Ever since the dawn of Sex and the City, comes the realization of the New York socialites rummaging to famous restaurants that are a week long booked. They, one time, rendezvous to these high class places only to find out, in just one blink of an eye, the middle class follows. And that’s when these restaurants or café’s can say they’ve made it to the map of New York City.
I love it when there are new spots in the Queen City; it gives me a glimpse of SATC New York: it’s hip, it’s fun, it’s exciting and it’s a delish. And everyone’s there to snuck in and taste the goodness and, without the company’s effort in advertising; everyone’s talking about it.
There’s a new find in Salinas Dr., Lahug, Cebu named Brique. The restaurant is located just beside Chika-an, and it’s along Pizza Republic.
THE PLACE
It is a sophisticated, high end and very, very New York restaurant.
Astonishingly, our photos share the resemblance of a graphic Big Apple studio flat that’s so good to the eyes: my picture in front of the very cool wall made it look like somewhere in the USA (great for Instagram).
The façade of the restaurant is highly modern, and the interior (besides the brick wall) is modern contemporary: a true architectural porn for my eyes.
The place is a two a storey building that’s good for a lot of people, but you have to make reservations especially when you plan to go there on weekends.
THE FOOD
My partner and I found Brique in Foursquare, and upon checking the food pictures; it gives promising offers that I would surely love to try.
They’re famous for their Drunken Angus that costs P370.00 which surely has a very soft meat.
Also, Fish Fillet with Porcini is one of the talks in Foursquare costing about P270.00 that gives you fish de la crème.
They’re also famous for their Truffled Shoestring Potatoes that cost P250.00 and I have to say, good for four people. So bring your barkada and have the taste of a Pik-Nik-like deep fried potatoes topped with bacon and fried basil.
For the drinks, I ordered the Easy Morning Juice that’s oh-so-healthy, and for my partner is the ABC Twist, which perfectly is an Avocado taste and they’re both for P120.00
CONCLUSION + TIP (NOT BUFFET)
I have to say the sophistication of the place is the one to beat. The high class feel of it is really good. But then, unlike other American-style restaurants like Simply J’s and most especially in Café Georg: I have to say, I’m quite disappointed with their famous offers.
The Drunken Angus seems to be so-so, and the Fish Fillet with Porcini is not that good.
Although for a fact, it’s an American themed restaurant, they have to stay true to the flavours of the West, and I understood that. Only, I can’t get the supreme taste of their offers. It leaves a disgust feel on my gut right after all the food were taken (bidli). I think the offers are not bad; it’s just that we don’t get it.
Also we were planning to order their S’more’s but unfortunately, due to the high cost of every offer, ranging from P170.00 to as much as P1,000+: we have to cut our orders since our rule is simple:
If the price of two to three food plus the drinks is above P800.00, it’s already expensive. And to be honest, we reached a thousand plus.
Technically, it’s fine… really, really fine to spend that much, if the famous offers are good and the serving is justifiable to what you are paying.
Also, we noticed a group of six or seven friends having their dinner on the next table who looked so dissatisfied with their experience due to the small serving and the unrelatable taste.
But if you ask me if the place is still worth another visit… well, yeah it is! They still have lots of food, drinks and pastries to choose from.
Camiguin, the island that has been tagged as the Hawaii of the Philippines and also The Island Born of Fire. It’s located southern in the country and part of the northern Mindanao territory. It’s very famous for many things such as Lanzones (super yummy), hot and cold springs and as well as their nearby sandbar that has an amazing view of the entire island.
From the moment of touchdown on the island up to the take-off: what I took away from this escape is that this island is not just about beautiful scenery and the food/delicacy, but also on how to live like the locals and be educated with the total mystery behind the devastating history of the island.
Unfortunately, our budget was very limited to P10,000.00 only and we have to maximize what we have in a steep priced island. So, booking flights and resorts, searching for places to eat, bargaining to the lowest prices and also be there like one of the locals are most of the talents you need if you are with us on this budget for two.
No matter, I’ll give you tips on how to survive on a very tight budget.
PREPARATION (BOOKINGS AND ALL)
Preparation is the key. I’ve learned a lot about preparation from my partner and how important it is especially in going to an important escapade.
I’ve made all the research I can have and Google is just your friend. And I made some rough estimate for about P10, 400.00 for both of us and that’s for the entire tour (via Ship).
First and foremost you have to book for your trip; sea or air. For our case, we chose to wait for piso fare promo of Cebu Pacific because it’s cheap especially on holidays. And we got our ticket for P3, 880.48, good for both 3 days, 2 nights, roundtrip, via Cebu to Camiguin and vice versa.
