Contis Bakeshop & Restaurant

Contis is a bakeshop & restaurant and they are known for the famous Mango Bravo - a mouth watering seven inch tall cake made of soft butter cake with layers of cashew meringue wafers, mousse, mangoes, and cream ensconced in white cream. It is drizzled with chocolate syrup and topped with mangoes and served frozen. It is both sturdy and delicate, truly a must try for anyone with extreme indulgence to cakes and pastries, which I, myself is guilty of.

Because I've been craving for it's scrumptious taste, I decided to visit one of their branch which is in Greenbelt (I've been to their Nuvali and Trinoma branch). I ordered none other than the famous Mango Bravo, it never fails to satisfy my taste buds. I also ordered  Choco Overload - made with layers of moist chocolate cake with rich choco creams and icings topped with ganache and drizzled with chocolate syrup. For me, this is the best tasting chocolate cake in the local market, they are the best in what they do -  in terms of cakes & pastries. For my main dish I had Chicken ala Kiev, bathe in white cream sauce with corn as a side dish. They also offer bottomless Iced Tea, which tastes good made of "real" tea compared to ice teas that are served in other fast food.

One of the best resto I can recommend for the whole family most especially for their cakes & patries. Good ambience, the food taste great, affordable (not really), quality and they have branches in several locations. (This is not a paid advertisement, I paid for my own bill).

Rating:

7 out of 10

Tokyo Cafe in Manila

Tokyo Cafe is not the typical Japanese restaurant, instead of the usual donburi/tempura/sushi, it serves Japanese-style Western dishes. The whole place is cozy with a cool white interior, books are also in display giving it a nice ambiance. I'm sure there is no Tokyo cafe in Tokyo and this would be a Manila version of what a Tokyo cafe would look and taste like.

Since I was really hungry after an arduous hike earlier that day, I ordered several meal that includes Katsu Ju, Japanese Carbonara and Chicken Cheese Balls. I am not satisfied with their Japanese Carbonara and nothing really special about it. The Katsu Ju tastes great but what I really enjoyed the most is the Chicken Cheese Balls. 

Chicken Cheese Balls are chicken fillet stuffed with melted cheddar and caramelized soy. I liked the crunchy chicken balls with the cheesy creamy filling. The terriyaki sauce also added flavor to it. It was like eating a tonkatsu except for the cheesy filling, wherein the cheese squirts out of the chicken balls every time you bite it or slice it in half.

The prices are a bit expensive but it is exclusive of VAT and no service charge. Tokyo Cafe has several branches in Metro Manila.

Rating:

7 out of 10

Manaoag Basilica Shrine

Manaoag is a first class municipality in Pangasinan bordered by Pozorrubio in the north, Urdaneta City and Mapandan in the south, Laoac in the east, and San Jacinto in the west. Manaoag came from the Pangasinan  word "Mantaoag" which means "to call". The town is a popular local pilgrimage site for Catholics as it enshrines a 17th-century ivory statue of Mary under the title of Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Manaoag.

All sorts of Pasalubongs, religious relics and local delicacies are sold outside the church's premises such as Tupig - a popular native delicacy which is made out of ground glutinous rice and coconuts strips wrapped in banana leaves then cooked over charcoal  &  Patupat - an Ilocano version of suman, a glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and sugar then wrap in banana leaves and steamed.

Eventhough I am not a Catholic, but as a traveler and photographer I admire the picturesque facade of the church - it is  comparable to European renaissance structures. 

(Patupat)

(Tupig)

How to Get There:

1.) There are buses bound for Manaoag from Cubao.

2.) It is a popular stop over from Baguio.

Revisiting Mt. Sto. Tomas

Mt. Sto. Tomas is the first mountain that I hiked when I was still a plebe in the PMA way back in the year 2000, thus I consider as my mother mountain.

It is the highest peak in Baguio City with an altitude of 6750 ft. above sea level. The summit gives a scenic and picturesque view of Benguet, including the surrounding province of La Union, Mt Ugo and Lingayen Gulf with its mouth opening to the South China Sea. Mt Cabuyao (w/ radar) and Mt. Sto. Tomas (w/ antenna).

