Big Daddy Truck

I am a lover of burgers. I don't know how I came to be but there are instances these weigh more than any rice meals. And being a rice person, that could really be something. Haha

Anyway, Chika-an in Lahug has a huge parking space. Not only for its customers but to a big food truck as well. It really is big and even named Big Daddy Truck.

When my unusual craving set in on this particular night, with my ever supportive friend, we checked this place out.

They have a menu visibly placed where you can choose from a variety of burgers. When you have decided on what to order, you would need to tell the staff situated inside the truck and pay to the cashier as well (in the front seat).

 

We waited for a few minutes before we got our orders. You can choose 3 condiments to add more flavor.

 

 

Well, here's my burger.

My verdict?

For its price, it is worth it. As I super love burgers, I could say this is one of those places I would surely be coming back when the craving sets in again. Thank God this is situated near my place. Haha

Amy's Lunchbox Cafe

This is a looong overdue post but I would share anyway. Haha

My former colleagues and I share a great love for food. Remember the Payday Habit section of this blog? They were my accomplices before. It was them who I shared most of my food trips way way back.

So, a mini-reunion was agreed and we thought of a place that we all have never been and later on decided to meet at Amy's Lunchbox Cafe.

could you read it? haha

This cafe is located behind Harolds Hotel. The place was previously Urban Kamalig. Anyway, there were a lot of customers but we managed to secure a spot, ordered our food and started THE talking. Haha.

just eat healthy

It's not really a big place actually but I love how it is designed, how it is lighted and everything seems to be organized. Did I tell you this is a healthy cafe? They offer food which are oil-less and yummy! At first, I thought we would be eating out of a "lunch box" but then the plates were served. Kinda disappointing but we ate anyway. Haha

So, what did we order? We ordered different dishes..

pasta!

lasagna!

squid!

The food was great. The pasta being oil-less, you may find it dry but it still tastes good. I super love the lasagna! The squid, it was too big for one person. Haha. I find it kinda salty but we still managed to finish it. Haha.
 
You know, nothing beats healthy meals...

                    and hearty conversations! :)

Weekend Wander (Iligan-CDO-Bukidnon) Part 2

Cagayan De Oro City

After around 2 hrs of travel, we arrived in the CDO terminal and through the help of a very good man, boarded a taxi to Nature's Pension House.

The pension house is so ideally located that we never had a hard time finding where to eat as it was just in a parallel street of Plaza Miranda. 

We checked in and freshened up before heading to the Plaza and chose Roy's Bistro to have dinner.

Then, after dropping by Mercury Drug to buy something for snacks, we went back to the pension house and called it a day!

We woke up kinda early to start early. Haha. After hearing mass in the Cathedral, we had breakfast, headed to the terminal and started our journey to Dahilayan, Bukidnon via van. It was around 30-45 mins.

The van's driver actually asked whoever would need a motorbike to Dahilayan Adventure Park and contacted ahead of time. He just dropped us off somewhere near Camp Phillips where the drivers of habal-habals were waiting.

Bukidnon

Going to Dahilayan Adventure Park would give you a glimpse of Del Monte's pineapple plantation as well as a village of all its employees. An amazing fact indeed.

It was a dusty ride under the scorching heat of the sun. And it was farther than I expected. Haha. But cold wind and fresh air would greet you once you come close to the adventure park.

The Dahilayan Adventure Park (famous for its zip lines) and Dahilayan Forest Park are just adjacent one another. And we opted to go to the latter after knowing it has more activities offered.

Well, I am out of words to properly describe this place. I felt the same way when I went to Campuestuhan in Negros. It made me really question why there's no place like this in Cebu or Bohol. It would have been a great weekend destination. Haha. Anyway, I took pics and I'll leave the judgment to you. Haha.

After exploring every inch of the Forest Park, we transferred to the nearby Adventure Park. There were no entrance fees. 

This is actually the home of the famous dual zipline but we didn't try it and we just kinda roamed around the area.

