The Lapis @ Papel Project 2015 Part I

I met Ms. Liz three years ago and we were still co-workers back then. We were hanging out at her room when she asked help about a social work that she was doing with her mother and boyfriend. She introduced us to her Lapis @ Papel Project (Pencil and Paper Project) that aims in helping the students of Mangyan tribe of the Mindoro Oriental province by giving basic school supplies.

I was already giving school supplies donation since 2013 and from then on I have also encouraged my other friends in giving out donations for the project. This time it was different as we also joined the Lapis at Papel Project in going to the Mangyan Tribe to give our donations face to face with the students.

It was Friday evening when we started our trip to Mansalay Oriental Mindoro. We have to ride a ship from Batangas Port to Calapan Por in Orinetal Mindoro. From Calapan Port, we will then take a van that from the port to the house of Ms. Liz. We left the Batangas Port at 10:30 in the evening and arrived at Calapan Port at 1:30 in the morning. The van ride from Calapan to Mansalay was two hours; we arrived at Ms. Liz’ house just before four in the morning. I took a quick shower before I decided to take a short nap. I needed to get a sleep as I know that I will need enough energy for all the activities we will be doing later in the morning.

At eight in the morning all is set for us to go to Quinomay elementary school – this year’s beneficiary of the Lapis @ Papel Project. To go to Quinomay elementary school, we need to ride a tricycle and then take a hike at the mountain and cross some rivers. But instead of riding the tricycle, my friends and I decided to ride the dump truck instead. The dump truck carries all the donation and food that we will bring to the school. As expected most of the road that we pass is not yet cemented so we had a bumpy ride going to the mountains.

the road going to Quinomay Elementary School

We reached a river and from here on we will be walking our way to the school as the truck and the tricycle can no longer pass the steep and narrow way of the mountain. The donations are carried by the Mangyan and we followed them as we walk upward the trail and cross some rivers. It’s amazing how the Mangyans were able to carry all the donations; some of them are even bare-footed. While we on the other hand, need to take some rest once in a while to catch our breath.

Mangyans carrying the donated school supplies

a Mangyan kid that served as our guide

When we reached our destination, the whole Quinomay Elementary School community, including the students, teachers and parents are waiting for us. We were greeted by the students. Ms. Liz and her boyfriend in return greeted the Mangyans in their own dialect. You can see the excitement and awe on the faces of the students. The teachers gave us fresh coconut as refreshment.

the students of Quinomay Elementary School

 The teachers and students prepared a short program for us. There was dancing, singing and students saying thank you speeches both in Tagalog and Mangyan dialect. We appreciate all the performances and effort that the students and teachers did. The also gave us some fruits to eat while we watch the program. After the program, the games were next where every winner will be receiving a prize. The students show their competitiveness and at the same time are having fun.

The students performing a declamation together with teacher

The students preparing for a song

It started to rain just after the games, so we decided to give out the donations at their respective classrooms. We were assigned with the grade two pupils. The grade two pupils is just sixteen kids. We took out from the box of the donation the bags with the school supplies. There was excitement in the voice of the students as you hear them exclaimed which bag they want. When the kids received the bags they opened it and there was smile in their faces as they saw their new notebooks, pencils, crayons and pad papers. But what caught my attention is the amazement in their faces when they saw the eraser that was in their bag. After one student brag about his eraser, each one of them starts to check if they also have erasers. Before we left the classroom, the students and teacher gave their thanks.

prizes being given to the winners of the games

grade 2 pupils checking their bags

When we finished giving out the donations, we were treated to lunch by the teachers of Quinomay Elementary School. They prepared a simple meal that all of us volunteers can share. We also gave out some pancit for the students. While eating lunch, we watch the students go home, each one of them waiving their good byes to us.

My Summer Experience at Borawan Island

During the planning stage of our Quezon trip, I told my friend that I don’t want to go to Cagbalete Isalnd, since I already went there and Borawan because of the place being commercialized instead of retaining the simplicity of the island. But since we will be staying at Tamarind Tree Resort in Padre Burgos, we included Borawan in our itinerary.

