On Purple Wings

I’m Staying With Jen

I’m Staying With Jen (Hotel)

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”~Mark Black

This 4-star hotel has it’s own special way of pulling back their curtains. One weekend, Jen and I were able to witness Hotel Jen’s unique personality.

Hotel Jen has been alluring us since last year especially my travel buddy: Jen, since it bears her nick name. She’s declaring then she’s wanting to visit just to have a photo with that personalized pillow that says: “I’m staying with Jen.” Ahahaha!

Said pillow has been around some parts of the Asia Pacific (under Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts Management) and her excitement is overwhelming me. =) It is located along Roxas Boulevard, just across The Cultural Center of the Philippines,

and Star City. Our window is overlooking that giant “chubibo!” (Ferris wheel).

Manila bay with its’ beautiful sunset (and sunrise) is just a short walk away from us. However, we were too busy sleeping, we missed them both (sunrise and sunset). Like we went there just to rest, watch some movies, read and enjoy the placidness of our room with 2 comfy beds which allowed us to elude the city’s bustle. I was planning to unplug for that particular weekend but the speed of their internet is too fast so I enjoyed browsing and uploading photos as well. =)

Come dinner time, after scrutinizing choices of where we could eat at the lobby,

we opted to just go out and proceeded to this Seafood market which popularly known here in our country as “Dampa”. It took us less than 20 minutes to get there. The method of dining at Dampa is you choose first your seafood from the fresh market, everything are still in the water and the vendor will recommend restaurants where it is best to prepare and cook it. The charge will be separate.

You might want to look around and not settle right away on the first stall you bump into, who knows there’s a better price somewhere else. =)

What we had are shrimps, scallops, and lobsters. The last item is for Jen’s heart’s content. You’ll get crazy when she craves.

I had to go out to buy pineapple juice for her.

We partnered them with broccoli and Yang chow rice. We went back to the hotel after an hour with happy tummies.

Oh, there’s more. We later found out that our breakfast will not be sent to our room the following morning since what comes with our package is a Breakfast buffet. Hmmmn. Happy tummies again. =) I think this is the best part of the stay, we just enjoyed eating together without the need of going to the market, prepare our meal’s ingredients, cook them before we can eat, like everything here is free-flowing and just in front of us. Foodies!

Hotel Jen is in the following countries:

Hotel Jen Beijing

Hotel Jen Shenyang

Hotel Jen Hong Kong

Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Johor, Malaysia

Hotel Jen Penang

Hotel Jen Malé, Maldives

Hotel Jen Male Maldives — Photo courtesy of: https://www.hoteljen.com/

Hotel Jen Manila

There are 2 Hotel Jen in Singapore and they’re putting up one in Kota Kinabalu by year 2020.

Jen wanted to know how did they end-up with the hotel’s name. So I had to research for it. The website says that it is the brainchild of a virtual persona: Jen, that she owns a hotel, and all-time lover of life, travel and discovery.

It’s just great to know that some of our “Where to next” destination(s) were included in their list of locations. Jen is excited again. I was telling her can we try other hotels and she played deaf even on my second query. Hmmmn.

Hotel Jen isn’t too luxurious since it is just a 4- star hotel but as long as the people are friendly, the amenities are clean, everything is working, we are safe, all that we need is there, it is already truly an R&R for the two of us, and she is already checking her calendar for our next staycation.

Meet Hunter, he is hyper during daytime, and lazy and always lying on the floor, just notice his nostrils, still active, meaning, he is still working. =) #sniffer

We missed doing this a lot. The last one we had I think was a few years ago. =) I know we’re going to do it more often.

It is so gratifying to always have something to look forward to right? =) Because we deserve a break every once in a while and #seizethestay …

Hotel Jen is previously Traders Hotel also under Shangri-la Resorts and Hotels Management.

To book your stay, you can call them at: 02-795-8888

Burrow Cafe in Antipolo

Burrow Cafe in Antipolo

“Enjoy the little things”

Photo credits: https://urbanmoms.ca/parenting/its-all-about-appreciating-the-little-things-in-life/

And I thought I’ve had enough of Antipolo. That tranquility I felt being inside that 386 years old church, a historic landmark, the Antipolo cathedral, that buzzling sound of the market while you’re buying native dainties like “suman” (rice cake), “kalamay” (a sticky sweet delicacy), cashew nuts and more. The idyllic vibe of Vieux Chalet, the abstract beauty of Crescent Moon Cafe and Gallery where food and art are typically combined, and not to forget the picturesque Pinto Art Museum, even the famous “Hinulugang Taktak”. Yet, there’s more. Recently, Jen, my travel/foodie buddy, asked me to block-off one weekend to visit a homemade affair: the “Artis Artisan Bazaar”.

