Holy Week 2019 Celebration

     Faith is nourishment for our soul.  Although I've been a Catholic all my life, I was raised by my parents to be friends with everybody despite differences in culture, social status, and religion.  I've learned that religion is such a sensitive topic but when talking about it (I'd rather not if it can be helped), I do not focus on the differences but rather on the similarities.  I know that across all religion, there are certain things that can be agreed on such as kindness, respect, and love -- among other things.

A candid shot during my sister's wedding in Calaruega last October 2018. Photo by Myio Okamoto Photography.

     In our family, we have yearly traditions to celebrate our faith and our Christianity.  We used to have yearly "pasyon" or "pabasa" scheduled every Holy Mondays during the Holy Week --  but since my parents' stroke (dad in 2013 and my mom in 2016), we've decided not to do it anymore.  Here's an old video I found of our "pabasa" last March 2013.

     My mom was a dressmaker and she made clothes for St. Peter and Mater Dolorosa as her thanksgiving gesture for the graces we received.  After her stroke, since she can't make those dresses anymore, I've approached some of my good friends to help us go through with the tradition.  And so, despite the hardships we've endured this year, with our family and friends' help, we were able to express and celebrate our faith successfully.

Best Free Watch Faces for TicWatch Pro

     Watch is an essential part of our style and an accessory that is both fashionable and functional.  Here is a list I made of my favorite watch faces that I use for my TicWatch Pro.

Me and my TicWatch Pro showing off one of my favorite watch faces: Marine Commander.

     Although I can't afford expensive watches, I make sure that I have several pieces that goes well with my clothes (whether I'm in dress clothes, casual, or street style) and that the brands I chose will last for several years.  Many of us got excited when smart watches became popular because this means that we can customize and add more functionalities to the watches.  But just like any new technology, smart watches become obsolete after a few months, thus, not really a good investment unlike buying old-school analog watches.

     I spent at least two weeks before finally deciding which smart watch to buy because frankly, they don't come cheap.  In the end, I got myself a TicWatch Pro because I liked the layered display and the better performing battery.  I've been using it for a few months now and I can honestly say that I'm enjoying its performance.  I also bought a stainless metal strap that I interchange with it's default hybrid leather-silicon strap to suit my style for the day.  It's fun changing watch faces to suit my clothes and style.  I've scoured the Internet for watch faces to use but hardly found a list where I liked all the suggestions.  So in this post, I will list down 20 watch faces that are my favorite and looks great on my TicWatch Pro.

Here wearing one of my go-to watch faces: Cronosurf Wave Watch.

     A TicWatch Pro is a bit formal in appearance, thus, artistic or too colorful watch faces won't go well with it.  Here are a few things I've considered when choosing the right watch face for my TicWatch Pro. 

Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

        Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon has become one of the favorite beaches to visit in the Philippines.  Located at the southernmost municipality of Sorsogon, Subic Beach is popular for its unique white pinkish sand and crystal clear waters.  Not just a summer destination, this paradise in Calintaan Island, Matnog, Sorsogon is the perfect place for those who wants to enjoy nature, cool breeze, and pristine clear waters anytime of the year.

A panoramic photo of Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon, Philippines.  Click and zoom each photo in this post to view in bigger size.

Villa Nonita, Tagaytay

     Last October 2018, my sister Hannah tied the knot with Dennis and it was one of the most memorable and most enchanted wedding that I was privileged to witness and be a part of. The wedding was held in Caleruega Church and for three days during the wedding celebrations, we stayed at the popular Greek-inspired private hotel-resort in Tagaytay -- Villa Nonita.

Villa Nonita in Tagaytay has an unobstructed view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.

     Villa Nonita gives off an enchanting Greek Santorini vibe and gives you a full view of the nearby Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.  The several houses of Villa Nonita are fully furnished for a comfortable stay and decorated in rustic Greek theme -- perfect for a dreamy staycation with family or friends and a great location for photo shoots too.

Yema Buko Pie and Ube Buko Pie from Nono Bakery: Gem of Sorsogon City

     They have been around for awhile and are known to some people but I think that these gems deserve wider recognition.   I’ve tried several buko pies (this being one of my favorite desserts) and so far, the only two that stood out is Orient Original Buko Pie (from Laguna but they also now have a store in Tagaytay) and just recently, the Ube Buko Pie and Yema Buko Pie from Nono Bakery in Sorsogon City.

Yema Buko Pie from Nono Bakery, Sorsogon City.