TIP: For those people who would travel via sea, here’s the information you needed (VIA CEBU)
Super Shuttle Ferry travels weekly basis according to parasbeachresort.com and cebuboattrips.com
Costs about P800.00 – P1,000.00
Port 1/8
Trips
FRIDAYS: 8:00PM – 8:00AM
SUNDAYS: 8:00PM – 8:00AM
Contact : (032) 232 3150
*No fast-track available
Second, after booking the airline, you have to book to where you’ll be staying. There are lots of hotels and resorts in Camiguin ranging from affordable to luxury. I really believe in staying in a high class hotel or resort, but it’s nonsensical when I go to a place for an escapade and choose an expensive stay; that’s why I’d rather have the cheaper one. I mean, all I need is a place to rest my head after every exhausting day and that’s it (except I need an air-conditioned room hehe).
Anyhow, we’ve tried Paguia’s Cottage (contact 09276527621) before and I have to say I’ve got a bad experience over the phone, even when some bloggers say that the place is good and cheap (one of the cheapest prices in all Camiguin) but the owner was not friendly at all. She sounds skeptic rather welcoming, and I hated it. We tried to contact them again months later, but then they did not answer their cellphone, so it’s their loss.
And we tried to contact Agohay. The owner was nice and she speaks straight English and Japanese as well, very impressive. The rooms in Agohay starts at :
Non Air-con
P950
Isla Cottage
P1,780
Superior Cot.
P1,980
Villa Room
P2,180
TIP: We got to bargain at their Superior room and got it for P1,800.00 instead. So, we booked it for 2 days and down-payed in their BDO account.
TIP : Usually, plane and ship arrives very early on the time of the day, and check in at Agohay is at 2:00PM; it actually depends on the room if it still has guests or not… if not, then Agohay allows you to have the room earlier, if not (like us) we have to wait up until 2:00PM. If this is the case, you could get the chance to discover Camiguin as a local.
Third, our itinerary. Yes, you’ve got to do an in depth research about this one because this can save you time. Although usually, almost all of the resorts offer the entire itinerary package for THE SAME GOVERNMENT REGULATED PRICE, you can just avail to it.
TIP : Create some PLAN B and C if in case PLAN A doesn’t work.
There are a lot of blogs that has specific itinerary in Camiguin, and ours was not far away from theirs. Below WAS our planned itinerary (based on the blogs I’ve read):
DAY 1 – Friday
8:00AM – Airport-Resort
2:00PM – Check in
3:00PM – 5:00 – White Sandbar
6:00PM – DINNER
DAY 2 – Saturday
7:00AM – Call time
8:00AM – Old Volcano Station of the Cross
9:00AM – Sunken Cemetery
10:00AM – Gui-ob Church Ruins
11:00AM – LUNCH
12:30NN – Sto. Nino Cold Springs
2:00PM – Katibawasan Falls
3:00PM – Ardent Hot Springs
4:00PM – Go back to resort
5:00PM – Dinner
DAY 3 – Sunday
6:00AM – wake up and Airport
But then our itinerary has been changed due to some circumstances, and it became this:
DAY 1: Friday
6:45AM – Arrive in Camiguin
7:00AM – Arrive in resort
7:00AM-11:00AM – Wandering Mambajao Market/Uploading pictures on Facebook/Surfing the net
11:00AM-12:00 – Lunch (at Mambajao Market)
12:00PM – Check in (Thank God)
And due to heavy winds and treacherous weather, our White Island tour was cancelled for the next day 6:00 in the morning.
12:00-5:00PM – Wandering Mambajao Market yet again/Swimming Pool time
DAY 2: Saturday
6:00AM – Wake up call/Going to White Island
7:00AM – Back to resort
9:00AM – Call time for Island tour
9:00-10:00AM – Soda Cold Spring
10:00-11:00AM – Sto. Nino Cold Spring
11:00-12:00NN – LUNCH (at Catarman Market)
12:00-1:30PM – Old Church Ruins/Sunken Cemetary/Walkway to Old Volcano
Fourth and lastly, pack up your bags with complete stuff, and never ever, ever forget your camera SD Card (just what I always do and did).
THE EXPERIENCE
DAY 1
My partner and I woke up 4:00 in the morning because our flight was 6:00AM and flights to and from Camiguin usually starts on that time range. Although exhausting, I was still excited.
When we finished checking in and waiting for us to go to the plane, I was reminiscing to some stories about how small the aircraft would be going to provinces like Camiguin, and it was a little bit daunting to me.
When we got to the service bus and onto the airplane; the stories were right, it was indeed very tiny compared to the huge Cebu Pacific international airplanes, more so to the PAL one. Claustrophobia is one of my fears yet still I’m up to the challenge.
