Conquering Magdalena

Let me get this out before the memories fade like the rest of 2014...

Magdalena, Laguna - and I have no idea where it is until yesterday.

Because it is Memorial Day today and we have a long weekend, I kind of stuffed a whole lot in my calendar...I slept late on Saturday night...err not really. I just closed my eyes lying in the dark waiting for my alarm clock to go off a little over an hour after I set it. I came home very early Sunday morning after spending the night at the PETA Theater for Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady: The Musicale by Carlos Vergara.

D' rafters@McDonald's Taft
Photo: Jennifer Estrellado

So it was Sunday morning. The call time was 4:30AM  at McDonald's Taft. I had hamdesal and coffee to officially start my day! I met the team: Dexie (the ring leader), Jenn (the bully), Omie (the muscle man), Ron and Wendy (used to work with the same company) and Darrel (the payroll guy). the original plan was to take the second DLTB bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Well, things happen...we boarded the bus at the break of the morning light.

Because most of us were on the same theater last night...we all took that 2 hours of slumber...

Manokan Country! Where Chicken is the only choice...the best choice

Manokan Country

The first thing that crosses my mind about Bacolod is "chicken inasal" or better known as "inato" in the local language. All the stuff I read, all the recommendations I collected pointed to one direction... Manokan Country.

The place is a strip of joints offering the same thing...Bacolod's famous chicken inasal.  Manokan Country is not a place for squeamish  people. Why? They don't offer utensils! But they have enough stations where you can wash your hands before and after dining! Yup! Kamayan style...the best way to enjoy grilled chicken.

chicken inasal

Chicken Inasal. Marinated chicken and cooked over charcoal grill.  What made Bacolod's grilled chicken different? You've got to taste it to know the difference. It's not an overstatement. Nothing beats the authentic inasal right off one of the grills in Manokan Country.

I've read a number of posts talking about which joint is the best. In the end, when I dropped by Manokan Country, I was starving so I went to the first one I came about, Aida's.

...and there was the traditional LOST IN TRANSLATION :)

I came in (wala pa kasing masyadong tao)...

Looked around...(walang pumapansin)...

I asked..."San umoorder?" (there was no counter nor stand where you can identify where to place your order)

Sabi ni ate: Ano yun?
I replied: San pwede umorder? (ate pointed me to middle-aged woman so I came and asked)

Ate offered me a seat and I waited...(It did not occur to me that she was waiting for me to state what I'd like to have). Wala palang Menu. hahaha

And since I am literally a foreigner in this side of the country...I asked "anong pwedeng kainin?" (now that was a stupid question).

Ate politely smiled with her one-time hirit "manok". (Then I realized how stupid my questions was).

What else could I possible eat in a joint in MANOKAN COUNTRY? Syempre MANOK! (I silently laughed out). Your only choices are the parts.

I got myself the usual...

Well what do you know! The meat is tender, soft and moist! pero luto down to the bones! The meat was tasty. It has that flavour in every bite. Samahan mo pa ng chicken oil over a hot steaming rice ball and the spicy toyomansi!

Now even before I came I knew that they're not serving utensils so before the chicken gets cooked I have washed my hands clean and ready.  I came out full and satisfied...


Where is Manokan Country?

You can easily spot it because it has a huge inflatable chicken on the roof. It's pink and facing SM City Bacolod. 

Smiles from the City full of it!

Relatively fresh from Singapore, I packed my backpack again with the basics...Lightweight clothes and not to forget Nikkie. Where to? Where else but to the City of Smiles!...

After the very quick UAT (testing) in the office, I went home and packed my bags so I can catch my flight to Bacolod...As usual, I almost missed my flight again...

Photo from: http://welcometobacolodcity.blogspot.com/

Airphil Express (now PAL Express) arrived at Bacolod-Silay International Airport.  I did not expect to find a very modern airport at this side of the country.  It's quite similar to Iloilo International which seems to take its inspiration from the very modern NAIA T3. I knew that the airport is far from the city, but I never realized it was not even in Bacolod. The airport is sitting in the nearby city of Silay which I learned to be historical at the same time.

