Muang Thai Authentic Thai Cuisine

I got my Thai food fix from Muang Thai located along Banawe Street in Quezon City and it is probaby the most authentic Thai restaurant I had been in Manila. It is quaint and cozy and the staff are all very nice and attentive. The service is fast but the quality of the food has not been compromised. We ordered their famous crispy catfish salad, muang thai fried rice, prawns, spring rolls with sweet chili sauce, Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) and sticky rice with mango. Everything is delicious! I particularly liked the fried rice and the sticky rice with mango.

The Muang Thai Fried rice is a meal in itself. It is rice with pork, squid, shrimp, pineapple, egg, beans and lemon on the side. A definite must-try!

The Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) is a mixture of different flavors, the most pronounced is the lemon grass. Very, very tasty and flavorful, with a kick!

I love the crispy catfish salad. It reminds me of pork sisig, only healthier. I can surely devour a whole plate in one sitting.

The sticky rice with mango is a winner. It has the right blend of sweetness of the sticky rice and the creaminess of the coconut milk. Eat with the mango and it will be a perfect way to cap your meal.


Muang Thai also has a branch at 138 Malakas St., Quezon City.

For more info, call them at +632 426-4123 (Malakas St. branch) and +632 741-8696 (Banawe branch)

photos courtesy of cafenely and chyngreyes. thank you guys!

Posted in Foodtrip | 10 Comments

The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA)

The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport at Clark is currently my favorite Philippine airport. I don’t mind it being small and classless. Its liability is also its asset. Improvements are very much welcome, but as long as it serves its purpose, that is fine with me.

There are around 4 check-in counters. The staff, from the check-in counter to the Immigration Officers to the security guards are friendly, though we encountered one lady manning the final x-ray machine who can use a bit of tact and civility.

There is a terminal fee of PHP 600 from all passengers bound for international destinations; PHP 100 for everywhere else.

The departure area is small but well-lighted. There are some food stalls inside and a coffee shop too. Wi-Fi is available.

It is less stressful flying to and from DMIA since there are not that many passengers yet (well, as compared to Terminals 1-3). But the airport is at least an hour and a half away from Metro Manila. Good thing to/from Metro Manila, Philtranco has buses to the Clark Airport that leaves SM Megamall five times a day (2:30am, 7am, 11:30am, 1pm and 3pm). One can also catch the bus from their Pasay station. From Clark going to Manila, you can disembark at North Edsa, Cubao, Megamall or their Pasay station.Fare is now at P400 one way per passenger. Call their hotline (+632 851-8078 to 79) to reserve a seat.

DMIA has now become a favorite airport of many Filipinos since several international low cost carriers such as Air Asia (Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu), Tiger Airways (Singapore), and Cebu Pacific (Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Macau and Cebu) have made this their gateway. Other airlines that depart/arrive at DMIA are: Seair, Asiana and Jin Air.

On arrival, there is only one luggage conveyor belt in the arrival hall. Not a big thing since DMIA handles only a few flights in a day. Luggage carts are aplenty. The duty-free area is limited to a small space. Nothing much to see and buy except cigarettes, liquors, chocolates and small souvenirs.

Tips:

  • Put your foldable umbrellas in your check-in bags. In case you forgot to do so, coax the staff to retrieve your checked-in bags so you can put your umbrellas inside. If you have no check-in bags, leave your umbrellas at home or else be willing to leave it to the DMIA staff for good.
  • The Philtranco buses arrive promptly and will only wait 10 minutes max. Be sure to be at the Megamall or Pasay station atleast half an hour before their scheduled arrival.
  • Slip-on shoes save time at the security checkpoint.
  • Remember to put in your carry-on bags the essentials such medicines, jacket, a pen to be used in filling out the disembarkation card, a good book or your trusty ol’ ipod.
Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

The Little Store in San Juan

Little Store San Juan branch

This “little” store has been in operation for 11 years, and still going strong. Blame it on the loyal followers of its  P70 delicious and authentic chinese lumpia. Half of this big chinese lumpia is already filling.

fresh lumpia - the best!

It has another branch along Gilmore Street in San Juan named The Big Little Store. This store is bigger but the original store is more cozy. Both stores are divided into three sections. The left part is the area where there is a wide variety of Asian food products and local products. I felt nostalgic when I saw the white rabbit candies with the edible inner wrapper.


