Clockwise from upper left: dark choco mousse, key lime pie, durian cheesecake and symphony torte

What’s the buzz all about?

Inside the restaurant with its warm hues

Hype.

That’s what I thought. But during one trip, curiosity got the better of me and rode a taxi, looking for the restaurant at Marfori Subdivision. Alas, it was a Sunday and closed. Better luck next time.

But during a fam trip with Marco Polo Davao Hotel, Lachi’s was one of the food destinations and I can only raise my eyebrow. So what’s the fuss all about? Is the food really worth the write ups and raves? You know bloggers (not all though, but you know what I mean), especially if its free food.

Lachi’s is a family business. And each member gets to contribute to the menu and running the restaurant. The name itself is derived from the matriarch, Milagros. According to Mike, one of the sons who manages the place,

Food at Lachi’s is what we eat at home and what we love serving our guests.

Homecooked meals are always welcome, there’s just something wonderful: best ingredients, slow cooking and great tasting food that we would just want to have again and again. With this food trip, is Lachi’s really worth the taste and the write?

YES. Y-E-S. Yes.

I admit, its that good. Sumptuous. Filling. Great food. Cool desserts. Something to rave and write about. You cannot leave the restaurant unfulfilled. It’s like having great sex. You leave the room smiling and say, there should be a next time. You can’t just have enough. And you are tempted to go back. And pig out. And sin. Gluttony.

Clockwise from upper left: creme brulee cake, almond dacquoise and pecan pie

Dessert standouts

Symphony Torte: seven layers of sponge cake, chocolate ganache, sponge cake, coffee buter cream, sponge cake, coffee butter cream and topped with chocolate ganache. Different wonderful textures and subtleties. You’ll just close your eyes and feel weak in the knees.

Durian cheesecake: Mike said, the secret to this one is to make the durian into a jam first. Subtle hints of durian interspersed with the smoothness of the cream cheese. A winner.

Clockwise from upperleft: Durian sans rival, blueberry and cherry cheesecake, french macarons

Creme brulee cake: Like cheesecakes, I’m a sucker for good creme brulees. But a cake version? You must be kidding! But it was there. The torched, caramelized top taunting me the first time it landed on the table. I took a bite. And some more. I would just have gotten it all for myself but I have to respect the other bloggers. In itself, I really would have wanted to have a thicker layer of the creme brulee. But it was enough to make my forehead, and nose perspire with the sugar rush.

Durian sans rival: One of the restuarant’s best seller. Crunchy meringue layers with nuts and butter icing with hints of durian. My knees wobbled with delight, especially the butter icing, always a favorite.

Clockwise from top: Chinese pork belly, laing and chili con carne

Lachi’s also serves lunch and dinner food with rice. Of the dishes served to us, below are the standouts:

Chinese pork belly: I just love this one! Tender, oh so yummy pork cooked in three different ways: Roasted, boiled, and simmered. Flavorful.

Laing: Writing about the laing makes my mouth water. The dish bites, but with that delicious laing flavor that you want to pair your hot steamed rice with, never mind if you’re perspiring a lot.

From top: Asian spicy chicken, grilled pork ribs; Bottom right: breaded soft tofu; Bottom left: callos

Asian spicy chicken: I was raving on this one! Crunchy but tasty. Crisp but delicious. It has a sweet and spicy sauce that goes well with it.

Grilled pork ribs: this is an old reliable that most people swear to. Tender.

Callos: !!! and !!!! Simmered for three to four hours, the skin becomes gelatinous. It’s like really good balbacua but flavorful. It was one of the best dishes I had at Lachi’s and I want to have it again when I come back.

Lachi’s Sans Rival ATBP
Ruby Street, Marfori Heights, 8000 Davao City
(082) 224 5552

A confession of sorts. Never in my life have I stared at food and vowed never to pig out again, as what we did on this day. The food was so good at Lachi’s and with the many assortments of desserts and viand to taste, plus the sumptous dinner at Paradise in Samal, followed by cheese tasting at Malagos Farmhouse, a late dinner at Ronaldo’s in F. Torres and late night coffee and desserts at Blugre.

