delicious selection of artisan cupcakes, designer cakes and other confectionery goodies. Over the years, they have constantly stretched their boundaries by innovating and yielding new treats that leave us wanting for more.
Presenting the latest addition to their menu… their very own ice cream!
Smooth, creamy, luscious home made frozen delight that will surely satisfy your sweet-tooth craving.
Definitely better than most store bought ice cream!
Available in flavors Matcha Oreo,
Salted Caramel, Strawberry Cheesecake and Red Velvet, how can you say no to these decadent and delightful treats?
Tedts’ ice cream makes for an indulgent treat on a hot summer day or just whenever you feel like it. Make sure to try their ice cream if you haven’t already because it certainly lives up to the hype. Price starts at 80 PHP.
Tedts has two locations, one at Zamora Street and the other at Quezon Avenue. For directions, please refer to the map at the bottom of their website.
Here in Iligan, there’s always something to look forward to. Cafes and restaurants have been popping up lately and one of them is Ichang.
Found at a prime location in Iligan where a sea of restaurants are located, Ichang stands out with its distinctive Japanese aesthetic and colorful noren hanging right in front of their doors.
Ichang is named after the owner, Ichang Hayakawa, a Japanese national hailing from Shizuoka prefecture. He runs this restaurant together with his Filipina wife, Cherryl who happens to be one of the chefs manning the kitchen.
Already on its dry run, Ichang is set to launch on the 8th of September this year.
Thanks to Dan, a common friend I share with the owners of this restaurant, I received an invitation to sample some of their dishes (my boyfriend tagged along hehe).
Kani Salad Served on a cold plate, this light salad composed of imitation crab meat, ripe mangoes, cucumber, lettuce served with a creamy roasted sesame dressing. A favorite!
Yaki Udon Thick Japanese noodles stir-fried with veggies and meat. Bound to please the Filipino palate.
Futo Maki Literally meaning “fat rolled sushi”, this sweet hand-rolled Japanese sushi is filled with tamagoyaki, oboro, sliced cucumber and shrimp. Another favorite!
Tonkotsu Ramen Made with a rich pork broth, this delicious noodle soup dish is topped with tender pork slices, boiled eggs, naruto and a handful of thinly sliced green onions. A must try for ramen lovers! Yes, yet again, another favorite!
i don’t know if you can tell but so far I’m absolutely loving their dishes!
Together with Ichang, Cherryl and their chefs
Ichang is located at The Strip, Pala-o. Don’t forget to save their opening day on your calendar! The whole Ichang team will be waiting for you there.
After more than a decade of opening its doors to the public, Tedts has finally bid adieu to their Roxas branch in favor of a bigger and better location.
Taking pride in sharing their family recipes since 2005, this homegrown cafe and bakery has now officially become a household name here in Iligan. I’ve been a Tedts loyalista for many, many years and to see them grow this big makes my heart swell with pride and joy.
Today, they have launched the soft opening of their Quezon branch which is located right across Rosalinda store.
They gave free cupcakes to their first 150 customers and featured independent music artists to play live in the background.
Tedts is known for their delicious artisan cupcakes which have become a popular pasalubong for both locals and transient tourists. Each cupcake is handcrafted with love and baked fresh from scratch everyday.
Don’t miss out on Iligan’s finest delicious treats and head on over to Tedts! In case you’re wondering, their second location at Zamora-Lluch Streets is still operating.
Shortly, Ate She was hacking some coconuts for us to replace our lost electrolytes.
And out of nowhere, heavy drops suddenly pelted down from the sky, forcing us to huddle beneath banana trees that provided little shelter from the rain.
What we thought was going to be an effortless downhill hike turned out to be a challenging one because of the heavy downpour.
We really took our time going down the slippery slope and avoided the muddy tracks as much as possible.
In tricky areas, some were forced to go down on all fours…
some five – if you count the butt! In a situation such as this, a trekking pole would definitely come in handy. But if that’s unavailable, just improvise! Pick up any sturdy wooden stick and you’re good to go!
As we were retracing our steps, we saw one of the streams that we spotted earlier. We then took turns washing ourselves to rid of all the dirt, mud and bat droppings covering our bodies. It felt like such a treat!
