Many, many summers ago, my friends and I found ourselves in a beautiful, laidback island called Siquijor. It is the third smallest province in the Philippines and straddles in the Visayas with Cebu, Negros and Bohol as close neighbors.

It is due to this unique location that people on ferries plying the Mindanao - Visayas routes, would know that they already passed by Siquijor when their boats are rocked by the rough seas. The Spaniards however, remembered it for the fiery yet eerie glow of fireflies nesting at Molave trees at night. Thus, they named the island as Isla del Fuego or island of fire.

But the Siquijor that captured my imagination had to do with the mysterious, the enchanting and the magical. I could never forget one Halloween special aired by Magandang Gabi Bayan, a now defunct local TV show, where they showed two paper figures that stood up and then danced. Their movements were seemingly controlled by the stick being tapped by an unidentified man. It was also shown that every Good Friday, shamans, faith healers and the like, all converge at Siquijor to recharge their energies or to make potent spells or to concoct medicines for various illnesses. They believe that during the death of Jesus, there are spirits that freely roam the earth and are able to share some powers as a result.

The first of our many jump shots in Siquijor.

All these have brought many unnecessary sleepless nights when I was growing up. But surprisingly enough, when that opportunity to visit Siquijor opened up, I grabbed the chance without heeding my small childhood nightmares and the stern warnings from people who have also watched that same TV episode. So one Friday in 2008, my friends and I traveled to Siquijor. After we reached the port of Larena, we hailed a trike that took us to the municipality of San Juan. We spent an evening here and one where we particularly tried scaring each other just to have that paranormal experience we could share to our friends on our return. Thankfully, there was nothing other-worldly that happened on our first day. Maybe because we were too engrossed with all the jumpshots that we practiced that afternoon. The long stretch of beaches at San Juan served then as the perfect background to all our attempts at freezing in midair. I recall that there was only one resort that was operating back then. I don't know though if that still holds true now considering that tourism has already taken off in Siquijor. Nearby is the Capilay Spring Park which has clean, deep pools. Although the clear waters were very tempting, we did no swimming that time. Some in the group took a nap by the picnic benches instead. While the rest of us climbed the flight of stairs that led to the San Agustin Church (or the Macapilay Church). The church is visibly modern but its century-old belfry is still standing to this day. We returned to the beach shortly to prepare our dinner. The sun was then slowly setting behind the mountains of Negros Oriental, casting a soft amber glow over the still waters of San Juan. A fisherman was paddling his small boat which beautifully interrupted the glorious frame before us. I said to myself that this was the closest to a magical experience that I had at Siquijor, which was more than enough to shatter my unfortunate misconceptions about this place. I imagine though that there were probably a lot of spirits lurking over us as we took our dinner that night - by the beach, over a small bonfire and under a full moon. But they might be too busy to notice our evening swim, silly games and boisterous laughter that ensued afterwards. None of us cared too. By the time we dozed off, that MGB episode was already a distant memory. I do wished that I met the fabled puppeteer or talked with those that dabble in the dark arts or photographed something spooky. I am not saying that they do not exist. We just did not see any of these when we visited Siquijor. But this I can say with absolute certainty: the Siquijor that I experienced that weekend was different from the Siquijor that I thought I already knew. And looking back now, I am very, very glad indeed that to have made this trip.
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On our second day in Siquijor, the 'engineer' unrolled before us a map of the island. His neighbors affectionately called him as such since he previously worked overseas. He showed us where we were in San Juan that time, and then the various stopovers that we will take along the way.

I actually did not care much where we were headed that day. But I do remember requesting Lorie, our chief organizer, that we include the Cantabon Cave in our weekend itinerary. That was all I wanted that morning, which we did after a short trek to to Mt. Bandilaan. The latter, which stands at 557 MASL, is the highest point in Siquijor.

The trail to the peak is quite straightforward. All you need to is follow the Stations of the Cross along the way. An elevated view deck which provides a beautiful panoramic view of the island awaits at the top. We were later told that if we arrived during the wee hours in the morning, we would have glimpsed the Black Saturday rituals of the fabled shamans of Siquijor.

at Mt. Bandilaan

Bandilaan was a warm-up of some sort to the surprises that were in store for us at the Cantabon Cave. I was interested with this cave since this was featured in a Magandang Gabi Bayan Halloween special many years ago. During lent, it is said that this was a gathering place for those who dabble in the dark arts. But despite our curiosities and perhaps muffled screams, we did not experience anything paranormal that time. Instead, what we had that morning was one adventure we could not forget. For spelunking novices like us, Cantabon was certainly not a walk in the park. We walked on neck-deep waters and into pitch-dark caverns. With only the faint glow of our local guide's emergency lamp, we carefully negotiated slippery paths and narrow pathways. At some point, we had to crawl our way just to get to the King's Bed, which is a stunning limestone formation.

at the Cantabon cave.

I do regret touching the beautiful formations and even sleeping on the King's Bed for some photo opportunities. I would later learn when I got to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River that this is actually a big NO-NO as it would contaminate the fragile state of the speleothems.

at the Lazi Church

We were a little bit exhausted by the time we reached 19th century San Isidro Labrador Church or the Lazi Church. It is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage List, as an extension of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Across it is an old convent, where various religious artifacts and heirloom icons are on display. Our final destinations that afternoon were the Cambugahay Falls and the Salagdoong Beach Resort. The cascades were very inviting but I just opted to watch my friends enjoy the waterfalls. But I could not resist swimming at the Salagdoong Beach Resort on the other hand, even if the water gets too deep quickly. We did a few more jump shots at this beach, just before our camera batteries got drained. The sun was setting right behind us, which reminded us to send off the engineer back to his family at San Juan and to contact our kind-hearted hosts at Larena.

at the Cambugahay Falls

There are many things I would do differently if I could visit Siquijor again. All the jumpshots would probably still be there, but I would probably give each frame a much needed context like a 'Welcome to Siquijor' signage as a background. I would go inside the Lazi Church and appreciate its exquisite wooden floors. Or maybe I'll drop by the Santa Maria church where the intriguing image of the Santa Rita de Cascia, sometimes referred to as the 'Black Magic Mary,' is housed.

at the Salagdoong Beach Resort

But I must put an end to all this travel wishlists. Because if you get to travel to a place for the first time, you must appreciate it for what it is, even if you only get to explore it for just 25 minutes. We only stayed for 2 days in Siquijor, but it is enough to make us say that it is really a charming and photogenic island. It is blessed with gorgeous beaches, waterfalls and caves. It also has a unique heritage - one that reminds you that once upon a time there were some people who walked on this island and believed in the unexplained mysteries of the universe, even long before the Spaniards set its sight on its beautiful shores. Having said all that, Siquijor is indeed one of the few provinces in the Philippines where you could have adventure, history, and of course, many jumpshots in between.
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The Department of Tourism and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines recently launched the Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan. This journey will take you to the places that have somehow played a role in the life of Andres Bonifacio. It will also allow you get to know him beyond the fierce-looking, bolo-wielding image depicted in the few monuments that are erected in his honor. This is just one of the many activities that the DOT and the NHCP have come up to commemorate Bonifacio's sesquicentennial year.

