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.