A Sweet Escape (Part 2)

Hello there, ETC readers! Are you ready for the continuation of my family’s Ilocandia Tour? Let’s get it on!

(Day 2)1^st destination: Malacañang Ti Amianan, Paoay, Ilocos Norte! One of the best places to revisit the past is by going to the Malacañang of the North, a two-storey rest house of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. The mixture of Spanish and Ilocano influences is evident in the design of the mansion and by using some of the rooms in the house to showcase the different items related to the Marcos regime, its historical value has been highlighted more. Upon visiting, a local tour guide about my age accompanied and told us many stories about the Marcoses and their contribution to the country. Unfortunately for us, many tourists were also there during the time of our visit, so my mom and I were not able to get many photos of the interior of the house. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed roaming around the house, taking in the beautiful scenery outside, and gaining more knowledge about the late president and his family. 

Want to discover more? Just click here!

Mouth-watering Food of Central Luzon!

Source: I Love Filipino Food

A trip is never complete without tasting the local and traditional food of the places you have visited. In this article, I would be sharing with you some of the best and yummy dishes that you can try once you visit the southern area of Central Luzon!

The Province of Bataan

1. Araro Cookies

Source: Flickr

Samal is known as the Araro Capital of Bataan because of its infamous Araro cookies. The cookies are made of arrowroot instead of the usual flour and eggs mix, thus giving it a milkier and richer taste than the puto seko. Not just that, the araro cookies also have little carvings that make it aesthetically beautiful! 

2. Sinigang na Manok sa Ayo

Source: Tourism Philippines

The province of Bataan is known for its version of the classic sour soup of Southeast Asia, Sinigang, because it uses a different ingredient that makes the dish have its distinct taste. The Ayo leaves gives the Sinigang na Manok a twist because of the sweet and sour flavor that it contributes to the dish. Thus, making the Bataan version of Sinigang, a dish to remember. 

3. Tinapang Banak

Source: Linamnam

Being one of Bataan’s thriving industries, the people of Bataan had already perfected the art of pagtitinapa. Having many fishes that are freshly caught, the province is able to sustain the excellent flavor that it has been giving to the tinapa. Contributing to the fresh flavor of tinapa is the smokey flavor caused by using wood shavings as pampausok to the fishes.

The Province of Bulacan

1. Pancit Marilao

Source: Choose Philippines

Make way for another pancit variety, Pancit Marilao! Pancit Marilao is almost the same as the pancit palabok but unlike the classic dish, the pancit marilao is topped with crunchy okoy (crispy shrimp fritters) and slices of kamias as a better substitute for calamansi. The dish might sound adventurous but with the right blend of crunchiness given by the okoy, the tenderness of the noodles, and the sourish taste of kamias, every bite is surely a fun experience!

2. Pastillas de Leche

Source: Sweet Caroline

Pastillas de Leche, which literally translates to “milk tablets”, is one of the delicacies that are famous in Bulacan, particularly in the town of San Miguel. Unlike other pastillas that uses condensed and powdered milk, the pastillas in Bulacan are made with cooked carabao’s milk, which makes it tastier and more delectable!

3. Ensaymada Malolos (Buttered Brioche)

Source: Pinas Muna

When I asked my dad about the famous delicacies of Bulacan, he immediately said “Yung ensaymada ng Malolos!” According to him, Bulacan is known for its unique and yummy ensaymada. The ensaymada of Malolos has a slightly darker color from other ensaymadas. Butter, cheese and a slice of salted duck egg on top are the ingredients that completes this yummy treat!

The Province of Pampanga

1. Batute Tugak

Source: 8list

One of Pampanga’s exotic dishes, Batute Tugak or stuffed frogs, is a must-try for adventurous foodies! The Batute Tugak are made by stuffing each frog with seasoned ground beef and then deep-fried so as to attain its crispiness. No worries, the frogs that are being used in this dish are farm-raised and poison-free, so everyone are free to indulge!

2. Balo balo

Source: 8list

Another Kapampangan dish is the Balo balo, more commonly known as ‘buro’, which is composed of fermented rice with shrimp suahe and then sautéed in garlic and tomatoes. Serving the dish with mustasa, grilled talong and grilled hito will make the dish more enjoyable. The sour funny smell of the delicacy might make you reconsider eating it but you can never stop yourself from eating once you have tasted the dish!

