"Adobong Pusit"

"Adobong Pusit" also known as "squid cooked in vinegar" is a popular dish to local citizens of the Philippines.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 kilo pusit / squid
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp whole peppercorns
salt to taste
5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp oil
1 small onion, sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced 
sugar to taste


PROCEDURES:

Wash and clean the squid very well. Remove membranes, eyes, and stomach.

Keep the inc sac intact.

Boil squid in water, vinegar, pepper, salt and garlic.

Cover and cook until tender.

Drain and separate garlic. Reserve sauce.

In a separate pan, saute garlic in hot oil until brown.

Add onions and tomatoes and cook until wilted.

Add squid and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Add reserved sauce and a little sugar to taste.

Simmer until sauce is reduced.

Top 8 places to party in Boracay

 
My favorite is the reggae live music @ Bom Bom's to start the night.


Then hoping on to Summer Place with friends enjoying their long island ice tea and challenging each one to take the sex shooters.


After a few drinks, invite your friends to hop over to listen to the funky DJ beat @ Plazoleta.


Before going to the Station 1 party place, chill out first @ Hey Jude.


As you head over to station 1, you will notice that Beachcomber now replaces Pier 1.


Club Paraw is still standing and we have LOTS of memories here.


Guilly's Island now replaces Cocomangas located near the beach front.


The Cocomangas shooters bar is still standing where you can enjoy their signature illusion shaker and where you can challenge your friends for the 15 shooters.

Courtesy of: "www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2008/01/boracay-101.html

Top 10 Best Restaurants in Boracay

I have searched for the top 10 best places to dine in Boracay and here it is:

1. Dos Mestizos is the Best Spanish Restaurant in the Island by Binggoy Remedios (only Ole restaurant can contest that title) . They went out of Asya resort to establish their own resto near the Station 3 Police Station. They serve strictly spanish food cooked slowly and with olive oil. Their specialties are the 16 ways of Tapa which includes Gambas al ajillo, Croquettas de quezo azul, and chorizo; and the 5 different styles of Paella: Valenciana, Marinara, Negra, de pollos, and de verduras which takes about half hour to prepare.

Dos Mestizos Spanish Restaurant
Sitio Manggayad, beside PNP Police Detachment Station 3
Tel (+63-36) 288-5786Opens Daily (12pm-2pm Lunch, 6pm Dinner, on Saturdays 6pm-10pm Eat-all-you-can Tapas)


2. Cyma's original restaurant in d'Mall continues to be the greek favorite in the island. It was a hit when it first opened which led to the consequent opening of the Shangrila and Greenbelt branches in Manila. It is hidden in one of the alleyway in d'Mall but you won't miss it because of the number of people patronizing the place. Try their light greek salad, saganaki (flaming cheese) with OOPA!, and the lamb chops/ crabs for your main dish.

Related Posts: Top 5 Bora Restos
Cyma Greek Restaurant
d'Mall, Station 2, Boracay Island

3. Prana Restaurant located in Mandala Spa is the best healthy restaurant in the island. "Prana" means "life force" in Sanskrit and it reflects the lifestyle philosophy of Karen Reina and Dieter Schrottmann. It servesvegetarian food, fruits and salads, and light food in general. You shouldn't miss their Pappa al pomodoro tomato soup and healthy breakfast servings.

Related Posts: Top 5 Bora Restos

Prana Restaurant at Mandala Spa
Station 3, Boracay Island
Tel (+63-36) 288 5856 to 59
E-mail: info@mandalaspa.com 

4. Manana Boracay- nothing beats Manana when it comes to tacos, burritos and nachos in bora. Almost all of the people I've asked randomly, recommended Manana because of the big serving size and the food is served hot and fresh. It is a favorite hangout place because of its open air ambiance and beach front location.

