Top 13 Travel Moments of 2013

I must say 2013 was quite the good year, despite not flying out to Rio or back to my beloved Barcelona as I have hoped. There were several firsts and a couple of epic moments these past twelve months. And here are my top thirteen. 

1.  STEPPED ON NORTH KOREAN SOIL.

So maybe it was North Korean Soil in the DMZ and thousands of people might have stood where I have. But that fact doesn't make the experience any less thrilling. Hopefully, the next time I’ll stand on North Korean soil, I’ll be in Pyongyang. 

The conference room where they held the Military Armistice Commission meeting.

This concrete slab serves as the demarcation line between North (left) and South Korea (right).

Here I am, standing next to a South Korean Solidier, on the North Korean side of the Conference Room

2. SNOWBOARDED DOWN THE SLOPES OF JISAN FOREST RESORT, SOUTH KOREA.

I was no Kelly Clark but I managed to slide down the slopes. For me, that's good enough for a first time. 

Here's me and my rented board. 

Skiing lessons for some little ones. 

It was a bit tricky snapping these boots onto this board.

3.SHED SOME TEARS AT THE KOREAN WAR MUSEUM.

I didn’t know that the Philippines sent her sons to help the now South Korea during the Korean War. And seeing how grateful South Korea is for the help and how much they value the peace they’re experiencing now brought me to tears. I could only wish that we Filipinos would value our very own WWII veterans.  

The War Memorial of Korea

The Korean War Memorial Museum at Twilight.

DOG TAG TEAR DROP: In remembrance of the Korean soldiers and UN military participants who lost their lives in the Korean War, the respect towards the warriors (1,300 identification tags) has been embodied as tear drops. The iron thorns symbolise the horror, suppression and danger of the tragic war. The circle on the sand below represents the wave of the drop.

4.WALKED AROUND INTRAMUROS WITH CARLOS CELDRAN.

I first heard of him when he made the cover of the Sunday Magazine of the Philippine Daily Inquirer – dressed in a barong tagalog, he was holding a small Philippine flag and a little radio. This was back in 200X and since then I’ve wanted to go on one of his tours.  

Being all too starstruck, all I can do was smile like an idiot. 

Everyone was just riveted. 

5. WENT THROUGH THE MALINTA TUNNEL.

Going to Corregidor Island has always been a dream. Perhaps it’s because I’m such a history nerd or I am the granddaughter of two WWII Veterans, I don’t know. But when my friend Cathy invited me to go on a tour of the island, I just had to say ‘yes!’ 

Here's a map of the Malinta Tunnel. 

The Malinta Tunnel Tour was a lights and sounds show.  

Cathy and I had to have our obligatory "day off" picture!

6. CLIMBED MT. TAPYAS AND TOOK ON THE SPLENDOR OF CORON.

I am going to admit the climb wasn’t easy but I must say it was worth it. 

Yes! I was able to climb all the way to the top!

Some pink to end what was a good day. 

This large cross stands on top of Mt. Tapyas. 

7. BREAKING DAWN ON THE WATER WHILE ON OUR WAY TO CALAUIT ISLAND.

It was simply glorious. 

What a wonderful sight to start the day with. 

8. SNORKELED AROUND A SHIPWRECK. 

It was eerie snorkeling around the skeleton of a sunken Japanese ship.  I got so scared that I had to be the first one to go up and climb aboard our bangka. But don't get me wrong,  the wreck was such an arresting sight. It's just that my imagination sometimes works against me. 

9. RODE THE WAVES IN SAN FELIPE, ZAMBALES.

They gave me the nickname “Kung Fu Master” because I keep on posing like one. But heck, as long as I am standing on the board, I’m fine with that because it was one of the most thrilling things I’ve ever done. 

