CAVITE FOODTRIP DIARIES: The Black Apartment

Recently, my wish of having more hip and funky new restos in this side of the south (Cavite) is slowly being heard by the food Gods up above. My friend won't stop talking about this cool, new burger diner just in Imus, Cavite (only a few steps from home!) and the only way to calm her balls is to just go and check this thing out.

So we went there on a weekday, Tuesday I think, to keep away from the usual weekend/noisy/irritating crowd and long lines. This is just located in Medicion, malapit lapit pa rin naman sa katotohanan. If you're from Imus, malapit lang sa Imus Cathedral, but still, lumagpas pa rin kami syempre, because that's part of the fun isn't it?

When we arrived at the street, nasa medyo bukana naman sya, and for sure hindi mo mpagkakailang eto na yon, kasi siya lang ang nag iisang itim na apartment na napapagitnaan ng mga all-white nyang kapatid. Rebel look kumbaga.

Outside of The Black Apartment

Ayos ang concept, may waiting bench sa labas ska onting mono blocs para sa mga waiting, wala nga lang bubong. So pag umulan party party na haha. The exterior is simple, all black with huge, bold white letters indicating their sign and yung wall sa gilid (ung pinipiktyuran nung yosi boy), may naka-paint din na name nila. 

Ung pinipiktyuran ni Yosi Boy

We waited for a good 15-20 minutes before getting seated inside. Well still not bad, I've experienced worst sa iba, and standing pa. Atleast dito, may pampalubag na mono-bloc at sariwang hanging pwede mong yosihan. Habang nag aantay, ibibigay na sainyo ni Kuyang nka all-black din ang menu para maka-order na. Hindi ko na piktyuran ang menu (sobrang gutom sorry), but I can tell you, the prices are all reasonable, abot kaya mga P130-270 lang range niya, and ung P270 yun na ung pamatay sa laki at cholesterol na burger nila. 

So when we finally got inside, malamig at may libreng radio sa background. Kaya syempre

Let me take a selfie/groufie

After 5 more minutes into waiting, dumating na yung order, nagbayad na pala kami agad pag pasok, as advised by the waiter, para pagtapos kumain, larga/yosi na. Here's what we got:

The Landlord

Hot Chix

The Bedspacer

The Nakalimutan ko po (sorry)

Hole in the Wall

All in all, it was good. Not bad para sateng mga Imuseño, mababawasan na tayo pakpak kakakaen sa Jollibee, Mcdo, at KFC. We should embrace the possibilities even more. I hope more of us here makita ang potential ng lugar naten to become one of those hip food hub in the South para dayuhen din tayo para sa pagkain, hindi lang pag me inuman, Haha.

Definitely one of the must-try here in Cavite.=)

Why We Keep on Getting Hurt

There are no perfect list or reasons to justify why we always end up hurting ourselves. We can't always blame other people for our misery, sometimes the problem is innate. Here are three basic reasons why we do what we do:

1.) We expect. 

Expectation is the number one killer of dreams and aspirations, it messes up with our view of our own reality. We expect things to go this way, or to be that way. That when we end up getting a far cry from what we painted it to be, we get frustrated and hurt. Sometimes this is an unconscious act, when things are going smooth and fine, we automatically expect it to become better and better. But this is no fairy tale honey, it isn't rainbows and butterflies all year round.  It's okay to expect, just don't forget what the world really is like.

2.) We care. Too Much.

When we become attached to someone, be it a friend or a loved one. Our natural instinct is to care and protect them, sometimes too much that we usually end up overlooking ourselves. Sometimes we care too much because we think that they would care as much for our well-being too. But sometimes, it's just a one-sided love affair. And when this becomes a habit, they become a parasite and you will be the source. You give away all your love and time for these people who are so at ease and convinced that you'll always be there whatever happens, that they don't feel the need to reciprocate anything. That sucks right. Might as well practice the IDGAF mindset sometimes.

3.) We always forget one of the golden rules: The only constant thing is change.

Contrary to the belief that time hardens everything., it actually changes everything.  Even years of friendship changes gradually, it's just up to us to direct where and how it's gonna go. We don't really notice, but when we become comfortable with the people around us, we assume that nothing's gonna change, and when it does, we drastically fight it. We struggle to hold on to something that's inevitable in the first place.  We always forget that change is imminent and there's nothing we can do, not even our tears and long speeches, to stop it. We just have to accept it and move on. As what they always say, what goes around comes around.

