Tuguegarao Special Pancit Batil Patung

Before we headed going to Tuguegarao, I already did a research about the city, including food specialty. Most write ups recommend this Pancit Batil Patung.  Arrived late afternoon in Tuguegarao and while looking for our hotel, we come crossed to "Jomar's Special Batil Patung" panciteria. We came from a long ride so we're quite tired and hungry, and my tummy is really asking for it. :)

Settling down inside the panciteria, I ask hubby to take our orders. And he go for two order of super special. It's 80 pesos per order. While waiting, costumer can chop onions for soy sauce. After about 10 minutes our order came. And I was like .... WOW!!! The serving is like 2-3 persons. And the toppings are all over the top. I have to dig for the pancit :) ... It has chunks of chicken liver, chicharon, sunny side up egg, slice of suasage, carrots and beans. Upon having my first fork, ohlahhh!!! taste so good. Flavor of miki with taste its toppings, the crispness of chicharon combined together... THE BEST TASTE PANCIT EVER!!!

Given the chance to visit Tugugarao, don't miss to try "Jomar's Special Pancit Patung".

Cutting trip to Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley

Hubby and I decided to visit Cagayan Valley during Holy Week. I made an advance booking for our accommodation in Tuguegarao City for three days. But I failed to have early booking for our bus reservations, thinking that it would not be necessary. And when I ask for booking reservation a week before our date of departure, it's all fully booked.

Our plan is to leave Manila by Wednesday night, but since we don't have reservation we decided to leave Tuesday night, but when we arrived at the bus terminal in Manila, the last bus going Tuguegarao already left and we're advice to wait for 3:00 AM first trip.

Feeling hungry and frustrated. Hubby said, we don't have a choice but to wait. But still  I don't want to give up. I was thinking there must be something to be done. Then, one uniformed man ask our destination?... I sadly replied, to Tuguegagao and the last bus already left. He said... "ah Okey" but after a few seconds, he speak again and asked, if we want to do cutting trip?... Their bus is going to Banaue, but they can drop us in Nueva Viscaya junction and transfer us to other bus going to Tuguegagarao. Those buses coming from Bagiuo or Ilocos.

Rather than wait, we agreed to do cutting trip. 11:00 PM we left Manila terminal. Manila to Tuguegarao estimated for 12 - 13 hours travel. By 4:00 AM we're supposed to be in Nueva Viscaya. But unlucky we are, we're stocked for almost 6 hours at Sta. Fe. We arrived at junction almost 10:00AM, too late to catch the buses bound to Tuguegarao.

The unlucky us still lucky that there is a bus going to Roxas/Santaigo, Isabela, that arrived at junction almost same with us. Our driver is the one who talked to the other driver about our situation. No problem with them but the only available seats are the small extra chairs put at the center aisle. As hubby said, we don't have a choice, this is the best that we have, better go with it...

We left at 11:00 AM from Neuva Viscaya junction to Roxas, Isabela it took us 3 and half hours, there are traffics along the highway due to some road constructions. Arrived at Roxas at 2:30 PM. Yes, we're hungry enough, so we eat for our late lunch before going again to another stretch of Km ride.

From Roxas Isabela there are UV Express Van going to Tuguegarao City. We just asked kuya tricycle driver to drop off us at UV Express terminal bound to Tuguegarao. Since we're on the road for about 16 hours, I assumed, that it would only take us 30 mins to Tuguegarao from Roxas. But No... It took us more than 2 hours, it includes, drop off / pick up of other passengers and some stop for one way road, again due to road constructions.

Leaving at Roxas full arrived hungry at Tuguegarao, but Yes!!! Finally we arrived in our destination safe and sound. Thank you Lord.

Lesson learned, always have an early booking reservation. There are couple of buses bound to Tuguegarao that cater early booking reservation. You can go directly to the terminals or thru online.

• Dalin Liner - Sampaloc Manila
• Deltra Bus Transsit - Sampaloc Manila
• GV Florida Bus - Sampaloc Manila
• Baliwag Transit - Cubao EDSA
• Victory Liner - Kamias, Pasay, Manila, Caloocan

For Online Booking visit this pages:

https://www.pinoytravel.com.ph/

Alumbung Resort, Panglao Bohol

After facing roller coaster ride at the Sea coming from Cebu to Bohol. A comfy resting place is well deserve. From Tagbilaran Port, we hired tricycle to take us to Panglao, were we have our reservation to stay overnight. It took us about 45 minutes for 300.00 pesos fare.