The flight wasn’t that smooth because of the typhoon that just got out from the Philippine area of responsibility, and some treacherous dark clouds were still present up in the air. It was a tumultuous ride. I didn’t have fears before when I was flying, but the aircraft seems so fragile that it could go down anytime.
Miraculously, the flight didn’t take an hour, it was more like 35 minutes, and thank the heavens it was that short! Because it was really scary.
Camiguin Airport was very small and simple, and we were greeted by Manong with a card-board with my partner’s name on it and he drove us to the hotel (and that’s for P250.00 not including the hotel stay… don’t ask).
TIP : VERY IMPORTANT TIP, we realized that if we knew we could just ride a local tricycle going to the resort, we wouldn’t have spent P250.00 going to it. If you want to take this advice; go out of the airport and there are 2 kinds of tricycle there: Green Tricycle that’s bound east (and never ever ride this one if you’re going to resorts on the Western side of the island) and the Orange Tricycle that’s bound west. Ride an Orange one and tell the driver you’re going to your resort. For Agohay, the rate is P10.00. See, it’s a lot cheaper compared to having a service.
TIP : But when you’re going home and your flight is early like ours which was 6:10AM, I think it’s wise to have a service from the resort because there are no early tricycles around the island at that time.
The resort was good. The walkway towards it looks really high class and the cottages looked amazing. They had a pool and also, but most important, they have WIFI in their restaurant area.
We arrived soon and told us that the check in was 2:00PM like they told us we could check in earlier if it’s already available and since there are still people in the cottage; they let us wait for 12:00NN. But it was fine, we were too early though.
I was about to grab my camera and take a picture of the entire villa; but then an error message popped up: NO SD CARD DETECTED. The horrors run through my senses and I know my partner would get pissed off me because it has always been my problem. I told him and he was cool with it (outside) and so we asked if there are SD cards available in town, and Manong told us that there’s FUJI in their market. And it was fine.
Also, we were hungry and the food prices in the resort were a bit high though so we looked for ways on how to have lunch.
TIP : If there’s a market, there’s food –Chef Andrew Zimmern
We bought a 2GB SD card in their market only for P300.00 who sells camera, cellphone and those kinds of stuff, but not in FUJI FILM because I knew it would be very expensive there, and again we’re limited.
Cafeterias in Mambajao Market
We also had lunch inside their market but away from the smelly fish stands of course, but it was hard to look for the cafeterias. Thankfully, we were persistent in finding food. Chef Andrew Zimmern’s quote is the key to survive a budgeted trip.
After, we went back to the resort and they already let us in our cottage at 12:00NN THANK GOODNESS! And both of us were amazed by our room. It was the superior cottage one, and it was huge. I could get a pom-pom and start my own dance routine there without damaging stuffs because it was really that big. It also has cable TV and a couch. Yes, a couch.
But what impressed us the most is the outdoor shower. It was so sexy and sophisticated. It did feel like international.
Although the air conditioning did not suffice for the entire place, there is still an electric fan that could pump up the coolness. And we got that room for P1, 800.00 only. So, I’m still impressed.
We were about to be ready for our white island tour, but then they have to cancel it due to the bad weather, and we have to rebook it on the next day, 6:00AM.
TIP : All tours are regulated by the government. For the island tour, it’s for P1, 700.00 with driver and car good for 8-12 people. White island tour is P450.00 for the boat ride, still good for 8 pax. And you could drive your own motor bike or scooter and mountain bike, good for P500.00 and P400.00 respectively.
And since we were just two, we didn’t plan to take the P1, 700.00 package for 8, because it would be impractical. What we did was to ask the front desk if they know someone who could offer us a cheap price for two with a motorcycle. The price started P1, 200.00, but we said no and told them we’ll just look for someone else outside the resort. Then the price lowered to P1, 000.00 down to P800.00 as the last price.
TIP : Play hard to get when you don’t like the price. *wink *wink
And since we will not be doing anything for that day, we just relaxed in our cottage, dip in the resort pool, took a bath in our sophisticated outdoor shower and have our dinner at Mambajao market again to save a lot of money.
DAY 2
White Island (Entrance is P40.00 which you will pay in the resort)
We woke up 6 in the morning and the banka was ready to go, and we were excited. We could already see the White Island that’s just across our resort, but I noticed a lot of things were moving on the island, only to find out that those were people… I mean fifty plus people. It was a shock to me because I wasn’t prepared for a crowd in a tiny developing island, but anyhow, the more the merrier.
The sea wasn’t that much friendly but it was tolerable.
And when we arrived on White Island, and jump on the smooth sand; we looked up seeing the breathtaking view of the entire Camiguin Island.