Who is this man then in our Php 10.00 coin? Why is he considered to be one of our national heroes? Why is his birth (November 30) and not his death, declared a national holiday in the Philippines? These are just among the many questions that may be given a new perspective in the 16 'pit-stops' in this mini-Amazing Race.

The sites are: Metro Manila Sites 1. Tutuban - Tutuban Mall, CM Recto Ave. Manila 2. KKK Foundation Site - El Cano Cor Recto Ave. Manila 3. Binondo Church - Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila 4. The Cry of Pugad Lawin - Seminary Road, Brgy. Bahay Toro, Quezon City 5. Krus na Ligas - Brgy. Krus na Ligaas, Quezon City 6. Pinaglabanan Shrine - Pinaglabanan St., San Juan City 7. Hagdang Bato - Hagdang Bato Barangay Center, A. Bonifacio St., Mandaluyong City 8. Valentin Cruz Residence/Pasig Catholic Church - Caruncho Ave. (MH Del Pilar St), Pasig CityCavite Sites 9. Imus Plaza - Tiron St., Poblacion, Imus, Cavite 10.Tribunal - Gen. Antonio St. Poblacion, Noveleta, Cavite 11.Tejeros Convention - Gen. Trias Drive, Brgy. Tejeros, Rosario Cavite 12.Pinagbarilan - Brgy. Limbon, Indang Cavite 13.Casa Hacienda de Naic - Brgy. C. Nazareno, Poblacion, Naic Cavite 14.Trial House - Col. Riel St., (Poblacion), Maragondon, Cavite 15.Execution Site - Brgy. Pinagsanhan, Maragondon, CaviteRizal Site 16.Pamitinan Cave - Sitio Wawa, Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, RizalOptional Sites 1. Bonifacio National Monument - Caloocan City 2. Bonifacio Shrine - Manila 3. Bonifacio Monument - Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila 4. Bonifacio Monument - Bonifacio Global City 5. El Grito de la Revolucion Monument - Vinzons Hall, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City 6. Bonifacio Monument - Pasig City For those who are interested, all you have to do is to obtain a 'Bonifacio passport' from the Department of Tourism office. It contains directions (for both commuting and private vehicles) in getting to the sites and a thorough background of Andres Bonifacio's life. In comparison to the Rizal@150 race, there are no stamps that should be collected in the Byaheng Bonifacio. You just have to take a photo of yourself at each of the 16 sites to somehow prove that you were really there. I really thought that this is a welcome change, especially for those of us who are working on weekdays. Now we could visit the sites on weekends and even during evenings as well.

The Bonifacio Monument in Manila - yet another bolo-wielding depiction of Bonifacio.

However, there is no $1,000,000 cash prize at the end of the race. The first 100 people that could finish this unique journey would be given a token and a certificate by the NHCP. But learning something new about Bonifacio, and all our heroes for that matter is already a reward in itself. They may be immortalized in our paper bills, street names and lifeless sculptures, but we often forget that they too are human beings. They also have their share of controversy and achievement, sorrow and happiness, despair and hope. And Andres Bonifacio, who is considered to be the Great Plebeian, is indeed among the Filipino heroes that should be given honor, recognition and to some extent, another glance.

There are 8 sites in Metro Manila that are included in the Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan. This is a unique journey launched by the Department of Tourism and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to celebrate the life of Andres Bonifacio, one of the national heroes of the Philippines.

The first stop is the Bonifacio Monument in Tutuban, an area famous for malls and ambulant vendors that sell all kinds of dirt-cheap goods. Somewhere in this place almost one hundred and fifty years ago, Catalina de Casto and Santiago Bonifacio had a son and named him Andres Bonifacio.

Bonifacio was then the eldest of five. And by the time he was barely 14, he looked after his brothers and sisters when they lost their parents. But even if he had to quit schooling to support his siblings, Bonifacio still read a lot, from Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, to Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, among many others.

L-R: KKK Foundation Site, Binondo Church

A few minutes walk from Tutuban are the Binondo Church and the KKK Foundation Site. It is at Binondo Church where Bonifacio married Gregoria de Jesus in March 1892. She was his second wife, his first wife died of leprosy. The Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or more commonly known as the KKK, was founded on July 7, 1892 in Tondo, Manila. Bonifacio was one of the founders of this secret society, which aimed for the separation of the Philippines from Spain through revolution.

Cry of Pugadlawin Shrine

And on August 23 1896, the KKK members formally launched their revolution against Spain by tearing their cedulas or community tax certificates at Pugad Lawin. By tearing these, they are declaring their independence from more than three centuries of Spanish colonization. This event later became known in Philippine history as the Cry of Pugadlawin. The remaining 4 sites are: in Krus Na Ligas, the Pinaglabanan Shrine, in Hagdan Bato and the Valentin Cruz Residence. These places chronicle the various struggles that were fought and meetings that were held by the KKK during their armed revolution. It may seem now that these men were ill-equipped compared to the more experienced Spanish forces. Yet they still continued their fight despite the fact that many of their comrades have fallen. With hearts full of courage and determination, they sacrificed their lives all for the sake of their motherland.

L-R: Krus Na Ligas Marker, Pinaglabanan Shrine, Hagdan Bato and Valentin Cruz Marker.

What did I learn so far in this trip? That Bonifacio was a learned man even if he did not have a formal education. That you have to have a brilliant mind like his, to come up with a small secret society that later fueled many revolts all over the archipelago. And that unfortunately, not many Filipinos, myself included, know these and many other important details in his life. Case in point: when I was looking for the Valentin Cruz marker in Pasig, I almost gave up if not for my good friend Popoy who gave me clearer directions. It's supposed to be near the Pasig Catholic Church, but none of the people I approached knew where it was. A trike driver then asked what Bonifacio had to do with this church. I answered that he was probably baptized there. Looking back now, I could only wish that he could just forget what I told him. I am thankful even so, that I embarked on this madness. It took me to places like Tutuban, which I rarely visit at all. But most of all, I got to see Andres Bonifacio, from a new and refreshing perspective. ---------- The directions in getting around these sites are provided in the Byaheng Bonifacio brochure. If you don't have one yet, you may also visit Tutubi's blog, if you want to plan your itinerary in advance.

L-R: Noveleta Tribunal, Imus Plaza and Tejeros Convention Site.

There are 7 sites in Cavite that are part of the mandatory stops in the Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan. This is part of the many activities launched by the Department of Tourism and the National Historical Commmission of the Philippines, to celebrate the sesquicentennial year of Andres Bonifacio. Through this mini-Amazing Race, many would hopefully know more about Bonifacio, in a manner that is fun, engaging and relevant.

Before the Cavite leg, all I remember from my highschool history classes is that Bonifacio founded the KKK, a secret society of Filipinos that fought for independence from Spain. Little did I know that the few months that Bonifacio spent in Cavite, became his last.

