The Island Explorer

Finally, our last stop. Kusina Salud. I don't want to make this entry long, since I have reviewed this restaurant already. This is my second time to eat dinner here. I prefer dinners in Salud because there is less people compared to during lunch. The menu in Salud changes, so I was disappointed that they already took out the Beef Ribs and Pinaputukang Tilapia. I wanted to order new dishes, so that's what we did. I still wanted my Ensaladang Pako. I was just shocked to see the serving almost half the size as I had it before. We all got the Pandan Iced Tea which I always enjoy. The picture below is the Sinigang na Baboy. Honestly, it tasted like any ordinary sinigang na baboy. They called the dish differently, but it was just sinigang na baboy. Nothing special at all. This was the Crispy Tilapia with Mango Salsa. It was okay, but again, nothing special. The fish wasn't too crispy also. The last main dish was the Binagoongang Baboy. It was tender and very flavorful, probably

It was already 4PM and I was bent in going to the famed Kinabuhayan Cafe in Dolores, Quezon. Being already in Tiaong, we went back to the diversion road and turned right when we saw the sign leading to Dolores. The distance from there is about 9 km, so it took us around 20 minutes. Once you hit a gas station, just go straight up till you hit the Dejarme St. Turn left there and the cafe is to your right. Kinabuhayan Cafe is also a hidden treasure much like Ugu Bigyan's place. It had no signs. You just had to know how to get there. We actually got lost since the road signs where not clear. I had to call Jay Herrera, the owner, to ask for directions. When we called, he said reservations were required, and since it was another ambush visit, he wouldn't be able to accommodate us well. But we just wanted to see the place and that was it. It was getting late anyway. So he agreed and we finally touched base. Kinabuhayan Cafe is the most rustic destination we have been to so far in the

When I heard about a pottery garden, I was bent in making a pot or a plate for myself. But we didn't plan anything so we made an ambush visit. My friend Jason was raving about the place, saying that Ugu Bigyan's house looked like a claypot. The fact is, he built his entire house himself. And when I arrived, I was in awe. Yes, the facade of Ugu's house had a clay color, but it didn't take the shape of a pot as I've imagined. That would be too eccentric. Ugu Bigyan's compound looked more of a high end resort actually. It had nipa hut cabanas, wooden furniture and clay furnishings. It was a joy to notice all the details in the design: fishes in between stone paths, carvings on walls, and even wooden white lizards in empty corners. I thought a pottery workshop would look a bit rustic, dirty and dusty from the mud and clay. His place is the total opposite. I went at the area where they made their pieces. It was neat and organized. It was inspiring to see the pieces s

After a hearty and home cooked lunch at Casa San Pablo, we then decided to visit Sitio de Amor, a sprawling 4.5 hectare landscaped orchard. It is also situated near the Maharlika Highway. You turn left at KM 88 (watch out for those small markers), upon seeing a very small sign that leads you to the place. The property is huge and you'll get that feeling when you enter massive gate pillars of the orchard. e were met by the catertaker as the owner was not around. She told us that all their guests had just left, so we had the entire place to explore ourselves. Sitio De Amor is a huge garden oasis in a the middle of a coconut plantation. You will notice how well maintained it is considering its size. When I got out of the car, I thought I was visiting some relatives or something. It was inviting. Sitio de Amor is trying to make business so they put up a pavilion ideal for garden weddings and other special events. We were led to the man made lagoon, which was the highlight of the place

I have heard about the Viaje Del Sol more than a year ago. I knew some of the places it promotes, but have visited only two in my lifetime: Villa Escudero and Kusina Salud. Last Monday, we decided to head off for the Journey of the Sun to visit at least 3 stops in the tourist trail. Here is the first of four parts in the Viaje Del Sol Series: CASA SAN PABLO became our first stop, as it was positioned to be in the map. Upon entering San Pablo City, take a left to the city proper after seeing the Caltex along Maharlika. A hundred meters more and you will see the Casa San Pablo sign to your right. Actually, I knew about Casa San Pablo ever since 2004, and I already planned to stay overnight at the famed inn. But work foes got in the way so I had to cancel. 4 years after, I was able to set foot on the place where artists cast themselves away to. And it was indeed a very inspiring place, mostly because it had a very relaxing atmosphere. It actually had the feel of Baguio, having a pine tree