The Rape of the Manila Metropolitan Theater

After today's grind, I happened to pass by this beautiful structure called the Manila Metropolitan Theater. Since high school, I have always wished that this structure will come back to life again and open its doors to those who are seeking the arts. Until this day, that dream is still alive.

The theater was designed by Juan Arellano during the 1930s. Architect Arellano is also the man behind the Legislative Building and the Manila Central Post Office. This is how the theater looks like now.

Umiyak ang umaga

Anong sinulat ni Enteng at Joey diyan

Sa pintong salamin

Di ko na mabasa

Pagkat merong nagbura

Ewan ko at ewan natin

Sinong nagpakana?

At bakit ba tumilapon ang Spoliarium

Diyan sa paligid mo?

-Spoliarium, Eraserheads

Batangas, The Beautiful

Batangas is my mum's province. Every summer of my primary years, I will ask my parents to allow me to spend my vacation in Talisay, my mum's hometown. Even until now, I will never forget all the wonderful days that I spent in that place. The river where my cousins will wash our clothes every other day. The sinaing na tilapia, a slow-cooked dish using young tilapia fish in soy sauce and dried kamias fruits. This dish is usually cooked using firewoods and palayok (or claypot). Now, cooking using firewoods and claypot is a work of love. Since so much love is required in doing this (read: very difficult to do) the finished product usually never disappoints. This dish is loaded with flavors and textures. Next, sumang yakap and its sauce called kalamay-hati - this is definitely a must-try. Almost every household in Talisay has this delicacy every Undas or All Soul's Day. Also, the hills. Taal Volcano. Fruit-bearing trees such as duhat, chico, sineguelas, mangga, santol, guyabano, dalandan and coconut which are all just practically growing anywhere. Did I miss anything?

If there's one thing that always makes me excited about going back to this place is, I think, the warmth of the people and the simplicity of their lifestyle. (Yes, these two things are to be taken as one.) The cold breeze coming from the mountains during the night is nothing compared to the hospitality that my aunts and uncles had shown me throughout the years everytime I decide to stay with them during summer. They may have always felt that they weren't able to provide everything that I needed during those times because in their minds I was just a silly-needy city boy trying myself to get used to the life in the province but what they do not know is that Batangas will always be a big part of me and that I never needed to "try to get used to living in there" for by blood, I will always be a true blue Batangueno.

Di ga?

Caleruega

Caleruega is one of the most popular venues for Catholic wedding ceremonies in the Philippines. It is located in Nasugbu, Batangas - approximately thirty minutes away from Tagaytay. I was there to sing for a wedding.

10 Reasons to Believe that Tagaytay Highlands is a Modern Day Countryside Dreamland

Enjoying my time at the viewing deck with Taal Volcano behind me

I was very privileged to be taken by one of my ex-bosses and a good friend, Rick Manzano, in one of the most highly-esteemed real estate property in the whole archipelago, Tagaytay Highlands. It was a great place to catch up with a friend and to be in awe with the beauty of nature and man's craftsmanship all at the same time. Saying that I had a great time is an understatement and to help me preserve the experience, I am blogging about it now.

Here are 10 reasons to believe that Tagaytay Highlands is a modern day countryside dreamland.

1. It’s just an hour ride from Manila.

It only takes 60 minutes from Manila to Tagaytay Highlands taking the Sta. Rosa/Eton exit. You can even cut this 60-minute ride to lesser period of time if you take the Batino exit, which is exclusive for the club members of the Highlands.

2. All year round Tagaytay cool weather.

Being in Tagaytay, people in the Highlands enjoy this all year round cool weather which is one of the major reasons why people (mostly from Manila) visit Tagaytay often.

3. Perfect view of Taal volcano.

The Highlands is a perfect spot to look at Taal Volcano. From the viewing deck, I was amazed to see the whole lake as well as the mountains surrounding it. I never had this kind of amazing view yet even as a child who used to visit his relatives in Batangas, which is actually very near the volcano and also has a good view of it.

4. The life of exclusivity.

While we are at the viewing deck, Rick told me that one has to become a member of Tagaytay Highlands first before one can buy a property in it. To become a member of the club, one has to undergo a strenuous screening process that involves background checks, interviews, paper works and referral from people who are already members of the club.

19 Photos That Will Make You Dream About Baguio Country Club

I was very very privileged to have experienced Baguio Country Club at least once in my life.

Imagine yourself waking up to this kind of view with the cool breeze on your face and the clean scent of pine trees on your nose.

12 Photos That Will Make You Choose to Stay in Caves Dive Resort When You're Planning to Travel to Camiguin

When I first stepped in the island of Camiguin, Caves Dive Resort knew just how to warm my heart with this simple gesture.

8 Reasons Why Ardent Hot Spring in Camiguin is a Piece of Paradise

1. Ardent Hot Spring in the Philippines is one of our most favorite places in the world.

15 Photos That Will Make You Believe That White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro is Awesome

1. The tour group that accommodated us fed us lunch first.

  

Camiguin: Ardent Hot Spring

Bridge over tranquil water.