Since it featured a line-up of products I intend to sell soon, It’ll definitely be helpful to me, give me additional knowledge, stir my senses, meet fellow artists and much more.

Antipolo usually take more than 4 hours of my time just to get there, but getting there, it is always worth it.

Photo credits: https://www.instagram.com/artisartisanbazaar/

These pots are so cute! inspires me to paint pots too!

Calligraphy! The girl on the photo is the artist herself. =)

We didn’t just enjoy shopping from this charming bazaar, we need not go out of their vicinity to find someplace to dine since there is “Burrow Cafe” which serves great food at the same time.

It is a “feel-good” place, achieving the ambience of transporting you to another place or time, because it is literally rustic and the drizzle during our visit created a truly country-feel like vibe. I wasn’t able to capture the falling leaves from that floor to ceiling glass window, it was dreamy.

They’re menu isn’t too complicated, the attendants offered to try some of their best sellers. It is creatively presented like you’re reading the menu from a book. So innovative. What I got is the Tender beef tapa (yes, they’re literally tender) =). While Jen had Anise Roasted pork rice bowl. We shared a slice of their Pumpkin (Calabasa) cake, believe me it tasted like Pistachio cake for me. It was really good! =) I also enjoyed a healthy drink, I had Avocado shake and Jen had Calamansi shake since it’ll do her good being sick for days already.

There are greens all around. The soft sound of rippling water from the brook completed the placidity I don’t usually find in my daily grind.

They have cool merchandise too.

And colorful hammocks too!

I wish to do more of this. =) Not the hammock thing, but to visit places that are new to me, like a respite from the ordinary patterned life. It is so relaxing, moments when your mind goes blank and all you feel is the moment itself, it realigns you to your inner self. #oldsoul

From the root word itself, Burrow Cafe is literally located under the ground. =)

Burrow Cafe is located at 113 Beverly Hills Ave, Beverly Hills Subdivision, Antipolo City. You can call them to make reservation at: 0917-622-9795, or email them at: burrowcafeph@gmail.com for further inquiry.

For your convenience, they prepared a map as your guide:

December 3, 2018December 12, 2018

beautsantuaLeave a comment

The Manila Creamery

The Manila Creamery

“Life is sweeter with Ice cream!” ~ unknown

I have been hearing a lot about this cool ice cream parlor for years, though I haven’t tried it yet.

For a country like ours, ice cream is definitely a staple. I myself, would scream for ice cream! =)

The Manila Creamery is an inkling of 2 Filipino Chefs who studied abroad (specifically in Italy) to specialized in creating ice cream or gelatos. What made it more amusing is the thought of combining the traditions from both countries (Philippines and Italy).

Our first visit was in Alabang Town Center, you know it’s always the nearest from my place. But they have branches in Vertis North, Glorietta, Malingap Central, and the newest of which is at SM Megamall.

The smiling attendant welcomed us sweetly and offered that we can taste some flavors and so we did.

I just noticed, I myself, being from the F&B industry, they had us tried them with washable spoons whereas for sampling activities such as this, disposable spoons should be used for safety and sanitation purposes.

I mean, most ice cream parlors I’ve visited who had me tried their flavors, are equipped with disposable spoons, usually, the wooden ones.

Anyway, going back to the flavors we’ve tried, we liked several flavors, but Jen, my foodie buddy was looking for her favorite, which is salted caramel, unfortunately, they do not have it.

And instead of figuring out what to order, we opted to choose parfait like these two traditional Filipino charmers. Jen had the Mais con hielo and I had my favorite Halo-halo.

Jen had me tried her choice knowing I will blog about it and it’s just the creamiest I’ve tasted, the strong hint of corn is so natural.

My halo-halo came later than Jens’, I watched them painstakingly preparing it and its’ even prettier than the advertised picture.

