Pinoy Streetfoods

Filipinos love to eat. Proof are the numerous restaurants available on every block plus boundless street stalls around the corner which are very affordable to fill up an empty stomach. Street foods are commonly sold at streets or public market.  

The globally changing of environment and lifestyles are creating people to create inexpensive meals to eat. This chow cater to the growing need in the fast pace world. Some say that "street food " often been seen on third world countries such as the Philippines and it is the counterpart of fast food. 

Street food maybe appetizing and appealing. But studies revealed that it is risky on our health due to unhygienic preparation and cooking and prepared below food standards. 

But because of the success of street foods in the market, food cart business take the street food a closer reach to the masses. Even restaurant serve these food with a twist.   

Below are some famous street foods in the Philippines:

"ISAW" or "IUD"

- it is made on barbecued pig or chicken intestine.

"BETAMAX"

-grilled pork or chicken intestine

"ADIDAS"

- marinated grill chicken feet

"BANANA CUE"

- deep fried banana coated in caramelized brown sugar

"TAHO"

- a soft gelatin-like snack made on processed soy beans

with caramel and tapioca pearls

"FISH BALLS

- deep fried balls made from fish meat served in skewers with 

sweet, sour, and spicy sauce.

Filipinos never stop concocting delectable recipes to sell in the streets. But food safety must be on top priority by the food handlers. Regulations can make street foods safer to eat. Thus, ensuring public health from any food contamination and diseases. Vendors/Servers should be educated and knowledgeable on handling food.  And government plays a vital role on law enforcement and regulations on food safety.

A Taste of Mexico

Nacho Grande, Fajitas, Guacamole Chips, Taquitos and Margarita??? One place name it, Agave Mexican Cantina! They serve authentic and creative Mexican dishes. It really satisfy your cravings!

We had Nachos Grande for our first bite. Toppings consist of mexican cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, jalapenos, fried beans, guacamole and taco beef. Serving is good to 3-5 persons.

Another must try dish is their Quezo Fundido. A Mexican dish with sauce dip of cheese, chorizo bits, 

spinach and artichokes. Served with fresh corn chips 

and garlic bread. 

Agave is popular for their Bottomless Margaritas. Choose between House Margarita, Strawberry, Mango, and Cancun. 

Schedule as follows:

Monday - Strawberry Mango

Tuesday - Mango

Wednesday - Strawberry Mango

Thursday - Cancun

Friday - Strawberry

Saturday - Strawberry

Sunday - Mango             

Bottomless House Margarita - P 295

Bottomless Flavored Margarita - P 395   

                 

For us, Mango Margarita is the BEST!

Agave Mexican Cantina operates in 3 branches in Metro Manila

 The Fort 

Building B3, Boni High Street

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

Eastwood

Unit H6 City Walk 1

Eastwood City

Libis, Quezon City

Tomas Morato

CKB Center

203 Tomas Morato Ave.,

Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Eden Nature Park and Resort, Davao City

Eden Nature Park and Resort is located in Brgy. Matina, Davao City. Nestled on a mountain area and 3,000 feet above sea level wherein you can experience nature, peace, and serenity far away from urban life. Indulge to vast garden, acres of fruit trees, and indigenous animals. The park offers horse back riding, zipline (Skyrider), camp sites, mountain trail, fishing and swimming pool. 

Aside from the adventure activities, they also showcases the culture of the indigenous people of the Southern Philippines which in in danger of disappearing due to force of globalization. 

I visited this park to encounter nature and adventure at the same time. We tried the famous zip line ride which they called "Sky Rider". It is a 200 meter ride that provides the view of Davao Gulf and Davao city. Here are some photos from the Sky Rider:

Laiya, SanJuan, Batangas

Roughly a 3 hour drive from Manila, offering a white beach near the Metro. Although sand here is not fine as Boracay, but good enough for those who wants a weekend getaway. Laiya is the most famous in San Juan Batangas. You will find what suits your budget from small cottages to the most expensive accommodations.  