You see, Bonifacio went to Cavite on December 17, 1896, to heed the invitation of Mariano Alvarez, his uncle-in-law, to somehow intervene between the warring factions of the Magdalo and Magdiwang forces. These two councils disagreed on the establishment of the revolutionary goverment to replace the Katipunan.

Despite the disagreements, the Tejeros Convention held on March 22, 1897 was convened to elect the officers of the new revolutionary government. Emilio Aguinaldo was then elected President, while the Supremo was the Director of the Interior. However, a man by the name of Daniel Tirona contested his win, on the basis that Bonifacio was not a lawyer. This did not sit well with Bonifacio of course. He and his few supporters then left the assembly.

L-R: Pinagbarilan and Naic sites

The events that took place after that were grimmer than your favorite local soap opera's plotline. It is said that Aguinaldo ordered the arrest of Bonifacio when some people at Limbon Indang misinterpreted the latter's actions. Bonifacio and his men were subsequently captured at Indang and then imprisoned in Naic.

The Trial House

Bonifacio and his brother Procorpio were tried afterwards in Maragondon. They were both found guilty of sedition and were sentenced to death. Aguinaldo suggested exile instead, but was convinced by Artemio Ricarte to carry out the original sentence. On May 10, 1897, they were shot by their fellow compatriots in Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon, Cavite. To this day no one knows exactly where the two fell or where they were burried afterwards. A beautiful shrine, with sculptures by Toym Imao, the son of National Artist Abdulmari Imao, is now there to honor Bonifacio's life and death.

The Execution Site

What you can glean from my admittedly incomplete narrative is up to you. History can sometimes be unsettling, as in the case when you find out about what really happened to the heroes you have long admired. " In the words of Ambeth Ocampo: "Our textbooks are understandably vague regarding the death of Bonifacio because it is very difficult to explain politics and power struggle to children who then grow up thinking Emilio Aguinaldo had Bonifacio killed." Nonetheless, there is a lesson or two for all of us here. Thanks indeed to endeavors such as the Byaheng Bonifacio, we are walked through the seemingly forgotten and often overlooked facets of Philippine history. We can then give a proper and long overdue tribute to Andres Bonifacio, a man whose courage and heroism should serve as an inspiration to many Filipinos. ---------- The directions in getting around these sites are provided in the Byaheng Bonifacio brochure. If you don't have one yet, you may also visit Tutubi's blog, if you want to plan your itinerary in advance. The blogger would also like to thank Popoy and Shella, two of his intrepid travel buddies, who accompanied him in this madness. The two mapped out an itinerary that allowed them to finish the Cavite sites in just under 6 hours or so. If not for them, he might have taken longer to finish the Cavite leg of the Byaheng Bonifacio.

I was expecting a box of Japanese green teas, but I was pleasantly surprised that my good friend Kim brought me a box of TWG Tea instead. She said that she was pressed for time this week that's why she just grabbed this from the airport. I honestly thought that this was the same brand of tea that we 'hoarded' during the various trainings that we attended back in Cebu. But after a quick google search, I found that TWG Tea was miles apart from all of them.

The TWG (which stands for the Wellness Group) Tea website states that 'it was established in Singapore in celebration of the island's great history as a trading post for teas, spices and fine epicurean products.' It traces its history to as far as 1837, when the Chamber of Commerce of Singapore was established.

I quickly tore open a pack and noticed that the teabag was made of cotton and was hand sewn too. This I gather, would allow the teas to develop their full and unique aroma and would give them ample room to expand during infusion. I regretted a bit in opening this small piece of luxury but I consoled myself with that the thought that the TWG bags would not produce any tea if I just kept on staring at its fancy packaging.

What I had by the way, was an English Breakfast Tea, which is characterized by its strong and full-bodied flavor. It had welcome light floral undertones that complemented its rich blend. The packaging states that this broken-leaf tea is 'perfect for morning toast and marmalade.' I had none of those this afternoon unfortunately, so I paired my tea with some leftover pastel (buns with filling from Camiguin in Southern Philippines) that my dad brought a few days earlier. The pastel is not a chi-chi choice I should say, as most would have gone with their macarons and other exquisite pastries to go with their tea. But I enjoyed the pairing nonetheless, and was also about to enjoy it too much by taking in one more bun, if not for the image of my trainer that briefly flashed before my eyes. I thought that she'll probably punish me with an additional set of mind-numbing crunches if I'll pack more calories than I could burn. I then reluctantly returned the poor fellow back to its box. But next time though, I'll find myself a teapot and observe as well the proper tea preparation. I'll probably have my next tea experience in the morning or right after a hearty breakfast. At any rate, I'm glad to have been introduced to TWG Tea, so thank you indeed Kim for this wonderful pasalubong.

Andrew McCarthy was never a travel writer at the onset. He was an actor first and starred in hugely popular movies in the 80s such as St. Elmo's Fire and Mannequin. How he ended up writing for National Geographic and his many other adventures, are brilliantly unraveled in every chapter of his book, The Longest Way Home.

He starts his story with New York and then hopped his way all over the globe - Patagonia, Kilimanjaro and Vienna, just to name a few. He then ended his journey in Dublin. And after all spending all those time on the road, at sea or some remote corner in the world, he finally has the courage to face his personal questions that he may have avoided for so long, but knew the answers to all this time.

The premise sounds like a heartbreaking memoir of one man who is just afraid to commit to a serious relationship. One fine morning he just decided to find his true self that probably got lost amidst a high paying corporate job or a terribly perfect marriage. That may just remind you of a Julia Roberts movie, but thankfully that is not the case here. McCarthy interspersed his engaging travel narratives with the right combination of wit, nostalgia and honesty. He writes in a way that would allow the reader to be interested in both the places where he has been to, and to the intimate parts of his life that he reveals in each story. I rarely come across, if at all, to this kind of travel writing these days. Maybe then I should read more of McCarthy's works in the future.

The Rizal province leg of the Byaheng Bonifacio was the last stop of my own journey in retracing the life and death of Andres Bonifacio, one of the heroes of the Philippines. This man is depicted as a feisty, bolo-wielding founder of the Katipunan, a secret society of Filipinos established in 1892 which clamored for independence from Spain through armed means. He was undeniably all that, but from what I learned in this 'madness,' there is actually more to him than what was being taught in our highschool history lessons.

This Amazing Race-esque endeavor was launched by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Department of Tourism and in cooperation with various local government units, to celebrate the sesquicentennial year of Bonifacio's birth. It has 16 mandatory pitstops scattered all over Metro Manila, Cavite and in Rizal. Exciting prizes then await the first 100 persons that can complete this unique journey.

My friends and I already finished most of the Byaheng Bonifacio sites in a day or two. Since the Pamintinan Cave was relatively out of the way from the other stops, we had to allocate a separate day just to get to the site. I was not keen at first in getting there immediately, but I suddenly had this strange obsession to finish the Byaheng Bonifacio as soon as possible. So one sunny afternoon, we found ourselves on our way to Pamintinan Cave in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal.