The beauty was surreal; it was more like what you would see in a film. We have to stop on the shore to take in the beauty in front of us while the water splashed to our feet wet.
We also got the chance to sit down and buy some treats from Manang who sells junk foods, ready to eat boiled eggs and boiled bananas. And then, the guy who sells raw sea urchins went near and we get to try some of it, 3pcs. for P50.00 (expensive), but it was heavenly. The taste was what I really loved about sea foods. It was perfect.
I also took a dip in the very cold water and got back home right after.
TIP: You can’t put bags anywhere especially on hight tides where the waves get all your stuff wet (or worse will carry your stuff in the ocean). It’s best to bring small bags or a mobile table, and go there by 10:00AM (not advisable due to heat) or 3:00PM.
SODA COLD SPRING (P30.00 for Entrance Fee)
By 9:00, our island tour started. Our manong driver for the motorcycle suggested that it would be best if we go to the farthest destination and back to the nearest so it wouldn’t be that much inconvenient in going home, and we agreed.
First we went to Soda Cold Spring.
The pool was clean and huge because of the flowing waters and there are a lot of people diving in it too. I was impressed by how clear the water is when I dive in, and I have to use my GoPro with it to capture my underwater moments, and it was awesome.
TIP: Buy GoPro, the best thing you’ll ever buy… you won’t regret.
Most of the underwater shots in my video are shot in pool.
STO. NINO COLD SPRING (P30.00 for Entrance Fee)
It’s the farthest location in the tour, and when we got there and have a glimpse inside and… we just did not like it because it was more like Soda Cold Spring but with more people, so we decided not to try. Plus Soda Pools are way better than in Sto. Nino Cold Spring.
LUNCH
Again, we were on the budget so we ate at the nearest market in Catarman.
OLD CHURCH RUINS (Donations)
Manong also educated us about the old volcano that erupted which is now inactive. He also told us about the active one, Hibok-Hibok.
Aside from the tour guide services our manong offered to us, this is one of my favorite places in Camiguin because it’s where I learned the catastrophic history of the island. There’s a plaque there narrating about the old volcano named Vulcan that destroyed the land and lives of the people living in 1871. It also explained how the old church remained up to this day even when we could only see the topmost part of it, as well as the convent and bell-tower.
SUNKEN CEMETARY and WALKWAY TO OLD VOLCANO
Just very near the Old Church Ruins is the Sunken Cemetary. I learned that the huge cross that we are now seeing is just a monument built for the cemetery itself. The real cross is meters away from where it is which you can see by the waves it creates afar.
And we also noticed that there were waves created in a semicircular sense around the monument, and a local told us that that was the border of the cemetery and it was the road going to the Old Church before it sunk.
It was really amazing knowing the place’s history.
Also, we bought some of the souvenirs there in Sunken Cemetary for the lowest price of P5.00 and it was all good.
For the Walkway to Old Volcano, we didn’t went up because first, manong told us that it’s very high and you’ll have to spend an hour to get on top, second, there’s really nothing much going on the mountain, and third, my partner remembered that one of the bloggers said that they’ve climbed but didn’t reached the top because it was exhausting and went back down instead.
Across the walkway, you can buy souvenirs and shirts in a higher and reasonable price.
KATIBAWASAN FALLS (P30.00 for the Entrance Fee)
The falls was really good and the water was so cold, even colder than in the cold springs that it felt like we were on the ice bucket challenge. And to be honest after dipping in once, I did not went back to dip because I was chilling.
But we did spend time there because there were few people around and the falls was relaxing.
ARDENT HOT SPRING (P30.00 for the Entrance Fee + Cottage Fee)
I think Ardent Hot Spring is the famous and most visited in all of Camiguin (besides White Island) because there are cheap rooms to stay for about P500.00, and also it’s one of the flagships of the island. It’s located near the active volcano, Hibok-Hibok where the water is warm and relaxing. There are nets above to hold the falling leaves to stay the waters clean.
DELICACIES
A part of being one of the locals is to get a taste of the island’s delicacies. One of it is the Lanzones fruit which tastes so much good. Another is their Kiping which is made from coconut. I guess due to the fact that it’s coconut made me dislike the taste of it. Then the very famous Pastel by Vjandep (pronounced as Vandep). Lanzones and Pastel are meant to be pasalubong (souvenir/gift).
Kiping
TAKEAWAY
On a really tight budget for an escapade, there’s really no better way than to live like the locals. Find the cheapest ways in order for you to survive and as well as enjoy all the rides even if it means inconvenience. The island gives me a glimpse of Hawaii-like features especially when we pass by the edges and see the beautiful view ahead.
