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Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • Top 5 Places We Visited in Laoag, Batac, and Paoay, Ilocos Norte (Holy Week)

    Top 5 Places We Visited in Laoag, Batac, and Paoay, Ilocos Norte (Holy Week)

    Laoag City is the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. It’s reachable in 45 minutes from Manila by plane (direct flight via Laoag International Airport), but as budget travelers, we considered cheaper fares and decided to forego the glamour of flight. We rented a car and hired a driver on a night trip, and it took us about 14 hours to finally reach the city proper of Laoag.

    Without much sleep and java fix, our energy level was not at peak and our eyes were not the “freshest” on our first day. Anyhow, we tried to look our best and still managed to smile for the cameras. 🙂 In this article, I’m sharing the top five attractions we visited in Laoag, Batac, and Paoay. If you’re planning to have your own Ilocandia tour, you may check out my posts about our travel experiences in Pagudpud and Vigan as well.

    Top 5 Places We Visited in Laoag, Batac, and Paoay, Ilocos Norte (Holy Week)

    1. Marcos Museum and Mausoleum (Batac)

    Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino politician who ruled under Martial Law from 1972 until 1981. He died in 1989, the same year I was born; therefore, all I knew about him was that he was branded as dictator and the impacts of his interventions remained and are undeniably germane part of our country’s system.

    Ilocos Norte is Marcos’ family hometown. We entered the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Valdez, Batac City where we learned more about his background and accomplishments from his early years in public service to his rise to power. Many newspaper clippings, artifacts, and important memorabilia were on display, reminiscing the Marcos Regime. Reading the stories on the wall is a must-do here for visitors to appreciate the chronology of events organized in great detail and gain a deeper understanding of Martial Law. 

    The last and most important part of the tour was our viewing of the well-preserved body of the late long-serving Philippine president. This section was being guarded by security personnel. Taking of pictures and videos is strictly prohibited. Lying on the coffin in the middle of the room was his body. Others suspect that it’s not his real corpse but only a replica. Regardless, the ambiance felt like a real funeral or memorial service.

    For fans of Ferdinand E. Marcos and his legacy in the Philippines, visiting the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum is highly recommended. Entrance fee is PhP 50/person. Viewing hours are from 9:00AM–12:00NN and 1:00PM–4:30PM daily.

    2. Malacañang of the North (Paoay)

    Next to the scenic Paoay Lake, Malacañang of the North served as the gift of Imelda Marcos to Ferdinand E. Marcos for his 60th birthday. It’s a nice stop for the history buffs. This two-story mansion had also been an extension of Marcos’ office where he welcomed local and foreign dignitaries. This was where their family used to stay whenever they visit Ilocos.

    After 20 years of ownership by the government, the property was eventually given back to the jurisdiction of Ilocos Norte. Restorations and renovations were commenced by the region’s governor. In 2011, Malacañang of the North became available for public viewing as a museum. Entrance fee is PhP 20/person. Viewing hours are from 9:00AM-4:00PM from Tuesday to Sunday.

    Designed with a mix of Spanish and Ilocano architecture, the house looked majestic and really spacious. We went to every room and learned from the guide that most furniture placed inside are still the original pieces. Some, unfortunately, are not in their best shape anymore since tourists tend to touch the things and sit on the couches.

    Aside from being a museum today, Malacañang of the North also posts as an excellent venue for hosting parties. Venue rental rate is PhP 20,000/hour. I wonder if they also offer a package for wedding and prenuptial pictorials. The view in the balcony area looks most beautiful.

    3. La Paz Sand Dunes (Laoag)

    It was in the early afternoon when we drove to La Paz Sand Dunes, the “only desert in the Philippines.” Sun’s heat was fierce and we were not prepared to have more sunburns, so we just inquired about the ride, took photos, ate ice cream, and left footprints on the sands. 😛

    If given the chance to go back, we should bring big towels to cover/protect up our faces, arms, and hair from sands/dust and apply SPF 50 sunscreen generously. Rate per person to ride the 4×4 jeep is PhP 500, and one vehicle can accommodate a group of five people. Best time to go is before sun rises in the morning to avoid heat exhaustion.

    The 45-min to 1-hour exhilarating ride can be a heart-pounding activity, especially with downhill slopes across the vast sand dunes. It’s not for the fainthearted. Sandboarding is another fun activity here that can get your adrenaline pumping.