Kabayan beach resort is the first resort built along the the white sand of the Laiya. Aside from cottages, nipa huts, dormitories and air-conditioned rooms they also have aviary, swimming pool, restaurant, chapel and convenience store. Best for outings and family vacations. 

We went to Laiya last Holy week season of 2006, and all beach resort accommodation was fully booked. We already lost our hope until we found Kabayan Beach Resort. They offered us  the Dapo room - a small and basic room  fronting the beach. 

Try their cove hopping and snorkeling for a more exciting stay at this resort. It is an experience of relaxation from the stressful and urban life in the city. 

For more information visit www.kabayanresort.com.ph.

Boracay, Malay Aklan

Boracay is an achor tourist destination and one of the 7,000+ islands of the Philippines archipelago. Boracay have been known for its talcum-fine white sand and crystalline waters, it has been a favorite tourist destination.   

The white fine sand may be the main attraction in Boracay but actually they have a lot to offer from water sports, zip line, motorbiking, and snorkeling.

Colorful boats for photo backdrop is truly great.

Parasailing is a great way to view the majestic white beach.

Reef Walking is one of the highlights of Boracay's vacation. 

Sunset in Boracay is spectacular and one of a kind. It is best to simply walk
along the coastline and enjoy the pink sunset. 

Not only the finest accommodations and restaurants, Boracay is famous for its nightlife that are alive until the late morning. Groove to the music of techno, live band, and disco. Do not fail to catch the fire dancers perform.

Hotels and establishments grows like mushroom in Boracay. On summer season, this beach is over crowded with tourist who wants to escape their busy life in the Metro. The charm of the island continuously magnetized their guest to make this beach their home-away-from-home.

A journey of a thousand miles starts in front of your feet.
- Lao-tzu

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Pagudpud is located in northwest tip of Ilocos Norte. It has a talc powder white sand beach and pristine clear waters. It is often called the "Boracay of the North." Perfect place to unwind and relax.

I never had the chance of staying long in this side trip. I was on a field work at Ilocos, Norte and decided to take this chance of seeing their pride. From Laoag city, where I used to stay, I traveled for about 2 hrs before reaching this town. I enjoyed  the roadtrip mainly because of the scenery.   But due to my limited time I have and got few hours before my flight back in Manila I never hesitated to drop by on their famous destinations.

Bangui WindMills

It is located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. This 15 windmill is visible from the 

road on your way to Pagudpud.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Built in 1892 in service to those ships who pass by the Northern 

part of the South China sea. It is still functioning to date. 

Saud Beach

This beach lies on a stretch white sand  framing the heart shaped 

calm emerald waters of Saud Bay.

As  I left Ilocos Norte, I promised to get back and explore

 more of Ilocos region. Its history, infrastructure, environment and 

tourist destination makes me more

fascinated on its natural beauty. " I shall return... Ilocos"

“It’s hard for me to put into words why I like the beach so much. Everything about it is renewing for me, almost like therapy...Beach Therapy”

--Amy Dykens

Panglao, Bohol

Panglao is located from the south tip of Bohol and east of cebu in Central Visayas.  It is one of the top tourist destination in the Philippines. It is known for its diving location and tourist resorts. It has a fine white sand, turquoise blue waters, laid back scenery and tranquil surrounding. It also known for their best coastline with powdery sand.

Our day 1 was our free day to uncover the beauty of Panglao island. We walked along the coastline and enjoy the sun, sand and the majestic views around. 

Bohol showcases worth seeing destinations. The city endowed with several beautiful scenic spots. Surely one of the most stunning natural backdrops in the Philippines.

The Chocolate Hills

Tarsier

Loboc River Cruise (Floating Restaurant)

Baclayon Church 

(Miraculous image on the wall of St.Pio)

Blood Compact

Hanging Bridge

Prony the Phyton

(Biggest Phyton in Captivity)

It's not the vacation that we really did enjoy but our endless laughter and timeless friendship. We may be busy with our own lives, own families but the bonding of true friends remain ever strong. 