It was gluttony and I ask the heavens to forgive my soul.

This trip made possible by Marco Polo Davao during a fam tour in that southern city. Like their Facebook page and follow them in Twitter.

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Kapatagan’s beautiful Cathedral Falls

I got excited at the mere mention of Cathedral Falls in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, over lunch of roasted pork liempo and chicken at Tita Fannies with my host, Paul and staff from the Kapatagan Municipal Tourism. “It’s just two kilometers from here and very accessible…” Paul told me.

I’ve seen photos of Cathedral Falls many times. The first one when I got an email from Paul inviting me to visit Kapatagan. Even in pictures, the waterfall is already captivating. How much more visiting it in the flesh and coming face to face with such beauty?

I didn’t hesitate. When Daryl called me, I got giddy and hopped on the motorbike that he will be driving. Two kilometers. Wow. That’s just near the town center.

I was awestruck! My jaw dropped! Stunning in photos, actually captivating in person. With a heavy volume of water, especially that it was raining the past few days, makes the Cathedral Falls all the more grand. But what adds to its beauty is the wall of rock that looks like cut lumber purposely placed there.

Add an element of mystery, a supposed underwater cave that haven’t been explored, much less fathomed makes this face to face experience all the more interesting.

Panoramic view of Cathedral Falls. CLICK TO ENLARGE

Cathedral Falls is quite accessible. Most habal-habal and tricycle drivers know where this is and at just 2 kilometers from the town center over paved roads, a visit is a must.

My gratitude and thanx to Paul who invited me over to visit and Daryl who toured me around on a motorbike. Both are from the Kapatagan Municipal Tourism.

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Departure and arrival terminals of the old airport

I was fortunate enough to travel out of Cagayan de Oro City yesterday, Thursday to be exact, the second to the last day for Lumbia Airport, the old lady at the upper elevations of the city, to close its door. At 10 PM tonight, Friday, the last plane will finally fly out.

At 6AM, Saturday, 15 June, the new airport in Laguindingan municipality will open its doors. It is bigger, more spacious and state of the art. But there will be no love lost as the old Lumbia Airport will get a new lease on life as a military camp.

Lumbia Airport was started by the Americans in the 1930s. During World War II, it was used by the Japanese and the runway extended through forced labor. Over the years, it has been Cagayan de Oro’s premier airport but, has remained small and undeveloped.

As the city has been booming over the past years, naturally, Lumbia Airport has fell behind. Its location is not also good. With heavy rain and fog, most flights can’t land or are redirected back. However, in its history, two accidents happened with the last one crashing in Mt. Lumot.

In my two years of working in this northern city a couple of years ago, it was my main getaway for Manila. I’ve also been coming and going through this terminal over the years and I have been witness to its degeneration and slump with the Departure Hall always at full capacity because of its small space.

But I’m sure manay Cagay-anons will miss the old lady as it was just close, never mind with overcharging taxi drivers, you can still get there on time after having coffee at the city. Now let’s see how will Laguindingan Airport fare, with its distance, more overcharging taxis and long travel time to reach the airport.

Departure hall

Souvenir, food and CR

Departure Hall

Boarding time via 5J

It was drizzling a little as ground staff distributes umbrellas

Lumbia Airport is closing its door, 15 June

Tarmac of Lumbia airport

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This is a popular place for locals

Pork barbecue

It is carinderia or turo-turo style with cooked meals displayed inside a glass shelf or in pots and still have the option of having pork barbecue on the grill. These food stalls used to be at the city plaza but was transferred to its current place.

Feeling hungry for dinner, I headed out to this row of eateries and decided to sit at Susan’s Halang-Halang where the biggest number of people were eating. Except for a table inside, the rest of the tables and chairs are under the stars, al fresco.

Beef halang-halang is tender, mildly spicy and good

I ordered pork barbecue and one cup of rice, the waitress then offered me halang-halang for just P20 ($0.50). Curious, I ordered one to go with my dinner. Halang-halang literally means spicy and this dish is actually bite sized pieces of beef simmered in broth until tender. To spice it up, chili peppers are added while being cooked.

