⛪ The Majestic Architectural Design of Immaculate Conception of Mary in Puerto Princesa and its History

The High the Tower, The High Admiration I had towards the Palawan Locals who preserved the said Cathedral

The Towering Architectural Design 
of Immaculate Conception Cathedral
 in Puerto Princesa

The Patron Saint of Puerto Princesa is Immaculate Conception of Mary as the Spaniard proclaimed during 1872. Simultaneously, when it was proclaimed, the first ever mass was celebrated in Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The said cathedral, was completely build 1961 under Bishop Most Rev. Gregorio Espiga. Most likely it took a century to finish the towering Cathedral.

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The whole building is color light blue, it is very cool to the eyes while staring the high architecture. The Church is open for the Visitors and tourist every day, when you are a backpackers , don’t worry the church is very open and they are not implementing dress code once you go inside to take picture.

The Solemn and oriental design inside that made me amazed

Tip: If you are with the City Tour package, exclude the Immaculate Cathedral on the list and replace it with other place to go, why? Because you can easily go to that place by “Do-it-Yourself” technique. You can just ride a Tricycle anywhere, anytime. So if you’re having limited time, exclude this place and just drop there anytime during your “Souvenirs shopping”

A near historical place just across Taft Avenue is the Plaza Cuartel. More about that in my next Post

Before I Leave you lemme ask you:

At the Taft Street, you can also catch 
the Holy Trinity Giant Image

How High can you look up the  the Lofty Immaculate Conception of Mary in Puerto Princesa?

Stop! Hold Your Horses!

The Place

This is one of the destinations in  "Puerto Princesa City tour Package". It is Located at Sta. Monica Heights. Stinky smell will welcome you at the entrance of the ranch. Those are the Smells of the livestocks, horses, cattle and different inhabitant animals inside the ranch. It’s quite disturbing for the visitors, but don’t you worry because as you continue walking around, you will get used to it and the smells vanish as you will see the stunning views.

Advertisement by Google: A pyramid shaped house in the middle of the ranch is very elegant; I remembered that house when I first saw it in a calendar. But now, personally I witness it - how huge it is.

You can also buy foods from the vendors in the vicinity, so no room for hunger and simultaneously you will enjoy the scenery.

The Owner
The big ranch is owned by the family of late house speaker Ramon Mitra . Mitra was born inside the Iwahig Penal Colony in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan to Ramon P. Mitra y Mariño and Purification Villarosa. All I can say is “ Mayamanin”. And it seems that their clan is famous in Palawan. As per tour guide, they are one of the richest families in Palawan. Not only that, Mitra was also a public servant. Representative (1965-1971) Senator of the Philippines (1971-1972), Assemblyman (1984-1986), and Speaker of the House (1987-1992).
I can’t imagine how richest they are; in fact they opened the ranch as their Private Asset into a Public Tourist Spot for Free.

The Activities

You can do hiking, horseback riding; zip lining and sight-seeing. Hiking is the perfect activity here especially in the morning. Horseback riding for PHP50, will let you feel that you are a real haciendero. Zip lining  is another option for those who loves vigorous activities.  Mitra’s Ranch started March 2011 on its Palawan Rancho Zipline Adventure for only Php500 per person.
Greener than Green


Get a stunning view of Puerto Princesa City from Mitra’s Ranch, In front of it, is the overlooking view of Honda Bay Islands that will make you relax from the tiring tour. The Green surrounding is advisable for family to set up a picnic since the area is for free.  But if you have limited time to stay, I suggest you to roam around with your camera, take pictures in any corner of the ranch so that you won’t forget the details of the said place.


For Travel Blogger

This is the right place for you to write your articles while you’re sitting on the chairs and tables that  are also available for free. I am not aware if they have a wi-fi connection, but bringing your USB broadband is great idea and using it right there since it is located in an elevated area, and so internet connection is fast. The advantage of blogging right there is that -you can think positively due to its perfect location, resulting to have a best blog post.

