Jack's South Ridge #26

They asked us if when would we like to go to Jack’s Ridge, we said for lunch since we were not yet experts owning the night (inside joke). Anyway, this was one of Ms. M’s musts for me as we step on the Southern shores engulfing the Durian scent. That spells welcome to Davao for sure. Anyway, Taklobo Restaurant or popularly known as Jack’s Ridge main restaurant offers a wide array of delectable dishes plus the palatable view entices us to eat and come back for some more.

Let us first have a glimpse of this Davao’s historical site:

The land on which Jack's Ridge now stand once formed part of the headquarter of the retreating Japanese forces towards the end of the World War II. The Americans had landed in Davao on May 1, 1945, forcing the Japanese to beat a path to Matina Hills where they had a commanding view of the Davao Gulf where the American ships were anchored. Fierce fighting soon erupted between the two forces, and as history shown us, the Japanese lost.

Today, more than half a century later, Jack's Ridge is filled with reminders of its historic past. Caves dug by the Japanese pockmark the area, and once in a while people still find bullets and other war materials in the rocky soil.

There is also talk that hidden somewhere in the caved are gold bullions and other treasure that the Japanese had taken from other countries and brought to Davao.

Whatever the truth is about the treasure, Jack's Ridge maintains the feature that made it an important outpost for the retreating Japanese forces, a commanding view of Davao City and the Gulf, the same view within the premises is also refreshing, since the owner has made its mission to preserve the natural beauty of the place (source: jacksridgedavao).

Anyway, enough of the history buff talk we had the juicy tuna belly, fried chicken, sinigang, and seafood bouillabaisse.

We did not have any desserts since we knew there are still a lot to come. We went around Kai's Bar and Grill, Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee, Penmar Hall I&II, Tap Room Piano and KTV, the Cottages and the Amphitheater, of course.

During the day it is usually very quiet but it is another story at night because it boasts good vibes and a great chilly party rock atmosphere. We will surely come back here not only to eat Panga but also to enjoy the nightscape.

Comment on how you love our Jack’s South Ridge. xoxo, FI

Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant Corp.

Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City 8000

Fuel.ph Your Passion #25

I have no idea where to start. Besides missing the launch of this place really made me set off on the not so-good track. I apologize for that Ms. Tusing and guys. Anyway, I was really glad that this summer, whenever I say, “Ta! Pa-fuel ta!” – Leggo! Let’s go to Fuel!” everyone is in the mood for it. Do you want to ask why? I am not so sure if there  is a need for that query after all.

This is so my place to be. That was the first thought that came to my mind as I entered the doors. The amazing  ambiance that screams, “Everyone is an artist!”, really made me feel at ease. I feel like crying now since I have to face the reality that my time there is going to be shortened. Boohoo late class dismissals. Anyway, back to reality.

After a series of milk teas and snow balls my friends and I destroyed the serenity of the place when we played Jenga. We were literally like back with our high school routines that our teachers need to confiscate Monopoly, Uno cards, chess boards, battleship and of course who would forget Manong Elmo confiscating our IDs for making soda bottles our Jenga set. We were asked to step out when we were at the peak of our game, thank goodness, it ended safely. How I do miss my girls. Thank You for the adorable shots, Carpenter Marco.

I was back there (again) a day after that with Ms. P (this is safer because I know I will get reprimanded) and Mr. B to talk about nerd-stuff. Are you a nerd? What actually makes you a nerd? Poll over. We were in-depth as we talk about silly everyday stuff like how we use an eight-sided dice to pick where to eat lunch, how to make a proper blog (weeh), and of course how pigging and going out could change you. Thank You for the Earl Grey Tea, Ms. P. Oh, I still have no idea how to distinguish a real honey, Mr. B.

WISHLIST ADD-ON!

We were joined by Ms. R and Ms. B for dinner. I had the Indie Meal: Duwa (Two) which consists of two sticks of assorted barbeques (chicken and pork), two sauces (nutty and tangy), and of course two servings or rice (Oh yeah!). I could have that everyday, seriously.

