Fun Things To Do In European Cities

Europe is a big place, and its limitless possibilities can be somewhat dizzying if you’re planning a trip. Having some general things to look for can help focus your trip to the continent and give you a direction, though, which is why we wrote up this little guide.

From historic tours to nightlife ideas, these are some of the most entertaining things you can find to do in most major European cities.

Exploring Museums

Exploring Museums Louvre

Different vacations have different priorities.

If you’re in a European city, for instance, chances are you’re not just bumming on the beach (though there are some fantastic places to soak up the sun!). And while they may seem dull to some who prefer a faster pace, museums often end up being a priority.

The museums in major European cities are rather spectacular, and contain art and artifacts you won’t find anywhere else. Seeing them in person, if you have even the slightest appreciation for such things, takes your breath away.

The Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum in London, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel at Vatican City (which, one could argue, is one giant museum) are just some examples of the impressive relics from history that are entirely worth your time on a European vacation.

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel

Make it a priority to set foot in these famous houses of history.

Touring Old Buildings

Some of the most ancient places in western history are still standing in Europe, and are absolute musts for people traveling and looking for things to do.

Connecting with some of the oldest and most spectacular places on the continent makes you feel a sense of awe that you can’t really get anywhere else (even in a great museum).

Stonehenge in England

We might suggest a few highlights like Stonehenge in England (even if it’s not technically a building), the Colosseum in Rome, or the Parthenon in Greece. But the truth is that even beyond these remarkable monuments to the history of civilization, there are all sorts of wondrous historical sites littered around Europe.

Parthenon in Greece

Checking Out Live Casinos

Getting a sense of history and culture is a wonderful part of traveling to Europe, but you’ll want to seek out some fun too!

In this regard, it’s always good to find good nightlife, and in many European cities that include casinos. The UK and Ireland put out a lot of online casino games, to the point that digital slots and poker rooms comprise Europe’s main association with casino entertainment.

casinos night

But many of the big cities – Dublin, London, Lisbon, and Monte-Carlo to name just a few – still have excellent casinos that make for terrific nights out. You can have fun with the games even if you don’t want to bet too much, and there are generally bars, gourmet dining options, and live entertainment as well. It’s hard to beat all of that in one place!

Enjoying Progressive Dinners

When you’re on vacation you have a limited number of meals to eat, so you’ll never be able to see all the award-winning restaurants or historic pubs in any given city. If you make an effort, though, you can see more than most people by eating progressive dinners.

Start your meal off with drinks at a pub you want to see; follow it with an entree at a noteworthy restaurant; and relax with coffee and dessert at a third location that captures your interest.

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If you follow this method, you’ll be able to try out more fantastic eateries than if you only visit one at every meal. For example, if you’re in Prague, try drinks at the famous Hemingway Bar, before moving on to Spices for dinner and the Eska bakery for coffee and dessert. It might sound a little tedious, but it’s actually a ton of fun.

Any trip to a European city will end up being packed of your own favorite things to do. And to be sure, each city is different. Broadly speaking though, these tips should help ensure that you don’t miss out on some of the basic charms that make so many of these cities so special.

#EatIligan: Iligan Food Appreciation Tour 1.0

Background

‪#‎EatIligan‬ is an invitational Iligan Food Appreciation Tour organized by the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. in celebration of the annual Social Media Day. Social media influencers are invited to visit and experience the food scene in Iligan City.

In 2013, IBS, Inc. has successfully launched ‪#‎ExperienceIligan‬, a still ongoing unified online campaign to highlight Iligan City in the internet by encouraging Iliganons and visitors to use the hashtag in their social media activities.

Recognizing the power of online media to capture the attention of potential tourists and visitors and the notable fundamental shift as to how people utilize social media, this project was conceived to continue to crowdsource tips from locals and create global exposure for the local businesses.

#EatIligan

#EatIligan Weekend: July 2-3, 2016

This year, the Iligan Bloggers Society (IBS), Inc. held the first #EatIligan: Iligan Food Appreciation Tour last July 2-3, 2016. The 2-day event seeks to highlight in various social media platforms Iligan City’s food establishments as well as its local delicacies.