Waiting for a wave with my instructor. Photo by Jenie Gabriel

Hi-Ya! Photo by Jenie Gabriel

We were all on a high after surfing lesson #1! Photo by Raffy Vicente

10.  GOT STUCK IN THE MUD, TRYING TO CLIMB MT. BATULAO AFTER A STORM.

The path looked like  melted chocolate and was as thick as a cake dough. It wasn't one of my greatest ideas – trying to climb a mountain after a storm but I must say, it was an experience. In the end, we gave up, walked back to the car, and ate lunch at Breakfast at Antonio’s. It was a yummy lunch I certainly didn't earn. 

11. DROVE THROUGH THE FOG IN TAGAYTAY.

It was eerie and not to mention dangerous. But it was thrilling, nonetheless, and felt like a scene right out of an Arthur Conan Doyle novel.  

12.  SURVIVED AN EPIC ROAD TRIP WITH ISSA AND HER HONDA CIVIC GASTON. 

Issa’s Gaston wasn’t feeling well that day yet still we took him for a drive. On the way to Anvaya Cove, he overheated four times – at Caltex LakeShore, twice at SCTEX, and then at the Petron Station in Subic. On the way home, we again had to stop four times – Petron Station in Subic, along SCTEX near Florida Blanca exit, at a Shell Station in Porac, and NLEX Shell of Asia.

In the daylight, I didn’t mind stopping for a few minutes. But it was an entirely different story when we were the lone car along a pitch black SCTEX and our car was on the verge of overheating any minute.  So to keep the good vibes up and ward off any scary thought, Issa and I decided to sing Disney tunes and ask each other the most interesting of questions like “If earth could only have one condiment for the rest of time, what would you pick to keep around?” 

13. A SHIPWRECK MOMENT IN PUNTA FUEGO.

Stumbled upon this cove in Punta Fuego and it felt like we were the only people left in the world.

The beach was completely deserted!

We only had boulders for company. 

Thank you, 2013. You have been awesome!
2014, may you be more awesome!

Happy New Year! 

FOOD REVIEW: Izumi Curry and Grill

Taking a break from all the traditional fiesta fare, my friend Abe and I decided to try out the recently-opened Izumi Curry and Grill at the Podium. 

The first time I ate Japanese Curry was back in 2009, when my younger brother being just back from studying in Japan, was craving for some.  We went to the now-closed Curry Curry House at SM Megamall’s Atrium. He was happy with his curry as I was with mine. So that's why we never figured out why people didn't frequent the place. Sadness. 

With all the Japanese Curry sprouting around the metro, We wondered how this new one would fare. 

RESTAURANT: Izumi Curry and Grill
5/F The Podium
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Mobile 0932-595-4537

FOOD: I must say the curry was pretty good.  And oh, a diner can ask for several helpings of rice.  I think I had three cups. Yes, the curry is that yum.

SERVICE: The service, I must admit, is really good. The food was quick enough to get out of the kitchen and the servers were happy to help us. They didn't get annoyed when I kept on asking for more rice. 

ATMOSPHERE: The decor was minimal and the booth that we ate at was pretty comfortable,  considering we spent around two hours in the place.  

PRICE: They're almost the same with the other Japanese Curry places around the metro. So if you think that they're reasonable or worth it, then you'll be okay with Izumi's prices. 

Izumi's rather neutral palette keeps one's attention on the food and one's company. 

Abe ordered the Yakiniku Beef Curry. ( P320) 

I had the US Pork Katsu Curry.  (P290) 

TRAVEL TV: Vacation! Vacation! Vacation!

Now, here's something I would love to do. 

In TLC's new show 'Vacation, Vacation, Vacation', hosts Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer will be giving the low down on the best budget and luxury destinations. In each thirty-minute episode, they would be tackling one type of holiday - romantic weekend or outdoor adventure while trying to find the best deals for every price point. 

