Water Lily...err...Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes)
27 November 2007
Commonly and erroneously called water lily in the Philippines even by mainstream media, water hyacinths were originally from South America and introduced in many parts of the world. Pasig River and Laguna de Bay are local prime examples of the havoc caused by the aquatic plants in clogging waterways, choking oxygen from the water (similar to Kiapo) and breeding of mosquitoes.
There is beauty, however, hidden from most people unfamiliar with the plant.
Picture of Water Hyacinth with leaves and stems somewhere in Laguna de Bay
How beautiful and colorful its flowers are. Beauty in spite of its destructive presence.
Tutubi has seen water hyacinths used in waste water treatment, others claim the plant's high nitrogen content make it a potential biogass source. The most succesful use of the plant, however, is the use of its fibrous stem as handicraft materials for bags, mats, and slippers (like the ones in Las Pinas City, where the erroneously called "Water Lily Festival" is celebrated in July)
Other Information:
There is a Hyacinth in Greek mythology from whom the pretty hyacinth flower is named after. The bataw, of Bahay Kubo fame, in English is hyacinth bean.
Related Post:
Kiapo: where Quiapo Got its Name
There is beauty, however, hidden from most people unfamiliar with the plant.
Picture of Water Hyacinth with leaves and stems somewhere in Laguna de Bay
How beautiful and colorful its flowers are. Beauty in spite of its destructive presence.Tutubi has seen water hyacinths used in waste water treatment, others claim the plant's high nitrogen content make it a potential biogass source. The most succesful use of the plant, however, is the use of its fibrous stem as handicraft materials for bags, mats, and slippers (like the ones in Las Pinas City, where the erroneously called "Water Lily Festival" is celebrated in July)
Other Information:
There is a Hyacinth in Greek mythology from whom the pretty hyacinth flower is named after. The bataw, of Bahay Kubo fame, in English is hyacinth bean.
Related Post:
Kiapo: where Quiapo Got its Name
posted by GingGoy @ 8:08 PM,
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Earthquake in Manila (and Superstitions of Filipinos)
At around 12:26pm earlier today, Tutubi, while having lunch, felt the tables and chairs move and plants swaying due to an earthquake. He just "enjoyed" the dizzying sensation and soon after, his officemates narrated how the elevator shook during the temblor.
Earthquakes are nauseating when you're working in one of the tallest buildings of Manila.
The Inquirer issued a flash report of the incident as a magnitude 6 earthquake with epicenter of 195 kilometers northwest of Manila. It was felt more in the cities of Pasig, Makati and Manila particularly tenants of tall buildings. Operations of LRT and MRT halted momentarily due to the temblor.
Regarding the subject of superstitions, a pregnant officemate of Tutubi went to the shower to have a bath simply because of the earthquake might affect her unborn child. This is similar to the claim of many people that many eggs will get spoiled (bugok) during an earthquake.
How superstitious can Filipinos get!
Tags: Earthquakes, 菲律賓, 菲律宾, 필리핀, フィリピン, Filippine, Philippinen, Filipinas, Filippijnen, Paradise Philippines
Earthquakes are nauseating when you're working in one of the tallest buildings of Manila.
The Inquirer issued a flash report of the incident as a magnitude 6 earthquake with epicenter of 195 kilometers northwest of Manila. It was felt more in the cities of Pasig, Makati and Manila particularly tenants of tall buildings. Operations of LRT and MRT halted momentarily due to the temblor.
Regarding the subject of superstitions, a pregnant officemate of Tutubi went to the shower to have a bath simply because of the earthquake might affect her unborn child. This is similar to the claim of many people that many eggs will get spoiled (bugok) during an earthquake.
How superstitious can Filipinos get!
Tags: Earthquakes, 菲律賓, 菲律宾, 필리핀, フィリピン, Filippine, Philippinen, Filipinas, Filippijnen, Paradise Philippines
Labels: Philippines, Superstitions
posted by GingGoy @ 7:07 PM,
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Art in the Park and Salcedo Weekend Market in Makati
22 November 2007
For quite some time, this weekend market at Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village Makati City was a secret, known only to the rich people and citizens of the posh Salcedo Village, where food from an eclectic mix of sources, sometimes hard to find, made by the residents themselves, are peddled.
