Eat’s our 7th Anniv date at Pepper Lunch & MoA Eye


We already had our quota for out of town trips, plus the weather’s starting to change so we just opted for those good ol’ dates just like in our college days as a celebration for our 7th year together…

Part 1 of our celebration was  our early dinner at Pepper Lunch Mall of Asia, it was founded in Japan since 1994, this popular fast food steak house has grown to more than 200 branches in Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, China, Thailand and the Philippines.

Always wanted to try this resto, and it did not failed us, they offer sizzling and oishi menu. But we first tried their best seller, Beef Pepper Rice. While waiting for the food, of course, I took some photos for my post :)

Lucky coz we got the table for couple fronting the sea side portion,  nice view of Manila Bay’s sun set awaits us.

Picture picture hahaha..the aroma of the whole resto makes us even hungrier!

Pepper Lunch’s interior.. modern, comfy and relaxing, perfect for couples, friends who are not in a rush and just wants to hang out, chat, have a good time while enjoying their delicious food.

how it looks when it’s served raw

Our Beef Pepper Rice  was served smoking’ and sizzling’ hot, we cooked it just like the way we want it, I put on lots of Garlic Soy Sauce and Pepper..yum yum!

mooooore!

What makes Pepper Lunch unique and cool is that diners get to cook their own food over a patented electromagnetic plate that is heated up to 260 degrees Celsius within one minute.

cooked Beef Pepper Rice..oishi!

It’s time to dig in and taste our own versions of Beef Pepper Rice! The secret to making it even more oishi is to mix..mix..mix, the more you mix it, the tastier it gets!

eating time

buurrrp!

Just the meal took us long enough to finish it, because it made our stomachs full in no time..but what’s a meal w/o a dessert! We also tried out their japanese inspired ice cream to satisfy our sweet tooth..

Kuromitsu or Caramel

Chocolate Nuts

Pepper Lunch’s resto menu ranges from Php 200  - 600 exclusive of drinks, side dishes, desserts. They offer variety of choices from beef, chicken, salmon and steaks. This is not bad especially if you’re celebrating for an occasion or just want to indulge  great tasting food, or  to try out  new dining experience.

We’ll definitely visit Pepper Lunch again..oishi desne!

To find out more about Pepper Lunch, visit them at:

Official Website - http://www.pepperlunch.com.ph/index.html

Like  them at Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pepperlunchphil

Follow at Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/PepperPhil

Our usual hang-out place is at San Miguel By the Bay part of MoA, then we both decided to try out the MoA Eye, haha. One of the newest attraction in Mall of Asia.  For only 150 php you can experience to ride a huge Ferris wheel, see the entire metro and Manila Bay.

There was no line that day, so they allow even just 2 persons per gondola. But if it’s a bit crowded, the minimum persons allowed per gondola is 4 pax, while maximum is 6 pax.

under the eye

Some of the photos taken during the 10 minute ride. . .

nervousness..lol

at the top!

Don’t miss this one..try it out and you’ll know what I’m saying..hahaha

Back to the place we both love..Potipot Island


For the second time, we found ourselves under the spell of this such wonderful place. We simply cannot trade it for other famous places, it’s simple charm and serenity always gets us coming back for more. After a year, we met again.. kaja let’s go to the place we both love!

I won’t be explaining the basics and guide in this blog post anymore, for know-hows of Potipot trip, simply click the link to my first blog post. Read on…!

http://kajaletsgo.wordpress.com/category/kaja-pinas/zambales/

March 23 (Friday)

We took the 12am (last bus trip) at Victory Liner Monumento, travel time was 6 hours, fare costs Php 423.00 / pax.  It’s one of their new buses and we had the back row seats (near window) w/c we found comfier because it’s spacious and no worries of front chairs pushing against you..haha. The fact that it’s peak season, we didn’t had any problems in ticket buying. My advice? It’s better to arrive a few hours earlier than your preferred schedule, as this will guarantee you seats and less hassle transactions.