     Nono Bakery is located near Sorsogon public market and if it’s your first time to buy, don’t be discouraged by the surroundings on your way to the bakery.  You will not believe that such great tasting buko pies come from that humble, little bakery in the middle of the wet market -- but believe me, you should.

Fat Tummy Cakes: A Project

     Hey guys, what's up?  I've been away from blogging for quite some time, 3 years and 9 months to be more accurate, and a lot has happened since then.  After my dad's stroke in 2013 and while we were adjusting to a new lifestyle, my brother and I started a small business which took most of my time.  And then, just when things were beginning to look promising, in September 2016, my mom had a stroke too.  It drained me a lot emotionally, physically, and took a toll in our finances.  But with love, faith, and perseverance, we were able to survive.  From everything that has happened, we can learn that indeed health is wealth, and that we should teach ourselves to live a balanced life.  No matter what, life goes on and we should work harder for our goals.  Oftentimes, being passionate about something is what helps us cope.

This was the first order we received after our Fat Tummy page was launched on Facebook in December 2018.  Fat Tummy is our new baby.

     Since I am now responsible for the well-being of my parents, I have to continually look for ways to earn while having fun at the same time.  And so last December 2018, out of the blue, my brother decided that we start baking cakes.  He had some training at a culinary school in Resorts World Manila and a year experience as pastry chef for a cruise ship in the United States.  Me, on the other hand, I'm creative and a fast learner.  And so that's how our Fat Tummy project started.  

ACE Hotel & Suites and ACE Water Spa: A Review

     When traveling, it's important that we choose to stay in a hotel where we can be comfortable and have peace of mind.  Whether it's for business or a vacation, the hotel we choose should minimize the stress that usually goes with being away from home. 

     Hey there, what's up?  In this post, I'm going to tell you about our stay at ACE Hotel & Suites, including our use of their facilities at ACE Water Spa.  There's already a lot of reviews about ACE Hotel & Suites and ACE Water Spa all over the Internet, mostly positive, so I'm not gonna bore you with all the details you already know.  Only the relevant ones that you can use if you decide to stay in this hotel.

     Ace Hotel & Suites and ACE Water Spa is located at United Street | corner Brixton Street, Pasig City 1603, Metro Manila.  ACE Water Spa also has a branch in Quezon City.   This branch in Pasig is the better choice for a staycation because they have an excellent hotel where guests can stay after a satisfying and therapeutic hydrotherapy massage at their water spa facility. 

     Here are some of the photos I took during our stay at the hotel.

1st Colonial Grill: A Review

     1st Colonial Grill is one of the restaurants I frequent to since they opened at their old address in Old Albay, Legazpi City. This original location I'm referring to is one of the oldest buildings in Albay where La Mia Tazza and 21st Ammendment are currently residing.  After the move to their Daraga address, 1st Colonial Grill have since opened several branches within the province.  Now, 1st Colonial Grill has a restaurant in Pacific Mall Legazpi, in Ayala Malls Legazpi, and just recently, in SM Legazpi. As far as I know, they also have a branch in Sorsogon City and Naga City.

     1st Colonial Grill is known for their authentic Bicolano cuisines such as laing, pinangat, Bicol Express, tinutungang manok, and their famous sili ice cream. I'm from Bicol and although I enjoy those dishes, what I've come to love about this restaurant are the proven Filipino favorites that they serve.  And that's what we usually order when dining at 1st Colonial Grill.  The photos in this post was when my brother and I had a late lunch at their Ayala Mall branch. Take a look.

Tyler's Gourmet Kitchen: A Review

     People love to eat and food is an important part of human interaction. We eat when we celebrate something, when we want to relax, when we want to cheer ourselves up, when we're happy, and sometimes, we eat when we meet friends we haven't seen in a while.

Ruth, The Pinoy Wanderer, and Ate Bolen @ Tyler's Gourmet Kitchen.

     And so that's what happened when my good friend Ruth was in the country for a short vacation from Singapore. After a relaxing foot spa and massage at Natural Therapy HUB & Cafe, Ruth and I went to Tyler's Gourmet Kitchen in Daraga, Albay for an early dinner.  We were joined later by another good friend, Ate Bolen.

