ILIGAN - City of Majestic Waterfalls

     This is my first blog since Yolanda/Haiyan.  The typhoon affected all of us terribly especially us in the Leyte-Samar area.  I couldn't get myself to face the computer and write happy thoughts.  It has been a while.  We are slowly moving on.

     This is about Iligan City in the Southern Philippines.  Iligan City had been home to my husband's family for quite a number of years.  And it is with fondness that we all return to this lovely place from time to time to go back to old memories and bask in the lovely view of Iligan's pride-its waterfalls. 

   

The Maria Cristina Falls

 

Iligan is home to the country's most popular falls -  the Maria Cristina.  The falls is open for public viewing only on certain days.  I understand on non-viewing days, you wouldn't see the falls as it is captured by a dam that converts all of the energy into electricity to supply power for Mindanao.  I was looking forward to twin falls as seen in most photographs but since we came in the summer of 2015, only one waterway was gushing.  

     Aside from the Maria Cristina, we bravely took the heart-pounding trek down to the Tinago Falls - a beauty nestled in the heart of the Iligan mountains.  Going down was not so bad.  It was the trek back up the hundred or so steps to civilization that was a huge feat.  But the view oh, the view was splendid.

The Tinago Falls

   

That's us there braving the pressure of the gushing water.  It was 'now or never'

    You could get to the mouth of Tinago via raft.  There is a group of  nature-oriented youth that see to the upkeep of the falls (or so I believe) and the operation of the raft.  For a modest amount of fifty pesos we were able to feel the pressure of the cold water on our backs  I almost run out of oxygen, haha.

     The internet has mine loads of information.  Since I'm the DIY type of traveler, I organized my itinerary from information I gathered from blogs of travelers and did got to these places.

     I believe there are 11 falls that are must see in the city.  Which means I still have nine to go.  See them next visit!

The Invasion Of Leyte, a work in progress

  I couldn't find any other appropriate heading to this post.  This is, technically, an invasion - MY INVASION into Leyte.

    Leyte- Tacloban, in particular, is Region 8's government epicenter.  It is here that we go for passports, government clearances, everything, and shopping.  And it is during during these trips that I find opportunities to make my discoveries.

RAFAEL FARM, BABATNGON, LEYTE

   I had the opportunity to discover the much-blogged about Rafael Farm very recently (April 2013, that is) with my husband.  

   We took the public transport bound for Babatngon from the Tacloban City Terminal.  It was not so hard getting there as there were constant trips bound for Babatngon from Tacloban.  It took us about thirty minutes and twenty pesos (per head) to get to Rafael Farm which was along the highway.

    

     

    Rafael Farm was very beautiful.  Not really a farm, per se, but a beautifully landscaped piece of property with a restaurant and a lagoon-which I figure out to be the lowest level of the property where rainwater collects but was artfully designed and put up to look like a lagoon,  for the main attractions.  Oh, but it was just lovely and so serene I could stay here forever.

   This is the lagoon, above, where guests who would like to indulge may go boating, and the restaurant, below, as seen from the cute pergola at the pond's center(not sure how to call it).

  The restaurant is surrounded by lily- and freshwater fish-ponds which made the ambiance even more zen-like.

    It was tastefully crafted out of what I believe to be discarded items from old house(s) as most of the items found inside seemed 'old' - from the capiz window cum backdrop to the chairs and the minutest pieces which served as decor.

 

   The food was definitely Filipino.  We tried the much talked-about baby back ribs, gaway(I forgot what they call it but it resembles laing), and a pitcherful of herb-infused lemonade.  Very tasty.

   I found the sinigang a little bit too sour for my tastebuds, but I will definitely come back - my children are looking forward to this trip after they have seen our pictures.

Easter At Rocky Liliputan

   My children love the beach.  Oh, it doesn't matter what waterform they're into as long as they can take a dip - they'll love it.  At Easter they found the perfect opportunity to convince mama and papa to head off to the beach, and  so off  we went to the Liliputan Rocky Beach Park in the nearby town of San Julian here in Eastern Samar aboard our old but trusty cab.