Bohol will be unforgettable on our hearts just like our shirt.

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
Saint Augustine 

Coron, Palawan

The province of Palawan is like paradise on earth. Coron is on the north eastern part of Palawan. It belongs to the Calamian group of Islands whose main islands are Busuanga, Coron and Culion.

I've been so interested in this province because of its pristine natural attractions. This is a town blessed with marine reserves, lush tropical rainforest, and scenic island beaches.

We visited Coron, Palawan last July 2011. As my usual task in the group, I arranged our accommodation, island hop tour and itinerary. It was rainy that morning when we arrived at Francisco Reyes Airport. A bit disappointed with the weather, it does not lessen our excitement of exploring this paradise.

We checked-in at Ell Chicco Lodge referred by our hired Bangkero. It is a small lodge with similar amenities just like home. It offers unlimited coffee and distilled drinking water ( good on budgeted travelers ). The owner itself will personally assist you on your needs. They have clean and well maintained rooms. 

Before we begin our journey, we need to supply our body with energy. After we checked-in our bags, we walked at a nearby eatery to eat our lunch. The town does not have any fast food chain or fine dining restaurant. But they served the freshest fishes. After filling our tummies with delicious meals, we proceed to our lodge and start our first destination.

Day 1

Our starting point was the 700+ steps of Mt. Tapyas. It is more than 2,000 feet above sea level and offers a spectacular view of Coron town. Reaching the peak of the cross is a must-to-do during your first day.  I suggest you hike Mt. Tapyas between 4-5pm to watch the wonderful sunset. 

Catching our breath at the 200 steps, we stop for a while and posed at a nice view of the island. It was very tiring. As I watch the steps it seem it never ends going up.  Whew!

We have reached our ultimate reward! Our tired muscles was relieved by the view we saw at the peak of the mount. The metal cross and  the sunset was worth the hike! 

To energize our bodies after the hike, we immediately proceeded at Maquinit Hot Spring. This hot spring is the only known salt water hot spring in the Philippines. The temperature is actually 40 degrees. You have to dip slowly. The hot water temperature sooth our tired muscles.

We had our dinner at the lodge. Steamed crabs were prepared for us. Looks yummy, right?

Day 2

We woke up early the next day for our island hopping. Our rented boat was waiting for us at the wharf. Four islands were on our itinerary this day. 

Siete Pecados was the first stop of the Coron Island Loop tour. There were many coral reefs and fish breeds in this protected marine park. Snorkel is best here. 

Next is Kayangan Lake sometimes called the Blue Lagoon. It is the cleanest lake in the Philippines. Truly the cleanest I've ever seen. The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs. The crystal clear water allows you to dip, swim and snorkel. Although you will not see much wildlife here.

Banol Beach is a small beach with picnic cottages. We ate our lunch here cooked by our boatman. Then, we rested for an hour and start our journey again.

Our last stop is the Twin Lagoon. As it name says, the lagoon is composed of two lagoons.The outer lagoon is where boat docked and the inner one has a cave-like passage reach either by swimming or rafting during low tide or by climbing a ladder above on high tide. The water was green in color and quiet. Half of it is fresh water and then the other half is salt water making it blurry in surface. I snorkel to see the rock formation beneath at about 3-4 feet but as soon as I get far the depth of water goes for about 10 feet or so. I got afraid. I checked my life jacket right away if it is properly zipped. I found this lagoon strange. Strange due to its peculiar properties.

Day 3

We spent our third day in buying "pasalubong" for our family. The roasted cashew of Mrs. Escarda (featured in Living Asia Channel), Coron's dried danggit or "rabbitfish", and souvenirs. 

We left Coron islands with a smile. Filled with good memories and experiences we will never forget. Nature has often been molested by people. We never realized how blessed we are with those creations around us. Each one of us has the responsibility to protect and preserve the world we live in. That is the learning I found on this journey!

Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.  ~Benjamin Disraeli