A Reason to head to Tagaytay

Many people go to Tagaytay for many reasons. To sight see and enjoy the beautiful weather, to horseback ride, vacation getaway, or even just to spend the day out of town. One thing people can head to Tagaytay for is to eat. There are a lot of places to eat up there. Most are overlooking the beautiful Taal Lake. It is a great place to eat and spend time with your family or friends. There are a lot of places to choose from, there are different cuisines and types of restaurants to choose from depending on what you’re looking for.

One particular restaurant that I love and go to Tagaytay for is Inihaw Ni Antonio’s. It is like the Antonio’s everyone knows about but is all Filipino food and is more casual. It’s very relaxed. You don’t have to make reservations, don’t have to dress up and don’t have to worry about anything. It has a very nice atmosphere. It’s very spacious, has lots of windows and has an open area with tables outside where you can enjoy the food along with the beautiful weather. The restaurant is very simple, nothing fancy or extraordinary. They kept it simple but nice. But aside from being simple and open air they kept it very clean. No unsanitary signs around the restaurant. Even in the restroom which is very clean. Cleaner than most places I have been to. The look and feel of the restaurant is very homey and gives a nice feeling to those eating in it. The weather adds to the enjoyment.

Now for the best part, the food! The menu offers a wide variety of Filipino food. It ranges from appetizers, to soups, to veggies, to grilled food, to fried food and so on. The list can go on and on. They also offer specialties of the day. At first glance they may seem a bit more expensive than most Filipino places, but I have to say it is worth it! It is really value for your money. They serving sizes are reasonable, even big for some dishes, and the taste is very flavorful. The food is simple and not fancy or anything, but you can tell they gave a lot of importance to quality and taste.

I enjoyed it very much! And I can say my family did too. The food is so good you have to tell yourself enough, or you won’t stop eating. There is so much to choose from you will have to go back more than once to try everything!

And after you are done eating you can just sit back and relax. The weather and view make you just want to take a nap after a great meal. Sadly I wasn’t able to eat one of my favorites the crispy pata this time. But I don’t mind because there is no doubt I will be back. This is not the last time I will drive up there. Inihaw Ni Antonio’s is certainly worth the drive up!

The Reality of the Internet

The internet we have today can be said to be one of the greatest inventions of all time. It has made life for us so much easier and so much faster. It has given us all the information we could possibly need or want. It has brought it all right to our doorstep. Because of all this information people are more aware and more educated, or should I say they should be more aware and educated. But with all these benefits the internet has a lot of downsides and negative traits.

I can imagine how life would be without the internet, but I don’t think I would want to live without it. In terms of information and research, if you didn’t have the internet you would have to go to the library and manually search the books there for your information. And if you need a lot of information this will take very long compared to a few seconds in the internet. The internet has made researching so much faster and there is so much more information now.

Another benefit we have from the internet is communication. The world has become so small thanks to emailing, chatting and all those sites and programs that connect people. It has made keeping in touch and searching for people a lot easier than before. No more writing letters by hand and mailing it. This can all be done with the click of a button.

But although the internet has so many benefits and importance, we cannot change the fact that it is extremely open to everybody. There are so many things we cannot control and cannot censor, which is bad for the younger generation. It is hard to control what they open and search. These are the things that people around them will have to monitor. But despite these the internet was and really is a fantastic invention. And would be hard, not impossible, to live without.

Tabi Tabi Po

Folklore, a word I’m sure many of us are familiar with. But do we all know what folklore means? Let us try and define the word. Folklore may have many different meanings or may mean different things to certain people. But folklore generally refers to anything that is orally passed down from generation to generation in groups of people. Folklore can be a collection of stories and superstitions that people tell one another.

Here in the Philippines the beliefs and superstitions may differ a bit depending where you are but generally there are similarities. It may range from the origin of the world, to beliefs of the people and their ancestors, to the lifestyles of the people.

One of the biggest parts of Philippine folklore is the belief in mythological creatures. Many people, especially in the provinces, believe that creatures live among us. There are many mythological creatures that have become part of our culture and beliefs, some of the most famous being the dwendes and the aswangs. People have actually claimed to have encountered and sighted these creatures, and many people look at certain events or misfortunes as signs of their mischief and evil. Because of the fear that these creatures have instilled people have different customs and practices so that they do not offend these creatures. One of these is the practice of saying “tabi-tabi po” when we pass by their homes and places they are believed to be living in.