Typically, the actual one is less prettier than the advertisements, so hats-off to the one who prepared my halo-halo! =)

The topped toasted rice crispies added a different flavor, and of course, what I love most is the dominance of the ube and leche flan. The rest of the ingredients like lanca and saba are just good enough for me. As most of the time, I just left the other ingredients of the usual Halo-halo. However, I’m quite “bitin” (not that satisfied) with the concept of “Razon’s” with just saba and macapuno on it.

We spotted a Mexican restaurant nearby, and intend to try it soon. Then, we go back here to try the unique flavors of their gelatos. =) You might just want to treat yourself the sweeter Manila way too. =)

November 30, 2018December 12, 2018

beautsantuaLeave a comment

My ABRAmazing Adventure

My Abramazing Adventure

“One way to make the most out of life is to look at it as an adventure.”~William Feather

My most recent blog about Kaparkan Falls in Tineg is just one of the many
interesting places you’ll find in Abra.

I might sound redundant but I’m really thankful to discover Kaparkan falls leading me to a lot more exciting places to see in this specific province that’s sometimes patented to be unsafe. Actually it is safe. We didn’t encounter anything shaky the whole time we were there. But of course, we always pray for safety each time we go out right?

So the news we’ve been hearing (mostly politics related), didn’t deter our eagerness to visit this province.

On top of Kaparkan Falls, here are some of the places our travel agency flaunted to us. These and the team spirit (good vibes) made this trip a memorable one.

Don Mariano Marcos bridge (Abra Kalinga National Road)

st 7 — Don Mariano Marcos bridge on our way to Tineg where Kaparkan falls is.

San Lorenzo Ruiz church (Bangued, Abra)

Bangued is the capital of Abra.

st 2 — San Lorenzo Ruiz church at the Camposanto, Bangued. The churchyard have been constructed as a cemetery as well. It is beautiful because of those red bricks and the twin bell towers. =)

St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral (Tayum, Abra)

st 12 — A 19th century Baroque church (Augustinian)

st 13 — St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral

Both churches are still closed, and since it’s my first time being there, I made my wishes and prayers. =)

Tangadan Welcome Tunnel (San Quintin, Abra)

s14 — Built in 1934, this more than 50 meter tunnel took two years to be operational.

Gabriela Silang Monument (San Quintin, Abra)

st 4 — One of the tributes dedicated to the first Filipina, fearless enough to fight for freedom.

Abra Pasalubong Center (San Quintin, Abra)

st 5 — Where we got the famous noodles, mascuvado sugar, local coffee, shirts and some souvenirs. =)

Open Theater at Victoria Park (Bangued, Abra)

View deck at Victoria Park (Bangued, Abra)

Balay ni Gian/ Carl Louie (for the longganiza and bagnet)

Gabriela Silang Carino Gallery of Fine Arts (Tayum, Abra)

Come lunch time, we had ours at “Hidden Garden” – Vigan City

st 9 — I dropped a coin and made a wish. =)

st 10 — We had Bagnet na sinigang and they’re version of Igado. And fruit shakes too.

st 11 — We also had empanada while waiting for our orders.

Crisologo Street – Vigan City

peeps 2a — Grace on the right, is our Travel agency co-owner, the 2 other equally pretty girls: Sandy and Clarisse, were my seatmates during our “rough road ride” to Kaparkan falls. They’re kind enough to share with me their shawl to cover our legs since we’re exposed to the scorching heat of the sun. =) I didn’t bring anything then, just my phone and my wallet. Jen and I at the background eating ice cream too. =)

st 1 — It was great to see this famous street again. =)

On our way back to Manila, they were already discussing when and where to go next. Most of our photos are with hashtag: #wheretonext

Traveler point PH – please take charge! lol!

October 31, 2018October 31, 2018

beautsantuaLeave a comment

Be amazed by ABRA

Be amazed by ABRA

“If it doesn’t scare you, you’re probably not dreaming big enough.” ~ Tory Burch

I have always been inspired by bloggers all these years and as I do my daily readings, I came across this place: Kaparkan Falls in Tineg, Abra. Upon research, Abra is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is Bangued, and is bordered by Ilocos Norte on the northwest, Apayao on the northeast, Kalinga on the mid-east, Mountain Province on the southeast, and Ilocos Sur on the southwest. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abra_(province)

I have been to the Ilocos region several times, and I honestly wondered why I missed this spectacular province. Thanks to the bloggers I follow who’ve been there and densely illustrated its’ beauty and what to expect. In my heart, I knew then, Abra is one I shouldn’t miss. Specifically that falls in Tineg.

