Holy Week 2014: Puerto Galera (Part 2)

For our second day in Galera, we went to Muelle Pier early in the morning to have our tickets confirmed for the 1:45 pm ferry ride. We were supposed to go back to the resort after that and just lounge but Kuya Aries offered to take us to a more non-touristy spot.

Virgin Mary Beach and Mangrove Forest

He took us first to Virgin Mary Beach. True enough, there are less people in Virgin Mary Beach than in White Beach and the water is so much clearer. The beach is named as such because of the Virgin Mary statue located at the top of a rock formation on that beach. The rock formation also serves as a border between a private beach (where you could swim for a small fee) and a public beach (free for all).

Here we are with the Virgin Mary statue at the background

Climbing at the rock formation to get near the statue could be quite perilous as the rocks are a bit sharp so be careful with your steps and bring some sensible footwear.

Here's the private beach part

And here's the free for all side

As you can see, there's definitely a lot less people here than in White Beach so if you're the type who wants a quiet, non-touristy spot then Virgin Mary Beach is a must-see. It doesn't have the fine grain sand that White Beach has though but more like smooth corals and pebbles. 

Here we are testing the waters

We weren't planning on swimming but because the water was clear and really inviting, we just went with it and took an impromptu dip.

Look how clear the water is

You could also opt to rent a kayak and snorkeling equipment at a nearby store or just buy drinks and food.

rock formation and statue

Here we are surveying the area after our dip. Notice the kayak at the background.

Virgin Mary Beach panorama

After Virgin Mary Beach, Kuya Aries took us to another Puerto Galera spot which is but a few minutes ride from where we are.

Isn't it lovely?

While our trip to Virgin Mary Beach and the mangrove forest was totally unplanned, we were thankful that it happened or we wouldn't have experience this side of Puerto Galera. We were told that there are several destinations in Galera that is far from the party place vibe that Galera is known for. Another thing we learned from this is that it's always best to ask the locals because they know where the good spots are. For the whole morning trip, we only paid Php 200 to Kuya Aries which was really surprising considering that he not only drove us to our destinations but acted as our tour guide and photographer as well (tips are very much welcomed though).

After our quick trip at the mangrove forest, we headed back to Badladz Beach Resort for our brunch and to freshen up so we won't be late for our boat ride. We were again greeted by the friendly staff who prepared our orders while we showered and did some last minute packing.

For our last meal in Puerto Galera, we decided to try Badladz' Mexican cooking. We ordered their bestselling Chicken Burrito (Php 340) and Beef Quesadilla (Php 195) and then we had Mango Split (I think it was around Php 150) for dessert.

Chicken Burrito

Beef Quesadilla

Mango Split

I'm not a big fan of beans so the burrito wasn't exactly a favorite of mine although my friends enjoyed it. I did love the quesadilla though. It was really cheesy which I like in Mexican food. I just wish there was more onions and tomatoes in it because that is how I'd probably make it but it is delicious the way it already is.

obligatory post-brunch selfie with one of the Badladz staff in the background

Leaving Puerto Galera

As I have mentioned in my previous post, ferry rides have schedules and the last trip from Muelle Pier to Batangas Pier is at 3:30 pm. We confirmed our tickets for the 1:45 pm slot and good thing we arrived just in time because we were the last passenger to board (yikes!). Make sure to have Php 10 with you for the terminal fee.

A little friendly reminder: If you're going to take the ferry on an afternoon, be sure to have a fan and a bottle of water with you because it could be extra hot during the ride.

When in Batangas Pier already, you can find buses going to Cubao, Buendia-Taft and other destinations, in front of Terminal 3.

While our Holy Week trip to Puerto Galera has been full of unplanned and unforeseen events, we still had fun and we were lucky enough that we have experienced its more tranquil side. In fact,  I want to go back there again someday so I could visit the other spots Kuya Aries has been talking about like Tamaraw Falls and I am most definitely staying again at Badladz. I'll still probably visit White Beach if only to see the fire dancers and knock back a few drinks.

