Weekend Journey at Oriental Mindoro, Overnight at Benilda ng Bancuro Resort

Oriental Mindoro, the rice granary of Southern Luzon.

It’s not my first time to visit the island of Mindoro since I managed to be a beach bum at Puerto Galera way back in 2003. But the trip to Calapan City early this May is a first for me and hubby. We visited one of my closest friends in law school together with other law school buddies.

There are two ways of reaching Calapan City from the Batangas City port. First, via 2Go passenger ship (formerly Supercat), which is an hour ride from the Batangas City. Second mode is via Montenegro Lines (or other “Ro-Ro” Roll On, Roll Off ship), the travel time of which ranges from two to three hours.

We opted for the second mode, which is via Montenegro Lines. We want the open-deck experience. And you would not regret the longer travel time for views like these:

Upon arrival at the Port of Calapan, this is the sight that will greet you.

We were fetched from the port by our “ninong sa kasal”. 🙂 We got to see more of the city on our way to their house.

From Calapan City, our caravan went to Naujan, Oriental Mindoro where the Benilda ng Bancuro Resort is located—which is the venue for the wedding of my friend’s brother.

The municipality of Naujan is almost an hour away from Calapan City. The Benilda ng Bancuro Resort is one of the major tourist attractions in the said municipality. At the entrance of the resort, you will see this.

You will also see this at the front, beside the resort. This is allegedly the home of the owner of Benilda ng Bancuro.

This delightful resort boasts of ornate woodworks, a huge (glowing) pool, huge statues, and Spanish-inspired structures and accommodation houses.

Refreshing to swim on the glowing pool

Spanish-style

The wise monkeys

 

As they say, if you are getting sick of the sun, sand and crowded beachfront, then try a weekend at Benilda Resort in Brgy. Nancuro, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. You get lots of space to think, relax and dwell upon things. And night swimming at the “glowing” pool is as refreshing as spritzing on your favorite citrus cologne.

On our way back to Batangas city, we tried the 2Go passenger vessel for a quicker travel time.

It’s like riding an airplane, with ship attendants giving out snacks during the trip, and the waves creating some “turbulence”. 😀

Election Lawyer Stint at Bataan

During this 2013 national and local elections, I participated on the election in a different manner. Instead of exercising my right to vote, I served as the election  lawyer for some local candidates in the province of Bataan.

This legal stint allowed me to re-visit the beautiful city of Balanga, Bataan. I have been there during the past two elections and I was amazed with the huge developments.

This is now the Balanga City Hall.

And this is the Plaza Mayor de Balanga at night. 🙂

Every elections, legal opportunities await private lawyers as they are hired as the legal counsels for national and local candidates. An election lawyer’s job is basically to monitor the votes of the candidates by making sure that there are no irregularities in the conduct of the voting. The duty is extended until the canvassing, where the election lawyer is expected to make manifestations or objections regarding material defects on the election returns or inconsistencies between transmitted results and election return results.

This shot was taken inside the session hall of the municipal building, while I was clarifying something with the Board of Canvassers.

This is a scene while waiting for the transmittal of election results.

The canvassing lasted until the next day. I was still at the session hall at the municipal building during the wee hours of the morning.

The shot above was taken from the balcony of the municipal building, at about six ‘o clock in the morning.

Despite the exhausting job, there are perks for legal stints like this. Aside from the exposure that I gained from representing both incumbent and newbie candidates, I also got to travel and see more of the country.

During election day, we went from one polling center to another. This was taken at one of the elementary schools, with a great view of Mt. Malasimbo. 🙂

While waiting for the canvassing and proclamation, me and my legal team managed to squeeze in a side trip to Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which is near Dinalupihan, Bataan, the municipality where I was assigned.

This is the lighthouse at Marina Bay.

The best feeling during this legal stint is when I was watching the candidate that I represented being proclaimed as the new mayor. 🙂

And after that, the next best feeling is when I was checked in at a hotel suite, courtesy of very thankful clients. 🙂 It is nice to rest after two days of non-stop monitoring and 2 to 3 hours’ worth of sleep.