   Liliputan is about ten minutes from Borongan by car.  There are public utility multicabs at the Borongan City Transport  Terminal that can take you to San Julian and you just tell the driver that you will alight at the crossing nearest Liliputan, as there are no direct public transport to the beach park.  A two-kilometer hike sea-bound and you will find yourself at the entrance of the resort.  

 

   A marker glued to the mountain edge and a welcoming sight beacons at the entrance.  

   A minimal fee of Php 6 is required at the entrance.  I have learned that one part goes to the barangay and the other part goes to the municipal treasury as the place is owned and maintained by the local government of San Julian.  Open cottages range from Php 150- Php 300 depending on capacity.  However, it's only-until-6 PM so it is better to be there early in the day to have the fill of this rocky getaway.

   The place is needs a little more development but I think it is just as beautiful as it is.  Alas, it's bring-your-own-provision, if you don't want to be taking constant trips back to the poblacion just to fill the picnic basket.

   Perfect for rock climbs (at your own risk and provision, of course) or just appreciation of the natural rock formations.

   For the thrill seekers, a dangerous dive from the steep cliff may be more of a novel experience.

   Cottages were constructed atop rocky protrusions and interconnected by narrow pedestrian walkways.

    A natural lagoon makes this rocky creation a must see.  Not ideal for little kids though as there are no shallow crevices for non-swimmers.   The place was packed with people when we arrived, but there was simply no stopping my little ones from taking a swim aboard their floats.

'The Joy' Christmas Creations

   The Christmas of 2012 was not like Christmases-past. I kept trying to feel but could not feel the 'usual spirit' -  goosebumps whenever Jose Mari Chan's 'My Idea Of A Perfect Christmas' hit the airwaves,  nostalgia whenever the cold wind and mist would kiss my cheeks.  I thought it just goes with maturity, aging.  But pondering deeper, I realized it wasn't that I did not feel  the 'Christmas spirit ' but I was spending Christmas with everybody I loved and cared for that I did not feel the yearning to be home for Christmas - I was home.  

   I took it upon myself to make my husband happier this Christmas by organizing Christmas Eve dinner with his side of the family instead of the usual dinner at home.  We spent Christmas Eve at my mother-in-law's.  His sisters living nearby shared with us this simple but wonderful feast and I felt better knowing that my husband appreciated my efforts - in countless ways I felt  he did.

  I will not share with you our photographs because my camera was not much of a help that night.  It is just a point-and-shoot day camera and did not do our dinner justice. Here are some of my creations though - those that I was able to photograph at home while I was busy preparing and my youngest child was asleep. 

   Ube Jam - in Tagalog its called Haleyang Ube.  A prominent delight at my Christmas table.  It's never Christmas without Ube Jam.

   I tried making Asado as viand.  I got this recipe from Mana Eday - my co-worker.  It's beef marinated in soy sauce and vinegar with some herbs and cooked with a splash of tomato sauce.

   I'm truly proud this year that my five-year-old daughter had shown interest in the culinary - and mango float was her masterpiece.

   New Year's Eve is also my birthday.  We had New Year's Eve dinner at home.   This year we had chicken lollipop, lumpiang shanghai, estofado, grilled fish, lechon, carbonara, and for dessert - fruit salad and my birthday cake - chocolate ganache courtesy of my husband (oh, he just bought it).

   This is the much-coveted item at my buffet table - chocolate ganache.  Very rich, melt-in-your-mouth creation of the Dadubos in Campesao.  My husband just placed a candle on top and asked me to blew it.  Happy New Year!

Latest Dining Sensation In Town

   I was so blessed this week to be treated to gastronomic delights of surreal proportions.  And Phenpoint Grill Alang-alang - Borongan's latest dining sensation was the 'it' place for the wonderful experience.

   They offer eat-all-you-can lunch and dinner buffets for only Php 200. 

   

   The buffet tables - all filled up to the mark with culinary sensations meant to whet one's palate. In the foreground is the hands-on owner-cook-manager Pinpin always supervising, methodically looking for flaws and bent to perfection.  Best time to be there is around 9-10 o'clock before the huge crowd begin to rush.  I was among the early birds.