The center portion is the cashier where one queues to pay. This is also where the foods are displayed.

order turo-turo style

yummy delicacies

The right part is the restaurant – there are around six to eight tables that are always more than half-filled with customers anytime of the day.

cozy dining area

The grocery area sells a grand variety of products. They offer different condiments such as  curry pastes, chili pastes, soy sauce, herbal teas, dried mushrooms, vegetables and frozen dumplings. My friend swears by their siopao. Too bad they ran out of stocks easily.

siopao and dimsum overload

We also ordered kiampong rice and crab cake.


..and to cap the meal, we had the yummy turon


All in all, we paid less than P150 each.

The Little Store is located along J. Abad Santos, Little Baguio, San Juan. From Wilson Street coming from Ortigas Avenue, turn right at J. Abad Santos and go straight for around 100 meters.


For more info, call the Little Store on a Hill at Tel. 721-9174. They also deliver within San Juan area.

photos courtesy of Cynthia K.

Posted in Foodtrip, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Viajeng Cusinang Matua – Pampanga Old Kitchen Tour

Viajeng Cusinang Matua means Old Kitchen Tour. The tour takes the participants to different Pampanga old kitchens, since the Kapampangans (Pampanga locals) are known for their most delicious cuisines. First stop is at the Kusina ni Atching Lilian Borromeo in Mexico Pampanga. Atching Lilian is known in Pampanga because she hosts a local cooking show. She is a recognized expert when it comes to Kapampangan cuisine and she is also a respected food historian. She is so warm and gracious as if she is everyone’s grandmother. She served us a buffet of sinangag, puto, kutsinta, galantina, dinuguan, tamales and homemade tocino. The tsokolate (chocolate drink) she served was of the native kind, stirred using a wooden batirol until frothy in a copper pitcher and served in a wooden mug.

Kusina ni Atching Lilian Borromoeo

She also gave a short cooking demonstration of the famous San Nicolas cookies. These cookies were first introduced in 1600. What made the cookies extra special was that it was shaped from wooden molds that are more than 100 years old. And no two molds are alike.

the making of the famous San Nicolas Cookies

Next stop is the Kabigting’s Halo-Halo in Arayat Pampanga. Though Razon’s Halo-Halo is more famous, Kabigting’s version is equally good. Made with only 3 ingredients namely mashed red beans, corn and homemade pastillas, I agree that they are really as good as Razon’s.

Kabigting Halo-Halo

Next is Susie’s cuisine in San Fernando Pampanga. They are known for their Tibok-Tibok (or milk pudding). Pampanga’s version of maja blanca, it is made with carabao milk and has a gelatenous consistency with latik on top. Another bestseller is the mochi, finger-shaped rice cakes with sweet mongo bean filling. They also serve snacks like pasta and noodles. Another must-try is their pansit palabok.

Susie's Cuisine

Lunch is at Everybody’s Cafe along San Fernando Highway. They are best known for serving authentic Kapampangan dishes.

Everybody's Cafe

Their camaro (crickets) and morcon are a must-try.

Morcon

Not to be missed also are their fern salad topped with salted egg:

Pako Salad at Everybody's Cafe

…and of course, the star of the show, the betute or stuffed frogs. Not too big a fan of frogs, alive or dead, it took me some time before I finally ate the stuffed frogs but did it anyway with eyes closed and a lot of imagination of happy thoughts..lalalalallaaaaaaa…..

Betute or stuffed frogs

Then we visited 2 churches – the Bacolor Church and the Betis Church.Pampanga has many old churches, and these 2 are the most famous. Betis church is named as one of the most significant cultural landmarks by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts while Bacolor is famous as the site where the telenovela May Bukas Pa (led by a child playing the role of Santino) was shot.

Bacolor Church

Then we went to Prado Farm in Lubao. The owner, Reimon Guttierez, guided us to the charming and unique farm. We were served their own family favorites like tsokolate pinipig suitably matched with their homemade fried suman, bringhe, and sweet mangoes. We were then toured around their property where they do organic farming.