They divide the job between them  - one going on that budget vacation while the other gets to enjoy the coveted luxury holiday. Well, it wouldn't be all fun and games for the lucky luxury holidaymaker since he gets to do a bit of work too - figuring out how viewers can go on the same dream vacation without having to sell the kids... err house. Kristie and Phil will have to go through their side of the holiday on whatever money they're given, looking for activities, meals, and accommodation. 

I kid you not, this holiday price wars is such a dream for me. I love searching for the best deals yet at the same time fantasize about holidays I would only be able to afford if I had a magical goose that lay golden eggs.

Now, being me, I've always been a budget traveler who occasionally splurging on certain things.  I particularly remember during a China holiday when I decided to have breakfast at the Peninsula Hong Kong because I wanted to eat longganisa. I didn't want to eat Chinese food anymore and been craving for Longsilog for days.  But because my brain was also on holiday, it didn't exactly put two and two together. I expected the buffet spread to be very much like the ones back home. So when I got to the Pen, as logic should've told me, there wasn't a single longganisa at the buffet table. There was a lot of yummy dimsum, though, which at that point wasn't really much welcomed. So what's the lesson here? If you want longganisa while on the road, try to find a Filipino grocery instead!  You'll get longganisa and it would come out cheaper! 

Anyhoo, 'Vacation, Vacation, Vacation' premieres tonight at 9:30 pm on TLC and encores every Wednesday at 4:30 pm, Thursday at 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Awww, how romantic is this - a beach picnic? 

Wonder where these two are going. 

TRAVEL TV: Anthony Bourdain takes on Paris in tonight's encore episode of 'The Layover' on TLC Asia

With tonight's encore Paris episode of Anthony Bourdain’s ‘The Layover’ on TLC Asia, I am hoping one of my favorite travel hosts would change my view of Paris. He is set to skip the Eiffel tower to spend his time sipping coffee with a local, hunting for a duck press, and exploring the vibrant ethnic neighborhoods for Kurdish food.

Anthony Bourdain chats with  a Parisian.  Image from TLC Asia's facebook page.

Here are some quotes from Tony from his layover in Paris:

PARIS

• On why people have a bad time in Paris: “The vacation gone wrong in Paris is almost  always because people try to do too many things.”

• On Paris’ changing food scene: “The food scene in Paris today in some ways feels way more like Brooklyn: independent and surprisingly casual.”

• On Parisian hotels: Here’s the thing about hotels in Paris: you can go the Henry Miller route and wallow romantically in squalor, or live it up big time. Luxury in Paris? They still got that.”

• On how well he speaks French: “If nothing else, my coffee ordering skills are…impeccable.”

• On omelettes: “It’s amazing how few people in this world know how to properly make an omelette.”

• On America’s influence on French food: “Perhaps the most striking effect of the current food revolution in Paris is the appearance of not only American chefs, but also that symbol of cutting edge hipster foodie culture – the food truck.”

• On ordering a shellfish tower: “If there are two things you do in Paris…this is one of them.”

You see, I did n’t like the city of lights. In the very short time that I was there, I was snubbed by a hundred Parisians,  almost got robbed in the metro, and went round in circles in Gare du Nord.  On top of that, I found Paris to be too saccharine for my taste - which actually came as a surprise for this hopeless romantic and borderline diabetic.

But with Anthony Bourdain showing me Paris through his eyes, I might just be convinced to make a second visit.  

Anyhoo, he’s also set to make a layover in Atlanta, Dublin, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Sao Paulo, Seattle, Taipei, and Toronto in this final season of the show. With only 48 hours to spare, he would try to connect with the locals, explore the sights, sample the cuisine, and take in the culture.

I’ve never been to any of these cities so this final season is something I’m pretty excited about.

A new episode of Anthony Bourdain: The Layover premiers every Wednesday at 10:00 pm and encores every Monday at 10:00 pm and Thursday at 2:00 pm on TLC Asia.

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT: Twilight in Coron, Palawan

This is twilight in Coron, Palawan.
And that is La Sirenetta Restaurant & Bar.

