Jellybeans in the City

Family-friendly summer adventures at Pico de Loro Cove

The summer heat will soon beset the metro. With it comes to usual traffic jams and stress of city living. Isn’t it high time the family hies off to somewhere cool and relaxing?

A beach vacation would be just the thing, wouldn’t it? The calming rhythm of the waves on the shore and feel of the sun’s warmth can do wonders in melting the stress away.

Plus, all the exciting activities that bring fun in the sun are new opportunities for family bonding and treasured memories.

So why not go on a family beach vacay at Pico de Loro Cove?

This shoreside haven is the maiden community of Hamilo Coast, a master-planned development carefully integrating residential, resort, leisure, commercial and institutional land uses and communities centered around beach living.

It is a fantastic destination for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some quality time together in nature. The cove offers a range of fun-filled activities that are perfect for all ages. Here are some of the summer activities that families can do at Pico de Loro Cove:

Beach Day

The cove is home to 1.5 kilometers of beautiful white sand beach that is perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and soaking up the sun. Families can bring some beach toys and spend the day relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze.

Adventures in the Water

Venture out into the waves to experience various activities that take you beyond the shore:

Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle around to discover hidden coves, snorkel spots, and rock formations.
Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant marine life that calls Pico de Loro Cove home such as colorful fish, sea turtles, and even some small sharks.
Scuba Diving: Dive deeper into the water to get up close and personal with giant clams, soft corals and clown fishes.

Exciting explorations

Pico de Loro Cove’s location affords vacationers with opportunities to stretch their legs and explore the wonders of nature.

Hiking: Hike up the trails that lead to some stunning views of the cove and the surrounding mountains.
Bird Watching: Take a stroll along the cove’s nature trail and observe the beautiful birds in their natural habitat.

Hanging out at the Club

The Pico de Loro Country Club offers a range of amenities such as swimming pools, a gym, a bowling and billiards hall, a kid’s play area and a spa. The club also has several restaurants and bars where families can enjoy some delicious food and drinks.

Family Time

With its abundance of open spaces, gardens, and play areas where families can spend quality time together, Pico de Loro Cove is definitely the place for family time and togetherness.

Daydreaming about your family’s beach vacation at Pico de Loro Cove already? Then book your stay now!

Pico de Loro Cove has several accommodation options, from cozy condominiums to luxurious hotel rooms. Choose the accommodation that best suits your family’s needs and budget.

The use of Pico de Loro Cove’s facilities, such as the use of Pico Beach, country club swimming pool, gym and shuttle service around the vicinity, requires guest fees separate from the cost of accommodations. Guest fees vary from season to season:

Season	Adult	Child*
Lean (all weekdays of January, February and July to November)	₱900	₱400
Peak (all weekends of January, February and July to November, all weekdays of March to June and December)	₱1,300	₱500
High (all weekends of March to June and December)	₱1,400	₱600
Holy Week (April) and Year End (December 26-31)	₱1,550	₱650

*Children 4-12 years old. Kids 3 years old and younger are FREE

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, guests should follow the guidelines set by the cove’s management, such as wearing appropriate clothing, bringing sunscreen and insect repellent, and avoiding littering.

Pico de Loro Cove is a fantastic destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors and create unforgettable memories together. With its beautiful beach, range of activities, and excellent amenities, it is a summer destination that the whole family can enjoy.

Pico de Loro Cove is located at Hamilo Coast, Barangay Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas. For more information, visit its website.

Book your stay at Pico Sands Hotel or at beach condominiums in the area via Klook. Use my code JELLYBEANS to score discounts (5% for new users, 3% for existing users).

Boost your digital edge with Power Mac Center’s Basecamp

Basecamp, Power Mac Center’s official training provider, is officially opening enrollment to its March training sessions. With Apple Certified Professionals teaching Apple certification courses, it’s perfect for individuals and groups seeking to reskill or upskill their tech knowhow and boost their competitiveness in the Apple ecosystem.