Camiguin is an island rich in history and mystery for travelers out there. I love the fact that the prices are regulated by the government and I also appreciate the fact that using and throwing plastic is strictly prohibited in the island.
There are still places in Camiguin that I haven’t been like the Mantigue Island, and there are a lot of things that I haven’t done there, like snorkeling. But days when I was there gave me a lot of lessons in travelling and budgeting, also learning the ways of the locals and discovering new things that I surely will remember.
When we got back to the resort, I can’t shake the fact that there are a lot of dead bodies in the island, and maybe, just maybe they’re still haunting the roads, confused.
The name speaks for itsel: it is a pizza house that pwned any other pizza houses in the Queen City of the South. Pizza Republic is housed at Salinas Drive, corner La Guardia St., Lahug, Cebu City just along the road of Asiatown I. T. Park going to J. Y. Square or vice versa.
Pizza Republic just opened on the 1st of June 2014. Its new and innovative style of serving pizza created a buzz throughout the town and even when it just recently opened: it has been swarmed by numerous people from all walks of life.
This #KatKat infested pizza house is a make-your-own style on a 9 inch thin crust for just only P245.00! I mean, you can put almost EVERYTHING on top of your stylish or sumptuous pizza for just P245.00. Of course with the responsibility that you’d get stomach-ache after putting all ingredients… nah just kidding; it’s amazing.
For us, we ordered collective ingredients of Salami, Spanish Chorizo, Shublig, Pepperoni, Frankfurter, Hungarian, Italian Garlic, Red Bell Pepper, Pineapple, Mushrooms (all kinds of it), Black Olives and that’s on top of the Red Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese.
Our pizza choice was perfected with normal and spicy ketchup… it was a delish! And we didn’t have to wait long for our pizza to be served, although I really have no idea what it is on a jam packed hours.
The process of making it was easy, all you have to do is look up and you’d notice some huge marquees with words to instruct you on how to do it. From the far right of the pizza house there’s the ‘PIZZA ASSEMBLY STARTS HERE’ where you greet the joyful faces of the pizza makers there; then you’d ‘PICK + MIX’ which you’ll instruct your own pizza maker on what to put on your pizza; and last is the ‘FINAL ASSEMBLY’ which you’ll pay for whatever you ordered.
They also have some extra offerings like what I ordered which was the Caesar’s Salad. It really brought me joy because on top of the greens are plenty of bacon strips: I loved the fact that it’s plenty because I admire a salad that has a hint of meat with it. It’s really impressive, and no other restaurants serve that much.
Anyhow, the place is very cozy… it is like a renovated garage with Italian leads all around, great for friends and those pizza hungry people.
Speaking of Italian: I spoke with two waitresses in their clean and big loo and asked some questions about the place and what I discovered is that Pizza Republic, although very Italian, is owned by a pure Chinese business man. The hot boite is titled Pizza Republic Pick+Mix by Guiseppe Genco, and I was curious why there’s a ‘by Guiseppe Genco’ if he’s not the owner. They told me that Guiseppe was the owner’s culinary instructor. I have no other source to confirm this, but I’ll let you know.
Anyhow, this place is cozy and their pizza is delicious! Try Pizza Republic for a new must tries in your list!
SCHEDULE:
Opens 11:00AM – 10:00PM (Sunday-Thursday) and 11:00PM (Fridays and Saturdays)
If there’s one gay who definitely understands every single Taylor Swift song that would be me.
I have always been a fan of Taylor Swift; one of the most award winning and successful singers in this generation who captivate the hearts of millions around the globe. And she’s just 24 and she’s up to the top giving endless hopes to broken hearts out there, and inspiring millions of damsel in distresses hoping for their prince to come and save them from loneliness, or just simply sing the songs of their lives.
Why do we love TSwift?
It’s because she’s young and successful, therefore, she’s really inspiring others to pursue one’s dream. It’s because she’s inspiring others to take risks and be FEARLESS, because it won’t be life as it is if you’re not one. It’s because she knows her worth, making other girls out there realize that you’re more than something out from that semi-toxic relationship you’re having. It’s because she’s a fashion icon and makes girls remember to stay classy. It’s because when she dances, she dances awkwardly, and many can relate to that, but because she’s fearless, she’ll do it whatever critics might say about it. It’s because she’s not afraid to love, and she’ll do whatever it takes to give everything even when critics say or write in epic proportions about how she’s not learning from it, in which she is.
It’s because she speaks to the hearts of millions through her songs… That completes a Taylor Swift.
Why do I love TSwift?
Because she sings the songs about my love and life in the perfect tone, melody and exact words that are impossible to speak out in person. Because her songs give more meaning, in spite heart breaks and trials of love she’s singing; but let’s admit, we’re all kind of a hopeless romantic in our own way. Because she inspired me to be FEARLESS and to take risks because life’s what makes it. And because, I learned to love with no boundaries, because that’s what love’s all about. If you don’t give what you have, then why bother in the first place?
