It's really #MoreFunSaPilipinas

Good Job Department of Tourism! The It's more fun in the Philippines campaign is well done. The campaign i think gives a different perspective to both foreign and even locals alike. See for your self on why it's MoreFunInThePhilippines! This one inspires me a lot, so Let's hit the road of Pilipinas!

I eat my heart out in the City of Pines!

The Summer Capital of the Philippines do not only offer amazing view and cool temperature among its visitors, it also offers array of everything "Naimas".  It doesn't matter if you are vegetarian or if you wanna try to eat in  a retro inspired resto name Baguio will serv it fresh in a platter.  Here's some resto that we've tried during our stay in Baguio, "Mangan tayon!" (Image above: 50's Diner, Shakes.): 


1. Solibao has been consistent since 1972 in serving authentic and fine Filipino food. There are five branches scattered throughout  the city, we hit the road to Burnham Park to dine after a long and tiring ride. Here's a primer on why you will skip your diet thing while here in Baguio. :)

Sinigang with Ilocos Bagnet

Solibao's Special Pinakbet

2. 50"s Diner.  This is how i describe the restaurant:  Inexpensive, BIG SERVINGS, comforting and simple. Located At the corner of Upper General Luna and Brent Roads in Baguio this all American 50's inspired diner with a little pinoy touch will not only delight kids with their shakes but Jukebox, 50's movie posters and others memorabilia's of that time will sure bring smile to the face of young at hearts that will visit and dine here.

"Blast from the past? No, its the interior of 50's Diner."

 "Spot the Pinoy touch in this dish?" -----> "Rice!"

Humongous club house its literally "BIG" burrrp! :)

3. Pizza Volante. We had our dinner here, its fun 'coz we did a mash up and a dance number for Pizza Volante in the tune of "Volare by Kings Gipsy" :) Anyways, the restaurant offers pizza, pastas and salads. The food they serve lives up to it's menu discription and the price is very affordable. Pizza Volante is located along Session Road, Baguio City, fronting the side street of leading to Baguio cathedral. "Bon appetit!" 

"What i like here is that all ingridients are fresh"

My favorite, Fresh Lettuce top with pomelo, chicken, peanuts and Vinegar dressing.

4. Kubong Sawali. The restaurant serves dishes that are healthy and nutritious that satisfies both local and foreign alike. The restaurant offers authentic and exotic Filipino fused with Ilokano dishes that are rarely done in most of the restaurants in Baguio City.

A platter of Everything: from hito, bangus, shrimps, inahaw na talong and inihaw na liempo.

"Kinilaw na Tuna".

5. Sizzling Plate Baguio. It's a no-brainer, one can really see how Americans influence the city of Pines especially with the food they serve. It was our last meal before heading back to Manila. Yes steaks here are very affordable and they sizzles! 

Steak! Steak! Steak! :)

 Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle! :)

Yes! This is the ULTIMATE LECHE FLAN EVER!!! Chocolate Leche Flan by Sizzling Plate.

When you are in Baguio you should not only eat with your mouth but:

with your eyes - you can see how fresh the ingredients are, how consistent they are in their themes.

with your nose - smell the aroma, smell the freshly baked goods.

with your ears - listen to every sizzles and burp of the satisfied tummy.

with your heart- the food being serve here our authentic local dishes and some are influenced by the westerners still with a touch of Filipino.

*Thanks to Mich of Chasing Philippines for the amazing experience!

BornFree Goes to Binondo

Filipino - Chinese Arch at Binondo.

It was a gloomy afternoon when Mark and i decided to go to Binondo, Manila or commonly known as "China Town" . Its also quite a challenge co'z i only have 500 pesos in my pocket - "kasya kaya to?" :) "Challenge Accepted!" Let's hit the road of Binondo,Manila.

The name "Binondo" is a toponym derived from the archaic spelling of the Tagalog term "binondoc" (modern orthography: binundók), or mountainous, referring to the district's originally hilly terrain. - Source is Wikipedia.

This famous Ongpin Street brings out tons childhood memories.

Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz also known as Binondo Church.

The area is one of the center of commerce and trade for all types of goods and businesses run by Filipino-Chinese merchants.

Chow time!!! We ate at Eng Bee Tin i ordered the Wanton Noodle Soup. Yummm! :)

And Mark's Pork Asado Noodle Soup...

And a refreshing Winter Melon Tea or "Kundol" in tagalog.

Just a thought: Since time immemorial our forefathers and these Chinese trade, live and eventually became a part of our everyday lives in this little town of Binondo. Recently, we have some conflict with China over disputed Islands in the West Philippine sea. Can we just co- exist, look back and maybe consider the strong bond as a Filipino - Chinese? Even though we are very different in terms Culture and Tradition, yet i think we should live harmony.