Courses include Apple Device Support (Mar 7-9), Apple Deployment and Management (Mar 13-14), App Development with Swift (Mar 22-24), Pages, Numbers, and Keynote (Mar 27-31), and Final Cut Pro X (Mar 29-31). Delivered through specialized training methodologies and guided exercises, these are specifically designed to help learners deploy, support, and troubleshoot devices, as well as familiarize themselves with existing powerful applications or even create their own. Customized sessions can also be arranged for groups of at least 10 participants.

Other courses include macOS Fundamentals, macOS Technical Troubleshooting, Mac and Windows Integration Basics, Professional Development for IT and School Administrators, Professional Development for Educators, iOS/iPadOS Fundamentals and Troubleshooting, and 1-on-1 tutorial. There are also VIP courses on On-site Support for Mac or iPhone/iPad, and Zoom Video Conference Support, as well as certification exams, namely, Apple Deployment and Management Exam and Apple Device Support Exam for those looking to beef up their credentials.

“If you want to invest in yourself, Basecamp is the starting point of your digital expedition. It helps people boost their productivity and work competitiveness so they can take advantage of the economic opportunities that the future will bring. Our course offerings are designed to empower individuals to maximize the utilization of Apple technology—whether it’s for growing in their current career, preparing for a new role, or simply for their creative pursuits,” said Maleng Raysag, Basecamp Head.

Fresh name, improved quality of service

Basecamp carries courses tailored for learners across different age groups, i.e., kids, teens, and adults or professionals. Established in 2009 under the former name PMC Business Systems, Inc. (PBSI), it rebranded as Basecamp this year to strengthen its commitment to support Filipinos’ digital skills training needs and prepare them for an even more tech-driven future. Its on-site and online quality training and services equip customers with technical skills that help address the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace, as well as creative skills that enable them to pursue meaningful endeavors and unleash their full artistic potential.

Basecamp has 15 years of experience in servicing the training needs of close to 10,000 enrollees, with more than 50 students with Apple certification. It continuously aims to produce more Filipino Apple certified professionals and uplift the industry to support the growing number of customers in the country.

Invest in yourself! Book a training now at <https://bit.ly/PMCBasecampCourses> or inquire via <basecamp@powermaccenter.com> or +63 908 885 6277. You can also visit the training location at the 3^rd Level of Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. Follow Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube to be updated on promotions and special deals on Basecamp training fees.

Power Mac Center is a recognized Apple Premium Reseller, Apple Authorized Education Reseller, Apple Authorized Training Provider, and Apple Authorized Service Provider in the Philippines. Power Mac Center has become a reliable retail shop and service provider of Apple products to the Filipino consumer.The company has grown to over 90 retail branches, service centers, and training centers nationwide.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Header image by artursafronovvvv on Freepik

Revitalizing the #ReturnToOffice day with lunch at Ombu Kusina

I’ve finally (and with quite a bit of resistance) returned to the office.

While I may gripe about the traffic and the long commute from my home to my workplace near Tomas Morato in Quezon City, I honestly can’t complain about the expanded variety of dining choices come lunchtime.

So when the lunch hour came, my officemates and I trooped to our go-to place for modern Filipino cuisine to revitalize ourselves for the rest of our workday with good food and good vibes.

Modern Filipino cuisine is a contemporary take on traditional Filipino food, fusing together traditional Filipino dishes with modern cooking techniques and ingredients, resulting in new and exciting flavors and presentations.

Modern Filipino cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, innovative cooking techniques, and creative plating.

All these and more can be found at Ombu Kusina.

With its warm and inviting ambiance, it has the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the meal with my coworkers. Plus, the interiors are tastefully decorated, creating a cozy and welcoming environment that made us feel right at home.

The staff are also friendly and attentive, providing us with updates on the restaurant’s menu and even gamely snapping some photos of our #HappyLunch experience.

