Eat. Pray. Love.: Featured

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CHICKEN LIVER AND GIZZARD ADOBO

"A way to a man's heart is through his stomache."

Today is my off from work and since no event was scheduled for me today, I prefer to cook at home.

Adobong atay at baticolon ng manok (chicken liver and gizzard) is a traditional Filipino dish to which sauted garlic, onions, chicken liver and gizzard as its main ingredients.

HOW IS IT DONE?

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup cooking oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small to medium onion, chopped
1/4 kilo chicken gizzard
1/4 kilo chicken liver
1 tbsp pepper
1 cup soy sauce
30g oyster sauce

Instructions

In a saucepan, saute garlic and onion in cooking oil
Add the chicken liver and gizzard. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
Sprinkle pepper
Add soy sauce and simmer for 5 minutes
Add and mix oyster sauce.
After 1 minute, stop heat.
Serve hot. Share and enjoy!

Cost: Php 100-120

Serving size: good for 3-4 person

Tinolang Manok

Donn Riel 2:53:00 AM 0

"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach"

When I was in elementary and high school, Mama Inday used to have scheduled meals. If my memory serves me right, weekdays should only either be fish or chicken, pork on Saturdays and beef on Sundays. And when I asked her when I realized the pattern, it was their tradition way back.

Remembering those days made me cook Tinolang Manok, which was taught by Mama. Tinolang Manok is an authentic Filipino main dish which ginger and onion based soup with chicken as its main ingredients.

HOW IS IT DONE?

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp cooking oil

chicken (enough for the number of person who eats), cut into serving pieces

3 cups of rice wash or water

2 small chayote, cut into wedges

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium-sized onion, chopped

1 thumb size ginger, cut into strips

2 tbsp fish sauce

1 tbsp grind pepper

1 chicken broth cubes

1/2 cup moringa/malunggay

1 tbsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS

In a saucepan, sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger in cooking oil
Add the chicken and cook until it turns light brown (estimated time of 5 minutes)
Add fish sauce
Then pour in rice wash or water and bring to boil. Simmer for about 30 minutes
Add the chicken cube and chayote. Continue simmering until chayote is tender.
Add pepper and salt to taste
Add moringa and simmer for just 1 minute
Remove from heat
Serve hot. Enjoy!

After cooking and eating Tinolang Manok, I heard someone whispered,"Lamia uy."

Park Inn by Radisson Davao lights up Christmas Tree

Donn Riel 9:54:00 PM 0

The Christmas tree before it was lit.

"It is like each one of those sparkling light sends a new spirit of love, hope and cheer to the hearts of each one of us"

Christmas is in the air! Park Inn by Radisson officially welcomes the holiday season by lighting of its magnificent Christmas tree last night.

Photo from Ria Jose of Davao Bloggers Society

Park Inn by Radisson continues to be the preferred choice of clients for accommodation, rest and leisure. Park Inn by Radisson is inviting people to celebrate holiday season with them as they delight you with a perfect treats and sumptuous holiday feasts as well as relaxing accommodation packages that will surely strengthen bonds between families and friends.

They also display items for sale along with some more Christmas goodies which will be surely perfect gifts for loved ones and friends.

The tree lighting ceremony was accompanied with a rendition of Christmas carols by USEP Chorale.

USEP Chorale

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from Park Inn by Radisson!

CAMP SAWI (Santa Fe, Bantayan Island)

Donn Riel 5:08:00 PM 2

Bantayan Island becomes more and more popular as numerous people from around the world discovers its charm and peaceful seclusion. Simplicity, modesty and reasonable prices are the present state of the resorts and hotels in Bantayan Island.

If you are seeking a jumping party atmoshpere, Bantayan Island is not your place, but if it is the other way around which you desire peace, tranquility and a simple island paradise experience, you will surely fall in love with this beautiful island.

Bantayan Island comprises 3 municipalities - Santa Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos.