Truly, a well-deserved sleep. 🙂

Albay Series: Mayon Volcano from different views

Aside from the coffeeshops and restaurants, a trip to Albay is not complete without exploring the province and seeing Mayon Volcano at different views.

Here is a view of the Mayon Volcano from the Legazpi Boulevard. There’s nothing like seeing the sea, volcano, and the blue sky  together. 🙂

Here’s a different view of the Mayon Volcano, this time at the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay.

After basking in the rich history surrounding Cagsawa Ruins, we went to Daraga Church. Here’s another view of the volcano. 🙂

Seeing Mayon volcano is like love at first sight for me. She is such a natural beauty. 🙂 Another way to capture a breath-taking sight is the view from atop the Lignon Hill.

It is worth it to climb all the way atop the Lignon Hill just to see this view. 🙂

Whether in daylight or just its silhouette at night, a mere glimpse or full view, Mayon Volcano is a natural wonder. Its effect would be for you to keep coming back. 🙂 🙂

Albay Series: Adorable Nooks at the Airport Vicinity

We stayed at the Legazpi Airport Hotel during our three days vacation at Legazpi City, Albay.

The hotel is just a few meters walk away from Legazpi Airport. It is a small, reasonably-priced hotel, with an enchanting buffet restaurant dubbed as one of Legazpi City’s “best buffet”.

Who would not feel serene when you wake in the morning and walk straight into a restaurant filled with sumptous fruits and food for all kinds of dieters, with the view of the majestic Mayon volcano not–so-far behind? A small stage showcased a grand piano, and you can’t help but be pleased while listening to classic and modern songs being played while having breakfast.

The restaurant has such a wide variety of fruits and dishes that any health conscious traveller would not feel left out and definitely enjoy the eat-all-you-can breakfast. There are traditional Pinoy breakfast consisting of sinangag (fried rice), plain rice, pan de sal, tuyo (dried fish), longanisa, fried chicen, sunny side-up eggs and other pork and chicken viands. For the health conscious, there are fruits, salads, cereals, and fresh milk available. Brewed coffee and hot chocolate (with gata) are free-flowing.

For two mornings, we woke up to this kind of treat.

And I absolutely love this special suman, with gata. 🙂

Within the vicinity of the Legazpi Airport are hotels, bars, and restaurants lined up on the area called the Airport Road. On our last night in Legazpi City, we had dinner at one of the bars which is just within walking distance from the hotel, Brent’s Grill.

Brent’s Grill is a darling little resto-bar located near the Pepperland Hotel. It’s like a small home with a wide, airy terrace. This bar has a gate and a patio. We love the ambiance and the music. which consisted mostly of  80s and 90s music (guess which decade we’re from). :p It’s very refreshing to sit and dine here, with the fresh air slowly whipping your fair, and watching vehicles occasionally pass the laid-back Airport road. 🙂

We ordered pizza and pancit bihon. It’s a delectable combination. 🙂

While it may seem as if staying at a hotel near the airport is a bad idea, since an airport is always busy and noisy, well it is not in the case of Legazpi Airport. There are no night flights and our stay at the hotel is very much like finding a warm, fuzzy niche. Brent’s Grill on the Airport Road is the place to be if you want a quaint yet carefree dinner, with music softly playing and ready to transport you back to the good, old times. 🙂

Albay Series: Coffee break at La Mia Tazza

I like to try out local coffee shops on provinces. And for our trip to Albay, I did not miss out on the hunt for the local coffee shop thing.

One of the reasons why my hubby and I visited the Embarcadero de Legazpi mall is to drop by at La Mia Tazza. Basically we want to take a sip of their coffee specialty and to enjoy the whole coffee shop experience: Lounging around on couches, reading magazines and basking in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. 🙂

And that’s what we got. The place is full of couches and footstools, the perfect ingredient for relaxation. 🙂 Then, add a steaming hot cup of Pili Cappuccino.

 

Up to the last sip, I tasted (and sensed) ground pili nut. 🙂

An ordinary cappuccino made extra-special by a huge helping of pili nut. Uniquely Bicolandia. 🙂

 

La Mia Tazza currently has two branches in Legazpi, Albay. One at the Old Albay Street, and the other one on the second floor of Embarcadero de Lagazpi.

