Ambos Mundos--a week before Christmas

Ambos Mundos, located at 750 Florentino Torres St., Sta. Cruz, Manila, is probably the oldest restaurant in Metro Manila. Established in 1888--or so the story goes--it continues to thrive amidst changes in both eating habits and gastronomic preferences among Filipinos.

My advice, however, is to visit the place without harboring grand expectations. The place is actually owned by the Wah Sun Cantonese Panciteria. You heard it right, it is actually just a panciteria (though pancit is not necessarily their bestseller). It is located in Sta. Cruz, Manila--not exactly the sort of place you would want to find yourself alone.


Also, if you are looking for a fine dining experience, this is not the right place. As for the food, I must admit, I was not so impressed--but that is just me so please do not take my word for it. I also find the price a bit hefty considering the actual nature of the business and its location. My guess is that the restaurant's management is capitalizing on the establishment's historical value. Service is good, though. The paella (shown below) is also good. If you are a foodie and into Manila's culinary history, this is the place to be.

Some of the gastronomic delights you can order at the restaurant. The menu is written on the board, as is typical in a carinderia. I heard this is how it was done in the past. And the place does have that blast from the past feel.

Paella Ambos, one of their bestsellers. It has everything--crab, pork, chicken, clams, tahong, eggs. You may be wondering what the calamansi is for. I am not really a fan of paella, neither do I know the right way of eating this dish. We figured the calamansi has to be mixed with chili sauce and the mixture to go with this rice dish. Who would have thought paella can be very good when eaten like pancit palabok.

Here is purple piglette immediately after the nice waiter served our order.

Here is her awestruck accomplice.

Here is purple piglette sentencing the poor paella to a lifetime of digestive confinement.

The poor paella, after purple piglette's verdict.

Dessert--leche flan. There is no camera trick here. That is not an oversized spoon. But, to be fair, the leche flan was good.

Evidence of the onslaught--exhibit 1.

Evidence of the onslaught--Exhibit 2.

Evidence of the onslaught--exhibit 3.

Bolinao Part 1

Bolinao is a third class municipality in Pangasinan, located about 80 kilometers away from Lingayen. The municipality boasts of powder white beaches, such as that in the photos. Bolinao is also home to one of the UP Marine Science Institute's research laboratories--and, I think, a marine sanctuary.

Some years ago, Bolinao was at the center of a historical controversy when some people claimed that it actually was the site of the first Christian mass in the Philippines, and not Limasawa as history books have long held. As to the veracity of this claim, no one can tell for sure. Perhaps only time (and scholarship) can shed light on the issue.

Nevertheless, enjoy the photos.

A great euphonious in every box

Bohol part 3

Bohol (part 1)

The Loboc Church of San Pedro is the second oldest Church in this part of the Philippines. It was supposedly built in 1602 but much of the original was reduced to ashes (the present structure is purportedly a reconstruction made in 1638).

Loboc River runs just behind the famous church. The Loboc River cruise, of course, is popular for its floating restaurants (the cruise takes about an hour or so). The food, frankly speaking, is not that impressive but the view is great. Plus, there are song and dance performances, courtesy of the locals.

Cebu

Jiji pondering over the immensity of the vast ocean behind her. Is that a storm coming? (Cebu Beach Club)

That really looks like a nasty storm coming

Wait a minute, I am not supposed to be in the photo. Those clouds look kinda heavy don't you think so.

It could have been postcard perfect...