But, of course, Ombu Kusina’s main draw is its food and we lost no time in satisfying our taste buds with its tasty and comforting offerings:

Binakol (₱390). Chicken soup flavored with ginger, lemongrass and coconut water.

Gising-gising (₱300). Sauteed green beans and ground pork in spicy coconut sauce.

Crispy Tilapia Fillet (₱460). Crispy breaded tilapia fillet served with soy vinegar dipping sauce.

Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata (₱895). Deep-fried pork leg served with soy vinegar dipping sauce. A true Pinoy fave!

Frozen Brazo de Mercedes (₱220). Layers of frozen soft meringue, custard filling and ice cream on a crumbly graham cracker crust.

Tres Leches Halo-Halo (₱180). TBH, this is what I came here for: a refreshing dessert made with sweetened beans, fruits, ube halaya and leche flan covered with a milk-flavored finely shaved ice.

Having our happy lunch Ombu Kusina is a superb experience, thanks to the restaurant’s fresh takes on Filipino cuisine, warm and inviting ambiance and excellent service.

My coworkers and I might not all be in favor of returning to the office, but at least, we have delicious moments like this to savor with each other and give us some new vigor for the rest of our office day.

Ombu Kusina is located at Ground Floor, Sequioa Hotel, Mother Ignacia Street, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily for dine-in, delivery and pickup from 6.30am to 9pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 84410518or +63 969 5972249.

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Ombu Kusina on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Ombu Kusina:

Modern Filipino Cuisine at Ombu Kusina, Tomas Morato

Say hello to a great summer with Ombu Kusina’s Flavored Ice Halo-Halo

5 reasons to have your Sunday family lunch at Panda Express, Green Meadows

Sundays are a time for family, am I right?

Whether you devote your Sundays to attending Mass, watching a movie or running errands together, what you don’t want to do is spend the entire day preparing your meals.

If only there was a way for the fam to have a tasty Sunday brunch that caters to everyone’s tastes while not busting the fam’s budget, right?

Well, look no farther than Panda Express’ Greenmeadows branch in Bagumbayan, QC.

Here are five reasons why this branch of the popular Chinese-American fastfood chain should be your fam’s go-to lunch place:

1. Convenient location

Panda Express Greenmeadows is conveniently located along one of the metro’s main thoroughfares, making it easily accessible to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re coming in from Mass at Christ the King Church or plant-shopping in White Plains, or on your way to go malling at Eastwood City, this Panda Express branch is a great place to stop over for a quick and delicious family meal.

2. Comfy and welcoming surroundings

This outlet has a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. The restaurant is clean, well-lit, and spacious, decorated, of course, with Panda Express’ signature red, black and white colors.

The staff are also friendly, accommodating, and quite efficient in serving your food.

3. Wide selection of dishes made with quality ingredients

Panda Express Greenmeadows offers a wide selection of ChineseAmerican dishes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.

Its entree choices include the fan-fave Orange Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Beijing Beef, Brocolli Beef, Savory Shrimp, Asian Grilled Chicken, Eggplant Tofu, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Mongolian Pork, Black Pepper Steak, Kung Pao Fish and Wok-seared Steak & Shrimp.

On the other hand, appetizers like Veggie Spring Roll, Chicken Egg Roll and Cream Cheese Wonton, as well as side dishes such as White Steamed Rice, Fried Rice, Chow Mein and Mixed Vegetables go so well with any entree.

Craving for something sweet? You can always for a Mango Sago, Ube Pastillas and Fortune Cookies.

Panda Express also prides itself on using high-quality ingredients in its dishes. The chain sources fresh produce and high-quality meats to ensure that every dish is delicious and nutritious.

4. Affordable and customizable meal options

Whether you’re game for a light meal or hankering for a monster-sized feast, Panda Express can cater to your appetite, thanks to its customizable options, allowing diners to create their own meal according to their appetite and preferences.