Working near the park, Tutubi frequents this place when he gets the chance to be in Makati on a Saturday morning but never got to take pictures. This time's different since he was able to hit two birds with one click: Art in the Park and the Salcedo Weekend Market. Tutubi made a quick visit to the "tiangge" to buy lunch and some suman and budbud kabog (a Dumaguete "pasalubong" similar to suman but made of millet seeds)
SALCEDO WEEKEND MARKET
the dela Rosa's Deli Challenge requires eating a giant burger, about 8 inches in diameter, for the treat to be free. there were no takers of it so Tutubi wasn't able to take a snapshot
Suman Biko from a gourmet suman vendor. recommend their budbud kabog from Dumaguete for P25 each (quite pricey but worth it)
The Salcedo Weekend Market is held every Saturday from 7am to 2pm (or later). There you'll see Ineng's Special Barbeque, Cebu Lechon, Salcedo Chicken Inasal, DGM Organic Farm produce, Inihaw ni Ogie, an array of French cuisine prepared by a French resident of the place, Italian pizza made by an Italian, Budbud Kabog (gourmet suman from Dumaguete), burger challenge, fresh flowers, buro from Pampanga, and whole lot more.
ART IN THE PARK
Inspired by the weekly Art Fair at The Rocks in Sydney, Australia, Art in the Park occupies the Velasquez Park's children's playground and features affordable art works with P20000 as the most expensive. It's a project of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines.
Orange Gallery
Galleries of FEATI and UST students
Sample artworks from Nineveh Art Space manned by the affable Louie Sevilla
Participating Galleries: Art for Space, Art Inday, Artwalk Gallery, Blanc Art Space, Boston Art Gallery, Galeria de las Islas, Hiraya Gallery, L’Arc en Ciel, Nineveh Art Space, One Workshop, Silverlens Gallery and Tin-Aw/Slash Art,Ilustrador ng Kabataan, KASIBULAN, and Kulay Marikina. Students from the the University of Sto. Tomas, DLS-College of St. Benilde, Far Eastern University, and FEATI.
Salcedo Weekend Market at Velasquez Park taken by the flying Tutubi
How to get to Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati
Commute: From MRT Buendia, board the Washington or LRT/Taft jeepney then alight at the corner of Buendia and Malugay. Cross Buendia then walk along Tordesillas St where the park is located. (Riding the Bel-air jeepneys at the corner of Washington and Buendia or the Guadalupe-bound jeepneys at LRT/Buendia will also get your there)
Driving directions to Salcedo Village by car from EDSA Guadalupe, turn right Buendia (Gil Puyat), then left Paseo de Roxas, cross Makati Avenue (Mandarin Oriental Hotel) then right turn Villar St (Citibank Building). Turn left at the end of Villar St to reach L.P. Leviste (one-way street) where the weekend market is also located. (note there are too many parked vehicles there causing heavy traffic since the place really became popular now)
From LRT/Taft Avenue, traverse Gil Puyat St then right turn at Tordesillas St (Ministop/Philtrust Bank). Salcedo park is just a few meters from by Makati Sports Club and is hard to miss due to the noticeable fiesta atmosphere.
Working near the park, Tutubi frequents this place when he gets the chance to be in Makati on a Saturday morning but never got to take pictures. This time's different since he was able to hit two birds with one click: Art in the Park and the Salcedo Weekend Market. Tutubi made a quick visit to the "tiangge" to buy lunch and some suman and budbud kabog (a Dumaguete "pasalubong" similar to suman but made of millet seeds)
SALCEDO WEEKEND MARKET
the dela Rosa's Deli Challenge requires eating a giant burger, about 8 inches in diameter, for the treat to be free. there were no takers of it so Tutubi wasn't able to take a snapshot
Suman Biko from a gourmet suman vendor. recommend their budbud kabog from Dumaguete for P25 each (quite pricey but worth it)The Salcedo Weekend Market is held every Saturday from 7am to 2pm (or later). There you'll see Ineng's Special Barbeque, Cebu Lechon, Salcedo Chicken Inasal, DGM Organic Farm produce, Inihaw ni Ogie, an array of French cuisine prepared by a French resident of the place, Italian pizza made by an Italian, Budbud Kabog (gourmet suman from Dumaguete), burger challenge, fresh flowers, buro from Pampanga, and whole lot more.