After having lunch at Dampalitan Island, we then ride our boat to head to Borawan Island. This is the most popular of the Islands that you can visit at Padre Burgos Quezon. Before we even started our trip, I knew already that the island would be crowded by people.  But I never expected that it would be that heavily congested by tourists.

a view of Borawan from our boat

Our boat had a hard time finding a place to dock as there are lots of boats at the shore. The moment we stepped at the island, the guard would ask you to log in your name and pay Php 150.00 entrance fee. The next thing we did after paying is finding a shady place to stay. All cottages we saw are occupied already so we walked along the beach looking for a place to stay. The only shade that you can find in the island aside from the cottages is the shadow from different rock formations that can be seen in the island.

After going back and forth the shore of the island we finally found a spot, which is the side of a cliff with a shade offered by the trees above. But the spot that we found is still not the best spot that the island can offer. The place we found is  among the rocks. The sand is in our spot is not fine that it's hurts when we tried to walk on barefeet.

a view of the beach from our spot

our spot under the cliff

We didn’t plunge to the water immediately as it was so hot because the sun is already at its peak. One of our friend already wanted to take a swim as it was hot and by his constant nagging we eventually gave in and started to wade in the water. But we were not able to stay that long into the water as we find it already dirty. The water is not as clear as that in Dampalitan and we felt something itchy just after a few minutes of staying at the water. We took some pictures at the water and then decided to head back at the shore.

Since Borawan is becoming a go to place during summer, you can expect that basic commodities are already present at the island. There is a cafeteria, sari-sari store and souvenir shop already at the place. Just expect that the goods being sold are expensive. There is also a restroom and shower room that tourist can use free of charge.  

the murky water of Borawan

We did no stay long at the island, since we cannot swim due to the murky water. Though we still tried to find a better place to swim but the area where the water is clean is the docking place of the boats and there is also no available shade in that area.

our boat

If you would want to go to Borawan, I think you would appreciate the place more if you would go there during the beginning of summer when there are only few people who are visiting the island. 

Dampalitan Island, a go to place in Padre Burgos, Quezon

Dampalitan Island is one of the islands that you can visit when you went to Padre Burgos in Quezon. Less popularly known compared to Borawan, Dampalitan is slowly becoming a go to tourist place in Padre Burgos, Quezon. With the white sand, clear blue water and dampalitan trees along the shores, Dampalitan Island provides you all the necessity you will need as a traveler.

We start our trip to Dampalitan before nine in the morning and we arrived at the island in less than twenty minutes. The entrance fee at the island is Php 75.00. We tried to get a discount but our guide told us that Php 75.00 is already reasonable and it also a source of income of the caretaker of the island with the few foods that they are selling to the tourists.

The island is a good place for camping. Just like Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove, the place already has tables, hammocks and comfort rooms that can accommodate the needs of tourists. Aside from these amenities, tent rental is also available and you can even ask the caretaker to have some food cooked for you on a certain fee. Since it was summer, the all-time favorite halo-halo is also available at the island.

After placing our bags at a table we started to walk along the white shores of the beach until we reached left-most part of the island where we see some mangroves and fishermen. We went to the mangroves and it offers such a cool breeze after having a walk underneath the heat of the sun. We also saw some crabs at the rocks at this part of the island.

We took a dip into the water after finding a nice spot near the dampalitan trees that offered a comfortable shade against the scorch of the sun. The water is so inviting that is hard to resist taking a swim even though the sun is at its peak and you can get sunburn. Once you are into the water, it’s so hard to get out of it, because it’s so refreshing and relaxing.

Another thing we did at the beach is to walk along the sand bar or most likely a rock bar. The water is not too deep that even if you are already way too far at the beach, the water is just at your waist level. The water at this area is so clear that you can see fishes and jellyfish swimming around the area. The jelly fish is also small and not the big ones with long tentacles that can easily sting any persons. Just be warned that some of the rocks are slippery barefoot or with slippers on.

We had lunch at noon time and stayed at the shore after taking our lunch. There was a cool breeze at the shore and we just watched as boats with guests arrived at the shore. At one in the afternoon we decided to leave Dampalitan and head to Borawan.  

The town of Padre Burgos in Quezon

After months of planning, the annual summer trip of me and my friends finally came. The first plan was to go to Sandbox and to Subic, and then it was changed to Baler. Unfortunately all resorts in Baler are already full when we inquired so the next plan was to go to Padre Burgos, Quezon. Upon hearing Padre Burgos, Quezon one summer destination came into mind – Borawan. But Padre Burgos is more than just a fishing town that serves as a take-off point to Borawan.