Individuals can start by choosing a meal size:

Bowl (starts at Php285), consists of one entree and one side dish
Plate (starts at Php385), consists of two entrees and one side dish
Bigger Plate (starts at Php485), consist of three entrees and one side dish

However, you can get big savings as a group when you opt for a Family Feast (starts at Php1,495) which consists of three large entrees and two large side dishes, enough to satisfy four to five people.

Panda Express’ portion sizes are generous, making it a great value for money. Customers can enjoy a filling and satisfying meal without breaking the bank and can even take leftovers home, thanks to those cute take-home boxes that the restaurant provides.

5. Fast service

Being a fast-food restaurant, Panda Express can guarantee that diners won’t have to wait long for their meal. In fact, frontline servers already plate the entrees, sides and other food items while the customers are ordering. After payment, the meals are ready to be taken to the table to be enjoyed.

You’ve got a lot on your plate, even on Sundays, so take a load off on meal prep and kitchen work, and hie the fam over to Panda Express Greenmeadows for Sunday lunch, okay?

This Panda Express branch is located at the corner of Greenmeadows Avenue and Eugenio Rodriguez Avenue, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open daily from 9am to 9pm. For inquiries, contact +63 2 85595491.

Other branches are located at:

Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Marikina: Sumulong Highway
Muntinlupa: Shell SLT Southbound SLEX, Molito Lifestyle Center
Panaranaque: Soledad Place Betterliving
Pasay: DoubleDragon Center East
Quezon City: Holy Spirit Drive Don Antonio, SM Starts. Mesa, SM City North EDSA
San Juan: Greenhills Shopping Center

Panda Express also delivers via its website, as well as through GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To stay updated about its menu and offers, follow Panda Express on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Panda Express:

Chinese American fast-food at Panda Express

5 things to know when you visit Caleruega Church

If you’ve been scouring celebrity wedding announcements recently, you might have come across a popular wedding venue situated a few minutes’ drive from Tagaytay called the Caleruega Church.

Officially named as the Transfiguration Chapel, it is a beautiful and iconic religious landmark located in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Fancy a visit to this picturesque location? Here are five interesting tidbits of information to take with you:

1. Beginnings

Caleruega Church got its name from the Spanish town of Caleruega, the birthplace of St. Dominic de Guzman who founded the Dominican order. It was built in 1994 as a venue for prayer and meditation, a place where people can speak to and for the Creator.

2. Location, location, location

Caleruega Church is situated at the top of a hill in the town of Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. It occupies an eight-hectare property owned by the Dominicans which also houses other scenic attractions and serene areas for meditation, as well as accommodations for retreat goers.

Its location provides visitors a stunning view of Mount Batulao and nearby areas.

3. Design

It was designed by Architect Yolanda Reyes and Father Ed Nante, incorporating elements of Spanish, Moorish and Filipino architecture as well as local artistry.

As the church is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, the event is depicted in the stunning stained glass window located above the altar.

Surrounding the church is a beautiful garden filled with a variety of flowering plants and trees. A water fountain is situated on the driveway, commemorating the star that St. Dominic’s mother – Joanna of Aza – saw on her son’s forehead, foretelling of his destiny to spread light to the world through Christian ministry.

The sun and star motif will figure prominently in other elements of the church‘s design such as the windows made with capiz and interiors of the cottages serving as retreat centers.

The design of the church and its surrounding areas evoke a sense of serenity and oneness with nature, in keeping with the church’s goal of bringing its pilgrims close to nature and closer to God.

4. Things to do

While the church compound is mainly a place for prayer and reflection, there are other things to do to occupy your time while at Caleruega:

Attend mass. Public mass is offered every Sunday at 10.30am.
Enjoy the outdoors. Take a stroll around. Calaruega’s picturesque garden filled with a variety of flowering plants and trees.
Take in the scenery. Caleruega provides the perfect vantage point to view Mount Batulao and its surrounding areas.
Attend a spiritual retreat or seminar. For instance, Caleruega is holding a Family Retreat 2023 from April 6 (Maundy Thursday) to 9 (Easter Sunday). To register, call +63 921 2709890 or email caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com.
Take pictures. Given such charming and quaint architecture and scenery to be seen in Caleruega, it makes sense to document the experience by taking lots of pictures. Check out the many IG-worthy spots around the compound for your shots.