Awesome Zip Line Adventure at Embarcadero de Legazpi

     Hey guys! Sorry been sooo busy lately. Anyway, my friend Kevin was in Legazpi City last weekend and I toured him around a bit. Kevin is the one who introduced me to Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap, the “miracle” soap that we’re bringing to the people of Legazpi, and with God’s grace, to the entire Bicol Region. (I will tell you more about Jessa on a separate post). Anyhow, with the little time that we had, I tried to give Kevin a taste of Bicol. We walked the sunny streets of Legazpi and Daraga (while giving Jessa samples), ate some Bicol food (mostly we ate because Jessa promotion took most of our time, LOL), and yep, before his flight home, we tried the Zip Line at Embarcadero de Legazpi which, by the way, did not disappoint.

The majestic Mayon Volcano as seen from Embarcadero de Legazpi. Took this photo while we were on our up to the tower of Embarcadero, the starting point of their zip line adventure.

     The 350-meter zip line starts from the 30-meter tall lighthouse of Embarcadero de Legazpi descending all the way to the breakwater across the Legazpi port basin. The entire ride will give you at least 55 seconds of awesome Mayon Volcano view and a unique perspective of the City of Legazpi. The water below the zip line will look a bit intimidating but I assure you that once you’re down the cable, all you will have is appreciation of the breath-taking beauty around you. All for just P150.00.

     Here's one of the photos I took before my turn to zip-line...

Caffe San Marco's Lunch Buffet: A Review

     It was a lazy day when my brother and I visited this restaurant in Legazpi City for our next buffet adventure. We were both feeling sleepy that time and we thought that perhaps some good food will perk up our moods. And we were right!

     Hey guys, welcome back to The Pinoy Wanderer! Here’s another restaurant in Legazpi City that absolutely deserves a spot in my list of awesome “Buffet Destinations in Albay.” 

     I’ve visited this restaurant in the past and have tried their breakfast buffet which, at that time, was an incentive for staying in their hotel. This time, with my brother, I’ll be trying out their lunch buffet to give you guys a peek on what to expect in case you go visit them. Without further ado, I introduce you folks to -- Caffe San Marco.

     Caffe San Marco is a restaurant inside Hotel Venezia in F. Aquende Drive, Legaazpi City. They have breakfast and lunch buffets all days of the week, from Mondays to Sundays. Schedule of their daily lunch buffet is from 11:30AM to 2:00PM for only P250.00 pesos per head. Below is Hotel Venezia’s location on Google Map for your reference.

     We arrived at the hotel around 11:30AM and because we’re already starving, went directly to the restaurant. Here’s what was served on the buffet table that Friday lunch:

Cosina de’ Marina's Lunch Buffet: A Review

     Hey guys, welcome back to The Pinoy Wanderer. I’m here to review another restaurant in Legazpi City that offers a fulfilling buffet experience. This next destination is a cool addition to a list I’m creating which will feature top “Buffet Destinations in Albay.” Let me introduce you folks to -- (drum roll please) -- “Cosina de’ Marina.”

     Cosina de’ Marina is located in Brgy. Cruzada, Legazpi City and owned by the incumbent Punong Barangay of Cruzada, Mr. Edsil N. Llaguno. The restaurant took the name “Marina” from the owner’s mother-in-law and is also a playful derivative of the bicol phrase “mari na” which means to invite others to join and partake. Of course “Cosina” means kitchen, so yeah, come and join the feast in Marina’s kitchen. Anyway, the restaurant started its operation just last March 2014 and offers lunch and dinner buffets all days of the week for only P180.00 per head. Lunch buffet is from 10am to 2pm while dinner buffet starts at 5pm to 10pm, Mondays to Sundays. Below is its location on Google Map so you won’t get lost.

     Unlike what happened on my previous review, this time, my brother and I arrived at the restaurant on time. How unbelievable for me, haha! And so we had a feast on all of their home-made cuisines. Check out the photos below to have an idea what to expect in case you try Cosina de’ Marina’s buffet:

Mr. Crab's Lunch/Dinner Buffet: A Review

     My friends from out of town would often ask me which restaurants to try whenever they’re in Albay or somewhere in Bicol -- and I would always end up not having a concrete suggestion. So now that I’ve become less busy, I finally will have the time to get a fresh perspective of the culinary destinations around Albay and perhaps, its neighboring places. Yep, I think it’s time for me to make a list. For my first stop in this series of reviews (that I shall tag as “Buffet Destinations in Albay”), let me introduce you folks to Mr. Crab & Seafood Diner.