We had our reservation at Alumbung Resort. The place really offers a HOME. Very nice place to stay when you are in vacation. Quite and very relaxing tropical green nature. The Cottages are equipped with ceiling fan, air-con, private shower with heater, balcony, free wifi, and there is also a mini swimming pool. They can accommodate from Single to Family at fair affordable rate. It's about 5 minutes going to Danao Beach and about 10 minutes to Alona beach through habal-habal ride.

They also have food and beverages. Which we had ordered our breakfast. It's bit pricey but taste so good. I love the hot chocolate. Plus, the owner very accommodating and nice. I've loved the place even we just stay there overnight.

For rates and reservation you may visit : www.alumbungbohol.com
Email : info@alumbungbohol.com
Landline: +63 38 5028059
Cellphone: +63 9274431769

Taoist Temple, Cebu City

Early on our itinerary  is visiting Taoist Temple. We ask for the direction at the reception area, and hearing it, I assumed it quite easy... (hahahaha) ... But Cebu has unusual jeepney coding, they have this number letters codes, for each route... like 4C, 4D, 17C... that make me confused. But locals are very accommodating to answers when you ask for directions.

Coming from Robe's Pension House at the corner of the street, we wait for a jeep with 4D code, going to LAHUG. We just ask Kuya Driver to drop off us at were we can ride habal-habal going Taoist Temple. And kuya driver is so nice to favored us and drop off us at JY Square Mall and the fare is just 10.00 pesos. In front of JY Square Mall there are already a group of Habal Habal that will ask you to take you to the gate of Beverly hills Subdivision for just 40 or 50 pesos back and fort. From the gate, you need to walk , go through left side heading to the temple maybe about 10 minutes or less. In our case, from the gate there is a good Samaritan offer us ride going to the temple. He said, their house is just a few meters from Taoist Temple. Very nice right?.... so thankful for that.

Going to inside the temple is free. It's open to public from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. And since this is a temple, we have to pay respect and observed the rules. The place is holy and a house of prayer. Taking photos of the altars are strictly prohibited. Silence is observed, for there are worshipers having their prayer and meditation. Observed also your outfit, if you are wearing shorts (like me) and wish to go inside the worship area/room, you may wear "malong" which is also provided at the side, before entering.

Inside the Temple there is a Chinese Pagoda, Great Wall of China replica, Dragons, Wishing well, old Chinese Bell, small garden and Souvenir shop. And since the temple is elevated, it offers city skyline view. Very relaxing atmosphere.

Passport Renewal at DFA - Alabang

My passport expired since August 2013. I planned many times of renewing it, but failed to do so. And at 2014, we planned to get married, I intended not to renew because I'll be changing may status and surname soon by then. And since I'll be needing NSO marriage certificate, it was delayed again, because it takes 6 months to  1 year before marriage certificate would be available, unless you personally process it at NSO.

And now, opportunity is here and I'll be needing my passport. And the problem is, DFA appointments available are already at mid of April and I need my passport by at least 3rd week of March. I already plan to go to DFA branch at nearby provinces, Lucena and Lipa, for appointment is not required there and they are also open during Saturday. But you need to there as early as 5AM or earlier especially in Lipa. Before Saturday comes, I tried my luck to find available slot at six DFA branch here in Metro Manila, for some other applicants may withdraw their appointments. After two days and couple of hours, Alas! I got one, for March 1, 11:30 AM at Ayala Town Center Alabang. I secured my appointment and prepare all documents needed.

DFA office at Ayala Town Center is located at Metro 4th floor. Very easy to find. And so far, the processing is good. During my appointment, the lane is bit long. It took me about 2 hours, but it goes smoothly.

Here is the requirements I bring:

1. Printed confirmed Appointment
2. My old passport and a photo copy of its 1st and last page
3. My Company ID and Barangay ID and a photo copy
4. Original NSO Birth Certificate and photo copy
5. Original NSO marriage Certificate and photo copy

For Passport fee 

• Regular processing (15 working days) : 950.00 pesos
• Express processing (07 working days) : 1,200.00 pesos

If you want it to be deliver, additional 150.00 pesos is to be paid at the Courier.

I choose express processing but I pick it up at Saturday.

My Husband crafts

To have a loving husband is such a blessing and gift from God. And I'm so grateful to have Payts with me. And his talent in doing some hand craft is a plus bonus. Sharing it here, is not so evident that I'm a proud wife. <3 :)

Rectangular box for my office clips and pins

Office file organizer

Picture Frame  <3

A3 Size Picture Frame

File Box / Gift Box

Souvenir Box 

If you like it, we can customize it for you :) Just send me some note... :)