So there I was! Welcome to Bacolod! And guess what? I got a bit lost...as always...(It's a tradition)...:)

Credit to the photographer.  Photo taken from http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6814602657_69cb090aab_z.jpg

The airport van's final destination is at the transport terminal within the confines of SM City Bacolod. When I got off the van I started singing Evita..."Where do we (I) go from here..." I was starving. I have not eaten since I left Manila. I got my Sergio on my back, my tripod and Nikkie inside the mall hoping to find a place to eat...(so malling ang first activity of the day)...I realized, going around the mall with all my stuff isn't very ideal, but I've no choice...I don't even know where and how to start hunting Ong Bun Pension...(insert flashback of my epic search for Ong Bun Pension in Iloilo)...

As always, Mr. Google Maps showed me the way...It was easier than Iloilo. I found the streets of downtown Bacolod easy to navigate.

Backpacking the City of Smiles: The hunt for a cheap accommodation

Raving over the low cost air travel courtesy of Airphil Express, my traveling feet got giddy again and my fingers took a few minutes to get myself a flight to and from the city of Smiles - Bacolod City! The moment I was done booking and confirming the reservation I asked myself "So what is there to see in Bacolod?"

 After almost a year from booking this flight, I was reminded that I am supposed to make reservations and arrangements for this 5-day stay in the City of Smiles.

Accommodation

With a bit of research, I narrowed down my choices between my usual option, Ong Bun Pension and Check-Inn Hostel I read from a friend. A week before my arrival, I confirmed my reservation. The start of a couple of setbacks started a day before my scheduled flight. After learning that I have to be in the office on the day of my flight to run some tests on newly installed profiles, Ong Bun Pension called to let me know that my reservation for a single deluxe room cannot be confirmed. Reallly, I was totally disappointed.  More than disappointment, it was worry that's creeping at the back of my head. I'm flying tomorrow without a clear hint of where to stay. When the panic subsided, I decided to check other options, hence, Check-Inn Hostel.   The reviews weren't that bad and the photos were quite decent. I made an online reservation. The price difference from Ong Bun was a bit noticeable.  I only have approximately P 400/night budget for accommodation. The budget is too tight as I just came from my Singapore birthday trip and my resources aren't that much. I need a place real quick so I closed my eyes and hit the reservation for a P 650/night single room.

I was about to go home from an unplanned assignment when I got a call from Ong Bun Pension asking if I my reservation request will still push through.  I was tempted to be give an act over the phone but I took it as an opportunity to get all the savings I can get (Ma-G lang talaga). I confirmed the reservation and advised the lady of my arrival time later in the day.  I had to cancel my Check-Inn reservation.

Ong Bun Pension House is strategically located in the center of downtown Bacolod, right in front of Bacolod Central Market...


The Backpacking Geek

Going Home was a toughie

Unlike all the flights I've been with, the Trip to Singapore has the most unforgettable firsts...

SG was my first overseas trip.
Staying in The Inn-Crowd Hostel was my first non-private accommodation.
The trip to SG graced my new passport with the first ever immigration stamp.
I missed my flight.

I missed my flight was the highlight of the entire trip. It gave me a lot of learning where the lessons were tough and there were no short cuts.

The Go Lite ticket only allowed 7kgs of hand-carry baggage.  My backpack weighed ~11++kg...Just because I couldn't afford paying a whole lot more than an arm for the excess baggage, I went to the rest room to figure my game plan...

The Weight Obstacle--I changed my shirt.  Instead of wearing the adidas microfiber shirt, I wore a 100% cotton shirt and put on my jacket even if the temp's at 30 degrees.

I took out iPpie and the camera for me to hand carry including the tripod. I went back to the weighing scale and it tipped at 5.++ kg. That was fantastic! I told myself. hehehe. I breezed through the check in...and there I was at the waiting lounge...

 

meetings and missing

After a very long day exploring Singapore, I went home (The Inn-Crowd) to crash. I have new roomies! She just came out of the shower and was wearing only her undies! (the perks of being a backpacker's hostel guest)... :D Her partner came and...(I'mma leave the rest of the details out...)

The next morning I was up very early to meet Des before leaving. Des used to be a co-analyst before she moved to SG in search of greener pasture.There was a bag of local goodies from a friend back home that I needed to deliver. Delivery boy lang ang peg LOL!

Si Des, ang QA analyst turned OFW sa SG

Hitting the road early in the morning, I hopped on the train to Tampines Station from Bugis. Des was waiting for me in front of Guardian convenience store at the train station. We exchanged pleasantries and walked towards the mall adjacent to the train station. It was nice seeing a friend where you are the foreigner. We talked about life as an OFW and our plans...

