Lambunao: Land of Waterfalls by Maylyn Santos (5)

Waterfalls in Lambunao

It was late summer when we were invited by my aunt's friend to have a vacation in Lambunao, Iloillo. My aunt's friend said that in Lambunao there are a lot of waterfalls in there place. She said that there are 24 waterfalls in her hometown. Since we haven't gone to a place like that and haven't experienced swimming in a waterfalls. We decided to go to Lambunao and explore the waterfalls in there.

During our stay in my aunt's friend she had told us the names of this 24 magnificent waterfalls. The waterfalls are Mahangin, Gi-ub, Igbulawan,Tabulwang, Takbangan, Baragsakan Inas, Maasin, Mahagnop, Malinaw, Malumot, Naipit, Olaw, Tabogon, Nalisong, Nasor-ohon, Balagnan, Dalhayan, Daragsa-an and Tayokan. She showed us the pictures of those waterfalls and i was excited to go to all of those waterfalls. But we weren't able to go to all of the waterfalls since we lacked in time.

Tita Teresa, my aunt's friend, said that in Lambunao there's not only waterfalls in their places but also virgin forests, rare fauna (animals) and flora (plants). She said that because of their Municipal Mayor Ret. Gen. Reynor Gonzales is responsible for taking care of their eco-tourism. That night she said to us that we will visit her favorite places in Lambunao.

Next morning, we had visited our first destination which is Maasin falls that is near to their place. Maasin falls is so deep that I have to be very careful so I had to stick with the adults so I won't get drown. But it was a great experience for me. In less than two weeks we had visited six waterfalls, one park and one mountain which is Maasin, Mahangin, Balagnan, Dalhayan, Daragsa-an, Gi-ub, Mariit Conservation Park, and lastly Mt. Igpulakan. 

It was a fun experience for me since I had visited a lot of place for less than a month. It was very tiring and fun for me. If you want to visit a place that has a lot of waterfalls, beautiful sceneries and rare birds. Then you should visit Lambunao and explore the beauty of their place. Next Summer, i'm determined to explore all the waterfalls in their place. 

Dried Fish By: Rudolf Michael M. Lipana

Dried fish is known as "Pagkaing Masa" which means it is considered as food for the common people. Why it's called "Pagkaing Masa"? Simply because it was made by Filipinos and reflects that Filipino are resourceful. From the unsold fresh fishes in the market, Filipinos decided to make another product. They used it in dried fish production. There are different kinds of dried fish in the Philippines. It can be Daing, Danggit, Tuyo, and Tinapa and even smoked fish/ Stock fish.

Dried fish is derived from Tagalog word "tuyo" which means dry. Tuyo is the most popular dried fish in Philippines. It is totally salty yet a perfect match for champorado; Filipino cereal meal. Daing is also one of the Filipinos' favorite. It has a split form. Milkfish is usually used for daing. Smoked fish is the Filipino common term for Stock fish. Cod is the most common fish used for Smoked fish.

Iloilo is one of the dried fish suppliers in the country because of the oceanic nature that produce plenty fishes. Ilonggos are good in preserving fishes. Here are some procedures in preserving fishes. For Tuyo, put salt on the fishes and dry it under the sun. Summer season is the best time for drying the fishes. Tuyo need enough time to dry and preserve the fishes that can be stored for months. For Daing, split the fishes and marinate it with vinegar, salt and pepper. And for Smoked fish/Stock fish, salt is no longer needed. Dry the fish with the smoke on wooden racks. Enough time is also needed in drying the Smoked fish/Stock fish.

Different dried fish is available in any Public markets nationwide. But, Iloilo Public Market offers the best quality of a dried fish because they spent ample time in drying and preserving the fishes. They also considered dried fish as one of their delicacies and pride. You can also buy at the leading supermarkets near you but better to look for Ilonggos' dried fish for best quality and best taste.

Honestly, I don't really eat dried fish. But, my parents love it. They usually serve it during our breakfast. Daing is my dad's favorite while my mom is Tuyo. My dad says that the best match of Daing is fried rice while mom says that champorado is the perfect match for Tuyo. Personally, looking at them eating that food tempted me to eat that too, but, I can't because of its smell. For me, it smells bad, but, for my parents, the smell adds to their appetite. And it made me realize that maybe these food taste great.

