Thank You 2013!

The Year 2013 is such a dynamic year.

There are a lot of things that I am very thankful this year. First and foremost, I may have been a bum on the first 2 quarters of the year, it has not stopped me to travel and finish my studies. I thank God for providing me my necessities each day and for my parents for being supportive during the final stages of my studies.

Panda and me

I also want to thank the readers who pass by scenesandcuisines.info, there are lots of things to blog here and will surely post them all (though a bit late hahaha). I also want to thank the friends I make during this year and it feels great that I also have befriended other nationalities. I also want to thank my friends who become part of my colorful 2013; you have been my salt and pepper for this year.

This year has been so remarkable. I have gone to many places such as my hometown Davao City, Davao Region, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Baguio City, General Santos City, Talisay City, Silay City, Saranggani Province, Mati City, Hongkong, Macau, Clark Pampanga and Manila.

I have here some of the photos from where I have been this year. Enjoy!

Cebu Cathedral

Basilica de Sto. Nino de Cebu

Korean friends 

CNT lechon

Me and Vinci of Parokya ni Edgar

photo credit to Vincent Valencia

Boholano friends

Hong Kong

Macau

The Mansion Baguio City with friends

Botanical Garden Baguio City with friends

Burnham Park

Davao Life is Here

Sunrise at Talicud Island, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte

Sleeping Dino of Mati City, Davao Oriental

Masskara Festival and Goods in Bacolod City

Pope John Paul II Tower - Bacolod City

Cathedral in Bacolod City

Mirror Ruins at Talisay City, Negros Occidental

Philippine Lego Map

Iloilo City photo credit to Vincent Valencia

Skywalk in Cebu City with friends

Until the next year!

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Direct Flights Davao-Bacolod, Now Available!!!

photo credit: www.cebupacificair.com

Starting next year, Davao City to Bacolod City will be having direct flights! It will not be on a daily basis but the connection between the two cities will surely be a hit specially with sweet tooth individuals and those munching on the Masskara Festival! At the same time, vice versa, those from Bacolod City will be able to see the culturally vibrant Araw ng Dabaw, Kadayawan Festival and Pasko Fiesta celebrations.

With this development, connecting these cities directly is a very good way to decongest the Manila and Cebu airports from having connecting flights from Davao-Manila/Cebu-Bacolod and vice versa.

Timely with the celebration of the Bonifacio Day, the CebPac has this piso-fare promo from January to May 2014.

As to my previous posts, I have somehow presented a budget friendly visit in Bacolod City. So, for the future flyers to Bacolod City, I hope that you will enjoy a travel in Bacolod City with its rich culture, history and delicacies!

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Home-made Blueberry Cheesecake!

My Home-made Blueberry Cheesecake

Life is just so sweet!

From my dreams of making some pastries, I  have made it to a reality, alas! Yes, this is my home-made blueberry cheesecake. One that waters in your mouth and its sweetness just enough on your palate that will make you crave for more. ;-)

I have tasted almost all the pastry shops selling blueberry cheesecake in Davao City, and even those well-known pastry shops in Bacolod City, Iloilo City and Metro Manila. Surely, every piece makes you full. However, on a light note, my very own creation allows your tummy to have more than just a slice. I can say that my creation has a chance in the market yet awaiting to be discovered.

Yes, this home-made blueberry cheesecake has gone to different places in the country. I got orders within Davao City, General Santos City, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley, Cebu City, Metro Manila, and Baguio City even on a home-base situation. :-)

I hope to hear the testimonial from those who have tasted it in this post. :-)

The Christmas season is really fast approaching and this blueberry cheesecake will be great for the feast and parties. :-)

For orders/inquiries, just contact me at these numbers +639215782488.

My Sweet Treat!!!

Honey Sweet Chocolate Moist Cupcake

Baking is such a fulfillment!

I am not a chef but I am so happy that I am able to learn baking. It may not be on a culinary school, I think I am doing good. Reading recipes pay off! :)

This is one of my sweet creations. I often call this a CHOCOLATE MOIST CUPCAKE. This is a cupcake that is sweetened not by sugar but by a honey. Yes, honey! It makes the cupcake moist, sweet and very healthy. It is a sweet treat that can be eaten even those with diabetes. :)

Now that I have learned baking cupcakes, soon enough, I will study by myself putting some frostings on top the cupcake. It makes me so excited! :)

www.scenesandcuisines.info

A New TIGER Has Arrived

Flights operated by Tiger Airways Philippines

A new Tiger has arrived - and it brings with it a promise of a great adventure, memorable experiences, and the excitement of a new journey.

