Travels – Page 6 – One-Armed Wanderer

Food
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- Laguna
- Travels

Pixie’s Sinugba, Healthy and Affordable Food in Solenad 3 Nuvali

Posted on October 11, 2015March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Fiesta Market is the newest food hub in Solenad 3, Nuvali. It offers a wide array of Filipino and Asian food at very affordable prices. The place is a high-end food court type like that of BGC’s Market Market. The area is very clean and well-maintained.

Facade of the Ayala Malls’ Solenad 3 Fiesta Market

Fiesta Market, Hawker’s market inspired food court

Fiesta Market is just few steps away from Solenad 3 free parking spaces

Apart from the exciting retail shops, Solenad 3 features its environment friendly and beautiful landscapes

Activity area in Solenad 3

If you are visiting Nuvali and looking for the best place to eat healthy yet affordable Filipino food, Pixie’s Sinugba in Fiesta market is a must visit place!

Pixies Sinugba’s specialty is the inihaw na bangus or grilled milkfish. Sinugba means “Grilled” in Bisaya so expect something very special and very Pinoy on their version of the inihaw na Bangus.

pixie's sinugba healthy restaurant nuvali

Pixie’s Sinugba, Fiesta Market in Solenad 3 Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Very friendly and welcoming staff of Pixie’s Sinugba. You will also see how they prepare and cook your order.

Pixie’s Inihaw na boneless Bangus (Sinugbang Bangus)

They serve this freshly grilled boneless bangus in a long box with foil. I should say that this is the best inihaw na bangus I’ve ever tasted. The Bangus is stuffed with onions, garlic, tomatoes and other spices make this even more delicious. And not to mention that Pixie’s Sinugba foods are also MSG free. Truly a healthy food choice!

Grilled Tuna Panga is such a delight

Apart from mouthwatering and healthy inihaw na Bangus, they also have a number of healthy viands on their menu. I could not recommend any specific food on their list as everything is really healthy and delicious!

Pixie’s Sinugba Menu (Please click to enlarge)

If you live nearby Nuvali, Pixie’s Sinugba in Solenad 3 also caters deliveries.

Delivery Contact Numbers:

0917 469770 8

0929 2843692

049 574147 5

Pixie’s Sinugba Solenad 3 Nuvali facebook Page

Pixie’s Sinugba Website

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Mountain Province
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- Travels

Trek to Pongas Falls Sagada Mountain Province

Posted on May 25, 2013March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

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.

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.

Mountain Province
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- Travels

How to Get to Sagada from Manila

Posted on May 21, 2013March 14, 2016by 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.

Metro Manila
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- Travels

Pan de Amerikana Marikina

Posted on April 20, 2013March 14, 2016by 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.

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.

Cavite
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- Food
- Travels

Bulalo at Mahogany Market Tagaytay

Posted on April 14, 2013March 14, 2016by 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.

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.

We also ordered Crispy fried shrimps. A perfect combination with Bulalo’s hot and rich flavored soup. I super loved this dish!

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.

Palawan
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- Travels

Crocodile Farm Tour in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, travel

Posted on March 30, 2013March 14, 2016by 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.

The tour continues and guests were taken to the “Hatching House” of the farm.

Guests are busy taking pictures of baby crocodiles

tourists strolling and taking pictures at the crocodile farm

Baby crocodiles.. Aren’t they cute?

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

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.

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

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, 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 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.

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.

Palawan
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- Travels

Baker’s Hill Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Posted on March 29, 2013March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Baker’s Hill is one of the tourist attraction in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Baker’s Hill is literally on top of a hill where a number of bakers work together to offer deliciously baked goodies for tourists and visitors.

Baker’s Hill Location Map
Mitra Road, Barangay Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines.

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Tourists and visitors say that Baker’s Hill Hopia is a must try. In fact, it’s one of the bakery’s best seller. Small box of Hopia costs only 40 Php.

Since I’m not a fan of Hopia, I opted to taste their Spanish bread instead. It was delicious!!

Apart from the freshly baked breads and snacks, you can also stroll around the area for free. This privately owned parked is open to the public. Thanks to the extremely generous owners.

Huge modern houses welcome visitors of Baker’s Hill.

Statues of Marilyn Monroe

Baker’s Kitchen – Restaurant in the heart of Baker’s Hill

Baker’s Hill Restaurant menu

Beautiful floating local flower petals are everywhere.

A mini playground for kids

Baker’s Hill garden is a perfect place to simply sit and relax.

There are also several birds in the garden including Myna, Peahens and Peacocks. Well, the latter is my favorite!

My Take on Baker’s Hill

Reviews say that Baker’s Hill is a theme park. I just don’t get its theme. There’s a bakery, then beautiful huge and modern houses, not so Filipino statues, a Filipino restaurant, a relaxing garden with a number of lovely birds.

Anyway, Baker’s Hill is still a perfect place to eat, relax and take pictures. The area is very clean and well maintained. Well, at the end of the day, there’s no place like Baker’s Hill in the Philippines – bakery with delicious breads plus a park with beautiful garden! What more can you ask for?

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Food
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- Palawan
- Travels

Bilao at Palayok Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Posted on March 23, 2013March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Aside from the breathtaking Underground River, white sand beaches, exciting zip line adventures and friendly locals, Palawan vacation would not be complete without dining in the city’s restaurants.