I took a sip. Hot and just mildly spicy, way to my great liking! It was well seasoned: not too salty, nor bland. It would also have been a good eat during wet weather. And the beef? Bite size of tender meat, proof that it has been simmering for a long time. No wonder, people associate Oroquieta City for its halang-halang even if it can be found in many provinces.

Native huts at the waterfront where locals usually congregrate for cheap and good food

As to the place? I like the ambiance. Fresh, cool air. You can hear the sound of the waves at the shore. Or people chatting and laughing, having a good time. You can gaze up and see stars on a clear night. Its a beautiful provincial experience that I can fondly recall experiences of my childhood in Cebu.

Puso rice, pork barbecue and halang halang

As for the other food? The barbecue is cheap, at just P4 ($0.10) per stick, and is well marinated. The puso, at P3 and even bigger than those found in Cebu which costs the same. One has also the option of having their barbecue like chicken, coagulated pig’s blood and other parts, as well as have pansit (noodles), fried meat and fish.

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When any country commemorates its independence, you can be sure of extravagant celebrations and festivities. However, for the United States of America, the 4th of July is a truly momentous holiday, with millions of citizens around the country displaying their patriotism and enjoying a day off work.

There are plenty of opportunities for tourists to take part in the day’s events, and if you’re in the US on the big day, we recommend you take part – and if you haven’t booked your last-minute bargain holiday yet, do try to get there for the 4th of July. There are shows, street parties, fireworks and more on offer for the whole family, and you don’t have to be born in America to enjoy them. These are a few of the most common celebrations you’ll find up and down the country:

Block parties

Independence Day is a chance for the whole street to get together, show some neighbourly love and pay tribute to the country’s storied past. Although the popularity of suburban block parties has declined in recent years, organised events in major cities look to recreate that community spirit.

The nation’s capital city of Washington, DC will be hosting its annual block party just steps from the White House, while Los Angeles’ Grand Park hosts live music, traditional food and maybe even the occasional drink.

Fireworks

While you might find fireworks at any old party or festival, America’s night sky on the Fourth of July is far from an everyday occurrence. Numerous households are sure to buy their own display for the backyard, but the best fireworks will be seen at the nation’s major tourist attractions, from Disney World to the Golden Gate Bridge. Smaller towns and cities also go all-out with their displays – ask a local where to see them.

Be aware, however: some states, particularly in the west, have strict restrictions on the purchase of personal fireworks due to the risk of sparking a fire, so don’t go looking for sparklers until you’ve looked into the law first.

Colonial attractions

It’s easy to get carried away with the celebrations, and forget why Independence Day is such a significant event. With numerous colonial-themed attractions taking place around the country, even tourists can learn about America’s history. From Gettysburg re-enactments to the Boston Pops’ performance of the 1812 Overture, adults and children alike will enjoy these educational activities. Don’t forget to grab a hot dog and an ice cream, and join in the party for a cultural holiday experience you won’t forget.

Image courtesy of Barry Yanowitz on Flickr

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Get the chance to experience the adrenaline rush of driving a blue Maserati Granturismo equipped with 460 horsepower, 4.7 liter engine.

A variety of sumptuous prime meats at the Churrasco atelier from Cote de Boeuf

Executive Chef Eric Costille will set the speed starting with a variety of sumptuous prime meats at the Churrasco atelier from Cote de Boeuf brushed with sea salt and black peppercorn, slow cooked US prime beef leg and leg of lamb. This is followed by the jewels of the sea at the L’écailler including salmon and fish caviar, fresh Brittany creuse oysters, lobsters. Then there is everyone’s sanctuary – L’épicerie which offers a wide variety of the best cheese and charcuterie from France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.

Other than the sumptuous food, Tabacalera Incorporada will be doing a cigar rolling demonstration while there will be a Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserved whisky tasting! Dads who drop their business cards get the chance to experience the adrenaline rush of driving a blue Maserati Granturismo equipped with 460 horsepower, 4.7 liter engine”. Maserati’s First Class Ticket to Luxury is a 15 minute test drive around Mall of Asia. Other exciting prizes include one dad winning a sporting evening with seven friends at Snaps as well as gifts from Azzaro perfume, Kiehl’s and Vietura Aesthetic Lifestyle Institute.