Kota Beach Resort located at F. Duarte St. Poblacion Santa Fe, Bantayan Island is one of the resorts in Bantayan Island that lets you achieve serenity.

The major scenes in the film Camp Sawi was shot at Kota Beach Resort. But contrary to the film story, my network provider, Smart, provides great network coverage during my stay in Bantayan Island. But, I did not bother to call/text/chat the person who caused my heartache. Because my intention is to be at peace and move on from an unfortunate life as what the film wanted to relay to viewers. Haha!

HOW TO GET THERE

If you are in Cebu City, you go first to Cebu North Bus Terminal (Subangdaku, Mandaue City) and ride a bus with route to Hagnaya or Lambusan. If you ride a Hagnaya route, you will stop at their last bus stop (Port of Hagnaya) but if you ride a Lambusan route, still stop at Port of Hagnaya its just that it will still go beyond Port of Hagnaya since their last stop is Lambusan. Time of travel from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Port of Hagnaya is 3-3.5 hours. Fare is around Php130 -Php140 for non-airconditioned buses and Php 160-Php170 for airconditioned buses. Airconditioned buses are available from 7 AM to 7 PM however non-airconditioned buses are available 24 hours ( but still take note of the Ferry schedule from Port of Hagnaya to Port of Santa Fe).

Then from Port of Hagnaya, you need to ride a passenger/cargo ship to Port of Santa Fe. See photos below for schedule and fare rates (same for fares going back to Port of Hagnaya). In addition, there is terminal fee of Php 10 in Port of Hagnaya and Php 15 in Santa Fe port.

When you arrive at Port of Santa Fe, you can contact Manong Jose (+63 932 712 4883) if you plan to rent a motorcycle (either automatic or geared motorcycle). Please make sure you have your driver's license as I bet you do not want to be in trouble. I arrived at 8 AM and planned to only stay until 5pm the same day so Manong Jose offered to let me rent his motorcycle for just Php 200; Php 400 - Php 500 for a 24-hour/overnight rent. Just leave 1 valid ID to him (not your driver's license).

Yet there are still many public transportation waiting for you outside the Port of Santa Fe so you do not have to worry about transportation if you are in a group.

Kota Beach resort is 3-5 mins away from the port.

ACCOMMODATION

Photo from Kota Beach Resort website

Children below 10 years old are free of charge. Rates are inclusive of government taxes.

They also have a restaurant inside and a bar where you can play billiards.

For inquiries/questions about Kota Beach resort:

I did not notice that it is already beyond 5pm as I enjoyed the scenery and the calmness of the place. I rushed going back to Port of Santa Fe since last trip is at 6 PM. Ticket booths do not sell tickets in advance so I could just buy some when I arrived;tickets are available 15 mins before the scheduled trips.

SEGWAY

Immediately after renting a motorcycle, I went straight to Bantayan proper (Municipality of Bantayan) to buy stuff I need for my short stayas there is a public market or a lot of store in Bantayan proper than in Santa Fe.

And within the premises is the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church which is considered to be one of the oldest church in the Philippines.

PONGKO PONGKO SA REDEMPTORIST

Donn Riel 4:49:00 PM 2

Pongko Pongko Sa Redemptorist. Redemptorist Church in the background.

Are you in Cebu and worried about your budget that you make sure that you don't have to spend more in eating? Worry no more as pongko pongko will satisfy your hunger and you only have to spend less.

I am now located and working in Davao City. So right after me and my travel buddy, Greeg (greegadventure himself), arrived in Cebu we decided to eat in Pongko pongko sa Redemptorist - our usual stop when we were still working in Cebu City.

What is "Pongko pongko"?

Pongko pongko are food stalls you find along the streets selling random fried food. The term "pongko pongko" is a Cebuano word for squat or crouch. So you will be sitting on benches so you will have to be slouching while eating.

One best place to experience pongko pongko is the Pongko Pongko Sa Redemptorist. This is situated near Redemptorist Church, sidewalk along M. Gotianuy St., Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City.

