Nengkoy & I: A First Travel Tandem

Posted on October 4, 2014 by heavenliner

Thanks to Muslim’s tradition of observing the Feast of Sacrifice, Monday has been declared a non-working holiday in Manila. Since it will be a long weekend and we both possess multiple entry visas, I and Nengkoy decided to go on a short trip to Osaka, Japan to visit my dear nephew Denden and pretty nieces Erika and Thatcher.

This is gonna be the fourth time that I will be travelling with Nengkoy in Japan. However, this will be the first time that only I and my mother will be travelling in tandem, this is because in the past we would usually be accompanied by hordes of members of our family.

I don’t know how things would go out. I don’t know who between me and Nengkoy will lose patience first. Members of my family are actually worried. They think our travel tandem is like mixing Skittles and M&Ms in one bowl. Same shapes and colors but totally different whiffs and flavors.

Prior to this trip I have been told by my sisters to pack with me oodles of patience, as if I am really to observe the upcoming Muslim’s Feast of Sacrifice. Likewise, my sisters forewarned Nengkoy to completely observe conduct at all times during the duration of the travel if she don’t want to be left right in the middle of the journey.

Even if both of us have tremendously fierce personalities, one thing is sure though. This is going to be one fun and memorable voyage.

As of this writing, everything seem to be doing well. As a proof, here is a photo of our stylish shoe selfie – which by the way has the same color tone – while at the Manila airport waiting to board the plane.

ready to conquer the streets of osaka (again)

Pssst. Nengkoy beheyb!

Whipped By A One-Eyed Monster

Posted on September 16, 2014 by heavenliner

One of the luxuries which I would really like to do is travel. It simply brings a different level of joy and happiness. The experience is definitely an intangible that no one can rob or steal away from you. That is why when I saw this video via Stumbleupon.com, it felt like my body was being smashed and my spirit was being whipped by a one-eyed monster called ‘envy’.

How I wish I have the loads of opportunity and the luxury of time to do all those stuff that this guy has done and experienced. I’m pretty sure his soul is so full to the brim.

And since travelling entails plump amount of dough, as a retaliation to this one-eyed monster, I simply settled with the thought that ‘if the grass is greener at the other side of the fence, you can bet their water bill is higher’

Balang araw… balang araw…

A Pause from the Busy Metro

Posted on August 13, 2014 by heavenliner

It was indeed relaxing…

This is what I particularly uttered when I and my coworkers were heading back to Manila last Monday. This was after we spent the whole day lazing around Casa Luminaria, located in Barangay Talisay, Lipa, Batangas, an hour and a half away from the busy Metro Manila. I was a bit surprised that a haven of tranquility like Casa Luminaria exists so near Manila. It is an idyllic place to relax, bond and chill with your friends, colleagues and/or family.

relaxing interiors…

it is so relaxing, i can sleep on that mat

there’s 50 of us yet the place still is peaceful and tranquil…

It was the generous owners of the company that I am working for who granted the rest of our Management Team to relax for a day and do nothing. The only agenda in proceeding to Casa Luminaria is to be calm, unwind, have a break and chill out.

chill out with the ladies in stripes (grace & rochelle)

on a beautiful rug with mr. customer service edwin santos

with relaxed and fully charged dominic diaz

Some took a relaxing dip in the pool, some simply had a calming nap at the hammocks, some enjoyed playing cards, some had tranquil moments at the open-air lounge chairs, some snoozed on the outdoor mats and some simply enjoyed the soothing sound of nature. Me? I simply sat down and paused. As in paused during the whole time I was there. No work, no analysis, no hassle, no physical exertion and no deep thinking.

Sarap tumanga…

The Unique Charm of the Hundred Islands

Posted on May 31, 2014 by heavenliner

hundred islands, a totally different adventure

Having close encounters with the Taklobo or Giant Clams, colorful corrals and vibrant schools of fish are the highlights of my recent journey to the Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan (a calm and peaceful province north of Metro Manila). I was so glad to have the opportunity to snorkel in the deep blue waters (of the Coral Island) in this portion of the Lingayen Gulf. I have been a couple of times to this gorgeous protected national park and I am glad that the islands were still jarringly beautiful.

I really like the fact that it would be very difficult for people to stay overnight in the islands because there are no luxurious room facilities available in these islands which would tend to spoil, destruct and deteriorate the natural splendor of the place.