Holy Week 2014: Puerto Galera (Part 1)

For this year's Holy Week, I've decided to go with my friends for our very first trip to Puerto Galera. While we have been planning this trip for months, we were totally caught by surprise when we found out that the ferry and buses, will not be on their regular schedule. We were supposed to leave Manila on Good Friday but left Thursday night instead. Because of that, my roommate, Anja, was not able to go with us and with that we learned that traveling on Holy Week is not the same as traveling on regular days.

For one, if you're going to commute, expect terminals to be close by Good Friday. Bus drivers and other transportation workers are just like us and deserve some rest day too. Second, there will be people like you and me who are going out of town by that time too so expect the lines at bus terminals and ferries to be long. If you want to be on your destination early, you would need to be early at the bus stations and have the patience to line up to get your tickets. As far as I know, bus terminals do not have reservations (except for Victory Liner but I think it is limited to their Baguio and Cagayan routes).

Getting to Puerto Galera

For people from Quezon City, the best way to go to Puerto Galera is to take a bus from Cubao. We took the Jam Liner bus on Maundy Thursday night (around 7 pm) and we were lucky enough that there was no line anymore and that we made the last trip for that day. Bus tickets from Cubao to Batangas Pier cost Php 175. Make sure that the bus you're riding has a Batangas Pier sign. Travel time is around 2.5-3 hours and expect traffic by the Guadalupe area due to reblocking.

Our bus took us directly to Batangas Pier as it is their last stop. Upon arriving at the pier, proceed to Terminal 3 because that's where ferries going to Puerto Galera are docked. We arrived at around 10 pm and waited for the ferry ticket counter to open at 4 am so we could take the first trip to Muelle Pier. There are 3 ports at Puerto Galera: Muelle Pier, White Beach and Sabang (I have read that there is also a Balatero Port but I haven't seen any signs on any of the ticket counters with Balatero as a destination). The resort where we have made our reservation is near Muelle Pier but most of the travelers we were with were going to White Beach as it is where most of the nightlife is. In any case, all 3 ports are 20-30 minutes tricycle ride from each other and some ferries offer free shuttle services to their passengers. We bought tickets from Minolo Shipping Line as it is the only one that offers a ride to Muelle Pier at that time. For travelers bound to White Beach, you have the option of taking Minolo, Father and Son Lines or Gallerian. One-way ferry tickets costs Php 230 for Muelle Pier and Php 250 for White Beach plus you have to pay Php 30 for terminal fee. Travel time from Batangas Pier to Muelle is around 1 hour.

If you're going to stay overnight at Batangas Pier, make sure you have anti-mosquito lotion and blanket as there are lots of mosquitoes in the area and it could get cold at night. I had at least 14 mosquito bites on my legs for that night.

My friends, Pam and Gienah, waiting for the ticket counter to open at Batangas Pier

For those who are interested in going to Puerto Galera, the first ferry trip bound to Muelle Pier is 5:30 am and the last trip is 4 pm. It is important therefore for you to leave Manila by at least 1 pm so you could take the last ferry trip. Otherwise, you'd have to wait for the next day and waiting at Batangas Pier isn't exactly comfortable.

Inside the ferry

A little heads up, don't expect much from the ferries. They're also uncomfortable but there's no other way to get to Galera faster unless you have your own plane. Ferry capacity is around 90 to 150 people depending on the boat size and they have life jackets located at the upper shelf of the boat.