     Mr. Crab & Seafood Diner is located along Airport Road corner Washington Drive, Legazpi City and have been serving the Albayanos since July 2011. The restaurant, not more than three months ago, is now under the management of Ms. Aida Del Castillo. For those who aren’t big fans of seafood, don’t despair because I’ve checked their menu and found out that they have traditional cuisines that Filipinos usually go for. That, plus local recipes that are innate of the province such as pinangat and laing which are usually a hit among visitors and locals alike.

Where Mr. Crab is on the map, courtesy of Google Maps. Click HERE for directions.

     Anyway, this series of reviews will target restaurants in Albay that offer “eat-all-you can” dining experience since if we want to indulge in food, buffets are the best way to do it. Mr. Crab offer their lunch/dinner buffet only once every week during Wednesdays. Buffet starts at 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (lunch buffet) and 6:00 to 9:00pm (dinner buffet) at P200.00 per head. The food served during the lunch buffet is the same as what's served on the dinner buffet.

     So what can we expect from Mr. Crab’s once-a-week buffet? My brother and I came in late (around half past 12 noon), so there’s not much left on the table. No matter, here’s what we managed to put on our plates…

Red Planet Ortigas: A Review

POST UPDATE: Tune Hotel Ortigas is now RED PLANET Ortigas. The last time we stayed in this hotel was October 2018 and we received the same service and treatment as before, thus, this review still hold. Nothing major was different except that they already have a restaurant on the hotel's lobby. The photos on this post may be old (except for the one below where I'm sporting my new hairstyle) but the place look the same.

October 2018: From Tagaytay, we checked in at Red Planet Ortigas before heading to Bicol.

This post was published September 2014. Read on...

    It’s been more than a year since my brother and I gave up our apartment in Pasig that’s why now, we rely on friends for a place to stay whenever we’re visiting Manila or – we stay at a hotel which suits our budget. It was in July 2014 when I first stayed at Red Planet Ortigas when my brother came home from the US.  Like I mentioned on a previous post, I was browsing Agoda.com last July when my laptop died on me. It was barely 2 weeks after typhoon Glenda and electricity lines have been severely affected in our area. I went to Red Planet Ortigas and found out that there’s a huge price difference when booking directly at the hotel and booking through online sites like Agoda.com. Anyway, the first time I booked through Agoda, I paid approximately P3,500.00 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for 2 days and 2 nights stay at the hotel. I booked on that same day. The second time, I booked a week ahead and paid approximately P3,100 for the same room we had last time (Double Room) and for the same duration (2 days and 2 nights stay), still inclusive of taxes and other hotel fees. Interesting to note, however, that we could have paid a bit less if not for the higher exchange rate that Agoda.com implemented that time. Including all the other fees, we were charged around 69.70 US dollars -- and with Agoda’s exchange rate of P44.45 pesos to a dollar, it converted to P3,100. At that time, the exchange rate at my bank was barely above 43 against the dollar. I've found out just recently, while writing this post, that the same room can be availed at a lesser amount through Hotels.com. Will sure to check Hotels.com next time I book a hotel. We all need to be budget conscious. ☺

 

     Anyway, I’m not sure what areas I’m supposed to evaluate when reviewing hotels, but as far as a common guy like me knows, here goes:

Quick Post About Hotel and Taxi Drivers

I'll be brief.

(1) It's sort of advisable to book hotels using sites like agoda.com. I was not able to book online because my laptop died on me while I was checking out my options yesterday. Typhoon Glenda brought down many trees in our area, specially in our backyard, and of course, damaged a few electricity lines -- so no power for almost two weeks now. I've decided I'll just go to the hotel and inquire about the affordable room I saw from agoda.com before my laptop's screen went black. Lo and behold for when I got there, the only available room for the day is worth P2300. Not convinced and refusing to be out of options, I went to the nearest Starbucks and charged my laptop. Look, I was able to find a cheaper room and it's a wayyy BETTER room than the ones they've offered me. I booked for 2 nights while I do my business in the city. I'll probably review my stay in the hotel through a future post.

Current Western Union Rates for Domestic Money Transfer In The Philippines

     Because of their current location in the US, my brother occasionally accepts money remittance from his co-workers. Just like what happened last week when they were in an isolated area and his colleague's family in the Philippines really needed the cash. He does not do this all the time, only when I have spare money in my wallet. I pay for it initially then he just pays me later in bulk (wayyy later if I may say) so we can save on the remittance charges. We split what's left of what his friends paid him, less of course the amount we spent on sending. We normally accept when his friends will send money to a BPI account or a BDO account (I can visit these banks readily and they're convenient) but since it was an emergency, we obliged to send via Western Union. 