Tarapumwesto- Hidden Gem of Noveleta - Foodie Alert!

Well, as what I've said sa mga previous post, suyang suya nkme sa muka ng magtotropang c jalibi,mkdo at kfc isama mo pa mga bataan nilang tapsihan at gotohan. That's why sometimes or most of the times rather, kelangan lumabas ng comfort zones and go out of our way/area makahanap lang ng bagong makakainan. 

Being a resident of Imus Cavite, malayo na saken ang kalapit baryo, considering buong taon ang skedyul ng road widening dito sa cavite. Napakahirap lumuwas sa kabilang subdivision. Haha. But I saw this diner sa post ng isa kong Fb friend, and I was really intrigued and excited. Kawali ang serving plates nila, ang kyut. I know un lang ang kelangan ko makita para magdesisyong dayuhen sila. Medyo malapit lang naman, sa Noveleta. Haha. The place is called Tarapumwesto, not your ordinary round plated resto. 

I readily dragged my BF and hopped into the car para sa isa nnamang byahe ni drew/poptalk night. We took the beastmode route which is aguinaldo-habay-binakayan, hindi ko alam kung baket. As expected nuknukan ng trapik and it took us almost less an hour to get to the place. Muntik pa kme lumagpas because hindi sya as in nasa tabe ng hiway, asa medyo eskinita. Kaya magsama kayo ng matang lawin kung medyo magaling kayo sa direksyon para surebol. Closest landmark is the Brgy Hall of San Rafael 3, Noveleta. Pag nakita mo yan, baba na tas tawid. Makikita mo na ang maliwanag na signage. 

Outside of Tarapumwesto

Don't worry kung marameng tao, may isang kilometrong bench sila sa labas  para sa mga waiting. 

We went on a weekday kaya mga 5 mins lang kami nag antay. Kinuha naren ng waitress ung order namen habang asa labas. Hindi ko nakuhanan ang menu para ang price range is 70-120php lang. Richkid ka na dun sa 120php.  

We were then seated, and just had to wait for some 5 minutes for our order.  I got Kawalisilog (70php): 

Kawalisilog with pepino ang kamatis 

My bf got porksilog (70php): 

Porkchop silog with pepino and kamatis of course

And he also ordered their House Iced Tea for 25php 

Mason jar na pinaglagyan ng Iced Tea, naubos agad e hehe 

The ambiance is good, all the utensils are cute, ung extra rice nila nkalagay sa maliliit na kalderong cup size me takip at handle pa! <3 Too bad wala saming nangahas mag extra rice d ko tuloy na piktyuran. 

The food tastes alright, nothing too special but its okay. I think ung experience and ung ambiance ang binabayaran dito. And talk about the price, really not that bad na. 

When we asked for the bill, it came with a free candy for the guy and free lollipop for girls! (Free candy para sa mga nagyoyosi, para saken) solb solb na db. 

Our Bill with free iCool and lollipop

And syempre, as always, to put the cherry on top, may free wifi. Ayun, tapos na ulet ang usapan. 

If you're looking for a unique dining experience here in Cavite, you might wanna try this place out. Definitely worth the trip!

The Burot Experience

Recently, underrated, quaint and quiet beaches have been the new craze to all sorts of travelers out there. Kumbaga "cool kids" ka pag nakapunta ka sa medyo di kilalang beach. Feeling pinoy explorer datingan pag nagpost sa FB at Instagram. Kaya naman syempre hindi papahule ang iba kong tropang cool kids forlayf. Haha.

Just last week, one of my friend invited us to go with him sa Burot Beach, Calatagan. It is an underdeveloped beach  owned by SM Holdings (based on what I've read, just google for verification) and isa to sa mga patok sa mga camping boys or dun sa mga tipid meals ang gusto pag nag outing.  

So we set out for the 3hr drive from Las Piñas to Calatagan, Batangas. We readily suggest you do your last minute grocery sa Palengke ng Calatagan bago tumuloy dun sa beach kase tindahan lang ang meron don, offering basic necessities pero walang bilihan ng mga karne. 

Beautiful trees along Calatagan road. 