Discovering Puerto Galera

Once you've arrived at Muelle Pier (or White Beach), you'll have to pay Php 50 for environmental fee. Don't worry, you don't have to pay for it again when you leave. Also, please be reminded that if you bought two-way tickets, you have to confirm them one day before your departure. In our case, it was just an overnight trip so we had to confirm our tickets on the very same day that we arrived. Ask for the assistance of the shipping line staff for this as each shipping line have their own locations for confirming two-way tickets. From Muelle Pier, we made a short walk to Badladz Dive Resort to confirm our reservation for Badladz Beach Resort and the staff was kind enough to confirm the reservation for us and give us directions to the place. We then took a tricycle ride where we met our tour guide/ driver for the rest of our trip, Kuya Aries. Since the main road is closed due to repair, we had to take another way to the resort. Regular fare from the pier going to the resort costs around Php 20 each but since we took a shortcut and had to walk a few minutes to the resort, Kuya Aries charged us for only Php 10 each.

Arriving at the resort, we were greeted by (we think) one of the owners. She was very gracious and accommodating. We arrived at around 8 am and check-in time was supposed to be around 1 pm but I guess we looked haggard already so once someone checked out, they directed us to our room and we were able to get some much needed rest by around 10 am. But first, we tried their offerings at their famed Mexican restaurant.

Oceanfront view from the resort restaurant

American breakfast

Breakfast Quesadilla

Tosilog (Tocino, Fried Rice and Egg)

Food prices range from Php 195 - Php 250. It was a little on the pricey side but the serving was big and the food was tasty. I personally would have liked for my bacon to be less toasted but other than that, we had an awesome brunch at their restaurant and we enjoyed the service and the view of the ocean.

We also decided to check out the private beach while our room was still being cleaned.

Private beach at Badladz Beach Resort

Once we were told that our room is ready, we went inside and had a much needed nap before tidying up and going to White Beach.

Sadly, I was not able to take photos of our room because we were so tired and just conked out. But for those who are curious with our accommodation, you might want to check their website or Facebook page for more inquiries. We got the 2 bed suite for Php 1800+ plus 300 for extra person with a maximum capacity of 4 people. The suite has a flat screen cable tv, shower with heater, aircon and fan. We personally think that it's a steal because most of the resorts in White Beach costs around Php 5000 per room during Holy Week. If you're the type who wants a quiet place to stay when on vacation, then Badladz is highly recommended because the overall feel of the place is really relaxing. When we went to White Beach (more on that later), it was just chaos everywhere because it was crowded and very touristy. Where we stayed, you could still have the option of lounging and tanning in peace and you have the whole beach to your place. My main beef I guess with the place is that the AC is not that cold but once you turn on the fan, it kinda makes up for it. We weren't there for most of the time though and by the time that we are there, it was already night time so the temp was just right enough and we don't need to huddle with our blankets and shiver because of the AC. Plus, the staff was really helpful and while it has the the look and feel of a resort, it also has a homey vibe to it which we like a lot cause it's kinda rare to find when traveling. We were also told that the staff could confirm the two-way tickets for you so you wouldn't have to worry about it..

Waiting for our ride to White Beach at the Badladz lobby (swimming pool behind us)

White Beach

We texted Kuya Aries to come pick us up at the resort (he has since been our tour guide for this trip) and after a 20 minute ride (and Php 50 each) from our resort, we reached the famous White Beach.

the famous White Beach at Puerto Galera

Our first order of business upon arriving there is to get some lunch as we were famished. Good thing we came upon Food Trip sa Galera or we wouldn't have tried the cheapest (but really tasty) baby back ribs we have found so far. Pam and I got Baby Back Ribs with Salted Eggs for Php 189 and Gienah ordered Belgian Waffles with Bacon and Eggs for Php 149 (all exclusive of drinks). 

with our waitress

Food Trip sa Galera menu

It is an open area so it's crowded and noisy

but we came here for the food...
Baby Back Ribs with Salted Egg

Belgian Waffle with Bacon and Eggs

While the food is good, don't expect much from the service. We had a hard time getting the attention of the staff and they're not that accommodating.

After our lunch, we traversed the jungle that is White Beach. Seriously, if you're not the party person type, Holy Week is probably not the best time to go there. It is very crowded and most of the bars and restaurants are occupied. The walkway is full of people so it's difficult to relax. We decided to get henna tattoos instead and good thing they're not permanent cause I didn't think mine through and would've had to spend a fortune for laser removal, not to mention being a poster girl for poor life decisions. Henna tattoos starts at Php 100 while permanent tattoos start at Php 1000.