Awesome right?

Luckily, I was selected this year to participate and meet with new bloggers in Iligan City who is up for a weekend of foodie adventures.

#EatIligan Experience

It is actually my first time to join a food blogger’s tour like this one, and I never regret my decision even if I have to travel miles and miles all the way from Davao just to be there in Iligan!

I’m a foodie, and food crawls like this ignites the adrenaline in me. I love exploring and trying out new restaurants in the city and sharing the experience with people who have the same passion with food as me. Isn’t it obvious in my body?! LOL.

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I never knew what the word “diet” meant during the #EatIligan food tour because of the overflowing amount of food being served from Breakfast 1 and breakfast 2, then Snack 1 and Snack 2, Lunch 1, 2, and even Lunch 3, until Dinner 1 & 2, all the way to midnight. Just imagine that! #NoSpaceForFoodinmyTummy

It is a 2-day [July 2-3, 2016] tour that really showed the best and the newest restaurants there is in Iligan City. Here’s our itinerary:

Event Duration:

Start July 2 (Saturday) @ 9AM
End: July 3 (Sunday) dinner time

Day 1 – July 2 (Saturday)

– ARUMA COFFEE LOUNGE

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– JACKO’S KAN-ANAN

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PIZZARELLA BISTRO

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– B.BU.Q BARBECUE HAUS

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– Edi’s Spicy Lechon

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Day 2 – July 3 (Sunday)

 – TEDT’S CAFE AND BAKERY

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 – Espasol from Dyl’s Homemade Delicacies –

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Ramen-yah

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– PATER AL-KUWAIT

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– Deliciosa Ice Cream

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– Am’s Chicken Haus

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 – CALDA PIZZA

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 – WISH YOU WERE HERE

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Wish you were here Iligan

Our accommodation:

 – HOMESTAY ILIHAN

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–  – –

It was indeed one amazing, gastronomic foodie adventure weekend! I’m looking forward for more food tours in the future! Thank you #EatIligan and to Iligan Bloggers Society for this event. I’m truly grateful for the experience and for all the new friends I’ve gained and bloggers I’ve met.

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#EatIligan Foodie Bloggers and Friends!

Indeed, Iligan City is not just about chasing water falls, it’s also a place for food adventurers to explore, dine, and experience. Let your taste buds chase the various flavors that Iligan has to offer, from cakes, pastries, barbecues, crispy chicken, pizza, ice cream, Japanese foods, Pater, Palapa, Cheding nuts, lechon, and a whole lot more – you’ll be surprised how much choices there is! And how delicious they all are!

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I will be blogging each restaurant soon! Watch out for it! 😉

Coffeecat (Davao): a Place to Chill, Chow, and Chat

So I’m on a quest to visit (and yes give a review) of most (if not all) of the coffee shops that had sprouted here in Davao City.

If you haven’t, you could check the list of coffee shops in Davao city that I’ve recently posted here.

So today I’ve got a chance to visit one of ’em, the Coffee Cat Coffee Shop.

Coffee Cat in Davao

Prior to my visit to this coffee shop, I’ve already read several write ups about it. Coffee Cat originally started here in Davao, however in July 2010 they also opened a branch in Cebu city.

And I have to say that most reviews I’ve stumbled upon are all giving the shop an excellent rating. Because of this I might just have set the bar too high or had expected too much.

Originally they used to have two branches here in Davao, so I chanced to visit the first one located in Torres Street. Apparently, the shop’s nowhere to be found and someone told us that it had already closed. oh well =(

Here’s an image of their previous branch in Torres anyway..

So moving on, me and my travel buddy went to the second branch near Sutherland (a popular call center here in Davao) along Quirino Avenue. And yes! Eureka! We found it!

Upon entering the coffee shop, I found the interior design inviting and modern, even reminded me of a coffee shop we used to stay to work way back in Vietnam.

