people to learn of their culture and traditions. Tribu Palwan is believed to be the descendants of the Tabon Man and they have weaponry and knowledge handed down from their ancestors that they still use in their everyday lives. This tribe reveres the monkey as a sacred animal.

(left) Ginger around bf, the tribesmen, their instruments & tools
(right)the spear

They also have musical instruments used in rituals and songs. They allowed us to hear bits of their music but the dancing is part of their sacred rites and is only perform during ceremonies. Their weapon of choice is a bamboo blowgun where they shoot darts and poisoned arrows by blowing on it from the other end. Their accuracy is amazing. The other weapon is a spear decorated with monkey bones for luck in hunting and sort of blessing from the gods. They also have a rock used to create fire in 2 strokes and it smells like resin. They also have a torch that lasts for a month if lighted.

We have our picture taken with their pet Ginger, a 5-foot yellowish python that wrapped up the tour on the Tribal village.

After this, we spent some time with the butterflies and then leave for our next destination: The Binuatan Workshop.

Binuatan Creations – Sta. Monica, Puerto Prinsesa City

Binuatan and how the looms are created

Binuatan Creations is a workshop where Buri, Pandan and other native fiber-y materials in Palawan are used to manufacture handloom woven products. It is located in Sta. Monica just a few blocks away from the Butterfly Garden. We rode a tricycle to get there. 

front and back view of the loom

The lady in charge of the weaving showed us how to work on the loom, how patterns are made, what type of materials are combined to create different finished products/patterns. After the materials are woven into a certain length, it is then transferred to the item creation. From this, placemats, bags, cellphone holders, purses, ipad covers and other stuffs are produced then displayed in the showroom.

Most of the workers in the shop are mothers who just need extra money or has nothing to do in the idyllic afternoons. There are also students who work there for the summer and on weekends during school time to earn some extra cash, male and female. The lady told us that they really try to accommodate all individuals who want to work there. She said that she is very happy if the youth shows interest in these things, so as to avoid bad company and other influences that may hinder education or pursuit of a brighter future.

I bought a purse from the showroom because its’ beautiful and I needed one. Also, the price is cheaper compared to buying one from the malls.

Binuatan Show Room

This has been a long post and I am not even halfway there…
We still got to the Crocodile Farm, Baker’s Hill, the Tiangge, Kinabuch, and the capitol.
Please watch out for the Part 2 of this escapade.

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

Rest Easy Now!

Sometimes we wonder
Sometimes we know
For most times we fear
Still, we pursue

Not everything is clear
Not everything is certain
The most we can do is be aware
Even if we are uncertain

The world is not black and white
The world is not wrong and right
Why must we always divide
Whole into parts?

We always question our existence
We always deny a higher being
If the answer does not make sense
Begin at the beginning

Who can answer me
Who knows everything
Answers surround me
But who will be checking?

I have my doubts
I have my fears
But life must go on
So we get a move on

If I am wrong today
I trust that tomorrow
Everything will be OK
I will be allowed to redo

So rest easy now
Give me self a break
Lay my head on the pillow
Until dawn breaks...

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!
I post an article once a week... :D

Resto Review: Into the Rabbit Hole

If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the new tambayan of yuppies and teens in Iloilo which is Smallville. I recommend you go visit a quaint little place near Atrium that will remind you of a childhood classic.

Let’s get lost together down the Rabbit Hole with the White Rabbit and your friends to attend the tea party.

Me and my friends are always on the lookout for new places to eat here in Iloilo. We heard a bit of a place called Rabbit Hole near St. Paul University but did not really know exactly where it was until I stumbled upon it by accident when I took the wrong turn when walking to Tibiao Bakeshop.

There was the small sign that said Rabbit Hole.

So me and the friends decided to try it out one Friday night.

On the door, it said Café + Bar. We hesitated for a bit before entering because none of us is much of a drinker, but decided to try the menu, if nothing else.

The café is small and one of the company said that it used to be an internet shop when he was in college. So that might explain the setup.

It has a high rise table (portion of the wall) that looks like it holds something and the cashier desk is somewhat further in with displays on shelves which now shows the menu but once upon a time displays available food.

Anyway, the place was small, about 10-11 small tables with 2 chairs per table. But it was comfy and dim lighting really creates a relaxing mood plus the music playing are the usual un-irritating top hits.

The neon lights and the art works displayed on the side does not cause loss of appetite at least. 

When we were handed the menu, I resisted a giggle because at the top it read Eat Me! for the Food Menu and Drink Me! for the Cocktails and other drink selections.

At the side, the menu is also displayed.

(That's the door to the kitchen)

So for the Food we ordered their Rice Meals: Honey Chicken, Mongolian Beef and Pork Schinitzel.

We also have 3 orders of Hot Box Burger, 1 Buffalo Wings and 1 Mozzarella Sticks.

For the Drinks, we only tried their Blue Turnate that turns the drink from Blue to Purple when Calamansi or Lemon Juice was added.

The food though was mouth-watering. Its presentation will really whet your appetite. And the taste, the taste of the food is heavenly. The honey chicken tasted sweet but you can really feel the tenderness of the chicken. 

 

Honey Chicken and Mongolian Beef

The Mongolian beef was easy to chew and the sauce in the Pork was creamy but not bland. 

Pork Shinitzel and an Exra Egg

The mozzarella was melted just right and crunchy even though it was chewy. 

Mozzarella Stick and the Hot Box Burger

I even nibbled on the Buffalo Wings even if I have a no-no rule for spicy foods. I think they added cheese in the Buffalo Wings and that added to the taste. 

Buffalo Wings

I only had problems with the Hot Box Burger because the patty was too salty for my taste but the other 3 people who ate the burger does not agree with me, they are highly recommending that you try the burger.

Hot Box Burger from the drinks

Purple Turnate

Don’t ask us about the drinks because we did not order any except for the Blue Turnate.

But I am recommending you try the place out and discover for yourself the wonders of their available cocktails.

You will get your money’s worth in terms of food quantity and quality.

That goes for drinks too, because even if we are no longer actively drinking socially, I am still aware of the price range.

So visit the Rabbit Hole, at Gen. Luna St., in an alley in-between Tibiao Bakeshop and St. Paul University, in front of Atrium.

Bring your own Alice or invite the Mad Hatter.

Youcan find them on Facebook:

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!
I post an article once a week... :D