Author: iAn L.

Ramen is a personal favorite. I could finish a large bowl in one sitting. However, I couldn’t have it as often as I wanted to. The price tag is not something that I can afford for everyday munch. So, when a friend recommended to try the ramen offered in a Japanese “carinderia” along Ayala access Road near Gorordo Avenue intersection, I visited the eatery immediately after office. The stall is pretty small, it can only accommodate up to 8 diners at any given time. The kitchen is cramped too, you can see them prepare your food. The menu is printed on laminated paper ... Read more

Oysters, shrimps, and pork sausages are mainstays – that was the only info I have about Creole cooking. I never tried one either, and was never curious. Aside from being rare in the Philippines, only few restaurants specialize such cuisine – most of them are too pricey. Creole traces back to Louisiana, more particularly in Big Easy or New Orleans. You may think of haunted houses, vampire movies, all-night parties, and the Mardi Gras. My idea about New Orleans though is obscure, and tainted mostly with fiction. I must admit, the lowdown I have about the Big Easy is almost next to nothing. New Orleans interior features ... Read more

Downtown Bogor is bustling and the traffic is chaotic. But despite the city nuisances, there are simple gestures and amazing corners worth appreciating. The townspeople paint the city with genuine smiles and accommodating semblance. Historical and cultural monuments are preserved which give an interesting contrast with the city’s uncloaked terrain – modern and aged, opulent and indigent. “Welcome to Bogor”: A photo of Kujang Monument by Degi of Flickr.com Yes, Bogor is a metropolis, but green areas still exist and are protected. Since the Bogor seats on an elevated plain of Western Java, the city is noticeably cooler compared to ... Read more

Here’s what happened when I visited the Thiri Zaya Bumi Bagan Golden Palace: Jetavanna Hall of Thiri Zaya Bumi Bagan Golden Palace But before everything else, let us talk about the photo above. The first thing you’ll probably notice is the wet section of my shirt that formed a triangle. I couldn’t control my sweat, people! Perhaps, the RealFeel® is 45°C in ‪#‎Bagan‬. What I really wanted to share is the hall where I did the pose. That is the Jetavanna Hall of Thiri Zaya Bumi Golden Palace. The said hall was then used as a receiving hall for diplomats ... Read more

The red and orange tint of the sky was slowly turning blue. The sun just hid itself below the horizon. The lights started glimmering, changing the face of the Beach Road, Pattaya’s most popular avenue, into something neon, slick, and slinky. The lights of different colors exhibited good visual elements, making every dark corner of the city mysterious. A cruise ship looking A-One Pattaya, one of the city’s most popular hotel The once bland alleys transmogrify—yes, like a genetic mutation. Massage and other forms of entertainment were all opened for business. Huge tourist buses trooped the busy highway, bringing in ... Read more

My sweats were dripping fast. My shirt turned darker with the pretty obvious wet discoloration. Though it was late in the afternoon, the tropical heat radiated as if it was high noon. And so, I took a break from my stroll. It was almost two hours since I started exploring by foot though. I found this dessert bar along the riverbank just across Christ Church. I occupied a vacant seat with a good vantage point and ordered “Cendol Ais Cream” and fresh apple juice. I had no idea what cendol means. I just ordered it because it looked yummy in the photos. St. ... Read more

The second to the last stop of the first ever Cebu Food Crawl, a foodie event organized by Cebu Bloggers’ Society (CBS), was Gibbs Hot Wings. I did not have any expectation. But the idea of having a hot and spicy treat after almost a day of great munch is worth anticipating. After our coffee break, we were driven to the Streetscape Lifestyle Mall branch of the Gibbs. Coy Oliva, the restaurant owner, warmly greeted us. He even talked about the humble beginnings of the business. A feast courtesy of Gibbs’ Hot Wings “We started simple. Our hot wing have ... Read more

I don’t actually spend much money on accommodation. Hence, I usually end up staying in hostels or in bed and breakfast hotels, which are usually at the bottom of the list when talking about the price. Normally, I will get a small room with a flat sheet on a thin bed, two hard pillows, an analog TV (if lucky), and just a fine comfort room. But that is not worth complaining. I am completely aware that I only shell out few hundreds for the humble space to sleep. Pillows Hotel facade, reception and terrace So, if I find a little ... Read more

Halla Paella’s specialty are paellas, as the name infers. However, it was the taste of chipirones that secured a spot in my food memory. I could remember well the distinct flavors of the dip that blends well with the roasted garlic toppings and the fried baby squid slices. The crisp gave a memorable munching experience. My personal favorite, Chipirones Yummy and Comfort Treat The food stall also serves chuletas which tastes really scrumptious. The tender pork rib chop seasoned with specially-made sauce leaves an interesting balance of sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness to your palate. Hala Paella’s Chuletas, Yum! If you are up for ... Read more