The Old World: The Historic Camalig Restaurant

The Old World: The Historic Camalig Restaurant

In 2001, a friend introduced me to a place called Camalig. I was in Angeles City, Pampanga for a visit and since he knew that I am a sucker for history and culture, he figured he had to bring me there.

I fell in love with the place. I couldn't get enough of it.




Now called The Historic Camalig Restaurant, I visited it again after a decade. Located at 292 Sto. Rosario Street, Angeles City, Pampanga, Camalig is a 150-year old architecture of wood and stone sorrounded by photographs and relics of the old world. Philippine history, culture, and cuisine, all in a magical place that would bring the past back to life.

You can actually give historians a break.
The place, and what’s in it tells you everything you need to know.

The start of many firsts: Welcome 2011

I woke up today and welcomed the first day of the year with a BIG smile that says 'I am looking forward to a lot of firsts to make my 2011 worthwhile'.

Among other things, some firsts today will be remembered, 364 days from now:

Alarm: 8:00 am
Morning greeting: Mom's "Happy New Year"
Thing in mind after waking up: "Ano kayang almusal?" (Now this is promising)
Breakfast: Coffee and Pandesal (old school is cool)
Dessert: dark mint ('coz life is bittersweet)
Text received: from Cheska Gonzales (I love you friend!)
Text Sent: A New Year greeting for Chino Pacinos
Book: The Ratastrophe Catastrophe, David Lee Stone (kid at heart again)
Song played: Lisa Ono's cover of 'Dahil Sa Iyo'
Film watched: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Well this could take forever.
So what are your firsts?

Happy New Year!!!

The Magical Coron

The Magical Coron

One of my most memorable trips was my first time traveling with my brother - in Coron, Palawan. Tagging cool friends along doubled the fun and excitement.

The Coron Island in Palawan is probably one of the most beautiful places I have visited. Like different parts of a dream, you wouldn't know what each chapter will bring.

Mystical. Magical. It's like Enya's music on a Sunday morning.


45 minutes away from Manila via plane to Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busanga, Coron, a relatively recent discovery as a beautiful tourist spot, is in the province of Palawan. It covers part of Busuanga and the nearby Coron Island. Both islands are part of the Calamian Group of Islands in northern Palawan.

Places to See


The Kayangan Lake, sometimes referred to as the Blue Lagoon, is said to be the cleanest lake in the Philippines. The freshwater lagoon is amidst sheer limestone cliffs. The best way to view this picture-perfect scenery is by taking a walk up a mountain trail.




The Banana Island, more popularly known as Dicalabuan Island is the farthest island in Coron. It takes a 2-hour boat ride to get to the place, and it’s probably one of the scariest boat ride I have experienced because of the strong waves. But it all didn’t matter when I got to the place. It’s like I have gone to paradise.



The Pagi Island, another beautiful spot, named after the marine creature pagi (stingray), is a must-see. Coincidentally, one of Palawan's native delicacies is kinunot na pagi, which I didn't get to try.

Coron, a magical place, for a wonderful adventure.

Wonderful Dakak!

Wonderful Dakak!

My first time to visit Zamboanga.

Dakak Park Beach Resort is located near the provinces of Cebu and Dumaguete. It is situated exactly in Brgy. Taguilon, city of Dapitan, 15 minutes away from our national hero Jose Rizal's place in exile. Dipolog City is used as the point of entry.

The beach is known for its bay and powder-like white sand and beautiful blue waters. The place is so quiet, perfect if you want to escape from the chaos of the city.

Summer in November: The Boracay Escapade

Summer in November: The Boracay Escapade

The beach bum's last beach getaway for 2009.

The refreshing Mocha Rum at Jonah's. Pacquiao's victory over Cotto.
The buffet by the shore. The priceless sunset experience with friends.
The exotic fire dancers. The lights of Juice Bar.
The party animals at Hey Jude. The relaxing Bamboo Lounge.

A week-long love affair with the sun, the sand,
and the wonderful people of Aklan.

Good times.

Pahiyas Festival

Pahiyas Festival

Every 15th of May, the people of Lucban, Quezon celebrate the Pahiyas Festival to honor the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro Labrador.

According to legend, San Isidro magically plowed the field whenever he went out of the church. This story by the Spaniards was passed on to the Philippines from Mexico during the colonial times and since then, Pahiyas Festival has been the farmers' way of celebrating a bountiful harvest.

With a grand display of colorful rice wafers called ‘kiping’, fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts adorning every house in the town, the Pahiyas Festival continues to be a source of excitement for the locals and visitors of Quezon Province.

The Kuwebang Lampas Beach Adventure

The Kuwebang Lampas Beach Adventure

Three decades of being a true-blue Quezonian and still my humble hometown, Pagbilao never fails to surprise me.

This is the first time I visited Kuwebang Lampas in Brgy. Polo.
I admit, as a native of Pagbilao and a self-confessed beach bum,
it is a shame I haven't seen this place sooner.

Shared with family and friends, discovering the beauty of Kuwebang Lampas was indeed, a wonderful experience.