Travel: Surviving Red Eye Flights Bound to Puerto Princesa with our Kids

I must say I'm starting to love getting on plane trips in the early morning. Aside from that, one such rule of thumb can serve you well. One is that you can often get plane tickets cheap by flying first thing in the morning or overnight on the so-called red eye flights.

My husband and I were talking about this while waiting for our flight bound for Puerto Princesa.  We both agreed there were certain benefits for Early Morning Flights such as:

• The family can make up for some of the sleep lost from getting up extra early by napping on the plane 
• Flying super early allows travelers to squeeze in an extra half-day to a day’s worth of activities at their destination
• First flights are less likely to be behind schedule. Weather may cause delays, but the ripple effect of delays on earlier flights is minimized
• Travelers can avoid the extra night’s lodging expense from traveling late in the day and arriving at bedtime

There may still appear some drawbacks like: 

• Those who need breakfast cannot count on getting anything to eat on the plane, and must factor in packing food or buying food at the airport. This can get expensive, particularly when traveling with children

In our case however, we bring donuts or breads and bottled water, with that our first travel itinerary would be a brekkie somewhere near the airport. 

• Depending on your distance from the airport, taking the first flight could necessitate getting up at 4 a.m. or even earlier.

Above are photos from downtown Puerto Princesa, which is along Puerto Princesa's main commercial strip where one can find various shops, as well as banks, restaurants, and budget inns- Rizal Avenue.

1.   Breakfast at Haim Chicken Inato

Though we had some small bites at the airport in Manila, while waiting for boarding with croissants, donuts and coffee, having a full breakfast in Puerto Princesa is something that's been anticipated. 

Our first stop after leaving our backpacks at Deep Forest Garden Inn was at Haim Chicken Inato, as per Mang Edgar's (our tricycle driver and tourist guide) recommendation. It's located inside Balay Inato's compound with nipa huts showcasing the owner's artworks.

Balay Inato is a pension house that's budget-friendly yet cozy and has impeccable services to match that of any 3-star accommodation in Puerto Princesa.  Also one that's near the airport and top foodie destinations.

Photo credit here

For a review on that visit whatmichaellikes.com.

2.  Handicraft Stores along Rizal Avenue - Manunga Handicrafts

Right next to 3 B's Tours and Travel (where we booked our Honda Bay Tour with) is this Palawan craft store.  You can start your "pasalubong" shopping here.  Intricate wood carvings and potteries are being sold and showcased.

3.  Plaza Cuartel

Plaza Cuartel, a restored ruin of an old garrison wherein the evening of December 14,1944, Japanese soldiers burned around 150 American prisoners of war in a tunnel found beneath the park's portal which now stands as a grim reminder of World War II atrocities. 

What was once a stronghold for American and Filipino soldiers, became a prison overrun by Japanese invaders. 

To read more of the history from a survivor kindly click on the link below

Memorial created at Philippines site

At a glance, you might see Plaza Cuartel as just another open space for kids to play, for couples to date or for families to stroll around, considering how relaxing the park is with all the greeneries around and a majestic view of Honda Bay, but it has in it a rich history. Not many of us know that it is too a silent reminder of our World War II past and the sacrifices of our American friends in defense of liberty and democracy. 

On that gruesome day of December 14, 1944, only 11 prisoners of war (POW) who escaped and survived a massacre.  Soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army poured fuel on the prisoners and set them on fire. 

The wholes served as an entrance to the garrison.

4.  Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Just across Plaza Cuartel is another famous landmark of the island.  

5.  Baywalk

According to our driver, this area is one of the tourists and locals hang out, where they can have all night, strolling the esplanade and drinking and banging the night away.

6.  Mitra Ranch

One will get to see and realize how vast and beautiful the island of Palawan is by visiting Rancho Sta. Monica, known to many as Mitra Ranch.  This land area has a view deck owned by the late Cong. Ramon Mitra Jr., which also houses their mansion. Rancho Sta. Monica offers the most breathtaking view of Palawan a few hundred feet above the rest of the city. From this area you can see the perspective view of the Honda Bay group of islands.

