Oasis in Paradise: Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge

It has always been my dream to see Fundacion Pacita up close the very first time I saw it on a local travel show way back before Batanes became the mainstream destination it is now. There had been several opportunities to travel to Basco in the past but it was only recently that the dream finally became a reality. The cheapest room in Fundacion Pacita costs around Php10,000 per night with a minimum 2-night stay which was way above our budget. From what I've heard, the hotel is no longer open for day tours to the public so unless you're staying in Fundacion, there's no way you can see its exquisite interiors and the amazing view from each room's private deck. Good thing a friend knew someone who allowed us to take a peek of the most beautiful hotel in Basco, Batanes.

The family-owned and operated hotel was named in memory of Pacita Abad, a world-acclaimed Ivatan artist who succumbed to cancer in 2004. Butch Abad, Pacita's brother and the current Budget and Management Secretary of the country, decided to convert the property to a lodge to house Pacita's and other Filipino artists' works of art like BenCab and Araceli Limcaco Dans.

People usually get turned off with Fundacion Pacita's expensive rates but after seeing the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and panoramic hills, I bet its worth every centavo.

How would you like to wake up to this? Pure bliss.

No television and no in-room wifi access but all the Ivatan-inspired rooms and suites are tastefully designed with comfortable beds, air-conditioning unit, toilet and bath and a private sun deck.

But more than its mesmerizing beauty and commanding views, staying in this stunning boutique hotel helps promote and support the local community with its various projects like educational assistance as initiated by The Jorge, Aurora, and Pacita Abad Memorial Foundation, Inc. 

Fundacion Pacita is indeed a nature lover's paradise with a big heart.

~o~o~o~

Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge

Brgy. Chanarian, Tukon
Basco, Batanes, Philippines

Tel.: (63917) 855-9364 / (63939) 901-6353

Website: www.fundacionpacita.ph

I Fell In Love With Batanes

More photos and blog posts coming up soon!

Korean Village: Malate's Popular Choice

Korean Village Restaurant keeps popping on the screen whenever I search for the best restaurants in Malate, Manila. After several attempts, CS and I finally went out one dinner time to check if the reviews were indeed true. One thing I hate about going to Malate is finding a parking spot since most of the restaurants don't really have designated spaces and just let their customers park along the streets. We were lucky to arrive early and got the last spot in front of Korean Village.

CS and I got inside and were ushered to a table in the non-smoking area. First thing I noticed is the run down interior and the smell of old grease -- not a good first impression. We actually thought of leaving and just go to our favorite Asunaro Restaurant in Pan Pacific Hotel but I was really hoping to try it even once so we went ahead with ordering anyway. Based on the reviews I've read prior to our visit, Korean Village offers one of the best meats for grilling in the area. Since we were just ordering for 2 that night, we decided to order a beef, a pork and a fish dish for variety.

On the table

Banchan

The restaurant offers 4 types of Banchan that are not refillable, another first in our book since all Korean places we've been to in the past offered complimentary refill of the side dishes. Except for the Spicy Dilis, all others were bland and forgettable so we didn't bother requesting anymore.

Stir-Fried Beansprouts

Spicy Dilis

Cabbage

Kimchi

Korean Village Restaurant lives up to the hype with its delicious, tender and semi-sweet beef and pork meats. No wonder a lot of  people, mostly patrons I guess, still go here even if a lot of newer restaurants have opened nearby. Contrary to other reviews though, the servings were not as huge as I was expecting. I've been served bigger slices of meat at the same price from restaurants like Makchang and A-Won, two of our favorite Korean places in Manila.

Imported Striploin - Php300.00

Pork Spareribs - Php300.00

Grilled Mackerel (Medium) - Php280.00

Hunger and curiosity were satisfied but I guess I won't be coming back anytime soon. Aside from the old and smelly interiors, I find the staff unfriendly and the service really slow even if only a few tables were occupied that night. Another affirmation that to each his own indeed.

