Glamping at Ultrawinds Mountain Resort

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For this year’s Valentine’s Day, I surprised my boyfriend with a glamping experience at Ultrawinds Mountain Resort.

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In turn, he reciprocated my gesture by treating us to Ultrawinds’ Valentine’s dinner buffet. The food was sooo good that we kept getting seconds. I’ll talk more about this in a separate post.

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Right after our dinner date, we retreated back to the campsite.

Thankfully, we got a free golf cart ride so we didn’t have to walk all the way from the restaurant.

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It was exceptionally quiet when we got there that you could hear a pin drop.

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The cool evening air was constantly blowing across the grounds.

So for some warmth, we requested to build a campfire. Their staff brought in a ginormous fire pan, some firewood and a box of matches to start the fire. They also brought a handheld LED light for us to use so we can still have some illumination even after the campfire goes out. Great service! 🙂

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The campfire brought joy and new life to the cold, dark night. We made ourselves a few S’mores before hitting the sack.

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I woke up early the next day when the bright morning sunlight warmed my side of the tent. I just had to enjoy the spectacular view before my morning shower.

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For our accommodation, we had to walk a flight of stairs in order to use their communal shower and toilet facilities. Be warned: there are no heaters so gird your loins for the icy morning showers.

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We made our own breakfast using the outdoor cookware we borrowed from our friends – Elai of PS 95:11 and Porsche of THEYANGONE.

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There’s the manbear ready to devour his brunch. Hehe. 🙂

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I have to be honest though… I was disappointed at first because, once again, I fell victim to another batch of artistically rendered images. The interior of the tent and the campsite didn’t look exactly like what was posted on their website. But once I got past that, it wasn’t so bad after all.

We had such an awesome time that didn’t even matter anymore.

For a truly memorable family get together, romantic rendezvous or company outing, I recommend glamping at Ultrawinds Mountain Resort. It’s a refreshing outdoor experience that everyone should try!

EXPENSES
Safari Tent – 1099 PHP (peak season rate)
Bonfire – 30 PHP

Click here for more deets about Ultrawinds Mountain Resort
For glamping tips and ideas, read this

Ultrawinds Mountain Resort Travel Guide

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Based atop the scenic hill in Pualas, Baungon, experience the fresh mountain breeze and relax at Ultrawinds Mountain Resort. This popular day trip destination offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the southern portion of Cagayan de Oro City. They have thrilling outdoor activities that will bring out the adventurer in you and add to your memorable experiences. Whether you’re planning for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family excursion, Ultrawinds Mountain Resort makes an ideal setting for an unforgettable holiday.

HOW TO GET THERE
Although it is technically located in Bukidnon, this mountain top resort is only 20 minutes away from downtown CDO.

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By Private Vehicle
Driving all the way up to Ultrawinds Mountain Resort can be challenging even for experienced drivers. A powerful rear wheel car is highly recommended since the inclination is very steep. Should you have any hesitations going all the way up to Ultrawinds Mountain Resort, just park your vehicle at the CDO Convention Center and their shuttle will pick you up for free.

By Taxi
As of this posting, a taxi ride will cost around 250 PHP from downtown CDO all the way to Ultrawinds Mountain Resort. An arrangement can be done with the taxi driver to either wait for you or come back to pick you up.

By Ultrawinds Mountain Resort Shuttle

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Ultrawinds Mountain Resort has a shuttle service which can fit up to 22 people. The round trip costs 899 PHP regardless of the number of passengers.

Their pick up and drop off point is at Dunkin Divisoria.

Cut off time for shuttle service at 8:30 PM, except for event bookings. Reservations required.

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Brace yourself though because it’s going to be one helluva ride.

T’was like Hindang all over again, only rougher. It got me thinking if I was way overdressed for the trip… Maybe I should have been in my trekking attire.

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TIP:
If there are only 1~5 passengers, ask for their Range Rover because it’s more comfortable. We never knew about this option because it was never brought up by the front desk officer when I made my booking.

By Ultrawinds Mountain Resort Toyota Super Grandia Van

Ultrawinds Mountain Resort has a van service which can fit up to 10 people. The round trip costs 1499 PHP regardless of the number of passengers. Their pick up and drop off point is at Dunkin Divisoria. Cut off time for shuttle service at 8:30 PM, except for event bookings. Reservations required.

