Palawan

Palawan is known for having one of the best beaches in the country.  Unlike the famous Boracay, which through the years have gotten really crowded and urbanized, Palawan is its opposite.  You can enjoy not only its white sand beaches but also its lush forests, caves and exceptional scenery without a huge crowd to bother you.  Perfect for a private escapade.

There are a lot of things you can do in Palawan and there are several tours you can choose from.  My first visit to this paradise was last August with a few of my good friends.  We signed-up for the City Tour, Underground River Tour and the Honda Bay Tour.  It was 3 days of adventure!  Let me share with you my whole experience.

City Tour

We visited the Puerto Princessa Baywalk, Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, souvenir shops and the Crocodile Farm.

There was nothing to see in the Puerto Princessa Baywalk.  Its almost the same as Manila Bay and Roxas Boulevard.  I recommend that to be skipped!  Next, was the Immaculate Concepcion Church.  Now, that was worth visiting.  Make sure you visit famous churches in your travels.  They're always a sight to see.  The Crocodile Farm had a lot of crocodiles(obviously).  Its nothing to be exccited about unless you're 5 years old.  There was also a small forest there that you can trek but there's not much to see.  Only some good spots for your emo moments and snapshots.  Oh and a squirrel roaming around! Skip, Skip.  Last but not the least, one of the best stops of them all, the souvenir shop!  You can find a lot of very cheap accessories and wooden ornaments for your home.  I bought pearl earrings worth only 10 pesos for pasalubong!

Underground River Tour

This is supposed to be Jesus This tour cannot be missed!  Its just recently that the Underground River won a spot in the list of the 7 wonders of the world.  It’s a 1 and a half ride from the city plus 1 very brief short ride and youre there!  Make sure you get a good boatman with you 'cause he will be talking during the whole tour inside the cave.  The cave is A-MAZING!  You gotta see the one they call "The Cathedral"!  If you're scared of bats, there are only a few and they don't really fly around.  They're just clustered together, hanging from the ceiling of the cave.  Tip: Make sure to bring your own flashlight!

Honda Bay Tour

Starfish Island The Honda Bay Tour was fun!  We visited a few islands and did some snorkeling hear and there.  It was one whole day of island hopping!  My favorite was the Starship Island.  You can snorkle even in the shallow part of the water and still see some amazing sea creatures!  I wish I had an underwater camera!  Tip: If you have youre snorkling gear, better bring it so you won't have to rent.  Oh and don't forget your underwater camera!

Ugong Cave

One of the side trips after the Underground River Tour is the Ugong Cave.  Its called Ugong because your hear a churchbell kind of sound when you tap the rocks.  A certain ugong sound.  This one I enjoyed too.  We had to trek inside the cave to reach the top and I'm telling you its not easy.  Just check out our pictures.

You have to zipline going down. Whew! (way easier!) I still recommend people to try this one because though it’s a bit of a challenge, the fee here is for the livelihood income of the people in this place.  The staff and tour guides here are old women, old enough to be our grandmothers.  During our trekking, after just a short while the old lady who was guiding us was trying to catch her breath.  I really felt bad for her.  So i'm really promoting this one to help the residents of this place.  A little help and some sweat could go a long way.

Restaurants (two of the most famous in Palawan)

A trip is not complete without trying their famous restaurants and delicacies.  Since we were all feeling adventurous, we tried their Tamilok!  People say the tamilok is a type of worm, but its really not.  It’s a Shipworm, from the family of mollusks.  You get it from mangroves.  It tastes like a mollusk too.  Just like your usual oyster in vinegar.  Oh it looks like raw intestine by the way(isaw!).

Ka Lui's

Another must-try.  They have a very unique concept: you only get to choose from the catch of the day!  Of course, it means seafood.  They only serve seafood, but really fresh seafood.  And they give a free soup and free fruits after your meal.  Check out these photos!

Kinabuchs

Known for their crocodile dishes.  I recommend this for dinner and for drinking sessions.  This restaurant is comparable to Dencio's and Gerry's but I must say, their crocodile sisig is really good!  Plus, the place looks better in the evening with the capiz lanterns turned on.

Overall, I had a great time in Palawan.  I feel bad for missing the trip to Mitra's Ranch and Baker's Hill.  But oh well, I would definitely come back for some R&R. =)

Product review: Revlon's Photoready Liquid Foundation

Since I have been hearing a lot of positive feedback about Revlon's Photoready, I decided to give it try.  I bought their liquid foundation first.   This product has photochromatic pigments that reflects light which would make flaws unnoticeable, giving you clear skin on and off cam.  This pigments also provide a bit of shimmer which gives the skin a natural glow.  I normally don't like make-up with shimmer because it doesn't look natural, but the pigments on this one is very fine, almost dust-like which gives the face only a hint of shimmer for that natural glow.  You really won't notice it anymore once applied on the face.  Aside from these useful pigments, this also has sunscreen which is a must-have for every make-up product.   I use this product as a make-up base when I go out.  I use a sponge to spread the liquid all over my face and neck.  It is actually very easy to apply because the texture is not very thick.  I apply a bit of Revlon's Colorstay Mineral make-up on top of it to make the finish more natural.  Its always better to put any kind of face powder on top of your liquid foundation to keep it in place and give you a more natural look.  Just make sure you don't put too much.  What I like about this product:  *the texture is not thick - it doesn't feel heavy and it won't clog your pores *full coverage - hides blemishes and looks great in photos!  Makes your skin look flawless. *affordable *long-lasting - it lasts for hours!   Recommended use: Use this only on occasions.  Say, weddings, night-outs, etc.

