La Playa At The Strand Sunset

We were blessed with this amazing sunset view while at the beach of La Playa at the Strand.  The perfectly round sun made an appearance for just a few minutes before finally sinking into the horizon!

Bataan on a Weekend

The year has just started, and I have been constantly traveling all the weekends that passed. We spent New Year in Baguio, followed buy a trip to Borawan in Quezon, afterwards a 4 day trip to Davao and just last Saturday, a day trip to Bataan.

We left Manila around 6:30 AM with a couple of friends to look for a perfect beach getaway for Summer.  Along the way, we passed by other attractions in Pampanga, like the San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, Pampanga.  We did not go down to check it out because of the bus load of tourist during our visit.

When we reached Bataan, we made a stop at the Dambana ng Kagitingan on top of Mt. Samat.  I have visited Bataan quite a number of times before but would just enjoy the view of the cross from below.  It was a steep drive to the summit.  I was glad that my Toyata Vios didn't gave up on me.  An entrance fee of 20 pesos per vehicle, per person is collected at the gate.  Some people would climb the summit at this point, but you can still drive up to the base of the cross where the parking area offers a breathtaking aerial view of the province.

The Giant Cross on top of Mt. Samat.  An elevator takes you to the intersection where both arms serves as viewing level.

View from one end of the cross's arm.

Inside the cross is a small elevator that takes passengers further up to its arms.  They would collect 10 pesos for the ride.  Here, there are windows that gives you a higher vantage point.

It was almost lunch time when we left for Bagac.  We passed by Balanga City along the way, the last area where you would find decent restaurants other than the big resorts.  We opted to have lunch at Montemar Beach Club and Resort.  From the gate, we made our way through the garden up to the reception.  Although the buildings look old, it has kept its rustic charm.  The landscaping are well kept, the pools are inviting and the beach view is so calming.  Initially, we thought that entrance fee of 1000 pesos was a bit too much, but after seeing the inclusions, it was worth it.  The restaurant also serves filipino food with a modern twist.  We enjoyed the Pork Binagoongan with Chocolate.  All agreed to go back, when were not in a rush and just want to escape the city.

La Marea Restaurant of Montemar Beach Club and Resort

Fried Chicken, Kare-kare, Pork Sinigang and their famous Pork Binagoongan with Chocolate

We were so full after eating that we almost didn't want to leave.  There's another beach we would have to visit that requires a boat ride.  After settling our bill, we were on our way to the town center of Bagac and parked our vehicles on one of the smaller resorts that line the shore.  We looked for a boat to take us to Matikis Beach, known to some as Playa La Caleta.  We were able to haggle the ride originally priced at 1500 pesos to 1100 pesos.  An entrance fee of 50 pesos per person is collected on the beach by the caretakers.

The cove has basic amenities with a few huts and sheds.  Toilet facilities are available, but only tent accommodation is allowed for those who wish to stay overnight.  You can bring your own food or arrange your meal plans with tour operators for the area.

Check out the contact details on the invite below:

After a short stay at the cove, we were on our way back to Manila, stopping at San Fernando's Everybody Cafe for dinner.  The restaurant claims to serve the most authentic Kapampangan Food since the 1940's.  We thought the meals are outrageously priced with small portions.  It's a must try but not worth going back.


Note:

Some photo's were grabbed from Heath's album without permission. Haha!

Awake for 24 Hours Over the Weekend!

The day started early for me and my Corinthian family last August 31, 2013, as 49 members and guests assembled at the parking area of CW Balintawak Home Depot from 6:00 am to 7:30 am.  We were en-route to the famous San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, Pampanga after making a quick stop for breakfast at NLEX.

We arrived at the church around 10:00 am and toured the Interiors and the Bacolor Museum that houses the Church Collections of Religious Icons, Models, Paintings and Pictures of the original 12 meter facade of the Church.  San Guillermo is famous for its history.  Half of the Church was buried in Lahar during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, September of 1991.  The people of Bacolor still uses what's left of the structure after unearthing and relocating the original Baroque inspired Retablo.

We then moved to the neigboring town of Betis in Guagua to visit the Paris of St. James de Apostle popularly known as Betis Church.  Considered as the Sistine Chapel of the Philippines, most of the interiors was adorned with paintings by Simon Flores (1838-1904).

The Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has designated the conservation and protection of more than 30 other Spanish-era churches to be of utmost importance. These were registered as National Cultural Treasures. These churches were given priority status not just due to their historical value, but also based on the geographic representation of various regions across the nation, and include Santiago Apostol Parish Church in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga.  It is also one of the remaining churches in the Philippines with wooden floors.  It also showcases the talent of Betis in woodcarving evident in the door details.

By 11:30 am, we went back to the City of San Fernando for an Eat All You Can Buffet lunch at Partyland.  After the filling meal, we proceeded with the tour and boarded the bus to Las Casas de Acuzar in Bataan.

It was close to 4:00 pm when we arrived.  Their service Jeepney transfered us from our bus to one of the houses called Casa Jaen for the welcome drinks.  After registering at the reception, we proceeded with the guided tour of the restored houses in the property.  We were awed not only by the beauty of the details and the houses but also with their individual stories and how it was acquired.  The tour ended around 5:00 pm and used the remaining hour to freshen up, take pictures and rest in time for the cultural show at 7:00 pm.

After watching the performance of the Las Casas de Acuzar dance troup, we boarded the bus again for our return home to Manila.  We made a quick stop at NLEX again for dinner and was at Balintawak interchange by 11:00 pm.

I arrived at the house around midnight.  I quickly showered and change to the black outfit imposed by event I was attending.  We purchased VIP Tickets for a cocktail table that comes with a bottle of booze.  The Bigfish Black Innovation at World Trade Center.  The party started out slow for me, maybe because I was tired already, but after a few servings Bacardi, I was jumping with the crowd to the music of the featured DJ's.

We went home around 6:00 am after having breakfast at Rufo's at their new location at A. Venue in Makati Ave.

Las Casas de Acuzar

It was two years ago when I first visited Las Casas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan.  It's a place every Filipino Architecture enthusiast should visit and this year, I'm making this visit possible for my chapter, The UAP-Manila Corinthian Chapter.

Also, I have a better camera now.  Time to put my photography skills into practice.

I always pass by this house in Binondo, when it was still in its original location at the corner of Penarubia St.  It's nice that Las Casas gave it a new life as Casa Byzantina converting it to a luxury accommodation.

Aling Edios Panciteria, Balanga Bataan

A popular merienda place among the locals, Aling Edios Palabok is definitely a must try when visiting Balanga, Bataan.

The place is modest with a few tables, and on one side, the kitchen where you can actually see Aling Edios  preparing her popular specialty.

Except for the noodles, everything is made from scratch even the pork cracklings.  Try to come early in the afternoon to guarantee yourself a serving.

It is best complemented with another of their specialty, the PUTO.

How to get there? Just ask any tricycle from town to take you to the Panciteria.