Author: One Armed Wanderer

Brasas SM North EDSA, Latin American Streetfood

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Carne Asada Brasas

Located at the 4th floor of The Block, Brasas is one of the newest and one of its kind restaurant in SM North EDSA. Perhaps the first restaurant to offer authentic Latin American cuisine in Manila.  Brasas promises a taste of street food Latin American dining experience.Brasas’ limited real estate is compensated by its unique interior.  High end wooden tables are perfectly positioned giving diners enough space to freely move.  Walls are eye catching.  There is a part in the area where a number of Portuguese and Spanish words are artistically written.  The entire restaurant is also well lighted.

Brasas the block interior

As first time diners in Brasas, I was shocked when there is a sign in the table saying “Please order at the counter.”  We hurriedly went to the counter and one of the waiters handed us the menu.  At the counter, you will see how they prepare these to die for Latin American cuisines.  It amazes me that their chef is a Latina.

Brasas SM North Counter

I ordered Carne Asada Platter, a charcoal grilled sliced beef sirloin with South American slaw, a single Patacones and Yellow Latin rice.  The platter is also served with a Chimichurri sauce.  My friend ordered Pollo Asado Platter, just the same thing with Carna Asada except for the grilled chicken.  It took just about 15 minutes when our orders were served.

brasas rice meal

Carne Asada Platter is priced at 250.00 Php.

I immediately tasted the chargrilled beef the moment the platter was served.  The beef is perfectly cooked, very tender and generously on top of the delicious Latin yellow rice.  Because of its green color, Chimichurri intrigued me.  Well, needless to say, its goes perfectly with the delicous chargrilled beef.  For the side dish, Patacones, a yellow chip made of sliced green plantain serves as the appetizer.  The healthy and fresh Latin slaw is also perfect!

pollo asado brasas

Pollo Asado is priced at 210.00 Php

Latin iced tea brasas

Latin Iced Tea is priced at 80 Php.

I also loved the Latin Iced Tea. I actually had two orders of this.

Since there is a wide array of authentic Latin American food in Brasas Menu, I would definitely come back to try their other dishes. Aside from this, with the price, serving is generous. The ambiance is good, except that I did not hear any music to set the mood of the diners. Customer service is also good. The counter lady and the servers were all accommodating. I would highly recommend Brasas!

Aside from The Block SM North EDSA, Brasas Philippines branches also include SM Aura Premier and The Podium.

 

Visit Brasas Facebook Page.

 

 

Trek to Pongas Falls Sagada Mountain Province

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Falls in Sagada
After having a sumptuous breakfast at Bana’s Café, our tourist guide arrived for our first itenary for the day – Pongas falls.  This Sagada tourist attraction is located in Ankileng, Southern part of the province.  Travel time from Sagada proper to Ankileng is only 20 minutes via jeepney or van.
angkileng, sagada, philippines

 

 Rice field in Angkileng, Sagada, Mountan Province.
This is also the drop off area and the starting point of an hour trek to Pongas Falls.

 

 

 

 

From the drop off, the trek started. we passed by the scenic view of Angkileng Elementary School.

 

 

 The trek continues through an approximately 30 meters hanging metal bridge.  The bridge is heading the Angkileng rice terraces.

 

(left photo) Our tour guide Manuel and my friend Cathy

 

 

. Our tourist guide (left photo) was holding walking sticks which we’ll be needing on the latter part of the trek. We were all  enjoying the refreshing surroundings of Ankileng rice terraces.

 

 

After a long and tiring yet refreshing walk in Ankileng rice terraces, we arrived at the village proper.  We stopped over at a store to rest and had some drinks.

 

Few meters away from the store is the Ankileng Baranggay post. We paid for a registration fee of 10 Php each.  The trek continued in uphill direction passing through the village with friendly locals.

 

After an exhausting uphill walk in the village, we were greeted by steep rocky trails.