Coffeecat in Davao

Coffeecat Menu

The coffee shop boasts a wide array of refreshing drinks and delicious food in their menu. You could choose from Coffeecat’s popular coffee variants, refreshing “Specialteas”, creamy milk tea varieties, and their famous blended drinks called Avalanche.

Coffeecat Menu

Avalanche is available in several variations. The one we’ve ordered Coffee Jelly Avalanche and Matcha.

They also serve yogurt smoothies that come in Tarty Mango, Strawberry Swing, Original Tart, and Green Tea flavors.

Coffee Jelly Avalanche

We also got to sample their Angry Harry – one of their best seller pastas. A taste of italian with some mix of spice and herbs!

Angry Harry

How about the WiFi / Internet Connection at Coffeecat?

Apparently, this is the one thing I’ve read from other blogs (recommending the shop for a ‘fast’ wifi) that I found extremely disappointing.

For someone who frequents coffee shops, mostly with a purpose to work (as you know I do work online) and at the same time chill away from our usual desks at home, there is nothing more heartbreaking than being able to find out that after you’ve ordered and everything else, you’re greeted with an unreliable not to mention s-l-o-o-o-w-w-w-w internet connection.

Oh well =;( at least I know now that this coffee shop is just one of those many that doesn’t offer a reliable wifi. What do you expect here in the Philippines anyway?

Perhaps I’ll just sit back and enjoy my coffee and food for now. Anyway, their food and drinks here are simply awesome and delicious! Happy eating!

List of Coffee Shops in Davao City

They say you can’t buy HAPPINESS,

but you can buy yourself a CUP OF COFFEE,

and that’s pretty much the same =)

So as my own way of sharing happiness, and for someone who just loves coffee (and a freelancer who tambays most often in coffee shops in search for fast wifi, hehe), here I am, compiling a list of all coffee shops in Davao city.

Davao Coffee Shops

I’ve also added some side comments for those with recommendations, must try, etc. This list will be constantly updated so feel free to add any coffee shop you knew that wasn’t mentioned here.

Those in BOLD are those I’ve often read with good reviews!

I’ll also be writing an individual blog post for those coffee shops I’ll find interesting. It is my wish to visit them ALL 😉 *wink