Ms. P had the Mom’s meal: Pork Sinigang with rice and I have no idea if that is what mothers should eat or is that what they make their children eat? Okay. Confucius mode. Anyway, she enjoyed her womanly meal because who knows who is going to be a Mother someday and we were still not on the stealing food phase. Beautiful parrot, by the way. Thank You for the short but fun-filled, educational(?) tour.

We had a girl talk afterwards and spilled secrets. Sadly, I had to go home early and there is nothing unusual about that. Another sad thing is that it does not open early so I cannot grab a bite their anytime. It is okay. That makes me stick at school like a barnacle with a reason. The owner is pretty cool. Pretty and cool. See you stat and make sure that your passion is flamed up. I Dare You to Care.

Comment on how you love our Fuel.ph Your Passion. xoxo, FI

Fuel.ph

Smallville Complex

Brgy. San Rafael, Sen. B. Aquino Ave. Diversion Rd., Mandurriao, Iloilo City

Iana's Very Big Bites #24

We know that it has been years since this place was put up but the usual drop-by at our Alma Mater- St.Joseph School (Iloilo) did not give us a reason to let this slip from our fingers, again. There we were, Ms. C, Ms. B, and Ms. G (who was very happy with her Elementary snacks – Spaghetti for Php35), placing our orders and after that I went back inside to finish my to-do lists.

When I arrived, our Buffalo Wings (Php150) seems to be waiting for their final flaps and wow! They were really juicy, big, and the spices were tolerable. We were not ready by that time to indulge to the depths or should I say deaths of our taste buds for the to-die for specialty. Moving on, it was really great considering the tangy sauce and the crisp carrot sticks made a great blend with the wings.

I got my beloved sister a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich (Php100), so that we could munch on something as we watch the upcoming BOS-MIA game. Even though that is so not related with the contenders, we munched it in content with our favorite Tomi chips (watch out for this one).

I went to school and Ms. B wants to eat again there and we were back again, now with Mr. L and Mr. A since Mr. C does not want to be a fifth wheel. Kidding. But gracias for the amazing tutorial, Doc. I ordered Arroz ala Cubana for (Php59) and wondered where did the bananas go? That would certainly be a query for a person who hates the Potassium-pumper.

Ms. B had the Philly Cheesesteak because she cannot stand me nagging about how great it was.

Mr. L’s cheeseburger with fries was very gooey (I really applaud cheeseburger with cheese that actually melts. *Applauds.) and I could not stand just looking at it so I took a bite.

Mr. A’s Tapa (Php59), what a nice opening, Mr. A’s Tapa. Anyway, it was so-so and he had no plans in sharing because it is his only meal for the day.

We are extremely grateful that  T. Che and her husband thought of this and that adds to our list on why we are proud to be Josephians. See you again, in no time, that is for sure. Too bad Manang Mona’s barbeques are missing in the menu.

Comment on how you love our Iana’s Very Big Bites. xoxo, FI

Iana’s Big Bites

Brgy. San Rafael, Sen. B. Aquino Ave. Diversion Rd., Mandurriao, Iloilo City

Razon’s More Than Just Halo-Halo #23

Is it the finely shaved ice? The perfectly made leche flan? The creamy milk? The sweet macapuno? The yummy bananas that are a meal on its own? These tag lines are what made Razon’s halo-halo famous. We will surely go to Pampanga to let ourselves dive in the real Kapampangan world. Anyway, the Gcousins went to the Mall of Asia (MOA) and we decided that we had diverse choices on what we want to partake for lunch.

Thank goodness because there is a branch here of Razon’s and we had the Sizzling Bulalo (Php240) and Sizzling Sisig (Php177).

They were, okay. But we were so excited with the Star of the show and tadaaaa..