The LPG gate of the Prado Farm

Bringhe, Fried Suman and Mango topped with Tsokolate Pinipig

Our last stop is at the Kusina ni Atching May Gosioco where, in my book, I tasted the best sisig EVER!

Sisig from Kusina ni Atching May Gosioco

The ride back to Manila was quiet, with everyone asleep from all the food eaten the whole day of stay in Pampanga.

The trip was a success thanks to Tracey Santiago of TravelTales, Inc. They promote Responsible Travel and Sustainable Local Tourism in the Philippines. They encourage travelers and host communities or destinations to be part of the growing consciousness of Responsible Tourism.

You may get in touch with them at:

Email: traveltales@ymail.com
Facebook: traveltales, inc.

Landline: +632 2390950
Mobile: 09209235615

Look for Tracey Santiago

Posted in Foodtrip, Pampanga | 1 Comment

Monasterio De Tarlac

Situated on top of a mountain is the Monasterio De Tarlac. It houses the relic of the True Cross of Jesus.

the chapel

The spacious property offers a panoramic view of Tarlac. The noticeable silence in the place is a sure welcome from the noisy city.

30-foot statue of the Risen Christ

in infrared

There are two sets of the Stations of the Cross. One is for the less agile and the other is for those who are ready to go up and down the hills under the searing heat of the sun.

stations of the cross

I love the peace and serenity the place gives. Up there, it is easier to be “holy” and “follow” Jesus’ steps. But reality has to take over and I eventually need to go down to the real world.

..to follow his step

The relic of the true cross is exposed only twice a year. On January 30 and on September 14, the feast of the Holy Cross. A mass is being offered at 10:30am every Saturday and Sunday.

the relic

How to go there:

Take the NLEX, exit at St. Ines, Mabalacat, Pampanga. Just follow the road going to Tarlac. At Brgy. San Sebastian, look for Hon Kee Tea House (right side) and turn left. At the end of the 36-kilometer scenic road is Brgy. Lubigan where the Monasterio is located. Various signages are posted along the way.

Tips:

  • Bring an umbrella or anything to protect you from the scorching heat of the sun during summer and rain during the wet season.
  • Remember to bring enough water to keep you hydrated.
Posted in Tarlac | 4 Comments

The Binondo Food Wok

Having just made an exploration a month earlier of Binondo in my photography class, I was as excited to do another Binondo tour but this time with Ivan ManDy’s The Big Binondo Wok.

I was immediately impressed by Ivan’s dedication to share his knowledge of Binondo to the Filipinos. Garbed in a chinese costume and with a Philippine flag on stick held up high over his head, he is like the pied piper of Hamelin as we followed him along the streets of Binondo.

After a brief introduction of Binondo and chinatown, we first stopped at a Chinese slipper store, the New Le Sempatica Commercial and Ivan told us how feet binding was observed in China during the earlier years. I learned that men of those days prefer women with smaller feet, thus the women then were willing to go through excruciating pain just to prevent their feet from growing. How? By tying their feet with bandage dipped in herbs and medicines. The bandage was tightened every day until the feet grow so small to be just the size of a closed fist.

Ouch.

Our next stop was the Eng Bee Tin Mezzanine Fire Fighters Cafe. We were served with Kiampong Rice, Fish Ball soup and Iced coffee. The kiampong rice tastes so good i could have asked for a second serving if I didn’t restrain myself. The fish ball soup has fish balls that were not made of flour. The iced coffee was great too.


Next stop was a Chinese Drugstore, Ban Shiong Thai. There we were shown with a couple of dried geckos tied together. Ivan said the chinese use this like a tea bag – dipped in a kettle and the water to be drank afterwards. Known to cure asthma, colds and flu. Bubble in my head says I’d rather be sick than drink that!

Ivan then led us in a very inconspicuous restaurant that only has 5 tables, the 5th one being a freezer top. But dare not underestimate this humble place because they do have the best dumplings in the area. It’s my favorite pitstop. The dumplings were made right before our eyes, thus the freshness cannot be doubted.

By the way, we can eat all the food we can on this Big Binondo Wok. We just need to request for a refill and more food will be brought to the table.

