The Island Explorer

I just came back from a travel photography workshop in northern Palawan. The workshop was organized by Colors Travel, and the Palawan leg was the 2nd tour offering out of 4. The first one was held in Batanes with George Tapan. This tour had Master Photographer Wig Tysmans. We took a SEAIR flight and landed in Busuanga Island in northern Palawan. We then proceeded to our host resort, El Rio Y Mar, which is a sister resort of the established Club Paradise. El Rio is situated in a quiet cove near Maricaban. It is on the way to Club Paradise. Though not really an island resort, the secluded location of El Rio becomes an attraction, highlighted with calm waters and a backdrop of hills. The beach is not that great, but the water is clean and clear. At high tide, the beachfront cottages seem to float on water. There is a restaurant serving great food and a refreshing infinity pool that looks out to the serenity of the cove. The cottages are appointed well, neat and huge by ordinary standards.

I just wanted to post this as I am inspired by this site. After all the debate about my religion being too worldly, I was happy to see this site that is a collection of prayers to all the gods of the world. It is one of the most unique blogs in the net. Everyday is a new prayer. And they have great photos too. Check it out. http://www.dear-god.net

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