Pinay Mountain Chef

Ensaymada

2012-01-28T14:30:00.002+08:00

breakfast of ensaymada topped with a generous amount grated quezo de bola.
Bliss!

Guyabano Tea

2012-01-28T14:23:00.002+08:00

A pasalubong gift from a friend who came back from Colombo, Sri Lanka-- authentic ceylon tea. Surprised to find this sour sop (guyabano) flavor tea. I was a bit apprehensive to make my morning tea with this but was happily surprised that it tasted really good.

Tea and aroma therapy rolled into one.

Cheers!

Dried Mango

2012-01-28T14:12:00.003+08:00

Dried mangoes from Cebu. These are the generic mangoes that we picked up from Tabo-an Market. No added sugar during drying compared to the commercial one available in the super markets. All natural sweetness. Nice and chewy.

We bought two different kinds the mango chips and in the photo dried mango slices. I was not able to photograph the mango chips but for me they seem to pack more flavor in their tiny slices.

Tabo-an Dried Fish Market

2012-01-22T09:29:00.007+08:00

Here are some tips for travelers who want to visit and buy dried fish at the Tabo-an Market in Cebu. Marketing can be done in less than 30 minutes if you already know what you want to buy and what to do.
1. Plan to go there in the very early morning. Preferably before breakfast
2. Wear you oldest clothes or your shirt that you don't plan to wear again during your trip.
3. Go to the market wearing your slippers. Its really dry and clean at the market, but you will be able to easily wash your slippers after the trip rather than your shoes.
4. Just bring enough cash, just bring your bill fold not your wallet (you know why after)
5. Have the salesladies segregate your dried fish into 1/8 kg or 1/4 kg or mix then they will wrap and package it in a box for your ready for check in at the airport.
6. When you go back to your hotel place it at the concierge.
7. Take a bath and then roll and wrap all the clothes you wore in a plastic bag and seal it. Even your undies will smell of fish. You will not realize this until way after you get back.
8. After clean up you can have breakfast.
And oh the bills-- make sure you use your bill fold otherwise your purse will smell like dried fish. It was a good photo walk and "pasalubong" adventure.

A local resident mentioned that these are not really from Cebu but the dried fish are sourced from Pagadian or Zamboanga.

very good "vacuum" packing of the dried fish or squids. In the photo are danggit, squids, and fish tapa.

dried octopus anyone?

Zubuchon

2012-01-19T06:51:00.002+08:00

Best pig ever! uttered by Anthony Bourdain himself after biting into this local lechon

Finally met Market Man of Market Manila in Cebu during Sinulog 2012.

If you want to taste the best pig ever you can order and it will be flown in from Cebu. You just need to pick it up from the airport of destination =) see MM's entry about Sinulog 2012 for contact numbers.

Adarna

2011-12-09T07:59:00.005+08:00

rebosadong tokwa
ginataang puso ng saging
ginulay na kangkong na may malutong na dilis

pancit ng Tondo

Caramel Pilipit and Pancit Habhab

2011-11-02T06:14:00.005+08:00

One of my favorite desserts but this one in particular because it reminds me of my childhood request to my lolo to always bring me a pasalubong from bayan (town center). My grandparents will always bring me pilipit wrapped banana leaves. The brown sugar caramel forms a crispy crunchy crust on top of the chewy center.

Pilipit is rarely served in restaurants and very few have this on offer. This caramel pilipitis served at Cafe Quezon. A little bit different than what I had in Laguna back in the days.

Classic pancit habhab of Quezon. The difference from the traditional one is that this one is served on a plate and eaten with a fork. The traditional way of serving this is on a piece of banana leaf just big enough to be held by your hand then eaten directly from the palm as it were. served with generous dash of vinegar.

Turon

2011-09-29T08:32:00.001+08:00

On a rainy afternoon, specially during bagyong Pedring, we sought comfort in food and home made miryenda.

Simple to make and affordable. You will need
(1) bananas saba variety not too ripe
(2) lumpia wrapper
(3) brown sugar
(4) Langka
(5) cooking oil

Slice the bananas into thin strips, arrange in the middle of lumpia wrapper, insert some langka threads and sprinkle with brown sugar. Roll neatly and seal with a few drops of water. Fry in hot oil. Drain in paper towels or tissue. Serve hot.

Good with coffee or tea. Enjoy!
comfort food even in the worst kind of weather.

Calamansi Pie

2011-09-27T07:03:00.001+08:00

Calamansi pie by Earnest Bakes

Taho

2011-09-09T05:57:00.002+08:00

This post was inspired by an article I read many years ago about a journalist sharing her experience of the Philippines. One of the things she will miss is taho, as there is no taho in Sydney.

Usually on offer locally on the streets by a man shouting with all the air in his lungs "tahooo, tahoooo". I remember when I was young we bring out our own cups and glasses. Taho is served with sago and caramel. Soft and warm, you can drink it after swishing it around or you can use a spoon and slowly savor like I do.

Cheesecake in a cup (with a surprise in the bottom)

2011-09-06T07:56:00.002+08:00

for more information visit Earnest Bakes facebook page

Planking the Merry Macarons

2011-08-21T08:03:00.007+08:00

A breakfast with sunlight and macarons. Missed the sun these past few days.

Here is today's macaron adventure...

flavors include coffee, buko pandan, nutella, caramel and coco calamansi

strawberry, apple cinnamon, buko pandan, milk choco at chocnut!

Macarons baked by Merry Macarons of Maye Padilla
Delivered at your door step.

come to think of it...hot pandesal dati naman nilalako, pero ngayon wala na sasadyain mo pa.

Halo halo ala Donsol

2011-07-30T15:48:00.004+08:00

Maligayang Bati Elnora...isang hapunan

2011-06-30T08:34:00.002+08:00

Elnora's famous salad
inunon
Pansit for long life
buro from balaw balaw "mas mahal pa kita sa buro"
crispy chicken skin cracklings with spicy vinegar on the side

Strawberry shortcake

2011-05-26T07:51:00.002+08:00

You can find this cake in one of the hole-in-a-wall shop along session road in Baguio City. If I remember it right Vizco's.