The Father’s Day Sunday Brunch at Spiral rate set is at Php 3,250.00+++  for adults and Php 1,600.00+++ for children 4 to 11 years old.

To book a table online, please go to http://www.sofitelmanila.com/en/spiral.html.
For inquiries and reservations, please visit https://www.facebook.com/SofitelManila/app_200988520039060.

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Rounding off the southern tip, at Boljoon

This is a travel guide to rediscovering Cebu Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

A ride around the island of Cebu that takes a total of two days with night stops. Either with your own vehicle, hired or riding a bus, it’s one of the most pleasurable drives and rides to do along very good roads.

There are many stops along the way, food to sample, and beautiful sceneries ranging from the rolling sugarcane fields of the north to the rugged and rocky south. This is a good way of experiencing Cebu’s locals and culture as well as way of living. At the western side, it’s possible to just stop at the road and bathe at the clean and shallow waters.

At Camotes’s Lake Danao

For a different kind of experience, the three islands that comprise Camotes, which is under the jurisdiction of Cebu, offers wonderful island life, a beautiful white sand beach free to the public, an outstanding heritage coral stone church in the main town of Poro as well as caves, a fresh water lake and outstanding biking routes.

Piles of dried fish at Taboan market

For shopping, Taboan is still tops for dried fish. For handicrafts and local bags, there’s a small alley near the Basilica del Sto. Niño, pasalubongs at Shamrock’s and CNT or Zubuchon for perfectly packed lechon either at their branches in the city or at the airport.

There is still so much to visit and do in Cebu but the items listed in this series are just for a start.

This is a travel guide to rediscovering Cebu Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Article originally written and published in Space Magazine.

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Vudu’s interior, a club that is popular with the party crowd

This is a travel guide to rediscovering Cebu Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

TInderbox’s guave-basil sorbet

What is travel to a destination without partaking of the place’s food? Cebu not only has its own cuisine but being a cosmopolitan city, it has lots of food on offer. The Crossroads at Banilad is notable for its many restaurants and nightlife. Vudu for drinks, Maya for authentic Mexican and other cuisines at the compound. But don’t forget the Tinder Box’s guava basil sorbet which is unusual but great.

In many turo-turo or local eateries, there are Cebuano dishes like bam-i, humba, lansiao (for men who need under the sheets prowess), larang, balbacua and a host of other cooking.

The Asiatown I.T. Park is not only a BPO enclave but there are lots of cafes and outstanding restos catering not only to the workforce but foodies alike. Ilaputi specializes in Asian fusion cuisine, Mooon Cafe for Tex-Mex, Casa Verde for cheap but really sumptuous baby back ribs.

For dampa style (you pick the fresh seafoods and have it cooked) food, AA’s Barbecue is the place to go with several branches scattered around the city. Balamban Liempo, another franchise with many branches is garnering loyal clients for its savory grilled pork filled with aromatic spices. It is even better than the original in Balamban.

Larsians is a popular food place usually of the barbecue kind

Just one of the more popular barbecues at Larsians

But there are still the old reliables: Larsians is an institution near the Fuente Osmeña for no-fuss eating of barbecue, grilled fish and puso, rice wrapped in coconut leaves.

Siomai sa Tisa is another no fuss series of eateries in Labangon perfect for late night snacks. And, of course, eating pungko-pungko style is an adventure in itself. Found near JY Square in Lahug and some near universities, these are roadside eateries to clog your arteries with, kamayan style.

Rows of Talisay lechon is one of the best in the province and in the Philippines

Who can forget lechon? In the Philippines, the best roasted pig is in Cebu. Thus, for tourists and travellers, it’s a popular pasalubong. There are many contenders. Zubuchon is a new player in the market that gained its popularity when the food guru Alain Bourdain declared it the best pig ever! Now with a few branches, it offers different dishes and unique drinks that had people curious and raving. But then, most Cebuanos would raise their eyebrows and saying it is not the original Cebuano lechon but prefer to call it, lechon kawali style.