Various scenese at the Wawa dam.

This cave is located near the Wawa Dam which was constructed in 1909. It is for me, the concrete version of legendary Bernardo Carpio, the folk hero who amazingly pushed two grinding mountains apart with just his bare hands. Since the dam was already decommissioned, it is now converted to a water theme park of some sort by enterprising locals. Huts can be rented at the foot or at the top of the dam. The few people that we saw there seem to enjoy the faux waterfalls before them. My friend and I, however, were not there to take a quick respite from the summer heat. It is said that the Pamintinan Cave served as the secret meeting place of Andres Bonifacio and other Katipuneros. In one of those meetings, these men boldly declared independence from Spain by inscribing on the cave walls "Viva La Independencia de Filipinas." This was sometimes considered the first, albeit an informal one, declaration of Philippine independence. The inscription however, is no longer there.

The Pamintinan Cave is that small black hole on the right in this photo.

Although there is a lot to explore and photograph in these parts, we had to cut short our visit so that I could submit my Bonifacio brochure on time. At this point, I also felt the rush in making my way from Rizal, printing the photos in Quezon City and then braving through the traffic in Manila. I manage to make it to the NHCP a few minutes before most government offices would call it a day. Surprisingly, I finished the same spot as I did during my Lakbay Rizal madness a few years back. I hope then to participate in more endeavors like the Byaheng Bonifacio in the future. After all, there is a lot to learn and unlearn from our dead heroes. Like most of us, they have their share of controversies, frustrations and defeats. Andres Bonifacio, unlike most of us I'm afraid, saw what he could do to change the prevailing circumstances at that time. He showed that educational background or societal status will never be a hindrance in serving your country with the best of your resources, skills and abilities. That for me is his legacy, and this should continue to serve as a reminder and inspiration to all of us. ---------- The directions in getting around these sites are provided in the Byaheng Bonifacio brochure. If you don't have one yet, you may also visit Tutubi's blog, if you want to plan your itinerary in advance. The blogger would also like to thank Popoy and Shella, two of his intrepid travel buddies, who accompanied him in this madness. The same also goes to Kat, who got him his Byaheng Bonifacio brochure.
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It was still 9:30 in the morning when I showed up at Mae Krua, a Thai restaurant in Cebu City. I was actually hoping that they would be open, considering that it was a national holiday in the Philippines that day. From the looks of it they are, since the front door was not locked. This was later confirmed by a crew who seemed to sprang out of nowhere and informed me of their business hours.

He probably thought that I was eyeing something inside the establishment or that he was just very helpful to someone who looked lost at this hour of the day. I could not entirely blame him if the latter is or both are true, since that Monday morning, most of the metropolis was deserted save for a few taxi cabs that passed by.

I told the guy that I'll be back in time for lunch because I have an errand to attend to. This is usually the kind of response that you make up so that the other party would not feel so bad especially if you don't show up. There is another time for that, and this was not one of those. I must be true to my word as this could be my only chance to dine in this little restaurant that my Cebu friends have been raving about. I remember that I just pass by it when I was still based in these parts back in the day.

So I showed up an hour or so later. When I entered the restaurant, I immediately noticed the Thai place mats, the face of a golden Buddha and some figurines that would remind you that you are in fact in a Thai restaurant. I did not mind though the Backstreet boys soundtrack and the slew of 90s hits being played in the background. I was just here for the food and nothing else.

Tom Yam Goong.

A few minutes later, the Tom Yam Goong (Spicy Prawn Soup) was served on my table. After a few spoonfuls and as beads of sweat started to trickle down my face, I wanted to cry in sheer delight. I realized that I just had the Tom Yam experience that's closest to what I had in Bangkok. The rich broth had that complicated interplay of sour, salty and spicy - the triumvirate of flavors that have eluded me until this bowl. Everything was there too - the kaffir lime leaves, the galanggal, the coconut milk, the lemongrass and the crushed chili peppers. This ladies and gentlemen, was definitely a Kelly Clarkson moment. The Pad Thai which was served shortly, provided the contrast to the sensory assault from the Tom Yam. The flat noodle's sweet and spicy undertones reminded me of a street cart version peddled at Khao San Road. This one though was infinitely better and more sanitized as well. I thought that I won't be able to finish this noodle and then probably bring back the leftovers back to Manila.

Pad Thai.

Well, I was so wrong. My Adam Richmond self took over my pseudo-health-conscious self that time. I was like a tired nomad wandering in the desert and then stumbled upon a bottle of Evian. When you are faced with that kind of predicament, you have every understandable reason to forget your table manners, or in my case, my imaginary dietary restrictions. All my three months worth of gym may have just been undone that very morning. I then made a list of terrible excuses to present to my trainer as I saw the empty plate and bowl before me. "The Pad Thai had vegetables" or "It was just a seafood soup" or "At least there was no pork on it." I resolved not to explain myself the following day. She will never read this blog entry anyway. I then forced myself to leave Mae Krua because I could have ordered more items in their menu, considering that I spent a little over Php300 for this lunch that could have also easily fed one more person. I promised myself to try their other dishes should I find myself in Cebu again.Mae Krua Thai Cuisine 80 F. Ramos St. Cebu City +63 32 236 8946

You will always have a place in this world where you find that a lot of things have changed and a lot have remained the same in each visit. Cebu, the premiere city outside Metro Manila, will always be that for me. No matter how long I may have lived here before, or how many times I have visited it again, there is always something new to be had and something old to cherish every time.

This is especially true in my recent trip to Cebu. Although my flight arrived earlier that day, I took a cab instead of taking the cheaper yet longer commute out of the airport. I initially planned to take the latter option to see what I missed since my last visit. I then alighted by the Cebu City Hall and roamed around the vicinity.

It was noticeably cleaner this time, especially with the addition of the Senior Citizens Park, which, to the best of my memory, used to be a run-down place where you could have dirt-cheap legal documents.

I stopped by Koko Dine so that I could have an excuse to put down my backpack. My friend mentioned that their lechon could rival that of CnT's and Zubuchon's. Thankfully they only serve it during lunchtime or I would have willingly abandoned all my dietary inhibitions. For breakfast, I settled for a healthier fish tinuwa (soup).