How Tiki Bar in Puerto Princesa Come Up With its Brand Name?

In every travel, we cannot separate the reality that in nature we really find ways to have an activity at night. From tiring tours and escapades all day long, I don’t really know why we still have the energy at night allocated for any good vibes thingy. Speaking of Good vibes, we are looking for nightlife stuff even in a rural zone. Luckily in Puerto Princesa City, Tiki Bar is the place for gimmicks wherein you can consume the last remaining energy of your body from the long span of your Tour. Just like living in Manilla, the nightlife is one of the stress relievers and you can also experience that in Tiki Bar. Weh- we-h Wait What About TIKI BAR?


“ Manong! Just a question, What is the meaning of Tiki? Is it a local dialect in Palawan?” My friend asked the driver. “That’s the thing that you need to find out!” The Driver told us with a smile. My friend was very stubborn asking the same question. “Like what I’ve said, you have to find it out”, the driver laughed. “Why do you keep on answering the same answer, Manong?’ my friend said. “ Becoz you keep in asking the same question” the driver laughed again.

During the Second day in Puerto Princesa, That was our City Tour, and since we are really curious what is behind the name of that Bar. We asked it directly to the tour guide. At first, he was hesitant to answer it Directly, He just smiled and said it because of the CR. Instead of signage are MALE and FEMALE. They used TITI (Penis)for the male comfort room and KIKI (Vagina)for the female comfort room. They combine it, so they came up with the name TIKI BAR. That was a very hilarious moment, everyone was laughing out loud. And everyone said AHHHH!, as a sign that we just realized.

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That signage brought us to a high level of curiosity, my friends and I, really want to go Drinking in that bar not to get drunk, but the very reason was to take picture of it.

On the Third night, four of my friends went and we were amazed by the atmosphere. There was no difference in Manila, the crowds were very energetic, and there were lots of Foreigners and elite people inside. Since we used to be Bar Hoppers in manila, which was just normal for us. So we danced until the band invited us to dance upfront on the stage to the tune of Gangnam Style. The Band was a very great performer and the best thing was they were very approachable compared to the bands in Manila. The Genre of their music was very up-beating, so there was no way for you to sit all night long.

We ordered One Bucket of Beer, you can also order a bucket of assorted brands, for only PHP 300, and you will be having six bottles. But our mission here is not to get drunk however the picture taking on the CR signage was our priority.

After we accomplished our mission, we bought tequila and went home and continue the Inuman Session. It was quite cheaper than staying all night long in TIKI BAR.

Really the marketing strategy of the management of the bar is very creative. Look at the name! It was very interesting.


Trivia :

You can order Crocodile Egg Sisig and the Famous tamilok.
You can also order a Variety of cocktails.

Are You Craving for Yellow Cab Pizza? Meet Yellow Cab Pizza Company?

Yellow Cab was initially inspired by the New York concept, and our brand's identity radiates the passion and energy of this cosmopolitan icon. We strive to make Yellow Cab an experience for all the senses.

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Hello Readers and Pizza Lovers Read below and meet Yellow Cab Pizza Company?

SIGHT
They have a highly recognizable logo, designed like the yellow and black license plates of New York cabs. The checkerboard theme continues in our stores, where customers are greeted by retro-industrial interiors. They find themselves virtually transported to sleek New York lofts with our high ceilings, exposed piping, chrome ducts, and concrete walls.

SMELL
They have an open, compact kitchen, so the aroma of fresh dough and delicious toppings baking in our ovens drift easily onto our dining areas. For customers who opt for delivery of their orders, the same fresh and mouthwatering scent spills out almost as soon as they open the box.

TASTE
They built our brand on nothing less than the best quality, and this is most evident in the excellent taste of all our products. While they have expanded the variants of our pizza and pasta offerings, they are all consistent in terms of freshness, excellent flavor, and generous toppings.