March 24 (Saturday) 

5am -We arrived at Uacon and headed to Sunbloom Resort. We tried to book at Dawal, but even 2 weeks prior to our date, it’s already fully booked.  Even Sunbloom was fully booked, but Kuya Allan reserved a slot for us so we’re able to get a room,yeahhh! Few changes on the resort, if you arrive hours earlier prior to 2pm check in time, they charge 100/hr. We decided to check in already so we can still get some nap before heading to Potipot.

we need the energy

8am – Woke up, had breakfast and then boat ride to the island. We opted to start early and stay there for about whole day. That explains the reason behind our sunburned skin and tan lines hahaha.

At the Potipot Island

stories..

swim..snorkel..

moments..

jump shots..

chill..

island stroll..

until we surrendered..lols..the island is ours!!!

4pm onwards – We already had all the fun and relaxation we need, and so we left the island. Back in the resort we fixed ourselves, took a nap while we’re waiting for the sunset. But due to our tiredness, we missed it..slept straight for hours, when we woke up it’s already past midnight so we just slept again hahaha.

March 25 (Sunday) 

Last day of the getaway, we just took some morning snapshots after our breakfast. We wanted to leave the resort early so we won’t have some problems on our way home.

11am – Checked out at Sunbloom Resort, we waited for buses but there weren’t any compared to last year. After a few minutes of waiting, we ride a tricycle going to Sta.Cruz (last town of Zambales) the nearest Victory Liner terminal from Uacon. It’s an half-hour ride w/c costs Php 150.00, a bit pricey but we had no choice.

11:30am – Sta.Cruz terminal’s not crowded, no problems of buying tickets. We got the 12:00 pm bus going to Monumento terminal and fare was Php 451.00/ pax.

6:45pm – Back to Manila *sigh*

Budget (2 pax)

  • Roundtrip bus fare – Php 1,748.00
  • Accommodation – Php 1.400
  • Room extension (5 hours x Php 100.00) – Php 500.00
  • Roundtrip boat ride – Php 400.00
  • Island entrance fee – Php 200.00
  • Food and others – Php 1,000.00

Total Budget – Php 5,248.00

Contact Info:

  • Victory Liner Monumento Terminal – 3611506, 3614665 to 66
  • Sunbloom Beach Resort (Allan Buenaobra) – 09062793607, or check out their website at www.sunbloomresort.com

Nostalgic Ilocos Sur – Part 2


The continuation of our calesa tour in the heritage city moves forward to these itineraries that truly made us like kids playing and laughing happily!

4. Bantay Bell Tower - no entrance fees just donations. This is Vigan’s pretty neighbor and Bantay’s landmark. They say that aside from Calle Crisologo, your trip to Vigan is incomplete if you missed out this place. We just love this place to the point that my blog post will get longer if I were to describe in details how much we enjoyed visiting it, starting from it’s ground up to the top of the tower!

puuuussssh!

2nd level to the tower. . .

gate on the way to the top. . .

hooray..the Bantay Bell!

5. Cristy’s Loom Weaving – no entrance fees,but they have a souvenir shop so it’s a bit awkward if you don’t buy even just a small amount of item haha. I only get to watch this before in travel shows, but now, I was able to see it real and get to experience how to do it as well.

i got shy to pose here..awkward :)

6. Hidden Garden – no entrance fees. With it’s motto “Discover the Place”, this place really is a hidden garden right after the long and winding road! It’s a small garden wherein you can dine, relax, etc.  It’s also an events place especially for wedding, literally on our visit, there was a couple whose about to be wed.

make a wish spot

7. Baluarte – thanks to Mr.Chavit Singson no entrance fees. This zoo is cool, you can get up close w/ the animals they have, plus the breath taking view makes it cooler. We were like kids who wandered around this wide property of Mr. Singson and got amused with the animals haha.

seeing a tiger this close is cute and scary at the same time haha

 

the breath taking view behind us is the province of Abra

The calesa tour finished at 2:30pm, we haven’t had lunch and we’re so hungry, McDonald’s was the 1st food serving place that we saw as soon as we got off the carriage on the plaza. And as you know it, we had our lunch/merienda at that joint then headed back to Grandpa’s Inn for some siesta nap.

