Going Home for the HOLIDAYS ...

It's the holidays once again and the airport will become our friend or foe? The last time I went home was a total disaster ... attaching the pics c/o my new found friend Taiwanese Ken Chien who was Cebu-bound as well ...

Goodluck to everyone who's flying for the holidays ...

Mrs Jane B.

Food trip at the Manila Ocean Park

It's my fourth time here, no, not to visit the aquatic life at the Manila Ocean Park, but to eat at the MAKANSUTRA, Asian Food Village. My officemate introduced me to this place last September and we even brought our teams over for lunch.

The place is sorta like a nice looking hawker place in Singapore. The food varies from your usual dimsum, Filipino "sinigang" and "inhaw", also boasts of authentic tasting Singaporean, Indonesian, Thai and some Indian dishes. Of course, the place not only has Asian but it has its Western Counter as well that features pasta, fish & chips and steak. And note that food is cooked right there and then! So expect some waiting time.

They also feature some original sounding bev like Michael Jackson (soy milk with black gulaman). Oh no, am not adventurous so I stick to my good 'ol Coke! So far, the ones I've tasted are great given the price of each dish (really value for money), try their Laksah, Hainanese Chicken, Roti Prata and Spaghetti Vongole (Western Counter) ... if you're adventurous and like it HOT, there's lots to choose from!

Of course, I just go there for the food. Never been inside the Manila Ocean Park ... maybe you can visit and bring some kids along!

Mrs Jane B.

Can't Get Over UP

Yeah, had a great walk around the Sunken Garden this morning with my husband and our friend Bernard. On Sundays, the road around the garden is closed to vehicles, so there was a mass of runners, joggers, walkers, bikers, kids, granpa's, grandma's ... it was such a sight to see. I remembered way back in the early '90s that this was not the scene to see on a Sunday (being a dormer and all). But I guess, the fitness craze has hit everyone and even people like me who lives in Mandaluyong would drive all the way up here to walk, jog, talk and just plain relax.

My recent visit to my doctor showed I gained weight, a weight I used to have only when I was a freshman at UP Diliman. With the mixture of being homesick, trying to fit in, having to study (kuno!), concocting schemes so I could get my crush to group study with me, etc .... I could finish a pint of Selecta coffee crumble and a loaf of raisin bread from the Shopping center in one sitting! It was only in freshman year that I hit the 110lbs scale, I'm always within my 100lbs weight zone.

Walking around UP this morning, brought up so many memories and feelings. I guess my friend Bernard put it so aptly, "you just can't get over UP". Yeah, when you're 16, all alone with all the freedom in the world, away from parental control and rules ... who can ever get over UP? The freedom is sometimes overwhelming that I've seen people who couldn't handle it and just spiral down ... sad yet, being in UP has taught me more than just the experential smoking, drinking, sneaking out of the dorm, helping a friend out while she double-booked herself for a date and make-out sessions. And its not some, ISKOLAR ng bayan thing and maki-baka thing, it's being responsible for your decisions and actions. Yup, and when it's not going as planned, there's no one to be blamed but YOU.

At a very young age, I knew that if I spent my allowance on a shopping spree or some gimik, I won't have money for laundry, ikot (walk yourself to death), group meetings and photocopy. I had to learn to budget! I lived in a dorm, with only my friends, my roommate and my BF knowing where I am. Physical safety and security was something I couldn't just assign to somebody else. Mind you, no mobile phones at that time. And getting sick was the worse part because you don't have a mom to take care of you. You have to walk to the pharmacy and buy your own meds. So, by the time you graduate, you can live practically anywhere!

On a lighter note, it was in UP that I gained long-time friends. Friends who know how terrible you look way back in the 90's (my gosh, with very short shorts and frizzy hair). Friends who have seen your high's and low's, friends who have become your second family. UP Dil was my home away from home ... so, how can you ever get over that?

