Wanderlust Diary

I have been dreaming to visit a place where I can see cherry blossoms. Japan was initially the dream destination for this spring period but opportunity came knocking one day, my brother wanted to go to a photo exhibit in Seoul and I willingly accompanied him. With my sister and cousin from States tagging along, I had to draft a more realistic itinerary since we have to visit the Photo exhibit…no korean movie/drama shoot location =( boo!

I was travel blog hopping one day and stumbled upon Seoul Eats blog which interestingly offers local food tour and culinary tour. English speaking tour guide…check! I immediately emailed Daniel and booked us a night dining tour. I really want to know the real Korean cuisine but I had to bring enough meds just in case my stomach got all messed up from extreme spiciness.

Due to limited internet access, I wasn’t able to confirm with Daniel about the tour, but good thing he trusts strangers like us that we won’t ditch him (thanks for waiting! was late because Seoul subway was a tad confusing! sorry!)

Our first stop was Kwangjang Market which reminded me of Singapore hawker but much more raw. You get to try a lot of Korean appetizers (some of those reminded me of pachun served here in Korean Village in Malate but much much more delicious!)

I think we can actually blend in Seoul…I didn’t feel like a tourist there until they speak to us. I only know a few phrases “Anyeong? Gumawo? Sarangheo?” Korean Dramas are quite useful language learning tool too! Saw the famous general guy walking around greeting people there!

Such colorful food choices that shouts “HOT! HOT!”, the chilis are quite intimidating for someone so used to salty sweet palette. But downing with soju feels so right after! I love kimchi!

I remember this alcohol served last time I was really drunk in Beijing!
Makoili

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Feast your eyes with some local delicacies:

Vigan Longganisa:
this one is tough for my taste but still equally delicious with the typical Pampanga longganisa we see in supermarkets. Couple this with the local vinegar, that tangy taste will remind you of alcohol.

Empanada
Not your usual empanada, this ones crispy wrap reminds you of lumpia shanghai. I happen to see how it was made.

A very thin wrap, some veggies and meat, and lastly 1 whole egg…

Deep fry…

Finish product:

Some empanadas have orange wrappings but it does taste the same..
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During our Holy week travel in Laoag, we set a day to visit a much praised beach in Pagudpud. We rented vans that picked us up at Fort Ilocandia and drive for more than an hour going to Pagudpud. All I can say for the ride…it’s really hot in the north!

We reached the famous Saud beach of Pagudpud but we didn’t thought that not having a stable resort for a stay would entail squatting for a huge place for us all. The tables are not enough for our group so we looked for another resort to lounge in.

Beach better than Boracay?
Sand: White but not too fine
Water: Bluegreen and clean, wavy
Resort: Still need improvements for a lot of resorts around.
Food: More choices please

But overall, I think Pagudpud is truly Boracay of the North. Though they say Blue Lagoon is much better, however it is much farther away than expected. The ride is tiring for a day tour only, if it is for an overnight stay, I think this can be a paradise!

I love a lazy Sunday! Kickoff your morning with a nice trip to KPO Cafe along Killiney Rd. for some decent brunch with your friends. The area is around Sommerset area so you can visit 313 @ Sommerset to check out new collections of Forever 21, Cotton On, and the likes. Orchard Road is not a shopping haven for nothing, shopping malls neighbor each other so you can save on trips. My favorite malls are Paragon, Ion, Wisma Atria, Far East Plaza (more unique Bangkok type of clothes). Check out Takashimaya’s food court as it offers more snack variety:sushi, teriyaki, korean bbq sticks, donuts, Beardpapa’s cream puff, Hokkaido’s sea salt ice cream, Godiva’s chocolate etc.

Preferred currency changers are usually at Lucky Plaza but if you passed by Raffles area, you can change at Arcade Mall just above the main MRT exit. They have better rates there.

Try those thin crust pizzas at Skinny Pizza then some desserts especially cheesecakes at Big O Cafe, both are in Wheelock Place.

I got this inspiration of writing a series from a book given by a friend. One of the things I’m obviously passionate about is travelling. Perfect Day will be about the places/things I will probably do in different cities if given a chance that I can spend a day without limitations.

Read the book! It’s quite exciting to read the lovely unknown places that tourists usually miss out. Short and concise guide that maybe I can also share. I hope others will also share their experiences as well!

I honestly got not much information on Bicol when I visited the place. With some vague history of Mt. Mayon and news of such foreign Survivor series at Caramoan , I was clueless with tourist spots, just drooling over thoughts of Laing and Bicol Express.

My friend Aimee tediously drafted a 4-day packed with activities as we head our way to some adventure. I would like to share her intense itinerary with some “freshen up” time every couple of hours, thankfully there were not much changes that we couldn’t handle aside from my friend Pane not waking up on time for her flight!

Let me summarize some wonderful thing one can do in the Bicol region:

1. Visit old churches
Philippines is famous for ancient churches so you might be interested in checking out some of the beautiful ones that hold so much history. Daraga church, Penafrancia Church, Cagsawa Church were some of the churches we visited.

Cagsawa Church was the one which was swallowed by lahar/ash/lava some centuries ago. It was quite eerie stepping on a burial ground of devoted people who only found shelter in the town Church. No disrespect intended but it seems that nowadays this area became some pictorial area where it has an excellent backdrop of Mayon.

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