Once you reached the gate of the property, sisinglin kayo ng guard ng 10php/pax as pre-entrance fee (hindi pa po ito ang tunay na entrance). 

Rules and regulations and a free trash bag upon entering the gate. 

The place has no electricity, no accommodations, may ilang open kubo at floating raft para sa mga yamanin, pero other than that, you really have to pitch a tent for your own accommodation. Kung wala kayong tent, meron sila pinaparentahan starting from 300php  pero I believe ung 300php na tent nila is only good for 2pax, pangisahan lang kung medyo lusugin. Haha. 

They have an entrance fee of 130php/pax and 30php fee for each of  the tent you brought for yourselves. I wasn't expecting much knowing na camping nga to and walang kuryente, but with that entrance fee siguro manlang karapatan ng mga customers magkaron ng disenteng CR. For the whole place they only have like 6 CRs. 2 sa boys and 4 sa girls. Hindi ako maarte sa CR, pero ung CR nila during that time e beastmode haha. Sayang d ko napiktyuran, but I can clearly describe it kase di talaga malilimutan. Hollowblocks lang ang pader, semento ang sahig (which is okay lang), indiro lang ang nandon, no flush, may isang balde at ginupit na 1.5 para sa tabo. Wala rin ilaw syempre (pero okay paren koboy naman kami). Nga lang, nasampolan ako pag pasok ko nung kadarating lang namin, (excuse for the words) pag bukas ng pinto e may suka sa sahig tapos me taeng nag a-outing sa inidiro. Hahaha urong lahat e. Isa pa wla manlang kahit plastik na tapunan ng basura, kaya ung mga gamit na pantyliner at napkin e kala mo ninja kung mkasingit sa pader.  

Ayun, isa lang din ang lababo (hugasan ng plato, karne, etc) for the whole resort. Since maaga pa, nakakuha kami magandang puwesto at nai-park namin ang mga sasakyan just behind our tents.

We rented a table w/chair for 300php and we talked to one of the kuya to arrange a bonfire later that night for 200php. 

Our tents with our emo friend. 

Our rented table.

Crowded Saturday afternoon. 

I really won't recommend going here on weekends, kase when we arrived umaga palang medyo ayos lang number ng tao, pag dating ng hapon, lahat ng klaseng reunion, team building at field trip makikita mo. Sobrang siksikan. And to think na anim lang ang CR, ediwow.

The sand here isn't really white and fine, in fact mabato, but still hindi siya itim, creamy white siya which is always better. About sa water, hindi rin siya ganun kalinaw. Hindi mo makikita paa mo sa ilalim lalo na't puro seagrass o "buhok" (tawag ko sa kanila) ang lapag ng dagat.

Sunset view.

Ang mumunti naming bonfire. 

Nag island hopping pa pala kami which is 130php/pax pero wala naman kami pinuntahang isla. Dinala lang kami sa gitna ng dagat mga 2x haha. Okay na rin kase walang "buhok" don sa gitna at may makikita kang starfish.  

Anyways, 7pm palang e wala na kaming  magawa kaya isa isa na naming binuksan  mga baon naming kwatro kantos. Ayun, alas-jis palang tahimik na ang kapaligiran. Haha. We readily packed up as soon as  we were awoken by the early drunk-risers in the area. Ayaw na namen abutan ng purgatoryong init nanaman and wala na kaming kahit anong supplies.  

All in all, I don't think I'd be going back anytime soon dito, maybe if medyo na develop na siya or nagkaron na ng makataong CR hehe. But for the people who really want to check this place out, please, just please skip the weekend. 

Burot- twilight.

Cliff Diving Paradise in Boracay - Ariel's Point

Boracay is widely known for its pristine beaches, fine white sand and the never ending nightlife. Well that's true, yet one can only dance so much and eventually you'd be looking for something new to kill your well-anticipated vacation with. Fortunately, Boracay offers an activity that will lure the hell out of all adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies out there, Cliff diving.

Sebo Pacific - A first in Bacoor

I've always been a fan of quaint new spaces, especially when it comes to food. Unfortunately, my location doesn't permit such perks. If you're in cavite, tyak alam mo sinasabe ko. Haha.