So, I've decided to visit UP every weekend and jog, walk, run, relax ... eat breakfast at Rodic's and possibly visit the other restos there now. Maybe I'd bump into some of you. See you there ...

Mrs Jane B.

Sweets Anyone?

It's really HOT in Cebu! Yesterday was no exception, I'm home for the weekend and decided to check out Ayala Center and our Big Beauty Sale for PONDS before meeting up with a friend. The heat was getting into me, so I asked my husband if we could cool down somewhere and check out any eating place at the Terraces.

Of course, for those of you who have not been to Ayala Center Cebu recently, the Terraces area was set up more than a year ago. It houses more restos and shops and has expanded the Ayala Center. In true Ayala Mall style, the place is themed and the design of the area is like the rice terraces, its tierred and there are water fountains and green landscaping. It has brought a new level of malling again for the Cebuanos!

Because I'm in Cebu, I wanted to go to a non-Manila place, and remembered The Dessert Factory! I do recall my friend (who has returned to Cebu a more than a year), telling me last time we went there that this sweets place is all-Cebuano, can't find it in Manila. So off we went at level 3 of the Ayala Terraces.

This place has the carnival/circus/magical feel inside. The waiters wear purple uniforms and funny hats. Their menu ranges from lots of cake types and pastries to the local halo-halo. But mind you I think only halo-halo is the Filipino dessert available. I'm not so into sweets so I ended up just having cold coffee latte just to cool down. But Brian has a sweet tooth and ordered their A-choco-lypse, their version "death by chocolate cake". And some savoury snack, mini corn dogs. In fairness, the cake was great, not so sweet and I thought the mini corn dog would probably be just 3 pcs, but lo and behold, 7 pcs all in all! My my, the light merienda has turned into a heavy one. We can't eat it all because we're saving space for the buffet dinner at the Crossroads Mall's Gourmet Cafe Kutsara at Tinidor (Dad's bday dinner treat).

Now, we had to walk it off! Ha ha ha!

Mrs Jane B.

Kadyos at Ilonggo Grill

It's really good to marry someone outside your province or town ... allows you to discover new things, new local flavours. Of course, I'm not against the "fall-in love with thy neighbor". Having an Ilonggo husband allows me to not just learn a new dialect in the Philippines but allows me to visit Iloilo in Panay on a regular basis.

My husband loves to cook, and loves eating more! And with it comes the fun of eating Ilonggo food. I learned to love eating Pantat Adobado (visit Zaraga in Iloilo during Christmas and they have their Pantat "catfish" festival akin to the Bangus Festival in Dagupan) and my new love, "kadyos". Its the Ilonggo's version of "sinigang". It's this dish that contains black peas local to Panay. It can be with pork or "bisaya" chicken, with "batuan" for the sour taste and vegetable "langka" (jackfruit). I remebered my in-laws bringing us the raw "kadyos" peas in Manila just so my husband could cook for me the dish.

You really can't find the "kadyos" in the local fresh area of the supermarket, in fact I don't even think there's available ones in the local public market. Though, I was told, there are some, but not on a regular basis. Since its really hard to find here, once my "kadyos" craving strikes, I used to feel so helpless ... but wait we found a place that served this dish that's passable enough vs Nang Oning's cooking (my in-laws trusted help and cook back in Iloilo).

So, if you're wondering what it tastes like, visit Ilonggo Grill in any of the popular foodcourts in malls. We know there's one in Galleria. An order would cost P70+ good for two already or if you're so hungry should only be good for you.

Try it, it will give you a different "sinigang'!

Mrs. Jane B.

Casa Verde, Casual Dining in Cebu City

My officemates in Manila were in Cebu City recently and it just so happened I was there too for the weekend. I wanted to take them out to dine so they can experience Cebu food and local restos. I didn't get the chance to take them out though. I asked one them if they were able to eat at Casa Verde and she said, "YES". And when asked how was the food, she said, "ang sarap!".