By Jeepney
Take a jeepney going to Taguanao at the jeepney terminal by Rhapsody Suites in Cogon Market.

Get off at the crossing of Taguanao Highway and the Convention Center Access Road. Ultrawinds Mountain Resort can pick you up with their shuttle service for 200 PHP regardless of the number of passengers. Just keep in mind the maximum capacity of their shuttle service.

WHAT TO DO
Take a dip in their infinity pool
Glamp at their camping grounds and build a campfire
Dine alfresco while overlooking the cityscape of Cagayan de Oro
Experience thrilling outdoor adventures such as zip linecaving, horseback riding and more

ACCOMMODATIONS
Please note that check-in time in Ultrawinds Mountain Resort is 2 PM and check out time is 10 AM.

Hotel Rooms
Deluxe Double – 2350 PHP
Superior King – 2350 PHP
Upper Deluxe Double – 2250 PHP
Premiere King – 3999 PHP
*All rooms are good for 2 guests but Premiere King is good for 4 guests
*Rooms come with complimentary breakfast for two and free use of the infinity pool

*550 PHP per extra person with breakfast and swimming

Dormitory
Rate – 350 PHP per head/night
*Does not come with breakfast or swimming privileges
*Communal bathroom
*Minimum of 10 guests, maximum of 18 guests

Villa
Weekend Rate – 7550 PHP
Weekday Rate – 6550 PHP
*Includes 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchenette and private veranda
*Contains 3 double beds in total
*Maximum of 15 guests if using existing beddings
*Does not come with breakfast privileges
*Rent extra beddings at 250 PHP
*Maximum of 7 guests with free swimming privileges

Safari Tent Camping
Rate – 999 PHP
*Good for 2 guests
*Tent can fit up to 5 guests

*Communal bathroom

*Comes with bed, pillow and blanket
*Does not come with breakfast and swimming privileges
*Additional 295 PHP per person with beddings, 195 PHP without beddings

AMENITIES
For more information, please check their website.

Infinity Pool
Adult  – 250 PHP
Children (8 years old and below) – 200 PHP
*Comes with snacks
*No outside food allowed in the pool area
*Strictly proper swimwear only

Zipline
Adult – 399 PHP
Children (10 years old and below) – 250 PHP

Hut
Rate – 500 PHP
*Located at the camping site
*12 hours of usage (until 9 PM only)
*Guests may bring their own food without corkage
*Food must be consumed in the hut

Others

Karaoke – 449 PHP/hour
Golf Cart – 699 PHP/half hour
Horseback riding – 200 PHP/hour
Billiards – 200 PHP/hour
Darts – 200 PHP/hour
Badminton – 250 PHP/hour
Full HD Projector – 1499 PHP/every 4 hours

Entrance Free for Walk-in Guests
Adult – 100 PHP
Child – 50 PHP
*Consumable (Restaurant, Zipline, Infinity Pool)

Prices are subject to change without prior notice. 

Where to Stay in Surigao City – Le Chard Place Bed and Breakfast

At Day Zero of our Siargao excursion, my friends and I spent a night in Surigao City and crashed at Le Chard Place Bed and Breakfast for a much-needed respite from the grueling 15-hour land trip.

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Fronting the highway, Le Chard Place Bed and Breakfast is really hard to miss. It is conveniently located near the bus terminal and the airport. Also, it is only a short stroll away from Gaisano Capital, a local shopping mall.

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This budget hotel has a sleek, contemporary aesthetic design. The vibrant accent colors add a fun, casual feel to the space.

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Le Chard Place Bed and Breakfast is kept spotlessly clean and the hallway leading to our room is quiet.

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We booked their suite room and amenities include TV, hot shower and fridge. Since we were given the smallest suite room, ours didn’t come with a lounge area and fridge as shown in the photo above. But we had access to their WiFi which they said is supposedly accessible at the reception area only. Awesome trade-off is awesome.

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Le Chard Place Bed and Breakfast is a great place to stay. We slept comfortably and felt very safe during our stay. It is a reasonably priced accommodation with friendly and helpful staff. Because of its strategic location, places near or far are easily accessible and transportation is not a problem even during ungodly hours.