Coffee Shops in Davao City

Coffee Shops Davao

1. 128 Ostrich Steak Hauz & Coffee Shop – Airport View Tower, Catitipan
2. 51 Coffee Shop – Victoria Plaza Mall
3. Agong Cafe – Duterte St.
4. Au-Alit -Davao Doctors Hospital
5. Basti’s Brew – Legazpi St.
6. Basti’s Brew – Victoria Plaza Mall
7. Bigby’s Café – SM City
8. BluGre Café – Landco Corp. Tower [Must try: Durian Coffeeccino]
9. BluGre Café – Matina Town Square Mall [Open 24/7]
10. BluGre Café – SM City
11. Bo’s Coffee Club – SM City
12. Bo’s Coffee Club – Torres St. [Open 24/7]
13. Bogser’s Java & Jazz Coffee Shoppe – Bangkal, Davao City
14. Brew Crew’s Coffee House – Juan Luna St.
15. Brewedcasters Café – Car Park Building, G-Mall
16. Brewhaha – Davao
17. Brewtique – Bo. Obrero
18. Bruegger’s Café – Autoshop, Bajada
19. Bryan’s Grill & Café – Obrero
20. Café 54 – Victoria Plaza Mall
21. Café Andessa – Cabantian Road
22. Café Barcellis – J.P. Laurel Avenue
23. Café Breizh – The Venue Complex
24. Cafe Demitasse – F. Torres St [Must try: banoffee pie, creamy carbonara, moist chocolate cake, and mudslide frappe]
25. Cafe Firenzo – Damosa Market Basket [Must try: Lavazza cheesecake]
26. Cafe Firenzo – Quirino Ave
27. Café Juna – Juna, Matina
28. Café Marco – Marco Polo Hotel Davao
29. Café Palma Gil – Palma Gil St.
30. Café Uno – Waterfront Insular Hotel
31. Caffe Vivere – Mt. Apo St.
32. Calle Cinco Coffee – Roxas Avenue
33. Calle Cinco Coffee – Victoria Plaza Mall
34. Chicco Di Caffé – Poblacion District [Must try: Coffee Halo-Halo]
35. Claudes’ Café de Ville – Rizal St.
36. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf – Abreeza
37. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf – SM Lanang
38. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf – The Peak, Gaisano Mall [RECOMMENDED FOR GOOD AMBIENCE]
39. Coffee Dream – Damosa Gateway Mall
40. Coffee Dream – DMSF
41. Coffee Dream – Market Basket
42. Coffee Dream – SM City
43. Coffee For Peace – Matina
44. Coffee Grounds by Golden Lion Dormitel – Roxas Blvd
45. Coffee Monster – Ilustre St.
46. Coffee Plus – Davao
47. Coffee Pod – Torres St.
48. Coffee Spot – C.M. Recto
49. Coffeecat – Jacinto Ext [Must try: Durian Tapioca, Avocado, Coconut, and Mango are just some of CoffeeCat’s Avalanche drink and Pearl Milk Tea variants]
50. Coffeecat – Sutherland Compound (Quirino)
51. Coffeecat – Torres Street – NOW CLOSED
52. Copa Bossa – Quimpo Boulevard
53. Corum Coffee Shop – Bajada
54. Cups and Lowercase – Torres St.
55. Darcy’s Place – Lapu-lapu cor. Sobrecarey Street
56. Davao Coffee Express – NCCC Mall Matina
57. Dayaw Coffee & Tea – SM Lanang [24/7]
58. Dulce Manos Café – Juan Luna St.
59. Fabulous 50’s Cafe – Crown Regency Hotel
60. Fagioli Coffee Club – Lanang
61. Fagioli Coffee Club – Quirino Ave.
62. Figaro – Chimes Mall Davao
63. Figaro – J.P. Laurel Ave, Bajada
64. Figaro – SM City
65. Fiscalizer Restaurant and Coffee Shop – Ponce Reyes Street corner D. Suazo Street
66. Formula Pete’s Café – Bajada
67. Gloria Jeans – Grand Regal Hotel
68. Green Coffee – F. Torres St, [Open 24/7] [Must try: Blueberry Ensaymada, Freeziccinos]
69. Green Coffee – J.P. Laurel Bajada Ave [24/7]
70. Green Coffee – Marfori Hts
71. Hazel Coffee Shop – Buhangin-Cabantian-Indangan Road
72. Hazel’s Café – Bajada
73. Hue Cafe – Ateneo Business Center
74. JavaJive – Quirino [24/7]
75. JavaJive – Wheels N More Drive, J.P. Laurel Ave, [24/7]
76. Jelly Citea – Juan Luna St. and Matina Town Square
77. Jose Rafael Fine Coffee – Lanang
78. K1 Coffee – Ecoland
79. K1 Coffee – Torres St.
80. Kalakoa Coffee Hut – 3/F Abreeza Corporate Center [RECOMMENDED FOR FAST WIFI]
81. Kamayo Café – Palma Gil St.
82. Kangaroo – Central Bank, Quirino St. [Must try: Kape Balos, a local version of the world’s most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak, made from civet droppings]
83. Kape de Bohol – Jacinto St.
84. Karl’s Koffee Korner – Dacudao [24/7]
85. Karl’s Koffee Korner – SM
86. Karlo’s Coffee – Jack’s Ridge [Must try: Kape Marang, Durian Coffee Gelato, Mangosteen Frappuccino, Guyabano Coffee Freeze, and Kape Langka]
87. Kasagingan Kapehan – Torres St.
88. Koffie-pauze – Palmetto Place, Talomo
89. Kopi Roti – Jacinto St.
90. Le Grandeur Café – Grand Menseng Hotel
91. Miko’s Brew – Chavez St
92. Mini Air Dog Cafe – Mabini St, Poblacion District [RECOMMENDED: first dog-friendly cafe]
93. Mon Bebe Café – Chinatown
94. Mon Bebe Café – Lopez Jaena Street [Must try: authentic Italian coffee]
95. Mon Bebe Café – Seawall, Ecoland
96. Monster’s Café – Ilustre St.
97. Net Front & Coffee Shop – C.M. Recto
98. Nezz74 Café – Obrero
99. PeaceBuilders Community Café – University Avenue
100. Pia’s Café – Davao
101. Port Café – G-Mall
102. Pronto Mario – Sta. Ana Avenue
103. Purple Bean Coffee – Star Oil, Cabantian [RECOMMENDED FOR FAST WIFI]
104. Roadhouse Café – SM CIty
105. Rolls & Buns Bake House-Coffee Shop – Buhangin
106. Sarimanok Coffee Shop – Agdao
107. Scott & Cates Coffee Express – Doña Vicenta
108. Sea Green Cafe – Circumferential Rd, Poblacion District
109. SilverCup – Mt. Apo St.
110. SkyGo Cafe – Davao International Airport
111. SouthBrews – NCCC Mall Maa
112. Spro Coffee Shop – Gen. Luna St.
113. Starbucks Coffee – Abreeza Mall
114. Starbucks Coffee – SM City Ecoland
115. Starbucks Coffee – SM Lanang [RECOMMENDED FOR GOOD AMBIENCE]
116. Street Café – Juan Luna St.
117. Tata Benito’s A Whole Latte Love Coffee – J.P. Laurel Av.
118. Tata Benito’s A Whole Latte Love Coffee – World Palace
119. The Café Mediterranean – Sales St.
120. Tump Café – NCCC Mall
121. Turkish Coffee Shop – Bonifacio St.
122. Twosome Palace Coffee Club – Victoria Plaza Mall
123. Woodberry Cafe – (Beside The Paper Tree) Sta. Ana Avenue
124. Yellow Hauz / Coffee at Yellow Hauz – V. Mapa St, cor Mabini St [RECOMMENDED FOR GOOD AMBIENCE] [Must try: Chai Tea Latte,Wintermelon Milk Tea, or the Matcha Green Tea]
125. Zabadani Layered Coffee – Ponciano St., Davao City