Here's Pam and me sporting our tattoos. Yup, I'm stuck with it for at least a week.

At least one of us came prepared with a design -- Gienah with her dream catcher tattoo

We then found a spot near the shore where we could sit, people watch and wait until the sun sets. 

panorama of White Beach (that's just about a third of the people there)

After sunset, we decided to try the special halo-halo (Php 80) at Cafe de Paris. Unfortunately, they don't have ice cream so we got a "semi-special" one for Php 60.

Here we are with our halo-halo

Cafe de Paris halo-halo

Afterwards, we hit the bars to get a taste of the famed Mindoro Sling and Puerto Galera night life. We went to Leyniel's Bar and Resto for our Mindoro Sling (Php 330/ pitcher) and Pork Barbecue (Php 150). We were too lazy to find a bar that serves Mindoro Sling for Php 200 but I have read there is one.

Mindoro Sling

Pork Barbecue

Pam and I were not exactly a big fan of Mindoro Sling since we're not big drinkers and I personally prefer cocktails that are on the sweet tasting side. Nevertheless, we were able to throw back a few shots before heading back to the resort for a quick dip in their pool and then some zzzzs.

(to be continued...)

Vanilla Cupcake Bakery, Trinoma

For Pam's birthday last February, we had dinner at the Vanilla Cupcake Bakery in Trinoma. I have to admit that I was hesitant at first to eat there as I have been craving for Chinese food. Good thing I didn't listen to my cravings because Vanilla Cupcake is by far one of the most memorable cafes I've ever been to. 

Pam and Gienah at the entrance

Going inside, what will immediately capture your attention is the rather girly, positive vibe of the place. They have these cute chandeliers, motivation quotes framed and placed on the walls, quirky chairs and tables and cute decors we'd love to see in our dream house one day. It almost feels like we're on the set of New Girl and Jess (Zooey Deschanel) and her gang is about to burst in any moment singing the opening credits song. We especially like the bike placed near the entrance. We thought it brought a nice touch to the whole setting.

Aren't those chandeliers gorgeous?

Pam posing with the bike

You will also be welcomed by rows and rows of their cupcakes. They have everything from my staple red velvet and blueberry cheesecake to banana cream cheese.

Looking at the menu, we were surprised to find that prices for their food were not far off from what we usually spend for our regular dinners. Meals range from Php 195 to Php 300 and cupcakes go from Php 60 to Php 90.

Here we are with our food!

Pam ordered the Cheesy Ham and Cheese Melt sandwich (Php 279), while Gienah and I opted for Honey Glazed Tuyo (Php 225) and Country Breakfast (Php 195) both from their All Day Breakfast meals.

Honey Glazed Tuyo

Cheesy Ham and Cheese Melt

Country Breakfast

We also had Blueberry Cheesecake (Php 95) and Red Velvet (Php 85) cupcakes for dessert.

Blueberry Cheesecake

Red Velvet

All in all, we spent around Php 200 to Php 300 each and considering that the servings were big (we all shared each others food), you get more bang for your buck.

To sum up...

Price: Php 200 - Php 300 each

Is it worth the money: Yes

Servings: Big

Service: 4/ 5 (it took a little more time and it was kind of hard to get the attention of the service crew)

Taste: 4.5/ 5

Ambience: 4.8/ 5

Vanilla Cupcake Bakery

2/F Trinoma Mall, Garden Restaurants

North Ave., QC

Some salad recipe (roasted sesame dressing)

So my friends and I have been planning for ages to go to the beach and just have fun but conflicting schedules and budget problems delayed it for a good while. Well, now that I have decided to uproot from QC and move back home, that means we won't be seeing each other for quite some time and so our resolve to travel together got even stronger. This coming Holy Week, we were finally able to get our schedules in sync and (budget concerns aside) we decided to go to Puerto Galera!


