Summer Beach Bumming in Nasugbu on a Budget

Yeah I know! It's been a year since I updated this blog. I failed to keep my promise to update this once we're back from our Palawan tour. Anyway, I'm sharing here our overnight Nasugbu experience on a budget.

Last May, I was able to convince my hubby to drive us to Nasugbu for an overnight swimming. It was a Sunday and I didn't make any reservations. I only texted the resorts while we're on the road hopeful they'll return my message. Some did reply but they are charging more than my allotted budget for the room.

Before we left our home, I had a list of things to bring on my mind. I brought our rice cooker, cooking pan, plastic plates, spoons and forks, tumblers, "bigas", and some groceries and snacks. We also stopped by a carinderia near our house and I bought Tube Ice and Adobo since I don't have time to cook anymore then off we go for our road trip.

We took the Ternate-Nasugbu Road and I had no idea it was full of dangerous zig zags. I was scared but it was worth the trip when we arrived at the Kaybiang Tunnel, the Philippines' longest subterranean tunnel. We stopped over for a few minutes to take some photos and then headed off to Nasugbu.

Kaybiang Tunnel Entrance

Light at the end of the tunnel

From Kaybiang Tunnel, it was an hour drive to reach Apacible Boulevard in Nasugbu.

After we arrived in Apacible Blvd., we approached a trike driver who was offering Fortune Island Tour and asked if he can recommend a resort that fits our budget (Actually I said I was looking for a fan room that only costs P1000 or less). He took us to Wawawee Resort. They have a fan room that costs P1500 but Tatay Tony, the owner, saw our son and he said he thought of his grandkids, so he told us he would just give us the A/C room for the same price. He also told us we can use their cooking utensils and gas stove free of charge. So far that's the best deal we got but I opted to check out the other resorts first. Upon inquiring with 4 more, we decided to take Tatay Tony's offer since it's the cheapest. All the others offered us P2000 for the A/C Room and P1500 for the Fan Room. The trike driver (I forgot his name) helped us bring our things to the room and hubby gave him P50 but the caretaker of the resort told us that the trike driver will get 20% for referring us so tipping is not necessary. We checked in at 2PM so they said our check out time will be 2PM the next day.

Here's our small A/C Room

The room given to us has a small cable TV, a double bed and a mat which allows an extra person to sneak in.It also has it's own comfort room separate from the room.

While they were strolling the beach, I prepared our late Lunch. I don't have to cook our ulam anymore since I already bought Adobo, I only need to cook our rice. After eating, they went to swim while I stayed inside our room. I fetch them before sunset because I was planning to go to the nearby market to buy Liempo and Fish for our Dinner but we're so lucky because on the main road, just outside the resort, there is a BBQ stand. We just bought BBQs and it saved me the hassle of grilling. The two were already tired after swimming so we all went to bed early.

The following morning, we had the leftover BBQs last night and some coffee for Breakfast then we went to the beach.

Someone is really enjoying his day at the beach

I noticed that the beach was so different from what I've seen last year. I was surprised there were floating garbage everywhere and we had to walk a few meters until we found a better spot. We spent a few hours swimming while the sun is not that hot and just before noon, I went back to prepare our Lunch. We ran out of rice so I had to walk to the sari sari store along the main road to buy rice, Tuyo, Pancit Canton and tube ice. I fried the Tuyo and Meat Loaf, cooked the Pancit Canton using our rice cooker at that's what makes up our humble Lunch. After taking our Lunch, we just rested for a bit then we checked out and headed back home but this time we decided to take the Tagaytay Road instead as it's easier and less prone to accident.

Now, for our expenses, here it is:
Gas - 500
Ice and Adobo - 110
Snacks at Stopover - 60
Accommodation - 1500
Tip to Kuya Trike Driver - 50
BBQ - 85
Tube Ice - 20
Pancit Canton/Tuyo - 42
Cooking Oil - 5
Rice - 42
Toll Fee - 175

TOTAL: P2,589.00

Well, I'm pretty sure it will be less than that if our trip was planned but anyway, we all enjoyed even though there's just three of us.

Click here to visit Wawawee's Beach Resort
*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own

Pares Retiro along P. Tuazon Now on its Soft Opening

Yesterday, we had breakfast in Pares Retiro. It's a newly opened restaurant along P. Tuazon Blvd. that serves Pares, Silog meals, Mami, etc. This is my second time to visit. During our first time eating here, I didn't really liked their Pares. The beef is so tough.

This time, I ordered Sizzling Sisig. Jen ordered Beef Chami(P95) and Tokwa't Baboy(P50) and Ira had Pares(P80).

They served the soup first then it took a while before they served our order especially the Sisig. That's understandable since they are still on soft opening but I got really disappointed when their waiter served the orders and he accidentally spilled the soup on me but didn't even bother saying sorry. He even acted like nothing happened. He didn't even mopped our area even though the soup has spilled on the floor.

The Sisig has some bits of Chicharon and it's good for two but it's not something to crave for. Well, I can describe it as decent considering the price is at P105.