Additions:

126. Cafe Amoree – Damosa [Open 24/7]
127. Cafe Tavera – Avanceña St, Torres area
.

So what are you waiting for? Tara mangape ta!
.

The Road from being Unfit to Fit: My Weight Loss Story towards Fitness!

I’m back.

Yes. After almost months of being on hiatus, I’m finally back to tell the story of my absence.

You see, 3 months ago I made a decision that I know will change the path that I’m trekking – particularly my travel-ful and adventurous lifestyle. You may have wondered why suddenly I’ve stopped travelling. No more blog stories, Facebook travel posts, status updates, etc.

I’ll admit, I missed it all. But I’ll also have to be honest, that I haven’t regretted anything – and I’m happier to come back fitter and stronger.

stronger than yesterday

Transformation Challenge

Three months ago, I started becoming conscious of the change that I’m witnessing in my body. Obviously all this traveling, eating and unhealthy food choices are already taking their toll on me – making my clothes tighter, my belly bigger, and my Facebook photos uglier to look at. Continue reading

Day 2 – A Cold Birthday Trip to Kota Kinabalu: Exploring Poring Hot Springs & Mt Kinabalu Park

It’s January 30 – Hurray! Happy birthday to me!

This travelogue is part of a travel series for my birthday trip to Kota Kinabalu & Brunei, if you haven’t read the first part, here’s the link https://adventuroj.com/2014/02/09/borneo-travel-itinerary-a-birthday-trip-to-kota-kinabalu-and-brunei/

Birthday Luck Continues..

Our day started early. I woke up with a drizzling rain outside, quite hoping for the sun to shine later, and worried for we haven’t brought any rain gears with us in case this weather will worsen.

