nature Archives ⋆ Leia Khu

Reconnect with Nature in Tibiao, Antique

Posted on July 27, 2015January 22, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

I drew a blank for every futile attempt to blog about our two-day excursion in Tibiao, Antique because I’m always at loss for words.

But how could I not? Its enchanting, pristine beauty has held me hostage and left me utterly speechless.

Tibiao is a large expanse of open fields, lush greens, verdant mountains and relaxing tropical scenery.

It is a wonderful respite for all those who seek serenity outside the hustles and bustles of everyday life.

There is just something about the beauty of nature that can have a profound effect on our senses.

The tranquility of silent rivers calms the cluttered mind.

The invigorating fresh air enhances mood and revitalizes the body.

The stillness of the mountains brings peace and healing to the weary soul.

Happiness can be found outdoors and so I invite you to come to Tibiao to reconnect with nature.

HOW TO GET TO TIBIAO, ANTIQUE
Tibiao, Antique is a great travel destination for nature lovers, soul searchers and budget backpackers. It is located in the heart of Antique province and can be reached by plane via Caticlan or Iloilo.

From Caticlan
From Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal, walk to the bus terminal nearby and take a bus that is bound for San Jose. It will pass through several towns before it reaches to Tibiao. Average travel time is 2 hours.

From Iloilo
From Molo Terminal, take a bus or van that is bound for Culasi or Caticlan. Just ask to be dropped off at Tibiao. Average travel time is 2-3 hours.

WHERE TO STAY
I recommend staying at Kasa Raya. I will talk more about it in another post soon.

Lunch at Hellenic Tavern Hotel

Posted on November 6, 2012October 7, 2018 by xerox

Emmanouel Sapountzakis, owner of Hellenic Tavern Hotel, brings a piece of his birth place to Tagaytay with his Grecian-inspired hotel and restaurant which he manages with his Filipino wife.

Hellenic Tavern Hotel is fairly easy to spot as it is located just along Aquinaldo Highway, opposite of Lourdes Church.

Now, before I carry on, let me just ask you…

How would you feel sitting on a balcony (away from all the hustles and bustles of a metro city) facing a ridiculous breathtaking view of Taal Lake surrounded by pristine mountains and several clusters of mist?

Well, let me answer that question for you…

Awestruck. That’s it. You’d be just completely awestruck and lost for words like I was. Photos don’t do justice to this God-made beauty.

I never thought that I’d fall in love at first sight but there I was… totally captivated by such refreshing scenery.

Who knew having lunch with my boyfriend while overlooking at lush green pastures in broad daylight could be quite romantic?

Speaking of lunch…

We had delicious Elleniki Salata (Greek Salad) as our appetizer. Let me just say, I never had salad that good! Everything was absolutely fresh! Not to mention that most of the ingredients are home-grown! Cucumber, onions, lettuce, tomatoes…

I loved the tomatoes! I never had tomatoes like their tomatoes. If I remember it correctly, they were more sweet than sour. And would you believe me if I say that they actually made their own feta cheese?

Now I’m starting to miss the salad all over again…

We also had Shawarma. A Mediterranean take on a Middle Eastern cuisine. Toppings include lamb shavings, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, potatoes and a dollop of tzatziki. All of that wrapped in home-made pita bread.

For our main course, we couldn’t resist trying out one of their best-sellers, Moussaka. It’s basically an eggplant casserole topped with Bechamel sauce. It’s a tasty mix of eggplant, potatoes, zucchini, minced beef and Parmesan cheese. If only I could have this everyday, I totally would even if it means having to clog my arteries!

And lastly, for our dessert, we had Baklava. Basically, it’s made of filo pastry layers filled with chopped nuts and then bathed in (again, home-made) honey.

Dining at Hellenic Tavern Hotel is definitely one of the best dining experiences I’ve had ever. You can check out more of their food and prices here.

And in case you’re looking for a place to stay there, they also have rooms with scenic views at reasonable rates!

With Mr. Sapountzakis himself. Yup, he’s 100% Greek. LOL at the hover hand!

Anyway, when in Tagaytay, don’t ever miss to drop by at Hellenic Tavern Hotel! Truly a magical piece of Greece in the boondocks!

Tagaytay – A Teaser

Posted on November 1, 2012October 7, 2018 by xerox

Everything has been really crazy hectic and toxic since last month that I never had the tiniest time to allot for blogging. But I’m finally back!

I have so many backlogs that I don’t even know where to begin and what to write anymore.

But I guess I can just start with this teaser for now so I can still keep you guys interested. I promise another post in the next few days!

The scenic views, the cool climate, the fresh air… I truly, madly and deeply miss.

And of course, I have to end this short teaser with a photo of me to satiate my vanity. HAHA!

The Niagara Falls of Mindanao: Santa Cruz Falls

Posted on May 29, 2012October 7, 2018 by xerox

After the Cathedral Falls trip with my boyfriend, my father was talking about the mysterious Santa Cruz Falls incessantly.

And so last weekend, we embarked on a family (mis)adventure to Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. Yes, my boyfriend and I was back to Kapatagan much sooner than we originally expected.

Totally unprepared for what we were about to get ourselves into, we braved practically into the middle of nowhere (Santa Cruz cannot be found on Google maps mind you) with nothing but ourselves.

And when I say nothing, I mean no water, nosh nor sunscreen. And that’s because our house helpers and “habal-habal” drivers (who served as our guides) said that the falls was just “near”.

On that day I learned that the meaning of the word “near” is only relative to the speaker. And so if you come from the city, please don’t trust anybody coming from a rural area telling you that this certain place is “near” because…