After eating, I asked Jen and Ira for their ratings. They both loved the food there so Jen gave 8 while Ira gave 9. But for me, I will only give them 6.5 even though their meals are cheap because I can get better food and better service for the same price. So, our overall rate for Pares Retiro is 7.8

Pares Retiro is located along P. Tuazon Blvd. corner 17th Street

Sunday Breakfast at Kitchen Diaries Cafe

It's Sunday and I was too lazy to prepare breakfast so Hubby and I decided to just have breakfast somewhere in Kapitolyo so I searched the web and Kitchen Diaries showed up. I've been seeing this place whenever we eat at Kanto Freestyle Breakfast but we never had the chance to try it until today.

They're still on soft opening so they have a very limited breakfast menu but they have a wide choices of cakes and pastires. They suggested we order their bestseller Angus Corned Beef, which we did. For the cakes, we tried their Black Forest and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Angus Corned Beef (Definitely worth a try!)

Black Forest at P75

Strawberry Cheesecake at P125

Capuccino at P85

I think the Black Forest is a bit tough but I loved their Strawberry Cheesecake. While we're eating, we're given free samples of Red Velvet Crinkles, Brownie Brittle and Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies and we liked all of them. We even bought our son Brownie Brittle for take away since he almost want to eat the whole jar (LOL).

Overall, we liked the ambiance, the service and the food and we'll definitely go back soon.

Kitchen Diaries is located at Unit 1E, 1st Corner San Rafael Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Milky and Sunny and Yummy!

After attending the Sunday Mass, one of Hubby's officemate texted him asking if Goto Monster is open but they're closed on Sundays so she asked us for recommendations on where they can have breakfast and we suggested Milky and Sunny in Kapitolyo. It's a few minutes away from home and we haven't eaten yet so Hubby decided to meet them there and have breakfast .

On their menu, I was looking for something different, but all they have are food you can prepare at home so I just went for their Garlic Longganisa. I also tried out their Choco Milky Shake. Hubby ordered Bacon and Spam Pasta plus Banana Shake.

Our orders were served after 15 minutes, and the first thing I noticed is the yellow-orange color of the egg yolk so I assumed they're using high quality eggs. Their Garlic Rice and Garlic Longganisa tasted good too. I was also able to try Hubby's Bacon and Spam Pasta and it's too Cheesy. I can taste the Parmesan and it had a twist of Queso de Bola. It also immediately became my favorite. The only thing I didn't like is the Choco Milky Shake. It's too sweet. I like their food better when compared with Kanto Freestyle maybe because of the quality of the ingredients used.

The place is cozy and kid-friendly. They have books and toys that children can play while waiting for the food to be served or after eating.

Milky and Sunny is located in East Kapitolyo.

Conti's Bakeshop & Restaurant in Katipunan

There are a lot of must-try restaurants along Katipunan Avenue and one of them is Conti's, famous for their Mango Bravo. I've been wanting to try it but I only had the chance last Wednesday. After our shift, we went off to COnti's in Katipunan to have breakfast. It's just a few blocks away from our office.

Once we entered, we're greeted by pastries and cakes from their Take-Out Nook. Just a few steps away is their Dining Area. It has a very relaxing ambiance. We chose the couch near the window but it's just unfortunate that the window didn't have a  good view. You'll only see walls.

We're handed out the menu and we had a hard time deciding what to order. Originally, I only planned to order cakes and some coffee but when I scoured their menu, I suggested we share their group breakfast set and desserts. We ordered their Breakfast Combo D. It's good for 3-4 persons. It is consisted of Hamonado Longganisa, Beef Flakes, Salmon Belly in Olive Oil, Egg Salad, Tomato Slices, Garlic Rice and Atchara and costs P590. For desserts, they have limited to offer that time so we chose Tiramisu Cheesecake, New York Cheesecake, Salted Caramel Cake and Turtle Pie.

Salted Caramel Cake at P95

New York Cheesecake at P145

Tiramisu Cheesecake at P155

Turtlepie at P115

All the food tasted great but their cakes are so sinful. You can't have enough with one slice and their cakes are cheap at P95/slice. It's just unfortunate that we're not able to try their famous Mango Bravo but maybe next time it will be available.

This place is recommended for intimate dining with friends and loved ones.

Tri Mo Shawarma in Lagro

Our whole week has been all about food. Yesterday, our destination was in Tri Mo Shawarma in Lagro. They are open from 3PM-2:30PM and we're lucky that we arrived just before people started to line up. One order of their Beef Shawarma costs P75. Yep it's cheap but it's filled tightly that you'll be full even before you're done eating.

I was also seeing customers bringing in BBQs from Tri Eat but we're not able to try them since we're already full. Next time, I'll try ordering their Sizzling Shawarma.

Here's their updated menu:

Tri Mo Shawarma is located in Bristol St, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Saturday Lunch at Smokin' Pig Legendary Rib Joint

Just this afternoon, my officemates and I went to try Smokin' Pig in Capitol Green Street and all I can say is that it's worth visiting.

The place is inside Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club and near Celebrity Sports Plaza. It's not accessible so you either need to have your own mode of transportation or hire a cab to get here.

The place overlooks Marikina and the neighboring cities and it only has al fresco dining but that's fine because even though we're there at 12NN, it's still cool.