Superstitions and mythological creatures have existed for as long as we can remember. They date back all the way to the old civilizations of man. They have become part of the cultures of people and are still believed and practiced until today. All over the world different countries have their own beliefs and superstitions. Here in the Philippines we have our own set of beliefs and superstitions. The Philippines is so rich in culture and has so many islands that there are a lot of beliefs.

One of the most common beliefs is the belief in mythological creatures. We all know about creatures and so called monsters, ever since we were little kids they have been around. We know about ghosts, vampires, werewolves and the other famous ones, but do we know about the ones that are here in the Philippines? We have our own monsters that are believed to exist, especially in the provinces and other islands of the country.

Because the Philippines has so many islands and with this so many different mythological creatures it will take too long to go through every creature. So I will only be focusing on two of the more famous ones, the Dwende and the Aswang. I chose these two because these are very common and I’m sure a lot of people have heard of them already. It will be easier to imagine what I am trying to write here.

I will start with the aswang because it is the less known of the two creatures. The aswang is well known in the Western Visayas region particularly Capiz, Iloilo, and Antique. It is described to be a ghoul or shape shifter. An aswang is usually in the form of a human during the day but can change its form to different animals, most commonly a dog at night. During the day aswangs live a normal life even working among other people. But at night they come out to hunt and feed, particularly on little children.

In areas where aswangs are believed to exist the local people decorate their homes with items believed to keep aswangs away. They also do not stay out late and are all home by nightfall. When people are out at night they are usually in groups and not alone. People usually sleep in the first floor away from the second floor roof and any window or door. And almost always there is someone who stays up and keeps guard. This is to ensure the safety of everyone. Aside from this there are a number of things people believe in that will help protect them from aswangs.

The second creature I will talk about is the more famous dwende or as most people know them the dwarf. A dwarf is believed to be little old men who are usually invisible and are said to dwell underground. Filipinos believe that they like to dwell among humans and will live in trees, underground tunnels, termite mounds and even the back gardens of people.

Dwarves are usually harmless creatures. They even help humans in small ways if they like the people near them. All they ask for is respect both to them and their homes. But if they are angered and feel harmed in any way they will get very angry and take revenge. They will go as far as cursing the person and harming them. These curses include misfortunes, ailments, trickery, and others either to the person, his or her family, or both.

Because of the fear of the things dwendes can do to people they are very respectful to them. They ask for permission when passing a tree or a hill. They would pay their respects to the little people. This is how the saying “tabi tabi po” came around. Elders and parents would teach their children to say “tabi tabi po” when walking outside and when around the dwellings of dwendes. They advise their children not to play outside and not to be noisy near their homes. And if ever they must, they have to ask for permission to pass.

Tabi tabi po can be translated to “please be on the side” or “please let me pass by”. People started saying this because they feared the mythological creatures and what they could do, especially if offended. So to avoid offending them people would be respectful and ask for permission to pass or play near their home. The dwarves are just like people, at the end of the day they just want to be treated with respect. Who doesn’t? People say this mainly for respect to the dwendes and their homes, but also because they are unseen. People do not know if they will hit one or not. So people let them know that they will pass and to please step aside so they won’t get hit or hurt.

Times have changed over the past years and science has explained so much about our world. But so much is still a mystery to us. Included in these mysteries are all the mythological creatures, dwendes and aswangs included. Science may never be able to explain these creatures and we may never know the truth about the. So all we can do is go on with our lives.

There are a lot of people all over the country who do not believe in such creatures, and they are not bothered. These are more of the younger generation and those in the big cities. But those in the provinces who still believe continue to live their life as they were taught to, the way their culture tells them to. We cannot change our culture. Folklore is rich in the Philippine islands and with this comes the mythological creatures. But we all have our own beliefs, and for those who believe, they will continue to pay their respect and say “tabi tabi po”. It will probably be a custom that will never die.

The Search for Cappuccino

Coffee has been around for centuries. But was not the coffee we know today. It has developed over the years. Long ago the beans were chewed and eaten, then taken as wine, then roasted and brewed. Coffee now has become an evolution of what it was before. Coffee making and drinking has become an art, a profession and is continually changing. There are so many types of coffee. One of the most famous is a cappuccino.