"Unsang Isda-a??" (What kind of fish was used?) I asked the tindera. "Mamsa," (Trevally) she replied. I had a bowl and settled in an empty seat. I think I was their first customer but I imagine that this eatery would be swamped with government workers during lunch. That morning though, the place was as peaceful as the aquarium behind me.Tinuwa or tinola for me, is a no-brainer soup. You just boil your fish and then throw in some scallions, tomatoes and a few other spices. It is all about the fish. You have to get it as fresh as possible or else end up with a bad broth. My good friend then arrived as soon as I finished by bowl. She would have wanted to treat me for breakfast but I politely begged off since I just had my fill already. But later in the afternoon, she brought me to Mingnan, a Chinese eatery located a few blocks from her office. A typical Mingan value meal consists of a hefty serving of rice and 2 kinds of viands. My friend was surprised that the Chinese lady behind the counter, who is one of the owners of the restaurant, can now speak and understand some Cebuano. We then pointed what we wanted on our yellow green plastic plates, which may remind you of your highschool cafeteria. But unlike your highschool cafeteria, the food on this plate was way better. The deep-fried shrimp, the stir-fried vegetables and the nameless cabbage dish were all very flavorful. For Php 50.00, you cannot find the same level of taste and quality of cooking elsewhere. I forgot though to ask the kind of Chinese cuisine they serve. Maybe its Sichuan or Cantonese or some other region in the mainland. Maybe I was too hungry to care that afternoon. But one of these days, I'll find out for myself. I must admit that I rarely visit this old part of Cebu even back in the day. Nonetheless, I am pleasantly surprised with these new food hunts. I know too that Koko Grill and Mingnan are just among the many hole-in-the-wall joints that have been serving affordable meals not only to the working class but also to the adventurous few. To some extent, these humble karenderyas also contribute in preserving the memory of a city and of a bygone era that has not yet seen big air-conditioned supermalls with fastfood franchises.

I have never read any Nicholas Spark novel. It's not that I don't like him, it's just that I never had the chance to do so. I always associate his writing with the hugely successful drama movies that were adapted from them - Message In A Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, among many others.

If you care to notice, most of these films did not end on a giddy note. One of the main protagonists would succumb to a terminal disease or be stricken with some form of misfortune. However, these are the kind of storylines that some people that I know are secretly drawn to, even if it means they have already cried a river by the end of the movie. Maybe that's why I shied away from reading any of Sparks' writings until I chanced upon his memoir, Three Weeks with My Brother in a local bookstore many months ago. Back then, I was interested with the book's premise: two brothers embarking on a three-week journey around the globe.

"This is non-fiction or some form of travel writing," I convinced myself. I also remember that since my laptop was not yet fixed that time, I badly need something to read to occupy my evenings. So I bought this book surprisingly, without entertaining any second thoughts.

This book chronicles the travel that Nick and his brother Micah took in between January and February of 2003. The two of them visited the Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, the Incan ruins in Peru and the mysterious stone giants of Easter Island. They also stopped at Australia, Cambodia, India, Ethiopia, Malta and finally, Norway. The two were in their late 30s at that time, had families of their own which means that they were indeed very fortunate to take this trip of a lifetime. In between the travel narratives, Sparks flashbacks to their past - their growing up years, the losses in the family they had to deal with and the many challenges of their respective married lives. They had their ample share of dramas, so to speak. Some of these became the inspiration in some of Nick's novels. He did not invent all those storylines out of whim. He experienced them first hand. This book had less 'travel accounts' than I expected although Nick devoted a few pages describing each place they have visited. I especially enjoyed how the two managed to get through their guide's thorough and often long spiels about the history of this site or the significance of this temple relief or the interesting facts about this particular museum artifact. But if you are a Nicholas Spark, you would probably appreciate this more, as you understand why he writes the way he does after you read through his memoir.

The rain has already stopped when my friend and I arrived at the Sulu Provincial Capitol. The sky was still overcast though, but from our vantage point, I could make out the sun slowly setting on the far west. It cast a beautiful, muted glow on the capitol's golden domes.

I think I have seen this building before. Local mediamen would often have this as a background to probably provide a context to their live updates. More often than not too, the news that they bring is not so good. I could not entirely blame them as they did not travel all the way to the southwestern fringes of the Philippines for a tourism feature.

At that time, I have only thing left to do in my Jolo daytrip checklist: to look for the stained glass window created by a man named Abdulmari Imao. He is, to this day, the only Muslim Filipino recognized as a National Artist for the Visual Arts. He came from these parts, studied at the University of the Philippines in college and pursued further studies abroad as a Fulbright Scholar. Imao's creations are inspired by the stories and the environment he grew up with, which is why they are unique from his other contemporaries based in Manila.

Some of Abdulmari Imao's creations. Top left photo is the National Museum in Sulu. The two sculptures of Sulu warriors (Panglima Unaid and Captain Abdurahim Imao) outside the museum were done by Imao.

We alighted near the National Museum in Sulu and then walked towards the provincial capitol. There were two men mopping the floor which is the reason why we hesitated to enter still donning our wet clothes. (We had an unplanned dip at Quezon Beach in Patikul earlier that afternoon.) Our considerate guide assured us that we will be fine. But we removed our footwear so as not to make the men clean again after us. That is when we saw Imao's colorful glass panel by the staircase. It is bursting with vivid hues of blue, red and green - a welcome sight indeed to the building's otherwise spartan-white interiors. The rightmost section depicts a kris, a hand-crafted dagger with wavy blades. At the center is what looks like a sarimanok, a legendary creature figuring in Maranao mythology. My best guess of the remaining panel is that it is a brass container of some sort, an intricate craft common in this region. I could only wish then that i could ask Mr. Imao himself regarding the many stories behind this particular masterpiece. We only spent a few minutes inside the capitol as we had to catch our ferry bound for Zamboanga City. My friend and I were supposed to drop by the marketplace around this time to buy some pearls or malong or other Tausug pasalubongs. We were already pressed for time unfortunately. When we arrived at Jolo port, it was buzzling with activity just like how I saw it earlier that morning. Vendors were selling freshly grilled fish and chicken for anxious passengers to nibble on for the long journey ahead. Porters were shuffling back and forth carrying heavy luggage. Families were hugging their loved ones their fondest goodbyes. As our boat left, I thought to myself maybe our local mediamen could set-up shop inside the Sulu Provincial Capitol next time, with Imao's intricate glass panels as a background. While the rest of the country would probably associate the Sulu Provincial Capitol with Sulu, aside from Imao's stained glass windows, there are many interesting places to feature, to see and to experience in this often misunderstood island in the Philippines. We just don't know then what we have been missing all this time. ----------How to get thereAirphilexpress has flights to Jolo from Zamboanga City. The cheaper yet longer option is via an overnight passenger ship from Zamboanga. The choices are enumerated here. The blogger strongly encourages that you coordinate your itinerary with a contact person that is at least based in Jolo. It would really help a lot especially in interacting with the locals and getting around, if you have someone who speaks Tausug, the local dialect.
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There is a popular coffeeshop, or a signage of it that is, at the Jolo-Indanan-Patikul-Panglima Tahil (JIPP) view deck of Camp Bud Datu in Sulu, Southern Philippines. It was the last thing that I expected to see in these parts but given the cool, breezy weather, sipping your favorite cup of coffee while you soak the view before you is not entirely a bad idea after all.

This military camp is an unlikely tourist spot. It is located on top of Bud Datu, or the Hill of Rulers. At 200 MASL, it provides spectacular panoramic views of Sulu.

Over the horizon were some islets, whose turquoise waters are faintly recognizable even with the overcast skies. The afternoon rain made the jungles below us look greener, lusher and more alive. In between the mountains and the sea is downtown Jolo, a small patch of concrete buildings with Tulay Central Mosque as the easily identifiable structure from our vantage point.

