My 2014 Travels: Less But More

2014 was not really a big year for me for travelling because if I compare them to my previous years, I can call this sparse in comparison. But, these few trips that I had last year were very note-worthy and definitely hit a spot in my memorable trips list.

So here they are:

MONTH: January
1. BACOLOD 

Hello, King Kong! I can see your cavities!
This was taken at the Campuestohan Highland Resort. Fairly new but was getting positive nods by local Bacolodnons and tourists because this was something different. Clouds are literally level with you at times, weather is fine and attractions here are fun. Family-oriented getaway for sure.

A lot of picture-worthy moments when you visit here. Visiting here is encouraged. You may also spend the night, they have cute cottages with reasonable rates.
TIP: If you will go on a day trip only, be sure to leave the resort before dark because the roads leading back to the city are not lighted yet (when I was here last January) and it was kind of scary, but exciting. Hehe! Our transpo was stopped by soldiers at a checkpoint and seeing their rifles/guns were a bit unnerving. 

MONTH: March and April
2. MANILA

The newly-opened Manila Cathedral after a 2-year hiatus due to massive renovation efforts. It was worth the wait. It is now more beautiful than ever!

Luneta Park and Kilometer 0 marker.

Revisiting National Museum every now and then is good for us. A reminder of our historical past never ceases to surprise me. Exploring the two buildings will give you quite a walking workout. Highly recommended!

Facade of the Manila City Hall and the crochet exhibit of a friend at the Museong Pambata.

Paco Park will take you back in time.
 And it's a great place to just sit down and unwind. This is also the place where our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was interred after his execution.

For love of beautiful sunsets.
You need not go far because one of the spectacular sunset views can be witnessed at the Manila Bay area. 

MONTH: August
3. TACLOBAN, LEYTE

Revisited the Leyte Landing Memorial Park.
 Last time I came here was way back 2007. This trip was a memorable and touching one because this was post-Typhoon Yolanda. We got to hear stories of survival and also saw how the locals are coping after the devastation.

Hello Samar! Hello Leyte! I've stepped on both provinces! I still was not able to do my plan which was to walk the entire length of the bridge but still, this recent walkathon was much farther than my last attempt. 

New landmarks.
The fallen ships that were swept onshore by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. 

MONTH: August
4 PALOMPON, LEYTE

Kalanggaman Island.
3 hours away from Tacloban. The island was devastated by typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan and locals feared that the two sandbars would not return to normal but it did. So beautiful! This is one of the sandbars. We were not able to go to the other one because we were fully satisfied with this beauty already.

MONTH: September
5. TAIWAN

At the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall.
 The heat did not deter us from enjoying ourselves. 

Taipei 101.
 This building houses the world's fastest passenger elevator, per Guinness World Records.

Taipei Zoo.
The largest zoo in Asia. Of pandas, koalas, elephants and hippopotamuses. 

Touring the city.

Epic lunch at Din Tai Fung.

Ampalaya shake, anyone? Once is enough for me though.

Food tripping at the Shilin Night Market and Ximending Night Market. Top reason why I would come back to Taiwan is because of their street foods. So good and so cheap!

Hoping for big time travels for 2015! I'm claiming it! =)


~Lovelee~


Check out my 2012 and 2013 travel summary here:

2012 Travels

2013 Travels

Erra's Ramen! A Ramen For Everybody!

For the past couple of months, I have been craving for ramen. I am no connoisseur but I do appreciate sipping and slurping on good broth every now and then.

I have so many backlogs in my posts but I have been to a lot of ramen houses and thought of having a mental checklist so I google these places or ask friends. One office mate showed us an online post about this very affordable place in Ermita and my brain automatically bookmarked it and made a few researches about it.

The next weekend, I finally got to try it! Yes! So here you go..

There it is! The unassuming place of Erra's Ramen. Located at the sidewalk along Adriatico Street in Malate.

They have a pretty nifty and tidy cart that carries all the goods. This is where ramen magic could happen, or not. =)

Pretty cool tools! 

The beginning

We ordered the Miso Ramen for only P70.00. But we requested for the broth to be spicy so that was additional P10.00, extra pork for P10.00 and egg for P10.00 which upped the total to P100.00. Still not bad, I say!

