Hallerr Baler! Day 01

Thank God for long weekends.  This August, we have Ninoy Aquino day falling on a Thursday and National Heroes day on a Monday giving employees the option to take a 5-day travel weekend.

Originally, we planned on going to Sagada via Baguio, but a recent emergency with one of our travel companion left us going on individual trips.  2 friends went to Hong Kong, my partner has to run errands for his relative visiting from Cebu and I opted to go to Baler.  I’m probably the only travel blogger who hasn’t visited the province. 

Roadtrip Travel & Tours

(02) 470 9956
Dennis - 0908 8814208
Vanky - 0921 6512065

Fortunately I have a friend who organizes group tours.  His company is Roadtrip Travel, and their more consistent destination is Baler and Ilocos.  When I contacted him, he has a 3D/2N trip leaving Friday night, but was already full.  I persisted and offered to commute my way and just re-group when I arrive at the town.  His 2D/1N tour only costs 2.8k while the 3D/2N is 3.2K.  They even have a promo of 2.2k per head for a group of 10 people.  He told me that he has a second group but will confirm Thursday morning.  Luckily, they did and I was scheduled for pick up at Jollibee fronting Robinsos Galleria along Ortigas at 11 PM.

The tour inclusion are as follows:
Roundtrip Van Transfers (Toyota Grandia 11 seater)
2 Nights stay at Baler Aurora 
3 Breakfasts (Hungry Surfer or similar)
Tour Guide / Photographer
Driver Meals and Accomodation
Souvenirs and Id's

*Ditumabo "Mother Falls" (inclusive of accredited Tour guide and Trike transfers)
*Diguisit and Aniao Islets (Inclusive of entrance fees)
*Sabang Beach
*Town Tour - Baler Musuem, Dona Aurora House, Pasalubong Center
*Balete Tree Park (Inclusive of entrance fees)
*Ermita Hills

Optional
Dicasalarin Cove - P300 entrance fee
Surf with Instructor - P350 per hour
Surf Board Rentals

The Van arrived around 11:30, because the traffic was bad coming from Pasig.  Already inside were Ms. A (Ate Ana), Sara, Kuya Vanky our Driver/Guide, Dennis our Tour Organizer and the two kids Joey and Benedict.  We then travelled to Trinoma to meet the other Van and our two other travel companions Jay R and Dulce.  It wasn’t hard to warm up with the group.  They were the friendliest and most accommodating set of tour mates I have ever met.

We left the meeting place a few minutes past 12MN and was on our way to Baler stopping along NLEX and arriving in Cabanatuan at 3:00 AM.  We tried to catch up on sleep the entire ride since our itinerary is packed for the 3-Day adventure. 

Sunrise at Sang Beach, Baler, Aurora

Hungry Surfer

Hungry Surfer, the Famous Breakfast Place with an
Eat All You Can Buffet for only 180 pesos

We arrived in Baler 3.5 hours later just in time for Breakfast.  Our gracious host Dennis, took us to Hungry Surfer.  Here, you may opt to try their Eat All You Can buffet for only 180 pesos inclusive of Drinks or, order from their Menu.  Roadtrips package comes with a free meal, but an additional 80 pesos entitles you the buffet.  The restaurant is conveniently located beside Costa Pacifica.

Buffet at Hungry Surfer

Guicelle Baler Transient House

After breakfast, we then settled our things at Guicelle Baler Transient House near the TESDA Center.  We all shared a room with large mattresses and a Huge Toilet reminiscent of what we have in Victoria Court complete with a bidet hose and rain-shower.

We stayed at their studio, but the other group stayed
at the apartment with dining area, a living room, porch, bedrooms and kitchen!

Ditumabo Mother Falls

Ditumabo Mother Falls

Our first activity for the day was to visit the Mother Falls.  From the jump off, we need to ride a tricycle for a short bumpy ride on a dirt road before the trek. The less than an hour climb was relatively easy with a few slippery rocks and bamboo bridge crossing on some parts.  At the end of the trail is the huge falls dropping into a small lagoon gently sloping to the drop making it conducive to swimming.  The cool water was just what we needed after sweating it out in the climb.  After swimming and picture taking, we headed back to the jump off and proceeded back to town for lunch.

After that bumpy ride, now comes the trek!

Yolly’s Ihaw Ihaw and Restaurant

You know a restaurant is good,
buy the number of visitors who frequents the place!
Yolly's Ihaw Ihaw & Restaurant

This is fast becoming a landmark in Baler.  The place was full when we arrive, and people continuously arrive the entire lunch afternoon.  What draws people to the place is their wide selection of seafood and local dishes, not to mention the fact that it’s affordable and really tasty.  I sampled their Lechon Kawali but the stand filled with Lobster and Crab was so tempting.