At the JIPP view deck. Right photo shows the blogger trying out an expensive-looking camera.

The officer in charge of this camp welcomed our small party with a freshly brewed coffee from that popular brand. He shared to us that the coffeeshop signage was a semblance of home especially for the men who were assigned here for quite some time. He admitted to us though that the native blend was better. I could only agree with him after having drunk three cups of that since my friend and I arrived in Jolo earlier that day. I could tell that that this guy is into serious bird photography by the kind of camera that was set up at the observation deck. He is probably in his late thirties and had a reserved yet pleasant demeanor. He told us that he earlier spotted some macaques jumping from one treetop to the other. He added that there were also times when he saw hornbills soaring about, which only indicates that the island's primary forests are still in its pristine condition. When he is not busy overlooking the military detachment in the area, he would photograph some of the exquisite fauna and flora he encountered in the jungle. All these photos he compiled in a coffeetable book that showcases the rarely seen beauty of Sulu.

Some of the photos in the Kusug Lupah Sug coffeetable book. Lupah Sug's loose translation is "land of the current." A portion of the book's proceeds would buy pairs of slippers for children in remote areas of the island.

Various views at Camp Bud Datu. The right photo shows a revered shrine that houses the remains of Tuan Muqbalu, an Islam missionary.

We only spent a few minutes at Bud Datu since we still had to head for Quezon Beach in Patikul that afternoon. After a quick tour around the camp, we bade goodbye to our kind hosts. As our small vehicle wound down the paved road leading back to highway, I was still thinking of what I saw at the JIPP view deck at Bud Datu. It was a perspective that is different from the war-torn Sulu that is often depicted by local media. It was peaceful, staggeringly beautiful and almost surreal. I do not want to water down the various struggles that Sulu has been facing in recent memory. This island has seen both the good and the bad through the years. Yet at Bud Datu, I felt something in between a quiet excitement and a wishful prayer, almost like a fragile tinge of hope that time. Sulu may have a tumultous past, that we cannot deny. But the world has to know as well that it also has a very, very promising future. It is an island paradise blessed with so many natural resources - deep seas, vast fertile plains and lush mountain ranges. The few Tausug that we met during this trip knew these too well, including their rich traditions and cultural heritage. They are also proud of their delicacies - their coffee, the bang-bangs that go with it, their durian, among many others. I could only hope that many more could make it to Sulu, particularly on top of Bud Datu someday, to see its vast potential and and natural beauty. Here's to hoping that things will get better there. Because from the views at Bud Datu alone, I know that it definitely will. ----------How to get to SuluAirphilexpress has flights to Jolo from Zamboanga City. The cheaper yet longer option is via an overnight passenger ship from Zamboanga. The choices are enumerated here. The blogger strongly encourages that you coordinate your itinerary with a contact person that is at least based in Jolo. It would really help a lot especially in interacting with the locals and getting around, if you have someone who speaks Tausug, the local dialect. This blog post concludes the blogger's Sulu series. If you missed the other entries, here are they:Breakfast at Jolo, SuluTwo Tausug FeastsBrief Stopover at Quezon BeachLooking for Imao
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Despite the threat of Gorio striking the metropolis yesterday afternoon, there was still a huge crowd turnout for 2013's History Comes Alive! at the Ayala Museum in Makati. This is a series of lectures by Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, a widely read columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and an Associate Professor and former Chairman of the Ateneo history department.

Why he commands such a strong following amidst the PAGASA weather update, could be probably attributed to his incredible talent of making seemingly useless, obscure and even controversial Philippine historical tidbits into something meaningful, very engaging and more importantly, fun. Although he peppers his talk with his trademark quirky asides, you will still leave the packed venue feeling a bit more intelligent than when you entered it an hour or so earlier.

This year's first installment was not an exception. It was about a strangely engrossing caper story involving the original Rizal manuscripts - the novels Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo and the poem Mi Ultimo Adios. On December 8, 1961, they were stolen from the National Library.

How these were recovered a few months later is even stranger. The official accounts state that no ransom was paid, thanks to the efforts of Alejandro Roces, the Secretary of Education at that time. These manuscripts and anything Rizal left behind for that matter, are especially significant to Prof. Ocampo. A few decades after that infamous manuscript-nap, he had the chance of holding the originals and through rather unorthodox circumstances as well. He shared that by some stroke of serendipity, he also stumbled upon Rizal's unfinished third novel, Makamisa. It was one of the many documents at the vault of the National Library, which ironically secured the Rizal manuscripts after the 1961 heist. Ocampo started the TED-like lecture by telling the audience that he always learn something different about the Philippines' National Hero, every time. He then wrapped it up by reminding the audience that while the original Rizal manuscripts may not be readily accessed by the public these days, there will still be something new that can be discovered about Rizal, our other dead heroes and in our history as a whole. ---------- You can still catch the other lectures of this year's History Comes Alive! series: July 20 | Forgery & Nation: the interesting career of Jose E. Marco August 31 | Bonifacio in Love Tickets for each lecture of the series cost Php350 for adults and Php200 for students. This also comes with a free book and a full access to all galleries at the Ayala Museum. When you do the math, the ticket cost is quite a bargain already. For more inquiries please email education@ayalamuseum.org or call them at +63 2 757-7117 to 21 local 24/25/35. You can also follow Dr. Ocampo in his official FB page for other announcements.

There is a good chance that by this time, you will have a hard time completing your McDonald's Happy Meal Minion collection. Gru's hardworking assistants are so popular that stocks of the yellow (and purple) miniatures have ran out in the Philippines, even way before the sequel to the 2010's hugely successful movie Despicable Me, has been shown in local cinemas.

If you can't seem to get enough of them, you can brainwash some of your Minion-looking friends to be part of your imaginary workforce. Pour yellow paint on their faces, let them speak gibberish or jeje-speak even and subject them to death-defying tasks.

The other option and one that does not violate any human rights for that matter, is to watch the movie this weekend. You may also head off to Yexel's Toy Museum afterwards to see a Minion display that costs more than all your McDonald's freebies combined.

This unique museum houses an impressive collection of toys - the beloved Minions, Walt Disney cartoon characters, Anime figurines and everything else in between. Don't expect an extensive Barbie collection here though. But I did see a few dolls on display as well. Unfortunately, you cannot play with the toys inside the glass enclosures. But you can certainly touch and have your photos taken with the life-sized action figures in the various galleries. They have Lightning McQueen, the Simpsons, Street Fighter, just to name a few. Don't also miss out the 18 ft Optimus Prime which caps your tour at this museum.

The piglet with Optimus Prime. Photo courtesy of Aubrey Gacer.