Pickled Seaweeds by Mae Lyn Talagon

 Pickled Seaweeds in Guimaras

It's been a couple of years since the tragic happened at my province because of the oil banker that sank off the water in Guimaras. It spills more than a million litter in the ocean. That caused of people's poverty and the loss of the richness of ocean. After the oil was cleaned up,  The government found a way on how to help the residence's economic problem. TESDA helped people on how to plant mangroves and seaweeds.

Nowadays,guimaras has  abundant seaweed farms, And well known as the island of seaweeds, Because of the healthy seaweeds that we harvesting.In fact, my mother was making a pickled  seaweed and stored it whenever who would like to eat. She send some with relatives in Manila. However, my father honestly told me that we can'not stay with a good harvest because of the bad weather and thyphoons destroying the farm with huge wave it brought.

Pickles is a preservative dish and you can stock it even a long period of time. You can also make it a side dish on your great menu's if you have restaurant or any occasions if you want your food look more elegant. I did try to ate pickled seaweed in some restaurant here in manila but my question is where we can find the fresh seaweed pickles? Because in Guimaras we had the most fresh seaweed. And you can make your own pickled seaweed version right on the spot.

Well, pickles is also a great pasalubong for your friends and families trappist monastry have food souvenirs such as dried mangoes, mango otap, mango jam,etc. but why not try  to bring something different? Seaweed pickles was really yummy because it is crunchy and well preserved seaweed.I did try to make a sea weed kinilaw (raw sea weed) whenever i was in the island, I use green mango, Coconut milk and add a little bit spicy on it. That dish made my day! And extend my stay in the island.

Well if you're in iloilo you must try pickled sea weed and bring the freshly taste of the dish, Or try to harvest sea weeds in the sea weed farms of some locals, Try to approach them for some awesome experience, For sure they would be glad to assist you. And buying our product most specially the pickled seaweed souvenirs your helping local residences in Guimaras develop our economic problem as well as improving the province amenities.

Bibingka from Mohon By: Michael M. Lipana

Bibingka is very familiar food to all Filipinos. It is a native rice cake in Philippines and traditionally present during Christmas holiday season. Filipinos usually sell bibingka and other delicacies near the churches during "simbang gabi". Filipinos believe that bibingka is a symbol of unity and closeness of each member of the Filipino family that's why they usually serve bibingka during Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Bibingka is made with rice flour, coconut milk and sugar. For more delicious and special bibingka, they added other ingredients like orange flavored soft drinks and topped with peanut and grated buko. The traditional way of preparing bibingka is time consuming yet worth it. Here are the processes, 1st, mix the ingredients. 2nd, line with a single large section of a banana leaf the terra cotta container. 3rd, pour the mixed ingredients into it but make sure not to spill the ingredients in the container itself. 4th, cover the terra cotta container with banana leaf and iron sheet with more preheated coals. Patience is needed in making bibingka until it's ready for serving.

After the long process of making bibingka, the product is now ready. Let me share you the appearance and texture of it. Bibingka is usually round shape and it is soft. It is similar to other native rice cake but it differs from the ingredients and its process. The banana leaf is the unique component in making bibingka because it adds an extra flavor to the bibingka.

Every Christmas season, I and my mom were used to attend "simbang gabi" in the church near in our house. And as we always do, we go home with bibingka or other native food. As we arrived at home, we usually eat it with its perfect match; coffee or hot chocolate. It’s better to eat bibingka while it's still hot or warm. I've already tasted bibingka from other part of our country but bibingka from Mohon is what I've really like.

Mohon's bibingka is very different from other bibingka in other provinces in Philippines. It may differ from the ingredients and from the process. Mohon's bibingka has the right amount of sweetness and has the right softness in texture. Mohon's bibingka tastes good and it's unique because it's chewable. I like it more when it's topped with peanut and grated buko. In line with it, Christmas season is near and Iloilo is the best place for your vacation. Don't forget to attend simbang gabi from the famous churches in Iloilo and try the bibingka from Mohon. You'll never regret it.

  

Biscocho By: Michael Lipana

Have you ever tried the food Biscocho? How does it taste? These are the statements I usually ask to those who went in Iloilo. Honestly, I haven't tried it that's why I am curious on its taste. My family and my friends told me that it tastes like toasted bread but, Biscocho is softer than toasted bread. One of my friends has strange way in eating Biscocho. Instead of chewing it, he stocked it in his mouth until it melts. He said you can really distinguish its taste in that way. Whenever we had vacation in Iloilo, we always dropped by to a store for native delicacies. We buy sweets and we never forget Biscocho as our pasalubong to our relatives and friends. And in return, they also gave us Biscocho every time they visit in Iloilo.