   The cozy interiors of Phenpoint Grill won't make you shy to come back to the buffet tables for more.
  

   The squid is a must-try.  Stuffed with choice herbs, vegetables and chicken and pan-fried to a delectable done-ness, I always look forward to my squid meal every time. 

  This is pork adobo ala Phenpoint.  So delicious.

   Chicken Cordon Bleu.  I super like this trademark dish of Phenpoint's.  There's a herb infused that I cannot yet figure out and until I discover this mystery herb, I won't stop coming back for more.

   For the diet-conscious, the sweet-and-sour fish with vegetables is perfect. 

   The salad bar.  The vegetables were covered when I arrived.  I was one of the first guests and had the complete set to my heart's content.  You can mix and match the vegetables according to preference.  I had a huge heap of lettuce - something I can't always do in Borongan because of unavailability of the vegetable.

   The cakes counter.  Today I had supermoist chocolate cake which I devoured every morsel that I forgot to count my calorie intake.

Pizza - Made In Borongan

  Friday showed the first rays of the sun after typhoon Ofel dropped by last week and leaving a number of banana and coconut leaves strewn along the streets and highways of Borongan.   Friday was also a non-working holiday - Eid'l Adha for our Muslim brethren, so I was at home to ponder (with the little ones, of course)  the day's feast.

   The collective decision: PIZZA. 

    Borongan has seen an influx of franchises lately.  An excellent indication that the local economy is slowly on the rise.  Brands like More Bites hitting the local market, and this was a fantastic discovery.  Thin crust, and over it a delicious fusion of choice herbs and meat topped with a combination of melt-y cheddar and mozzarella. 

         More Bites Pizza is available at Phenpoint Grill in Baybay 1.

One Lovely Summer Experience at Patigayon

   My first blog pays tribute to Patigayon Beach Resort and the people behind such a wonderful beach night experience. L

   Located in Barangay Ando, an island-barangay a few minutes of motorbanca (the local outdoor club call them outrigger boats)  ride off the northeastern coast of mainland Borongan, here in Eastern Samar,  Patigayon offers a breathtaking view and cozy respite from the daily grind.

   A short tricycle ride from Borongan transport terminal and anywhere within city limits takes you to the Sabang South fish port which will cost Php 8.00.  From the port, Mano Loyloy Castillo, the motorbanca owner-operator that ferries guests to and from Patigayon will take you to Ando Island.   There's a regular schedule of ferrying guests to the island at about eight o'clock in the morning at the fish port.  Don't miss it otherwise you will have to wait for the next scheduled trip at around eleven o'clock as that same boat that departs at eight will be the same boat that will arrive at about ten-thirty.

   From the port at Ando, guests have the option to ride that lone tricycle in the island or walk the road towards Patigayon.  The locals can readily show the way.  

   A santan-lined pathway beacons at the Patigayon gateway.  Coconut trees provide a backdrop for the blooming shrubs.  Just follow the santan trail and you're sure not to miss the way.

     The santans lead guests and visitors to the beach house at the end of the trail.  The smell of the sea air invigorates the senses.  The salty warmth did wonders to my arthritic knees.

   This is the main building as seen from the beach.  The ground level houses the restaurant and the second floor has provisions for guests who wish to spend the night at Patigayon.

   This is the restaurant. Normally this place is spotlessly clean and chairs and tables are arranged to accommodate a number of guests.  This view, however, showed remnants of a night of party and frenzy.

   The beach.  I took this photograph early in the morning.  The tide was high, the first rays of the sun bathe me with warmth.  I don't know what it is about the sea, but it makes me relax.  I'm not basically a 'nature' person, i don't like forest treks and rock climbs, but I love the beach. It's the vastness of the ocean that soothes tired muscles and stressed-out spirits.

   As usual, no vacation is complete without food.  For this trip, Joven, our nurse-cum-cook prepared for us a sumptuous meal of pork adobo cooked over slow fire to perfection, sinugba - grilled fish marinated in soy sauce and herbs, fruit salad and kakanin.

   Our grateful salute to Mano Pancho Bayben and family of Barangay Ando - our gracious hosts.  We will surely come back.