reiyakhu 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.

Cuteness Overload with Happy Pao

Posted on October 9, 2014October 7, 2018 by xerox

Cute, lovable animal-shaped steamed buns isn’t something new. Yet, I’m surprised how it didn’t really catch on any sooner here in the Philippines as it is very popular in other Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand.

But thankfully, Chowking has finally jumped on the bandwagon!

As soon as Happy Pao was launched, Instagram was on fire! These selfie-worthy treats were very hard to get a hold of considering they sell out faster than One Direction concert tickets. Haha!

When we finally got our hands on the elusive Happy Pao, it seemed like the heavens opened up and all the angels sang a beautiful song just for us.

However, I am grossly disappointed that Chowking Iligan branches do not serve Piggy Happy Pao.

Yes, I understand that they are doing this because of “religious and cultural sensitivity”. But what’s puzzling is that they serve meals that contain pork anyway. So, I don’t get it.

Disclaimer: This cute steamed bun does not contain any real pandas.

Panda Happy Pao is a sweet steamed bun bursting with velvety, smooth chocolaty goodness. Although it is served hot, I prefer to take it home with me and chill it in the fridge for a few minutes before eating it.

Happy Pao isn’t only yummy, it’s very affordable too! Get these adorable buns for only 39 PHP ala carte, 49 PHP with a drink and 117 PHP for a box of three. Happiness guaranteed! 😉

Beer-battered Pizza at Good Fellas

Posted on September 14, 2014January 22, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

Good Fellas is a new pizzeria in CDO that serves freshly baked artisan beer-battered pizza.

My boyfriend and I never had beer-battered pizza before so I knew we had to try it. A two-hour bus ride later…

Stepping in, I immediately noticed the clean, simple interior with a warm pop of color.

From the exposed brick wall down to the furnishing, it just screams contemporary industrial chic with a touch of rustic charm – much to the delight of my inner hipster.

Everything here is just Instagram-worthy so there’s absolutely no shame if you want to whip out your camera phones and snap photos away.

When we were there, the place looked a little vacant. It was a rainy afternoon after all. Who wants to brave the rain for just pizza right?

But a few minutes later, I was instantly proven wrong. At that moment, I knew we went to the right place and something good was already waiting for us.

Oh, hi! Just a little sneaky OOTD right here. Couldn’t resist posting this photo. Hehe 🙂

Pizza time!

We got the Big Joe, also known as the Godfather of all Pizzas. Beer-battered dough topped with cheese and a variety of meat – pepperoni, bacon, sausage, ham and beef.

Fresh, crispy and bursting with flavor. It was love at first bite. It is a little bit greasy though. But if you’re like me who doesn’t give a damn about that, you’ll definitely love this one! I can’t help but feel sorry for myself that I’m not having it right now. Can’t wait to go back and try more of their pizzas!

Good Fellas is located at Pabayo and Chavez Streets just right above Sweet Leaf Bubble Tea Cafe.

Davao-Gensan Trip Part 14: Little Kitchen Restaurant

Posted on November 8, 2013October 7, 2018 by xerox

Still unbelievably full from lunch, we opted for a light supper…

Little Kitchen Restaurant is a popular snack house in Gensan which is owned and managed by a doctor.

Originally built to cater the doctor’s patients and other people within the vicinity, Little Kitchen Restaurant unexpectedly turned out into a flourishing food business.

With the cozy atmosphere, it’s too easy to feel at home here. The wait staff are accommodating and the service is prompt.

For appetizers, we got complimentary garlic butter toasts. Loves it! Who doesn’t love free food? Hehe 🙂

For our supper, we had Shrimp Scampi Pizza. It had a crispy crust topped with olives, mushrooms, shrimp and cheese. This is one of their best sellers.

I know the pizza sounds really good on paper but it was a little too bland for my taste. It was a huge letdown for me because I really wanted to like it. Just everyone else does.

But despite being disappointed, I’d still like to go back there and sample other of their food items. I’m sure I’ll find something I’d love.

Little Kitchen Restaurant is located at Quirino Avenue, next to Calderon Clinic.

