Where To Go in Tagaytay?

     Tagaytay is one of the places that you can relax and unwind from your busy and stressful days. A wonderful place that you can see beautiful sceneries like Taal volcano. We decided to go here with my officemates. First, we looked a van to rent that fits to our budget. Then, we looked places in Tagaytay that we visited. From Manila, 1.5-2 hours travel to tagaytay.

     Here are the places in Tagaytay that we visited.

1. Our lady of Manaoag at Tierra de Maria - it is along tagaytay-calamba road. Before we go to other places, we had to visit a churh to pray and thank God for all the blessings given to us. And our trip in tagaytay will be safe and enjoy. You will see the image of Mama Mary, 50 feet tall. You can also go on the top of the building to see also the view of Taal Volcano.

At the top of the building

2. Peoples Park in the Sky - If you enter here, you will pay 30 pesos for the entrance. There are also jeepneys cost 5 pesos for your transportation going to the top of the park. But we decided to walk going to the top of the park so that we can enjoy the view and took pictures everywhere.

3. Picnic Grove - The entrance fee here is 50 pesos and parking fee of the van cost 50 pesos also. There are different things that you can do here. You can ride in zip line, riding a horse, ride in cable car and etc. Take a picture everywhere.

4. Leslie's "Bulalohan" Restaurant - After in picnic grove, exactly lunch time. We go in leslie's bulalohan, because they say that bulalo food is the specialty here. Foods are expensive but worth it. And after eating your food, you can take pictures at the back of the restaurant. You can see the small islands surrounded by the sea and the taal volcano.

5. Sky Ranch - We want some adventure, we visited the place of Sky ranch. This place is like an Enchanted Kingdom that full of rides but the place was not fully completed. We ride in sky eye or the big ferris wheel. They say that this is the biggest ferris wheel. Some were ride in vikings. You can experience different rides here. The entrance is 100 pesos. And the rides will costs 50-150 pesos. So affordable.

After this, we decided to go home earlier. We were worried of the traffic if we are late to go back Manila. Of course, on the way home, we bought "pasalubong" like buko pie, buko tart, etc. A memorable day and happy moments with my officemates going here in Tagaytay.

Chicken And Shrimp Chowmein

INGREDIENTS:

350         g            chicken breast fillet, cut into strips
200         g            shrimps, shelled, tails kept intact
350         g            bihon or canton noodles
5             pc           (20g) dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
1/4         cup          sliced wansuy


Sauce:
2            pouches   pineapple tidbits (115g)
1/3         cup           oyster sauce
2-1/4     cups         chicken stock
1            tsp            grated ginger
1            pc             medium onion, sliced
2            tsp            brown sugar
2            tbsp          cornstarch, dissolved in pineapple syrup


PROCEDURE:

1. Saute chicken, shrimps and mushrooms until cooked. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

2. Combine ingredients for sauce. Simmer until thickened. Add chicken-shrimp mixture. Allow to simmer.
Set aside.

3. Deep fry noodles by batch until crispy. Arrange on platter.

4. pour sauce over and top with wansuy.


Makes 8 servings.

Fish-Piña Tocho

INGREDIENTS:

3/4        kg                         tilapia/ alumahan, cleaned
4           cloves                  garlic, crushed
1           pc                         large onion, sliced
1-1/2    tbsp                      ginger strips
2           tbsp                      soy sauce
2           pouches(115g)   del monte pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve syrup)
2           cubes(100g)        tahure, drained
1           pc(100g)              tokwa
3           stalks                    kinchay, cut 1" long



PROCEDURE:

1. Sprinkle fish with 3/4 tsp iodized salt (or 2-1/4 tsp iodized rock salt). Fry until golden brown. Set aside.

2. Saute garlic, onion and ginger. Add soy sauce, pineapple syrup, 1-1/4 cups water and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Stir.

3. Mash tahure and tokwa together. Add to the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add pineapple tidbits, fried fish and kinchay. Simmer for 1 minute.


Make 8 servings.

Fish Sinigang Sa Pinya

INGREDIENTS:

8          cloves               garlic, crushed
1          pc                      medium onion, sliced
3          pc                      medium tomatoes, sliced
100      g                        radish, sliced
1/2       kg                      whole fish (bangus/maya-maya), sliced
1/2       cup                    pineapple juice
100      g                        mustasa
5          stalks                 kangkong, cut up
1          pouch(115g)     del monte pineapple tidbits



PROCEDURES:

1. Saute garlic, onion and tomatoes for 3 minutes. Add patis to taste and radish. Saute for 2 minutes.

2. Add pineapple juice, fish and 1 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Add mustasa, kangkong and pineapple tidbits with syrup. Allow to simmer.


Make 4-5 servings.