There is a maintenance fee (entrance fee) of P 10 each for the adults, which according to the maintenance staff will be used for buying cleaning materials and other fees that the Mitra's doesn't give them anymore.  Also, inside the mansion, you will be asked to remove any footwear.

The log cabin have been a respite to the late House Representstive, when he was still alive.  His son Baham, opened the ranch to the public and added other tourist activities, such as zipline, horse back riding and trampoline.

7.  Baker's Hill

One of the questions I have while planning this trip was where to buy pasalubong.  Having read somewhere about Palawan's famous hopia and pianono found in the bakeshop of Baker's Hill, I took note of it.  Also, how can the baker me forget that?  Aside from the nice ring the place' name have, many bloggers who have been here wrote about how fun and family-friendly the place is.

To give you a brief background, Baker's Hill started as a simple bakery. The owners have since then develop the property inch by inch,  It has a mini park back then, but now you'll see that it already have a wide theme park with new establishments such as, the baker's kitchen, pizza house, hula shake, snack bar, souvenir shop, view deck, etc. 

Since we were still full from our heavy breakfast, we forwent trying out their restaurants.  However, since it was freakin' blistering, the kids got themselves fruit shakes after having fun in the vast land area of this hill.

Oh yes, they never run out of playground materials.  I even tried some of the exercise materials.

I just can't contain my envy of the different themed gardens of this place.

We're so happy learning about many things in Palawan and spending two hours in this place was one of those treasured experiences.

They have mini aviaries and some cages which are homes to peacocks and more.

8.  Crocodile Park/ Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Lastly, how can I refuse an exotic cuisine as part of the tour.

Care for some Croc meat sisg?

Or a sizzling plate of Croc Tapa?

Eat like a Viking with the 4th of July Theme

Independence Day in America means fireworks, BBQs, beaches, picnics, home parties and other events that make a summer holiday perfect. Now, we may be in the midst of rains here and we may not be able to make one heck of an apple pie but I know where we can have plenty of other ways to pay homage to our American friends this 4th of July.

The celebration usually spans from three days on a weekend to a long five days, however, Vikings will celebrate it every weekend for the whole month of July, which will kick off on Friday July 4, 2014.  Now you can #eatlikeaviking with a special menu so meticulously researched and prepared, quintessential to iconic American food.   

Each of Viking's branch will be featuring different dishes highlighting Americans' love for their food.  The dishes featured are American fave and at times sold on fair grounds on public venues or typical traditional dishes cooked every July 4, but wait, given some twists by Viking's chefs.

Yesterday, Vikings North Edsa hosted a sit down luncheon to select bloggers introducing the menu for the 4th of July theme.

We were dearly welcomed by the marketing representative and chefs, who took time to get things rolling with their inventive take on each dishes.

To give you a glimpse of what to expect at Vikings, North Edsa's menu, I came undaunted and faced an explicit meal at one of the best and largest buffet restaurant in the country, not minding how bloated I'll be after the juncture.

So began our fete with a plate of one of the appetizer.

Tortilla + Clubhouse Sandwich = Tortilla Club Sandwich...

That's like having a new spin on American classic 70's fave sandwich -Clubhouse.   What supposed to be typical triple-decked sandwich with bacon, turkey ham, lettuce and tomato were rolled with tortilla.  The tomatoes were replaced with chopped black olives and made tangy with a mayo-mustard sauce.

Our second plate was composed of Niagara Falls on the left, Maguro Haru Maki on the middle and Maryland Maki at the bottom.  

You will definitely feel the American spirit with how they have coined the sampling appetizers.  Apparently Amricans love sushi.  Sushi to them is the ultimate sexy health food. The combination of sticky rice, raw or cooked fish along with fresh vegetables, pickled ginger and the fiery taste of wasabi are not only appealing to the palate, but pleasing to the eye.  