After satisfying ourselves with all the dumplings we could take, we next moved to the Santo Cristo de Logos Shrine. This is where Christianity meets the Chinese culture. Instead of candles, incense were lit. And the after saying a small prayer, the faithfuls get these wooden chips and toss them like a dice. Whatever is the result would determine the answer to their prayer: a yes, a no or question irrelevant.

Another foodstop is the store that sells brown eggs. Ivan gave each one of us a brown egg and prodded us to open it and take a bite. After everyone took a bite, he told us that we just tasted a snake’s egg! Yuck!

But actually, those were just tea-marinated eggs. The eggs were made to stay in the mixture for 3 days to give them a brown color and a yummier taste.


A few steps away, Ivan took a plastic canister from one of the vendors and gave each one of us this orange stuff and he asked us to taste it. He made us think what the taste reminded us of. I immediately thought of Hawflakes, that childhood food papa loves to bring to us as pasalubong. Ivan told us the orange stuff is actually Chinese Hawthorn, and this is where Hawflakes were made from.


Our last stop is this Lumpia Restaurant, the New Po-Heng Lumpia House.

I have always loved the chinese lumpia being sold at the Big Little Store along Gilmore Avenue. But this one tastes notches better! The peanuty sauce is not too sweet for my taste. And the vegetables used were fresh and crunchy to the bite. The best chinese lumpia for me! I thought I cannot eat it all because of my full stomach but I did eventually.

I had fun in this Binondo Wok. Though my feet ached, my tummy was happy. =)

Posted in Binondo | 1 Comment

Vietnam: Perfume Pagoda

Chua Huong, or Perfume Pagoda, is actually a group of shrines and pagodas. It is located in the Ha Tay Province, some 40 miles from Hanoi.
The 3-hour roadtrip provided us with a view of a day in the life of a Vietnamese. The throng of students riding their bikes from school, the entrepreneurs on bicycles selling their wares which almost cover their whole being, friends outside their houses drinking beer or tea, fat and healthy chickens and dogs along the roads.
At the middle of the trip, we stopped by Tam Viet where some of our co-passengers (there are by the way around 9 of us in the small tourist bus) bought souvenirs or just stretched their legs.
After a 3-hour roadtrip, we reached Ben Duc. The only way to reach the Perfume Pagoda is by traversing the narrow but scenic Yen River. An iron boat that can carry 4 to 6 people is waiting at the docking area. One cannot fail to notice, these boats are being manned by women.
The boatride can be a little uncomfortable especially since a little movement can make the boat wobble. One has to just sit still and take in the nice view of the mountains and breath in the cool and unpolluted air. But I really have to take my hats off to these women who sat by the oar. Remarkably, rowing seems second nature to them. Their ages range from 18 to 50 and rowing earns them around $2 a day plus tip. Some even  row using their feet! I wonder why Vietnam is not sending these women to the Rowing event of the Olympics.
The charming view along the Yen River made up for the uncomfortable ride. The limestone karsts dot the whole ride while some villagers are on their boats fishing or peddling goods or services (like this group of women who tirelessly ask to take our photos for $1 per picture. We consented finally just so we can reclaim our peaceful journey).

Upon docking 45 minutes later, the 2km hike to the Pagoda starts. But we had our authentic , Vietnamese, bountiful lunch first for energy.
Then the climb begins! Pilgrims have to go up and down along the mountain on foot to ask favours from Buddha.
Thanks to the cable car, I was spared from the strenous climb.
Rate is $4 two-way.
What is supposed to be a more-than-one-hour ascend turned to a 5-minute-or-so beautiful ride amidst picturesque greeneries.
Because my heart hates long climbs, I just waitied for my friends at entrance to the long plight of stairs going to the Perfume Pagoda.

I learned later that the Pagoda has a few Buddhist altars inside a shallow cave. The aroma or perfume (thus the name) comes from a tree growing in the vicinity that secretes a sweet scent when in full bloom.

The pagoda is very significant to the Vietnamese especially during the Tet Festival, their New Year. They do a pilgrimage here to burn offerings for a bountiful year ahead. This is perhaps the most important pagoda in the pagoda-loaded Vietnam.
At the bottom of the moutain is a complex of temples popularly known as Thien Tru Pagodas. The structure below is the gate to the complex.
Construction is ongoing inside. Perhaps in preparation for the next Tet Festival.
Below is the main temple inside the complex.