  

View from the Entrance

The mini bar

We're the first ones to dine so I'm not sure if it gets full during weekends.

We ordered a full rack of ribs (P1120) and we had the option to have half wet and half dry so we're able to try both, but we all agreed that the wet ribs taste better. For the sides, we just ordered garlic rice and mashed potatoes. We were able to try their wings as well but personally, I'd still go for Frankie's.

Solo serving of Ribs with 2 regular sides (P335)

After we're done eating, we ordered San Mig Super Dry (P60) and stayed until past 3PM. It's really a nice place considering there are not that many people visiting and we'll definitely go back to this place.

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina in Kapitolyo

It's already 3 in the afternoon and Hubby is still not sleepy so we strolled around our neighborhood to have snacks. Our first choice is Silantro since we just want something light. It's a Fil-Mex Restaurant along East Capitol Street and just right beside Holy Family Parish Church.

View from outside

Here's their menu:

I ordered Lamb Tacos and Nachos. They served our food with three different sauces, Guacamole, Chili and Garlic. The Nachos tasted great and I think it's very cheap because one serving is huge and already good for up to 3 persons.

Nachos at P160

Lamb Tacos at P75/Ligero

The place is just small and we're really lucky that we're done just before customers started lining up. I loved the food and for sure I'm gonna be back soon to take my friends here. Next time I'll try their cocktails.

Lunch at Casa Verde in UP Town Center

For weeks now, my foodie buddies, Ira and I, have been exploring and trying out hole-in-the-wall restaurants in search for delicious food. This morning, just out of nowhere, our office mate and friend Jason asked if we want to have lunch with him in Smokin' Pig and we all agreed but unfortunately, it was closed since it's November 1 so Ira suggested going to Casa Verde in UP Town Center instead.

I checked out their FB page and they'll open by 12NN. By 12:15, Ira, Jen and Jason are already there but they're already on the waiting list. Not so long, Hubby and I arrived and we waited for 30 minutes I guess until we're given seats.

I ordered Brian's Ribs (I was able to try it out during my visit to Cebu) while Hubby ordered Casa Verde Burger and the five of us shared the big Milky Way Shake (P345) which we had a hard time consuming.

Casa Verde Burger at P225

Brian's Ribs at P250

Brian's Ribs is good enough for 2 and it tasted delicious (as usual!). As for the burger, I'd say it's just 3.5/5. The taste of the butter is overwhelming and the patty tastes ordinary. I'm not sure if their Big Bang Burger tastes the same but maybe we'll try it on our next visit.

Ying Ying Tea House - A Must-Visit Restaurant for Authentic Chinese Dishes

It's been a while since I ate authentic Chinese Dishes so when we visited my mom in Manila, I asked her if she could take us to Ying Ying. The place is very nostalgic since our dad used to take us there whenever we just feel like eating Dimsum or Mami.

Not much really changed in Chinatown. It's still the same simple place with old buildings.

At Ying Ying, We ordered Mami and Dimsums. While waiting for the food to be served, we took a sip of their free unlimited hot tea.

Unlimited Hot Tea for free

Wanton Mami

Hakao at P70

Radish Cake at P60

Spare Ribs at P70

Tai Pao (Special Siopao) at P70

Our food was served just a few minutes after we ordered and after having my lips touched the Radish Cake, it was like Heaven. I wish we could frequent the place again. Oh! If only I'm still living in Manila.

Ying Ying Tea House is located in Dasmarinas St. cor Yuchengo St., Binondo, Manila

Mahogany Market in Tagaytay

We had our lunch in Mahogany Market and I had to buy meat and other stuffs before heading off to Calatagan for our team outing. It was already 1 in the afternoon when we arrived but the place is still full of people eating at the carinderias. We really don't have any specific carinderia in mind and we're all starving so we just sit down to what's nearest to us. There were bunch of bananas on the table and the waiter said it's free and unlimited. I believe they also offer unlimited barako coffee but I guess we're not offered that anymore since it's already Lunch time. I immediately asked for two orders of Bulalo (P350/order), two orders of Tawilis (P300/order), rice and softdrinks and in 10 minutes, food were already in front of us. There's not really any better place to have Bulalo than in Tagaytay. Leslie's Bulalo is also delicious but a bit pricey so, if you want to eat cheap, then Mahogany Market is the place to be.

At Mahogany Market

They have Crispy Pata too!

After eating, they went to the parking area while I went to buy some food for our outing. Liempo there is at P200/kilo which I think is a bit higher than the usual price because in Pasig Market, I believe it's just P190/kilo. Then I went on to buy Bangus at P140/kilo and Squid for Calamares at P260/kilo. On the other side of the market is the Fruits and Vegetables Section. I went on to buy Indian Mangoes and Shrimp Paste (Bagoong) then I went to the Rice Section to buy 5 kilos of Angelica Rice, which we're only able to consume about half of it. At the back part of the market, there is a stall selling ice, and a small grocery store where we bought softdrinks and booze.

The market has everything we needed for our outing. After we're done eating and buying groceries, we're back on the road for our final destination.