Well, Casa Verde is one of the local must visit restos if ever you get to visit the Queen City of the South. Its original location is near Ranudo St., near Ramos area. My dad told me that their original resto used to be a ladies dorm back in the 70's. It has branches in THE WALK and at THE AYALA TERRACES. It's Cebu's version of T.G.I. Fridays ... but better with more value!

Their specialty are steak and ribs with prices ranging from Php 150-300! If eat like me, their serving size is good for two. My all time fave other than their Brian's Ribs is their cream potato soup. It's perfect for me, just the right creaminess and thickness. Though my sis thinks its too heavy. There's a lot in their menu to choose from so no worries ...

Just a bit of advise though, come in 30 min earlier during lunch and dinner rush hours to ensure you get a table, otherwise you will have to line up. So when you're in CEBU, don't forget to try Casa Verde.

Untill the next chow!

Mrs Jane B.

Sugba and Tula Anyone?

This summer season, Cebu becomes a destination for everyone looking for BSS – beach, sun and sand! The island boasts of its white beaches either up north going to Santa Fe in Bantayan or going south to Moalboal and nearby Badian Island.

Being a native, coming home for the summer means food trekking as well.

Cebu started the “su-tu-kil” rave and everyone now knows what “sugba, tula, kilaw” means! If you still don’t then you must really visit Cebu and ask to be taken to the nearest SUTUKIL place. Anyways, my dad is a fan of these places and he and my mom used to frequent this place near SM City Cebu known as A1. He told me the “tula” is the greatest (fresh fish all the time) and they have various seafood “sugba” that are just charcoal hot!

We recently visited with my dad and husband in tow (who needs to watch over his cholesterol) the said resto. Of course its al fresco! Meaning its carenderia style with no aircon and monobloc chairs and tables! The resto was packed with people all ordering seafood dishes ... the sugba and the tula lived up to expectation! And the best part is, it’s value for money! For the three of us ordering sugba fish, tula fish, seaweed salad, rice and drinks (minus dessert), all under P300.00 or USD6.40 ONLY! What a lunch and you still have extra money for dessert.

I just love Cebu and the cheap local places where one can eat and enjoy! If you’re looking for this place, its outside the SM City Mall, walking distance from the CNT Lechon place, there’s parking and you won’t miss it because of the grill that’s outside the resto!

Until the next chow!

Mrs Jane B.

Of Medicines and Drugs

I'm taking a new twist on shopping, and am now looking at medical supplies and pharma goods. When my mom got hospitalized because of her spine last Aug, our family's world have never been the same again. On top of regular household groceries and fresh food shopping, a mainstay in our list are now vitamins, medicine and medical supplies. With this I've taken a bit of fancy on checking out drugstores.

One of the biggest drugstore chain in the country is Mercury Drugstore. In Manila you can see one almost in every corner. In our area alone, we have 3 (which is a good 5-10min drive), one at Edsa Libertad, one at Boni cor Barangka and one at the Mandaluyong circle. I'm hoping they will open within our condo bldg, then it will really be just a walk away!

I was surprised though to read a reminder inside Mercury Drug's TV screens on the consumers right to the senior citizen discount. Which to those who don't know is actually 20% off. Of course, to avail of this discount one has to be over 60 yrs old and must have a senior citizen ID complete with prescription. But the fact that Mercury is reminding their shoppers, is indeed a pleasant surprise! This is truly a public service that must be duly noted!

Our country does not have a good public health system but its good to note that private companies do take a lead on serving the general public by implementing health laws.

Hmmm, I should be checking out the other major drugstores to see how they fare on the senior citizen discount law. Will post results of my survey. Will be flying to Cebu again this weekend so I can really give a comparison!

'Till my next shopping trip!

Mrs Jane B.

Pit Senyor !

It’s been 10 years since the last time I went home to Cebu and experience SINULOG and its festivities. This year I decided to come home and pay my homage to the miraculous Child Jesus, the patron of the Queen City of the South.