After visiting Sirao Garden, me and Greeg decided to eat there. And, fortunately, as per Ate (food stall owner) they are there on Thursdays-Tuesdays. Only one stall will cater you on Wednesdays.

They offer a wide selection of fried food from Ngohiong, Renion, Gorela, Utok (Pig's brain), Tambok, the famous Ginabot (Chicharong Bulaklak) and the thing I missed - Puso (Hanging Rice).

Ginabot on the upper part, Ngohiong, Gorela and Renion (looks the same), Tambok (from left to right below Ginabot). No more Utok left as Greeg bought 2 left.

You will be pairing your viand with sawsawan which is made of coconut vinegar infused with onions and chillies.

We like eating our food with our bare hands, so you will wear plastic bags (provided by the stall owner) in your hands as to not have to wash hands after eating.

Ate computes our bill and would you believe that for everything we ordered we only got to pay Php 130 (Php 65 each)?

So you don't have to worry about where to eat in Cebu and end up in an expensive restaurant that will not satisfy your hunger because of its expensive price.

This totally appease my hunger and this is something I would make my Davao friends try when they visit Cebu.

LITTLE AMSTERDAM

Donn Riel 3:57:00 PM 2

Most of us likes to visit foreign places that we forgot to look into our own town and discover places that is as beautiful as what foreign lands have and some are even more adorable than theirs.

If you're into fascinating garden, or finding an enthralling background for your Facebook cover photo you don't have to worry getting a Visa or passport to go to The Netherlands and visit Amsterdam as we have Sirao Garden within reach. The place is located in Barangay Sirao, Cebu City and is considered "Little Amsterdam".

HOW TO GET THERE

If you are not yet familiar with Cebu City, let's make SM City Cebu our base.

On the left side of SM City Cebu you will find APM Mall that has public utility jeepneys passing by like route 04L. You will take the said route and be dropped off at JY Square Mall Supermarket (fronting 360 Pharmacy).

Just in front of JY Square Mall Supermarket you will see motorcycle drivers offering their service to get you to places like Mountain View, Lantaw, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden.

Tip: If you and a friend will be riding 1 motorcycle, consider finding a bigger motorcycle.

Fare is at Php 200 per person (round trip fare). Fare is reasonable as Sirao Garden is 25-30 minutes away from JY Square Mall and drivers will wait for you at the entrance of Sirao Garden to take you back to JY Square Mall as you will only find private vehicles in the area or motorcycle drivers that is also waiting for their customers.

Entrance fee is only at Php 50.

It was a perfect timing for us because the flowers bloom really unique this month from all other months and, fortunately, the Management will not harvest the flowers this year as was their yearly practice so this means more selfies, photos and videos for us.

So, visit Sirao Garden now and enjoy our very own admirable, alluring garden.

Thank you Celosia flowers. I had a great time.

SEGWAY

After visiting the bewitching Sirao Garden, me and my travel buddy decided to visit a place we long missed - Pongko Pongko sa Redemptorist (to be on my blog soon)

And of course, you don't want to leave Cebu City without visiting one of the oldest church in the Philippines that despite the destruction of the bell tower due to the earthquake that hit Cebu mainly Bohol last 2013, it never destroyed rather strengthened the faith of the people - the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino.

Vikings Luxury Buffet

Donn Riel 7:48:00 PM 0

Vikings Luxury Buffet restaurant is one of the few best buffet restaurant in the Philippines. Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence which celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveler review on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients includes accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.

I experienced Vikings Luxury Buffet SM Lanang Premier branch last year and we haven't booked in advance so we were catered at a reasonable amount of time still. So, customers who plan to avail of the world-class cuisine and amenities have to book their preferred date in advance, as it is on a first-come-first-served basis.

With its classic luxurious and stylish appeal, you will not regret booking your romantic wedding receptions or fun birthday celebrations as you only have to pay for food servings and no extra charges for their elegant, spacious venue.

I celebrated my birthday yesterday at Vikings SM Lanang Premier for the 2nd time around.