Then the inevitable came in February of 2011, when her Speak Now world tour came to the Philippines… I kinda have hoped I would’ve came, because my brother promised me he’ll take me there, (I was still at school that time). But no, he’s kind of a jerk. And that’s one of the many reasons why we had a drift.
I lost that opportunity to see her live and have my first concert experience. But anyway, I knew she would come back sooner… or later.
Then she recently announced that she’ll be bringing her Red Tour in Asia, and one stop is in the Philippines; I was so ecstatic about the news that I was literally jumping on my bed. My heart leaped telling my partner about the news. He always has been a great supporter of mine when it comes to Taylor Swift; even calling me T.T. Swift (whatevs haha).
I said that I’ll do everything in my power to get to this concert… then the day when the concert tix was released. I planned to buy it online (since it was the only way, I’m in Cebu, and her concert was in Manila, so I had to take a plane to get there), and when the morning came I opened the online ticket seller, learning that it was already too late for me since it’s already been sold out… literally, like I called the ticketing department where they sell those tickets, and she enthusiastically told me that there was just NONE. Before whenever I opened the website, TSwift’s concert was bannered, and now it’s Barney’s. (Anong gagawin ko sa concert ni Barney? Dadami lang kaming mga bakla doon).
I never saw that coming. My heart got crushed. It was a dream of course and it makes a normal person sad. I already had foreseen myself with my partner jumping on the balcony of the General Admission (Since I can’t afford the expensive VIP tix, cuz I’m not rich), and dancing together with ‘22’, singing my heart out until my voice runs out.
I even foresaw that I was holding this colorful marquee with an “I LOVE YOU, TAYLOR! –DON” with it. Wow, it just sunk my heart.
I am so like Taylor Swift, melodramatic on this, I’m even blogging about it! But oh well, its life, full of surprises and disappointments. But then, my hopes went back up after learning that I still have a chance, that the Ice Cream brand Cornetto (who is sponsoring Taylor’s concert), is doing a raffle draw by sending out codes on the lids of their ice creams with the price of 2 VIP Tix, and some minor prizes.
So, literally, I bought almost every day. I have already 10 coupons, hopeful for my first concert experience together with someone I truly idolize. Even my co-workers helped me in finding this Taylor Swift promo of theirs just for me to win.
My co-worker, Miss Ay, was so sweet in buying me 2 Cornetto’s and giving the lids to me 🙂
*sighs
Why do I deserve to win? Because, I know and understand every melody, rhythm, lyric, and heartbeat of each song she’s made.
SO, I’m still hoping to win. Although my best chance might be one is to a million or two… or three.
One evening, when my partner and I went to a restaurant that serves “authentic” Spanish cuisine (mixed with Filipino), and I was undeniably disappointed. First and foremost, two of the specific cuisines they offer are supposed to be amped up with flavors because Spanish people once hailed towards far Asia to search for spices, and this should be elementary. But it results to a bland taste, which for me is unrighteous. And second, the price does not compensate the offers.
And then we have Ipar’s: Authentic Spanish Cuisine restaurant at Ramos St., Cebu City, (along the Velez University road) which is also offers “authentic” Spanish cuisine. I have a Hispanic bloodline, so I shall judge… (hehe)
Ipar’s has long been famous for obvious articles that are boastfully posted on their walls with the owner/chef’s in it. Ipar’s has been praised due to the dishes that is closely or a true replica of a certain dish from Spain, since the chef himself has thoroughly studied on why do Spanish cuisine ticks to millions of people around the globe.
I applaud the place.
It’s a real Hispanic interior. Impressive from its huge Spanish-restaurant rodeo cloth hanging above the high ceiling to their cooking pans that hung on the walls which gives the exact feel of a Spanish kitchen.
They have an array of canvass posted together with the pans, and some Hispanic photographs and artifacts that makes you feel you’re in the right place.
I love how Ipar’s makes you feel like you’re not in the Philippines but in Spain. It’s a true plus point.
Now to their Food. They have a Spanish menu (which will be awkward if it’s not), that are separated according to their kind, whether it’s Carnes (Pork, Beef, Lambs), Ensaladas (Salads), Aves (Fowl/Chicken) or Pescado Y Mariscos (Fish and Shellfish) … (wow, so proud of me mentioning these Spanish words).