The intermittent rain stopped for a while and we found ourselves back at the grassy field once again. All of us picked our own spot to sit and relax for a much-needed break.
Someone looks like he found the best spot. Hehe 🙂
Before going to Hindang Falls, we had marang for a quick snack. If you haven’t heard of it before, this fruit is native to the southern part of the Philippines and is closely related to jackfruit.
The walk to the first and second tier of Hindang Falls was unbelievably short and easy.
I couldn’t say the same thing for the third tier, however.
Some opted to remain at this spot and enjoyed the view. But some (I, myself included), dared to take on the challenge.
With no safety gear, not even a harness, we climbed up a very steep, slippery slope where very few people dared to go even on a good day.
We grabbed and gripped on to whatever we can just to see the sequestered tier. One false move and we may never see the light of day again. This climb is probably the riskiest thing I’ve done to date.
YEY! Finally… right in front of our eyes. The majestic third tier of Hindang Falls, one of Iligan’s hidden wonders, standing right behind a cloak of lush green foliage.
Its cool, refreshing waters give a good hydromassage to weary bodies.
For those of us who dared to do the death-defying stunt, the spectacular view and therapeutic shower was the best way to wrap up the entire adventure.
Here are my tips for a safe, fun and ethical trek to Hindang Falls:
1. Never go without a local as a guide.
2. Have a buddy system and never separate from your group.
3. Wearing of appropriate apparel is a must. Invest in proper trekking footwear. I cannot stress this enough.
4. Leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photos. This is also worth mentioning again and again.
5. Bring proper equipment and wear safety gear. Don’t do what we did.
6. Assess your physical condition and climbing ability before going uphill especially for the third waterfall tier. It is for experienced trekkers and climbers only.
7. Check the weather forecast. Note that rain makes moderately easy treks difficult.
8. Give the guide a generous tip.
A quick shoutout to Manong Nick for being a patient, kind and generous guide. Look for him when in Hindang. He’s awesome!
We actually have a video of our Hindang adventure, check it out!
You can also read about our Hindang Falls Experience from these lovely people:
Bobby Timonera on MINDANEWS
Porsche on THEYANGONE
Yobz on AYOSAOI
It was towards the end of September that our trekking team once again organized an epic adventure somewhere in the hinterlands of Iligan. This time it was in Barangay Hindang where there lies a cave hidden in dense jungles and a less visited three tier waterfall which I will talk about in a different post.
Hindang is a long drive away from the city so we met with fellow adventure seekers before 6 in the morning in front of Shoppe24 Tibanga while Tito Bobby Timonera, barefoot runner extraordinaire and Elijah Dagaerag, experienced mountaineer were already on their way there on foot – that’s 14 kilometers from the highway!
It was about 7 A.M. when Mico Falame, mountain climbing pro arrived in his panoramic van with three of his friends.
Then off we went! We have a footage of the entire ride here.
Barangay Hindang is approximately 20 kilometers away from the city proper and is accessible by both private and public utility vehicles through Barangay Kiwalan and Kabacsanan. Granexport Manufacturing Corporation, simply known as Granex, is the landmark to look for. Should you choose to go there by jeepney or habal-habal, brace yourself for some uncomfortable, bumpy ride. Here is a map for directions on how to get there.
After a scenic hour and a half uphill drive through long winding roads (we got a little lost at some point), we finally made it at the Hindang proper and stopped at a basketball court. Tito Bobby and Elijah were already there waiting for us!
Upon our arrival, we went inside Delatado Store…
signed on their visitor log book, paid a fee of 25 pesos each…
and started walking to Mt. Pagangon (where the cave is located) from there.
The climb to Mt. Pagangon seemed a lot less challenging than our trek in Pugaan albeit it does require more stamina.
As we went uphill…
we passed through a grassy field…
a bamboo forest…
and a few streams.
There were a lot of interesting sights and sounds along the way that you only get to see and hear in nature. We all were our jovial selves…
up until this point. With our game faces on, we braved this side of the mountain and slowly made our way up the slope which has a vertical inclination of about 50 to 70 degrees.
Teamwork is essential for any trek to become successful.
And behind every successful trek are sweepers.