 

(Left photo) My friends Len and Ejay.
 (Right photo) Our tour guide and my friend Bert trying to climb a very steep trail.  The trek includes narrow trail and steep cliffs which makes the experience challenging, exciting and a bit dangerous.

 

(Left Photo) Our tour guide kept on telling us that we’ll pass a highway before reaching the falls.  We were all thinking that he was referring to the real highway but it was actually a cemented trail for trekkers.  This highway is approximately 50 to 60 feet above the ground.

 

 (Right Photo) Scenic view from the highway to Pongas Falls.

 

 Spectacular view from the highest point of the highway.  Who says that Rice Terraces can only be seen in Banaue?

 

 

At the end of the highway comes the scenic view of Pongas Falls.

 

Pongas falls perfectly creates a picture perfect scene.

 

 Yes! The view is truly amazing but the trek doesn’t end here. We are yet to pass trough a rocky and slippery trail to get to the falls itself.
The real challenge faced me when I had to climb a 5 foot wall of rock perpendicular to the ground.  Thanks to our tour guide and my friends for helping me out.

 

Finally, we arrived at the falls. The views are amazing. The sound that water creates while it pours and smashes to the ground is perfect and very relaxing.  Rhythm that is way better than ones in ambient music. Well, the water is cold and clear too.
We had gone a looong way and reaching at this point was already fulfilling.
(Left photo) My friends wanted to climb more.

 

Okay, my friend Ejay was convincing me to climb.
I gave it a try and did it with his help. (Thanks Ejay)
We stayed in Pongas falls for about an hour and a half and headed back to the drop off site safely.The trek is truly an adventure, a test of one’s courage and determination.  Despite of the challenging trek, it was really fulfilling that we all made it safely to the falls.  The amazing landscapes on our way to the falls, friendly Ankileng locals, our wonderful tour guide, my very encouraging friends and of course the beauty of Pongas Falls make the experience thrilling, fun and memorable.

How to Get to Sagada from Manila

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
If you are planning to visit Sagada, the most favored route from Manila to Sagada is via Baguio city.Manila to Sagada via Baguio City, Benguet
Take a bus ride from Manila heading to Baguio via Victory Liner.  Victory Liner buses in Cubao, Quezon City departs every hour.  Ticket fare is 445Php and travel time is 6 hours.  It’s recommended to reserve your tickets especially during summer where too many tourists visit Baguio city.Upon arrival to Victory Liner Baguio terminal, take a cab and tell the driver that you are going to GL Trans bus terminal in Dangwa market. Cab fare is approximately 60Php and travel time from Victory Liner terminal to GL Trans terminal is about 20 minutes.

There are only 7 trips from Baguio to Sagada, first of which departs at 6:30 AM and succeeding trips depart every hour.  Last trip is at 1:00 PM.  Note that that most GL trans buses are non-air-conditioned.

GL Tans Bus Terminal, Baguio City

GL Trans Bus Liner Philippines –  Baguio to Sagada Bus Schedule
Bus ride from Baguio to Sagada costs 220Php and travel time is approximately 5 to 7 hours depending on the weather condition.  There are two stopovers during the entire trip where travelers can eat or go to the restroom.  Since I missed the 11:30 AM trip, I took the last trip at 1:00 PM and arrived in Sagada at 6:00 PM.  The travel was a breeze and the scenic views are truly a feast for the eyes.

 

 

Whistletop Alabang

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Our friend who lives in Alabang was supposed to bring us at Vivere Hotel’s Sky Lounge.  When we arrived at 12 MN, unfortunately, the Sky Lounge is already closed. To our dismay we continued driving around the area to find a good place to spend Saturday night, unfortunately there are only a couple 24 hour restaurants in Filinvest Alabang, one of which is Whistletop.

Whistlestop – 24/7 Since 1977

There’s nothing fancy with Whistletop’s interior except for a few interesting areas showcasing old school cameras, vintage luggages and a wall of vintage posters and logos.