TOUCH
Besides the joy of picking up and savoring every hefty slice of our pizza, many other innovations enhance the dining experience for our customers. Pizza slices they can roll, solo pieces they can fold, fresh greens they can drizzle as toppings... they are cooking up even more choices to place their fingertips.

HEARING

Their store crew members are friendly and attentive, always ready to listen to our customers' requests and feedback. Elsewhere around the city, the hum and roar of our Vespa delivery scooters likewise convey their message of excellent tasting pizza and pasta, supplied promptly for their customers' enjoyment.

UPDATE as of DECEMBER 5,2013

 (Credits to Yellow Cab Pizza's Website)

I am RIZAL : Mang Manny

Mang Manny is  a teacher even if he doesnt have a diploma in teaching yet, his advocacy to teach legacy is very huge heroic motives. Mang Manny did not earned in teaching such form of artistry but his passion to share his knowledge for the purpose of perpetual cycle of that kind of art is very highly clear upon my eyes.

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            Like Jose Rizal’s heroic deeds in teaching, he did not earned lavishly but his motive is to share his countrymen to avoid idiocy. His intelligence, heart for the country, and the passion to help and teach the youth in order to become firm for the future of the nation, are one of our criteria to set him as our national hero.

Hence, the award “I am RIZAL” is addressed to a man, woman, or group which possess most of Rizal’s characteristics and visions in life for the country and its countrymen.

           Now, we prove it out that this man from Limbon-Limbon, Binangonan Rizal has the characteristics of our hero in which we think, deserves the award entitled “I am RIZAL”.

Knowing that in spite of his age, he continues to rise and brought us in the peak of victory in Binangonan’s pride through his craft, unconsciously.

                    Like a professional teacher, his willingness to share his knowledge and the passion to teach the youth in this craft lies deep within his heart. Though he’s not literally graduated as a teacher, this man, as we’ve seen in his very own eyes, desire to teach the talent which God has given to him in order for the youth (of the Philippines specially in Binangonan) to be known and standout beyond others’ expectations.

              The passion seen not in writing but in sculpturing, with his masterpieces shouting “here I am, listen, follow…” among the youth, believing that they are the hope of the nation, made us believe from the start and up to this very moment, like Rizal, Mang Manny, a sculptor, a mentor and a teacher-by-heart, deserves to be awarded the prestigious title of “I am RIZAL”, and is indeed subject of praise because of his outstanding passion of teaching on our youth in this kind of craft.

Mang Manny… is a true blooded Rizal...

Best Hair Tattoo Artist in Sabang Port, Palawan.

My New Hair Tattoo for only 150 pesos.

Getting to Sabang Port.

There are two ways for you to get to Sabang Port from the town proper of Puerto Princesa where we came from and that is via jeepney or van.

You can choose any of the designs available.

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Getting to Sabang via Jeepney/Non-Air-conditioned Bus is the best option for those who want to spend lesser amount of expenses. From Puerto Princesa, just ask anyone how to get to San Jose Terminal. San Jose Terminal is the starting point for you to ride a Jeepney going to your destination. At San Jose Terminal, you can ask the different schedules of the Departure.

Second Option is to hire a Van if you’re with your friends, At the town Proper of Puerto Princesa, Innumerable local Van for hire are available but then , you have to be tactful during negotiation. Or if you are alone you can ride a using shuttle service which is also available at San Jose Terminal.

What about Sabang?

Sabang is famous small village in Palawan, Philippines because the Port that served as an entry point to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is located there named “Sabang Port”. The Village is too much silent for me since I used to live in a noisy environment.  At First you will notice that there's not much in the village except services for those who are going to visit the river but if you have enough time I suggest you to roam around. By that, you will discover the various things in Sabang like Bars and Resto.

We arrived most likely 10AM in Sabang. Since the schedule of our boat going to the Underground River is 1PM, we decided to take our Packed Lunch by then. We just sat down at the shore; it was like a picnic at all. After the lunch, we agreed to swim.  I enjoyed the almost 1hr of unplanned swimming.