But if there's one place in this three-storey building that I'd like to linger on longer, it would be the gallery where the movie memorabilias are housed. The Avengers, The Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, among many others - they are all there for you to drool at. There was a part in me that really wanted to break the glass panel and take home everything in plain sight. The good thing is that we were accompanied by one of their guides who believed that the AllSpark on display was the actual cube used in that Transformer movie. I wanted to correct him by saying that it's just a replica, but I'm just thankful for his presence that morning. He somehow kept my surging childish emotions at bay. What's the best lesson I learned from all this, aside from behaving properly inside this toy museum? It would probably be to buy two of each kind of toy for my future kids. One is for them to play and then to destroy. The other is preserved for them to sell off or house in a fancy toy museum someday, just like Yexel Sebastian's. So, is this to museum worth a visit? Yes, if you consider that there's finally something else to do in Las Piñas. When you get there, just don't expect a typical museum experience where you are doused with a sense of history and some form of culture. All you will see there are the vast, cool private toy collection of Yexel. But the many kids-at-heart would certainly not mind that all, even its relative pricey entrance fee (Php 300) or its relative seclusion in a private subdivision. It is after all a happy place, and sometimes, that's all that matters.Yexel's Toy Museum 52 Sampaguita Road, Pilar Village 1740 Las Piñas Open only during weekends. +63 915 771 4777Facebook Page | Map in getting there

A few weeks back, my best buddy and I found ourselves at the Presidential Museum and Library at the Kalayaan Hall within the historically hallowed grounds of the Malacañang Complex. Unlike most museums in the metropolis, this perhaps has the most security considerations. I remember that we had to formally request a reservation at least seven working days prior to our desired tour date.

I understand all these security measures too since the Malacañan Palace, the official seat and residence of the President of the Philippines, is also within the complex grounds. I told our tour guide that morning that I almost was not able to take their confirmation call last time, because there was no number that flashed on my mobile phone screen. Thankfully I mistook it for an overseas call and not some high-tech prank.

The Quezon Room is said to be the first air-conditioned room in the Philippines.

This museum houses historically important and architecturally significant rooms in the Philippines. These served as conference rooms or an executive study back in the day. The hardwood furniture, the intricate wood carvings and the original floor tiles are all still there, although some of the rooms have been converted into galleries with interesting themes. There was one which showed the various, albeit contentious, Presidential Proclamations while another showcased the portraits of the First Ladies through the years. At the second floor you can be both lost and mesmerized in the Gallery of Presidents. It is composed of interesting memorabilia such as clothing, gifts and personal effects of the 15 Filipinos who have held the highest position of the land - from Emilio Aguinaldo up to President Benigno S. Aquino III. You can somehow imagine the kind of person each of them was, by the things that they left behind.

At the Gallery of Presidents

This is the very blackboard used by General Fabian Ver to show Ferdinand Marcos the location of the rebels during the People Power Revolution of 1986.

Admittedly, I was looking forward to see Joaquin Sorolla's 'Las Neriedas' (The Nereids) at the spacious Main Hall and Library, where the Gallery of Presidents is located. This 1886 painting was donated to the Palace by an American philanthropist during the term of President Elpidio Quirino. According to Interaksyon.com, 'the value of this painting can cover the restoration of the entire Palace, should Malacañang were to be destroyed.'

It is said that "if Malacañan Palace would be placed under red alert, this painting would be the first item to be secured and carried out."

"Is the President around today?" I asked our guide while we were nearing the end of tour. There was a palpable few seconds before he finally told us that he actually didn't know. Looking back now, I could only smile at what those few seconds meant. It could probably mean that they were not allowed to disclose the President's whereabouts or that they were not actually privy to where he was at any hour of the day.

This could be the closest I could get with PNoy.

I knew that the museum tour would only cover the Kalayaan Hall but I asked him nonetheless if we could take a quick view of the Malacañan Palace. I added that I've always wanted to see the Rizal Ceremonial Hall and Juan Luna's Blood Compact in person. He could only apologetically smile and then turned down our request. For ordinary Joes like myself, the only real possibility of setting foot inside the Palace is to be among the TOSP (Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines) finalists in college. Had I realized that, I would have studied impossibly harder back then. But there are other options too. I could do something heroic for the country and then be duly recognized by the President. Well, I could run for President someday and by then I could freely explore every nook and cranny there is at Malacañan. But for the time being, I have no grand illusions of doing the latter. I am already content with the Malacañang museum tour even if it only covered a tiny portion of the 16 hectare Palace complex. It gives the public, myself included, an opportunity to visit the headquarters of the executive department of the government. It chronicles not just the history of its famous occupants through the years, but also that of the Philippines as a whole.Tours and Visitor Relations Unithttp://malacanang.gov.ph/ pml@malacanang.gov.ph pml@pcdspo.gov.ph Tel: (+63-2) 784 4286 loc. 4945/4649 The Presidential Museum and Library is open on weekdays only (except on public holidays), from 9 AM to 12 noon and from 1 pm to 3 pm. Regular fee is just Php 50.00. You have to submit a reservation form at least seven (7) working days before your preferred tour date.
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There was much fanfare, anticipation and curiosity when the New Generation Series banknotes were released by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The redesigned Philippine bills are more colorful, have more security features and are well-designed. But these also had their share of criticisms. Some noticed the incomplete Philippine map, while there were also those that questioned the choice of historical events and scenic spots depicted on the new bills.

I honestly did not care much for the nitpicking back then. I remember giving away new Php 20.00 bills to my balikbayan cousins because these were the only Christmas gifts that I can afford. But you also have to give me some credit for resourcefulness. You see, even this small denomination was hard to come by during those times. People were then in an unexplainable frenzy to hoard the new currencies for their private collection.

I also collected some back in the day. But I found myself spending one crisp bill after the other especially when I was hardpressed for funds. Thankfully, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Museum did not give in to the slightest temptation to give away their priceless collection of Philippine coinage and banknotes should an inexplicable need arises. The last time we went there, they are all still there.

This museum collects, studies and preserves the country's rich numismatic heritage. The collections are grouped by historical periods - Pre-Spanish, Spanish, Revolutionary, American, Japanese and the Republic. These would give one an idea of the complex evolution of the Philippine money, from gold barter rings and piloncitos up to New Generation Series banknotes. Cameras are strictly not allowed inside the museum. I would have wanted to post the photo of the Php 100,000 bill, which measures 8.5" x 14" or slightly larger than a short bond paper and is said to be accredited by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's biggest legal tender note. If you have one, good luck in getting change when you decide to finally use it to pay like for your jeepney ride.

This is a limited edition Php 2000 bill. It was released during President Joseph Estrada's term. This photo was taken by the way, at another museum.

I guess that is just one of the many reasons why you have to pay a visit to the BSP Museum soon. It is undoubtedly a numismatic's happy place, but you'll still find this museum a worthwhile visit even if you are not into collecting banknotes and coins. For those who belong to the latter crowd, I assure you that you will not look at our banknotes, new ones or otherwise, the same way again after you are done with the museum tour. More than the vivid colors or the dead heroes or the state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting measures, each of these has an important story to tell.Museo ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Bangko Sental ng Pilipinas Complex A. Mabini St. Corner P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila +63 2 524 9534www.bsp.gov.ph The museum is open on weekdays, from 9 AM - 12 NN and 1 PM - 4 PM. Free Admission
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When it comes to finding a great holiday deal, there are plenty of ways to grab a great value summer scorcher or a winter warmer without breaking the bank.