Strawberry Fields Forever

2011-05-26T06:27:00.008+08:00

La Trinidad Valley, Benguet, strawberry fields. For about 300 to 500 pesos (US$6 to 10) you can opt to pick your own strawberries in the field or you can buy per kilo. It was early month of January the price was about 20 to 25 pesos per kilo.

The experience to be in field priceless unless you accidentally soak your flipflops into the black mud.

Mt. Isarog

2011-05-24T06:47:00.002+08:00

The TNF 100 trail running Philippine leg was held right here at the foot of Mt. Isarog in Camarines Sur.

time stood still

2011-03-24T07:04:00.006+08:00

Where have you been that has made time stand still for you?

Was inspired to recall these memories. Because being out there in the water is a big part of my life here are my top ten unforgettable moments when my heart seemed to skip a beat or two.

1. Swimming with the dolphins in the wild in the waters of Cawili island in the Sulu sea

2. Diving in Tubbataha at the north atoll's shark airport. A black tip shark turned its head towards me and I remembered I had my monthly period that time

3. Witnessing an ancient green turtle lay 140+ eggs in Taganak island Tawi tawi

4. Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia with a school of squids

5. Touching a dugong in the wild while trying to help it to be free from the fish pens in Hinatuan Bay

6. Interact with whalesharks in Donsol 19 times in one morning

7. Being surrounded with a school of jack fish in Apo Island-- it felt like a moving white wall

8. Entering the small underwater cave passage to get to the Secret beach of El Nido-- in the middle of a red tide

9. Diving off season in Tubbataha and 9 eagle rays swim by in perfect formation

10. In Bohol, on a two man single out rigger boat, while in the middle of paddling through the waves and trying to take photo our small boat over turned when I opened my eyes I was a few inches away from the coral reef.

Sigh

Mt Pinatubo - Part 6 Crater Lake

2011-02-14T07:34:00.000+08:00

Mt Pinatubo - Part 5 Hike into the Forest

2011-02-14T07:27:00.001+08:00

Mt Pinatubo -Part 4 Start Trek

2011-02-14T07:20:00.000+08:00

Mt Pinatubo - Part 3 Jump Off and Skyway

2011-02-14T07:14:00.001+08:00

Mt Pinatubo - Part 2 Mga Katutubo

2011-02-14T07:09:00.000+08:00

Mt Pinatubo - Part 1 The Approach via 4 x4

2011-02-14T07:04:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year 2011

2011-02-03T07:10:00.002+08:00

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Its the year of the rabbit =)

Dinner at President's Tea House along Salazar St in Manila's China Town

Smores

2011-01-26T23:40:00.001+08:00

open fire grilled marshmallow on a branch and chocolate in between graham crackers =smores

Panther Creek Summer of 2010

2011-01-26T23:10:00.000+08:00

Ihaw ihaw sa Panther Creek

2011-01-26T23:02:00.001+08:00

grilled tofu and turkey lurkey sausage for the flexitarians

our designated camp site at Panther Creek

Inihaw na liempo

birthday cheese cake

2011-01-26T23:00:00.000+08:00

Blueberry cheese cake the birthday cake of Lex

Macarons at your door

2010-05-30T01:27:00.002+08:00

I ordered a dozen premium macarons from George Rochas for my special day a couple of months ago. These fine goodies were delivered at my door step. Pure indulgence.

my curiosity for macarons was spurred by stories of Market Manila's trip to France and their journey to find and sample the best.

Shalimar of wanderlust is inspiring me to take better food portraits :)

simple joys indeed!

Para sa Pamilya Danao

2010-05-29T18:11:00.009+08:00

Isang despedida para sa pamilya Danao. Isang gabi bago mag semana santa kumain kami sa Ninyo. Kakaibang fish and chips ang nahain sa amin. The fish were coated with nori and the chips were actually thinly shred and flavored with cheese and wasabi.

Laking gulat namin ng makita namin si Louis noong gabi na yon! Thank you to Esmyra for driving the two families to Ninyo.

baked oysters with fish roe

The two kids bonded and sampled the pasta which is just OK. We cook mean pasta at the house :) and then some.

We will miss you Nins, Lui and Toni. We hope to visit you while you are there :)

My project now in the front row

2010-05-29T18:09:00.000+08:00

alt="Happiness Project" / />

Little Quiapo Sago at Gulaman

2010-03-21T20:44:00.002+08:00

It was a hot summer day today. Been thinking of various ways to cool down. Halo halo on my mind that is why I posted our Tagaytay halo halo. Photos above of Sago and black Gulaman from Little Quiapo along Malakas St. two tumblings away from the house. They also have good mango shake.

Photo of sisig below was the order of companions. I cooked up some tuna sisig at home this weekend but did not take any good photos but just to let you know it is as sizzling as this one below. Much better because our version is homemade and I put olive oil. We ate it with chopped tomatoes and cilantro (wansoy in the local grocery).

Halo Halo at Tagaytay

2010-03-21T10:06:00.002+08:00

Peanut Butter ala Elvis

2010-03-21T09:53:00.007+08:00

Tatay tried the Elvis peanut butter sandwich with slices of banana and bacon. Just the right combination of sweetness of peanut butter combined with the saltiness of bacon.

I ordered peanut butter and marmalade. Our dessert last weekend after pizza and pasta at Joey Pepperoni which I will not blog about.

By the way, at the background near the SM sign is a booth where you can exchange your old incandecent bulbs for free new CFL bulbs. Be kind to our environment and use CFLs. Each household with one bill can exchange up to 6 free CFLs.

When you plan to visit the store you can plan to visit the CFL booth as well.

Peanut Butter and Co.

2nd floor Main Building

near the entrance/exit on the 2nd level gardens going to Annex

His Love is Constant

2010-02-14T23:41:00.001+08:00

I was eating my last fortune cookie from Eng Bee Tin at Ongpin to celebrate the Chinese New Year. I was elated to receive one reaffirming message of faith and love.