Woke up around 5:45pm and of course we should not miss Calle Crisologo and Vigan’s beauty at night.

i can finish 10 of this..haha

As usual all this strolling and picture taking made us hungry, scouting for a place to eat, we headed to the plaza. We were able to passed by some fast food joints,cafes, mid-range restos but Trellis Food Court by far matched our tourist mood at that night and our budget as well haha. It’s a nice place..well ventilated, laid-back ambiance, serves delicious menus and offer alcoholic drinks too. This place comes with a live-band still with a laid back style, not so over rated performance, you can make song requests..fits the night life Vigan style and also gives you a romantic hint of mood for those love birds like us :)

dine . . .

and drunk!haha

We left Trellis Food Court at 9:00pm, full..a bit drunk..tired, we said hello to dream land!

Then we woke up 6:00am, what we did on our 2nd day at Vigan. . .

After filling our stomachs w/ Grandpa’s Inn free breakfast, we had a morning stroll at Calle Crisologo,munched on Vigan empanadas,some souvenir shopping. . .

Vigan plazas stroll,of course let’s not forget our dear God so we prayed inside Vigan Cathedral..

With other Vigan travel blogs that I’ve read, I find it cool and envy how they were able to spot those Vigan tiles..haha tiles w/ a Vigan embossed mark on it. I was a bit sad because we’re about to check out still I wasn’t able to see it. But I said to myself, I won’t go home till I see this Vigan tile. Then on our way back to the inn, we walked on the mini side walk, as I looked down, there you have it..I even shouted when I saw it..a Vigan tile..hahaha..now I can go home!*what a story*

right side>>that's an explorer's feet..dirty..lol

Going Home (commuting)

12:00pm is the check out time at Grandpa’s Inn but we wanted to reach Manila in an earlier time so we checked out at 10:30am. Fyi, Farinas Transit’s not present at Vigan *only in Laoag*so they suggested that we take Partas bus on our way home, but we don’t really prefer it since we were not satisfied w/ their expensive rates and the bus itself *DeLuxe bus daw pero parang di naman*.  So we went to Dominion Bus Line terminal..they only have afternoon trips *starts at 2:30pm*, then we went to Maria De Leon bus terminal..boohoo the 10:30am bus already left..next trip is 1:00pm. We had no choice but to take Partas bus again,haha well this time it’s a bit good experience w/ them. We’re lucky to be on board 11:30am bus that left at 11:15am*this time, cheaper fare not DeLuxe bus anymore* we got good and comfy seats. Fare is Php 605 per head (Cubao terminal) we noticed that it took us 10hrs *maybe due to traffic,more stop overs and madalas na pagkuha nila ng pasahero along the way*

Anyways, let me share some of my shots  along the road to home. . .

Quirino Bridge

Suso Beach

La Union

shadow playing at Rosario, La Union

Our Budget/Expenses (good for 2 persons):

  • Transportation by land *all-in* – Php 2,500
  • Grandpa’s Inn – Php 980 (fan room w/ toilet and bath)
  • Calesa Tour – Php 600
  • Food – Php 800 (we did not brought any food w/ us)
  • Entrance Fees/Donations – Php 200
  • Pasalubong – Php  420

Total Budget: Php 5,500 *take note that we had a dare na pagkasyahin ang Php 5k/6k sa isang Ilocos Sur trip, and it’s a success!*

Helpful Contact Details:

  • Farinas Transit – 7314507 (Laon Laan, Espana)
  • Grandpa’s Inn – 077-7222118 or 09175802118
  • Kuya Jaime *calesa tour guide* – 09056306231

If you think having a not so high budget would not take you somewhere far out of town? Well that’s not true! This travel post of mine is one proof that you don’t need to have lots of dough to enjoy the places and things that you want to explore and experience.

That’s about for it..please rate..thanks!