Sweepers are on the tail end of the trek and they make sure nothing and no one gets left behind. Elijah, who we fondly call Elai (pictured on the left), and Lope (right) were our designated sweepers for this trek. They are worth commending for their patience and invaluable sacrifice for Yobz the whole team. Salute!
Once we got to the top of Mt. Pagangon, we took a quick break and just enjoyed the view. Sitting beside me is my sister, Anna. 🙂
Our guide, Manong Nick then led us to his humble abode and offered sweet potatoes before proceeding with our trek.
To get to the hidden cave, we had to go down to the other side of the mountain…
through a rough, rocky terrain which finally then leads to…
THE CAVE! It was quietly tucked right in the middle of the jungle covered in moss, low-hanging vines and other wild vegetation. According to my fellow trekkers, the cave was reeking of dank odor like that of sulfur. But the funny thing is I didn’t notice it. I guess growing up near a dump site has desensitized me to most offensive smells.
As my eyes were slowly adjusting to the darkness of the cave, I felt the damp air cool my body.
Going inside the cave was one slippery journey. Caution should be exercised especially since some rocks may shift when stepped on.
When we entered the first chamber, I was surprised to find it spacious inside with its ceiling reaching to about 30 feet in height. The cave floor was soft and huge stalactites decorate its roof.
Unfortunately, some of the cave walls were not spared from the acts of boorish visitors. I hope locals would be taught to preserve the natural beauty of this cave and penalize anyone who vandalizes the cave. Nothing should be left but footprints and nothing should be taken but pictures.
To go to the next chambers, one must stoop down and duck walk through a narrow opening.
Compared to the first chamber, we felt a little cramped inside here. No light passes through at this point and several bats clung on the ceiling of the cave. But as soon as our lights flashed upon them, they woke from their sleep and swooped down towards us as a greeting. To climb up to the entrance of the next chamber, we carefully trudged through a blanket of thick mud. But it was only later on that we realized that it was actually inches and inches of bat dung and urine that accumulated throughout the ages when we touched the slimy cave walls.
We weren’t able to fully explore the cave though as we didn’t have enough time to do so. But this adventure was filled with fun and amazement.
Here are my tips for trekking to Mt. Pagangon and spelunking in Hindang Cave:
1. Bring lots of water and enough food.
2. Wear appropriate clothing. Rash guards are highly recommended as well as leggings and proper trekking footwear.
3. Wear a cap or bring an umbrella. You don’t want bat excretions landing on top of your head.
4. Bring wet wipes and rubbing alcohol to avoid possible infections caused by bat droppings.
5. Bring a flashlight.
Some photos belong to Yobz Tolentino, Porsche Carreon, Jeffrey Wong, and Bobby Timonera.
It was rather unfortunate that I missed their opening day since I was travelling to Kalibo at that time. I’m sure it would have been a lot of fun getting first dibs on everything. But anyway…
Welcome to Sulen, an art cafe aimed to lure the creative and brilliant minds of Iligan.
This cafe is a perfect haven for artists, students and yuppies to huddle together for a coffee date. The chill vibe makes it an ideal spot to study or to catch up on some work.
On one of their walls is a beautiful hand-painted mural that pays homage to Vincent van Gogh’s painting, The Starry Night.
I feel blessed and honored to have worked closely with Sulen as they release 5 new beverages and 3 new dishes on their menu.
Creamy Nut Frappe
Made with a shot of espresso and a hint of hazelnut flavor, topped with whipped cream and crushed nuts.
Rocky Road Frappe A dessert smoothie made with chocolate and Irish cream syrup, finished off with some whipped cream and marshmallows on top.
Scarlet Iced Tea
Refreshingly cool tea made with strawberry syrup and agave nectar served over ice. This is a personal favorite.
Bailey’s Frappe
Blended with chocolate sauce and a splash of Bailey’s, hand-topped with whipped cream and an Oreo biscuit for good measure.
Jack Frost Frappe
A coffee-free frappe made with white chocolate and topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This is also another favorite of mine.
Tuna Casserole
Classic tuna pasta recipe baked with a blanket of cheese on top.
French Toast
Pan-grilled eggy bread topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.
This is something I’d like to have for breakfast everyday.
Just look at that sexy trail of melted ice cream dripping at the edge of the toast. Make sure to ask for some cinnamon to sprinkle on top for that extra kick of flavor.