Ginebra vs Alaska in Commissioner's Cup Finals

      Last May 11, 2013, Alaska win over San Mig Coffee in the game 4 with the standing of 3-1. And last May 12, 2013, Ginebra win over Talk and Text in the game 5 with the standing of 3-2. This finals Ginebra and Alaska are both hungry for the crown to be the champion in the Commissioner's Cup. The countdown will start on May 15, 2013 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Here are the schedules of the game:

Date	Time		Dark Uniform		Light Uniform	Venue
May 19, 2013	7:30PM		Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings	vs	Alaska Aces	Smart Araneta Coliseum
May 17, 2013	7:30PM		Alaska Aces	vs	Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings	Mall of Asia Arena
May 15, 2013	7:30PM		Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings	vs	Alaska Aces	Smart Araneta Coliseum

     Araneta Coliseum had the crowd of attendees of 10,775 in the 4th game of Alaska vs San Mig Coffee, and on the next day, a crowd of 21,480 in the 5th game of Ginebra vs Talk and Text. For this finals, have the Ginebra vs Alaska will beat the new record of attendees of 23,108?

     For your review with the both teams. Here is the infographic:

Chicken Inasal

INGREDIENTS:

1      kg                        whole dressed chicken, cut into halves or serving pieces
3      tbsp                     atsuete seeds, soaked in 3 tbsp hot water and strained
1      tbsp                     sinigang mix powder
1/2   tsp                       pepper
2      pouches              Del Monte Pineapple Tidbits
2      stalks                   tanglad, pounded
1      tbsp                     minced garlic
1      tsp                       minced ginger



COOKING PROCEDURE:

1. Blended all ingredients in a bowl and let stand for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.

2. Cook as desired, either pan-grill, pan-fry, charcoal-grill, until chicken is done.

Or bake at 350⁰F preheated oven for 40 minutes. Serve.

Make 8 servings.

    

Fish With Tausi

INGREDIENTS:

3/4   kg                      fish fillet (cream dory/maya maya/labahita), cut into 2" sticks
1      block(250g)      tofu, cut into 2" sticks
3      tbsp                   cornstarch
1/4   cup                    chopped onions
1      tbsp                   minced garlic
3      tbsp                   tausi, drained
3      tbsp                   soy sauce
1      pouch(115g)     del monte pineapple tidbits, drained (reserved syrup)
1      tbsp                   cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tbsp water



PROCEDURE:

1. Sprinkle fish with 1-1/2 tsp iodized fine salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, deep-fry tofu until golden brown. Set aside.

2. Dredge fish in cornstarch and deep-fry until golden brown. Set aside.

3. Saute onions, garlic and tausi in 1 tbsp oil. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, pineapple syrup and 2 tbsp water. Bring to a quick boil. Add dissolved cornstarch and cook until thicken.

4. Toss in fried fish, tofu and pineapple tidbits. Cook for 2 more minutes or until heated through.


Makes 6 servings.

Escabeche Tropical

INGREDIENTS:

1/2     kg          whole or sliced fish (maya-maya, labahita or lapu-lapu)
1        pc          small onion, cut into rings
1/2     tbsp       ginger strips
1/4     cup        sliced carrot
1        pc          small red pepper, cut into strips


SAUCE:

2         pouches(115g)   del monte pineapple tidbits
1/2      cup                      water
1/2      tbsp                     red cane vinegar
1-1/2   tbsp                    white sugar
1/2      tbsp                     cornstarch
1/4      cup                      iodized fine salt (or 1/4 tbsp rock salt)



  
COOKING PROCEDURE:

1. Sprinkle fish with 1/4 tsp iodized salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Fry until just brown.

2. Saute onion, ginger, carrot and bell pepper. Add sauce ingredients. Stir and simmer until thick.
Pour over fried fish.


Make 4 servings.

Chicken Afritada with Pineapple

INGREDIENTS:

4         cloves                garlic, crushed
1         pc                       medium onion, chopped
1/2      kg                       chicken , cut up
1-1/2  tbsp                     patis
200     g                         potatoes, cut into chunks
100     g                         carrot, cut into chunks
1/3      cup                      cooked/frozen green peas
2         pouches(115g)  del monte pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve syrup)
1         pc                        small red bell pepper, cut into strips
1         pouch(200g)      del monte original style tomato sauce



COOKING PROCEDURES:

1. Saute garlic, onion and chicken for 5-8 minutes. Add patis, 1/4 tsp pepper and pineapple syrup.
Cook for another 5 minutes.

2. Add 1/4 cup water, potatoes and carrots. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add del monte tomato sauce.
Simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Add green peas, bell pepper and del monte pineapple tidbits. Cook for another 5 minutes.

Makes 6 servings.


            

Korean Beef

INGREDIENTS:

1/2    kg                         beef flank, cut into chunks
1        pouch (115g)    del monte pineapple tidbits, drained
                                        (reserved syrup)
1        tbsp                      cornstarch
1        tsp                        toasted sesame seeds (optional)



MARINADE:

1/4      cup                  soy sauce
2-1/2  tbsp                brown sugar
1          tbsp                 sesame oil
4          gloves             garlic, crushed
1          tbsp                 grated ginger
2          stalks              green onions, sliced
                                      pineapple syrup
           
           

PROCEDURES:

1. Mix the marinade ingredients and marinate meat for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Drain meat, reserve marinade.

2. Combine meat with cornstarch. Saute in 2 tbsp oil over high heat until just brown.
Add 1/2 to 1 cup water and marinade. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour or until tender.