3. Bringhe

Source: 8list

Pampanga’s version of the Spanish Paella is the Bringhe, made with glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and turmeric, which gives the yellow green color and distinct flavor to the dish. A lot of different ingredients are also mixed into the dish like chicken, chorizo, bell peppers, carrots and raisins. It is also common to top the dish with slices of boiled eggs to make it more tasty and picture-perfect. The Bringhe is usually served during special occasions and fiestas but it is actually very easy to prepare.

The Province of Zambales

1. Mangoes

Source: Choose Philippines

In 1995, the Guinness Book of World Records has awarded Zambales as the province who has the sweetest and most sumptuous mangoes! The mangoes of Zambales are one of the reasons why tourists keep coming back to the province. Today, the mangoes of the province are being transformed into delectable desserts, refreshing drinks and cocktails, thus diversifying the uses of mangoes and enhancing the experience of tourists!

2. Linga

Source: Sonia Sweets

A nutritious yet scrumptious candy can be found in Zambales? Yep! Linga, more commonly known as “sesame seed candies”, is one of the native delicacies of Zambales. One would surely love these candies once he has tasted one! The linga is a sweet delicacy that is made of just two ingredients, namely: raw sugar and freshly roast sesame seeds!

3. Ginipang

Source: Flickr

Another native delicacy of Zambales is the Ginipang that is made of dried rice grains and has a unique sweet taste. Once you visit the northernmost part of Zambales, do not forget to have a taste of this delicious yet affordable delicacy!

References:

• http://www.pinasmuna.com/2014/05/eurobake-ensaymada-of-malolos-bulacan.html
• http://www.filipino-recipes-lutong-pinoy.com/pastillas-de-leche.html
• http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/festivals/1325/zambales-mango-festival/
• http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=PinasSarapCulinarySites&func=all&pid=8670
• http://www.choosephilippines.com/eat/local-flavors/386/pancit-marilao/
• http://www.pinasmuna.com/2014/05/eurobake-ensaymada-of-malolos-bulacan.html
• http://8list.ph/kapampangan-food/
• http://testcook.businessmirrorireport.com/?p=75
• http://tourism-philippines.com/bataan/
• http://www.linamnam.com/anak-ng-tinapa

A Sweet Escape

“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking.” –Earl Wilson

Last summer, my mom planned a trip to Ilocos for our family to relax and unwind from all the stress that work and school have been giving us and it had been ONE AWESOME ROADTRIP! In this article, I would be sharing with you the FIRST DAY of our Ilocandia Tour.

My dad welcomes you to Baluarte!

1^st destination: Baluarte ni Chavit Singson, Vigan, Ilocos Sur! For a person who does not like animals very much, I enjoyed roaming around the vicinity and catching glimpses of the wild species that are freely wandering around Baluarte. Ostriches, ducks, tigers, birds, ponies and deers are some of the animals that I got to encounter in the vast area of Baluarte. 

 

Want to join us in our adventure? Just click here!

10 Oh-So-Natural Beauties of the Southern area of Central Luzon

The Philippines, as we all know, has been gifted with so many natural attractions that are all beautiful and unique in their own ways. Want to know some of the natural beauties of Central Luzon? Read on.

1. Bahay Paniki Cave (San Miguel, Bulacan)

Source: Travelling Cup

Also known as the “House of Bats”, this cave is an attraction for allocentric tourists because it is a bit risky to penetrate given the amount of debris, caused by floodwater, that are filed along the way. Though, after a bit of a risk, tourists would be greeted by a rare and astonishing view of the natural beauty of the bats as they fly overhead in and out of the cave. Come twilight, the bats line up into two groups to converge into a single formation on the sky and disappear into the horizon.

2. Candaba Swamp (Candaba, Pampanga)

Source: The Philippine Wonders

Being a regular bird-watching destination, this vast wetland has always been a magnet for Ecotourism ever since birds started flocking the area. The only rule they have in this destination is: “No hunting, no shooting” so as to protect the domestic and migratory birds that flock the area. Ecotourists would really enjoy their visit in Candaba Swamp because in Candaba, protecting wildlife is the main priority.

3. Hilltop (Norzagaray, Bulacan)

Source: Bulacan.gov

Also known as the “Baguio City of Bulacan”, Hilltop has always mesmerized both locals and tourists alike because it offers an amazing view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Also, it is home to the Angat River Hydroelectric Plant of the NPC.