Wala kaming mga Zarks (coming soon palang) or the famous Aguirre st. in BF Parañaque and Maginhawa st. In QC. Ang meron kame e hile hilera ng Jollibee, Mcdo at KFC. Samahan mo pa ng kanto kantong tapsihan at bilihan ng goto. Yun ang meron kme. 

So everytime na may bagong kainan dito e asahan mo nang dudumugen at dadayuhen kahit san pa yan. 

BOLINAO- Hidden Paradise of the North (Except on holidays)

Last April 2, 2015 (Maundy Thursday), my friends and I decided to act like normal people and agreed to swim out of town since all our folks decided to stay in and become holy. Not that we are against it, or not that we don't practice it, it's just about taking the opportunity to grab all available friends to go out and about with them not having any damn good reason to say no.

So we opted to go to Patar, Bolinao since it has one of the cleanest and whitiest sand beach I have ever been to, and we thought that the butt-numbing distance from the metro would be enough to keep all the usual holiday-crowd away, or so we thought. We left home (Las Piñas) at about 11am, which is a real bad idea since travel time will take about 8-hours.

Magic Island, Boracay - > Cliff dive like a a pro (way cheaper than the other more famous spot)

TEAM BREEZY.

Entrance to Magic Island, Boracay is Php 150/pax but you have to rent a boat to get there, we haggled pretty good so we got the boat for only Php 2000 5/pax, but regular rates for foreign visitors is Php3000. The rent is inclusive for a 3 hr Island Hopping tour, but we consumed most of our time pushing ourselves to that 30 ft. cliff. It was a must-try, especially for first time visitors. Worth it!

15 URI NG KAIBIGAN NA MAKIKILALA MO SA INUMAN

15 URI NG KAIBIGAN NA MAKIKILALA MO SA INUMAN

By: Antonette Sarte

Based on extensive years ng pag iinom, eto ang mga pinaka common na tao makakasalamuha niyo sa inuman niyo halos gabi gabe. Sana ma-enjoy niyo. :D

1. The Silencer

Eto ung tropa mong tahimik lage sa inuman o lakad,  nkayuko nagtetext, nanunuod ng youtube o naglalaro ng COC. Magsasalita pag kinausap, tatawa pag may nakkatawa, tatagay pag sa kanya na, pero yuyuko na ulet pagtapos ng lahat ng ito. Hindi man sya pala salita, pero pag nagsimula na kayo mag usap, at “in the zone” na ang lolo mo, dire diretso na gagalaw ang bibig nya at dun mo marerealize na ang kailangan nya lang pala ay isang kaibigan.

     2. The Sleepy Hollow

Eto ung laging late naupo sa pwesto dahil kagigising lang, at pag upo nya e inaantok nanaman. Anak ng. Hindi sya gaano nakikiride sa mga trip nyo, dahil masaya na syang makinig at makitawa sa isang sulok hanggang sa dahan dahan na syang maglakbay sa panaginip niya.

     3. The VIPs

Eto ung mga nuknukan ng arte kung yayain, ang daming requirements. Ang daming dokumentong hinihinge, “Sino sinong pupunta”, “Hanggang anong oras”, “Kelangan sa malapit lang”. At kung ma- meet mo man lahat ng hinihingi neto, ay tyak late parin siya darating, dahil sisiguraduhin nyang nkalatag na lahat, nkapuwesto na lahat ng wala na siyang dapat asikasuhin, at kung nagdatingan na ang mga kapwa niya VIP, dahil boring nga naman makipag inuman sa mga butaw.

     4. The Chosen One.

Eto ung mga taong nakakangaga ng buong puso nung mag sabog ang Diyos ng kasipagan. Sila kadalasan ay nabibilang sa mga unang nadating para magluto ng pulutan, bumile sa tindahan, at mag timpla ng alak. Sila rin kadalasan yung mga huling nauwi, para magligpit at maglinis ng ininuman. Bihira ang mga ganito, at pag nakahanap ka ng mga katulad nila e tropahin mo na for life.

    5. The Agogo Dancer

Eto ung nasa gate palang e naghuhubad na ng t-shirt habang nasayaw Kolboy Style. Kadalasan, galing na siya sa iba pang inuman, at dahil kayo ang mga bespren niya, kayo dapat ang makasaksi ng tunay niyang kulay at kayo dapat ang mag hatid sa kanya sa huling hantungan (banyo, sofa, sala, sahig). Masaya kasama ang mga taong ito, dahil game na game sila. Kadalasan ay uunang namamatay sa inuman kakasayaw.