    4. Paoay Church (Paoay)

    The moment my eyes landed on this ancient religious site, I felt in love! Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has historical significance. It was built by the Augustinian friars in 1694, completed in 1704, and was inaugurated in 1894. Paoay Church is truly visually stunning! It’s now one of the oldest four baroque churches in the Philippines.

    Like San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, Paoay Church has specific features such as altars of high Baroque style in the volutes of buttresses and in the pyramidal finials of wall facades. Its bell tower, just like Bantay Church’s, is detached from the church for the same reason: to avoid the tower from smashing on the church whenever there’s an earthquake. The bell tower served as observation post of the “Katipuneros” during the Philippine Revolution.

    We went on a Good Friday, so it was expected that there will be a procession after the mass per tradition. A large congregation of faithful people crowded the place.

    5. Herencia Restaurant (Paoay)

    When visiting Paoay Church, it’s a must to grab a bite at Herencia Restaurant, our travel agent said. Herencia translates to Heritage in English. It serves classic Ilocano cuisine with a creative twist. In fact, it’s where “pinakbet pizza” had originated. This restaurant is most famous for its oddly-flavored pizzas.

    We ordered the Bagnet Pizza and the Gamet (Seaweed) Pizza, which turned out to taste really good. They did not skimp on the ingredients and the pizzas had a balance of sauce and cheese. All in all, Herencia Restaurant is an amazing, friendly, culinary gem that you will not be disappointed with. I hope it opens a branch also in my neighborhood or somewhere in Metro Manila. 🙂


  • Top 7 Places We Visited in Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Holy Week)

    Top 7 Places We Visited in Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Holy Week)

    From Laoag and Pagudpud, we reached Vigan on our last day in Ilocos. Among these three places, it’s Vigan that I was most excited about because of its rich history. I was thrilled to know what it feels to be in the Philippines’ most extensive and only surviving historic city that even dates back to the 16th century Spanish colonial period.

    Vigan is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the country where structures remained intact. It is now considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We managed to see all the beautiful highlights in our half-day tour. In this article, I’m sharing the top seven tourist attractions in Vigan which should be included in any traveler’s itinerary. 🙂

    Top 7 Places We Visited in Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Holy Week)

    1. Calle Crisologo

    Our final morning in Ilocos Sur started with a buffet breakfast at the hotel we stayed in. Shortly, the driver and our travel guide sent us to Calle Crisologo, the Heritage Village of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It’s a long street lined with heritage houses and shops selling souvenir items, local food specialties (bagnet, Vigan empanada, and longganisa), handmade crafts, and wooden furniture.

    Calle Crisologo was established before the time of the Galleon Trade. It served as the business center of the migratory traders including the Chinese, Spanish, Mexican, Japanese and other European businessmen. This was even before the coming of Spanish explorers to the Philippines in the 15th century.
    We learned that almost all the buildings are original and unchanged. Some shops have posters outside or beside their doors stating about the history and owners of the establishments. The exterior designs looked dated but charming and perfect as backgrounds of portraits. When you look closer, you will see the evident signs of the structures that have survived many natural and man-made calamities throughout the centuries.

    Cars are not allowed to pass through the street because of vehicular traffic. Since horse-drawn carriages were used as transport services in the past, tourists can ride calesas to further experience Calle Crisologo’s old-style ambiance. Rate is PhP 150/hour. Although tempting, we did not choose to take the calesa ride because we wanted to better explore this historical site by foot. Calle Crisologo is really a virtual tourist playground! 🙂

    2. St. Paul’s Cathedral

    Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration for the Historic Town of Vigan in 1999, St. Paul’s Cathedral or the Vigan Cathedral is a major religious landmark not only of northern Luzon but also the country. It has been a center of Roman Catholic devotion for centuries. The original structure was built in 1574 upon the command of the Spanish founder of Vigan, Juan de Salcedo and was completed in 1800. It was a mere chapel then, made of wood and thatch. In 1641, the chapel was replaced by a church.

    We stopped by for a moment and acknowledged the presence of the lord. My dad got tired of walking, so he rested inside while we continued to explore its surroundings.

    From the outside, the design of St. Paul’s Cathedral follows a Baroque architectural design that has been modified by Ilocanos to strengthen the structure against earthquakes. This is now known as Earthquake Baroque. It also has Neo-Gothic, Romanesque and Chinese inspired embellishments.

    3. Cafe Leona

    There are many restaurants lined up around the area of Calle Crisologo, but we decided to go to Cafe Leona to sample the popular delicacies in Vigan—rather than dining at those that have branches in Metro Manila (the likes of Max’s Restaurant, Red Ribbon, Shakey’s, Mang Inasal, etc.).