EXPENSES
Suite room without breakfast – 1400 PHP
Extra bed – 330 PHP

Know more about Le Chard Place Bed and Breakfast rooms and rates, click here

Read my Siargao Travel Guide here

Some images are taken from Google Images and are believed to be in the public domain. No copyright infringement intended. Credit is given where it is due.

Siargao Travel Guide

Somewhere in the northeastern coast of Mindanao is a postcard perfect island with pristine beaches, emerald palm trees and idyllic sunsets called Siargao. Its yearlong ferocious waves earned Philippines a spot on the surfing map of the world.

Although the island maintains a sleepy atmosphere, there are plenty of fun things to do with the friendly locals in the island besides surfing. The whole island is a playground, your imagination is the limit.

HOW TO GET THERE BY AIR

Cebu to Siargao
As of this posting, Cebu Pacific is the only airline that offers commercial flights to Siargao (Sayak Airport).

You can fly directly from Cebu to Siargao on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Manila/Cebu to Surigao City
An alternative route would be to fly to Surigao City (Surigao Airport) and then take a ferry to Siargao. Just make sure not to miss the last ferry scheduled departing from Surigao City. Flights from Manila to Surigao City with Philippine Airlines and flights from Cebu to Surigao City with Cebu Pacific are available daily.

Keep in mind that the regular baggage allowance is 15 kilos only. If you’re bringing a surfboard, you will have to shell out for the sports equipment handling fee. Actual rate will be indicated on the website.

HOW TO GET THERE BY SEA

Cebu to Surigao City
Another way to go to Siargao is to travel from Cebu to Surigao City by boat with Cokaliong. For schedules and rates, you can check here.

Surigao City to Dapa, Siargao

From Surigao City, catch a boat that will take you to Dapa, Siargao.

Surigao City to Dapa, Siargao Ferry Schedules
MV LQP Express – 5:30 AM, Daily
MV Dapa Express II – 5:30 AM, Daily
MV Dapa Express – 10:00 AM, Daily
Fortune Angel – 11:45 AM, Daily
RORO Montenegro Shipping Lines – 12:00 NN, Daily

The fare costs 250 PHP.

Travel time from Surigao City to Dapa, Siargao is 2 hours.
For more details on ferry schedules and rates, click here.

HOW TO GET THERE BY LAND

Bus transfers from any point in Mindanao via Butuan to Surigao City are available 24/7.

Travel Time from Iligan to Surigao City
Total hours on the road would be about 15 hours if you include stopovers, transfers and waiting time. Make sure to plan your trip carefully so you won’t go hungry, miss the last scheduled ferry or, worse, both.

For Morning Commuters from Iligan
Best departure time is 5:00 AM.
Con: You will have to stay for a night at Surigao City. I recommend Le Chard Place Bed and Breakfast.
Pro: You can recuperate from the grueling land trip and save some energy for an early trip to Siargao the next day.

Tip: Have your breakfast at Agora Terminal. I suggest to get yourself a takeaway lunch there to eat during transit to save time, money and energy.

For Evening Commuters from Iligan
Best departure time is 4:00 PM.
Pro: You can sleep off the grueling land trip and save money by not spending a night in Surigao City.
Con: Transferring from one terminal to the next will interrupt your sleep.

Tip: Have your dinner at Agora Terminal. You can have breakfast upon arrival at Siargao.

Iligan to Bulua Bus Terminal, CDO
Bus Fare – 100 PHP
Travel time – 2 hours

Bulua Bus Terminal, CDO to Agora Bus Terminal, CDO
Jeepney Fare – 12 PHP
Travel time – 15 minutes

Agora Bus Terminal, CDO to Butuan
Bus Fare – 350 PHP
Travel time – 6 hours

Butuan to Surigao City
Bus Fare – 225 PHP
Travel time – 4 hours

Upon arrival in Surigao City, take a ferry to Dapa, Siargao (catch the first ferry if you can) and thence take a motor taxi to General Luna, Siargao.

Dapa, Siargao to General Luna, Siargao
Trike Fare – 200 PHP
Travel time – 30 minutes

WHERE TO STAY
Popular choices include Buddha’s Surf Camp, La Luna Island Resort and Paglaom Hostel. For more options and details, you can check this blog here.