   6. The Hadhad

Eto ung mga tropa mong pag nalalasing e nangangati ang buong katawan, at nakakalimutan ang buong pagkatao niya. Nakakalimutan niya kung sino ang mga katabi niya at kung sino ang mga kasama niya basta pag nangati, e tyak siguradong magpapakamot. Kadalasan kilala na naten sila, pero may mga pagkakataon na biglang umuusbong ang hadhad skills ng isa mong kaibigan, pag nasobrahan sa alak.

  7. The Dramarama sa Hapon

Eto ung kadalasan nagyaya ng inom dahil may problema, pag upo sa lamesa ay nakatulala o may ka heart to heart na isang tropa ng ilang oras, pagkatapos ay biglang iiyak at makukuha na ang atensyon ng lahat ng nag iinom, at ang problema niya na ang magiging topic para sa buong gabing iyon. Kadalasan, nauuna malasing ang mga ito dahil sa pagpipilit lunuken ang buong bote ng Empi o sa pag angkin sa shot ng iba. Kadalasan nabagal ang ikot ng alak dahil hindi na naalis sa kanyan ang shotglass.

8. The Angry Bird

Eto ung tumataas ang presyon pag nakakainom ng alak, nagdidilim ang kanyang paningin at nagpapantig ang kanyang tenga. Aktibo ito sa mga diskusyon at pag siya ay natatalo na ay maghahamon, sisigaw o mag wo-walk out. Kadalasan nabalik din sila pag humupa na ang moment at mag so-sorry, with matching iyak pa. Masaya sila panuorin at kadalasan ay hindi na pinapatulan pag nasanay na.

9. The Sponsorship

Eto ung mga taong nanganganak ng pera. Kadalasan ay niyayaya siya sa inom dahil galante at di mahirap singilin, pag natyempuhan mo pang good vibes, e tyak makakatikim ka ng libreng alak at chichirya sa gabing iyon. Maraming tropa ang mga ito pero bilang lang ang totoo, alam na e.  

10. The MMK life story

Eto ung mga taong medyo gipit sa buhay, at hindi pinagpala ng pang ambag sa inuman pero kadalasan ay sinasama dahil pag tropa tropa. Madalas ay nililibre ito ng “SPONSOR” (read no. 9) pero minsan ay namimihasa ang mga MMK, dahil kahit meron na silang pera ay papanindigan pa rin nila ang saklap ng buhay at ipaglalaban ang 20PHP na ambag na “ipapamasahe” pa daw nila pauwe.

11. The Buffet 101

Eto ung mga laging kapos sa kanin mong tropa, na pag dating palang sa inuman e nakatitig agad sa lamesa. Minsan si CR daw sila muna, pero ang diretso pala ay sa kusina o rep para silipin kung ano mang pulutan ang meron para sa gabing iyon. Mahirap maglapag ng pagkain sa lamesa dahil nag sisilbing “War Zone”  ito pagkalapag na pagkalapag mo ng plato. Kadalasan ay madaldal ang mga ito dahil paraan nila yan para ma-divert ang antensyon mo sa pulutan, madalas ay hawak nila ang tinidor habang nagsasalita.

12. The Others

Eto ung mga tropa mong may sariling tropa pag nasa inuman. Sila lang kinakausap niya buong gabi at sila lang pinapansin niya. Kadalasan ay maasar ka sa kanila, pero kadalasan ay may topak lang sila. Hindi naman sila laging ganito, pero pag sinumpong ay talagang nakakairita, kadalasan nauuwi sa diskusyon ang inom kapag may mga “Others”.

13. The Balikbayan

Eto ung mga minsan lang magpunta, minsan lang sumulpot kahit nasa kabilang kanto lang ang bahay niya. “School”, “busy”, “trabaho”, “Lovelife” kadalasan ang maririnig mo sa kanya pag inaya. Madalas mo lang sila makikita kapag may bday, kasal, binyag, graduation tulad ng iba mong kamag anak na asa ibang bansa. Pero pag simpleng salu-salo at inuman lamang ay malabo mong masinagan ang anino nila.