Manana Mexican Restaurant
White Beach, near Boat Station 1 Boracay Island


5. Lemon iCafe - Ever since it opened, it created rave reviews because of its lemon desserts and lemon inspired interiors strategically located in the middle of d'Mall. They serve a variety of chocolate cakes, banana muffin and other desserts. They serve breakfast and light meals, so you won't go wrong in putting this in your food trip itinerary any time of the day.

Lemon iCafe
in the middle of d'Mall, Boracay Island


6. Real Coffee and Tea Cafe - Established since 1996 by Ms. Lee Rosaia. Its claim to fame in Bora is its Lemon cupcakes (P40 each) and its Nipa hut setting which is great for breakfast. They serve continental breakfast mostly omelettes and sandwiches. They are open as early as 7.30am. You can't see them from the main walking road in Station 1 because you have to go inside a bit to find it.

Real Coffee and Tea Cafe
near Boat Station 1, Boracay.

6. Zuzuni - There is room for two Greek restaurants in this Top 10 list but I still like Cyma overall. This is owned by Geni Psinakis of Mati Rockwell fame; Yorgos Psinakis; and Nikos Gitsis, a Seair partner who named it after the endearing term "little insect" in Greek. Their Greek cuisine are almost authentic but they have a killer dessert called Chocolate Sin that beats any dessert in the island.

Zuzuni Greek Restaurant
near Boat Station 1, BoracayTel (+63-36) 288.4477
Website: www.zuzuni.net

7. Aria Italian Restaurant - Filipinos love pizza and pasta and Aria is the best place to enjoy these. They use wood fire oven for their pizzas and bread. They are owned by the d'Mall owners and enjoys a very nice prominent spot at the entrance of d'Mall.

Aria Italian Restaurant d'Mall, Station 2, Boracay IslandTel (+63-36) 288-5573

8. Boracay Crab House @ Escondido - The Best Crab Place in Boracay. Their specialties are simply crabs in many ways that you could imagine and their prawn dishes. It would be a shame leaving Boracay without eating the best seafood you will only find in the province like Boracay.

Escondido's Boracay Crab HouseAt the back of the ChurchTel (+63-36) 376-4535, (+63-917) 527 4777Website: www.escondidoboracay.net


9. True Food Indian Food - The Best Indian Food in Boracay Island. It has huge pillows where you can seat and have a good time with friends.

True Food Restaurant
Boat Station 2, Boracay

10. Smoke Restaurant - The Best Filipino paluto restaurant in Boracay. If you are on a budget, why not buy your raw ingredients and ask Smoke to cook it for you. They also have ala carte Filipino food in the menu but nothing beats buying shrimps and asking them to cook it for you the way you like it.

Smoke Restaurant
at the back of d'Mall restaurant where the market is, Boracay

Top 10 Must-Try-Food-and-Drinks in Bora!
 
Jonas Milkshake is undoubtedly the best milkshake in the island!
 
Real Coffee's claim to fame is their Lemon Cupcake. You should try it.

Cafe del Sol's Cheesecake @ d'Mall is a good choice for dessert after your Aria meal.


Zuzuni's Chocolate Sin is to die for. Amen.

Summer Place Bucket of Long Island Ice Tea. This is a great bonding drink for the barkada.

Illusion Shaker of Cocomangas. Find out why it is called illusion shaker.

Chori Burger and Street Food. You're Bora experience is not complete without tasting these Chori Burger.
 
Sex Shooters of Summer Place. It is a combination of 6 alcoholic shots with sexy names and with different ingredients.

Still Standing after 15 is already an institution in the island. You will be given 15 alcoholic shots which you need to finish the entire night. If you are still standing after 15 shots, you'll get a shirt and they will put your name on the walls.

Gastoff Ribs @ d'Mall.


8 Restaurants that did not make the Top 10 list but worth mentioning


Puka beach food is perfect during lunch time after a boating trip.

Wahine Beach Bar is a good place to hangout for thin crust pizzas if you happen to pass by Diniwid beach where Nami and Microtel are located.


Yellow Cab invasion. It replaced my favorite restaurant Banza portuguese food.