What is a cappuccino? A cappuccino is an espresso shot mixed with steamed milk and topped with foam. It is a simple drink yet it is loved by so many. I chose to do a review on this drink because my step mother loves cappuccino. She loves it so much that she is very particular about the quality of the drink, especially the foam and the espresso shot. So because of this I set out to find a good cup of cappuccino.

To begin my search I started in Figaro. I ordered a small cappuccino. It was eight ounces for 85 pesos. When the drink arrived I was amazed at the presentation of the coffee, it was beautifully presented. The foam was well made and had a brown area and a white area that they blended nicely with swirls. To top of the foam they added a garnish of chocolate syrup in a flowery design. The coffee had a milky and slightly sweet aroma. The first thing I tasted was the foam which had a light chocolate flavor due to the garnish. The coffee itself was very creamy and rich, which was quite heavy for me. Aside from this the coffee itself was not strong and could hardly be tasted, this was because they used whole cream fresh milk and did not make a lot of foam. When I finished my drink I felt full.

The next coffee shop I went to was Seattle’s Best Coffee. Their small cappuccino was eight ounces as well but 90 pesos. The presentation was not as creative as Figaro’s but it was also made well. It was very simple but it had a homey look to it. The aroma was milky but with more hints of coffee, you could really smell the roasty aroma. The foam had a very milky flavor which was richer than Figaro’s. it also had more foam. The drink itself was very flavorful. The coffee could really be tasted and not overpowered by the milk. It was not as creamy as Figaro’s which gave it a stronger coffee flavor. Low fat milk was used instead of whole fresh milk. The drink was not heavy and did not fill me up. I enjoyed the coffee.

The last coffee shop I went to was Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Their small size cappuccino was only six ounces and was 110 pesos. Big difference compared to the previous two! They presented the drink well in a unique way. There was no garnish but the foam was very thick and there was a lot of it! There was more foam than the liquid milk and espresso. There was a mild coffee flavor in the foam that was soothing. When I drank the drink itself I noticed that the flavors were very present. The coffee flavor was not hindered at all, there was little milk but the foam kept it creamy. I could really taste the roast of the coffee, even after I was done.

Of the three coffee shops I enjoyed coffee bean the most! You really get value for you money’s worth because although it is more expensive and actually smaller in ounces the flavor is just so much richer. It has a more powerful flavor than the other two shops. I am a coffee drinker and I base my coffee on the strength and flavor of the espresso. And coffee bean gave me the cappuccino I was looking for.

A Little Bite of Heaven

We all love burgers don’t we? Ok maybe not all of us but most us right? Every so often we all crave burgers. There is just something about them that keeps calling us and making us come back for more. And no matter how strong our control is, in the end we have to satisfy that craving. Most of us go to the typical burger places to satisfy the great urge. These are usually McDonald’s, Burger King, Brother’s Burgers and Jollibee. But these aren’t the only burger places. There are many other burger joints to eat in, some already pretty known and others waiting to be discovered.

If anyone is looking for a burger place to try out, but are tired of the usual suspects and want a change, get ready to head north towards Katipunan. If you are heading towards Katipunan along C5 coming from White Plains or Libis you have to keep a lookout on your left. A couple of hundred meters before you hit the flyover to Katipunan you will see a small two story building with the sign Bite Club. It is a red and black painted building. The other places to look out for to make sure you’re on the right track are Wham Burger and Katips. If you see Bannaple and King’s Persian Kebab you’ve missed it already. Whether you’ve missed it or not do not panic because all you have to do is make a U turn.

Bite Club is a place that offers you a wide variety of burgers. There are different sizes to choose from so whether you are starving or just want a small snack you will find the right size. Once you’ve decided on the size you also choose your sauce and toppings from the many choices available. The meals here range from one hundred sixty to about two hundred plus depending on the size, toppings, side dishes or sidings, and all your other preferences. But don’t jump to any quick conclusions! Good quality meat and burgers are not cheap! And for the size and quality of these grilled patties served on warm, soft and tasty bread you’re getting you money’s worth! Don’t believe me? Stop reading this and head to Katipunan extension and grab a bite. I think I will go grab a burger for myself now. Cheers!

The Family Secret

We all have our favorite dishes which we have so often is already becomes part of our family. I know my family does. It may be ordinary to most people, but with us it is the favorite part of the feast. The dish is a cheese omelette.