The hurried trip to Sentosa Island

The original itinerary was to head to Sentosa Island as early as seven in the morning. And since I had a birthday hang over, I woke up late and was out of the hostel at around nine! To top the very late out of schedule gala, I got off the wrong train and stop! I spent more than half of the day getting lost along the Marina Bay...(no regrets though).

The rain kept me from moving on from the Marina Bay.  I didn't have much time to ride the Flyer. :( I took the train at the Bayfront Station and went on a 1-hour journey(end to end) to Vivo City.

Sentosa Island as seen from the viewing deck of the Vivo City

 Vivo City was nice. I love their viewing deck,. It's overlooking the Sentosa Island which can be reached via a bridge/boardwalk, monorail and cable cars!

Gardens by the bay [Bay South Garden]

On a shoestring budget, my birthday treat to myself was full of fun and (mis)adventures. Jumping off at the wrong stop has never been this right. After discovering that the Sky garden is a difficult climb, my wandering feet led me to a trail under the bridge where I discovered "a world of wonders"...one of Singapore's National Gardens-The Bay South Gardens.

I discovered it by accident.  It was never in my "supposed" itinerary. I was contemplating on crossing the river to the Singapore Flyer.

The Singapore Flyer

Yep! just right across the river...Something caught my attention when I turned to the other direction. Huge tree-like contraptions and glass domes.

Flower Dome

The curious me could not resist the desire to discover. Wandering by the bay I found the answer.

Gardens by the Bay has a diverse range of vegetation from every continent except Antactica of course! (unless there's been a newly discovered patch of vegetation underneath the ice).

There are two domes. The Flower Dome, which obviously houses the various flowers across the globe in a controlled environment. They have a thousand-year-old olive trees from Europe!

The second dome is quite interesting.  Its the Cloud Dome. No. It's doesn't house clouds. LOL. It's the vegetation from the highlands and a 35 meter man-made waterfalls.

Super Trees and the ultra modern dome

The Garden has Super Trees! These are the trees of the future! LOL. Nah! They're man-made nets of steel. Dramatic vertical plant displays. There's a 22-meter high Skyway too that links some of the Super Trees together so you can have a bird's eye view of the vast garden. These Super Trees are more spectacular at night when they light up!

Some BIG tutubi!

The Dragonfly Lake.It's right across the Marina Bay Sands and ilang tumbling from the Bayfront MRT station! Cool and peaceful place.

Other things to see in this HUGE garden.

A loner bull in the midst of a grass land

Tribal masks

The Insect Colony

Spitting lion?

some sort of a Zen garden

"Whether you're looking to get up close with exotic species in the Cooled Conservatories, marvel at towering vertical gardens or learn about the intricacies of plant life in the themed gardens, there's plenty to see--perhaps more than you can fit in a day!" [Gardens by the Bay]

Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Garden Drive, Singapore 018953
www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

Sentosa Island

Lost II: Wandering Aimlessly (Day 1)

My first day was a tough day. All things in my checklist was ditched for a "hostel hunting".  It was a very frustrating day...especially on one's birthday! I was too tired to really roam around so I spent my time in my bunk the whole evening reading the stuff I got from the tourism station at the airport.

Top Bunk, Bed C, Room 2

I woke up late because I was not used to sleeping in a sort of "public" place. I always have the room for myself when I travel. It's just that I am in a shoestring budget when I decided to wander out of the "Philippine Area of Responsibility" (parang bagyo lang!:))). Hence, backpacker's hostel became the most apparent option!

First stop: Marina Bay

I did not intend to have my first stop at the Marina Bay.  It was my natural tendency to be lost that brought me there!

The Marina Bay Sands Hotel Resort - Casino

I hopped on the MRT hoping to go to Vivo City and get to Sentosa Island. I guess I took the wrong turn so my wandering feet followed the flow of people out of the Marina Bay Station. I walked as if I am a local and blended with the crowd.  Confident in the outside, uber worried and lost in the inside (parang M&Ms lang!) And There I go! I walked past the mighty Marina Bay Corporate Center and Residence towards the lagoon where the Marina Bay Sands Hotel-Casino stands mighty and proud.

A closer look...

The park around the bay area looks great and refreshing!