    Cafe Leona was named after the popular Ilocano poet, Leona Florentino. She was also the original owner of the house where the restaurant now stands. Her monument was positioned just across the venue.

    A table here was “gloriously” hard to obtain. Apparently, it’s the place everyone was raving about. Cafe Leona bagged top rank in the lists of so many bloggers and the press as well. People queued outside like sheep. What made waiting time seemed longer was that service was slow and it almost took forever for our dishes to land at the table. Luckily, my dad sat by the door an hour before opening so he was one of the earliest to enter.

    I’m happy to report anyway that in terms of food variety and taste, Cafe Leona turned out as a solid choice and it was worth the wait. It serves a mix of Filipino, Japanese, European and other international cuisines. Sticking with authentic Vigan City favorites, we ordered sets of the Cafe Leona Native Special, which consisted of bangus, longganisa, bagnet, pinakbet, and rice. My dad had sizzling vegetables with delicious sauce.

    4. Crisologo Museum

    The Crisologo Museum, also known as “Vigan House National Historical Institute Branch,” is a museum that used to be the ancestral home of statesman Floro S. Crisologo. This place houses the memorabilia of the Crisologo clan and some private collections of religious figures and antiques.

    Through the old publications posted in the museum and stories told by my dad, we learned that the Crisologo family is prominent in Vigan with their political background. Flor Crisologo used to be a congressman who worked towards the ratification of the Tobacco Law and the establishment of the Social Security System.

    On October 18, 1970, he was assassinated in the Vigan Cathedral by a lone gunman. In his memory, his family transformed their residence into a public museum, a structural proof that’s open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 9AM to 5PM. There’s no entrance fee here but donations are welcome.

    5. Pagburnayan Jar Making 

    Next, we went to a place that specializes in making earthenware the locals call “burnay” (pottery or jars). We passed through its dark warehouse and saw many forms, sizes, designs, and shapes of jars. There was a man teaching a group of teens on how the jar was being formed from clay through the use of the pottery wheel and kiln.

    Later, he asked for a volunteer who would want to try making burnay. My mom was first to raise her hand. Although she was not successful in producing a jar close to the desired shape, it was a great first-hand experience for her. 🙂

    The craft of burnay-making requires time to practice and a lot of patience. Jars made in Vigan are popular to both local and foreign tourists. They are used for storing tea, water, spices like bagoong (shrimp paste), and wine (basi). Some people use them as decorations and displays in homes.

    6. Bantay Church

    Established in 1590, Bantay Church or “Saint Augustine Parish Church” in Vigan is 10-15 minutes of drive away from Calle Crisologo. This church served as a watchtower for pirates back in the Spanish colonial era, and this was where its name was derived: bantay (translating to “guard” in English).

    During World War I and II, Bantay Church also served as a watchtower for invading enemy forces because of its strategic location. It’s interesting to know that a church can possibly be a place for worship and also a reliable shield against various atrocities in the past.

    7. Bantay Bell Tower

    Just a few steps away from Bantay Church, the Bantay Bell Tower doubled an an observation tower during the war. It was not directly attached to the Bantay Church because people then feared that it might squash the church and cause collapse when there’s an earthquake.

    A silent witness to the historical events, the tower was built on a mound in 1591. It was also in this territory where Diego Silang and his troops were said to have fought with the Spaniards in 1763. (Note: Diego Silang was a revolutionary leader who conspired with British forces to overthrow Spanish rule in the northern Philippines and establish an independent Ilocano nation.)

    Entering and climbing up the iconic red brick tower required registration and donation (at least PhP 100/pax, according to my mom), for the maintenance of the site. From the top, a 360-degree view of the town could be seen. The gates close at 5:00PM so plan your trip accordingly.

  • Top 6 Places We Visited in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (Holy Week)

    Top 6 Places We Visited in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (Holy Week)

    Traveling to Ilocos doesn’t require breaking the bank. We set out on a vacation trip to Ilocos last Holy Week and while it took about 13-14 hours from Manila (considering the traffic during this peak season), it’s worth the drive!

    We shelled out PhP 3,700 per person for the 3D2N adventure. The cost includes hotel accommodations, roundtrip transfers, van rental, driver, and all land trips in Pagudpud, Laoag, and Vigan. In this post, I’m sharing Part I of our journey: the top 6 places we visited in the northernmost tip of the Luzon island, the coastal town of Pagudpud.