I am particularly excited for this trip as I will be going with three of my favorite people in the world: my sorority sisters, Pamela and Gienah, and my roommate, Anja. I have traveled with Pam before for a friend's wedding and we hit it off so we've talked about traveling together again. This will be the first time I will be traveling with Gienah and Anja but I've spent enough time with these two to know that we will all be having a good time. We were initially planning on going to Laiya, Batangas but the resorts there were a bit more expensive than our budget would allow us. It's a good thing that Reg (a good friend of ours, fellow sis and way more of a travel expert than all of us), suggested that we go to Puerto Galera instead because it's a lot cheaper and has almost the same travel time. After some panicky moments trying to find for a good resort to book, almost everything is set and we are all excited for our trip.

And since we will be going to the beach, that means we will be wearing our beach attire. With a few days till our trip, I've decided to try to go on a diet and eat healthy so I won't go all bloated and gross people out when I wear my bikini. Ha!

Enter Kewpie roasted sesame dressing. My housemates, Mio and Jen, a.k.a. our in-house chefs have been raving about this dressing for quite some time and since I am determined to go full salad mode in the next few days, I thought, why not try the dressing?

So here goes my vain attempt to make a salad with roasted sesame dressing. I basically threw in all the veggies and fruits I think I could tolerate for the next few days so I have no name to call the recipe but perhaps Puerto Galera crash diet salad could suffice(??!!)

Ingredients:
Kewpie roasted sesame dressing
Iceberg lettuce
Tomatoes
Carrots
Jicama/ Mexican turnip (singkamas)
Mango
Grapes
Apple
Parmesan cheese
Bacon (yes, bacon and yes, I was trying to diet)
White and black sesame seeds (courtesy of Mio and Jen)
                           
I also made tuna-bacon sandwich because if you know me well enough, you'll know that just a salad for dinner is not gonna cut it for me.

Ingredients:
Wheat bread (toast first)
Ice green lettuce
Tuna spread
Bacon!!! (yup, again!)

And with that, I have effectively, destroyed my goal of dieting so basically this is sooo not gonna help you if you want to lose weight (I'm not really an expert on that) but hey, it did taste good! At least, I didn't feel mopey due to starvation. Sorry fellow Puerto Galera travelers, looks like you'll be stuck with my what-could-be-baby-bump -- we could all pretend it is!

The first of many (hopefully)

Hi everyone! Well. here goes my very first post for this blog.

It's been a long time since I've last posted one. In fact, I can't remember the last time I ever wrote a blog post (And after much thought, I do remember now). A lot of things has happened since then. I've gained new experiences and learned a lot about a life -- sometimes, at a great cost but hey, don't all experiences carry with them a life lesson which is supposed to make you wiser and stronger? Anyway, now that I remember, I did stop blogging because I had a few rather embarrassing posts from my previous blogs (what can I say? I was young and stupid) and I was trying to reduce my internet footprint. Also, at one point in my life I loved someone a little too much and when it didn't work out, I blamed writing for the demise of what was once a happy moment in my life. Funny thing is, I have recently been having problems (or non-problems) on shall we say, that same "area of concern", and yet here I find myself writing again. I guess I've come to realized that while people (including myself) could disappoint me, writing has and always will be there to help me heal. It has gotten me through my angsty phase in life (which would be unfair to limit to just my teenage years for I was very much mopey and whiny even well until after my college years) and I'm pretty sure it will get me through whatever crisis I am experiencing or will be experiencing.

A little disclaimer on the blog title: while it seems like my posts will be all about food, it will not be exclusively about food. As per usual, I am not the most creative person when it comes to titles (or just about any other stuff). Despite the title and blog description, this blog will more or less contain personal posts and what nots alongside some restaurant reviews and recipes. That being said, I hope that you will still read and enjoy my future posts and here's to hoping that this will be the first of many posts. Cheerios and the may the odds ever be in our favor! ;)