I am reminded yet once again that indeed His love is constant.

*happiness*

Prosperity Fruits at Ongpin Chinese New Year

2010-02-14T23:25:00.003+08:00

Prosperity fruits for the new year

After eating at nom nom nom today, we took a jeep to Quiapo and a padyak to Ongpin to celebrate the chinese new year. This is the year that valentines day fell on the same day. There were a lot of photographers in China town today.

My favorite photo for the day

At the breakfast table on vday

2010-02-14T23:17:00.003+08:00

Got this free cheesecake factory blue berry cheese cake from teriyaki boy banawe branch after the spa. The other heart shape muffin from Isay and Tatay. Friday evening she handed me the dunkin donut box.

Nom nom nom on Valentines day

2010-02-14T22:44:00.008+08:00

We had lunch today at nom nom nom a hole in the wall cafe

We ordered specialty of the house on offer the malinomnom pizza toppings of tinapa, kesong puti, itlog na maalat with tomatoes and spring onions. The crust is home made. It was good very similar to the pizza of Camalig in Angeles City. I love anchovies better than tinapa but I was happily surprised by texture and there is no tomato sauce by the way. It is served with chili oil.

For appetizers we ordered four play made up of classic salsa, humus, eggplant pate and whole grilled garlic clove which is very good with the chips.

For Isay we ordered tomato aligue pasta. Nice combination of flavors just the right blend not salty nor sweet.The hemp pasta. well I was not really blown away by this one. It is the usual pesto. Maybe I was expecting an extra ordinary twist.

nom nom nom

#1 Tomas Marato St cor E. Rodriguez

Lower Ground GYY Building

Cafe by the Ruins

2010-01-31T17:40:00.003+08:00

scones and camote bread with santol jam and butter on the side

ceylon tea-- refillable with hot water hehehe

one of my favorite breakfast places

camote bread and basil bread with creamy fish roe pate

tea with honey and lemon wedge

Gingerbread house at the Manor

2010-01-31T17:19:00.003+08:00

the whole wall of the in house bakery made up of sweet smelling ginger bread

strawberry cheese cake!

sampling

The Manor's bakery at Camp John Hay, Baguio City

Forest House Bistro and Cafe part 3

2010-01-31T17:00:00.001+08:00

wine...

one of the best fish and chips I've tasted

from one the best restaurants in the country

Strawberry crinkles or taho anyone?

2010-01-31T09:44:00.003+08:00

Strawberry crinkles. This dozen pack for less than a dollar.

Strawberry Taho (warm soft soybean curds served with strawberry syrup for only 10 pesos about 25 cents US)

Forest House Bistro and Cafe part 2

2010-01-31T09:28:00.002+08:00

Isabel's order beef tenders I think

Grilled spareribs with mashed potatoes fresh Baguio beans (how fresh can you get when you are in Baguio na talaga?)

Spicy tuna fettuccine with herb focaccia for moi!

love the table settings and the warm wooden tables

Forest House Bistro and Cafe part 1

2010-01-31T09:10:00.003+08:00

Here we are having early dinner with Tatay, Ninang and Ate Isabel

There is a nice quote in my soup!

Here I am with Nanay at the terrace. The bistro was fully booked for the night and we just asked if we can look around and take pictures. We decided to buy some cake to go, then the supervisor talked to us. Since it is still early he offered us that we can have dinner right then and there since reservations start at 7 pm. He offered us this table which was reserved for the mayor himself. Wow, so nice! We had a great dinner indeed what a way to start the year!

A table with a view :)

Here we are the yaya sisterhood! mother and daugther tandems.

I will post the food that was served to us in the coming post:)

Baguio Street food

2010-01-31T08:56:00.002+08:00

Photos taken by Issa the daughter of my dear friend Ina :) she borrowed the D60 and happily clicked away

At the Burnham Park with Isay and lady selling the fresh watermelons

"Binatog"-- is made from white corn kernels that are boiled then served with coconut shavings with milk and sugar

barbeque, hotdog, isaw, betamax (grilled boiled chicken blood squares), chicken gizzard

Casa San Pablo Viaje del Sol

2009-06-06T11:42:00.001+08:00

When my daughter saw the huge lawn and the trees, she walked out on her own, spread her arms and exclaimed "wow!"

Pinaltok at Suman

2009-06-06T11:33:00.003+08:00

Pinaltok is one of the commonly served snack in Laguna. It is made of balls of malagkit (sticky) rice with small sago (tapioca) cooked slowly on coconut milk flavored with pandan leaves with a hint of langka (jackfruit). This is the favorite of my Inay. It was a trip down memory lane when we visited Casa San Pablo.

Suman are wrapped in banana leaves. Made of sticky rice as well but cooked differently. I think it is streamed. But not really sure. I should refer you to the experts on this one. But despite my initial hesitation of additional carbs, eventually I cannot stop myself from peeling another one and enjoying the simple and irresistable fare.

More Chocolates in Wageningen!

2009-04-04T15:52:00.003+08:00

forget the calories, I am drooling over these chocolates :)

After class, if there are no meetings or anything you will find me here in this candy store :)

Chocolates

2009-04-04T15:36:00.002+08:00

I spent my very first euro at this candy store for a bag of dark dark swiss chocolates. One of my favorite things are chocolates. Where else in the world can you buy better chocolates than from the Swiss and Belgians?

I am like a little girl all over again drooling over all the chocolates

I will be posting more photos of the chocolates.

Cheese!!!

2009-03-10T04:17:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday, there was the open market here at Wageningen, Netherlands. I was really excited to see all these fromage! Cheese, cheese, cheese in all shapes and sizes.

I love cheese. When you enter this store the smell is of old cheese. Parang napasok ka sa sandwich :) hehehe ngayon ko lang naisip itong analogy na ito.

lunch fare

2009-03-10T04:07:00.002+08:00

The bread was really good. The croissant was really really good the size was just right for the bite. Just the right it was flaky and very soft. Always served warm. I eat as much as 8 pieces in one sitting.