    Top 6 Places We Visited in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (Holy Week)

    1. Saud Beach Pagudpud

    Saud Beach Pagudpud is where you can explore and appreciate the serene beauty of nature while away from the hubub of the city. A typical weekend stay includes overnight accommodations in any of the resorts that are nearby.

    We checked in at Jun and Carol Beach Resort and stayed for a night. The rooms were simple but adequate, and the beds were pretty comfortable. Unfortunately though, the water heater of our bathroom was broken and we had to shower in cold water. Eep!

    Anyway, the main attraction here is the beach. Saud Beach looked clean and peaceful (no vendors desperately asking people to buy souvenirs or subscribe to water activities), very much unlike Boracay. It’s dark and quiet at night, and there’s also no exciting amenities to try. Hence, at sundown, almost no one was found surfing or swimming in the waters.

    Vacationers mostly enjoy their time sunbathing, walking barefoot on the sands, and hanging out in restaurants that offer a cool beachfront experience. On-site dining options are plenty, so you don’t have to worry about where to eat and what to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

    2. Patapat Viaduct

    We had a short stopover at the Patapat Viaduct just for picture-taking. The Patapat Viaduct is a concrete coastal bridge that is elevated 31 meters over sea level. It’s a long winding road leading to Cagayan, with the side of the mountain overlooking the West Philippine Sea as its backdrop. The view of the blue sky meeting up on the horizon with the sparking blue-green water is truly mesmerizing. 🙂

    3. Bantay Abot Cave

    Bantay Abot Cave is just about as eye-catching as it is intriguing. From afar, it looks like a giant rock with a large hole at the center. Apparently, this interesting geological formation is not really a cave but a rocky hill that resulted from an earthquake that happened many years ago. Located along the shore of the little town of Baloi in Ilocos Norte, Bantay Abot Cave literally means “a mountain with a hole.”

    It’s recommended to wear sturdy shoes that won’t slip since you will be climbing down the steep and slippery rocks. Once you get through the hole, take as many pictures as you can and maximize the effect Bantay Abot can give to your shots by staging your perfect silhouette poses.

    4. Bangui Windmills

    The Bangui Windmills were created during Marcos’ administration as an alternative source of energy in Ilocos. The project sells electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) and provides 40% of the power requirements of Ilocos Norte via Transco Laoag.

    Seeing the windmills upclose was a surreal experience. Arranged on a single row stretching along a nine-kilometer shoreline off Bangui Bay, the windmills are a lot taller than we expected based on the photos on magazines and videos on TV. Winds were blowing hard against our faces and messing up our hair, powerful enough to turn the mills round and round. If you plan to witness these majestic structures, I suggest you wear sunglasses and a hat. 🙂

    5. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

    Kapurpurawan translates to “white” in Ilocano. The white rock formations look amazing, and for a moment there I thought they were man-made. 🙂 For a nature lover, trekking down towards the rock formation will be a breezy, refreshing, and definitely a memorable feat. Visitors may also opt to ride a horse and just walk on the way back.

    6. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

    The last attraction we visited in Pagudpud was the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as the “Burgos Lighthouse.” It is one of the important historical landmarks in Ilocos. This cultural heritage structure was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. It was first lit on March 30, 1892, and after over 100 years, it still functions as a welcoming beacon to the international ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.

    To date, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is well-maintained and operational. Fans of ABS CBN’s “Walang Hanggan” (TV series) might recognize the lighthouse as the backdrop used in the romantic scenes of Coco Martin and Julia Montes.

    Walking up the road to the lighthouse’s summit was easy and pleasant if not for the scorching heat of the sun. For those who can’t stand the heat, riding a tricycle to the lighthouse is also an option. We spent some minutes having a 360-degree view of the West Philippine Sea from above.

    Wrap Up

    In our limited time in Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, we discovered that Pagudpud’s landscape is remarkably varied. It’s is a treasure trove of majestic nature (think coconut trees, white sand beaches, cold breeze at certain times of the day, and greens) that’s worth boasting about.

    There are more things to do in Pagudpud and tourists surely can find loads of ways to fill a free day with fun. Hannah’s Zipline, the Blue Lagoon, Paraiso Ni Anton, and Malingay Cove are just some of the other places where you can win some Instagram points. 🙂

  • Review of Cafe Enye (Eastwood Avenue, Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Cafe Enye (Eastwood Avenue, Libis, Quezon City)

    I had always thought of it as a coffee shop. Obviously, I wasn’t looking enough. Turns out, Cafe Enye is a Spanish restaurant located just beside Healthy Options in Eastwood. It’s the kind of place where you can just roll into anytime, as it’s open from 7 in the morning to 12 midnight. Test your luck on a table indoors or ultimately sit at the large dining table in the al fresco setting. Either way, you’ll be perfectly fine.