Baked Macaroni
Creamy baked macaroni just like how your genius aunt would make it. I’d definitely come back for more of this.
Their new menu additions are to be launched on July 27. Sulen is open daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
I’m so excited to share this exclusive sneak preview of what is soon to come here in Iligan…
Sulen is an art cafe nestled right beside the lobby of Elena Tower Inn. They will be opening their doors on the 28th of January this year. More details to follow soon…
In Iligan, you can’t get Buffalo wings this good anywhere. The chicken was tender, juicy, had just the right amount of heat to it and, of course, delicious. The dip was wonderful and went perfectly with the chicken.
This goes well with beer… and rice too! 😀
Jalapeno Quesadillas
For the vegetarians who love to have a bit of kick, this is perfect. Not saying that carnivores won’t like this too. Every bite was a burst of creamy, cheesy goodness.
Carne Burrito
Filled with Mexican rice, refried beans, beef tenderloin strips, salsa and cheese, this tasty burrito is a whole meal in itself. Certainly bound to please.
If you’re feeling for some Mexican fusion cuisine in Iligan, Wild Chili is the only place to go. Good service, great food at affordable prices (100~200 PHP).
And I am now officially a quarter-of-a-century old! Can you believe it?
It’s funny how I’ve managed to keep my birthday a secret for so many years now that even my closest friends don’t know when it is anymore. Haha! But as much as I wanted it to remain that way, I reckoned that not a lot of people are promised to reach this far in life and so it must be celebrated!
For months, I’ve been secretly planning my birthday on Pinterest… And in the process of doing so, I found myself pinning everything rainbows, unicorns and sugary stuff.
The only place that came to mind where I wanted to spend my birthday was at Cozy Cup.
Because:
1. I love milk tea. And I know most of my friends do.
2. The size of their shop is perfect for an intimate birthday party.
3. The place is perfect for photo ops!
I wanna thank Anjo for bringing my birthday vision to life. She definitely went above and beyond of what was expected.
Aside from decors, she provided mason jars in place of plastic cups for our milk tea. Not only did it look cute for photos, it was eco-friendly too!
She also provided jelly beans for giveaways…
And a birthday cake sparkler! It’s like she read my mind! The photo above is grabbed from Instagram.
This gorgeous kek is the best birthday cake I’ve had so far! I’m still very much obsessed with it! You can order this from Tedts’ Diner.
My cute unicorn cupcakes are also from Tedts’ Diner. Thank you Ate Tetet for throwing them in pro bono! You always make the cutest pastries! #proudambassador
I also ordered a bunch of colorful marshmallow pops from Miwoos because I know my boyfran luffs dem marshies. Thanks Milou for going out of your way to personally deliver them to me at Cozy Cup!
And last but definitely not the least, I got about three dozens of adorable rainbow sugar cookies from Choux. Nica did an incredible job with the sugar cookies and packaging. So impressed!
Yes, it was a sugar-laden birthday party and guests had to be immune to diebeetus to enjoy all the delicious cavity-inducing, Instagram-worthy goodies.
I’m elated to share this milestone with people who I’ve literally known for ages (some of them I’m friends with for about two decades now) and I feel so blessed to still have these people in my life. Glad they showed up. My birthday wouldn’t have been fun without them.
And as much as I also wanted to share this momentous event with all my “bestest” friends (Gikgik, Ellen, Epi, Denny, Rosa, Dee, Nicholle, Ritz, Jade, Kara and Beajai–I miss you all so bad it hurts), they no longer reside in Iligan.
I must thank my boyfran for helping me make this dream rainbow birthday bash possible. He is so awesome in many, many ways.
And of course, I thank God for adding another year to my life. This is the best birthday I’ve ever had! Laus Deo!
I’m wrapping up this post with a montage made by the best boyfriend in the weeerlddd.
Do you want to have a rainbow unicorn party too?
Contact the following people for price quotations:
Anjo of Cozy Cup for Venue and Event Styling: +63 917 331 3626
Tetet of Tedts’ Diner for Cakes and Cupcakes: (063) 223 8336
Milou of Miwoos for Marshmallow Pops: +63 915 520 5836
