Matutina's Seafood Restaurant

Matutina's Restaurant is one of the must visit resto in Dagupan City (they also have branches in Urdaneta). It was already featured in GMA 7's TV show and even featured in Karen Davila's newspaper column, so I've decided to take a visit and experience for myself what they have to offer. The resto was named after the wacky, high-pitched helper (kasambahay) of Donya Delilah who appeared in the popular 80’s sitcom “John en Marsha.” The restaurant was named as such because Dagupeños fondly called the owner of “Matutina” after the said character.

"Sooo Pinoy", a national search for the ultimate Pinoy dish sponsored by Unilever, Inquirer Lifestyle and Dept of Tourism recognized Matutina's for being one of the country's best restaurants that serves "Sinigang" and "Daing na Bangus". Bestsellers from Matutina’s are: sinigang na bangus, crispy hipon, pusit kilawen, inihaw na bangus, sizzling bangus sisig, buttered talaba, and buttered spicy hipon.  The food taste great, it was served and prepared well. Though, I'm just disappointed with the Mango Juice that I've ordered, I thought it was a fresh mango juice, it was just Mango Juice in a can.

Call it hospitality or marketing strategy, it is one of those resto's that is classified as no turning back zone (how can you turn back and decide to live if waiters immediately prepare a dining plate complete with utensils, sweets and a pitcher of  water in your table). We also waited almost an hour before our orders were served, perhaps due to the influx of customers. It's a good thing, that their Dagupan branch is just beside Tondaligan Beach so I was able to walk around and take some pictures.

Rating:
7 out of 10

How to Get There:
1. Ride a bus bound to Dagupan.
2. From Dagupan, ride a jeep bound for Bonuan/Tondaligan.
3. Tell the driver to drop you off in Matutina's

Trek to Talay Falls

Located in Luisiana, Laguna the trek consist of about 30 minutes walk  through a muddy and forested terrain of Mt. Banahaw. 

Talay falls is composed of a series of 3 water falls cascading through a large boulders of rocks. The exploration of Talay waterfalls system is an adventure itself. In one waterfall, you have to use a vine to rappel your way up; and all sorts of ‘maneuvering’ skills to go all the way through a series of boulders. Each part of the system has its distinct beauty, and since it is at the foot of Mt. Banahaw, the forest is also serene and scenic.

It is a must see, before you visit Hulugan Falls.

How To Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Sta.Cruz, Laguna (tell the conductor to drop you off in Lucban jeep terminal located in Pagsawitan)

2. Ride a jeepney bound for Lucban, tell the driver to drop you off in Brgy. San Salvador.

Muddy Trek to Hulugan Falls

Located in the town of Luisiana in Laguna with an elevation of 1000 ft. above sea level, Hulugan Falls was recently opened to the public. It has a grand cascade similar to that of Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City, it is truly a must visit for any nature lover and explorer.

Whereas all the other waterfalls that I have visited requires no more than fifteen minutes of trek, Hulugan Falls requires level 3 climb and takes 1 to 1.5 hours to reach. The almost 2-hour trek of about 600 ft.  descent from the jump-off point must not daunt the would-be explorer, as Hulugan Falls is really grand and marvelous. The cascade of water is approximately 270 feet of drop, it further descends to form a catchbasin that is big and deep, perfect for swimmers, the rocks are very slippery though. Beneath the falls, there is a nearby cave, similar to that of Buruwisan Falls. The trail to Hulugan Falls can get really muddy in the rainy season, much like the trails going to Mt. Romelo and it really made my trekked slower.

How To Get There:
1. Ride a bus bound to Sta.Cruz, Laguna (tell the conductor to drop you off in Lucban jeep terminal located in Pagsawitan)
2. Ride a jeepney bound for Lucban, tell the driver to drop you off in Brgy. San Salvador.