The Fullerton Hotels

The Fullerton Bay Hotel

The wrong stop was the right stop after all.  My walking tour started by going around the bay in search for a better angle to shoot the enormous piece of art...err hotel. The walk introduced me to The Fullerton Bay Hotel and the more historic One Fullerton where I first saw and touched (may ganun!) a Lamborghini! It's just sad that I didn't get to have a photo (natakot ako baka bawal...hehehe)

The Fullerton Hotel

 Did I forget to mention that the weather was bipolar?! One minute it was freakin' hot and it gets wet a second after!

It's like a scene in a movie where the darkness is slowly eating the light!

I took shelter under the shades of those posh cafes along the bay while continuously marveling at the sights.

The Merlion

The Merlion is Singapore's Symbol, part lion-part fish mythical creature.  No tourist leaves this small state without having a photo with this famed creature! Not me! Well, not that I don't want to.  It's just that he's having his beauty rest for his birthday celebration.

no tourist-y souvenir photo with the Merlion! T_T

Since I can't unwrap the mythical beast, I settled for the baby merlion!

It may not be as fierce as the original, but it's definitely more cute!

I got tired of walking! Yeah! The weather's not really helping by being oh! so! humid plus I wanted to relax a bit. Because I was recently diagnosed with hepatomegaly, I haven't been to Starbucks for quite some time and I felt I deserved to have a break. After all, this trip was a birthday celebration!

Cookie Crumble Frappe if I'm not mistaken

I want to buy one of those...but stopped...ANG MAHAL!

Starbucks at home is a bit pricey for me...much more here! A venti Cookie Crumble Frappe costs SG $8.00++!!! Oh well! It's Singapore, where everything is supposed to be pricey (except maybe for gadgets).  I left my alco-gel here! and I couldn't find a store that's selling one, even at 7-Eleven!

Having my coffee fix, I wandered a bit more by the bay...

Esplanade...The durian theatre!

LV! Their shoppe is one of the two floating pavilions at the Marina Bay Shoppes

Underneath the bridge where you'll find Starbucks.

I loved the al fresco ambiance of Starbucks...under the bridge. Sa ilalim ng tulay ay sosyal! 

Singapore Flyer from afar

The Duck Tour...

 The Duck Tour goes around the city like your usual tour bus and dives into the water like a duck to go around the bay...cool trick huh!

I wanted to see the world up at the Sky park so I headed towards the Helix Bridge where the heavy rain finally caught me right in the middle!

Trapped underneath a piece of fiber glass fixture...

putting emphasis on the complexity of this functional work of art

The Skypark, apparently has a fee...SG $20. The shoestring budget says no! So there I go...a bit disappointed but was determined to be back (whenever that may be). So I lounged along the ArtScience Museum.  That odd, lotus-like structure just outside the hotel.

The lotus pond outside

Again, since I am on a tight budget, I wanted to enjoy the sights without spending much! hahaha mahirap lang talaga! :)) The fee was SG $15-25, if I remember it right.  So I didn't bother to take refuge inside the marvelous structure...

My wandering feet took me somewhere free...Gardens by the Bay!

Lost: Singapura Edition

I guess getting lost on the first day became a tradition whenever I travel solo. I spent almost four hours circling Iloilo City proper before landing on my bed at Ong Bun Pension last February.  And just the same, I spent hours finding my way to The Inn-Crowd Backpacker's Hostel in Singapore recently...

 #73 Dunlop Street, Singapore. The email said I can walk towards the hostel from Bugis MRT station.  I didn't consider flagging a cab because I know that I am on a tight budget. I got myself a Singapore Tourist pass good for 3 days.  Yup! You can get the Singapore Tourist Pass from Changi International Terminal 2 MRT  station.

The Singapore Tourist Pass

You do not exactly purchase the pass but rather you rent it for SG$ 10.  I got mine good for 3 days of unlimited MRT and Bus ride! I guess at that point I was blessed to get lost in the city.  There's nothing to worry about getting lost. I can ride the buses and trains without the fear of running out of dough! Anyway, the pass I got for 3 days is worth SG$ 20 plus the SG$ 10 rental deposit. The rental fee will be refunded if your return your pass within five days from the date it was issued. 

I met some fellow first timers in the Lion City while we were in transit from Changi Budget Terminal to Terminal 2. We all hopped in and marveled at how cool the MRT system is!