Zubuchon’s lechon

For the real deal, there are only two places that one should visit: Talisay City (at the former 1950’s Yaro near Larawan Beach and several meters from the Graeco-Roman style church) and Carcar market. The former is where one can taste the best in the country but is only found on Sundays. The latter, at the public market, Carcaranons may protest, saying their’s is the best. But you be the judge.

This is a travel guide to rediscovering Cebu Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Article originally written and published in Space Magazine.

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I like hopping on a bus and travel far. Enroute to Cagayan de Oro from Malaybalay and passing the Kaamulan landmark in Impasug-ong

I like long bus rides. No. I LOVE long bus rides. Alone. I love the solitude and anonymity. I don’t complain of the butt numbing experience. But all I care about is having the time to think. And ponder. And reflect. Of planning the future. Or reminiscing past loves and memories.

I like feeling the smoothness or bumpiness of a road or highway. The vibrations traveling from the tires to the engines, to the bus’s body and to the seat. The sight of the landscape zooming past you for hundreds of kilometers. Cities, towns. Buildings and structures. Trees and farms.

I like the stops and more stops. Stops for additional passengers or stops for alighting passengers. Meal stops at overpriced eateries. The smell and flavor of munch food sold by ambulant vendors. The different tongues spoken and heard. Different topographies and vistas.

I always want to travel on long bus rides. Preferrably alone. It gives me peace of mind. It gives me space. But most of all, I like sense of traveling to somewhere. Far. Faceless. Nameless.

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Thriller Boat Tours at Bayside Marketplace

Image source: Ron Cogswell

Hoping to catch a glimpse of the city’s rich and famous? Thriller boat tours offers one of the most comprehensive sightseeing experiences in Miami, visiting South Beach, Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, and the Miami Gold Coast. The boat can reach speeds of 30 mph, giving you a real speedboat experience as you jet around the intercostal islands. Boarding at the Bayside Marketplace, this route also showcases many of the locations Miami Vice actually filmed.

The Brickell Loop of the Metromover
Once back at Bayside Market, walk the two blocks to the free public-transport Metromover for a tour of the Brickell loop. Covering the majority of the downtown settings for the show, this route also crosses the Miami River and showcases some of the city’s finest historic homes. It’s nearly impossible to get lost on the Metromover because it’s a loop, and you can either get off where you started or pick a spot to explore somewhere along the route.

Miami Seaquarium

Image source: leonardodasilva

To get to the Seaquarium, you must first travel over the Rickenbacker Causeway. You can use this opportunity to do some prime people watching as the beautiful people sun, surf, and swim the day away. The Seaquarium itself is famous for being one of the oldest aquariums in the U.S; pink flamingos, parrots, manatees, and a myriad of saltwater fish make up the bulk of the exhibits. They also offer fun for the whole family with dolphin encounters, a killer whale show, and a sea lion comedy routine.

Jai-alai
A huge part of the Miami gambling scene, Jai-alai (pronounced HI-lye) is similar to racquet ball, except the ball, called a pelota, feels more like it belongs on a pool table than a ball court. It can also travel around 180 mph. Sound dangerous? It is- four people have died in the last eighty years after being hit by apelota. The jai-alai arena is located minutes from downtown, and Friday and Saturday evenings are usually packed with spectators. Since the most expensive seats in the arena are only two dollars, you’ll have plenty of money left over to buy a couple of beers and place a bet on your favourite team.

Gulfstream Park in Hallendale
One of the country’s most respected horse racing tracks, many a triple-crown hopeful has competed at Gulfstream Park. The picturesque course lies between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, and also boasts a world-class casino with 20 poker tables and 850 slot machines. Additionally, the track is home to the 10 Palms- an upscale dining establishment that provides an unparalleled track-side dining experience. Admission and parking are free, and the casino is open 365 days a year.

Miami provides an unbeatable opportunity to see and experience the Vice lifestyle exactly as it was nearly three decades ago. So, start looking for that pastel t-shirt, and don’t forget to roll up the sleeves on your Armani suit jacket- after all, Crockett and Tubbs would expect nothing less. If you are looking for accommodation in Miami for your stay, you should check out HostelBookers.com.

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