Iloilo: Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods

Our sumptous meal at Tatoy's Manokan and Seafoods

When in Iloilo, and you are looking for a place to eat by the beach serving good ol’ Filipino comfort food, head down to Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods. Located at Villa Beach, West of Iloilo City, about 8 km from the city center, it is one of the old established restaurants that serve native food without the frills and won’t burn your pockets per meal.

Continue Reading

China: Emeishan City and Eats

Szechuan Shredded Chicken

The drive from Leshan Giant Buddha Park to Emeishan City took at least an hour. I didn’t notice much since I was half asleep during the ride and didn’t see much of the way. I noticed that gasoline prices here are very cheap that’s why most transpo here are cheap as well. They said that the government dictates the prices of their commodity that is why as I remember. When I came to, we were entering a small street with eatery at the side. I was told that we were gonna check out this recommended hotel by our van. So we did out of courtesy.

Continue Reading

China: Onwards to Leshan 乐山

Locks of Promises

We only spent a night at Chongqing and the next day we moved on westward to Leshan. Found at the south west portion of Sichuan Province, Leshan, which means “Happy Mountain” is home to a pair of another UNESCO World Heritage sites. Both sites Emei Shan and Leshan Giant Buddha are a mix of cultural and natural areas. Our first stop was the latter. So after checking out of Nanbin Hostel, we went out to the rainy morning streets, took a cab back to Caiyuan Ba Bus Station.

Continue Reading

Transit: Chongqing Municipality

Chongqing Time Square and the Liberation Monument

This South West China trip has been in conception since late last year. For out of the country trips like this, I try to prepare months ahead. But I must credit my friend here for coming up with a “Do-able” IT. Some people would ask “Where are you going in China? Beijing for the Great Wall?” Though I would love to see the Great Wall once in my life, it’s not as attractive as getting into the heart of China. I dunno, I just have a penchant for going to places not as popular. Besides, I like the countryside more than the cities.

Continue Reading

Japanese Wagyu wonder at La Maison

The famous Wagyu Beef Burger

Christmas is coming, and for most of us Pinoys, it’s the season not only for giving gifts and endless parties, but also reunions and re-acquittance with people we have not seen for a while. And not to be missed in any of these occasions is the food. As I always do on my blog, when I find a place interesting I try to feature them here, and one place we just stumbled upon with my officemates when we were looking for a nice restaurant at the newly opened Greenbelt 5 in Makati is La Maison. I thought this place is perfect for barkadas to gather around and share food especially this season. All photos on this set were taken with my mobile phone, Sony Ericsson K800i.

Continue Reading

Dumaguete City Strolling

Dumaguete Church Plaza Garden

The coastal city of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental is also considered the land of the gentle people. At some sense I had to agree with that since I found Dumaguete upon first impression very peaceful. You don’t have that sense of danger or urgency. It’s almost like any rural city but this one dominated by the large Silliman University and a lot cleaner in my opinion. And it was a surprise to see a lot of foreign backpackers and nationals are here. Just says something about the place.

Continue Reading

Zamboanga: Satti in the city and more

Perk up your mornings with a semi-spicy Satti meal

Pardon the title pun there. Just have to use it on this entry, hehe. Being close to our neighboring country in Sabah, Malaysia, you could find certain similarities in terms of design, culture and especially food in Zamboanga City. One such similar dish I found here is their famous Satti which is very similar to the Malaysian Satay.

Continue Reading