Tanah Merah Interchange

We alighted at Tanah Merah Interchange and hopped on to another train (green line) heading towards the city.  I got off at the Bugis Station and was on my own!

BUGIS STATION

I was confident that  I can find my hostel in a jiff...I took the my turn to Exit B and found my way out. I was wondering aimlessly and I couldn't find the hostel.  I found G4 Backpacker's hostel instead.  I consulted the email confirmation and checked the instructions.  There was supposed to be a map when you click the link. 
Unfortunately, the ever prepared me printed the email confirmation and forgot about the map.  I was under the impression that it's an easy find!

Luckily, I brought Ippie, the iPad. I can open the email and open the link to the map! ERRRR!!! I have no data coverage in Singapore! Epic fail #2! I was wandering aimlessly around Bugis street.  I passed by Sim Lim Square, Albert Mall, Bugis Village, The Raffles Hospital, The Parkway, and Little India.  I looked at my watch and it's already 5:30 PM!

I sat on a park where a nearby church stands where it was less crowded.  I took a deep breath and was resigned to check in the nearest hotel I will come across with.  I opened the free map I took from the airport and started scanning. I searched each and every corner and I still couldn't find Dunlop Street! I felt the sky falling hard on me! "Am I gonna sleep in the park?" "What if it rains or it's prohibited to sleep in the park?"

Then I closed the map. Closed my eyes and asked God for guidance.  I asked Him to guide me.  Finding my hostel was the Birthday gift I asked the Lord...

When I opened my eyes, the sun was beginning to retreat.  I took a deep breath and headed down Albert Street Mall.  I decided to start from where I am supposed to - The Bugis MRT Station!..

The Re-Quest!

Originally, I took Exit B in Bugis Station and did not find the Hostel.  This time I decided to try getting out at Exit A, Victoria Street.

I just stepped in the escalator when I noticed the relatively big Local Map. The instant I stepped out of the "going up"escalator, like a kid, I hopped in the "going down" one!..I looked at the map and in less than a minute I found where Dunlop Street is! I took a good look at the map and the landmarks like taking a good picture. Dunlop street is next to Mayo and right across Sim Lim Tower! (I've passed by Sim Lim Tower a couple of times and did not notice it!)

Tracing the path I've taken a couple times was just too easy...I breezed through the streets and to my surprise I've found The Inn-Crowd Backpacker's Hostel along other backpacker's hostel.  It's like a district full of it!

The Inn-Crowd Backpacker's Hostel

I stepped in and informed the receptionist about my reservation...I hopped in my bed..I slept...

The Inn-Crowd Hostel Photo: from http://www.singapore-tourist-info.com

Marina Bay Gala

How happy is your birthday?

My journal entry dated 18.07.2012

Flight 5J-799 Cebu Pacific Departure: 10:10 AM NAIA Terminal 3, Gate 112 

There's nothing to see up in the air. It's a bit of a long travel. 3 hours is a long ride.  I left Manila without having any dollars in hand. By far this is the trip I am most unprepared.  On the eve of the flight I honestly have not packed anything in my bag.  

Disaster 1: Coming to work I have heaps of things in my to-do list. I came in as early as 6 in the morning to get a head start. To be fair, I was able to get a lot of things done. However, when I looked at my tracker, I was not convinced that I have accomplished a lot. To top it all, just when I had that momentum, my office assistant popped up reminding me of the 4pm calibration session with my team, which on a regular basis takes at least 2 hours! So there goes my productivity! 

Disaster 2: Laundry Delay 

Because I had to log off from work late, I wasn't able to catch the laundry shoppe's closing. There goes the packing.  I've nothing to pack!  What  ended up doing was juice up all the gadgets that I am bringing...Ippie, Sammie, Nikkie and even my good o'le Kia!  Cables and chargers were packed and the regular garbage in Sergio's belly unloaded. 