ART IN THE PARK
Inspired by the weekly Art Fair at The Rocks in Sydney, Australia, Art in the Park occupies the Velasquez Park's children's playground and features affordable art works with P20000 as the most expensive. It's a project of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines.
Orange Gallery
Galleries of FEATI and UST students
Sample artworks from Nineveh Art Space manned by the affable Louie Sevilla Participating Galleries: Art for Space, Art Inday, Artwalk Gallery, Blanc Art Space, Boston Art Gallery, Galeria de las Islas, Hiraya Gallery, L’Arc en Ciel, Nineveh Art Space, One Workshop, Silverlens Gallery and Tin-Aw/Slash Art,Ilustrador ng Kabataan, KASIBULAN, and Kulay Marikina. Students from the the University of Sto. Tomas, DLS-College of St. Benilde, Far Eastern University, and FEATI.
Salcedo Weekend Market at Velasquez Park taken by the flying TutubiHow to get to Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati
Commute: From MRT Buendia, board the Washington or LRT/Taft jeepney then alight at the corner of Buendia and Malugay. Cross Buendia then walk along Tordesillas St where the park is located. (Riding the Bel-air jeepneys at the corner of Washington and Buendia or the Guadalupe-bound jeepneys at LRT/Buendia will also get your there)
Driving directions to Salcedo Village by car from EDSA Guadalupe, turn right Buendia (Gil Puyat), then left Paseo de Roxas, cross Makati Avenue (Mandarin Oriental Hotel) then right turn Villar St (Citibank Building). Turn left at the end of Villar St to reach L.P. Leviste (one-way street) where the weekend market is also located. (note there are too many parked vehicles there causing heavy traffic since the place really became popular now)
From LRT/Taft Avenue, traverse Gil Puyat St then right turn at Tordesillas St (Ministop/Philtrust Bank). Salcedo park is just a few meters from by Makati Sports Club and is hard to miss due to the noticeable fiesta atmosphere.
Labels: Art, Makati, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Shopping
posted by GingGoy @ 10:20 PM,
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World of Butterflies in Marikina
17 November 2007
Was able to visit Marikina World of Butterflies some time ago with J, a Marikina denizen, as guide.
Butterflies, a cousin of Tutubi (dragonfly) in the insect world represent the most beautiful members of the Insect kingdom. (Dragonflies are the most handsome, hands down, this is Tutubi's blog, remember?)
Some pictures:
picture chrysalis hanging on a girdle (resting stage of moths is called cocoon, chrysalis for butterflies)
photo of a larva (caterpillar) on a host plant
the giant Mariposa (a moth, Scientific Name: Atticus Atlas)
No pictures of fluttering butterflies since they're mostly flying in the morning, not in the afternoon and evening, like moths do.
Will post butterfly pictures in an upcoming series on butterfly watching! :P
Information:
Marikina World of Butterflies
Mondays to Sundays 8am to 5pm
Champagnat corner Ordonez Sts
Brgy. Marikina Heights, Marikina City
Telephone No.: 9413747
P20 for students, senior citizens and Marikina residents
P40 for tourists and visitors
How to go to Marikina World of Butterflies:
Commute: Board a Marikina-bound FX on Aurora Blvd in Cubao, Quezon City, drop off at Meralco then hire a tricycle.
Directions to Marikina World of Butterflies
UPDATE: April 2011: this facility was hit by typhoon Ondoy where most of the butterflies died. probably not in good condition up to this time
Butterflies, a cousin of Tutubi (dragonfly) in the insect world represent the most beautiful members of the Insect kingdom. (Dragonflies are the most handsome, hands down, this is Tutubi's blog, remember?)
Some pictures:
picture chrysalis hanging on a girdle (resting stage of moths is called cocoon, chrysalis for butterflies)
photo of a larva (caterpillar) on a host plant
the giant Mariposa (a moth, Scientific Name: Atticus Atlas)No pictures of fluttering butterflies since they're mostly flying in the morning, not in the afternoon and evening, like moths do.
Will post butterfly pictures in an upcoming series on butterfly watching! :P
Information:
Marikina World of Butterflies
Mondays to Sundays 8am to 5pm
Champagnat corner Ordonez Sts
Brgy. Marikina Heights, Marikina City
Telephone No.: 9413747
P20 for students, senior citizens and Marikina residents
P40 for tourists and visitors
How to go to Marikina World of Butterflies:
Commute: Board a Marikina-bound FX on Aurora Blvd in Cubao, Quezon City, drop off at Meralco then hire a tricycle.