Davao-Gensan Trip Part 13: Blugre Coffee

Posted on October 30, 2013October 7, 2018 by xerox

Brewing since 1998, Blugre Coffee is a coffee shop chain based in Davao which is known for exotic durian coffee blends.

Why Blugre Coffee has made its way in Gensan is no surprise as one of the major franchisees is the power couple, Manny and Jinky Pacquiao.

Walking into the coffee shop, I was caught off guard by a strong whiff of durian aroma lingering in the air. To be blunt, the scent was a little bit off-putting because I am not particularly fond of durian… However, it was bearable.

While Blugre Coffee specializes coffee, they serve pastries, desserts and other hot and cold beverages as well.

Too full for anything else, we just had some iced latte for a little afternoon pick-me-up.

And although I was never a fan of durian, I braved myself for one of their durian coffee blends: Durian Arctic Blast… Which I painfully regretted.

Well, at least I tried. Let’s face it, it’s not for everyone. I read awesome reviews about it though and is certainly a hit with all the durian lovers out there.

Blugre Coffee is a great place for study, work, hangouts, or meetups. You don’t have to be a durian connoisseur to be here. When in Gensan, visit them at Robinsons Place or at JMP Building.

Davao-Gensan Trip Part 12: Team Pacquiao

Posted on October 26, 2013October 7, 2018 by xerox

General Santos is the hometown of Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao, the “Fighting Pride of the Philippines” and the first and only eight-division world boxing champion.

Whether you’re a fan of his or not, his chain store Team Pacquiao is one of the must-go-to places in Gensan.

With several branches nationwide, Team Pacquiao carries various products and limited edition collectibles especially made for all the Pambansang Kamao fanboys to covet.

They offer Pacman must-have items like graphic tees, polo shirts, jackets, caps and other novelty items.

Spotted on their high shelves are some kick-ass memorabilia that you can’t get anywhere else in the world but here (and other Team Pacquiao branches of course). And out of everything I’ve seen, the Mad Mickey toy figure is something I’d like to bring home with me (but didn’t). I’m not gonna lie, they don’t come cheap at all.

They also have autographed items such as boxing gloves, coffee table books and more.

And just like a kid in a candy shop, my boyfriend was in a state of utter fascination. I swear his eyes were sparkling with joy. Haha.

When in Gensan, you should definitely swing by the flagship store of Team Pacquiao which is located at the ground floor of Robinsons Place General Santos.

Davao-Gensan Trip Part 11: Tong Yang Shabu-Shabu & Barbeque Restaurant

Posted on October 15, 2013October 7, 2018 by xerox

On the fourth day of our vacation, we took a roadtrip to Gensan…

Located at SM Gensan, Tong Yang Shabu-Shabu Barbecue Restaurant is heaven-sent for all the buffet and hotpot lovers out there.

As we came in, my jaw dropped to the floor. We were greeted with long tables filled with a wide array of fresh and delicious food selections all ready to cook and eat.

I’ve been to some eat-all-you-can buffet restaurants before but I’ve never seen anything like this.

You are given the freedom to choose your raw ingredients for cooking which can be a little overwhelming especially if you’re a first-timer like I was. They have vegetables, seafood, meat, noodles, sides, broth, sauces, condiments… You name it, they have it all – from appetizers to desserts!

One of the great things about Tong Yang is you can always come back for more food if you want to. Yes, everything is eat-all-you-can within the given three-hour time frame.

For only 299PHP/person for lunch buffets from Mon-Fri and 399PHP/person for dinner buffets from Mon-Fri and lunch+dinner buffets on holidays & weekends. Where else can you find a great deal as such this??

Too bad we were prohibited from taking close-up food photos though. Boo. Sad panda 🙁

It is also worth mentioning that they have unlimited tap beer (just add 65 PHP for beer-all-you-can), soda and fruit juices.

Please excuse our cluttered hotpot table. The left side of the table is for grilling and the right side is for stewing. I really like how you can make two stews at the same time. Really cool.

We were given sticks of butter for grilling. Don’t be shy to ask for more if needed. The butter complements the food well and makes everything taste richer. Genius.

By the way, a shoutout to our official tour guide and photographer for that day, Jed Reyes. Thanks for the treat Kuya! By the way, he’s an awesome photographer. You can check out some of his amazing shots here.