5. Gearing up

To make the most of your visit to Caleruega, it would be best to bring the following things:

Face mask. While most of quarantine restrictions may have been lifted, wearing of face masks is still required.
Water container and crackers. Walking around the compound will work up a thirst so be sure to hydrate often by drinking water. Nibble on some crackers if you feel hungry.
Cool clothes and comfortable shoes. Be ready for walking around so wearing cool clothes and shoes you can walk around in.
Sunscreen and hat. You will be spending quite a lot of time outdoors so be sure put on some sunscreen and bring something to protect you from the sun such as a hat or umbrella.
Camera, action cam or mobile phone cams to capture the scenery and take your selfies.

With its stunning architecture, picturesque grounds and amazing views of surrounding areas, Caleruega is a worthwhile destination for any traveler. For the religious pilgrim, on the other hand, it serves as a venue to experience solemnity and silence to pray and reflect.

Caleruega Church is located at 4231 Calruega Road, Barangay Caylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas, open daily from 6am to 5.30pm. Visitors are charged an entrance fee of Php30/person and a parking fee of Php40/car.

You can also join a Tagaytay Day tour that includes a visit to Calaruega. Book your tour via Klook and use my code JELLYBEANS to score discounts (5% for new users and 3% for existing users).

To stay updated on its news and activities, follow Calaruega Church on Facebook.

Balikbayans’ re-introduction to Pinoy cuisine at Locavore Kitchen & Drinks

We Pinoys have a special relationship with our food.

For many of us, Filipino food is synonymous withe comforting home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by our nanays, or special heritage dishes passed down through generations in our family.

All of these delicious food is always best enjoyed in the company of our kin.

This is why when our tita and pinsan from the States came over, our extended family hosted a dinner for them at Locavore Kitchen & Drinks in Kapitolyo.

The restaurant was established in 2014 by a group of friends who shared a passion for food and sustainability. Since then, it has gained a loyal clientele and eventually expanded its operations to multiple locations.

Its cozy and laid-back vibe also makes it a perfect spot for our family get-together.

Locavore got its name from a restaurant concept that emphasizes the use of locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. This means that the restaurant sources their ingredients from local farmers and producers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supporting the local economy.

Locavore’s menu is inspired by traditional Filipino cuisine but with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients, including fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat.

To re-introduce our balikbayan relatives to the tasty possibilities of Filipino food, we ordered our tried-and-tested favorites:

Fried Oyster Sisig (₱450). Aklan oysters fried with chopped white onions and green chilis.

Sugpo con Mayonesa (₱990). Prawns stir-fried with garlic in butter, crabfat amd mayonnaise.

Gising Gising (₱370). Julliened sigarilyas, French beans, garlic, spring onions and shallot confit simmered in coconut milk.

Sizzling Sinigang (₱660). Locavore’s deliciously fresh take on the classic sinigang made with beef short ribs in tamarind gravy with sauteed garlic confit and French beans.

Tuna Panga (₱520). Baked jaw of tuna drizzled with bagging java glaze and served with shredded radish and lime slices.

Sizzling Pandesal Pudding (₱260). Cheese pandesal soaked in custard with salted egg and dulce de leche topped with vanilla ice cream.

With its mouth-watering showcase of the possibilities present in Filipino cuisine, is it any wonder that we chose to Locavore to re-acquaint our balikbayan relatives to Pinoy food and reconnect them to their Pinoy roots?

This Locavore Kitchen & Drinks branch is located at 10 Brixton Street, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 6842014.