We leave as we came – through the woman-driven metal boat. It rained mildly, not strong enough to get us soaking wet, but not light also as not to give us a slight scare that our boats be filled with water before we reach Ben Duc. Luckily the rain turned to drizzle after 30 minutes.

The whole experience costs us $23. It already includes a comfortable tourist bus driven by a very cautious driver, an english-speaking guide, sumptuous lunch, the boatride, the entrance fees and the 2-way cable car. Not bad for a very educational and unique experience.

Posted in Asia, Hanoi | 1 Comment

Vietnam: Hanoi Guesthouse

 

Hanoi Guesthouse

I will recommend the Hanoi Guesthouse to fellow budget travellers. The staff are very helpful and are so eager to help.

It is very well situated and every place is accessible from it. Very near the restaurants and a few minutes walk away from Hoan Kiem Lake.

Rooms are spacious though the bathroom is a bit small. We could have appreciated it more if we were placed on a lower floor because being on the 5th floor is a bit tiring. But I think we arrived at a time when they were fully booked so we have no choice but to stay on the last floor. You also have to remind them to change the linen everyday.

free wi-fi and use of computers

The tours and taxi fare they arranged for us are the cheapest. I am confident to say that they are honest and will not grab at the chance to give a shady deal. They also give the highest exchange rate for your dollar.

backpackers' favorite hostel

We just encountered a problem when we arrived because the taxi that is supposed to pick us was not at the arrival area. But when we called the hostel to ask, they were apologetic and after a while the taxi came. A big thank you to the airport security guard who lent us his cellphone.

Other extras I appreciated: free internet access at the reception area, slippers for the guests’ use, hair blower, and we were given (for free) 2 bottles of mineral water.

The manager, Miss Ling, has been very helpful and will really go the extra mile to assure the guests’ contentment and comfort.

Tips:

  • It is highly advisable to keep the address and phone number of the hostel just in case you need to call them from the airport.
  • The hostels/guesthouses there have different English and Vietnamese names. It will greatly help to take note of both. Best if you can print a picture of the hostel/guesthouse because there were stories that some taxi drivers at the airport will intentionally bring you to a different hotel in exchange for some incentives from the hostel to the drivers.

 

Posted in Hanoi | 3 Comments

Vietnam: Around Hanoi

Airport

The Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is one of the newest airports in Vietnam. It looks big but a bit dimly lit. I immediately sensed the difficulty I will have with the language barrier when the immigration officer asked for my passport but I gave him my Arrival-Departure Declaration, my Boarding Pass, my baggage claim tab, everything I am holding except the passport. So with a louder voice with matching head-scratching and dagger look, he repeated what sounded like “chupepa” and waved in front of me a passport. Silly me finally understood.

After waiting for about 45 minutes for our taxi, we were finally off to our hotel.

Tien Hung Hotel

 

Upon arrival, the nice guy at the Hanoi Guesthouse (Tien Hung Hotel) named Zhum welcomed us with 2 glasses of water and offered to help us with our tours. But we were too tired to decide. Expectedly, we drowsed off to sleep effortlessly.

We have decided not to waste any precious time since we have a very tight schedule to follow so we started our day early on Day 1.

Motorcycles

motorcycle overload

One cannot help but notice the abundance of motorcycles plying the road. Though I am already aware of this, I was still blown away by their number. There should be around 10 motorcycles, cyclos and cars at an intersection at any given time, going in all four different directions. Traffic lights are mere suggestions. But somehow, they manage it. I haven’t seen any road rage nor accident.

I have seen a family of 5 on a motorcycle. There was also this high-heeled lady using a cellphone zooming by. My friend even saw a pregnant girl driving herself to somewhere.

Food

It seems Pho can be bought from any food place in Hanoi. And by food place it can be a 20-seater restaurant or a simple set-up of boiling tub of water, raw noodles, raw meat and the Pho will be cooked in front of you in 3 minutes top. Amazingly, buyers of this dingy-looking food place come one after another. There is one just outside our guesthouse.

Pho sold in the streets

We tried eating at their KFC. It was a bit bland for my taste. I still prefer the KFC of the Philippines.