I didn't realize that it'd take me a long time to finish.  With no clothes to pack, I slept just before midnight.  It wasn't so much of a sleep.  It was too shallow.  I wake up in every bit of noise!  Happy Birthday??? My alarm finally broke the silence and it was 3 in the morning. I found some warm greetings for my birthday.  It started with an old friend from years ago. Maris actually sent her greeting a minute after 12!  Then the well wishers came rushing in. I couldn't quite appreciate them at the time because I am pretty much preoccupied with the looming problem of not having anything to put on my backpack...the most important thing! Clothes!  I waited and waited until the laundry shoppe finally opened it's doors.  I was literally rushing back to my room. I tore the package and grabbed some shirts and unmindful, stuck them in my backpack. I changed my shirt and pants, put on my shoes and raced through the door. I took a cab to NAIA T3 and asked the driver to use the Skyway because it was already 30 minutes past the hour of eight! My flight is due to depart at 10:10 am while gate closes 45 minutes before departure!  

On a positive note, international flights doesn't have a queue! And so was the line for paying the sky high Philippine Travel Tax!  

Philippine Travel Tax - pegged at P 1,650 

Airport Terminal Fee - P 550 

Immigration Test 

I called it a test because in the recent past, a friend was offloaded from her flight to Thailand connecting to Dubai.  She was asked why she was leaving the country and her travel documents were not honored.  Hence, the paranoid "OC" in me made the passage through the immigration a bit of a nightmare .  Luckily, I only got a frown and a dismissive look from the immigration officer. He gave me my first departing stamp.  I've learned my lesson from my last flight to Iloilo: it is better to check in your bulky backpack to avoid finding anything that may delay or cancel the trip. I checked-in my baggage and just left Ippie, Sammie, and Nikkie with me along with a bag of local delights for a friend (Des) from a friend (Wei).  

Happy Birthday!  

Checking in was a breeze.  The nice ground crew called my attention so she can assist me even if her counter was for a different flight.  She was so nice and polite throughout the interaction.  I was very pleased.  Boarding was called and I was the first passenger on the plane! To top it all, I got a window seat directly perpendicular to the right wing! This is what I call a birthday! Love love love! 

A taste of Iloilo

I travel not only to see the sight but to taste the local cuisine and the culture.  When I went to Iloilo my tastebuds were programed to to savor the famous Lapaz Batchoy and biscotcho. Did I get to do it?  I wouldn't miss it!

I arrived in Iloilo with a grumbling stomach.  I did not have anything but a cup of coffee in the airport with my uncle a couple of hours before they left Manila and before my own flight. When the shuttle service went to a halt in front of the  travelers' lounge in SM Iloilo, I was dying to find a place to eat! I was famished!

What's for lunch?

I've posted lunch here in my earlier post.  I had lunch at Green Mango.

This is lunch.  Hindi naman halata na gutom ako...

Before the 53 km road trip to San Joaquin!

Batchoy, I first tasted batchoy in a paper noodle cup. Yup! I've been eating it for quite some time and have not had any clue what the real thing tastes like. So before I took off the road to San Joaquin, I dropped by Ted's.  The famous restaurant serving the authentic soup!.

Authentic Lapaz Batchoy from Ted's

The term batchoy is derived from the Chinese ba chui. The founder of batchoy was a chinese business man who started it in the 50's. The business originated in the market place of La Paz, IloIlo, Philippines.

The signature Ingredients of batchoy are rich pork and beef based broth filled with yellow noodles and topped with cut-up roast pork, chicharron, fried garlic, and scallions. The original recipe would have included pork  innards such as spleen and liver. 


The soup served hot is topped with shreds of pork cracklings and fresh egg. It goes well with white puto. An extra supreme bowl in Ted's would cost you 65 or 80+. I'm not so sure anymore. hehehe :) I think I paid P 120 for the entire meal [the batchoy, a pack of puto and a can of Pepsi).


As always, the original recipe beats everything including the cup noodles that I usually have. The broth is warm and flavorful while the noodle is tender and cooked to perfection.  A bowl of batchoy is so filling that you wouldn't ask for any other meal after (at least for a couple of hours).  Grebeh! Busog na ako at half pa lang ung nauubos ko! 


Dinner after the long road trip


The road trip to San Joaquin was long and tiring. When I reached Ong Bun, I took a cold shower and headed out for dinner. This time I tried Uncle Tom's. It's a steak house right across Days Hotel near Sain Paul.

I had a baby back rib for dinner. A rib only (LOL) because I'm eating alone.  Initially, I though it was pricey since the place looks posh. When I came in, I learned that it is a self service, pay-as-you-order diner.

My meal was a baby back rib in a really good sauce, a cup of rice and coleslaw. The meal was great although I couldn't help but compare it with the superb rib steak I had in Casa Verde in Cebu.