The motorbike driver actually waited for us. We agreed to meet around 2 pm and it just happened we were done with the Adventure park during this time.

So, we were transported back to Camp Phillips and to the van terminal. In a few minutes, we were on our way back to CDO. 

We get off at Limketkai Center then boarded a jeepney passing by a jeepney terminal to El Salvador where the Divine Mercy is located. 

Upon reaching the intersection to the Divine Mercy, we alighted and boarded a motorbike to the place. 

We were not allowed to wear shorts or pants but luckily, Divine Mercy is prepared for this. They have a lot of long skirts available for free. You just have to return it after. 

Well, you have to climb several steps before getting a glimpse of the very large structure.

Since it's getting dark, the lights were on. Adding to the serenity of the place.

We did not stay long as we need to go back to CDO and it really was dark. We had a hard time finding transpo as all buses were full. Fortunately, there was a tricycle who offered to transport us to this town where a lot of jeepneys bound for CDO is available.

Upon reaching our hotel, my friend had no more energy to go out and eat (of course, after that full-packed day!), so we just ate inside the hotel before I went to Centrio to buy the famous Missy Bonbon and called it a day.

The next day, we woke up really early in time to catch an early Super 5 bus to the airport. Done every single thing in my itinerary in just 2 days which we super enjoyed and can't stop talking 'til now. 

You can do this too! :)

Weekend Wander Part 1

Weekend Wander (Iligan-CDO-Bukidnon) Part 1

Once upon a time there were 3 girl friends who planned on an adventure, taking advantage of a seat sale and finally booking a trip to Mindanao.

The trip happened but sadly with only 2 of them. But, it didn't hinder them to make the trip so worthwhile and unforgettable. How? Here..

2 days. Yes. Sat and Sun. Who would have thought we could actually explore 3 provinces within this time frame? But we did. Haha. That's the best part.

Our flight from Cebu to Cagayan De Oro was at 5:50 am and after less than an hour, we set foot in Laguindingan Airport.

We went outside to find Super5's booth but after seeing it unmanned, we rode another van and alighted at the Super 5 terminal just adjacent the national highway.

There were a lot of people who patiently waited for the next bus with 20 mins interval. If you're going to CDO and Iligan, this is the best spot to wait for your ride. You can actually munch something from the convenience store also located there. We tried their Taro Chips. Haha

Our first goal was to go to Iligan since it's nearer the airport. After buying tickets, we settled in the bus and started our almost 2-hr journey.

Iligan City

Iligan City is part of Lanao del Norte. We were just amazed of their soil. It's clay, i believe. When we arrived at the Integrated Bus Terminal, we immediately asked the information desk what particular jeep do we need to ride to go to Tinago Falls.

He was so helpful to really talk to the driver of the jeep and told him where we were going. Actually, it was not a one-ride journey. He dropped us to a place where Jeepneys going to Tinago pass by. Knowing where it was, we searched for a restaurant in the area for brunch. We would have wanted to try their local restos but could not find any, so we settled in Chowking.

We went back the jeepney parking area and started our quest for Tinago Falls. The fare wad 14 pesos per person.

After around 20 mins, the driver stopped and told us to ride motorcycles to the falls. So, we rode one and the fare was 50 pesos per person.

Before going into the falls, one has to pay the entrance fee of P25. I thought the falls is just few steps away from the building but a whooping 400+ steps down. Haha.

Going down was no big deal. It may be kinda tiring but seeing Tinago Falls, with all its grandeur and beauty, would make it all worth it. It was one-of-a-kind!

We rented life vests and a small table to put our things on then started our, of course, picture-taking!

After making the most of all its angles, we freshened up, walked up to the main entrance (so tiring. Haha) and rode a motorbike to Maria Cristina Plant (75/person).

We actually went back our track. It's up to you where you would wanna start your falls-hopping but we  opted for Tinago since it's farther.

