My backpack design entry

Shopwise had a backpack design competition around the theme Pinoy pride so this is what I made...I didn't win but I did get some Shopwise groceries for my effort. I decided to add some more touches as I was inspired by jeepney art and our penchant for horror vacuii (fear of empty spaces) It's just so Pinoy to decorate everything with abubut(trinkets)

side view of the bag. featuring lucban's pahiyas fiesta and bohol's chocolate hills

Sentro 1771, fabulous filipino food, finally!

After some mildly disappointing meals at Fely J and Mesa, my faith in upscale Filipino food has been restored with Sentro 1771.  We've always wanted to go there but were afraid that since it was part of the Chateau 1771 group, it would be insanely expensive. Fortunately, it's just around average for Greenblet resto prices but infinitely more satisfying.

Father's Day celebration at Mesa

Ok, confession, we actually celebrated Father's Day a week early because we thought it was on the 2nd Sunday of June. No wonder we were able to get reservations for Mesa easily. hehehe! But it was all for the best as we avoided the crowds and we were all together, which is the most important thing.

What to buy in Puerto Princesa

Aside from the usual tshirts, you can also buy stuff unique to Palawan, like a rain stick my mom got(P150)  or buy a wooden crocodile toy for P65 that wiggles depending on how you hold it.

Where to eat in El Nido

One of the most affordable restaurants in El Nido is the Skyline Grill. Lonely Planet calls it a slightly more upscale version of the turo-turo or carinderia.  You can choose from the different dishes behind the glass counter which range from P30 up, or you can order something from the menu, which are around P100 and above.  You can also buy something from the market and have them cook it for you for a reasonable fee.

Where to stay in El Nido

I chose Marina Garden Resort not only because it came highlt recommended by a friend, but also because it had a very informative website and most of all, it was the only one I could find that had  satellite TV! I tried not having a TV last year in Coron and only brought my portable DVD player but we got bored! Plus, it was an election year and we just couldn't stand not knowing what was going on in the rest of the country.

Where to eat in Puerto Princesa

There are lots of cafes and restaurants  for every kind of budget in Puerto Princesa. While they do have kiosks at the  NCCC mall, I recommend you try something you won't find in Manila. Here are my recommendations for breakfast, lunch, dinner and merienda,too!

Where to stay in Puerto Princesa

If it's within your budget, try to stay at Puerto Pension, which has gotten good reviews.. Or you can stay where we stayed, Audissie Pension , which is just beside Puerto Pension on Malvar street.

Hinulugang Taktak Ng Pilipinas

or Hinulugang Taktak National Park :) Not much has changed since we visited except for the new paint job. The falls are still smelly and the entrance fee still cheap at P8 per person! The place is still 5 degrees cooler than the rest of the city because of the large trees.

Don't stop believin'!

A century after demcoracy was introduced in the Philippines, we have finally entered the age of automation! The country's first automated elections was held today, May 10,2010 and all our votes were counted. Of course, we did have to wait for 4 hours because of the long lines but luckily we came prepared with water, newspapers and books, mp3 players, food and foldable chairs. This picture was taken at 9:30am, then we changed into white shirts before going to the precinct and got home for late lunch at 2pm! Let's hope this exercise will be peaceful and successful!