Since we arrived at 1:00 AM, there were only few guests in the area.  The place is a bit small and with its limited real estate, I’m wondering what it’s like at Whistlestop during peak hours.

Whistletop Iced Tea – 80 Php
Bearing the name of the restaurant, I didn’t hesitate to order this drink.  We were all surprised when it was served in a super tall glass.  Not the best iced tea I’ve ever tasted but it was good.
Whistlestopper (Bacon, Cheeseburger, Egg and French Fries) – 210 Php
The name caught my attention while browsing the Whistestop menu. The thick-cut fries is crispy and perfectly cooked. The burger’s tender and juicy patty is delicious but there are parts that are a little overcooked.
Whistlestopper could be something I’d highly recommend if only the burger patty is perfectly cooked.. but it’s delicious nonetheless.
Morning Heavyweight – 165 Php
The super large corned beef is the star of the meal coupled with fried rice.  Morning Heavyweight is also served with a fried egg and tomatoes.  Intended for breakfast but my friend ordered this for dinner.
Strawberry Margarita – 140 Php
Weng Weng – 140 Php
Buttered Corn – 120 Php
Mojito – 120 Php
Since it’s one of the few 24 hour restaurant in the area, the surrounding is very quiet.  A perfect place to chill and indeed spend a Saturday night in Alabang with friends.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Globe and Smart Postpaid Plans

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Android fanatics must be very excited for he most awaited release of Samsung’s flagship smartphone to date – Samsung Galaxy S4.  Well, the long wait is over as Samsung Galaxy S4 has finally arrived in the Philippines! 

 
The question is – How much is Samsung Galaxy S4 in the country? To date, below are the price offerings for Samsung Galaxy S4 of the two leading telecom providers in the country.
 

Samsung Galaxy S4 Smart Postpaid Plans

To apply for a Samsung S4 Smart Plan, visit Smart Telecom’s webpage.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Globe Postpaid Plans

To apply for a Samsung S4 Globe Plan, visit Globe’s online application page.

Based on the price Matrix, I must say that Smart offers more affordable plans.  Smart Telecom currently offers Unli Data Plan 1,500 without a cash out for Samsung Galaxy S4. 

 

Pan de Amerikana Marikina

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer

We were looking for a unique yet homey restaurant around the metro and a friend suggested Pan de Amerikana in Marikina.

 

This one of a kind restaurant offers a wide array of foods, from their authentic 1950’s Pan de Sal to Filipino, Chinese and Italian dishes. 

pan de marikina in marikina city
Apart from this, Pan de Amerikana’s façade is a showstopper in the area.  A large Netherlands windmill welcomes guests and the façade itself is really fascinating.  The baker statue reminds me of Baker’s Hill in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
 
There are many things going on with Pan de Amerikana’s interior.  Wooden furnitures, antique tables and chairs, traviesa benches, swing, Koi pond, Italian colonnade European ruins, waterfalls, colorful stained glasses, hanging bridge and a life size chess board.  Truly appealing!
 
 
Pan de Amerikana is a non-smoking and an open air restaurant.  Although there are electric fans everywhere, I guess it’s not advisable to dine here during extreme hot weather condition.. unless you’ll bring a hanky to wipe off your sweat.  Anyway, there’s also an ample parking space just outside the restaurant that also serves as a smoking area.lol
 
 
 

The place looks expensive but their menu is surprisingly cheap and affordable!  It’s weird that with it’s classy restaurant setting, you have to pay right away as you order.

I ordered Carbonara for only 60 Php

Carbonara was okay.  There’s nothing special with it and the serving is too small for me.  I did not expect too much since the price is very affordable compared to other restaurants.

Calamansi Juice – 30 Php
Sardines Pan de Sal for only 30 Php
 
My friends liked their pandesal.  I must say that it was good and quite special.  I guess this is the most favored food in Pan de Amerikana. 
 