I took this while on holiday in celebration of my recent birthday and I am posting it not because I am an insensitive witch. On the contrary, I want to draw some attention to this island which was also deeply affected by super typhoon Yolanda. While relief efforts are understandably concentrated on helping Tacloban, I do hope some of it will make its way to Coron soon.

In Coron, blue is the color of romance. 

La Sirenetta Restaurant & Bar
Reef Pier, near Central Market
Coron, Palawan
Philippines

Eat at Yabu today and get to help Typhoon Yolanda survivors

This rainy Wednesday is a good day to eat at Yabu. If you eat today at any Yabu branch, their profit from your meal will be donated to the relief efforts for the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.

Here's Yabu's message on their Facebook page:

"In the spirit of giving, Yabu will be holding a Dine for A Cause event on November 13, 2013. 100% of our profits from all Yabu branches will be donated to those affected by the recent calamity caused by Typhoon Yolanda. 

The more you eat, the more we can give. If you can’t make it to our Dine for A Cause day, please help us spread the word to your friends and family. Text it, post it on Facebook, twitter or instagram. Just spread the word in any way that you can." 

Personally, I haven't eaten at Yabu. But my closest friends eat there as often as they can so it must be yum. If you're eating out today anyway, perhaps you can make it Yabu. You can eat your Katsudon and get to help, too.

Yabu will be donating 100% of today's profit to the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda. 

Merry Music Lights Show at Tri-Noma

I know Christmas is here when little colourful lights start to go on and off to a merry tune.

And it seems that it is actually here as I was invited to last Saturday night’s launch of Tri-Noma’s Merry Music Lights Show.

The invite said that event would be at the Garden Restaurant area facing North and Mindanao avenues. But being the ninny that I am, I went to the Rooftop Garden instead. I looked around for a stage and didn’t see any until I looked down couple stories below. Evidently, I was in the wrong area of the mall.

I found my way down and managed to grab a seat before the festivities started. The launch was opened by the UP Concert Chorus who dazzled us with their renditions of “Carol of the Bells”, “I say a Little Prayer”, “Somebody to Love” “Listen”, and “Don’t Stop Believin”. After which, we were then charmed by the talented Nikki Gil with a Disney medley. Everyone enjoyed it so much that even the little girl beside me was singing “Part of Your World” as though she was the red-haired Ariel.

Nikki Gil led the countdown to the official start of the music lights show and it was indeed a spectacle.  Tri-Noma certainly went all out with this year’s show, having strewn all sorts of lights around and installing a good sound system. Since the Garden Restaurant area is circular, the lights can be seen from all points and the music reverberates. It certainly gave the term surround sound a new meaning.

The Merry Musical Lights show began last Saturday night (November 9) and will play every evening at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm at the TriNoma Garden Restaurants until January 5, 2014. Each show lasts for seven to eight minutes and features popular Filipino and foreign Christmas music. 

Share your own experience over Tri-Noma’s social media sites:
Facebook: Facebook.com/TriNoma.AyalaMalls
Twitter: @trinomatweets
Instagram: @ilovetrinoma

The UP Concert Chorus does some choreography, too.

Nikki Gil, on the Tri-Noma stage, belting it out with a Disney medley.

The UP Concert Chorus and Nikki Gil share the stage for the last song.

Nikki Gil, together with the host, led the countdown. 

Different kids of lights were used for the show. 

They let out confetti at the end. 

'Goin Bulilit' stars were there to join in the festivities.

FOOD REVIEW: Ying Ying Tea House

Last Sunday, my family and I found ourselves in Chinatown and sitting at one of the tables in Ying Ying Tea House. The drive from our end of the metropolis was rather uneventful, thanks to the many who were spending the weekend blissfully elsewhere. I guess, this is what happens when one is stuck in the city during a three-day weekend -she tries to scratch that travel itch by going somewhere in the city that's so far removed from the familiar. 