Directions to Marikina World of Butterflies
UPDATE: April 2011: this facility was hit by typhoon Ondoy where most of the butterflies died. probably not in good condition up to this time
Labels: Butterflies, Butterfly Garden, Marikina, Metro Manila, National Capital Region
posted by GingGoy @ 9:43 PM,
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BigHead Carp Sinigang
13 November 2007
A recent episode of NBN4's "Out of Town" featured Cardona and Tanay towns of Rizal province capped with a lunch at Kainan sa Dalampasigan where the host ordered sinigang na ulo ng bighead.
On seeing the bighead, it brought back memories and a longing to again taste the bighead fish in sinigang since the fish, raised in Laguna de Bay, is also available in Paete's public market at an unbelievable price of P50/kilo.
Big head, scientific name: Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, is also called chinese carp referring to it's Chinese origin but now raised worldwide. It naturally feeds on plankton and similar to whale sharks as filter-feeders. It's also said to be the most widely eaten fish, considered a delicacy in China and yet it's virtually unknown in Metro Manila-- no wonder it comes at a price cheaper than galunggong (round scad) and tilapia!
Last Sunday morning in Paete, Tutubi requested his father to buy a whole bighead carp, still alive and...swimming, as always the case, in a tub filled also with carp and tilapia (the pla-pla variety, not the newer Gloria). At P50/kilo, the 1.8 kilogram bighead was offered for only P80 and the vendor cleaned the fish's tiny kaliskis (scales) and chopped it into pieces.
At home, using his usual sinigang recipe, Tutubi's father mixed the bighead meat with sitaw (string beans), sigarillas (winged beans), tomatoes, kangkong, gabi (taro) and onions, brought to a boil and added sinigang mix (since there's no fresh tamarind available; the bighead meat was also first washed with calamansi and ginger to remove fishy smell, though it's not really fishy)
What became of the fresh bighead was a slightly spicy sinigang with its sour, spicy soup!
Bighead carp is tasty and fatty, the healthy type of fat that is, available in restaurants in Cardona and Tanay, Rizal province, near the historic parola (lighthouse) but if you want to make it yourself, you can whip up your own wicked sinigang for less than P200 to serve at least five persons.
Beat that for a truly frugal feast!
Related Posts:
Utak Biya
Ayungin
On seeing the bighead, it brought back memories and a longing to again taste the bighead fish in sinigang since the fish, raised in Laguna de Bay, is also available in Paete's public market at an unbelievable price of P50/kilo.
Big head, scientific name: Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, is also called chinese carp referring to it's Chinese origin but now raised worldwide. It naturally feeds on plankton and similar to whale sharks as filter-feeders. It's also said to be the most widely eaten fish, considered a delicacy in China and yet it's virtually unknown in Metro Manila-- no wonder it comes at a price cheaper than galunggong (round scad) and tilapia!
Last Sunday morning in Paete, Tutubi requested his father to buy a whole bighead carp, still alive and...swimming, as always the case, in a tub filled also with carp and tilapia (the pla-pla variety, not the newer Gloria). At P50/kilo, the 1.8 kilogram bighead was offered for only P80 and the vendor cleaned the fish's tiny kaliskis (scales) and chopped it into pieces.
At home, using his usual sinigang recipe, Tutubi's father mixed the bighead meat with sitaw (string beans), sigarillas (winged beans), tomatoes, kangkong, gabi (taro) and onions, brought to a boil and added sinigang mix (since there's no fresh tamarind available; the bighead meat was also first washed with calamansi and ginger to remove fishy smell, though it's not really fishy)
What became of the fresh bighead was a slightly spicy sinigang with its sour, spicy soup!
Bighead carp is tasty and fatty, the healthy type of fat that is, available in restaurants in Cardona and Tanay, Rizal province, near the historic parola (lighthouse) but if you want to make it yourself, you can whip up your own wicked sinigang for less than P200 to serve at least five persons.
Beat that for a truly frugal feast!