The pasta is not so good. We make better penne at home.

Ratatouille

2009-03-09T18:15:00.001+08:00

This is the first time that I tasted Ratatouille. But I watched the movie and loved it.

Food in the Netherlands

2009-03-09T18:09:00.000+08:00

This is my first week in Wageningen, Netherlands. We ate alot of fruit, bread, pasta etc. I will be posting more of the food we are served here.

Tom's Restaurant in NYC

2008-09-25T23:09:00.002+08:00

this is what Go ordered Bagel with Lox. I asked: ano yung lox? salmon daw.

This is what I ate after the Broadway Musical RENT at Tom's Resto. May isang sitcom daw sa America na dito nag shooting Seinfeld pero di naman ako nanonood nun kaya n.r. pero natuwa na rin ako sa lahat ng pangyayari! Salamat talaga at may kapatid si Mayang sa New York at may sariling apartment malapit sa Columbia Univ.

si Dada at Gogo ito :)

chocolates in Ft. Lauderdale

2008-09-18T10:00:00.002+08:00

At the time we took the water taxi to the mall at Ft. Lauderdale, I found this Godiva shop launching and introducing some new kind of drink. So lucky I got to taste these goodies for free :) yummy on a hot and humid afternoon when we visited.

Chinese dinner at Seattle

2008-09-17T15:43:00.001+08:00

We ate dinner at this Chinese restaurant in Seattle after visiting the Ballard locks.

Dolphin fish (not the dolphin mind you)

2008-09-14T17:16:00.004+08:00

This is the dinner plate of dolphin fish on a bed of fresh salad which tasted like Tanigue but with a salmon-like texture without the "lansa". It was good. We had dinner at the Raw Bar along Cordova St. in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Yes this is dolphin fish. Fish not the mammal.

This is located at the end of one of the canals where the boats are "parked". I didn't realize that we were really close to the water because I thought we were all the while in the middle of the city. This photo was taken at the back of the resto. The facade is very simple and looks like a garage. But when you enter, it looks like a bar right out of the movies. We waited to have a seat outside. This was around 8pm in the evening.

Honey and Lavender

2008-09-13T23:16:00.004+08:00

I was curious what these were and asked the lady who said "flavored honey"

fresh lavender for US5$ I was so tempted to pick some at the park and sidewalks

A 98$ Cherry Wood cup

2008-09-13T23:09:00.002+08:00

Found these gorgeous wooden cooking spoons on offer still at Pike Place.

Poppy pods

2008-09-13T23:04:00.002+08:00

I love lemon poppy seed muffins. I discovered a few years ago. While I was able to buy poppy seeds, I do not know or have seen where they come from until I saw this bunch at Pike Place Market.

They say that one should not eat poppy seeds before you fly international as this seems to give out a sort of "pulbura" scent that can be misinterpreted by the airport authorities.

REI

2008-09-13T22:49:00.003+08:00

Syempre when you are in Seattle, a mountaineer must visit the flagship store of REI. It was a huge store but very similar to the one in Bonifacio High Street ROX. I think that was patterned after REI. My cousin Edward has a membership card he lent us for the day. I guess I was expecting more but it was a bit anti-climatic because it is so much like ROX. Still I was excited to see all those gears. I took my time looking at the TNF jackets on sale but the choices are not that many.

There were a lot of gear on sale but still over my budget. But still I was able to buy a pair of pink TNF slippers for baby which is 50% off. I was trying on the largest size for kids but they didn't have my size. Oh well, it was not meant to be.

Until the next day which I received a huge blessing. I will be sharing about that in the coming post!

Pike Place Fish Market

2008-09-13T22:35:00.004+08:00

When I went to Seattle, I asked friends where are the best place I can visit. Almost on everyone's list is Pike place Market. I love my photos of these Salmon and Alaskan King Crab.

They said that I should watch for the time when they "throw" fish around. But I did not get to see that when I was there. I was thinking it must be like the one in Gen San where they actually individually carry the tuna so that it will not be damaged while being transported or so I heard.

Pike Place Market is really a farmers and a fishers market with lots of fresh produce and fresh catch. Add to that a long line of artsy "tiangge" (flea market). I will be posting some of the fresh flowers I saw on offer.

Definitely it is one of Seattle's landmark and a must see.

authentic Thai food

2008-06-28T11:04:00.004+08:00

Our first lunch in Thailand. My taste buds were reeling from the flavors! Basically it all taste super spicy like a sledgehammer pounding on each of my taste buds!

We had this meal at the port of Koh Chang almost near the boarder of Cambodia.

not TNF

2008-06-28T10:48:00.002+08:00

found this imitation TNF in one of the shops in Koh Chang, Thailand. Almost bought them when I checked the labels and workmanship it an imitation. I told my Pinoy companion na its not the real thing when she asked me about it. Price range from 400 to 700 Baht. that is time 1.3 to convert it to peso.

I'd rather buy the real thing.

X deals for a good deed

2008-04-16T23:46:00.000+08:00

Last February, I received word that my post graduate thesis (actually referred to as Special Problem at UP) was accepted for presentation at the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium this event will be for July 2008. This event takes place every 4 years where marine conservationist, researchers, students and practitioners gather together to share and learn the developments in coral reef conservation. Four years ago it was held at Okinawa, Japan. I've been so blessed that I was able to receive a grant from Packard in 2004 and was able to actively participate. The host this year will be Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. But this time I am unable to secure a grant from ISRS Intl Society of Reef Studies.

I am now actively searching for possible sponsors. I reached out to several organizations for support and still awaiting for their reply. But I am happy to share that as of today I am able to raise approximately 20% of my travel cost with a couple of confirmed pledges from sponsors! God bless you! You know who you are!