Kuya Jed observing my boyfriend as he makes sinigang for the first time. Thank God for Tong Yang’s free WiFi. None of us knew how to make sinigang so we just googled for recipes online and made it on the spot.

WADAYAKNOW. It was delicious-o!

We really had an amazing dining experience at Tong Yang. I definitely would love to come back here when I can. I suggest that you come here famished. And do bring friends and family with you because food is always better shared 🙂

PSA

Posted on September 18, 2013 by xerox

I am sorry to interrupt my Davao-Gensan series but I have a special announcement to make…

Technicolor Waves of Rhapsody just turned 2 today! Can you believe it? Because I still can’t! I never even thought I would last a year…

What started out as a mental and writing exercise has now become a hard habit to kick.

I, first, want to give a big, big thanks to my boyfriend. If not for him, this blog would not have existed. His encouragements and gentle prodding lead me to believe that I actually do have the ability to express myself through writing.

Two years ago, I’ve always second-guessed myself because I never was confident enough of my writing skills. It was only through constant blogging that I slowly gained my confidence. Looking back, I know that I have improved so much and I know there is even more room for improvement.

Second, I would like to thank you readers for your support. As cheesy as it may sound, yes, you guys are one of the reasons why I keep on writing. I just want to give you all cyber hugs right now so you can all feel the fuzzy love I have for you. Hehe.

Also, I’m really excited to tell you guys that tomorrow I will have a waterfalling adventure tour (WAT 2.0) with my fellow bloggers (please don’t mind my iffy hair)…

I am very privileged and humbled to meet these lovely people. And I think it’s only right that you should get to know these people too.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right:
Marky Go – http://www.nomadicexperiences.com/
Doi Domasian – http://thetravellingfeet.com/
Me
Glen Santillan – http://www.escapemanila.com/
Shugah Pauline Kang – http://www.wandershugah.com/
Tzaddi Esguerra – http://wheresburger.tumblr.com/
Lisa Marie Mirasol – http://www.pinaytravelista.com/
Lovette Jam Jacosalem – http://www.traveljams.com/
Gabriel Billiones Jr. – http://neoticviews.blogspot.com/
Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr. – http://www.chooseiligancity.com/
John Badawi
Yobz Tolentino (my boyfriend) – http://ayosaoi.wordpress.com/
Ferdz Decena – http://www.ironwulf.net/
Fredda Ruth Rosete – http://www.freddaruth.com/
Razaleigh Kate Jumawan – http://www.fourhappypeas.tumblr.com/
Kathleen Grace de Garcia – http://www.dasocialclimber.com/
Clement Dampal – http://www.bestspotsph.com/

Please note that this is not everyone. For those who are not in the picture, I will post their names and links as soon as I can get them.

By the way, we all received a shirt, an ID and a special gift pack!

Inside the paper bag are…

Revicon and Enervon to give us that added boost of energy for tomorrow’s waterfalling adventure; Alaxan and Biogesic to combat muscle injuries that might happen; Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub to whiten our skin after being exposed for hours to harsh sunlight; Swish mouthwash to have fresh breath; and pH Care Intimate Wash because we need to feel fresh all the way down there too. Haha!

I want to especially mention the sponsors. If not for them, there will be no WAT 2.0!

Unilab
Jollibee
Iligan Paradise Resort
Jacko’s Kan-Anan
Silvestro’s
Calda Pizza
Red Planet
NPC Nature’s Park
Rent.ph
Tatay’s Grill
Greenwich
Jasmine Pensionne Home
Kopi Luwak
Keepsakes Iligan
GTC Gerona Town Center
Aruma Coffee Lounge
Perfect Wedding
Councilor Frederick Siao
Bob NY USA
Jesbey’s Diner
Delecta
Iligan de Piaya
Linamon’s Best
JCreations
New Horizon
Third Team Media
Iligan City Government
Iligan Chamber
IHARRA

That’s all for now and I gotta go because I have to be up early tomorrow morning. Bisous!

Davao-Gensan Trip Part 9: Swiss Deli and Restaurant

Posted on September 8, 2013October 7, 2018 by xerox

Just a walking distance from SM Lanang, we decided to take peek inside Swiss Deli and Restaurant.

