Enchanted by the mountainous province of Nueva Vizcaya

Another thing that made the Isabela trip a wondrous experience for me is when we passed by the captivating province of Nueva Vizcaya, considered as the gateway to the Cagayan Valley Region.

Nueva Ecija-Nueva Vizcaya Road..

You would know that you are in the Nueva Vizcaya province when you pass by roads as scenic as the one above, the Caraballo Mountains found on San Jose, Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya province

BOUND TO ISABELA

On our way to Isabela, we had a stop over and coffee break at the charming town of Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya. The aching joints and knees from the long road trip would be immediately forgotten once you step out of the vehicle and see this..

Cool and refreshing..

This is the restaurant where we stopped by to have coffee and snacks. The name is Kuya Lar’s. It’s a popular stop over for travelers. It’s a nice, cool place where you can park your vehicle, eat, drink coffee, and stretch your legs, with the wind softly tickling your skin.. There are souvenir shops selling local delicacies, brooms, and other native products.

GOING BACK TO MANILA

On our way back to Manila, we had a stop-over again at Nueva Vizcaya, this time at Dalton Pass (also known as Balete Pass), which is near the Nueva Vizcaya-Nueva Ecija boundary… There’s entrance fee amounting to ten pesos each. At the foot of the Dalton Pass is the iconic tower of Region 2.

Iconic tower of Region 2

It’s a not-so-steep climb, and the view at the top is absolutely worth it.

Wacky shot on our way up.

Dalton Pass is actually the terrain where Japanese forces, American and Filipino soldiers clashed during World War II. There is a marker at the highest point of Dalton Pass commemorating the death of General Dalton during the war. Dalton Pass is a shrine to those who sacrificed and perished during the war.

Our photographer, my hubby

I’m sure many travelers who have passed by Nueva Vizcaya on their way to Ifugao, Isabela or Cagayan province would agree that passing by the Caraballo mountains of Nueva Vizcaya is an exhilarating experience. On my next blog, I will feature the famous local delicacy Nueva Vizcaya is known for.. their version of buko pie. 🙂

at the highest point… dramatic view

Bonding with the ladies at Isdaan Floating Restaurant, Calauan, Laguna

Earlier this week, I was finally able to see and dine at Isdaan Floating Restaurant in Calauan, Laguna. The experience was made much more special because I went there with “muh ladies”: my mom, my aunt, and my cousins. 🙂

I have been hearing and watching about Isdaan Floating Restaurant just about anywhere; from my relatives, friends, from the media, from social media… Curiosity would surely be piqued especially after seeing gigantic Buddhas on the background. You would be able to conclude that going to Isdaan Floating Restaurant, whether in the Gerona, Tarlac branch or Calauan, Laguna branch, would not be an ordinary dining experience.

We went to the branch in Calauan, Laguna. You would not miss this branch since this is located along the highway. For those with private vehicles or commuting via bus en route to Sta. Cruz,  you would see this by the national highway, where all vehicles pass, whether public or private.

One thing extraordinary about this restaurant/park is the existence of gigantic structures all over the place. You would see gigantic buddhas, like the white Budhha below:

Or the golden Buddha.

You would also see King Kong. 😛

Giant elephants. 🙂

Aside from the visual attractions, there are floating “balsa” all over the place where you and your companions could dine privately. There are group meals or the so-called “boodle meals” available, which is practical if you’re going as a group of six or more.

You can also order rice good for 2-3 persons, which is contained in a “caldero.” 🙂

simmering “kaldero”

Filipino dishes like kare-kare, crispy pata, sinigang, pancit, and many more are available. There are also “Junior Meals” for kids.

Another attraction in the place is the “Tacsiyapo” wall.

The term “tacsiyapo” stands for “Shame on you.” This wall is for those who want to vent their anger on common problems encountered, such as infidelity, fraud, creditors, etc.

You can throw a plate, but for those with even “greater” anger, you can throw a radio or a television, for a fee. 😀

The trip to Isdaan Floating Restaurant may be lengthy. From Calamba exit, you would pass by the towns of Calamba, Los Banos and Bay before reaching Calauan, Laguna. But the place is worth the distance, due to the combination of good food, visual attractions, and activities like venting on the Tacsiyapo wall or riding a boat, for a more enjoyable view of the place.

This is all of us. 🙂