Iloilo's Biscocho is similar to other Biscocho in the country. It only differs on the passion of a person who made it. We all know that a person's feelings and passion affect the taste of the food that he/she cooked. And Ilonggos are known as the sweetest group of people in the Philippines that's why it's not questionable why they have a lot of famous food originated on their province. Due to their passion and sweetness, they captured every customer's heart. And Biscocho is one of the food or delicacies that people can't resist of. With that, Iloilo's Biscocho is still the best.

Biscocho is related to the English biscuit. It derived from the Latin phrase "bis coctus" which means "twice baked". It is a popular native delicacy in Iloilo. Biscocho refers to baked bread topped with butter and sugar and in some cases; they add garlic as a flavor. It is one of Filipino delicacies originated from Iloilo province and known as a perfect match for coffee or hot chocolate.

There's a lot of stores in Iloilo that sell Biscocho but the two stores offer the best Biscocho are the Biscocho Haus and Bong Bong's Delicacies store. Both of them were known due to their simple yet delicious and original Biscocho. It is not difficult to find these stores because they have branches located in different places in Iloilo. You can also find their stores in SM City Iloilo.

A beautiful spot is one of the main reasons for the tourists to spend time in that place. The delicious food that originated in Iloilo is also a reason for the people who always had their vacation in Iloilo. So, whenever you visit Iloilo, try all the well-known food in there and don't forget to grab Biscocho for your pasalubong. 

Tangke Salt Water Lagoon by Maylyn Santos (4)

Tangke Salt Water Lagoon, Gigantes Sur, Iloilo.

This wonderful place is my favorite destination to go whenever i'm in Iloilo. Tangke Salt Water Lagoon is one of the main attraction in Islas De Gigantes Sur. They said that it was breath-taking and they were right. It was jaw-dropping and breath-taking, it was something I haven't seen before. And I didn't regret going there. It's like a swimming pool but actually it's a part of a sea. The folks there said that because of hidden underwater tunnel the water from the sea was able to go inside. Allowing the water to rise and fall with the tides. 

Tangke Salt Water Lagoon is located in a hidden place behind the cliffs of Islas de Gigantes Sur. Many tourist and locals go there to swim in the shallow water and to gaze at the beautiful rock formations. And that's the exact reason why we went there. I was kinda curious about it since it was a known place and I've never gone to a place like that and now I do. But going there is kinda tiring for me since we had to climb on the rocks to go to the lagoon. But it was worth it and I would go there every time even if i have to climb. 

Tangke which means "Tank" in english. I don't know why it's called tank but i think because it's closed off like a tank. By the way in that place there is a care-taker in a hut asking for 10 pesos for taking care of the trashes that is left by visitors. I think it'll be good if you give them since they're responsible of making the place clean and they deserved it. 

During our stay there, the locals said that the place has many myths. One of those is a story that says that during the feast of St. John the Baptist (San Juan de Bautista), the water level inside tangke would magically rise up. And they've warned us not to make a commotion and noise inside tangke because we might disturb the "enkantos" or enchanted beings and might curse us. But of course i didn't believe that i still respected the place. I might get a curse you know? Just kidding! :) 

In order to get there you have to hire a pumpboat going to tangke and it's going to take you an hour to get there. I think the best time to go there is noontime when the water is in it's deepest. It's a wonderful place i tell you so you have to go there and experienced what i've gone through.   

Fried Rice at the Summer House Restaurant by Mae Lyn Talagon

   FRIED RICE AT THE SUMMER HOUSE RESTAURANT

One of the Ilonggo's favorite Chinese restaurants in Iloilo is the summer house,when I was a kid I go there with my aunt.This restaurant was originally located in the old business district of the city along J.M Basa street. but as time went by and the place seems to have flourished elsewhere, the restaurant found itself that everybody is talking about there good food and there service as well. Then years ago, it left its old place and now forms part of the lobby of the Iloilo Midtown Hotel.

The last time I visited (and actually ate) at The Summer House Restaurant was around one and a half years ago. I was with my friends who were from manila for a summer vacation. It was not really part of my plans that day but as we were inquiring at the hotel, we suddenly got hungry and right on the spot, it was nearly lunch. the taste was very original even those past years i can still remember the taste of there dish.