The Artist

A new friends from Sabang 

While waiting for the boat, I met this two men wearing black. I admired them because of their looks. They are setting beside the shore, selling summer accessories, offering permanent and henna tattoos. The first man with a dread locks hair is the one doing a permanent tattoo and selling accessories. The second one is the one doing Hair Tattoo. I talked to them, they were very friendly. I asked about the Hair Tattoo as I’ve seen it in their Tarpaulins.

To do- Hair Tattoo


Hair Tattoo is an artistry that needs to be done in a person’s hair who wants to undergo the procedure. Different designs will be done in you scalp having artwork printed on your head. For an amount of PHP 300 you can now have a hair tattoo. But I tried to bargain up to PHP150 and the Artist agreed.

After the negotiation, he will bring you to his Barber shop a few minutes away from the beach where the tarpaulin  was located.

It’s going to be an exciting new looks in summer to have this unique form of art, its daring yet fashionable.

The Place

Sabang is very small so everything in the village is within vicinity. On the Pier, truly Sabang people love basketballs because of its court located right at the Port. 45 Ferry Boats are registered that are waiting the tourists. It’s a 20 min voyage from The Port to the Underground River. These boats carry a maximum of 6 passengers; just make sure to wear your life jacket prior the on departure. Also you have to remember the boat number to avoid switching of passengers once you go back.

Ferry Boats Waiting for the passengers  

The Experience.

Waiting for 3 hour for our boat departure was the best and quality time of fun and activities; I was able to eat our lunch, to swim and to have a new look with my hair tattoo.

Be Tactful in Shopping Souvenirs and Pasalubong : Puerto Princesa City

One of Eye Catching Item available in Palawan

Puerto Princesa Travel would not be complete without buying souvenir items and pasalubong for your folks and friends back home. Believe it or not, almost half of my Travel Budget was allocated for souvenir and pasalubong. Most especially if you’re surrounded with friends, coworkers and families and all of them are aware that you are on a vacation; expect to have a huge amount of penny for pasalubong.

Moreover, you need also to be tactful when it comes to proper allocation of your budget. If your budget for souvenir items and pasalubong is not that much, I recommend you to visit two major souvenir shops in Puerto Princesa named “Island Souvenir Shops” and “Tiange Tiange”. Even the tricycle drivers, they recommend these two shops.

Island Souvenir Shop is more convenience store compared to other that sells inexpensive pearls (almost same price in Cora’s Pearl Shop). Located at Mercado de San Miguel Puerto Princesa City .It is famous Shops wherein you can buy accessories at a lower price. Don’t buy here a food pasalubong coz it’s quite expensive here. This Shop is best for accessories only. You can personalize shirts here.

Personalized Shirt 

Tiangge-Tiangge is a non-aircon area where you can choose from a cluster of stalls selling souvenir and "pasalubong" items. It is best place for you to buy Shirts and summer outfits because it is cheaper than other shops. I also advise you to buy cashew in kilos here so that you will have a huge discount rather than buying a repacked one. My favorite items are cashew nuts and delicacies, and wild honey. Seafood fare to take home includes dried fish, semi-dried or ‘lamayo’ style, processed or fresh catch marine products, packed and sealed in the chest boxes are available here. You can also see around a lot of handcrafted baskets and native items such as blowguns, rainmakers, tobacco bags, hand woven products and bamboo décors.

PHP 85 T-shirts with Prints, It is perfect for pasalubong

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Tips:

• Always Put Shopping Souvenirs at the Last Part of your Itinerary. For the whole span of your travel, I’m pretty sure that you will find cheaper items.
• Always ask a discount. Remember that all the shops prices may vary depending on the negotiation with the customers.
•  Spend more time to roam around. Prices of the Items located in front of the shop are more expensive compare to those shops located inside wherein you can’t imagine the big difference.
• Quality of the product is not important this time. Remember that the products that are available are come from one supplier, all products are local. Therefore what item you found in one stall is the same product that you will from other one. You just need to look for the affordable price.