Luckily at around 8am, Mr Sunshine already showed up and the rain stopped though the weather’s still cloudy with dark clouds hovering from a distance.

Kota Kinabalu Roads

Kota Kinabalu Roads

Guess my luck still’s with me, for we found out that the tour group we booked had already left and that perhaps there’s no more room for me and my buddy – so instead of joining us with them, we were offered a private tour – a small car with only the 2 of us (my travel buddy & I), and the tour guide, Nicolas, and his fiancé.

Sounds good to me for we could manage our own time, talk to the guide and have him all to ourselves without any other people joining the tour – for the price of a regular tour (more expensive to really opt for a private tour I guess).

So here’s our itinerary for today.

Mt. Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Tour

  • 8.00am: Pick up from hotel
  • 10.00am: Reach and explore Kinabalu Park.
  • 12.00pm: Lunch and head to Poring Hot Spring
  • 2.00pm: Canopy walk and leisure time in Poring Hot Spring
  • 4.00pm: Head back to Kota Kinabalu city

What to Bring:

  • – Camera
  • – Swimming Attire / Towels / Toiletries
  • – Extra Clothings
  • – Comfortable Walking Shoe
  • – Flip-flop
  • – Sun-Block Lotion / Insect Repellant / Hat / Binocular
  • **Temperature up in the mountain can dropped to 15c-25c during the day, so please bring some warm clothing to cover up.

Poring Hot Spring Tour Pictures

Poring Hot Spring Tour

Poring Hot Spring Tour

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Around Mt Kinabalu Park

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Birthday Gift

After the tour, Nicolas even gave me a gift from the travel agency knowing it’s my birthday today. So say hello to my newest pal, the Probosci Monkey – one of the popular species of monkeys known in Kota Kinabalu.

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Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu?

After our tour, we checked in at Stay Inn Hotel – Quality yet affordable hotel at the heart of the city

This one’s already a 4-star hotel complete with amenities and strategically located just near the Seafood Restaurant – for only 1,000Php per night for 2pax (so that’s like 500Php per person), value for money indeed!

Eating Around Kota Kinabalu

The rest of the evening was spent exploring the city, looking for places to eat.

Here’s what dinner looks like here at their Seafood Restaurant – where literally they have their foods ‘fresh’ as in fresh from water, alive and kicking pa nga in an aquarium. Just choose whichever you want and have it cooked.

Tried this Nasi (which means rice) Goreng (meaning beef) USA

Nasi Goreng USA (8MYR)

Some soto ayam..

Not Your Ordinary Pasta House: Basilio’s – Based Basil Pasta and Resto

It was a cold and cozy Tuesday afternoon when me and my buddy decided to warm ourselves up by treating our appetite to a new found pasta house in our very own province in South Cotabato, specifically in Koronadal City.

Although we often eat out in Davao, but having a taste of specialty cuisines in our locality is still an experience worth trying ; something worth bragging for.

And so around 3pm we entered this home-turned-resto pasta house  – The Basilio’s.

Basilio's Pasta House

Basilio’s Pasta House

Upon entering this restaurant, one will definitely feel the warmth and coziness of a home. A perfect place for family bonding or simply catching up with old friends.

Basilio's Interior

Basilio’s Interior

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Heading upstairs you will be impressed by a Japanese style dining facility where tables are surrounded by cushions laid out for a relaxing dining experience. Floors are squeaky clean and laid out with banig. I even thought that this would be a perfect place to have a relaxing massage or yoga.

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And since it’s Japanese inspired, guest are required to leave their footwear behind. Need not worry for Basilio’s will be providing you slippers.

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Then it’s time to order.

Basilio’s Specialty

Basilio’s culinary fare specializes in pasta. You have a number of pastas and sauces to choose from. And of course, almost all of them include their favorite herb – the Basil. (The name Basilio’s was derived from the restaurant’s main ingredients in almost all their specialties – the Basil.)

For our 1st luncheon experience there, we tried their Carbonara Pasta, a fettuccine pasta which has the right amount of creaminess and non of that evap milk taste common in other restaurants. It has the right amount of saltiness from the bacon and butter.