WOW Ilocos Norte,the South Tour


The Continuation…

Woke up from siesta nap around 3:30pm and then we decided that it’s quite safe to have fun at the beach since it’s late afternoon already. Haha forgive us for being KJ on this part because we don’t wanna add up our sunburns that we got from the previous tour, coz it really hurts..hahaha :p

Saud Beach - When people say Pagudpud beach, it usually refers to the popular Saud Beach. There are plenty of resorts, restaurants, souvenir shops, henna tattoo stands. Some bloggers say it’s the “anti-Boracay of the North”, because it looks a lot like Bora, except that night-life is absent in this lovely place.  The sand is white when dry and in the middle of the day, but it turns into beige if it gets wet and later in the afternoon. The water is crystal clear and if you tried snorkeling, you’ll see some beach rocks underneath, few corals and fishes swimming around your feet! Be careful not to go far the shore, because the water here is just too deep, I’ve never experienced a beach like this before. The beach is a gradient slope which is very good for a swimming beach but at some point, there is a sudden drop off..so be careful.

Saud Beach

awesome

Finished swimming and snorkeling around 6:30pm, the water’s getting high and the wind is getting chilly, so we went back to our resort. Woke up the next day 6am, had an early beach stroll and souvenir shopping under the drizzle and slightly fogged ambiance of the beach.

uh oh..rain clouds..

still shopaholic even in Norte :p

the destroyer..hehe

Packed our things out, met with Kuya Andrew and off we go for the 2nd Day tour.. the South!

Day 2, the South Tour

pagudpud tour is incomplete w/o a picture in this shell

the South tour starts now...

1. Bangui Windmills – also known as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, a project by the NorthWind Development Corporation as a practice renewable energy sources and to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Obviously, since there are windmills, expect to have a windy day in here, haha. Doing lots of photo ops and jump shots is also a must when you visit this attraction.

Bangui Windmill

2. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse - also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. Tiring to climb the stairs, and at first, you might find the place a bit eery and spooky. But once you reached the top and felt the cold breeze, it’s definitely worth it. :)

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

3. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation-  is a hill of white limestone rock. Kapurpurawan in Ilocano is Kaputian. The rock rises from the sea, with a gently undulating surface that looks like waves except that you can walk on them. From these white waves rises the hull and sail of a submarine, also white and made of limestone rock. The formation was caused by the combined forces of the wind and the waves. If you’ll ask me, of all the places we went, this one is my favorite! The experience of trekking to reach the place, rock climbing (slight!), seeing untamed nature, unusual white rocks, the beach view from above, the feeling that you’ll slip through the rocks, the scratches and bruises I got haha. Truly a unique paradise hidden from afar, Kapurpurawan rocks \m/!

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation


Going Home (commuting):

Pagudpud to Laoag – Ride a bus along the road with sign-age of Laoag. You won’t get lost here since most of the passengers are getting off at Laoag. The fare costs Php 35.00 per head and it’s a 2 -3 hour travel time. Most of them are provincial buses which means ordinary (no aircon), and it’s a bit crowded with passengers already. But hey, you’re here for the thrill and you’ll love the sceneries..cold breeze along the way!

Laoag to Partas Bus Terminal – Ride a tricycle going to the bus terminals bound to Manila, fare is Php 30.00. In our case, we told the tricycle driver to drop us off at Partas Bus Terminal. We chose the earliest bus schedule bound to Cubao (no choice, because we want to go home early!) the schedule is 2:00pm, so expect to be in Manila around 2:00 in the morning. The fare costs Php 965.00 per head, (no choice,coz it’s a De Luxe Bus,haha). In fairness to Partas Bus, their buses are clean, comfy, fast but safe driving. Along the way, we discovered that the bus we chose is going to Pasay (which much near to our place), the bus conductor told us to just pay Php 20.00 each when we reached Cubao terminal. So overall, it took us Php 985.00 bus fare on our way home.

Our Budget/Expenses (good for 2 persons):

  • Transportation by Land *all-in*- Php 3,660
  • Jun & Carol Beach Resort – Php 1,500 per night (air-conditioned room w/ shower and toilet, good for 2 to 6 persons)
  • Kuya Andrew’s Ilocos Norte Tour *all-in* – Php 1,200 plus Php 200.00 tip (optional)
  • Food – Php 695.00 (take note that we brought our own food and snacks to save up expenses)
  • Attraction Entrances (Kaibigan Falls, Bantay Abot Cave) *all-in* – Php 160.00
  • Pasalubong *all-in*- Php 1,335.00
Total Budget Costs: Php 8,750.00

Helpful Contact Details:
Kuya Andrew Pagudpud Tour Guide - 09264444416
Jun and Carol Beach Resort  - www.juncarolbeachresort.com,
 Marvin:09175471270, 09196405630
Jun: 09205740136, 09175486331
Arnel: 09214847746, (077)-676-0183
RCJ Bus Lines –  7412994 located at  1558 España, Sampaloc, Manila
(goodluck in calling them, get ready for your fingers coz you’ll do a lot of re-dials..hahaha)

Please rate.. that’s it.. THANKS!