Among the more than 120 islands of the park I think only four are allowed for tourists to stay overnight. People who would want to stay overnight would only have to settle on pitching their own tent/s and pray that unforgiving heavy rain won’t fall and gust of viscous wind won’t blow during the night. Otherwise, it would be some messy, muddled and shambolic escapade.

with lambert, jun and willie

now, how can you construct toilets on those islands? aber!

my magic shot of jb…

those rickety pump boats are not for the fainthearted

Some two-legged squeamish finicky creatures may actually say and declare that they hate the park due to its inadequate or lacking in facilities – like drinking fountains, toilets, luxurious restaurants, air conditioned huts, high-class smooth sailing speedboats, etc. – in the islands.

But for me these add up to the unique charm and appeal of this Philippine tourist spot. It totes up to the rugged virginity of the place. This makes you feel that these harsh islands remains to be untouched, unexplored, undamaged and indeed intact. That the environment and its ecosystem is nothing but ‘natural’. So when you’re in the Hundred Islands, simply embrace nature’s beauty and expect the unexpected! Besides, that’s what fun is about!!!

Hundred Islands is not a fluid, easy and relaxing type of an escapade. It is for the rough, tough and jagged type of an adventurer. This distinct characters of the Hundred Islands makes me love and fancy this erstwhile Philippine tourist destination.

Kakaibang adbentyur… di pwede sa lelembot-lembot…

A Painting In Corregidor

Posted on May 13, 2014 by heavenliner

the guns… one of the popular fixtures in corregidor

About two weeks ago while having a quiet weekend breakfast with Nengkoy, I learned that my family have close affiliation to that of the historic Island of Corregidor. During this peaceful breakfast, Nengkoy told me that her mother (Lola Teray) actually lived and inhabited the island of Corregidor for a considerable amount of time.

Nengkoy told me that Lola Teray (though was born in Naic, Cavite) lived with the rest of her family in Corregidor when the island was still under the control of the Americans. In fact, Nengkoy’s eldest sister (Aunt Lydia, who is now based in Canada) was born there. She also told me that Lola Teray and the rest of her family was living at the Bottomside of the island where Barrio San Jose was located.

Three Sundays ago, I got the pleasant chance to again visit Corregidor. It has again been an enlightening tour and visit. I learned from the tour guide that since the island was controlled by the Americans, Filipinos born in Corregidor in the past are given the option of either being an American or a Filipino citizen. How cool is that!

The competent tour guide however raised that at present the island is no longer inhabited by anyone and is already preserved because it has been declared a National Shrine. Thus, there is no longer called a newly born Corregidor-ian.

But what truly moved and startled me was when I saw a rather small framed painting hanged on the wall of the Pacific War Museum (the last stop of the tour before heading back to Manila). Surprisingly, the prolific piece of art which I never noticed during my first visit was actually painted by no less than my late Uncle Dante. The younger brother of Nengkoy. This further confirmed that indeed, somewhere in the marrow of my bones can be found my affiliation to the Island of Corregidor.

a street in early corregidor by dante romasanta

Painted in 1960, the painting depicts the life of ordinary citizens of Corregidor and the usual dealings of the locals with the Americans prior to the horrific World War II. It’s a representation of a social drama which imbibes a superlative story telling skill through the usage of oil pigments and genius strokes of the brush.

At first sight the painting may seem chaotic. But at a longer glance, it actually presents a mantra of noisy energy contained by discipline, freedom and order that is miraculously held together. This I suppose is the glory of this painting.

super proud!

I thought I would surprise Nengkoy about this immense discovery during that breakfast. So when I told her about my finding Uncle Dante’s painting, she simply told me that she has known about it all along. And that she has long been immensely proud by this artistic feat achieved by his beloved brother.

Super prawd pamangkin hir!!!

Osaka Food Porn & My First Sazae Experience

Posted on May 11, 2014 by heavenliner

Call if favoritism, but I would like to believe that Osaka Prefecture is the culinary capital of Japan. This is the main reason why I gained so much weight! When in comes to food, Osaka has yet to fail me.

With my limited exposure to the dashing and colorful culinary world of Japan, I have been so fascinated by the colors and taste of lovely Osaka.

To prove my point, here are some awesome photos of food taken right at the streets of Osaka. The mere stunning looks of these digestibles already produces mild sense of euphoria.

hotdogs!!!