When we were kids, my sis and I would look forward to Sinulog and the dancing festivities in the streets. My parents always brought us to watch the street dancing and allowed us to walk in the streets of Cebu without fear of any vehicles moving about. We used to always have a Sinulog shirt, feathered hat and markings on our face as we watch the street dancing competition.

The SINULOG is the feast celebrated in honor of the Child Jesus or the Sto Nino de Cebu. It was said that the image of the Child Jesus was a gift from the Queen of Spain to the wife of then Cebu chieftain Raja Humabon back in the 1500’s. The modern festivities now include the Sto Nino’s image travelling to Mactan and be returned to Cebu City via a fluvial parade with boats registering to be part of it. This event also includes the historic image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of the whole province. After the early morning fluvial parade, an afternoon long city street procession happens as the images are paraded and brought back to the historic Basilica Minore del Sto Nino. And on the following day, which is usually the 3rd Sunday of January is the much awaited SINULOG Mardi Gras, the Cebuanos dance offering to the Sto Nino with steps that go two steps forward and one step back and saying, “Pit Senor” or “Viva Sto Nino”. The street dancing goes around the major thoroughfare usually in the uptown area of the city and ends at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

This year I really wanted to be part of the procession once again and feel the beat and heat of the Sinulog dancers on the street. As usual with the protection of the Sto Nino, this year’s procession was peaceful and was estimated to have been participated by more than 1M devotees walking, praying and singing --- and most of them carrying their images of the Sto Nino. My sis, her husband Ronie and myself braved the throng of people and walked our way praying and carrying our Sto Nino image (my estimate is that this Sto Nino is 30 yrs old). My mom would have walked with us but due to her illness, she couldn’t. So this procession was really for her so that she can be with us and pay homage to the Sto Nino. The procession started at 2pm and ended with a mass inside the Basilica at around 6pm.

On Sunday, the street dancing started at 9am with the usual uptown area route. My parents always celebrated this day and so as tradition goes we had the usual luncheon salu-salo with my mom’s office staff. And it wouldn’t be complete without our famous Cebu lechon! Yumyum! The street dancing went on until early evening and my sis and I contented ourselves with watching near the Fuente Osmena area and stayed on the streets for an hour. The festive fever was still there, but now with more people! The participants with far more elaborate floats, props, costumes but the same old Sinulog beat and shouts of “Pit Senor”!

Indeed as I write this while being stranded in the airport … after 10 years the SINULOG in Cebu hasn’t lost its beat but this year is extra special because … “Pit Senor kang Mommy kini!”


Mrs Jane B.

I.S. Means Iloilo Supermart

Years back, when I first visited Iloilo City, I remembered having to do shopping to prepare for noche buena. My husband happens to love cooking and he is in demand in the Baluya family to prepare his famous "potato salad".

So off we went to do our shopping. When I asked where we were going, everyone said "sa Atrium". I didn't know where it was, so I just enjoyed the ride. I was surprised though when we parked at the provincial capitol where my mother-in-law works. When I asked why, they all said, parking is hard at the Atrium and besides its just across the street, we can walk.

We entered the store and I noticed it had more than 20 or so check-out counters and its jampacked with shoppers. Only one entrance and one exit, its not a dual entrance supermarket. So shoppers are forced to follow the path the store has planned out. The personal care section is the first on the traffic flow. It's sad though that most of the skin and beauty products are enclosed in a counter with a sales clerk manning it. You can't touch and read the labels of the products. Pretty old fashion, when most of the stores are already self-service but I guess this is to manage pilferage since these are high-value.

As I went around the store, I was surprise to discover it was pretty complete. The fresh produce had quite a variety of meat cuts and vegetables though the seafood section isn't that complete, could be because people here still visit the wet market and want their seafood pretty fresh. But they have in stock even fresh herbs. This store is NOT BAD at all! I've underestimated their assortment on food items.