Pancit Bihon –  40Php
 

                                                                   Spaghetti – 40 Php

Palabok – 40 Php
 
Me and my friends agreed that with the price, the food is not bad at all.  Since we were there for merienda, it’s not fair to say that Pan de Amerikana’s dishes are just okay-ish. Perhaps we should visit the place again for dinner.
 
The service was superb.  The security guard and  waiters were all attentive and the front desk/counter was very welcoming.  With the visually appealing façade and interior, Pan de Amerikana is a place worth visiting!
 
 

By the way, we also enjoyed the hanging bridge in the second floor of the restaurant . 🙂

Pan de Amerikana Schedule

Monday to Saturday 6:00AM to 7:00PM

Sunday 7:00AM to 3:00PM  

Bakery: Monday to Sunday Opens at 5:00AM

Pan de Amerikana Locations

  • Main: #92 General Ordoñez Corner Maroon St. Marikina Heights, 1800 Marikina City
  • Katipunan Avenue Quezon City
  • Wilson street GREENHILLS San Juan
  • Makati Avenue corner constellation St. beside Savory. 

Visit Pan de Amerikana Facebook Page.

Pan de Amerikana  Menu.

Bulalo at Mahogany Market Tagaytay

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Aside from its cold weather, Tagaytay is also famous for its Bulao – a famous Filipino dish made up of beef shanks and marrow bones boiled with veggies.

If you are looking for an affordable Bulalo experience in Tagaytay, Mahogany Market is the perfect place.  Just across the market offering fresh beef is an array of food stalls offering local delicacies including Filipino’s all time favorite and most favored – Bulalo. 

We arrived at Mahogany Market at around 9:00 PM and since there are approximately a dozen of food stalls, we tried to look around and find the best food stall in the area.  Well, they all look the same and appear to offer exactly the same menu.  The question is which offers the best Bulalo?  There was a vendor who kept on peddling her Espasol when we arrived at Mahogany Market, we asked her and she recommended Barboza’s Kitchenette.

Cheap Bulalo in tagaytay
tagaytay bulalo at mahogany market
350 Php – Special Bulalo at Barboza’s Kitchenette in Mahogany Market, Tagaytay
Serving: 5 in our case lol.. but the serving is generous and it’s actually good for 6 – 8 persons 
Special Bulalo at Leslie’s and Josephine restaurant – Tagaytay’s famous Bulalo houses are priced at P450 up.  Well, that makes Mahogany Market’s Bulalo more affordable.
crispy shrimp filipino dish
We also ordered Crispy fried shrimps.  A perfect combination with Bulalo’s hot and rich flavored soup.  I super loved this dish!
filipino dish caldereta
Caldereta
Pinapaitan – An exotic Filipino dish made up of cow or goat innards.  I never tried this dish since I’m not really a fan of this exotic delicacy.
affordable place to eat in tagaytay city
At 900 Php, we had a sumptuous dinner at Barboza’s Kitchenette, Mahogany Market
1 Special Bulalo
2 Crispy Shrimp 
1 Caldereta
1 Papaitan
12 Rice (We’re only five lol)
1 1.5 Coke
Barboza’s Kitchenette also offers unlimited banana to its diners.

Jatujak SM North EDSA, Thai Food

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Jatujak, pronounced as cha-tu-chak is the largest weekend market in Bangkok.

This Thai restaurant is located at the 4th Level of SM North EDSA The Block. The restaurant itself is small and the interior is simple and a bit modern showcasing a number of Thai displays on it’s main counter.