To add up to such already fascinating feast for the visual sense, I went further by becoming more adventurous. This is because I tried for the very first time a Japanese delicacy called Sazae or the Turbo Shell. At first, I was just fascinated on how plenty it was being sold on the side streets, until I set aside the wussy in me and urge my niece Erika to try it for ourselves.

step aside escargot… sazae is here…

Sazae is a big sea snail (as big as that of Dyesabel’s “kabibe”) cooked by directly grilling the shell with its meat inside. A little amount of liquid is poured inside the shell that is why it boils the meat while being grilled. Sazae is totally different from the usual French escargot, the latter are land snails while the former are deep sea snails.

otosan plating our order

sazae… a palatal encounter!

my first sazae…

When I picked the meat out from the shell, I must admit that it was pretty gross looking. Upon seeing it, I thought of eating and swallowing it quick the Fear Factor way, but I gave Sazae a chance since I planned to blog about it. I chewed on it and try to savor the palatal treat.

My first Sazae experience was not something like reaching the pinnacle of pleasure. It is because its taste was something to be used to. It is of the salty-bitter kind. It would be more of an acquired taste that would eventually grow in you. I guess it would be best if guzzled and washed down with a sparkling wine or an ice cold beer!

Ang kabibe kaya ni Dyesebel kapag ginataan, masarap?

Ippudo Ramen: A Very Good Second Best

Posted on April 22, 2014 by heavenliner

a caption at ippudo’s glass wall

Though heat is intensely shimmering in Metro Manila, hot ramen eateries and restaurants at the moment are experiencing some renaissance in this mega city. Like Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter spread in the past, ramen dishes today are a craze in this part of the world.

Since I am spending a fab holiday in Osaka, I will definitely not miss the enormous chance to eat ramen in this metropolis (at least twice). That is why, I coerced my family to eat again in a ramen house. This time we searched for the ramen joint that is pretty popular in Manila. It’s the Hakata Ippudo Ramen restaurant located just a few meters away from the Swissotel in Namba, Osaka.

I proved the popularity of this restaurant in the Philippines because when we reached the ramen house, there were considerable number of Filipino tourists queuing waiting for their turn to be seated. It was further amplified when it was our chance to enter the establishment. I noticed that about 80% of their guests were Filipinos.

the queue outside where pinoy tourists converge

as presented in their english menu…

Like what I did in Zondouya Ramen restaurant a couple of days ago (read my post about Zondouya HERE), I settled for the most expensive and biggest photo dish on the menu. Surprisingly, my order called Akamaru Special is pretty similar to Zembo-no, the ramen I enormously enjoyed in Zondouya.

My ordered Akamaru Special ramen also contains sheets of nori, soft-as-butter pork, freshly cut negi, a soft boiled egg, caramelized onions and garlic, plus a generous amount of “straight” noodles. (in Zondouya, I went for the “curly” variety.)

my enjoyable akamaru!

The speed and quality of service rendered by the staff in Ippudo is as fast and as charming as that of Zondouya. However, when my Akamaru Special was placed in front of me, the first thing I noticed was the presentation. I straightforwardly uttered, “In terms of presentation, one point for Zondouya!”

I could no longer resist my comparing when I started stirring and mixing the ingredients in my bowl. Before I uttered another word, I internalize and justified that comparison is one of the fundamental processes of the human mind. And we define things in terms of their similarities and differences.

akamaru to the left, zenbo-no to the right. now you choose…

I then uttered in a pretty loud voice, “In terms of thickness and full-bodied-ness, another point for Zondouya!” My nieces and nephews indisputably agreed with me. My niece Erika seated beside me expressed that Zondouya’s Zembo-no looks richer while Ippudo’s Akamaru was runnier in terms of thickness.

Now the taste. Tactlessly speaking, I articulated saying, “In terms of taste, another point for Zondouya!” Some Pinoy guests at the waiting area and nearby tables were starting to look at me, as if wondering what ramen was I comparing Ippudo’s version with. Nevertheless, I voiced out that Ippudo’s slices of pork were smoother and actually melts in the mouth. I uttered, “one point for Ippudo for the softness of the pork, nonetheless!” The Pinoy guests looked down onto their bowls and resumed their munching.