Learning from Aloy, Ala and others who creatively raised funds, I am now kindly asking for your help. I am open for X-deals for donations to support my travel in exchange for a good deed. It can be a research project that you may need help, a slide presentation for a wedding of a friend, deliver flowers to a loved one, something that can be done in a week or two, let me know what you need help on. Just as long as it is legal and is fair to all concerned :)

Lastly, if you know of any organization that provides travel grants and support specially for women of the 3rd world please let me know email me at day_flores@yahoo.com.

Watermelon

2008-01-10T01:13:00.001+08:00

new year tradition

2008-01-10T00:59:00.001+08:00

Every year on the 31st of December prices of all kinds of fruits hike up to almost unreasonable price tags. This is because of the new year's tradition that a home should have 13 kinds of "round" fruits on their table as the family welcomes the coming new year.

This year like before we did not have the complete number of fruits. We only had a couple of apples from my sister, then a pear, two ponkans, three dalandans and a dozen or more brown chico. Now that I am writing it, I realized that unintentionally it sounds like the song!!! hahaha!!

There were some things I learned this year like putting cotton on a plate at the dinner table so that the coming year will be "magaan ang pasok" (light and easy for the family they say). Then from a friend's house I noticed that she put in a small creme-brulee-like-container a handful of rice and they said about 16 pieces of coins to bring in luck and prosperity in the coming year.

These are just some of the things that people do here in my country while welcoming in the new year. Although I do not practice all of these traditions, it is very interesting to see all the preparation that goes into collecting all of the "round" fruits for the new year.

Kalamansi

2008-01-10T00:40:00.001+08:00

Kalamansi is one of my favorite local "lemon". It is widely used in the Filipino kitchen. Regular fare on the table as part of side sauce together with soy sauce or fish sauce.

They are very good sources of vitamin C because my Lola used to prepare warm kalamansi juice if I have colds and coughs. But still it can be enjoyed chilled and iced like any fruit juices.

Mango Bravo

2008-01-07T17:41:00.001+08:00

New year feast! Conti's Mango Bravo! it is huge. My friend and her daughter lined up early morning to be able to buy this great dessert for the new year's eve dinner!

It is not too sweet. Light because it is layers meringue with lots of cashew nuts in between and a good layer of chocolate mousse. It was the electric fan that did it though. When you eat this it has to be far from the fan or it might just collapse. It was a good treat!

I've been so blessed with good food this holiday season and I didn't have to prepare and cook the whole day like years past.

Seafood Kare kare

2007-11-09T06:35:00.002+08:00

Kare kare is usually made from pork and oxtail. But since I dont eat pork or beef, we ordered this one. This Seafood Kare kare is made of tahong and tulya basically two kinds of bivalves found in the Philippine market. The vegetables are sitaw (long beans), talong (eggplant) and pechay (pakchoy). The sauce is a mixture of broth with peanut butter. But this one we ordered in Camayan beach doesn't to have much which I prefer. It is not too salty which is good. Although this dish always served with "bagoong" or sauteed shrimp paste on the side. Best eaten with white fluffy hot steamed rice. :-)

On a scale of 1-10. This serving is a 6. Becuase our Ninang had some comments on how they should properly cook their Kare Kare. Anyway it was a good lunch after visiting a good friend. Thanks to Kaila. We got a day's pass.

Puto Bungbong

2007-10-21T12:02:00.000+08:00

Filipino native snack made from sticky rice which was steamed in small chimney like steamers! Old recipes use purple colored rice but since there is scarcity of such the new version use food coloring. Usually served in banana leaves with grated fresh coconut, butter and brown sugar.

Usually during the Christmas season these are sold beside churches during "simbang gabi" or early morning mass. But now it is being sold even if it is not Christmas season.

Lansones

2007-10-15T07:07:00.001+08:00

The photo includes bananas and rambutans (the red hairy ones) and Lansones the yellow ones. It is Lansones season every October.

As far back as I can remember when I was a child about 6 or 7 at that time. During this time of the year at least half a dozen of 50 kilo kaing (local woven basket)will arrive at the old house in Alaminos. I remember the huge kaing packed up to double its height with banana leaves and I think slim abaca rope. We would open these up and let the fruits breath. They turn brown pretty fast specially after a long trip from Malanday where they were gathered.

I would help my late lola and tita put into a huge bilao the one that will remain in the house. I would eat my fill until I am bloated. We never bought lansones we actually sell them. Buying lansones for me at that time was unthinkable because we have our own trees. Thanks to my great great grandparents for planting the trees.

Lola would give to all the relatives in town. Then the other kaings will be sent to her sons and daughters in Manila. I miss them specially this time of the year. Whenever I see lansones being sold in the market, these early happy memories come back

The other day my sister called and said that we have this box from Laguna. I was excited and gathered the family and went to my sisters house to get our share. We received a huge bag that we can't even finish. The next day share the lot with people at the office.

Indeed the lansones are still as sweet. Always a reminder of the goodness of my grandparents.

Birthday cakes

2007-10-14T15:43:00.001+08:00

These are local commercial birthday cakes. It is reasonably priced. No fuss ordering. The mocha cake is better than the chocolate one.

There was one climb that I know of someone brought a birthday cake. Actually it was a secret that he was carrying one somewhere in his gear. I guess he really had a difficult time taking care that it is still intact until he arrives at camp. I really do not know how they managed it. But the celebrant was really happy!

tuyot na dragon fruit

2007-10-06T08:29:00.000+08:00

I did not try these fruits. I cant remember if ever in the past tried eating dragon fruit. I took this picture in Davao. I saw some of these dragon fruits in SM North hypermart and it seems a lot better than these one. Maybe I should buy some and try them out one of these days. They are just so colorful despite a looking like wilted flowers in the heat. Oh well that is the life of a fruit in a tropical island like ours.

Pansit Palabok / Pansit Luglog

2007-10-02T17:31:00.001+08:00

Last week was the birthday of my niece Kayla and we enjoyed this palabok. This bilao of Pansit Palabok / Pansit Luglog is from Red Ribbon. It taste better than most pansit palabok that use the thinner noodles. Jollibee serves something similar using the small thin version of the noodles but this one is alot better.