~o~o~o~

Korean Village Restaurant

566 J. Nakpil Street
Malate, Manila
Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 522-1902

Genki Sushi at Bonifacio Stopover, BGC

Japanese food has always been our top choice even when traveling abroad. My recent trip to Hongkong last July brought me to Genki Sushi, a popular sushi and sashimi restaurant chain that originated in Japan in the 90's and now has expanded to various locations all over the world such as the United States and the Middle East. Since the Hongkong restaurant prohibits taking photos inside, I never really had the chance blog about my first dining experience in Genki Sushi.

You can read a snippet of my previous HK trip here: Sweet Escape to the Skyscraper City.

It actually came as a surprise when I read that Genki Sushi has finally made its way to the Philippines! I may be a month late to the opening party but it was still a savory welcome treat nevertheless. Unlike in the Hongkong branch where the sushi and sashimi are lined up in the conveyor belt that you can just pick one after another, the Manila branch offers a more efficient and organized concept with minimal manpower requirement. Each table is equipped with an iPad mounted in the conveyor where you can check the menu, place your order, view your running bill (so you don't go overboard) and ask for the bill as well. In fact, the only time that we asked for the staff's assistance was to request for some fresh wasabi aside from of course, paying the bill.

A small container of Matcha powder and a hot water dispenser is also found on each table. Again, no need for the staff's assistance because everything that you may need is within arm's reach.

Not more than 5 minutes after placing your orders, "speeding cars" such as the one pictured below will bring the food from the kitchen straight to your table. Just make sure you press the yellow button beside the iPad after getting your orders to return the empty vehicles back to the kitchen.

Food delivery

What we ordered

Norwegian Fresh Salmon - Php80.00

Chub Mackerel - Php120.00

Grill River Eel - Php150.00

Fried Tofu Skin - Php60.00

Salmon Taberu Layu - Php120.00

Fresh Tuna - Php80.00

Sea Eel - Php150.00

Surf Clam - Php150.00

Black Fried Tofu Skin - Php60.00

Spicy Tuna - Php80.00

Genki Sushi offers fresh and delicious sushi and sashimi at affordable prices for as low as Php60.00 per plate! My top three choices include Salmon, Mackerel and Fried Tofu Skin. Too bad Scallop was already sold out when we arrived but hey, that's more than enough reason for a revisit right?

~o~o~o~

Genki Sushi

2F BGC Stopover Pavillion
Rizal Drive corner 31st Street
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 624-2867

Exhilarating Tour of Islas de Gigantes

The view that made me want to travel to Islas de Gigantes in the first place.

Cabugao Gamay Island

Breakfast was served after our sunrise tour at the North Gigantes Lighthouse. As expected, the cook surprised us with yet another variation of Scallops, breaded and deep-fried this time. By 9am, our group was already crisscrossing the rough seas onto our first stop, Cabugao Gamay Island.

Cabugao Gamay Island

Perhaps the most photographed spot in Islas de Gigantes, Cabugao Island is famous for its clear waters, white sand beaches, lush trees and majestic rock formations. Climbing all the way to the top of the cliff is definitely worth the time and effort if you wish to get the best view of the islet.

Bantigue Island Sandbar

Accessible only during low-tide, Bantigue Island Sandbar is a long stretch of white sand in the middle of the ocean. The sand may not be as fine as in Cabugao Island but this is where we had a great time swimming as the waves is not as harsh as in the other islands. The rocky shoreline in the far end of the island is also a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts.

Antonia Island Resort

Snorkeling, dining by the beach, camping, beach volleyball and water sports activities like jet ski and banana boat are only some of the things you can do in Antonia Island Resort. In fact, it was the only island that had a resort-like feel among all the islands in Gigantes. Antonia Island is also known for its colorful marine life and amazing coral reefs which we failed to explore because of the strong waves crashing into the rocks, quite a frightening sight if I may add.

There are so many places I have yet to explore in Islas de Gigantes like spelunking at Bakwitan Cave and the famed Tangke Salt Water Lagoon that was unsafe and inaccessible to swim into because of the high tide and strong current. I am definitely coming back next summer!