Related Posts:
Utak Biya
Ayungin
Labels: Cuisine, Flora and Fauna
posted by GingGoy @ 8:44 PM,
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Camiguin Pasalubong: Vjandep Pastel Branches in CDO
11 November 2007
Recently, Tutubi was able to buy a box of pastel buns with filling, a reminder of his memorable and captivating island of Camiguin travel in northern Mindanao in May 2003.
Pastel is the pasalubong for Camiguin's visitors, much like every destination in the Philippines has one. (To Filipinos, bringing home something bought from a travel or vacation to family and friends is part of Filipino culture called pasalubong and is the reason why it's so easy to spot Filipinos in airports-- too much baggage mostly pasalubong stuff!)
Pastel is available in cheese, langka, macapuno, mango, Pineapple and made-to-order durian, guava, strawberry, chocolate, and special yema
Vjandep Pastel recipe ingredients(bun): Flour, eggs, milk, sugar, butter, shortening and yeast
Filling ingredients: milk, butter and eggs
VJANDEP Food Products
57 Plaridel St, Mabajao, Camiguin
Telephone No.: +63.88.387.0049
Branches:
078 Tiano St, Brgy 14
Cagayan de Oro
Telephone Number: +63.88.858.4027
Stall 17/18 Building 1, Angel Chavez Complex
Cagayan de Oro City
Telephone Number: +63.88.856.5404
a dozen pastels in a box
These pastrylicious pastels used to be not available in Manila but now can be bought at Shopwise Department stores and Market! Market in Taguig City. Have yet to see them in Greenhills and SM though.
What's your favorite pasalubong?
Related Posts:
Camiguin Travel Guide
Pastel is the pasalubong for Camiguin's visitors, much like every destination in the Philippines has one. (To Filipinos, bringing home something bought from a travel or vacation to family and friends is part of Filipino culture called pasalubong and is the reason why it's so easy to spot Filipinos in airports-- too much baggage mostly pasalubong stuff!)
Pastel is available in cheese, langka, macapuno, mango, Pineapple and made-to-order durian, guava, strawberry, chocolate, and special yema
Vjandep Pastel recipe ingredients(bun): Flour, eggs, milk, sugar, butter, shortening and yeast
Filling ingredients: milk, butter and eggs
VJANDEP Food Products
57 Plaridel St, Mabajao, Camiguin
Telephone No.: +63.88.387.0049
Branches:
078 Tiano St, Brgy 14
Cagayan de Oro
Telephone Number: +63.88.858.4027
Stall 17/18 Building 1, Angel Chavez Complex
Cagayan de Oro City
Telephone Number: +63.88.856.5404
a dozen pastels in a boxThese pastrylicious pastels used to be not available in Manila but now can be bought at Shopwise Department stores and Market! Market in Taguig City. Have yet to see them in Greenhills and SM though.
What's your favorite pasalubong?
Related Posts:
Camiguin Travel Guide
Labels: Camiguin, Northern Mindanao, Pasalubong
posted by GingGoy @ 8:08 PM,
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"Entablado" Painting Exhibit by Bayani Ray B. Acala
09 November 2007
Entablado: a painting exhibit by Bayani Ray B. Acala
A painting exhibit by young, talented painter from Paete, Laguna will open on November 25, 2007, Sunday at 2:00PM
Nineveh Artspace
2452 1st Avenue, Villa Silangan Subdivision
Sta. Cruz, Laguna
Tel: (049) 808-6617
Exhibit runs until December 16,2007
Exhibit Description:
ENTABLADO: The Stage of Life
If life was a stage, it would be interesting how actors weave a story with neither a script nor a director. Acala confronts this seemingly challenging yet intriguing reality of life and its many subplots as he paints a variety of actors performing in the stage of their own setting, often with a play of bright and dark hues, reflective of life’s rich mix of emotions and undertones.
What is most welcome in Acala’s pieces is his fresh approach of using ‘the stage’ as a platform for reinterpretation of old and recurrent themes of friendship, courtship and love. From the ballerina whose eyes are held by her partner’s, the flying trapeze chasing his love with a bouquet of flower high up in the air to the jugglers whose joggling act is dependent on the stability of their friendship and trust.
The artist’s canvass transforms life and its mundane relationships into an exciting play re-told and re-invented without the rigidity of a script or director. Coming from a simple but artistic town of Paete, Acala has successfully rendered a lighthearted yet mischievous view of life; one that is uncluttered and innocent; where clowns, magicians and acrobats are not afraid to be unmasked, and where childhood memories of the people performing on stage in the plaza during town fiestas are revisited by a more mature pair of eyes but with the same young heart.