Other branches are located in the following areas:

GF 1880 Eastwood Ave Bldg, Bagumbayan, Quezon City (Tel: +63 917 5120159)
Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (Tel: +63 917 5742017)
Ground Level, Three Central, Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati (Tel: +63 917 1782018)
Ground Level, S’Maison, Seaside Blvd, Pasay (Tel: +63 917 8472747)
Upper Ground, SM Bacoor, Bgy Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway corner Tirona Highway, Bacoor, Cavite (Tel: +63 917 1472022)

To stay updated on its menu and offers, follow Locavore Kitchen & Drinks on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Locavore:

Classic Filipino dishes with a twist at Locavore, Kapitolyo

Not your ordinary Filipino food at Locavore, BGC

Pasalubong from Pampanga: Cheesebread from LBS Bakeshop

During one of our get-togethers, my boss gave each member of the team something really special: a box of those famous Pampanga cheesebread from LBS Bakeshop.

This Pampanga cheesebread is a beloved local specialty that has made a name for itself, not just within Pampanga, but also beyond, with city slickers from the metro clamoring for it whenever friends would venture north.

This soft and fluffy bread has a lovely mix of milky, sweet and salty flavors from the soft and fluffy bread to the fragrant sugary cheese streusel topping. The combination of these flavors and textures creates a taste sensation that is hard to resist.

It is also quite affordable, a treat that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, regardless of their budget.

Pair it with some local hot chocolate and you’ve got a delicious combination of comfort foods for your breakfast or coffee break, or to enjoy during cold and rainy days. Count on the sweet and slightly salty taste of Pampanga cheesebread to complement the rich and creamy flavor of hot chocolate.

It’s no wonder, then, that the cheesebread is such a well-loved staple and a point of pride among Kapampangans. It has become a symbol of the province’s culinary expertise and a must-try for anyone visiting the area.

So, where do you go to get your hands on this celebrated local delicacy? Well, if you’re in San Fernando, Pampanga, just proceed to J. Abad Santos Street in Barangay Sto. Rosario to get a box (or two… or three!) to bring home with you or for your pasalubong to family and friends back in the metro.

A mini box of 18 pieces costs just Php180 while a regular box of 30 pieces will set you back just Php210.

Aside from cheesebread, you may also like to check out LBS Bakeshop’s other pastry offers such as Spanish Bread, Coconut Pie, Pan de Coco, Special Pan de Sal, Pan de Lemon, Putok, Monay and Hopia Kundol.

Call in your orders for pick-up via +63 45 9613457 or +63 917 5747594. To stay updated on its products and offers, follow LBS Bakeshop on Facebook and Instagram.

5 fun facts about Antipolo’s Hinulugang Taktak

Tayo na sa Antipolo
At doo'y maligo tayo
Sa batis na kung tawagin
Ay hi-hi-hinulugang taktak

A tour of Antipolo in the Rizal Province would not be complete without a visit to its most famous tourist attraction, immortalized in the folk song “Tayo na sa Antipolo.”

This landmark is called Hinulugang Taktak, a scenic waterfall located in a national park that covers 3.2 hectares of land. It is considered the second most popular national park, following the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.

Fancy a visit to this celebrated natural wonder? Here are some fun facts to regale your companions with during your trip:

1. What’s in a name?

If you ever wondered how the waterfall got its name, Hinulugang Taktak literally means “where the bell was dropped.” Legend has it that a giant bell was dropped into the waterfall by the townspeople during the Philippine Revolution to prevent it from being taken by the Spanish colonial authorities.

Our ancestors sure knew how to stick it to the colonizers, didn’t they?

2. Protection and rehabilitation

The waterfall was declared a National Park in 1933, making it one of the oldest protected areas in the Philippines.

It used to be a popular swimming spot for locals and tourists (hence the mention in the song). However, due to pollution, the waterfall was closed to the public in 2000 for rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation efforts proved to be successful, and the waterfall was reopened in 2018. Today, visitors can enjoy the newly renovated park, which features a picnic area, walking trails, and viewing decks.