So one weekend of October, our travel agency announced that it’s time to go, it has been postponed for several times already due to the typhoons in the Philippines and my heart is pounding at the thought of waiting for another year to see Kaparkan falls. The best time to visit is during rainy season as it runs dry during the summer months. However, I’d still insist to call it my own Summer in October. =)

I have to thank the agency: Traveler Point PH for being so organized, caring and had us experience this “ABRAMAZING” weekend.

Day 1 – Friday night:

Our pick-up point is at Greenfields (Mandaluyong City) at 9:00 pm, our organizer is a couple who loves to travel too, we shared the trip along with 8 millennials who made the trip more exciting and full of fun despite of the perplexity of reaching our destination(s). We arrived at The Department of Tourism Office, Tineg around 6:00 am, it is estimated at 8 hours travel time from Manila, however due to several stop-overs, it took us 9 hours to reach Tineg, Abra. We were briefed before hitting the road. And at exactly 7:00 am, we are ready.

I am actually surprised knowing we’re riding on this Army truck.

Its’ tires at 1100 x 20 (all terrain), I thought I was lucky that my assigned seat is at the front with 2 millennial girls who made me laugh the whole time. While Jen is at the back along with the other travelers. I was telling her she wouldn’t like it in front, and she’s also saying I wouldn’t like it too at the back. As they say: “Sa harap, kitang-kita, sa likod, damang-dama!” (English translation: “The rough road is so visible in front, while the roughness and bumpiness is felt most at the back!”)

Here’s why:

It is necessary to lodge the tires with these chains to avoid being bogged down in the deep mud.

Connecting Tayum and Dolores municipalities:

is The Don Mariano Marcos bridge. The third longest bridge in the country with a total length of 886.812 linear meters. #thisthingwithwelcomearchs

Reference: http://wikimapia.org/2423591/Don-Mariano-Marcos-Bridge

As oriented, this “one hell of a ride” is more or less than 4 hours, and less than an hour trek to reach our destination.

It is my first time to experience one such ride, upon being there, and finally witnessing this magnificent falls, I hear everyone saying “Oh My God!” several times! Myself, speechless. I must say it (bruises, scratches, broken nails, etc.) was truly worth it, I totally forgot about that “ride” upon seeing Kaparkan falls. Let these pictures speak for themselves. =)

Nature has it’s own special way of taking my breath away.

k15 — If you noticed, they do not bother to remove the falling leaves for a purpose, it adds beauty in time, the marks they leave, creates art naturally.

k17 — You will notice too that the place isn’t that populated by guests. The Dept. of Tourism gave strict directives that the maximum # of guests is only 90. This will allow guests to enjoy its’ tranquility too.

Those rows of limestones are naturally formed in that wondrous presence through the years, though it made me wonder, they aren’t slippery. I was too careful as it glistens when one of them told me that it isn’t slippery. Because of this, I began my wanderings and conquered my fear. =)

Our coordinator must know how famished we’d be, upon reaching our Transient home dinner time, they had this “Boodle fight” dinner set-up to welcome our group. Yum! =) We have fresh fruits too!

Our itinerary come Sunday is composed of some interesting places which I will blog separately.

Just this one at Kaparkan Falls substantiates that my more than a year waiting time to visit Abra is truly worth it. While there’s more this province can offer.

It is the highlight of this trip while I have my own personal highlight too, it is our visit to Gabriela Silang Carino Gallery of Fine Arts, which really satiated not just my eyes but my soul too.

Our itinerary for Day 2 includes: A visit to St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral, Tangadan Tunnel, Gabriela Silang monument and Abra Pasalubong Center, passed by Don Mariano Marcos bridge, the open theater and view deck at Victoria park, another visit to an old heritage church: San Lorenzo Ruiz church at the Camposanto, Bangued, side trip to Calle Crisologo, Vigan City, we also went to Balay ni Gian to buy Vigan longganiza and Bagnet (at Carl Louie) as pasalubong (goodies for loved ones at home). Our itinerary includes the Bantay Church Bell tower, the Gourd hat maker, the Loom weaving village, Acosta panciteria (that famous Abra pancit miki). But due to time constraint, we missed those ones. But it’s okay. For those who will visit Abra, these are also some spots you would want not to miss.