After that filling lunch, we went back to our Transient House to freshen up and rest a bit.  Dennis made reservations for our surfing lessons 5PM that afternoon.

Some of us used our resting time to drink.  It’s the best way to socialize.  We had so much fun that we almost missed our schedule.  By 4:30, we were on our way back to the beach for our lessons.

Michael Surf Shop and Surfing Lesson

I would have to admit I was hesitant at first, but would not let this trip pass without having to try what this province is known for.   Local instructors were assigned to us individually.  After the introduction on the parts of the board and the basic moves, we were then taken to the water.  Our timing was perfect since the waves are gently rolling ideal for beginners.  After a few try, I somehow managed to stand and ride the waves longer and longer as I get the hang of it.  The experience was so addicting, especially when you sensed that you’re improving.  My mistake was taking my shirt off.  I got scrapes on my chest and thigh from the constant rubbing with the board.

The 1 hr lesson seemed like minutes.  After surfing we walked our way back to our Transient House to wash up and prepare for dinner.

The Rolling Store

Since we're a big group, the wash up time took 3 hours.  When we left for dinner, there only a few restaurants open.  We decided to try the Rolling Store Complex beside the Museo de Baler.  Our driver guide, Kuya Vanky mentioned, that a trip to Baler would not be complete without having to eat at the Rolling Store.

This is your typical Turo-Turo eatery, selling an assortment of viands as low as 30 pesos.  I decided to try the dinuguan and rice (50 pesos) but was still hungry after that I ordered myself an additional Pork Adobo with Rice (another 50 pesos).

The lack of sleep and the tiring physical activity drained our energy and it did not take long for us to sleep the moment we got back at Guiselle.

Linear Dining

Juan Luna St. in Divisoria is my favourite place to look for upholstery materials.  Sometimes I would use leatherette intended for bags for an unconventional look to furniture.  

Every time I'm in the area, I would always eat at a small food house along the rows of the many canvass stores that lined the street.  

During lunch hour, the place gets full and sometimes I will just eat at the counter fronting the glass showcase with an 8 inch depth.

My plates of orders occupied the length of the showcase but my bill was less than a hundred pesos.

My Kiampong, Lechon Kawali, Free Soup, Meatballs, Adobo Egg, and Sofdrink all for less than 100php.

Volcanic Grill, My Recent Palanan Discovery

Baranggay Palanan in Makati is a typical residential area until the expansion of Cash and Carry that gave way to business opportunities from once a sleepy neighbourhood.

Residents have become creative in converting unused areas and extension of their home converting it into stores, laundry shops, and in this case a restaurant specialising on grilled items.  It took us 3 years before discovering Volcanic Grill along Faraday St., considering that we live a few blocks away.

Its in the area where motorists don't normally pass.  From the street, you will see an open gate where wooden tables are arranged underneath a tent lighted with huge organic woven drop lights.

Their menu is a collection of Filipino and Asian favourites.  Apart from the grilled items, they also have curries and other asian dishes.  They have monthly specials in case you get bored with their usual offerings.

On this visit we tried the Yellow Curry Chicken and the Katsu Curry, with the Clams in Broth and an order of the Gising Gising.

The place is also conducive to drinking with the sound just loud enough so you can still talk with your companions.  The price is very reasonable, although it takes them a long time to prepare and serve the meals.

Designing the Studio for Mayad Studios

Mayad's Entrance Before

The Brick Room Before

The Black Room Before

The Blue Room Before

The Green Room Before

The Conference Room Before

Photos grabbed form Mayad Studios Facebook page.

Satinka Naturals Bistro & Cafe: A Healthy Haven in Makati

Makati, being the major business district of the country is synonymous to fast paced lifestyle.  Everybody seems to be always moving in a hurry trying to beat time.  My recent discovery along Chino Roces St. Cor. Malugay is such an irony to its busy surroundings.  

As I was waiting for the green light at this Intersection, The name of the place " SATINKA NATURALS" caught my attention.  Initially, I thought they were selling beauty products, but I got a glimpse of tables and chairs as I drove off.  They were in fact, also a restaurant serving organic and healthy dishes.

I was not disappointed on my first visit.  The interiors were nothing fancy, with furniture made from reclaimed wood.  Displayed on one corner are home care products also made from natural organic raw materials.  A board displaying the daily specials is next to it, but you can always rely on their menu for the regular offering.  