    We had dinner here last Tuesday after work and wondered where Cafe Enye got its name. Luckily, we found Sous Chef Chris Chris Dytuco and had the chance to talk to him before we left. We learned that Enye or “Ñ” (pronounced as enye) was derived from the letter of the Spanish alphabet that’s also collated in the Filipino alphabet (written as “ny” where appropriate). Cafe Enye positions itself as a Spanish bistro that will both be familiar and different for diners who appreciate “colonial Spanish cuisine.”

    Items on the menu range from straightforward Spanish plates to dishes inspired by colonies in Northern Morroco, Mexico, Argentina and the Philippines. Aside from the specialty food, a variety of drinks such as coffee, tea, wines, cocktails, craft beers, and other blended drinks are thrown in the mix.

    Review of Cafe Enye (Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Cafe Enye is one that’s suited for a date or a night out with friends. Ambiance wise, the restaurant looked quite presentable. In different parts of the room, accent lighting worked to emphasize the beautiful textured walls and improve a customer’s sense of well-being and orientation. Warm and inviting, the fiery hues of the décor made for a warm summer’s evening whatever the weather. Wooden and rustic finishes of tables seemed reminiscent of the classic country look. I like the different types of chairs arranged across the room as they showcase flexibility for guests to choose where they’d want to be seated to maximize comfort and sociability.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Staffs were friendly and informative. Hospitality went above and beyond. I’m not very familiar with the names of Spanish food so I really appreciated it when the waiter guided us through the menu. Aside from the bare minimum (clearing plates, refilling drinks, etc.), he anticipated our needs, made us feel welcome and ensured our satisfaction throughout our stay.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Having Spanish food for a meal is a solid move to get to know someone, with the inherent shareability of small plates (tapas, as they call it).  For appetizer, we shared the Enye Callos Buns (PhP 135). Soft and savory, the buns were filled with slow-cooked callos (beef tripe). Sitting neatly on crispy shoestring potatoes, the Enye Callos Buns tasted sweet and savory, almost like those of Tim Ho Wan’s famous pork buns but with a Spanish twist. Once bitten, an explosion of delicious flavor enters your mouth. It’s quite the party!


    Gambas Enye Style (PhP 350) is just about the ideal tapas bar snack. Topped with garlic chips and garlic chives, the succulent shrimps were cooked in garlic infused olive oil and roasted garlic. If you love garlic, expect this to be a great treat. The oil swimming in the earthenware dish sings high notes of layered garlic flavors, it can be transcendent. This appetizer was one of our favorites.

    Cafe Enye’s Calamares Salad (PhP 250) was surprisingly awesome, far more than just pescetarian patronization. Lots of thought went into their crunchy leafy greens and bits of calamari. The best of the bunch was the “secret” green onion dressing which was rich and full of flavor. This dish delivered it in spades.


    Bacalao Mantecato (PhP 245) is new in my book and it gets a big thumbs up. Thickened in cream and mashed potatoes, the bacalao (salt cod fish) was topped with salted egg and crispy garlic. Trust me, it’s a must-order. If you have any inclination toward fish, this could be your best dish of the night. Eat it with the crisp slices of bread to balance the flavor.


    Looking for a little carb action? Get the Fish Mojo Skewers (PhP 380). It’s comprised of two sticks of citrus marinated fish skewers served with Enye rice, cilantro yogurt, Harissa and Latin salsa. Combined with many flavorful spices in one plate, this was like a “choose your own adventure” kind of entree in delicious rice. With a touch of slight hotness and a not-too-thick texture and consistency, Fish Mojo Skewers is a tough combo to hate on.


    Our last main course was the Enye Cocido (PhP 395). It’s a classic Spanish stew of chicken and pork with carrots, cabbage, and plantains served with eggplant relish and Enye rice. I suspect it took some time to cook the chicken and pork because meat is so tender. These had the type of luscious texture that makes it tough to put your fork down. Well executed, it’s a welcome addition to any group of two or three people.

    For desserts, we had the house signature Churros with Dulce de Leche Cream (PhP 170)—homemade light pate a choux pastry with dulce de leche red egg and chocolate-peanut butter dips. We liked that the churros were crispy and golden on the outside and chewy and dense and creamy on the inside. Dulce de leche dip was twice better than the other.