Whether you’re a high class tourist, a budget-minded traveler or a glampacker like me, you will always find a place in Siargao that will suit your needs.

There are many easy-to-use and secure websites that can help you choose your accommodation based on your personal preferences and budget.

Agoda
I’ve booked hotels through Agoda a couple of times and I love it. They have a great network of hotels to choose from at competitive prices.

AirBNB
I’ve also booked through AirBNB and this is a personal favorite. AirBNB offers the most unique travel experiences that can perfectly suit your budget and needs.

Booking, Trivago & Hostelworld
I personally haven’t used Booking, Trivago and Hostelworld before but they also have good deals and a wide selection of hotels to choose from.

Most travelers in Siargao stay for at least couple of weeks (some up to several months) so you may have a hard time booking as walk-in guest. My tip is to book your accommodation in advance.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Surf at Jacking Horse, Secret Spot or Cloud 9
Take a dip at Magpupungko Tide Pools
Go island hopping
Do extreme sports such as freediving, longboarding, spearfishing, etc.
Join a Drunken Carabao race
Chill at Pagoda Bar on Mondays
Party at Jungle Disco Bar on Fridays

WHERE TO EAT
Kermit Surf Resort and Camp Siargao
Shaka Siargao
Mama’s Grill
Cafe Loka
Lux Siargao Boutique Resort & Sushi Bar
Pleasure Point Cafe
Aventino’s Pizza

Perks of Staying in a Hostel

Hostels have gotten so much bad rep that when people think of hostels, they usually picture a dingy, bug-infested room emanating a musty odor. To top that off, we’ve been haunted by movies for ages about shady hostel guests (who are secretly psycho and have murderous tendencies) making us highly suspicious of everyone else.

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Boo!

But thankfully, it’s not like that in real life. In fact, most hostels are clean, safe and comfortable to stay in. Traveling a lot has helped reshape my warped perception about hostels in general.

These are my top reasons why I think you should stay in a hostel too:

AFFORDABILITY
Hostels are a viable option for all cost-conscious travelers who seek reasonably priced accommodation. Without the glitz and glamour of a typical tourist hotel, hostels are cheap because they can afford to be. Depending on which part of the world you are in, hostel prices range between 5 to 40 USD per night only.

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LOCATION
Many hostels nowadays are conveniently located in central areas with countless attractions within reach. Also, a lot of hostels have direct access to public transportation so it’s easy to get around.

UNIQUE
There are so many different kinds of hostels varying in their amenities, entertainment, style and comfort that no two would ever be the same. If you fancy sleeping in a monastery, a castle, a bunker, a cave or a prison, there are some hostels around the world that offer this one of a kind of experience you won’t get anywhere else.

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RELAXED ATMOSPHERE
Hostels have a very friendly and laid back vibe that would immediately make you feel at home.

BUILD FRIENDSHIPS
Hostels have dorm rooms and common lounge areas so staying in one gives you an opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends from all corners of the world.

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SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Hostels promote a sense of community through the culture of cooking and eating together. Some hostels offer weekly fun activities and social events that all guests can participate in and enjoy.

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PERSONAL GROWTH
Striking up a conversation with fellow hostel guests is truly a valuable learning experience. Exchanging information, stories, and experiences with people having different cultures, societies, languages, worldviews, beliefs, and backgrounds help us gain fresh perspectives and smash our preconceived notions. It is through cross-cultural encounters that we become more aware of our own culture, identity and values and that we become more understanding and appreciative of others.

To sum it all up, hostels are hubs for social and recreational activities where you can meet culturally diverse people and gain new friends. Not only do they make an excellent starting point for exploration but you can also get the comfort of a hotel room and more with just a fraction of the cost. Hopefully, these reasons are enough to break down the bad stigma associated with staying in hostels.

Images are taken from Google Images and are believed to be in the public domain. No copyright infringement intended. Credit is given where it is due.

Where to Eat in Bohol – Guiseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Gastronomia and Wines

If you’re going to have a food tour in Panglao make sure to stop by at Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Gastronomia and Wines. This restaurant is one of the popular culinary destinations in the island and is on every itinerant epicurean’s radar. Despite being away from the buzzing beach scene, people still flock here for a taste of authentic Italian food.