4. Iba Beach (Iba, Zambales)

Source: Lakbay Pilipinas

An 8-kilometer stretch of whitish-sand beach is home to more than 20 resorts in Iba. Iba Beach has crystal-clear water that came from South China Sea, which would make every visit pleasurable. Adding to that, many migratory and domestic birds flock the area during the summer season, which would definitely take the experience one notch higher.

5. Mt. Arayat National Park (Arayat and Magalang, Pampanga)

Source: The Philippines

A 3,564 foot-high mountain, Mt. Arayat has always been a destination to many picknickers because of the cool breeze that blows even during the hot summer season. Hundreds of springs of cool and clear water flows down the mountainside to the foot of the mountain where people can enjoy dipping during a hot summer’s day.

6. Mt. Natib (Orani, Bataan)

Source: Pinoy Mountaineer

Rises about 8,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Natib is an active volcano which has always been a magnet to mountain climbers who want to experience a good climb. As tourists climb Mt. Natib for approximately four hours, an abundant wildlife reserve will accompany them along the way. 

          

7. Mt. Samat (Pilar, Bataan)

Source: Entravel

Home to the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat has always attract many travelers who want to have a feel of history. Mt. Samat has been the place where most defense battles between Fil-American and Japanese forces during World War 2 happened.

8. Pinagrealan Cave (Norzagaray, Bulacan)

Source: Ambot-ah

85% of Pinagrealan Cave is composed of limestones with varying colors of pink, brown and white. Also, an array of waterfalls and a clear stream can be found in the cave. Pinagrealan Cave is for mass tourism purposes only with its circular sinkholes that serve as swimming pools for the tourists and the cave is also a good site for spelunking.

9. Potipot Island (Candelaria, Zambales)

Source: Pinoy Photographer

One of Candelaria’s main attractions is the white-sand beach of Potipot Island. The whole island can be explored for just 30 minutes, which makes it more enchanting to visit. It also offers an amazing opportunity for snorkeling because of its beautiful coral reefs. Potipot Island is easily accessible by boat.

10. Sagrada Familia Cave (Sta. Cruz, Zambales)

Source: Missosology

Sagrada Familia Cave is one of the famous caves in the country because of the mysterious image of the Holy Family in the altar made of stalactites and stalagmites. The area was part of the ocean bed over millions of years ago because of the evidences of coral reef fragments along the cliffside where it belongs.

References:

• Libosada, C. (2003). Domestic Tourism. Anvil Publishing
• http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/149767/in-candaba-swamp-birds-are-friends
• http://vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Zambales-Tourist-Attractions-List
• http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Zambales&func=all&pid=720
• http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=ListofAttractions&func=all&pid=7818
• http://bataan.islandsphilippines.com/natural_attractions.php
• http://vigattintourism.com/tourism/destinations/69
• http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Natural&func=all&pid=4318
• http://vigattintourism.com/tourism/destinations/70

Top 20 Awesome Ways to Truly Enjoy Unearthing Central Luzon!

Source: Wikia

Wondering what to do during your visit in Central Luzon? Then wonder no more because this article is in fact a BUCKETLIST of the top 5 most amazing things to do in Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga and Zambales! Excited? I know you are! So grab your pens and off we go!

 Bataan: A splendid blend of history and adventure!

1. Revisit the Spanish Era 

Source: Tumblr

Want to live in the Spanish era even for just a short while? Then Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Bagac, Bataan) is the place to be! Las Casas was strategically built to make people feel the Philippine vibe during the Spanish era. Each house was acquired from a different place in the Philippines, dismantled and rebuilt in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. One of the majestic houses in this place is full of antique wooden furniture, a grand wooden staircase, patterned woodwork, a painted ceiling, and a marble floor, all of these can be enjoyed for ₱15, 750 to ₱45,000 a night! Also, cottages can be rented here for the people travelling on a budget but still want to marvel at the beauty of the place. Cobblestone streets, Spanish-era houses, calesas and many more, what more can you ask for? Revisit the Spanish Era, NOW!