Known as the leading and most trusted value-for-money carrier in Southesast Asia, Tiger Airways Philippines will make its formal debut in the skies beginning July 10. 

“Tiger Airways is the leading airline and travel partner connecting people across Asia Pacific. It is a distinguished regional brand that differentiates itself in terms of safety and reliability,” says newlyappointed president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ms. Olive Ramos.

Committed to bringing its customers its brand of friendly, high-quality service,  and excellent standards of security,  Tiger Airways Philippines promises to make travel around Asia more enjoyable. 

With the Philippines poised to become Asia’s next tiger economy, Tiger Airways anticipates more flights connecting the country to its Asian neighbors – and even beyond, in the coming years. “It’s a niche we are eager and equipped to serve,” adds Tiger Airways’ chief.

Currently, Tiger Airways flies to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong from Manila and Clark. Locally, it serves travelers going to Laoag, Bacolod, Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo Tacloban and Puerto Princesa. 

Next month, Tiger Airways will add another feather to its cap when it marks a milestone - the Kalibo and Singapore route, the first and only airline to offer such route. 

“We embrace the simple belief that travel is about bringing people closer to their dreams and about enabling great experiences, and memories,” adds Ramos. 

The new Tiger Airways Philippines will offer great value and seamless experience. Together with the Filipino personnel’s warm and hospitable traits, the airline will be “the one to beat” in the coming years, she adds.

The birth of Tiger Airways Philippines brings along with it the technology and business savvy of Tiger Airways as it offers travelers greater accessibility to the rest of Southeast Asia. It does not only commit to high performance standards and innovation, it also confident about keeping its venture more sustainable for stakeholders. 

Tiger Air embodies a ‘can-do’ and respectful spirit, according to Ramos. “We will continuously pursue for roaring excellence. We are going to be the airline of choice!”

For more details log on to www.tigerairways.com

Finding for Amber...

Kakanin or native sweet delicacies were still hit to urban people. One shop that I had been hearing regarding yummilicious pichi-pichi was in Amber's Golden Chain of Restaurants. So, I had been telling myself that when visiting Manila, I would really look for that shop and taste the tasty pichi-pichi...

Walking along the streets in E. Rodriguez, Quezon City, I had been searching the nearest Amber's using my phone for navigation. It showed that it was at Tomas Morato. So, I kept on walking, walking and walking... Until, on a corner, I had seen the signage of Amber Golden Bowl Restaurant... Eureka!!!

Amber's Tomas Morato

I had walked around 2 kilometers from where I was staying. But the walk was worth the walk because the place I had been wanting to go for those pichi-pichies was like a golden pot full precious gems. :)

Inside the Amber's Branch

I was so excited to order, but a number of people were there to have a take out of Amber's best offers of pichi-pichi and pancit malabon. :)

Fast forward...

Amber's Best-Tasting Pichi-Pichi

Amber's Best-Tasting Pichi-Pichi

Here it was, the Amber's best-tasting pichi-pichi - golden as you saw it! :) 

Many had been saying that the pichi-pichies with cheese tasted so good, but I also purchased the original pichi-pichi with grated coconut. :) It amounted 120 pesos only for the two orders. Not bad for these great treat! :)

Every pichi-pichi would really melt to your mouth. Ughhh, oh so tasty... It should not be missed if you love native delicacies. :) You should really try it!!!

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Globe Community: A Hub for Self-Troubleshooting

The Globe Community is the newest hub of Globe Telecom subscribers' to self-troubleshoot or share solutions on the network's products and services. :)

To be part of the community, register yourself at community.globe.com.ph. You need not to worry because it is for free. If you have queries regarding the network, address it properly there and solutions from other members will help you all the way. Of course, the community admin will verify those solutions for our very own convenience. In this way, we can escape calling on the network's hotline or even the waiting for our turn on the customer service centers. Isn't that amazing? You will become independent in finding solutions or even help others by sharing what you know about the products and services. :)

I am a Globe subscriber, and a member of the community. I do hope that you are, too. :) See you there!

www.scenesandcuisines.info

S and R Davao Opening Very Soon!!!