Shopping is the most exciting yet sad part of the travel. Exciting because you can now bring items for your friends and families associated from the place of your vacation. Sad because it is a manifestation that your travel is about to end. But Remember the best thing that you can bring home is the memories from it.

Stop and Grab a Bite : Baker's Hill, Puerto Princesa City

Elegant Garden at Baker's Hill  : Fully Groomed and well Maintained Landscape perfect for picture taking

Stop and Grab a snack.

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From all day long sauntering of the entire city, you deserve to grab a bite. Part of the city tour is going to Baker’s hill. While touring Puerto Princesa City, Im pretty sure it is very tiring. This place is perfect for you and your family members to take a rest.

I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at Baker’s Hill Palawan. The Aroma of freshly baked pastries will welcome you at the entrance.

Location:

Baker’s Hill is one of the popular tourist spot in Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City . It is located at Sta, Mitra Road, Barangay Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines.

What about Baker’s Hill?

It is a Store that sells delicious home-made breads and baked goodies, various drinks are also available   to choose to. At First as per tour guide, it was started as a small bakery, Later on expanded to become a park. Yes! A Theme park that will reminds you of Disney land. Many life size statues were displayed around that surely your kids will love it.

Life Size Statue

Baker’s Hill is owned by the owner of Tipaz Bakery in Taguig as per Tour Guide. It is a name after the demographic location of the store where in it is located at the top of the hill. As the name implies, simultaneously bakers cook delicious baked products for visitors fresh.  It is a famous rest stop for most visitors.  I bought Hopiang Baboy for PHP 40.00, Spanish Bread and a Drink. Hopia are really tasty, and I’ll bet my *ss if you will not love it. Great Spanish Bread that even the last single piece of it, you will value and enjoy the most. Those tender and soft pastries are proofs that their bakers are expert in baking.  The must try would be the monggo and ube hopia since those are affordable. For your Pasalubong , I Recommend cashew nuts, brownies mamon, crinkles, brownies, choco slice, choco droplets, tostadong mammon and pianono.

Baker’s hill is not just a store or a bakery that sells bread and pastries. You can also choose Baker’s hill as a stopover for great lunch meals because it also has a restaurant named Baker’s Kitchen.

Pizza Party can be done with your Barkadas, because it can accommodate up to 50 people with Chairs and table in an al fresco area. From PHP 200.00 to PHP 350.00, you can enjoy “The Brick Oven Pizzas” with Variety of Toppings you can choose.

At the Entrance, you will find  the list of bread and pastries

If you’re really hungry, a heavy meal is available. Sea Foods and local cuisine are best choice for your hunger. Buttered crabs and shrimps are just too irresistible and grilled pork liempo are very soft and juicy. After the heavy meal, you can order the mouthwatering desserts, like Saba Con yelo, Ginataan, and Letche plan.

The well maintained Landscapes are very sophisticated. You can roam around without hesitation that someone will stop you coz the ambiance of the entire location is very Family oriented.

Truly, That was my memorable experience, While looking towards the houses and its designs. I asked myself, when will be the time that I may also have this kind of Property.

Maybe Soon!!

Contact number  +63 48 433 4314

Watchdog at Baker's Hill

Lemme leave you a Question? W/c one you loved the most, The Taste of the Breads or the Theme Park  itself?

Embracing the Night at Tala Bar and Grill

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Tala Bar and Grill is the best place for your weekend escapade. It’s a 10-minute drive from Pasay Rotonda Edsa. Take a jeep going to Baclaran and take off at Redemptorist Street and the bar is located at the back of BDO.

This bar is perfect for yuppies or even students, what stunned me the most was to see a real sports car displayed at the DJ’s booth. The entrance fee is just P125.00 and you’ll get two bottles of beer of any brand, enjoy the live band’s performance, and dance all night on its spacious dance floor.