Before I used to wonder why people call it palabok while others call it pansit luglog. One person said that the real palabok are the ones made from the thicker version of the rice noodles. The ones made in Malabon usually uses the thicker noodles. Personally I prefer the thick ones. There is a store named "Pansit ng Taga Malabon" or "Ang Tunay na pansit Malabon" (the real noodles from Malabon- a place north of Manila)

Then the pansit luglog are the ones that use the thinner version of the rice noodles. I think it is similar to the one used in pansit "bihon". One analogy I can think of is that the thicker rice noodles are "soba" while the thinner ones or bihon are like "ramen". I just dont know what you call the the local thick rice noodles.

I love pansit palabok the thick noodles. I've never attempted to cook this one before. Although I've asked Aling Nimfa how to make it and even watched her prepare and cook it in Laguna several times before.

First the noodles have to be soaked in water. Then it is cooked or half cooked similar to al dente in pasta. This is cooked separately from the toppings. Set aside. This is what I remember when I watched Aling Nimfa cook. For the sauce, the shrimp heads are pounded to let their juice out. The red orange comes from the achuete and several beaten eggs. Grounded pork is stir fried then added into the egg mixture. Then on another pan the tinapa are tossed in a pan. The shrimp and squid are shelled and cut into pieces for toppings, while some of the shrimps are added into the orange sauce. Eggs are boiled separately then shelled and added as one of the toppings. I don't know if you can still follow this but she just assembled all these on a shallow tray or a bilao lined with banana leaves.

This is best enjoyed with kalamansi and patis on the side. And Oh I forgot sprinkle with chicharon and spring onions on top.

Broas

2007-10-02T17:20:00.001+08:00

It has been raining the past two days. One of the best mirienda (snack) is broas can be taken with your favorite hot chocolate, coffee or tea. These broas were a gift from a friend from Bohol.

I grew up in Alaminos Laguna about a stone throw away where Cresen's Broas is made and sold by Maharlika highway-- it is the same highway where you can find Collete's going to San Pablo City. I love Cresen's broas because it is made just right, firm enough that it doesnt really crumble when you hold it but it is melt-in-you-mouth type of cookie. I've never tasted anything like it. The other broas are mostly very cruchy and is more like mamon tostado.

We dont really buy broas that often. We buy it specifically for pasalubong (travel gifts) if my cousins and aunts and uncles are visiting and going back to Manila, My lola Abeng will usually send them off with a can of Cresen's. I miss my lola Abeng.

Garlic Prawns

2007-10-01T12:55:00.001+08:00

I got these prawns from Eunilane. We cooked it for lunch last week. The usually recipe is that we marinate the prawns in sprite and pineapple juice. But since we do not have these on stock, I just used vinegar and sugar with some calamansi. I sauteed a generous amount of garlic in oil then added the prawns and stirred in small amount of the marinade until done.

I think one can also do this in the outdoors if the prawns were frozen when packed and cooked for the first meal at camp.

Just watched "No Reservations" it was such a good movie. I picked up this line:

"The best recipes are the ones you create."

risk management

2007-10-01T12:53:00.000+08:00

"The only risk in taking an adventure is not taking it at all." - Lizzie McGuire movie

no ugly ducklings here

2007-09-30T17:49:00.001+08:00

My new Tevas

2007-09-30T17:21:00.000+08:00

This is my second pair of Tevas. I was really happy to find this last pair on sale at the Brat Pack at the Block. There was no sign in the shop that they were on sale or anything was on sale. I got news from Nine that she bought two pairs a week earlier on sale. At that time, she said that there were no more items. But after a week, I checked out the store and wallah!!! there are still some on display. At first I inquired if they have TNF slippers, the guy said "no" but we have "Teva and it is on sale". Wow it was indeed my lucky day. At the women's section there is this one pair left. The price? From the original P1,190 price tag, I got the pair for just P420.

My first pair of Tevas were stolen in Palawan. I just bought it at that time. We usually do not bring our slippers inside the flat that I share with Kaila in Sta Monica. My sandals were stolen together with two trekking boots and several kikay shoes. After a week, we found in the grass near our apartment several of the kikay shoes but all of my hiking gear are no where to be found.

I've replaced most of my boots and sandals but I did not buy another Teva. Since then, it was only this month I bought another pair. I am happy to have found this last pair on sale. I just hope that we will be spending more time together than the last one.

Fruits from Davao

2007-09-24T18:22:00.000+08:00

It is the fruit season in Davao. These mangosteen were just P20 a kilo which I bought beside the Assumption church in Davao City. A few days later on the way home we passed by Magsaysay -a row of fruit stalls, the mangosteens are sold at P30 to 40 pesos per kilo. I guess it was a touristy area that is why it is a bit expensive. I read from Market Manila that these only sold for P18. Last week I learned that they sell for as much as P70 in the Novaliches market.

This is one of my favorite fruits. I love the sour-sweet natural flavor.

This image of durian was taken right after the family ate the fruit. This was the first time that I ever brought durian on a plane to Manila. I really do not know how to tell which one is really good because I am not a durian eater myself. But the MIL is requesting for it. Durian was selling for P30 per kilo at the Magsaysay fruit stalls in Davao. I was able to buy P25 per piece. I had some trouble packing the fruits in boxes. Good thing the staff at Crown Regency were very helpful.

I learned from a friend who said that the cure to the most common ailments that manifest in one season can be cured by the fruits that are in season.

But I dont think I will be a durian eater anytime soon.

tree

2007-09-12T11:13:00.000+08:00

I am not really a tree-hugger but I love trees. I feel energized whenever I am near them. Almost everyone I believe have experienced resting in the shade of trees. Wonderful if you have a hammock. I can't seem to gather my thoughts now. But there is so much more I want to share about trees. Soon...

Kesong Puti and Yoghurt from UPLB

2007-09-12T10:32:00.000+08:00

When we approached the counter Nina and Louis said can we have 10 packs of kesong puti. the lady said sorry we only have 5 left for today. I asked Nina if I can have one of the 5.
Thus, I was able to have one and a couple of blueberry yoghurt.