Going to Padre Burgos is very easy. You just need to ride a bus bound to Lucena Grand Terminal. There are buses going to Lucena from Cubao (Jam and Jac Liner) and in Alabang. We are coming from Alabang and the ride is about 3 hours long. Once you reached the Lucena Grand Terminal you need to ride a jeep, FX or bus going to Unisan and tell the driver to drop you at Padre Burgos or advise them that you are going to Borawan. Landmark for Padre Burgos is the large signage of QCRB. The trip from Lucena Grand Terminal to Padre Burgos is approximately 1 hour.

Upon stepping foot at the town of Padre Burgos, townsfolk are ready to accommodate every tourist. I think that the people have become accustomed with tourists visiting their place that they have adapted it to their way of living. You will be welcomed by the questions “Sir/Ma’am island hoping po?” or “Sir/Ma’am pupunta po kayo Borawan?” and of course “Sir/Ma’am may bangka na po kayo?” Although it is natural for them to ask you these questions and be offered of their boat ride services, the good thing about the people of Padre Burgos is that they don’t take advantage of the tourists. If you are planning to go to Borawan or Dampalitan or to Putting Buhangin you did not need to worry of the items that you will need in your camping. The town has a small grocery store that is complete with basic needs for your camping and boating trip.

a fisherman at the shore of Padre Burgos

a family playing at the shores of Padre Burgos

Another great thing about the town of Padre Burgos is the cheap food. You cannot expect any special food or cuisine at the town of Padre Burgos but you can be sure that your money is worth the food or even more the food you eat. At Php 30.00 we already have a complete set of food consisting of rice, viand, soup and softdrink. At Php 70.00 we have a fresh tilapia good for four persons and add Php 20.00 for the grilling services of the vendor. For Php 40.00 there is a “paluto” for pansit, chami that is good for 2-3 persons. And since it was summer, if you are craving for halo-halo Padre Burgos is the right place for you as there are lots of stores selling affordable halo-halo with lots of ingredients. For the three days stay that stayed in the town we also become a constant customer of the town’s burger house that sells affordable burgers, sandwiches and other meriendas. 

If you are planning on an island hopping trip in islands of Padre Burgos, you have to take note of the low tide and high tide in the area. During low tide a large area of the beach and sea will literally go dry and it will be hard for the boat men to dock at areas near the beach. The good thing about low tide is that you will see the abundance of starfish crawling at the sand and small fishes swimming fast to the deeper part of the sea which will not be affected by the low tide.

a starfish I found at the shore

the afternoon view at the top of a cliff during low tide

The only disappointing thing about Padre Burgos is that the shore line is not clean and not suitable for swimming. This is may be also the reason why tourists opted for island hopping rather than staying at the town to enjoy the beach. Good thing the town of Padre Burgos offers a good view of the sunrise while you walk at the dry beach during your morning stroll.

the sun setting as we walked down a cliff

the sunrise as I take a stroll at the dried beach during low tide

the beach during high tide

Italian Lunch at Gotti's Ristorante

 It was already lunch time and we are heading at SM Megamall that day to watch a movie and meet up with my old friends. I ask my sister if she already had a place in mind where we can have our lunch. She told me that we will be having lunch at Gotti’s Ristorante at the 4^th floor of the Atrium in SM Megamall.

My sister’s choice was the Dirty Fingers – chicken strips deep fried until golden brown partnered with a dip. I wanted to have a salad so I ordered for a Caesare Salad. We decided both to have pasta instead for a pizza since it is just the two of us. I choose the Frutti de Mare – pasta filled with sea foods. We also both ordered for a glass of lemonade.

We did not wait long for the orders to be served. They first serve the lemonade on tall glasses. When you hold the glass it wasn’t cold although there was ice. You can also see the lemon and lemon’s pulp into the glass. I took a sip of the lemonade and since it was not cold I can taste the zest of the lemon that tickled my throat.

Then next is the Caesare Salad. The salad was a simple mixture of lettuces, croutons and bacon bits covered with dressings. It is not a big serving but the lack of size was compensated by the rich taste of the ingredients with the dressing.