Niagara Falls is a sushi with mango, avocado, and sashimi wrapped and rolled so neatly. The addition of cooked white noodles and a vinegar, citrus based sauce gave it the oomph factor.  

Another type of sushi, the Maryland Maki, has crab sticks, carrots, asparagus and chicken teriyaki drizzled with a comixture of strawberry sauce, all purpose cream and mango purée.

The Maguro Haru Maki was the one that won me over.  I was swooned to the simplicity of a thin spring roll wrapping layers of perfectly seasoned tuna and mango.

What's a feast without salad?  Thus we had Chicago Summer Corn Salad.  A plate of summer harvest right there for our sampling.  Lighty vinaigretted jumbled corn kernels, cucumber, and tomatoes on a bed of fresh greens.

An assortment of refreshments also awaits you.  My choice was the Minty Lemonade.

Soup up next with Boston Clam Chowder Soup.  A hot and think composite with the heavy flavor of clams is a pride on every household, probably every house in the Southern part have heirloom recipes for this.  Do not leave this cheesy bread sticks untouched, you'll regret it.

On our way to getting serious in the business of stuffing oneself, we moved to the first main course-  

Angel hair pasta in Agli Olio and roasted bell pepper bunched up with California Grilled Fish sitting on top.  I don't know with you, but I have practically developed an acquired taste to fruity flavors on meat dishes.  I love the interplay of the meaty or gamey flavors with the sauce bursting with fruity flavors from the orange marmalade coulis and poached oranges.  

The slices of Gindara were marinated for 24 hours in orange marmalade, red cooking wine, salt and pepper

To slightly break our meal in preparation for three other courses, we were served with Lemon Sorbet.  Try to squish the piece of lemon and mint leaf on to the crushed sour ice.

Don't be in awe when the server place this lovely plate on your table.  A rendition of Jambalaya Louisiana Rice is served with Indiana’s Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce, Mississippi’s Turkey Sweet Potato and Shepherd’s Pie.  Another fruited meat, this time the pork was given a Cajun treatment, being enveloped with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce.  If you are a fan of meat and pork, for this matter, you will love this, in any case, I'm not.

With regard to the pie, well, their inventive take on combining two pie recipes in one can be lauded, but I found the middle part, the mashed sweet potato, too mushy and I'm a bit discontented on the puff pastry.  But on a good note, I loved the Jambalaya rice, which was not over-powering even though it was seasoned with 8 different kinds of spices.   

To fully gratify your meat craving, how about some Tenderloin, cooked the way you want it.  I was served with a little underdone slices, but what really fascinated me was the Yorkshire Pudding and the thinly sliced crisp fried onion rings.  Sorry, and not, it was my first time to have one.  It somehow disguised as a muffin hidden beneath the tender loins.  Said to be the perfect accompaniment for roasts.  

Another thing I love about the plating and the profoundness of its taste as a whole is the minuscule molecular gastronomy applied on the white sauce over the tender loin.  Can you it see bubbling?  Yep, that's a delish foamy Horse Radish Sauce right there!

What's a feast without a sweet ending?  Have you seen Viking's dessert spread?

You will either be caught breathless or shouting OMG!

And  yes, we were caught by surprise as these heavenly slices were brought to our table.

From the top, Boston Cream Pie, New York Cheese Cake

Cherry Cashew Parfait. 

Before I tell you how these pastries fared, let me first share you an info. A Boston Cream Pie a cake that is filled with a custard or cream filling and frosted with chocolate. Although it is called a Boston cream pie, it is in fact a cake, and not a pie (Wikipedia). 

They got me there!  Nonetheless, above the intrigues I loved it, loved, loved it!

This cake made Boston famous but as per Martha Stewart, this luscious cake is the official state dessert of Massachusetts.  But lo, this isn't the original one, again the pastry chefs and sous chefs crafted a decadent layer cake and it was indeed a pièce de résistance.  The bottom, slightly gelatinous is layered with dark and white chocolate mousse then mantled with a sheer sheet of chocolate glaze.