Bilao at Palayok Seafoods & Native Restaurant is located along Rizal Avenue and just about 5 minutes away from Puerto Princesa Airport. This Filipino restaurant is one of Puerto Princesa’s finest restaurants.

A huge “Palayok” or Earthen Pot outside the restaurant. We visited Bilao at Palayok for our first dinner at Puerto Prinsesa. Since I’m only using my smart phone for photographs, pictures are dull due to lowlight conditions.

Bilao at Palayok’s interior is very native and “Filipino”. I was impressed and amazed by the overall design and feel of the restaurant. Tables, chairs and even flooring are made up of wood mostly bamboos. Too bad that we were the last guests that night and lights were dimmed on other areas of the restaurant.

Short bridge heading to the main dining area of Bilao at Palayok.

At the heart of the restaurant are wooden crafts. Bilao at Palayok looks like a mini Filipino art gallery to me. I highly recommend visiting this restaurant during daytime to appreciate the ethnicity and beauty of the area.

We ordered “Bulalo” – kneecap, a famous dish in the Philippines.

Boodle feast at Bilao at Palayok. We were all shocked by the generous serving of this group meal for five persons. Food presentation is perfect!

This group meal we ordered consists of Sisig, boneless Bangus, Inihaw na Pusit, Inihaw na baboy, fried danggit, Adobo, Hipon, Laing etc. I should say that their rice is the most tasfeful and delicious rice I’ve ever tasted!

My friend wanted to bring home this water pitcher covered with a woven rattan.hahaha

Bilao at Palayok Puerto Prinsesa Menu

Aside from the menu below, the restaurant also offers sizzling, fish, pork and vegetable dishes ranging from 170 Pesos to 450 Pesos. Desserts are also available starting at 70 Pesos.

Puerto Princesa’s Bilao at Palayok is a must try to those who will visit the city. The resto’s interior, ambiance and feel looks expensive but for the delightful and delicious food, Bilao at Palayok dining experience is actually affordable!

Metro Manila
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- Travels

Ark Avilon Zoo

Posted on March 3, 2013March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

I’m pretty much sure that you’re familiar or at least have heard of Noah’s Ark story in the bible where Noah put pairs of animals in his Ark. Well, there’s an interesting zoo in Pasig City, Philippines – the Ark Avilon Zoo. Although this 2-storey Ark-shaped zoo is far from the real Noah’s Ark, still, it is one of the perfect places for kids and kids at heart to see animals up close.

Ark Avilon Zoo Location Map / How to get to Ark Avilon Zoo
Situated in Frontera Dr corner Road D, the zoo can be reached by foot from a nearby shopping center Tiendesitas. Just right beside the zoo is Fun Ranch, an attraction complex for kids.

View Larger Map

Ark Avilon Rates
Regular rate is 300.00 Pesos
Children 3.5 ft. and below is 200.00 Pesos
20% discount for senior citizens and PWDs

Entrance area of the zoo

Zoo Hours
Ark Avilon is open everyday including holidays
Weekdays at 9:00 AM to 6: 00 PM
Weekends at 10 AM to 7:00 PM

The interior of the zoo is amazing. It seemed that the layout was carefully planned for a great “zoo” experience for kids and adults alike. Although the birds are in rope perches, it’s a relief not to see them in cages.

The super friendly and cute Jenny the Bornean Orangutan

Old English Sheepdogs

More photos below:

Wild animals like Tiger, Panther and Puma also reside in the Ark.

Farm animals and some caged birds are in the second floor of the zoo.

Guests can also feed the animals (except for the wild ones lol)

Overall, the zoo is clean and well maintained. Animals seem to be loved and well taken care of. Zookeepers and staff are friendly.. and not to mention my favorite animal – Jenny the Orangutan. Being the Philippine’s first indoor zoo, Ark Avilon may lack real estate to accommodate huge animals like Giraf and Elephant, however the way the zoo let’s its guests interact with some of its animals makes the experience fun and memorable.

Hotel
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Mariposa Budget Hotel: Cheap and Decent Hotel in Cubao

Posted on February 23, 2013March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

If you are looking for a decent yet affordable hotel in Cubao, Quezon City, Mariposa Budget Hotel is the place. Located in Stanford St. along Aurora Boulevard, this affordable lodging is walking distance from EDSA and is very accessible to malls (Gateway, Farmers Plaza and Isetann), convenience stores (7-11 and Ministop) fastfood restaurants (Jollibee and Chowking).

Location Map

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Room Rates (Fridays) & weekends*
1,000 Pesos – Standard room 12 hours stay
1,150 Pesos – Deluxe room 12 hours stay

Deluxe rooms include coffee, bath robe, personal care kit and hair dryer

Room Rates (Mondays- Thursdays)
Approximately 650 Pesos – Standard room 12 hours stay
Approximately 750 Pesos – Deluxe room 12 hours stay

For the room availability and current prices, please visit and book HERE.

Value for Money
Given the rates and the decency of their rooms which are very clean and not to mention friendly staff, from the security guard to their front desk personnel, you’ll get the value for your money.

30 Stanford St., Cubao, Quezon City
Landline: +632-911-9133
Mobile: +63-0917-8278636
Email: [email protected]

Cheap hotel in Quezon city, Mariposa Budget