3. Add del monte pineapple tidbits. Allow to simmer. Serve with sesame seeds.


Make 5 servings.



Source: Del Monte Philippines, Inc.

Dance Presentation

     A very happy moments when you share laughter and bonding with your colleagues. One experienced in working in the company was to have a dance presentation together with them.

      This video was taken on our Christmas party on December 2012. And this performance was made us as the 2nd place in the contest. We are not expecting it to win, we performed just like a play and experienced it.

Just watch this video.

     If you want to copy some steps, you can do so. Thank you for watching!

Villa Raphael Resort

     Summer is exciting and enjoy. Most people are planning to have a vacation especially going to beaches and resorts. They are searching for the best place and affordable.

Villa Raphael Resort

     Villa Raphael Resort was a good and relaxing place. It is located in Barangay San Juan, Palauig, Zambales. A 4-5 hours from Manila.

      It is a perfect resort for family vacation, birthday, wedding and other occasions. It is also a gateway to Magalawa Island, a white beach island near in the resort.


How to get there:
     Take any bus from Manila (Cubao) going to Sta. Cruz or Iba, Zambales. If the destination of the bus is to Sta. Cruz, drop off to Palauig, then ride a tricycle going to Villa Raphael Resort. If the bus is going to Iba, ride a jeep from there going to Palauig.

For any inquiries, visit their website  http://villaraphaelresort.multiply.com/
or contact Tita Fely, +639203861746

Flower Girl Dresses

     The little girls in a wedding ceremony are the flower girls. They are cute and adorable specially if they wear the beautiful dresses. See the pictures below of some flower girl dresses.

Elegant Wedding Gowns

     Choose your wedding gowns on your most awaited day of your life. Here are some elegant wedding gowns that you can be use and can give you an idea and designs for your perfect gown.

 

Prenuptial Shoot Locations

     Looking for a location of your prenuptial shoot? Here are some places that you are interested and affordable to your budget. These will also depend on your theme and satisfaction.

Locations for Prenuptial Shoot:

1. The Greenery - located in # 80 Rio Vista Subdivision Sabang, Baliwag, Bulacan, Philippines
     Website: http://thegreenery.ph 
    
2. The Lakeshore - located in Unit 103 Petron Lakeshore, Km 71 NLEX (after San Fernando Exit), Philippines
     Website: http://lakeshore.com.ph
     
3. Jardin de Miramar - located in 276 San Jose Ext., San Isidro Antipolo City, Philippines
     Website: http://jardindemiramar.com/ 

4. Clear Water Resort & Country Club - Creekside Road near Centennial Expo, Clark Freeport Zone,
Pampanga, Philippines
     Website: http://www.clearwaterphilippines.com/

5.  Pearl Farm Resort - located in Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines
    Website: http://www.pearlfarmresort.com

6. Lost Horizon Beach Resort - Alona Beach, Tawala, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
     Website: http://www.losthorizonresort.net

7. Punta Fuego Resort - located in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines
     Website: http://www.puntafuegoresort.com

8. Starcove Resort Hotel - Bo. Baclaran, Balayan, Batangas, Philippines
     Website: http://starcoveresorthotel.com/

9. Casa Ibiza - Sapang Buho Road, Barangay Dalig II, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines
    Website: http://www.casaibiza.com.ph/

10. Thunderbird Resort - Eastridge Avenue, Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines
     Website: www.thunderbirdresortrizal.com

Ginataang Hipon sa Kamias

INGREDIENTS:

2 coconuts, grated to produce
1 c coconut cream
1 c coconut milk (see cooking lessons)

1 1/2 tbsp bagoong (shrimp paste)
4 cloves garlic, craked
1 medium onion, sliced
10 kamias (bilimbi), halved
2 siling haba (green finger chili), sliced
500 g medium-sized shrimp (suwahe)
salt and pepper, to taste


Cooking Procedures:

1. In a skillet, over medium fire, put the coconut cream, coconut milk, bagoong, garlic and onion.
Let come to a boil and cook until the liquid has reduced a little.

2. Add the kamias and sliced siling haba and cook until soft. Add the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink. Remove from the fire once the oil from the coconut forms on top. Season with salt and pepper.


Cooking Lesson:

- To extract coconut cream and milk: add a little water to the grated coconut meat and squeeze to yield coconut cream (1st extraction); add another cup water to the coconut meat and squeeze to yield coconut milk (2nd extrtion)




Shared by Beth Romualdez

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Ilocos Norte

     Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. It is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

 

 
     Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was declared a National Historical Landmark on August 13, 2004 and a National Cultural Treasure on June 20, 2005 by the Philippine Government.

     The 66-foot-tall (20 m) octagonal stone tower, the most prominent structure in the vicinity. At the parking lot, visitors climb a flight of concrete stairs to the perimeter wall which offers a good view of Cape Bojeador and South China Sea and enter the courtyard.

 

 

     Visiting the area is recommended in the months of June to August. On the month of  November to January is not advisable for the weather is very wet and cold due to the effect of the Siberian Winds (Cold front from Siberia, Russia) affecting the Northern most tip of Luzon Island.