S&R Davao Opening

Days and counting... The newest branch of S and R will be opened on May 28, 2013 at 12 noon! Yes, the wait will be over. Davaoenos now have another option for a world class shopping with a lot of choices, quality products, fresh and affordable items. :)

However, S & R is a membership shopping. Yes, you need to be a member first to enjoy shopping inside. I, for one, is already a member. Being a member will entail you to enter not only the branch here in Davao City, but also in other branches. :)

I am very excited to visit the store on the 28th of May. It falls on a week-day, Tuesday. I believe a tolerable number of people will be there. I am also excited to see some food choices. :)

See you very soon, S and R!

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Election Day in the PHL

The Philippines is having its mid-term elections. Yes, campaign period is over, the festival of Philippine politics will be over in hours. :)

I just hope and pray whoever will get a slot to whatever position they are in that they will do something to the betterment of our tourism industry. Not just advertising this and that but making some improvement on what we have. For me, it has to be with the proper development of well-paved roads, accessible and systematic transportation, easily navigable maps, more jobs, enough room on business opportunity for small business people, identification of history, culture and arts towards more emphasis of holistic Philippines, and food appreciation on Filipino cuisine. :) Many of which will truly make a tourist's stay in the Philippines more fun in every way. :)

I hope this will be realized. There's a lot of room for improvement. There are many idea popping up but not heard. Even our airports, secondary airports with international operation capabilities, has to be maximized. I hope people (Filipino) working on it will do some research, to have effective and efficient airport functions, and not just airport beautification. :)

God bless the Philippines!

www.scenesandcuisines.com

Iron Man in Davao!

Iron Man has been on cinemas the past weeks. It is so unexpected that Mr. Tony Stark visits Davao City for the first time. Here he is...

Iron Man

Got you there!!! :)

It is part of the Mindanao Toy Convention. A replica of the Iron Man star is displayed with other Marvel heroes. Though it is not a life-size, it stands with so much character. The glass is reflected with lights that  makes it like on a stage with glittering lights. :)

There are more to see at the Mindanao Toy Convention. On May 12, 2013, cosplayers will flock the atrium of the mall to act like their favorite characters. :)

Have fun!

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Playtime at the Mindanao Toy Convention

There is always a child in us. Yes, and as for me, I cannot help myself seeing some toys around, with full of amazement. Well, it is the 4th Mindanao Toy Convention, a grand showcasing event of toys in Davao City.  So now, let's see some of the toy collection, here. :)

One Piece Collection

There are many toy collection around in this convention. I have seen some collection from One Piece, GUNDAM, Transformers, Disney Characters, Marvel Heroes and others. Who have thought that toys are also good actors? Hmmm... You can see at the photo above a scenario where One Piece characters are about to battle. Good acting skills from the them, huh? LOL

Watching the GUNDAM series on TV, you will always see them fighting. Releasing powers from their high-powered weapons, and all that jazz. But off cam, toys also know how to have a break time after a battle... These GUNDAM will show you how... LOL

GUNDAM

But please, be careful (not my heart) because some humongous cars may hit you on site. Take some precautionary measures, okay?

Big 4x4 Toy Car

If you are lucky enough, you may not be hit by cars, but you may face a sword master and cut your head off. LOL

A Sword Master

Oh yeah, I may sound corny. But seriously, this Toy Convention is such an event to be sought every year in the city. Yes, every year, toy collectors showcase their collection without any registration from viewers. The event always happens every May of the year, but the venue may vary. This year, the toy convention is held at the Gaisano Mall of Davao's Atrium from May 6-12, 2013. On the 12th of May, a cosplay will happen. Here you will see your favorite characters come to live. So, don't forget to bring your cameras. :)

Have fun reading...

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Travel Gadget: Camera

It is already 5 years now when I start to go around to discover places. It may not be too distant places, but I still consider those as my humble travel. :)

When I travel, along with me is a point-and-shoot camera, a cybershot edition of a good brand of camera. Yes, it is a gadget that I will never miss even just going to the downtown area of the city. It is because I have this philosophy: "YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT, WHO or WHERE YOU WILL SEE/WITH/BE; WITH YOUR CAMERA, YOU CAN CAPTURE A THING, PERSON or SCENERY THAT IS WORTH REMEMBERING." #a,k.a.philosopher #LOL

Nikon S3200

It is already 5 years also when our family have our first digital camera. Proud to say that it is still well-functioning. :)

Now, here's a new camera. Yehey! But it doesn't mean a new one is a better one. The new and the old are still to be used. :)

Hmmm... This is still a point-and-shoot type, but some of its features are like of a SLR. At least, it is cheaper than the bigger cam. :) It is even cheaper than the first digital camera we have. :)

So, for the succeeding travels that I will have, this will be my cam-panion (camera companion). I also hope it will endure 5 years or more. In the future blog posts that I will have, some photos will be from this camera.