    Lastly, we tried the Creme Catalan (PhP 185). classic vanilla and orange zest infused custard topped with fresh fruits and served with a shot of artisan espresso. The waiter suggested that the best way to eat it is to take a spoonful of Creme Catalan and then a shot of the espresso right after. All in all, this entrée tasted sweet and bitter both in extreme levels, a lot like life.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    At closer inspection, Cafe Enye in Libis to me is a sophisticated yet approachable Spanish cafe/bar/restaurants where patrons can grab cool drinks and enjoy a wide array of delicious Spanish food. Here you will encounter a chic setting replete with cozy atmosphere. Considering that food portions are good for sharing, prices are decent.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/2015enye/” name=”Cafe Enye” description=”Ground Floor, Excelsior Building, Eastwood Avenue, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 6713230″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-03-27″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Chaplin (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    Review of Chaplin (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    When Chaplin fully launches soon this April, Century City Mall in Makati will get yet another surge of limelight—as it should. Reflective of upscale Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, this mash-up leads to a celebration of clean, vibrant, wholesome flavors.

    Vegetarians, vegans, and the growing health-conscious masses will go weak in the knees for Chaplin’s vividly hued, delicious vegetable-centric dishes, I bet. We came here for lunch yesterday and totally enjoyed the food and also conversations with Chef Myke Del Rosario and F&B Manager, JM. 🙂

    Review of Chaplin (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    For a perfect meal with friends and family, a pleasing dining area is obviously where the journey starts. Chaplin is decorated with a style that oozes sophistication and elegance with crisp, well-defined straight lines. The connection between modernity and contemporary almost looked natural and seamless. I can imagine staying here all day just appreciating its cool ambiance. 🙂

    Chaplin’s theme combines form with function with comfort in an effortless manner. Quotes posted on the walls evoke some humor which take inspiration from Charlie Chaplin. I love the exquisite chairs with round coffee tables and sofa seats at the sides for a more relaxing vibe. Lights enclosed with a cage hanging from the ceiling also looked quite unique and classy.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was friendly and professional. Staffs were attentive and quick to take requests from customers. They were also accommodating and helpful. I just hope this service level would stay consistent this way in the coming months.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Chaplin’s owners are from Israel, and this mostly explains why their dishes take inspiration largely from Israel. Bourekas (PhP 240), for instance, are the quick breakfast or brunch of choice in Israel. Also regarded as “Israeli hand pies,” these crispy pockets of dough stuffed with cheese and filled with boiled eggs, tomatoes, and pesto sauce had a good mix of texture. Taste packed a punch for summer and it was awesome, no doubt.

    Served in its cast-iron pan, shakshouka (PhP 195) came with one egg perfectly poached in a liquidy sauce of spiced tomatoes, plenty of olives, spices, and feta cheese. It’s paired with ciabatta (house bread) to wipe up all that tasty and glorious shakshouka swamp. Good stuff!

    Juicy and smooth all the way through, the Eggplant Melanzane (PhP 265) was a bomb of tomato flavors with a hint of truffle. It got a savory boost and meaty texture from the button mushrooms inside (something unexpected). Made without cheese (dairy food), this vegan dish is good enough that we will happily return. I’m sure my dad will love it.

    For our main course, we had the Chicken Steak (PhP 345)—grilled marinated chicken thigh served with side salad. It’s one of those food that you can’t help but love. The skinless and boneless chicken was moist, plump and tender without any greasiness or sogginess. Mashed potatoes on the side had a good dose of salt. Each spoonful was a delight as it’s decadently buttery but not the kind that’s heavy-tasting. Yum!

    Chaplin’s Strawberry Fruit Shake (PhP 185) was rich and thick with a prominent strawberry flavor. We liked that it was not too sweet and tasted rather real. Expect nothing of the fruit-flavored powder drink here.

    The Chaplin Tea (PhP 160) is another must-try. Made with honey, ginger, cinnamon, orange slice, and mint, this is a calming drink that brings a feeling of contentment. Tip: Use the cinnamon stick not only as the stirrer of the warm beverage but also as the straw and sip directly from it for a more aromatic taste. 😉

    The Apple Jimmy (PhP 195) was a refreshingly fruity cocktail. Made with whiskey, the liquor wasn’t too strong and wasn’t too sweet to drink alongside food. Cheers!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Food prices at Chaplin, Century City Mall doesn’t hurt the pocket. This place works like a cafe, restaurant, and a bar altogether, or so it seemed, to us. The variety of food offered in its menu looked adventurous enough to be fun but not so adventurous that it’s intimidating. One option is to settle into a table and get familiar with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Another is to grab seats outside and breathe into the fresh air with cold alcohol drinks on hand. Either way, I hope you’d have a great experience. 🙂

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  • Review of The Frazzled Cook (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of The Frazzled Cook (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Formerly located along Luna Mencias Street, The Frazzled Cook has moved to Scout Gandia near Tomas Morato in Quezon City. This restaurant serves international cuisines in a quirky home-cook style and offers food which are familiar and fulfilling. We have attempted to visit this reopened branch before but got lost in the way as we followed Waze’s directions (ended up dining at Buenisimo nearby).