Swiss Deli and Restaurant is simply the best source for delicious and authentic European food in Davao. They really have a LOT to offer. And when I say a lot, I mean…

They have a plethora of meat and cheeses to choose from. Varieties that I used to only see on cooking shows are here! All imported from Switzerland and Europe (most of them I can’t even spell HAHA).

Check out their shelf full of quality wine imported from different countries across the globe. They have more at the cellar. I regret to say that we weren’t able to take a look there.

They also have freshly baked bread and pastry up for grabs and a fridge full of desserts that I didn’t manage to get a photo of.

Some more choices of everything delicatessen.

And at this point I was just foaming in my mouth already. Chocolates, spreads, condiments… I could just go on and on and on! All the grocery items I have long lusted for… Were just right there in front of me. I felt so helpless that we couldn’t afford to purchase all of them. But we were not there to shop (trying not to sour grape here).

I really love their service. The wait staff were very professional and attentive.

I ordered Mediterranean Salad with penne (cooked al dente of course), lettuce leaves, onion, olives, tuna, tomatoes and cucumber tossed with vinaigrette. Simple, fresh and delicious!

My boyfriend ordered Veal Bratwurst Sausage with some mashed potatoes and veggies on the side. It was our first time to have veal so I really like how we were able to really taste the meat. No extenders. Just pure veal goodness. Never had sausage that good in my life! The best, really.

And for our dessert, we had Chocolate Mousse. Light, fluffy and had just the right amount of sweetness. A really nice treat to conclude our snack. Yes, not meal. Snack. HAHA. This was after CBTL. We’re such pigs, I know.

Serving world-class delectable meals at reasonable prices, Swiss Deli has impressed me on so many levels. Needless to say, we had a fantastic dining experience.

They’re open daily from 8AM to 10PM.
You can view or download their menu here.

Davao-Gensan Trip Part 8: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Posted on September 1, 2013October 7, 2018 by xerox

Many moons ago, I noticed that a lot of people on my Facebook newsfeed have been raving about The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL). And being a tea-o-holic that I am (an ex-coffee addict too), I don’t wanna be left behind.

CBTL is an American coffee chain that serves only the world’s finest coffee and tea. Born in South Califoria on 1963, CBTL has grown into one of the largest coffee and tea companies in the world with over 900 outlets in 23 countries since. And yes, of course, they have free WiFi too.

This was taken on our first CBTL experience at Abreeza. In the photo above are Ice Blended Matcha Green Tea and White Choco Dream Latte.

Both are just a dream in a cup. Really. Definitely better than Starbucks by a mile.

And just so you know… Starbucks doesn’t exactly thrill me. There. I finally spilled the beans. Please don’t roast me! (puns intended)

Oh, lemme introduce to you the greatest invention since sliced bread…

This thingamajig! I really don’t know what it’s called. If you happen to know, you have to tell me!

What’s so great about this thing is (more like are):
1. It eliminates those silly table number tags.
2. I don’t have to constantly fidget as I wait for my name to be called.
3. It vibrates and lights up once your order is ready.

Doesn’t it make life a lot easier? Whoever thought of this sorcery is a freakin’ genius!

I still don’t understand why other restaurants or fastfood chains still don’t have this brilliant piece of technology yet. I’m sure it’s not that hard and expensive to make, right? Wishful thinking.

Having watched too many Masterchef episodes made me feel sorry for ourselves that we haven’t tried eggs benedict yet. So we really had to give it a go! This was our second CBTL experience at SM Lanang.

The look on his eyes explained everything. Haha! Clearly, he’s more excited than I am.

As my boyfriend ran the knife through the egg, the yolk didn’t run into this thick velvety sauce as I saw it should in Masterchef a thousand times over.

I then pictured Gordon Ramsey in my head like this…

While it wasn’t close to perfect (at least to Gordon’s standard), it tasted really good. And that’s all that matters. I also happen to like my eggs to be done over medium thankyouverymuch.

For all those who have been disenchanted with overrated coffee shops, I plead that you at least give Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf a chance.

They serve high-quality, great tasting coffee, tea and food. Plus, their service and ambiance is marvelous.

Their beverages cost between 100~200 pesos… Not bad right? Know more about what they serve here.