Oh they have free wifi pala

I was the last customer which explains the vacant seats across the entire room.

After a sumptuous dinner a brisk walking was needed. I took a stroll along Valeria street and passed by Coffee Break.  I thought I wanted something sweet.

And before leaving Iloilo, I did not pass the chance to dine in Afrique's on  a Valentine's day.

The place was small yet cozy. It is pretty good for a date I must say. But I came alone so some guests must have some thoughts...LOL.  I'm dating myself! Anyway, the staff was accommodating and nice.  What did I have?

Afrique's Sicilian Pasta

I ordered their Sicilian Pasta.  I was curious so I asked for something I haven't tried. It's not an Ilonggo dish but certainly worth to try.  I must say I loved everything in this dish. The pasta was cooked to perfection while the sauce was rich and flavorful!.  It was perfect! I love the chucks of tomatoes and black olives as well as the perfectly cooked aubergines!  And if I may add, the serving was enough for two to be satisfied.  And since I have a date with myself that day, it was perfect for me and my other self...:)


So much flavor for my tastebuds? I had a few for culture I guess...

I went to Iloilo without any knowledge of their dialect. Hence, I got lost in translation.

If there are two things I can proudly use whenever I am in Iloilo, these are:

PALIHUG - it means asking for favor. As in when asking someone to pass on the fare to the jeepney driver or if you are to excuse yourself. They normally  say "palihug ko"

SA LUGAR LANG - We normally say "PARA" when we want to get off the bus or a jeep or any similar means of public transportation.  I don't exactly know where it came from.  It doesn't make sense but we use it.  In Iloilo, they say "sa lugar lang" or "lugar lang" to ask the driver to stop.  It's equivalent to a more logical phrase "sa tabi lang" or "please stop on that spot(lugar).

There are so much to see, feel and taste but time was limited. I wanted to visit more churches, taste more local food and learn the dialect.  What I did was just a dent on the rich culture and flavor that is Iloilo...

Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy
Robinson's Place, Iloilo City, Iloilo


Afrique's
Valeria St., Iloilo City, Iloilo
http://afriquespizza.com/

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Pre-Holy Week Visita Iglesia: Molo Church

" The Molo exudes a blatant expression of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, the one of its kind outside Manila. The interior is a fusion of Gothic and Romanesque architectures, there is a constant alternation between the overpowering features of Gothic and the recessive characteristics of Romanesque." - Explore Iloilo

One sunny morning after my exciting road trip to San Joaquin, I took a jeep to Molo to visit the "feminist church", the Church of Saint Anne.  This is the nearest church with significant historical value other than the cathedral in Jaro. It was a quick trip before checking out and leaving Iloilo with so much more to see.

In honor of Saint Anne, the church was known to be a feminist church because of the two rows of sixteen female saints lined on both sides of the altar. These saints are Sta. Marcela, Apolonia, Genoveva, Isabel, Felicia, Ines, Monica, Magdalena, Juliana, Lucia, Rosa de Lima, Teresa, Clara, Cecilia, Margarita and Marta.

Sixteen female saints, one on each pillar

 The Church's interior was simple.  It was not as ornate compared to some other house of worships I've been to.

A statue of the church's patroness, St. Ana, is housed in the retablo, along with statues of the Blessed Virgin and the Holy Trinity.

Murals and other paintings adorn the walls and ceiling of the church.  Mariano Mabunay and Jesue Huervas were commissioned to paint the murals in the church's interior, which depict the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

Underneath the Church's dome ceiling.

The baptismal chamber

When I arrived, there were a number of people gathering in and out of the church. I thought there was a mass so I hesitated because I might be disturbing the celebration.  Later, I realized that the people were waiting for the baptismal ceremony to commence.

One of the two beautifully crafted pulpits.

The parish priest usually delivers the gospel in a pulpit where he can see the entire church and all its attendees. I can only see these structures in old churches these days.  The modern church structure no longer replicate this traditional spot. The pulpits (there is one on each side) in St. Anne is beautifully preserved.

Typically, the church should have a plaza or a park and I find the one outside the church of St. Anne relaxing.  It is cool underneath the shade of large trees and the presence of well maintained vegetation.

Before I get to disturb the upcoming ceremony, I made a silent prayer for my safe flight back to Manila and an opportunity to go back and explore the rich culture there is in Iloilo.