The Dirty Fingers came in next with the Frutti de Mare. I was actually surprised to see the Dirty Fingers. I thought it would be thin strips of chicken with one to three inches long but I was wrong. The strips were big and go along very well with the honey mustard dip.   

We ordered a large size of the Frutti de Mare since we will be sharing the pasta, but when all the foods were served my sister and I knew that the food we ordered is more than what we can eat. A first sight the pasta looks very simple but when you tossed it all the seafood are hidden below except for the mussels that are aligned at the corner of the bowl. Aside from the sea foods, the pasta also has a lot of sauce, just what every Filipino wants with a pasta.

All in all me and my sister loved the food at Gotti’s. The serving was just right and it also very affordable if you will compare it to other Italian restaurant. 

Enjoying Dinner at Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina

At long last I was able to experience eating at one of the famous restaurants at Kapitolyo, Pasig. Anna was the one who mentioned that she wanted to try eating at Kapitolyo, Ronald was our planner who chose the place and date, since he is the one more familiar with the place. It was then decided to have dinner at Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina on April 1, Holy Wednesday, to start off with the long vacation.

We arrived at past eight in the evening since the three of us will be coming from Taguig. And true to the various reviews that I have read, the place is always packed with people that you need to be wait-listed. We were tenth on the list of waiting people. Anna was already hungry, that we decided to take some walk to try and buy something that will ease her hunger. When we return, my sister has just also arrived at Silantro from work. We were already fifth in the list and one of the waiters handed us the menu so we can make an advanced order. My sister and Ronald are the one who decided on what to eat since they are a regular customer of Silantro. Both Ronald and my sister suggested the beef nachos and quesadillas. I told them that I want the chicken and Ronald added an order of burger.

I think we waited for thirty to forty minutes before we were seated inside. The place looks like a carinderia with pictures and poster about Mexico and some wrestlers. It’s a little hot inside since the place was crowded. The food did not take long to be served. Me and Anna were surprised when the plate of nachos was put in our table. There was melted cheese on top with chops of beef, diced tomato and sprinkled with herbs. Next in our order is the five pieces chicken wings known as Calliente Wings which is topped with shredded cabbage (I think) with a not so spicy sauce. Then the quesadillas oozing with cheese and mushroom filling topped with fries was served. We were more surprised when the Pancholon’s burger with a very huge patty and fries were served. Due to the large serving it looks as though we ordered more than we can eat.

Aside from the good food and affordable price, I think the other factor that Silantro became popular is because of the quality of service they gave to the customers. The manager on duty, who was previously a waiter, knows the regular customers and will acknowledge you whenever you return. The service was also quick despite having a huge crowd of people. They are also alert and attentive to the needs of the customers that you would not need to call on them.

Silantro is located at 75 East Capitol Dr., Pasig and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. but don’t worry if you are still eating there by midnight because they will wait until you finish your meal.

Reuniting with friends at Akira The Art of Sushi and Teppanyaki

 It was Friday night and I was walking with a friend at the busy streets of Bonifacio Global City going to Akira The Art of Sushi and Teppanyaki at Burgos Circle to meet up with an old friend. I am not into Japanese food, but I thought it is not bad to try something new once in a while.

We were seated at the first floor of the restaurant as there are more customers at the second floor. The first floor was small but I like the ambiance of the place quiet even though there is music at the background, it still allows customers to talk without shouting at one another.

There are only a few items in their menu, mostly are teppanyakis, unlike the other branches that has a lot of choices and varieties. Since it was Friday I ordered for the Ebi Tempura and my friend who has allergy with shrimps ordered for the Chicken Steak and a bowl of rice. If you will see the menu with the prices, you will think that it is a bit of expensive but once served you can say that the price is worth it. The tempura and chicken steak are both good for sharing and the bowl of rice is very heavy since it is gohan.

You don’t also have to wait long for the food to be served. The staffs are courteous and friendly and you can see some of them exchanging conversations with the regular customers giving it a homey vibe.

The three pieces of tempura partnered with the chicken steak and bean sprouts with a glass of lemonade made up for my dinner that night. It is further completed with the stories and laughter shared with my friends.