A last minute holiday booking is one of them. Last minute holidays have long been the preferred method of many a bargain hunter, and it's not hard to see why. Late deals can apply to any package holiday - from low-cost apartment breaks and beach holidays right up to five-star getaways with all the luxury trimmings. It's the same holiday, just cheaper - and the reason why it's cheaper is simply because the tour operator wants to attract those last few bookings rather than let it go unsold.

Singapore is a tiny island city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Its total land area may be slightly larger than that of Metro Manila, but it is one of the economic powerhouses of the world. It is home to a thriving community of different nationalities. Aside from the locals, there are also the Chinese, Malays, and Indians among many others, who have already considered this their second home.

What you get from this multi-cultural influx is an interesting, diverse and vibrant food scene. As a result, you may not have to travel all the way to Malaysia to sample the best nasi lemak of your life. All you have to do is go to your favorite downtown hawker center in Singapore and try out this food stall that only offers Malaysian delicacies. From there, you can then hop your away across the globe, as you try the food served at the next stall.

That's why if given only a few hours or just a weekend to explore the squeaky-clean, megalopolis that is Singapore, I'll fill up my itinerary mostly with its colorful food stops. While there is nothing wrong with spending a full day at Sentosa or have your photo taken at the Merlion or do what most tourists do in Singapore, you miss a lot if you don't embark on a Singapore food trip. After all, the best way to get to the heart and soul of any place, is through its food - from the miniature portions served in chi-chi restaurants, up to the exotic fare peddled at the streets.

The contest asked for two things: to name at least three foods that Anthony Bourdain ate in The Layover: Singapore episode, and to explain why TLC should pick you to to experience everything that he did or ate. Screen grab taken from the official TVC here.

So when TLC launched a fly-away contest to Singapore last April, I grabbed the chance but sent my entry only a few hours before the deadline. I've been an avid follower of Anthony Bourdain, so I thought that this one could be right up my alley. I first watched Anthony in a late-night No Reservations episode on TLC. I got hooked ever since and I blame him for making me stay up way past midnight almost every night. I find him as a snarky yet interesting travel/culinary host, a profession that he may have probably disdained, but unknowingly reinvented in the process. Tony manages to show something familiar and different, irreverent and poignant, meaningful and meaningless every time. This is a clear departure from other travel shows where you have the feeling that you just watched a Wikitravel entry come to life.

The premise of The Layover is quite simple: if given only a few hours to explore a city, what would you do? In every episode, Tony would feature the hotels he usually prefer, transportation options in getting to and from the airport and what touristy landmarks to avoid. There are also locals pitching in their ideas as to how to make the best out of your time-constrained stay in their city. Photos above show some of the outtakes of The Layover: Singapore episode. These were taken from here.

After sending my entry, I requested my sister to pray with me with on this as Singapore was not even on my bucket list this year. I also thought that there were many others who submitted entries so my chances of getting even shortlisted were very slim. We honestly forgot about it until I got a call around last month. A kind lady from Sky Cable then informed me that I won the contest. My reaction was muffled, almost stoic to a certain extent, since my manager was around that time. But boy, it was one of the best calls I've had in recent memory.

(L-R) Some of Singapore's iconic dishes: Fish Head Curry, Chicken Rice and Chilli Crab.

(L-R) Yet another food trip: Shui Kueh and Peking Duck.

That I actually won the contest did not fully sink in, even when I was already in Singapore. It also was not a layover per se, since we spent a total of 3D/2N mostly eating our way around the city. If you've seen that Layover episode, you'd be familiar with Samy's Curry, Chin-Chin Eating House and Tiong Bahru Market. We did all of that, including some restaurants that were not included such as the Peranakan cuisine at Nyonya and Baba, No Signboard Seafood Restaurant and the Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck Restaurant. To say that I over-stuffed myself with glorious food, would be a gross understatement. The operative word would have to be 'splurged' and that is one reason why I did not inform my trainer about this trip. But the entire experience was well worth every pound that I have to lose afterwards. The next blog entries will feature some of the food stops and side trips that we made. Meanwhile, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank TLC Asia, Sky Cable and Lucky Me for giving me and my good friend the best 'layover' ever. Opportunities like this are unexpected and are hard to come by. That's why are I am grateful, honored and humbled by this incredible gesture. Ladies and gentlemen, the Singapore Layover series begins with this post.
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Our first food stop for our 'Singapore layover' was Samy's Curry, a popular restaurant located at Dempsey Hill, the former British barracks. It offers fine Southern Indian cuisine, which is said to be spicier compared to its northern counterpart. It traces its history back in the 1950s and has been around since then.

Upon our arrival at Changi International Airport, our group was welcomed by Desmond, our guide during our entire trip. He then briefed us on the history of his country. He also said that everything in Singapore is '15 or at most 30 minutes away.' It is a small country but even so, I experienced no traffic jams, especially the kind that has been plaguing Metro Manila, during my stay there. We then checked in at a hotel across the luxurious Hyatt, where Anthony Bourdain stayed in that Layover episode.

The moment you step in at Samy's, the scent of Indian spices and herbs is unmistakable. It is overpowering for some, but for some strange reason, I'm drawn to this unfamiliar yet exciting territory.

Top left then CW: Mysore Mutton, Sambal Prawns, Gulab Jamun, and Naan Bread.

We were then served with Fish Head Curry, Mysore Mutton and Sambal Prawn, which are said the restaurant's specialties. The Naan Bread, Fish Cutlets and Pumpkin Dahl followed shortly.

Biryani is made from Basmati Rice slow cooked in spices and saffron.

The fragrant heapings of Biryani Rice was placed on a banana leaf which was lightly exposed to flame, adding an interesting aroma to the delicious spread before us. The waitstaff allowed us to choose between two vegetable sides, which one I chose or what were they, I have already forgotten.

Fish Head Curry. Photo courtesy of R. Manimtim.

The Fish Head Curry was undoubtedly the star among the dishes we had that afternoon. It was really spicy yet flavorful. It had welcome hints of sour notes, which was contributed by the assam fruit, Desmond shared to us. This used to be just a poor man's dish, he added. It is said that back in the day, fish heads were just thrown away or sold at a lower price, in favor of the usual fillet cuts. What the chi-chi restaurants missed is that the head of the fish contains more flavor and that the fish cheeks are more tender as well. Add to that a rich sauce made of curry and other spices and what you have is one iconic dish. The fresh lime juice did not drown out the strong aftertastes of our hearty meal. Not even the mildly sweet Gulab Jamun, a typical Indian dessert, helped in that regard. I'm pretty sure that the heavy scent of spices stubbornly stuck to our clothes as well. But with a memorable lunch like that, none of these mattered, I thought to myself, as we headed to our next stop.Samy's Curry Restaurant 25 Dempsey Road Singapore 249670 +65 6472 2080http://www.samyscurry.com/index.html
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