The trail to Mt. Sto. Tomas passes Mt. Kabuyao (6075 ft above sea level) which is the first peak from the jump-off,  most hikers do a twin day hike. The place is also the location of Sitio La Presa (where Forevermore was shot) and the man-made lake which serves as the water reservoir for Baguio City. The trail to the summit is around 4 km. and approximately 1-1.5 hours in which it only becomes steep in the final 20 mins of ascent. Overall, the whole trail is an easy hike, the cool breeze, and scenic view makes it a rewarding destination when you are in the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Throwback picture:

PMA Class 04's foot march from PMA to Mt. Sto. Tomas 

How to Get There:

1. From Baguio City, take a jeepney ride or taxi to Green Valley

2. There is no registration required.

3. Guides are not also required, just ask the locals for direction.
4. Due to court order - private vehicles and taxis are no longer allowed to go Mt. Sto. Tomas

Mt. Obabis (Imoc)

Located in San Pablo City, Mt. Obabis also known as Imoc Hills is a part of the Laguna volcanic field which has an elevation of 1320 ft. above sea level. A short hike of 30 minutes trek from the jump off point leads to an ascent of more than 600 ft. of almost a 45 degree elevation that passes through Coconut trees, Banana and Pineapple plantation. 

Two communication towers (Telfast & Globe Telecom) are being housed on the top of the summit and is off limits to unauthorized person, just tell the guards you'll just take quick pictures. A 360 degree view is not possible because of the structured towers and the summit is also a small plateau. However, one can still take pictures in key strategic location where a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains are just waiting to unfold. It is like joining the pieces of jigsaw puzzle that when put together offers a breath taking view of Mt. Kalisungan, Mt. Makiling, Malipunyo Range, Banahaw Trilogy, Mt. Sembrano, Talim Island and the Laguna Bay which can be seen on a clear blue sky.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a jeepney bound for San Pablo City.

2. Tell the driver to drop you off infront of JMR Vulcanizing located in Brgy. San Mateo.

3. It is a private property so kindly ask for permission before entering the premises of the summit 

Matabungkay Beach

Matabungkay Beach is located in the town of Lian, Batangas. According to the locals it was “rediscovered” in the early 1950s by Germans who were looking for a go-to paradise within proximity to the bustling Manila. Since then, Matabungkay transformed into a tourist destination from a simple fishing village. The shore is enveloped in a cove and is strewn with ashen sand and off-white fine grain sand that sparkles a white glow when struck by sunlight. It is bordered landward by a long, cramped lane of resorts and stores. 

The waters of Matabungkay is clear, vivid and calm with no strong splurges of waves. It does not also have a sudden deep section making it safe for swimming even for children. One interesting feature of the beach are the traditional bamboo floating rafts or balsas (floating cottages) that can be rented for a day. Also available for rent are the Banana Boat, Jet Ski, Pedal Boat and Speed Boat to complete a total beach experience.

 

 

How to Get There:

1.) You can ride a bus bound for Nasugbu, then alight at Lian Town Proper.

2.) Once in Lian, you can then ride jeepneys bound for Matabungkay Beach.

Arabela's Cakehaus & Restaurant

Located in Liliw also known as the “Tsinelas Capital” of the Philipines,  Arabela is one of the most sought after resto in the said town as recommended by Trip Advisor. The place is clean and cozy, yet the ceiling is quite low (so better watch out for your head haha.), I guess it’s designed for midgets.

The owners started the restaurant by selling cakes and brownies and later expanded into a resto. Today they are known for Cakes, Pastries, Coffee, Pasta, Pizza and their Salad which is inspired by Italianis.

I love their Choco Chip Cheesecake which is at par with the best tasting chocolate cake that I've tasted, the delectable creamy rich taste of chocolate mixed with chips that made me go for another serving. And another classic favorite is their Blueberry Cheesecake which has a perfect blend of sweetness and blueberry flavor; both cakes has milk and chocolate decorated at it's base giving it a unique dessert experience. 

Rating:

7 out of 10