If you are already wasted, Jammers is the place to hang out in the early morning. Good thing they are open 24 hours.


This is the original restaurant of Hawaiian Bar-B-Que in Bora. They opened their second branch in the Boutique of Tagaytay and another branch in San Miguel by the Bay.

You can try the unique halo halo sandwich @ Halowich d'Mall.

Bacolod Chicken, Chicken Inasal and Andoks have invaded Boracay and they are a favorite choice among budget travellers.


Portable crepes @ Crazy Crepes or Rock n Roll Crepes are the in thing in Bora.

"Courtesy of www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2008/01/boracay-101.html"

Davao City

Davao is one of the travel destinations that the Philippines boasts of, and our goal is inform you more about it and to encourage you to visit this beautiful city.

History forms part of what makes Davao an enchanting travel destination, so let us start by giving you a brief history of this city.

Several ethnic tribes lived in Davao during early times, including the Bagabos, the Manobos, the Mansakas, and the Mandayas. They were the ethnic groups that gave Davao its name, originating from the term “daba-daba,” meaning, fire. There were also Cebuanos and Ilocanos who migrated to Davao when the Spaniards came. This is the reason why Davaoeños know how to speak dialects spoken in Cebu and Ilocos.

There are approximately 1.2 million people residing in Davao. Its size is 244,000 hectares, probably making it the biggest city in the world as far as land area is concerned. Davao may have a big population by it is known to be a peaceful city because Davaoeños in general are friendly, happy, and hospitable people.

Davao boasts of several historical sites that make this city an enthralling travel destination. It is in this city that Mount Apo lies. This mountain stands 10,311 feet tall, and is recognized as the tallest mountain in the Philippines. If you are interested in climbing this mountain, it is best to join professional mountain climbers to ensure safety.

This city also boasts of the Dabaw Museum. This museum features such displays as tribal arts, costumes, musical instruments, weapons, and crafts, among other things. Artworks done by contemporary artists are also on view on the museum’s second floor.

Golfers are also encouraged to visit Davao because this city features several golf courses as well. We recommend that you visit the Lanang Golf and Country Club, the Apo Golf and Country Club, and the New Davao City Golf Club.

Aside from golfers, we also recommend Davao to divers. Numerous dive sites are located in Davao, including, but not limited to, Ligid Island, Mushroom Rock, Pearl Farm, and Talicud Island.

Land of Beautiful Harbors "Palawan"

No one knows the origin of the name, Palawan. The name may have come from the Chinese word “Pa-Lao-Yu” or “Land of Beautiful Harbors.” Others think it’s from the Indian word “Palawans” or “Territory.” However, most think it comes from the Spanish word “Paragua” because Palawan looks like a closed umbrella.

Palawan had been called the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization” because the bones of the first Filipinos were found there 22, 000 years ago. The first known settlers were the Tagbanua, Palaw’an, Tau’t bato and the Bataks. They made the mountains and coastal areas their homes even before the Malay settlers came.

Palawan became the center of trade when there were still land bridges that connected it to Borneo. It was during the 12th century when the Malays from Borneo stared settling in Palawan. Because of this, the southern part of Palawan was under the rule of Borneo. The settlers made a living through farming, fishing, hunting and raising livestock. They developed their own alphabet, non-formal form of government and a system for trading with sea-borne merchants.

When the Spaniards arrived in Palawan, the first to be successfully occupied was Northern Calamianes Islands. In the early 17th century, the Friars tried to reach the parts of Cuyo, Agutaya, Taytay and Cagayancillo but the strong Moro forces made their attempts unsuccessful. In the 18th century, the Spanish friars stared building churches with garrisons in the towns of Cuyo, Taytay, Linapacan and Balabac to protect them against the Moro raids. These forts still stand today. Back then, the island was called “Paragua.” In 1749, the Sultanate of Borneo gave the Spaniards the power to rule the southern parts of Paragua.