2. Remember Bravery

Source: Panoramio

Hats off to the Filipino, American and Filipino-Chinese soldiers who have had not surrendered to the Japanese forces up until they were all sick and starving! The soldiers’ bravery is remembered at the 30-storey cross, more popularly known as the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan). Tourists are encouraged to take an elevator ride to the top that would let them enjoy the panoramic view of the area. Also, just a short distance from the Dambana ng Kagitingan is the jump-off point of Mt. Samat Treetop Adventure’s 540-meter-long zipline! Remembering the bravery of our soldiers can never be this thrilling, so the next time you visit Bataan, be sure to drop by here to give respect to our heroes and enjoy the adventure!

3. Birds and Skies

Source: City of Balanga

During the months of October to February, thousands of migratory birds flock the coastal areas of Balanga City, which makes bird watching possible! Different kinds of birds can be seen in the area, so if you are travelling to Bataan during these months, don’t forget to pay a visit at the coastal areas because this is an amazing experience plus an incredible photo op!

4. It’s the Climb

Source: Pinoy Mountaineer

The Philippines is a mountainous country thus it attracts many adrenaline junkies and mountaineers. In Bataan, there is an active volcano called Mt. Natib known for its endemic and exotic species! Mt. Natib rises 8,000 feet above sea level and the climb to its peak takes about four hours. Both mountaineers and adrenaline junkies often have a good climb in Mt. Natib because of the abundant wildlife that they encounter here. Are you up for it? Don’t worry about the time it would take you to reach Mt. Natib’s summit, after all it’s the climb!

5. Be one with Nature

Source: Rookie Voyager

Want to visit a place that has it all? Then try Balanga Wetland and Nature Park (Balanga,Bataan)! Bird watching, boating, kayaking, biking, bamboo rafting and exquisite seafood meals? Yes, all of these in one stop! Do I need to explain more? Nah. Go and experience it yourself!

Bulacan: One extraordinary road trip!

1. Minana namin yan!

Source: GMA Network

Architecture really has a say in a place’s history! Take yourself back to the early years of Bulacan by visiting the Bustos Heritage Houses (Bustos, Bulacan). A prior appointment should be arranged with the municipal office before your visit in these heritage houses (don’t worry, it’s just a phone call away!) but the entrance is TOTALLY FREE! So what are you waiting for? Go and have a taste of Bulacan’s rich history for free!

2. Reuse, reduce, and RECYCLE!

Source: Shutter Stock

Every one of us has been taught to reuse, reduce and recycle but Ms. Lercita Cristobal has taken this to a whole new level! How? By saving old things from the garbage bins and transforming it into something beautiful, like flowers made out of newspapers, placemats made from old vinyl records and many more. All of these artworks are at the Bahay Resiklo. Kids and kids at heart will surely learn something new at Bahay Resiklo. The entrance at the Bahay Resiklo is FREE!

3. Hop on, Hop Church?!

Source: Panoramio

The province of Bulacan is filled with many churches that every one would really want to visit, the remedy? Church hopping! Some of the churches that you can include in your Church hopping itinerary are the Barasoain Church (Malolos, Bulacan), where the First Philippine Rebuplic was signed, San Isidro Labrador Parish (Pulilan, Bulacan), Kapitagan Chapel (Paombong, Bataan), and Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Parish! A place filled of churches that have amazing architecture and history is truly a place to be!

4. Break it to me gently?

Source: Panoramio

History has it, Biak na Bato (San Miguel, Bulacan) has been the mountain hideout of the revolutionary forces of the Spanish era and it also was the place where the Malolos Constitution was signed. Biak na Bato attracts tourists today because of its amazing caves and rocky surrounding appearing like “huge split boulders”. It offers various ecological attractions that nature lovers, families and barkadas would truly enjoy! So come on, break it to me gently in Biak na Bato!

5. Exxxxxotic!

Of course, eating is a part of everybody’s adventure! But it would not be adventure without trying the native cuisine that is famous in a place. Here in Bulacan, a restaurant named A&T Native Food House, offers an array of regular and exotic food for the psychocentric and allocentric tourists! Some of the exotic food that the restaurant serves are adobong sawa, kalderetang kambing and adobong kabayo! Go and indulge! 

Pampanga: Fly, Dine, Play, Quest, and Splash!

1. Hotter than you

Source: Infocomrade

Are you ready for the biggest flying event in Pampanga? You should be! The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is not an event to be missed because everyone would get to experience watching hot air balloons of different shapes and sizes take off! Interested? Come as early as you can for the balloons would be launched as early as the sun rises! Don’t forget to prepare your cameras for this amazing photo op! 