Try their Pechuga en Salsa (Chicken breast in cream sauce topped with sliced mushroom)… should I explain further? Anyway, it’s very tasteful. I love the overpowering saltiness that gives it a wow factor. This will cost you P180.00
Also their Chuletas de Cerdo al Ajillo which are porkchops sautéed in garlic sauce that costs P200.00. This is very delicious. The garlic sauce is a perfect component in this dish that gives enough flavor for you to savor.
For some, salads are eaten before the main course, but I really don’t. It could be I eat it after or during. I’m weird.
Anyway, I love for you to try their Ensalada Mixta Completa (Mixed green salad) that has this vinegar-ish flavor that culminates the salad experience. I’ve never tasted like that anywhere (if you do, let me know). This salad cost P120.00
They have this superstar offer that is ranted all over Foursquare. It costs P70.00 and it’s their Leche Flan. Some say it’s the BEST leche flan in town, and we certainly agree with all of them. It’s very flavorful, and you just can’t stop taking a scoop of it until you get none.
The food in Ipar’s are good and how it stays true to the tagline “Authentic Spanish Cuisine”. My only concern is that because of its too much flavor, you may end up not finishing your food because it can always be too much for the taste, resulting to a feel of disgust it your gut. (BIDLI in Bisaya). Although the price range of the offers is from the lowest, P180.00 which are mostly salads, P200.00-P500.00 which are mostly the main dish, which is quite steep for budget diners out there.
But I’m happy because the other week it was closed due to a reserved party, so you plan ahead and call them before you go there.
Overall, it was a nice dining experience. Check out Ipar’s and tell us what you think.
The Parisian themed restaurant, La Maison Rose (The Pink House) has grown to a much better spot in the Queen City which I now claim The French Park. First, it expanded to a Parisian wine junction; La Vie Parisienne, and now a pizza place has sprouted in the same spot, and it’s called WORLD PIZZA: Around the world in 80 Pizzas.
The World Pizza has quite some worldly taste, instead of just pure French. They offer 80 different kinds of pizzas from the Philippines to the world.
The spot has just a bar for the waiters and waitresses to stay and get the orders, together with the European style stove where the pizzas are cooked; and just some chairs and tables around. The best thing is that they have a huge hammock that looks like the ones I’ve seen on 9gag, which seems relaxing, and when I was there, kids were enjoying the swinging treat.
The best thing was that the waitress told us that we could go and sit anywhere, from La Maison Rose, La Vie Parisienne to World Pizza, just as long as it’s in The French Park.
Try their American pizza that costs P250.00 and also their Laos pizza that costs P210.00. Both are equally delicious and sumptuous, and my partner was indeed super impressed by the way it was flavoured.
You can also blend two pizzas at a time for the highest price of the two you’ve chosen. What I mean was that; just like us, we bought American for P250 and Laos for P210, we paid P250 pesos because it’s the highest price of both.
TIP: If you’re planning to mix two flavours at the same time; choose those treats/pizzas that have the same price or at the same price range. If you choose the P250.00 pizza, better make sure the half of it also costs P250 or at that range.
The Pizza Challege
Now, my partner and I were really impressed by it, so we made a deal to experience another pizza treat that comes from another country to experience of what it taste like in other places just like the way I imagined it to be.
It’s always a delight when you have plans on your own for that very day and that’s what you exactly wanted to do. But unfortunately, for my partner and I; it was a very stressful Saturday. We were planning to do a review for Ipar’s Restaurant, but unfortunately, the place was unavailable because it was used for a function… I wonder why they don’t have their own function rooms.
Well, the misfortune took us somewhere else deserving.
Café Georg is one of the spots where I always pass by and see at G/F MLD Bldg., Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Banilad, Cebu City, and wanted to visit one day. And the plan that night was re-arranged by the stars to destine us to that very, very nice restaurant.
Having the wonderful theme of American style: which you can notice while you walk in, and has a cabinet of Chinas on the entrance part which looked lovely. Café Goerg is a restaurant extravagant that you can find and experience in the Queen City.
The place looks really expensive due to the Western style design. The plates and bottles that are hung on the walls captivate the sense plus the chandelier gives the warm and welcoming appeal. But what astonishes me the most is how the place made me feel like I’m on a boat or on a cruise, perhaps. It really gave me and my partner those feels which was really incredible.
Their Menu has the price range of P200.00++ – P300.00++ in the main course category, like fish, beef, pork, and pasta. Salads do vary from P150.00 – P200.00++. The reason why the price looks steep on their Menu because it already is revamped by VAT.
Try their PorkChop with Garlic Herb Butter which is P220.00 that culminates a pork experience. The butter and the vegetable sidings were the perfect combination. The flavours compliment together with the bland taste of the pork. It’s just too perfect for us, it’s too American, and it’s the taste I’ve been looking for a long time.