VERDICT: It was as good as the good ramen houses that prices this kind of ramen at a minimum of P200+ and above! I just hope that next time, they will serve the eggs like what they do in other ramen places..you know, the 5-minute wonder eggs that have the yolk in an interesting shade of mustard yellow and soft and creamy. Aji Tamago!

We also tried the Cordo (Cold) Ramen for P85.00.

VERDICT: This was interesting. They had ice cubes underneath the noodles and the sauce. It made the noodles more firm and very right to the taste. The pork was very tender it made chewing or nibbling on it a very nice experience. I admit this was not much to my liking but it was enjoyable while it lasted. 

The Tantanmen Ramen for P80.00. The coloration of the broth was similar to those of other places.

VERDICT: It did not taste much like the Tantanmen that I eat at Kichitora or Hanamaruken, not even close enough, but it was good to slurp on a good broth. I still finished it though. It was good in its own special way. 

Strawberry Shake for P50.00. Now this was so good! I had 2 of them!
Ordered this from Erra's Bar and Grill, which is basically the same place as Erra's Ramen but I guess it was managed by different people because we had to pay for this separately. I will  definitely come back for this, I promise!

This was our total before we additionally ordered for the Cordo Ramen. Such a sweet sweet price! 2 bowls for P200! I can't even get 1 bowl of ramen in other well-know ramen houses with that price. 

Sharing with you guys the menu. Come give it a try next time your in the area. It's worth the experience. 

I will definitely come back here but I am going for the Miso Ramen. Their selections tasted pretty good for its prices. This has been an experience that I gladly tell to my friends. If you are not iffy to eat in a non-airconditioned place while being exposed to Manila's natural elements such as pollution and noise then you are in for a treat here.

A must-try!

(All photos taken with my Samsung S4)

RESTO FACTS
Erra's Ramen
Adriatico cor J Nakpil Sts, Malate, Manila
www.facebook.com/erramen
+63 2 3549509, +63 928 3474233
Open daily 12pm-6am.



~Lovelee~

Visita Iglesia de Paa 2012: My 6th Year (yes!!)

My 6th year of traveling on foot only to visit these churches & parishes, imagine that! And a total of 15 for this year, I decided to add 2 more. =)

I thought this annual visita iglesia would not push through..Papa has church obligations and my brother has work at the hospital that day.  It would've have sucked big time if this did not happen as I'm trying not to miss it, but thank goodness, my friend Melvin agreed to accompany me. I told him what the itinerary is and we would be walking for 8-9hrs, under the scorching uber-intense heat of the sun, but he still said yes. That made me so happy. And excited.

We agreed to meet at Claret Church by 6am. But it was already 7am when we met, not a huge letdown, just a bit of a delay so no worries.

I had the time set up shown on my photos so I would know our time progress and length of the trip. Documented much. So here goes our very eventful day:

1st church: PARISH OF THE LORD DIVINE MERCY 

Address: 31 Madasalin St. Sikatuna Village, QC

It was still closed when I got there but I could see that they are getting ready for a procession. I wondered why I haven't included this place to my previous year. Maybe because we just chose to stick to the original itinerary of my dad.

2nd church: IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH 

Address: Mahinhin St. cor. Mayumi St. UP VIllage Diliman, QC

The church from my childhood. Where I was baptized and where, for 10 years of my childhood life, we attended mass

3rd church: SACRED HEART OF JESUS PARISH
Address: Sct. Ybardolaza Kamuning QC

This parish was established on October 3, 1941. My reaction whenever I visit was that of coolness in terms of humidity. This parish is nestled in between big trees. It has a very peaceful ambiance despite being located in a main road where this is a part of passenger jeepneys route going to Cubao.

I noticed that this was a new structure. It was not here, I think, last year.

They have a grotto to do some praying and meditating.

1st stopover: Had some Royal Tru Orange at a store beside Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

The Boy Scouts rotunda was practically deserted. A rare view.

4th church: ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE PARISH
Address: Sct. Rallos cor. Timog Ave. Brgy. Laging Handa, QC

Our sked was a bit delayed so this was the first time for me to see many people at this parish, mostly those who finished already the procession for the Stations of the Cross.