But the softness of the pork could not counterweight the enormous savory taste of Zondouya’s broth. Like a lot of ramen experts, I have always believed that the success of a ramen dish all depends on the palatability of the broth. A lot of ramen connoisseurs would even do massive research and experimentations just to achieve the perfect broth. For me personally, Zondouya’s broth formula is truly magical. Ipuddo’s version nonetheless is very good.

To simply conclude my comparison between Ipuddo and Zondouya, I personally requested to meet the chef in the latter while for the former we stepped out of the establishment happy and thought to myself, I should celebrate differences. That not all things are equal, some things needs to be less pretty so as to further appreciate others beauty.

Masarap din inperness…

Lawiswis Kawayan at Sagano Bamboo Forest

Posted on April 20, 2014 by heavenliner

Since Japan has such an excellent train and subway system, it is always such a breeze to go around. That is why while staying in Osaka, I and my family decided to go to nearby Kyoto for a third visit.

breathtaking

love love love,,,

Many bloggers and world travel enthusiasts voted this place as one of the fifty places that a person should go to before dying. I could not agree more! I am actually honored and humbled and slightly freaked out when I was given this beautiful opportunity to be in such a breathtaking place.

The Sagano Bamboo Forest in Arashimaya, Kyoto is one breathtaking spot in this planet. A sense of serene tranquility permeates from this lush bamboo scenery. While traversing the narrow path, it felt like Mother Nature was giving my whole delicious body a warm comfortable hug.

my family from afar, posing for some photo opp

love it!

The enchanting sound of the bamboos swaying back and forth against the light wind is something to behold. It was like listening to an angel singing while feeding someone else’s soul. I was not surprised to know that as per amazingplaceonearth.com, this enchanting music-like-resonance is a must-be-preserved sound in Japan as declared by the Japanese government.

It was such a wonder to behold!

Pangkat kawayan ang peg ko dito!

Coca in Osaka

Posted on April 18, 2014 by heavenliner

my bottle

A lot of friends and colleagues who has been to Japan agrees that the taste of Coca-Cola seem different as compared to other parts of the world. And I do agree with this observation. For me regular Coke or Cola in this part of the planet seem lighter to the taste and smoother to the gullet. It is not disturbingly sweet and not unnerving to the tongue. I can actually drink a regular coke in this part of the world without the need for ice.

What is even more fun drinking Coke in Japan, particularly in Osaka is that you can actually have your bottle personalized. Located at Grand Pronto Mall, Osaka’s new mega-shopping town complex is a Coca-Cola store where you can have your name stamped on the bottle label for free.

While my bottle was being stamped, I was imagining on top of a hill and wanted to sing the popular Coca-Cola jingle… I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing (a Perfect Harmony).

guess what this store is selling…

osaka lady stamping my bottle

my sister’s nickname is so exotic

so “shota” is a popular nickname in osaka…

My body had changed, my sensibilities changed, though to this day, I still drink Coke. Admit it or not, but there are lots of chows, cuisines or simple sustenance best consumed with a bottle of Coca-Cola. I guess, no one is too old to drink this precarious drink.

Its da ril ting… Inom na!

Charmed Again by Charming Osaka

Posted on April 16, 2014 by heavenliner

Being a third timer in Osaka, I can therefore conclude that this charming city never ceases to amaze me. The place positively radiates character. Aside from the beautiful weather what I particularly like about Osaka is the almost perfect harmony of old and traditional Japan standing side by side with the contemporary cosmopolitan Japan. Enjoy the photos…

one of those colorful restaurant facades of osaka

namba hips at the background

absolutely beautiful at night

On this third journey I finally realize that Osaka people indeed are less busy, more down-to-earth, less starched, more carefree and (as I personally observed) laugh louder compared to the other people of Japan.

And since I work for a group of restaurants and I love eating. Osaka is heaven for people like me. Food is always to die for in this part of the world. Osaka people I guess must have the happiest taste buds in the planet.

with billiken and my wicked sisters

charmed by the colors of infectious osaka

Tokyo I know is the front runner of Japan in terms of business, tourism and commerce. But Osaka is like a younger sibling to Tokyo. The one who would not boast about his flair and beauty but when opportunity comes to present his, you will simply be enchanted by its gift and endowment. Osaka is the relaxed younger brother who is fresh, cool and hip.

Because of all these, it can be said that this infectious Kansai city is a good representation of Japan to the world.

Di nakakasawa!

Nengkoy

ruminations & travesties of the favorite yet naughty son of Nengkoy

Tag Archives: travel