Silayan Spring Resort

I just came back from a company outing. We went to Silayan Spring Resort, one of the private pools somewhere in Pansol, Laguna. I failed to bring my camera so I am grabbing the photos from their website. Unlike other resorts' websites, Silayan's photos are not deceiving. You will not get disappointed when you get there.

The place has three small rooms. Judging by its size, it is ideal for family getaways. It has swimming pool, billiards table, karaoke, dinning area, garden. What I like about this place is that the management does not give customers any curfews or killjoy regulations. We had a chance to party, drink, swim, sing and eat all day and all night long.

The pool's water is lukewarm and is about five feet deep.

Some of us opted to sleep on the couches. It was very cozy.

I would recommend this place for some company team-building activities or family getaways. The price is cheap and the place is not that far from the Metro.

Absolut & Jack Daniel's

It was my graduation. Overflowing drinks to celebrate!

Hundred Islands, Pangasinan

Looks pretty good, huh? It was a very exciting experience for me when I conquered the waters and lands of Hundred Islands. 

We stayed in one island, Governer's Island for one night. We slept in a tent by the seashore and we were the only ones in that island! You can opt to stay in other islands with other people, too.

The boatman dropped us off in that island and picked us up the other morning.
Governer's Island does not have access to clean water nor food. Make sure to bring your own food before going to the island. In this island, you can climb up to the view deck which gives you a great view of the entire Hundred Islands from an elevated perspective. It also has a Pinoy Big Brother house which they rent out for Php 10,000.00 per night.

I did not really enjoy swimming because of the rocks, corals and weeds. I am not sure with other islands if they have the same quality of seashore though.

The place is ideal for team-buildings if you want a Survivor type of feel.
Budget per person for an overnight stay would be Php 2,000.00 to Php 3,000.00. I highly suggest to buy food in town, Alaminos, before heading to Hundred Islands because of huge price difference.

The islands do not have access to shower. Before sleeping, we rinsed using a gallon of water provided by our boatman. You can have a decent shower once you get back to the pier (Lucap) for Php10.00.

All-in-all, this adventure is something I would only try once. If you are just up for some adventure and viewing, I suggest to just do a day tour. If you come with a bunch of friends, you will love to stay overnight and have drinks. Again, make sure to bring your own food and drinks.

Butterscotch

Here is nutty sweet treat for everyone!

Where Are We Sailing?

Do you know where this boat is heading to?

COMING SOON

Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream Frosting

It was a really hot afternoon when me, my neighbor and another friend of ours planned to heat up the kitchen.

We really suck in doing the frost but it's not bad for first timers, right?

recipe by:

 http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2010/08/13/mocha-cupcakes-with-espresso-buttercream-frosting/

Yakimix

After experiencing both Yakimix branches in Mall of Asia and Seaside, Macapagal, I will rate the Mall of Asia branch significantly higher. This is for two major reasons. First, the food turnover appears to be faster. Second, the staff are more attentive.

Rodic's

The Dirty Ice Cream

Ice cream vendors are everywhere. Each of them pushing their own carts on the sidewalks while ringing bells to call some attention. Since this kind of ice cream is just sold on the streets by some sidewalk vendors, they are labelled as dirty ice cream.

Dirty ice cream is part of the Filipino culture. Specifically, Filipino childhood. This ice cream would probably the cheapest you could get yet a Filipino pallet would never discriminate its taste.

The photos above were taken at Quezon City Circle. We decided to grab some scoop while waiting for some people. There was something different with this dirty ice cream compared to other dirty ice creams I ate before. It had some sort of cooked and caramelized taste which made it extra sweeter.

Exploring Baguio: Cora's Restaurant

Cora's Restaurant is located at Mines View Park. It has a really good view of the mountain range from the window pane.

Bulalo. Well done and generous serving of bulalo. Very tender meat and very flavorful soup. Too bad there was not much vegetables and bone marrow.

Broccoli with Beef. This is a staple dish for Vince.

Melon shake

The place is very simple and straightforward. Cora's focuses on delivering quality food rather than fancy ambiance. Additional points for very accommodating servers.  

Exploring Baguio: Cafe by the Ruins

Cafe by the Ruins is a famous restaurant and is usually on the to-go list of every tourist going to Baguio. We figured out why when we saw the place..

The home-y feel of this cafe encapsulates the very laid-back life of the people in Baguio. The atmosphere is a very relax and contemplative place which is perfect if you simply want to get away from the hustle and bustles of the city life. If only this was closer to Manila..

Cafe by the Ruins obviously knows how to delicately dish all their plates. They are also try to incorporate a healthy lifestyle in their dishes.

Spicy Bangus : Marvin had this dish. He was enthralled by the fresh and sumptuous Bangus since there are no nearby fresh water source where this fish can be caught. 

Carbonara : This was somehow a let down for me. There is a heavy cream content to the taste which didn't bring out the actual taste of Carbonara. It didn't have that good balance with the amazingly cured home-mad bacon on top. It simply turned out that the bacon was overpowering the actual dish. 

Focaccia : This is one of my favorite types of bread. I ordered it right away when I saw it on the menu. The texture of the bread was outstanding. Too bad, the Baguio wind immediately cooled my freshly baked bread .

Pan Au Chocolat : Now, welcome the best treat of the night! The Pan Au Chocolat is to die for! If only I have more gastronomical terms to describe the impeccable taste of the chocolate-filled bread.. This is a must try for everyone who included Cafe by the Ruins in their itinerary. 

For more inquiries:

25 Chuntug St, Rizal Park, Baguio

(074) 442 4010

Exploring Baguio: Mario's Restaurant

Mario's Restaurant offers fine dining experience. It is located along Upper Session Rd.

Dinner Rolls

Ripe Mango Shake. Nothing special with this.

Gambas Al Ajillo. This dish is basically sauteed shrimp with garlic. The garlic is tasty but the entire dish oily. It appealed to my taste during the first bites.

Spaghetti Puttanesca. Generous amount of fresh tomatoes topping the pasta. 

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya. Huge serving. Perfect proportion of rice and toppings. It was too spicy for me, so I had to take off some cuts of pepper.

Toffee Sansrival. One of the best tasting cake ever. Must try!