Basilio's Carbonara

Basilio’s Carbonara

The Gambas Pasta, the signature dish of Basilio’s – a tomato based fettuccine pasta with shrimps topped with chili flakes. I was surprised at the pinch of spiciness that linger in your mouth after taking a spoonful of it, probably brought about by the chili flakes.

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 Gambas Pasta

Gambas Pasta

Then the third one the Lasagna, also a house specialty, mixed just with the right amount of creaminess enough to leave you wanting for more.

Lasagna

Lasagna

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This is also a favorite of my father. I actually heard this Pasta House first from him, turned out the owner was a friend of his. As a matter of fact you could also see one of my father’s craft in this culinary place – his Wall Aquariums, a hobby turned business by him. (Let me know if you want one done in your home! *Wink)

Wall Aquarium

Wall Aquarium made by my father

What is impressive with Basilio’s is that their prices are really reasonable! Imagine a plate of their succulent pasta will only cost you around P95 per single serving.. now that is delicious isn’t it?!

Basilios Menu

Basilios Menu

And for those who are not pasta-lovers, they also have main dishes served with rice and vegetables on the side.

Where is Basilios?

Basilio’s – Based Basil Pasta and Resto is located at 72 MH Del Pilar St., Korondal city. From Gensan drive, turn left at the round bowl, and once you reach Notre Dame of Marbel university, turn right and left again at MH Del Pilar St. For bookings or reservations, you can call them at +63 83 228 2878. Business hours is from 10AM til 10PM daily.

Adventuroj Ventures at Basilios

Adventuroj Ventures at Basilios

40 TIPS FOR HAPPY HEALTH LIFE IN 2013

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

5. Make time for prayer and reflection

6. Play more games.

7. Read more books than you did in 2012.

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

Personality:

10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day —- and while you walk, smile.

11. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don’t have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don’t over do; keep your limits.

14. Don’t take yourself so seriously; no one else does.

15. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don’t remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don’t hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right things.

33. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. Forgiveness heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come.

38. When you awake alive in the morning, don’t take it for granted – embrace life.

39. Your inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not least:

40. Enjoy LIFE!

©patient.org.in

12.21.12: The Day We Met a UFO at Ice Giants, Davao

Tonight is the night they say would end it all. And tonight is also the night me and my friends met the UFO.

Not the terrestrial body that you’re thinking. Wanna know what it is? Here goes…

Me and my friends originally planned to visit Manna tonight. It’s one of the brightest place here in Davao filled with colorful lights every Christmas Season. On our way, we decided to have a pit stop to fuel our growling tummies at Ice Giants, Damosa Branch, Damosa, DC.

The Stars at Damosa Walkway

Upon our entrance, we spent a few minutes cam hoarding first. Flashing smiles in various poses with the starry background.

Damosa Davao Walkway

Damosa Davao Walkway

A traveler without observation, is a bird without wings.. — at Damosa Gateway, Davao City

Damosa Davao Walkway

The Ice Giants Experience

We were welcomed by Sleeping Giants as we entered Ice Giants. This I find quite funny. But we didn’t mind, and proceeded inside.

The Sleeping Giants at Ice Giants

The Sleeping Giants at Ice Giants

Some more picture taking moments…

Ice Giants Damosa Davao City

Ice Giants Damosa Davao City

As the Giany Devours..

As the Giany Devours..

Ice Giants Damosa Davao City

Reflections...

Reflections…

Ordered what we want – A Pasta (Tuna Pesto and Creamy Carbonara) and Ice Cream for each of us.

The food arrived and we dig into it sumptuously.

Berry Strawberry at Damosa Davao

Berry Strawberry at Damosa Davao

Berry Strawberry’s good, stuffed with Cherries, Strawberries, Choco syrup, mallows and choco kisses.

Berry Strawberry at Damosa Davao

Berry Strawberry at Damosa Davao

Tuna Pesto

Tuna Pesto

The Carbonara tastes good but the Tuna Pesto I find a bit dry.