DISCLAIMER: This post is more of a restaurant review rather than a food one. We were so busy stuffing our faces that we forgot to take pictures of the food! 

FOOD: There's no other way to say it - the food was YUM. This was no Chinoy fast food and perhaps one of the closest to the ones served in the land of Chairman Mao that we can have locally. 

Here are some of the dishes we ate: 

1. Shaolong Pao, P75, 4 pcs. It was more pao than siomai.
2. Bird Nets with Quail Egg, P210
3. Diced Chicken (Sze Chuan Style), P260
4. Cutlet Squid, P260
5. Raddish Beef Brisket hotpot, P280
6. Yang Chow Fried rice, P180. We got a double which is the serving portion in between medium and large. 

SERVICE: The staff isn't exceptionally friendly but they’ll give you want you want, unless it's curry. Why curry? I don’t know. But we ordered curry and it never reached our table. It probably got lost between the upstairs kitchen and our table.

ATMOSPHERE: It's very utilitarian.  Clearly, anyone who comes here does because of the food and not for the ambiance.

PRICE:  Upon seeing the price on the menu - an average of P260 a dish, it seemed to be a bit pricey for a Chinese restaurant. But when we finally saw the humongous serving portion, we saw why. Unless you're used to eating so much food, be prepared to bring home a doggie bag. 

These chairs remind me of the ones in fastfood chains during the 90s. 

Evidently, my dogs aren't welcomed in this restaurant.  

It seems that they can be a go-to resto when everyone else is already closed. 

The upholstered chairs were a boon since it took us a while to finish eating our lunch. 

Love the old staircase. 

 I am guessing they're likely to end up on someone's table. 

Bamboo steamers are stacked right outside the front door. 

Roast ducks and pigs are hung for everyone's delectation. 

I wonder why they chose a duck emblem for a tea house. 

FOOD REVIEW: Stacy's in Capitol Hills

I love breakfast.  It’s my favourite meal of the day. In fact, I look forward to a proper hotel breakfast buffet compared to their lunch or evening spreads.

So when it was time for a proper catch-up with my darling big sis Arlene, I was only too happy to go on a breakfast date at Stacy’s in Capitol Hills. Arlene was the one who introduced me to Stacy's when she posted several pictures of it on facebook. Since then, I've always wanted to go but never had the time until a couple of weeks ago.

RESTAURANT: Stacy’s, Capitol Hills branch

FOOD: With a name like Stacy’s, I expected that the food would’ve been akin to the ones served at a mom and pop’s restaurant. And I wasn’t off the mark. The menu read like a fusion of east and west home cooking / comfort food favourites.

I ordered the Hawaii Five-O. Why I ordered ham with pineapple still escapes me but I sure wasn’t disappointed. I mean, how could anyone be disappointed with ham and pineapple? It’s like a Christmas Morning meal!

SERVICE:  The staff was pleasant and not in the perky kind of way which could be expected from a place that looks like Stacy’s. Rather, they greeted with their quiet smiles which they kept on until we were seated and gave our server our orders.  

Stacy’s also have these nice add-on services, like guests are given a cup of popcorn and pretzels while waiting for their food to be served, and they hand over the bill in a cute dish together with a couple of candies.

ATMOSPHERE: Stacy’s look is very much suburbia America with the white-washed furniture pieces, white picket fence, and SMEG refrigerator.  The mood was cheerful and very American.

PRICE: It was reasonable for the pleasant experience. 

If you’re one who has a fantasy of living the suburbia American dream, head to Stacy’s and live it for the price of just a breakfast meal.

Kids get their own table at the indoor garden. 

The dining area is so bright and airy. Perfect for happy breakfasts!

Set against white walls and white-washed furniture, dabs of color pop. 

The details like the drop lights, old-school phone, and the baby pink SMEG fridge complete the cute vintage cottage look.

Even the service station is pretty. 

I had the Hawaii Five-O. Look at that mound of rice!