2nd's, Fort

2nd's is the restaurant in the corner of Quadrant 3 in Bonifacio High Street (beside Agave and across Cav) which used to be Magnet.  It is located on the second floor, so I'm assuming that's why its called 2nd's.  I like their food and the ambiance.  Its very intimate and private, good for family dinners and dates. 

I tried their bestseller, the buffalo bacon chicharon.  I was excited to try this because this is the one they are famous for.  But to my dismay, it did not meet my expectations.  It was too sour for me and did not have the crunch a normal chicharon would have.  It was like a thickened bacon with the texture of Marty's vegetable chicharon in a sour barbeque sauce.  The blue cheese dip made it tolerable.  My family and I were not able to finish this dish. So i'll rate this 1 out of 5.  You may opt not to try when you are in 2nd's.

Buffalo Bacon Chicharon

For the appetizer, we ordered the Angus Salpicao Foie Gras and after just 10 minutes when it arrived on our table, it was gone!  This dish was so good, my family and I loved it.  The beef was soft and tender with just the right amount of salt.  Almost perfect, i'd say.  There was even small chunks of fat, that were so rich and tasty.  I got the privilege to eat the only piece of foie gras served on top of it(unfortunately, there was only one piece) and it was unforgettable.  Even after months later, I could still recall the taste and texture of this one and it always makes me want to go back to this restaurant.  This is a simple dish that's flavorful and definitely worth trying.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

Angus Salpicao with Foie Gras

 The smoked caprese salad was very healthy and refreshing.  I liked the combination of the cheese and fresh tomato layered on top of each other with its sauce(I forget what the sauce was).  If you want a new twist on your salad, try this one!  It won't fail you.  This has got to be a 3 out of 5.

Smoked Caprese Tower

Smoked Caprese Tower

 The 2nd's bistek tagalog was my dad's order.  It was also good, its not like your usual bistek at home but there is a resemblance with the taste.  The beef was soft and tender as well and the sauce flavorful but it was not something we have not tasted before.  I'd say its an upgraded version of the home-made bistek tagalog.  I'd give it a 3 out of 5.

2nd's Bistek Tagalog

Oh the lamb shepherd's pie... This is my favorite!  It's lamb steak at the bottom, covered by mashed potatoes then sealed with melted cheese! Oh, I just love this dish!  It's filling and very satisfying.  Each bite makes you want to eat more of it.  I just can't get enough of this dish.  It's a 5 for me!

Lamb Shepherd's Pie

For dessert, we ordered the one with the longest name.  It sounded interesting so we tried it.  It was just cake on a beer glass.  It wasn't so bad.  We enjoyed sharing it.  It was light and creamy and not too sweet.  Bitin. I'd give it a 2.

Rum Cake and Mascarpone Trifle

 Overall, I'd give it a 4 out of 5.    The main course meals are good! Very satisfactory and worth trying!

Cakes of February

1. Half-baked chocolate cake from Sensei Sushi Bar

My good friend Patty and I decided to have a pre-valentines date last Feb 13.  Since both of us were going through something we both were unsure of, a date with a girlfriend was very much needed for some bonding time.  I suggested to have dinner at Sensei Sushi Bar in BF because of their unique selection of japanese food and the quiet ambiance.  The south has always been my go-to place when I need some peace and quiet.  I got there an hour and half early so I had some alone time before Patty arrived.  Being by myself does not really bother me, in fact, I actually enjoy it because I get to reflect and just think of myself.  These are the times I bond with myself and feel liberated from all the stress in my life.  I was the only one in the restaurant that evening and the waiters were very accomodating and warm.  This old lady even explained why she wasn't in her uniform.  It was heart-warming. It made me feel I was at home being served by familiar people(I'm shallow like that).  I'd say, the service was terrific.  When Patty arrived, she felt so bad for being late and offered to treat me for a dessert.  Why, of course!  I never say no to dessert.  So i ordered their dessert that I have always wanted to try; the half-baked chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce!  It was moist  and chewy and had a jello like texture only thicker, but the vanilla ice cream neutralizes its heaviness.  It was SO GOOD!  Everything went well together.  The chocolate cake wasn't that sweet but the caramel sauce just gave it the right amount of sweetness.  It was sinful but refreshing because of the mangoes.   This dessert just sealed the deal of a good evening.  A good conversation with a good friend plus a great dessert just made my Valentines complete.  No need for a prince charming! =)      

2. Bananalicious from Conti's

My cousin bought this for my mom for Valentines.  This was our dessert after a very hefty meal.  I'm not a big fan of bananas though I know how nutritious it is(and good for dieting!).  I just don't like the texture and sometimes the taste.  Anyway, since I had to have my dessert, I tried this cake.  It's Conti's Bananalicious cake.  It was sooooo good!  I love the combination of the caramel and the crust with the right amount of cream on top.  The bananas inside were just the right amount for my taste.  You could taste everything with every bite!  And it wasn't that sweet.  i don't like my cakes too sweet.  I would say this is even better than Banaple's Banoffee cake.  My family and I finished the whole thing!  It was that good. This was my Valentines celebration. I didn't spend it with my special someone but I was as happy and complete as I could ever be.  I was right where I belong, with my family. 

3. Chocolate cake from Tous Les Jours

When I got home from our family dinner, I was surprised to see this cake on my bed.  It was my mom's gift to me for Valentines.  She knows how much I love surprises!  I feel bad I didn't get her anything.  I love my mom dearly.  She's just the sweetest!  =)