The cheese omelette that my family knows today was actually an experiment and is the end product of numerous attempts to make something unique. My uncle was the one who first started making this. While he was away and attending the Focolare he and his friends had to cook for themselves, and little by little my uncle came up with the recipe for this cheese omelette. Soon he started making it for his friends, then my cousins and soon for my family. We liked it so much that he would cook it every time he visits.

A cheese omelette, how grand can that be right? It’s a pretty simple dish. But the way it is made makes it the main course! It is not your typical omelette, this is one massive omelette. The omelette comes out to be about six to seven inches long, three or so inches wide and about two inches thick. The egg itself is made with different kinds of cheese. After it is made it is served with a special cheese sauce. The sauce is creamy, thick, aromatic, and has a beautiful light color yellow. It can’t get any cheesier and creamier than it already is.

This dish is very special to me because the dish is usually cooked when my uncle comes home during Christmas time. During Christmas my cousins come home from Negros and we all stay in one house. It is so much fun because we are all spending time together, there is so much food and we all eat together. And our family loves to eat! The omelette has become our all time favorite. There is just something about our family and breakfast food. Our meals are not complete without it. We always ask our uncle to cook it.

I always remember that there is never enough to go around and that if you’re not fast in our family you won’t get to eat. It’s almost like an episode from National Geographic about survival of the fittest. I remember when my cousin from the states visited she was so surprised at how our family is, even the young ones. It was so funny explaining to her and I’ll never forget the look on her face. Same goes with my step dad when my mom first brought him to one of our family get togethers. But in the end everyone ended up satisfied and happy. Always good memories and laughs at our feasts!

This dish has really become very special to me and is part of my Christmas season. I can say that me and my family have all grown to love the dish my uncle has created. It has become a part of us and is a tradition that brings our family together. Our get togethers would not be complete without our cheese omelette.

Life As I Have Lived It

My life has been, if I may say, a very colorful and interesting one. I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time my father was working there before he took his MBA in Chicago. When I was about two years old we moved from Chicago to Hong Kong before finally settling in Indonesia where I spent the next ten years in Jakarta. I have to say I was very fortunate because I went to an international school where I was exposed to so many people and cultures. I went through tough times with my academics but at the same time loved school.

It was at this point where my father started to make me do sports, I started swimming and by six I was competing for the school. Sports became my life and until now is what keeps me going. I learned to be disciplined, learned about sportsmanship, teamwork, and values. Until now sports has been doing this for me. I learned how to be passionate and to work hard to achieve and excel. Sports is a big part of my life and I believe that it is what makes me who I am today, my dad taught me the importance of sports in our life and I will do the same for my kids.

As I grew up and became more independent a lot of things changed. I think the main thing is that my studies suffered for many reasons, I wont go into the details but I just have to say I didn’t give a lot of attention to studies. But in the end I was still able to graduate high school from Maria Montessori Foundation in Alabang,

My first few years of college were lots of ups and downs, I moved from the University of Asia & the Pacific to De La Salle-Dasmarinas before finally dropping out of school. While in school I had so much freedom I abused it, it affected my studies so much. It was bad. My first year to me was a joke! I lost my values and eventually dropped out. After dropping out I did not do anything for about four months. Those were the toughest days of my life because my dad took away everything. I got a job at Seattle’s Best Coffee and worked there for nine months before finally getting back on track and enrolling in Enderun. Those nine months were some of the toughest but most rewarding months of my life! I earned my own money with my own hard work. The feeling was incredible! I realized that hard work pays off and is the only way to get things done. I learned a lot of things working in Seattle’s. But this did not come easily. I had to commute back and forth from my house to work. My eyes were opened and reality hit me. I had to live on my salary and I realized how hard life really is. It took a while but I finally saw how much an education will help my life. I saw how lucky I had it and how quickly I threw it all away. But what is important was that I realized I made a mistake and got back on the right path. But I am very grateful to have experienced working, I learned so much about life and it made me a much stronger person. I can say I’ve been through hardships and succeeded!

So now I’m back in school, I’m so happy to be back and will make sure I don’t make the same mistake again. I am more determined now, more hardworking and more passionate. All my experiences have contributed to who I am today. My family is still behind my back and guiding me. Sports and working have both had an enormous impact on my character. Sports has made me disciplined, hardworking and passionate. Working has made me responsible, shown me the value of money and has opened my eyes to reality. I am happy to still be active in sports and to have experienced working. It is because of these experiences that I am who I am today.