Also, try their Beef and Vegetable Casserole which costs P210.00 that is perfect for people who does want it bland-ish. I loved it because I think beef should be cooked that way. Also, the vegetable sidings are perfect apogee for it.
Their Bolognese is a marvelous delight for me because I am a pasta person, and I know when the pasta is good or not. Bolognese on other restaurants is too intense in sweetness; I have a hard time finishing it. But well, it maybe is cooked that way, but I beg to differ. Café Georg offers a Bolognese that is just right on its sweetness. I was wonderstrucked by the flavour which kept me saying ‘God! This is good!’ repeatedly. Café Georg’s Bolognese costs P195.00.
For the drinks, try their Red Grape Shake which is P115.00 that will conclude your dining experience. Café Georg also offers cakes and cupcakes and some delectable assortments for snacks and chilltime.
The service in Café Georg is superbly impressive. The waitresses put smiles on their faces whenever you glance at them, and that’s a plus point, of course. Then the service was very fast, we did not wait for 15 minutes for our order to arrive. What impresses us the most is that, although this might sound a bit absurd, but the fast response when we ordered extra rice. Well, in other restaurants, it will take time for the waiters to return with the extra rice, because we always order one.
Café Georg couldn’t place any more impressive feels in my system. When we deliberated, I quickly said, ‘This is a five’, and it will be a five.
Milk tea nowadays are so IN here at the Queen City, and there’s one located at J. Block Apitong St., and one in Talamban just across University of San Carlos which named Sprockets.
They offer from coffee to milk tea to cakes and very cute cupcakes and also snacks like chicken wings to pizza.
The place in Talamban, which my partner and I visited was really cute and comfortable; but I doubt that it will be on weekdays since it will be jam packed with San Carlos students, but still, it’s nice and pleasing to be in.
Try their Wintermelon Milk Tea, which you can see in their menu having the number ‘1’ beside it, meaning that it’s the best-seller of all. Also, try their Toasted Hazelnut Milk Tea which is the 4th best-seller of all. And their Blueberry Cheese Cake which was also a winner.
I love the fact that they have sinkers that you can choose from, which I prefer the burst, and you’ll just have to add P20.00 from the original price of the beverage.
The beverage price ranges from P90.00 – P100.00 which is really affordable.
Visit Sprockets and love the cuteness of the place.
I can’t eat seafood that’s anything orange in color when cooked.
Unfortunate, right?
But I’ll introduce to you a fan of Crabs, Shrimps and everything seafood: My Partner and he’s the one who suggested a superstar restaurant offering crab madness which is Crazy Crab.
Housed at the Ground floor of Gaisano Country Mall, M. Cuenco Ave., Banilad, Cebu City; the restaurant is gallant enough to let you choose the size of your crab and weigh in accord to its price.
The crab is a true delish, rich with flavors to die for that you can’t wait to take a mouthful.
The place is huge while the walls are full of crab shells with personal messages from customers who dine there. Mostly, they’re Koreans. And while waiting for a quite a longer time for your crabs to be cooked; you can wander around and read the readable messages on the wall.
You can also obviously notice the aquarium full of live crabs that’s fun to look at from your seats.
But don’t fret if you’re intolerable with these kind sea foods because they also have other offers that won’t cause you allergies. You have to try their chicken wings that has also a good taste.
And the price range? Oh it’s budget friendly meals which ranges from P120.00-P200.00, while the one I aforementioned about the fact that you can choose your own crab has the price range of P300.00-P400.00; it’s not a shock, since their crabs are reasonably huge enough.
We all have the knowledge about the extension of the Ayala Mall in Cebu that has opened recently in December. And comes with that are new stores to check out!
The new Ayala Cebu rooftop garden
Also, there has been an exciting improvement on their new extension which is the rooftop garden that is a place for friends and families to roam around.
And one spot that rose quickly to fame is Ulli’s: Streets of Asia. Located at the rooftop garden in the new wing of the Ayala Mall; although they we’re in the soft opening when we got there, Ulli’s is a Laguna Group owned restaurant which offers you variety of modern Singaporean/Asian street food style.
PLACE and SERVICE
The place is crowded at times yet is warm and cool. The service is quite fast and the crew is smiling and that’s a plus for us customers. I love the fact that when we waited for our food, they have their complimentary snack which was the nuts, and I love something to chew in my mouth every time, so this is really a perfect snack for me while waiting.
FOOD
The food is quite steep for most; yet try their platter that has three of four kinds of barbecue: Shrimp, Pork, Bacon and Squid, that are a true delish. The price range is from P150.00-P500.00 and unfortunately has small serving.
But nevertheless, the platter was flavorful! In drinks, you should try their Sentosa drink which is really good.
One Setting Travels 