WOW Ilocos Norte,the North Tour


Adventure + Relaxation + Bus Lag = ILOCOS NORTE! There’s a lot to love with this simple yet lovely province in the tip of Luzon, so “kaja, let’s go” to Ilocos Norte!

Pagudpud Arc

As an advance celebration of our 6th year anniversary, our long-term planned trip to the north was accomplished, at last! Our itineraries were:

  • May 6 Friday night – got on a 12 hours bus ride,we had 3 stopovers: Tarlac, La Union and Laoag.

8:30 pm..we got the last pair of tickets for the last trip of that night! :D

  • May 7 Saturday morning – as soon as our arrival at Jun and Carol Resort, our trusting tour guide Kuya Andrew, took us on our 1st day North Tour. Finished the tour before lunch, had some siesta nap then around 5pm we headed to Saud Beach for some swimming and snorkeling.

our kind of tour..Traysi Tour..adventure!

  • May 8 Sunday morning – early morning beach stroll,then off to our 2nd day South Tour. Then headed back to Manila :(

led bus sign-age of Partas Bus

Location: Ilocos Norte  is a province of the Philippines located in the tip most of Luzon. Known for lots of history, cultural-heritage sites, out of this world sceneries and attractions.

Pagudpud is a 1st class municipality and a coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Luzon. According to the latest census, Pagudpud has a population of 20,385 people in 3,804 households. And rumors say that their city jail are not crowded, almost crime-zero.

Getting there (commuting):

Manila to Pagudpud – Take an RCJ Bus going to Pagudpud from Espana terminal, the bus fare costs Php 700.00 per head. The whole trip lasts for 12 – 13 hours, including 3 stopovers at Tarlac, La Union, Laoag. Tell the bus conductor that you’re get off at Pagudpud Centro, that’s the place wherein lots of tricycle tours are waiting. In our case, we had a contact to one of the best local tour guides in Pagudpud, so we did not got off at Centro, instead we went to the “New Shell Gas Station” and there we met Kuya Andrew. If you’re not in a budget and looking for more bus amenities, try Florida Bus, their terminal is just near RCJ Bus Liner, and their fare costs I think Php800 – 900 depending on the bus class.

Kuya Andrew,the best tour guide of the North - 09264444416

Accommodations: Pagudpud has beautiful beaches, so expect to have lots of resorts and hotels around this coastal town. If you want a budget-friendly, cozy and not so commercialized place to stay, try checking in at Jun and Carol Beach Resort. Since Kuya Andrew is a relative of the resort’s owner, he referred this beach resort to us. The room rates are cheaper compared to neighboring resorts, the staffs are nice,  they have cozy rooms, they have WiFi connections. Not so commercialized, but it’s ok with us, coz we prefer that kind of accommodation wherein you can rest well and have a decent privacy.

Jun and Carol Beach Resort

The Tour: Each tour costs Php 600.00, consisting  of the North and South Tour. There are plenty of local tourist traysi tour guides in Pagudpud, but if you don’t wanna take a risk, contact our previous tour guide Kuya Andrew and he won’t let you down! :p

Day 1, the North Tour We started the 1st tour around 8:00 am, amazed by these God-made and man-made attractions of the town..the itineraries were:

1. Kaibigan Falls - an enchanting falls located at the eastern part of Barangay Balaoi and it is around 1.8 kilometers away from the national highway. This 80 feet waterfall is surrounded by thick forest and well-known for its concaved basin. The water is good, you won’t get chilly and it’s crystal clear! Definitely worth it for the over all 3.6 kilometers trekking.