Albay Series: Uniquely Bicolandia restos and food chains

I’ve been on blogging hiatus last April. I think I was only able to post one blog entry. April was such a busy month for me, due to the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) seminar that lawyers need to comply with, not to mention provincial hearings. It was also during this month that my hubby and I were able to take a break amidst the crazy schedule of a legal practitioner.

From April 19-21, we were able to enjoy the volcano and the sun at the province of Albay. 🙂

We travelled via Cebu Pacific. Hats off to CebuPac, for what I can say is the smoothest flight ever. 🙂 It was a sunny day, a perfect day to fly. No turbulence, and we arrived a few minutes ahead of time.

This is the glorious sight that greeted us. The perfect cone, the majestic Mayon Volcano. 🙂

SMALL TALK CAFE

It was lunch time when we arrived at Legazpi, Albay. We went straight to Small Talk Cafe, which we have been hearing from clients and fellow bloggers.

The cafe is famous for its Bicolandia pasta dishes and homey ambiance.

I ordered the “Pili Basil Pesto”. And I must say, I will crave for this and order this again when I return to the city of Legazpi. 🙂 I like how the dish is strongly Italian (olive oil, garlic, basil) and yet distinctly Bicolano due to the generous addition of pili nut on the pesto sauce.

My hubby ordered the “Bicol Express Pasta”. He loved the spicy pasta but the serving (good for one) is not enough for him, LoL!

Overall, we enjoyed the dining experience at Small Talk Cafe. It is a busy resto, frequented not just by local diners and tourists, but with the media as well (an observation during our late lunch).

BIGG’S DINER at EMBARCADERO DE LEGAZPI

For dinner, we ate at Bigg’s Diner, at the Embarcadero de Legazpi branch.

Bigg’s Diner has several branches at the Bicol Region, specifically in Naga and Albay. It has also branched out in Region 4, as we have also tried the branch in SM Lipa City.

Bigg’s Diner is a “retro diner”. You will be surrounded with good old-fashioned booths, Beatles memorabilia (and music), and comfort food. As I mentioned earlier, we have already tried one of their branches. Again, I ordered Bigg’s fried chicken, which is distinctly delicious. I also love their gravy. On the other hand, my hubby ordered his favorite spaghetti. I haven’t tried their baby back ribs but I heard some people raving about it. Definitely a must-try next time. 🙂

GRACELAND at DARAGA, ALBAY

Another uniquely Bicolandia food chain is Graceland. As far as I know, Graceland is scattered exclusively within the Bicol region, unlike Bigg’s which has reached Region 4. 🙂

We had late lunch on our second day in Bicol at the Graceland branch in Daraga, Albay. We saw this branch by accident after our trip to Cagsawa Ruins, and on our way to Daraga Church.

Graceland is like Bicol’s “Goldilocks.” It is a bakeshop and restaurant rolled into one.

My hubby tried the Bicol special, which consists of rice, barbecue, and laing. I tried their chicken wings (with special marinate sauce). They offer generous servings of viands so you would definitely be ordering an extra rice. 🙂

1ST COLONIAL GRILL

1st Colonial Grill is famous for its “sili ice cream”. And that’s what we came for. Our curiosity was tweaked because we have been reading and hearing about the sili ice cream.

When we were handed the menu, we discovered that there were other interesting ice cream flavors. And so we ordered a scoop of pili ice cream, tutong (as in rice “tutong”) ice cream, and of course, sili ice cream.

I absolutely adore, love, crave (bring out all the adjectives) the tutong/tinutong ice cream. There is that smoky flavor, the seemingly mocha flavor… It’s just, simply, extraordinary. 🙂

I tried a small portion of the sili ice cream but since I’m not that fond of spicy dishes, I did not like/enjoy it.

My hubby fell in love with the sili ice cream. 😀 He ordered two more scoops.

*This is just the first part of my blog entries about Albay. I am not a Bicolana but I am promoting the beauty and charm of the province of Albay. This province is filled with tourist spots, historical landmarks, adventure trails, and a haven for foodies like us. 😀