2nd stopover: Got to rehydrate! Had 1 bottle of Propel to wet my somehow parched throat. By the way, these are my Visita Iglesia de Paa essentials: fan, towelette, liquids, umbrella and a wide hat. Actually, one should bring less if they can because as walk the day away, the stuff that you bring weighs a ton after some time. But for me, I always risk it because these are what I consider my 'safety blankets'. =)

5th church: SANTO DOMINGO CHURCH
Address: Quezon Avenue, QC.

A very big church with ample parking space ready for anyone who wants to visit and pray.

This is one of the churches that many people frequent for their visita iglesia itinerary because of what it has: the century-old image of Our Lady of La Naval that was credited for having saved a city from invasion during the 1600s. Despite the buzz of people reciting the Stations of the Cross, on the other hand, TV staff and crew prep up for the broadcast of the Siete Palabras to be shown on GMA 7.

Stained glass artwork like these surround the church.

This is one of the few great churches in Quezon City.

You will see a lot of devotees of the Black Nazarene walking the length of Quezon Avenue and Espana, some of them barefoot and some of them bringing an image of the Black Nazarene. It sure is fascinating to see people from all walks of life doing their panata in their own ways. Filipinos are truly religious and show no qualms how to express it. Remarkable!

Usually, I feel already so tired upon reaching the gates of UST. Coming from Santo Domingo, it takes around 40mins of walking before reaching UST. And I tell you, it's not easy because the sidewalks of Espana are not even. Its not a straight walk, you have to go up and down on sidewalks so its a bit of a challenge. Good thing, UST grounds is a welcome respite, its visually appealing and gives a peaceful vibe.

Of course, I can never get tired of posing around when I see picture-worthy sceneries. =)

Me and my friend Melvin. First time I did the Visita Iglesia de Paa with a friend. For my first 4 years, it was with my dad and bro. 5th year was with my bro only. So this was a pleasant first.

6th church: UST CHAPEL (SANTISIMO ROSARIO PARISH CHURCH)
Address: inside University of Santo Tomas grounds

Saw this huge yet cute bullfrog, I think. Some boys stepped on it, I thought they were going to kill it but fortunately, just to stop it from hopping so they could get a closer look. I was about to say something to them, to take pity on this living creature, until I realized and saw their playful intent.

3rd stopover: Mini-Stop near UST. I was slowly developing a migraine and I said to Melvin that I should stop for a break. I ordered water and their Tuna Kariman so I could take my Dolfenal. The airconditioning was working so fine that I did not want to leave. But of course, after 15mins, we had to go on.

Devotees flocking to Quaipo Church.This photo did not do justice to the number of people heading towards the church.

I took a stolen photo of this group and when they saw what I did, they good-naturedly posed and shouted to me to take their picture again. But I had to be cautious so I just said 'thank you' and went forward. No harm in being extra alert. This is Quiapo after all.

7th church: QUIAPO CHURCH (MINOR BASILICA OF THE BLACK NAZARENE)

Address:  Plaza Miranda along Quezon Boulevard, Manila

The church's facade is very beautiful! Quiapo Church is the most jam-packed church from my entire list. Our target was to get here the earliest that we can but since we got delayed, we had to deal with the masses. Going down the underpass was quite a bit of a suffocating experience for me. The heat of the weather then add the heat coming from the bodies of the devotees who were resting there was too much for me. Too humid!

 

8th church: SANTA CRUZ CHURCH 

Address: Plaza Lacson Sta. Cruz, Manila

Per http://travel.aol.com, The first Santa Cruz Church (often abbreviated to Sta. Cruz Church) was erected in 1608 by the Society of Jesus, better known as Jesuits, as a parish church for the swelling ranks of Chinese immigrants to Manila, many of whom had converted to the Catholic faith. The original structure was twice damaged by earthquakes, and totally destroyed in World War II. The present building, completed in 1957, is essentially Baroque and somewhat reminiscent of the Spanish-built mission churches in southern California.

I really love this classic European-design fountain just in front of the church. I just wish people would stop throwing litter in the water. And for whoever is in-charge of this area, to keep it clean. It's a very nice photo-worthy tourist place, both the church and the fountain, let's not disappoint.

Before entering Chinatown, we saw this statue that looks very Singaporean and we just got to have our photo taken.