So, let's have fun!

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Travel CHALLENGE Day 3: Bacolod City to Iloilo City

It was really an awesome adventure in the cities of Bacolod, Talisay and Silay. I appreciated their culture, history and food. :)

Oh wait, before my farewell to Bacolod City, I should buy the famous Bongbong's Piaya. Yes, their delicacy that was oh so yummy! :) I spent 152 pesos for it. :) Since I didn't take my breakfast at the Captel, I consumed some of the piaya to ease my hunger. ;)

Bong Bong's Piaya
photo credits to ZTYR.FILES

From the store, together with me was Enrico Dee, who was also going to Iloilo City because he was going to judge for the Paraw Regatta in Iloilo City, a day after. We took a trike going to the port. It was 10:20 AM already as we arrived the port and paid 30 pesos for the trike. Then, I bought my ticket for a ferry going to Iloilo City that I paid for 335 pesos. According to Enrico, a round trip ticket was cheaper than a one-way because most of the time, the return ticket was discounted. Well, I didn't know about that so I just went on it and I didn't have any choice but to ride on that ferry. hahaha

Iloilo City Port

It was my first time to cross Bacolod City to Iloilo City. There I experienced a port with terminal fee of 20 pesos per pax. :) Around a quarter before 11 AM, the ferry went off the port and then ends my Bacolod City acquaintance. :) Inside the ferry, I noticed someone that I am really familiar of, though not really a fan, but I knew that person was a band member... I even asked Enrico if he knew that person. Well, oh well, it might be a look-alike. At 12 noon, the ferry arrived Iloilo port. It was hot but a warm welcome to explore the City of Iloilo again. :)

As the passengers were getting off the ferry, I saw that some passengers were taking photos with the person I saw earlier. Oh yeah, he's a band member of Parokya ni Edgar... Yeah, I knew it! It was my first time to ride a ferry and saw a familiar personality (though it took me some time to assure myself that it was him... lol).

Me and Vinci Montaner of Parokya ni Edgar

Tentenentenen... I was with Vinci Montaner from Bacolod City to Iloilo City.

After that moment of being with a star, my friend fetched us at the sea port and went to the hotel. It was already lunch time then... So, we went to a nearby food house, where I ordered for a boneless bangus that amounted 72 pesos.

Boneless Bangus with Green Mango

Were you familiar of atsara? This meal had a side dish like the atsara. Instead of using the meat of papaya, they used the meat of green mango instead. :) It was just enough to relief my hunger. :) 

Enrico then had a friend who invited him around and I chose to sleep in the hotel as it was really a tiring adventure. :) Then, went out for a dinner, then back to the hotel again.

Expenses report Day 3:

Fare - P7 (Captel to near the port)

Pasulubong - P152

Fare - P30 (trike going to the port)

Ticket - P335 (ferry)

Terminal fee - P20

Food - P72 (lunch)

*Good thing my dinner was sponsored.

TOTAL - P616

3rd day of the Travel Challenge Total Expense: P1879.25

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Ignition at the Davao Crocodile Park

Many are fascinated with fire dancing. Most of the time, we can see it at some beach resorts that some people from the Pacific islands enjoy to watch and perform for entertainment or ritual. :) In Davao City, the fire dancing is something significant. :) As the name of the city has come from the word daba-daba or a huge burning fire at the riverbanks, this fire dancing is being performed at the river bank of Davao River, and this is brought by the Tribu K'limudan Cultural Dance Troupe. :)

photo credit from silaabdabaw.wordpress.com

This has been an attraction at the complex of Davao Crocodile Park every Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:30 PM. :) In this fire dance show, you will not only see a poi being used but variety of materials. :) You can see it on the embedded video. :)

By the way, the complex has an entrance fee of 200 pesos every weekend. This will include a tour around the Davao Crocodile Park, Bird Show, visit at the Butterfly House and watch the Fire Dance Show. :)

I will suggest that you see it in person and be amazed with the performance. :)

Have fun!