Thai Iced Tea – 85 Php
Surprisingly, at 85 Php, the Thai iced tea is served in a very tall glass.  It tastes like milk tea and I really liked it!  This is a must try at Jatujak!
Fried rice with shrimp (Kao Pad Goong) – 175 Php
serving: good for 2
Although a bit watery for me, this Thai fried rice was good.  It surprised me that this rice with tasty and juicy shrimps is coupled with a Calamansi.
Chicken with cashew nuts – 210 Php
Serving: good for 2
This dish was my friend’s choice. There’s nothing special with the chicken but the sauce along with my favorite cashew nuts makes this dish special.
Stir fried kangkong (Pak Boong Fai Deng) – 105 Php
Serving: good for 2
Kangkong is perfectly cooked. I’m pretty much sure that the sauce is not the typical soy sauce (not salty at all) and something Thai.  I just can’t describe the taste but it was really good.
Since I opted for safe dishes, I’d definitely dine again at Jatujak for their iced tea and to try some Thai noodles and appetizers.

Visit munchpunch for Jatujak Menu – SM North EDSA.

Crocodile Farm Tour in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, travel

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Palawan’s Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center was the first stop of our Puerto Princesa City tour. Founded in 1987, this Puerto Princesa tourist attraction well known for its Crocodile Farm and Nature Park. 

Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center in Puerto Princesa

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm) Location

This interesting tourist spot is located in National Road in Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City and just 30 minutes away from Puerto Princesa city proper.

Crocodile Farm Entrance Fee

Basic Tour (30 mins.)

Child – P 10.00

Adult – P 40.00

Privileged – P 20.00 (senior citizen, disabled, students)

Group Tour – P 20.00 (min. of 20 pax)

Crocodile skin and skeleton welcome guests and visitors at the lobby.
Crocodile skin at the lobby of Crocodile Farm Puerto Princesa
 
Crocodile skeleton at crocodile farm in Palawan
 
Crocodile farm tourist guide shares info about the farm. The guests also learned from her that croc skin used in bags and purses are usually that of younger crocs. 
Tour guide at crocodile farm
 
The tour continues and guests were taken to the “Hatching House” of the farm.
hatching house at crocodile farm
 
Guests are busy taking pictures of baby crocodiles
tourists strolling and taking pictures at the crocodile farm
 
Baby crocodiles.. Aren’t they cute?
baby crocs
 
Hatching house is where baby crocodiles are born, bred and taken care off until they become adults.  I was a bit disappointed that we did not witness live crocodile egg hatching. lol
young crocodiles
The tourist guide advised us not to put our fingers on top of the croc dens.  Even baby crocs can be aggressive and cut one’s fingers off.
crocodiles
 
After the hatching area, guests were then taken to the adult crocodiles. There’s a metal bridge approximately 20 feet above the  crocodile den.
 
We crossed the bridge and we were able to check out these huge and scary adult crocodiles
palawan crocodilemore crocodiles
Perhaps the largest crocodile in the farm is “Valentino”, 16 foot and 500 Kilogram a male saltwater crocodile captured on Valentines Day of 2012 in Bataraza, Palawan.
valentino croc in palawan Valentino, a 16 foot crocodile in Palawa, Philippines
 

 Right after the exciting ‘crossing the bridge with huge crocodiles below’ part of the tour, guests were headed to a photo opportunity with a young crocodile.  There’s a professional photographer and you may have your picture taken and printed for only 150 Php.  Apart from this, you can also have your pic taken with your own camera for free.

 
Photo taken from my iPhone.  A friend helped me since I couldn’t carry the croc with two hands. I just realized that I was holding the croc on its neck (I’m sorry). 
 
After the photo op with the croc, guests can freely stroll around the Nature Park.
 

 

 

 
The shy Palawan Bear Cat.
Palawan Bear Cat
 
Crocodile farm and nature park entrance
 
Palawan Binturong that smells like “Pandan”.  You may also have your picture taken by a photographer with this cute, love, tame friendly Binturong.  Printed photo costs 150 Php.
Palawan Binturong
  
White Bellied Sea Eagle
White Bellied Sea Eagle
 
There’s also a mini zoo in the farm but we decided to leave after a short walk since we still have to visit Mitra’s Ranch and Baker’s Hill that day.
 
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is a must visit!  I super enjoyed seeing crocodiles of all sizes. I loved Palawan Binturong, very friendly and good smelling creature.