IsKarGu (Isda, Karne at Gulay)

Iskargu is located along the national highway of Calauan, Laguna beside a ricefield which also gives a nice view of Mt Kalisungan on the background. The name is the amalgamation of "Isda, Karne and Gulay" which is an upgraded eatery "carinderia", where one can choose and point a specific menu of their liking to get their orders (Turo-Turo). They have a wide selection of ready to eat food choices for fish, veggies and meat viands.

Pictures of actors, well known politicians and other local celebrities who once dined in the resto are displayed. Local delicacies, "pasalubongs" and souvenir items are also sold at the display counter. I like the unique ambiance of their restaurant, it is not fancy nor cozy but it is well ventilated and portrays a rural and Filipino setting almost similar to that of "Kamayan" or Isdaan".

Prices are affordable and similar to most local eateries that offers a simplicity in dining experience.

Rating:

7 out 10

Tipsy Pig Gastro Pub

We visited TIPSY PIG as part of our team's engagement activity. The name was inspired by the after effects of alcohol and the huge amount of food serving which they are known for. Once inside the resto, an array of long tables can be seen that are designed to cater for big group gatherings. The ambiance is nice with a spacious high ceiling and a second floor. 

I'm not a drinker myself, but for anyone who loves drinking - they will surely love the extensive lists of signature brews, alcoholic drinks and good food that your group can share. Thus, they have become one of the coolest place to hang out at Capitol Commons in Pasig. People flock this resto pub because of the nice hang out ambiance, but the price is not too reasonable (thank you MS Philippines for the dinner).

They have a wide selection of food and drinks, but a limited choices of desserts; we tried their Dirty Mexicana, Chesse Mussel, Crispy Pata, Pork Sisig, Shrimp Popcorn, Beef Mash Potato and for dessert we had Choco Lava and Mango Pavlana. 

Rating: 

7 out of 10

Banana Que and Turon - Filipino's Local Snack Favorite

Turon and Banana Que are two of the most favorite "meryenda" (snacks) among Filipinos which is commonly sold by local street vendors and usually available during afternoon.

Banana cues are deep fried ripe bananas (Saba aka Cardava) coated with caramelized brown sugar while it’s cooking. The fried bananas are placed on bamboo sticks for ease of eating. Since they look similar to barbecued meat just by being on a stick, thus, it was named “banana cue”.

"Turon" on the otherhand are also made up of bananas (Saba) which are thinly sprinkled with brown sugar and then rolled in a spring roll wrapper and fried. Other fillings can also be used, including jackfruit.

Rating:

A heavy snack rich in calories and carbs ideal to wake you up during the sleepy afternoon at work.

Lake Pandin

Lake Pandin is one of the lakes in the city of San Pablo that is only separated by a narrow strip of land from the it's twin crater lake which is Lake Yambo. They are part of the Seven Lakes system and are bounded by a nearby Mt. Mabilog and surrounded by Mt. Malauban. According to the tourism officer, Pandin is said to be "the most pristine" among the seven lakes with an approximate area of 20.5 hectares and a maximum depth of 63 meters.

For only 360pesos (not sure if it is still the rate after 2 years), you can ride the bamboo raft with a hefty serving of dishes (Tilapia, Shrimp, Buko Juice, Banana etc.).

Lake Pandin reminds me of the movie Lake Placid which was filmed in South America.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Lucena (DLTB or Jac Liner), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia
2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in San Pablo City (since, bus were not allowed inside the city you will be drop off at Mahalarlika hiway in San Pablo, you can either ride a trike or take a San Pablo bound jeepneys.
3.) Once in San Pablo, ride a jeep bound for Liliw/Nagcarlan tell the driver to drop you off in Lake Pandin (there's a big signage, and you will be required to walk 300meters to reach the lake)