FOOD: Joey Pepperoni at SM Calamba

We went to SM Calamba to do some grocery shopping but decided to eat early lunch first before everybody else does. We wanted something Italian so we dined at Joey Pepperoni (our third time). We ordered Gamberi Pasta, Margherita Pizza, and Rosemary Chicken with Rice. The food preparation usually takes 20-30 minutes, maybe the reason why their placemats have games printed on it.

I love seafood and it always comes first to my order list. Gamberi Pasta is a savory mix of pomodoro sauce (tomatoes + garlic + olive oil + basil + seasonings) with shrimps and bacon, served with a bread stick. The pasta is cooked al dente and there are fairly enough pieces and bits of shrimps and bacon.

For 2-person sharing, the 8" Margherita Pizza is more than enough because we had our own full meals :-D Good thing it is low in calorie, topped only with mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes and basil leaves. I have bigger appetite than Ed so I ended up eating 3 slices of it. I had no choice :-D Hahaha

Ed had Rosemary Chicken with Rice (Pollo al Rosmarino con Riso). We already had pasta the night before at Faustina's Los Baños so he chose rice this time. Me? I didn't mind having pasta straight in a row :-D By first look at the chicken, we thought that this is not what we had before and what was posted in their website. The chicken seemed dry and overcooked, very different from what we got in our previous dines. What we had before was similar to what was shown on their website: 

So the verdict? 3 stars out of 5. Will we eat at Joey Pepperoni restaurants again? Well yes, but will definitely not order the Rosemary chicken again. I hope that all restaurants out there, especially the franchises, will be consistent in serving high quality food so the paying customers will get the value that have been paid for.

- Ed & Glai

FOOD: Fu Japanese Restaurant at Paseo de Sta. Rosa

We used to work in a company located across Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Because of this, we had almost tried all the restaurants in the area. We both LOVE Japanese food and Fu Japanese Restaurant  is our favorite place! Actually, there used to be many Jap resto in Paseo de Sta. Rosa: Ippon-Yari (across), Fu, Ichi, Umenoya, Ryuma... but the last three mentioned are already closed, sad to say. I said Fu is our fave because the freshness of the food they serve and the ambiance of the place. Those who have eaten there before may say that the place isn't as fancy as the others, or the staff from other restaurants are dressed better, blah blah blah... but that's actually what we liked about Fu. It feels homey (especially for Japanese nationals) and less commercialized. So we were able to enjoy our food feeling relaxed, laid back.. ohhh I want to go back.

In the picture, you will know that WE LOVE SASHIMI! Mouth-watering... We rate this restaurant 4 out of 5. Will we eat at Fu again? Of course, YES!!! And we promise ourselves to try each meal on their menu. :-)

-Ed & Glai

TRAVEL: Isdaan Floating Restaurant and Theme Park - Calauan, Laguna 2011

Isdaan Floating Restaurant and Theme Park, a.k.a. Isdaan, is located at National Highway, Calauan, Laguna and is operated by the Barrio Fiesta group of companies. Isdaan is a Thai-inspired theme park serving Filipino cuisine. You can see menus from Barrio Fiesta,  Mama Chit, Bakahan at Manukan, among others.

The owners did not skimp on the architecture of the restaurant. You will see structures of mermaid buddhas, giant monkeys, life-size naked scupltures & crocodiles, and some random cartoon characters.

They have a "Tacsiyapo" wall, like the one that you will see in their other Isdaan branch in Gerona, Tarlac. You can release your anger here! You may buy a glass, plate, even TV and smash it on the wall, targeting your word of preference (i.e. "Kabit", "Ex-Wife", "Magnanakaw") while screaming the word "Tacsiyapo" which literally means "P_tang Ina" (in Tagalog) or "Son of a B_tch" (in English).

During our visit, some areas of the park are still under construction... so I guess we can still expect more of the amazing structures and attractions.

TRAVEL: Tagaytay City, Cavite 2009

All work and no play makes dull life, right? This time, our destination is Tagaytay. If you're from Luzon, it's impossible that you do not know Tagaytay as it is one of the popular destinations in the Philippines. People go here because it has beautiful scenery; you can view the Taal Lake and the iconic Taal Volcano in Batangas. This is why most people thought that Tagaytay is located in Batangas although it is actually located in Cavite.  People also go here for cool climate averaging at 22 degrees Celcius. The last time that I've been to Tagaytay was way back in College (about 4 years ago).. so it's really nice to be back and forget even for a short time the super busy work life.

First Stop: Picnic Grove
It is a large park where you and your family can have picnic, do some horseback riding, or enjoy the eco-trail boardwalk. There are new attractions now: zipline and cable cars. Ed and I both won't risk our lives on it though. Haha!