KFC in Hanoi

For only VND25,000, one can already have a decent and delectable authentic vietnamese beef pho (with very generous chunks of sliced beef).

We also got a chance to eat their version of atis. Only difference is it is not opened lengthwise, but to be peeled like a banana. A kilo costs VND20,000.

snake aphrodisiacs

For the bravehearts, or should I say brave-intestines, they also have this snake wine. Actually it is just rice wine with a dead cobra inside. Sometimes the cobra has company. Either a dead gecko, a dead bird or a dead seahorse. The preserved cobras are in i’ll-bite-you poses, making them more realistic and frightening.

Language

If you are good in playing charades, you will survive. Most Vietnamese are not english-speaking. Those who do pronounce the word differently, thus understanding them can be a problem as well. When we bought some souvenirs, we talked using the calculator. Sometimes, some animated and imaginative actions can help you get your point across.

Shopping

souvenier items

Thai Son pots

Unarguably, goods and services are cheap in Hanoi. The Old Quarters alone is a haven of cheap and nice goods. Exchange rate when we were there was VND16,500 to 1 USD. We became instant millionaires when we exchanged our 100 dollars!

travelling essentials: passport, map and pocket money

One just has to be very patient in scouting for cheaper prices. And never haggle too low. This we learned the hard way when two vendors got furious at our desired prices. But some vendors are very nice and give fair prices cheerfully.

Women

I admire the women of Vietnam. They are very down-to-earth and industrious. My initial thought was gender equality is being observed at great length in Vietnam. I was amazed seeing Vietnamese women carrying bricks…

labor not only during childbirth

..but I got a lot more surprised when I saw this woman mixing cement on the side of the road.


But hands down, Vietnamese women are really beautiful..

Posted in Hanoi | 8 Comments

Vietnam: Ha Long Bay

Aboard our tourist bus, off we went again, this time to Ha Long Bay. It is a UNESCO Heritage site located in the Quang Ninh province. It is also a candidate in the search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Ha Long means Descending Dragon. Legend has it that during the olden times when the Vietnamese were fighting the Chinese invaders, a family of dragons was sent to defend the land. These dragons spew out jewels and jade, and these turned into the beautiful karsts dotting the bay today.

Halong Bay is 3 hours from Hanoi.

Upon reaching Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, there was a bedlam of tourists and junks. Confused tourists kept on following their tour guides, afraid to be left behind.

Good thing our affable tourist guide was very quick in securing tickets for us so we were aboard our junks in no time.

By the way, junk is what they call their sailing vessel. We rode a smaller junk because the bigger ones are for those who will sail overnight. Their junks are much bigger because the bottom portion is where the individual cabins are.

Halong Bay is composed of 3,000 islands and they say it will take 2 weeks to see all the islands. We have only 4 hours so we have to be content in seeing just a few islands.


But the view is amazing! Reminds me a lot of the beautiful limestones in Coron, Palawan.

As we cruised around the bay, we saw floating villages with floating markets and floating vendors. Tourists can buy some raw seafoods and request the people operating the junk to cook it for them. We were treated to a sumptuous lunch aboard the junk amidst the beautiful karsts.

After lunch, our guide invited us to visit a “cave” but we should get off the junk and ride a smaller boat. I was quite disappointed with the “cave” because it was not a cave but a lagoon and the only thing that can qualify it as a cave is the small opening we have to pass through.

A definite tourist trap at $3 per person!

After a few minutes of enjoying the tranquil bay, we docked in a small island to go the the Amazing Cave.

I was a bit sure that I will be disappointed because 1) a bit of climbing is involved and 2) just by the sound of its name, it already sounded “commercialized” and overhyped. Good thing i set my expectations low because i was truly amazed by the cavernous cave. The added lighting gave it a more dramatic aura and the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites are a sight to behold.

Time flies so fast while inside the cave and I’m still enjoying taking pictures but our guide said it was time to go.

Here is a view from the mouth of the cave, overlooking the bay:

Around 4pm, we headed back to Bai Chay Tourist Wharf bringing with us the beautiful and lovely view of Ha Long Bay.

Posted in Hanoi | 5 Comments