The water in Ardent Hot Spring is warmed by the volcanic activities occurring at the foot of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

It's a favorite hangout place of local Camiguinlons, tourists as well as expats who chose to retire in the island.

For me, Ardent Hot Spring is nature's very own spa resort. It's my second favorite place in the world, second to Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay.

To see our detailed blog post about Camiguin and Ardent Hot spring, please click here.

Camiguin: Mantigue Island (Photoblog)

Enter the paradise.

Shades.

Wildfruit.

Discus.

To get more details about Camiguin and Mantigue Island, please check out this blog post.

Camiguin: A Definitive Guide to The Island Born of Fire

EXPERIENCE

Mantigue Island Nature Park

What to experience? 

Swim in pristine blue-green seawater beside white sands and under the sunny blue sky.

Eat fresh seafoods such as Tuna Kilawin (my personal favorite), Tuna Sinugba (grilled, must-try) and Guso Salad (seaweeds).

Take photos around the nature park which is adorned with wild plants growing above the white sands.

Experience a mini-forest adventure inside the island too!

What to eat?

Tuna Kilawin. My personal favorite. If you like eating uncooked seafood, this one's a must-try. Tuna Kilawin is made up of tuna marinated with vinegar and spices, Filipino-style. My friends used to tell me to slow down in taking it in because it doesn't get digested easily but to no avail- haha!

Tuna Sinugba. Sinugba means to grill. This one's a winner too! I think ate 2 cups of rice that day.

Guso Salad. I love this seaweed. Guso is agar-agar in English and they abound in the shores of Mantigue Island. Right after our mini-forest adventure, we were led to a spot where people residing in Mantigue Island harvest Guso. It was a beautiful sight to behold and I can say that it is one of the best experiences I've ever had as a travel blogger.

What to bring?

The usual swimwear, goggles/snorkeling equipment, sunblock and camera.

When to go?

We went there during the first week of July when it was already rainy but the experience is still good only that we needed to hurry up that day because it was already starting to rain. I highly suggest that you visit the island when there is less rainfall.

How to go?

From Mambajao, look for the jeepney that is going to the port going to Mantigue Island in San Roque (P20). From San Roque, ride a boat going to the island (P550, back and forth).

How much?

Entrance fee is P20.

How long?

If you can, try to budget a whole day trip for Mantigue Island. We gave it half a day and I still found myself wanting to stay (even though I am not much of a fan of beaches and island hopping). It's that good.

Who to go with?

I suggest that you go with 5 travel buddies since a boat can only accommodate up to 6 persons.

Who to meet?

Since not too many people go to Mantigue Island, you will only meet a few tourists and very friendly government employees who take care of the island.

Why is it a must-try?

Despite being a Filipino, I don't like beaches and island hopping that much but Mantigue Island converted me into one that day.

Notes

Try not to haggle too much if you are dealing with the boatmen who shall be taking you to the island. Try to see that it is a way for you to help them in your own little way.

If you love Guso like me, maybe you can try buying fresh ones from the friendly locals who we met in the shores. I enjoyed the sight too much, I wasn't able to inquire about it.

Ying Ying Tea House: A Night Food Trip in Binondo (Chinatown in Manila)

Ying Ying Tea House is not easy to find. It is located at the corner of two streets, Dasmarinas and Yuchengco in Binondo, Manila's Chinatown. Good thing the people around are hospitable and warm. They know the place and will not hesitate in giving you directions.

While waiting for the food to be served. Notice the spoons and forks immersed in hot water, so old school Chinese restaurant!

They tied a yellow ribbon at the counter. They hanged some yummy-looking meats as well.

If there are no condiments on the table, it's not a Chinese restaurant.

Ying Ying Tea House can boast of their service tea. It tastes really good. Above all, it's free.

Yang Chow Rice is alright. Personally, I can survive with just plain white rice.

Okiam Chicken. Not their best chicken dish. I'd rather have Lemon Chicken or Sweet and Sour Chicken. Okiam Chicken is simply a platter of fried chicken served with a small bowl of sweet and sour sauce resembling ketchup.

You can never go wrong with Chicken Feet.

My first time to eat Steamed Lumpia. It's the star of the night! I can have it again next time.

Ying Ying's Xiao Long Bao. You can let go of this one and just try Radish Cake. It doesn't have the soupy substance inside it, unlike the real ones found in China.

Our table, after a few minutes.

A photo of four satisfied customers.

A photo in front of the counter.

Getting wacky with Ying Ying's staff and dimsums.

With just a few walks outside Ying Ying, you shall see the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch.

The old Savory! They serve the infamous Savory Chicken there.

A dream come true. A photo in Jones Bridge.

The header of my blog is a photo of Plaza Moraga, taken more than fifty years ago. Today, this is how it looks like. At night.

Notes: Ying Ying is open from 7am to 2am everyday. It's perfect for a night food trip like what we've had. They serve good drinks too, like soy milk and mango-sago.