Nina was raving about how good kesong puti when it is fried on butter "yung makunat kunat pa! ay ang sarap!" I remember her saying. I did try frying some slice at home at it was good.

I can't wait to taste the the blueberry yoghurt so, I just ate it in the car. I was craving for blueberries the past weeks now.

Bohol Bee Farm Buzzz shop

2007-09-04T08:10:00.001+08:00

This was my second time to visit Bohol bee farm. The first one was in Feb 2005 with Toni. Unforgettable because it was my first time to taste gumamela in my garden salad. It taste like lettuce. I think I have an entry in my other blog on that one. This recent visit to the farm, they have many improvements. They now have this Buzz shop, all the new products and the home made kalabasa bread and muffins are in a self serve aparador. This place is really done with good taste. I will be posting some stuff in my other blog.

unique spreads, herbs that they grow in the farm

this is the first time I saw coffee made from corn

honeyed ginger tea

cucumber salad

2007-09-04T08:03:00.001+08:00

When I used to live in Palawan, we always go to this Vietnamese restaurant. Our favorite is the cucumber salad. I learned to make it myself. You just need cucumber sliced thinly then on a pot mix patis (fish sauce) and suka (vinegar) with a little bit of brown sugar, cook for a minute until well mixed. Pour over cucumber then top with peanuts. serve immediately.

Hinagdanan Cave, Panglao Bohol

2007-08-31T11:56:00.000+08:00

Chocolate Hills

2007-08-29T17:00:00.001+08:00

hot chocolate

2007-08-19T09:49:00.000+08:00

One of the things that inspired me to climb mountains and mountaineering is not really the sport itself. Basically what attracted me most to this is the way of life that I experienced climbing with friends.

Circa 1994, my first climb was Mt. Banahaw. It was an exhausting 10 hour climb up Durungawan which was supposed to be a two day climb. Without proper physical preparation I was exhausted beyond words. Even amazed that I can still walk after carrying more than 10 kilos on my back. But I was able to reach the summit not by my own strength but also by the patience of my friends who were with me at that time. Determined to show me a vista that cannot be reached by any mode of land transport these friends made me appreciate the journey with each step.

Imagine clouds covering your campsite in the early morning. Everyone still inside their tents in the small hours, resting their dead tired bodies. Sunrise is always an anticipated event and I always am aware that it is almost morning. Then there is a sort of "knock" on our tent. Opening the tent's zipper a friend hands in a cup of hot chocolate!

At that time, I realized that I found a renewed sense of respect for these friends with their way of life. They are not at all the preconceived notion of "macho" type mountaineers. Indeed I got to know that true mountaineers go out of their way to take care of their climbing buddies.

Despite the early morning cold, someone starts the stove and cooks hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy just before sunrise! One simple gesture that sealed my decision to climb more mountains and enjoying the great outdoors with great company!

Red Bananas / Saging Morado

2007-08-17T11:41:00.001+08:00

"Pag-sure Uy! mag tumbling karun!" is the expression of choice now in Bohol. I found these red bananas by a road side fruit stand. This kind of banana is called Saging Morado. I will be doing some research on the variety later.

I bought a couple of bunch of ripe ones which are more dark colored than the on the top photo for about P80 less than $2. Also, I asked permission from Manong if I can take his picture. In an instant he struck a pose--the classic Gwapo ini!

such a happy bunch!

Sinugbang Isdang Bato/ Grilled Reef Fish

2007-08-16T17:10:00.000+08:00

I think this is a Batfish. But I saw it labeled as butterfly at Miravilla. Also, when I asked one of the locals I am with he mentioned that same thing. But I am sure that this is not a butterfly fish. I do not really like to eat this kind of fish because I saw what they eat while I was in Palawan. We were on the research vessel Minerva and we saw a few of these waiting at the bottom of the boat waiting for the "flush" from the boat hahahaha.

These are parrot fishes. Scaridae. These are considered as one of the indicator fish species that we regularly monitor. Parrot fishes have this distinct beak like mouth that helps them graze on the coral reef. They actually eat corals and they expel sand in the process. They are locally known as "isdang bato" as they are resident reef fishes.

These squids are according to Moli are locally called 'tam-isan' in Lobo, Batangas. These are usually caught in shallow areas near the reef area. There was a time while I was snorkeling in GBR I saw a school of squids. They are such a beauty to watch changing colors and as if dancing in formations. There was also a time that I saw a solitary cuttle fish while diving in Anilao. I saw it change form and color from brown to purple and red. At that time, I stayed away from eating squid dahil parang naawa ako sa kanila. But, since I do not eat red meat anymore, I cannot seem to give up seafood.

Below is dinner being cooked. "Sinugba" or grilled.

I remember my advance scuba instructor and boss at wwf said while we were in Taganak in Turtle Islands: "we should appreciate what we are conserving".

Ilog Maria, akapulko atbp

2007-08-05T08:01:00.001+08:00

After a workshop in Mendez, Cavite we passed by Ilog Maria farm. It is located in Silang Cavite. We almost missed the turn coming from Tagaytay there is a sign to the right onto a dirt road. I would guess about 1km towards the farm outlet. But when you get there the shop is a well spring of handmade honey products that range from soaps, spa, beeswax, oils.

Basic mountaineering requires one to use biodegradable soaps in the outdoors. Common sense will tell you that the chemicals in commercial soaps can kill the living things in our rivers. In the early 90's we use ivory. But now there are a range of products that one can use.

Above, I bought insect repellent made from citronella and other fruit oils P60. I love this item specially for Isay when we are in the outdoors--goodbye to ddt. I also bought eucalyptus bath gel from the spa line P70. Another item is the probiotic immune system booster which i will blog about in a future post.

These biodregradable soap I bought from Women and Ecology center. These are handmade soap by the group of local women in Muzon,Cavite for their livelihood project. Akapulko grows there in the farm. I will make a future post on this one. The other soaps are papaya (orange), then oatmeal (white with brown specs), then the green one is citronella which Ms Jovy gave to me as a gift before.