Kaibigan Falls

adam and eve at their paradise.. :p

2. Patapat Viaduct - could be considered second northernmost roadway section in Luzon,in minutes you’ll reach Cagayan plus it gives you perfect view of South China Sea and the northernmost tip of Luzon..literally!

Patapat Viaduct

jumping at the tip of Luzon!

3. Bantay Abot Cave - means “a mountain with a hole.”Inside the cave is a hole that once you are inside, you do not only hear the echoing sound of the waves, the chirping of the birds but you can also feel the cool breeze of the air. A bit of thrill awaits you because you’ll have to hike in going and getting of the cave, plus those slimy rocks are a bit tricky as well and they are everywhere!

Bantay Abot Cave

passed through the cave..

4. Blue Lagoon / Maira-ira Beach -  it is like one large blue swimming pool! The water is bluish, the entire sea is calm and the underwater floor is deep but purely sand.Saud beach is a nice place to stay but Blue Lagoon beach is the most beautiful beach in the North, according to many bloggers and reviewers.

Blue Lagoon

5. Hannah’s Beach Resort - is the newest and most exciting vacation destination in Northern Luzon. It is situated right in front of the famous Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira Beach). Looking for class and luxury, well this place is perfect for you.

Hannah's Beach Resort

We arrived at our resort passed 11 am, tired..sunburned..but it was a whole bunch of fun and adventure! We decided to have lunch and took a nap charging ourselves for the beach in the afternoon.

For our budget breakdown of the whole trip and helpful contact details, kindly check out the continuation of this post. TY :)

To be continued. . .

Cafe Cristina Bar and Resto


Cafe Cristina Bar and Resto is a small but terribly great food joint inside the serene resort of Cristina Villas.  It features a simple yet classy architecture concept inside and out.

The cafe has a small menu so you’ll not end up confused in ordering your food or drink. Actually this is one of my favorite amenities of the villa, coz this cafe serves delicious food and drinks! The price range is a bit high compared to other restos or food chain but come on, this isn’t so bad since the ambiance is so calming, I mean you can enjoy your food in a Mediterranean inspired place filled with flora and you can hear birds chirping while feeling the cold breeze of the air. The professionalism of the food attendants is good too, they are well-trained and some of them are “baristas” too. The presentation, smell of the food, very tempting indeed! As far as I can remember they serve:

Pinoy Breakfast (Daing na Bangus, Pork Tocino, Longganisa)served with 1 cup of rice/fried rice, fried egg. Price ranges from Php 130.00 to 150.00pork tocino

pork tocino

daing na bangus

Starters (Fried Squid Rings “Calamares”, Chicken Fingers, Sizzling Sisig) served with chips and dips. Price ranges from Php 125.00 to 160.00

chicken fingers

sizzling sisig

Main Dishes (Pork Ala Cubana, Fried Chicken, Beef Steak,etc.) served with 1 cup of rice and other side dishes. Price ranges from Php 130.00 to 170.00

pork ala cubana

Pastas (Carbonara, Meatball Spaghetti, Tuna and Tomato Pasta, etc.) served with 2 slices of garlic bread. Price ranges from Php 105.00 to 130.00

my favorite..carbonara!

Drinks, they serve “ala Starbucks” coffees,teas and other drinks too, they also have fruit shakes, and for the “alcoholics”, they have cocktails,wines,and beer. Price ranges from Php 85.oo to Php 500.00 for the cocktails and wines.

iced white mocha

mango shake and their signature iced tea

So far, my personal favorite from this cafe is their Carbonara, I think it’s the best tasting Carbonara I ever tasted in my life,hahaha :p

If you got bored and feelin’ stomach full, why not try to enjoy and look at their lots and lots of “knick-knacks small collection of displays” inside the cafe, enjoy the garden scenes outside,they also have “board games” perfect for kids and “kids at heart”, and there’s a billiard table too beside this place.

knick knacks

just like those "Japanese gardens"

small pond w/ small koi fish..cute!

billiards..for the boys

Visiting Cristina Villas? Don’t forget to drop by at Cristina Cafe Bar and Resto too, definitely worth the visit! Great food and dine experience!

welcome!hehe

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