During that grateful visit, I was surprised that my friends were raving about our orders specifically the fried rice. Until now I never really understood how they cook this usual dish that turn into a very tasty fried rice. From the usual fried rice at home i cook. they proudly introduce there special sinangag (fried rice) Loaded with ham, chicken, prawns and vegetables sprinkled with clove leaf. this fried rice dish taste really good. makes me crave everyday but i cant perfect the taste like the summer restaurant does.

I haven't expect that a left over rice well makes me crave that day. well, i did try to ask them on how to cook there special fried rice. but honestly i cant make it perfect. like they had in this restaurant. and i really wish that i can go home everytime i wanted to eat fried rice.actually there menu was all good. they have fried lumpia, pansit bihon,pansit luglug and chopsuey, those are my favorite dishes. and also the best menu i ever tasted.

it’s clear why this restaurant outlived its competitors of recent years and still forms part of the Ilonggos best restaurant. and if you ever there in iloilo don't forget to visit the summer house restaurant and have a taste of there very own chinese fried rice serve in a chinese bowl. let them welcome you of there unique menu's very good services.

Iloilo tourist spots: Sicogon Island by Maylyn Santos (3)

Brgy. Buaya, Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo

We were planning to go to Iloilo but we don't know what place to go. My friend who lived in Guimaras suggested that we go to Sicogon Island. She said that Sicogon is an amazing island to go to. The island was one of the many beautiful attractions that graces the water of Northern Iloilo. And she said that it was popular during her mother's teenage years which is 70s to 80s because during her years "Sicogon Island Resort" was the reason why it's popular. She also said that before Boracay, Sicogon Island was the most popular destinations to go in Asia. 

At present, the island may not have luxurious accommodation or amenities but tourist or travelers can still visit the island to enjoy the picturesque sandy beaches, virgin forests, and clear blue water. Because I find it awesome to go. I asked my aunt to go there while we're in iloilo. I didn't regret going there since it was really beautiful. My family had fun to and said that Sicogon Island is the best. And you know what the sunrise view there was so amazing. It woke up early so I can see the sunrise they're boasting about. And it was worth waking up early for. 

The island has more to offer than their beautiful beach and excellent sunrise view. They have fun activities such as Scuba Diving, Snorkeling Indoor games and many more. One of the staff said that Sicogon Island is not only the place you can go there. One example of this is; Tumaquin Island which is located at the cost of Brgy. Buaya. You can go there by foot or by boat but only during low tide. Since we are a adventure loving family. We went there to scuba dive and snorkel. If you go there I recommend you to do what we did. The water was so amazing, I experienced a lot. Seeing beautiful corals, shells, and different kinds of fish. Amazing so amazing! 

Next morning, we went to Mt. Opao. The local guide who accompanied us said that the natural clean spring in Mt. Opao is the main water source of the island. If you want to see the over view of the island then it's best to go to Mt. Opao. We saw a magnificent view up there.  Our one and a half hike was worth it. The next place we went to is Sicogon Island Resort Ruins. I was curious since it was the resort that made the island famous. So we went there after having a sight seeing in the mountain. We saw the remains of the resort. The swimming pool that has become a pond. It was still beautiful as they've said so. 

The last place we explored is the beach in Dapdap, San Fernando. It was quiet and relaxing. The place was amazing to and a good place to have a picnic. But you need to have a large amount of sunscreen on your skin before you eat there. We weren't able to find a shady place. So we were sunburned but was worth it. Then the next morning we went home. It was a fun experience for us to go there. So if you don't know where to go. You should go there and have a wonderful time with your loved ones!   

Kadyos Baboy Langka by Mae Lyn Talagon

DELICIOUS KBL AWAITS YOU IN ILOILO
by: Mae Lyn Talagon

Filipino cuisine is very unique and traditional when it comes with cooking. My article will focus on the recipes that i've learned and observed from my nanay (mother). Since it was her specialty she cooks really well.This dish was very popular and well love cuisine in iloilo. You can taste it often in every fiestas and different occasions most especially in visayas region. A favorite dish of ilonggos and mine as well, Because of its unique taste and rare ingredients.