To view the artist's works, please click this link.
Bayani Ray B. Acala is actually Tutubi's good-looking, gifted first cousin who has won several nationwide painting contests :P
Tags: Paete Artist, Art Exhibit,
A painting exhibit by young, talented painter from Paete, Laguna will open on November 25, 2007, Sunday at 2:00PM
Nineveh Artspace
2452 1st Avenue, Villa Silangan Subdivision
Sta. Cruz, Laguna
Tel: (049) 808-6617
Exhibit runs until December 16,2007
Exhibit Description:
ENTABLADO: The Stage of Life
If life was a stage, it would be interesting how actors weave a story with neither a script nor a director. Acala confronts this seemingly challenging yet intriguing reality of life and its many subplots as he paints a variety of actors performing in the stage of their own setting, often with a play of bright and dark hues, reflective of life’s rich mix of emotions and undertones.
What is most welcome in Acala’s pieces is his fresh approach of using ‘the stage’ as a platform for reinterpretation of old and recurrent themes of friendship, courtship and love. From the ballerina whose eyes are held by her partner’s, the flying trapeze chasing his love with a bouquet of flower high up in the air to the jugglers whose joggling act is dependent on the stability of their friendship and trust.
The artist’s canvass transforms life and its mundane relationships into an exciting play re-told and re-invented without the rigidity of a script or director. Coming from a simple but artistic town of Paete, Acala has successfully rendered a lighthearted yet mischievous view of life; one that is uncluttered and innocent; where clowns, magicians and acrobats are not afraid to be unmasked, and where childhood memories of the people performing on stage in the plaza during town fiestas are revisited by a more mature pair of eyes but with the same young heart.
To view the artist's works, please click this link.
Bayani Ray B. Acala is actually Tutubi's good-looking, gifted first cousin who has won several nationwide painting contests :P
Tags: Paete Artist, Art Exhibit,
Labels: Art
posted by GingGoy @ 9:13 PM,
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An Exotic Restaurant in Laguna
08 November 2007
A nice restaurant in a garden setting nestled on the slopes of the Sierra Madre mountain range whose real name is Exotik Garden Restaurant, it has quaint Filipiniana-themed huts made from indigenous materials and wooden decorations reminiscent of Paete town, from where the owner is former mayor.
Actually located in Kalayaan town and not in Paete, like most people associate the place with, Exotik's resident python, Samantha, welcomes visitors to the place though it's sort of a turn-off to some who can't stand the sight of snakes and constrictors.
The menu is a combination of native Filipino dishes. The exotic fare, trimmed down to conform to laws on the protection of endangered and protected animals, used to include: bayawak (monitor lizard), baboy damo (wild boar), sawa (python), usa (deer), pating (sharks) and ostriches. Now, only ostrich and non-endangered animals appear on it similar to what used-to-be exotic Balaw-balaw Restaurant in Angono, Rizal once served. Price is mostly mid-range under P200 per dish.
the man-made waterfalls in the manicured garden
When Tutubi went there again, he ordered ginataang kuhol at pako (golden snails/escargot with coconut milk and fern), calamares (fried squid) washed down with SanMig Light.
There are huts located quite high up the slope that offers a fascinating view of Laguna de Bay (laguna lake) facing west so the sunset is another sight to behold. Function rooms can be ideal venues for weddings, baptisms and other events.
A souvenir shop sells various items and products of Laguna and Quezon province e.g. buco pie, various sweets, tsinelas from Liliw, woodcarvings from Paete, coin purses made of snake skin and dried toads et al.
Exotik Restaurant is open up to 9pm everyday and located on the national highway near the northern tip of barrio Longos of Kalayaan, Laguna. There used to be branch near Caliraya Lake but it seems to have been closed down.
How to go there:
Commute: HM Transit Bus (Cubao near Victory Liner or Taft avenu near corner Buendia terminal)bound for Sta. Cruz. In Pagsawitan (where most people alight) take a jeepney bound for Siniloan or Paete then alight in front of the restaurant (tell the driver "Exotic")
by car: drive to Laguna up to Pagsanjan then left turn on approach of Pagsanjan church. The restaurant is a few meters from the 100 kilometer post so it's not easy to miss.