First of all, we need to know what is a halo-halo. Halo-halo (from "halo" = mix) is a favorite Filipino dessert or snack.  It is basically a mixture of sweet preserved beans(red beans, chick peas), coconut meat (macapuno), jackfruit (langka), pounded dried rice (pinipig), sweet yam (ube), cream flan (leche flan), shreds of sweetened plantain (saba), filled with crushed ice, milk (or coconut milk) and  topped with ice cream.   The halo-halo basically is sweet, creamy, and a filling dessert. 

This Filipino concoction  is quite popular during the hot summer months (March-June) in the country, just as ice cream is.   It is usually served in tall, clear  glasses that show its colorful contents that tempt one's taste buds.  One's thirst is even made worse by  the perspiring ice-filled glass, and the melting ice cream on top.  

Now we do know what the real secret is behind the amazing halo-halo. Goat’s milk. Can Razon’s please do come to Iloilo asap? Thank You. If not, see you in Pampanga.

Comment on how you love our Razon’s More Than Just Halo-Halo. xoxo, FI

‘Ung Sorbetes Talaga!’ @ UST #22

Who would pass a tour to the University of Santo Tomas? Anyway, I did not. My Sister was stuck at Cavite and I had the chance to meet one of the living legacies  right in front of the Main Building  (which everyone thinks is the University Church. Lol. Oops? ) Thank You, Ms. G. Anyway, the scorching heat of the summer sun did not do anything to my Grade 3 tonsils and I instantly said in my broken Tagalog, “Yung tatlong  flavors please.” – “Can I have please have the three assorted flavors please?”

Ms. G: “Pwede mo man na ma icecream sandwich.” -  “You can have that as an icecream sandwich.” I was like “Ohmehghaaad! Today is my lucky day.” I later learned that Manong Sorbeteros name is Mang Fidel is an icon that Thomasians seem never to get tired of and his cart is usually left at the sides by 6:00 PM  empty.

We all know that it is usually served as a snack but what is a sorbets really made of? It is made from coconut milk, unlike other ice creams that are made from cow's milk or any other animal milk. Filipinos usually turn whenever they hear a Sorbetero clanging his bell while peddling. I am so lucky and grateful that I had my first icecream sandwich (Php15) at the 400 year young, Universidad de Santo Tomas. Thank you, Ms. G. Ms. L, you owe me one. Childhood never ceases.

Comment on how you love our ‘Ung  Sorbetes Talaga!’ @ UST. xoxo, FI

Bon Chon Chomping #21

Since the impromp"tu trip was short, Ms. Genson took me to Trinoma to have dinner at a restaurant she just ate a week ago. We were on the waiting list and with our grumbling tummies we had no idea where to go. She asked me: “Gusto mo magpa-Bon Chon?” or “Would you like to go to Bon Chon?” I answered: “Gusto guid e. Sus. Kung nag-hambal ka may ari na diri, kagina pa ta ara didto” or “Of course I would love that. If you could have said that earlier, then we should have been there!”

We were ushered by their alert crew and since I badly need to hone my Filipino language skills, I took the initiative to place the order. I was lost with the terminologies. We settled for the combo (2-pc chicken with rice and iced tea, Php125) and a pink Mogu Mogu  Fruit Juice Health Drink with Nata de Coco was lychee after all.

BonChon Chicken is the original double-fried chicken from Korea. The first fry removes all the fat and makes it "paper-fried crisp" and then the second fry includes the secret sauce. It is cooked-to-order and made with the highest quality ingredients and hand-brushed, piece-by-piece, with savory, secret sauces: Soy Garlic and Hot Sauce.

WOW! That was the only word that went into my mind when I took a bite out of  it. No questions asked why Yankees would line up for this. Korean or Yankee, whatever, digging in should cause some serious explosion. Thank You, Ms. G. We will be living with this. :D

919-07-94

919-47-77 

Comment on how you love our Bon Chon Chomping. xoxo, FI