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Globe Community: Explore - Answer - Learn

Globe invites bloggers and friends for a conversation. :) This is the Globe Community to explore, answer and learn about the network's services and raise questions on some matters for improvement. :)

As it has been the network I use when traveling and surfing the net, I will join the conversation. :) Thanks to Jaypee David - Community Manager! :)

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Davao City: For the Title "New 7 Wonder Cities"

credits to Michele Canda/www.davaoeagle.com

I am one proud Davao citizen who wants to support for this aim. :) Aside from this blog, I have the SILAABDABAW that showcases the beauty of Davao Region. :)

Please help us for this aim. Let's make the southern part of the Philippines known. :) Remember, Davao City is one of the most livable cities in Asia and many other distinctions. :)

Please Vote for DAVAO CITY and SHARE!

To help our city advance in the rankings, go to http://www.new7wonders.com/cities/en and click the tab "Southeast Asia and Oceania." Select Davao City and then Register your email address!

© Graphics by Jay Rule | Photo by Ms. Michelle Canda.

www.scenesandcuisines.info

Summer Coolers in Blugre!

The heat is on! You can really feel it... That is why most people will find something arctic to their quenching bodies.

Blugre Coffee, one of the coffee shops in the city, offers not only variety of coffee but of variety of thirst quenchers as well. For this summer heat, they are introducing their newest summer coolers with some Davao bloggers to taste it first. :) Aside from their summer coolers, they also offer us their newest torte, the halo-halo torte. :) Therefore, our palates will taste their Halo-halo Torte, Blugre Raspberry Blast and Blugre Passionfruit Blast. Here's the review... 

Left to Right: Halo-halo Torte, Blugre Raspberry Blast and Blugre Passionfruit Blast

First in line, the Blugre Raspberry Blast. Raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are of the same family under Rosaceae. Tasting this cooler is somewhat similar with the most known taste of a strawberry. Well, they are of the same family so it's not that surprising, but they differ in color that creates the curiosity. ;) They put in raspberry puree for this cooler with a secret ingredient (that they don't disclose even secretly, LOL). As a whole, its serving appearance, creaminess and raspberrific taste is perfect! Kids will surely love this one and kids-alike too! LOL

Blugre Raspberry Blast

Next in line is the Blugre Passionfruit Blast. Hearing the name of this cooler makes me so excited to taste it. Yes, I am feeling that this one is an exotic cooler because my palate is not so familiar with its taste. :) Passion fruit is a fruit that when you open, it has a lot of seeds with the fruit meat surrounding the seeds. It is grown here in the country but not with so much production yet. With its taste, I compare it with the more familiar fruit like the guyabano. However, I come to realize of a closer characteristic and taste with it is the star apple. :) Well, it's a must-try friends. :) Its serving appearance, compliment of cream and passion fruit taste, and passion fruit-flavored jelly, all blended well and ready to be served. :)

Blugre Passionfruit Blast

Finally, who says that halo-halo is only served on ice? Well, Blugre has its very unique Halo-halo Torte. Typically, halo-halo is served with ice that waters to your mouth and relieves the summer heat. Yet and yet, this halo-halo torte is such an innovation. Yes, this torte has the components of a usual halo-halo; it has ube, beans, leche flan, jack fruit, flakes and ice cream. :) You will be amazed of its layering that has come to perfection. This torte is sweet but the cream together with the vanilla ice cream neutralizes its sweetness that will surely allow your tummy to have more of it. :) This serving is worth 145 pesos and its a good value for money. :)

Halo-halo Torte

That's it! This gastronomic servings are really really good. The Halo-halo Torte has just presented itself last month with a positive response from the people. While the Blugre summer coolers will make its mark from April to mid-June this year and these are available in all the 10 Blugre Coffee branches. :)

I would like to thank the co-owner of Blugre Coffee, Sir Benjamin Cuaresma, together with his wife, Ma'am Gloria (who innovated the halo-halo torte), and the marketing in-charge, Miss Angeli Alcuizar, for welcoming us to their store with so much delight. See you soon Blugre in Singapore and Bahrain... :)

www.scenesandcuisines.info