Holiday Cheers at Boracay!^^

    Everyone had plans for the 3-day vacation and ours was to spend it in a paradise called Boracay.

    6 hours of bus ride did not stop or daunt us into going. We were ready!

We traveled cowboy style, preferring to find the way to our hotel ourselves.

Our first night was all swimming, eating a lot of sea food and highlighted by a fireworks show at the beach.

   The whole group preparing for the exciting activities Boracay has to offer

Skimboarding, a sport derived from surfing but no less exciting, was our favorite. 

Feel the speed and excitement of skimboarding in Boracay's perfect beach.

We also tried activities such as boating, snorkeling, and kayaking. And shopping too! It was a perfect getaway and holiday. 

                        Philippine Foodtrip

  Philippines’ colorful culture is much profound in the Filipino cuisine.  It is a combination of Hispanic, Chinese, American, and other Asian influences molded into the unique Filipino style of cooking.

Kare-Kare is a Filipino style stew made from peanut sauce, vegetable, meat and served with shrimp paste.  It is one of the most unique and delicious pure Filipino dishes, originating from Pampanga even before the Spanish occupation.

Sinigang is known for its extremely sour taste.  It can be of pork, fish, shrimp or even beef.  These variations are tamarind based in order to assure the classic sourness of this food.

Simbang Gabi: A Christmas Culture in the Philippines

Simbang Gabi is translated as Night Mass. Starting December 16, people attend a nine-day series of masses at 4 am or 5 am. 

It is really popular among Catholics in the Philippines that during these 9 days, Catholic churches are overflowing with people. 

The series of masses culminate at December 24 where the most number of people attending mass is seen. 

While you listen to the priest, your nose will be excited about the mouth-watering smell of freshly cooked delicacies just outside of the church.

One of the all time favorites is the puto bungbong, rice cake with delicate flavor and with coconut side dishes. 

My and almost everyone's choice however, is bibingka, slightly sweet rice cake infused with coconut and sprinkled with margarine and sugar. 

Feel welcome to join the Christmas celebration in the Philippines and the simbang gabi. 

- Marsha Gonzales

Tutor

 

Iloilo El Dorado Waterpark

Inspired from South American temples, the El Dorado Waterpark lives up to its name. An oasis in the heart of Iloilo Smallville Complex that provides quick getaway from stress of city life. Families can chill with their kids on a hot Sunday afternoons. The 4 feet pools makes it safe for everyone. The waterslide can be daunting with its sharp curves but at the same time thrilling once you get the hang of it.
El Dorado at night is a spectacular place to behold. The pool is illuminated with different hues of color alternating every few minutes. Luau pool party would be great here.
Pool Rates: 100 on Weekdays and 100+ on weekends

    

 

Punta Villa Resort

Punta Villa is located in the seaside district of Arevalo in Iloilo City. away Away from the crowds, Punta Villa Hotel and Resort a place where old world elegance still exists. In this modern age of square structures and modern lines, Punta Villa Resort stands out as the only place where old and new elements meet. You can just imagine ladies wearing magnificent gowns and men in coat tails dining under the glittering candelabras.




          


                    

  

NES AND TATS

     Are you still wondering for a place to relax, enjoy, and enjoy delicious food.  Well, here comes Nes and Tats, the perfect place in Brgy. Botong Oton and Villa Iloilo.  It is a beach resort with all the amenities for fun you need.  Aside from the beach, it also has the swimming pool that will cater both the children and adults need.  And if you also crave for food, well, no problem!  Nes and Tats has all the things for you to enjoy.  You can have Seafood such as Crab, Fish, Oyster, Shrimp and many others.  You could have "fresh seafood" and request for the dish that you want to eat.  It's just simply amazing and incredibly interesting!!! 

       

BUTO'T BALAT(Bones and Skin) RESTAURANT

     Here goes the saying, everything is useful from skin to bones.  Buto't Balat resto is common for its food served on a "Bilao"(native plate) with banana leaves as the plate for eating.  Grilled Chicken is the specialty of the house.  It also serves "Bulalo" which is made up of bones of cow,Sizzling Sisig, Native Chicken Binakol and many others.  In this restaurant, Seafood or other Hotplate Meal is best with more than the serving size for an affordable price for a single meal.  It's just the best thing you could imagine for a delicious food ever....

LECHON

     Lechon is a unique traditional Filipino food.  It is a whole roasted pig stuffed with lemon grass and species to make it taste and smell delicious.  When it is cooked, the skin is crunchy and the meat is tasteful.  It is served with liver sauce.

ADOBONG 

MANOK AND PORK

     Adobong chicken or pork is considered as the national dish of the Philippines.  Its origins are with the Spanish colonizers, it is the Spanish word for a marinade.  The vinegar marinade makes the dish that stores very well in the Filipino heat.  Besides chicken and pork, there is fish, squid, green beans or even eggplant adobo.

  FISH 

KINILAW

     Fish kinilaw is an appetizer made with fresh raw fish marinated in cane vinegar with calamansi, garlic, onions tomato and ginger.  A popular version is to add coconut milk to the refreshing and tangy vinegar dressing.  It is usually slightly spicy.

    

       

     STARBUCKS ILOILO

     Starbucks is known for their unique blend of brewed coffee and brain-freezing cold concoctions. Not only that, Starbucks also takes pride on its wide variety of sweet treats including pastries, muffins, cakes, cookies, biscotti, bars and savoury sandwiches and crisps.

   

   Ilonggos can now enjoy the taste of what Starbucks can offer without going anywhere.

    Visit Starbucks Iloilo now and fall in love with the Starbucks Experience right here in the city of love.

SOURCE: http://www.gigsilonggo.com/starbucks-coffee-iloilo-now-open/