Maria Cristina Plant or the NPC is just a few walks from the main highway. We paid the entrance fee as well as the shuttle service. You would have to pay for the whole shuttle if you have no other companion and the shuttle has mandatory stops you can do nothing about. Haha. But they were worth it. It's like having the best for last for the falls!

When a shuttle arrived to fetch us from the botanical garden and zoo, we boarded and alighted to the last stop. At this point, you can already see a small part of Maria Cristina Falls.

And when you walk closer, you would see her, soooo strong as it drops water. And you would be amazed seeing it personally when you just hear it on discussions of your Hekasi or Sibika at Kultura class. Another place off my bucket list.

No one can actually swim into the falls as it could cost your life. And seeing the very strong current from the falls would really scare the hell out of you.

The best part is taking snacks just in front of this postcard-perfect beauty!

The Maria Cristina Plant (which converts the falls' kinetic energy to electricity - correct me if I'm wrong), has a viewing deck which gives you a much closer look of the falls.

Soooo amazing!

After boarding a shuttle to the  main entrance of the plant, we hailed a jeepney that would take us to the terminal. Actually, none would go directly but the driver helped us hail another jeep and talked with his fellow driver. Thank you so much!

We eventually arrived in the Integrated Bus Terminal and bought tickets for Cagayan de Oro City. We took our seats, relaxed and enjoyed our journey to the City of Golden Friendship!

Weekend Wander Part 2

Mexi Mama

Mexican food in the heart of Marina Mall!

I was brought by my friends to this part of the mall where a new restaurant was opened. The foodie in me was at its peak knowing that my friends personally know the chef behind this.

Here it is. One of the stalls in the area. But don't be deceived!

What we ordered:

And we ended our Mexican feast with their famous churros! So yummy!

If you want to try their food, go check them out and be super amazed! I heard they opened at Mactan Newtown as well.

A Glimpse of Negros Occidental (Part 3 of 3)

Our last day in Negros Occidental was specially alloted for the famous Campuestuhan Highland Resort in Talisay City.

But before that, we had a sumptuous breakfast in the hotel then we heard mass in the Cathedral.

We then checked out from our hotel and hired a taxi. There was a daily transportation from Bacolod to the resort which was around 150 per head. However, there was  misunderstanding with the hotel staff. So, we ended up hiring a taxi instead. This was actually a blessing in disguise because we still planned to buy some pasalubongs before heading to the resort.

First stop was the Negros Museum. This houses some great souvenirs. We bought tshirts, key chains and had this souvenir pic as well! Haha

After the souvenirs, we then went to Merci and Bongbong's. Negros has so much nice food to offer! As in!!!

The resort's next! The journey was not that near. And truly, there was no other public transportation aside from taxi. Gosh.

We arrived in a very wide resort. It was so full of people and from the entrance, you could really tell this place has sooo much to offer!

After paying the entrance fee and parking the taxi, we headed to their restaurant first. We need some energy and it's lunch time already! Haha

We were so happy the resort offers very delicious food too!

While eating, you could actually hear people shouting their hearts out as they zip through the long wire!

Okay, we have regained our energies and we are now ready to invade this place! Haha.

From then on, I would be describing a certain place and would just let the picture explain for you. Haha.

First up! Another I-was-here shot:

Then, to the kiddies part. Haha

We went to the hanging bridge as well. The top wire actually for the bike zip.

Then, we walked up to one of their cottages.

Here's the interior of the cottage.

Next up, the Bonita Huts. Actually the main reason I was excited to come here. These were designed to look like the houses in the Lord of the Rings. So nice! Each can actually accommodate a group of 4 persons!

There's also an ongoing construction of an Indian village. Take a look!

And after exploring this part of the resort, we went to this. Talk about childhood. Hah
a

After a day in the whole of this resort, we went to straight to the airport. We did not anymore stopped at El Ideal for their guapple pie. Huhu. On the positive side, well, there's a reason to come back then! Haha

It was a very fun 2-day journey on a once strange place that I ended up loving and missing. Til we meet again Negros Occidental! :)