One great discovery is the feminine wash below (round dark brown) P45 from Ilog Maria. This one made from honey propolis. I gave one to Aling Lina of Romblon. It smells really fresh and good I want to press the resin. sobrang natuwa pinang gigilan ba hehehe.

green tea and beans pudding

2007-08-04T10:35:00.003+08:00

The dark one on the left is black sesame seed pudding the the powdered one is mango flavored. But I didn't taste the the mango flavor one. The green tea pudding was ok I was prepared to have my tongue reel but no it didn't. The black sesame pudding to seemed grainy I guess I imagined sand while chewing this one.
These are the different kinds of pudding we bought from the canteen at Po Lin Monastery. The consistency is like maja blanca.

view of outlying islands from Tian Tan Buddha

2007-08-04T10:30:00.001+08:00

Po Lin Monastery

2007-08-04T09:06:00.001+08:00

cooking gear!

2007-08-02T11:34:00.000+08:00

The lightest and most compact cooking gear. I took this photo on one of the shelves of the shops in Nelson St. HK. Another branch of the store below. Of course this was the day after when they were open already. I just love to have that tea pot! But our shopping packs are already full and pocket is on a diet. I will be posting the gears I used in the past years. I just love the old gears. Every dent on the pot has a story to tell. Melted handles of old pots a treasure trove of memories up there.

HK Mountaineering Training Center

2007-08-02T10:59:00.001+08:00

This is where we bought the stuff below in the earlier post. A friend said this is where Bombproof gear gets their stuff that is sold in Galeria and elsewhere here in the Philippines.

I took this picture about past 11pm actually almost midnight. I was going to scout the area at the Ladies Night market which is just a block away from Fa Yuen the sports street as it were.

Nalgene bottles from HK

2007-08-02T10:38:00.001+08:00

"Hydrate or die" is one of the tag lines that you will always remember as you walk up that trail on a dry humid day. Water is "gold" and very precious commodity up there. Nalgene is one of my most favorite gear. It is believed to be used by the expeditions and missions and other outdoor adventure. Its main claim to fame is un-breakable and leak proof, thus saving your change of clothes inside your pack.

When I was a newbie back in the mid-90's I always ask friends to bring back the newest model or even the old reliable Blue bottles. Below are the ones we got from Mongkok Outdoor HKMTC shop. The pink one went to Mia Oliveros who generously lent us her digicam when ours was broken. The purple one went to Hannah Liwanag who lent Isay her baby carrier-- such a great help for us all.

The new model is the narrow cap but wide neck green bottle with flip up cover. Improvement on the product based on the feedback of users is what I love about this product. Narrow opening so it doesn't spill while drinking in the jeep or truck carrying you to the jump off point. Then wide enough opening for easy cleaning and refill! The strap that is the first to break is revised into the built in loop. I am not an official endorser of Nalgene mind you. But I just like them! A must have gear. Hydrate or die.

Brown Rice

2007-07-30T08:31:00.000+08:00

Last week I ate brown rice for several consecutive days. I love organic products and how it helps your system. But I think I do not like brown rice all the time. I guess it is indeed an acquired taste. I still like fluffy white rice whatever they say about it. Also I've learned most of the process in white rice from my crop science class and it did not diminish my love for it ha! Sabi ko nga hindi ako mag panggap na gusto ko yun eh talagang hindi ko feel kainin kung pure brown rice lang lagi. Paminsan minsan Ok at kung halo sa white rice OK din.

When we were in Baguio at PNKY, we were also served brown rice. I liked it better that the one from Cavite. For me the good thing about it is that they mix it with the normal white rice thus, it is more fluffy compared to the pure brown rice sinaing.

By the way, I haven't written an entry in this food blog for a quite a while. I am sad to neglect my blog but I will try to be more updated. Haha as if I have readers. Actually I just do this to remind me of the good food and not so good ones. Also have a place to put my thoughts on the recipes and dishes both old and new. Things that I discovered. And of course about food we can bring up the mountains and enjoy in the outdoors.

I think brown rice is a bit difficult to cook in high altitude and not to mention the huge water requirement to cook it hahaha. Good luck to who ever wants to carry more water on their backs.

Mabuhay kayo Janet, Noelle and Carina

2007-05-22T08:47:00.000+08:00

Mabuhay ang Pinay! Congratulations to Janet Belarmino, Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon for being the first Asean women to ever traverse Mt Everest from Tibet to Nepal. See their story posted on Mt.Everest.net.

Sobra talaga ako natuwa at napuno ng pag asa na maka akyat pa uli sa mga pangarap ko na bundok ( I was filled with hope that I might be able to climb my dream mountains). I was so inspired by these women specially Janet Belarmino who is also a mother.

This news I got from Kaya ng Pinay. The complete story from ABS-CBNNews.com.

The first Filipino women to reach the summit of Mount Everest set another world record Friday by becoming the first women to traverse the two main routes to the world's highest mountain.

Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon and Janet Belarmino reached Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Nepal before 6 p.m. Manila time where they were welcomed by the Philippine support group.

Belarmino sobbed as she recounted the ordeal of climbing the mountain months after she gave birth to her first baby.

"Napakahirap kaya masaya ako na makakabalik na kami…. medyo pagod lang kasi mahaba ang trek namin pero OK lang kami. [Wala kaming] sakit. Wala namang problema (It was very difficult that is why I'm glad that we can now come back… it was tiring because the trail was quite long but we’re OK. We are not sick. There have been no problems)," she told radio DZMM.

Belarmino said that her feat also showed that motherhood does not prevent anyone from pursuing her dreams.

"Iyon din mensahe ko sa mga ina na tulad ko. Ang mga pangarap namin ay hindi natutulog sa apat na sulok ng kwarto. Iyong mga panaginip natin bilang ina, kailangan natin ipakita sa buong mundo na kaya din natin (It's also my message to mothers like me. Our dreams are not confined in four corners of the room. Let’s show the whole world that we can also do it)," she added.