With its modern Filipino set-up, as expected, I enjoyed the moment and had fun. Thanks also to their well-trained Vikings staff.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

BRANCHES

VIKINGS MALL OF ASIA
Bldg. B, By the Bay, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
846-3888 / 846-4888 / 846-5888
0917-565-3888 / 0919-999-2888

VIKINGS SM MEGAMALL
4th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
656-3888 / 656-4888 / 656-5888
0917-824-1888 / 0919-999-1888

VIKINGS SM MARIKINA
2nd Floor, SM City Marikina, Kalumpang, Marikina City
570-3888 / 570-4888 / 570-5888
0917-876-6888 / 0919-999-3888

VIKINGS SM NORTH EDSA
4th Floor, The Block, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City
376-3888 / 376-4888
0917-554-3888 / 0919-999-4888

VIKINGS SM LANANG PREMIER
Upper Ground Level, SM Lanang Premier, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City
(082) 285-3888 / (082) 285-4888
0917-875-5888 / 0919-999-5888

VIKINGS SM BACOLOD
Ground Floor, SM City Bacolod - North Wing, Bacolod City
(034) 431-3888 / (034) 431-4888
0998-988-3888 / 0917-846-6888

VIKINGS SM JAZZ MALL MAKATI
SM Jazz Mall, Metropolitan Ave. cor Nicanor Garcia St., Makati City
891-3888 / 891-4888
0917-827-1888 / 0919-999-7888

VIKINGS SM CITY BF PARANAQUE
2nd Floor, SM BF, Dr A. Santos Ave., Paranaque City
811-3888 / 811-4888
0917-895-4888 / 0998-988-2888

VIKINGS VENUE
Bldg. A, By the Bay, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
824-3888 / 824-4888

VIKINGS SM CITY CEBU
2nd Floor, SM City Cebu - North Wing, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
(032)-255-3888 / (032)-255-4888
0998-996-9888 / 0917-576-9888

RATES

Kids below 3 feet eat for free.

REGULAR PROMOS:

BIG GROUP PROMO

Mechanics:

Guests who dine in big groups are entitled to receive a special discount: 25% off for 30 pax, 27% off for 50 pax, 30% off for 70 pax, and 40% off for 100 pax (40% off is only available in selected branches, please call our hotline for more information).
Guests must still make a down-payment in advance and pay in full the required amount prior to dining. Terms and conditions of cancellation and refund policies will apply upon reserving and signing of contract.
This discount can't be used in conjunction with other in-house promotions or discounts (including Senior Citizen Discounts).
Gift certificates will not be honored with this discount.
Any unused number of pax (or seats) will not be refunded nor converted to Gift Certificates.
Any excess number of pax (or seats) during dining will be charged at full rate.
Guests availing of the big group discount are not eligible to earn Vikings Loyalty Points.
Please note that this promo offer is only available on the following branches and time:

Vikings North Edsa and Megamall = Regular Weekday Lunch and Saturday Lunch only.
Vikings Marikina, BF, Jazz, Bacolod and Lanang = All days
Vikings Cebu = Regular Weekday Lunch only.

Please note that this promo is blocked out on December.

BIRTHDAY PROMO

Mechanics:

Birthday celebrant of all ages can avail the birthday promo on the day itself and on their birthday month.
Celebrants can eat for free ON THE DAY of their birthday on both lunch and dinner, as long as accompanied by ONE FULL PAYING ADULT.
Celebrants can eat for free for ONE MONTH on both lunch and dinner per day, as long as it is within the month of his/her birthday and accompanied by FOUR FULL PAYING ADULT.
One full paying adult are adult guests who will be paying full rate without any discounts.
Requirements for Celebrants: Celebrant must bring an ORIGINAL and VALID government issued picture I.D. with the birthdate imprinted on it, both local and foreign I.D.s are accepted, for proof (such as S.S.S., N.B.I., Driver’s License, Pag-Ibig, P.R.C., Barangay, Unified, Police Clearance I.D. and Passport) In the case that the celebrant doesn’t have a government issued picture I.D., he/she may bring his/her birth certificate supported by any picture I.D. (school I.D., parent’s I.D., company I.D.).
This promo can’t be used in conjunction with our current promotions or discounts.
Special Gift Certificates to avail this promo is not honored.
This promo is available in all Vikings branches.
This promo is available until December 31, 2016.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PROMO