Creamy Carbonara

Creamy Carbonara

Mango Sundae

Mango Sundae

The UFO (Unidentified Floating Object)

As we were nearing the end of our meal, one of my friends noticed something in her Berry Strawberry Ice Cream.

Take a look at what it is.

The UFO - Unidentified Floating Object

The UFO – Unidentified Floating Object

We first spend some moments wondering what it is, me taking photos, them speculating the Unidentified Floating Object (UFO).

Then we finally called the waiter’s attention and asked, “Kuya ano ‘to?”

 

The UFO - Unidentified Floating Object at a Closer Look

The UFO – Unidentified Floating Object at a Closer Look

The waiter, obviously startled of what was found in the food and ashamed at the same time, almost stammering answered, “Cellophane (plastic) po ata Maam,” apologetically.

I could see in his face that he don’t know what to do, he even offered to prepare a new Berry Strawberry for my friend. But we refused, we were already bloated enough to take more.

We left the place with a different image of the place in our mind than we used to have. Probably an honest mistake, but I guess something that they should take as a lesson to learn from.

Paoay Tour: Paoay Church, Malacanang of the North and the Paoay Lake

Paoay Lake

After dusting myself up from the Sand Boarding Adventure, it is now time to head to our next destination – Paoay!

Our original plan was to rent a trike from the city (Laoag) going to Paoay. However we’ve found the trike drivers too overpriced! Imagine 600php? When you could just take a public jeepney going to Paoay for only 34pesos?!

Don’t ask me what I took! Haha.

Jeepney going to Paoay

Jeepney going to Paoay

And so after around 30minutes, we’ve reached our first stop on the list, the Paoay Church.

Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Paoay Church

Paoay Church

The St. Augustine Church or popularly known as Paoay Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It’s construction started in 1694 by the Agustinian Friars, completed 1894 and was re-dedicated in the same year. It is made of coral blocks and brick that incorporates Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs that add up to its striking appeal.

Built to withstand earthquakes common in our country, it is probably the best-known “earthquake baroque” church in the Philippines. In fact, one of its key features are the 24 carved buttresses that support the church’s structure during earthquakes.

Paoay Church

Paoay Church

Paoay Church

Paoay Church

Paoay Bell Tower

Paoay Bell Tower

Paoay Bell Tower

Unlike other bell towers in most churches around the country, the Paoay Church’s stunning bell tower is detached from the church. This is to avoid the tower from smashing on the structure when an earthquake occurs.

After the Paoay Church, we headed to the residence of the Marcoses and the Lake Paoay. This time we’ve rented a tricycle for 170php since there are no or few public transpo that goes in there.

Paoay Lake

Paoay Lake

Paoay Lake

Paoay Lake

Paoay Lake

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North is located in Barrio Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte and it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. A minimal fee of 30 pesos is collected for those who want to visit the place.

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North

Built as the official residence of then President Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte, it is an imposing structure that resembles a 19th Century “bahay na bato” with an overlooking view of the legendary Paoay Lake. This once a seat of power is now converted into a museum that houses several memorabilia of the former President and his family.

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North

TRIVIA: The Malacanang of the North is actually a “birthday gift” of then First Lady Imelda Marcos to her husband on his 60th birthday.

Ilocos Food Treats

By lunch time, we’ve headed to Batac and there took our lunch, delighting ourselves with various Ilocano dishes – pinakbet, etc. as well as their specialty empanada.

Ilocos Food Treats

Ilocos Food Treats

The above blog post is part of my Ilokandia Ultimate Adventure – Laoag – Pagudpud – Vigan tour series of posts in the Ilocos Region, Philippines that happened last November 28 – December 2, 2012. | Ilocos Adventure: Laoag Vigan Pagudpud Budget Itinerary | Laoag City Walking Tour: Places, Food, and Fun Treats | Ilocandia Sand Boarding and 4×4 Ride in La Paz Sand Dunes | Paoay Tour: Paoay Church, Malacanang of the North and the Paoay Lake