Actually located in Kalayaan town and not in Paete, like most people associate the place with, Exotik's resident python, Samantha, welcomes visitors to the place though it's sort of a turn-off to some who can't stand the sight of snakes and constrictors.
The menu is a combination of native Filipino dishes. The exotic fare, trimmed down to conform to laws on the protection of endangered and protected animals, used to include: bayawak (monitor lizard), baboy damo (wild boar), sawa (python), usa (deer), pating (sharks) and ostriches. Now, only ostrich and non-endangered animals appear on it similar to what used-to-be exotic Balaw-balaw Restaurant in Angono, Rizal once served. Price is mostly mid-range under P200 per dish.
the man-made waterfalls in the manicured garden
When Tutubi went there again, he ordered ginataang kuhol at pako (golden snails/escargot with coconut milk and fern), calamares (fried squid) washed down with SanMig Light.
There are huts located quite high up the slope that offers a fascinating view of Laguna de Bay (laguna lake) facing west so the sunset is another sight to behold. Function rooms can be ideal venues for weddings, baptisms and other events.
A souvenir shop sells various items and products of Laguna and Quezon province e.g. buco pie, various sweets, tsinelas from Liliw, woodcarvings from Paete, coin purses made of snake skin and dried toads et al.
Exotik Restaurant is open up to 9pm everyday and located on the national highway near the northern tip of barrio Longos of Kalayaan, Laguna. There used to be branch near Caliraya Lake but it seems to have been closed down.
How to go there:
Commute: HM Transit Bus (Cubao near Victory Liner or Taft avenu near corner Buendia terminal)bound for Sta. Cruz. In Pagsawitan (where most people alight) take a jeepney bound for Siniloan or Paete then alight in front of the restaurant (tell the driver "Exotic")
by car: drive to Laguna up to Pagsanjan then left turn on approach of Pagsanjan church. The restaurant is a few meters from the 100 kilometer post so it's not easy to miss.
Labels: Calabarzon, Kalayaan, Laguna, Laguna Restaurants, Restaurants, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 9:13 PM,
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Pancake House's Adobo Sulipan Recipe
06 November 2007
Imagine a hardboiled egg, pickled kangkong (water spinach), fresh tomatoes, steamed rice and shredded adobo flakes with lots of garlic: Adobo Sulipan at Pancake House, Tutubi's favorite adobo recipe incarnation.
Now costing around P190, quite pricey for the average pinoy meal, adobo sulipan is worth it although at times the preparation may be inconsistent.
the mango crepe is also something to look for as well as their "Best Taco in town" at P70 each
Adobo, the Philippines' "national dish," according to some has far too many versions to be listed but the most popular ones, besides adobo sulipan, are adobo sa gata (coconut milk), adobong matamis (sweet adobo), adobong tuyo (dry), adobong masabaw (soupy), adobo sa pinya (pineapples), and adobo sa kalamansi (philippine lemon).
About the history behind adobo, Tutubi is planning to post about it in the future along with his own adobo recipe. Even the origin behind adobo sulipan, whether it's related to barangay Sulipan in Apalit,Pampanga as part of the famous "sulipan cuisine," needs further research.
Pancake House, not only serves pancakes, but other Filipino specialties, and present in various locations around the Philippines.
Now costing around P190, quite pricey for the average pinoy meal, adobo sulipan is worth it although at times the preparation may be inconsistent.
the mango crepe is also something to look for as well as their "Best Taco in town" at P70 eachAdobo, the Philippines' "national dish," according to some has far too many versions to be listed but the most popular ones, besides adobo sulipan, are adobo sa gata (coconut milk), adobong matamis (sweet adobo), adobong tuyo (dry), adobong masabaw (soupy), adobo sa pinya (pineapples), and adobo sa kalamansi (philippine lemon).
About the history behind adobo, Tutubi is planning to post about it in the future along with his own adobo recipe. Even the origin behind adobo sulipan, whether it's related to barangay Sulipan in Apalit,Pampanga as part of the famous "sulipan cuisine," needs further research.
Pancake House, not only serves pancakes, but other Filipino specialties, and present in various locations around the Philippines.