Staying there awhile made me realize why people go to this store despite the fact that the store aisles are small and shopping carts can bumped into each other, but the shoppers don't seem to care. Its pretty convenient, accessible with public transport. There is no big mall to deal with, less time spent walking. And its complete! Outside the supermarket is the local bakeshop "Tinapayan" that features a pastry christmas village display every year (a tradition).

I guess the Ilonggos come here because, they feel right at home. You'll even hear shoppers meeting and greeting friends happy holidays. So shoppers really feel the familial bond inside the store. I can't complain, I'm just a visitor and these people shop here everytime.

Mrs Jane B.

Iloilo City, Land of Batchoys and etc ...

When someone says Iloilo, Filipinos would probably associate it with Dinagyang (annual festival of the city that falls on every 4th Sunday of January) or of “talaba” or oyster along the Villa area. But for me it reminds of my visits to my husband’s home. Been visiting Iloilo regularly for the past 10 years, either during summer or the Christmas holidays and there are just some “must have’s” everytime I visit. And here goes ...

Batchoy. My husband will never leave Iloilo without visiting the famous batchoy houses. Batchoy is a noodle soup dish that goes well with puto or pandesal. It’s different from your usual noodles as instead of pork, chicken or beef, it has “pork chicharon” – deep fried pork skin, and “laman loob” or various pork parts usually from the internal organs. The more famous houses in Iloilo are Ted’s Old Timer’s La Paz Batchoy and the newly re-launched Deco’s Original La Paz Batchoy.

Kad-yos. My fave happens to be home-cooked by Nang Oning (my in-laws long time all-around companion). She makes the best kadyos dish either with local “bisaya” chicken or pork. If the Tagalog’s have “sinigang” the Ilonggos have “kadyos”. But what is it? It’s actually a legume that turns the dish reddish black. The dish can be sweet, sour, with coconut milk or without but in any case, one can only taste kadyos here in Iloilo! When we crave for kadyos in Manila, we usually visit the Ilonggo Grill and order one.

Seafood. Due to its geography (lots of rivers) and location (seaside), Iloilo has one of the best seafood in the country. One only needs to drive along Villa and stop by the various restaurants to have a taste of Iloilo oyster or “talaba”. Most recently the locals have been visiting the Dumangas area as well for those fresh and yummy seafood. My in-laws fave happens to be Joyjoy’s. And if you visit in mid-December, you can visit Zarraga (a town outside Iloilo City right after Leganes) for its annual “pantat festival” (freshwater catfish) and get to taste catfish grilled, fried, BBQ or in soup dishes!

These are my top 3 must have’s everytime I visit Iloilo and before I leave, I also have my top must have “pasalubongs”! That’ll be for my next write-up.

Mrs Jane B.

Iloilo City, The Old Queen City of the South

For one thing, I always thought that my Cebu was THE QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH. I checked and the old queen city of the south was ILOILO City. This was when the city was an important trading area for sugar coming from Negros. But when the sugar industry collapsed, so did Iloilo's position as a prime city in the Visayas.

I frequent Iloilo City because its my husband's home and we do visit it at least once a year. Coming from Cebu, I can't help but notice how different this city is from my tropical and rugged home.

For one, Iloilo is flat. As in, one cannot see a mountain jutting out from view. I've always wondered how this terrain would influence the way people here live. Iloilo is near the sea and has a wide river running within the city proper thus the numerous bridges one passes by while driving within the city. I liken Iloilo City to the swampy parts of Florida -- there's water everywhere. The Ilonggos are lucky, with this terrain they have abundance in seafood, food crops and drinking water.

This terrain may have influenced how people in Iloilo live, never hurried, relax, peace-loving (as noted by the tonality of their dialect) and quite contentented. Who wouldn't be with a home like Iloilo City!

Mrs Jane B.