Finding a Chinese resto to have lunch was not easy. We were looking for, of course, Chinese and something that would fit our budget. It was not easy. Almost all places along Ongpin St. was packed. Good thing, Four Season Cuisine still had available tables so we grabbed it. Whew! I know it's bad, but I had 2 orders of Coke Sakto. So refreshing! The food that we got was great too, way better than my order last year.

9th church: BINONDO CHURCH (MINOR BASILICA OF ST. LORENZO RUIZ)
Address: Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, Manila

This church is one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the Philippines. It was said that earthquakes and natural disasters has badly damaged the original edifice, so today, the octagonal bell tower is all that remains of the 16th century construction.

I find the church very grand. The ceiling paintings are very beautiful. The effort put in was superb. This is definitely one of the churches that is a must-visit. Include it on your list!

Exit Chinatown, hello Jones Bridge!

Crossing Jones Bridge at this hour is a challenge. The heat was so..so intense! But the sight was still something to behold, with old architecture and structure everywhere.

Scorched friends!

Confirmed! Definitely Singaporean. I read the tab on the statue. This also looks like the statue that I had my picture taken with before we entered Chinatown.

Statue of Queen Isabel II in Intramuros.

10th church: MANILA CATHEDRAL

Address: Gen. Luna St. Intramuros, Manila

Sadly, Manila Cathedral is closed for a year to give way to a much-needed renovation in their structures. For those 200+ couples who were set to wed in this church during its temporary closure, they are being assisted by the Wedding Task Force to find a new church to their liking. It is better this way than suffer the consequences later in the end. But despite being closed, people still flock here to do their Via Crucis outside the church. It was a real sacrifice because the sun was up in all its glory and you can feel it searing your skin.

I have not noticed before that the wood works on the doors of the cathedral is so beautiful. Glad to have seen it closely now.

My first time to try a yellow watermelon. The taste was between a melon and the red watermelon variety. Refreshing!

 11th church: SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

Address:  Gen. Luna St. cor. Real St. Intramuros, Manila

This UNESCO World Heritage Site Baroque church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines that was built in 1589. So many stories this church has witnessed for more than 300years. If only the walls could talk.

I recited 1 station of the Cross here.

2 influences?

PACO CEMETERY

My first time! I was so excited to be here. Entrance fee is P5 only.

The now empty niches where the olden city's elite people interred the remains of their loved ones.

Even though it is, or was, a cemetery, this place has a very relaxing vibe. The breeze was cool and one can just sit around and feel relaxed and at peace with one's self. But I don't know if that is still the vibe during nighttime. Haha!

This was where Dr. Jose Rizal was interred after his execution at Bagumbayan (now called Luneta or Rizal Park)

12th church: ST. PANCRATIUS CHAPEL
Address: Paco,Manila

Sadly, the chapel was closed. Luckily the park was not. The chapel is managed by the same group who cares for  Adamson University.

Definitely! More fun in the Philippines. =)

 13th church: ERMITA CHURCH

Address:  M.H.del Pilar St. cor. A. Flores St.Ermita, Manila

Per www.lonelyplanet.com, a modern construction that replaced the original hermitage destroyed during WWII, is home to the widely venerated Nuestra Señora de Guia (Our Lady of Guidance). Legend has it that this richly robed image of the Virgin Mary was found by Legazpi on 19 May 1571, the day the Spanish forces took over Manila.

14th church: MALATE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Address: M.H. del Pilar St. Malate, Manila

Filled to the brim during the Siete Palabras

A beautiful Baroque-style church

15th church: BACLARAN CHURCH
Address: Redemptorist Road Baclaran, Paranaque

Yes! Done. Whatta feeling!

Though for this last leg, Malate Church to Baclaran Church, we rode a jeepney. My headache was very persistent even after 1 dose each of Biogesic and Dolfenal. I did not push it because the consequences might be much harder.

We finished at 5:00pm.

For a short backgrounder, my papa did this for more than 20yrs already if I'm not mistaken, and it was high time that we joined him as he is not getting any younger and the streets, and the heat, could do unpredictable things to a man who walks alone. Thus, the start of our own panata.


This is something that I truly look forward to every year. A truly satisfying spiritual and physical experience. I will do this as long as I can. God willing. =)

Special thanks to my friend,Melvin, for joining me. Hope you enjoyed the sights, the exercise and spiritually enhanced your faith.