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Run and owned by a chef from Sicily named Giuseppe Sgroi, this restaurant prides on serving gourmet dishes made with the finest produce that is locally sourced or freshly imported from Italy.

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During the day, Giuseppe has a casual and inviting atmosphere. They feature an open kitchen allowing diners to see the chefs at work.

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Their specials menu is something that should not be overlooked.

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We went for Pizza Gregorio. It’s a chewy, handmade brick oven pizza with thin blistered crusts topped with tomato, mozzarella, sausages, salami, smoked ham, and parma ham.

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I would have preferred it to have some greens and a tad more cheese but it’s already good as it is. I love it!

TIP:
Their pizza servings are HUGE. But I’ll let you in on a secret… You can actually order half the original size of their pizza.

It’s not written on the menu so just ask their wait staff about it.

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At night, the restaurant transforms into a intimate, romantic setting perfect for spending amorous moments with a significant other.

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They have a wine cellar filled with an excellent selection of wines, liqueurs and spirits that you can enjoy.

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Another thing we tried is their Antipasti. It’s a decadent artisanal cheese platter which I imagine would pair well with wine (it was only later on when we found out that it’s actually possible to order wine by glass and not just by the bottle).

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From left-right, top-bottom: smoked salmon, parma ham, salami, blue cheese, pepperoni on top of a salad, smoked ham, Parmesan cheese, pizza bread, formaggio al forno (baked carabao cheese), mozzarella cheese with tomato slices, grilled seafood and rotoli de malenzane (eggplant filled with tomato and cheese).

This literally got me weak! Every single bite exploded with flavor. The different textures and flavor profiles of the cheeses went well with the accompaniments.

It was a very well-balanced platter. By far, the most memorable dish I had to date! The cheese platter was so huge that it was all we had for dinner.

Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Gastronomia and Wines is not to be missed when in Bohol. Keep in mind they are on the pricey side though. Plus, they charge 10% of the bill for the service fee. But considering their generous portions, impeccable service and excellent food, you’re bound to get your money’s worth.

Some photos belong to Yobz Tolentino

Read about my Bohol Travel Guide here

Where to Eat in Bohol: Payag Restaurant

Payag Restaurant is one of the busiest restaurants in Tagbilaran City and is popularly known for their delicious grilled chicken. 

The Cebuano word payag, meaning small house, is a fitting description of the restaurant.

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Reminiscent of a small ancestral house, the architectural design of Payag Restaurant is a blend of Spanish and Filipino aesthetics. The alfresco dining

area, called Plaza Juanita, resembles an old town square with its ornate lamp posts and cobble floor tiles leading to the in door dining area.

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The tongue-in-cheek nostalgic interior design of Payag Restaurant gives an idyllic setting that makes you feel right at home.

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Every square inch of this restaurant is completely decked out with probably the largest collection of unique chicken decors in the Philippines. Lemme tell ya… I’ve never seen so many cocks in my life! :))

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Frequented by both local patrons and tourists, it’s always a full house here! So expect a long wait especially at peak hours.

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Their house specialty, called Jo’s Inato, is their take on Bacolod’s famous Chicken Inasal. For only 95 pesos, you get to enjoy a massive slab of marinated chicken served with atchara and unlimited rice.

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I’ve had a lot of grilled chicken from different places… I’d have to say this is definitely one of my personal favorites! Simple yet delicious.

Some photos belong to Yobz Tolentino

Read about my Bohol Travel Guide here 

Where to Eat in Bohol – Gerarda’s

Tucked in the quieter streets of Tagbilaran City, Gerarda’s was once a quaint house before it became into a buzzing restaurant that it is today.

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This family-run restaurant is adorned with old photographs and house decors giving it that warm atmosphere like you never left home.

As soon as we entered Gerarda’s, we were greeted with a warm welcome from their courteous staff and immediately we were escorted to a table fit for two.

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While waiting to get accommodated, we were given a complimentary bowl of nuts to munch on. Why this simple yet brilliant idea never caught on is still one of life’s biggest mysteries to date.

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Gerarda’s has great service! The wait staff was attentive and accommodating while patiently walking us through the menu.