14. The Ninja Turtle

Eto ung mga ci-CR lang daw, may kukunen sa kotse, mag wa-wifi lang, o bibili ng yosi. Yun pala umuwi na. Madalas to pag patapos na ang inuman, hindi mo sila maasahang magligpit o magwalis manlang dahil asa kanto na pala nag aabang ng tricycle. Kadalasan magtetext ito kinabukasan at hihingi ng pasensya sa bigla niyang pagkawala, kesyo tinawagan ni misis o sinigawan ng nanay kaya DAW umuwi.

15. The Perfect Attendance

Eto ung mga, ubod ng dali yayain, hindi mahirap kausap at kadalasan wala ng tanong tanong pupunta nalang. Tumutulong sila mag ayos at maglinis at nag aambag ng tama. Aktibo sila sa grupo at halos walang nami-miss na lakad. Endangered species na ang mga ito kaya tulad ng mga “Chosen Ones”, e sila ay ating alagaan at paramihin pa.

Pulutan 101: Cheez-it Sushi. Why not?

Have you ever thought that mixing and matching things/food can be done in an extremely strange level? Well it can. 

While most of us are struggling into this tight economy we all have in our plate. Most of us won't give up having fun. That's when creativity walks in.  

My friends and I always drink. Well we do a lot then than now. But old ways eventually became a habit, a legend, a way of life that will be passed on to generations. Lol. One of this "legend" that will be passed on is our famous Cheez-it Sushi. 

I know some of you might already be shaking your head in disgust but believe me guys, this is the shit. When you're young, broke and adventurous, nothing really could go wrong. We love to eat and drink, so why not be creative to add up to the fun? 

All you need is a pack of Cheez it, the curved cheese snack 90's kids loved and still love up to now which is around  20php. Some cooked rice and whatever the hell you want to consider as toppings, and voila you have yourself one delicious sushi/pulutan. 

We have our personal favorite combo: cheez -it + rice + scrambled egg bits + canned tuna toppings = culinary innovation. Lol 

It might look/sound gross, but hell you've done worse things than that. And it's fun so why be a grinch, you should definitely give it a try. 

Lost at 23

I guess when you're nearing 24 and jobless, you might as well consider that a near- death experience. Well for me it is, as much as I wanted to laugh about it, sometimes I just can't anymore.
After almost a year of job- hunting I finally snatched a job in one of the well -known companies in the country. But as always as it is, rainbows only last for so long.  Things went from bad to worst, there wasn't even a good one to start with. Well after 5 grueling months of denial and struggling, I finally left. And the moment I walked out the door, I knew I was doomed. I've been into the dungeons and horrors of finding myself a job for over a year and now here I am again, back on track.

I never considered myself ill-witted or something, I've seen better days when I was still in school, I haven't really had that much problems on exams and passing, now I don't know why I'm having such a hell of a good time looking out for a job. The experience isn't any close to normal anymore. Most of my friends got a thing or two just a month after leaving their college doors. And here I am, bleeding my heart out in this article.

Maybe because I wasn't sure of so many things in my life, that I don't even know what career best suits me. I wish I had thought of this back then, when I was still in college, I wished I've thought about how my towering height (5'3") won't let me in the airline industry and how my condition (skin asthma) won't let me step into the hotel and resort industry. I wished I knew how cruel the world can be when you stepped out of school.

Now I'm stuck, sitting in front of this laptop every goddamn afternoon, wondering how my life ended up this way. I'm stuck here wanting to deactivate all my social accounts so as not to see how almost all my friends are out there living the dream and I'm here eating leftover food from the fridge. It's funny how the people who need the most always end up with the emptiest hands every time. All I wanted was some stability for my age, some blueberry cheesecake and a day or two with my folks every week where I can take them to places while they're still up and able. Not so much isn't it? No brand new Iphone 6 there or some shitty 500$ branded bag on the list. Funny how when you want something so humbly normal, the richer kid beside you always gets something more. Is that how an ass life can be?

Well I hope she plays fair sometimes, instead of taking the life and soul of so many people who weren't as strong and creative enough to think of possibilities on how to make it. I know I'm not the only one in this path, for those who are with me in this ride, let's just try to keep it all together and keep a hold of the handlebar for some more. It's way too bumpy now, I know. Who knows, the paved road we've been dreaming about might be in the next turn.