Labels: Filipino Food
posted by GingGoy @ 9:32 PM,
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Rufina Patis (Nuoc Mam/Nam Pla/Fish Sauce)
05 November 2007
Malabon's famous Rufina Patis factory was also visited during the "Halina, Lusungin Natin ang Malabon" tour where one of the organizers was the affable COO (child of the owner) of Rufina Patis Factory.Patis, called Nuoc Nam in Vietnam and Nam Pla in Thailand, is a pungent condiment made from fish in brine solution left to ferment outdoors. Patis is a major ingredient in Filipino cuisine though westerners sometimes call it "stinking" fish sauce.
At the Rufina Factory Patis factory, it was pointed out that the green colored bottles are dipping fish sauce while the orange bottles contain Rufina seasoning for cooking.
For those adventurous enough to invade Malabon, they may find patis manufacturers and vendors selling home-brewed patis at the city market while a recommended short visit to Pescadores Restaurant (at the corner of Letre Road and Dagat-Dagatan Avenue) for the patis-flavored beef adobo.
several bottles of Rufina Patis at the end of the bottling plant. Didn't get to see the bottling operation since it was already shut down for that day
"Know Thy Enemy and Know Thyself," a collection of fish sauce samples and bottles of of Rufina's competitors on display
The heir apparent to the patis "Empire" holding a photo of Aling Rufina in traditional Filipino dress (picture blurred to protect identity of the "heir" since Tutubi doesn't have permission to post his pictureLabels: Filipino Food, Malabon, Philippines
posted by GingGoy @ 9:22 PM,
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Angel Cacnio and Bahay Parokyano Art Galleries in Malabon
01 November 2007
During the "Halina Lusungin natin ang Malabon," a visit to the house cum art gallery of Angel Cacnio, a new house with a bahay na bato look and filled with the artist's work of arts, paintings and scultures, including those of his son Ferdinand Cacnio.
Angel Cacnio has won coin design contests of the Central Bank of the Philippines in 1967 where his designs won first prizes for the Lapu-Lapu one centavo coin and the Marcelo H. Del Pilar 50 centavo coin. His designs commissioned by the Central Bank for the P100 and P20 bills are still in circulation.
Angel Cacnio's work featuring Sabong (cockfight)
The last stop of the Malabon tour was a visit to Bahay Parokyano, an art gallery with exhibits from Malabon's budding artists
A wall clock made from everyday materials
Ballerina brass sculpture by Ferdinand "Ferdie" Cacnio at Bahay Parokyano
Ferdie Cacnio, in 2005, won 2nd place in Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) Annual Art Competition. He also listed large mixed-metal sculpture “Pasasalamat (Thanksgiving)” which stands prominently in Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Bahay Parokyano is similar to Paete's Kape Kesada where young, promising artists can hone and display their works of art
How to get there:
Bahay Parokyano is located at 62 Bautista Blvd., Malabon City
Tel. No. +63.2.282.5112
Ferdinand Cacnio's gallery address (posted here with permission)
11 Hercules St., Tivoli Greens Village,
Quezon City, Philippines
For other details, please drop a comment
Angel Cacnio has won coin design contests of the Central Bank of the Philippines in 1967 where his designs won first prizes for the Lapu-Lapu one centavo coin and the Marcelo H. Del Pilar 50 centavo coin. His designs commissioned by the Central Bank for the P100 and P20 bills are still in circulation.
Angel Cacnio's work featuring Sabong (cockfight)
The last stop of the Malabon tour was a visit to Bahay Parokyano, an art gallery with exhibits from Malabon's budding artists
A wall clock made from everyday materials
Ballerina brass sculpture by Ferdinand "Ferdie" Cacnio at Bahay ParokyanoFerdie Cacnio, in 2005, won 2nd place in Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) Annual Art Competition. He also listed large mixed-metal sculpture “Pasasalamat (Thanksgiving)” which stands prominently in Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Bahay Parokyano is similar to Paete's Kape Kesada where young, promising artists can hone and display their works of art
How to get there:
Bahay Parokyano is located at 62 Bautista Blvd., Malabon City
Tel. No. +63.2.282.5112
Ferdinand Cacnio's gallery address (posted here with permission)
11 Hercules St., Tivoli Greens Village,
Quezon City, Philippines
For other details, please drop a comment
Labels: Art, Malabon, Philippines
posted by GingGoy @ 8:22 PM,
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