Food: Matutina's, Pangasinan

Annual tradition? Well, it's more of an after-Baguio-tradition, but we go to Baguio every year anyways so I guess I'm not exaggerating when I say annual.

I have come to realize that I am really my father's daughter when I prefer fresh fish over the ones you buy in the groceries. We're not really the type to go to wet markets early in the morning so we don't really get the chance to have fresh fish all the time. I love going to Butuan, my dad's hometown because they have access to different freshwater and salt sea fishes and I get to eat them every frickin day. Up here in the North, I anticipate eating at Matutina's all the time.

We go to Matutina's mainly for their famous Malaga fish. I prefer it fried so we always order fried Malaga. My mom likes the Sinigang na Malaga, so we order a separate one. Although on our recent visit, we just ordered fried. The place is very province-ish but it saddens me that the management bought Italian-like statues of "welcome" and "thanks for coming" and the likes. There's nothing wrong with it, I just think it would be better for them to stick to the theme of their restaurant, which is very Filipino.

...and then it makes me wonder. Some places here in the metro try hard to make it look like the province and establishments in the provinces try hard to make it look modern or metro-ish. I don't get that. Oh well, it's none of my business.

It's been eight consecutive years that we've been going to Baguio and eating at Matutina's and this is the first time I wrote about it. I've always wanted to, I guess I just keep on forgetting to take photos of the malaga every time I see it since I just want to devour into it immediately.

Other dishes you should try at Matutina's:

• Grilled Pork
• Pinakbet
• Shrimps
• Pansit Canton

Personal rating for Matutina's (food taste): ★★★★★

Personal rating for Matutina's (service):     ★★★★

Unforgettable Week in Paradise

It took me quite a while to post this entry since it's really hard to put down my experience into words.

October 21

We booked our ticket when we found out about a promo so we can't really expect good seats/a good departure time. Our flight was at around 5:30PM (Manila to Kalibo). In Kalibo, we had to ride a van for 2 hours to get to the port where we are to ride a boat to Caticlan. I don't want to talk about the 2-hour van ride.

Boat to Caticlan

I forgot what time we arrived in Caticlan but I'm pretty sure it was late at night and there weren't enough "fun" activities for us so we just checked in, and went to the stations for late dinner.

October 22 - 25

Activities

The different activities offered by different Water Sports Companies were all tempting and fun but we only availed of the Parasailing, Parao (Sunset Sailing), FlyFish, and the Paddle Boarding. I was so happy I got to play volleyball too! I don't remember the last time I played. All other parts of the day was spent on the beach! Cool water + fine sand = perfect chill place.

At night, we'd either drink in our room or drink at the stations while listening to live bands. I never really admitted it to myself... but I really enjoy listening to live bands while drinking my beer and laughing with my friends. A little hookah is not bad too!

Food

You didn't go to Boracay if you didn't get shakes from Jonah's Fruit Shake. I must say: I thought it was just a fad or something that most people to to just because it's famous. Their shakes are delish! I'm a fan of pineapple shakes (since I'm into sour drinks) so I ordered Pineapple Banana. It sounds weird, I know. But you should try it! We ate in different places for lunch and dinner every day and night but almost all the restaurants we ate at serve Filipino cuisine. 

I am a Starbucks person therefore I won't let anyone stop me from going to Starbucks Boracay. Okay, so my Iced Venti White Chocolate Mocha (Non-Fat, No Whip) tastes the same in Boracay, but the experience wasn't. Obviously, you're in Boracay. That's one. Two, since I/we always stay at smoking areas, we chose to go to the rooftop where I can drink my coffee under the freakin stars. Three, as part of their job description, the baristas speak different languages so they can communicate better with the foreigners. They can speak Korean, Spanish, Italian, French, and Chinese. They probably know more, but those are the only languages I heard.

My favorite part would be eating good food under the stars. It can never be replaced. It is number one in my heart. 

Hostel

We stayed at Bambooze Hauz. Yes, I know. It is indeed spelled Hauz. It was far better than I expected. The room wasn't big but it was enough to fit four adults and it had a kitchen so we cooked our breakfast inside the room. We also cooked dinner on some nights. If you're concerned about the smell, just leave the door open while cooking.

Bambooze Hauz Hotel - Php 1,500 / night ( 4 adults )

This sums up my great week in Boracay.

Please watch the following videos.

The first video was made by Nika Peralta and I made the second one.

 

Butuan Trip 2012

To my lolo: Francisco Cembrano, may you rest in peace.

One of the reasons why I cried before, during and after my graduation was because my dad wasn't there to witness me receive my diploma. An unfortunate event, the passing of my loving grandfather occurred. I understand with all my heart that my dad had to go home to BXU immediately, I just couldn't help but be sad that my dad, my favorite guy, my best friend, my old man, wouldn't be there. But, I'm over it now. :)

I was never really close to my lolo, and that's most likely because he was in Butuan and I'm here in Manila. As a child, I remember visiting twice in Butuan. I don't even remember when he visited here in Manila. I'm very happy to say that we visited BXU last Dec 2010. At least for the last time, I got to see my lolo. He is an angel, because if it wasn't for him and my lola, my dad wouldn't be here. I feel sad for all his ten children, but I always knew he missed my grandmother. At least now, I know they're together. :)

My week-long trip in Butuan taught me a little bit of bisaya, and I got to meet a whole lot of the Cembrano and Radaza clan.

December 2010 - The last time I saw my lolo

March 2012 - The first time in I-don't-know-how-many-years I've seen the Cembrano siblings complete!