Next to it, on the middle, are New York Cheesecake Triangles.  A total must-have in 4th of July gatherings. Lastly, is the Cherry Cashew Parfait, a stash of roasted cashews and cherry-spiked cream.

Vikings Luxury Buffet
Address:         4/F The Block, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City
Contact Numbers:  02 3763888, 02 3764888
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/VIKINGSSMNORTH?ref=br_tf

Cafe Naci and the Unforgettable Comfort Food

"Some food are so comforting, so nourishing of body and soul, that to eat them is to be home again after a long a journey.  To eat such a meal is to remember that, though the world is full of knives and storms, the body is built for kindness." 

  Eli Brown, Cinnamon and Gunpowder

Comfort food or food that reassures, as what most epicures would agree to, may be defined distinctly.  Many would attest that a magical moment with a certain food may conjure up memories of childhood or of happy moments with a loved one.  Silly, that we know for a fact, every food is comforting in its own way, however, there are such food that gives you happy thoughts, or every bite a slackening, an excuse from all the craziness of this terribly busy world.

As simple as an Adobo cooked in a very special way can be listed as one, but having it everyday may deem its worth.  In an unlikely manner given it a twist can cleverly turn an unusual to something soothing like that of granny's cooking you miss terribly.  That's how I can liken a day eating Adobo Cannelonni at Naci.

Naci however came back to its old venue.  From being a go-to comfort food restaurant at The Fort area, they made a total make-over but still carrying the same comforting menu.

From the outside, the now, Cafe Naci doesn't look like much, unlike their previous impression-bright, spritely, yet consoling.  Tucked into a corner at the second level of Fox Square Building along Connecticut St., in Greenhills, inside it has a modern bistro-feel, sleek woody interior and dark-colored chairs and tables.

But the decor wasn't the primary focus for the owners.  After spending a couple of years in the restaurant business, Nadine Nocom, now more cognizant, decided to make it smaller thus more manageable, focusing on every diner's whims and how they can innovate more to really serve in such ways that are satisfying. 

The restaurant's premise still is modern comfort food.  With the menu that had drawn inspirations from the owner's (the Nocom family) favorite given some refinements by the late Chef Ed Quimson.  The menu also had a subtle face-lift, with some of the cult classics still on the menu but omitting personal names.  With respect to Chef Ed's contribution and making sure his legacy in the culinary world still lives on, they however retained the name Chef Ed's Pork Shank.  So if you are looking for Nadine's Adobo Cannelloni, just look for Adobo Canelloni instead and don't be caught ordering for Tita Em's, you might get the staff confused, just ask for Shrimp Chowder.

I have visited both the old NACI Comfort Food and Dessert Bar and NACI Comfort Food in BGC a couple of times, I never really knew they have closed down until hearing it from the owner herself.

With my longing for their menu offering I urged my husband to come with me and see the new Cafe Naci, which have just opened last Father's Day.

I need to admit that I still prefer the fresh and vibrant look of the BGC branch but of course it still is all about food.  Agree?

Our delightful lunch started with Beef Taco Springroll -the signature no mess tacos.  The same beefy taco filling intermixed with several kinds of cheeses, were rolled in rice spring roll wrappers and fried till golden.  Of course, an exaltation from a famed Mexican staple, need a heap of salsa.  To make this ultimately unique, a tangy sour cream sauce is added.

This salad that was presented to our table will definitely test every diners' appreciation of this dish, it sure have tested ours, and we gave it an excellent rating, even in the presentation alone.

The Kani Mango Crunch (P 270) is a tall piling of leafy greens, kani, ripe mangoes, cucumber, crispy wanton,and fried vermicelli  in a high, airy pile.  Mayo-based dressing with a hint of wasabi was a great spicy surprise to my husband that was drizzled all over, and he did like it.