Kadyos baboy langka also known as KBL stands for kadyos (pegion peas) baboy (pork) langka (jack fruit). We will add the batuan or gamboge in english.This fruit is rare and it taste sour but not acidic , The tartness that promotes saliva in mouth without impacting the stomach unlike vinegar and kalamansi often does. This kind of sourness only batuan can deliver. Don't forget the siling mahaba (long chili) for its spicy effect a very important taste for a perfect KBL.

Whenever i was there in iloilo. I help my mother cook our foods. She doesn't teach me but i really like cooking so i observe her on how to prepare,as well as tasting her cooking. Most specially her delicious KBL. My mom told me that the secret of her special KBL was the perfect timing of putting the ingredients. And also it would be perfect if you use a pork's feet (cut into pieces) with certain meat to get the bad smells out.     
                      

I had taste some restaurant here in manila that has kbl on there menu. But actually im not satisfied of there cooking because the ingridients was not exactly complete. AAnd i cant appreciate it with out batuan, Well if you dont have batuan you can use kamyas (tree sorrel),This is the best substitute for souring taste of any dish you want to cook.

But i suggest to ask some locals that you know or some of your relatives that can cook well with this menu. And so if you ever go in iloilo have a taste of the special kbl and some ilonggo's specialty like kansi, bulalo,laswa and there very own version of chicken binakol . Or visit some local restaurant or carinderia's that had this special ilonggo dish.kadyos, baboy langka was bestwhen it serve with hot plain rice . 

Pesto Chicken Fillet at the Mango Tree Restaurant

by: Mae Lyn Talagon

I like tasting different kind of food especially pesto dishes. I wanted to share my dining experience at the mango tree restaurant located at Mandurriao Iloilo city. The restaurant is named after a big mango tree that has been there for so long and has been the centerpiece of the Gonzalez family's garden. If you would like to enjoy the full meal with finest ingredients come to the mango tree restaurant and get my favorite pesto chicken fillet with Choice of plain rice,Garlic rice or Mashed potato, served with buttered vegetables on the side.

Chicken pesto is something that you should try. The taste of creamy sauce paired with rice and sprinkled garlic was really delicious. I can go back to Iloilo for this meal makes me hungry every time I remember the taste of those tasty chicken fillet. They also served appetizer way to start your meal! Fresh salad greens with candied nuts, strips of sundried tomatoes drizzled with Greek balsamic vinaigrette and topped with parmesan cheese. This appetizer is way too different of its crunchy goodness.

Since i like coffee i can say they have the best brewed coffee ever! it is freshly brewed genuine coffee and it smells really good. Oh and wow! Of course i never forget the taste of bone marrow with beef shank, this kind of exotic food taste really different makes me think this is the deadliest dish they will offer me in that day. Scooping out the buttery bone marrow, and pair it with some beef shank , and there you go. I instantly felt the cholesterol overload from this dish. But whoa! it was extremely yummy!

The Mango Tree Restaurant is haven for those who are looking for relaxing place to dine and unwind. they have a garden area and an indoor area, to give customers the choice of dining al fresco or in the cool indoor terrace  i feel . I feel like i'm at home because of its wide garden and big mango tree, way too different from the crowded city.

Also they arranged some special occasions such as Christening,Debut, birthday, Wedding etc. and wait! They also set a surprise romantic dinner for two! This sounds romantic right? have you ever imagine your partner will bring you in this kind of set up? And there was a table for two with scented candle everywhere. You should visit the mango tree restaurant and feel the huwaw! Moments.

Things to do in Baras Beach Resort by Maylyn Santos (2)

 Baras Beach Resort

Last year, My family and I went to Iloilo to bond and have fun. We went to Guimaras, it's an island that's famous for it's breathtaking sceneries,beaches, fun activities, and of course their mangoes. A wonderful place to go during summer. It was so much fun there since there's a lot of fun things to do there. 

It'll be good if you have a house to stay in there since you can stay there however you like. But if you don't then I recommend you to go in Baras Beach Resort in Baranggay Lawi. The cottages and guestrooms there are impressive and remarkable. Some of there guestrooms cost 800 pesos to 950 pesos, cottages cost 1,000 pesos to 1,200 pesos, and the remaining rooms cost 1,500 pesos. If your a day visitor then you only have to pay 75 pesos only. It's good to go there since it's a resort and has a beach to swim with. It's best to have a house near their resort so you can spend less. 