    Last Saturday, we finally found the right place at their new address with the help of Google Maps. 🙂 We were second on the wait list and had to stay outside—not a big deal. Was the food worth the wait anyway? Absolutely.

    Review of The Frazzled Cook (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    The Frazzled Cook is usually packed and it’s a popular laid-back restaurant where you do not have to dress up to stop for a great meal. There’s a lot to admire once you step inside. Mismatched tables and chairs in all the function rooms look unique and different from one another. Convivial interior with a variety of eye-catching details and colorful accents make the ambiance both charming and interesting.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Knowledgeable staff aptly handled the flow of customers without being annoying. While waiting outside for a free table, we already ordered our food and surprisingly, the dishes were immediately served on the table before we even took our seats. Service was kind and very accommodating. The waitstaff was attentive, prompt, and friendly as well.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Some of us have “a little bit” of obsession with truffle, and we happen to belong to this group. The Frazzled Cook’s Truffle Pasta (PhP 325) was fantabulous. It was made with mixed pasta, sautéed portobello mushroom, and homemade white truffle sauce. The sauce was well-distributed and did not veer toward soupy or dry. The pasta was creamy and luxurious and not greasy. Truffle flavor was prominent indeed and the use of high quality mushroom was apparent.

    The Tenderloin and Sausage Pizza (PhP 380) was not stringy with the amount of toppings (beef tenderloin salpicao, bell pepper, onions and kesong puti) which were incredibly indulgent. I saw clearly how my fiancé loved it very much. He finished 5/6 slices of the herbed crusted thin pizza! 😛 Yes, it was that good for him. Overall, I thought the pizza was nice but I would have appreciated it more if the pizza dough came out browner and crispier. I like biting into a crisp bottom crust.

    Served with buttered vegetables and gravy, the Spicy Chicken Kebab (PhP 245) gave a delicious smoky and spicy flavor plus an attractive color. The chunks of chicken threaded on a skewer were moist and tender, and the flavor-packed marinade was everything there is to love.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    With rewarding customer service and remarkably presented food, The Frazzled Cook in Tomas Morato area keeps the social atmosphere humming. Prices are not so cheap but have good value. Dishes have memorable tastes, ones that marry tradition with some modern touches and served with style and civility.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/Frazzledcook/” name=”The Frazzled Cook” description=”78 Scout Gandia, Near Tomas Morato, Laging Handa, Tomas Morato, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 2469069 ext:267 or (02) 374-6879″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-03-17″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Hennessy’s King of the Road Launch (Shooting Gallery Yellow Studio, Makati)

    Hennessy’s King of the Road Launch (Shooting Gallery Yellow Studio, Makati)

    Will Filipino ingredients go together well with a Hennessy VS cocktail like peanut butter and bananas? That we had to find out at the Hennessy King of the Road event, which was held last March 2, 2016 in Shooting Gallery Yellow Studio, Makati City.

    Many could have assumed that the Hennessy Very Special (VS) tastes like a serious guy’s drink, but delicious cocktails prepared in the event were surprisingly favored by everyone. Inspired by unique Pinoy flavors such as suka, bay leaf, calamansi, and ginger beer, the Hennessy VS cocktails were spicy, sour, sweet, and tangy all at once. And yes, we can never look at this henny the same way again.

    Hennessy’s King of the Road Launch (Shooting Gallery Yellow Studio, Makati)

    I don’t usually go out to bars and party at night, much more on a weeknight, but the launch of the Hennessy VS in the Philippines was too special to pass. French liquor Hennessy VS will be inching through bars and urban hot spots in Metro Manila and soon it will be deeply engrossed in our local culture.

    Brand Manager Carlo Bautista said that the goal is to embrace Filipino culture via food, music, and art (three aspects that are very close to the Filipinos) and also reach a broader and more dynamic target market including hip millennials.