This park is packed most of the time, especially during weekends! I noticed that there is a big room for improvement in terms of cleanliness because you will see garbage & litters scattered almost everywhere. There should be more garbage bins placed around the park, especially on the picnic areas.

Park Entrance Fee: PhP50.00/person
Vehicle Parking: PhP150.00/vehicle
Huts and Cottages: PhP150.00 (You will not be charged most of the time, especially if you do not plan to stay long in the cottages)

You can buy souvenir items here: keychains, t-shirts, wallets, and so on.

Next Stop: People's Park in the Sky

This is also known as Palace in the Sky. It's a park that was converted from an incomplete mansion built during the time of Marcos. The Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love and a doppler weather radar station maintained by PAGASA is also located in the park.

There's not much to do here, perhaps some picnic and souvenir shopping... Also, there's nothing more to see but a developing residential subdivision on the top of the mountains... a bit disappointing for me.

Park Entrance Fee: PhP10.00/person

We want to re-visit Tagaytay in the future but I think we'll go some place else... ;-)

TRAVEL: Boracay Island, Aklan 2008

It's that time of the year again! No, it ain't Christmas but company anniversary! For employees, like me, it's a date in a calendar that you look forward to because celebrations and awardings usually take place. Last year, we had an outing in Sigayan Beach Resort (see post here). This time around our generous bosses flew us out to none other than..... BORACAY! Woohoo!!! It's the first time for most of us to be riding a plane so that contributes greatly on the excitement factor of this trip. Plus, who would not want to go to Boracay, if given a chance, for free! :)))))

Although Boracay is just a small island in the Philippines, located at Aklan, just by the photos on the Internet, you will be already mesmerized by it... white sand, clear water, fresh seafood, night party... 

We flew via Seair and I'm a little anxious about the airplane because it is an open-propeller type of aircraft... Scared... What if it hits a bird... but since everyone is so excited, I pretended to be very brave :))

We stayed at Boracay Courtyard, which is a cheap hotel located in Station 2, Boracay. It is non-beachfront and a few-minutes-walk to white beach, restaurants, and shops. I don't have the rates but it is considered one of the cheapest hotel in Boracay. It is managed by the well-known La Carmela Resort, where we had our buffet meals. Super Sulit! Super Busog! 

It is my first time to experience a banana boat ride and it was a blast! We managed to get a hold of the banana boat and prevented it from flipping upside-down despite the many attempts of the driver to do so by doing those crazy sharp turns! Other activities that you can do in Bora are island hopping, helmet diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, jet skiing, aqua sub, bar hopping and MANY MORE!

And what better way to finish the exhausting day than to relax (oohhhh spa!)... buy souvenirs & pasalubongs... and do some reflection while enjoying the sound of the waves and the beauty of nature in Boracay...

TRAVEL: Sigayan Bay Beach Resort 2007

The company that I am working at had its first 3days/2nights anniversary outing at Sigayan Bay Beach Resort last May 24-26, 2007. The beach resort is located at Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. 

The girls stayed at Halaan 1 & 2 rooms. Halaan room is air-conditioned, has lying capacity of 8 persons, has a private toilet and bath, and water dispenser. The boys stayed at Sigay 2 room, a big room with lying capacity of 10 persons and has 5 double-deck beds, private toilet and bath, and water dispenser. Of course the bosses, have separate bigger rooms and their helpers are in charge of the cooking. 

Day 2 is activity day. We had games like Sack Race and Tag of War... I'm not a very active kind of person so you can imagine how much I struggled with Sack Race... Ugh.

We also went snorkeling... Now, I had a totally different feeling this time because I just love water! The sea, sand, and whatever's under! Too bad the corals are already dead and there are only few fish to see underwater but it's a new experience for me, well for most of us. I want to do this again next time!

That night, we also had occasional drinks, videoke (sing-along) and forum. Revelations and affirmations! I will always remember this trip! Always...

-Glai

TRAVEL: Caylabne Bay Resort, Cavite 2006

The company that I am working at celebrated its Christmas Party at Caylabne Bay Resort in Ternate, Cavite. We came from Carmona, Cavite so it wasn't a long drive at all, there's just a lot of turns on an uphill road where you will also be surprised by cows's parade :-) It is a bay resort, so after reaching the peak, a downhill drive is expected where you can see the top view of Caylabne. We just bought snacks because we availed the set lunch by El Patio Restaurant. Of course, the party isn't complete without exchange gifts and games (with prizes)! We had Pinoy Henyo and kayak race. Other water sport activities that the resort offer include swimming, aqua trike & banana boat riding, water skiing, and fishing. It was a short but fun outing with office friends.

-Glai