Mechanics:

Promo will work on a 2-pax basis and will ONLY be applied to the 2 married pax.
Guests may avail the promo within 3 days before and 3 days after their anniversary, and on the exact day of their wedding anniversary (basically, the lovely wedded couple can avail it for 7 days!!!!)
Couples will get the following discounts for the following years of marriage:

1 – 10 years = 20% off total bill of couples only.
11 - 20 years = 30% off total bill of couples only.
21 – 30 years = 40% off total bill of couples only.
31 – 40 years = 50% off total bill of couples only.

Married couple should provide a VALID marriage certificate from the N.S.O. or City Hall (photocopy is acceptable) supported by any ORIGINAL AND VALID government issued picture I.D.
This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other in-House promotion or Discounts.
Special Gift Certificates will not be accepted if guests choose to use any of our promotions.
This promo is applicable only at Vikings Marikina, Lanang, Bacolod and BF branch.
This promo is applicable only at Vikings Marikina, Lanang, Bacolod and BF branch.

THE OFW PROMO

Mechanics

O.F.W.s are entitled to eat for FREE in any Vikings branch nationwide.
In order to avail this promo, 1 O.F.W. guest must be accompanied by 3 full paying adult.
One full paying adult are adult guests who will be paying full rate without any discounts.
O.F.W.s must bring an ORIGINAL and VALID government issued picture (O.F.W.) I.D., both local and foreign are accepted, to prove that he/she is an ACTIVE O.F.W., such as O.W.W.A, E-Card, Seaman's Book, or Foreign Work Passes.
In the case that he/she doesn't have a government issued picture O.F.W. I.D., he/she may bring his/her Balik Manggagawa Certificate or Employment Contract supported by any picture government issued I.D., such as S.S.S., N.B.I., Driver’s License, Pag-Ibig, P.R.C., Barangay, Unified, Police Clearance I.D. or Passport.
This promo can't be used in conjunction with our current promotions or discounts (including senior citizen discounts).
Special Gift Certificates to avail this promo are not honored.
This promo is valid in all branches.
This promo is valid until December 31, 2016.

STUDENT PROMO

Mechanics:

For every group of 4 students, 1 other student (the 5th student) gets to eat for free at Vikings Lanang. You would need a total of 5 students for this promo to be valid.
The said group must present their original and valid student pictured I.D. as proof.
This promo is valid for elementary, high school and college students in all academic schools. Students from Culinary or Art Schools will also be considered in this promo.
This promo is ONLY available during WEEKDAY LUNCH.
This promo can't be used in conjunction with other in-house promotions or discounts.
This promo is ONLY applicable in Vikings Lanang, Marikina, Bacolod and BF.
This promo is valid until December 31, 2016.

10+1 PROMO

Mechanics:

Guests whose reservations of 22 guests and above are entitled to a special promo (10+1 Promo)
For every 10 guests, 1 other person may eat for free.
This promo cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or discounts.
Special Gift Certificates will not be honored with this promo.
This promo is only available at Vikings MOA, Megamall, North EDSA, Cebu, and Venue.

10+2 PROMO

Mechanics:

Guests whose reservations of 12 guests and above are entitled to a special promo (10+2 Promo)
For every 10 guests, 2 other person may eat for free.
This promo cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or discounts.
Special Gift Certificates will not be honored with this promo
This promo is only available at Vikings Marikina, Lanang, Jazz, BF, and Bacolod.

Visit their official website for more details: www.vikings.ph

Here are some photos of what they served during dinner time: