One Night in a Whole New World (Hotel)

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away.

And either you’ve been a good soldier and have planned way ahead or you’re still racking your brains for what you and your sweetheart might be doing on V-Day.

I haven’t done any planning of the sort because my heart is on the other side of the world. But because I am full of love and happiness, I would love to get yours all warm and mush on the big day. So here’s a suggestion if yet you still don’t have a plan.

GO ON STAYCATION.

Yes, check-in to a hotel and just stay put. Avoid the agonizing hours of inching your way across the metro, playing chase around the parking lot, or queuing for a table at a much-hyped restaurant. Then again, you are going to be with your sweetheart so those things should not matter. But just in case you're the impatient sort, I believe it’s one of the best ways to spend the day – next only to going on an actual holiday.

I am sure you can think of several wonderful things to do in a hotel room with your honey but this suggestion also applies to the single ladies out there. In fact, two girlfriends and I went on staycation at the New World Hotel in Makati. My friend Chinggay and Issa checked-in right after lunch as I had to attend an all-day event. When I finally managed to get to the hotel and settle down, we footed it across to Greenbelt 2 and had supper. We went to namnam for its Filipino comfort food. After a hearty supper, we went back to our hotel room and did the ff:

1. Commented on whatever was on the telly.
2. Gabbed.
3. Soaked in the tub.
4. Tarot Card reading c/o Chinggay.
5. Gabbed.
6. Slept.

The next morning:

1. Joined the other guests for the hotel's breakfast buffet.
2. Swam in the pool.
3. Had mid-morning snacks at the Residence Club's Living Room.
4. Gabbed.

After which, we checked out.

Save the movie-and-dinner date for another Saturday night.

Do something different on this day of hearts.

"A whole New World with you."

New World Hotel's ground floor lobby is sleek, neutral, and contemporary. 

Didn't know there was such a thing!

We had to check-in at this reception area on the 24th floor.

Our home for the night!

Two beds for three girls. Aaack! But they were really comfortable!

"Friends" was on the telly that night. 

That divider slides open to the bedroom. I had my tarot cards read by Chinggay while I was in the tub.

This seems to be a good peg for shelves. 

We were still figuring out what to have for morning Merienda. 

Sofas and tables share space in the Residence Club living room. 

These biscuits and biscotti were good. 

You can either serve yourself or wait for a pretty lady to help you.

"Coffee, tea, or me?" 

They're using Philippine honey!

Here's the Makati Skyline from the balcony. 

Issa decided on a pot of hot chocolate. 

I had iced tea and a bottle of water.

Hair still wet from our morning swim. 

Right across the hotel is Greenbelt 3. 

One Morning at Ayala Triangle Park

So what exactly does one do in Makati at 7 A.M.?

That’s the question I had to answer when I found myself in Makati way too early for an appointment. I’ve been helping someone with his English and I didn’t want to be late for our breakfast chat. Makati,  it seemed, was savoring its morning sweet spot – when the night owls were heading back to crawl under their rocks while the office workers were inching their way to the central business district.

There was one thing, though, that I knew for sure – I was hungry. I passed up breakfast to beat the morning rush and was now starving. Even if a breakfast meal at one of the fast food chains was the obvious choice, I opted to go classic Pinoy and  walked to Pan de Manila. Eight pieces of pan de sal should do it, I supposed.  I admit I can gobble up eight pieces of that fist-size bread in one sitting. And so with the warm brown paper bag in my hand,  I went through the underpass and walked up to the park.

I must confess that I have a love-hate relationship with this park. I love that it actually exist, a seeming green haven amid the hustle and bustle of the business district.  On the other hand, I hate that it has been dubbed as our local Central Park.  It takes more than just being surrounded by skyscrapers to earn that title, I imagine.

I entered the park through the fountain area of Tower One, which was practically deserted except for a mother and her child. More people came into view as I further walked inward. Runners were making their rounds; office workers passing through; and people on benches were busy with their mobile phones. 

I wanted to sit on the grass but unfortunately, it was wet. So instead, I had to make do with the stone benches around the square where they staged the lights and sounds show during the holidays. Interestingly enough, I overheard the couple sitting on the next bench talking in Hindi while two older east Asian gentlemen animatedly conversing in Chinese. I spotted a couple of white people amid the joggers and another one working on his laptop at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

To my right was a woman busy with her mobile.  Thought she might be hungry too so I offered her a piece of pan de sal which she declined. As I was happily stuffing my face with freshly-baked bread, a man came up to her and kissed her. She giddily kissed him back and entwined her arms with his. He then took her bags and they happily walked away and out of the park. Who knew lovers meet at the park early in the morning? I certainly didn’t. I then looked around and apparently they weren’t the only couple in the vicinity. The others were either walking hand in hand or sitting next to each other, showing some mild public displays of affection.  

I eventually  finished off the entire bag of pan de sal and gulped down my tumbler of orange juice. And as I footed it back to my side of Ayala Avenue, cars were beginning to pile up at the intersections. It seems that the workforce has reached the CBD and another workday is about to start.  

RESTAURANTS READY TO SERVE YOU BREAKFAST AT 7:00 AM
1. Chef Lau's Pugon Roasters
2. Cafe Momo
3. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Ayala Tower One fountain area is almost deserted at this time of the day.

If you want to run, make it Makati? 

He's doing some push-ups!

Green in the concrete jungle. 

Maintenance work starts really early.

Cafe Momo is one of the three restaurants that serves breakfast at the park. 

Dogs are walked around the park, too. 

Holiday Presents!

So, what’s your favorite holiday (2013) present?

With today being the last day of Epiphany week, the holiday season has officially come to an end. So I guess, I shouldn't expect any more presents at this point but if you have one for me, go ahead and hand it over! It would still be very much welcomed and appreciated. 

The best part about writing about what I absolutely love is that it’s easier to give me a gift. Here is my travel junkie haul this holiday season, presents that I could actually use the next time I go on the road. Thank you so much friends for these! 

AQUAZORB BATH TOWEL, Ultrathin Series

I have always wanted an Aquazorb bath towel but never found the time to buy one. Being the budget traveler, I would stay at hostels that don’t provide towels.  And this Aquazorb towel, being so thin yet so absorbent, is the perfect travel companion – just about anywhere. Thank you, office Secret Santa, for granting my wish. 

Aquazorb Ultrathin Bath Towel

THE BODY SHOP COOL BRIT BAG FOR LIFE

I always pack a tote bag when I travel and at my destination, use it in lieu of a handbag. It’s roomy, lightweight, and not so precious. And this one, sporting a Union Jack, is just perfect.  Thank you, C, for indulging your fellow anglophile. 

The Body Shop Cool Brit Bag for Life

LONDON NOTEBOOK AND PEN

I carry a notebook with me everywhere.  I like writing down an idea or a thought, rather than typing it on a smartphone. And besides, it’s so much easier to get the email address of the cutie beside me on the train when I have a pen and notebook on hand.  A, I do hope I would get to use this pretty soon. *Wink. Wink. 

London Notebook and Pen

  

HUMAN NATURE ALL NATURAL SPRAY SANITIZER

One of my travel essentials is a hand sanitizer. Actually, a hand sanitizer is an everyday essential... especially in a third world country like ours. This one, I really like, for its citrus-y scent. Thanks, A!

Human Nature All Natural Spray Sanitizer

PACIFICA TUSCAN BLOOD ORANGE NATURAL SOAP and THE FACE SHOP NATURE GARDEN CLEANSING BAR 

 I  like showering with soap bars when I travel. Packing a shower gel maybe the wisest thing to do but using a bar reminds me of home. Thanks C and JM for these. They smell so good!

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Natural Soap and The Face Shop Nature Garden Cleansing Bar 

PERSONAL CUTLERY SET

Unless I check this in with my luggage, I don't think I can take this with me when I fly. Which is such a shame because it would definitely come in handy when I try out the local canned goods. Yes. I love visiting the local supermarket wherever I go, trying out local flavors. 

Personal Cutlery Set includes a spoon, a fork, and a pair of chopsticks. 

BLOCKBUSTING MOVIE & TV TRIVIA QUIZ TRAVEL GAME

I don't play cards so I can't use it to break the ice or pass the time. Hopefully, this travel game would come in handy and help me gain a friend or two on the road. Thank you, J.  I just wish the questions aren't so haaard! 

Blockbusting Movie and TV Trivia QuiZ

VICTORINOX VICTORIA GIFT SET 

"This fragrance perfectly embodies a woman's independence in day-to-day life. It is very feminine and stylish, yet simple and discreet. It fits every occasion and every mood, and thus makes for a reliable everyday companion." says the Victorinox Website about this scent. I love that this fragrance is from a brand that celebrates the explorer's spirit. (Feeling explorer kasi ako e.) Thanks, A, for these two! I'll wear them on my next adventure.

Victorinox Victoria Gift Set Eau de Toilette with Body Lotion

FOOD REVIEW: Chef Tatung at Acacia Estates

When my friends and I were deciding where to eat for our Christmas dinner, Bagong Bayani Jenie suggested Chef Tatung at Acacia Estates in Taguig. Never having been there, I thought I might as well give it a try so I said yes.  Thank goodness, our Christmas dinner turned out to be yum. 


RESTAURANT: Chef Tatung
Acacia Estates, Brgy. Ususan
Taguig City 1637
Mobile: 0915-846-3234
URL http://cheftatung.com/
Business Hours: Open daily from 11 am to 11pm

FOOD: The menu read "heirloom" Filipino dishes and  Philippine regional specialities. "[D]ishes Chef Tatung loved while growing up in his hometown Cebu in the Visayas; recipes he learned from his grandmother who was from Bicol in Southern Luzon and specialties he discovered on his travels around the country," says the description on the website. 

The food was indeed yum and my tummy was really happy. It was also nice to eat dishes I wouldn't normally have everyday like the Yellow Chicken Adobo or the Seafood Gising-Gising. They also offer the Aligue Fried Rice with Adobo Flakes which I kid you not, can be eaten on its own. 

SERVICE:  It's family style with the dishes served in the sharing portions and laid-out in the center of the table. 

The service started out rather good. While waiting for the others to arrive, (starving pigs that we were) Jenie, Raffy, and I decided to skip the appetizer and went to order a main - the Yellow Chicken Adobo. The dish and three servings of plain rice came out of the kitchen  impressively quick since perhaps there were only three tables to wait on. But service got a bit slower when more guests came in for dinner. I guess, that's to be expected? 

The servers were polite and didn't seem annoyed when we kept ordering for more food as well as for more service water. 

AMBIANCE: The dining area was cozy and laid-back. It felt like an updated lolo & lola house with its antique wooden chairs and tables, complimented with contemporary touches like the photos, art, and lamps.  

But there's a catch though. When you alight from your car, brace yourself for the stench from the nearby creek. It really reeks! 

PRICE: Given the charming cozy dining area and the yummy food served in sharing portions, their prices are reasonable. Chef Tatung is a good place for a Sunday family lunch or if you just want good Filipino food. 

This sculpture greets you as you enter the dining area.

I love these photographs of an elder. Aren't they lovely?

The dining area is a charming mix of antique tables and chairs.

Happy Holidays from the Tampeeps! Missing a few this year - Ramil, Tatoff who was in Singapore, and the couple from our Chicago Chapter, Jeff and Tin. Photo grabbed from Jenie Gabriel's fb account. 

This is the Yellow Chicken Adobo.  (P380). 

Behind us is the Sugbahan by Chef Tatung. It's an alfresco grill station and bar that's adjacent to the restaurant. Photo grabbed from Jenie Gabriel's fb account. 

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)