In 2018, Hinulugang Taktak was declared a Ramsar site, which is a wetland area of international importance. The designation recognizes the importance of the waterfall and its surrounding ecosystem for biodiversity conservation.

It is home to at least eleven species of trees and to various wildlife.

The waterfall is also a popular spot for birdwatching. The park is home to several bird species, including the Philippine bulbul, the olive-backed sunbird, and the Philippine pygmy woodpecker.

3. Onscreen appearances

Hinulugang Taktak has been featured in several Filipino movies and television shows, one of which is the 1947 black and white film “Himala ng Birhen sa Antipolo” topbilled Rosa del Rosario and Rogelio dela Rosa.

It has also been featured on various talk shows such as Kris TV and Byahe ni Drew.

4. Closing, rehabilitation and reopening

To stem the degradation of the falls from pollution, it was designated as a national park in September 1990, and it became a protected landscape in November 2000.

As the river itself was deemed unsafe for swimming due to accumulated water pollution, a nearby pool was constructed for swimmers.

An oil spill in 2015 forced the closure of the park for eleven days and the intensification of efforts to rehabilitate it.

After rehabilitation, it reopened on February 13, 2020 with new recreational activities installed which include a spider web platform, canopy walk, rappelling and a wall climbing facility.

5. Get in for free!

That’s right: you and your friends can visit the park for free: there’s no entrance fee and no need for reservation.

The recreational activities are also free to use on a first-come, first-served basis to park visitors fourteen years old and older. Here are a few safety reminders:

No pets allowed
Guests are advised to wear pants or shorts (no dress or skirts) as well as closed shoes (sandals, doll shoes, high-heeled shoes, adjustable crocs and bicycle shoes not allowed)

The following activities are strictly prohibited inside the park:

Cutting, destroying or picking of plants
Any act of vandalism
Hunting of gamebirds and other animals
Littering and smoking
Carrying of firearms and deadly weapons
Collecting insects
Drinking alcoholic beverages
Unauthorized selling of any kinds of goods
Any form of gambling

So if you’re in the Antipolo area, don’t miss the opportunity to wonder at nature and the great outdoors as well as immerse yourself in local history and culture at Hinulugang Taktak!

Hinulugang Taktak Nature & Adventure Park is located along Daang Bakal Road, Sitio Taktak, Barangay Dela Paz, Antipolo, Rizal.

The park is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 7am to 4pm.

Check out my previous posts about Antipolo attractions:

5 reasons to celebrate birthdays at Vikings Luxury Buffet, SM Marikina

Quick question: Where do you usually take the fam or the barkada when it’s someone’s birthday?

Chances are: Vikings Luxury Buffet is right at the top of your shortlist, right?

And why not? Celebrating someone’s natal day here calls to mind the grandiose shindigs that the legendary Vikings held where food and drink overflowed for days until everyone is fully satisfied.

If you’re still on the fence on whether you should hold birthday festivities at Vikings Luxury Buffet, here are five reasons why:

1. Festive atmosphere

The restaurant is designed to create a cheery yet elegant atmosphere that makes your group’s dining experience even more enjoyable.

Equipped the largest buffet areas found in the country, Vikings brings and ambiance of splendor and opulence to its diners.

The spacious dining area is decorated with elegant fixtures and comfortable seating, and the staff is friendly and attentive. They provide excellent service, ensuring that your needs are met throughout your dining experience.

2. Wide selection of dishes

Vikings offers a variety of international cuisines, including Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more, all specially prepared by its team of world-class chefs. The entire party can find everything they crave for – whether appetizers, entrees, seafood, meats or desserts – one plate at a time among the different stations for each cuisine:

Japanese: fresh sushi, sashimi and tempura
Chinese: dim sum and noodles
Filipino: classic dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon
Carving: various roasted meats
Pastas and Pizzas
Desserts

With such an extensive array of dishes, the birthday celebrant, and the whole group, will be able to enjoy old favorites as well as try out new cuisines to explore.

