Haler Baler

PROLOGUE aka "The Joy of Joyride Experience"

My brother Mike and I meet up at McDonald's Mindanao Avenue first to meet up with my Highschool classmates for our adventure last holy week. We needed to leave before midnight to avoid the traffic jam as everyone will be heading up north for a long weekend holiday (well, mostly: Baguio. Sagada. Ilocos. Pangasinan and so much more are just some few known destinations during Summer and all of these are at the Northern Part of Luzon). So much about the back story, I am here to talk about my Baler Experience anyway.

Surfin is what first comes to mind when you hear the word BALER. But there is more to that, that this place on earth has to offer.

Welcome to Baler, our home for the next 3 days. The most romantic place, the most fascinating place, and our Holy Week Adventure Begins now.

1st STOP: The Balete Eco-Park

During our visit, we were able to chance upon the Millennium Tree, also known as the “Balete Tree”, located in Brgy Quirino, Ma. Aurora, which is perhaps the largest and oldest Balete tree in Asia. It is estimated to be 600+ years old and is recognized by international scientists and media.It looks scary at first glance, but the tour guide was very funny, he's been doing a lot of camera tricks so it ease our fears. Hahaha


Next: The Mother Falls

This tour requires trekking to reach the mother falls. Mother falls is the largest falls in Aurora. We have a tour guide with us and we just followed the river and in the middle of the forest stood the majestic waterfalls. It was heaven. We jumped right off even if the water is extremely cold.

ERMITA HILL

Accordingly, a huge tsunami washed away the entire town of Baler back in December 1735. It almost wiped out the entire town, as the tsunami devoured thousands of lives, except for 7 families who found their way on top of Ermita Hill to seek survival thereby saving themselves from the wrath of the tsunami. These statues, located at the bottom of the hill, honor the families who survived.

Ermita Hill  gives a perfect top view as to how beautiful Baler is. Here doing our Team Baler Photo ops and the magnificent 360 degree view of Baler is our backdrop.

ANIAO Islets

Sup brother? Ano pinaglalaban natin.

Probably one of the highlights of this trip. A good place for photoshoots, having my brother on this trip who is also an actor is an advantage because I have a partner in crime for photo ops session. We took limitless photos. Visuals are really appealing.

HANGING BRIDGE OVER BALER WATER

Its good to learn that this is one of the longest hanging by bridge in country?

Railing is strong with good foundation, have adequate space and could accommodate many tourist at one time. For experience you need to cross the bridge to experience how it feels to walk and cross a hanging bridge. It will only take you a few minutes and proceed to your next destination.

SABANG SURF BEACH

Not your Boracay white beach, but the sand never get hot and the water is so nice to be in. Add the waves where everyone can play in... or SURF in... 

This one’s a no-brainer. You can’t visit Baler and not try surfing! All of us (10) had so much fun with the waves and water was just too much; quite a challenge and something different to do that you can't do in other beach... 

Plus, they made surfing easy. For 350 per hour, the instructors were so kind and patient to teach you how to surf properly.

If you love beaches, Sabang will not let you down with its vibrant and powerful wave.

CLINCHER

At the end of the long day full of activities, we treat ourselves with a funny dining experience. BOODLE FIGHT!!! We did all the cooking, buying fresh sea food at the public market, an extra added enjoyment for our getaway.

WE Will Definitely Go back BALER

I like everything about you. The smell of the earth is so pure. The cold water at Mother Falls and how I wanted to swim a little longer even if I was already shivering, the touch of the waves and its sounds whenever it crashes the shore is very relaxing, the sound of laughter from friends i get to spend the entire holy week with, the serenity of the lake, and the feeling of being full alive.

Go for it now. The future is never promised to anyone anyway. 

Until then,

Bibo

Bibo & Co. at Fish & Co.

Reunited with my Cebu-based friends Khrissy and Ian.

Fish & Co. is actually one of Khrissy's favorite restaurants. Everytime she's in town for a quick visit we would definitely have a 'checked-in' dinner at this resto. I have been here several times and I always enjoy my dining experience, aside from the fact that I am in a company of beautiful people. You can tell from the texture of the food and its taste that it is prepared fresh. The service here can't be ignored because they really have a lot of people to address your concerns. And they give out free mint candy after meal and upon asking for your bill than can only be found here-- if you consider that a plus.

The food at Fish & Co is great but the prices are not really to be desired. But I can guarantee that you are certainly going to get your money's worth with the quality of food they offer.

Fish & Co.

3/F Greenbelt 3
Ayala Center, Makati

(02) 729-7431 to 32

Seafood Platter Small; a platter of grilled calamari, seasonal fish and prawns. Served with seafood rice and chips. at 845.00

Seaman's Salad; (New!) Assorted greens tossed with shrimp, squid, imported mussels, cherry tomatoes, carrots with a light vinaigrette  (455.00)

A clear choice of food this lenten Season. I hope you all have a meaningful Holy Week. Until then,

Bibo

Keeping up with the Tolentinos

Roadtrip Adventure with Francis and Ellai. My two siblings from another mother, enjoying our stress-free prelude to Summer. Love

Our Diner Destination;

Crisostomo

Location: Newport Mall
2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila,

Newport BlvdDomestic Airport, Pasay(02) 846-9275

Cam-whoring while waiting for our food.

at CRISOSTOMO; enjoyin their fusion of Spanish and Filipino cuisines.
Our order (big serving and all for sharing): Munggo De Mariano; Sabaw ng munggo with chicharon and tuyo fillet 295.00, BinagoonganWith adobo flakes and salted egg 325.00, Tarsillo Squid al AjilloSauteed squid in olive oil with chilis and garlic 295.00  Sago't Gulaman at 85.00, Pineaplle Juice at 160.00 Daya at 160.00

Let the good times roll!