Last July 06, 2013, my gym buddies and I went to this bar. I noticed that the security was very strict. Guests will not be allowed to enter the place unchecked. The front desk is located at the ground level and the second floor served as the party place. It’s an open-air party place, ideal for smoking guests.

Truly, the place was perfect. If you are looking for an inexpensive place to hang out, Tala Bar and Grill is the best option. You pay less but you get good service. The dance area was just enough to accommodate the crowd and there were enough tables and chairs for almost everyone,

The crowd was very energetic, the guests enjoyed the beat and the girls danced their hearts out

Boneless Dilis at Cartimar, Pasay City

Today I am happy! It’s the 15^th of the month and its Payday. I have a list of all my expenses, when I noticed that my pet’s food was already insufficient. I have to buy food for my puppy, so I went straight to Cartimar in Pasay.

Cartimar Shopping Complex is located at Santa Clara in Taft Avenue, Pasay City. It’s a two ride trip from my location.  Since I am from Villamor, I need to ride a tricycle for 8 pesos going to Taft Rotonda. From Taft Rotonda, I need to ride a Jeep with a signboard of Divisoria for another 8 pesos. A reminder in riding a Jeep, always ask the driver if they will pass in front of the Cartimar Shopping Complex.

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If you live in Caloocan, there are two ways of getting to Cartimar. First by riding the LRT or you can also ride a Jeep going to Pasay Rotonda.  When riding a Jeep, tell the driver to drop you at the Cartimar Shopping Complex. When riding the LRT, the start point is Roosevelt station, going to Buendia station. When you arrive at Buendia station, just ask anyone for directions on how to get to Cartimar, which is a meter away from the station.

Cartimar Shopping Complex is popular for selling Pets, Plants, Shoes and a lot more. There are a lot of shops that will surely satisfy your needs.

Here are the lists of sections

1.       Aquatic Section – Here you can buy a variety of freshwater and saltwater fishes, other aquatic animals, feeds, Aquarium and aquarium accessories.

2.       Terrestrial Section -Here you can buy pure breed dogs, cats, and feeds.

3.       Botanical Section – Here you can buy orchids, a variety of ornamental plants, pots and other garden accessories are also available.

4.       Groceries- A branch of SM Save More is located inside the Shopping Complex.

5.       Bikes, shoes & apparel and kitchen utensils are also available.

6. Food court at the back of "Save More"- for those who are food trippers.

At First i thought Cartimar doesnt  offers a quality foods on each affordable price. But the time i walked around, i saw a lot of delicious foods available.  

Living Life to the Fullest at the Food Court

I went directly to the food court since i didn't grab yet my breakfast. My Favorite Carinderia at that place is  Rold's Ilonggo's Food Haus

Their Best seller is Kilawing Boneless Dilis . It is a dish that made up of Fresh Boneless Dilis, Cucumber, onions and all are fresh mushed up in vinegar. That is very savory and yummy because of the Boneless Dilis . The Vinegar is great because it is made up of fermented coconut aka coconut wine. The Spicy chili that really triggers your preparatory gland, the  crispy cucumber and the onions are perfect combination.

For only P50.00 , you can now enjoy that dish. Also I ordered a cup of rice for P10.00 surely you will now enjoy your meal. There is also a cup of soup that is being offered by option. I bought a bottle of C2 as my drink for P15.00. I spent P75.00 for that meal and it was really great hot and spicy experience especially it’s a healthy dish.

Kilawin is popular partner for beer or the so called pulutan. Many love this dish because of its luscious sourly taste due to the vinegar. The taste of the Kilawin differs based on the vinegar you used like aaple cider, paombong , coconut or cane. Calamansi , lemon or dayap is also advisable as an alternative for vinegar. The more chili or ginger the kilawin has the yummier it will taste.

Don’t forget to grab a bite when you visit in Cartimar, now I realized that Cartimar is not just popular for pet lover but also to those who are food adventurer like me.  

I went home with my puppy's feed. Until next Food Trip.