3. Eat all you can!

Vikings Luxury Buffet is an all-you-can-eat restaurant, which means the entire party can enjoy as much food as they want for the fixed adult rate of Php988 on weekdays and Php1,088 on weekends.

This way, everyone can savor their favorites or try out different dishes without having to worry about the cost.

Bringing the young ‘uns with you? Here are the buffet rates for the kiddos:

Kids below 3 feet: FREE
Kids 3 feet to 4 feet: Php338 (weekday lunch and dinner) | Php388 (weekend/holiday lunch and dinner)
Kids 4 feet to 6 feet: Php598 (weekday lunch and dinner) | Php698 (weekend/holiday lunch and dinner)

(All buffet rates subject to 5% service charge)

Be mindful of food waste, okay? Make sure that everyone takes only what they can eat and go back for seconds if needed.

4. Birthday celebrants eat for FREE!

Who can forget Vikings’ much-loved promo which allows birthday celebrants to tale full advantage of the restaurant’s delicious buffet spread – from its signature dishes to unique local flavors – absolutely FREE!

All they have to do is a bring a full-paying adult on their actual birthday or four full-paying adults if their visit falls within their birth month. (Be sure to bring a valid government-issued ID).

5. Cheers all you can too!

Go ahead and pair your food with your own alcoholic beverage. You can bring as many bottles as you want with no corkage fee.

So the next time someone’s birthday comes around, you know where to take them and the entire party to eat like a Viking, celebrating great times with great company and great food!

This Vikings Luxury Buffet branch is located at the 2nd Floor, SM City Marikina, Barangay Calumpit, Marikina City, open for lunch service daily from 11am to 2.30pm, and for dinner service Sundays to Thursdays from 5pm to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 5pm to 10pm.

Other Vikings Luxury Buffet branches in Metro Manila are located at:

SM Mall of Asia
SM Megamall
SM North EDSA
SM Jazz Mall
SM BF Paranaque
The Venue

For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 88454647 (8-VIKINGS) or book your table online.

An Exquisite Saga-gyu and Wine Adventure at The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room

Have ‘A Taste of Japan’ as The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room invites you to an evening of epicurean journey with its exclusive Saga-gyu dinner paired with bespoke wine.

The most discerning meat fans and wine enthusiasts will be treated to a 7-course dinner featuring dishes curated by our special guest chef from Japan, Hiroki Samata—a classically-trained chef and master butcher whose impeccable knife skills are admired by many.

Saga-gyu at The Manila Hotel — Guest Chef Hiroki Samata. Book your The Manila Hotel stay here.

Chef Samata will exhibit his culinary creativity with a menu that puts the spotlight on Saga-gyu beef which is one of the world’s most revered delicacies. But what makes this illustrious meat stand out among the rest? Saga beef cows live a life of comfort and luxury, nurtured using expert breeding techniques, and are free to relish the infinite beauty of Saga’s natural surroundings. As a result, the cows produce a perfect balance of fat marbled in lean meat, known in Japanese as tsuya-sashi or “glossy marbling” which is the key to its melt-in-your-mouth texture and unparalleled flavor.

To make the dining experience more enjoyable, our partner Titania Wine Cellar will guide our diners with wine pairing nuances using their extensive range of quality wines such as Piccini Memoro Italia Bianco and Chateau Loyasson Bordeaux AOC, to name a few.

This elegant night of fine dining and wine pairing will be held exclusively on March 15, 2023 at 7PM at the Champagne Room. Seats are limited to 40 persons and are priced at Php 10,000 nett per person.

For inquiries and reservations, call (+632) 85270011 or (+632) 53015500 locals 1262-1266, 1300. You may also send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com or r.champagneroom@themanilahotel.com.

About The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, the Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms. Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa and Manila Hotel Health Club. It has 6 dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of international buffet delights; The Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila—it features French cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of jazz music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and The Deli that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.

Book your stay at The Manila Hotel via Klook.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.