We ordered chicharon bulaklak and dinakdakan to go with our platter of rice. Our food came out from the kitchen sooner than we thought.

Chicharon bulaklak, literally flower crackings in English, is deep-fried pork mesentery and is a popular pulutan in the Philippines.

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Dinakdakan is an Ilocano dish that I’ve never heard of before. Traditionally, it is said to be made with grilled pig parts such as ears, face, liver, and offals which are tossed in a tangy dressing with mashed pig brain and minced spices. Think of it as an offspring of two Filipino classic recipes: sisig and kinilaw.

But Gerarda’s did their own spin on it by using bagnet in place of the bizarre pig parts for a crunchier texture. And for that thick creamy finish, they swapped mashed pig brain for coconut milk. It is the bomb! If there’s something you shouldn’t pass in Gerarda’s, it’s their dinakdakan with a twist.

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Gerarda’s is the place in Bohol where families gather to bond, reconnect, celebrate a milestone or just simply have a great meal. Their food is suitable to the average Pinoy palate and surely will not disappoint.

TIP:
Get a reservation since Gerarda’s is always full.

Read about my Bohol Travel Guide here

Where to Eat in Bohol – The Buzzz Cafe by Bohol Bee Farm

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The Buzzz Cafe is a local organic cafe and restaurant chain in Bohol that promotes an alternative lifestyle through clean eating.

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Using only the freshest ingredients from Bohol Bee Farm, The Buzzz Cafe offers a farm-to-table dining experience to meet the demands for healthy, sustainable cuisine in Bohol.

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They also carry an array of locally produced delicacies and personal care products made from selected quality natural ingredients.

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Here’s a not so aesthetically pleasing view of our haphazard table.

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For starters, we were given an amuse-bouche platter of their homemade squash bread,

cab-cab with green tomatoes, and their best-selling spreads (honey and pesto – which by the way I cannot get enough of).

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We ordered their signature organic garden salad – a bowl of mixed greens bathed in honey mustard dressing and garnished with handpicked edible flowers. It was quite enjoyable to eat. Obviously, I ordered this for the novelty of eating flowers like a hippie. That’s one less item off my food bucket list. 😉

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Their humble fresh herb pasta is simple and light-tasting.

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I love the kamote fries! They’re already great on their own. The dip is optional!

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Make sure to give their unconventional homemade ice cream selection a go. They’re exceptionally good!

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Treat yourself good food without the guilt at The Buzzz Cafe by Bohol Bee Farm. It is perfect for diners who are making conscious efforts to eat local, sustainable, organic food that satisfies the palate. They have branches located in Island City Mall, Alona Beach, and Galleria Luisa.

TIP:
If you want to get more out of your money, eat in the Island City Mall branch. The serving portions there are more generous.

Read about my Bohol Travel Guide here

Eat Sea Urchins at Alona Beach

There are a number of fun things you can do when at Alona Beach such as island hopping, diving, and snorkeling. But if you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to do something new and different from the rest of the crowd, I recommend eating fresh, raw sea urchins. Maybe that doesn’t sound fun and appealing to most of you. But if it’s something you haven’t done before… Never say never.

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You can get them from an itinerant seafood vendor who usually goes around the beachfront late in the afternoons. If he’s nowhere in sight, you can ask other vendors where to locate him.

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Sea urchins are round and spiny ocean creatures that feast on seaweed and other marine plants.

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To eat them, they must be carefully cracked open, have the insides cleaned and its roe scooped out.

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The sea urchin roe, also known as “uni”, is edible gold from the ocean. It has a rich, creamy, buttery texture with a unique sweet and briny flavor. Packed with protein, omega 3 fatty acids, unsaturated fats, and zinc, it’s a very healthy treat to have. The best way to eat them is to eat them raw. However, if you’re a little squeamish when it comes to raw food, just have them grilled. There are seafood vendors at night who can grill sea urchins for you at a minimal cost.

EXPENSES
Sea urchins – 20 PHP for 1 piece*
Grill – 100 PHP for 1 pail of sea urchins

*The vendor gave an irresistible deal after sunset. He offered the whole bucket of sea urchins for only 200 PHP.

Read about my solo trip to Alona Beach here
Budget hostel of choice in Panglao here
Bohol Travel Guide here