Basil Crusted Baked Chicken

I was able to try the Basil Crusted Baked Chicken, which was served with a spicy salsa and mountain rice, complemented with a pumpkin soup and fresh green salad. For a meal that costs a little more than two hundred pesos, It was worth it.  I was so happy with the food that I went back again a few minutes later with a friend for another meal and dessert.

They have a wide selection of beverages, from freshly brewed teas and coffee.  I got myself the mango mint juice which was naturally sweetened.

As I was eating, I suddenly felt the world slowing down with the soothing music and the comforting food.  It's a relaxing and filling escape in the city.  A perfect way to end the busy day!

By the way, the name SATINKA, might come across as an exotic foreign sounding name, but its actually the compressed Talagalog words, "SA ATIN KA".

Visit their FB page for more details:
SATINKA NATURALS
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Satinka-Naturals/239244612921980?sk=timeline

Bite Contemporary Cuisine, Filipino Food Re-invented

It was the payday weekend traffic that lured us into visiting the restaurant.  We were stuck along Yakal St. and the well lit establishment caught our attention.  I remember visiting the same place formerly known as Villa Cafe, its predecessor and was skeptic thinking that it may still be expensive, at least on my standards.

Based on my research, the restaurant is now owned and operated by Chef Jam Melchor, who also co owned Villa, but gave it a more modern upgrade.  I love the improvement in the interiors, keeping the  colours simple replacing the damask upholstered chair to grey and the play of accent lighting.

I love the chairs and the play of warm accent lighting!

What's even more admirable about the place is the fact that they are using the best, healthy, homegrown, local ingredients and dishes,  re-introducing them to diners in a contemporary and creative way. For this visit, we tried the Pinoy Pizzaladerie and Bacon Shiitake Truffle Linguine.  We are reserving their specialties for our next visit, when we're really hungry.

The Salty Kesong Puti, cuts the creaminess of the sauce and the Shiitake and bacon provided flavour and texture.

This Pinoy version of the Italian favourite is a bit sweet from the Longganisa and reminded me of Bibingka (Rice Cakes) because of the addition of Salted Eggs.

We ordered ourselves a 2 glasses of the house merlot while waiting for our meals and the traffic to subside.  With servings enough for 2-3 persons, our less than 1 thousand bill was worth every peso. 

RampaDora the Explorer Maiden Voyage

Today I am officially launching the 1st tour package for RampaDora the Explorer Tours.

I want to cater mainly to the LGBT market offering affordable packages of road trips I have experienced myself.  I want to customise trips according to our lifestyle and interests, creating a balance of adventure, art and culture.  

What would set our tour group apart from the others is our attention to details.  

Playlist

Every road trip would have a playlist of songs depending on the destination and guest preferences.  

I wouldn't want be stuck on a 4 hour ride listening to rock and 80's new wave, or worst the Porkchop Duo Concert.

VANity Kit

We know how expensive it is to maintain that perfect skin complexion and we would not to destroy that.  Each van is equipped with sun protection essentials from sun blocks to umbrellas (in pink). We also have alcohol, wet wipes and toiletries to keep you feeling fresh.

Interactive

This is something I have observed from other tour groups.  Some function like a transport service bringing you from one point to the other.  With us, we will ensure that all guests will experience everything that the place has to offer and be immersed with the local culture.  Before each trip, we will research on the Must Visit, Must Eat, and Must Do!

I have chosen Taal Heritage Town as the first destination because of its rich history, unique landmarks and places to visit aside from the many activities you can do within the town.

Taal Heritage Town (June 28, 2014)
Pic Pac Package
(Pic Pac Package are for destinations suited for photography and sight seeing.  It can also be a festival)

06:00 AM Meet-up
07:00 AM ETD for Taal Town
10:00 AM ETA arrival in Taal Heritage Village

Day Tour

Museums
Leon Apacible House
Marcela Agoncillo House

Lunch
Tampuhan Cafe

House Hopping
Villa Tortuga
Casa Villavicencio with Snack
Galleria Taal housing the biggest collection of old cameras

Church Tour
Basilica of Saint Martin, the biggest church in Asia
Our Lady of Caysasay

5:00 PM  ETD for Manila

Inclusions:
Transportation, Guide Fees, Entrance Fees, Lunch and Snack.
Optional:
Photo in period costumes at Villa Tortuga (200php)
Climb the Bell Tower of the Basilica (50php)

Rate:
1500/pax minimum of 10

Email me at omarpalero@gmail.com for reservation and payment details.