2. Pig out in Pampanga

Pampanga is truly the culinary capital of the Philippines because of its wide array of sumptuous food to choose from! Savoring the food in your Pampanga visit is an opportunity that you should not forget to try! Kapampangan food is arguably the best food a tourist can eat in the Philippines, from regular to very exotic cuisines, Pampanga has it all!

3. High TEE

Source: Clearwater Philippines

When it comes to golf courses, Pampanga is one of the well-know places in the Philippines because of its wide selection of golf courses to choose from! The newest golf course here is the 27-hole FAK Golf Club located in Clearwater Resort! There are also old but good golf courses in Pampanga like the Mimosa (36-hole), and the Fontana! Hey there, golfer! Take your pick!

4. A Sandbox Adventure

Source: Alviera

Probably the newest leisure and adventure park in Porac, Pampanga is the Sandbox at Alviera, a unique getaway for friends and families! Some of the attractions and activities offered at the Sandbox are the Giant Swing, Aerial Walk Challenge, Avatar One, Adventure Tower and ATV and mini-ATV rides! What are these? Don’t ask, just go!

5. Splash-All-You-Can

Source: Islands of the Philippines 

Source: Lakwatsero

Unleash the mermaid in you, splash all you can in Pampanga! The most famous attractions in this province are the Puning Hot Spring which has a steaming hot waterfall, eight differently tempered hot pools, sand steam and many more; Mount Pinatubo’s Crater Lake where you can dip, swim and splash! Relax now, merpeople!

Zambales: A Sweet Escape

1. Surf All Day

Source: Rappler

Philippines, being blessed with abundant water resources, is now an emerging surfing destination! San Narciso and San Antonio are one of the places that are yet to be known out there, so now is the best time to visit Zambales! I once tried surfing in Baler, Aurora before and it was so much fun so I am truly looking forward to surf in Zambales. Come on, surf now!

2. Light it up!

Source: Lakwatsero

My mom and dad used to go to Capones Island and Lighthouse (Pundaquit, San Antonio) and have shared to me all of their experiences in the island which makes it even more exciting to go there. Once you are at the top of the lighthouse, a breathtaking view of the whole island and ocean will surely make your mouth drop. The island is also famous for being a part of tourists’ island hopping checklist because of its beautiful landscape. Come in Capones!

3. Palm trees? Nah. Pine trees are better!

Source: Pinoy Adventurer

Ever heard of an island full of pine trees? Then camp in Anawangin Cove (Pundaquit, San Antonio) where Agoho trees looks like real-life replicas of pine trees! Amazing, isn’t it? Not just that, the island is also famous for swimming, trekking, and trekking! So come on, come all!

4. House-turned-museum

Source: Philstar

Yes, you read that right! A heritage house was converted into a museum to be able to house the different artifacts of Zambales from its olden days. Tourists can stay at Casa San Miguel because it offers bed and breakfast, air-conditioned rooms and family suite while maintaining the heritage house vibe with its capiz shell windows! Its earnings are used to fund the education of music students and it also holds shows and concerts of its scholars. Enjoy your stay at the Casa whilst helping others!

5. Go Loco Over Mangoes

Source: Rosa Farms

Want mangoes as large as your face? You got it! Zambales is very famous for its mangoes and the Millenium mangoes that are imported from Thailand! The Rosa Farms grow and sell a variety of mangoes plus it also lets you pick your own mangoes straight from the trees, which makes the experience more thrilling! In Zambales, you’ll go loco over mangoes.

References:

·      Libosada, C. (2003). Domestic Tourism. Anvil Publishing

·      http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/bataan/top-things-to-do/?page_id=3444

·      http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/bulacan/top-things-to-do/

·      http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/clark-pampanga/top-things-to-do/?page_id=3396

·      http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/zambales/things-to-do/?page_id=3586

·      http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/358629/newstv/biyahenidrew/history-and-adventure-a-biyahe-ni-drew-itinerary-to-bataan

·      http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/326119/newstv/biyahenidrew/road-trip-bulacan-a-biyahe-ni-drew-itinerary

·      http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/356956/newstv/biyahenidrew/zambales-for-the-weekend-a-biyahe-ni-drew-itinerary

·      http://www.ivanhenares.com/2009/07/things-to-do-in-clark-freeport-and.html

·      http://www.alviera.ph/sandbox/