We stayed there for a whole week and we had the best week ever. We did a lot of activities there such as boating, bird watching, beach volleyball, trekking and wind surfing sailing, canoe paddling, and dinghy rowing.  They offered a lot of activities and we did them all. The glimmering waters are also special.

Not only they have a beautiful resort they also have delicious food and beverages. They have a bar that serves alcoholic beverages, beers and many more. My aunt doesn't mind that I have a taste of their alcohol. She said that as long as i'm not drinking like a maniac. But that not all inside the hotel you can see native paintings and artworks. So what do you think? It sounds amazing right? For me it was so amazing. 

So if ever you want to go here. Here is the contact information in Baras Beach Resort.

Their website is www.baras.willig-web.com, you could find more information at their site. You can send them your concerns at their email address barasguim@yahoo.com and you can also call them at their phone numbers: (033)-338-2249 and 0927-4801027.

Pancit Molo in Iloilo by Michael Lipana

Pancit Molo

Have you been in Iloilo? Well, Iloilo is one of the best places in the Philippines. It has beautiful spots for the tourists to have a meaningful visit, fun and unforgettable experiences. Iloilo's natural beauty and special food recipes capture someone's heart. Ilonggos were known with their delicious and tasty Pancit Molo.

Pancit Molo is one of the best food recipes originated in Iloilo. It made with natural ingredients and boiled for an hours to come out the real and delicious taste of the Pancit Molo's soup. Some provinces and cities in the Philippines tried to copy Pancit Molo's recipe but, Iloilo's Pancit Molo remains as the best. Are you curious with its taste?! What are you waiting for?! Visit Iloilo and try the best Pancit Molo in the world.

Obviously, pancit is the main ingredient of Iloilo's Pancit Molo. Are you wondering why itcalled pancit? The term "pancit" or "pansit" means noodles. It called Pancit Molo because it made up with noodles but it is not a regular noodle. Instead, Ilonggos use wonton noodles and they add soimai or molo wrappers that made the pancit molo tastier and more irresistible.

 Kaplsing and Tita Paz Pancit Molo's house were known in Iloilo because of their original pancit molo. I haven't tried eating in these pancit molo's house when I was in Iloilo but, one of my friends and his family tried Kaplsing and Tita Paz Pancit Molo. They were surprised at the first time because of the unexplainable taste of the pancit molo. Because of that, they always dropped by in these Pancit Molo's house whenever they visited Iloilo. It's just one of the evidences that the best pancit molo is in Iloilo.

 Pancit Molo was named after the old Chinese district of the city which is Molo. This dish always present in many occasions. I and my family had our vacation in Iloilo last summer. We tried this famous Ilonggos' pride, Pancit Molo and we really loved it. It's my first time to try this food. I considered it as one of the unusual food yet, it catches my heart and my meticulous tongue. It has unique taste and it's really different. So, it's time for you to have a bowl of Iloilo's Pancit Molo and you'll never regret it.

Mango Pizza: Have a taste of mango goodness! by Mae Lyn Talagon

    Mango Pizza at Pitstop Restaurant   
  by: Mae Lyn Talagon 

Guimaras, its name has always been heard around the world for its sweetest mango. But let's discover something new about Guimaras! Something unusual. They have mango jam, dried mango, mango biscocho, etc. But wait! I have never heard of mango pizza before. I'm not familiar with mango pizza. They said you would never know what it tastes like until you try it. So I did. And they are right. It is delicious! In fact, it was fantastic.

So last January, when I went home in Guimaras, I stopped by at San Miguel Jordan to eat the mango pizza. It was totally worth it! I felt satisfied because it was an excellent value it only cost 189.00 pesos which is relatively inexpensive compared to other pizza parlors. my hunger was totally satisfied and i have some left over to share with my family and friends.

In this restaurant called "The Pitstop Restaurant". They also serve unique pizzas and pastas to the delight of visitors. Probably people haven’t tried or even heard of such as the diner’s bestseller, Mango Pizza. Instead of using tomato paste as base, the Pitstop use the island’s number one product and incorporated to their pizza, overflowing with layers of mango-goodness topped with bell pepper and sprinkled with nuts – and of course, don’t forget the cheese. The Mango Pizza is also best when paired with Mango Ketchup, (oh yes, there is a mango ketchup).