    Food

    To showcase the idea, celebrated celebrity chefs Jordy Navarra of Toyo Eatery (soon to open) and JP Anglo of Kafé Batwan presented Pinoy dishes that perfectly matched three different Hennessy VS cocktails crafted by Lee Watson, managing partner and mixologist at Manila’s ABV.

    Chef JP:

    • Charcoal Grilled Kare-Kare Soft-Shell Taco with Pinoy Sriracha (oxtail stew with plenty of rice)
    • Laing on Toast with Talangka Butter and Grilled Coconut (a local take on bruschetta)

    Chef Jordy:

    • Twice-cooked Shrimp with Chili
    • Samgyupsal-like Toyo Pork BBQ
    • Beef with Star Anise and Crispy Onions
    • Chocolate Bon Bons with Hennessy VS

    Lee Watson:

    • Habal Habal – Black pepper infused Hennessy BS bay leaf honey and calamansi served tail with ginger beer (best paired with Jordy’s pork barbecue and Hennessy Glaze)
    • Patok – Hennessy VS infused with sili labuyo, honey, calamansi, and a dash of vinegar (best paired with kansi panada with batwan gravy)
    • Side Trip – Hennessy VS white chocolate, hibiscus, calamansi, and egg white served up with angostura and peychauds graffiti

    Music

    Radio DJ Joyce Pring hosted the event, while local artists Curtis Smith, CRWN, BP Valenzuela, Kidthrones and The Diegos took center stage and entertained guests with engaging songs and rhythms. Performances were all great, making the unveiling of Hennessy’s King of the Road enjoyable throughout the evening.

    Art

    Dubbed as Manila’s Nasty Egg, street artist Egg Fiasco displayed live art in the event. His creativity reflected through his finished mural for the King of the Road, as he tried to interpret Manila’s urban lifestyle with retro futuristic images and ambiguous characters. It looked like a signature piece that’s consistent with his creations, as Fiasco is mostly known for his neo-graffiti types of murals that converge urban art with pop culture, folk arts, comic graphics, toys and tattoo culture. 

    Hennessy Very Special

    On the nose, Hennessy Very Special brings together an intense and fruity character with oaky notes. On the palate, powerful flavors suggest grilled almonds, supported by notes reminiscent of fresh grapes. Hennessy VS is formed with a union of warm-hearted and full-bodied flavors. It endures through the ages and pleases connoisseurs searching for a very special moment. Today, it’s marketed as a mix-drink ingredient, for cocktails and such.

    Why “King of the Road”?

    Hennessy is the number one cognac brand in the world, and it holds the country’s local culture of every country it reaches. In the Philippines, Hennessy crowned one of the most iconic symbols in Philippine history: the Jeepney. The Hennessy Jeepney wowed the crowd when it appeared with sleek matte black exteriors and refined gold details. The “King of the Road” truly represents the flair, ingenuity, and sense of community of the Filipino people.

    Hennessy Jeepney from Hennessyph IG

    Follow the trail of the King of the Road by checking out Hennessy Philippines’ Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

  • Add C2 For a Cool and Clean Summer Like No Other

    Add C2 For a Cool and Clean Summer Like No Other

    We’re now right about smack in the middle of March, and everyone can feel that summer in the shape of heat has arrived! For many of us, the hot season will be filled with outdoor everything. It’s about to get cooler with C2 Cool and Clean’s refreshing offerings. If you have a planned excursion or vacation in Boracay, Baler, or Baguio, why not relax, recharge, and listen to summer beats in the C2 summer booths? 🙂 C2 will be setting up booths in these upcoming dates:

    • Boracay and Baler – March 24 to 27 and April 28 to May 1
    • Baguio – March 24 to 27

    With every purchase of an ice-cold C2 bottle or any of the limited edition C2 premium item bundle packs, you can relax in the C2 lounge and enjoy free Wi-Fi access and mobile phone charging. Vacationers at Boracay can even win tickets to water activities in C2’s mini raffle draws. Meanwhile, free surfing lessons await lucky raffle winners in Baler.

    Guests at the C2 booths can also avail of the refreshing goodness of a C2 Slush that comes in limited edition C2 tumblers. They can take a break from the summer heat with this ice blended C2 beverage available in Red Tea and Apple flavors.

    Drop by with your friends at the C2 Cool and Clean booths at Boracay, Baler, and Baguio. Add C2 to your summer for a cool and refreshing experience like no other! 🙂 Get updates from the brand by liking its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/C2CoolandClean. C2 drinks are produced and manufactured by Universal Robina and are first manufactured in the Philippines.