Next to the course is a pasta dish.  Imagine a pesto sauce that is earthy, spicy and garlicky, but without thinking of Arrabiata sauce.  This time, think of plump and juicy shrimps tossed on that sauce together with angel hair pasta.  Voila!  Presenting the Spicy Shrimp Pasta (P 395).



The menu is a fusion of different cuisines, making the message of comfort food downright clear.  Your comfort food may be Italian's pasta, Chinese noodles or Spanish-inspired cooking.  But if you are looking for a different take on Paella or Valenciana, you may opt to have the Peruvian Chicken Rice (P 480).

Served on a Paellera, this yellow, cheery-looking rice dish was slow-cooked and baked.  What you will taste is an exotic yet filling dish to partner your meat with.  Strongly flavored with Peruvian spices, the cooked rice with chunky slices of chicken and capsicums glistened with a drizzling of aioli.  To balance the taste, you may want to squeeze a little bit of lemon juice on it.

An age old tradition, slow-cooking became less fashionable in many kitchens nowadays, except in some gourmet and heritage-rich restaurants.  Hard to admit that even in our beloved kitchen, this had no meaning.  So, I was so happy that Cafe Naci is still promoting slow-cooked dishes and one of Chef Ed's recipe is in the menu and had always been their best-seller.

Another of their house' special is fondly named after this culinary genius -Chef Ed's Pork Shank (P 530). French cut pork shanks were cooked for hours rendering an utterly juicy and tender pork, with the meat literally falling off the bones with a few digging of the fork.  The onion soup it was braised with was so flavorful and rich, similar to my lola's pork stew only the vegetables were not overcooked, for it was cooked separately in melted butter.  To make the dish all the more dreamy, mozzarella cheese was added on top.

Before I tell you something about how I would end this post sweetly, I need to confess a sin.  We did not order a dessert, though I know how divine their dessert line is,  and it would be totally unwarrantable if you'll miss to try one.  Yes, I'm guilty!

Anyhow, I hope having a big glass of Heaven on Earth can be my best excuse.  It's a rich chocolate smoothie of blended vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate, topped witha dollop of cream and mizzled with chocolate ganache.  Definitely my piece of heaven, right there on that cold glass!

Bhogs on the other hand, washed everything down with a tangy concoction-Black Grape Shake.

I know, you might be thinking of your comfort food right now.  I'm sure with the lavish list in their menu you're bound to be reunited to yours.  Gosh, I almost forget to mention they do have an all-day breakfast menu as well, thus they open early at 7 am to accommodate early risers.  So, what are you waiting for?

Address:  2 Flr. Fox Square Bldg., Connecticut St., Greenhills

Contact numbers: 7267266

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cafenaci

101 Lifestyle Pocket Sessions with Dolce Gusto

Busy home managers have many reasons to dread entertaining, whether it's drop-in visitors or a large party. Entertaining can be costly, in time and in money. Our homes may not measure up to the standard touted in glossy furniture store ads. Often, we're unsure of ourselves in the role of hostess. Many of us didn't learn the knack at Mother's knee-yet we still measure ourselves against her yardstick.

Take heart! Changing times have brought changing ideas and standards. Entertaining doesn't need to be stressful. With an attitude adjustment and some advance planning, even the busiest home manager can 

entertain with ease.

Also on the same event, I got  reacquainted to my favorite Dolce Gusto flavors.  Though this time prepared by a new product -the Mini Me.  Familiar with Dolce Gusto machines?  Not?  Dolce Gustos are not your ordinary coffee-makers.  What you'll have are cafe style coffees at the comfort of your own home, that's if you own one.

AyosDito.ph hosts iBALL

AyosDito.ph, the internationally affiliated internet buy and sell portal with counterpart websites in more than 30 countries, recently hosted iBALL, an appreciation party for media  including online journalists affiliated with news sites and blog sites as well as social media.