Sounds delicious right? It taste like heaven for every slices. For every bite, I feel satisfied and  at the same time happy. It's located at Chavez Building in San Miguel Jordan, Guimaras. I, for sure, will come there again soon with my friends because this exquisite luxury is beyond comparison. I endeavor to share this dinning experience with  fellow connoisseur in the immediate future.It's truly a pizza that you want to try over and over again.

Mango Pizza is not the only thing they have at Pitstop Restuarant. Now, do you think that you've heard of everything? Well, I think not. Pitstop even have Mango Spaghetti, Mango Shake, and Chicken with rice and spaghetti. If you wanna take it over the top, try Garden Fresh Pizza and many more. Fortunately, all this items are in extremely excellent value. So go there as soon as you can because you're gonna love it. 

Pawikan Cave: Tourist spot in Iloilo by Maylyn Santos (1)

Pawikan Cave in Islas de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo.

If you want to go to a amazing place then here in Islas de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo you will find Pawikan Cave. I went there once with my family and I tell you its a must see attraction and a spectacular place. Upon entering in this cave, we were greeted with a huge entrance chamber and the sight of amazing rock formations. Within the cave there are more several cave chambers that are being lighted with the little openings on the cave ceiling.

I felt like i was in a different place i mean i felt "other-worldly". We were guided by locals and they were telling us that their elders told them that they shouldn't go there because they will disturb the spirits living in the cave. But don't worry we got out safe and didn't encounter strange things. 

The locals said that the cave was named "Pawikan" because of the large egg-shaped rock formations (that resembles giant turtle eggs) that is placed at one of the deep chambers of the cave. They also said that the "pawikan eggs" were devised by the Japanese Imperial Army as a marker to  indicate the location where they buried gold bars which were believed as part of the Yamashita Treasure. Now, the "Pawikan eggs" are gone with extensive dug up holes at the site. But the place was still wonderful despite of that. 

But you know what it's kind of hard getting in Pawikan Cave since you need to climb a hill and enter a forest and it's very challenging for us because it is 200ft high. So you better be careful if you want to go there. But it's very worth it since the place was amazing and beautiful. We got there by a boat and we got in the cave for about an hour.

This place is great for people who likes to hike and loves to explore. We enjoyed our time here in Islas de Gigantes especially in Pawikan Cave. We've never seen a cave that is great than that. So if ever you will go in Islas de Gigantes go to Pawikan Cave for a beautiful scenery. 

La Paz Batchoy: Famous local food in Iloilo by Michael Lipana

 
La Paz Batchoy is a famous food in the Philippines. But have you tried La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo? One of the best foods that Ilonggo’s can offer to the tourist. This kind of soup is made of noodles, pork meat and fried chopped garlic, spring onions, crushed pork cracklings, and vegetables.
La Paz Batchoy was introduced by the Chinese.

Last 2010 when I first tried to eat Lapaz Batchoy in manila I didn’t like it that much. It's good but it’s not good as an expected. But when went to Iloilo last 2012, at first I don’t want to eat Lapaz Batchoy. But when I was there I tried the Lapaz Batchoy and it was delicious. And my whole family loved it.

The term Batchoy comes from the Chinese word "Hokkien" and the word “ba-chui" means "a piece of meat". The tasty soup is popularized in Lapaz, Iloilo. That's why it's called La Paz Batchoy. You can eat the La Paz Batchoy by using spoon, fork or chopstick. And it's served in a large bowl and has soup, noodles, pork and meat on top.

There are two best Lapaz Batchoy restaurants in Iloilo. One is in, Ted's. The best restaurants that offer’s La Paz Batchoy. They add secret ingredients to their Lapaz Batchoy.  They already have branches in Manila. The other one is Deco's, it's still challenging teds, and there doing their best to be the top seller of Lapaz Batchoy. They are now adding their own secret ingredient to make there Lapaz Batchoy better than Ted’s

La Paz Batchoy is the specialty in Iloilo, that’s why Iloilo has the best La Paz Batchoy in the country. That's why people visit's Iloilo just to eat Lapaz Batchoy. So, go here in Iloilo and try the famous Lapaz Batchoy in the Philippines. In Iloilo they make their Lapaz Batchoy in traditional ways. Not like in other places they add their own ingredients to beat Iloilo’s Lapaz Batchoy.
Foreigners and Filipinos like this dish. Since this dish was speeded throughout Philippines. It is now popular and eaten by many. So it's recommended to try this dish.