After the Americans bought the Philippines from the Spaniards for 20 million dollars, they made changes in Paragua. They consolidated the islands and called it Palawan. They promoted education, medical assistance, agriculture and tribal minorities’ rights. Today, Palawan still has a considerable amount of well-preserved beauty thanks to the locals’ and various groups’ perseverance. They even have their own hospital for sick and disabled crocodiles. Two UNESCO World Heritage sites are found there which are the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, South Sulu Sea and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. These are the reasons why Palawan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Did you Know?

Fun Facts on International Body Language

In Brazil, pulling down the lower lid of the right eye means that the listener

doubts what you are saying.

In Greece, tilting your head back while making a clicking sound with your tongue means no.

In Hong Kong, only animals are beckoned with a finger. To signal someone to come to you, reach out, palm down and flutter your fingers.

In Japan, women cover their mouths when they laugh because it is considered impolite to show their teeth.

In Pakistan, it is not rude to stare at other people. It is impolite to show the soles of your feet or point a foot while sitting on the floor.

In Spain, snapping the thumb and first finger together a few times is a form of applause.

In Sri Lanka, moving your head from side to side means yes and nodding your head up and down means no.

In Thailand, people point to an object with their chins, not their hands.

"Bataan" the Peninsula

Bataan is the peninsula which is found in the western part of Luzon. Bataan has an astounding cultural and historical background, heritage and history. 

The province has attractive scenic view and enchanting naural landscapes that describe the wonders of the place. Beautiful mountain ranges, amazing waterfalls, magnificent green valleys, exotic world class beach resorts and a warm hospitality that is truly Filipino.

Bataan has so much to offer that it is one of the most popular tourist destination in the Philippines. The province provides the adventure seekers an interesting things to do because the place proves to be a tourist haven boasting a multitude of exciting places to visit.

Bataan is located in west Luzon between Manila Bay and the South China Sea. The province has two parts and divided by a pass that separated the northern and southern mountains. Beautiful beaches are found in the eastern side. Bataan is easily be reach by ferryboat across the Manila Bay.

Bataan is very significant in the Philippines History because Bataan was among the first provinces to revolt against Spanish regime. Not only that in World War II, Bataan was the last line of defense against invading Japanese forces.

A trip to Bataan would be an escape to the busy roads of Metro Manila, the scenery is so beautiful it would take you away. It is definitely one of the many places in the Philippines where you can sit back, relax and just have fun.

"Here are some photos I have taken during our trip to Bataan"

The Heart of the Philippines "Cebu City"

Cebu is in the heart of the Philippines. Known to be the Queen City of the South, Cebu has is the oldest and second most important city in the country. Cebu is one of the top priority of tourist because of its world-class beach resorts and diving spots. Cebu's tourist destinations and attraction are found in both north and south of Metro Cebu. Cebu has it's own international and shipping port. Cebu has export processing zones that are helps boost up the economy of the country.

The province is composed of five cities; Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-lapu, Toledo and Danao and there are 48 municipalities. Cebu City, the provincial capital, is located on the island's east coast.

Cebu is the shipping crossroads and it is a good jumping off point for island hopping to the tropical islets of Central Visayas. Cebu is the home of the world-class beach resorts and beautiful tropical diving sites in the country. Mactan Island which is adjacent to Cebu has become the tourist package destination especially for Japanese, Taiwanese and Koreans.

Cebu is also the home of the Sinulog Festival which is famous because of its colorful costumes and street dancing. The Sinulog Festival is held every third Sunday of January. Various groups in which are called tribes are wearing beautiful, exotic and colorful costumes to celebrate the religious festival with the image infant Jesus. These tribes are singing and dancing in the streets from morning to evening.

Cebu is also known as the country's oldest Spanish settlement and colonial City dating from 15th century. Cebu has several historic landmarks.

There are many colonial houses in the south especially in Carcar the restored Bahay na Tisa and the Moorish-style Church of St. Catherine. Many exotic and beautiful beaches can be found in Argao and Dalaguete. 18th Century church which attracts tourist can also be found in Argao.