Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Paoay: A Place where the Bygone Meets the Avant- Garde




Paoay: a place where the past collides with the present…

A Haven for artists where they can feel satisfaction for their affection for the avant-garde …
Where, we fell in love, not only to the rustic details every corner has to offer, but also to the nouveau ideas of their interior designs.








Unexpected pieces dot the the vintage place and one may wonder how they could attractively work! The dΓ©cor— juxtaposed umbrellas hanged above the ceiling, coral reefs painted red, crystal chandeliers delicately placed on trees, and the dilapidated walls that speak creativity…We could go on and on with these quirky details but words are not enough to express the amazing artistry and rich culture of Paoay.













The supposed-to-be “Horror House” along Paoay Church brought a different impression for us… For we felt shivers not because of fear but love… the eerie place brought us to another realm… enchanting… romantic… whimsical…

The Savory Story of Batchoy: Ongpin to Legazpi

Special batchoy  is sold for only Php 70.00 (you can request for additional broth if you want) 


I remember myself telling my husband (John) that I am not a fan of “mami”, “batchoy” or anything that resembles a noodle soup that is SWEET. (Yes, you heard it right). I don’t like any food that is sweet besides dessert, chocolates and candies. (Period) I am a stereotype kind of foodie (not fun, right?). *this is the deadlock my husband and I are always having! All that he wants, I don’t-- especially when it comes to taste. But these huge differences between us have never put a gap in our relationship; instead, every time I discover new things from him, learned to appreciate his “quirky slash wild” ideas, and break my dull wall of expectations by not only nodding along his silly notion but (at least) trying to “go along”. (Yes! It’s called compromise... the "matrimonial compromise".)

One time, he asked me if we could eat a noodle soup for snack, I made no second thoughts of saying yes and suggested Kem’s Ongpin Batchoy House or  colloquially known by Bicol University students as, the “Ongpin Batchoy or Batchoyan sa BU”. (Everybody who studied at BU knows this place—young and old, high-class or mid class, name them all… they know this place!)
Contrary to the modest look of their resto, they serve an extravagant pork noodle soup. Their batchoy’s ingredients are not rationed. Completely irresistible!  

So we tried to eat there, and I tell you! He (Hubbie) fell madly, deeply in love with their “batchoy”. I know, I mentioned that I hate “sweet” noodles but this one comes differently. Its rich oriental flavors lingered in our taste buds. The owner, Ken Kho (who is by the way very friendly) is firm to not compromising the flavor of the dish with a cheap price. I remember him telling us that, “di bale wala nalang, kesa kulang ang rekado at hindi masarap…”
Ongpin Batchoy has stood for 16 years and is now recognized as an institution in BU.
 *** Ken, the owner was originally from Binondo. He met his better half in Bicol and decided to stay for good in Legazpi City.
*this place was introduced to me by an office mate slash friend, “Tiagee Baby” (as we fondly call him).

Kem's Ongpin Batchoy also serves other value meals and sandwiches perfect for  someone who is on a tight budget but wants to eat good food


So, if you want to have the same experience that we had, do visit them. for those who don't know it yet, they moved to a new place because their previous location posterior to the university oval is being renovated. 
Their new place is now located at the back of the Nursing Building, Bicol University, Legazpi City.

Ongpin Batchoy is served with chicharon, fresh cabbage, siomai, beef julienne and perfectly poached eggs poured with savory oriental broth.

A hint of chili won't hurt! the perfect blend for this noodle soup :-)


Credits to Paolo Arroyo for giving me the catchphrase for this blog :-)

Monday, March 28, 2016

Discovering Vigan's Gastronomic Heritage

When we planned our trip to Vigan, what first came to our minds was to taste their signature Longganisa and (of course!) their renowned EMPANADA! Yes, we were so curious how they tasted because every time we searched for “VIGAN” in the internet, these two pops up... but, on the other hand, we were thinking about breaking the monotony and wanted to try other street food. We were not disappointed! Here are a few must-trys! 

SINANGLAW- the pride of Vigan
served near Plaza Burgos for breakfast they serve it at around 6am

Sinanglaw is their local version of papaitan. it is made of beef innards. the ginger and garlic removes the strong "tallow" taste.some tasted its "bitterness" but we don't. we did not add the "papaitan" (bile soup)  they served separately (its your choice if you want to put some). {best way for beginners like us, who are not yet ready for the "bitter" flavor}instead, we added their local vinegar. it was good! really good! although, the kamias already made the dish sour, but adding more "sourness" to the dish, gives it a little umpf!  (Leveling up the dish! we (just) ordered one since we just want to pamper our curiosity(a streetwise strategy if you are not familiar with the dish. this will help you save money at the same time, you'll not waste food). anyway, we were not disappointed! :-) 


Family Cordillera Inn's complimentary breakfast. we love their marinated bangus (their local vinegar really does the magic trick!) but their soup and rice were blah... (kinda' ok kinda not... we think kinda in the middle???!!!) the soup was served cold and the rice was not cooked well...(we're giving considerations because their place was too crowded with guests taking advantage of the long week vacay. we think they deserve a second chance???!!! (hehehehe...)







The salty,garlicky taste of Ilocos Longganisa is the perfect blend for the crispy wrap of Irene's Vigan Empanada. 
A must-try indeed!πŸ˜ŠπŸ‘ 
don't forget to drizzle this with Ilocos (local) vinegar yum!!!!

Tried also their Tuna and Beef Version. Equally deliciousπŸ˜ŠπŸ’•

Cost: Php 35.00-Longganisa
Php 45.00-Beef and Tuna size: approximately 7 inches long and 1 inch thick


other flavors they serve with their prices :-)



their local version of "sorbetes" (ice cream)
(left to right) strawberry, avocado and ube perfect for the hot weather (summer perks!)
Mighty John's happy kiddo face! excited to taste the Sorbetes sold along the corner of Calle Crisologo


their version of mais con yelo- Php 25.00 (also available in ube flavor) :-)


PS 
after discovering these...
we wanted to spend at least 2 days touring the place. Maybe choosing to visit the place in a not-so peak season time. BTW, the locals there are very friendly and accommodating. They let you see how they prepare the food and they tell stories about the rustic place as well! all in all, we had a great food trip experience.

want to eat at their resto next visit! 
lurvvvveeee the Vigan alfresco romantic dinnerπŸ’•

)

Sunday, March 27, 2016

#TheFrugalGuidetoAlbay- Quitinday Underground River and Sigpit Falls Adventure


Hello fellow trippers!Temps getting high this past few days! Made our adventurous spirit crave for a cold dip...and so, we explored Quitinday Underground River and Sigpit Falls :-Dhere's a glimpse of our Quitinday Underground River and Sigpit Falls Adventure!Located at Brgy. Quitinday, Jovellar, Albayhere's our travel video:
 https://www.facebook.com/franzerika.badong/videos/vb.1806342426/10204029836545332/?type=3

Must try experience are:
  • Cliff Diving
  • Tour the Quitinday Cave/ Underground River in a bamboo raft (don't forget to use the life vest they are providing to ensure your safety)
  • explore the clear waters
  • swim against the strong current of water and get near Sigpit Falls
  • try the mountain climbing experience at Sigpit Falls