Post Dinner;

And after that sumptuous meal and some quick change outfit, we're ready to rock Republiq!

Clubbing time

Until our next adventure, live life to the fullest people!

Bibo

Savoring a Classic Birthday Dinner (Classic Savory)

It's Jeff's Birthday Dinner!

Special friends are a rare find, and I am glad that this guy right here is one of mine! We've been friends since college and I will never forget how kind hearted this person is especially to my sister Em. 

Happy Birthday to a friend I'll never forget!

A classic friend deserves one classic foodtrip. So here we are on our dinner at Classic Savory.

Classic Savory

Branch: SM City North EDSA
UG/F SM City North EDSA, North Ave.Sto. Cristo, Quezon City

(02) 928-3002

Our Order:

Savory Chicken (Your timeless favorite. Tender and juicy).ServingWhole 345.00

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Traditional Chinese fried rice with shrimps, minced pork, egg) 175.00

Fish Fillet with Tofu in Tausi Sauce (Pan-fried fish fillet with tofu squares in fermented black bean sauce) 195.00

Chopsuey (Classic stir-fried vegetables with meat and seafood) 175.00

Pancit Bihon Guisado (Rice vermicelli sauteed with assorted meat, seafood and vegetables) 195.00

Celebrating a milestone in his life, and just like your favorite Rihanna's song; you definitely shine bright like a diamond Jeff. haha

Settle down!

Savory’s fried chicken is such a breath of fresh air when it comes to taste, very different from the regular breaded fried chicken served at the fast food chain restos. Their chicken is marinated in a secret sauce and spices and then fried.

Our chopsuey is served hot. The crunchy veggies topped with lechon macau is delicious. It taste like the first time I ever tasted it

This has got to be my personal favorite; The fish was tender and delicious and the sauce was yummy. It was a delightful twist to the home grown favorite dish.

For long life; Pansit; though I didn't really binge on this classic favorite.

The young chow has a generous serving for two persons. I like its yellow color with its leeks as garnishing. You can feel the crispiness of its blanched carrots, green peas and scrambled egg mixed together

Ready to ATTACK!!!

Later that night, another friend and Jeff's travel-buddy Edwin joined us.

You are such a dear friend, a brother we never had, we will always make time on your special day. Another great year ahead my friend.

And as a word from my "great grandfather", Baltazar Gracian, lol "True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island... to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing."

Until our next adventure,

Bibo

The Ultimate Birthday Feast (Vikings Luxury Buffet)

The largest buffet restaurant in the country and the venue of my dear friend's Raymie's birthday (who happens to work as a Dining Manager of this restaurant)-- Vikings.

Vikings Luxury Buffet
Bldg. B, By the Bay, Seaside Blvd., SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
for reservations: 846-3888, 846-4888, 846-5888

Eversince its launching in the Metro, Vikings Buffet is always jampacked during dinner and weekends; and if you’re a big group, you may have difficulty getting a table, good thing the birthday celebrator is the dining manager of this area and we were treated pretty well.

"Vikings luxury-buffet restaurant is stylish, relaxed and fun; it overlooks the majestic Manila Bay through vast conservatory-like windows. The first of its kind in the Philippines, the tasteful 600-seater dining room, possess well appointed details, comfortable dining nooks while incorporating several live-action-cooking stations and a level of food quality beyond buffet expectations; from prime seafood to prime rib, gourmet pizzas to local favorites and freshly made stir-fried options thrown in; truly an epicurean epiphany."

Buckle your seat belt. It’s time to take your palate for one heck of a ride. 

Reunited with my The Bridge colleagues Raymie (who now works for Vikings) and Chesca (who works now as a Researcher in GMA7)

with her boyfriend Zed

Vikings has several food stations which include the appetizer and salad station, the Asian row, the Western and Mediterranean station and the dessert station. Raymie here at the dessert Station

Goodtimes with the birthday girl who uses "babe" as an endearment when we were still workmates, and until now we still call each other as such

A Fresh Sushi Station. Vikings Buffet have such a wide assortment of sushi 

And for the class picture, hahaha. It's the celebrator and her guests.

It's all worth doing the experience if you can spare PhP1000+++ for dinner; trust me- it's money worth spending at Vikings (though i didn't feel any damage on my budget since it's a birthday treat. haha)

All in all, I finished three plates. And thank God for this occassion, I tried the over-rated CAVIAR (-- this once exclusive luxury reserved only for the upper echelons of society is part of their appetizers). Though I didn't feel it special maybe my taste bud is not meant for it. hahaha

If you want a Birthday to remember, then Vikings is the place to be. You'll surely give a royalty treatment for your guests-- and yes; I feel like a king in Vikings.

Until our next foodtrip adventure (and more buffet experience),

Bibo