     Of course I needed to know how much I will be paying for sending the money via Western Union so I Googled how much they charge for $300 (approximately P13,200 at that time). I don't know why it isn't readily posted on the Western Union website so I looked elsewhere. I found some info, yeah, but too bad, it was erroneous information. So imagine my surprise when I was asked to pay P540.00 to send P13,200.00 to somewhere in Quezon. Well anyway, for your reference, I took a photo of the poster displaying the current rates for sending money domestically (to and from anywhere in the Philippines) via Western Union.

Some Truth About ePinoyload.com

     Even before my dad's stroke last year, I spend approximately 60% of a year in my hometown. I love the quiet and the simplicity of life in the province, and except for the occasional "technology glitches", I have no complains being at home. When I say "technology glitches," I meant to say slow Internet connection or sometimes no signal at all, and yep -- not being able to find an e-loading station in the middle of the night when I desperately needed to reload my prepaid phone or Internet. That's why when Sam, my dad's therapist, mentioned an e-loading business opportunity from UPN (http://powerup.unlimitedpesonetwork.com), I said, why not? I get to earn a bit and then I can load myself anytime, anywhere. Such fun, right?

     I have no full knowledge how things work with UPN but I get that they've built their business platform around ePinoyload, because when I started encountering problems and he can no longer address my queries, Angelo (the guy who introduced Sam to the business) referred me to the ePinoyload website (http://epinoyload.com) and sir Jessie (the dealer from whom I am listed under) gave me a number of an ePinoyload staff who can accommodate my complains.

Mutya ng Daragang Magayon 2014 Winners

     The search for Mutya ng Daragang Magayon is one of the highlights of the Daragang Magayon Festival 2014 celebration in the province of Albay. The pageant is an annual search for the woman who best represents the beauty and character of Daragang Magayon. In his address to the people during the pageant night, Governor Joey Salceda said that "Imbedded in the guise of a pageant are the ideals for which we — as a people bound by one culture, and for which I — as a leader of a booming community — will continue to lead our journey."  He said further that behind Daragang Magayon pageantry is a celebration of the SPIRIT of MAGAYON -- which, according to the governor, pertains to the spirit of heroism, love of nature, constant kindness, preparedness, as well as the spirit of resiliency -- all of which embodies the Albayanos' continuing struggle for excellence and true beauty.

Mutya ng Daragang Magayon 2014 winners

Photo courtesy of Shanti Serrano

     Screening for the pageant was held last March 16, 2014 at the LCC Concourse and the Mutya ng Daragang Magayon 2014 Pageant Night took place last night, April 26, 2014, at the Albay Astrodome.

     From the 20 gorgeous ladies, here are the winners of the minor awards:

Ms. Talent Sarah Jane Balingasa

Photo courtesy of Wang Regalado

Parade of Higantes in Daragang Magayon Festival 2014

     The Parade of Giants, a colorful display of over 50 "higantes" representing Albay's mythological creatures, took center stage last March 25, 2014 as part of the Daragang Magayon Festival celebration. The characters on the "Parade of Higantes" were adopted from the book "The Brief Account of Beliefs, Legends, Superstitions and Religion of the Ancient Indios of Bicol" written by Fray Jose Castaño and published in 1885 in Madrid, Spain.^[1] Characters such as Daragang Magayon, Datu Makusog, Panganoron, Pagtuga, Linog, Sagugurang, Oryol, Ibingan, Angogolood, and Tambaloslos came in giant papier-mâché sculptures which are over 10 feet tall and paraded from Bicol University (assembly area) to Peñaranda Park.

Giant Anitos (Photo by  Peoalbay Albay Province)

     Here are some of the "higantes" during the parade, photos all taken from Governor Joey Salceda's facebook page:

Ibingan (Photo by Shanti Serrano)

Ginoo ni Daragang Magayon 2014 Winners

     Ginoo ni Daragang Magayon is an annual male search in the province of Albay as part of the Daragang Magayon Festival celebration. Screening was held last March 16, 2014 at the LCC Concourse and the Ginoo ni Daragang Magayon Pageant Night happened last April 5, 2014 at the Albay Astrodome.

Ginoo ni Daragang Magayon 2014 winners.

Photo courtesy of Magayon Festival Facebook page.

Here are the winners for the minor awards: